Today I have tried to do some menu planning for the week. This should help me make really good choices. It isn't always easy for me to follow the rules. So perhaps a bit more planning will reduce my chances for slips :) Obviously, I slip a lot when following diets or I wouldn't have needed such a drastic measure. Let's face it...will power and discipline is something I lack. I think none of us would be here (in the study) if we could have said "NO" more often to poor food choices and "YES" to smaller portions and healthier meals. It seems that everyday is a constant struggle when dealing with obesity....we have to eat no matter what. It isn't like we are alcoholics and can choose never to drink again. We need food to live.
All the diet programs in the world have failed for me. Or rather, I have failed them. I always do well in the beginning and lose weight and then I just seem to stop trying (caring?). I regain the weight and then some. It seems I had to stop dieting just to stabilize my weight. I just began to accept the fact that I may never be at a "normal" body weight. I have no health problems (other than being over weight)...low blood pressure, low cholesterol, no diabetes, no medications for anything....I am just fat.
When I came across the study, it seemed to be a great opportunity for me to get the right kind of help to control my weight and eating. I knew that I was healthy now but as I got older, the excess weight would begin to negatively impact my body. It was time for me to act...Carpe Diem!
Health really became important for me after helping my brother through his long battle with colon cancer. And even more important now that my father is terminally ill at 59. Your body is all you have...keep it healthy, feed it right and LIVE!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Feb 27, 2009
I just received a serious critique from Michelle....thanks for the input. Your right! I haven't been true to the rules and part of that was in search of finding the answer to whether or not I have had the procedure. Curiosity kills the cat!
I don't know where you are located but when I met with the nutritionist we went over my food intake and bread and meat are allowed. 2 days after surgery I could begin with pureed soft foods and 1 week after that really food but nothing too hard. I was also instructed to seek out most calories in the form of proteins...salmon, tuna, turkey. Breads have to be toasted, softer crackers are OK. I wonder if we are all on the same type of diet restrictions (ie: people who have had the procedure vs people who have not)...this is after all a study.
Congrats to you on your weight loss! Is that 12 lbs in 5 days???? Where are you located? Do you have a blog I can follow? Please share your story!
I don't know where you are located but when I met with the nutritionist we went over my food intake and bread and meat are allowed. 2 days after surgery I could begin with pureed soft foods and 1 week after that really food but nothing too hard. I was also instructed to seek out most calories in the form of proteins...salmon, tuna, turkey. Breads have to be toasted, softer crackers are OK. I wonder if we are all on the same type of diet restrictions (ie: people who have had the procedure vs people who have not)...this is after all a study.
Congrats to you on your weight loss! Is that 12 lbs in 5 days???? Where are you located? Do you have a blog I can follow? Please share your story!
Feb 27, 2009
I did it! I lost 10lbs! Couldn't believe it...yeah! I really was surprised....pleasantly!
So my follow up was pretty brief and quite easy. I absolutely forgot to ask all the questions I wanted...I was too dumbfounded from my TEN POUND WEIGHT LOSS!
One thing I was told is that the people who received the surgery lost about 20 lbs in the first month...so if I lost 10 in 2 weeks, does that mean I had the procedure??? HMMMM?
One little thing I discovered kinda by accident was a diet version of the banana split. I cut up 6 strawberries, some banana and pineapple topped it with a few squirts of redi-whip and drizzled it in chocolate syrup (1 tbsp) and sprinkled walnuts over everything. IT WAS DELICIOUS and under 300 calories and little fat.
I also discovered ground turkey mixed with salsa (1 lb to 1 jar) lay on a bed of lettuce, top with cheese and sour cream (uncrunchy taco salad). If you need the crunch, use 2 taco shells (120 calories instead of high fat high calorie tortilla chips). I sometimes add refried or plain black beans. Good stuff!
I am trying to change my mind about food, be accountable by tracking what I eat and moving my overinflated booty :) By the way, if you hate exercising, try Wii Fit! It is FUN! It is an investment (I bought mine off craigs list and saved $) I also bought a Learn to Salsa Dance video. So far it's working. If the TOGA is only 1 leg in my tripod of success, then I must incorporate the other 2 legs...diet and exercise. Without them, the tripod will not work!
