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My after Gastric Bypass Wish List – Do you have one?

Wish List

Wish ListHave you made a list of all the things you would like to do after Gastric Bypass when you lose the weight? If not you should, it is great way to keep you motivated and on track to accomplish all the things you dream about being able to do again.

Prior to me having my Gastric Bypass surgery I decided to start a list of all the things I looked forward to once I lost the weight. When I was deciding on having the surgery I still questioned if I was making the right choice – I had many lists of pros and cons written out and obviously in my case the pros one.

But also having a Wish List of all the things you dream about being able to do again is so helpful especially after the surgery when you may be having a rough patch in your journey. It is nice to look back at your list and be reminded as to why you made the choice to have the surgery and even better when you can look at it and start checking things off that you have accomplished.

So if you have yet to make your Wish List I highly suggest you get on it !! Everyone has different wishes and dreams from simple things to big ones. I am going to share my list below and I bet you will see some things that will probably be on your list as well. My list continues to grow even now – I often think of something new to add.

My Wish List of things I would like to be able to do once I get this damn weight off:

(in no particular order)

  • Cross my legs without helping one over the other ✔
  • Fit into a chair without my butt hanging out the sides or the fear it will stay attached when I get up ✔
  • Wear my wedding rings again ✔
  • Polish my toes nails and being able to breath while bending over to do so ✔
  • Shave my legs quickly having less surface to cover
  • Be able to see that I have knees under the fat
  • Walking without my legs rubbing together
  • Not mistaking my underwear in the laundry pile with my daughter’s shirt
  • Wear a tank top in public
  • Wear fancy underpants that come with a matching bra
  • Shop in the regular clothing section
  • Stop knocking things over in the stores with my butt
  • Wear shorts that are short
  • Feel decent in a bathing suit
  • Wear shirts in a size with no X
  • Be able to tuck a shirt in
  • Be whistled at like in the old days
  • Not fearing having to step on a scale at the doctor’s office
  • Not always feeling like the fat person in the room
  • Feeling Healthy ✔
  • Being a role model for others
  • Being able to wear clothes that are actually in fashion
  • Fit in an airline seat and not have to ask for an extender for the seat belt
  • Be able to ride any ride at the amusement park
  • Have hubby be able to pick me up
  • Be in pictures without hiding behind others
  • Be able to run
  • Get a new hairstyle to go with the new me
  • See friends and family I have avoided due to my weight
  • Get a job outside the home
  • Do more physical activities with the kids
  • Lose 50lbs ✔
  • Lose 100lbs
  • Hit my goal weight of 150lbs
  • Wear a size 9/10 pant
  • Feel sexy
  • Feel like me again
  • Make it to ONEderland

These are some of the main things I have on my Wish List and I hope to be able to check them all off at some point. But this list is what keeps me motivated each and every day. Having Gastric Bypass Surgery is a rolleroaster ride of ups and downs and the times I am on the down – just looking at this list helps keep me focused. Keeps my eye on the prize !!

So if you do not have your own Wish List get that pen out or type one up – I am tellin’ ya it helps.

What are you waiting for? Go Go Go….

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Do you have Papaya Enzymes on hand?

Papaya

PapayaI recently read about Papaya Enzymes and how helpful they are to Gastric Bypass patients when you have trouble with food getting stuck and other digestive issues. Do you have some on hand?

I have yet to experience any food getting stuck issues myself, BUT that does not mean I will not in the future. I have heard that the feeling of food getting stuck is horrible – you just feel as though it is sitting there and it can be a very intense pain. A lot of times this will happen with meats, but it can happen with any food.

You may have been told or have read that if you find this happens to you on a protein based food to take some Meat Tenderizer and dissolve in some water and drink. The Meat Tenderizer will help to break it down quickly. But how gross does drinking Meat Tenderizer sound to you? To me it sounds quite disgusting in a BIG way. The great thing is that Papaya Enzymes work the same way and from what I heard they taste a heck of a lot better. Some say they taste just like baby aspirins.

So what exactly are these Papaya Enzymes (also know as papain)?

It is a potent mix of proteolytic enzymes derived from the papaya fruit which helps aid in digestion and also speeds up the breakdown of certain proteins.

Papaya Enzymes have a lot of other great benefits, but for us Gastric Bypass patients it is something we should always have on hand. For us it is no different than having band aids on hand for those times when we have a boo boo. This is one more item to add to your Gastric Bypass first aid kit as well as keeping some in your purse or car just in case you even need to use it.

I have read on many Gastric Bypass Forum sites that many find such relief from it when they have food stuck, bad fullness, have bloating etc… And you just never know when or where you will be when ones of these may occur. It is always good to be prepared, armed and ready – don’t ya think?

