kcmagu

Luluc - it is indeed coming up! Today: B: 3/4 c. roasted red pepper soup w/ parmessan S: edamame (1 cup unshelled), couple hershey kisses L: 1 cup white chili (currently eating) snack to come - probably oriental snack mix, and unfortunately there is some chocolate at the nurses station - so I doubt I will be able to avoid completely dinner to come - plain greek yogurt w/ fresh blueberries & some kashi go lean crunch

Yesterday: (my first 24+ hr shift after being off x 3 weeks - UUgGGHHHH!!!) B: mocha, peanut butter protein shake S: oriental snack mix - sm. handful L: 3/4 c. roasted red pepper soup, w/ asiago, couple hershey kisses D: same as lunch - but w/ smoked provolone S: a cup full of unshelled edamame, couple hershey kisses

Yesterday: B: mocha cheesecake protein shake S: oriental snack mix L: 3/4 c. broccoli soup w/ cheddar S: 2 starburst 2 hershey kisses D: 2 oz sesame/ginger encrusted mahi, 1/3 c. protein enhanced mashed potatoes and a a drizzle of beurre blanc S: reeses peanut butter heart :sneaky:

TODAY: B: mocha cheesecake protein shake L: 2/3 c. broccoli soup w/ cheddar S: 2 starbursts & sm. handful oriental crackers D: 2.5 oz sesame/ginger encrusted mahi w/ beurre blanc and 1/3 c. roasted red pepper soup (was inspired by my trip) will probably have some dessert - not sure what.

San Diego Mom - Some pictures to keep you going - good luck with your appt. tomorrow:

San Diego mom - I am so excited for you! Maybe we'll just have to keep 'inspiring' each other - I can think of worse things :blushing:

Bozzj - I'm so glad you are feeling better! Allie - Welcome Back! TODAY: B: Mocha cheesecake protein shake L: Mocha cheesecake protein shake S: multiple tastes of the 3 soups I'm making today, 1 hershey kis D: 1 cup white chili w/ shredded cheddar on top S: sugar free pudding parfait

life getting back to normal after my travels- as promised I was on the scale yesterday am. Thank the Lord for my daily walks b/c despite my increased vacation eating - I managed to lose 1.5 lbs :rose: Due to the same eating (white bread for goodness sake) I had a fill this am so liquids/soft for 48 hrs: Today: B: grande skinny vanilla latte L: 1 c. roasted red pepper/smoked gouda soup S: chocolate peanut butter pudding parfait D: 3/4 c. same soup as lunch w/ 2.5 oz plain greek yogurt mixed in

Although I would be kidding myself if I said I wasn't excited about looking better as the weight comes off, my motivation has truly been to be healthier. I've never said I wanted to get to a specific weight or be a certain size. My goal weight (for ticker purposes -145 lbs) was picked simply because it was the 'high' for what the powers that be say my weight should be for my height. I often hear/read how people are excited about getting back into their 'skinny jeans', go back to a size they were pre-baby or in college, etc. This is a totally foreign concept for me. I have never been anything but obese in adulthood and my teenage years. I have no idea what my body should/will look like, how my face will change or what size I want to be, etc. Although I am 34 I have not been an 'appropriate or healthy weight' in probably over 22-24 years. Physically, I have always looked like my dad (or so people say) but he is also overweight (although not as much as I have been) whereas my mom and sister are size 2-4's Part of me is very excited by this but I also wonder then how will I know when to stop - I don't want to be 'greedy' but I also want to reach the full potential that this tool will allow. My mind is also troubled by this because considering the amount of weight I have and will lose, the length of time I have been obese and the obvious saggage I am experiencing - I fully expect to have plastic surgery. So I wonder when will it be appropriate for me? Not that this is my focus but I just can't keep from thinking about it. I guess only time will tell

Likeblanche - YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE! You are typical person about to go through something major (By that I mean both the surgery and the life changes that come with it) I remember being scared - I didn't 'cheat' pre-op but I remember wondering if it would really do any damage. I then realized I had done enough self-sabotaging my entire life why then at the brink of changing my life for the better would I do it again. I had made it through 2 weeks of the pre-op diet why not 1 more night. You will still be able to enjoy some of your favorite foods in weeks to come but will learn to do it in a healthier manner. Hang in there - you will make it (literally and figuratively) I take care of people in their 70-90's who have 6-10 hr long surgeries with every health problem known to man - you will wake up tomorrow after surgery a little groggy, a little sore and about to begin day 1 of reclaiming your health. Take Care!

