8 months post op

So, I started several posts and never actually completed them. I am not doing a very good job at blogging. Motherhood, Full time school, a "part time" job that is really full time and life is my excuse.

In my post that I never posted I said this:

Okay, top right was Oct. 2012,
Bottom left was July 2013,
the other photo was Feb 2014.
This shirt no longer fits!!!!

I feel that I am doing okay. I am 7+ months post op from the Gastric Sleeve Surgery at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. And I am celebrating 105 pound GONE.  I was barely fitting in a 26/28 and now I am in a 18/20.

 I feel like I spent 2 months trying to clear the 100 pound hurdle. But, I woke up one day I was actually out of the 250's and was down 105 pounds. One year ago, I was 353 pounds. I was in a bad shape. I wasn't honest with my life or myself a year ago.. I was merrily surviving.  I have 3 friends who are going through pre op preparing for surgery. I have to keep myself in check because I want to jump up and down and scream "You are making the BEST decision of your life"!! And for me, it has been the right decision for me.

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So, we are 8 months post op today and I still wanna scream "best decision ever!!" How do I feel? Great. I am so thankful to be where I am at today. My PCP and my ob/gyn also feel that I am doing good. We are all in agreement that I am in a much better place health wise.  I am very close to being at the size I was in high school. I have no idea what I really was weight wise. I am also going to bypass my husband and my brother's weight and I have a feeling there will there will start some healthy competition begin.

My wedding weekend in May 2012 (size 3x shirt) and Feb 2014.

People are concerned my stomach will stretch back out. Well, here is what I know: Somedays I can eat a lot. I mean like a lot. Like breakfast, non fat latte, skinny cow bar, smoothie, half sandwich, chips, popcorn and a dr. pepper. Somedays 2 bites of any meal I choose and I am in misery. There are more meals that are a few bites than than the "eating a lot" days. I definitely make bad decisions some days. Snow days at home with my family are a guarantee bust. But, you know what my worst day now eating is probably better than my best day 1-2-3-4-10 years ago. So, I do not dwell on it. Plus it's all in moderation. My sleeve/stomach has attitude and sometimes I eat something and have no problems and a week later- I eat the same thing and feel miserable.

So, what is the progress like?  Remember they say you do the best in the first 6 months. So, I am on the "slower" period of weight loss. I am very happy with my progress thus far though. The truth is it's hard to tell when I lost 50 pounds but, now people can tell every 10 pounds I lose. That's good cause I need encouragement!  

I am in the 240's. (it's silly to post an exact number because it changes every day up and down) (110 +/-  pounds lost)
I am in a size 18 but, can wiggle my hips into a size 16. I am in a XL shirt but, still feel self conscious. My 2x shirts is too big. I have quite the chest and we do not expect I will lose as much there. That's ok I am not afraid of breast reduction surgery!! I also have some extra skin to pass along to anyone needing it.

The non scale victories are lots of fun!

February 28th and December 28th

Ring size was a size 8 and had to resize my ring to 6.5!!!!
My photos from 2 months ago show major progress. Check out the photo --->
I am down at least half size in shoes.  (was a 10 and now between 9 1/2 and 9). One foot is bigger than the other..
Unofficially (my husband isn't home to measure me) I have lost 56 inches in various parts of my body.
My chest, hips, belly 13+ inches gone.


It's becoming challenging to measure the inches with the loose skin and I could really wear spanx all day and be okay. That means I have a lot of firming up to do. aka I need to get back to working out on regular basis..

I still miss food. But, food doesn't comfort me or make me feel better. People have told me I make the journey look easy. I am glad to hear that. It's much easier than being fat but, I would not use the term easy. Nothing about weight loss is easy. It's hard work. It doesn't matter if you have 10 pounds to lose or 200 pounds it's hard work. I want to continue to encourage people to step up to the challenge and do something stop surrounding yourself around negative people/haters. I once read:  “Success is a journey, and the road to get there isn’t easy. There will be those who say you can’t make it, ‘it’s too tough’, or that you’re not strong enough, others will try to challenge your strength and try to knock you off and some will refuse to get out of your way. Success is a journey, and for me – it was worth the wait”

To my supporters who encourage me often- thank you. It's means a lot to me and as my dad always says keep on, keeping on. 

