WLS: New Month, New Year, New You!

[Monkee]

Great 2011 goals everyone!
We can do this!

Beth - I had red lobster about a week prior to my surgery but do not consider it a final meal. Then I started to restrict and chose not to do a final meal prior to surgery even though my surgeon had given me the OK. I regret it now. LOL. There are a lot of people out there who do not regret NOT having a last meal but I am not one of them. I've mentioned this before but I wish that I would have had a big cheeseburger with fries! Seriously. You'll be able to eat things like these after surgery but its not the same at all. You can't take a big bite and savor all the juicy flavors. Instead you have to take these tiny bites and chew until its like paste. Not to mention that some foods won't agree with your new stomach.

Caron - Sounds like you've been through a lot medically since your bypass. I can understand letting things slip with your WLS. The good news is that you can always pick up where you left off. If eating is unpleasant and painful go back to the beginning and start the food stages again. Move up slowly as you feel your body able to process the food. It'll take some time but its worth it.

Angelfire - I haven't experienced changes in friendships but recently I got a jealous vibe from a family member. I might have been reading too much into it but it was just the feeling I got based on her approach and comments. I think at some point we'll all experience changes in our relationships. All I can say to that is to put yourself first. Don't dwell on others because you'll never make everyone happy. Someone will always have an issue with something. Just focus on making yourself happy. If someone is being negative or bringing you down, cut them out. Drastic, maybe, but why waste your time on people who do nothing good for you? Surround yourself with positive supportive people. If this means making all new friends...Go for it!

Conevery - The bracelet sounds lovely. What a great reminder to look down on.

Emerald - I go weeks without losing. I was getting a bit crazy about it at first but I think that I am settling a bit now. I am still a bit obsessive but I am making peace with the fact that I won't ever be a fast loser. I have almost no T3, cortisol issues, insulin issues, etc. At this point I am just grateful to have lost over 120 pounds. You've done amazing so far. I know that you'll be at goal this year.

Lisa - Did you try Shelley's muffin recipes yet? I bought some wheat flour to try them out. Don't know which one to start with. They all sounds delicious.

Mary - Great goals! Congrats on almost paying off your car. That's big! Learning retro hairstyles sounds fun. I bet you'll look even more beautiful. I am excited for you as your photoshoot nears!

[lisabinil]

I am thinking of the savory sausage one. I really like quiches and savory muffins so I might try these this week but can't find my mini muffin tin. I used to make the SBD savory muffins with ground turkey, veggies & cheese and my husband even liked to take these to work and nuke for breakfast. The chocolate ones also look good when I get my chocolate craving on.

Even 10 years out I still have a problem slowing down my eating and chewing thoroughly. I think it is partly due to a rushed schedule that so many of us have-lunches at work, eating on the run because of kids or family etc. I dowloaded an app for my Ipod that is called Bite Buddy-basically you tap it when you finish chewing and swallowing and then it beeps when you should take your next bite. Haven't tried it yet but it seems like a good way to get back into or reinforce a good habit.

[beth30]

16 DAYS AND COUNTING!!

I am working on slowing my eating down...I don't do preop till the 13th, but I am still the world's fastest eater, I think!! So, I am working on slowing my chewing down and taking smaller bites....

I may do a final meal....and I do feel an urge to at least "have" some of the higher fat things....in the next ten days...but I don't feel I want to gain back any weight that I have already lost....so it will be a balancing act.

I can't give anyone advice...so I am handing out BIG HUGS to everyone today!!!!

[Hot Tamale]

I had several last meals before I started the pre-op diet...the final one being my favorite Indian food..mmmm. That said, I lost 18 pounds on pre-op diet but still required an open bypass surgery - I do wonder if I had not had those few "bad" meals would I have lost an extra few pounds and NOT required to be opened up with 40 staple marks and a huge scar to show for it? Well, I'll never know.