NOTE: Always be sure to check with your surgeon before taking anything new if you feel uncertain about it. Remember I am not a doctor and do not get paid the big bucks, I am just sharing what I have read and things I have learned along the way, just sayin’

Personally for me, these are on my shopping list for my next trip to the store. I will keep them at home, as well as carry some in my purse – just in case. Again even though I have not had any issues with eating – one never knows and it can happen at any time. I would rather be prepared with something that may help than be in pain, especially while I am out somewhere.

You can find Papaya Enzymes in your local stores or you can also find it being sold online. Oh and they are very inexpensive too – BONUS !!

Feel free to comment below if you have your own experiences using these, I would love to hear from you. 

You may be surprised at all the benefits of keeping a diary, this post briefly highlights some of the most important.

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My tenth week after Gastric Bypass

10

10One more week under my belt and here I come week 11. Before I know it I will be a year post op at this rate. As long as I am shrinking in the process I am fine with that. It is looking good !!

This week was not very exciting, just another week is all. The weather got cold again and we had some rain. It seems Mother Nature is hitting the drugs again which is clouding her mind and she forgets what season we are in. She totally needs an intervention don’t ya think? Is it too much to ask for that warm Spring air to be consistent and some sun?

Here is what I ate so you can see each day for the tenth week:

(I am not gonna add the times on – just the order in which I ate)

March 26th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 3/4 cupish Crab Salad
  • 1 Slice of Provolone & 1 Slice of Salami
  • 3 Medium Shrimp
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper
  • A Handful of Peanuts – Elephant Peanuts I had to remove from the shell
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper

Today was lazy day and I was extra tired all day long. I had a friend stop by and was not the best company being I could hardly keep my eyes open. I so just wanted to take a nap and after he left I tried and maybe got in about 20 minutes before the kids came home from school. Those darn kids they ruin everything – lol

March 27th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 12 Medium Shrimp dipped in Cocktail Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Egg Drop Soup
  • 3/4 cupish Chinese Food – Beef, Broccoli & Mushrooms with some White Rice
  • Few bites of leftover dinner (later that night)
  • SF Ice Pop
  • 2 Slices of Provolone & 2 Slices of Salami

Today was exciting in the fact that I found out that my wedding rings fit on my finger again after years of not be able to wear them.

March 28th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Leftover Chinese Food – Beef, Broccoli & Mushrooms with some White Rice
  • One bite of an Egg Roll
  • 12 Medium Shrimp dipped in Cocktail Sauce
  • Raw Broccoli dipped in Ranch Dressing
  • 1 Slice of American Cheese
  • Spoonful of SF Coolwhip
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 3 Slices of Salami
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper
  • SF Ice Pop

Today I decided to have my leftover Chinese food at about 9:45 in the morning – I was hungry. Not long after I ate I ended up falling asleep on the couch for about 2 hours. I find this happens to me if I have too many carbs which may be the case from the white rice. I was not sick just full and tired. Later in theday I had a swwet craving so I delt with that by having a spoonful of SF Coolwhip and that satisfied it.

March 29th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with Special K Protein Water Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper
  • 3 Slices of Salami
  • 1/4 cup of Smoked Almonds
  • Tilapia (20 g protein) dipped in Tarter Sauce
  • Salad – Lettuce, Tomato, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Bacon Bits and Light Honey Mustard Dressing

Today I was feeling extra hungry – I felt like I ate a lot but when I look at what I ate it was not that much at all. I was definitely battling Head Hunger today for sure. I also ran to the store today and discovered Special K20 Protein Water which is a drink mix you add to your water and it contains protein – I bought the Pink Lemonade and it was yummy.

March 30th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with Special K Protein Water Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 3/4 cupish Chunky Roadhouse Beef & Bean Chili with a Tbsp Sour Cream – calories 115, protein 13g
  • 1/4 cup of Smoked Almonds
  • 1/4 Rocky Road Brownie Supreme Protein Bar
  • 2 Slices American Cheese w/mustard
  • 1/4 cup of Smoked Almonds
  • 1 Pork Chop with Shake n Bake dipped in Natural Applesauce and fresh cooked Broccoli & Cauliflower

Today I just worked all day, but again I was battling that Head Hunger. It is always such a fight and you can win, today I did. I also loved the pork chop at dinner tonight, but I ended up overeating. I am not sure it was the Pork Chop that through me over the edge I think I ate too much of the veggies. In addition to that broccoli and cauliflower especially mixed can cause a lot of gas pains and I think that is what I had. I just had a belly ache, but it passed in time and all was good.

