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More About Potassium!

In my last blog today I mention that I had a very low level of Potassium and was put into the hospital thinking I was having a heart attack. Come to find out it was Potassium Deficiency. So I did some reading on this and this is what I found out about it.   What is Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia)?   A medical condition in which our body fails to retain minimum necessary amount of Potassium required for its day to day functioning is called as Potassium deficiency or hypokalemia. Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) can be fatal at times if not taken care of. A person may also develop Potassium deficiency due to extra excretion of Potassium or lower quantity of Potassium in daily diet.   Here is a link to find out what foods has some or a lot of Potassium in them.   High Potassium Foods Summary Table From the USDA Nutrient Database http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/food/potassium-foods.htm   To read more about this subject, go to my earlier blog today entitled "Low Potassium Danger!"   or see my blog called "Life After LAP-BAND" http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/  
Debra G

Debra G

8
 

Missing Old Friends and Hate this new site set-up!!!!

Has any of the blogers out there who use to use the old lap-band-talk site see what I'm seeing?   There use to be a lot more blogers maybe around 30 to 40 a day. Now I have notice there are only 2 maybe 6 a day. I think many are feeling the same way that I am about this new set-up.. HATE IT!!!!!!!!   The old way you felt a more personal connection with a reader, now it just feel so cold and unpersonal... I miss my old friends that use to be out there. I have grown to know them. We new all about each other, there kids, weddings, travels, work, grandkids, there pets, there home towns-ect... We use to talk about our feelings and the space we where in at that moment. And those shared feelings helped me with my feelings, most of the time they where the same feelings or what I may have been going through at the moment also. I miss knowing how they are doing and how far we all have come in our amazing journeys. I got as far as I am in my journey because of all the loving support I found here. I dropped over 120 something pounds here with your support. (And of course a lot of hard work on my part) Thank you for being there for me...   There is still less then a hand full you left here, and thank you for still being here. I think you know who you are without mentioning names. THANK YOU..   This new site setup am feeling a huge disconnect with. Maybe it's just me......   If anyone els is feeling the same please let me know? So I know am not along in feeling this way.   Change is apart of life this I know, but change is to make things better not chase people away. Going from 30 or 40 a day to 2 or 6 a day. UMMMMM seams to me it's not a good change.   I MISS YOU MY OLD BANTERS! - AND MOST OF ALL I MISS THE OLD SET-UP!
Debra G

Debra G

8
 

Men Are Nicer To Thinner Women!

This is what I have experienced and noticed. This is only my view on this - it may not reflect everyone else's view.   Men are nicer to thinner women. The reason I say this is, now that I have lost close to 86 pounds, I have noticed some differences in men's behavior towards me. They are offering me their seats, holding doors open for me, letting me get in line ahead of them, fighting to keep the elevator doors open so they do not close on me, more men are saying good morning, looking and nodding toward me in a friendly way. A few have have even tried to pick me, up - even men as young as my 30 year-old daughter! (I am a happily married woman and would never take the bait, but... it's nice!)   No matter what our ages are, we as women still like to know we still got it! LOL.   When I was 86 pounds heavier, not many would offer their seat to me (while at the same time they would offer their seat to a thinner woman right next to me) or hold the door for me - and they probably prayed I would not get on to the elevator because of the capacity of the elevator's weight load. There is a lot of discrimination in this country against heavier people. I'm still the same person with a good heart with or without the 86 pounds.   The reason I bring this up is that I had a doctor's appointment yesterday, and I saw a huge difference in the way men interact with me.   Again, this is only my point of view. Please share your comments on this - I'd like to hear from others about this particular situation.   You can check out my blog to follow my journey at: :bored:   http://life-after-lap-band®.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

2
 

Makeover For Me!

