Shannon Crossland
10-25-06
Oct 25, 2006
Today was my step daughter's birthday. I think I over did myself today. I am very weak since becoming pregnant, and I busted my butt on my room. Had my husband move the bed out and I shampooed the carpet and then washed all the bedding for our bed. I did our office and then the rest of the little things I do. I washed a bunch of clothes too. With 5 people in the house, dirty clothes sure do pile up fast.
My husband still hasn't found a job since he lost his in August. Turns out I am going to have to go back to work now and after the baby is born. I am not happy about it because I am strong about not putting my infant in daycare...when they get older, sure, but not when they are babies. So I am really stressed about that. AND who in thier right mind is going to hire a pregnant girl?! I will have to conseal my tummy when applying and interviewing. I still have some oversized dress shirts that I can use, but not for too much longer.
I still haven't gained anything, holding at 166-168 depending on the day. I'm 17weeks along now (4 months and 1 week). I have my 1st OB appointment on the 6th. Why my 1st one?? Because of all the trouble with our insurance when he lost his job and then we had to wait until he had no income coming in before the state would help us. When that happened the earliest appointment the doctor's office had was November 6th. I was like WHAT?!! But the good thing about it is, I will be almost 5 months along and when I have a sonogram they should be able to tell the sex of the baby. I am rooting to be on the pink team this time around since I have a boy already. I have a step son and step daughter, so another girl would be 2 of each. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
My husband still hasn't found a job since he lost his in August. Turns out I am going to have to go back to work now and after the baby is born. I am not happy about it because I am strong about not putting my infant in daycare...when they get older, sure, but not when they are babies. So I am really stressed about that. AND who in thier right mind is going to hire a pregnant girl?! I will have to conseal my tummy when applying and interviewing. I still have some oversized dress shirts that I can use, but not for too much longer.
I still haven't gained anything, holding at 166-168 depending on the day. I'm 17weeks along now (4 months and 1 week). I have my 1st OB appointment on the 6th. Why my 1st one?? Because of all the trouble with our insurance when he lost his job and then we had to wait until he had no income coming in before the state would help us. When that happened the earliest appointment the doctor's office had was November 6th. I was like WHAT?!! But the good thing about it is, I will be almost 5 months along and when I have a sonogram they should be able to tell the sex of the baby. I am rooting to be on the pink team this time around since I have a boy already. I have a step son and step daughter, so another girl would be 2 of each. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
My updates before the new profile change.
Oct 25, 2006
Post Op....want to share my trip down the WLS lane.
I have been over weight since I was 8 years old (1991). The smallest I had ever been was 180 when I was 16 and in highschool. I was very busy, ate once a day, worked all the time to pay for my insurance, had a new boyfriend. My life then, well I was constantly moving. I got pregnant and gained about 15 pounds, and lost the baby at 4 months along. That was the worst thing to ever happen to me in my life. I got so depressed I dropped out of highschool and gained even more weight.
I eventually got pregnant again, had a wonderful baby boy, lost a lot of weight during my pregnancy and 20 pounds after giving birth. I decided to get a GED and then go to college. Got into college and was doing great.
Something happened later on and I got depressed again and gained the weight all back....and then some more, a lot more. The largest I ever was, 264. I decided I needed to do something, diets were not working. I ate well, worked out and saw little to no results. I talked to my doctor and he put me on a diet pill. I lost a grand total of 30 pounds, then gained 10 back, lost 5, gained 10, and I was fed up after 10 months of it. I went back and asked again about the WLS; he had told me the surgery was a last resort last time I asked about WLS. He said I meet all the requirments and with my family history (heart problems, diabetes, blood pressure, etc.) He gave me a referall to Dr. Floyd. This appointment was on 9/21/05.
I went with my grandma and my uncle. I looked around in the office and was worried I would be told no. In all honesty I thought I would, I was the smallest woman there (even though I think I was huge and still am!!). I waited 45 minutes, all these thoughts about being denied was running in my head and what people would think of me walking out of the officer crying...Dr. Floyd told me I was "an excellent candidate" for this surgery"!! I was so excited!
The insurance guy came in and said with my insurance we should have no problems getting approved. I asked how long, and he said 6-8 weeks for approval. He also said he could push them if I wanted in faster. Within 3 weeks of my consultation I was in the hospital on the day of my surgery.
On 10-14-05, I was getting ready for my surgery in my gown and all and got a phone call from my mom. She put my 3 year old son on the phone and I lost it when I heard his voice. I got scared right then and there. What if I die? Will he have any memories of me? I was so worried and so glad when I woke up alive.
When I woke up I couldn't breathe or to me at least. I was crying and the nurses were trying to put a H2O mask on me that I kept taking off, cause I felt as if it was making it harder for me to breathe.
The two days were fine, the car ride home was rough...and the following week. I am not 10 days post op and the pain is good, I can go all day without one..when I get in bed the staples rub the wrong way and I have to take one and usually one in the middle of the night.
10-24-05
I have had some rough times with taking in everything this past week. I have my mom and little brother (Age 9) staying with us. I have 3 kids (2 stepchildren) and my husband. I am battling with sweets in the house. I have kids and they get the sweets and chips in thier lunchbox and I think this is enough for them, but more and more turns up at my house. It's a little cookie, I'm not even hungry, but I want it so bad. And seeing pounds of them on my fridge does not help me. I go back to sleep.
I lost 14 pounds in 7 days. I am very pleased with that. I am still wondering if I had made the right choice. I am never hungry but am being forced to eat stuff over and over. It's no fun eating mashed potatoes, jello, blended chicken, and cream of wheat over and over and over and I still have 7 weeks to go. I think this part is what is killing me the most.
I am worried about losing my hair but no one in my house seems to be since they keep dowing the fat free milk I bought for my protien drinks. I drink water mostly and I count on the protien shakes, but they keep drinking it, I don't think they understand even in the slighest what is going on.
I think I had my first case of "dumping" last night. I am allowed to eat cheese from what this sheet of paper the nurses gave me at the dotor's office...but I think I ate too much or ate it too fast. I can not for the like of me make 2 oz of anything last 30 mins. 5 minutes between each bite is hard....I am worried it will get cold and I won't eat it and I am usually right. Anyways, I was having cold sweats, sick at my stomach, pain in the chest, crying...my husband was great, didn't lecture me too much, wiped my tears and got me a cold rag for my head, and layed in bed with me for awhile.
10-25-05
Today is my stepdaughter's birthday. Pizza and cake tonight, what a night that will be. I got a ton of sugar free candy today...this should help with my sweets cravings some. A sugar free life saver was godly in my mouth after a week and a half without sweets. I also got my staples out today. It stung on the ones I was complaing about, but nothing more then that. They put some little strips on the places where the staples used to be and said they should stay on about a week. My husband was with me and as the staples came out he said that he doesn't think any, but one maybe, will scar. I'm not too worried about it though. They put me on a medication called Reglan, to help me diguest food better. I have been having this feeling of my chest really tight even when I eat less then 2 oz of food. My husband thinks it is because I eat faster then I should. But seriously, I think he should try to make 2 oz of food last 30 minutes.
10-26-05
At the doctor's office yesterday they gave me a shot of B-12, said it would give me energy....I was nodding off in the car on the ride home, when I got home climbed into bed and fell alseep for 1 hour 45 mins. Woke up with the runs, a fever, and freezing cold. I am a hot natured person. I was worried it was because of the sugar free candy I had yesterday. But I changed my son's diaper and he had the runs (ewwe I know) too. Along with a fever and cold sweats. So I have the flu. I have some good news though. TA DA 16 pounds gone! =) It's coming off so fast I love it. Still worried about excess skin around my stomach, but we will cross that bridge when it comes. Thanks to all who left me all the nice comments. My husband went out and got me cold medicine last night and made sure it was all Sugar Free and got me some milk for my protien shakes. He's so sweet. I feel way better today right now, then I did last night. I couldn't move out of my bed last night. But cold's always seem worse at night. Anyways, that's today so far. =)
~Lunch time~ I can eat bananas! Before food was making this feeling of my chest streching and it kinda hurt, sorta like heartburn. I bought some bananas and have been doing well on them. Still having trouble with protien. Also I have so many bruises from the blood thinner shots I am required to get everyday. Oh man, they are everywhere and big and black. Luckly, I haven't cut myself shaving yet, I heard a lot will come out when you do. *Knock on wood.* Going to try to get some shakes in today. Liquid is easier for me right now then food. Better with the flu right now, haven't touched any sugar free candy.
10-27-05
18 pounds gone. I am feeling better after my flu fight. Still have some, but all was good when I got on the scale this morning. You can see the wieght missing in my pants. I am so excited. I hope I can get down 18 more before my one month mark. I'm not at 2 weeks yet, so there might be hope. That would be awesome. Got some protien shakes in today. Had some mac & cheese last night for dinner, might do it again for lunch. Was very tasty. I am sick of soup and jello and whatnot. Tried to find some protien bars at the store but was in a hurry and couldn't find any, plus with it being Halloween time, everything is moved around and not where it usually is. My doctor says I should be 130, I want to be 140-150ish. But we will see what happens. I am out of my little depression from the food cravings and they are getting better. Some people around me should be more sensative to what I am going through, but I am handling it. Just not nice to eat someone's favorite candy bar in front of them when they can't have it. =( Oh and sorry for all the incorrectly spelled words, I am a terrible speller. =D I have only 10 more days of the blood thinner shots to go, thank goodness. I don't like being all bruised when the shots and my husband hates giving them to me; I am too much of a sissy.
10-31-05
I had to go to Edmond today. Last night I was having a lot of pain when I ate and even drank. So my husband and I were worried and paged the doctor on call, Dr. Pierce. He told me he wanted me to call the office in the morning and be seen. So we drove up there and I told Dr. Floyd of the issues I was having. He scoped my stomach and said I had some inflamation and gave me some medicine. I also asked about me being so tired. They said it could last for months before I snap out of it, because my body is like starving. I got to eat tortillas today with cheese dip, was nice, I asked the doctor before eating them. Fun to have new food after the same old thing over and over. Well I am off to take my kids trick or treating. :)
11-4-05
Same weight loss. I weigh 237 with clothes on and after eating. I had a hard night. I ate a few bites of pizza and the pain was back. I shouldn't have touched the pizza. I threw the pizza, my dog thanked me, and cried till the pain went away. This morning I drank a protien shake, some Crystal Lite, and ate one bite of cornbread; I made chilimac for lunch for my husband (tasted the noodles to see if they were soft.) and was stuffed. I have not been working out. I need to get out and walk, but it is hard with a 3 yr old running around. It is getting colder outside too. Not bad yet, but it will be cold soon. I am feeling like I am stopping the wieght loss and wonder if it was the right thing to do and if I will lose more. I hear this is common around 3 weeks. But it still isn't fun. After losing 18 pounds in 1 1/2 weeks and nothing for another 1 1/2 weeks, it's like UUUUUUUGGGGH! Today I am 3 weeks out. I guess 18 pounds in 3 weeks is good, I might just be a slow loser. I don't want to be, but I might. I plan on watching what I eat more and getting out and walking with my buddy, Lucky, my 8 month old collie.
Lucky
He's a sweetie and doesn't pull me like his mother does when I take him on walks. He has been careful to watch me and my sotmach, with a jump here and there. I have been putting lotion with vitamin E on my scars in hopes to make them fade more. They aren't bad, but it would be nice to not see them. I plan on going on mostly liquids this weekend to see if it helps with the stomach pain.
I took my son to my PCP and told him about my advertures in the WLS lane and he told me every woman he has dealt with that has had this surgery has had the same problem with the inflamation of the stomach and some even violent vomiting...lucky me, I haven't vomited. I did sneak one small cookie. Lady said I can never have more then 12g of sugar in a sitting, these were 19g of sugar for the whole bag, so one couldn't be 12g, so I tried it and nothing was wrong. But I want to not use that as a crutch. I want to hear from the doctor's mouth what I can and can't have.
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Ok well I just vomited. I should have knocked on wood. I am still on Reglan, but I don't take it how often I should because they make me sleepy. Reglan is to help me diguest my food. I took two bite of canned chicken, the left over from what I ate this morning, and the pain came back. I was crying. Then all of a sudden I belched and threw up. More then what I ate, it looked to me. I called my husband, he said call the doctor, I called the doctor and got his nurse. I had to jog her memory of me from Monday, she did my IV for my scope. She remembered, said I might need to start over with the diet. Liquids for 24 hours to see if I get the pain and the if not then do it for the rest of the weekend, then Monday do puree foods for a week and then back to soft foods. That is going to suck the big one. But she also thinks I may not be chewing enough, and that I NEED to take my meds. My mom is coming over and staying this weekend, I hope in case I am too out of it to take care of the kids. My step kids' mom is coming down to get them tomorrow and keep them till Sunday. Please let this pain stop and please let me not have to go to the crappy diet all over again, but have to do what I have to do. My mom is worried about me. :) She's sweet.