Although I would be kidding myself if I said I wasn't excited about looking better as the weight comes off, my motivation has truly been to be healthier. I've never said I wanted to get to a specific weight or be a certain size. My goal weight (for ticker purposes -145 lbs) was picked simply because it was the 'high' for what the powers that be say my weight should be for my height. I often hear/read how people are excited about getting back into their 'skinny jeans', go back to a size they were pre-baby or in college, etc. This is a totally foreign concept for me. I have never been anything but obese in adulthood and my teenage years. I have no idea what my body should/will look like, how my face will change or what size I want to be, etc. Although I am 34 I have not been an 'appropriate or healthy weight' in probably over 22-24 years. Physically, I have always looked like my dad (or so people say) but he is also overweight (although not as much as I have been) whereas my mom and sister are size 2-4's Part of me is very excited by this but I also wonder then how will I know when to stop - I don't want to be 'greedy' but I also want to reach the full potential that this tool will allow. My mind is also troubled by this because considering the amount of weight I have and will lose, the length of time I have been obese and the obvious saggage I am experiencing - I fully expect to have plastic surgery. So I wonder when will it be appropriate for me? Not that this is my focus but I just can't keep from thinking about it. I guess only time will tell :thumbup:

YESTERDAY: B: 5.8 oz plain greek yogurt, 1/2 a papaya, 3 strawberries and 1/4 c. mango ginger granola S: 2 crackers with a brie-like cheese on them L: 2 oz trerriyaki steak, 1/3 c. black bean salsa w/ avocado and 1/2 papaya S: 1 bowl of microwave popcorn and 2 chocolate covered macademia nuts D: 3-4 oz grilled/glazed Opa, 1/5 avocado w/ blue cheese dressing, 1/3 a papaya, several bites baked purple sweet potato Dessert: 1 scoop ice cream, 1 scoop sorbet :ohmy: Today & Tomorrow are travel days as I leave my island paradise to return to the Midwest :thumbup: I have attached 2 pictures below for those of you interested in the fruit I was eating - the little brown balls are the lychee and the dragonfruits (cousins) and the red ones are the rambuttan - I wish we had taken the picture the day we had first bought everything so you could see it all - but you get the idea.

Luluc - it would greatly sadden me for you to be gone for too long! TODAY: B: 5.8 oz greek yogurt, 1/2 a papaya, couple sliced strawberries & 1/4 c. mango/ginger granola L: 3 oz teriyaki steak & chicken, 2 bites brown rice, 2 bites papaya black bean salsa, 2 chocolate covered macadamia nuts S: 2 small handfuls trail mix D: 3 oz grilled & glazed Opa, 1/2 a small baked purple sweet potato drizzled w/ coconut syrup :crying:, 1/3 c. black bean salsa and diced avocado S: 1 scoop Kauai pie ice cream Still eating too much - but felt a little better when I clocked my daily walk here today and realized its >5 miles a day + swimming in the ocean :laugh:

San Diego Mom - I am on Kauai - my absolute most favorite island. If you're at all familiar with the island - we are staying in Princeville. I can not tell you how much I am enjoying the food. Today I didn't snack - but our dinner and dessert made up for it - couldn't believe I could eat as much as I did (shouldn't have!!!!) TODAY: B: 5.8 oz plain greek yogurt w/ 2/3 a papaya, 1/4 c. mango ginger granola and 2 small slices portugese sausage (grilled with a little splenda on it) L: 3 oz teriyaki steak & chicken, 2 bites macaroni salad, 5 bites sugarloaf pineapple, 1 rambuttan, 1 chocolate chip cookie and 2 chocolate covered macadamia nuts D: appetizer - several bites of an artichoke/mushroom piccata with a garlic butter wine sauce (dipped 2 small rounds of bread in the sauce :smile:) THEN - about 2.5-3 oz sesame crusted Mahi Mahi, and couple bites sauted veggies. Dessert - 1/2 a serving of Jack Daniels sauteed apples over vanilla ice cream I feel sick just writing all of it down - forced myself too though - just as I will force myself to get on the scale the moment I get back - However, I have enjoyed every minute of it and know that I would have certainly eaten more pre-band!

TODAY: B: 5.8 oz greek yogurt w/ 1/2 a papaya & 1/4 c. mango/ginger granola S: 1 apple banana and couple handfuls oriental snack mix L: 1 slice deli turkey meat, 1 slice cheddar, 1/8 avocado, 1 tsp blue cheese dressing and 1/2 of a papaya S: couple dragonfruits, lychees and rambuttans, 2 pieces choclate D: 1 crab cake and couple bites grilled nairagi, and am now enjoying another piece of flan :thumbdown:

I have had my dog Sadie for about 4.5 years. She is 25 lb mutt (terrier/boxer/beagle) she is very sweet but acts tough, barks constantly at everything and historically has not been great on a leash. This week I have adopted another dog - Mia. Mia is the love of my sister's family - but they have had to separate due to a dog allergy developed by one of my nephews. Mia is a 40 lb shepherd/terrier mix. Dogs will be dogs and they are feeling each other out - taking turns exerting dominance but I will be pack leader. We have started walking 2-4 miles a day together (which they are doing very well) in order to: 1. Wear them out 2. teach them to view me as the leader 3. Let them have time together where they're not vying for my attention 4. Help me lose weight We all win - except the cats - they still hate us all!