With my recent loss of 98 pounds, nothing fits me anymore - hooray, this is a good thing! So I went out and bought all new clothes, 10 sizes smaller in pants and dresses. I am down to a medium-large top. So my husband and I went out shopping, and the first place I went to was the plus-size department -that is where I went for so many years, so naturally I went there. So I began to take clothes off the rack and hold them up to me - and I had this weird expression on my face. My husband asked what's wrong? With a tear running down my cheek, I said everything is too big here! When I held the clothes up to me, I was lost behind them - you could not see me!   My husband said you are in the plus sizes - this is not your department any more. So I went over to the regular size department and I pulled out a size 14 pants and a medium top and went to the dressing room to try them on. My husband and everyone around the dressing room heard this loud thump - that was me falling against the wall with sheer amazement about what I saw in the mirror. "Is that really me?" I walked out of the dressing room parading my new look to my husband, who was smiling and laughing and said "way to go!" I left the store with my new clothes, and for several hours I was smiling in disbelief that I was in a size 14.   Yesterday, I decided it was time for a new look - a makeover to go with my new body, so I went to the hairdresser. I had my hair lightened - I am now a light auburn - and I had a major cut and style. I wanted my hair cut to frame my face instead of hiding it. I had my eyebrows shaped and lightened. I wore no makeup to the hairdresser so it would not run from the heat and the hair dye. So when I first sat down in the chair, my face looked a little drawn and tired looking. When I was finished with my makeover, It had taken at least 10 years off of my face - my face had a more perky look -I could not stop looking at myself - LOL! My husband told me I look like a million dollars!   For those of you don't think the LAP-BAND works - think again! For those of you who had LAP-BAND surgery and are at a plateau and are not seeing the scale move much lately - hang in there! Yes there where times when I felt that I could not do this, or looking at all the total weight I needed to lose. And even seeing the scale stop moving for a while. I just hung in there and never gave up hope. So this is why I say- please hang in there..   So this makeover for me has done wonders - I'm feeling better and looking better. Even other people can see the difference in the way I walk and in the way I interact with others - its a brand new me! I'm getting a lot more stares now - but in a good way. No longer do they say, "look at the fat girl" or "she has a pretty face"- and we all know what that means LOL.   I still have 30 pounds to go to reach my goal weight, and I'm sure I'll do that by October 26 - which is one year in.:smile2:   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE ABOUT MY JOURNEY. http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

20
 

Low Potassuim Danger!

I have been doing very well with my weight loss - lost 102 pounds so far. I am working out - exercising so I can decrease the amount of extra skin sagging - so I try very hard to stay on track. However, for a few days, now I have been feeling a little weak and not quite myself.   Friday morning, I was into my usual routine - I had just gotten dressed for the day, and I was going to walk my dog.Then I began to get some pains in my chest - at first I did not think much about it, until it started radiating down my left arm - my arm and fingers began to get numb. I sat down to relax, but the pain stayed with me for 10-15 minutes. After the pain passed, I took my dog out for a walk, but I still did not feel quite like myself so I came back home.   About an hour later I went to the store, but the pain started again and I drove myself to the hospital emergency room - I thought I was having a heart attack. I was examined, and they admitted me to the hospital for tests. They found that my potassium level was way too low. It should have been 3.5 - mine was 2.5. So they gave me some potassium - I could not take the pills, of course, because they were too big for my LAP-BAND® to permit. The other choice was by IV, but I was told by both the doctors and the nurses that this would be very uncomfortable because it would burn. So I asked them if there were a 3rd choice, liquid, and they said yes.   So I started taking this liquid potassium, which also burned going down and tasted terrible. I asked my doctor why the potassium level was so low, and what caused the problem that brought me into the hospital. He does not believe I had a heart attack, and he began telling me why potassium levels go down. As he was talking, a light bulb went off, and I realized what was happening. He mentioned that not enough food as well as vomiting could cause this potassium deficiency and numbness in the arm.   I have been throwing up when I eat something that does not agree with my band, so this seems to be the problem. Also, I'm not eating enough food. All the tests I took in the hospital came back negative for a heart problem, fortunately. The answer for me is to increase my potassium intake - unfortunately, I hate bananas and orange juice does not agree with me because of the acid. So, I started my first banana in the hospital - making that face that children make when eating something they hate, and I ate 1/2! YEA! LOL. I ate 1/2 not because that was all I could eat, but because it was all I could stand! YUK.   So what I am trying to say here is if anyone out there is throwing up a lot, and also not eating enough, have your potassium level checked. Potassium is called Natural Diuretic as it easily gets absorbed by our body and almost 85-90% of it is excreted from our bowels and kidneys (urine). Because of its alkaline property, it is a very important mineral which helps our body system to maintain of pH level balanced and also to maintain proper level of water inside body. The most important function of Potassium in human body is to keep blood pressure under control and help in intra-cellular nutrient transfer. It also helps in keeping acne, some type of allergies, fatigue, kidney stones etc. problems at bay.   It is very important to take healthy and Potassium rich diet everyday in order to keep our body functioning properly and feel healthy.   I'm ok - this is something I will have to deal with - I will start eating yucky banannas and drink diluted orange juice. Maybe one day bananas will grow on me and I will be able to tell you I love them.
Debra G

Debra G

10
 

Looking For A Snack Idea?