11-9-05
Well I had to go to the ER and was there for 7 hours. The pain was horrible and I kept throwing up. So the doctor ordered a catscan on my stomach, which came out to be ok. I have been throwing up everyday now almost. Still can't really hold solids down, but pudding and jello is staying down and 4 oz of that. 2 oz of regular food and I have problems. I think I am eating too fast and then when I throw up it was one bite too many. But on a side note, 21 pounds GONE! I was so happy to meet the 20 pound spot. I am hoping for 30 by my four weeks post op, but I would be happy with 25. :) I have two collies and the city is taking my fence down to work on the sewers. Making me stress out. I don't know what I am going to do with 2 big dogs needing to go pee and having to walk them all the time. One is good on a leash but the other is awful. Guess I will have to tough it out. I am on 3 meds now, that all cause me to sleep. So I am alseep most of the day. If I don't take these meds then I end up in pain like last week. My mom has been coming over after work to watch my littlest one and pick the kids up from school, so I can sleep. I don't have a choice to not sleep while on these meds. And then when my husband gets home, I take a new dose and am alseep till morning. :( I was talking to someone and they had the same problem I did, and it last 3 months for them. I hope thats not the case with me. Chicken has been hard to eat. Which makes me a sad panda, because chicken is my favorite meat. I was able to keep some chicken nuggets down yesterday, but only had two. Thats all for now. :)
11-22-05
I wasn't able to log in for the longest time to update. I had to have them reset my password. =( So I have lost 27 pounds but have been feeling so bad I don't know if it is worth it. I am sick all the time. I throw up all the time. Just the thought of food makes me want to hurl. But yesterday was the begining of a new week and I got sick in the morning, but the rest of the day was pretty good for me. I didn't feel sick or throw up the rest of the day. I did however, get horrible stomach craps after I went to sleep. About every 2 hours I would wake up with them. Chewed some Pepto tablets, but they didn't help much. When I woke up this morning I was better. I think it may have been the juice I was drinking. I am so so so so tired of the diet we have to be on till 8 weeks post op. Oh my gosh it's awful. I don't want anymore soup, mashed potatoes, pudding, jello, or anything like that!! I want just a freaking sandwich....just a sandwich....but no. =( Thanksgiving in 2 days....not looking forord to that. I guess I can have a nibble of everything I will want, but it still won't be the same. Maybe next year will be better. It's going to be hard to deal with it this year. I have been trying chicken more and more, and haven't had any problems like I did before. The city hasn't taken down my fence, so I don't have any stress there. I have stress with trying to sell my litter of collie puppies. I thought they would sell like crazy with it being before the holidays. I am putting another ad in a different paper today, I hope, and we will see how that works out.
12-07-05
I have lost 33 pounds. I think I am dehydrated this morning. =( I still have problems with some foods. And I am still getting used to such small portions. I spend most of the time in the bathroom because I can't seem to get it under control. I know I shouldn't be eating another bite, but I do anyways. Got to get this head hunger under control. I bet it will be easier as time goes on. From a 18W pants to 18, and they are getting lose. =) People tell me it looks as if I have lost 50 pounds. Even people who don't see my in real life and only see me on my webcam from time to time (Coff <3) say it looks like I have lost some in my face. I'll be posting some before pictures of me 2 weeks after the surgery. My mother in law says I will be able to see the difference once she takes some more pictures of me. I had like 4 chips yesterday and got so so sick. There was barely anything to throw up. Chicken is still kinda iffy with me, I am doing better with beef then chicken. I don't even really want chicken, which is weird because it WAS my favorite meat. Tomatoes are working well for me, which I am glad. Only thing is they want you to skin them at this phase or I would have some tomatoes and feta. =P Yummy. I am lacking in the protein area. Shakes me a gag, and I have tried to use Beneprotien, they say you can't taste it, but I SO can and it is SO gross. Tried to mix it in some yogurt yesterday and took two bites and I couldn't do anymore. I will try to update more often, just don't want to bring people down with me being sick. Want people to hear good news about the surgery.
12-8-05
Today was a good day! I had a sandwich, I will be 8 weeks out tomorrow, so thought it would be ok. 30 mins after eating it, I felt as if I was going to throw up, but it stayed down. I ordered a salad with it, but ate it a few hours later. It stayed down just fine. My transmission in my year old car is going out I was freaking out about how to pay for it. I have a litter of pups (Collies) and today was the last day for my ad in the paper and I sold two back to back, so someone is watching out for me. :) Tomorrow is weigh in. Been trying to drink as much water as possible. I had some Crystal Lite yesterday and it made hyper. I was bad this morning and had a KrispyKreme, but it stayed down, doesn't look like I have a problem with sugar, OH NOES!!!! =P
12-9-05
Last night my husband got into wa water fight with me. I threw an empty bottle at his head to be funny, he didn't think it was funny, filled up the water bottle and dumped it on. I only had one pair of jeans. And had people coming to look at the last collie pup, so I was like GRRR. Then I look in the closet and decided to be brave and try on a pair of jeans I haven't been able to wear in 3 years. I was looking at my husband while trying them on and said, "I don't know why I am even trying, they aren't gonna fit and I am gonna get mad and throw them." And as I was saying that the jeans slipped right on my 1st leg no problem, and then the next leg, and zipped and buttoned with no problems!!! They are Old Navy jeans!! That means I can shop in a normal store now!!!! And Old Navy runs really small, think mostly juniors sizes. So I was so happy at the end that he poured water all over me. And thanks to my sweet Coff for telling me to throw the bottle at him in the 1st place. =)
12-16-05
On the 14th I was 2 months post op. I am still having trouble keeping foods down, but I really think it has to do with my not measuring the food and taking that last bite, when I know I shouldn't. But the GREAT news is......38 pounds gone in TWO MONTHS! My tight Old Navy jeans, are getting looser. I am happy with the progress right now. I hate getting sick so much, but thats my fault and I know it. Still having major problems with protien intakes. =( I should be getting some new pictures soon to update. I go to my mother in laws, tomorrow, I will have her take some so I can post. I can't wait to see them compared to the ones above. I was SO tired of water and I love water, so I went out and bought all kinds of juice so I had something to drink besides water, when I was bored with it.....then I ended up drinking water for the rest of the night, lol. Nothing quinches my thirst like water. So I almost have all the X-mas shopping done. Next week I have to get the bigs kids in the family (brother in law, sister in law, mother in law, grandfather in law, father in law, SO ON) thier presents and a few more for my oldest and some for my brother, who is the same age as my oldest, 9.
I watched some movies with hubby last night, took a break from our addiction, World of Warcraft. You guys HAVE GOT to see The Skeleton Key. Was excellent. We also watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and for a Brad Pitt movie, was kinda boring...but who wants to complain when you have Brad Pitt to stare at for 2 hours??!! Also the Longest Yard with Adam Sandler....remake of an old one. Was good, funny, and then sad and then more funny. =D Check em out.
Thats all for now, thanks for reading!
12-23-05
I will be happy to get Christmas over with....so much money....so many presents to buy. I am still not done! I had a doctor's appointment yesterday, asked when I could have diet soda, when I could have wine, they said I could try both of them now and see how the stomach takes it. I also found out that the doctor's goal weight for me is 175. I have my goal set to 145....I'm not far from 175. Still at 219. Some weeks are good to me, so are icky when it comes to the scales. I tried fried food yesterday and paid for it. Was like I was throwing up the oil...was terrible. I am hoping to get a good amoutn back on our taxes and move into a house closer to my kids school. I don't even care if it is not a nice as the one we are in now. I want out of my current house. The landlords are terrible. Everything is broken and they never send anyone to fix it....dishwasher, masterbedroom light, plumbing, stove....so on. I am like why should I even have to pay my full amount of rent with all this stuff broken?! >.<
12-27-05
Yesterday was a GREAT day! I hopped on the scale and lost another pound, I seem to be on a standstill the past two weeks. I then decided to put my son on the scale and see how much he wieghed. I have lost a whole Jesse and then some! He weighs 36 and I have lost 39. Made me smile.
This is a picture of Jesse and I on Easter last year.
Thats all I really have to say right now. Haven't been throwing up as much, but still do when I over eat. I MUST measure my foods!
12-29-05
YES YES YES! 40 pounds gone!!! Yesterday I got on the scale, t said 217, then I ran and got my husband and got on, it said 218, I was mad....but today I checked like mad and it didn't go back up, stayed at 217, so I now have lost 40 pounds!!!!! 18 more pounds and I am under 200! I want to do that by the middle of Febuary. I will start working out soon...didn't get the ok from the doctor last time I was up there. Eating it getting better, still have mess ups here and there, when I eat more then I should, but all in all doing better with it. I bet it I would slow down even more then I might do better. I got gift cards for X-mas and haven't shopped for my smaller clothes. I am getting excited to do that. Need to go get me some JR size clothes...been years since I have been able to do that. =)
Happy New Year everyone. I have lost 44 pounds. I lost a lot this week. I think I was over eating before and now I am finally getting the hang of this new stomach. I mean getting better everyday! Last night I cooked New Years Dinner, which included Chicken Fried Steak, Creamed Spinach, Black Eye Pea Cassrole, Mashed Potatoes, and Strawberry and Blueberry Shortcakes. I didn't even fix me a plate. I made my husband's, dad's, the kids' and I took 2 spoonfuls of the cassrole and one bite of the steak and I was done. Later I was bad and made me a shortcake, but only ate half and I didn't get sick.
I have 38 pounds till I am at my surgeon's goal and 68 for my personal goal of 145. I am debating canceling my gym membership when it comes up in March. I don't ever go and have had it for almost 2 years. I have a treadmil at home and I have a happy collie who loves to go on walks. So I think that might be ok if I am not lazy and don't want to get on the treadmil at home, lol.
I was reading the message boards and some people are a little lost to what they should be eating after those 8 weeks of hell. So I am going to post a sample menu of what I eat.
Sunday 1-1-06
Breakfast: 3 oz fat free yogurt
Lunch: 3 bites of homemade pizza...candian bacon.
Dinner: Bite of chicken fried steak, 2 spoonfuls balck eyed pea cassrole
Snack: Carrot stick with ranch dip.
Monday 1-2-06
Breakfast: 2 bites low carb blueberry waffel, no syrup
Lunch: 2 bites beef from chinese food, 1/2 carb ragoon, 1 breaded chicken from sweet and sour chicken, no sauce
Snack: 1 slice of bread, 1 silce of ham and cheese loaf (4g protien per slice!) mustard, made a mini sandwich
Tonight for dinner I am making meatloaf and mac and chz and some veggies, I was craving it today, so I will eat some of that tonight, but like a tablespoon of each.
I got sick of throwing up all the time, and have been watching the portions more closely now. Last time I threw up was New Years Eve, I had some grapes for my dinner and had a few too many. Then later as a snack I had some tomatoes and feta and then some cheese nips...the cheese nips got all cloggy in me and had to come back up. But other then that night I haven't got sick. I have been proud of myself! I am 14 pounds away from being under 200 for the 1st time in 6 years, wow, yes 6 years. It will be a GREAT day when that happens. I am hoping by the end of this month. I am gonna work hard on it.
1-15-06
Yesterday was my 3 month post op mark. I gained 4 pounds from last update, but have lost 5. So I am down to 210. 11 more till I am in ONEderland. I had an excellent day yesterday, didn't realize it was my 3 month date till later. I went shopping the other day and bought size 16 jeans, and shoved them in the closet. Thinking..."I can't wear these now, but maybe in a month." I was feeling sassy yesterday and decided to be brave. I pulled on the new size 16 jeans with no problem, had no problem zipping and had no stomach hanging over the waist!! I was so happy. The other night I tried on my high school jeans (my juniors!!) and I got them zipped and button, but couldn't breathe and had stomach over the jeans everywhere. I bet about 20-25 more pounds and I will get into them. I can eat STEAK. I can't eat chicken, but STEAK stays down fine, what is that all about?? I threw up everything I ate yesterday. I guess I was being bad and overeating...sigh, still hard sometimes.
Anyways, doctor's apointment next week. I'll let yall know what he says!! =D
1-18-06
There is a side picture of me at 3 months, -49 pounds AND 2 pant sizes. I had some taken by my husband, but he doesn't know how to work a camera and they came out black. >.< So I have another roll to take and then should have some more. My mother in law has taken some for me, but never sent them to me and now they are out of date. =P I have my 3 month check up tomorrow. Will let you know how it goes.
1-27-05
MILESTONE MARK! 50 pounds GONE! I am half way to the century club!! Here are some 3 month pictures to look at VS my before pictures.
2-7-06
STAND STILL STAND STILL STAND STILL! Oh my GOSH! So I have been bouncing around 3 pounds for a few weeks now. I haven't gained more then 3 pounds back, but the fall off and then come back. It's very nerve wrecking. I'm gonna go crazy. I have not started working out, but I have been very sick, my whole house has the flu/stomach bug. So I have been jacking and don't think working out with my lungs full of ickiness with help me any. I would be coughing even more. So once I can get over this flu, which I have had for over a week, then I will be on my treadmill at least 5 days a week. Best time for me in mid morning before I pick up my husband from work for lunch.
I have a gym membership that I don't use, it's up for cancelation next month, was thinking about canceling it, but was thinking about making myself go to the gym after I dropped husband off at work after lunch. I used to do that and lost 30 pounds in 3 months, with a healthy diet. But the extra cash in our bank account would be nice too. I haven't decided yet. I guess we will see once I get over this flu.
It is fixing to be "that time of month" so I think that is another reason why the weight loss has stalled. It seems like the week before and week of, that I don't lose any and sometimes gain.
