4 Months Post Op today. It seems like it's been so much longer but I can not believe how far I have come. I am down 85 pounds total today since the start of my journey.
I am down 48 inches total and my BMI has gone from 48 to 33. I am no longer morbidly obese, my sleep apnea is gone and I feel great. I am having a blood test this week so I will be anxious to see my sugars and cholesterol levels as I am sure they are markedly improved. It has been a difficult road to this point and I still have a way to go. I would like to lose another 30 pounds to so and see how I feel at that weight. I never thought it would come off this fast.
So in case I start feeling a bit too comfortable in my new (saggy) skin, I had a reality check last night. Nick started school yesterday and did great. I was a nervous wreck because when we went to orientation together on Tuesday he was not a happy camper. He cried a little and clung to me and kept saying he didnt want to go.
But we had a play date the next morning with one of the kids in his class and they really hit it off and I think that made all the difference. So when he went to school he saw a familiar face and was all excited to "help Ryan." We told him he had to show Ryan around because it was his first year. So I could not believe it, he was totally fine, didnt cry and had a ball. What a relief! I started bawling in the car which was very surprising. I was so relieved that he didnt cry but then i was like- oh he's such a big boy and he doesnt need me! Silly I know:)
Anyway to the point of the story....Nick decided he wanted "steak on a stick" for his first day of school celebration dinner so we went out to Bamboo- our favorite chinese/sushi place. I haven't been there for 6 months but I was feeling frisky so I decided I would try a few things. BAD CALL. I had 1 bite of the steak, 1 bite of a sparerib, and 1 bite of a crab rangoon...in about 20 mins time. First of all I have never tried steak or pork post op so that was just such a dumb thing to do. I know to only try 1 new food at a time, never mind the sugary sauce they dump on everything. I had to leave the restaurant while the guys finished up and I tried to walk it off in the parking lot. That did not help. Lew had to pull over on the way home and I tried to get sick but couldnt. I was in agony for 3 hours before I finally threw up the 3 bites around 9pm. I was wiped. What a stupid mistake.
So I am still a rooky and still trying to figure all this out. The good new is I woke up starving and tried some oatmeal and it was great. So I am feeling much better and I have a new breakfast item to eat since mornings are tough for me with not alot of choices. I am whipping up a new protein icecream as we speal- mint cookies and cream- so i hope its good. I have to work today so i'll prob swing by the soup factory- cant break that habit on work days.
Ok Nick wants the computer so I am being evicted. Hope everyone has a healthy weekend.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Baby Steps
Well I had a setback but overall I think the weekend was a success in the "try new things department." I went a little crazy at Whole Foods yesterday and tried too many things and it backfired. I think it may have been the sweet and sour tofu I sampled...things went seriously down hill after that. I love that place...I can make the rounds and have a few samples and I am stuffed! I save a fortune! haha!
Anyway I had a few bites of grilled salmon and this amazing olive tapenade with goat feta sprinkled on top. I was fine until I had a bite of that tofu. I knew it was going to be bad. I dont think its a good thing but I have figured out how to deal with this as it has become second nature. So I just force myself to get sick and get it over with rather than endure the torturous pain and agony of the 3 hour drama to get rid of it. I felt totally fine right after. So after that the day was a bit of a bust since I stuck to water. I was afraid to get sick before going into work to do my overnight shift. But today was great and I had some great proteins.
Here's what I tried this weekend:
-Fage peanutbutter dip- yummy yesterday- today it made me gag- tossed it.
-Olive tapenade with goat feta on a thin cracker- to die for- bought all 3 products at Whole Foods- being the sample sucker that I am.
-Salmon- too fishy for me- but at least I tried it- didnt think I liked it- now I know.
-Sweet and sour tofu- disgusting and pretty sure it made me hurl
-Frappacino protein shake- tried to take a sip but the smell made me queasy- couldnt do it. Still cant handle the shakes- totally surprises me.
-DRUMROLL PLEASE- Whole foods chicken salad on couple crackers. SO GOOD and NO PROBLEMS. I still cant believe it. I have been terrified to try chicken after hearing so many horror stories.
-Cheese and brushetta tortilla pizza- had 2 slices out of 8- so good! Lew loved it. This is our new pizza fix- no more take out and big greasy pizza with thick crust.
-Healthy Ones Kielbasa with roasted red peppers and garlic- great recipe from one of the girls at the support group- it was delicious and so high in protein. Lew loved it too.
So I think I made some serious progress and I am very happy I tried some new things.