I had someone in the weight loss office ask me what snacks do I eat. I try very hard to find good foods for me to snack on. I hate to blow my whole day on bad snacks and feel bad after eating them. So this is what I snack on. SNACKS:   Newman's Own microwave popcorn 100 calorie.   Cheerios (dry) 1 cup 100 calorie.   Sargento light string cheese (made with 2% milk) 50 calories per piece.   Babybel Light cheese - Good source of protein, 6 grams protein- 50 calories per serving.   T.Marzetti Light French Onion Veggie-Dip or any of there Light Dips 60 calories serving size 2 Tbsp   Pepperidge Farm Goldfish-Baked Snack Crackers. I like the Cheddar flavor.This has 140 calories serving size 55 Pieces (They also now come in so many flavors like Parmesan,Pizza,Ranch,Pretzel, and a host of other flavors. Read the Nutrition Facts. Some are 130 calories for 43 pieces, or 130 calories for 60 pieces.   WeightWatchers has many wonderful snacks I love the Rosemary & Olive Oil-Pretzel Thins this also comes in many great flavors 110 calories per 1 pouch.   WeightWatchers Smoothie Mix with fruit if you like. I love the French Vanilla and I add all type of berries 100 calories per packet. Also comes in a Wild Berry & Chocolate Smoothie.   Musselman's (lite mixed Berry's-fruit'n Sauce or any of the berry flavors) NO SUGAR ADDED 60 calorie.   Dannon Light & Fit Yogurt 80 calories.   Jell-0 Pudding Snack Cups -Sugar Free 60 calorie.   Edy's Fruit Bars NO SUGAR ADDED (EXCELLENT SOURCE OF VITAMIN C) Made with REAL FRUIT 25 Calories per pop.   Edy's Fruit Bars -antioxdant ( All Natural) Acai Blueberry. (EXCELLENT SOURCE OF VITAMIN C) Made with REAL FRUIT 60 Calories per pop.   Edy's Fruit Bars -antioxdant ( All Natural) Pomegranate. (EXCELLENT SOURCE OF VITAMIN C) Made with REAL FRUIT 60 Calories per pop.   Boost (High protein) Energy Drink 240 calorie.   Pure Protein - Shake 170 calories.   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE TIPS AND IDEAS:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Living At My Goal Weight!

FEELING GOOD AND EXCITED!   I was Banded on October 26th, 2009.   Yeaaa for me! I have been at my goal weight for months now. Before posting about this, I wanted to see if I could stay at this weight and I have! That's my new profile picture. I lost a total of 140 pounds and I'm a size 9 now, I'm 150" pounds now. I'm 5' 11", and when I look at myself now I smile --- soooo very happy. The mirror is a dear friend of mine, now! LOL   I worked so hard at this -- I work out almost every day, and I did most of it at home. When the weather was nice I would walk 3 to 4 miles daily. I do some kind of workout on a daily basis. I watched everything that I ate and drank.   I just saw my Doctor. whom I love -- he changed my life. I now see Dr. George Felding, a surgical god to me, every 3 to 4 months, and I was told he is so proud of how much I have lost. He asked me to be a part of his seminars to share my story of how I got to where I am at today, and to share my before-and-after pictures. I have not had a fill for over 7 months now, and in that time I still lost 30 pounds.   I have a new look now I have been called a fashionista. I shop all the time and I do not have to try on clothes. I can look at them and tell if it will fit or not. I just pick up a size 9 or a medium in a top and I'm done! What a great feeling that is.   My family and friends are so happy for me also, and they see the change in me as well. I have become very health-conscious in the way I eat, and I have become very active. Life is so much better now -- 95% of my health issues are gone. I ran in a 5K race recently and finished in fifth place (well, fifth from the end, LOL, but I DID finish the race and I did not cheat - what a great feeling). I'm, also dancing again, have music back in my life, going out and enjoying my new life.   So for all of you out there hang in there, do the hard work - it will pay off. One day you will be looking back and writing your goal story for all to see. The Lap-Band is only a tool, it takes a lot of hard work to get there and to maintain. It's a lifestyle for me now. I have to work at it every day to keep it.   When it starts to look bad or you think it's not working, hang in there. When frustration sets in, hang in there. When the weight seems to be coming off too slowly, hang in there. When you think you can not eat again or you start to think that your band is not tight enough or that it is too tight, hang in there. When your friends or family tell you that you took the easy way out (bullshit), hang in there. I have felt all of these things and more, but I hung in there!   TO ALL OF MY BANDED FRIENDS HANG IN THERE!   150 POUNDS LIGHTER, LOOK OUT WORLD HERE I COME!   FEELING GOOD AND EXCITED!
Debra G

Debra G

8
 

Inches lost - Whoo Whoo!

