Ulcer update and such

Wow...I've been such a slacker with updating this past month! To be quite honest, not a whole lot has happened.
Yesterday, I finally got to see my bariatric surgeon, 'Dr. H', to follow up on the EGD I had back in October concerning a possible ulcer. He said that there was a teeny tiny ulcer on the anastamosis that was made connecting the intestine to the new pouch. He also said that there were 2 staples and 1 retained suture from where he made the anastamosis back in Nov 2009..LOL He went ahead and took them out, and said that he is not worried about the ulcer whatsoever! Basically he wants me to take my proton pump inhibitor once a day for the rest of my life, and to follow up with him at least once a year after this!

As far as weight loss goes, I haven't really lost anymore weight, but again I haven't really tried to either. I've just wanted to successfully get through the holiday's with NO weight gain. I can happily say that I have not gained any weight this holiday season! *yippee!!*
As soon as I woke up this morning, I was right back to the grind with my high protein, very low carb eating. I find that this works best for me as far as losing weight is concerned.

Also discovered that what was once fat on my tummy is just now skin...lol and I desperately need to to some toning up around my midsection. I can wear medium to small shirts now, and could probably fit into a size 10 jeans....if it weren't for the excess skin. I do want to see if I can tone my belly with some ab work over the next few months.

Anyhow, that's all I've got for now. Take care, and I will update later!

1 Year out and things I'm thankful for

So as of last Wednesday I am now officially 1 year postop RNY surgery! I praise God for allowing me to have had this surgery. I cannot even begin to described the MANY ways in which my life has changed for the better!! Okay...maybe I can...
-I've lost 118 lbs! That is the equivalent of the complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica

-I have a crazy amount of energy on a daily basis, I rarely am able to stay at home and do nothing! I use to be the biggest hermit...not wanting to get out and do things b/c I was ashamed of myself.
-I actually look forward to clothing shopping and just found out that I am now a size 12! That's a heck of a lot better than a size 26! I no longer have to shop at Lane Bryant!
-I have a crazy desire to exercise now...and I like it! I actually am making a habit to hit the gym a couple of days a week. Love the elliptical/treadmill and bike.
-My thyroid is finally regulated for the first time since high school!
-I can very comfortably buckle my seat belt in my car...with lots of extra slack!
-I am no longer prediabetic, my blood sugar is normal these days
-No longer have high cholesterol, nor high triglycerides
-I can ride a roller coaster!

I can honestly say that I've never been happier!


On a more serious note, I have noticed a rather annoying eating patter as of late: The munching on crunchy food when I get stressed.  It is particularly bad when I am dealing with family or work related problems. Thankfully, I now see this habit and I am determined to nip it in the bud!
I am CONSTANTLY keeping tabs to make sure I eat because it's time to eat or because I am TRULY physiologically hungery. Again, I cannot reiterate enough that this is a daily battle for me. Emotional eating has not left me....but again I am dealing with it one day at a time.
It's especially hard around the holidays, with so much 'crap food' around. Nine times out of ten, I can refuse the unhealthy foods and feel absolutely fine about it.
As far as calories and such goes, I am now allowing myself 1100-1200 calories a day along with 75-100 grams of carbs *in which I try to stay below 80*  and 75-110 grams of protein.
The big thing for me now is making sure that my carbs are NOT refined...but complex ie: natural from dairy, fruits and veggies. I finally figured out that I cannot have snack foods in the house ie: triscuits for the shear fact that when I get stressed I tend to eat them instead of healthier foods.

I'm currently stalled on my weight loss due most likely to the fact that I've had too many refined carbs and not enough good carbs.

I have been researching the 5 day pouch test . I really do want to try this just to see if 1) I can wean myself off of simple carbs 2) increase my daily water intake  3) increase my non-starch fruit and veggies food intake and 4) get back to losing weight again...1 to 2 lbs per week.

That is all I've got for now! Have a great week everyone!

Eggface recipe saves the day again!!

Okay, have I ever told you how much I love Eggface??
Just when I feel as though I get in a rut with eating bariatric friendly foods, she surprises me again with some awesome and easy to make foods!

