twobluecats
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Everything posted by twobluecats
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John's heading out and . . .
twobluecats commented on Tiffykins's blog entry in Just another day. . .
There is absolutely no way in the world I could be a military wife. I'm the biggest worrier in the world, and I can totally see why you are a ball of nerves. God bless John for his valiant service to our country, and God bless you for being a strong and supportive wife and mother. You have a tough job, and I am sending prayers your way and in the way of our brave men and women. We owe everything we hold dear in our world to those who protect our freedoms and act as advocates when the rest of the world is in need. It's a shame the US doesn't get the respect and appreciation that should come with the sacrifice of our military folks, but that's another chapter. Hang in there! Hugs! Theresa -
I know what you mean about energy. I just got back from a 2 mile walk, and I feel like it was a marathon. That's the main reason I waited until tomorrow to go back to work. My job is very draining mentally, and I will also be training full time for a while when I return, which means I have to be "on" all day. I needed to get my head on straight and come up with more energy before being there full time. I'll probably be dragging tomorrow night!
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Guess it was inevitable...tossed my cookies at Disney World! Uggh!
twobluecats replied to twobluecats's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was really surprised by my energy level--we even rented bicycles one day and road for hours. I am taking an Iron supplement daily and try to remember my b-12 weekly. I still have not mastered the stupid Calcium as I can't remember to take it so many times a day!! It was all familiar foods--meatball (1 and 1/2) one meal and snow crab the next. I've had both of those here at home with no problem, and I had the snow crab on the first day of the trip without any trouble too. Thankfully, I felt like new just after throwing up and did not carry those icky "sick" feelings that come with throwing up normally. It was like major relief! -
Guess it was inevitable...tossed my cookies at Disney World! Uggh!
twobluecats replied to twobluecats's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Glad the meeting went well, and I definitely plan to be at the next one. Back to work tomorrow, and I think the trip to Disney World was really good for my endurance. We walked a TON, and we rode bikes all day one day. I'm ready for the "real world" once again, I suppose! -
Sorry, we decided to head to Disney World last minute on Wednesday morning. Yes, the meeting is at the same place.
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Hey, last minute change means we won't be at the support group meeting tomorrow night. I go back to work Monday, and we decided to make a quick trip to Disney World tomorrow morning and come back Saturday. I'm sorry for the last minute notice, but we literally just decided to do this as the flights look really good. If you go, let me know how you like it, and I hope to catch up with you soon!
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Sleeve so tight..... Stress?
twobluecats replied to DownInSocal's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Oh boy, I'm so glad I saw this thread. Going back to work next week is likely to create stress for me as things are a zoo there right now. We are in a period of turnover, and I am responsible for training our newbies. And, with responding to Customer complaints in writing (often insane ones!) for last 20+ years, I think I'm getting a bit worn out with it. I was thinking of getting a therapist to help with the head side of weight loss, and this sounds like even more of a reason to get on that right away. I sure wish you tons of luck with the stress, and I hope the restriction returns to a more comfortable level soon! -
Need some opinions - New Hairstyle
twobluecats replied to Tiffykins's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Another vote for A. VERY CUTE! I say prayers every night that I keep enough hair when (and if...hoping) it starts shedding to not need a wig. My hair is already extremely thin, and you can already see my scalp. I cannot afford to lose too much or I will definitely have to do something drastic. -
I have been journaling on OH, but I think I will start blogging here to and more frequently. Today marks four weeks since surgery. I am down 18 pounds and a total of 34 since the beginning of my preop diet on December 1. I'm happy, and I'll be thrilled as long as the loss continues. I started walking outside again yesterday, and I logged two miles and 15 minutes on the elliptical. My plan is to increase to 3.2 miles daily and 30 minutes on the elliptical. I'm going to add strength training in a couple of weeks. My calories average between 650-800. I've been getting all my protein from food, but I'm trying to up my protein from 65-75 to more like 90-100. So, I may add back a Premier drink daily. It's 160 calories and 30 grams of protein. I'll need to modify some of my eating to keep calories in check. I think going back to work next week will help a lot with the aforementioned as I won't be so focused on my daily "menu." HA! I will still track religiously on myfitnesspal.com as it helps me keep everything in check to actually see what I'm ingesting.
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Should have done this four weeks ago....
twobluecats commented on twobluecats's blog entry in Blog 908
Yes, the temptations at work will definitely be different--mainly going out for lunch. We always want to get away, and I'm only in the office every other day, so I have to "catch up" with all my buddies. I've already thought out some choices for our standby lunch options. And, thankfully, I'm not a sweet tooth at all. Now, if pizza or nachos are within sniffing range......different story... -
Today marks four weeks since my surgery, and I'm down 18 pounds since then and 34 pounds total since December 1 preop diet. I know some lose more the first month, but I'm doing everything I'm supposed to do, so I'm very happy with the results so far! Five pounds since last Monday.....