This morning I got up and I decided to take on of my nemeses, the measuring tape. I call it my nemesis, because we have been at war for so long, and up till now, it has always won. So I decided to challenge it today.   We both stood in front of the mirror, the measuring tape and I, and for the first time in years it was I who was the kryptonite! Wrapping my nemesis around various parts of my body, this is what I found. The "girls", previously 44DDD are now 40D!!!!!!!!! My waist is now 36" - down from 46"; hips are now 42" - down from 48"; thighs are now 24" - down from 32"; upper arms (or, as I call them, Turkey Wings") are now 13" - down from 18"; Neck size is now 13" - down from 17".   These are great numbers for me, and it was wonderful to know that I am finally able to win this Battle of the Bulge. So after this, my measuring tape is no longer my nemesis - my nemesis has been vanquished!   This is what I did to keep everything from sagging after loosing so much weight. I EXERCISED! I bought an exercise stool years ago, called "Red", but I stopped using it. I started using it again after the LAP-BAND on a daily basis - it is great for the waist. I bought an inexpensive resistance band and used it for my legs and arms.   I walk 3 miles every day (wearing my new pedometer!). The pedometer is a great walking companion because it measures steps, distance and calories burned. The walking is great cardiovascular exercise, and is good for the hips and thighs. So I have reached another new level on my journey - INCHES LOST!   You can learn more about the things that I do and a few tips by going to my blog. http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

8
 

I Signed up for a 5K Run - What Have I Done?

I decided I needed a challenge in my exercising. I heard about a 5K run on October 30th, so I signed up for the event! On October 28th, I will pick up my runner's tag, number, T-shirt - and the "goodie bag" - whatever that is, LOL.   They asked for my T-shirt size, and I hesitated because I didn't know if I needed a Large or Medium (OMG - no longer need an extra-large!). So I ordered a Large just to be sure, but when I get there to pick up the items, I will see if the Large is too big for me, and I'll get a Medium. What a dilemma - LOL.   The funny thing is, I'm not a runner LOL. I am a walker - I walk three miles every day and I decided I wanted to push myself, so I signed up for the race. My husband and daughter asked me if I expected to come in first, second or third - I told them I just wanted to come in alive! The average time to run 5K is about 1/2 hour - I told my family that if they don't see me at the finish line in 1 1/2 hours - come looking for me - I'll be out there somewhere! GRIN.:thumbup:   So between now and, when I go for my walk every day, I'll step up the pace and run! Pray for me!
Debra G

Debra G

12
 

I Have To Remember To Follow The Lap Band Rules!

Still struggling with pacing my food intake. I find myself quite often making several mistakes. I sometimes I forget to pay attention to the lab band eating rules, and this always ends up causing me distress. I sometimes eat to much, or too fast, not waiting 60 seconds between each bite, or failing to chew my food 30 - 40 times before swallowing. Sometimes I do not wait 30 - 60 minutes after eating before I drink liquids. When I do not follow these rules, I end up in distress - I feel tightness in my chest, I start belching and sometimes I have to throw up. I am lucky - my husband and family are my biggest supporters. I must say my husband is a gem - he has made a point of knowing the rules, and tries to diplomatically (LOL) let me know when I am eating too fast or breaking any of the other rules. When he brings this to my attention, It helps me pay attention to what I should be doing. I went out yesterday to a family event, where there was tons of food. I began nibbling on the appetizers, and I got excited about the fact I was able to eat, and that is when I should have stopped. But I did not stop eating, and that's when I began to experience that tightness in the chest, and I ended up running to the ladies room to throw up. So, although I have been doing very well for the past seven months since the surgery (I have lost 80 pounds so far), it has been a challenge for me to change the eating habits of a lifetime. They say it takes about a year to develop the new eating habits, and I am continuing to work on this very important aspect. So let's all work on remembering to follow the LAP-BAND rules!   CHECK OUT MY BLOG TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MY JOURNEY.:thumbup:   http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

2
 

I Cried From Pure Joy!

I had been feeling ill from my last fill on Thursday. Today am feeling so much better, am almost back to my 100% self again. Taking it slow today am only going to eat mushy foods and my Jell-O with my boost and some of my low cal ice pops, and some broth that will fill me up for the day. Do not want to eat solid foods just yet. The last time I ete solid food was on Wednesday. Yes I want it so badly but slow is the best way. Tomorrow I will have solids again. I so wanted to break my 200 mark by my birthday June 16th, the scale was moving very slowly for me last month but I did it, I BROKE MY 200 MARK!! As of today I got on the scale and I was amazed to see what I saw. I'm 198 as of today. I'm down 90 pounds. YEAAAA:biggrin:. So I cried for a while and had a long look at myself in my mirror and I loved what I saw, for the first time in a long time I did not mind looking at myself in that mirror. Wow what a huge difference. I CRIED FROM PURE JOY!!:thumbup:   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ABOUT MY JOURNEY AND SOME GREAT RECIPES. http://life-after-lap-band®.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

6
 

Holiday Time And Feeling Good!

