Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Sunday, July 7, 2013
What I couldn't do then, that I can do now.
Hello all. It's been a while so I should share an update. I am now 8 months post op and down 113 lbs, off all 19 of my medications, and feeling amazing. I have experienced a lot of things in the last few months that have been a long time coming. Things that are taken for granted for the average size and things that I missed out on for many years.
I would have to say my biggest accomplishment was going to a water park and riding all the rides with my kids...AND, I fit in a tube comfortably! It was so amazing that I didn't want to get out of the tube! I could have basked for hours...but the rides kept coming to an end. :( Such is life.
Another experience I have gone through...shopping in a average size clothing store. I am no longer in plus size clothes and ventured to the mall to try on some clothes. I look at a piece of clothing, at the tag (size), back at the clothing, back at the tag, and then try it on...it's too big...I look at the clothing, at the tag, at the clothing...you get it! It is amazing to me, and I am often in disbelief that the size on the tag is real. Never mind that the size that actually fits me is real! In some sense, I still see the same person in the mirror that I did 8 months ago, so to think that these smaller clothes are going to fit...I'm in disbelief more often than not.
With the exception of the planar fasiitis in one of my feet constantly flaring up, I have so much more energy and get very excited about doing anything that involves activity. My kids are doing more, I'm doing more with the kids, and we are all happier and more involved in life. I still have a few things to do to check off my list in the coming months/years/decades/etc.: skydiving, bungee jumping, ride the roller coasters again, wear my high school prom dress (size 8) to my 20 year reunion, hiking, canoeing, own and ride 4 wheeler's again, and take vacations with no limitations to what excursions I do. That's just the few I can think of off hand. :)
I have had lots of people come to me and ask questions about my surgery, progress, and success. I welcome it and am honored to be an inspiration. If you or anyone you know is thinking about weight loss surgery feel free to contact me. There are many people who are not encouraging of these procedures, however, they aren't the ones dealing with the issues in most cases. Yes, there are risks with the surgery, but what are the risks of being obese for the rest of your life? Yes, there are things you have to change when have WLS, but what kind of changes have you had to make as you get bigger? Yes, extreme weight loss can lead to saggy skin, but what's hanging now? (Haha, don't answer that!) The fact is that yes, with anything there are risks, there could be complications, and there could be things you don't like. What are the risks of your current weight and your current diseases compared to the surgery? What are the chances of complications and what are they compared to the ones your dealing with now? What kind of changes will you make for the better compared to the ones your making now? What can you do to prevent these complications and risks compared to what your doing to prevent the ones you have now?
I can't count on two hands how many times I've gone to a doctor and was told I could eliminate a symptom or disease if I lost weight. I didn't want to hear it anymore, I didn't believe it, I thought they all were out to get the fat girl, because they'd never seen an inch of fat in their lives! Turns out, they knew what they were talking about after all! Even the diseases I had that aren't necessarily exacerbated by obesity are controlled and/or cured now. Even at 273 lbs my cholesterol was great and I would say, "well, I'm healthy, I really don't eat that much, I'm obviously eating right." All of those things were a crutch. There comes a time in life when we all have to take away the crutch and walk on our own two feet. I'd never know how great life could be had I not threw out the crutch and stood on my own two feet.
Until next time...
Be blessed,
Sleeve Sister
P.S. There will be a "crutch" drive coming to your area soon. You can donate your crutch for a new leash on life! :)
I would have to say my biggest accomplishment was going to a water park and riding all the rides with my kids...AND, I fit in a tube comfortably! It was so amazing that I didn't want to get out of the tube! I could have basked for hours...but the rides kept coming to an end. :( Such is life.
Another experience I have gone through...shopping in a average size clothing store. I am no longer in plus size clothes and ventured to the mall to try on some clothes. I look at a piece of clothing, at the tag (size), back at the clothing, back at the tag, and then try it on...it's too big...I look at the clothing, at the tag, at the clothing...you get it! It is amazing to me, and I am often in disbelief that the size on the tag is real. Never mind that the size that actually fits me is real! In some sense, I still see the same person in the mirror that I did 8 months ago, so to think that these smaller clothes are going to fit...I'm in disbelief more often than not.
