WLS Wagon April 2012

[ANGELFIRE80]

I'm in for the 30 minutes a day! I will walk,zumba,or do a video!

[Monkee]

Yay!! Glad to see some chatter. That already made my Monday great. Makes me

I have exams the next few hours but did want to stop by quickly and wish everyone a great day! I know Monday's are usually the day when most of us drag our booties as we try to adjust to the week (after the weekend lol) but ah, give it your best. Inhale deeply and say "TODAY I WILL KICK MAJOR BOOTY" and just go with it. You have the power to alter your moods and flip it if you're in a grumpygrump mood. (I am my own comedy! lol)

TO GET SOME PARTICIPATION GOING.....
What did you all have for breakfast? SHARE so we can get ideas and get back into a WL state of mind.

Today I had a protein coffee which consists of chocolate protein powder, unsweetened almond milk (vanilla) and coffee....This starts my day off with 28g of protein.

[Nana Lee/MA]

myyellowstang
"I think this is a common occurance. It's self deprication. Mine was always "If I weren't so fat I'd look so much better". Well, the fat is gone. Now what's my excuse, what's my reason? If I could just get my hair or makeup right? If I weren't so damn saggy in the face? If I weren't too thin? I still have days where I can't find anything to wear and I see the almost 300 lb fat person in the mirror. I don't know how to stop focusing on the negative sometimes and see the really good things. Perhaps when you see the negative creeping in you should verbally tell yourself to stop and immediately name three things you like about yourself. If it's a physical negative then they need to be physical positives... etc..."

In that vain - something just happened to me.
I have a large mirror in my bedroom and I was bending over to check on something and saw my face in the mirror. It was NOT a pretty sight.
When I stand up all is fine except for the the deep creases from my nose and mouth to my chin. Wish I could afford a face lift. Now that is something I never thought I'd say!
However, when I bend over, and my face is no longer in its normal position, it seems my cheeks and mouth hang from the lower side of my face. It looks as if I had a stroke! My cheeks and mouth are really displaced and distorted!
I didn't realize it would be so bad! Now I'll be conscious of this every time I bend over! It truly is horrible looking!!! I don't dare tilt my head!

Monkee - When I woke this am, 7am, I wasn't hungry and thought I would do some things before eating. Within a few minutes my stomach cramped up and I was overwhelmed with hunger! I grabbed about an ounce of cheddar cheese to eat. It helped. I followed that with a scoop of my steak and mushrooms with gravy. That was yummy and very filling.
It is now 1:30pm and I had a chocolate ice cream soda, sans ice cream. There is a brand of diet soda called Waist Watcher. Excellent flavors and about $1.00/2L! I love their ginger ale, root-beer and black cherry. Occasionally they have chocolate fudge! When I put some in a glass and add some hvy crm, it foams up like a real ice cream soda and tastes just like one. Yummy!
Shortly I will have a tuna salad - 3 lettuce leaves, 1/2 med tomato, 2 inch piece cucumber, some onion, water packed tuna, and mayonnaise(Hellman's, of course!).

[ANGELFIRE80]

Originally Posted by Monkee

TO GET SOME PARTICIPATION GOING.....
What did you all have for breakfast? SHARE so we can get ideas and get back into a WL state of mind.

Today I had a protein coffee which consists of chocolate protein powder, unsweetened almond milk (vanilla) and coffee....This starts my day off with 28g of protein.

Breakfast for me was a Click shake! I needed some caffeine for sure...

[Healthy and Happy]

While I was super excited to see 193 on the scale 3 wks ago, still seeing it is getting very old!!!!!

[ANGELFIRE80]

Originally Posted by Healthy and Happy

While I was super excited to see 193 on the scale 3 wks ago, still seeing it is getting very old!!!!!

I feel you...my scale hasn't really moved downward in 5 mos.

[Monkee]

What did ya'll have for lunch?

I had 2 hardboiled eggs and a thick slice of tomato. Yums!

[Nana Lee/MA]

Originally Posted by Monkee

What did ya'll have for lunch?

