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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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Favorite after Gastric Bypass Surgery Snacks

My List

My ListI decided to compile a list of Favorite after Gastric Bypass Surgery Snacks that I myself and others are enjoying now. This list is very useful for those looking for some ideas when you may have the munchies after surgery.

I have recently asked on a couple of the Gastric Bypass Forums the question: What is your favorite go to snack after Gastric Bypass Surgery? The response has been great and the variety of things others are snacking on has helped give me some ideas that I did not even think about.

So I thought I would make a list of those things and post them here for everyone to see. If you have a favorite after surgery snack that is not on list, let me know about it by commenting below and I will continue to grow the list.

NOTE: Always follow your diet plan from your surgeon and if one of the items on the list is something you are not sure if you can have – Ask First. The people who have answered the question are at all different stages in their post op. Remember to not over do the snacks at any stage, but have them in moderation.

Snacking Tips:

  • Make sure you are not snacking from Head Hunger
  • Always measure your proportions and not eat from the box
  • Be careful of mindless eating in front of the TV and Computer
  • Always check the nutritional labels
  • Use caution and try new foods one at a time

So browse through the list that will continue to grow and maybe you will find some new ideas of things to eat, I know I did.
Calculate the nutritional value of any recipe. Simply select the ingredients and amounts:
Recipe Nutrition Calculator

This list is in no particular order.

  • Low Fat String Cheese
  • Walnuts
  • Veggie Crisps & Cheese
  • Light Baby Bell Cheeses
  • Pork Rinds
  • Soy Crisps
  • Olives
  • Pickles
  • Sugar Free Pudding
  • Sugar Free Jell-o
  • Deli Meat Roll-Ups
  • Fresh Fruits – Grapes, Peaches, Apples, Nectarines, Bananas,Watermelon , Pineapple etc…
  • Cucumber slices in a light dip
  • Almonds
  • Multi-grain tortilla chips w/ shredded cheese & microwaved for 20 seconds
  • Blue Diamond salt n vinegar almonds (there are other flavors too)
  • Blue Diamond Almond Nut Thins (cheese & smokehouse flavor)
  • Protein Bars – A Variety of different brands have been mentioned
  • Chipolte bowl with beans, tomatoes, a little cheese and a dollop of sour cream
  • Salad with Bacon Bits and Cheddar Cheese
  • Sliced Cucumbers sprinkled with cinnamon and a bit of slenda
  • Green Apple Chips dipped in a PB2 (powdered Peanut Butter)
  • Grape Tomatoes
  • Dry roasted Wasabi Edamame
  • Beef Jerky
  • Banana with a smear of peanut butter on it
  • String Cheese wrapped in 2 slices of thinly sliced deli meat or beef jerky
  • Roasted Peanuts in the Shell
  • Special K Cracker Chips
  • Salad with Feta Cheese
  • Greek Yogurt such as Choboni
  • Shrimp Cocktail
  • Raw Veggies and Light Ranch Dip
  • Sashimi
  • Fat Free Turkey Chilli with beans (Hormel) on a whole wheat wrap (100 cal) with some shredded cheese (microwaved)
  • Sliced Turkey Breast with Cheddar Cheese
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Fat Free Fage Greek Yogurt with splenda and torani sugar free vanilla syrup with frozen blue berries
    and a little Kashi go lean crunch cerea
  • Pumpkin Custard
  • Wendy’s Chili
  • Baked Potato with yogurt butter and a sprinkle of cheese
  • Veggie Chips dipped in light Philadelphia cream cheese with a tsp of sweet chili sauce
  • Saltine Crackers with yogurt butter
  • Special K Savory Herb crackers with low fat cheese
  • McDonald’s sugar free vanilla latte
  • Refried Beans with Low Fat or FF Sour Cream and some Salsa mixed in
  • Sugar Free Ice Pops
  • Sugar Free Fudge Pops
  • Sugar Free Ice Cream
  • Lettuce wraps with meat of choice
  • Hummus or Peanut Butter on Wasa Crackers

I hope you found some yummy ideas and again if you have a favorite After Gastric Bypass Snack not listed – let me know in the comments below and I will add it to the list.

Want to start your own diary? This excellent guide to write your diary will give you ideas.

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Crystal Light Mocktails will help get those liquids in

Crystal Light Margraita Mocktails Flavor

Crystal Light Margraita Mocktails FlavorHave you seen the New Crystal Light Mocktails that are out on the market? I am so excited for these to change things up and help with getting in my liquids, especially with the warmer weather coming.

Last night on Celebrity Apprentice they featured these Crystal Light Mocktails and it was my first time hearing about them. Talk about great marketing huh? I was intrigued for sure. On the show each team had to create a party atmosphere for their task introducing the two newest dink mix flavors which are Pomtini and Peach Bellini.

I have to say both of those flavors sounded so good that I became very thirsty watching them being served up on TV. If it was not 10 o’clock at night I would have run out to the store to get some to try. My water was so unappealing to me watching last nights episode. They are on my shopping list now, just sayin’

These new low calorie mocktails that are alcohol free are perfect for us Gastric Bypass Postopers – don’t ya think? A great way to change things up.

Check out all the flavors that are available :

  • Mojito
  • Appletini
  • Margarita
  • Pomtini
  • Peach Bellini

These sound like a great new fancy way to help me get all my liquids in. The only difference with these is that I will make sure to have a fancy glass to drink them out of just so I can feel extra special – lol. Oh an of course I will be sure to add in a Paper Umbrella Too !!

