I have lost 31.2 pounds now!!! This past week has been a struggle with the scale. I think because of my cycle this week, I lost .2, gained .4, lost .6, etc. It was really frustrating, since I was used to losing a pound a day. But, I think I have hit a plateau. However, I did experience a loss in inches this week. Several of the smaller clothes I bought right after the surgery which didn't fit yet, fit this week!! So, I am doing okay, even though my emotions have been a little out of whack.
It's been a while since I blogged, since this week was filled with report cards at school. I know everyone has been telling me that I need to update my blog, so it's nice to know how many people read it! :)
I have stepped up my exercise this week, and I went walking three times. I want to eventually work up to 5 days a week, but I feel good that I at least went those days. I think that the exercise is what's helping me lose weight more steadily again.
Food-wise, I did okay this week. I had a realization on Wednesday, that I was adding too many carbs into my diet that I didn't need to be eating. I had been having cream cheese which was light and I thought was okay because it was cheese. I checked my foods to eat list, and realized then that cream cheese was actually on the foods to avoid list. I had tolerated it really well, so I thought it was okay to continue eating it. But, I realized that it doesn't have a lot of protein, so basically the nutritional value isn't worth it. I had also bought some pita chips, which I had been having as a little crunch with some of my meals, but those probably aren't the best either, since they have more carbs. That has been the struggle I've had this week, and of course since I'm a worrier and a perfectionist, I started thinking that those things were the cause of me not losing as much weight. It may have been the cause, but I'll never really know, since I had other factors interfering too.
Since my meal at Ruby Tuesday last week, I have had Wendy's chili, and chicken and broccoli and shrimp and broccoli. With all three foods, I had many servings of each since I'm only eating a 1/4 cup at a time. Some of the times I ate the food it went down well, and other times I think I didn't chew well enough or ate too fast. I really am just looking for some variety in my foods, but I think I'm introducing some newer foods before I'm ready for them. My plan going forward is to rethink the foods I'm having this week, and go for foods that have less carbs and more protein. I'm going to try to stay away from "out to eat" foods, since I don't know exactly how they're prepared, and I can just try to make foods that I'm craving here at home, so I have more control of what's going into them. I have conferences this week, but I need to make time to cook food at home, even if I'm tired. The main problem I've been having is that since I feel "normal" again, and I'm not having any pain, I'm finding myself back in food situations that I had before surgery. Except then I realize, hello, my stomach holds 1/4 cup and I can't eat like I did before or I'll have problems.
I saw my endocrinologist at Duke this week, and it was a great visit! I love when you go to the doctor and they tell you they're proud of everything you're doing. I am now going completely off my blood pressure medicine. I had reduced my pills to only one a day post surgery, and since my blood pressure was 119/69 at the office, she decided to take me off it overall. I took my blood pressure last night and it was 106/59!!! That's the lowest it's been in a long time, and without the medicine, that makes it even better.
Well, after our busy weekend last week, today we're going to catch up on shows, I'll work on some orders, and just have a lazy Saturday. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Out to Dinner
So, I forgot to mention one thing in my other blog--my first dinner out last night post surgery! I really wanted to "go out" and get something to eat. We decided on Ruby Tuesdays, so Chris could get the salad bar, and I would get the Ruby Minis--little tiny burgers. The only hard part was that since Chris had the salad bar right away and I had to wait for my food, we both ended up watching the other person eat. I think next time I'd like for him to wait until I get my food, and then we can eat together. When the burgers arrived, I removed the buns, and just had the meat. I ended up eating about half of each one, about the equivalent of 3 oz. of meat. I kept picking and choosing the bites that had the best cheese. :) While I was eating those, I also had about 5 or 6 fries. They were like the thinness of McDonald's fries. The server seemed a little surprised that I didn't order a drink, and when she came by that I had eaten so little, but she didn't say anything about it.
I chewed very well, and really focused on taking my time and listening to my body, so I wouldn't feel sick. Eventually I stopped eating. I wasn't ever full, but I was so afraid to push it that I stopped anyway.
I'm so glad my first experience out was a good one, and of course we loved the fact that our dinner was around $15.00! :)
I chewed very well, and really focused on taking my time and listening to my body, so I wouldn't feel sick. Eventually I stopped eating. I wasn't ever full, but I was so afraid to push it that I stopped anyway.
I'm so glad my first experience out was a good one, and of course we loved the fact that our dinner was around $15.00! :)
Busy, busy
Well, it's been about a week since I last blogged. This week at school has been so busy, and really nothing major has happened, so I didn't feel the need to write. But, now that it's the weekend, and I have a little more time so I thought I'd update everyone!
I am down 28.4 pounds. One exciting thing that happened this week is that my cycle is regulated! I had gotten a period in the hospital, as I mentioned in previous blogs, but the true test would be--Will it happen again? (Chris wants me to be quick about this topic, I presume for all you guys out there, so I will try to be to the point ;) Well, it did. This is very exciting, because of course, this is one of the main reasons I had the surgery--to be able to get pregnant someday. I had thought maybe 6 months down the road I'd resume to a normal cycle, but to see it happening so soon is very promising. Ok...I'm done on that topic. :)
School has been good, but so busy. I have report cards next week, and so while I normally like to start on them 2 weeks ahead of time, so I can do a few each day, last week was filled with planning, and catching up on all of the things I missed from the week before. So, now I'll have to work on them at home this weekend. I'm going to try to get about half done tomorrow, and then work on the rest after school this week. I try to stay later at school and get everything done so I don't have to bring anything home, but sometimes that's unavoidable. I have been a little tired, but honestly not more than normal. The food thing at work has been working pretty well. Except for one day at lunch when I think I didn't chew well enough, things have been smooth. I keep setting my alarms to make sure I take my pills, and drink and stop drinking at the correct times. All in all, I am glad to be back. I'm still journaling what I eat, and I'm also entering it into a weight loss calculator on my iphone. In that app, it also calculates my calories, fat, protein, etc. and I can add my exercise and weight daily. Both of those things have kept me on track.
I am a little worried about two things. One--I'm not sure I'm getting enough liquids. I am calculating that I'm on the low end of the 48-64 ounces they want me to consume in a day. I have a bottle of water with me at all times, but I think it's just harder to stop and sip, when I'm teaching a lesson. I carry it with me all throughout the room, but I still don't feel at the end of the day that I've had enough. One cause for concern about this would be kidney stones. Since I've had two in the past, I definitely don't want that to happen again. So, I will keep doing my best to get lots of liquids down. I've started using my water bottles again, that have measurements on the side, so I can count the ounces daily.
The other is--exercise. Since my bad jogging experience last Sunday, I have not done any exercise. For Monday, I had already decided not to do anything to give my body a rest. But there is no real GOOD excuse for not doing it the rest of the week. My BAD excuses are--it was raining, I forgot my shoes for the gym, I was so tired from work, Chris was at the game on Tues and Wed and I didn't want to go alone.........i know......waaaaaahhh. So...no excuses...I'm going to come up with an exercise plan for this week, and I'm sticking to it. I've seen my weight loss slow a little from a week or so ago, and this could be because of my cycle, or because I need to step it up in the exercise area, so I see more results.