Last doctor's appointment, they told me to graze all day long. But I don't think this is a good idea for me. I have the last few weeks and have not seen any wieght loss, but a pound here or there. Maybe I am hitting my 1st real stall. I don't know.
I am still having a problem with getting all the fluids in everyday. Very hard for me. =( I am eating more then 4 oz at each sitting, but I would guess no more then 6-8. I know 8 is way too much and it has to come back up. I try to take a bite here and then an hour take another bite or two of something. I had these little frozen hamburgers, they are 2 oz each, and I ate half for lunch and that was it. Well, I was in the process of making me a lean pasta microwavable thing, but since I took 2 bites of the mini burger, I took one bite of the pasta and put it in the fridge.
I just want so badly to be under 200. To be in the 100's again! And it is so hard to get past the 6 pounds I need to get there! I'll let you know soon how it is going. =(
2-14-06
4 Months Post op today. 202 -55 pounds, and down another size. Now in size 14. :)
Had some issues the past week. Had some toruble holding stuff down, but then again, I ate some cake, and ate a few too many bites, and so on. Time to get back on track and back to the gym....or START the gym, haha.
The flu has left my house for the most part. So I am hoping to get into the gym and get going.
3-8-06
I am still stuck at 200. I have been watching what I eat more carefully. Increasing my protein and water intake, as well as working out ALMOST every day.
At my 3 month check-up they told me I would hit a stall and it would stay at the same weight for a little and then pick back up. I have been stalled for a month now and it is driving me nuts. I want to lose that ONE pound but can't seem to get it off to get back into the hundreds.
Good news is, I am back in my old clothes from high school, have about 15 pounds to go before everything fits again, but I am feeling good. The only meats I can eat are beef (steak) and lunchmeat, and some tuna. That's a hard thing with trying to get 80 grams of protein in every day.
I will update soon, and ESP when I lose that one pound!!
3-12-06
ONEderland!!! As of yesterday I am 199!! I increased my protein intake, started working out last week, and tried to get in as much water as I could stand....granted this morning I was 200, but I just got out of the shower and my hair was wet and all. :D So it doesn't count right?
So to celebrate I am going shopping. I saw an outfit I wanted to recreate in a magazine. Some leapord ballet shoes, cuffed jeans, and a black top. It was a long sleeve shirt, but I am thinking about a black tank top and some cuffed capris. I have a website that sells the shoes I want, but I am going to check out PayLess before I go there, because I want to wear the outfit today!
I am halfway though my protein shake, I made a double dose. I haven't had anything to eat, trying to finish this drink...they are so terrible.
Everything is getting better, I am enjoying going to the gym because it makes me feel better. Makes me feel like I am doing the right thing. And my gym is so cool, they have tv attached to every machine, so you plug in headphones and watch your fav tv show and it's not like working out, because I am watching Rachel Ray's 30 minute meals!! It's so cool and my son loves to go to the day care there. So he keeps me going, asking me where the gym is. :D So it's been a good weekend.
I just got these pictures back today. They are from about 2 weeks ago. Look at the difference from my before and my after pictures!!!
I was down to 198 the other day. My scale broke, which may be a good thing. I kept getting on it so much that I was going mad. This week I haven't been getting too much protein in foods, but have been drinking those shakes down! Either a double dose or 2 a day. I went shopping and bought some of the best vine ripened tomatoes and have not been able to stop eating them. SO for the past few days that is what my meals have looked like. =D
I would also like to say "COFF IS THE MAN! <3 you buddy!!!"
I haven't worked out this week because it has been Spring Break and my husband has been taking the car so we all don't have to wake up so early and take him to work, but next week is back to the gym and tanning bed! (no burning this time PLZ!)
3-22-06
I went to the doctor today for my back pain. My scale has been broken since last weekend. So I had no idea how much, if any, wieght I have lost. I am down 3 more pounds. 195 baby! That makes excalty 50 more to go. Looks like drinking those shakes and trying to eat 6 times a day AND drinking that water really worked. They tell you these things for a reason, huh? =P
I have been having a lot of pain with my back and neck, guess it is from a car wreck I was in when I was 13, that I was never checked out for. Doctor says I am not too young for arthritis (spelling?) either. Would be TERRIBLE to have that at 22! TWENTY TWO YEARS OLD and I may have arthritis. Sucks. Anyways, he is wanting several X-rays of my back, which I should be doing now, and then he said they will go from there. I'm not getting them done until after lunch because I took my son with me to the appointment and it was hell!! So my husband is taking the rest of the day off after lunch and I will go then.
Yesterday I did eat 6 times, but didn't drink a shake or get nearly enough water in. My goal for today is to get my water in and I will force myself to drink a shake before bed. It's either get all meals in or get all drinks in a day for me. I can never do both.
Back to the gym when I stop having so many appointments and pain, AND when my brother goes back to school. He is out because he had his tonsils out. Anyways, there's my update!
3-28-06
Down 3 more pounds since last week. I hope it keeps this pace up. I got a new scale, this one is better then my older one. My brother is going back to school, so that means I am going back to the gym. I just ate too much. >.< Anyways, not too much more I can say. Still trying to get all my water and protein in, which I will need to force myself to drink a shake later tonight after I have given my stomach a rest after the beating I gave it with all that food. =(
3-29-06
Found something awesome while shopping yesterday:
Blue Bunny Yogurt Smoothie (10 oz):
140 Calories
Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 3.5g, 0 Trans Fat)
Carbs 5g
Sugar 5g
Protein 13g
Comes in Blackberry Cream and Strawberry. I have the Strawberry, but the Blackberry Cream is getting rave reviews on the messageboards.
I am also going to tell yall about my protein shakes. I haven't shopped around, but I am lactose intolerent and hate the thought of milk, BUT I use Carb Countdown Fat Free Milk with Designer Whey Chocolate Protein mix. There is 8g of protein in the milk, 25g in the powder. I do 2 servings of the podwer (50g of protein) and 8 oz of milk for 58g of protein in one drink! It takes me awhile to drink it, but I almost meet the requirements for protein for the whole day with that one shake. If you are like me and love fruits and veggies and/or have trouble with meats, even at 5 months I still do, then this is good news. That leaves me the rest of the day to finish off those last few protein grams and then I can eat my salads and frozen veggies and not feel bad about not getting in my protein.
As you all know I had a stall from month 3 to month 4. Where I didn't lose ANYTHING, was very annoying. I then upped my protein (thats when I started these shakes) and started working out (very little I might add) and by that very weekend I had broke the stall. Since then I have lost 3 pounds every week. The past 3 weeks I have not been able to workout because my little brother had surgery (tonsils) and he was staying with me, so I couldn't leave him for the gym. BUT he's back in school and I have a new goal:
I am 5 pounds away from losing 70 pounds, 3 pounds form being in the 180's. I am sure I will have no problem with the 3 pounds as long as this weight loss pace keeps up, BUT I am making a goal of dropping those last 5 pounds by the 14th, which will be my 6 month anniversary of surgery. I am hitting the gym 5 days a week for at least 30 mins until I get to the 14th. With the exception of some days, because I have some appointments this week and not sure about next week. So there is my new goal! =D
All the items I listed today can be found at Wal Mart, I basically live in that store. =( LOL! I will update as I find some cool products.
OH! Special K has a cereal for low carb/high protein dieters. It's not bad, but not my favorite thing. =) I was going to eat some this morning, but opted for the Blue Bunny Smoothie instead. I'll post stats on the cereal later.
4-2-06
I am still at 192. I have told myself I will not get on that scale till Friday, which is the day I had surgery. Gonna be tough, I am used to weighing everyday. But I think I can do it, better to weigh and be surprised, then weigh and sigh when you haven't lost anything. Didn't drink any shakes this weekend, I was a bad girl. I didn't eat much of anything today either. I was sick. I had breakfast and it came back on me, so I didn't feel like eating much the rest of the day. Had an artichoke and boy did it make me sick, and I didn't touch anything else after that. Then got horrible stomach aches for about an hour. Hitting the gym tomorrow...been doing good about that, not as much as I said I would, but good enough if you ask me. =)
I recently stopped an addiction, I stopped playing this online game, World of Warcraft and I have done SO much more around the house since! I never really noticed how much time it was taking away from other things. I was playing it for well over a year. I don't know if I am done DONE, but I am taking a well needed break from it. I am concentrating on my weight loss and eating right and all that jazz. I have a goal to make! 7 pounds in 2 weeks. I will post some 6 month pictures when that day comes. I missed my 5 month pictures. I don't really see much of a difference, but people who see me less often keeping telling me "I am getting there." and "I can really see a difference." So I guess I am coming along. I wish it would come faster. =( But who doesn't right?
As if we didn't need a new addition to our house with 4 dogs and 3 kids, I brought home a kitten today for my husband. I don't know what I am thinking. But he said he wanted a cat, and I wanted to surprise him. We had one a few years ago, we ended up having to get rid of because I was allergic and this was before our excellent insurance plan...I am thinking if the cat gives me problems this time around, I can pay a visit to the doctor and get some medicine. Her name is Cassie. It's Rob's cat, so I told him to name her. She is the cutest little thing! Been sleeping all day long. And the chihuahuas are eating her food! My male collie doesn't seem to care about her, in fact he ran from her when she meowed at him! My female collie on the other hand, I am going to have to watch her. She looked hungry when she saw it! =(
Anyways, I will update on Friday to see if I dropped any! Wish me luck!
4-7-06
191 (66 pounds lost) Next Friday is my 6 month anniversary, I was wanting to be -70 pounds by then, but I don't know if I will make it. I lost one pound this week, but I have been sick. I was not drinking my shakes or eating as I should. I couldn't even hold down water. So, maybe the rest of this weekend and all of next week I can drop some more. I don't know if I will make it to 187, 4 pounds, but I can hope!!
Cassie is doing great. She is becoming acustom to her surroundings and is so CUTE! My female collie, Lacey is still being mean, wanting to bite it! She shows her teeth to the poor thing. I read online that a dog who is hateful towards cats, can be broken, it just takes time and a lot of work. SIGH, she better snap out of it. Cassie is as sweet as candy!
Well I'll update at 6 months and let you know how I did, I'll try and get a picture up asap after I get there. Getting a camera next week...I use those crappy disposable ones. =(
4-11-06
I DID IT! I hit that goal of 70 pounds lost and with 2 days to spare!! I will get some pictures taken this weekend and will post them as soon as I get them back.
YAY!
4-19-06
I forgot to ask my mother in law to take front and side pictures of me for my records, but will soon.
My husband and I are currently looking to buy a house. After 3 years of renting and paying on time, the home owners of our current house decide that they want to remodel and sell the house, giving us 30 days to find a new house, with 3 kids. I was more then a little upset.
We have 30 days to get approved for a VA loan and get moved into the new house and all that good stuff.
Thats all for now, still at the same weight...187. =(
5-19-06
75 pounds gone. We bought our first home. I am now 7 months out. I haven't been drinking my protien shakes, but plan to work on that soon.
Haven't updated because of all the moving, packing, unpacking, paperwork, working, and all that jazz. I started a little part time job to keep me busy. But it makes me get up at 5 am in the morning. =(
I have 7 pounds to lose until my doctor's goal and 37 for my personal goal. I'm almost there and can't wait to get there. I'm in a L shirt in womens (12/14) and size 14 bottoms. The 14's are a little tight, but nothing losing 5 pounds won't cure. 16's are too big on me....what a great feeling. That's all for now. :)
5-22-06
Updating some pictures, even though they are about 2 months old now. I will be taking some new ones this weekend for sure at my son's birthday.
I'm 7 months out now. I don't even know why I am bothering putting these pictures up. The ones with the white shirt were taken the same day as the pictures above in back in March with the same shirt on, but different bottoms. The black dress was taken the same day as well, I was cleaning out my closet and wanted to see if I could fit the dress. It was my favorite when I was in high school...it's a little snug in the picture, but it fit....but not like it did in high school. The shorts fall off of me and I mean that literally. I was wearing them yesterday and the phone rang...our house is so big I have to run to catch the phone and by the time I reached the phone, my shorts were around my ankles. =D
I will have some updated pictures to post soon, like I said it is my son's birthday this weekend, so by next week or the next I should have some new and recent ones on here. I am still stuck at 182 (75 pounds down). I have to be honest though, I have not been drinking my shakes, eating a lot of protien, or working out. I have been so busy with moving into our new house and trying to get our new life together on top of working. Getting up a 4:45am is killing my body. I am just not used to it at all. You wouldn't think getting up 2 hours extra a day would hurt you, but it is putting a toll on me for sure. Yesterday I came home from work, ate some lunchmeat and then laid down in bed and was out like a light! I slept all day off and on today as well....I think my body needs to catch up.
I also think it is one of those times my doctor told me about, where I won't lose pounds, but I will lose inches. Everyone says it looks like I have lost more, but I haven't lost pounds...BUT my clothes are getting bigger.
The reason I haven't been good with my drinks is...well it started with my son losing my shaker cup and then recently I have no been able to hold down any dairy besides cheese. Even yogurt, which has never given me an issue has been terrible to deal with. I am going to try in the morning to get a shake down.
My husband wants to lose 30 pounds and I said I would help him, so tonight we took the collies out for a walk around the neighborhood. He says he wants to do it every night and for me not to let him give it up. I think it's a great idea, would help him, me, and the collies LOVE being walked so they would get enjoyment out of us trying to get healthier.