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Reflux and The Sleeve

I think everyone is warned about reflux problems can occur with gastric sleeve surgery. While my reflux didn't improve it changed. Since I was on dexilant and it was pricey I decided it was time to make sure there wasn't a bigger problem. My procedure was in January and according to the doctor my "sleeve" looks great. My problems should subside as I continue to lose weight. So, I plan to continue to take my medication and continue to lose weight. My doctor also reminded me to make sure I am chewing my food 30 times before I swallow. He also reminded me no drink 30 minutes before or after eating. The drinking thing-I have down. I need to remember to keep chewing food. Everyone always asks how do I do it? Because when I don't I hurt like severe pain. So, I have that lesson down. 

BatWings!

So, my least favorite part of my body?  My batwings! (Batwings also know as upper arm fat.) I own it and I know they are something I inherited genetically from Granny Duckett! Yesterday, while shopping at Boutique (yes, I can shop in them now!) I saw a shirt and thought I can pull it off with my already present batwing arms and maybe I can do it with leggings! Umm NO. Sometimes, you need to know just because you have lost a lot of weight, they carry the outfit in your size and a style looks good on  others doesn't mean you should wear it. I feel like my arms look even bigger.  I am NOT sad or depressed- it actually reminds me the journey is not over. So, for my friends and coworkers and pull off the style please rock it for me. 

What a difference a year makes..

I mentioned in a recent post that one year ago this week, I made a decision to figure out a way to be healthier. I went to a seminar about weight loss surgery.. I talked with my PCP and she was on board with me getting healthy.. or as I would say to become less fat..

I want to just say- I am thankful for the compliments and acknowledgements. A lot of days, I smile and say thanks. I don't expect people walk around and hand out compliments to me. While this journey is a physical one - I hope my friends know that I am not that vain and a lot of days it's hard to admit that I allowed myself to get where I was. So, thank you for reading my blog and asking for updates and most of all for loving me at my highest weight and my current weight. I truly appreciate it. 

My friend Brent warned me about the haters out there. You know those people. They talk to others about your weight loss "surgery" and the fact that you posted on facebook you wearing jeans 4 size smaller..  I really wish those folks would delete me as a friend or get a life. But, I know that there isn't much I can do but, keep plugging along. Those people are why most people keep surgery a secret. Their sweet lil secret.. Honestly, those people can kiss my..... There is a reason why people say "Haters gonna hate". 

I dated a guy many years ago and his parents warned him the great danger of dating someone fat. I think that is about the dumbest thing to say. But, yes it is dangerous to be overweight. (to clarify I think it was more of social fear than my general health.) Cleary, I remembered that statement and the impact of those words.

So, on the road to being healthy and less "dangerous"..  This photo on the right was adoption day for John and I. I remember seeing these pictures and thinking I will put these pics on my wall with my wedding and honeymoon pictures- Happy and joyful times while being fat and really unhealthy (and dangerous). This will motivate me and remind me that yes, I was happy but, not healthy. Time for a change. A radical change!

One year motivated..  That's how I feel today. We are a few days away from my 3 month surgery anniversary. So, where am I?? I lost 15.2 pounds this month. whoa. WHAT??

Highest weight 353 +

Current Weight 278.4 (I triple checked it!)

TOTAL weight loss 74.6 pounds
BMI points lost  (since highest weight) 11.6

Total Inches Lost since 6/21/13 (Measuring fat is not easy!!)

• Chest 10 inches (3 inches last month!!!!!!)
• Arms 5 inches (In the beginning my left was smaller by 2  inches now they are about an inch apart)
• Bust  7.5 inches
• Hips 8 inches 
• Belly button region 9.5 inches (2.5 inches this month)
• Thighs 4 inches

Where I feel the most difference?  All over but, with clothes my butt and certain shoes. 