Well, I didn't think I had that much to write about, but once I get going it pours out of me. Have a great night everyone! :)
I am down 28.4 pounds. One exciting thing that happened this week is that my cycle is regulated! I had gotten a period in the hospital, as I mentioned in previous blogs, but the true test would be--Will it happen again? (Chris wants me to be quick about this topic, I presume for all you guys out there, so I will try to be to the point ;) Well, it did. This is very exciting, because of course, this is one of the main reasons I had the surgery--to be able to get pregnant someday. I had thought maybe 6 months down the road I'd resume to a normal cycle, but to see it happening so soon is very promising. Ok...I'm done on that topic. :)
School has been good, but so busy. I have report cards next week, and so while I normally like to start on them 2 weeks ahead of time, so I can do a few each day, last week was filled with planning, and catching up on all of the things I missed from the week before. So, now I'll have to work on them at home this weekend. I'm going to try to get about half done tomorrow, and then work on the rest after school this week. I try to stay later at school and get everything done so I don't have to bring anything home, but sometimes that's unavoidable. I have been a little tired, but honestly not more than normal. The food thing at work has been working pretty well. Except for one day at lunch when I think I didn't chew well enough, things have been smooth. I keep setting my alarms to make sure I take my pills, and drink and stop drinking at the correct times. All in all, I am glad to be back. I'm still journaling what I eat, and I'm also entering it into a weight loss calculator on my iphone. In that app, it also calculates my calories, fat, protein, etc. and I can add my exercise and weight daily. Both of those things have kept me on track.
I am a little worried about two things. One--I'm not sure I'm getting enough liquids. I am calculating that I'm on the low end of the 48-64 ounces they want me to consume in a day. I have a bottle of water with me at all times, but I think it's just harder to stop and sip, when I'm teaching a lesson. I carry it with me all throughout the room, but I still don't feel at the end of the day that I've had enough. One cause for concern about this would be kidney stones. Since I've had two in the past, I definitely don't want that to happen again. So, I will keep doing my best to get lots of liquids down. I've started using my water bottles again, that have measurements on the side, so I can count the ounces daily.
The other is--exercise. Since my bad jogging experience last Sunday, I have not done any exercise. For Monday, I had already decided not to do anything to give my body a rest. But there is no real GOOD excuse for not doing it the rest of the week. My BAD excuses are--it was raining, I forgot my shoes for the gym, I was so tired from work, Chris was at the game on Tues and Wed and I didn't want to go alone.........i know......waaaaaahhh. So...no excuses...I'm going to come up with an exercise plan for this week, and I'm sticking to it. I've seen my weight loss slow a little from a week or so ago, and this could be because of my cycle, or because I need to step it up in the exercise area, so I see more results.
Well, I didn't think I had that much to write about, but once I get going it pours out of me. Have a great night everyone! :)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Back to School
This is my first post surgery picture--25.2 pounds down. I have a funny smile, because a little boy was telling us to say cheese, and I think I was caught on the "eeee" part. ;) But, all in all, a good pic of us.
Today was back to school in full swing. It felt good to be back in the saddle again. Ahh...kids calling out, slumping in their chairs, talking when they shouldn't be..nothing's changed. :) That did all happen today, but it wasn't that bad. I have a pretty good class, although when those things happened they did flip their card, and I moved some desks, so I nipped that right in the bud.
I was sore today because of a mistake I made last night. Chris and I talked about starting the Couch to 5K program, and we began the routine last night. It calls for a 5 minute brisk walk to warm up, and then for 20-30 minutes you alternate 60 seconds of jogging, and 90 seconds of walking, and end with a cool down, for the first week. Well, after the first round of jogging, my stomach started hurting. I wasn't sure if it was just because I was full, or not. So, I tried jogging a few more times after that, but usually only for about 20 or 30 seconds, trying to push through the pain. But you see, that is STUPID...beacause I just had surgery 3 weeks ago!! After we got home, I was sore in the stomach, and we googled jogging after surgery, and it said to wait at least 6 weeks. Oops. Well, I've learned my lesson after feeling a little sore all day today too. I will be sticking to my fast walking for a while.
Food-wise, I also made a mistake at lunch today. Before surgery, I was so used to drinking a lot of water with my lunch. Today, out of habit, I got my water bottle, and drank some while I was eating my turkey roll up. All of a sudden, I started feeling like something was stuck in my esophagus. I don't know if I gulped too much water, or I didn't chew my turkey well enough, but it lasted for about 5 minutes. Luckily it went away, but it was a little scary. I put my water back in the fridge, and concentrated on eating really slowly after that. Since we only have 30 minutes for lunch, and I eat with my 4th grade team, normally food is the second thing we're just doing while we talk. I'll need to focus a little more on food now, until it becomes routine.
I got some decaf pumpkin spice coffee from Fresh Market, which is delicious!! I had a couple of starbucks gift cards, so I ordered some more 8 oz. travel mugs online, and that is the perfect amount of coffee to drink in the morning. I have to wait until I get to school to drink it, but it was still a nice thing to have this morning. I LOVE fall. Pumpkin is one of my favorite scents, and as I'm typing this, the room is filled with the aroma of my two new candles from bath and body works-sweet cinnamon pumpkin, and cinnamon and cloves. Mmmmm, heavenly. (and Chris likes that the smell of pumpkin is an aphrodisiac, I'm sure ;)
Time to go to answer some emails. I am down 26.4 pounds today, and had a soft taco for dinner- 1/2 of a low carb tortilla, 3 oz. ground beef, 2 tbps. of cheddar cheese, and a tbsp of picante sauce. Yummy!!!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Down 25.2!
So, as you can see from my title, I am proud that my weight loss has still been steady, even though I've added food back in. Actually, Patrick said that eating these little amounts helps speed up our metabolism, and if we skip meals that would not be good for losing weight. :) Also, I've gotten into an exercise routine which involves 21 minutes of walking (recommeded for 3 weeks from surgery) and yoga every other day. I bought a beginners yoga DVD, and I tried it on Thursday. I figured it would help me tone, and also relieve stress, and it did both! I really felt my abs and other muscles responding, even for the 15 minutes I tried the beginning poses. I did it in the family room, with Spencer watching my every move. When I went into the sitting pose, he sat right next to me, and it was so cute. But I couldn't take a picture, since it was just the two of us. Chris had a game. :)
Right now I'm enjoying my lunch--a new creation I came up with last night and LOVED! I took 1.5 oz. of turkey breast deli meat (about 2 small slices) and layered a piece of red leaf lettuce, and a knifeful of cream cheese. I rolled it all up, and I'm dipping it into this awesome mustard that was recommended to me--Nance's Sharp and Creamy mustard. It tasted wonderful! The mustard really makes it, since it is like a dijon, with a tangy hint of sweetness. I wanted to have something that went down easily, because I got sick after breakfast again today. I had a hard boiled egg, and 1/2 patty of Morning Star sausage patties. They said we would probably tolerate this well, since it's vegetarian, and it's good since it has a ton of added protein. Well, I ate it slowly and chewed well, but I got the same feeling that I had with the scrambled eggs the other day. It must have been either too rich, or too much protein. I didn't throw up, and luckily the sick feeling passed in about 4 minutes, but it was enough for me to be careful with that from now on. :) Even though I hate feeling like I'm going to throw up, it is a good reminder that I need to be careful, and I can't get too cocky with what I eat. Next time I try the sausage, I'll just have that and nothing else, and see how it goes.