Also I forced myself to drink plain water today and it was ok. I am so sick of propel and crystal lite and all that splenda and the calories are adding up. The plain water doesnt go down as well or as fast but I am going to keep trying. I have been on propel and crystal lite for 4 months- its breaking the bank!
Ok gotta get some shut eye- I never really slept before going in last night and then just took an hour nap this morning. I have a feeling I am going to be hurting tomorrow. Nick fell asleep on the couch at 6:30pm so its gonna be an early morning.
Must have been all the excitement from the new Chuck E Cheeses this morning and the Big Truck Day at the common this afternoon:)
Anyway I had a few bites of grilled salmon and this amazing olive tapenade with goat feta sprinkled on top. I was fine until I had a bite of that tofu. I knew it was going to be bad. I dont think its a good thing but I have figured out how to deal with this as it has become second nature. So I just force myself to get sick and get it over with rather than endure the torturous pain and agony of the 3 hour drama to get rid of it. I felt totally fine right after. So after that the day was a bit of a bust since I stuck to water. I was afraid to get sick before going into work to do my overnight shift. But today was great and I had some great proteins.
Here's what I tried this weekend:
-Fage peanutbutter dip- yummy yesterday- today it made me gag- tossed it.
-Olive tapenade with goat feta on a thin cracker- to die for- bought all 3 products at Whole Foods- being the sample sucker that I am.
-Salmon- too fishy for me- but at least I tried it- didnt think I liked it- now I know.
-Sweet and sour tofu- disgusting and pretty sure it made me hurl
-Frappacino protein shake- tried to take a sip but the smell made me queasy- couldnt do it. Still cant handle the shakes- totally surprises me.
-DRUMROLL PLEASE- Whole foods chicken salad on couple crackers. SO GOOD and NO PROBLEMS. I still cant believe it. I have been terrified to try chicken after hearing so many horror stories.
-Cheese and brushetta tortilla pizza- had 2 slices out of 8- so good! Lew loved it. This is our new pizza fix- no more take out and big greasy pizza with thick crust.
-Healthy Ones Kielbasa with roasted red peppers and garlic- great recipe from one of the girls at the support group- it was delicious and so high in protein. Lew loved it too.
So I think I made some serious progress and I am very happy I tried some new things.
Also I forced myself to drink plain water today and it was ok. I am so sick of propel and crystal lite and all that splenda and the calories are adding up. The plain water doesnt go down as well or as fast but I am going to keep trying. I have been on propel and crystal lite for 4 months- its breaking the bank!
Ok gotta get some shut eye- I never really slept before going in last night and then just took an hour nap this morning. I have a feeling I am going to be hurting tomorrow. Nick fell asleep on the couch at 6:30pm so its gonna be an early morning.
Must have been all the excitement from the new Chuck E Cheeses this morning and the Big Truck Day at the common this afternoon:)
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Protein Safari
So I am hitting it hard today. Trying to move past my fears and try some new stuff. I am in soup purgatory and I must break out. I love my soup but it has become my crutch and it is not protein rich. I have to get more protein in.
Thank god for my eggface and her recipes. This woman should be sainted. If you are trying to lose a few and or stick to a lower carb lower sugar diet- check her website out- she has amazing ideas for everyone- not just post ops.
The post op diet is really just a South Beach diet when it comes right down to it.
http://www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/
If you scroll down on the left you'll see quick links to her recipes.
So far today I made a yummy Fage yogurt peanutbutter dip and had it with a few slices apples and bananas. It was really good but so filling I didnt get in as much protein as I would have liked. I will try and finish the dip later today with some of my caramel mini rice cakes. Just made a batch of lemon meringue pie protein icecream so I have a few servings in the freezer for the weekend. Now the big challenge- to try some kind of meat main dish later today. I am terrified. I might do tuna over a salad or some turkey meatballs. If I chicken out I have some morningstar farms meatless chicken strips I could try. Right now I am feeling nervous because the apples are coming back to haunt me. I had about a quarter of a small apple and now i dont feel so good. RATS
Anyway where is this Hanna they promised? The sun is shining and I promised Nick we could do all his favorite rainy day activiies that he bugs me to do when its sunny and I dont want to be inside. The minute he got up he said ok mom today we get to go to Imajination, Chuck E Cheeses, Rainforest Cafe and Jordans! Now what I am supposed to say?!!!! When I come back for my second life I want to be a weather man because it's the only job I know of where you get paid to be wrong pretty much every day!