I've learned to chew, chew, chew and eat slowly... and you know, some foods just aren't nearly as good after 50 chews as they are after 5 or 10! Also, when I'm home I'm sure I often look like a squirrel because I will still take a sizeable bite, but then I'll chew it a little at a time and swallow as I go. Knowing I only have maybe 6 bites of food until I'm too full for more really limits eating anything for "comfort." It also eliminates eating things that aren't protein and/or really good for me - which was the entire point of the surgery and so I am not complaining - merely stating!

I have been looking for a very symbolic piece of jewelry - I will have to look into that bracelet!

I am about to go on my daily walk - this will be 3 days in a row - with all the rest in my life to go! lol I try to drag my chunky kids with me and usually they come - well maybe 2 out of 3. They are already complaining that I am walking up and down our small cul-de-sac street three times (maybe 1/2 mile or slightly more total...) and all I can tell them is this is only the beginning!

I have been upset with not losing for a few days, but I did see a partial pound loss today. I was 335.8 and today - after 3 days - I'm 335.4. Do any of you think starting to walk has something to do with it?

Have a great day everyone!

[ANGELFIRE80]

Hi everybody! hope all is well. Our little WLS circle is growing I am doin ok 5 days postop except I am HUNGRY! I called my dr but also had my mom grab some Gaviscon thanks to the suggestion here.I sure hope it works bc I feel super restricted and its not easy even drinking right now.

[Maryposa]

photoshoot yesterday was awesome. i was there 6 hours!!! omg i am more sore today than when i take 2 dance classes in a row!! it was a real work out lol. i'll post my cell pic of me in one of the dresses and make-up tonight if i get home not-to-late... tried from phone but didn't work

[ANGELFIRE80]

Originally Posted by Monkee

Great 2011 goals everyone!
We can do this!




Angelfire - I haven't experienced changes in friendships but recently I got a jealous vibe from a family member. I might have been reading too much into it but it was just the feeling I got based on her approach and comments. I think at some point we'll all experience changes in our relationships. All I can say to that is to put yourself first. Don't dwell on others because you'll never make everyone happy. Someone will always have an issue with something. Just focus on making yourself happy. If someone is being negative or bringing you down, cut them out. Drastic, maybe, but why waste your time on people who do nothing good for you? Surround yourself with positive supportive people. If this means making all new friends...Go for it!
[B]

You are so right! I intend on surrounding myself w/more positive people. Big things for 2011. I have had a hard time coming up with my goals for 2011. Here are some I have come up with.

General:
1. Take my family on a Christmas vacation to DisneyWorld.
2. Continue with the classes I am taking.
3. Purchase a new car.
4. Find more affordable housing.
5. Clean up credit reports
6. Meet new people (maybe even of the male persuasion ).
7. Redo resume and start applying for better paying jobs.
8. Strengthen my relationship with God (this should be number 1)
9. Go back to using positive affirmations to change my outlook.
10. Declutter this house! Need to go back to flylady.


Weight related:
1. Lose 30lbs by my birthday (2/25)-I hope this is realistic.
2. Be half way to goal by our annual Mothers day event (about 60 lbs)
3. Play basketball/run with my DS 9.
4. Redo family pics-hated the way I looked in Christmas ones.
5. Make goal by end of year.
6. Make good use of my Y membership. I would like to incorporate strength training & would love to start and complete the Couch to 5k program.

[ANGELFIRE80]

Originally Posted by Maryposa

photoshoot yesterday was awesome. i was there 6 hours!!! omg i am more sore today than when i take 2 dance classes in a row!! it was a real work out lol. i'll post my cell pic of me in one of the dresses and make-up tonight if i get home not-to-late... tried from phone but didn't work

Can't wait to see pic! I took some last Valentines day (bouduair-sp?) and it was fun but all the different positions they have you into is tiring I'm sure you looked fabulous!