Yesterday was my first full day back at school and things went great. I'm so glad I went back Friday instead of Monday morning, because it helped me get through the day, and I brought some work home this weekend so I can be prepared for next week. It would have been hard to face a whole week of lessons, with the mountain of paperwork I had on my desk! Everyone has been so understanding and supportive at school--my principal, parents and students, and my co-workers. I am truly blessed. Everyone told me how great I look, and since I had told the parents, who I figured told the students, I told them briefly about it that morning. At 9 and 10, they are old enough to know some of it, and I thought it would help them help me to drink my liquids and be careful. (My class has always been great about reminding me about things, since I tell them that I always have a lot to think about and be accountable for...if only they could be as good with remembering their multiplication facts!! heeheehee) They had a lot of questions, but mainly about my hospital stay. Did I feel the surgery?, Was I awake during surgery?, How did they make it so I wouldn't move during surgery?, Did I have to wake up during the middle of the night every 15 minutes to drink my liquids?...stuff like that. They were very respectful, and just curious, so I didn't have any problems answering their questions. I just wanted to make sure I didn't scare them. :)
It was a little hard to keep track of everything yesterday, which is to be expected when I've just started this food routine, and putting it with my work schedule has actually been better than I thought. I am eating every three hours- 6 a.m., 9, 12, 3, 6, and 9pm. I got up a little earlier so I'd have time to eat at 6, then 9 falls during my planning, 12 is my regular lunch time, and 3 is of course after school. The only little problem I had is that during my planning we met with another teacher, and I ate about 4 tiny squares of cheese, and I was full. I think I must have eaten them too fast, and I didn't feel sick, but I just couldn't eat any more. So, I'll need to be careful, since we have meetings a lot during planning. Even though I thought I would never touch another shake again, I may take a few shakes to school to sip during my planning time when I have a meeting, or just skip that meal. They want us to have 4-6 small meals, to get in enough nutrients and vitamins, so if I only have 5 one day, that wouldn't kill me. The emotionally hard thing with being at school, is that there is always food all around! I still had some snacks in my desk, which weren't terrible, but probably have more sugar in them than I can have now. Also, just about every day I am offered a cupcake or cookie from some student on our hall who is having a birthday. Normally I declined those anyway, since store bought cupcakes have too much frosting for me, but I can see myself wanting to have them now, since I know I can't. So for now, I'll just have to stick to my routine and blog about those times when I'm feeling deprived, to help me get through it.
This morning, I talked with my mom for an hour, and my sister for a half hour. I love those long conversations where you get caught up on everything going on, and they're not rushed because you have something else to do. :) Chris and I are going to the NC State game tonight--he got tickets for the suite through work, and a parking pass, so we'll be going in style. I can't wait to wear my new red top from Old Navy, and all of my cute NC State jewelry. I hope there isn't any food in the suite. I've debated on what to do, since during the time we're there, I will need to get a meal in. Duke Hospital gave us a little card that we can give to restaurants, telling we had the surgery, and asking them to make any changes in preparation of the food that we need or request that we can order things off the kid's menu. If I had brought a little cooler, I could show them that card as I went in, and maybe it would be okay. But if not, I'd hate to have to take it all back to the car. So, I've decided to buy a bottle of water there, and bring a small bag of multi-grain pretzels, some of which I had last night and were very tasty, and put them in the bottom of my purse. They shouldn't see it in there, and then at least I'll have something I can snack on, if it's hard to watch everyone else eat. Going to games and eating game-type food, was always so fun before, so it will be a switch now to actually focus on the game. ;) Well, when you're there, I usually focus on the game anyways, which is different than when you're home because there's always other things to be doing.
Well, that was a lot for today, but I just wanted to update you about yesterday and today. I assume as things become less new, I will probably blog less too. Take care and enjoy your weekend!
Right now I'm enjoying my lunch--a new creation I came up with last night and LOVED! I took 1.5 oz. of turkey breast deli meat (about 2 small slices) and layered a piece of red leaf lettuce, and a knifeful of cream cheese. I rolled it all up, and I'm dipping it into this awesome mustard that was recommended to me--Nance's Sharp and Creamy mustard. It tasted wonderful! The mustard really makes it, since it is like a dijon, with a tangy hint of sweetness. I wanted to have something that went down easily, because I got sick after breakfast again today. I had a hard boiled egg, and 1/2 patty of Morning Star sausage patties. They said we would probably tolerate this well, since it's vegetarian, and it's good since it has a ton of added protein. Well, I ate it slowly and chewed well, but I got the same feeling that I had with the scrambled eggs the other day. It must have been either too rich, or too much protein. I didn't throw up, and luckily the sick feeling passed in about 4 minutes, but it was enough for me to be careful with that from now on. :) Even though I hate feeling like I'm going to throw up, it is a good reminder that I need to be careful, and I can't get too cocky with what I eat. Next time I try the sausage, I'll just have that and nothing else, and see how it goes.
Yesterday was my first full day back at school and things went great. I'm so glad I went back Friday instead of Monday morning, because it helped me get through the day, and I brought some work home this weekend so I can be prepared for next week. It would have been hard to face a whole week of lessons, with the mountain of paperwork I had on my desk! Everyone has been so understanding and supportive at school--my principal, parents and students, and my co-workers. I am truly blessed. Everyone told me how great I look, and since I had told the parents, who I figured told the students, I told them briefly about it that morning. At 9 and 10, they are old enough to know some of it, and I thought it would help them help me to drink my liquids and be careful. (My class has always been great about reminding me about things, since I tell them that I always have a lot to think about and be accountable for...if only they could be as good with remembering their multiplication facts!! heeheehee) They had a lot of questions, but mainly about my hospital stay. Did I feel the surgery?, Was I awake during surgery?, How did they make it so I wouldn't move during surgery?, Did I have to wake up during the middle of the night every 15 minutes to drink my liquids?...stuff like that. They were very respectful, and just curious, so I didn't have any problems answering their questions. I just wanted to make sure I didn't scare them. :)
It was a little hard to keep track of everything yesterday, which is to be expected when I've just started this food routine, and putting it with my work schedule has actually been better than I thought. I am eating every three hours- 6 a.m., 9, 12, 3, 6, and 9pm. I got up a little earlier so I'd have time to eat at 6, then 9 falls during my planning, 12 is my regular lunch time, and 3 is of course after school. The only little problem I had is that during my planning we met with another teacher, and I ate about 4 tiny squares of cheese, and I was full. I think I must have eaten them too fast, and I didn't feel sick, but I just couldn't eat any more. So, I'll need to be careful, since we have meetings a lot during planning. Even though I thought I would never touch another shake again, I may take a few shakes to school to sip during my planning time when I have a meeting, or just skip that meal. They want us to have 4-6 small meals, to get in enough nutrients and vitamins, so if I only have 5 one day, that wouldn't kill me. The emotionally hard thing with being at school, is that there is always food all around! I still had some snacks in my desk, which weren't terrible, but probably have more sugar in them than I can have now. Also, just about every day I am offered a cupcake or cookie from some student on our hall who is having a birthday. Normally I declined those anyway, since store bought cupcakes have too much frosting for me, but I can see myself wanting to have them now, since I know I can't. So for now, I'll just have to stick to my routine and blog about those times when I'm feeling deprived, to help me get through it.
This morning, I talked with my mom for an hour, and my sister for a half hour. I love those long conversations where you get caught up on everything going on, and they're not rushed because you have something else to do. :) Chris and I are going to the NC State game tonight--he got tickets for the suite through work, and a parking pass, so we'll be going in style. I can't wait to wear my new red top from Old Navy, and all of my cute NC State jewelry. I hope there isn't any food in the suite. I've debated on what to do, since during the time we're there, I will need to get a meal in. Duke Hospital gave us a little card that we can give to restaurants, telling we had the surgery, and asking them to make any changes in preparation of the food that we need or request that we can order things off the kid's menu. If I had brought a little cooler, I could show them that card as I went in, and maybe it would be okay. But if not, I'd hate to have to take it all back to the car. So, I've decided to buy a bottle of water there, and bring a small bag of multi-grain pretzels, some of which I had last night and were very tasty, and put them in the bottom of my purse. They shouldn't see it in there, and then at least I'll have something I can snack on, if it's hard to watch everyone else eat. Going to games and eating game-type food, was always so fun before, so it will be a switch now to actually focus on the game. ;) Well, when you're there, I usually focus on the game anyways, which is different than when you're home because there's always other things to be doing.