I consider myself truly blessed right now - sitting on a lanai watching the moon rise over the ocean, hearing the waves crash on the shore. I am in Hawaii - on my favorite island Kauai. I was last here 5 years ago. At that time I was probably about 30 lbs heavier than I am now - (this was of course before I packed on another 50+ lbs). It has me thinking about the next time I might get to come (hopefully only 1-2 years away) I have learned there are many levels of being obese and overweight for that matter. Maybe, just maybe this will be my last trip to Hawaii as being obese (of any kind) and maybe this trip or the next would be the last where I'm even overweight. Wouldn't that be something! This last summer (about 3.5 months after being banded) I went on a trip and laughed at the joy I found that I didn't need a seatbelt extender on the flight (something new to my world the last 2-3 years) Well this trip I was overjoyed that not only did I not need an extender - but my thighs did not just barely fit in the seat - there was plenty of room! It's these small joys, not realizing they're coming, that sometimes give me the biggest kicks!

I consider myself truly blessed right now - sitting on a lanai watching the moon rise over the ocean, hearing the waves crash on the shore. I am in Hawaii - on my favorite island Kauai. I was last here 5 years ago. At that time I was probably about 30 lbs heavier than I am now - (this was of course before I packed on another 50+ lbs). It has me thinking about the next time I might get to come (hopefully only 1-2 years away) I have learned there are many levels of being obese and overweight for that matter. Maybe, just maybe this will be my last trip to Hawaii as being obese (of any kind) and maybe this trip or the next would be the last where I'm even overweight. Wouldn't that be something! This last summer (about 3.5 months after being banded) I went on a trip and laughed at the joy I found that I didn't need a seatbelt extender on the flight (something new to my world the last 2-3 years) Well this trip I was overjoyed that not only did I not need an extender - but my thighs did not just barely fit in the seat - there was plenty of room! It's these small joys, not realizing they're coming, that sometimes give me the biggest kicks!

Life starts now - I do love the food in Hawaii! Mong chong is tied with salmon as my favorite fish to eat. I have only ever been able to find it in hawaii - although I'm sure expensive gourmet stores could get it - I consider it something to look forward to (with the produce) every couple years when I get to go. It used to be a rubbish / nuisance fish that would get caught on the long deep lines fisherman use to catch big tunas. They are a very deep fish with a tender but meaty texture but extremely mild flavor - best of all worlds! TODAY: B: 5.8 oz plain greek yogurt & 3/4 of a papaya S: couple dragonfruit and tasters at costco (always a weird stop in hawaii - but love to get necessities there) L: 2 slices deli turkey meat, 1 slice cheddar, 1/4 papaya, 1/3 cup black bean & papaya salsa w/ avocado S: 1 mini apple banana, 2 handfuls oriental snack mix D: 2.5 oz mong chong grilled & glazed, 1/3 papaya, 1 asparagus spear w/ a tsp of blue cheese dressing, 1/8 avocado And I already know we're having flan for dessert - seriously enjoying the vacation in all aspects - but looking forward to the fill when I get back!

Too many days missed while I was in transit - so will just start with yesterday: B: couple bites each of - pineapple coconut pancakes, avocado/bacon & cheese omelet and 1/4 of a fresh papaya L: 2 oz teriyaki steak, 2 bites rice and 3 wontons from a wonton soup S: 2 chocolate covered macadamia nuts, handful oriental snack mix D: leftover teriyaki steak and 1/2 papaya S: slice of lilikoi pie (too big) TODAY: B: 6 oz greek yogurt w/ 1/2 a papaya S: oriental snack mix, 1 mini apple banana L: 2 string cheese, couple rambuttan and dragonfruits S: beef jerky, cracker w/ soft cheese D: 3 oz mong chong, grilled & glazed w/ papaya black bean salsa and avacado S: another piece of lilikoi pie - good thing I'm walking Although I shouldn't be - I'm glad I didn't get a fill before this trip but thank goodness I get one shortly after I get back

B: nothing - too busy L: 2 meatballs, crackers and cheese dip S: 1 scoop chocolate ice cream w/ chocolate sauce - I know!!! D: 3 meatballs, 1 slice smoked provolone S: tart frozen yogurt and chocolate drizzle

Renee - I am so sorry I didn't mean to brag I am just so excited - I love Hawaii. I'll keep it to a minimum from here on out - other than I will be posting my intake from Hawaii

So didn't start being good today :tongue: - too much leftover from yesterday and I'm going out of town for 10 days so wanted to get it out of house - had neighbors over. LEAVING FOR HAWAII IN 37 HRS - WILL BE EATING LOTS OF FISH AND FRUIT! B: Cheese and crackers L: 2.5 oz braised beef, 5 reduced fat pringles S: 2 mexican truffles D: 2 sweet & sour meatballs, 2 empanadas w/ queso S: reduced cal tart frozen yogurt w/ chocolate drizzle

It was bad today - but I knew it was coming so I tried to keep it small in the am to try (unsuccessfully) to make up for the grazing during the super bowl. B: grande skinny vanilla latte L: 2 bites of filling for the stuffed mushrooms, 1 meatball then the grazing: stuffed mushrooms, artichoke dip, guacamole, chili cheese dip, meatballs oh yeah - and the vanilla cake and Tequila Punch - now yes it was over 5 hours but seriously grazing is the word for it because I feel like a cow! I must exercise hard tomorrow and get back to eating healthy - especially since I leave for HAWAII in 3 days!!!!!!!!!! :w00t: