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Today (February 1st, 2009) marks my "Ten Month Surgiversary". I can't believe how quickly the time has flown by. My weight is slowing down somewhat, and I have only lost  5.6 pounds since January 1st. But in the last month alone, I have lost a total of four inches. Most of the losses were from my chest and core; so that is very encouraging.

Almost every morning, I work out with Gilad on FitTV and three times a week I go to aquatics. Another regular part of my work-outs are various sizes of weights. Also, I frequently do Zumba, ride my exercise bike and walk a lot. Just a year ago, I was in a wheel chair for most of my activities. When we open our pool, I will resume my vigorous swimming routine and will do at least three hundred laps a day. I feel so blessed to have come so far. The journey is definitely not over. I look forward to pushing myself more and more.

Here are my latest pics, measurement comparisons and weight chart. Thanks for taking the ride with me!

I'm not through with this journey yet; but I've come a long way, baby!! Plus, I'm happy to say I'm not packing as much "junk in my trunk" these days either! Hubby says in the new photo that it looks like I may have lost an "arse shelf", but I've attached a "new tooter to my pooter" now (see the yellow pipe behind me at "Red Lobster"). Very appropriate!



Pink Turtleneck Photo Taken: Three Days Before Surgery/Weight: 377.5
Blue Turtleneck Photo Taken: Nine Months & 21 Days Post RNY/Weight: 255.0
And yes, I "love me" some black pants and turtlenecks, don't I?

Last Year: Pants-5X, Tops-3X & 4X (depending upon brand and cut)
Now: Pants-18, Tops-XL & Some L

Oh, I lest I forget...check out my leopard shoes! I bought those from "Speigel" nine or ten years ago; and haven't been able to wear them in at least six years due to "FFS" (fat foot syndrome). As you can see, they fit perfectly now. Yippee!

 Recently, I’ve been hearing a lot about a “shakes” only diet to get back on track. So I  did a bit of research. The plan is called LPT or “liquid protein train”.

Here’s what I found on the Bariatric Eating website:

Another interesting idea from the Bariatric Eating website, this plan is similar to the five-day pouch test that I posted a few months back... However, this is a three to five day “liquids only” diet to get you over all the bad habits we all tend to slide back into at times. Plus, this plan can also help kick your carb and sugar cravings.

The "3 Day LPT" does not require special recipes and is only for three days. It does help you get back on track with your eating, AND allows more flexibility with your choices.

Here is the three day liquid protein plan for those who may be interested:

Many ask, “What does LPT stand for? What is it?” LPT stands for Liquid Protein Train. It is used by people who have gotten off track (or just plain derailed), need to de-carb themselves (to get rid of that nasty urge to snack or overeat), or to jump start weight loss again. It also helps you to get in touch with how you feel when you do eat or drink (feeling full, stopping when you have the full sensation, etc.) I searched the message board recently and came up with several questions and responses by others... My final conclusion is that there are really no solid or set in stone rules. However, here are some general consistencies when people decide to do the LPT.

Who Should Do The "3 Day LPT"?
1. If you have gotten off track (or just plain de-railed in your weight loss journey!), then the 3 day LPT is for you.
2. If you find that you are addicted to carbs, are eating junk food, are snacking and grazing, then the 3 day LPT is for you.
3. If you need to jump start your weight loss once again, then the 3 day LPT is for you.
4. For those who have no weight to lose and are not addicted to carbs, this is probably not necessary.

Before You Begin:
1. How many days will I do this program? Normally it’s done for three days. You may choose to continue for up to five days. Anything over this would be excessive.
2. Will I drink ONLY protein shakes or will I add a light supper? The choice is entirely up to you. If you are able to get rid of carb cravings by cutting back to eating a light supper (high protein), then you may want to stick with drinking shakes all day but a light supper at night. However, if you are overly addicted to carbs and need a more aggressive approach, the full liquid shake only approach may be the best for you.