My fav right now:

Shelly's Ricotta Bake Cups

1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese

1 Tablespoon Parmesan, grated

1 Egg Yolk

1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasonings (Oregano, Basil, Garlic Blend)

a few twists of Black Pepper

Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Large Pepperoni Slices (from deli department, not prepackaged)



Mix all ingredients together (except mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices) till well blended.

Place a pepperoni slice in each hole of a mini muffin tin. Spoon a tablespoon of ricotta mixture into each pepperoni "cup" sprinkle top with a pinch of mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly and remove from tin. Reheat in toaster oven or broiler.

**AMY NOTE** I actually didn't have any large pepperoni slices, so I used thinly sliced turkey breast meat instead and it still rocks!!!

If you haven't visited Eggface's page yet please do!

11 Month Belated Photos

Hello, everyone! Sorry it's been awhile since I've updated. I just got back from a much needed vacation to south Florida! Got to spend time with my amazing family as well as romp around Universal studios.

Of course I didn't lose any weight while I was on vacation, actually I believe I gained 2 lbs...but I'm pretty sure its because I was mostly sedentary while in FL.  Anyhow, now I'm back and I'm back on track with my food journaling and exercise! I've found that food journaling keeps me honest...as well as help me see where I can subtract carb/calorie wise from my diet.

Anyhow, I do have new pics. They are of me at 174!! My one year surgiversary is Nov 24th and I cannot wait!
It's crazy to think that in only a year, I've lost 116 lbs!!

Me before at 290lbs Oct 2009                   Me now 174lbs Oct 2010

EGD Results

Had my EGD on Friday, by my RNY surgeon, Dr. 'H'.  Had yet another great experience at the outpatient surgery center I went to! Excellent staff-very friendly, great service!
Anyhow, after I woke up from the procedure I was told that Dr. 'H' found one small ulcer. I'll have to call his office on Monday to figure out where the ulcer was. Anyways, I was told that he was not very worried about it. Dr. 'H' put me on a stronger proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and he really thinks this will take care of it!

I'm sure I will have another follow up EGD in a few months to check on it.

Thank you, Lord, that everything is going to be okay!



*****Confession time*******
So Friday night was a Halloween party that one of my fellow co-workers hosted. Needless to say...I consumed WAAY too many refined carbs.....and yes...as usual I feel like crap. On top of which I also now have a cold. *double joy* It's the usual bloated/gassy/lethargic feeling of carb overload.
I know better, and it shall not happen again. I am quite happy eating low carb and high protein anyways.
Anyhow, aside from the chicken and stars I'm sipping on now...it's back to protein Protein PROTEIN and low carb!!  I feel sooo much better eating this way. I almost always have energy, feel satisfied and not guilty. lol
Anyhow, that's all I've got for an update now. Check out the pretty fall photos I've taken over the past few weeks!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=324832&id=505564895&l=a765d663a2

 

Happy Halloween everyone!

Possible road bump...again...

So the past few weeks I've been having problems with 'heartburn'. I've woken up a couple of nights around 2 a.m. with NASTY heartburn and mild pain around my 'pouch area'.
I take Prilosec OTC once a day, Tums 1000mg as needed *not exceeding 6 a day* drink milk and eat yogurt. By the grace of God, I have not had a problem whatsoever for the past 3 days.
I did, however, schedule an appointment with my RNY surgeon, Dr. 'H' to see what course of action needs to take place.
First of all, I am proud to say that he is VERY happy with my weight loss so far.  116 lbs in 11 months, and still losing 1-2 pounds per week! Now officially 14 lbs away from my first goal of 160 and 29 lbs away from my long term goal of 145 lbs.
Anyhow, Dr. 'H' wants me to have an EGD ASAP to check for ulcers. He said that ulcers postop are common. He also said that if I do have an ulcer that he'll put me on Karafate for 90 days and do another EGD to see if they heal. If I do not have an ulcer he said it may be a hiatal hernia causing my heartburn.
We shall see! 
I've scheduled my EGD for this Friday morning. Please pray that everything goes wonderfully. Dr. 'H' will be doing this EGD.
I am thankful that my awesome boss at work has allowed me to take the day off to do this. Also, I am thankful that my wonderful boyfriend Craig,  will be taking me, as I will not be allowed to drive home after the procedure due to anesthetic still being in my system.