So my follow up was pretty brief and quite easy. I absolutely forgot to ask all the questions I wanted...I was too dumbfounded from my TEN POUND WEIGHT LOSS!
One thing I was told is that the people who received the surgery lost about 20 lbs in the first month...so if I lost 10 in 2 weeks, does that mean I had the procedure??? HMMMM?
One little thing I discovered kinda by accident was a diet version of the banana split. I cut up 6 strawberries, some banana and pineapple topped it with a few squirts of redi-whip and drizzled it in chocolate syrup (1 tbsp) and sprinkled walnuts over everything. IT WAS DELICIOUS and under 300 calories and little fat.
I also discovered ground turkey mixed with salsa (1 lb to 1 jar) lay on a bed of lettuce, top with cheese and sour cream (uncrunchy taco salad). If you need the crunch, use 2 taco shells (120 calories instead of high fat high calorie tortilla chips). I sometimes add refried or plain black beans. Good stuff!
I am trying to change my mind about food, be accountable by tracking what I eat and moving my overinflated booty :) By the way, if you hate exercising, try Wii Fit! It is FUN! It is an investment (I bought mine off craigs list and saved $) I also bought a Learn to Salsa Dance video. So far it's working. If the TOGA is only 1 leg in my tripod of success, then I must incorporate the other 2 legs...diet and exercise. Without them, the tripod will not work!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Feb 26, 2009
Okay, so I am down 3 more lbs BUT since I was up 2, it is really only 1. I am still uncertain as to my total weight loss because I cannot remember what I weighed day of surgery.
I have to come to terms with the fact that it has been 15 days since my surgery and I should not expect to see the pounds just falling off. I am completely happy if I lose 1 or 2 lbs a week. It seems like a healthier amount and a more natural process for my body.
Slow and steady wins the race, right?
I have to come to terms with the fact that it has been 15 days since my surgery and I should not expect to see the pounds just falling off. I am completely happy if I lose 1 or 2 lbs a week. It seems like a healthier amount and a more natural process for my body.
Slow and steady wins the race, right?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Feb 25, 2009
ARGHHHH! I am getting frustrated! I think I have gained 2 lbs! What is going on?? I am really trying to eat less and eat better. Today I consumed 1 slice of bread for breakfast (dry) on my way out the door to a job interview (which went GREAT!) I had 1 cup of spanish rice and a slice of french bread (dry)...dinner was a turkey burrito with salsa and dessert was a cup of sliced up fruit (1/2 banana, 3 strawberries, handful of grapes, some chunks of pineapple and walnuts) and 1 lindor truffle! My caloric intake was under 1300 (yes I am counting! yes I am measuring).
Am I expecting too much to soon? Perhaps....I have my follow up on Friday and will be sure to address all my concerns and follow up in my blog.
I understand that stress plays a big part in hindering weight loss. Lord know, I am under a tremendous amount of stress...especially this past year. My brother was diagnosed with Stage 3c (later upgraded to Stage 4) colon cancer at the ripe old age of 41. He has been in chemo for nearly a year and just finished...we are awaiting more test results and further scans to let us know if he still has detectable cancer cells. (say a prayer for him please) It has been a huge struggle for my family. My father was just diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme (terminal brain cancer) at age 59 in Dec and they gave him 12 months with successful treatment. Both my sister and I have lost our jobs and money is sooooo tight! BUT we are exactly where we are suppose to be right now...helping our father and brother. My sister turned into my fathers executive assistant while I went on a quest to cure brain cancer. Did you know that the venom from a Golden Israeli scorpion can act like a smart bomb and target the glioma and halt it's growth? Who knew? My Dad just received his final radiation treatment and he cannot receive anymore...ever. this is the problem. Surgery did not remove all of the tumor and what is remaining will continue to grow and he will die from cerebral edema. One of the drugs he is on was just in a clinical trail and is now standard treatment for brain tumors.
Anyways, I know that with everything I have had going on it has been easy to put myself last. If I have learned anything from my family's troubles, it is that we have to take care of ourselves FIRST.....we are no good to anyone if we are not healthy.
Am I expecting too much to soon? Perhaps....I have my follow up on Friday and will be sure to address all my concerns and follow up in my blog.