Well, that was a lot for today, but I just wanted to update you about yesterday and today. I assume as things become less new, I will probably blog less too. Take care and enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
gotta be 'eggs'tra careful ;)
Okay, so this morning I almost threw up. I made myself 1 scrambled egg with a tablespoon of shredded cheese. I added a little milk for extra protein. So far I've tolerated milk and cheese fine, so I thought it was okay to combine them all, since if I had a problem I would know it was the eggs. I was watching Saved by the Bell (the episode where Jessie takes the caffeine pills :) and thought I was doing fine. I was taking tiny bites and chewing very well. All of a sudden, I start to feel full fast. I had only taken maybe 6 tiny bites, and I started getting that hot spit in my mouth. So, I went to the bathroom, and stood over the toilet, but never did throw up. I stood there for about 3 minutes, nothing happened, and eventually the feeling passed, so I went back to sitting down. I didn't finish the eggs, and I waited a little longer to have my next meal.
Well...I really don't know what the problem was. As Chris (in a lecturing voice) reminded me, 90% of the time that you struggle with introducing a food, it's not the food, but the way you ate it. So, it could be that I ate it too fast, didn't chew it well enough, or made it too rich by adding the cheese and milk. So, I will probably try eggs again this weekend, and this time try them in an egg salad or hard boiled, to see if that makes a difference.
I was really relieved that this didn't happen tomorrow morning, since I would have felt sick right before going back to school. So, tomorrow I'm planning a menu all of foods I've eaten so far and had no trouble with, so hopefully that won't happen again.
Lindsey asked about pictures--yes I have been documenting the weight loss. I took a picture the night before my surgery, and then in the same outfit two weeks later. They recommended taking it in a door frame, so you can use that as a frame of reference in future pictures. We could tell a few differences, but not really anything major. Even in this last week I've noticed a difference in my clothes and in the mirror, so when I take it next week, I will probably be able to see a change from pre-surgery. I will post the pictures on here eventually. I've been having trouble with uploading pictures onto my computer.
Today I got a hair cut, and did a little shopping at the mall. I want to grow my hair out a little bit, so I took a picture of Kelly Clarkson's longer bob in, and she styled my hair just like it, only a little shorter. It has a slight angle towards my face, and some layers. Hopefully I can style it like this tomorrow! :)
Chris and I are going to the State game this weekend, so I'm excited about that. I have a cute new red top from Old Navy that I'm going to wear, with all of my other State stuff. I'll get someone to take a picture, and I can post it on here over the weekend. I need to get a new picture on facebook anyway, but I like posting pics of Chris and I together.
Oh, and one more thing. I've started taking more vitamins since they recommend starting these at the three week point. Calcium was the only one I could find at Walmart--the other two sublingual B-12, and chewable iron, I had to order online. I tried the Viactiv chocolate chew for calcium, and it is truly yummy! I checked with Patrick, and he said those were okay and didn't have any added sugar. I take one with each meal, and it tastes almost like a tootsie roll. So, that's a nice treat at the end of my meals!
I'll write tomorrow after my long day at school. I miss my kiddies, so it will be good to go back. I finally dragged out my grading, and got most of it done today. :) Have a great night!
Well...I really don't know what the problem was. As Chris (in a lecturing voice) reminded me, 90% of the time that you struggle with introducing a food, it's not the food, but the way you ate it. So, it could be that I ate it too fast, didn't chew it well enough, or made it too rich by adding the cheese and milk. So, I will probably try eggs again this weekend, and this time try them in an egg salad or hard boiled, to see if that makes a difference.
I was really relieved that this didn't happen tomorrow morning, since I would have felt sick right before going back to school. So, tomorrow I'm planning a menu all of foods I've eaten so far and had no trouble with, so hopefully that won't happen again.
Lindsey asked about pictures--yes I have been documenting the weight loss. I took a picture the night before my surgery, and then in the same outfit two weeks later. They recommended taking it in a door frame, so you can use that as a frame of reference in future pictures. We could tell a few differences, but not really anything major. Even in this last week I've noticed a difference in my clothes and in the mirror, so when I take it next week, I will probably be able to see a change from pre-surgery. I will post the pictures on here eventually. I've been having trouble with uploading pictures onto my computer.
Today I got a hair cut, and did a little shopping at the mall. I want to grow my hair out a little bit, so I took a picture of Kelly Clarkson's longer bob in, and she styled my hair just like it, only a little shorter. It has a slight angle towards my face, and some layers. Hopefully I can style it like this tomorrow! :)
Chris and I are going to the State game this weekend, so I'm excited about that. I have a cute new red top from Old Navy that I'm going to wear, with all of my other State stuff. I'll get someone to take a picture, and I can post it on here over the weekend. I need to get a new picture on facebook anyway, but I like posting pics of Chris and I together.
Oh, and one more thing. I've started taking more vitamins since they recommend starting these at the three week point. Calcium was the only one I could find at Walmart--the other two sublingual B-12, and chewable iron, I had to order online. I tried the Viactiv chocolate chew for calcium, and it is truly yummy! I checked with Patrick, and he said those were okay and didn't have any added sugar. I take one with each meal, and it tastes almost like a tootsie roll. So, that's a nice treat at the end of my meals!
I'll write tomorrow after my long day at school. I miss my kiddies, so it will be good to go back. I finally dragged out my grading, and got most of it done today. :) Have a great night!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
REAL food :)
Yesterday was my three week visit with the psychologist and nutritionist. In our group, we talked about our experiences post surgery. Most of us were at three weeks, but there were two at three months and one at six months. It was reassuring to hear that other people had some problems in the hospital too, so I didn't feel like I was the only one who had complications. Kelli talked with us about the importance of minimizing distractions while eating, so we can really focus on chewing well, taking 20-30 minutes to eat a small amount of food, etc. I'm going to spend some good time the next day or two, figuring out what times to eat these foods when I'm back at school so that I have time to eat it without a lot of distractions, and I have to space it out to eating every 3-4 hours. With being busy at school that is going to be a challenge, but I know I can do it.
With the nutritionist, Patrick, he talked to us about how to introduce food back into our diet. He gave us the list of foods that we can start with in the next three weeks, and I was pleasantly surprised that there was a variety. Protein-wise, I should start with flaky fish, shrimp, crab, and scallops. Seafood is the best tolerated after surgery. Then I can move onto eggs, lean ground beef and pork, and then ground poultry. Cheeses are a good source of protein too, and I can have most kinds that are soft or shredded. They're supposed to be no more than 2% milk fat. I can also have some low carb items like oatmeal, cream of wheat, whole grain crackers, soft fruit with no skin, applesauce, cooked veggies, etc. I will basically be eating 1/4 cup to a 1/2 cup at each meal, and consuming about 800 calories a day and 40-60 grams of protein. I can't drink 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after my meal.
Okay, so here's how it's going. Yesterday, on the way home from the group session, Chris and I went to Food Lion to get some of these groceries. Around 5:30, I started with cottage cheese for my first meal. I put 1/4 cup on a small plate, and put a little salt and pepper on top. I spent about a half hour eating that cottage cheese, sitting alone at the dining room table while Chris went to go pick up Spencer, trying to chew it as best as I could. One thing that was a little scary is that as soon as I felt full, I had to stop eating. They told us at the seminar, that even a half a bite past feeling full could result in us throwing up. I HATE to throw up, so I really wanted to listen to my body and make sure I was feeling full after each bite. One weird thing now about being full, is that I don't feel it in my lower stomach. I actually feel full right under my breast bone, and it just feels like pressure is being applied there. So, with two bites left, I felt full, and I put the rest back in the container, and went on my merry way. Around 8:30, I had my second meal. I tried some imitation crab meat. I chewed that really well, and again, for measuring about 1/4 cup, I left about two bites on the plate. This time I did eat while watching TV, but I was very mindful about chewing well, and putting my fork down between bites. Both of these meals went really well, and I did not feel queasy or sick. I have to introduce foods back one at a time, so I can identify which things work well for me, and which I need to try again at another time. 90% of foods that might not work for me now, could work again later, so you just have to do a trial and error on each thing.