March 31st

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with Special K Protein Water Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Bites of leftover Broccoli
  • 3 Slices of Salami
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper
  • 1/4 cup of Smoked Almonds
  • Protein Shake
  • 3/4 cupish Watermelon
  • 3/4 of a Sweet Italian Sausage Griller with sauteed Peppers & Onions
  • 3 Slices of Salami
  • 1/4 cup of Smoked Almonds

Today was yet another rainy day so I worked for most of it, did some shopping and relaxed to some TV. I was also craving Watermelon really bad after having some last week and realized that we are now BFFs. My daughter had some extra fun dressing up my new friend which you can read all about HERE.

April 1st – April Fool’s Day

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 4 Slices of Salami
  • 1 Slice Swiss Cheese
  • 1 snack size bag of Roasted Peanuts – 13 g protein
  • 3/4 cupish Watermelon
  • 1 Pork Chop dipped in Natural Applesauce (leftover)
  • Pesto Chicken with Artichokes, Tomatoes & White Rice
  • 1/4 cup of Smoked Almonds

Today was April Fool’s Day so I had some playing some tricks on the kids. I made them fake grilled cheese sandwiches as one of my pranks – that was very funny. My daughter had a birthday party to attend so I took a ride with my hubby to bring her and did some shopping on our way home. My sister came over for dinner tonight and we made a new recipe which was so delicious. I have added it to my long list of favorites – it was so full of flavor. See the recipe (Coming Soon – stay tuned)

So I had a pretty lazy week and the cold rainy weather is a big factor to that. I was getting very excited that it was getting warmer out so I can start my outside slavery to my yard, but nope – Mother Nature had to go and ruin my plans. I am hoping this week coming up may change, but as it looks it is still going to be a bit chilly. Ugh !! Like I am not cold enough dealing with the Cold Intolerance I wrote about this week.

Once again as I look at my Food Journal when I type it up here I can notice some things I need to change. They are pretty much the same things every week. Number one thing is I need to lay off the Salami – even though Salami is a protein it is definitely not the right kind I should be eating. I eat it because it is in my lunch meat drawer and it is easy for me to pick at. I am a picker and that I have to watch.

I also need to really work on having a protein shake daily just to get in that extra protein. I was suppose to have done that this week, but slacked off yet again. I have been working hard at trying to get in my 64 ounces of fluids, but I’m still not quite there yet, I find that very hard.

And last but not least – exercise, yup I dropped the ball on that again too. What is wrong with me? Ok this week coming up I am gonna do it – I really am. I swear !!

I am happy to report that even with my lazy week I had a good weigh in on the scale and you can take a look to see how I did here at My Weigh Ins.

So lets hope Week 11 is more active and I can accomplish some of the goals that I have been trying to accomplish for weeks, week 11 here I come….

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Me and Watermelon have reconnected and total BFFs

Watermelon

WatermelonI have a new BFF and it is Watermelon. We are old friends who just recently reconnected and I think we are going to never be apart again.

Last week when I was at the store I picked up a small container of Watermelon. I just had a big craving for it and was hoping since it is now pretty much in season it would be nice and sweet. I could not even wait until I got home to eat it so while I was driving home I opened it up and dug in. It was soooo good – like candy in my mouth. The best part was that my pouch was able to tolerate it just fine. I had no issues at all – I did the Happy Dance.

So yesterday while shopping I decided that I would just buy a whole Watermelon since the kids love it too and I thought maybe I would share, nice of me right? So today I thought before I cut it open I would have some fun with my daughter and give my new BFF some personality. Yes I was gonna give it a face !! I know I know, but I am crazy like that and that is how I roll.

So after I came back from doing some errands me and my daughter were gonna get to work. So I brought the Watermelon to the kitchen and it slips out of my hands and lands on the floor. My Watermelon cracked in half. I was devastated!! But guess what? Hubby to the rescue – he ran to the store and got me a new one. What a man right? (oh but no worries the cracked Watermelon got cut up and snacked on anyways, a great sacrifice).

So my daughter and I gave my new BFF a face and she named it Charlotte. My son had come into the kitchen shaking his head at me in that – you’re nuts way (nothing new he always does that) and he says you cannot eat that now – you just gave it a soul. LMAO.

Before you give watermelon a try check with your nutritionist to be sure you can have it on your diet plan. Most will allow it at some point in your post op, but every doctor has different rules. Also when you purchase the watermelon be sure you get the seedless.

Here are some Watermelon Facts to keep in mind:

  • Watermelon is over 90% Water – you may want to treat it as such – so watch combining it with your food
  • 1 Cup of diced Watermelon has approx 46 calories
  • 1 Cup of diced Watermelon has approx 9 grams of sugar – even though it is a natural sugar be careful, some of you may experience Dumping Syndrome if you eat too much

Watermelon goes down really easy so you have to really watch how much you are eating – I know I can easily eat too much if I am not careful.