Shew...that's a lot to update! Other than the possible ulcer stuff, all is going well here.

Take care everyone!

EGGFACE IS MY RECIPE HERO!!!

Okay, for those of you who do not know, I follow a blogger who happens to be a RNY patient. She has a blog: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO EGGFACE  and it is awesome!  She has a great perspective, positive thoughts and a killer talent for making everyday foods bariatric friendly!

Today I made a recipe of her's for the most delicious apple cinnamon protein muffins! I love these so much that I want to share the recipe. I hope you are willing to try this, you will thank me!!
*also I added chopped pecans to the recipe for extra crunch*

Shelly's Apple Cinnamon Protein Mini Muffins

1 Egg, beaten

3 Tablespoons Milk

2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Vanilla Torani Syrup

2 Tablespoons No Sugar Added Apple Butter

1 Tablespoon Canola Oil

3 Tablespoons Multigrain Pancake Mix (I use this)

2 Tablespoons Almond Meal (aka Ground Almonds, aka Almond Flour)

1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder

1/2 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice

Pinch salt



Optional topping:

1 teaspoon Xylitol

dash of Apple Pie Spice

Mix egg, milk, syrup, apple butter and oil and combine thoroughly. In a separate bowl, mix pancake mix, almond meal, protein powder, pie spice and salt. Tip dry into wet and stir till combined. Pour into a non stick mini muffin pan that has been sprayed with Pam. Sprinkle with optional topping.

Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes, until knife inserted comes out clean. Makes 12.

STOP....look around....and proceed

Strange post title eh? lol Well, allow me to explain....

This past week I've slowly been slipping back in to old habits...nothing earth shattering...just little things. But as we all know it's the little things that can turn into BIG things quickly!
For example: I woke up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, I then head to the kitchen to see what I could eat....*YES in the middle of the night*
Another example: Sitting around being bored, waiting...then all of a sudden I notice 'snack foods' just hanging around....so I eat a few pieces. *And I'm not even hungry!!
Thankfully, I stumbled upon an old book with excellent principles of healthy eating habits. I re-read this book in just the right areas to help me get back on track.
Principles such as:
-Do not be deceived, know why you eat!
-Never eat when you are bored or tired
-Drink water the moment you feel hungry to make sure it isn't just dehydration masking as hunger
-Always write down what you eat (which I do)
-Exercise is a great way to relieve stress AND fill time!

Anyhow, after my time of reflection, I now have a better understanding and handle on the way things are going now. This is  and will remain a daily battle. I knew, going into this surgery that it would be difficult to maintain the proper eating regimen 100% of the time.  I'm not perfect by ANY stretch of the imagination, but thank God that I can take this thing one day at a time.
Things to do instead of snacking:
-Read a book  -Exercise: Pilates, Yoga or go for a walk  -Crafts  -Watch a movie  -Netflix!!  -Get together with a friend  -Take a hot bath/shower  -Sleep  -Play a game  -Play on Internet  -Blog  -Journal  -Cross stitch  -Draw/Paint  -Clean  -Organize bills etc  -Paint nails  ....and the list goes on!

Let me reiterate, this surgery is NOT the easy way out! It is a tool that is meant to be used properly. I do not want to be one of the hundreds of gastric bypass patients that gain weight back! I have a new way of living and I plan on keeping myself healthy and on the right track.
I have 28 more pounds to lose for my personal goal of 150lbs and I will achieve this by next May.

Until next time, take care everyone!!