I understand that stress plays a big part in hindering weight loss. Lord know, I am under a tremendous amount of stress...especially this past year. My brother was diagnosed with Stage 3c (later upgraded to Stage 4) colon cancer at the ripe old age of 41. He has been in chemo for nearly a year and just finished...we are awaiting more test results and further scans to let us know if he still has detectable cancer cells. (say a prayer for him please) It has been a huge struggle for my family. My father was just diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme (terminal brain cancer) at age 59 in Dec and they gave him 12 months with successful treatment. Both my sister and I have lost our jobs and money is sooooo tight! BUT we are exactly where we are suppose to be right now...helping our father and brother. My sister turned into my fathers executive assistant while I went on a quest to cure brain cancer. Did you know that the venom from a Golden Israeli scorpion can act like a smart bomb and target the glioma and halt it's growth? Who knew? My Dad just received his final radiation treatment and he cannot receive anymore...ever. this is the problem. Surgery did not remove all of the tumor and what is remaining will continue to grow and he will die from cerebral edema. One of the drugs he is on was just in a clinical trail and is now standard treatment for brain tumors.
Anyways, I know that with everything I have had going on it has been easy to put myself last. If I have learned anything from my family's troubles, it is that we have to take care of ourselves FIRST.....we are no good to anyone if we are not healthy.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Feb 23, 2009
This is soooo exciting....people are finding my blogs and following them. I hope people who are in the study will create blogs for me to follow as well.
I have been away for a few days and had no internet so I will try to sum everything up for you. It has been a challenge. I can most assuredly eat more than they say which has me questioning whether or not I have had the procedure. It isn't like I am overeating like I used to, I just keep comparing my portions to that of someone who has had a gastric bypass. I have a follow up on Friday and will check with them regarding realistic portion sizes.
Today, my sister and I had dinner with my brother and his 2 sons. We went to Culvers and I was able to eat a butter burger deluxe (double) and half my fries. I was full, but it seems to me like a lot of food. Normally, I would have ate all the fries and chased it with something sweet :0
One thing I am struggling with is not having a job....I have been unemployed since Jan 6 and all this free time makes me somewhat bored...being bored leads to thoughts of food....thoughts of food leads to compulsions which turn to cravings and I cave in every time! I am really trying to make a conscience effort to do the right things but it isn't always easy. Food is just too good :)
We have all heard it before.."nothing tastes as good as being thin feels" ... "eat to live, don't live to eat". Easier said than done. But isn't everything worthwhile?
I am working on a pic and once I weigh in on Friday, I will post the results.
I have been away for a few days and had no internet so I will try to sum everything up for you. It has been a challenge. I can most assuredly eat more than they say which has me questioning whether or not I have had the procedure. It isn't like I am overeating like I used to, I just keep comparing my portions to that of someone who has had a gastric bypass. I have a follow up on Friday and will check with them regarding realistic portion sizes.
Today, my sister and I had dinner with my brother and his 2 sons. We went to Culvers and I was able to eat a butter burger deluxe (double) and half my fries. I was full, but it seems to me like a lot of food. Normally, I would have ate all the fries and chased it with something sweet :0
One thing I am struggling with is not having a job....I have been unemployed since Jan 6 and all this free time makes me somewhat bored...being bored leads to thoughts of food....thoughts of food leads to compulsions which turn to cravings and I cave in every time! I am really trying to make a conscience effort to do the right things but it isn't always easy. Food is just too good :)
We have all heard it before.."nothing tastes as good as being thin feels" ... "eat to live, don't live to eat". Easier said than done. But isn't everything worthwhile?
I am working on a pic and once I weigh in on Friday, I will post the results.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Feb 21, 2009
Sorry it has been a few days...I really wanted to try to post everyday BUT sometimes life gets a little busy :)
I really haven't been hungry like before and yet I continue to eat 3-4 meals a day because I have the urge to. Obviously they are all small and the scale is operating at a snails pace! It is moving in the right direction...down so I am happy.
I have started tracking the food I eat everyday with this awesome website....mydailyplate.com.