But how much is too much? Well that question got me thinking and so I decided to do an experiment with some. I diced up 1 Cup of Watermelon (shown in the 1 Cup measuring cup), I then transferred that to a bigger bowl and mushed it up into a liquid. I poured it back into the 1 Cup measuring cup and it was 1/2 of what I started with. So I poured it into a 1/2 Cup measuring cup and as you can see that 1 Cup of diced Watermelon became 1/2 Cup of liquid.

I found that very interesting and you can use my experiment as a guide.

Of course your pouch will let you know when you have had enough – so always listen to it when it speaks to you. I think all Gastric Bypassers know excatly what I mean when I say that.

I have read that Watermelon is a great way to flush out water weight, keep you regular and full of vitamins and of course DELICIOUS, especially very cold.

I am so happy to be reconnected again and the benefits of a friend like this are definitely SWEET.

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Acne after Gastric Bypass Surgery – Really?

Pimples

PimplesSo yet another fun possible side effect of Gastric Bypass, Acne – YES PIMPLES!! Not everyone will experience this, but for those of us who do it is not pretty.

Unfortunately I am one of them – yup it is true I have PIMPLES !! I am one of those that never even broke out when I was going through puberty. I was always told how nice my completion was etc… Well now when I sit and watch TV and those Proactivcommercials come on, instead of me feeling bad for the people they show, it has changed too “Hmmm I think I need to order some of that”

Now don’t get me wrong my face is not totally covered in pimples, but I have some patches of them, for me it is more than the norm. I take very good care of my skin so I know when I see changes and you can not miss some of these. Can I just say I hate Pimples? OK thanks, I hate Pimples.

So why am I thinking the Gastric Bypass Surgery is causing my break outs? Well I am not totally saying it is, BUT it sure is a coincidence that these breaks outs started afterwards don’t ya think?

Lots of things can cause pimples such as; stress, make-up, medicines and HORMONES. Oh did I mentions hormones? Well after Gastric Bypass Surgery our hormones are all over the place. Acne flares up when hormone levels change. Our hormones may be all over the place until the point where our weight starts to stabilize. Ugh for me that will be awhile, so what do us who are dealing with this issue do?

Here are some of my ideas:

  • Buy some of that Proactiv
  • Get a Paper Bag and put it over my head, but make sure to cut eye holes out first
  • Wear a Ski Mask
  • Hide under a Rock

Those are just some my ideas, but really there is nothing more we can do then ride the wave I guess and make sure to take care of our skin. Oh and lots of concealer helps too !!

Thanks for reading! Here’s the top 11 tips for keeping your own diary.

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Why am I always so Cold? Did the Snow Miser visit me in my sleep?

Winter

WinterEver since my Gastric Bypass Surgery I have been unusually cold. Is this a side effect from the surgery or am I just plain old cold?

Let me start by saying I have never liked the cold or shall I say being cold, but most don’t. I also do not like it when it is real hot and I am hot. I am most happy on a 65-70 degree day. With that being said I am not happy either way Cold or Hot and I am one big whiner when it happens. My family knows all too well. I would like to take this moment to thank them for putting up with me, thanks all !!

BUT ever since my surgery I have been noticeably colder than normal even in my house. It is not all the time, but when I am cold it is different than before – I am freezing down to the bones and I can swear my nose feels like ice. When this happens I get all the way under my Snuggie and have to cover my nose to help warm me up and even that does not always work.

In the beginning I thought it was from something I ate, and at times it still can be, and I even mentioned it to my Nutritionist at my first visit when I was 4 weeks post op. She had told me the cold can be a form of “Dumping Syndrome” and I excepted that since it was so much better than the I am gonna die feelings other get. I have yet to get that and hope I never do, but you never know.

Prior to surgery I really never wore a heavy winter coat and wear short sleeves year round. Since the surgery I have been wearing my sweat jacket around in the house – so unlike me. So what gives? Not sure but I have been doing some research to see if it can all be related.

I found this very interesting:

The funny this is I also have reduced energy, cold intolerance obviously and I am losing weight at a slow rate. My surgeon did tell me at my 4 week post op visit that I have a slow metabolism and that can be a cause of the slow weight loss so I knew that.

I go for my blood work up this month and now I need to check to be sure they are doing this free-T3 evaluation.

It could also be just one of the other side effects of Gastric Bypass. Many people who have had the surgery will experience Cold Intolerance this happens because of the large amount of weight loss which equals loss of insulation and less energy generation. Ok makes sense. Our bodies have just been traumatized and even our internal thermostats are confused. I have read that this usually goes away once our weight stabilizes. I still have a long road ahead of me before that happens – oh joy.