I had 2 hardboiled eggs and a thick slice of tomato. Yums!

Just finished my tuna salad. Feel bloated. Still ill. Nose leaking uncontrollably! Ache all over! Throat scratchy and causing coughing. Sneezing!
I think I'm ill? This has been going on for 3 days now. Plus, Dr wants me in for CT scan, thinks I still have stones in the kidney. It's still swollen and sore!
Don't want to do anything but sleep. But the coughing wakes me!
Sorry just needed to get that out.

[ANGELFIRE80]

Originally Posted by Monkee

What did ya'll have for lunch?

I had 2 hardboiled eggs and a thick slice of tomato. Yums!

I had tuna for lunch w/a little light miracle whip and jalapenos.

[awlass]

Right, so surgery in 4 days, and ive developed a deep cough >_<
I swear to god.. if this keeps me from having surgery.. ima beat my sister with a pillow full of socks >_<

[LisaBisa]

For breakfast I had...source yogurt, with a 1/2 scoop of unjury unflavoured protein powder (I had served up 1/2 cup with a whole scoop, but couldn't finish it)
lunch- cottage cheese with pepper and cayenne
snack, atkins shake
dinner...no clue yet

I need to figure out something for dinner with a lot of protein, I'm only at 39 grams of protein today.

I did get in 25 mins on my treadmill today, I'll pop back on for a little bit, so I an get over 30 mins.

aw- I hope your cough quickly leaves so you can have surgery! But, if it needs to be delayed, that will be for the best as you don't wanto to develop pneumonia after surgery!

[Jesse]

Had my 5 out of 6 visits with the nutritionist. Do you think I should practice not drinking with all my meals from here on out? I have done it for a lot of meals so I can see what it feels like and so I know that I can do it, but I don't want to do it for every single meal until I NEED to. Should I?

[Hot Tamale]

Breakfast was an egg with some red pepper, turkey lunch meat, and some cheese in half a pita. Lunch was a great steak and strawberry salad with blue cheese & some spinach/greens with a balsamic-vinegar dressing. I also had a protein shake and a Greek yogurt. I had a bit much today, it seems. Odd cause the scale is back down to 195.7.

I also have to make the scale move down! I've been bouncing around 195 - 200 for about 2 months now. Maybe a bit more. This morning I was awakened by a sick child at 5AM! I couldn't get back to sleep, so I went for a 60-minute walk before work. Wow, did that energize me!

I hope those of you who are sick get past it quick! Awlass, don't take any chances with the surgery. Its hard enough as it is.

[emily1965]

I have pneumonia.

Nasty little bug swept through our house last weeek and while my DD and DH were just sicky poos for a few days, mine lingered and now I've got it bad. I'm scared about how much weight I can gain while on prednisone for 12 days. In the past, it's been pretty substantial.

No exercising for me at the moment. Just walking from the bedrooom to the living room has me hacking until I think I'm going to pass out.

[Maryposa]

Originally Posted by Jesse

Had my 5 out of 6 visits with the nutritionist. Do you think I should practice not drinking with all my meals from here on out? I have done it for a lot of meals so I can see what it feels like and so I know that I can do it, but I don't want to do it for every single meal until I NEED to. Should I?

I can only speak for myself, but I didn't practice any of it. The way I figured it, you just can't compare pre-op to post-op life, so why even "pretend"? I still feel that way.

As for seeing what it feels like, you can't... I guess that is my point... if you DID eat and drink at the same time post-op, it would (in my experience) HURT!! only tiny sips are manageable even if you want to break that rule, if you are eating dense food. And you get full so fast, it's not nearly the same as trying to eat a small portion without the "filler" fluid.

[Maryposa]

My days are so hectic lately all they consist of is convenience food

breakfast - lean body shake with coffee in it (I seem to notice a trend in our breakfasts? hehe)

Lunch - soy crisps

snack - handful of dark chocolate coated almonds (8 carbs)

Dinner - soy crisps, medifast "brownie" (high protein, low carb) with peanut butter

Yuck, just reading this makes me miss veggies and real food and meat lol dang. Well at least I'm not gaining.