It is free and easy once you get going. I want to lose 3 lbs a week so I can consume around 1600 calories a day. I am using this as just another tool to help me with my weight loss. The surgery is not going to work if I consume high calorie foods in small amounts and the procedure is not the answer/cure. I have to be diligent in my efforts for this to be effective. It is about changing your life and eating habits!
My sister had gastric bypass and had major complications and a lot of interesting side effects (dumping, puking, hair loss etc) so I knew I did not want to go that route BUT when I decided to participate in the study, I thought that the way I would have to eat is similar to that of my sister. NOT SO! Because the surgery is simply making a smaller pouch in our stomach rather than rerouting and removal of major organs, food is still processed the same as always. I have to watch the amount of food that I eat at one sitting because if I eat too much, I feel really uncomfortable and I worry about doing damage. Can you undo the toga? hmmm?
Hi Yolanda!!! It is so great that you found my blog! I was hoping to create a network of people who are in the study so we can compare experiences/information. Please create a blog about yours...it kinda makes you accountable which can help:) Where are you having the surgery? Please feel free to ask q's and I would like to follow your blogs.
Good Luck to you!!!
Kathy
I really haven't been hungry like before and yet I continue to eat 3-4 meals a day because I have the urge to. Obviously they are all small and the scale is operating at a snails pace! It is moving in the right direction...down so I am happy.
I have started tracking the food I eat everyday with this awesome website....mydailyplate.com.
It is free and easy once you get going. I want to lose 3 lbs a week so I can consume around 1600 calories a day. I am using this as just another tool to help me with my weight loss. The surgery is not going to work if I consume high calorie foods in small amounts and the procedure is not the answer/cure. I have to be diligent in my efforts for this to be effective. It is about changing your life and eating habits!
My sister had gastric bypass and had major complications and a lot of interesting side effects (dumping, puking, hair loss etc) so I knew I did not want to go that route BUT when I decided to participate in the study, I thought that the way I would have to eat is similar to that of my sister. NOT SO! Because the surgery is simply making a smaller pouch in our stomach rather than rerouting and removal of major organs, food is still processed the same as always. I have to watch the amount of food that I eat at one sitting because if I eat too much, I feel really uncomfortable and I worry about doing damage. Can you undo the toga? hmmm?
Hi Yolanda!!! It is so great that you found my blog! I was hoping to create a network of people who are in the study so we can compare experiences/information. Please create a blog about yours...it kinda makes you accountable which can help:) Where are you having the surgery? Please feel free to ask q's and I would like to follow your blogs.
Good Luck to you!!!
Kathy
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Feb 18, 2009
Yesterday was tough! I kept trying to push the envelope with food to see if I could tell what would happen if I overate. I don't know if it is a self sabotage thing with me or not BUT I always do this. The not knowing for sure whether I have had the procedure is killing me! Yes, I am eating less BUT it seems I can eat more than what they told me with no real side effect like described in all the info.
Anyways, if I am going to do this I have to accept the fact that I will not know, with 100% certainty, until the study is over. Period! No more second guessing and trying to out smart everyone and prove to them and myself that I know...I figured it out so...HA !!!
Today I ate exactly 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup pineapple and 1 hard boiled egg in a 4.5 hour period. The scale shows me down either 6.5 or 7.5 lbs so I guess something is working!
Anyways, if I am going to do this I have to accept the fact that I will not know, with 100% certainty, until the study is over. Period! No more second guessing and trying to out smart everyone and prove to them and myself that I know...I figured it out so...HA !!!