I wish those pictures were better quality, but they were taken with a disposable camera. A new camera is on my wish list for my birthday.
I am going to have a HARD time this Saturday. I am getting my son a cake from the best bakery I have ever had sweets from. It is my favorite cake in the world. I had some cake this Saturday at my oldest son's birthday and it made me sick and I said I don't think I will eat any from Jesse's birthday, but I don't think I can pass it up. You guys just don't understand how good this cake is. The most I can hope for is to be very careful and take 2 bites at the most. =(
I was wondering why sugar bothers us. Is it something they bypassed in our system that makes it upset us? I mean why do we get sick if we eat sugar? I'm a sad panda.
6-4-06
I am down to 179 (78 pounds lost). I am only 4 pounds from my doctor's goal of 175 and 34 pounds from my personal goal of 145. Everything is coming together. I have been having a lot of skin irration lately. I am thinking it may have to do with my extra skin.
I have been so sick to my stomach for the past few days. I'm not hungry, but if I don't eat I get sick. I don't want to feel worse then what I do, so I eat something and then it comes back on me anyways. Started when I was at work, I ate some cereal and then about 3 hours later had half of an egg....then not even 3 minutes later I was in the bathroom. When I got home I had a small turkey sandwich...one piece of bread and meat. That stayed down fine. My husband had a hot pocket and I ate some of it and then it came back up. I was dry heaving for like 10 minutes. All day long, since I started at 5AM. I have been so queasy. I have had a little to eat. I had one bite of a blueberry muffin and 2 bites of toast...then I felt like I was going to throw up, so I stopped. Then a few hours later I had a banana and was able to keep that down. When I got home at lunch time I had a half of a turkey sandwich. I still feel qeasy. The thought and smell of food makes it worse too. I am sipping on water right now, but that is not making me feel too hot either. I think I may take a nap. LUCKLY I had some pills from early post op from my surgery. I had this problem and they gave me something to help with the nausea. So I had 2 pills left, I took one. Will call either my surgeon or PCP in the morning to see if I can get a refill. Probably my surgeon, because they haven't checked up on me, or I haven't had to go see them since my 3 month visit.
Still haven't been able to get down protien drinks esp with the nausea thing. I know once I do, the weight loss will pick back up. Although I am pretty darn happy with 78 pounds in 7 months. My goal is 80 pounds by 8 months, 90 by 9 months, 100 by 10 months, so on and so on. SO far I have been able to make that and I have about 10 days to lose 2 pounds. I think I will do it :) Took front and side pictures yesterday will post them sooner then I did the other ones this time. :)
6-11-06
I did it guys! I made the doctor's goal weight yesterday! 175, BUT as of this morning I am 174! A total of 83 pounds lost. I made my goal for 8 months of 80 pounds lost with 5 days to spare! I still want to lose another 29 bringing me to 145, but everyone arounds me tells me that is too much. But hey, I'm going for it.
I have been having a LOT of problems again. I haven't been able to hold much of anything down lately. (Getting better now.) But for the past month I have not been able to hold down milk or dairy and now I can hardly hold down any meats either. I have been living off of breakfast cereals and fruit.
I went to the doctor Tuesday. It's a two hours drive by the way. Anyways, they asked what was wrong, blah blah blah. They asked me when the last time I ate/drank was because he wanted to do a scope. I told them 9 am, this was at 11am. They said ok and proceeded to hook me up to the machine and an IV and all that jazz. Then they ask me again when the last time I ate/drank was and I told them again. Then they said they couldn't do it since I ate....THINK they could have got it through thier head when I told them the FIRST time BEFORE they jabbed me with a dang IV?!! So they tell me to come back Thursday. We wasted time, gas, and a day's worth of my hsuband's leave, which he is trying to save for his sister's visit in August from Germany. Oh and they did lab work on me for the FIRST time since I had the surgery, when I am almost 8 months post op.
So my grandma brings me back up Thursday. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink (I could have care less about the eating), but I was up at 4am and my scope wasn't until 3pm and I couldn't understand why I couldn't have water when it was so later in the day. I thought I was gonna die from not getting my coffee in that day! I was in and out with the scope and he said "nothing is wrong with me". I BEG TO DIFFER! Something IS wrong with me. I can honestly say that since my surgery I have never felt "good". And this past month has almost as bad as when I was in bed for the 2 months following surgery. So I still feel like crap, still having problems holding food down and the doctor is not helping me at all. I am getting some meds for nausea, but they knock me out, so I can't take them on days I work and I can't take them on days I am off, because I have my son with me on those days. I am also getting Reglan to help coat my stomach and digest my food. I was on this before. It helped, but not for long. I am so frustrated!!!
But I am loving the way I feel about myself. I haven't felt this good about ME in years and years. I am getting the confidence I never had before. I am getting complaments on the weight loss more and more and it makes me feel great. I see the difference, but I still see myself as a fat a$$ also. I stand in front of the mirror and sigh. I am happy to see 174 on the scale, way better then 260 something, which was my highest. And I am only 30 pounds from weighing the same as my "TINY" mother in law....so that makes me feel good, but I still FEEL huge and gross. I hope this ends soon. I think when I get a tummy tuck it will.
Anyways, there is my update. Coff I LUB you!!
6-27-06
Well, I gained 3 pounds, but I was being a BAD BAD girl. I was eating candy and carbs and hardly ANY protein. After gaining some pounds I decided I woudl start this week off and be a good girl. I don't think I will make my 9 month goal of 90 pounds, because that is in 3 weeks and I have messed up so bad that I don't think I can lose 3 pounds each week for the next week, BUT you never know. I started working hard Monday and have been doing good. I haven't been able to keep down protein shakes for 3 months now and was able to yesterday and today. My trick you ask? COFFEE! I mix chcolate whey protein mix in with my coffee and it works wonderfully!! I never have been a coffee drinker. I couldn't even stand the smell, but since I started working and have to be up at 5am, I NEED it, so I invested in a coffee maker for home and things seems to be going well this week so far. I'll weigh in on Friday.
I have been looking around for some recipes for protein bars and such. Here are some recipes that may help you: (I am sure using sugar free ingredient would be fine, such as Splenda and sugar free honey and brown sugar.)
Meal Replacement Bars
8 Scoops Whey (Vanilla is very good)
3 Cups Oats
1 Package Sugar Free Fat Free Pudding (Any flavor is good)
2 Cups Skim Milk
Mix until a sticky batter is formed (may take a few minutes)
use a large spoon to spread out the mix into the bottom of a Pam-sprayed glass or metal cooking tray (spread until even)
put in the fridge overnight and cut into 8 equal bars that yield:
3g fat
28g carbs
29g protein
257 calories
Protein Bars
* 3 1/2 cups quick oats
* 1 1/2 cups powdered non-fat milk
* 4 scoops low carb chocolate or vanilla protein powder
* 1 cup sugar-free maple syrup (Cozy Cottage, Cary's or Howard's)
* 2 egg whites, beaten
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1/4 c. natural applesauce
1. Preheat over to 325 and spray a baking sheet or 9x12 baking dish with non-stick spray. The 9x12 baking dish will yeild thicker bars.
2. Mix oats, powdered milk, and protein powder in bowl and blend well.
3. In separate bowl, combine eggwhites, orange juice, applesauce, and the sugar-free syrup and blend well.
4. Stir liquid mixture into dry ingredients until blended. The consistency will be thick and similar to cookie dough.
5. Spread batter onto pan and bake until edges are crisp and browned.
6. Cut into 10 bars and store in airtight container or freeze.
7. Nutritional Information Per Bar: Calories-157,Carbs-23g,Protein-15g,Fat-.5g,Fiber-4g
Granola Bars
8 ounces old-fashioned rolled oats, approximately 2 cups
1 1/2 ounces raw sunflower seeds, approximately 1/2 cup
3 ounces sliced almonds, approximately 1 cup
1 1/2 ounces wheat germ, approximately 1/2 cup
6 ounces honey, approximately 1/2 cup
1 3/4 ounces dark brown sugar, approximately 1/4 cup packed
1-ounce unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
6 1/2 ounces chopped dried fruit, any combination of apricots, cherries or blueberries
Butter a 9 by 9-inch glass baking dish and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread the oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, and wheat germ onto a half-sheet pan. Place in the oven and toast for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In the meantime, combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, extract and salt in a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.
Once the oat mixture is done, remove it from the oven and reduce the heat to 300 degrees F. Immediately add the oat mixture to the liquid mixture, add the dried fruit, and stir to combine. Turn mixture out into the prepared baking dish and press down, evenly distributing the mixture in the dish and place in the oven to bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Protein Bars
4 ounces soy protein powder, approximately 1 cup
2 1/4 ounces oat bran, approximately 1/2 cup
2 3/4 ounces whole-wheat flour, approximately 1/2 cup
3/4-ounce wheat germ, approximately 1/4 cup
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 ounces raisins, approximately 1/2 cup
2 1/2 ounces dried cherries, approximately 1/2 cup
3 ounces dried blueberries, approximately 1/2 cup
2 1/2 ounces dried apricots, approximately 1/2 cup
1 (12.3-ounce) package soft silken tofu
1/2 cup unfiltered apple juice
4 ounces dark brown sugar, approximately 1/2 cup packed
2 large whole eggs, beaten
2/3 cup natural peanut butter
Canola oil, for pan
Line the bottom of a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper and lightly coat with canola oil. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the protein powder, oat bran, wheat flour, wheat germ, and salt. Set aside.
Coarsely chop the raisins, dried cherries, blueberries and apricots and place in a small bowl and set aside.
In a third mixing bowl, whisk the tofu until smooth. Add the apple juice, brown sugar, eggs, and peanut butter, 1 at a time, and whisk to combine after each addition. Add this to the protein powder mixture and stir well to combine. Fold in the dried fruit. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 205 degrees F. Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting into squares. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Here is a recipe from our very own Dame Tooter. I haven't been able to try it yet, but it sounds great, esp since I have been crvaing cheesecake lately.
"Cherry Cheesecake Parfait Pie"
(By Dame Tooter Bariatric Bytes 2005, 2006)
Ever had the KFC Cherry Cheesecake Parfait? Don't want the added calories of it? You've GOT to try this! It's lite, refreshing, not TOO sweet, quick and simple....and I'm not missing cherry cheesecake now!
*1 - 20 ounce can Lucky Leaf No Sugar Added Cherry Pie Filling (65% fewer calories than traditional!)
*1/4 cup Milk (I used 2% Carb Countdown for the stats on this recipe)
*1/4 cup low fat Sour Cream
*1 - 1 ounce box Jell-O, Sugar-Free Cheesecake Flavored Pudding mix
*1 - 8 ounce tub of Cool Whip Original (The lite, sugar-free, etc. has more carbs)
*1 - FIFTY 50 Ready-To-Use, Sugar Free Graham Cracker Pie Crust.
2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
In a bowl combine the milk and sour cream until well mixed. Stir in the pie filling. Sprinkle the pudding mix over all and fold in until well incorporated. Don't worry about breaking the cherries. That's perfectly fine and the flavors meld better if they do break up. Next fold in the tub of Cool Whip. Make sure you scrape the sides and bottom, folding over and over until all colors blend into a pretty even pink color. Spoon evenly into pie crust. You can either reserve a cup of the mix for 'eating' plain or mound the pie high. Sprinkle the top with the chopped nuts. Chill for at least 1 hour. If you're really watching your calories, this is good (and pretty) spooned into dessert dishes,topped with nuts, chilled and served.
(Note: This pie can be frozen, but is best eaten semi-frozen and not completely defrosted.)
Per serving (1/8 recipe): 171 Calories; 24 Carbs; 1.7 Protein; 12 fat; 1 fiber; 6 grams sugar
Per serving (1/8 recipe) no crust: 70 Calories; 16.5 Carbs; .7 Protein; 7 fat;
Compared to KFC Cherry Cheesecake parfait:
300 Calories; 46 carbs; 3 proteins; 11 fats; 2 fiber; 37 grams of sugar
7-10-06
Friday will be 9 months for me. I wanted to have lost 90 pounds by then, but it looks like this will be my month not to make my monthly goal. I am 173 right now. Would be 6 pounds in 4 days. I doubt it will happen, unless I go on a liquid diet. I have started back up my protein, been drinking a shake almost every morning with my coffee. Been watching what I eat, with the exception of today. =) I'll update on Friday...I am bouncing between 171 and 173. =[
7-25-06
I am always late updating pictures. I am now 9 months post op and have lost more...85 down now and those 10 pounds show a difference.
Still the same weight. I bounce between 171 and 175. I haven't dropped past 171 though. I have an appointment tomorrow to see about the extra skin in my stomach area and my arms. I think a lot of my excess pounds is in extra skin. I am excited to see what he says tomorrow and if we can get the insurance to cover the operations. I get a lot of irrations under my arms and rashes. I have back problems still, even after losing 85 pounds and I think the extra skin I have around my stomach area isn't help to it. So everyone cross your fingers for me!! I am in size 12 now...I think. I bought a pair of CK dress pants size 12 and they are too big. But I can't fit into size 13 in JRs yet, which would be about a 10 in womens so I think I am in the middle of 10 and 12. I always said I would be happy with a 10, but seeing it is just around the corner, I think I may want to go smaller....but no matter what I am happy with what I have lost. I have never been this small in my whole life. My old friends don't even know who I am!!