It's a "mental game"

After having gastric bypass, I knew I would have to change my habits forever. My eating habits, exercising habits, my thinking habits etc.
Old habits die hard. Habits can be embedded into your mind for YEARS, whether it's drinking a cup of coffee every morning for 20 years or eating while watching t.v. Naturally, bad habits just don't go away overnight.
It is a daily chore to make sure I put good 'nutritious fuel' into my body. Everything that passes my lips MUST be of good nutritious value...I have no leeway for anything else if I want my body to continue to work properly. Naturally, every once in awhile, I do partake of something very small and non-nutritious....but NOT often. This is a slippery slope and if I've learned nothing else, I've learned that it is easy to fall back into old habits. One Hershey kiss here....1/4 of a cookie there....and WHAM!!....you're doing it again!

Anyhow, the reason for me posting this is simply for reflection sake. I NEVER want to go back to living the way I use to. This journey can be difficult at times...but boy is it well worth it!

6-7-08                                      9-22-10

Update

Alrighty, well as of this week I have officially lost 110 lbs!

As I wrote last week, I did do my two days of exercise and VERY much enjoyed them! One day I did Yoga/Pilates for 25 minutes and the other day I did my Wii fitness for 30+ minutes.

Also have been kicking butt with the low carbs, high protein and low fat eating.

This week has been good, the two times I did indulge this week it has been very small (serving size the size of my thumb) and I very much savored every bite.

As far as my exercising for this week....I haven't done a darn thing...and I will explain why:

Last Wednesday I sprained my ankle, I was on call for work of course. Basically, I was leaving a department store with my boyfriend, wasn't looking at where I was walking....tripped and fell off the sidewalk. I skinned by Rt knee *also ripped a hole in my jeans* and then landed sideways on my left ankle. Let's just say that there was a LOT of pain involved. I waited about an hour, elevated my ankle and my sweet boyfriend put ice on it. After I tried putting weight on it I about fell over again SO...I decided to go to the E.R. for an x-ray.

To my surprise I got in and out of the E.R. rather quickly. The doctor said there was no fracture, just a few pulled/torn ligaments. Sweet boyfriend dropped me off at my apartment then went to pick up my pain/anti-inflammatory medicine.

By the grace of God, I was not called in at all during the night for work....the next day at work was fun...let me tell ya. I got to hobble around the O.R. for 7 hours...not in the best of moods to say the least.

Although my ankle is not hurting like it did last week, it's still pretty sore. Still taking extra strength Tylenol when needed and ACE wrapping my ankle/foot for support.

I DO PROMISE to resume my exercising by at least the middle of next week.

Anyhow, that's all I've got for an update. Will write next week and let you know what's going on!

Stats

Nov 21st: 282 lbs *8 lb lost from preop diet*


***SURGERY NOV 24th***

Dec 24th: 256 lbs *26 lb lost*

Jan 24th: 241 lbs *15 lb lost*

Feb 24th: 227 lbs *14 lb lost*

Mar 24th: 213 lbs *14 lb lost*

Apr 24th: 208 lbs *5 lb lost*

May 24th: 200 lbs *8 lb lost*

Jun 24th: 193 lbs *7 lb lost*

Jul 24th: 187 lbs *6 lb lost*

Aug 24th: 184 lbs *3 lb lost*
 
So apparently the weight loss has slowed significantly...granted that I'm only 21 lbs away from my first goal weight. I need to reevaluate my eating habits...which will be easy since I track everything on Sparkpeople.com.
So far, I think I need to up my calories for right now.  Protein is great. Carbs I can probably decrease by around 20grams. Also, I need to increase my fiber.
 
Then there is exercise....
 
I know...I know...I NEED an exercise regimen...and I WANT an exercise regimen....
I know that I like Yoga...I know that I like Pilates....so.......
 
Okay, exercise goal #1: Exercise 2 days this week for 30 minutes a piece.
I will be accountable by posting on sparkpeople.com my exercises.
 
Alright everyone, wish me luck!

Angry with myself

So for the past 3 weeks...I have not lost ANY weight. I have hovered around 184...and the scale won't move! I'm pretty sure I know why....