Today I ate exactly 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup pineapple and 1 hard boiled egg in a 4.5 hour period. The scale shows me down either 6.5 or 7.5 lbs so I guess something is working!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Day Four & Five.....Feb 16, 2009
Yesterday and today were somewhat challenging. Both were busy days revolving around food. I really had no idea on how much I thought about and looked forward to eating good food with my family. It is what we do. It was Manny's birthday today so I made him breakfast in bed...2 eggs, 2 waffles, 2 pieces of toast and 4 pieces of bacon with OJ and coffee. I ate a waffle and piece of bacon and wasn't really stuffed but I was more than satisfied. (Why do I feel the need to be stuffed after meals?) Anyways....my family is coming for Manny's b-day dinner. I made one of my favorite meals....authentic Argentinian empanadas with both saffron rice and Spanish rice to be followed with of course, blueberry cake and ice cream. MMMMMM !!!!!!!!!!!! This is a meal I would have loaded onto a plate and eaten until I couldn't move BUT not today. I ate 1 empanada and some rice. I was actually sad that I couldn't eat more. It isn't that I was so full or anything, I am afraid to stretch the pouch and pop staples. I mean, why go through all of this to only undo everything? I have spent my life eating exactly what I wanted and more than I ever should've thus my obesity! I never really thought I had that big of a problem but obviously I was out of control....I needed to take such a drastic step to control my weight. I thought getting the surgery would be such an easy fix but it has really made me re-think everything and forced me to deal with my disease of obesity.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Day Three....Feb 14th, 2009
Ok....I am now convinced I have had the surgery. I turned down a mini chocolate cupcake with butter cream frosting...didn't even want it! Believe me, that is the FIRST time EVER that that has happened! Proof Positive!
This morning, I tried a scrambled egg with some cheese and half a piece of toast. Could not believe that I was satisfied with such a small amount of food but I was. A typical weekend breakfast, prior to surgery, was a 2 egg loaded omelette, 2 pieces of toast, 4 pieces of bacon and a glass of OJ. It seems like this is about 2 days worth of food for me now! I didn't eat anything else until dinner because I was not hungry!
I have a social engagement tomorrow which requires me supplying food for 8 people. My brother in law bought a new house so some members of my family are heading out to help him and check out his new digs. I have decided to make "walking tacos". So tonight I prepared all the meat and put all the toppings into containers. Well...I went ahead and made one for myself for dinner and I couldn't believe that one was actually too much for me. I was stuffed! PTS (prior to surgery), I could have eaten 3 or 4 (5?) with out hesitation! The stuffed feeling I felt after the taco was very uncomfortable. It took a while after I had finished for me to feel so stuffed and I have to admit I was nervous. What if I had eaten too much and popped something outta place???? I have heard of people starting to stretch the area too quickly and tearing the staples...hope that doesn't happen. I have to really watch what amount of food I take in and probably slow it down a bit. It really is becoming apparent that I have to make these changes for real!
This morning, I tried a scrambled egg with some cheese and half a piece of toast. Could not believe that I was satisfied with such a small amount of food but I was. A typical weekend breakfast, prior to surgery, was a 2 egg loaded omelette, 2 pieces of toast, 4 pieces of bacon and a glass of OJ. It seems like this is about 2 days worth of food for me now! I didn't eat anything else until dinner because I was not hungry!
I have a social engagement tomorrow which requires me supplying food for 8 people. My brother in law bought a new house so some members of my family are heading out to help him and check out his new digs. I have decided to make "walking tacos". So tonight I prepared all the meat and put all the toppings into containers. Well...I went ahead and made one for myself for dinner and I couldn't believe that one was actually too much for me. I was stuffed! PTS (prior to surgery), I could have eaten 3 or 4 (5?) with out hesitation! The stuffed feeling I felt after the taco was very uncomfortable. It took a while after I had finished for me to feel so stuffed and I have to admit I was nervous. What if I had eaten too much and popped something outta place???? I have heard of people starting to stretch the area too quickly and tearing the staples...hope that doesn't happen. I have to really watch what amount of food I take in and probably slow it down a bit. It really is becoming apparent that I have to make these changes for real!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Day Two...Feb 13th 2009
Today I feel almost sure I have had the procedure but still not quit convinced. Wasn't really hungry today and ate (drank, really) very little. I was excited to step on the scale this morning and see if I had lost any weight but my excitement soon turned to disappointment...I was exactly the same weight 5 days ago! What is going on??? I haven't chewed food in nearly a week! How many calories are in broth anyways? My sister tells me to be patient because I just had surgery and my body is adjusting to the change. Hmmmmm?
