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
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