As far as nutrition goes....95% of everything I put in my body is nutritious high protein/low carb food.
Calories range between 850-1200 daily...i like to keep my body guessing. Protein always 85-120grams a day. Carbs on the other hand....I believe I am overindulging in. Namely the snacks...instead of reaching for a string cheese or almonds...I've been reaching for the crunchy Triscuits or a handful of Cheezits. Most days I stay under 75 carbs but the past few days I've hit 100 grams and even today 120grams.
I am ashamed of myself for even entertaining the carbs as I have. I mean really, I know my body LOVES protein...I know that it loves water...but when the 'time of the month' hits...I CRAVE carbs...it's unreal!
So anyhow, basically I need to cut the starchy carbs out and increase my water intake THEN I should start losing again.

Anyone else have issues with carbs??

Wow..stumbled upon some OLD photos...

So I was looking through some older pics today....and it gave me some perspective....

Me last Sept 2009 at 290lbs

Me at my all time largest: 296lb

Me now at 184lbs

Happy day!

This weekend, is our state's Tax-free weekend (tax free on clothes up to $100, books, computer stuff)

After rummaging around my closet, trying on outfit....after outfit....I realized that I have 2 maybe 3 articles of clothing that are not falling off of me.
SO....I went to Kohl's and Old Navy (looooove old navy) and found some awesome sales! Got some cute 3/4 sleeve short cardigans, LOTS of cute tank tops trimmed in dainty lace, a few long sleeve shirts and 2 pairs of jeans....and guess what.. one of them is a size 14!!  I think I was in 8th or 9th grade last time I wore a size 14.  Here is  one of my cute outfits:

Naturally I was on a shopping 'high' due to the awesome sales and my new found pant size...then all of a sudden raised my arms *an attempt to take this picture actually* and saw this:

Say hello to Myrtle...the bat wing...actually Myrtle is an identical twin, because her twin lives next door on my other upper arm. *sigh*  I realize this is a cosmetic worry...something absolutely silly. I mean, God has allowed me to lose 104 lbs so far! My health hasn't been this amazing in YEARS! And I'm worrying about my flabby arms?!  Yeah...(as I smack myself in the face)
Anyhow...this just makes me want to do some crazy upper arm workouts! Now I realize that it all won't tone up...but I'm hoping within the next few months that it will look much better.

Anyone have any tips on good upper arm workouts? I'm all ears!

Life is still awesome, and I am thankful for all that God has blessed me with!

Fun times!

So I was feeling a little 'gutsy' today at work and decided to try on some medium sized scrubs....not only did they fit...but they were loose! I've gone from a size 2XL to a size Medium in scrubs!!
The size 16 jeans hardly stay up now....so I'm thinking in 10 more pounds that I will be buying a pair of size 14 jeans. I did buy a size 14 bathing suit *which fits awesomely* for my water aerobics I try to do once a week.

In the exercise department, I've been doing some 'Power walking' around 15-18 miles per week for the past few weeks. Also I've been doing some resistance training (arms) and situps to help strengthen my core.


I've been trying out some of Eggface's recipes ie: Shelley's quiche and Protein cake. THESE rock! Eggface is my absolute FAVORITE blog for bariatric friendly recipes!


Last but not least, I got ALL of my official postop bloodwork done for my surgeon. EVERYTHING looks great from Calcium and B-12 to Iron/ferritin. Makes me feel better b/c I am doing something right!
Will be taking some 9 month postop pic in a few weeks to post.
Take care everyone!

It's official: 100lb LOST!!

*happy booty dance*



As of this morning, I am officially down 100lbs!! The past few weeks have been torture...hovering around this monumental goal...naturally I hit a stall the past few weeks lol
Regardless...I am now a member of the century club:

I don't exactly know what I will do to celebrate this...maybe go get a massage somewhere.
I still have yet to get my pedicure done from my first goal of 50lb lost! lol I did, however re-schedule the pedicure for Wednesday Aug 4th...considering the gift card will expire after August lol

Plans for today:
-Weight training in the gym (just discovered my new found 'bat wing' aka the flap of skin under the upper arms)
-Possibly go swimming after gym
-See Mom and Dad
-Possibly shopping

This is a good day!!

New Goals

Woke up this morning and made a yummy chocolate protein shake with what I believe to be the BEST protein shake on the market, All The Whey protein powder!