Ok we're off to the damn mall- maybe I can sneak off to Lands End where I am scoping out some cute fall stuff. Gotta get me this adorable orange and chocolate brown tote bag I have been eyeing. Hey I deserve it- I have to work tonite from 12:30-7:30am- I am getting paid double time so I said I would do it for special storm coverage. Hopefully there wont be a storm so I will just try and stay awake. Wish me luck.
Thank god for my eggface and her recipes. This woman should be sainted. If you are trying to lose a few and or stick to a lower carb lower sugar diet- check her website out- she has amazing ideas for everyone- not just post ops.
The post op diet is really just a South Beach diet when it comes right down to it.
http://www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/
If you scroll down on the left you'll see quick links to her recipes.
So far today I made a yummy Fage yogurt peanutbutter dip and had it with a few slices apples and bananas. It was really good but so filling I didnt get in as much protein as I would have liked. I will try and finish the dip later today with some of my caramel mini rice cakes. Just made a batch of lemon meringue pie protein icecream so I have a few servings in the freezer for the weekend. Now the big challenge- to try some kind of meat main dish later today. I am terrified. I might do tuna over a salad or some turkey meatballs. If I chicken out I have some morningstar farms meatless chicken strips I could try. Right now I am feeling nervous because the apples are coming back to haunt me. I had about a quarter of a small apple and now i dont feel so good. RATS
Anyway where is this Hanna they promised? The sun is shining and I promised Nick we could do all his favorite rainy day activiies that he bugs me to do when its sunny and I dont want to be inside. The minute he got up he said ok mom today we get to go to Imajination, Chuck E Cheeses, Rainforest Cafe and Jordans! Now what I am supposed to say?!!!! When I come back for my second life I want to be a weather man because it's the only job I know of where you get paid to be wrong pretty much every day!
Ok we're off to the damn mall- maybe I can sneak off to Lands End where I am scoping out some cute fall stuff. Gotta get me this adorable orange and chocolate brown tote bag I have been eyeing. Hey I deserve it- I have to work tonite from 12:30-7:30am- I am getting paid double time so I said I would do it for special storm coverage. Hopefully there wont be a storm so I will just try and stay awake. Wish me luck.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Lobster Wine and the White Mountains
Well I have been a very bad little blogger. I have recieved a few complaints about my lack of postings and I digress. I have returned to the work force on a more permanent basis, so that is definitely contributing to my blog slacking. I promise to try and step it up!
Things have been going really well...overall. I hit 80 pounds today- just shy of 4 months post op. I will have to check my measurements on my 4 month anniversary in a few weeks. The weight loss has slowed down quite a bit though, so I am trying not to worry about it too much. My addiction to Oh Yeah peanutbutter cup protein bars could have something to do with this- but I hope not. I only have 1 a day but I feel like I am cheating every time. They are better than a twix bar! Seriously- pick one up at your nearest GNC or Vitamin Shop- you wont regret it! Loaded with protein and very low sugar.
As I was trying to think of a headline for this post, 3 things came to mind. We'll start with the lobster. Had Dan and family over for a pool party bbq and lobsters last weekend. We had so much fun. It was a beautiful day and so relaxing. I was so excited to try lobster and it was soooooo good. I thought I was ok but about an hour later I started getting that feeling. It wasn't pretty. It was a rough 4 hours- until I finally got rid of the 4 small bites that I had. It still boggles my mind.
It was a rough weekend because the night before I had a piece of cooked broccoli and got really sick from that too. Come to find out- broccoli is very hard to digest and one of the things to stay away from post-op. Who knew? I wish I had.
So I was very frustrated going into last week. Back to my scaredy cat basics. Everytime I have a set back like this I just go to yogurt, soup and protein icecream until I get the courage to try something again. Luckily I was feeling good by the time we left for the White Mountains for Labor Day weekend.
What an amazing time we had...we stay at the Mt View Grand and it is our absolute favorite family place. Nick had the time of his life and so did we. They have so much for kids to do. Nick loved visiting the baby animals in the petting barn, swimming in the indoor and outdoor pools, playing at the playground, watching Cars and Madagascar in the hotel movie theatre, and having afternoon apps and drinks on the porch. Every night they had a big campfire and we toasted marshmallows and made smores. It was just great.
We went to Santa's Village and Nick loved it- he went on all the rides and loved the rollercoaster so much he wouldnt get off! We had to take turns going on it over and over again with him! My inlaws were troopers- -even they went on it! It was pretty fast I must say!