[Maryposa]

talked to the photographer, I get to see my pics on weds night! wow that was fast. she said she did a little editing but that they came out "super cute" lol

[Maryposa]

just thought i would share that my tummy loves warm chicken broth in the afternoon, usually around 3 i feel slightly hungry but i don't wanna eat. something about the warmth and the salt makes my sleeve very happy lol it's soothing and the salt seems to help in some way too. honestly i wonder if i wasn't getting enough sodium before because i don't care for very salty food. anyway i know newbies will be sick to death of chicken broth but once we get over being sick of it, it can be another 'tool' if hunger returns but you don't really need something to eat. my sister in law says it's gross that i drink chicken broth from a mug, but "whatever"!

[Emerald]

Are any of you on Facebook? If so lets be friends!

Login | Facebook

I hope the link works?

[Monkee]

Broth is yummy. I love it with lemon and a little hot sauce.

I've been eating a lot of soups lately but I've also been drinking a TON of orange juice. I must be drinking my calories in OJ. I am certain that my carbs are way high as well. 200+ easily I would estimate since each little bottle of OJ has 2 servings at 20'ish carbs each. Not to mention all the saltines I've had. Oh man I forgot and the lemon juice. I have an infection and that is all my stomach wants. Normally I would get all strict and not allow it but I am just going with the flow. I want to try and do a few days of liquids. Keyword TRY because we all know how much I love my solid food. Not really in the shake mood. The thought of it makes me green. I could go for some warm broth based soup though. I really want to start practicing portion control again. I noticed that I can eat larger quantities now and if I don't pay attention I can easily over eat since my stomach does not signal restriction right away. I need to go back to measuring out 1/2 cup at a time. I can easily eat a whole cup+

Haven't gotten on the scale. I look fatter so I am sure I am up. Feel bloated. Still retaining a ton of water. Increasing my carbs as much as I have does not help either. I just need to get back in balance. It 2011. Time to get busy.

[Monkee]

Originally Posted by Emerald

Are any of you on Facebook? If so lets be friends!

Login | Facebook

I hope the link works?

I don't have facebook, tweeter, myspace, or any of those social networks. LOL. I used to be very into technology but after some bad experiences I pulled back on it. I just use email, texting, gatherings, and phone now for updates.

I am old skool! Ha Ha.

[Emerald]

Originally Posted by Maryposa

talked to the photographer, I get to see my pics on weds night! wow that was fast. she said she did a little editing but that they came out "super cute" lol

I can't wait to see the pics. I bet you look gorgeous!

[Monkee]

Originally Posted by ANGELFIRE80

You are so right! I intend on surrounding myself w/more positive people. Big things for 2011. I have had a hard time coming up with my goals for 2011. Here are some I have come up with.

General:
1. Take my family on a Christmas vacation to DisneyWorld.
2. Continue with the classes I am taking.
3. Purchase a new car.
4. Find more affordable housing.
5. Clean up credit reports
6. Meet new people (maybe even of the male persuasion ).
7. Redo resume and start applying for better paying jobs.
8. Strengthen my relationship with God (this should be number 1)
9. Go back to using positive affirmations to change my outlook.
10. Declutter this house! Need to go back to flylady.


Weight related:
1. Lose 30lbs by my birthday (2/25)-I hope this is realistic.
2. Be half way to goal by our annual Mothers day event (about 60 lbs)
3. Play basketball/run with my DS 9.
4. Redo family pics-hated the way I looked in Christmas ones.
5. Make goal by end of year.
6. Make good use of my Y membership. I would like to incorporate strength training & would love to start and complete the Couch to 5k program.

I really love your goals. Its well balanced. I need to declutter as well.

[Emerald]

Monkee it is hard to do all liquids. Just because my weight loss is so slooooow, I always think I should do a couple of liquid days but by lunch time the idea is somehow not that appealing. Good luck!

[Monkee]

Emerald - I am the same way. I start on liquids and by dinner it's over. LOL. Sometimes I don't make it that far. It sure was easier right after surgery.

Mary - How cool that your pictures will be ready by Wednesday. I bet you're super excited. I bet you look great! What a nice way to welcome 2011 and Onederland! Work it.

Beth - I am counting down with you! 16 days! Yay!