With the exception of the planar fasiitis in one of my feet constantly flaring up, I have so much more energy and get very excited about doing anything that involves activity. My kids are doing more, I'm doing more with the kids, and we are all happier and more involved in life. I still have a few things to do to check off my list in the coming months/years/decades/etc.: skydiving, bungee jumping, ride the roller coasters again, wear my high school prom dress (size 8) to my 20 year reunion, hiking, canoeing, own and ride 4 wheeler's again, and take vacations with no limitations to what excursions I do. That's just the few I can think of off hand. :)
I have had lots of people come to me and ask questions about my surgery, progress, and success. I welcome it and am honored to be an inspiration. If you or anyone you know is thinking about weight loss surgery feel free to contact me. There are many people who are not encouraging of these procedures, however, they aren't the ones dealing with the issues in most cases. Yes, there are risks with the surgery, but what are the risks of being obese for the rest of your life? Yes, there are things you have to change when have WLS, but what kind of changes have you had to make as you get bigger? Yes, extreme weight loss can lead to saggy skin, but what's hanging now? (Haha, don't answer that!) The fact is that yes, with anything there are risks, there could be complications, and there could be things you don't like. What are the risks of your current weight and your current diseases compared to the surgery? What are the chances of complications and what are they compared to the ones your dealing with now? What kind of changes will you make for the better compared to the ones your making now? What can you do to prevent these complications and risks compared to what your doing to prevent the ones you have now?
I can't count on two hands how many times I've gone to a doctor and was told I could eliminate a symptom or disease if I lost weight. I didn't want to hear it anymore, I didn't believe it, I thought they all were out to get the fat girl, because they'd never seen an inch of fat in their lives! Turns out, they knew what they were talking about after all! Even the diseases I had that aren't necessarily exacerbated by obesity are controlled and/or cured now. Even at 273 lbs my cholesterol was great and I would say, "well, I'm healthy, I really don't eat that much, I'm obviously eating right." All of those things were a crutch. There comes a time in life when we all have to take away the crutch and walk on our own two feet. I'd never know how great life could be had I not threw out the crutch and stood on my own two feet.
Until next time...
Be blessed,
Sleeve Sister
P.S. There will be a "crutch" drive coming to your area soon. You can donate your crutch for a new leash on life! :)
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Recipes
Hello friends! I have spent the last several weeks in a stall only losing 4 lbs and under a lot of stress due to health problems with my daughter. So, I apologize if you feel neglected. You'll get over it! Haha, kidding. I'm going to use this post to share a little about my diet and share some of my recipes.
My diet: I am supposed to have 64 fl oz of fluids and 60 g of protein per day. However, I rarely get to either goal much less exceed. I try to keep my calorie count below 800 per day and have only exceeded once. The goal is to get fluids in and protein first (before veggies and carbs.) For the most part, I have not added in carbs with the exception of here and there mostly when I eat out. I have a difficult time getting in my protein without adding food that will fill me up faster.
My recipes:
Mozz Fonduta
1/3 cup of italian blend part skim shredded cheese
1 egg
2 tbsp of plain greek yogurt
1 tsp of thyme
Mix ingredients and place in ceramic dish. Place on low broil until top is spotted mostly brown. Enjoy! (this tastes just like Olive Garden's Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta) P.S. in the later stages, I add chopped grilled chicken for extra protein.
Chicken Pesto w/ Goat Cheese
1 can of canned chicken breast (I've also used chicken cutlets cooked in the crockpot)
2 tbsp pesto
1 tbsp goat cheese
Mix chicken and pesto. Top with goat cheese (I even add a little sundried tomatoes) and place in oven on low broil until cheese softens. Enjoy!
Italian Dressing Chicken
1 can of canned chicken breast
1 cup of light italian dressing
Mix and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Enjoy!
Egg, Cheese, and Turkey Bacon Mini Quiche
3 eggs
4 slices turkey bacon
1/3 cup shredded cheese
1 splash of milk
Chop bacon and mix all ingredients together. Pour into mini cupcake pan and bake on 350 for 10-15 mins. Enjoy!
Ricotta and Turkey Pepperoni Mini Quiche
1/3 cup skim ricotta cheese
chopped turkey pepperoni
1 egg
1/3 cup part skim mozzarella shredded cheese
1/4 cup marinara sauce
Mix all ingredients. Place in mini cupcake pan and bake on 350 for 10-15 mins. Enjoy!