Goals for last month

Well, I had to make adjustments. Drinking more water but, not really keeping track. Being more proactive about adding veggies and fruit in my diet.  Working out 3-4 days a week is all my schedule allows right now. I am doing better with running but, I have not ran as much.. For the first time ever-- I am doing the elliptical for warm up. I have improved so much in my working out routines. Makes me feel proud because lots of folks only use an elliptical for working out and it's my warm up!!   Remember what I call county fair days at D1? (click here to read more about my first experience)?? (County fair is where you do mini station work outs for 30 seconds then move on- you can do anything for 30 seconds, right? Sometime, the coach changes the music every 30 seconds.. Intense and good for you!) I am going to say I almost rocked it this past week. I completed most of the challenges or stations and felt good. A great piece of advice from D1 was to eat a banana on my way to work out. Wow, I felt so much better!!!!  

I also had a goal to motivate others when I was given the opportunity. I appreciate all my friends who have shared this blog with their friends who complemtating weight loss surgery. I hope this helps them. When skinny or in shape strangers come up to me and tell me they read my blog, I get embarrassed and think why is that skinny person reading my blog.. Then I remember one day I will be healthy (and hopefully skinnier) and some overweight person will motivate me on why going to the gym is important. For now, I have my photos on my wall to remind me daily. 

Goals this month..  I want to continue making progress. When you look at the numbers and progress this month was incredible month. A dream come true. I saw my pcp the other day and I could tell by her response she was proud of my success. I am too- I have worked hard.  But, I also know there is a lot of people less fortunate than me and I know that I am blessed beyond measure... A second chance on life. 

The in Between?!

I love antique shopping. On Friday, I stopped at a sale near work because they had chairs I wanted. They were waay out of my price range. So, I put in a bid and they called Saturday and said they were mine! (that never happens!) So Sunday, I pick them up and I am hanging out because it's raining and I would prefer to not get my new to me "victorian parlour chars" wet! Somehow we start talking about losing weight and low and behold the lady having the sale had "gastric sleeve" surgery. She was 20 or 30 years older than me and has already had hip replacement surgery. Her husband didn't support her or come to the hospital during surgery. Her sister took care of her post surgery. She talked about the fear of working out.. Of course, we talked about loose skin and our options.. And it's in that moment I realize again -I am blessed..

Here I am. One year ago this week- I asked my husband what he thought about me having weight loss surgery and I met Dr. Fuller (my surgeon) at a weight loss seminar..  And now I am 11 weeks post surgery.. Beginning my 6th week of working out..  What an incredible journey to being healthy! I like working out but, I struggle with eating enough and working out. I am working out 2-3 days a week to be able to keep it balanced. (what a somewhat silly problem to have!) There is not many days I hit over 1,000 calories. I like working out especially when I am not dying. It's strange, eh? I think the weight training is going to be a key part of me tightening up my skin as I lose weight.

We all make excuses for being unhealthy or fat or apathetic. My girls keep me busy with appointments. I struggle with finding time for everything. Maddie has allergy shots twice week. I actually started shots too. Sounds great but, we learned that I don’t do well working out post allergy shot. One more thing to work around. Maddie has 4 doctor's appointments this month.. This month Lauren has 4 doctors appointments this month plus weekly therapy and weekly i Can dance class.  Life is about choices and decisions. I am moving personal therapy to twice a month. I am not going to feel guilty for working out only 3 times a week. I am working out more this month than I worked out in the past 2 years. We do what we have to do for our families. Oh, have I told you I am taking 12 hours of college classes too? Yes, yes I am crazy but, blessed!

I am excited to do my three month update (coming up next Sunday night). I hope to finish the week strong!  I am about 30 pounds from being to my halfway point. I do believe I am "thinner" than I have been in 5 years. Defiantly since I moved Little Rock. Eating is getting easier but, I still struggle with eating enough. My favorite go to lunch is smoothie (with splenda and soy protein) and half sandwich. {Total Calories=500 calories and Total Protein= 50} I usually do eggs for breakfast but, no matter how I spin it- 1 egg is all I can do. Dinner is usually a few bites and I feel done. So, as you can imagine I feel like my tropical smoothie lunch is important.