Lisa - Awesome! Let me know how you like the muffins after you try them. Chewing and slowing down my bites is still a bit challenging for me. Sometimes I do well and other times it just seems like a never ending process.

HotTamale - Way to go on walking! That is a great exercise. Before I started to have metabolic issues I lost 50 pounds by simply walking and reducing calories a bit. I wasn't even walking fast. It was just a little each day. It all adds up.

[Emerald]

Some days I don't eat until about 3 or 4. Up until then I'm so not hungry. But it seems like once I eat, that's it! I want to eat shortly thereafter.

I ate lunch at 4:00pm and by 8:00pm I was ready for supper. And just now I had a small piece of beef.

I swear sometimes it would be easier to just not eat all day.

[Emerald]

Oh which muffins are you two referring to? Are they low carb?

[Monkee]

Originally Posted by Emerald

Some days I don't eat until about 3 or 4. Up until then I'm so not hungry. But it seems like once I eat, that's it! I want to eat shortly thereafter.

I ate lunch at 4:00pm and by 8:00pm I was ready for supper. And just now I had a small piece of beef.

I swear sometimes it would be easier to just not eat all day.

I am that way as well, Emerald. Once I get a taste for food I start wanting it the rest of the day. Prior to that if my mind is on something else I won't get any physical hunger and can go hours without eating. Just goes to show that my hunger is not even real hunger but just my need to eat! :blush:

Originally Posted by Emerald

Oh which muffins are you two referring to? Are they low carb?

The muffins are from Shelly's site (the world according to eggface)
She tends to do a lot of quiches and mini muffins with protein powder and lots of goodies mixed in. She does use flour but its only a small amount. Its not completely low-carb but its lower in carbs when compared to regular versions. Its a tasty way to get in some protein.
theworldaccordingtoeggface

The 12 days of chocolate looks super yummy! Mmmmm

[Monkee]

I just registered for my first marathon!!!! I am so excited. I can't stop smiling. I have 9 months to train. It's going to be challenging but I can so do this. I believe in myself and can already envision myself crossing the finish line. Yay! Go Monkee, Go Monkee. Hee Hee. To add a cherry to my craziness....I chose an xsmall as my shirt size during registration!! LOL. That's right! An xsmall! I am going to work my butt off to make sure that shirt fits. I want to be sporting my shirt on race day.

I am so grateful for my weight loss. It is allowing me to pursue goals that I could never pursue with all the excess weight. It really feels like I become more free with each pound that comes off my body. Of course, weight should never stop anyone from pursuing their passion, but sometimes the weight does physically get in the way. This is one of those times. I could have never done a marathon when I was 120+ pounds heavier.

I love my new smaller body!

[BonnyLass]

Originally Posted by Emerald

Some days I don't eat until about 3 or 4. Up until then I'm so not hungry. But it seems like once I eat, that's it! I want to eat shortly thereafter.

I ate lunch at 4:00pm and by 8:00pm I was ready for supper. And just now I had a small piece of beef.

I swear sometimes it would be easier to just not eat all day.

There's nothing wrong with that eating schedule. Everyone is different. Just like Atkins and low carb is different the way your body fuels itself is different. Breakfast,lunch, dinner has been drilled into us just like the food pyramid with all that sugar and starch.In fact it's beneficial for many people to forgo b'fast and eat later in the day.Check out the Warrior Diet, it's very similar to your WOE and a lot of people swear by it.
We should not all be circles trying to fit in a square. And if some days you don't feel like eating at all don't stress, heaven knows many of us got here by not missing enough meals.

[beth30]

15 DAYS!!

I am debating how much to tell people...I hate the "You took the easy way out!" mentality...AND my sis-in-law will totally freak out...before we lost my bro (her husband) he had a band...it was done at a stand alone facility and he had NO follow up...and no restriction....he lost about 70 pounds then started regaining...by the time he passed away...he was eating in his "old" way....all in all a BAD experience...and now SIL is very negative.....sigh...I love her so much...but I may not tell her till MUCH later! She has issues! And, really, I would, too, in her shoes...the facility they choose is very poorly run....I REMEMBER MY BROTHER TELLING ME THAT THEY NEVER TOLD HIM HOW TO EAT

Anyways...I am excited to be where I am...and cautious about SIL now...