Egg Salad with Dill
3 boiled eggs
2 tbsp of fat free mayo
1 tbsp of mustard
2 tbsp of dill (the seasoning,not the pickle:)
Chop eggs and mix all ingredients. Chill for at least one hour. Enjoy!
This is the majority of my meals. As you can tell, I haven't stopped loving food; I stopped wanting it. I snack on string cheese and cashews as well throughout the day. I'm a very picky person so my food is limited to that. I pre-make the majority of my meals once a week and package them individually with my vacuum sealer or snack size baggies. And, YES, I have saved a lot on groceries. My son feels inclined to tell me that frequently too! :)
Until next time...
Be Blessed!
Sleeve Sister
My diet: I am supposed to have 64 fl oz of fluids and 60 g of protein per day. However, I rarely get to either goal much less exceed. I try to keep my calorie count below 800 per day and have only exceeded once. The goal is to get fluids in and protein first (before veggies and carbs.) For the most part, I have not added in carbs with the exception of here and there mostly when I eat out. I have a difficult time getting in my protein without adding food that will fill me up faster.
My recipes:
Mozz Fonduta
1/3 cup of italian blend part skim shredded cheese
1 egg
2 tbsp of plain greek yogurt
1 tsp of thyme
Mix ingredients and place in ceramic dish. Place on low broil until top is spotted mostly brown. Enjoy! (this tastes just like Olive Garden's Smoked Mozzarella Fonduta) P.S. in the later stages, I add chopped grilled chicken for extra protein.
Chicken Pesto w/ Goat Cheese
1 can of canned chicken breast (I've also used chicken cutlets cooked in the crockpot)
2 tbsp pesto
1 tbsp goat cheese
Mix chicken and pesto. Top with goat cheese (I even add a little sundried tomatoes) and place in oven on low broil until cheese softens. Enjoy!
Italian Dressing Chicken
1 can of canned chicken breast
1 cup of light italian dressing
Mix and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Enjoy!
Egg, Cheese, and Turkey Bacon Mini Quiche
3 eggs
4 slices turkey bacon
1/3 cup shredded cheese
1 splash of milk
Chop bacon and mix all ingredients together. Pour into mini cupcake pan and bake on 350 for 10-15 mins. Enjoy!
Ricotta and Turkey Pepperoni Mini Quiche
1/3 cup skim ricotta cheese
chopped turkey pepperoni
1 egg
1/3 cup part skim mozzarella shredded cheese
1/4 cup marinara sauce
Mix all ingredients. Place in mini cupcake pan and bake on 350 for 10-15 mins. Enjoy!
Egg Salad with Dill
3 boiled eggs
2 tbsp of fat free mayo
1 tbsp of mustard
2 tbsp of dill (the seasoning,not the pickle:)
Chop eggs and mix all ingredients. Chill for at least one hour. Enjoy!
This is the majority of my meals. As you can tell, I haven't stopped loving food; I stopped wanting it. I snack on string cheese and cashews as well throughout the day. I'm a very picky person so my food is limited to that. I pre-make the majority of my meals once a week and package them individually with my vacuum sealer or snack size baggies. And, YES, I have saved a lot on groceries. My son feels inclined to tell me that frequently too! :)
Until next time...
Be Blessed!
Sleeve Sister
Monday, January 14, 2013
A Day In My Sleeve
In addition to sharing my weightloss, I thought I would share a typical day of food. Here it goes:
Breakfast: 1 egg with cheddar cheese
Snack: 3/4 piece of string cheese
Lunch: 1 1/2-2 oz of italian dressing marinated chicken breast (canned)
Snack: 1/4 cup of sea salted cashews
Dinner: 1/2 turkey burger topped with cheddar cheese and bbq sauce
I am capable of eating anything I want in very small portions, however, I try to stick to protein. Since the hormone which controls hunger is removed with the Gastric Sleeve, I no longer get hungry. Although, I still haven't gotten out of the habit of saying, "I'm hungry." Old habits are hard to break, even when they've been removed from your body!
As time goes on, since this surgery, I am continuously learning new things about myself and able to do more. My energy levelis greater than it has been in 14 years. It amazes me! The only regret I have is not doing it sooner.
I hit a milestone this week...75 lbs! Yay me! New picture attached!
Be Blessed!