On a happier note it is spring and summer is not far off. So hopefully the sun can keep me warm. But I am sure I will complain then too that I am too hot. I am hopeful by the time the real hot weather gets here that I will have had lost a few layers and not be as hot in past years. We will see. It may be an epic fight between the Cold Miser and the Heat Miser. Oh and I also read that patients who exercise experience less chilling than patients who do not exercise. I guess there is no better time then now to get myself on my treadmill which I have been putting off huh?

I have my 3 month post op appointment coming up and this has been added to my list scroll of questions. I also want to ask if constant Goose Bumps can be dangerous – lol. I will update when I have more answers.
So if you are like me and freezing your butt off since Gastric Bypass Surgery – you are not crazy, cold but not crazy.

Warm thoughts being sent your way !!

P.S. – Please send them my way too – I can use a lot !!

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Type 2 Diabetes Cure? It is looking good !!

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 DiabetesDo you suffer from Type 2 Diabetes? If so things are looking good that they may have found a possible cure. Can you just imagine that?

This morning when I turned on my computer I saw a video on my home page that read “Cure for Diabetes found?” Of course I clicked on it to see what it was all about – wouldn’t you? Any cure for any disease is beyond exciting.

I do not suffer from Type 2 Diabetes or any Diabetes myself, but boy was I probably close if I continued on the path I was on prior to surgery. My son though is another story – he was just told recently he may end up developing the disease if he does not drop weight – that is a whole other story I will address at some point here on my blog. I am very sensitive about that right now.

Now let me share the video that I clicked on and watched this morning via Good Morning America.

After I watched the video I was not surprised by what they were talking about because I had wrote a post that addressed the same thing here: Dr. Oz weighs in on Gastric Bypass Surgery. I think now there are more studies being done and more awareness that Weight Loss Surgery is an option.

Of course it is not for everyone, we all know that Gastric Bypass Surgery has its own set of risks, but which one is riskier than the other? Gastric Bypass or Type 2 Diabetes.

It is personal decision to make along with one you would need to work out with your doctor, but to know it is getting more attention and more studies is so promising.

Dr. Francesco Rubino, director of the Diabetes Surgery Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, led the study and explains that while they don’t fully understand the process of how the surgery affects the diabetes, it has to do with the changes made to the organs:

We found that the change in the anatomy of the stomach and intestines can improve diabetes directly. The stomach and intestine are not just there for absorption of nutrience. They also serve as an endocrine organ and make dozens of hormones. Those hormones are directly relevant to the regulation of the body’s insulin.

So for you Type 2 Diabetes sufferers there is hope and some new questions you may want address with your doctor. I think this is just the start of some big things to come in the way of cures for diseases and it makes me so happy to hear.

Now lets hurry up and find one for that UGLY “C” word !!

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My ninth week after Gastric Bypass

Ninth Week

Ninth WeekThe official start of 3 months post op. I say it every week I post – Holy Moly the weeks are flying by. In addition to that it is officially Spring and my daffodils are all opening up.

The weather had been unusually warm this week which I do not mind at all – I just worry come summer if it is this warm now how hot will it be then. I am not one for hot hot days, actually I hate them. I am more of a 70 degree girl and I am just happy at that – anything too below or too above and I may get cranky. I am ugly when I am cranky.

I added a couple more foods to my “No Issues” Food list such as Steak and Cheeseburgers on the BBQ (no bun of course). I think I was most excited about the Steak. It seems when it have been awhile since you have eaten a certain food it tastes 10x as good when you do and that was my Steak.

Here is what I ate so you can see each day for the ninth week:

(I am not gonna add the times on – just the order in which I ate)

March 19th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Healthy Choice Steaming Entree – Honey Balsamic Vinegar Cal: 210, Fat: 335g, Protein: 12g
  • Handful of Special K Cracker Chips (cheddar)
  • Small piece of Steak, Sauteed Fresh Mushrooms, Taste of Pasta Roni Shells & Cheddar & Ketchup
  • Peach
  • 1/2 cupish Sugar Free Ice Cream – Turkey Hill Cool White Mint

Today started off with the kids missing the bus – that darn daylight savings in the Springs gets me all the time. I shut off my alarm and of course in my house if I am not up then no one else is – I live with sleepy heads – lol. After my lunch which was the Healthy Choice and some Cracker Chips a bit after that I feel asleep on the couch for a nice nap. When I woke up I felt shaky – my hands were shaking too. It was weird. I wonder if I was having a mild “Dumping” episode from the Healthy Choice??? Could have been.

BUT my day ended on a high note with me trying my first Steak since surgery. You can read all about it on a post I dedicated to the glorious moment here: I had my first Steak since Surgery. It truly was a glorious moment !!