I found a bunch of old Elementary-High School friends on myspace and over half of them didn't know who I was by my pictures. I went and visited with one the other day and she couldn't get over how small I was. That is SUCH a good feeling! Anyways, I let everyone know what the doctor says for my plastics!
7-26-06
Doctor says yes to plastics. He wants me to wait a few months, which I knew, I just wanted to get the ball rolling with everything. He wants to see me back in September...my appointment is the day after my birthday. =]
He says the insurance will cover *most* of it, but I will need to come up with $1,000-$1,500 at the time of the surgery. SO depending on how things go, it may have to be closer to January...but that will put me at 16 months post op and my weight loss should have slowed WAY down by then.
I have lost 10 pounds since my last visit. I told them I haven't lost anything in a month and a half and he winked at me and told me not to worry that I will continue to lose. We also touched base on how I was feeling since the last time he saw me I was really sick and couldn't keep anything down. Which I am happy to announce I feel better overall. I haven't been sick, unless I over eat, which is normal when you eat more then your pouch can hold. I mainly stick to fruits as far as eating. When I eat carbs and meats I run into problems, so I am happy it is summer time and we have a lot
I have been over weight since I was 8 years old (1991). The smallest I had ever been was 180 when I was 16 and in highschool. I was very busy, ate once a day, worked all the time to pay for my insurance, had a new boyfriend. My life then, well I was constantly moving. I got pregnant and gained about 15 pounds, and lost the baby at 4 months along. That was the worst thing to ever happen to me in my life. I got so depressed I dropped out of highschool and gained even more weight.
I eventually got pregnant again, had a wonderful baby boy, lost a lot of weight during my pregnancy and 20 pounds after giving birth. I decided to get a GED and then go to college. Got into college and was doing great.
Something happened later on and I got depressed again and gained the weight all back....and then some more, a lot more. The largest I ever was, 264. I decided I needed to do something, diets were not working. I ate well, worked out and saw little to no results. I talked to my doctor and he put me on a diet pill. I lost a grand total of 30 pounds, then gained 10 back, lost 5, gained 10, and I was fed up after 10 months of it. I went back and asked again about the WLS; he had told me the surgery was a last resort last time I asked about WLS. He said I meet all the requirments and with my family history (heart problems, diabetes, blood pressure, etc.) He gave me a referall to Dr. Floyd. This appointment was on 9/21/05.
I went with my grandma and my uncle. I looked around in the office and was worried I would be told no. In all honesty I thought I would, I was the smallest woman there (even though I think I was huge and still am!!). I waited 45 minutes, all these thoughts about being denied was running in my head and what people would think of me walking out of the officer crying...Dr. Floyd told me I was "an excellent candidate" for this surgery"!! I was so excited!
The insurance guy came in and said with my insurance we should have no problems getting approved. I asked how long, and he said 6-8 weeks for approval. He also said he could push them if I wanted in faster. Within 3 weeks of my consultation I was in the hospital on the day of my surgery.
On 10-14-05, I was getting ready for my surgery in my gown and all and got a phone call from my mom. She put my 3 year old son on the phone and I lost it when I heard his voice. I got scared right then and there. What if I die? Will he have any memories of me? I was so worried and so glad when I woke up alive.
When I woke up I couldn't breathe or to me at least. I was crying and the nurses were trying to put a H2O mask on me that I kept taking off, cause I felt as if it was making it harder for me to breathe.
The two days were fine, the car ride home was rough...and the following week. I am not 10 days post op and the pain is good, I can go all day without one..when I get in bed the staples rub the wrong way and I have to take one and usually one in the middle of the night.
10-24-05
I have had some rough times with taking in everything this past week. I have my mom and little brother (Age 9) staying with us. I have 3 kids (2 stepchildren) and my husband. I am battling with sweets in the house. I have kids and they get the sweets and chips in thier lunchbox and I think this is enough for them, but more and more turns up at my house. It's a little cookie, I'm not even hungry, but I want it so bad. And seeing pounds of them on my fridge does not help me. I go back to sleep.
I lost 14 pounds in 7 days. I am very pleased with that. I am still wondering if I had made the right choice. I am never hungry but am being forced to eat stuff over and over. It's no fun eating mashed potatoes, jello, blended chicken, and cream of wheat over and over and over and I still have 7 weeks to go. I think this part is what is killing me the most.
I am worried about losing my hair but no one in my house seems to be since they keep dowing the fat free milk I bought for my protien drinks. I drink water mostly and I count on the protien shakes, but they keep drinking it, I don't think they understand even in the slighest what is going on.
I think I had my first case of "dumping" last night. I am allowed to eat cheese from what this sheet of paper the nurses gave me at the dotor's office...but I think I ate too much or ate it too fast. I can not for the like of me make 2 oz of anything last 30 mins. 5 minutes between each bite is hard....I am worried it will get cold and I won't eat it and I am usually right. Anyways, I was having cold sweats, sick at my stomach, pain in the chest, crying...my husband was great, didn't lecture me too much, wiped my tears and got me a cold rag for my head, and layed in bed with me for awhile.
10-25-05
Today is my stepdaughter's birthday. Pizza and cake tonight, what a night that will be. I got a ton of sugar free candy today...this should help with my sweets cravings some. A sugar free life saver was godly in my mouth after a week and a half without sweets. I also got my staples out today. It stung on the ones I was complaing about, but nothing more then that. They put some little strips on the places where the staples used to be and said they should stay on about a week. My husband was with me and as the staples came out he said that he doesn't think any, but one maybe, will scar. I'm not too worried about it though. They put me on a medication called Reglan, to help me diguest food better. I have been having this feeling of my chest really tight even when I eat less then 2 oz of food. My husband thinks it is because I eat faster then I should. But seriously, I think he should try to make 2 oz of food last 30 minutes.
10-26-05
At the doctor's office yesterday they gave me a shot of B-12, said it would give me energy....I was nodding off in the car on the ride home, when I got home climbed into bed and fell alseep for 1 hour 45 mins. Woke up with the runs, a fever, and freezing cold. I am a hot natured person. I was worried it was because of the sugar free candy I had yesterday. But I changed my son's diaper and he had the runs (ewwe I know) too. Along with a fever and cold sweats. So I have the flu. I have some good news though. TA DA 16 pounds gone! =) It's coming off so fast I love it. Still worried about excess skin around my stomach, but we will cross that bridge when it comes. Thanks to all who left me all the nice comments. My husband went out and got me cold medicine last night and made sure it was all Sugar Free and got me some milk for my protien shakes. He's so sweet. I feel way better today right now, then I did last night. I couldn't move out of my bed last night. But cold's always seem worse at night. Anyways, that's today so far. =)
~Lunch time~ I can eat bananas! Before food was making this feeling of my chest streching and it kinda hurt, sorta like heartburn. I bought some bananas and have been doing well on them. Still having trouble with protien. Also I have so many bruises from the blood thinner shots I am required to get everyday. Oh man, they are everywhere and big and black. Luckly, I haven't cut myself shaving yet, I heard a lot will come out when you do. *Knock on wood.* Going to try to get some shakes in today. Liquid is easier for me right now then food. Better with the flu right now, haven't touched any sugar free candy.
10-27-05
18 pounds gone. I am feeling better after my flu fight. Still have some, but all was good when I got on the scale this morning. You can see the wieght missing in my pants. I am so excited. I hope I can get down 18 more before my one month mark. I'm not at 2 weeks yet, so there might be hope. That would be awesome. Got some protien shakes in today. Had some mac & cheese last night for dinner, might do it again for lunch. Was very tasty. I am sick of soup and jello and whatnot. Tried to find some protien bars at the store but was in a hurry and couldn't find any, plus with it being Halloween time, everything is moved around and not where it usually is. My doctor says I should be 130, I want to be 140-150ish. But we will see what happens. I am out of my little depression from the food cravings and they are getting better. Some people around me should be more sensative to what I am going through, but I am handling it. Just not nice to eat someone's favorite candy bar in front of them when they can't have it. =( Oh and sorry for all the incorrectly spelled words, I am a terrible speller. =D I have only 10 more days of the blood thinner shots to go, thank goodness. I don't like being all bruised when the shots and my husband hates giving them to me; I am too much of a sissy.
10-31-05
I had to go to Edmond today. Last night I was having a lot of pain when I ate and even drank. So my husband and I were worried and paged the doctor on call, Dr. Pierce. He told me he wanted me to call the office in the morning and be seen. So we drove up there and I told Dr. Floyd of the issues I was having. He scoped my stomach and said I had some inflamation and gave me some medicine. I also asked about me being so tired. They said it could last for months before I snap out of it, because my body is like starving. I got to eat tortillas today with cheese dip, was nice, I asked the doctor before eating them. Fun to have new food after the same old thing over and over. Well I am off to take my kids trick or treating. :)
11-4-05
Same weight loss. I weigh 237 with clothes on and after eating. I had a hard night. I ate a few bites of pizza and the pain was back. I shouldn't have touched the pizza. I threw the pizza, my dog thanked me, and cried till the pain went away. This morning I drank a protien shake, some Crystal Lite, and ate one bite of cornbread; I made chilimac for lunch for my husband (tasted the noodles to see if they were soft.) and was stuffed. I have not been working out. I need to get out and walk, but it is hard with a 3 yr old running around. It is getting colder outside too. Not bad yet, but it will be cold soon. I am feeling like I am stopping the wieght loss and wonder if it was the right thing to do and if I will lose more. I hear this is common around 3 weeks. But it still isn't fun. After losing 18 pounds in 1 1/2 weeks and nothing for another 1 1/2 weeks, it's like UUUUUUUGGGGH! Today I am 3 weeks out. I guess 18 pounds in 3 weeks is good, I might just be a slow loser. I don't want to be, but I might. I plan on watching what I eat more and getting out and walking with my buddy, Lucky, my 8 month old collie.
He's a sweetie and doesn't pull me like his mother does when I take him on walks. He has been careful to watch me and my sotmach, with a jump here and there. I have been putting lotion with vitamin E on my scars in hopes to make them fade more. They aren't bad, but it would be nice to not see them. I plan on going on mostly liquids this weekend to see if it helps with the stomach pain.
I took my son to my PCP and told him about my advertures in the WLS lane and he told me every woman he has dealt with that has had this surgery has had the same problem with the inflamation of the stomach and some even violent vomiting...lucky me, I haven't vomited. I did sneak one small cookie. Lady said I can never have more then 12g of sugar in a sitting, these were 19g of sugar for the whole bag, so one couldn't be 12g, so I tried it and nothing was wrong. But I want to not use that as a crutch. I want to hear from the doctor's mouth what I can and can't have.
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Ok well I just vomited. I should have knocked on wood. I am still on Reglan, but I don't take it how often I should because they make me sleepy. Reglan is to help me diguest my food. I took two bite of canned chicken, the left over from what I ate this morning, and the pain came back. I was crying. Then all of a sudden I belched and threw up. More then what I ate, it looked to me. I called my husband, he said call the doctor, I called the doctor and got his nurse. I had to jog her memory of me from Monday, she did my IV for my scope. She remembered, said I might need to start over with the diet. Liquids for 24 hours to see if I get the pain and the if not then do it for the rest of the weekend, then Monday do puree foods for a week and then back to soft foods. That is going to suck the big one. But she also thinks I may not be chewing enough, and that I NEED to take my meds. My mom is coming over and staying this weekend, I hope in case I am too out of it to take care of the kids. My step kids' mom is coming down to get them tomorrow and keep them till Sunday. Please let this pain stop and please let me not have to go to the crappy diet all over again, but have to do what I have to do. My mom is worried about me. :) She's sweet.
11-9-05
Well I had to go to the ER and was there for 7 hours. The pain was horrible and I kept throwing up. So the doctor ordered a catscan on my stomach, which came out to be ok. I have been throwing up everyday now almost. Still can't really hold solids down, but pudding and jello is staying down and 4 oz of that. 2 oz of regular food and I have problems. I think I am eating too fast and then when I throw up it was one bite too many. But on a side note, 21 pounds GONE! I was so happy to meet the 20 pound spot. I am hoping for 30 by my four weeks post op, but I would be happy with 25. :) I have two collies and the city is taking my fence down to work on the sewers. Making me stress out. I don't know what I am going to do with 2 big dogs needing to go pee and having to walk them all the time. One is good on a leash but the other is awful. Guess I will have to tough it out. I am on 3 meds now, that all cause me to sleep. So I am alseep most of the day. If I don't take these meds then I end up in pain like last week. My mom has been coming over after work to watch my littlest one and pick the kids up from school, so I can sleep. I don't have a choice to not sleep while on these meds. And then when my husband gets home, I take a new dose and am alseep till morning. :( I was talking to someone and they had the same problem I did, and it last 3 months for them. I hope thats not the case with me. Chicken has been hard to eat. Which makes me a sad panda, because chicken is my favorite meat. I was able to keep some chicken nuggets down yesterday, but only had two. Thats all for now. :)
11-22-05
I wasn't able to log in for the longest time to update. I had to have them reset my password. =( So I have lost 27 pounds but have been feeling so bad I don't know if it is worth it. I am sick all the time. I throw up all the time. Just the thought of food makes me want to hurl. But yesterday was the begining of a new week and I got sick in the morning, but the rest of the day was pretty good for me. I didn't feel sick or throw up the rest of the day. I did however, get horrible stomach craps after I went to sleep. About every 2 hours I would wake up with them. Chewed some Pepto tablets, but they didn't help much. When I woke up this morning I was better. I think it may have been the juice I was drinking. I am so so so so tired of the diet we have to be on till 8 weeks post op. Oh my gosh it's awful. I don't want anymore soup, mashed potatoes, pudding, jello, or anything like that!! I want just a freaking sandwich....just a sandwich....but no. =( Thanksgiving in 2 days....not looking forord to that. I guess I can have a nibble of everything I will want, but it still won't be the same. Maybe next year will be better. It's going to be hard to deal with it this year. I have been trying chicken more and more, and haven't had any problems like I did before. The city hasn't taken down my fence, so I don't have any stress there. I have stress with trying to sell my litter of collie puppies. I thought they would sell like crazy with it being before the holidays. I am putting another ad in a different paper today, I hope, and we will see how that works out.