So far, I am handling the adjustment to food, or lack there of it, very well. 2 days prior to the surgery, I was obsessing about food I wish I had eaten the week or so before I began the liquid diet....greek pizza, chicago dogs, chinese take out...whatever, but that seems to have subsided. Now I just can't wait until I can eat some cottage cheese or yogurt, anything thicker than broth :)
So far, I am handling the adjustment to food, or lack there of it, very well. 2 days prior to the surgery, I was obsessing about food I wish I had eaten the week or so before I began the liquid diet....greek pizza, chicago dogs, chinese take out...whatever, but that seems to have subsided. Now I just can't wait until I can eat some cottage cheese or yogurt, anything thicker than broth :)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Day One
Today I may or may not have had the Toga procedure...I am #5 or #6 in a double blind study and have not yet figured out if I received the device or not. I started the liquid diet 2 days prior to my scheduled surgery date, Feb 11th, 2009. The first day of the liquid diet was absolute HELL....I scoured the Internet looking for anything that I could chew that still was considered a clear liquid. There is nothing! The following day was much easier. (hint: strain soups...has more flavor than plain broth).
Day of surgery...arrived at 5:30 am (yikes) and was ushered into prep. The staff was efficient and friendly. All very curious about this promising new procedure. I entered the surgical room and don't remember anything until I woke up in another room with a very sore throat! I begged for water but was only given a small pink sponge soaked in water...arghhhh! I fell in and out of sleep for about 2 hours and was finally transported to my room. As the anesthesia wore off, I became very excited! Did I have it??? I really felt nothing except a sore, very sore throat!
As the staff came in to check on me, I was relentless in my pursuit to find out if any of them know if I did indeed have it done. NO ONE WOULD EVEN GIVE ME A CLUE (c'mon, blink once for "yes")...they said it was double blinded and that the only people who knew were the people performing the surgery. OK, I can deal with this. I will find out eventually, right?
I was released around 12:00 today and felt great until around 8:00 or so. My muscles in my abdomen felt like I had done 100 crunches, my neck was stiff, my throat was kind of burning and I felt very chilled. Was this a good sign? Maybe I did have the procedure. I thought I would find out for myself so I made some oatmeal (runny...and not yet allowed) I ate it and didn't feel much (shit...I didn't get the procedure). Now this oatmeal is the first thing I have actually had that wasn't a true clear liquid in 4 days...I wanted to know if it would make me feel full because it seemed that the broths and juices just go right through me and I feel empty, not hungry, just empty. I also drank a liter of water over the course of 10 hours and I did begin to feel very full
(hmmm...maybe I did get the procedure?). I am going to go to bed now and start tomorrow following the strict guidelines of the diet plan and see where that gets me. I plan on posting my daily experiences to share with others in the study and I would welcome the sharing of info, tips and thoughts on this process.
Day of surgery...arrived at 5:30 am (yikes) and was ushered into prep. The staff was efficient and friendly. All very curious about this promising new procedure. I entered the surgical room and don't remember anything until I woke up in another room with a very sore throat! I begged for water but was only given a small pink sponge soaked in water...arghhhh! I fell in and out of sleep for about 2 hours and was finally transported to my room. As the anesthesia wore off, I became very excited! Did I have it??? I really felt nothing except a sore, very sore throat!
As the staff came in to check on me, I was relentless in my pursuit to find out if any of them know if I did indeed have it done. NO ONE WOULD EVEN GIVE ME A CLUE (c'mon, blink once for "yes")...they said it was double blinded and that the only people who knew were the people performing the surgery. OK, I can deal with this. I will find out eventually, right?
I was released around 12:00 today and felt great until around 8:00 or so. My muscles in my abdomen felt like I had done 100 crunches, my neck was stiff, my throat was kind of burning and I felt very chilled. Was this a good sign? Maybe I did have the procedure. I thought I would find out for myself so I made some oatmeal (runny...and not yet allowed) I ate it and didn't feel much (shit...I didn't get the procedure). Now this oatmeal is the first thing I have actually had that wasn't a true clear liquid in 4 days...I wanted to know if it would make me feel full because it seemed that the broths and juices just go right through me and I feel empty, not hungry, just empty. I also drank a liter of water over the course of 10 hours and I did begin to feel very full
(hmmm...maybe I did get the procedure?). I am going to go to bed now and start tomorrow following the strict guidelines of the diet plan and see where that gets me. I plan on posting my daily experiences to share with others in the study and I would welcome the sharing of info, tips and thoughts on this process.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