This morning, I had my breakfast at 8:30. I made some cream of wheat, with cinnamon and sweet and low on top, and ate 1/4 cup. This time I was able to finish the whole thing, and I'm wondering if that is the case because it is a carb, and a little less filling than protein. I did add milk when I made it, and dried milk to add more protein to the dish. The only set back to eating for 25 minutes, is that it is cold by the end, but I guess in the future I can re-warm it back up. The pouch made two servings, so I can put the rest in the fridge and have it tomorrow. My little pampered chef covered prep bowls are perfect for measuring out foods, since there are measurements on the side of them, and they're pretty small and come with lids, so I can stick them in the fridge. I'm also going to buy today some more snack size baggies and small tupperware containers, so I don't put such a tiny amount of food in a large container, and have to end up scraping it all from the sides the whole time. :) Half of this battle is going to be mind over matter.
Yesterday as we came home from the seminar, I felt very overwhelmed and I had to take a Xanax. I just really want to do this well and have it work! This is the perfectionist part of me--I want to do it perfectly, so I don't feel sick or have to throw up. I'm sure as I relax about this more, I'll be fine, but for right now all I can do to help my feelings of anxiety is to plan, plan, plan, and also get involved in things that can take my mind off it. I need to exercise today and they gave us some guidelines for what to do, so that will help, and I also have some orders to work on as well.
I got on the scale this morning, and I've only lost .2 since Sunday, so that was a little discouraging, but I know that it's not going to be a pound a day anymore. I know I'm doing the right things, and I think adding consistent daily exercise to the routine will definitely help. I wore one of my new shirts with a skirt yesterday, and I felt fabulous, so I know I will see it in my clothes and not always on the scale.
Well, that was a long post, but I thought it would be good to document everything new about this next stage. :) Have a great Wednesday!
With the nutritionist, Patrick, he talked to us about how to introduce food back into our diet. He gave us the list of foods that we can start with in the next three weeks, and I was pleasantly surprised that there was a variety. Protein-wise, I should start with flaky fish, shrimp, crab, and scallops. Seafood is the best tolerated after surgery. Then I can move onto eggs, lean ground beef and pork, and then ground poultry. Cheeses are a good source of protein too, and I can have most kinds that are soft or shredded. They're supposed to be no more than 2% milk fat. I can also have some low carb items like oatmeal, cream of wheat, whole grain crackers, soft fruit with no skin, applesauce, cooked veggies, etc. I will basically be eating 1/4 cup to a 1/2 cup at each meal, and consuming about 800 calories a day and 40-60 grams of protein. I can't drink 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after my meal.
Okay, so here's how it's going. Yesterday, on the way home from the group session, Chris and I went to Food Lion to get some of these groceries. Around 5:30, I started with cottage cheese for my first meal. I put 1/4 cup on a small plate, and put a little salt and pepper on top. I spent about a half hour eating that cottage cheese, sitting alone at the dining room table while Chris went to go pick up Spencer, trying to chew it as best as I could. One thing that was a little scary is that as soon as I felt full, I had to stop eating. They told us at the seminar, that even a half a bite past feeling full could result in us throwing up. I HATE to throw up, so I really wanted to listen to my body and make sure I was feeling full after each bite. One weird thing now about being full, is that I don't feel it in my lower stomach. I actually feel full right under my breast bone, and it just feels like pressure is being applied there. So, with two bites left, I felt full, and I put the rest back in the container, and went on my merry way. Around 8:30, I had my second meal. I tried some imitation crab meat. I chewed that really well, and again, for measuring about 1/4 cup, I left about two bites on the plate. This time I did eat while watching TV, but I was very mindful about chewing well, and putting my fork down between bites. Both of these meals went really well, and I did not feel queasy or sick. I have to introduce foods back one at a time, so I can identify which things work well for me, and which I need to try again at another time. 90% of foods that might not work for me now, could work again later, so you just have to do a trial and error on each thing.
This morning, I had my breakfast at 8:30. I made some cream of wheat, with cinnamon and sweet and low on top, and ate 1/4 cup. This time I was able to finish the whole thing, and I'm wondering if that is the case because it is a carb, and a little less filling than protein. I did add milk when I made it, and dried milk to add more protein to the dish. The only set back to eating for 25 minutes, is that it is cold by the end, but I guess in the future I can re-warm it back up. The pouch made two servings, so I can put the rest in the fridge and have it tomorrow. My little pampered chef covered prep bowls are perfect for measuring out foods, since there are measurements on the side of them, and they're pretty small and come with lids, so I can stick them in the fridge. I'm also going to buy today some more snack size baggies and small tupperware containers, so I don't put such a tiny amount of food in a large container, and have to end up scraping it all from the sides the whole time. :) Half of this battle is going to be mind over matter.
Yesterday as we came home from the seminar, I felt very overwhelmed and I had to take a Xanax. I just really want to do this well and have it work! This is the perfectionist part of me--I want to do it perfectly, so I don't feel sick or have to throw up. I'm sure as I relax about this more, I'll be fine, but for right now all I can do to help my feelings of anxiety is to plan, plan, plan, and also get involved in things that can take my mind off it. I need to exercise today and they gave us some guidelines for what to do, so that will help, and I also have some orders to work on as well.
I got on the scale this morning, and I've only lost .2 since Sunday, so that was a little discouraging, but I know that it's not going to be a pound a day anymore. I know I'm doing the right things, and I think adding consistent daily exercise to the routine will definitely help. I wore one of my new shirts with a skirt yesterday, and I felt fabulous, so I know I will see it in my clothes and not always on the scale.
Well, that was a long post, but I thought it would be good to document everything new about this next stage. :) Have a great Wednesday!
Monday, September 7, 2009
MUCH better today
Today it has rained ALL day. Chris and I kept looking for a break in the clouds to be able to take a walk on the beach, but nothing. However, I feel much better today about everything, than I did yesterday. :) Here's how we spent the day. I woke up around 9:30, and just laid in bed listening to the rain. Around 10:00 I got up, and went upstairs to make coffee and a waffle for Chris. He came up too, and enjoyed his breakfast. It wasn't hard making that for him, since I do like to cook, and I guess it helps that waffles aren't my favorite breakfast food either. ;) After that, I designed some new recipe cards, and typed up some recipes from a website I found of post weight loss surgery recipes. Chris and I played a two and a half hour game of Chess, which he won. I got cleaned up and then painted my toenails and nails a bright NC State red, while watching soaps. Chris loved to comment on how even though one of the characters had been in a car wreck, her make-up was still perfect. I told him, "Honey, that's soaps!". :)
Since about 5:00, Chris and I have been watching Cake Boss on TLC and Chopped on Food Network. It was just a nice lazy day. Even though it's a bummer that it rained our only full day at the beach, it was nice to relax.
Tomorrow, we will leave in the morning and my appointment at Duke is at 1:30. I found the area on the Duke website, where it tells what I will be able to eat after tomorrow's phase change. I'm very pleased that it is a nice variety, so I definitely can get through the next 8 weeks on these foods, and get creative with cooking. I'm really glad to have a few days until I go back to school, to try some of these new foods and see how my pouch handles them. It's amazing to me how many different variations of the phase diets you can find for post surgery. Some diets have people eating pureed foods within the first 3 weeks, and some have full solid foods so much sooner than three months. But I already told myself that Duke is a very well respected program, and I will follow the phases that they recommend and not take it into my own hands. I've had no problems with the protein shakes or liquids so far--no nausea or vomiting, which I'm very glad for. Hopefully introducing soft foods will be as successful.
Thanks for all of the supportive emails and comments. I really appreciate everyone's support through the good and the bad. :) I am very blessed.