[Maryposa]

PS... I have been using medifast products, I like the "oatmeal" (only 8 carbs).

[emily1965]

Originally Posted by Maryposa

PS... I have been using medifast products, I like the "oatmeal" (only 8 carbs).

I like some of the WonderSlim products. They are small portions, lowish in sugar and fat and have protein. I especially like their protein bars. At only 150 calories, they make a great afternoon snack. For only 170 calories, they have great protein cookies, too. And I like their oatmeal. I recently bought a box of their pancake mixes and am planning on trying out a muffin recipe that I stumbled across that uses a pancake mix and a oatmeal packet. That sounds like a good afternoon snack, too.

[Monkee]

For dinner I ended up having crabcakes. I used read crab, some veggies, mayo, seasonings, lemon juice, egg, etc. And then coated in parm/pork rinds lightly. Not a ton but enough to help it get a crunchy crust. Let me tell you...YUMMY!!!

Re: Exercise Challenge
I initially said walking every day for at least 30 minutes because I know we have a lot of newbies and they need to build up to it. Walking is easy and can be done without equipment. The every day part was to get them in a habit of making physical activity part of their daily routine. However, if anyone is able/willing to do other types of exercise or wants to do a few sessions vs. every day, that is perfectly OK. Only requirement.....If you make a commitment, stick to it, no excuses.

Participants:
* Nana
* Jesse
* Savannah
* HotTamale
* Yellowstang
* Angel
* Mary
* Monkee

Who else wants in?


NaNa - I have resistance bands that I use as part of P90x and you connect it in a similar way. It actually works. You're just bringing the gym to you. Don't underestimate it.....Hope you are feeling better today.

Savannah - It's so nice to have you join us!! I knew we had lurkers. We always do. Congrats on your surgery. How are things post-op?

Hot Tamale - You're not alone. I think once the weight comes off we find other things to be critical of ourselves. Maybe we are just so used to it that we find comfort in it? I honestly don't know, but I can say that I picked myself apart many times. I was never this critical when I was overweight so to be this way at a lower weight was mind blowing for me. These days though I try not to get in that state of mind. If you're looking for flaws, you'll find them. Instead I try and just look for the positives. Easier said, but we all have beautiful parts to ourselves. Instead of hating the wrinkles and thin hair, learn to embrace it. I got tired of my hair just not growing back thick anymore. It was just hanging so I cut it off just above my shoulders and it looked so much fuller.

Mary - You and me both. I am going through a divorce. I refuse to see "him" again. He just sours up my day and brings me no happiness! LOL. I am talking about my scale, of course. Ha Ha.....Awesome about your friend! I am so happy for her. The medical stuff alone rocks and when you add weight loss its like a walking parade!

Are you doing medifast now? Shakes/bars/snacks? Icky! This foodie girl felt deprived reading it. Does it fill you up? I've seen it at Rite-Aid and was curious about it. Its supposed to be super low cal, right?

Yellowstand - I agree. I think that's a part of why people drift. In my case I just wasn't making progress so it felt discouraging. Nothing to report so little by little I stop visiting. Add to it people not being active on the thread and I drift. Once I start drifting a cycle starts of being careless. Easing up on post-op requirements. Nothing major, but enough, and that can quickly turn into a BAD thing. Out of sight out of mind applies. The accountability of the thread makes a big difference, at least it does for me.

H&H - Hang in there. Your body is adjusting. You won't always have losses.

Awlass - Your comment made me laugh. I think you should beat your sister with a pillow full of socks anyway. Ha Ha. I am sorry to hear about your cough. I will keep you in my prayers and hope that it goes away and surgery goes as scheduled.

Lisabisa - What did you end up having for dinner?

Jesse - You don't have to but I would practice. Like Mary mentioned its a lot different once you have surgery. It does NOT feel the same and your body will not let you drink much at first. Its painful and uncomfortable and well...things will go...zooom!...and back out where it came from. I would still practice the habit of not drinking though. Its a mental thing.