Preparation For The Program:
1. Make sure you have plenty of protein shakes available – there’s nothing worse than to be in the middle of a program and run out of products! Stock up on high protein, low carb, low sugar and low calorie protein powders or ready to drinks. FYI: “Bariatric Eating” sells a wide variety of great tasting protein products.
2. De-carb your pantry to get rid of foods that you should not have (crackers, chips, cookies, high carb sugar free products) as these will be a stumbling block to you. Also, the purpose of the LPT is to get back on track and away from those items that cause you to fail. You don’t want to sabotage your own success by having these tempting products in the house.

How It's Done:
1. Drink a protein shake whenever you feel hunger (whether it be real body hunger or head hunger) – one person said they drink a shake every two hours. I figured that if a person would start at 6 a.m., drink a shake every two hours, this would allow them to drink up to 8 p.m.
2. Consume a minimum of 800 calories for the day.
3. You may drink fluids after consuming protein shakes. The "30 minute wait period" before drinking after food does not apply in this case.

Keep In Mind:
1. Get off sugar products
2. Some people include a few additives in their shakes to help spice them up such as a little peanut butter, or sugar free Da Vinci syrups, or a little bit of fruit . Keep in mind that fruits do have carbs. If the additive(s) cause you to crave more, DON'T add it.
3. You may want to include thin soups with light vegetables, yogurts or custards since they are considered full liquids.
4. It has been suggested that when you are exercising, you should drink a protein shake right before your workout.

Transitioning Back To Normal:
1. If you are doing full liquids for 3 days, on the fourth day you will want to add a light supper. When comfortable, add a light lunch until you are back to your 3 meals a day. The LPT will help you to be more in tune with how food makes you feel. In other words, you will know when you are full on a meal. Stop there, do not overeat. Practice and re-learn listening to your body and pouch when it says it is full.
2. If you did liquid all day and a light supper at night during the 3 days, then just add your light lunch back into the routine.

Ingredients:

• 1 Banana
• 2 Cups (16 Ounces) Fat-Free Vanilla Yogurt (I use Fage)
• 1 Cup Cranberry & Pomegranate Juice (Lately, I've been using "Ocean Spray's Cranberry & Pomegranate 100% Juice" with no sugar added)
• 1 Tablespoon Splenda
• 4-8 Scoops Vanilla Protein (I use Maximum Protein from "GNC") *See Note Below
• Pomegranate Seeds (Optional)
• Ice (Optional)

Wrap peeled banana in plastic wrap and freeze 3 hours or until frozen. Remove from freezer.
Unwrap the banana, break into chunks then place in a blender with the yogurt and juice. You may also add a few ice cubes if you'd like.

Cover and blend until smooth; I pop mine into the freezer for about ten minutes. Then pour into four glasses to serve or store remaining portions in refrigerator. Top with pomegranate seeds if desired.

For single servings, quarter the ingredients.

*Important Note: If you are storing the mixture for longer than a few hours, I would recommend leaving out the protein. Instead, stir or blend in one scoop of protein at time of serving.

Serving Tip:
Before serving, wet edge of glass and dip into Splenda for a slightly decadent, decorative edge.

Serves 4 (12 Oz. Drinks)

Ingredients:

1 Pint Plain Yogurt (I use Fage)

4-8 Scoops Vanilla Protein *See Important Note Below

3 Ripe Bananas (Peeled & Sliced)

1 Teaspoon Curry-Cinnamon Powder (See Recipe Below)

½ Cup Orange Juice

Preparation:

1. Place all ingredients in blender except bananas.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Add bananas to mixture and blend until smooth.
4. Serve chilled and sprinkle with curry-ginger powder and sliced banana.

Serve chilled and garnished with fresh mint and lime.

*Important Note: If you are storing the mixture for longer than a few hours, I would recommend leaving out the protein. Instead, stir or blend in one scoop of protein at time of serving.

Curry Ginger Powder

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp. Curry Powder

2 Tbsp. Cinnamon

2 Tbsp. Splenda
 

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients and store in a cool dry place.

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Original Recipe Courtesy Of:  Red Lobster (they have some very good WLS friendly recipes and many that could easily be adapted)