Since about 5:00, Chris and I have been watching Cake Boss on TLC and Chopped on Food Network. It was just a nice lazy day. Even though it's a bummer that it rained our only full day at the beach, it was nice to relax.
Tomorrow, we will leave in the morning and my appointment at Duke is at 1:30. I found the area on the Duke website, where it tells what I will be able to eat after tomorrow's phase change. I'm very pleased that it is a nice variety, so I definitely can get through the next 8 weeks on these foods, and get creative with cooking. I'm really glad to have a few days until I go back to school, to try some of these new foods and see how my pouch handles them. It's amazing to me how many different variations of the phase diets you can find for post surgery. Some diets have people eating pureed foods within the first 3 weeks, and some have full solid foods so much sooner than three months. But I already told myself that Duke is a very well respected program, and I will follow the phases that they recommend and not take it into my own hands. I've had no problems with the protein shakes or liquids so far--no nausea or vomiting, which I'm very glad for. Hopefully introducing soft foods will be as successful.
Thanks for all of the supportive emails and comments. I really appreciate everyone's support through the good and the bad. :) I am very blessed.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
...in the depths of despair...
Writing that title did put a little smile on my face, but basically I feel down in the dumps right now. (Anne Shirley says that line in Anne of Green Gables) I debated whether to blog, since normally I'm cheery and happy, but if I didn't blog when I'm feeling down too, then all of my other blogs would seem less real.
Chris and I are the beach right now, which would seem would make me really happy, but the problem is, I've been obsessing about food. It's been something I've been feeling anxiety about for the past few days. Even as I'm typing, Chris is getting the grill ready, so he can make himself a steak. The smell of charcoal burning, brings up so many food memories--being in Wisconsin where my dad would make fantastic steaks or my grandpa made chicken on the spit. Usually the beach means food--Max's pizza, Andy's cheesesteaks, fudge, burgers and fries from the pier, ice cream at putt-putt...etc. Vacations have always been a time where if you're dieting, you sort of "take a break" from it all, and just enjoy yourself. That's all fine and dandy normally, but I can't do that this time. (And even though I'm talking and thinking so much about food, I know I'm not going to eat something and mess my system up)
As I blogged about yesterday, I've been missing cooking, so I've tried to spend my time looking for recipes that I can make later on. The problem is, after this appointment on Tuesday, it's not like I'll just be able to grill some shrimp, or make a chicken fiesta salad. I'll basically be eating eggs, yogurt, pudding, cream soups, very cooked vegetables, tuna salad...things like that. Well there aren't too many recipes out there for those items. Even as I've searched for recipes from weight loss surgery websites, there is not much help for the "soft foods/pureed" stage.
Part of me thinks these feelings are also coming from feeling bored. Usually track out is a time where I am busy every day, sometimes we take a trip, so the whole time is spent doing worthwhile things or planning for those things. Since I haven't felt up to it recently, and I'm still not at the energy point I used to be, I haven't been able to do more. So, I think part of my problem with obsessing about food is that I'm bored too. I'm tired of reading, watching movies, searching on the internet for weight loss surgery sites, and taking it easy. I'm tired of watching the clock every 15 minutes to see if it's time to drink again. I'm just tired of it all.
Ok, so now to try and take the positive spin, just so I don't go crazy. :/ I have lost 21.2 pounds in a little over TWO WEEKS!! I can see a difference, and people are noticing a difference. I have bought clothes in a smaller size. I am taking steps toward a healthier life, and getting pregnant. I only have 2 more days of the liquid diet. I will be going back to school soon, and I'm ready for it. The scale will continue to go down. I will continue to be able to buy smaller clothes. And most importantly, I will be taking a focus off food in my life, and putting it on other, more important things.
Well, I guess I feel a little better writing about it. Poor Chris. I've been pretty moody the past few days, and I think it's because these things keep getting to me. I'm going to try and think of other things to keep us occupied at the beach--going on the beach, playing putt-putt, walking on the pier, going shopping, playing chess or Scrabble, and hopefully get my mind off of food. I thought that preparing for eating the next phase would help, but that has just made me think about food more, and what I can't have. It's hard to deny yourself. In our time now, we live in a society that if we want something, we get it. So, I need to focus on the positive, and hopefully that will get me through the next two days.
I'm sure I'll have these feelings again as I move through the next stage of eating, so it will help to look back over this blog. Thanks for reading, during the good and the bad. :)
Chris and I are the beach right now, which would seem would make me really happy, but the problem is, I've been obsessing about food. It's been something I've been feeling anxiety about for the past few days. Even as I'm typing, Chris is getting the grill ready, so he can make himself a steak. The smell of charcoal burning, brings up so many food memories--being in Wisconsin where my dad would make fantastic steaks or my grandpa made chicken on the spit. Usually the beach means food--Max's pizza, Andy's cheesesteaks, fudge, burgers and fries from the pier, ice cream at putt-putt...etc. Vacations have always been a time where if you're dieting, you sort of "take a break" from it all, and just enjoy yourself. That's all fine and dandy normally, but I can't do that this time. (And even though I'm talking and thinking so much about food, I know I'm not going to eat something and mess my system up)
As I blogged about yesterday, I've been missing cooking, so I've tried to spend my time looking for recipes that I can make later on. The problem is, after this appointment on Tuesday, it's not like I'll just be able to grill some shrimp, or make a chicken fiesta salad. I'll basically be eating eggs, yogurt, pudding, cream soups, very cooked vegetables, tuna salad...things like that. Well there aren't too many recipes out there for those items. Even as I've searched for recipes from weight loss surgery websites, there is not much help for the "soft foods/pureed" stage.
Part of me thinks these feelings are also coming from feeling bored. Usually track out is a time where I am busy every day, sometimes we take a trip, so the whole time is spent doing worthwhile things or planning for those things. Since I haven't felt up to it recently, and I'm still not at the energy point I used to be, I haven't been able to do more. So, I think part of my problem with obsessing about food is that I'm bored too. I'm tired of reading, watching movies, searching on the internet for weight loss surgery sites, and taking it easy. I'm tired of watching the clock every 15 minutes to see if it's time to drink again. I'm just tired of it all.
Ok, so now to try and take the positive spin, just so I don't go crazy. :/ I have lost 21.2 pounds in a little over TWO WEEKS!! I can see a difference, and people are noticing a difference. I have bought clothes in a smaller size. I am taking steps toward a healthier life, and getting pregnant. I only have 2 more days of the liquid diet. I will be going back to school soon, and I'm ready for it. The scale will continue to go down. I will continue to be able to buy smaller clothes. And most importantly, I will be taking a focus off food in my life, and putting it on other, more important things.
Well, I guess I feel a little better writing about it. Poor Chris. I've been pretty moody the past few days, and I think it's because these things keep getting to me. I'm going to try and think of other things to keep us occupied at the beach--going on the beach, playing putt-putt, walking on the pier, going shopping, playing chess or Scrabble, and hopefully get my mind off of food. I thought that preparing for eating the next phase would help, but that has just made me think about food more, and what I can't have. It's hard to deny yourself. In our time now, we live in a society that if we want something, we get it. So, I need to focus on the positive, and hopefully that will get me through the next two days.