I waited long enough. I have been overweight 20 years. I am committed to being healthy and sharing my story. The ups and the downs. The highs and the lows. The success(es) and the struggles.

You are the author of your story. Make it a good one. Some of my contacts are below. And as always, thanks for reading. Your support means so much!

My (Surgeon) is Dr. Jon Fuller. He is at Arkansas Bariatric Surgery Center. You can click here to learn more about weight loss surgery with Dr Fuller.

Josh (My physical therapist) says you don't even have to join D1 gym to receive PT with him. Seriously, if you have joint or muscle aches or  just too fat or too weak to work out please call or email Josh. (joshlanders(at)sbcglobal.net) or message me for his #. He takes most all insurances.    

If you are looking to step up to your game then Tisha is the person to connect with at D1. (tisha.kelly(at)d1sportstraining.com

Life 2 months post surgery..

Friends are always interested in my life through food.. It's actually- quite boring. Here is the deal.. I am not usually hungry.. I get full really fast! I chew my food probably 20-30 times for each bite.. I do not drink with my meals.. If I eat too much I start sneezing.. Strange, eh? 

I am technically off restrictions. This is a typical day..

Breakfast - super important especially for working out! I usually eat a couple egg quiche mini muffins or protein bar..(Recipe below)

Lunch- 1/2 sandwich or soup or quiche or smoothie. I also stop by Fresh Market pick up a few items like
(spinach, tuna salad, edamame  et el) and eat them for a few days.. 

Snack or meal items I like include string cheese, beef jerky, deli meat wrapped in slice cheese, GoLean Crisp by Kashi (a favorite)  and peanut butter is one of my favorite! 

I eat for nutrition value not for personal satisfaction. I have had a grilled cheese at Sonic, Breakfast burrito from McDonalds (My last one ever), Taco Bueno yesterday and tropical smoothie several times..  I used to love pizza. I have had a few slices from a local place in Cabot that I tolerated. It was a Ranch, Bacon, Chicken on a thin crust pizza.  I do like chili from Wendy's! I have 2  flavors of smoothies and a sandwich I like from Tropical Smoothie.. Fast food is challenging.. No protein, too much food.. Honestly not worth it. 

Drinks.. Some times I crave a Dr. Pepper. But, I have a glass of decaf diet tea each day. I can tolerate 4-6 ounces of lemonade (splenda or real) once a week. A cup of coffee with creamer and 1/2 tsp of sugar. (I used to use 2+ tsp of sugar). Lemon water from sonic is a favorite.I also enjoy starbucks occasionally. Most of the time it's just plain ol water.  

I did enjoy a whole grain sugar cookie last night. I usually will take 1-2 bites of sweet item and then trash it. I like eating off John's plate too when we go out! I also take a box home.  

Here is my recipe to my mini-quiches. I thought I found them on The World According to Eggface. But, I can't find them now! 

Mini Crustless Quiche Lorraines

Ingredients
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 tablespoon butter
8 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
Black pepper
a couple dahses of louisiana hot sauce
1/2 cup swiss cheese, shredded
4-6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray two mini muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.

In a small pan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 7-10 minutes, until tender and golden.

In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and parsley. Set aside.

Place a pinch of the cheese, onions, and bacon in the bottom of each muffin tin. Then, carefully pour the egg mixture into each tin, just to the top.

Place the trays on the middle oven rack and bake for about 15 minutes. They will look puffed and golden when done.

Makes 24 mini quiches

*Quiches can be served immediately or refrigerated or frozen for later use. A few seconds in the microwave will do the trick for reheating.

Hear Me RoaR

Here we are! Month two post weight loss surgery!
The best month yet! 

August proved to be very challenging! I spent 2 weeks stalling because I was not eating right. (I was not eating enough!) Happy to report the stall is over! My friend, Andrew, reached out to me and encouraged me to give D1 a shot! 

Victories:
Clothing.. Everything except socks and shoes hardly fit!!!  Remember those capri's in this picture (photo taken in late July then today)! They are now loose on me! That shirt is very loose and almost too big feeling (check out the arms)! I also  had to buy workout clothing! 