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How many of you stop drinking 30 minutes before eating?
twobluecats posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Surprisingly, I have had no trouble not drinking while I eat, and I'm handling the no drinking for 30 minutes after eating. But, somehow I am forgetting to stop drinking 30 minutes before I eat. -
I am using myfitnesspal.com, and I love it! I have not found an item that is NOT listed, which makes it very easy to track. And, I've even added some of my own recipes. It's sorta fun to play around with different food items and see the protein count. I'm also trying to keep my carbs between 30-40. I am tracking my exercise too now. I'm pretty sure that would be the date for February...it's the second Wednesday of every month, and I would LOVE, LOVE to see you there!
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Doing well here, and I swear I talk about you and Anna every single day! I hope to see her on Wednesday at the support group meeting. Are you back to work yet? I go back on the 18th. I decided to take quite a bit of time off to get my head on straight and play with my meal planning and such. My job is not physical, but it's certainly stressful. I'm still using MOM every now and then as I'm probably eating too much cheese--gotta love that protein. I'm getting all my protein from food now, which is nice. Still haven't tried dense meat, but I'm having some thin-sliced deli meat, and I had turkey white chili that set really well. I'm on the elliptical twice a day for 15 minutes each, and I hope to increase that this coming week. I'm ready to eat veggies!!!! My loss is right about 18 pounds plus the 16 I loss during my preop. My month anniversary will be Monday; can you believe that! Thanks for checking in, and keep me posted on your progress!
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How many of you stop drinking 30 minutes before eating?
twobluecats replied to twobluecats's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Yah! I'm going to start drinking just until food time then. I am very compliant with during and after. It's just the before that seems sort of pointless and difficult to adhere to. This will make my goal of 80+ ounces of fluid much easier to accomplish before midnight! -
OK - That's IT! I am STILL not losing!
twobluecats replied to rcarter76's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi! I'm sorry for your frustration. I had just a few days without a loss recently, and I was bummed. I have to admit that I think Tiffykins is dead on with regard to the carb count. I am between three and four weeks out, and I track everything I put in my mouth. I average around 700-800 calories daily, 25-38 carbs, and 65-85 Protein. I feel like I eat all day, but I have not had any true carbs, like crackers, bread, etc (other than grits one morning). I'm getting all my protein from food now (greek yogurt, string cheese, deli meat, lean chili, refried Beans, ricotta, chicken salad, etc). That said, if I have a Protein Drink it's generally a very high protein content. I use the Premier Protein drinks from costco, and one drink is 11 ounces, 3 carbs, and 30 grams of protein! Another one that is high in protein is GNC's Amplify--20 grams per 4 ounces of liquid, 4 carbs. I think if you find a more balanced protein drink and keep your carbs a little lower you will break that dreaded stall! Some of us are just more carb-sensitive than others. Good luck! -
Moving forward with Dr. Nick in Texas
twobluecats replied to a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I'm here in Dallas, and I'm happy to help out any way I can. I really like Dr. Nick and the whole staff. I think you will be happy with your decision! -
Really Great Moment
twobluecats replied to barbannn's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
That's exactly where I get the "full" feeling sometimes. It's sort of like where all the bubbly gas wells up before I burp. -
Really Great Moment
twobluecats replied to barbannn's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Awesome news, Barb! :crying: I too did some shopping yesterday at Northpark. But my $$ went to Williams Sonoma for a super-deluxe Breville Smart Grill. It's a souped up panini/grill machine, and I purchased it with the intent of grilling fish in the house. We have an awesome Viking grill, and you'd think living in Texas I'd still go outside in the winter. Nope. I only enjoy the back patio and pool area in the non-winter months, so this indoor grill will be perfect for my new eating style. I can't wait to grill shrimp, scallops, and fish! And, Matt can't wait for me to grill him a sandwich! HA! The full feeling has been alive and well since I've added soft foods and mushy foods. I especially had a too full feeling last night. I made three frozen meatballs (smaller than golf ball) with marinara and fresh mozzarella. I could only eat one meatball before I was stuffed, so I put it way and hopped on the elliptical. Went back later, and still major fullness after just a bite or two. The meatballs are a big difference from the less binding crabmeat I suppose. What a fun and interesting ride this is! -
Curious about caloric intake...spawned by thread on OH