I'm sure I'll have these feelings again as I move through the next stage of eating, so it will help to look back over this blog. Thanks for reading, during the good and the bad. :)
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Feelin' Good
Today was a day as close to normal as I've had in what seems like a long time. I am finally sleeping in bed, which is nice. I've had to put a pillow under my left side, and one under my right, which I've found minimizes moving around so much at night. You should see our bed...we literally have 8 pillows! When I told Chris what I was doing with the pillows, he said, "welcome to the world of the hotdog!". His family and I have joked with him about this for years. Chris loves to be rolled up like a hotdog in bed. This is one of the reasons that I still sleep with my peach blankie--which is really a comforter that I had on my bed when I was in Kindergarten. It is sooooooo soft. I've tried to be a normal "grown up" and sleep with just a regular comforter...but then we get into the whole "hotdog" problem, and I end up with no covers. So...the peach blankie will stay until I can unroll Chris from his habit. (that was a lot of info. about our bed...I digress)
So, back to the normal day. We woke up around 9:00 on our own. Came downstairs, and I decided I was going to have some decaf coffee as my water-type liquid this morning. Well, the only problem with that is sometimes I get heartburn/queasy from coffee, if I have no food in my stomach. And I CAN'T EAT...so that was a small problem. I think I'll enjoy coffee again when I can start having some solid foods...only 3 MORE DAYS! I really had an itch to cook this week. Since I can't really cook, I've been looking through my cookbooks, and flagging meals that are high in protein and low in fat that I can try to make when I'm able to eat regular foods again. So, I decided to make dinner for Suzi and Billy, our friends who just had a baby. It was fun, and I made a casserole that we haven't had in a while although I realized through making it that I couldn't sample it, or even test the noodles to see if they were done! I hope it tasted okay. :) I also made some blue, white chocolate baby carriage lollipops. Normally when I make things like that, if I would get chocolate on my finger I would lick it off. I went to do that once, and I was like-Oops--can't do that! It's a little weird to get used to these changes.
After I visited them, I did a little shopping, came home, did some laundry so I can pack for the beach (we're leaving tomorrow) and tidied up our bedroom. Just moving around and doing chores without having to sit down, was great. I was diligent about my protein and liquids, so I didn't feel too full or de-hydrated. Tonight I hung out at Kelly's house with her, David and the boys, and had a great visit. Chris has a game, so I was by myself. Now, I'm just sitting downstairs in the recliner, typing, and watching Grease. It's always funny to me when I watch movies on TV with commercials, when I have the DVD, and I could just pop that in. ;) But, Chris got a new DVD player for down here, and I don't know how it works yet, and I feel too lazy to figure it out. Plus, it is almost like a little surprise to see a movie in the guide that you like! I can't WAIT until the fall shows start back again.
This morning I was down 20.6 pounds. As I go down each ten, it is a nice feeling to know that I'll never be that weight again. So, even though I complain about the liquids and not being completely back to normal, at least I am assured that this "diet/lifestyle change" will actually work! :)
(I have to laugh. I haven't watched Grease in surround sound in a long time...and it's on the last part of the movie during "We Go Together"--in the speaker near where I'm sitting, there are some funny background sounds of the song--a male high pitched voice is singing a rama lama ding dong, and it is just funny to listen to by itself, almost like a solo. heehee :)
Alright, well that's all that's new for now. I can't wait until Tuesday after my diet advancement class, so I can actually make some food again! I bought a food processor today so I will be able to puree and chop foods into smaller pieces. I know I will still be consuming small portions, but it will just be nice to get some variety in my diet, and be able to chew again.
I'll post more after my appointment on Tuesday. I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!
So, back to the normal day. We woke up around 9:00 on our own. Came downstairs, and I decided I was going to have some decaf coffee as my water-type liquid this morning. Well, the only problem with that is sometimes I get heartburn/queasy from coffee, if I have no food in my stomach. And I CAN'T EAT...so that was a small problem. I think I'll enjoy coffee again when I can start having some solid foods...only 3 MORE DAYS! I really had an itch to cook this week. Since I can't really cook, I've been looking through my cookbooks, and flagging meals that are high in protein and low in fat that I can try to make when I'm able to eat regular foods again. So, I decided to make dinner for Suzi and Billy, our friends who just had a baby. It was fun, and I made a casserole that we haven't had in a while although I realized through making it that I couldn't sample it, or even test the noodles to see if they were done! I hope it tasted okay. :) I also made some blue, white chocolate baby carriage lollipops. Normally when I make things like that, if I would get chocolate on my finger I would lick it off. I went to do that once, and I was like-Oops--can't do that! It's a little weird to get used to these changes.
After I visited them, I did a little shopping, came home, did some laundry so I can pack for the beach (we're leaving tomorrow) and tidied up our bedroom. Just moving around and doing chores without having to sit down, was great. I was diligent about my protein and liquids, so I didn't feel too full or de-hydrated. Tonight I hung out at Kelly's house with her, David and the boys, and had a great visit. Chris has a game, so I was by myself. Now, I'm just sitting downstairs in the recliner, typing, and watching Grease. It's always funny to me when I watch movies on TV with commercials, when I have the DVD, and I could just pop that in. ;) But, Chris got a new DVD player for down here, and I don't know how it works yet, and I feel too lazy to figure it out. Plus, it is almost like a little surprise to see a movie in the guide that you like! I can't WAIT until the fall shows start back again.
This morning I was down 20.6 pounds. As I go down each ten, it is a nice feeling to know that I'll never be that weight again. So, even though I complain about the liquids and not being completely back to normal, at least I am assured that this "diet/lifestyle change" will actually work! :)
(I have to laugh. I haven't watched Grease in surround sound in a long time...and it's on the last part of the movie during "We Go Together"--in the speaker near where I'm sitting, there are some funny background sounds of the song--a male high pitched voice is singing a rama lama ding dong, and it is just funny to listen to by itself, almost like a solo. heehee :)
Alright, well that's all that's new for now. I can't wait until Tuesday after my diet advancement class, so I can actually make some food again! I bought a food processor today so I will be able to puree and chop foods into smaller pieces. I know I will still be consuming small portions, but it will just be nice to get some variety in my diet, and be able to chew again.
I'll post more after my appointment on Tuesday. I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
I'm having a hard time coming up with creative titles...
I've had a good day today. Kate, friend and track-mate, came over this morning, and we planned for about 3 weeks when we track in. That was a job I had been dreading, and I'm so glad it's done now! Now I can do subplans, and get ready for next week. I only have a few things to grade, and that's all I have to do now before I track in. I'll probably save that for next week, in classic "school procrastination" style. :)
I also worked on a bunch of orders today, and was able to get a lot done. It feels great to be able to tackle lots of stuff on my to do list and have enough energy to do that.
Here's the good and bad about my shopping trip yesterday. I went to Office Max to get some envelopes to finish the orders I had, and while I was over there decided to go to Old Navy before I headed to the mall. I had gotten a gift card from my cousins Deb and Dave for Banana Republic, Gap and/or Old Navy, and gift cards tend to burn a hole in my wallet. ;) (but as Chris says I will be needing LOTS of clothes in the next few months, so I really need to pace myself---but it's just SO EXCITING to buy clothes in smaller sizes!!!) Old Navy's clothes used to fit a few years ago, but then it seemed like the same size had gotten smaller. I hadn't gained weight, but their biggest size wouldn't fit me. So, when I went, I started gathering things in that size again, thinking maybe now it would fit or be close to it, and when I got in the dressing room I realized that most of those items fit, and some were even a little big! Since I know things are going down, I'm not going to buy any clothes that are a little big now, so it was a thrill to go back out on the floor and get the next smallest size. I got a few cute new things, and I even have some money left on the gift card. As I tried things on, it really wore me out. I had to sit a few times in the dressing room, and this taught me that although I feel okay, I don't have the energy I used to have since I'm only consuming about 600 calories a day, so I can't push it. So, I called it a day, and came back home and rested last night. So, in summary, the good was that I was able to buy clothes in 2 sizes lower than I thought I could, and the bad is that I was only able to make it to one store! ;)
The only other bad thing I'm still dealing with, besides being a little sick of the liquid diet, is not being able to sleep in bed. Ever since that first night where I tried to stay in bed, and had such horrible pain when I woke up, I've been sleeping in the recliner downstairs. I think laying flat, stretches the muscles in my stomach, which are still sore. But now the recliner is making my back ache. So, I think I'm going to try the bed again tonight. I laid down last night, and things didn't hurt too bad, but it was late, and I didn't want to have to deal with moving everything back upstairs again. So, hopefully I can make it through the night with no pain, and be back to normal in that way.