Energy... Working out (and Physical Therapy) IS changing my life. I am the most uncoordinated person but, I feel great!  Strength and Balance has improved too.. Not too mention I feel more confident. (Thanks Nick for reminding me of that!) 

Another major achievement: My face. (I have no make up in the current photos- actually we just got back from a walk!)  Notice how it is "toned"? When I shared with my friend Leslie that I needed product to help my face remain youthful during the weight loss journey... Picture after picture of weight loss patients have faces that droop and age!  She shared with me actual photos of someone who went through WLS and used Rodan and Fields... I wasn't sure if it would be worth the investment but, I knew I wanted a youthful face.. I can hide sagging arms and belly! Rodan and Fields is keeping its promise!!!  You can learn more about Rodan and Fields by clicking here or ask me about it! I will wear makeup in next month's photos!

You want the details and numbers... Here you go! 

Highest weight 353

Current Weight 293

Total Inches Lost since 6/21/13 (Measuring fat is hard!)
Arms (right) 4.75 
Bust 7 inches
Hips 7 inches (1 1/2 in 30 days)
Thighs 3 inches

According to my phone app that Monitor's my Weight loss.. My BMI value has went down 8 points! 

Where I feel the most difference? arms!

Goals for August! COMPLETED

To be never in the 300's when I weigh-in (praise the Lord-D1 took care of that!)

More exercise!! (major improvement- worked out 4 days this week!)
More Protein! (Much improved!!)

Get medications straightened out!! (also better but, back on reflux meds)

Continue therapy!  (It's going well too!)

In this picture- this is the shirt I bought at The Rack (Nordstorm's) in Seattle in March (did not fit) and here is the difference! This was a proud moment! You can't tell but, in July my arms (and obviously my belly) were bulging out! 

New Goals!

-Continue new ways to find protein

-Drink 100 ounces of water a day

- Workout 5 days a week!

-Jog 4 laps around the d1 track without stopping!!! (When I started I could jog 1/4 of a lap and just the other day I did almost 2 laps)

-Encourage anyone who will listen to make a plan to be healthy. DO something today. 

March 2014 Run a 5k!!!! No desire to run on a regular basis but, my friend Sarah encouraged me think about it and I think WHY NOT????

My friends (and I want to name specifically name my facebook fam, Brent, Angie, Shana, Sarah, My staff at work, Andrew, Sonya, Jessica, Leslie, D1 people, my family, my husband and my blog readers) your encouragement has meant so much me and truly carried me through this month. Thank you. 

The next blog will be about my current food choices and life with no "medical" restrictions.. 

Lots of Love from the Losers Bench!!!

Things you learn as you go along...

So, as you go through the journey of weight loss surgery - you are told a lot of things about food.. Most sleeve patients say "with time, I can eat any foods I choose"...

But, I was told these examples by lots of non sleeve patients..

- Chicken is too dry and hard to eat.
(All in moderation for me- I can eat 1 oz/hour)
-Steak is too tough to eat..
(I will take 1-2 bites.. But, I don't enjoy it like before.. Also, people tend to overcook steak. I am with Alton Brown - Check out this video on you tube by clicking here..
-Bread will get stuck.. 3-4 bites and I am done. I feel full!
-Pasta and rice is a no-no  (I am not a rice fan- but if I eat rice it will be brown rice. Pasta- I eat whole wheat only.)
-Soda is a big no (Not a fan of carbonation- I dream of drinking Dr. Pepper one day- but, not anytime soon! I have no desire to diet drink soda again!)
-no drinking alcohol (alcohol is rarity for me - because there is no enjoyment.)
-Salad and raw veggies can be difficult to digest.. (I am eating salad but, since there is no protein - I skip it)
No drinking while eating  (This is true for me and most patients! Causes much pain! Plus it is not healthy for you.)
Chew your food 30 times! (This is pretty important for proper digestion since my stomach is smaller.)

I think folks get the different surgeries confused. There are definitely more restrictions with lap-band and gastric bypass. I had the sleeve surgery. All that means is they took out 85% of my stomach. 