March 20th – First Day of Spring ☼

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • A few bites of leftover Steak
  • 1/2 Cup of Wendy’s Chili
  • A Handful of Peanuts – Elephant Peanuts I had to remove from the shell
  • Pot Roast over Egg Noodles with gravy, peas and sour cream
  • 1/2 Protein Shake

Yahooo it is the first day of Spring !!! I am so excited I love Spring. So I picked at some left over Steak in the fridge – I could not help it. I opened the fridge and had an Alice and Wonderland moment – I swear it was saying “Eat Me”, so I did. I had to take the kids out of school early today for a fun trip to get our teeth cleaned at the dentist. I do not mind going except for the scrapping part of the cleaning – as I have aged I am so much more sensitive. BUT I love when the dentist always compliments me on how good I care for my teeth, which I do. You only get one set and SMILES are contagious ya know. I am happy to report my kids are cavity FREE yet again – they are following in mom’s teeth hygiene. Proud mom moment and I will take it. Although I was not so proud when they were fighting like crazy in the waiting room while we waited though.

After the dentist we stopped at Wendy’s for a quick snack and it was my first time having Fast Food since surgery. I had read about others having the Chili so that is what I got. It was delish and you can read my post about it HERE.

March 21st

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 1/2 Wendy’s Chili (leftover)
  • Peach
  • 1 Bag of Baked Cheetos – 100 cal pack
  • Few bites of Taco Stroganoff (left over dinner I made the family)
  • Protein Shake
  • 1 Low Fat Mozzarella String Cheese
  • Handful of Special K Cracker Chips (cheddar)

Not much to report about this day beside my son was driving me crazy. He is 14 and has high levels of hormones and attitude going on. Getting him to do his school work is like pulling teeth. I would kick his ass, but he is twice the size of me – so instead I yell at him and run for my life – lol.

I did cook dinner for the family and I made Taco Stroganoff which is a Taco type meal with pasta and sour cream etc.., but I was feeling a little nausea for whatever reason today and decided that I would skip such a heavy meal and only took a few bites. I am wondering if the nasuea came from those Cheetos?

March 22nd

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 1/2 cupish Taco Stroganoff
  • 1 small Banana
  • 2 slices of deli Ham
  • 2 slices of American Cheese
  • 2 pieces of Beef Jerky
  • 2 slices of Salami
  • Salad – Lettuce, Feta Cheese and Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing

Today I had some leftover Taco Stroganoff from last nights dinner for lunch. I also did a little food shopping with my sister and daughter as you can see from what I ate I bought lunch meats. I picked at a bunch and that filled me up. The Salami – yeah not the best choice, but I could not resist.

March 23rd

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 2 bites of Taco Stroganoff (I was picking)
  • 1 1/2 Egg Salad
  • Handful of Goldfish Crackers
  • Raw Broccoli, Carrots, Tomatoes dipped in Lite Ranch along with some Cheese Cubes & Beef Sticks
  • 1/4 of a Whole Pickle
  • 1 Cheeseburger (no bun), 4 Tater Tots & Fresh Asparagus

Today I wrote some posts and then sat outside and enjoyed the weather while I did my nails and created an adorable Ladybug Design for spring on them. I enjoyed eating some veggies and protein from a veggie tray my kids and I snacked on this afternoon. My daughter had a friend staying over so I decided to BBG up some burgers. I ended up eating a Cheeseburger less the bun, stole some of their Tater Tots and I have a nice helping of some Fresh Asparagus I cooked up. I cooked the Asparagus in the oven on broil with some Olive Oil, Garlic and Parmesan Cheese on top – love that !!!

March 24th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 1 Cheeseburger & Asparagus (leftover)
  • 1/2 Rocky Road Brownie Supreme Protein Bar
  • 3 slices of Salami
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper
  • 3 Chicken Strips (picked from kids dinner)
  • Raw Broccoli & Tomatoes dipped in Lite Ranch
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper

Today was a yucky rainy day. My daughter hung out with her friend and my son worked on his school work (amazing). So I did some housework and wrote some posts. It was a lazy day for the most part, but rain can do that to ya.

March 25th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper
  • 2 slices of Provolone Cheese wrapped around 1 slice of Salami
  • Handful of Special K Cracker Chips (cheddar) – Movie Snack
  • Watermelon
  • Roasted Chicken
  • Chocolate Protein Iced Coffee Drink concoction
  • Apple
  • A Handful of Peanuts – Elephant Peanuts I had to remove from the shell

Today we took the kids to see The Hunger Games at our local movie theater. I could not wait to see what this movie was all about. My son has been reading the book series and loves it. I smuggled in my Special K Cracker Chips so I would have a munchie if I needed it and of course I did. I thought the movie was great, my son not as much. I think it is always a let down when you read a book and then see the movie – it never compares. Lucky for me I did not read it so to me I loved it. I rate a movie on a nap scale – if I do not fall asleep then it is a good movie.