Anyhow, as I sit here sipping my drink I am thinking about my goals. My ultimate goal is to get down to 145lbs, and on a 5'4" frame...that is pretty good! But everytime I look at my weighloss ticker, this goal seems so far away. I want to definitely keep this goal but I need another one a wee bit closer, just for morale sake. So for now, I have changed the weight goal on my ticker at the top of the page. It now reads 160lbs, keep in mind that this my short term goal, as 145 lb is still my ultimate long term goal.

I just ordered some protein snacks to try from Kay's natural foods. I need something crunchy but something protein packed, especially while I'm at work. Currently I am snacking on peanuts/almonds/walnuts at work and I'm getting a little burned out on these. So I now have butter flavored protein pretzels and cinnamon crunch pretzels on the way to my casa.

In the area of exercise, I'm still researching what type of routine I should do. I'm leaning towards the 3 day/week cardio walk/jogging and 2 days weight training.
While ironing out the details of my future workout regimen, I've joined a walking challenge at work. My goal is to walk 9 miles a week for the month of July and report to HR dept on my progress each week. They gave us nice pedometers and water bottles for the challenge!

Anyhow, that's what's going on here. I hope everyone has an awesome 4th of July!

7 Month Pics!!

Okay, so I finally got off my butt and had some pics taken. In these pics I am sporting a size 26 pants (not my largest size...was a 28 at one time...but the pants were unavailable)

ALSO only 3 more pounds until I'll have lost the BIG 100!!

    Me now 7 months 193             Me presurgery 290

 

Me now 7 months 193         Me presurgery 290

Stuff

Wow, this week has been CRAZY!  I'm orienting 'on call' for work this week and have been on call 3 days, from 5p-6a...AND working my usual 7a-3p shift..yeah I know...crazy!
I do love my job very much though. The surgery department I work for has some of the most amazing people I've ever had the pleasure of working with...which makes this so much nicer.


Well let's see, as of this week I am down 96lbs! Only 4 more lbs and I'll have lost 100!! My eating has been a little off this week due to getting use to the new work schedule and such, but I've corrected this. The big thing for me is to pack my lunch for work, including snacks. My new favorite blog is The World According to Eggface, this blog rocks! Eggface has inspired me to get creative with high protein cooking and actually get out of my comfort zone of prepackaged meals.

I've been battling in my head as to what I should do for exercise, as I know that I desperately need to start and actually stick with some sort of regimen. I've found some yoga and pilates DVD's on Netflix and finally tried a Yoga dvd out this evening, it's called Healing Yoga for Aches and Pain *I do not have a lot of pain yet...but I thought this would be good for a beginner* Let me just say that this is an excellent beginner's workout. It focuses on stretching, balance and breathing. After doing 23 minutes of the dvd I could literally feel the stress lifting off of my shoulders! I didn't even realize how much stress I've been holding onto this week! Anyhow, I'm hooked on Yoga so now I'm researching everything I can on Yoga. The health benefits are astounding!


I see my surgeon next month for a belated 6 month checkup, I'm hoping I'll have lost 100lb before my appointment. I still need to get my pics taken so I can post them soon. It's hard to believe it's been almost 7 months since surgery!

Anyhow, I hope everyone is having a fabulous week. Take care!

Today is a ONEDERLAND day!!!

Today is yet another milestone in the journey to a new me: I officially weigh 199 lbs!

  

  

Cool story time:

I work in an O.R. at a local hospital in which my attire is hospital issued scrubs (scrubs supplied by the hospital) This is a great blessing because 1.) i've lost 91 lbs in 6 months and 2.) one set of scrubs at the uniform store costs around $35 *top and bottom not including lab coat*

Anyways, I started out originally a size 3XL bottom and 2XL top, I am now wearing a size Large top and XL bottoms (in which both are now baggy)

I praise God for my continual improving health everyday!  I praise God that I can literally run around at work without the feeling that my feet will fall off. I am thankful that I can get in my car and actually buckle up my seatbelt without sucking in my gut to do it. I hardly recognize the woman in the mirror...it's like the real me is finally showing through...AND I LOVE IT!