I have not had a "reaction" since the beginning of August. A reaction is when I food disagrees with me. It's a lot like "dumping" with bypass patients (Sweating,  Fatigue,  Dizziness,  lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal cramps, Diarrhea)  My food triggers continue to be pork (not deli meat or bacon) and sugar alcohols (Splenda and Estevia not a problem). 

From my research the sleeve does not "stop working."  People stop being diligent.  People start making poor food choices. At this point- I feel like I now use food as nutrition - there is no enjoyment- the moment I eat for enjoyment- my brain signals.. I get up and walk away.

Yes, I have made major improvements- still have a lot to learn.. Always, learning!

One Month (and some) Anniversary of Surgery. Where are we?

Photo on the Left was taken today. Photo on right was taken
on surgery day. (July 9th)

August is super busy for me. School begins.. I work longer hours.. And this month we several drs appointments happening right in the middle of everything. I realize it's been a week since I've blogged. Actually started this on Friday.. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to announce we have a breakthrough.. And some exciting results.. 

Victories:

Clothing.. down a complete size and then some.. I actually bought some clothes to wear for the fall when I get to that size.. 

I am off my acid reflux meds. 

I am suppose to be limiting my NSAIDs meds.. This is really hard.. I am cutting back but, it's rough.. Tylenol doesn't cut it! 

Starting Weight VS Today:  
350 (ish) and today 299.1 (this varies between morning and night +/- 3 pounds) 

Inches lost as of today:  (since 6/21)

Chest 7.5 inches

Bust 6 inches

Hips 5.5 inches

Belly button 7 inches

Where I feel the most difference? my hips

In this picture- you can hardly see my knees today! 

Goals for next month: To be never in the 300's when I weigh-in-- right now, it's on the border and I want them gone! More exercise!! More Protein! Get medications straightened out!! Continue therapy!  

Thanks for your love and support. 

love, RDB

Online "Support" Groups and the weekend update

So, there are lots of online groups for people who have had weight loss surgery. And some days I feel really connected to people and their experiences.. But, lately I am annoyed. When a friend or family member suggests an idea that isn't really good advice it's in one ear and out the other.  When other weight loss surgery freinds suggest ideas- I listen and apply as needed. People in these facebook groups are wearing me out!!!!

I should tell you that this surgery is not a miracle. It's a tool to help me lose weight. A lady said today- how the surgery failed her. I reached out to her.. I was concerned about what happen.. She said well I drink mountain dews and eat cupcakes at work.. Seriously!!!?? People are crazy!

26 days post surgery

When I reach my goal weight I will probably call this whole thing my miracle. Granny Duckett- always remembers the good times with her kiddos.. Never remembers them misbehaving.. It's like she has blocked it from memory.. That will be me. I will block the rough times out of WLS. :) Check out my scars they are healing nicely. Time to start Mederma so I can wear that 2 pc swimsuit.. (I am kidding).. 

Anyways, ADD moment.. My husband didn't ask me to have this surgery. My fat life wasn't terrible.  The fact is.. It was time to take action. I was tired a lot. I found myself not able to do the things I used to do. I also knew that staying at 350 pounds was not going to allow me to live a long life. So, the decision to make a change in my life wasn't difficult. It was actually quite easy. I am so blessed that I have GAINED friends from this surgery. Definitely, brought me closer to God. My energy is much better... I am a cheap date. I am surprised how restaurants are accommodating. Today, a local small business gave me grief about ordering of the kids menu. I will visit once more before I whip out my medical card... Eating out has become easier. I am learning more about what I can tolerate and my stomach's swelling has went down considerably... Tropical smoothie actually has a smoothie option with protein and not bad on calories.. Red Lobster is my favorite chain at the moment.. With Panera coming in second.. Soup is still my go to food. Fast food seems impossible but, I do love Wendy's Chili. Of course, the container of chili last for many many meals. Cheerios and String cheese have also become a great on the go option. Cooking and eating at home is much easier and preferred. I used to LOVE breakfast and now I tolerate it. My first meal of the day is very unsatisfying. I used to never want Ice Cream- now I do! I have somewhat craved a Dr. Pepper this week but, there is no way in hell I will drink a soda. I had major pain after taking a sip of Sparkling Water (accidentally). If I am behind on water intake (usually I am) then I get hungry at night. Trying new foods is scary. This next part is TMI.. New foods can cause you vomit.. And when you vomit- it's not normal vomit.. It's like mass amount of thick mucus.. Pepperoni not chewed was the culprit. And while dumping is rare- I can not have peanut butter in a shake. I am not sure I can even have PB2.. Such a bummer. I can eat plain peanut butter but, in a shake and I have a long date in the bathroom. Not one bit pleasant. As you can imagine protein is a challenge to get everyday.. As the doctor suggested- chicken is very challenging to eat. I love fruit but I wish it had protein.. 