Emily - Take it easy and get better soon. Pneumonia is nothing to take lightly.

[ANGELFIRE80]

I made it through my first DD on JUDDD yesterday. I'm happy with myself... and I did walk for 30 min and did Zumba for 30 as well! My fitness pal said I was in the negative as far as calories consumed vs calories burned! I will take it.

[Healthy and Happy]

192.6, finally got past 193. Maybe I should have come here to complain sooner?? LOL

[Healthy and Happy]

Take care of yourself Lisa!

[myyellowstang]

Originally Posted by Monkee

TO GET SOME PARTICIPATION GOING.....
What did you all have for breakfast? SHARE so we can get ideas and get back into a WL state of mind.

I have the same thing every morning... you'd think I'd get bored after 2 years, but I'm not! I have 5 ounces of 0% Fage greek yogurt with 1.5 oz fresh or frozen fruit (my fave is frozen cherries) and Splenda and I top it with 0.5 oz Special K Protein Plus cereal and 2 tbsp ground flax. With strawberries it is 25 cals and 25g protein. With frozen cherries it is 248 cals and 26g protein. It is yummo and keeps me full until well after noon.

Originally Posted by Nana Lee/MA

It is now 1:30pm and I had a chocolate ice cream soda, sans ice cream. There is a brand of diet soda called Waist Watcher. Excellent flavors and about $1.00/2L! I love their ginger ale, root-beer and black cherry. Occasionally they have chocolate fudge! When I put some in a glass and add some hvy crm, it foams up like a real ice cream soda and tastes just like one. Yummy!

Strictly for the sake or curiosity - does the drink not bother you? There are two schools of thought on carbonated beverages after WLS - those who swear it stretches your pouch and those who swear it doesn't. I don't drink carbonated beverages, they made me so gassy pre-op I cannot even begin to image the issues with gas I would have now. Now, my pouch is open ended so I don't believe in the stretching theory. I just know that the gas would cause me immense pain. I couldn't do the heavy cream either. Certain fats make me feel nauseous. Liquid fats are one of them, as is mayonnaise.

Originally Posted by Monkee

What did ya'll have for lunch?

I had 2 hardboiled eggs and a thick slice of tomato. Yums!

I had leftover meatloaf, a sf pudding cup and an orange. A little later I had a nsa applesauce. Today I will have a 3 oz chicken breast and an orange.

Originally Posted by Maryposa

My days are so hectic lately all they consist of is convenience food

breakfast - lean body shake with coffee in it (I seem to notice a trend in our breakfasts? hehe)

Lunch - soy crisps

snack - handful of dark chocolate coated almonds (8 carbs)

Dinner - soy crisps, medifast "brownie" (high protein, low carb) with peanut butter

Yuck, just reading this makes me miss veggies and real food and meat lol dang. Well at least I'm not gaining.

This doesn't seem like good sustinance. What is your calorie and protein count? I have days where I eat more processed food than usual and it really affects how I feel overall for the whole day. I honestly believe that eating a diet high in processed food strongly influences feelings and mood. On days that I eat like you do I feel more blah, unmotivated and depressed. On days where I eat more whole food, fresh fruit and veggies, dense protein, I feel a world of difference. It's true that you are what you eat - at least in my experience... I know that hectic days can dictate how/what you eat but can you spend a little time prepping the night before to pack less processed foods? I always prepackage my stuff into single servings and either freeze it or stick it in a container for grab and go in the mornings. I measure out my fruit and yogurt in the couple of minutes before bed, and I keep pre-measured servings of cereal and ground flax in the freezer, but you could also just buy the single serve containers of greek yogurt and stir together right before you eat it.

[Nana Lee/MA]

"myyellowstang
Strictly for the sake or curiosity - does the drink not bother you? There are two schools of thought on carbonated beverages after WLS - those who swear it stretches your pouch and those who swear it doesn't. I don't drink carbonated beverages, they made me so gassy pre-op I cannot even begin to image the issues with gas I would have now. Now, my pouch is open ended so I don't believe in the stretching theory. I just know that the gas would cause me immense pain. I couldn't do the heavy cream either. Certain fats make me feel nauseous. Liquid fats are one of them, as is mayonnaise."