12-07-05
I have lost 33 pounds. I think I am dehydrated this morning. =( I still have problems with some foods. And I am still getting used to such small portions. I spend most of the time in the bathroom because I can't seem to get it under control. I know I shouldn't be eating another bite, but I do anyways. Got to get this head hunger under control. I bet it will be easier as time goes on. From a 18W pants to 18, and they are getting lose. =) People tell me it looks as if I have lost 50 pounds. Even people who don't see my in real life and only see me on my webcam from time to time (Coff <3) say it looks like I have lost some in my face. I'll be posting some before pictures of me 2 weeks after the surgery. My mother in law says I will be able to see the difference once she takes some more pictures of me. I had like 4 chips yesterday and got so so sick. There was barely anything to throw up. Chicken is still kinda iffy with me, I am doing better with beef then chicken. I don't even really want chicken, which is weird because it WAS my favorite meat. Tomatoes are working well for me, which I am glad. Only thing is they want you to skin them at this phase or I would have some tomatoes and feta. =P Yummy. I am lacking in the protein area. Shakes me a gag, and I have tried to use Beneprotien, they say you can't taste it, but I SO can and it is SO gross. Tried to mix it in some yogurt yesterday and took two bites and I couldn't do anymore. I will try to update more often, just don't want to bring people down with me being sick. Want people to hear good news about the surgery.
12-8-05
Today was a good day! I had a sandwich, I will be 8 weeks out tomorrow, so thought it would be ok. 30 mins after eating it, I felt as if I was going to throw up, but it stayed down. I ordered a salad with it, but ate it a few hours later. It stayed down just fine. My transmission in my year old car is going out I was freaking out about how to pay for it. I have a litter of pups (Collies) and today was the last day for my ad in the paper and I sold two back to back, so someone is watching out for me. :) Tomorrow is weigh in. Been trying to drink as much water as possible. I had some Crystal Lite yesterday and it made hyper. I was bad this morning and had a KrispyKreme, but it stayed down, doesn't look like I have a problem with sugar, OH NOES!!!! =P
12-9-05
Last night my husband got into wa water fight with me. I threw an empty bottle at his head to be funny, he didn't think it was funny, filled up the water bottle and dumped it on. I only had one pair of jeans. And had people coming to look at the last collie pup, so I was like GRRR. Then I look in the closet and decided to be brave and try on a pair of jeans I haven't been able to wear in 3 years. I was looking at my husband while trying them on and said, "I don't know why I am even trying, they aren't gonna fit and I am gonna get mad and throw them." And as I was saying that the jeans slipped right on my 1st leg no problem, and then the next leg, and zipped and buttoned with no problems!!! They are Old Navy jeans!! That means I can shop in a normal store now!!!! And Old Navy runs really small, think mostly juniors sizes. So I was so happy at the end that he poured water all over me. And thanks to my sweet Coff for telling me to throw the bottle at him in the 1st place. =)
12-16-05
On the 14th I was 2 months post op. I am still having trouble keeping foods down, but I really think it has to do with my not measuring the food and taking that last bite, when I know I shouldn't. But the GREAT news is......38 pounds gone in TWO MONTHS! My tight Old Navy jeans, are getting looser. I am happy with the progress right now. I hate getting sick so much, but thats my fault and I know it. Still having major problems with protien intakes. =( I should be getting some new pictures soon to update. I go to my mother in laws, tomorrow, I will have her take some so I can post. I can't wait to see them compared to the ones above. I was SO tired of water and I love water, so I went out and bought all kinds of juice so I had something to drink besides water, when I was bored with it.....then I ended up drinking water for the rest of the night, lol. Nothing quinches my thirst like water. So I almost have all the X-mas shopping done. Next week I have to get the bigs kids in the family (brother in law, sister in law, mother in law, grandfather in law, father in law, SO ON) thier presents and a few more for my oldest and some for my brother, who is the same age as my oldest, 9.
I watched some movies with hubby last night, took a break from our addiction, World of Warcraft. You guys HAVE GOT to see The Skeleton Key. Was excellent. We also watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and for a Brad Pitt movie, was kinda boring...but who wants to complain when you have Brad Pitt to stare at for 2 hours??!! Also the Longest Yard with Adam Sandler....remake of an old one. Was good, funny, and then sad and then more funny. =D Check em out.
Thats all for now, thanks for reading!
12-23-05
I will be happy to get Christmas over with....so much money....so many presents to buy. I am still not done! I had a doctor's appointment yesterday, asked when I could have diet soda, when I could have wine, they said I could try both of them now and see how the stomach takes it. I also found out that the doctor's goal weight for me is 175. I have my goal set to 145....I'm not far from 175. Still at 219. Some weeks are good to me, so are icky when it comes to the scales. I tried fried food yesterday and paid for it. Was like I was throwing up the oil...was terrible. I am hoping to get a good amoutn back on our taxes and move into a house closer to my kids school. I don't even care if it is not a nice as the one we are in now. I want out of my current house. The landlords are terrible. Everything is broken and they never send anyone to fix it....dishwasher, masterbedroom light, plumbing, stove....so on. I am like why should I even have to pay my full amount of rent with all this stuff broken?! >.<
12-27-05
Yesterday was a GREAT day! I hopped on the scale and lost another pound, I seem to be on a standstill the past two weeks. I then decided to put my son on the scale and see how much he wieghed. I have lost a whole Jesse and then some! He weighs 36 and I have lost 39. Made me smile.
This is a picture of Jesse and I on Easter last year.
Thats all I really have to say right now. Haven't been throwing up as much, but still do when I over eat. I MUST measure my foods!
12-29-05
YES YES YES! 40 pounds gone!!! Yesterday I got on the scale, t said 217, then I ran and got my husband and got on, it said 218, I was mad....but today I checked like mad and it didn't go back up, stayed at 217, so I now have lost 40 pounds!!!!! 18 more pounds and I am under 200! I want to do that by the middle of Febuary. I will start working out soon...didn't get the ok from the doctor last time I was up there. Eating it getting better, still have mess ups here and there, when I eat more then I should, but all in all doing better with it. I bet it I would slow down even more then I might do better. I got gift cards for X-mas and haven't shopped for my smaller clothes. I am getting excited to do that. Need to go get me some JR size clothes...been years since I have been able to do that. =)
Happy New Year everyone. I have lost 44 pounds. I lost a lot this week. I think I was over eating before and now I am finally getting the hang of this new stomach. I mean getting better everyday! Last night I cooked New Years Dinner, which included Chicken Fried Steak, Creamed Spinach, Black Eye Pea Cassrole, Mashed Potatoes, and Strawberry and Blueberry Shortcakes. I didn't even fix me a plate. I made my husband's, dad's, the kids' and I took 2 spoonfuls of the cassrole and one bite of the steak and I was done. Later I was bad and made me a shortcake, but only ate half and I didn't get sick.
I have 38 pounds till I am at my surgeon's goal and 68 for my personal goal of 145. I am debating canceling my gym membership when it comes up in March. I don't ever go and have had it for almost 2 years. I have a treadmil at home and I have a happy collie who loves to go on walks. So I think that might be ok if I am not lazy and don't want to get on the treadmil at home, lol.
I was reading the message boards and some people are a little lost to what they should be eating after those 8 weeks of hell. So I am going to post a sample menu of what I eat.
Sunday 1-1-06
Breakfast: 3 oz fat free yogurt
Lunch: 3 bites of homemade pizza...candian bacon.
Dinner: Bite of chicken fried steak, 2 spoonfuls balck eyed pea cassrole
Snack: Carrot stick with ranch dip.
Monday 1-2-06
Breakfast: 2 bites low carb blueberry waffel, no syrup
Lunch: 2 bites beef from chinese food, 1/2 carb ragoon, 1 breaded chicken from sweet and sour chicken, no sauce
Snack: 1 slice of bread, 1 silce of ham and cheese loaf (4g protien per slice!) mustard, made a mini sandwich
Tonight for dinner I am making meatloaf and mac and chz and some veggies, I was craving it today, so I will eat some of that tonight, but like a tablespoon of each.
I got sick of throwing up all the time, and have been watching the portions more closely now. Last time I threw up was New Years Eve, I had some grapes for my dinner and had a few too many. Then later as a snack I had some tomatoes and feta and then some cheese nips...the cheese nips got all cloggy in me and had to come back up. But other then that night I haven't got sick. I have been proud of myself! I am 14 pounds away from being under 200 for the 1st time in 6 years, wow, yes 6 years. It will be a GREAT day when that happens. I am hoping by the end of this month. I am gonna work hard on it.
1-15-06
Yesterday was my 3 month post op mark. I gained 4 pounds from last update, but have lost 5. So I am down to 210. 11 more till I am in ONEderland. I had an excellent day yesterday, didn't realize it was my 3 month date till later. I went shopping the other day and bought size 16 jeans, and shoved them in the closet. Thinking..."I can't wear these now, but maybe in a month." I was feeling sassy yesterday and decided to be brave. I pulled on the new size 16 jeans with no problem, had no problem zipping and had no stomach hanging over the waist!! I was so happy. The other night I tried on my high school jeans (my juniors!!) and I got them zipped and button, but couldn't breathe and had stomach over the jeans everywhere. I bet about 20-25 more pounds and I will get into them. I can eat STEAK. I can't eat chicken, but STEAK stays down fine, what is that all about?? I threw up everything I ate yesterday. I guess I was being bad and overeating...sigh, still hard sometimes.
Anyways, doctor's apointment next week. I'll let yall know what he says!! =D
1-18-06
There is a side picture of me at 3 months, -49 pounds AND 2 pant sizes. I had some taken by my husband, but he doesn't know how to work a camera and they came out black. >.< So I have another roll to take and then should have some more. My mother in law has taken some for me, but never sent them to me and now they are out of date. =P I have my 3 month check up tomorrow. Will let you know how it goes.
1-27-05
MILESTONE MARK! 50 pounds GONE! I am half way to the century club!! Here are some 3 month pictures to look at VS my before pictures.
2-7-06
STAND STILL STAND STILL STAND STILL! Oh my GOSH! So I have been bouncing around 3 pounds for a few weeks now. I haven't gained more then 3 pounds back, but the fall off and then come back. It's very nerve wrecking. I'm gonna go crazy. I have not started working out, but I have been very sick, my whole house has the flu/stomach bug. So I have been jacking and don't think working out with my lungs full of ickiness with help me any. I would be coughing even more. So once I can get over this flu, which I have had for over a week, then I will be on my treadmill at least 5 days a week. Best time for me in mid morning before I pick up my husband from work for lunch.
I have a gym membership that I don't use, it's up for cancelation next month, was thinking about canceling it, but was thinking about making myself go to the gym after I dropped husband off at work after lunch. I used to do that and lost 30 pounds in 3 months, with a healthy diet. But the extra cash in our bank account would be nice too. I haven't decided yet. I guess we will see once I get over this flu.
It is fixing to be "that time of month" so I think that is another reason why the weight loss has stalled. It seems like the week before and week of, that I don't lose any and sometimes gain.
Last doctor's appointment, they told me to graze all day long. But I don't think this is a good idea for me. I have the last few weeks and have not seen any wieght loss, but a pound here or there. Maybe I am hitting my 1st real stall. I don't know.
I am still having a problem with getting all the fluids in everyday. Very hard for me. =( I am eating more then 4 oz at each sitting, but I would guess no more then 6-8. I know 8 is way too much and it has to come back up. I try to take a bite here and then an hour take another bite or two of something. I had these little frozen hamburgers, they are 2 oz each, and I ate half for lunch and that was it. Well, I was in the process of making me a lean pasta microwavable thing, but since I took 2 bites of the mini burger, I took one bite of the pasta and put it in the fridge.
I just want so badly to be under 200. To be in the 100's again! And it is so hard to get past the 6 pounds I need to get there! I'll let you know soon how it is going. =(
2-14-06
4 Months Post op today. 202 -55 pounds, and down another size. Now in size 14. :)
Had some issues the past week. Had some toruble holding stuff down, but then again, I ate some cake, and ate a few too many bites, and so on. Time to get back on track and back to the gym....or START the gym, haha.
The flu has left my house for the most part. So I am hoping to get into the gym and get going.
3-8-06
I am still stuck at 200. I have been watching what I eat more carefully. Increasing my protein and water intake, as well as working out ALMOST every day.