Weekly update.. We are within days of the scales blasting 299. It's okay because I might as well enjoy the 300's cause I have no plans on returning back here. However, my clothes can tell a major change.

 Shirts fit so much better and I am losing some of my bat wings (arm fat). Praise the Lord! I also can tell my chest and hips are down at least a size. John says he can tell just hugging me (such a supportive hubby).. I will not be attached to the scale. Spoke with my PCP's nurse.. Can't change the dosage to my adderall xr till August 12th because my PCP is out. (Not sure if I blogged about the fact that the XR isn't working because these formulations are intended to be absorbed over 2-12 hours, the pill passes through the gastrointestinal tract before absorption is complete. It's going to be okay though! At least-- I know why I am emotionally and mentally off! My motivation/planning is out of sorts.. So, perhaps my blogging improve next week along with my returning emails and messages.  

Today, my sweet free friend who I can call on for lunch anytime sent me this inspiration today. And I thought how appropriate for my season of life. 

"If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies."

Intolerance to foods

They say with weight loss surgery lots of people become intolerant to certain foods. I prayed mine would be bread. It still might be because I have not had any bread!!!  But, we know one of my intolerances.. Sunday I thought if I don't figure this out I will end up severely dehydrated. The bathroom and I were spending a lot of time together. 

Oh yes, 2 ounces of it and time it.. oh 90 seconds...  I am in severe pain and in the bathroom. I call it my Al Rooker fear... Basically, I get really weak, nauseated, cramping and I have to go sit on the potty pronto. So, called the doctor and we limited it to 3 things.. Whey, dairy or sugar alcohol.. And with trial and error we found it.. We believe it's the sugar alcohol aspartame. It's found in most sugar free items, protein shakes and lots of diet food. You can't be serious???  So, now I am eating soft foods only. I have to make my own shakes right now. I have been on a break from them but, should restart today.   

The scale hasn't "moved" very much. My WLS friends says to stop weighing myself. My friend A only weights on Fridays and my friend Bre only weights at the doctor. I weight 3 times a day.  Need to move it out of my sight.

After much research- I think I see the problem. I am not eating enough. I need to eat probably 1,000 calories a day. I have to be more deliberate and eat even when I am not hungry  I also need to drink more water!! Calculate how much your water intake here.

Daily walking and Water Aerobics begin next week. 

Happy Friday Friends!

Day 3 of Post op and first day "home"

Type of surgery I had..

First off, I should never doubt my friends support for our family. You guys made the hospital stay bearable.

Overall, I feel good for just having major surgery. Slow, very sore and still groggy. 

I am still on my liquid diet till Monday. We have that covered. It's very challenging for me to drink what I have. I have no hunger and no desire to eat. I just have cottonmouth and some gas.

On top of all this I hurt my knee- very minor scrape but, using my knees to position myself make it very painful. I also stub my pinky toe in the hospital on my IV cart. Bruised and bleed a lot.  So, if I could quit

My minor knee injury

injuring myself maybe I could start focusing on my stomach healing!!   Above in the picture in the incisions. (See I am keeping this real!). 