I have lost 19.2 now, and I'm feeling pretty well. We're going to the beach from Sunday through Tuesday, so that will be good to distract me, and then Tuesday is my group session where I should be able to start the soft solids diet. Less than a week...I hope I can make it!
I also worked on a bunch of orders today, and was able to get a lot done. It feels great to be able to tackle lots of stuff on my to do list and have enough energy to do that.
Here's the good and bad about my shopping trip yesterday. I went to Office Max to get some envelopes to finish the orders I had, and while I was over there decided to go to Old Navy before I headed to the mall. I had gotten a gift card from my cousins Deb and Dave for Banana Republic, Gap and/or Old Navy, and gift cards tend to burn a hole in my wallet. ;) (but as Chris says I will be needing LOTS of clothes in the next few months, so I really need to pace myself---but it's just SO EXCITING to buy clothes in smaller sizes!!!) Old Navy's clothes used to fit a few years ago, but then it seemed like the same size had gotten smaller. I hadn't gained weight, but their biggest size wouldn't fit me. So, when I went, I started gathering things in that size again, thinking maybe now it would fit or be close to it, and when I got in the dressing room I realized that most of those items fit, and some were even a little big! Since I know things are going down, I'm not going to buy any clothes that are a little big now, so it was a thrill to go back out on the floor and get the next smallest size. I got a few cute new things, and I even have some money left on the gift card. As I tried things on, it really wore me out. I had to sit a few times in the dressing room, and this taught me that although I feel okay, I don't have the energy I used to have since I'm only consuming about 600 calories a day, so I can't push it. So, I called it a day, and came back home and rested last night. So, in summary, the good was that I was able to buy clothes in 2 sizes lower than I thought I could, and the bad is that I was only able to make it to one store! ;)
The only other bad thing I'm still dealing with, besides being a little sick of the liquid diet, is not being able to sleep in bed. Ever since that first night where I tried to stay in bed, and had such horrible pain when I woke up, I've been sleeping in the recliner downstairs. I think laying flat, stretches the muscles in my stomach, which are still sore. But now the recliner is making my back ache. So, I think I'm going to try the bed again tonight. I laid down last night, and things didn't hurt too bad, but it was late, and I didn't want to have to deal with moving everything back upstairs again. So, hopefully I can make it through the night with no pain, and be back to normal in that way.
I have lost 19.2 now, and I'm feeling pretty well. We're going to the beach from Sunday through Tuesday, so that will be good to distract me, and then Tuesday is my group session where I should be able to start the soft solids diet. Less than a week...I hope I can make it!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
It's been a good day
Yesterday, I was sooooooooooooooooo bored. It was rainy out, and I just read, spent a little time on the Internet, read, etc. Very boring. So, I decided that today I would liven things up a bit.
What a beautiful day outside! I took Spencer for a short walk around the block at about 9:00a.m., and it was just gorgeous. Even now, there is a breeze, but it felt very pleasant when I went to get the mail at noon. All morning I worked on orders that I had collected during my July promotion, and that felt great. As long as I'm sitting, I'm fine, and feel little to no pain. When I move around though, I can still feel some pulling in my stomach area, along with a little soreness and pain. But, it felt great to make such a headway on those orders, and to occupy my mind this morning! I just took a shower, and now I'm just resting a bit. I've decided that I'm going to drive this afternoon, and go walk around the mall. I have been so stir crazy, and yesterday Chris asked what I would normally be doing since my track out days are usually full, and I answered--doing chores (which of course I'm definitely not healed enough yet for ;) running errands, having lunch with friends, getting a pedicure...etc. Basically, all things that involve driving. The hospital instructions said not to drive for 3 weeks after surgery, but I figure that mainly has to do with taking percocet. Since I took my last pain pill about 5 days ago, I think I'm okay. I'm not going to travel all around, but just venture to the mall and see how I do. :) The only thing I still can't do is have lunch out yet, but by next track out, I'll be able to do that too. (only 7 more days until soft foods!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Chris put in a new gazebo on our deck last weekend, and hired a guy to finish the pine straw and gravel in the backyard, and it looks wonderful!! The new gazebo is 12x12 which gives so much more room than our 10x10, has two sun panels, which give us more privacy, has 4 lanterns-one in each corner for candles, and we bought some little lantern lights which we hung on one side. That along with our fan, and radio, some new hanging baskets, and a bird feeder makes for a nice outside gathering place. Last night we sat out there after Chris had dinner, he smoked a cigar and I enjoyed my 17th millionth apple crystal light of the day, and it was very relaxing, just listening to the rain. Oh, and Spencer's heavy breathing. He just LOVES to have us throw the ball. Even after we're done with that and put the ball away, then he starts on the pinecones. He chews those things up until there is almost nothing left, and then leaves a little morsel in our laps to throw for him. He darts off and looks back at us like, "Are you going to throw it yet, huh, huh, huh" and Chris and I just laugh at him. Eventually when the panting is just too loud and breaking our relaxing, we let him inside to "rest". :) That dog is almost 9 and he acts like a puppy when it comes to throwing the ball.
Well, I'm going to go finish getting ready, and then head out for some "walking" (aka going to the mall to shop :). Have a great night!
What a beautiful day outside! I took Spencer for a short walk around the block at about 9:00a.m., and it was just gorgeous. Even now, there is a breeze, but it felt very pleasant when I went to get the mail at noon. All morning I worked on orders that I had collected during my July promotion, and that felt great. As long as I'm sitting, I'm fine, and feel little to no pain. When I move around though, I can still feel some pulling in my stomach area, along with a little soreness and pain. But, it felt great to make such a headway on those orders, and to occupy my mind this morning! I just took a shower, and now I'm just resting a bit. I've decided that I'm going to drive this afternoon, and go walk around the mall. I have been so stir crazy, and yesterday Chris asked what I would normally be doing since my track out days are usually full, and I answered--doing chores (which of course I'm definitely not healed enough yet for ;) running errands, having lunch with friends, getting a pedicure...etc. Basically, all things that involve driving. The hospital instructions said not to drive for 3 weeks after surgery, but I figure that mainly has to do with taking percocet. Since I took my last pain pill about 5 days ago, I think I'm okay. I'm not going to travel all around, but just venture to the mall and see how I do. :) The only thing I still can't do is have lunch out yet, but by next track out, I'll be able to do that too. (only 7 more days until soft foods!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Chris put in a new gazebo on our deck last weekend, and hired a guy to finish the pine straw and gravel in the backyard, and it looks wonderful!! The new gazebo is 12x12 which gives so much more room than our 10x10, has two sun panels, which give us more privacy, has 4 lanterns-one in each corner for candles, and we bought some little lantern lights which we hung on one side. That along with our fan, and radio, some new hanging baskets, and a bird feeder makes for a nice outside gathering place. Last night we sat out there after Chris had dinner, he smoked a cigar and I enjoyed my 17th millionth apple crystal light of the day, and it was very relaxing, just listening to the rain. Oh, and Spencer's heavy breathing. He just LOVES to have us throw the ball. Even after we're done with that and put the ball away, then he starts on the pinecones. He chews those things up until there is almost nothing left, and then leaves a little morsel in our laps to throw for him. He darts off and looks back at us like, "Are you going to throw it yet, huh, huh, huh" and Chris and I just laugh at him. Eventually when the panting is just too loud and breaking our relaxing, we let him inside to "rest". :) That dog is almost 9 and he acts like a puppy when it comes to throwing the ball.
Well, I'm going to go finish getting ready, and then head out for some "walking" (aka going to the mall to shop :). Have a great night!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