Sleeve Sister
Breakfast: 1 egg with cheddar cheese
Snack: 3/4 piece of string cheese
Lunch: 1 1/2-2 oz of italian dressing marinated chicken breast (canned)
Snack: 1/4 cup of sea salted cashews
Dinner: 1/2 turkey burger topped with cheddar cheese and bbq sauce
I am capable of eating anything I want in very small portions, however, I try to stick to protein. Since the hormone which controls hunger is removed with the Gastric Sleeve, I no longer get hungry. Although, I still haven't gotten out of the habit of saying, "I'm hungry." Old habits are hard to break, even when they've been removed from your body!
As time goes on, since this surgery, I am continuously learning new things about myself and able to do more. My energy levelis greater than it has been in 14 years. It amazes me! The only regret I have is not doing it sooner.
I hit a milestone this week...75 lbs! Yay me! New picture attached!
Be Blessed!
Sleeve Sister
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
A New Year, A New Me
Let me start by wishing you a happy and blessed New Year! I am expecting my blessings to multiply this year, especially in the weight loss department. I would like to share some of the changes that I've endured since my weight loss:
1. I can bend over and tie my shoes standing or sitting.
2. My BMI has dropped 12%.
3. My blood pressure has gone from 130's/80's to 112/59.
4. I have dropped 3 sizes.
5. My asthma is under control.
6. I can wipe...oh nevermind I won't go there! :)
The past week I have been in my hometown celebrating and visiting all my family and friends. All of which I have not seen since my surgery in October. I was overwhelmed (well, not really) with compliments and encouragement. Everyone noticed my weight loss and expressed their pride and joy for me. I really was looking forward to this day and now that its past I have other goals to look forward to. I'd like to share them with you:
1. Get under 200 lbs (I'm almost there!)
2. Get my Planar Fasiitis under control so I can start a rigorous work out regimen.
3. Get into a size 10 or 12 (or God willing, smaller) by June for a planned cruise with my Hubby.
4. And last but not least, by 2014, I want to fit into my high school prom dress (size 8) that I plan to wear to my 20 year high school reunion.
I am absolutely thrilled beyond doubt at the difference this surgery has made not only in my life, but the difference it has and will make in my husband and kids lives too! I am down 68 lbs in just 12 weeks.
I've never been a believer of resolutions. My pastor put it perfectly, we need revelations not resolutions. So, what kind of revelations will you have in 2013?
Be blessed!
Sleeve Sister
1. I can bend over and tie my shoes standing or sitting.
2. My BMI has dropped 12%.
3. My blood pressure has gone from 130's/80's to 112/59.
4. I have dropped 3 sizes.
5. My asthma is under control.
6. I can wipe...oh nevermind I won't go there! :)
The past week I have been in my hometown celebrating and visiting all my family and friends. All of which I have not seen since my surgery in October. I was overwhelmed (well, not really) with compliments and encouragement. Everyone noticed my weight loss and expressed their pride and joy for me. I really was looking forward to this day and now that its past I have other goals to look forward to. I'd like to share them with you:
1. Get under 200 lbs (I'm almost there!)
2. Get my Planar Fasiitis under control so I can start a rigorous work out regimen.
3. Get into a size 10 or 12 (or God willing, smaller) by June for a planned cruise with my Hubby.
4. And last but not least, by 2014, I want to fit into my high school prom dress (size 8) that I plan to wear to my 20 year high school reunion.
I am absolutely thrilled beyond doubt at the difference this surgery has made not only in my life, but the difference it has and will make in my husband and kids lives too! I am down 68 lbs in just 12 weeks.
I've never been a believer of resolutions. My pastor put it perfectly, we need revelations not resolutions. So, what kind of revelations will you have in 2013?
Be blessed!
Sleeve Sister
Thursday, December 13, 2012
This past week, all the challenges I've endured have been starring me in the face. With the loss of a significant other being at the top of the list. I'm currently staying with a loved one as she endures the loss of her husband. Her and I have been through very similar challenges, but this is one I never wanted to have in common. Watching her go through this is heartbreaking, but being here for her is the least I can do.
Furthermore, this is also another wake up call. Greg was healthy and suffered a massive heart attack. I'm not as healthy as he and this has made me more grateful to be blessed with all that I am.