If you want to bring food for us- just bring enough for John and Lauren (2 servings max). Next week while I will be eating soft/mushy foods- I will be limited and I need to make good food choices..  Each meal I get 1/8 of a cup of two different things. So my portion sizes are way small. My first goal over the week is to work on getting plenty of protein and drinking plenty of water.. 

I am hoping I can quit pain meds tomorrow and once I am off of them then I can drive. I know that will not be today or tomorrow. So, perhaps driving Monday will be more realistic.  I am walking like an elderly person still yet.

NO REGRETS! Thankful to be on the flip side!

Crock pot Chicken Stock / Broth Recipe!

As you know - I am preparing for weight loss surgery and I am on a two week liquid diet. My hubby, John, is on weight watchers and so we are learning to find meals we both can enjoy. Here is a crucial ingredient to lots of soups!

Chicken Stock/Broth. I was told broth traditionally doesn't include salt but it does include meat.. ANYWAYS.. It's is so easy to make! Homemade is so much better and yet we settle for the can!!!  NO MORE! We even make ours in a crock pot!

John found this recipe at Everyday Maven and we tweak it.. I am making several batches to have in the freezer- and it's so tasty it's no surprise they are the base to several more recipes I plan to post this week/weekend! 

• One 3½ to 5 lb chicken (with meat, bones & skin), cut up

• 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• water to cover plus about 1″

• 8 to 10″ lemongrass, sliced in half (I use the freeze dried)

• 3 to 4 shallots, cut in half lengthwise (skin on)

• 1 head garlic, cut in half across the middle (skin on)

• 3 to 4″ ginger root, peeled and sliced lengthwise

• 1 bunch scallions, white and darks separated, whites cut lengthwise (greens reserved for soup)

2 to 3 tablespoons Kosher Salt

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  Of course you can also add carrots, celery, green onions and more! Put in the crock pot on low and walk away for 8-10 hours!  
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• After the stock is done cooking turn off the heat and, we pick out the big stuff and used a strainer to remove all herbs/bones/etc. (We actually used the cooked chicken for something else.)
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• Either refrigerate or freeze the stock for future use. I plan to freeze some in both 1 and 2-cup portions, and I also plan to freeze stock in ice cube trays just in case I just “need a little” for making sauce or rice. 

So, that's all folks. You can do it! 

Original Recipe Inspiration came from Everyday Maven

Order me a Cheeseburger with chips and salsa please!

So.. I have had a cheeseburger on my mind lately. I can tell you the last time I went to Five Guys and experienced their burger. (a Friday in May) I am not even a burger fan but, I want one. After researching-- I decided that I would meet John at Chili's for dinner before therapy.  I was not going to blog about it because no one would know I was there. But, was I wrong. One of my staff members was there. I had a couple bites of John's grill chicken... Then the immense guilt came over me. I stopped (and we had planned me eating some chicken all along at dinner). It's how cheating occurs. It feels wrong at first then it gets easier. I want every food decision to be thought out.  One day. One step. 

I think my body is ready for surgery. I am losing a little more than a pound a day. I've lost 17 pounds thus far- I am having to space out my meals and liquid intake.. Today my insurance called and asked if I was ready for surgery. She asked a series of questions.. Are you depressed? suicidal? your routine different? I laughed I said you mean am I surviving without food? She laughed. We are going to be okay. 

We also know that my family has a history of malignant hypothermia. I have spent some time today researching since the medical records I have were from 1986!! If you ever go alone and visit Granny Duckett she will tell you about Johnnie. Johnnie was born a few years after dad. Johnnie went to have his tonsils out in 1961 and had a allergic reaction to the anesthetic and he died. Not sure how but, we later learned that my grandparents were carriers of MH. (very rare for both parents to carry it- I think that was God's way of not letting them blame each other). So, after some further testing it was discovered that our family is MH susceptible. The information I learned about today was really cool but, I want to share the info with my family first.  As I am always reminded Genetic Testing is rapidly changing!  MH while it is rare- as long as the hospital is aware then the proper medication  can be available if you have a reaction. 

So day 10. If I am being honest and I am... I am ready for day 14. A new chance at life. And if you get a chance eat a burger for me. ;)