Lew and I went mountain biking and ended up doing an 8 mile ride with major hills- I was dying at the end but feeling great that I was able to accomplish it. I would not have even gotten on a bike 80 pound ago that's for sure.
Instead of getting a spa treatment I worked out with the personal trainer there and got some great tips for doing toning at home with a resistance band. I also did a few water aerobics classes in the outdoor pool early morning and it was a glorious way to start the day.
Ran into some friends from highschool up there, Scot and Trisha Poitras. That was kind of funny. It was great to see them, but unfortunately they told us to go to the Lancaster Fair and that was a big waste of time and money! What a dump that was- $50 for all of us to get in and it was red neck city let me tell you. I think we lasted 20 minutes....it was creepy carni city.
Anyway overall it was a very good food weekend. It was my first experience away so I definitely learned that I should have been more prepared for next time. But I also intentionally did not overdo it with my bars and snacks because I wanted to challenge myself to try some new things while I was up there. The first night was the best, I had a few bites of my mother in laws eggplant rollatini which was amazing. I have to make that. It was sans pasta so perfect for me. I also had a cup of carrot ginger soup that was to die for. I had 1 bite of a loaded potato skin but that was a bit heavy. The next night was a big tough, I was starving for dinner because we had a tough time getting Nick to bed so Lew and I finally went to eat around 9pm. I made the very bad choice to eat a few bites of bread while waiting for my soup and then I couldnt eat the soup because I wasn't feeling good from the bread.
I ended up feeling lousy that night and had the foamies bad but I didnt throw up so that was good.
The big news is I tried my first drink since April and it was fine! I am glad I got it out of my system though because it didnt really do much for me. So I dont think I am missing much but it's nice to know I can have a glass if I want to.
On the way home we stopped in Littleton to take Nick to Chutters- his favorite huge candy store. I was so happy my favorite jewelry store was open- it was closed last time after a car plowed into the front of it. They renovated and it is better than ever. So I treated myself to 2 necklaces and they are gorgeous. Check out Sterling Works on Main st if you are up there- you will love it!
So overall I am feeling great and starting to exercise more although it's been tough with my new work schedule. Nick starts school next week so 2 mornings a week I will be able to hit it hard. I am still nervous about eating too many things and I wish I could have more variety especially fruits and veggies but I haven't been too brave about trying. Now that I work M-W-F I cant afford to try anything crazy on those days because I cant get sick at work. Maybe this weekend I will try a salad with these morningstar farms fake chicken strips I bought. I might get crazy who knows!?
It was tough a few times this weekend seeing all the amazing food and I really wanted stuff- like the pasta dishes and this turkey cranberry stuffing wrap. The cheeseburgers looked good too. But i survived and had some good stuff too. I really liked the cheese crackers and fruit platter so that was nice and the soups were good too. Speaking of which I have to go home and eat my Thai Butternut soup from the NE Soup Factory. So that's it for now. Did I mention my 2 friends at work Leslie and Beth got me a $50 gift certif there and it was soooo nice of them. Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging, it really helps alot.
Ok I've had enough of the RNC for tonite- but of course I have to tune in for Sarah Palin's speech later- what a drama! I have dubbed Bristol and Levi the "first couple" and everyone at work it getting a kick out of it. Seriously- only in America does a moose hunting, moose eating, former tv sportscaster called the Barracuda become the VP nominee. What a story. I say good for her...McCain needs all the help he can get!
Things have been going really well...overall. I hit 80 pounds today- just shy of 4 months post op. I will have to check my measurements on my 4 month anniversary in a few weeks. The weight loss has slowed down quite a bit though, so I am trying not to worry about it too much. My addiction to Oh Yeah peanutbutter cup protein bars could have something to do with this- but I hope not. I only have 1 a day but I feel like I am cheating every time. They are better than a twix bar! Seriously- pick one up at your nearest GNC or Vitamin Shop- you wont regret it! Loaded with protein and very low sugar.
As I was trying to think of a headline for this post, 3 things came to mind. We'll start with the lobster. Had Dan and family over for a pool party bbq and lobsters last weekend. We had so much fun. It was a beautiful day and so relaxing. I was so excited to try lobster and it was soooooo good. I thought I was ok but about an hour later I started getting that feeling. It wasn't pretty. It was a rough 4 hours- until I finally got rid of the 4 small bites that I had. It still boggles my mind.