On the way home we had to pick up a few groceries and I grabbed some Watermelon – I was craving it and it was soooo good and sweet. For dinner my daughter and I had picked up a roasted chicken and I had some of that and I made my hubby and son cheese quesadillas. After dinner my hubby made some coffee – it was still early enough since we ate dinner a bit early. I decided to get creative and make a iced coffee concoction with some extra added protein in it. It came out pretty good and I shared my recipe here: Chocolate Protein Iced Coffee Drink concoction.

So I have 2 months now under my belt and I am at the beginning of my 3rd. I have to say things have been a lot easier than expected as far as the eating goes for me. I have not had any major issues with anything I have tried. I am so thankful for that because I read of so many others not having the same luck and I feel for all of them.

Every week after I post my Food Journal I can see things I need to change. Again I am still not getting in my 64 ounces of fluids and still holding at about 1/2 of that on a good day. I really try and push myself, but it is hard. I am hoping the warmer weather will get me drinking more.

I also need to start getting in more protein. I really have to start making an effort to have at least one protein shake a day again like I did in the beginning. That is also hard because you get so sick of them, BUT it will ease my mind to know that with just one shake I am half way to my daily protein goal and that is nice to know.

As far as exercise goes – again I have still not gotten myself to do any. What is wrong with me? Oh yeah that good ol’ avoidance I am so friendly with. So I will still put that on my to do list, yet again.

I had some weight loss this week, but not much since I had a 5 lb drop last week. I was not expecting much at all this week due to that. I also ate a bit before bed last night so that could have changed things for the scale today as well – who knows. I will take any amount of loss I can get. So I am good with that. Slow and Steady, Slow and Steady….

Want to know how much? Then visit My Weigh Ins

So lets see if this week I can follow through and do some of those things on my to do list, Stay Tuned…..

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Battling Head Hunger after Gastric Bypass Surgery

Battling Head Hunger

Battling Head HungerI thought I would talk about the Battle of Head Hunger after Gastric Bypass. Let me tell ya it is truly a battle and I think it is something we all deal with whether you have had surgery or not.

I honestly think Head Hunger is the reason I ended up having Gastric Bypass Surgery in the first place. I think it is the reason so many of us battle with our weight.

I think Head Hunger and Comfort Eating are best friends – almost twins in my eyes. To me they are one in the same with some minor differences.

So lets break it down by definition.

What is Head Hunger? Head Hunger is a desire to eat, but your are not physically in need of food. Simple enough right? Your head hunger can come from psychological triggers such as; boredom, depression, stress, anxiety, loneliness etc.. It can also come from environmental triggers such as; restaurants, parties, people, places, holidays etc.. Sound familiar?

What is Comfort Eating or Emotional Eating? Comfort Eating is eating to satisfy your mood – you eat to fill a void, with a lot of the same psychological triggers as mentioned above. I know for me I tend to eat due to boredom and depression. A lot of times you are comforted by certain foods – maybe when you are happy you have a slice of Pizza and when you are sad you go for the real crap like Potato Chips and Ice Cream. Maybe eating at a certain restaurant is comforting – I know for me there is nothing more comforting than my favorite Chinese Buffet. Of course when I would go there I would have to leave with my pants unbuttoned and waddling out the door from overeating. I also have a bad habit of needing a snack while watching TV at night even if I am not hungry, it is just comforting to me during my down time.

As you can see they really are the same in the fact with both your eat because you are not physically hungry. That is it in a nut shell !! I don’t care what anyone says we all do it.

What is Physical Hunger or True Hunger? Well that is when your stomach may growl or you get pains telling you it is time to eat. We all know what that is, but for most of us it is rare to feel that because we are eating out of Head Hunger or Comfort Eating. I know I can say that – you?

So where has this Head Hunger and Comfort Eating gotten me? Well right here posting about my Gastric Bypass Surgery. I obviously did not listen to the physical signs of hunger for 41 years (yikes I mentioned my age) and I overate due to it. So do I still battle this after my surgery – ABSOLUTELY. I deal with the Devil and the Angel on my shoulders battling it out every day.

So Gastric Bypass was not a magic cure – Hell No !! I see so many posts in the forums of people asking when will the Head Hunger go away, Duh it won’t. If anyone forgot when we had Gastric Bypass they worked on our stomachs and not our brains. The way we have eaten to get to the point of surgery is still there.

The only difference we have now is a tool to help us eat less and the opportunity to start over and work on the mental part as we move forward. The best way to overcome some of these issues is to work them out with a psychologist to get to the bottom of why we go for food when we are emotional. Even doing that I think they will always be there, but maybe a bit less – who knows.

