3.5 months out and 89 pounds down

[chefkelly 38]

Hi All,

Gastric Bypass was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. Weight is something that has consistently been a struggle in my since I was a child. I was never a target of bullying but little comments, even comments that were well meaning, over time made me feel like because of my weight I wasn't good enough to be happy or confident. As I grew older, even when I was very confident in other parts of my life, there was still always the voice in the back of my head telling me I wasn't good enough because I was overweight. I had tried every fad diet and had lost weight several times just to gain it back. Which is so frustrating. I remember telling my bariatric counselor my biggest fear about surgery was failing, and she asked why this was and I said because I have never succeeded at weight loss before. It was something that constantly told me I wasn't strong and I didn't have self control and because of this I didn't deserve to be happy or healthy.

In college I studied Sociology and Horticulture in relation to agriculture, food, the environment,and social issues and later went on the culinary school. My focus as a cook is on creating a sustainable diet for humans. For something to be sustainable, it has to follow a three tier system; it must be economically sustainable, environmentally sustainable and socially equitable. A huge part of the socially equitable part of sustainable eating is that it needs to be food that is healthy and nourishes people, not food that makes people sick. It is incredibly hard for me to feel confident speaking to these issues and pursuing a career in this field when I am very overweight and when I had trouble controlling myself when it came to food. It made me feel like a failure, I know how to cook healthy food, I teach others to be healthy and I couldn't get control of my weight.

The decision to have surgery came this spring. After breaking my leg and being out of work, then moving to the Northeast, I had gotten to my highest weight, 334 pounds. I was incredibly depressed and had little self confidence. Though I was working as a personal chef, it was hard for me to network myself because I had no confidence to tell people that I would cook healthy foods for them when I was hitting rock bottom when it came to my weight. I also need another surgery and need to lose weight before I can have it. My mom and dad came to town to visit and after they left my dad called me and asked if I wanted to have the surgery. It was something that I had thought about when I was younger but at the time the sacrifices seemed too big. It was very emotional to have my dad ask if I wanted the surgery because it is admitting that I needed help and I couldn't beat it on my own. We talked about it for a few hours and I decided to have it.

To get ready I started walking a 2 miles a day and followed all the guidelines set out. I also did a ton of research on what not only GB patients were eating but also looked in to what people who have had other surgeries were eating. I started following a lot of instagram accounts of people who have had some sort of bariatric surgery for tips and motivation. I flew home for the surgery, enjoyed some fried chicken livers for my night before surgery meal and it was time to do it. Surgery isn't a huge source of anxiety for me, I have had several throughout my life. My biggest concern, after a lot of research, was developing a leak. My Dr. spoke of not having had a leak in a few years and his method to prevent leaks, it put me at ease.

My surgery went very well. I was in a lot of pain when I woke up, it felt like I had done a really intense ab workout. The hospital staff were phenomenal at taking care of me. It made me feel better to get up and walk, that is something I recommend doing a lot of. The pain lasts about 24 hours though and then I was basically fine. I lost 12 pounds in the first week. Just make sure you follow the rules, it may seem tough but a week of broth and crackers is minuscule in the scheme of things. My transitions were always ver smooth. I started walking between 6 and 8 miles a day about 2 weeks after surgery and was feeling like I had way more energy than usual. I ate a lot of yogurt and cottage cheese and whitefish and soft lunch meats. I tried and still try to really limit my cheese intake because of the high fat content. When it was time to transition to regular foods I took it slow, eating a lot of softer choices still and just a bite of things at a time. I really liked tuna steaks.

Now that I am three months out I have had more time to try things and develop a diet. I have to leave for work at 5 A.M. and don't have a taste for Breakfast at that time in the morning so I usually eat a Quest Nutrition Bar, which has twenty grams of Protein and around 3 to 4 active carbs. I chose Quest Bars over other Protein Bars because they are the most healthy on the market and also because they are low carb. I try to stay away from simple carbohydrates and really just processed foods in general. I follow the "shop around the edge of the grocery store" rule, that is shop for things that need refrigeration as most things in the middle aisles are usually very processed (Beans, grains, nuts would all obviously be exceptions].

I work in the kitchen at Whole Foods, so I am constantly tasting things throughout my workday and because I am at Whole Foods, these things are usually vegetables, fish, Proteins etc.. This was a conscious decision to work in a kitchen very focused on health food while I am in this loosing phase. I also make sure and keep very hydrated. For lunch when I get off work around 1:3o I will usually eat nuts or lunch meat and cheese wrapped in romaine lettuce leaves or some protein from dinner the night before. I usually keep an organic rotisserie chicken on hand for a quick snack. For snack when I feel like eating junk food I eat the almonds that taste like BBQ, Salt and Vinegar and Wasabi and Soy. Also I love pumpkin seeds. I also roast off chickpeas with spices for a snack. I also like the little sweet peppers. For dinner I always do a protein and two veg. Some of my favorites are rack of lamb, chicken wings (on the grill and very burned so most of the fat is off], grilled tuna, squid and skate wing, veal chops and chicken thighs. I like all different kinds of vegetables and salads.

I have days where I feel like I can eat more than I should and days were I am incredibly full after two bites. Sometimes I splurge but if I do it is only a few bites. Overall I am very happy with my weight loss and the way I feel. I have more energy, clothes fit way better, but the best feeling is finally feeling like i have control over my body and my weight!!! I rarely have problems, I have been sick on a few occassions. One from trying a bite of bread and once from asparagus. I felt very sick for about ten min. then it went away. Exercise is an important part of every day and just generally making sure I am not laying around and doing nothing. I am just at the beginning of my journey not even half way to my goal but I feel very confident that for once I can say I've got this!

[BeckiLynne 9]

@@chefkelly This is so encouraging to hear! I'm scheduled for Monday and trying to research all I can. Finding this positive story was much needed. I can't wait to see more of your updates.

[Cupcake 801]

ChefKelly your looking keep up the excellent work and congrats on your choice to be healthy, many of us can relate to your story and thanks for sharing and keep us posted .

[Cupcake 801]

Becklynne congrsts on your choice to be healthy keep us posted .

[Kivi97 6]

Wow girl look fabulous

[missbrown30 148]

Your story is so inspirational. And you look awesome. Keep up the good work!

[emilypaige 9]

You look so awesome! Thanks for sharing your story!

[mamie60 104]

Great, I will follow you as a mentor on my journey. I am 8 weeks out down 55 lbs and feeling good. Always good to have a mentor.

[chefkelly 38]

Thank you all for the kind words! I am terrible about keeping with things on the internet so sorry this is late! I just reached my first goal of 100 pounds down by October 1 and am 101.5 pounds down as of this morning! I set my next goal as onederland by Thanksgiving so basically 15 pounds a month for the next two months. I am really kicking up the exercise and being meticulous about recording what I eat in My Fitness Pal in order to achieve this goal, I know it will be challenging. I have started Couch to 5k (and I am dreading when it is too cold to do it outside) I also do the elliptical at the gym for 30 min and then strength training and toning for 30 min (my loose skin is starting to get bad). I also read online that Yoga is really good for loose skin so my sister and I booked a Yoga session in Central Park Saturday morning to see what it is like, I'm a little nervous!

I also have a Facebook Page and Blog where I post recipes in anyone is interested. I usually post more on the Facebook page and have just started really doing recipes. Links below.

All the best,

K

https://www.facebook.com/ktcooksjersey

http://ktcooks.weebly.com/blog