What a difference a year makes.   I'm able to get into that great holiday dress or that great outfit. I'm now that skinny girl in the room that I used to feel envious of. I used to be a size 10-12. I'm back to that size now - almost a size 10, smaller then a 12 but not quit a 10 yet. In the immortal words of Jackie Gleason - How sweet it is!   I am 5'11" and used to weigh 288 pounds. I dropped 121 pounds, and my doctor now calls me "skinny". I went from morbidly obese to obese, to normal, and I'm now being called skinny. How sweet it is!   I thank god and my doctor every day for my band. I am the happiest I have been in so many years. My depression about my weight, and many many medical problems, went away too. How sweet it is!   Last year this time I was 2 months into my lap-band and lost a little more then 25 pounds. I would not go to any of the holiday parties I was invited to, I would not dare to go, still so ashamed of my body and my looks.   Holiday time and feeling good!
Debra G

Debra G

2
 

HOLIDAY DRINKS GUILT FREE PART-3

RING IN THE HOLIDAYS GUILT FREE   The holiday season provides use the opportunity to catch up with old friends and family and to partake in the holiday meals and holiday drinking. This does not have to be an anxiety provoking time. Good Food and A Nice Drink are to be enjoyed without not making you feel so guilty about it.   The holidays are here once again, and I'm always coming up with new ideas to help the holidays along.   I started doing guilt free drinks with part-1 when I started celebrating, my new weight loss this past summer. And I did not want to blow all the heard work I have done. And did not want to give up all the celebrations with my family and friends. So here is a great way to do it all and not feel guilt while doing it. So drink up, have fun and not worried about the scale with these 100% GUILT FREE DRINKS. I kept them all under 200 calories so you can have more then one if you like. I have 24 drink recipes for you. I will give them to you -6- at a time for the whole month of December. ~ HAPPY HOLIDAYS ~ AND ENJOY!!!!     CHAMPAGNE DRINKS OF ALL TYPES ~ Happy Chanukah ~ Merry Christmas ~ Happy New Year ~     "A Goodnight Kiss"   4 oz Champagne 1 splash Campari bitters 1 sugar cube 1 drop Angostura bitters Place a drop of angostura bitters on a sugar cube and drop into a champagne flute. Add champagne and splash of campari. (per 4.1 oz serving) Calories: 90       "American Glory"   3 oz Champagne 2 oz orange juice 2 oz lemonade Add ingredients to a frosted ice-filled highball glass. (per 7 oz serving) Calories:111       "Aztec"   3 oz Champagne 3/4 oz watermelon schnapps 1/2 oz gold tequila Pour ingredients into a champagne flute and serve. (per 4.3 oz serving) Calories:148       "Two Lovers Black Tie"   3 oz cold Pineau des Charentes white wine 1 1/2 oz Champagne Pour into a wine glass and garnish with a black grape. (per 4.5 oz serving) Calories:90       "A Very Merry Champagne"   3/4 oz Kirschwasser cherry brandy 1/4 oz cherry heering 4 oz Champagne Stir kirschwasser and cherry liqueur together in a mixing glass filled with ice cubes. Strain into a champagne flute, fill with champagne, and serve. (per 5 oz serving) Calories:160       "Champagne Ambon"   4 oz Champagne 1/2 oz Pisang Ambon liqueur Pour into a champagne flute, and serve. (per 4.5 oz serving) Calories:131   FOR MORE OF MY GUILT FREE DRINKS PART 1 AND 2 OR FOR MY RECIPE OF THE DAY! VIST MY BLOG AT http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/   OR CHECK THEM OUT HERE AT LAP-BAND-TALKS
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Having a fill next week!

I'm having my 8th doctor's appointment. In my previous 7 appointments, I have had only 5 fills. On one occasion, I turned down a fill because I still felt tight, and I knew I didn't need it. Last month, my doctor said am doing great -I lost 12 pounds from my last fill, so I did not need one. I lost 80 pounds since my surgery on Oct 26, 2009. I know I need a fill for June because I am feeling a little hungry at times and drinking a lot more liquids. I'm still doing great, BUT IN MY HEAD I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD HAVE LOST A LOT MORE - 'grrrrrrr'. I lost only 4 pounds from last month to now, so it's time for my 1/2 cc fill - that's what works for me each time I get my fills. It took some playing around to find what works for me. So I'm going in next Wednesday for my tweaking, that's what the Nurse Practitioner and I call it. I did not lose as much as I had hoped this month. I normally lose anywhere from 8 pounds to 13 pounds a month. I feel great and I'm looking good to. I work out every day, walk 3 miles a day. YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON MY BLOG. I have a lot of tips, workout exercises that I do and wonderful recipes. I love to cook, always have. I love to have dinner parties. My friends and family tell me that I should go into catering. I had to find a way to keep doing what I love the most, and that's cooking. Ok, and eating.. lol. Seeing how I do not eat as much anymore, I love to watch others enjoy my cooking. I have recipes of the day on my blog and a lot more, so have a look and let me know if it's helpful to you. :smile2: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/  
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Having a fill next week!