twobluecats posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hello! A thread on OH got me to really thinking about the advise of different surgeons and Nutritionist out there. Dr. Nick's paperwork (and that of the nutritionist at Baylor Plano) did not advise a specific caloric intake for the first six weeks. Instead, it focused on 60-75 grams Protein, 64+ ounces of Fluid, and Vitamins. PROTEIN FIRST, VEGGIES SECOND, AND complex carbs when there is room. It showed 1/2 cup "food" each of three meals during the first two weeks of full liquids, and then during week three through six while moving through mushies to soft to regular food I'm to take in 4-6 ounces (it notes some will take in less). The paperwork gives a few example menus and outlines the variety of foods during each phase. I personally am not a sweet tooth, so the last three days (I'm 18 days out) I've been able to get my protein from my food source instead of shakes. I prefer that because it's easier for me to get my fluid from Water than shakes, and I like to eat versus drink sweet shakes. I'm tracking religiously, and I'm mastering between 60-70 grams of protein so far. My calories have been right at 800 the past two days. My personal goal, based on what I've read I suppose, has been between 600-800 daily. I can see that if I am shooting to avoid supplemental protein, it will be closer to 800. My question after my rant: What advise were you given and, more importantly, what has worked for you so far? I am now back on my elliptical (slowly right now), but I plan to get in at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. -
Today I am scared
twobluecats replied to excited2lose's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hello from the Queen of Worriers. Yes, I too had major fears, and I despise surgery and being put under. But, at three weeks out now, I can tell you that it was totally worth it. I'm not going to lie, the first four days or so were icky. I was fortunate not to have the body gas that others complain about, but my doctor equipped me with pills for that just in case. I used the heck out of the morphine pump in the hospital, so I'm not sure how bad the pain could have been because my medical team really managed the pain well. I used my liquid hydrocodone for about 48 hours after getting home. I was up walking the halls the same night as surgery,and I walked at home too. I don't have children, so I can't relate to that aspect, but I think if you have someone to help out for the first three or four days, you will give your body some time to heal and get ready for the rest of your life. Considering all the things that will be required of you as a parent as the children get older and how hard it is to have the energy and mobility in an obese and unhealthy body, the few days of chaos after surgery are a small price to pay. Just keep your eye on the prize and know that you can be an even better mom if you are in a healthier frame of mind and body. Good luck with everything! Theresa -
I use myfitnesspal.com to track, and I've very good about journaling my consumption every day. Here's what my mushy/soft day looked like: Breakfast: one scrambled egg w/one ounce blended cheddar (.5 ounce 50 percent reduced Cabot and .5 ounce regular sharp Cabot)........196 cal, 2 carb, 15 Protein Lunch: 1/2 cup Wolf Brand LEAN Chili w/same cheese blend above......200 cal, 9 carb, 21 protein Dinner: 1/2 baked eggplant casserole 206 cal, 17 carb, 14 protein Snack: 11 ounce Premier Protein Drink 160 cal, 30 protein 772 calories, 38 carbs, 80 protein
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Inspired by Tiffykins...Day 21...what did I eat?
twobluecats replied to twobluecats's topic in Food and Nutrition
I do have the recipe for eggplant casserole. I can't say it's the healthiest thing in the world, but it's an old family favorite, and it was my "comfort food" for the day. It's not horrible for you at the amount we can eat as you can see from my stats, but not the best choice either because of the cheese and canned Soups (albeit 98% fat free) added. 4 eggplants, peeled, cubed and boiled 12 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (I use a blend of Cabot sharp and Cabot 50 percent reduced...Cabot makes the only reduced cheese that I will touch. Everyone should try it...it's better than virtually all general brand full fat cheese!) 1 can cream of chicken Soup (I used the 98% fat free) 1 can cream of mushroom (same on the reduced) 3 eggs, beaten Salt and pepper to taste 3 Garlic cloves, minced 2 TBL onion powder (my spices are from Penzey's...I swear by their quality!) Boil the cubed eggplant until tender (this can take a while), then drain VERY WELL to avoid a watery casserole. Mash the eggplant and blend with remaining ingredients. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 50 minutes or until set and golden on top! It's best if it se And, as far as crab goes, I've been having jumbo lump crabmeat for lunch this week. Yum-o! With a little lemon and horseradish-y cocktail sauce... GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR JOURNEY, AND HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY! -
Inspired by Tiffykins...Day 21...what did I eat?
twobluecats replied to twobluecats's topic in Food and Nutrition
Recipes~ It's my pasttime, and it always has been. I love to cook and watch my family enjoy my creations! I like foodtv.com, allrecipes, southernliving.com, and I've added theworldaccordingtoeggface (google for appropriate web site) and eatingwelllivingthin.wordpress.com since my surgery as both these gals have had surgery and have PHENOMENAL web sites with great recipes that are WLS friendly.