Both soda and mayonnaise have no affect on me. I don't have the soda very often. Probably once a week on average. Plus the HC in the soda takes some of the fizzs out.
When I look at what you eat, carb-wise, I tremble! LOL If I ate the carbs you do on a daily basis I would balloon right up again. I happen to be insulin resistant so carbs are utilized well by me.
I also have a B12 deficiency I have to deal with. Even with all the meat I take in my body does not assimilate the B12. This is from a week long test my doctor did to determine why I was so deficient in B12. She said to buy the OTC B12 supplement that had the highest dosage and take one daily. It has worked for me for years.

Well, here in Boston the temp is already 79 degrees at 10:25 am, and the forecast for today's high was 78! We're higher than my cousin in FL @ 73 and my friend in Austin @ 64! Yesterday hit 87 and tomorrow may be around 62! That's what I like about New England, the weather is NEVER boring!

After all I ate yesterday I drop 1.7 lbs.
Yesterday's food:
7am 1 ounce of cheddar cheese
followed that with a scoop(about 1 cup) of my steak and mushrooms with gravy. That was yummy and very filling.
1:30pm I had a chocolate ice cream soda, sans ice cream.
3pm tuna salad - 3 lettuce leaves, 1/2 med tomato, 2 inch piece cucumber, some onion, water packed tuna, and mayonnaise(Hellman's, of course!).
6pm I had strawberry PP ice cream
And, of course, water, water, water!

[Maryposa]

myyellowstang yes that's not my preference. Work is still absolutely insane for me it's that kind of food or nothing really.

My cals were 850 or so and my protein was 80

Monkee I'm not officially doing medifast, but I'm using the products for convenience. They are high protein low cal low carb

[emily1965]

My breakfast every single work day: LaTortilla Factory tortilla, 2 oz shaved ham, 1 oz sharp cheddar (extra fine shred). Nuke 30 seconds, fold in half, wrap in foil...eat during commute.

[LisaBisa]

Originally Posted by Monkee

Lisabisa - What did you end up having for dinner?

I had refried beans, with greek yogurt (for a sour cream kind of taste), and low fat old cheddar.

That was 24 grams of protein. I also had a serving of low fat cheese later in the evening. My total protein yesterday was 81 grams, carbs 43.

Today so far, I've had a vanilla atkins shake. Now I need to work on getting water, I've been having a hard time getting in my water, it's a fine balance, this eating thing

I've gotten in my 30 mins exercise today! yay. I find getting on the treadmill before I take my shower is the best way.

[ANGELFIRE80]

Originally Posted by emily1965

My breakfast every single work day: LaTortilla Factory tortilla, 2 oz shaved ham, 1 oz sharp cheddar (extra fine shred). Nuke 30 seconds, fold in half, wrap in foil...eat during commute.

That sounds pretty good!

[ANGELFIRE80]

Today is an up day for me so:

B-Click shake,luna bar
L-Chili
S-Banana, 2 oz trail mix
D-TBD
S-Maybe another shake this evening.

[myyellowstang]

Originally Posted by Nana Lee/MA

I also have a B12 deficiency I have to deal with. Even with all the meat I take in my body does not assimilate the B12. This is from a week long test my doctor did to determine why I was so deficient in B12. She said to buy the OTC B12 supplement that had the highest dosage and take one daily. It has worked for me for years.

Have you not been taking a sublingual b12 supplement? I think I remember you have a RNY, correct? We lack the contact with the intrinsic factor in the stomach to pull b12 from food or oral supplements. You need a liquid or dissolvable b12 that you hold under the tongue in order to not be deficient. Your doctor should be aware of this if they are familiar with WLS and knows that you had one.

Walmart sells both a liquid b-complex and a sublingual b12. You should probably take one of each a day. I take 5000 mcg a day and my b12 stays around 1000.