I'm going to make this short as I'm really at a loss for words, however, speaking of...healthy. I am now down 62 lbs. I've learned this week that I need to be proud of my accomplishments. I couldn't be prouder of myself with the decision I've made to live healthy. Let this be a reminder that life is short and we are not responsible with how short it will be, but we can make a difference regardless.
Be Blessed!
SleeveSister
Furthermore, this is also another wake up call. Greg was healthy and suffered a massive heart attack. I'm not as healthy as he and this has made me more grateful to be blessed with all that I am.
I'm going to make this short as I'm really at a loss for words, however, speaking of...healthy. I am now down 62 lbs. I've learned this week that I need to be proud of my accomplishments. I couldn't be prouder of myself with the decision I've made to live healthy. Let this be a reminder that life is short and we are not responsible with how short it will be, but we can make a difference regardless.
Be Blessed!
SleeveSister
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Is life a box of chocolates?
Is life really like a box a chocolates if the box is always empty? If your human, like myself, you have had some kind of struggle in your life and you have some kind of imperfection(s). I can sit here and tell you that I am fat because I have a thyroid problem, or because I am disabled due to a motor vehicle accident, and I could go on and on. But, the truth is that those have always been my excuse and the fact is that I actually have a food addiction (what I like to call, Hand To Mouth Disease.). Even after a Lap-Band and Gastric Sleeve, I still love food. The difference now, rather than prior to weight loss surgery, I just enjoy food in a different context ( or should I say texture:).
Did I take the "easy" way out? Do you light a fire beneath your stove when you cook? Do you put reigns on a horse before you drive? Do you draw water from a well before you drink? I think you get my point.
It was much easier to continue gaining weight than just making the decision to become healthy. That doesn't include the decision to have weightloss surgery, actually having the surgery, or even the recovery. I'd love to say that I took the easy way out, however, coming from someone who's had 14 different surgeries, the "easiest" was the surgery. Just as prior to surgery, the food addiction is a daily battle, even with 20% of a stomach.
Do I still eat unhealthy? Rarely. I've had a few bites (Slurpee spoonfuls) of a Slurpee, and on Thanksgiving I had one of my Antipasto Squares (ham, salami, pepperoni, Swiss, and roasted red peppers between two layers of cresants). By the way, they were both delicious in case your wondering. Was it worth it? Absolutely! When you learned how to ride a bike, how many times did you fall off?
Moving on, and now that I've caught your attention, I am writing this blog for several reasons: as part of my own therapy, to inform you of my thoughts, my progress, and to educate.
I bet you'd like to know my "stats"!?! I am 4'10, my lowest weight (in high school) was 107 lbs, my highest weight was 273 lbs. I lost 24 lbs with the Lap-Band, and gained 40 lbs back. I have lost 53 lbs since my pre op diet for the VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) which was done six weeks ago.
Feel free to comment or ask questions. I will entertain them all! Have a blessed day!
Until next blog,
Sleeve Sister
Did I take the "easy" way out? Do you light a fire beneath your stove when you cook? Do you put reigns on a horse before you drive? Do you draw water from a well before you drink? I think you get my point.
It was much easier to continue gaining weight than just making the decision to become healthy. That doesn't include the decision to have weightloss surgery, actually having the surgery, or even the recovery. I'd love to say that I took the easy way out, however, coming from someone who's had 14 different surgeries, the "easiest" was the surgery. Just as prior to surgery, the food addiction is a daily battle, even with 20% of a stomach.
Do I still eat unhealthy? Rarely. I've had a few bites (Slurpee spoonfuls) of a Slurpee, and on Thanksgiving I had one of my Antipasto Squares (ham, salami, pepperoni, Swiss, and roasted red peppers between two layers of cresants). By the way, they were both delicious in case your wondering. Was it worth it? Absolutely! When you learned how to ride a bike, how many times did you fall off?
Moving on, and now that I've caught your attention, I am writing this blog for several reasons: as part of my own therapy, to inform you of my thoughts, my progress, and to educate.
I bet you'd like to know my "stats"!?! I am 4'10, my lowest weight (in high school) was 107 lbs, my highest weight was 273 lbs. I lost 24 lbs with the Lap-Band, and gained 40 lbs back. I have lost 53 lbs since my pre op diet for the VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) which was done six weeks ago.
Feel free to comment or ask questions. I will entertain them all! Have a blessed day!
Until next blog,
Sleeve Sister
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