I'm having my 8th doctor's appointment. In my previous 7 appointments, I have had only 5 fills. On one occasion, I turned down a fill because I still felt tight, and I knew I didn't need it. Last month, my doctor said am doing great -I lost 12 pounds from my last fill, so I did not need one. I lost 80 pounds since my surgery on Oct 26, 2009.   I know I need a fill for June because I am feeling a little hungry at times and drinking a lot more liquids. I'm still doing great, BUT IN MY HEAD I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD HAVE LOST A LOT MORE - 'grrrrrrr'. I lost only 4 pounds from last month to now, so it's time for my 1/2 cc fill - that's what works for me each time I get my fills. It took some playing around to find what works for me. So I'm going in next Wednesday for my tweaking, that's what the Nurse Practitioner and I call it.   I did not lose as much as I had hoped this month. I normally lose anywhere from 8 pounds to 13 pounds a month. I feel great and I'm looking good to. I work out every day, walk 3 miles a day. YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON MY BLOG. I have a lot of tips, workout exercises that I do and wonderful recipes. I love to cook, always have. I love to have dinner parties. My friends and family tell me that I should go into catering. I had to find a way to keep doing what I love the most, and that's cooking. Ok, and eating.. lol.   Seeing how I do not eat as much anymore, I love to watch others enjoy my cooking. I have recipes of the day on my blog and a lot more, so have a look and let me know if it's helpful to you. :smile2: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Happy Day After Thanksgiving!

Oh my! I can't tell you how much I have missed posting on this site and doing my recipe of the day!   Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and that the family & friends did not drive you nuts. LOL.   I haven't posted here in quite a while, so I'd like to give you an update of what's going on with me.   I made the holiday dinner for everyone and it was a huge success! We had 25 people over and I made so much food! Despite having tons of great food around, I'm proud to say I ate so little of it that I actually lost weight - I was so worried that I would gain some.   I have lost a total of 121 pounds since having the lap-band put in fourteen months ago. I must tell you, I feel SO good (and I look pretty good too!). I had not seen some of my family and friends for quite some time - and they and they were all amazed at the huge difference in me.   So now everyone is around the table, and they are toasting me for the wonderful dinner and for inviting everyone over - I then get up and walk briskly to the other side of the room to get my glass. Well, I don't know how, but I slipped on the marble floor in the kitchen, and I hit the ground. At first, I was stunned and shocked, and I had to lay there for a second. I hurt my knee and hip - not too bad though - just enough to feel it the next morning. So, in the middle of their toast, I now look up from the floor and I can see all my guests holding their glasses up with eyes and mouths wide open - they were as stunned as I was. My daughter was in the bedroom and she heard a thud - she looked down the hall and all she could see my feet! I must have looked like the Wicked Witch of the East after Dorothy had dropped her house on her! LOL.   So my husband, daughter and a few friends ran over to help me up. Well, they did help me to my feet, but it was not hard for them to pick me up. I know that it would have been a disaster if the same thing happened to me before the weight - loss. I would have been hurt a lot worse for sure - and It would have been mortifying to need a whole lot of people struggling to lift me up off the floor. This was just another unexpected benefit of my weight loss! By the way, I'm sure I would never had the strength and stamina to put this dinner together when I was 288 pounds.   So, all-in-all my Thanksgiving Dinner and day was a huge success.
Debra G