It was a rough weekend because the night before I had a piece of cooked broccoli and got really sick from that too. Come to find out- broccoli is very hard to digest and one of the things to stay away from post-op. Who knew? I wish I had.
So I was very frustrated going into last week. Back to my scaredy cat basics. Everytime I have a set back like this I just go to yogurt, soup and protein icecream until I get the courage to try something again. Luckily I was feeling good by the time we left for the White Mountains for Labor Day weekend.
What an amazing time we had...we stay at the Mt View Grand and it is our absolute favorite family place. Nick had the time of his life and so did we. They have so much for kids to do. Nick loved visiting the baby animals in the petting barn, swimming in the indoor and outdoor pools, playing at the playground, watching Cars and Madagascar in the hotel movie theatre, and having afternoon apps and drinks on the porch. Every night they had a big campfire and we toasted marshmallows and made smores. It was just great.
We went to Santa's Village and Nick loved it- he went on all the rides and loved the rollercoaster so much he wouldnt get off! We had to take turns going on it over and over again with him! My inlaws were troopers- -even they went on it! It was pretty fast I must say!
Lew and I went mountain biking and ended up doing an 8 mile ride with major hills- I was dying at the end but feeling great that I was able to accomplish it. I would not have even gotten on a bike 80 pound ago that's for sure.
Instead of getting a spa treatment I worked out with the personal trainer there and got some great tips for doing toning at home with a resistance band. I also did a few water aerobics classes in the outdoor pool early morning and it was a glorious way to start the day.
Ran into some friends from highschool up there, Scot and Trisha Poitras. That was kind of funny. It was great to see them, but unfortunately they told us to go to the Lancaster Fair and that was a big waste of time and money! What a dump that was- $50 for all of us to get in and it was red neck city let me tell you. I think we lasted 20 minutes....it was creepy carni city.
Anyway overall it was a very good food weekend. It was my first experience away so I definitely learned that I should have been more prepared for next time. But I also intentionally did not overdo it with my bars and snacks because I wanted to challenge myself to try some new things while I was up there. The first night was the best, I had a few bites of my mother in laws eggplant rollatini which was amazing. I have to make that. It was sans pasta so perfect for me. I also had a cup of carrot ginger soup that was to die for. I had 1 bite of a loaded potato skin but that was a bit heavy. The next night was a big tough, I was starving for dinner because we had a tough time getting Nick to bed so Lew and I finally went to eat around 9pm. I made the very bad choice to eat a few bites of bread while waiting for my soup and then I couldnt eat the soup because I wasn't feeling good from the bread.
I ended up feeling lousy that night and had the foamies bad but I didnt throw up so that was good.
The big news is I tried my first drink since April and it was fine! I am glad I got it out of my system though because it didnt really do much for me. So I dont think I am missing much but it's nice to know I can have a glass if I want to.
On the way home we stopped in Littleton to take Nick to Chutters- his favorite huge candy store. I was so happy my favorite jewelry store was open- it was closed last time after a car plowed into the front of it. They renovated and it is better than ever. So I treated myself to 2 necklaces and they are gorgeous. Check out Sterling Works on Main st if you are up there- you will love it!
So overall I am feeling great and starting to exercise more although it's been tough with my new work schedule. Nick starts school next week so 2 mornings a week I will be able to hit it hard. I am still nervous about eating too many things and I wish I could have more variety especially fruits and veggies but I haven't been too brave about trying. Now that I work M-W-F I cant afford to try anything crazy on those days because I cant get sick at work. Maybe this weekend I will try a salad with these morningstar farms fake chicken strips I bought. I might get crazy who knows!?
It was tough a few times this weekend seeing all the amazing food and I really wanted stuff- like the pasta dishes and this turkey cranberry stuffing wrap. The cheeseburgers looked good too. But i survived and had some good stuff too. I really liked the cheese crackers and fruit platter so that was nice and the soups were good too. Speaking of which I have to go home and eat my Thai Butternut soup from the NE Soup Factory. So that's it for now. Did I mention my 2 friends at work Leslie and Beth got me a $50 gift certif there and it was soooo nice of them. Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging, it really helps alot.
Ok I've had enough of the RNC for tonite- but of course I have to tune in for Sarah Palin's speech later- what a drama! I have dubbed Bristol and Levi the "first couple" and everyone at work it getting a kick out of it. Seriously- only in America does a moose hunting, moose eating, former tv sportscaster called the Barracuda become the VP nominee. What a story. I say good for her...McCain needs all the help he can get!
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