For me I am dealing with the fight daily – that damn Devil can be so persuasive, but I think I have been doing a great job at kicking his butt. I told myself going into this surgery that I would not deprive myself of foods that I loved providing my new pouch/stomach would allow me to have them. I just knew the days of eating mindlessly in front of the TV, at meals, parties, restaurants etc… was over. If I can just have a taste of certain things I am ok with that – is it easy? nope, but it is my new life and that is the road I chose.

I deal with Head Hunger and wanting to eat the foods that give me Comfort everyday. I cannot tell you how bad I want to eat a bagel – that was one of my go to foods before surgery. I have not had one yet due to the high carbs, but one day I would like to – even it is is just 1/2. As far as physically being hungry after the Gastric Bypass Surgery – I have yet to feel that. I actually have to make myself eat because I forget especially when I am busy working on the computer. That is definitely weird and a new one for me.

BUT when I am around food I have to keep myself in check from those old habits kicking back in, such as picking. I have always been a picker, but picking turns into the mindless comfort eating.

No matter how you look at it Head Hunger/Comfort Eating is a battle. Food is a drug to me as is Alcohol to an Alcoholic. I hope and pray I do not fall back into my old ways because as time goes on my pouch/stomach will stretch and the possibility is there to regain the weight. We just have to try and retrain our minds and mine is stubborn that is for sure.

So what are some of the tricks to help with Head Hunger? Oh there are many they say things like distractions, getting a new hobby, eating foods to keep you satisfied longer, metal help etc.. Lets be honest we all know the rules, but following them is not always easy. All we can do is try and hope for the best right? I will continue to kick that devils butt on my shoulder, but I have to tell myself there may be times he will win and not to beat myself down about it.

Head Hunger is a strong competitor to battle, but we just have to try and fight !!

Bring it on !!!

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A New Diet Drug called Qnexa is coming

Qnexa

QnexaIt has been quite some time since a New Diet Pill came out on the market and Qnexa is in line to be released sometime this year. I have a pretty good feeling a lot of people will be running to their doctors for a prescription. Not sure if it is a good or bad thing.

I was talking to one of my work friends on the phone the other day and we were discussing my Gastric Bypass Surgery. It is something she would love to have done, but unfortunately she has one of those insurance companies that does not cover the surgery. She then went on to tell me that she is waiting for this New Diet Pill to hit the market, which happens to be Qnexa.

She had mentioned that many years ago she did the Fen-Phen and had great success. Funny thing is so did I because I took those too. But the Fen-Phen craze was short lived and caused a lot of heart issues for those who took them and they were removed from the market. I still wonder if my Tachycardia is related to me taking those, but I will never know.

Anyway she was excited because one of the ingredients in the Qnexa is Phentermine which was one of the ingredients in Fen-Phen. Qnexa is a combination of two appetite-suppressing medications: phentermine and topiramate. Phentermine was previously combined with fenfluramine in Fen-Phen. Fenfluramine was supposedly the bad part of the Fen-Phen combo, but Phentermine is also the one linked to all the pulmonary and cardiovascular issues.

So what is the new ingredient in the Qnexa mix all about? Topiramate was originally an anti-seizure medication that is also used to prevent migraine headaches. It comes with some side effects on the central nervous system, including forgetfulness, confusion, and incoherent speech.

I am not gonna get all into the medical mumbo jumbo since I do not have a medical degree nor do I get paid the big bucks, but it made me think. After I got of the phone I sat back and said Thank God I do not have to weigh the pros and cons of this New Diet Pill, because if I did not make the decision to have Gastric Bypass I would no doubt be in line for a prescription.

Over the years I have tried them all – everything from the prescription pills to the over the counter ones looking for that magic pill to take the weight off. I have to add that the Xenical was the worst – that is the one that blocks the absorption of fat and you pay the price with scary accidents, gas and gross toilets (sorry had to say it). But of course I gave it a try regardless right?

I cannot pass judgement on anyone who is willing to try Qnexa because heck I probably would have too, but instead I went under the knife. Everything has its risks. BUT I will say that if you or someone you know is thinking about it – do your research first. I have read there have not been any long terms studies done on it and it was denied by the FDA first time around. If it is approved most of the new studies will be done after – meaning every one taking them will be the guinea pigs – that is just what I have read out there. Research, Research, Research.

Losing weight is not easy – we all know that. Everything out there from Diet Programs, Exercise, Weight Loss Surgeries, Diet Pills etc… none of them are overnight fixes. Sucks, but true.

Ok so there is my two cents, I feel better now – lol

Let me know what you think, leave a comment below….