At my 3 month check-up they told me I would hit a stall and it would stay at the same weight for a little and then pick back up. I have been stalled for a month now and it is driving me nuts. I want to lose that ONE pound but can't seem to get it off to get back into the hundreds.
Good news is, I am back in my old clothes from high school, have about 15 pounds to go before everything fits again, but I am feeling good. The only meats I can eat are beef (steak) and lunchmeat, and some tuna. That's a hard thing with trying to get 80 grams of protein in every day.
I will update soon, and ESP when I lose that one pound!!
3-12-06
ONEderland!!! As of yesterday I am 199!! I increased my protein intake, started working out last week, and tried to get in as much water as I could stand....granted this morning I was 200, but I just got out of the shower and my hair was wet and all. :D So it doesn't count right?
So to celebrate I am going shopping. I saw an outfit I wanted to recreate in a magazine. Some leapord ballet shoes, cuffed jeans, and a black top. It was a long sleeve shirt, but I am thinking about a black tank top and some cuffed capris. I have a website that sells the shoes I want, but I am going to check out PayLess before I go there, because I want to wear the outfit today!
I am halfway though my protein shake, I made a double dose. I haven't had anything to eat, trying to finish this drink...they are so terrible.
Everything is getting better, I am enjoying going to the gym because it makes me feel better. Makes me feel like I am doing the right thing. And my gym is so cool, they have tv attached to every machine, so you plug in headphones and watch your fav tv show and it's not like working out, because I am watching Rachel Ray's 30 minute meals!! It's so cool and my son loves to go to the day care there. So he keeps me going, asking me where the gym is. :D So it's been a good weekend.
I just got these pictures back today. They are from about 2 weeks ago. Look at the difference from my before and my after pictures!!!
I was down to 198 the other day. My scale broke, which may be a good thing. I kept getting on it so much that I was going mad. This week I haven't been getting too much protein in foods, but have been drinking those shakes down! Either a double dose or 2 a day. I went shopping and bought some of the best vine ripened tomatoes and have not been able to stop eating them. SO for the past few days that is what my meals have looked like. =D
I would also like to say "COFF IS THE MAN! <3 you buddy!!!"
I haven't worked out this week because it has been Spring Break and my husband has been taking the car so we all don't have to wake up so early and take him to work, but next week is back to the gym and tanning bed! (no burning this time PLZ!)
3-22-06
I went to the doctor today for my back pain. My scale has been broken since last weekend. So I had no idea how much, if any, wieght I have lost. I am down 3 more pounds. 195 baby! That makes excalty 50 more to go. Looks like drinking those shakes and trying to eat 6 times a day AND drinking that water really worked. They tell you these things for a reason, huh? =P
I have been having a lot of pain with my back and neck, guess it is from a car wreck I was in when I was 13, that I was never checked out for. Doctor says I am not too young for arthritis (spelling?) either. Would be TERRIBLE to have that at 22! TWENTY TWO YEARS OLD and I may have arthritis. Sucks. Anyways, he is wanting several X-rays of my back, which I should be doing now, and then he said they will go from there. I'm not getting them done until after lunch because I took my son with me to the appointment and it was hell!! So my husband is taking the rest of the day off after lunch and I will go then.
Yesterday I did eat 6 times, but didn't drink a shake or get nearly enough water in. My goal for today is to get my water in and I will force myself to drink a shake before bed. It's either get all meals in or get all drinks in a day for me. I can never do both.
Back to the gym when I stop having so many appointments and pain, AND when my brother goes back to school. He is out because he had his tonsils out. Anyways, there's my update!
3-28-06
Down 3 more pounds since last week. I hope it keeps this pace up. I got a new scale, this one is better then my older one. My brother is going back to school, so that means I am going back to the gym. I just ate too much. >.< Anyways, not too much more I can say. Still trying to get all my water and protein in, which I will need to force myself to drink a shake later tonight after I have given my stomach a rest after the beating I gave it with all that food. =(
3-29-06
Found something awesome while shopping yesterday:
Blue Bunny Yogurt Smoothie (10 oz):
140 Calories
Total Fat 6g (Saturated Fat 3.5g, 0 Trans Fat)
Carbs 5g
Sugar 5g
Protein 13g
Comes in Blackberry Cream and Strawberry. I have the Strawberry, but the Blackberry Cream is getting rave reviews on the messageboards.
I am also going to tell yall about my protein shakes. I haven't shopped around, but I am lactose intolerent and hate the thought of milk, BUT I use Carb Countdown Fat Free Milk with Designer Whey Chocolate Protein mix. There is 8g of protein in the milk, 25g in the powder. I do 2 servings of the podwer (50g of protein) and 8 oz of milk for 58g of protein in one drink! It takes me awhile to drink it, but I almost meet the requirements for protein for the whole day with that one shake. If you are like me and love fruits and veggies and/or have trouble with meats, even at 5 months I still do, then this is good news. That leaves me the rest of the day to finish off those last few protein grams and then I can eat my salads and frozen veggies and not feel bad about not getting in my protein.
As you all know I had a stall from month 3 to month 4. Where I didn't lose ANYTHING, was very annoying. I then upped my protein (thats when I started these shakes) and started working out (very little I might add) and by that very weekend I had broke the stall. Since then I have lost 3 pounds every week. The past 3 weeks I have not been able to workout because my little brother had surgery (tonsils) and he was staying with me, so I couldn't leave him for the gym. BUT he's back in school and I have a new goal:
I am 5 pounds away from losing 70 pounds, 3 pounds form being in the 180's. I am sure I will have no problem with the 3 pounds as long as this weight loss pace keeps up, BUT I am making a goal of dropping those last 5 pounds by the 14th, which will be my 6 month anniversary of surgery. I am hitting the gym 5 days a week for at least 30 mins until I get to the 14th. With the exception of some days, because I have some appointments this week and not sure about next week. So there is my new goal! =D
All the items I listed today can be found at Wal Mart, I basically live in that store. =( LOL! I will update as I find some cool products.
OH! Special K has a cereal for low carb/high protein dieters. It's not bad, but not my favorite thing. =) I was going to eat some this morning, but opted for the Blue Bunny Smoothie instead. I'll post stats on the cereal later.
4-2-06
I am still at 192. I have told myself I will not get on that scale till Friday, which is the day I had surgery. Gonna be tough, I am used to weighing everyday. But I think I can do it, better to weigh and be surprised, then weigh and sigh when you haven't lost anything. Didn't drink any shakes this weekend, I was a bad girl. I didn't eat much of anything today either. I was sick. I had breakfast and it came back on me, so I didn't feel like eating much the rest of the day. Had an artichoke and boy did it make me sick, and I didn't touch anything else after that. Then got horrible stomach aches for about an hour. Hitting the gym tomorrow...been doing good about that, not as much as I said I would, but good enough if you ask me. =)
I recently stopped an addiction, I stopped playing this online game, World of Warcraft and I have done SO much more around the house since! I never really noticed how much time it was taking away from other things. I was playing it for well over a year. I don't know if I am done DONE, but I am taking a well needed break from it. I am concentrating on my weight loss and eating right and all that jazz. I have a goal to make! 7 pounds in 2 weeks. I will post some 6 month pictures when that day comes. I missed my 5 month pictures. I don't really see much of a difference, but people who see me less often keeping telling me "I am getting there." and "I can really see a difference." So I guess I am coming along. I wish it would come faster. =( But who doesn't right?
As if we didn't need a new addition to our house with 4 dogs and 3 kids, I brought home a kitten today for my husband. I don't know what I am thinking. But he said he wanted a cat, and I wanted to surprise him. We had one a few years ago, we ended up having to get rid of because I was allergic and this was before our excellent insurance plan...I am thinking if the cat gives me problems this time around, I can pay a visit to the doctor and get some medicine. Her name is Cassie. It's Rob's cat, so I told him to name her. She is the cutest little thing! Been sleeping all day long. And the chihuahuas are eating her food! My male collie doesn't seem to care about her, in fact he ran from her when she meowed at him! My female collie on the other hand, I am going to have to watch her. She looked hungry when she saw it! =(
Anyways, I will update on Friday to see if I dropped any! Wish me luck!
4-7-06
191 (66 pounds lost) Next Friday is my 6 month anniversary, I was wanting to be -70 pounds by then, but I don't know if I will make it. I lost one pound this week, but I have been sick. I was not drinking my shakes or eating as I should. I couldn't even hold down water. So, maybe the rest of this weekend and all of next week I can drop some more. I don't know if I will make it to 187, 4 pounds, but I can hope!!
Cassie is doing great. She is becoming acustom to her surroundings and is so CUTE! My female collie, Lacey is still being mean, wanting to bite it! She shows her teeth to the poor thing. I read online that a dog who is hateful towards cats, can be broken, it just takes time and a lot of work. SIGH, she better snap out of it. Cassie is as sweet as candy!
Well I'll update at 6 months and let you know how I did, I'll try and get a picture up asap after I get there. Getting a camera next week...I use those crappy disposable ones. =(
4-11-06
I DID IT! I hit that goal of 70 pounds lost and with 2 days to spare!! I will get some pictures taken this weekend and will post them as soon as I get them back.
YAY!
4-19-06
I forgot to ask my mother in law to take front and side pictures of me for my records, but will soon.
My husband and I are currently looking to buy a house. After 3 years of renting and paying on time, the home owners of our current house decide that they want to remodel and sell the house, giving us 30 days to find a new house, with 3 kids. I was more then a little upset.
We have 30 days to get approved for a VA loan and get moved into the new house and all that good stuff.
Thats all for now, still at the same weight...187. =(
5-19-06
75 pounds gone. We bought our first home. I am now 7 months out. I haven't been drinking my protien shakes, but plan to work on that soon.
Haven't updated because of all the moving, packing, unpacking, paperwork, working, and all that jazz. I started a little part time job to keep me busy. But it makes me get up at 5 am in the morning. =(
I have 7 pounds to lose until my doctor's goal and 37 for my personal goal. I'm almost there and can't wait to get there. I'm in a L shirt in womens (12/14) and size 14 bottoms. The 14's are a little tight, but nothing losing 5 pounds won't cure. 16's are too big on me....what a great feeling. That's all for now. :)
5-22-06
Updating some pictures, even though they are about 2 months old now. I will be taking some new ones this weekend for sure at my son's birthday.
I'm 7 months out now. I don't even know why I am bothering putting these pictures up. The ones with the white shirt were taken the same day as the pictures above in back in March with the same shirt on, but different bottoms. The black dress was taken the same day as well, I was cleaning out my closet and wanted to see if I could fit the dress. It was my favorite when I was in high school...it's a little snug in the picture, but it fit....but not like it did in high school. The shorts fall off of me and I mean that literally. I was wearing them yesterday and the phone rang...our house is so big I have to run to catch the phone and by the time I reached the phone, my shorts were around my ankles. =D
I will have some updated pictures to post soon, like I said it is my son's birthday this weekend, so by next week or the next I should have some new and recent ones on here. I am still stuck at 182 (75 pounds down). I have to be honest though, I have not been drinking my shakes, eating a lot of protien, or working out. I have been so busy with moving into our new house and trying to get our new life together on top of working. Getting up a 4:45am is killing my body. I am just not used to it at all. You wouldn't think getting up 2 hours extra a day would hurt you, but it is putting a toll on me for sure. Yesterday I came home from work, ate some lunchmeat and then laid down in bed and was out like a light! I slept all day off and on today as well....I think my body needs to catch up.
I also think it is one of those times my doctor told me about, where I won't lose pounds, but I will lose inches. Everyone says it looks like I have lost more, but I haven't lost pounds...BUT my clothes are getting bigger.
The reason I haven't been good with my drinks is...well it started with my son losing my shaker cup and then recently I have no been able to hold down any dairy besides cheese. Even yogurt, which has never given me an issue has been terrible to deal with. I am going to try in the morning to get a shake down.
My husband wants to lose 30 pounds and I said I would help him, so tonight we took the collies out for a walk around the neighborhood. He says he wants to do it every night and for me not to let him give it up. I think it's a great idea, would help him, me, and the collies LOVE being walked so they would get enjoyment out of us trying to get healthier.
I wish those pictures were better quality, but they were taken with a disposable camera. A new camera is on my wish list for my birthday.
I am going to have a HARD time this Saturday. I am getting my son a cake from the best bakery I have ever had sweets from. It is my favorite cake in the world. I had some cake this Saturday at my oldest son's birthday and it made me sick and I said I don't think I will eat any from Jesse's birthday, but I don't think I can pass it up. You guys just don't understand how good this cake is. The most I can hope for is to be very careful and take 2 bites at the most. =(
I was wondering why sugar bothers us. Is it something they bypassed in our system that makes it upset us? I mean why do we get sick if we eat sugar? I'm a sad panda.
6-4-06
I am down to 179 (78 pounds lost). I am only 4 pounds from my doctor's goal of 175 and 34 pounds from my personal goal of 145. Everything is coming together. I have been having a lot of skin irration lately. I am thinking it may have to do with my extra skin.