[ANGELFIRE80]

Originally Posted by Monkee

I just registered for my first marathon!!!! I am so excited. I can't stop smiling. I have 9 months to train. It's going to be challenging but I can so do this. I believe in myself and can already envision myself crossing the finish line. Yay! Go Monkee, Go Monkee. Hee Hee. To add a cherry to my craziness....I chose an xsmall as my shirt size during registration!! LOL. That's right! An xsmall! I am going to work my butt off to make sure that shirt fits. I want to be sporting my shirt on race day.

I am so grateful for my weight loss. It is allowing me to pursue goals that I could never pursue with all the excess weight. It really feels like I become more free with each pound that comes off my body. Of course, weight should never stop anyone from pursuing their passion, but sometimes the weight does physically get in the way. This is one of those times. I could have never done a marathon when I was 120+ pounds heavier.

I love my new smaller body!

Congrats! That's great

[ANGELFIRE80]

Originally Posted by beth30

15 DAYS!!

I am debating how much to tell people...I hate the "You took the easy way out!" mentality...AND my sis-in-law will totally freak out...before we lost my bro (her husband) he had a band...it was done at a stand alone facility and he had NO follow up...and no restriction....he lost about 70 pounds then started regaining...by the time he passed away...he was eating in his "old" way....all in all a BAD experience...and now SIL is very negative.....sigh...I love her so much...but I may not tell her till MUCH later! She has issues! And, really, I would, too, in her shoes...the facility they choose is very poorly run....I REMEMBER MY BROTHER TELLING ME THAT THEY NEVER TOLD HIM HOW TO EAT

Anyways...I am excited to be where I am...and cautious about SIL now...

Congrats on your countdown. Believe me, it will be here before you know it. Sorry to hear about your brother I haven't told a whole lot of people either b/c I didn't want to hear all that either. I did have some calls from coworkers today and I could tell they were curious but wouldn't come right out and ask.

[Hot Tamale]

If WLS is the easy way out then I'd like the people who say that to try it - even for just one meal...

I just wanted to - I guess - boast a little bit. Today I went to work - actually worked for about 6 hours (got my work done about an hour ahead of schedule), went to my job's little gym area and walked on the treadmill for almost 20 minutes, then worked a little more, then came home, made dinner, and then - while it cooked - went outside with my kids and we played badmitton in the yard for about 20 minutes. This is almost unbelieveable to me. My kids were so happy I was out there with them - they were so excited mommy was playing with them. I almost cried for all the months-worth of hours I've missed out on cause of my size. I am shocked I'm still awake - normally I'd be napping as soon as I got home from work. I just feel so m uch better already. This is awesome.

I only told my closest friends what I had done. Everyone else heard "gallbladder and a few other things..." No one needs to know.

Hugs everyone!

[ANGELFIRE80]

I am flippin SICK of liquids..lol I made the the kids dinner and had a mental battle to not take a small bite. One more week!...I can say that I am loving diet v8 splash!

[Maryposa]

just saying hello! as usual (for week days) reading every word from my phone but can't post much! good to read all the variety of topics and where we are all at from pre-op to many years post op... love the mix! all around

[Conevery]

Originally Posted by Hot Tamale

... Also, when I'm home I'm sure I often look like a squirrel because I will still take a sizeable bite, but then I'll chew it a little at a time and swallow as I go ...

OMG ~ Hot Tamale ~ I do this all the time. I've never seen anyone post about it and thought I was crazy

[Conevery]

Originally Posted by ANGELFIRE80

Hi everybody! hope all is well. Our little WLS circle is growing I am doin ok 5 days postop except I am HUNGRY! I called my dr but also had my mom grab some Gaviscon thanks to the suggestion here.I sure hope it works bc I feel super restricted and its not easy even drinking right now.

Hope the gaviscon works for you!