Debra G

2
 

Halloween Treats! BOO LICIOUS

Boo Licious:   Halloween Cupcakes:   No tricks, just treats for ghosts and ghouls of all ages Quick and Simple. To set the mood for your holiday party, turn plain cupcakes into ghostly goodies. Scary Good!     Tip:   Stenciled Halloween design. Just place stencil over icing and sprinkle on colored sugars. Add an icing decoration or two if you plan to “boo” who!   185 Calories per 1 cupcake serving   Yields: 22 servings   Total Time: 40 min Prep Time: 25 min Cook Time: 15 min     Cupcakes:   1 package(s) (18.25 ) devil’s food cake mix with pudding   1 cup(s) sour cream   1/2 cup(s) vegetable oil   3 large eggs   1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract   Frosting:   2 large egg whites   1 cup(s) sugar   2 teaspoon(s) lemon juice   1 teaspoon(s) (light) corn syrup   1/4 teaspoon(s) cream of tartar orange food coloring   decorating sugar crystals, jelly beans, candy corns, (optional)   Directions:   1.Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350ºF. Paper-line 24 muffin cups.   2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, 3/4 cup water, sour cream, oil, eggs and vanilla, and blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, then turn mixer up to medium speed and beat 2 minutes more. The batter should look well combined. Spoon batter into muffin cups, so that each liner is three-quarters full.   3.Bake cupcakes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool on wire rack for 5 minutes, then remove cupcakes from pans and leave them on the rack to cool completely.   4.Meanwhile, make frosting: In top of double boiler, over 1 inch of simmering water, with handheld mixer at medium speed, beat egg whites, sugar, 1/4 cup water, lemon juice, corn syrup and cream of tartar until soft peaks form and temperature reaches 160ºF on candy thermometer, about 7 minutes. Remove top of double boiler from heat; beat 5 to 10 minutes longer, until stiff peaks form. Fold in orange food coloring until evenly distributed.   5.Spread frosting on cupcakes and decorate with sugar crystals, jelly beans or other candies, as desired.   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE HALLOWEEN RECIPE OR FOR MY RECIPE OF THE DAY!:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Halloween Treat! BOO LICIOUS

BOO Licious Jello Shots   Jello shots served at Halloween Parties are a tradition. Jello shots are probably one of the easiest type of shot to make, delicious way to pump up the fun. And Gulit Free, have fun. SCARY GOOD!!   Servings Per Recipe: 18   91 Calories: Per Serving   Ingredients:   2 boxes of Black Cherry Gelatin (use sugar-free)   1 c. High Proof Spiced Rum (I used 94 proof Krakken Black Rum)   18 Body Parts Gummies (Wal-Mart)   Directions:   1. Make Jello as directed subbing 1 cup of Rum for 1 of the 2 cups of cold water. Pour into lined muffin tins. Add a body part gummy to each shot. Chill overnight.   2. To serve: Peel the jello from the paper and flip over to reveal the encased body part. When these are set up, the gummies become very chewy, like flesh. Muahahahaha!   Happy Halloween!   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE HALLOWEEN RECIPE OR FOR MY RECIPE OF THE DAY!:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

2
 

Halloween Treat! BOO LICIOUS

BOO LICIOUS Spider Cupcakes   These are a huge hit with kids! I made these cute little cupcakes for my Church's Halloween party. Everyone loved them and gobbled them up. So much fun to make my adult friends loved it. SCARY GOOD!     1 Hr Prep Time:   cook time 30 min:   1 Hr 30 Min Total time:   Yield 24 cupcakes     Ingredients:   1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix   1 pound black shoestring licorice   1 (16 ounce) can white frosting   48 pieces candy corn   48 cinnamon red hot candies   1/4 cup orange decorator sugar   Directions:   1. Prepare cupcakes according to package directions. Let cool completely.   2. Cut licorice into 3 inch sections. Working with one or two cupcakes at a time, so the frosting doesn't set before decorating, frost the cupcakes with the white frosting. Insert licorice pieces into the outer edges of the cupcakes to make the legs of the spider, 3 legs on each side (4 takes up too much space).   3. Place two pieces of candy corn on the front of the cupcake for fangs and use two red hots as eyes. Sprinkle with decorator sugar. Repeat with remaining cupcakes.   260 Calories: Per Serving   CHECK OUT MY BLGO FOR MORE HALLOWEEN RECIPES AND MY RECIPE OF THE DAY:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Halloween Treat! Boo Licious

Leading up to Halloween I will post a Halloween recipe along with my Recipe of the day!   BOO LICIOUS Pumpkin Seeds. Here is an easy recipe for roasting fresh pumpkin seeds from your carvings of your pumpkin. Scary Good!   Recipe Yield 1 1/2 cups 83 Calories: Per 1/4 cup Serving   Ingredients:   1 1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds   2 teaspoons butter, melted   1 pinch salt   Directions:   1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).   2. Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.   I Found this story I though it was so interesting!   Why Carve Pumpkins?   The story of the Jack o'Lantern comes from Irish folklore. Jack was a crafty farmer who tricked the Devil into climbing a tall tree. When the Devil reached the highest branch, Jack carved a large cross in the trunk, making it impossible for the Devil to climb down.   In exchange for help getting out of the tree, the Devil promised never to tempt Jack with evil again. When Jack died, he was turned away from Heaven for his sins and turned away from Hell because of his trickery. Condemned to wander the earth without rest, Jack carved out one of his turnips, took an ember from the devil, and used it for a lantern to light his way. He became known as "Jack of the Lantern."   Check out my blog if you want to fine my recipe of the day or just a little more about me.   http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Halloween Treat! BOO LICIOUS