I have been so sick to my stomach for the past few days. I'm not hungry, but if I don't eat I get sick. I don't want to feel worse then what I do, so I eat something and then it comes back on me anyways. Started when I was at work, I ate some cereal and then about 3 hours later had half of an egg....then not even 3 minutes later I was in the bathroom. When I got home I had a small turkey sandwich...one piece of bread and meat. That stayed down fine. My husband had a hot pocket and I ate some of it and then it came back up. I was dry heaving for like 10 minutes. All day long, since I started at 5AM. I have been so queasy. I have had a little to eat. I had one bite of a blueberry muffin and 2 bites of toast...then I felt like I was going to throw up, so I stopped. Then a few hours later I had a banana and was able to keep that down. When I got home at lunch time I had a half of a turkey sandwich. I still feel qeasy. The thought and smell of food makes it worse too. I am sipping on water right now, but that is not making me feel too hot either. I think I may take a nap. LUCKLY I had some pills from early post op from my surgery. I had this problem and they gave me something to help with the nausea. So I had 2 pills left, I took one. Will call either my surgeon or PCP in the morning to see if I can get a refill. Probably my surgeon, because they haven't checked up on me, or I haven't had to go see them since my 3 month visit.
Still haven't been able to get down protien drinks esp with the nausea thing. I know once I do, the weight loss will pick back up. Although I am pretty darn happy with 78 pounds in 7 months. My goal is 80 pounds by 8 months, 90 by 9 months, 100 by 10 months, so on and so on. SO far I have been able to make that and I have about 10 days to lose 2 pounds. I think I will do it :) Took front and side pictures yesterday will post them sooner then I did the other ones this time. :)
6-11-06
I did it guys! I made the doctor's goal weight yesterday! 175, BUT as of this morning I am 174! A total of 83 pounds lost. I made my goal for 8 months of 80 pounds lost with 5 days to spare! I still want to lose another 29 bringing me to 145, but everyone arounds me tells me that is too much. But hey, I'm going for it.
I have been having a LOT of problems again. I haven't been able to hold much of anything down lately. (Getting better now.) But for the past month I have not been able to hold down milk or dairy and now I can hardly hold down any meats either. I have been living off of breakfast cereals and fruit.
I went to the doctor Tuesday. It's a two hours drive by the way. Anyways, they asked what was wrong, blah blah blah. They asked me when the last time I ate/drank was because he wanted to do a scope. I told them 9 am, this was at 11am. They said ok and proceeded to hook me up to the machine and an IV and all that jazz. Then they ask me again when the last time I ate/drank was and I told them again. Then they said they couldn't do it since I ate....THINK they could have got it through thier head when I told them the FIRST time BEFORE they jabbed me with a dang IV?!! So they tell me to come back Thursday. We wasted time, gas, and a day's worth of my hsuband's leave, which he is trying to save for his sister's visit in August from Germany. Oh and they did lab work on me for the FIRST time since I had the surgery, when I am almost 8 months post op.
So my grandma brings me back up Thursday. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink (I could have care less about the eating), but I was up at 4am and my scope wasn't until 3pm and I couldn't understand why I couldn't have water when it was so later in the day. I thought I was gonna die from not getting my coffee in that day! I was in and out with the scope and he said "nothing is wrong with me". I BEG TO DIFFER! Something IS wrong with me. I can honestly say that since my surgery I have never felt "good". And this past month has almost as bad as when I was in bed for the 2 months following surgery. So I still feel like crap, still having problems holding food down and the doctor is not helping me at all. I am getting some meds for nausea, but they knock me out, so I can't take them on days I work and I can't take them on days I am off, because I have my son with me on those days. I am also getting Reglan to help coat my stomach and digest my food. I was on this before. It helped, but not for long. I am so frustrated!!!
But I am loving the way I feel about myself. I haven't felt this good about ME in years and years. I am getting the confidence I never had before. I am getting complaments on the weight loss more and more and it makes me feel great. I see the difference, but I still see myself as a fat a$$ also. I stand in front of the mirror and sigh. I am happy to see 174 on the scale, way better then 260 something, which was my highest. And I am only 30 pounds from weighing the same as my "TINY" mother in law....so that makes me feel good, but I still FEEL huge and gross. I hope this ends soon. I think when I get a tummy tuck it will.
Anyways, there is my update. Coff I LUB you!!
6-27-06
Well, I gained 3 pounds, but I was being a BAD BAD girl. I was eating candy and carbs and hardly ANY protein. After gaining some pounds I decided I woudl start this week off and be a good girl. I don't think I will make my 9 month goal of 90 pounds, because that is in 3 weeks and I have messed up so bad that I don't think I can lose 3 pounds each week for the next week, BUT you never know. I started working hard Monday and have been doing good. I haven't been able to keep down protein shakes for 3 months now and was able to yesterday and today. My trick you ask? COFFEE! I mix chcolate whey protein mix in with my coffee and it works wonderfully!! I never have been a coffee drinker. I couldn't even stand the smell, but since I started working and have to be up at 5am, I NEED it, so I invested in a coffee maker for home and things seems to be going well this week so far. I'll weigh in on Friday.
I have been looking around for some recipes for protein bars and such. Here are some recipes that may help you: (I am sure using sugar free ingredient would be fine, such as Splenda and sugar free honey and brown sugar.)
Meal Replacement Bars
8 Scoops Whey (Vanilla is very good)
3 Cups Oats
1 Package Sugar Free Fat Free Pudding (Any flavor is good)
2 Cups Skim Milk
Mix until a sticky batter is formed (may take a few minutes)
use a large spoon to spread out the mix into the bottom of a Pam-sprayed glass or metal cooking tray (spread until even)
put in the fridge overnight and cut into 8 equal bars that yield:
3g fat
28g carbs
29g protein
257 calories
Protein Bars
* 3 1/2 cups quick oats
* 1 1/2 cups powdered non-fat milk
* 4 scoops low carb chocolate or vanilla protein powder
* 1 cup sugar-free maple syrup (Cozy Cottage, Cary's or Howard's)
* 2 egg whites, beaten
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1/4 c. natural applesauce
1. Preheat over to 325 and spray a baking sheet or 9x12 baking dish with non-stick spray. The 9x12 baking dish will yeild thicker bars.
2. Mix oats, powdered milk, and protein powder in bowl and blend well.
3. In separate bowl, combine eggwhites, orange juice, applesauce, and the sugar-free syrup and blend well.
4. Stir liquid mixture into dry ingredients until blended. The consistency will be thick and similar to cookie dough.
5. Spread batter onto pan and bake until edges are crisp and browned.
6. Cut into 10 bars and store in airtight container or freeze.
7. Nutritional Information Per Bar: Calories-157,Carbs-23g,Protein-15g,Fat-.5g,Fiber-4g
Granola Bars
8 ounces old-fashioned rolled oats, approximately 2 cups
1 1/2 ounces raw sunflower seeds, approximately 1/2 cup
3 ounces sliced almonds, approximately 1 cup
1 1/2 ounces wheat germ, approximately 1/2 cup
6 ounces honey, approximately 1/2 cup
1 3/4 ounces dark brown sugar, approximately 1/4 cup packed
1-ounce unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
6 1/2 ounces chopped dried fruit, any combination of apricots, cherries or blueberries
Butter a 9 by 9-inch glass baking dish and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Spread the oats, sunflower seeds, almonds, and wheat germ onto a half-sheet pan. Place in the oven and toast for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In the meantime, combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, extract and salt in a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Cook until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.
Once the oat mixture is done, remove it from the oven and reduce the heat to 300 degrees F. Immediately add the oat mixture to the liquid mixture, add the dried fruit, and stir to combine. Turn mixture out into the prepared baking dish and press down, evenly distributing the mixture in the dish and place in the oven to bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Protein Bars
4 ounces soy protein powder, approximately 1 cup
2 1/4 ounces oat bran, approximately 1/2 cup
2 3/4 ounces whole-wheat flour, approximately 1/2 cup
3/4-ounce wheat germ, approximately 1/4 cup
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 ounces raisins, approximately 1/2 cup
2 1/2 ounces dried cherries, approximately 1/2 cup
3 ounces dried blueberries, approximately 1/2 cup
2 1/2 ounces dried apricots, approximately 1/2 cup
1 (12.3-ounce) package soft silken tofu
1/2 cup unfiltered apple juice
4 ounces dark brown sugar, approximately 1/2 cup packed
2 large whole eggs, beaten
2/3 cup natural peanut butter
Canola oil, for pan
Line the bottom of a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper and lightly coat with canola oil. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the protein powder, oat bran, wheat flour, wheat germ, and salt. Set aside.
Coarsely chop the raisins, dried cherries, blueberries and apricots and place in a small bowl and set aside.
In a third mixing bowl, whisk the tofu until smooth. Add the apple juice, brown sugar, eggs, and peanut butter, 1 at a time, and whisk to combine after each addition. Add this to the protein powder mixture and stir well to combine. Fold in the dried fruit. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 205 degrees F. Remove from the oven and cool completely before cutting into squares. Cut into squares and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Here is a recipe from our very own Dame Tooter. I haven't been able to try it yet, but it sounds great, esp since I have been crvaing cheesecake lately.
"Cherry Cheesecake Parfait Pie"
(By Dame Tooter Bariatric Bytes 2005, 2006)
Ever had the KFC Cherry Cheesecake Parfait? Don't want the added calories of it? You've GOT to try this! It's lite, refreshing, not TOO sweet, quick and simple....and I'm not missing cherry cheesecake now!
*1 - 20 ounce can Lucky Leaf No Sugar Added Cherry Pie Filling (65% fewer calories than traditional!)
*1/4 cup Milk (I used 2% Carb Countdown for the stats on this recipe)
*1/4 cup low fat Sour Cream
*1 - 1 ounce box Jell-O, Sugar-Free Cheesecake Flavored Pudding mix
*1 - 8 ounce tub of Cool Whip Original (The lite, sugar-free, etc. has more carbs)
*1 - FIFTY 50 Ready-To-Use, Sugar Free Graham Cracker Pie Crust.
2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
In a bowl combine the milk and sour cream until well mixed. Stir in the pie filling. Sprinkle the pudding mix over all and fold in until well incorporated. Don't worry about breaking the cherries. That's perfectly fine and the flavors meld better if they do break up. Next fold in the tub of Cool Whip. Make sure you scrape the sides and bottom, folding over and over until all colors blend into a pretty even pink color. Spoon evenly into pie crust. You can either reserve a cup of the mix for 'eating' plain or mound the pie high. Sprinkle the top with the chopped nuts. Chill for at least 1 hour. If you're really watching your calories, this is good (and pretty) spooned into dessert dishes,topped with nuts, chilled and served.
(Note: This pie can be frozen, but is best eaten semi-frozen and not completely defrosted.)
Per serving (1/8 recipe): 171 Calories; 24 Carbs; 1.7 Protein; 12 fat; 1 fiber; 6 grams sugar
Per serving (1/8 recipe) no crust: 70 Calories; 16.5 Carbs; .7 Protein; 7 fat;
Compared to KFC Cherry Cheesecake parfait:
300 Calories; 46 carbs; 3 proteins; 11 fats; 2 fiber; 37 grams of sugar
7-10-06
Friday will be 9 months for me. I wanted to have lost 90 pounds by then, but it looks like this will be my month not to make my monthly goal. I am 173 right now. Would be 6 pounds in 4 days. I doubt it will happen, unless I go on a liquid diet. I have started back up my protein, been drinking a shake almost every morning with my coffee. Been watching what I eat, with the exception of today. =) I'll update on Friday...I am bouncing between 171 and 173. =[
7-25-06
I am always late updating pictures. I am now 9 months post op and have lost more...85 down now and those 10 pounds show a difference.
Still the same weight. I bounce between 171 and 175. I haven't dropped past 171 though. I have an appointment tomorrow to see about the extra skin in my stomach area and my arms. I think a lot of my excess pounds is in extra skin. I am excited to see what he says tomorrow and if we can get the insurance to cover the operations. I get a lot of irrations under my arms and rashes. I have back problems still, even after losing 85 pounds and I think the extra skin I have around my stomach area isn't help to it. So everyone cross your fingers for me!! I am in size 12 now...I think. I bought a pair of CK dress pants size 12 and they are too big. But I can't fit into size 13 in JRs yet, which would be about a 10 in womens so I think I am in the middle of 10 and 12. I always said I would be happy with a 10, but seeing it is just around the corner, I think I may want to go smaller....but no matter what I am happy with what I have lost. I have never been this small in my whole life. My old friends don't even know who I am!!
I found a bunch of old Elementary-High School friends on myspace and over half of them didn't know who I was by my pictures. I went and visited with one the other day and she couldn't get over how small I was. That is SUCH a good feeling! Anyways, I let everyone know what the doctor says for my plastics!
7-26-06
Doctor says yes to plastics. He wants me to wait a few months, which I knew, I just wanted to get the ball rolling with everything. He wants to see me back in September...my appointment is the day after my birthday. =]
He says the insurance will cover *most* of it, but I will need to come up with $1,000-$1,500 at the time of the surgery. SO depending on how things go, it may have to be closer to January...but that will put me at 16 months post op and my weight loss should have slowed WAY down by then.
I have lost 10 pounds since my last visit. I told them I haven't lost anything in a month and a half and he winked at me and told me not to worry that I will continue to lose. We also touched base on how I was feeling since the last time he saw me I was really sick and couldn't keep anything down. Which I am happy to announce I feel better overall. I haven't been sick, unless I over eat, which is normal when you eat more then your pouch can hold. I mainly stick to fruits as far as eating. When I eat carbs and meats I run into problems, so I am happy it is summer time and we have a lot