Halloween pumpkin spice raisin muffins.   BOO LICIOUS!   Better than cupcakes but just as cute! This is an adaptation of the Pumpkin Muffins recipe that is also super tasty! I also made these with walnuts on top for the non candy corn lovers;) Pumpkin muffins are perfect Halloween party fare and are always welcome on the autumn breakfast table or the Thanksgiving bread basket. This festive recipe is fun for all. SCARY GOOD!   Servings Per Recipe: 21   117 Calories: Per 1 Muffin Serving   30 Minutes to Prepare and Cook   Ingredients:   1 box spice cake mix   1 15oz. can pure pumpkin   1/3c raisins, packed   1/3c water   20 pieces candy corn   3 Tbsp light cream cheese   5 Tbsp Splenda with fiber   1/4 tsp vanilla   Directions:   1. Mix the pumpkin, water, spice cake mix powder, and cinnamon together. Mix in raisins.   2. Drop by tablespoons into greased muffin cups, making sure the tops are flat and not lumpy.   3. Soften cream cheese while they bake and mix in Splenda and vanilla for icing.   4. Bake at 350 18-22 minutes or until a knife comes out clean. After muffins have completely cooled, add 1/2 tsp (enough to stick the candy to) to center of muffin and top with candy corn.   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE FUN FOODS OR JUST TO SEE MY RECIPES OF THE DAY:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Had My Fill Today!

I did lose more weight then I thought. I thought it was 4 pounds, truned out it was 6.5 pounds from the last Doctor's appointment. Not to bad. I get a fill of 1/2 cc when needed each time, that's enough for me. I had wanted to lose enought weight to break that 200 pound mark, by my birthday June 16th. Not going to happen:sad:, but on the up side, I'm down 82 pounds in all from last year's brithday.:bored:   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON ME AND MY GREAT RECIPES OF THE DAY AND SO MUCH MORE.   http://life-after-lap-band®.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

5
 

Going in for a fill today!

Looking forward to today - I'm getting my 6th fill - 1/2 cc, which works for me. This has been a very slow month for me losing weight, the scale has not moved much - I know I lost at least 4 pounds - maybe more than that, I'll find out when I get to the doctor today.   But on the upside, I'm very grateful and happy for all the weight I have lost, and I view the scale as my friend, not my enemy.   I'm still cooking my delicious meals - I so love my cooking, lol. I've been a cook for a long time, and I'm so happy I'm still able to do it - and to share my passion of cooking with all my friends and family and all my blogger friends.   So untill I come back, that's all for now.   :eek:
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Going from Thinking Big to Thinking Small

Almost one year in - wow what a journey!   So many things have changed in my life that still amaze me to this day. My health is 100% better. I have stopped taking at least 8 out of 10 meds. I have so much more energy - I go out so much more, walk and exercise. I feel great about my looks, and I can shop for regular-size clothing!   When I go clothes shopping it makes me smile when I try on clothes that are too big for me! This is a mind set that will take some time to change - I've been so big for so long.   When I take public transportation and see a seat on the bus or train, my heart does not have to beat fast, realizing that I don't have to size it up to see if I can fit into it. I just sit down with room to spare! This is something else it will take time to get used to.   I have 12 more pounds to go before I reach my goal. I have not lost any weight since my last posting - I've hit another plateau that I have spoken so much about. I wanted to be at my goal weight by October 26 - the first anniversary of my LAP-BAND surgery. I'm not going to make it exactly, but, hey, a year ago I weighed 288 pounds! I know I came a long way and I will surely lose the 12 pounds soon.   I still work out daily. Now I even have a few women who ask me to help them the with their workout regimen on the weekends. We go the the pier and look at the New York skyline from the Jersey side - makes for a great background for walking and exercising. Two of the women have lost 8-10 pounds each and are so excited about it! Can you believe I'm helping others to loose weight?   So I guess it is going to take some time to get used to the new me! I'm extremely happy and excited, and I've been amazed on my one-year journey that has transformed me. Now I'm looking forward to the rest of my life as the new me.   I want to thank everyone on this site for all the wonderful support and encouragement that has been so important to me. And I know that this support is so important to all of us who are in the process of changing our lives in such a big way!   For more about my journey and to see my Recipes of the Day, please visit my blog at http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/   :ohmy: :frown:
Debra G

Debra G

6
 

Feeling Great!

I lost 80 pounds so far. I have alot more energy walking 3 miles every day now. H:thumbup:aving fish tonight for dinner, one of my own recipies of the day from my blog called "Life After Lap Band" Here is the link if you like some great food tips. http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

2
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