I have read that these taste the best over a lot of ice, which sounds perfect for the hot days coming up quickly. In addition to that they are also great frozen – just mix some up and add it into a Ice Pop Mold, freeze and you have a tasty ice cold treat to cool you off this summer. Or maybe mix it up with crushed ice for another refreshing treat.

You can also create your own drinks using these drink mixes as a base and add in things like SF Ginger-ale, Seltzer, Club Soda, Fresh fruits, Mint Leaves etc… YUM !!!

I will update this post when I get my hands on some of these new flavors and make some of my own creations – I am very excited about them.

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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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My Chocolate Protein Iced Coffee Drink concoction

Chocolate Protein Iced Coffee

Chocolate Protein Iced CoffeePrior to my Gastric Bypass Surgery I was a BIG Coffee drinker and I am still enjoying a daily cup now. Today I decided to concoct an Iced Coffee Drink and add in some protein to make it even more worth my while. I thought it came out pretty tasty so I had to share.

Before indulging in Coffee make sure to check with your surgeon that it is allowed on your plan. I asked mine before I left the hospital if I was allowed and he said if you want a cup have a cup. I was like, OK. BUT It was not until a few weeks or so after the surgery that I started enjoying a morning cup every day and even with that I only drink about 1/2 of it.

Prior to surgery I drank coffee all day long. In the colder months I drink it hot and in the warmer months I like it cold. And nothing made me happier than a Starbucks Mocha Frappachino treat, which is not a good idea after surgery.

Today I was craving a cold coffee and decided to get in the kitchen like a mad scientist and see what I could whip up. I think it came out pretty good, not excatly the consistency I was hoping for – but I will work on that. It was yummy enough to share though so I thought I would do just that.

Here is what I used in my concoction:

Oh and as far as measurements I did not really go by any – I said I was a mad scientist didn’t I? *add evil laugh here*

  • Some Brewed Coffee
  • a little Skim Milk
  • a Scoop of Chocolate Protein Powder
  • Scooper of Sugar Free Vanilla Ice Cream
  • a Squirt of Sugar Free Hershey Syrup
  • a Handful of Ice Cubes
  • a pinch of dragon scales – nah just kidding

I added all of that in my Magic Bullet Blender, blended it up and my concoction was born.

So I had a nice full Magic Bullet Mug of goodness that not only tasted good, but would give me a caffeine high, add to my liquid intake and give me more then 29+ grams of protein ( I would probably know the exact amount if I measured, my bad) How cool is that? The only thing missing was my straw – since us Gastric Bypass patients are not suppose to use one I had to skip it.

I think it tasted really good – next time I would like it to have more crushed ice to be thicker.

I also found Mocha Espresso Protein Drink that I am going to buy and try and maybe I can create my own Mocha Frappachino at home with all the benefits. They also make a Vanilla Latte flavor, but I am a Mocha girl.

I give this drink a thumbs up for my afternoon rev up.

If you have your own concoction that you think I should try Contact Me and share the recipe.

Now let me run while I am still caffeinated and clean my house, mop the floors, wash the dogs, do the laundry, clean the closets…Yeah right, NOT !! It sounded good though.

UPDATE: My new simple version I love – Skim Milk – about 16 – 20 ounces, 1 scoop of Chocolate Protein Powder, squirt or two of SF Chocolate Syrup and Coffee over Ice. YUM

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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….

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Carnie Wilson undergoes Lap-band Surgery after RNY Gastric Bypass

Carnie Wilson

Carnie WilsonHave you read the news? Carnie Wilson goes under the knife again after regaining weight after RNY Gastric Bypass and goes for Lap-band Surgery.

Why are people making such a big deal about this? Carnie Wilson had RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery back in 1999 when she weighed in at over 300 pounds. She had lost over 150 pounds after surgery, but unfortunately gained a lot of it back over 12 years. If you struggle with your weight and have had or not had Gastric Bypass you know all to well it is a daily fight.

I think people forget to realize Gastric Bypass Surgery is not a fix all. It is not a magic surgery that once you have it you will be skinny forever. It is just a tool to assist those of us who need it.

Many people who have Gastric Bypass Surgery run the risk of gaining the weight back over time – those old habits creep back up on us and your stomach stretches back out. This is not uncommon at all. I pray that I am not one of those who regain the weight back, but you never know – it is hard with or without surgery.

The only difference between Carnie’s story and ours is that she is in the news because she is a celebrity. Personally I would hate to have all my business all over the news etc.. That in itself would make me eat. Can you imagine what it is like to have your image picked apart every time you go in public and cameras flashing as pictures are taken of you from every angle? Ok sometimes I do dream I have my own paparazzi following me, but you know what I am saying. That has to be pressure to the MAX !!

I feel for Carnie and can relate – why? because I am just like her without all the fame and fortune of course. I do not think she should be criticized for her decisions to undergo another Weight Loss Surgery. I give her props for making the choice to be healthy again and hope she will do great with the surgery and not make the same mistakes as she did the first time around. Food is EVIL.

There have been many celebrities who have undergone Gastric Bypass Surgery and other Weight Loss Surgeries who have also struggled, but their hardships are just plastered all over the place.

Here are some of the other Celebrities that have had Weight Loss Surgery:

  • Star Jones – Gastric Bypass in 2003
  • Roseanne Barr – Gastric Bypass Surgery in 1998
  • Anna Rice – Gastric Bypass in 2003
  • Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein – Gastric Bypass in 2003
  • Al Roker – Gastric Bypass in 2002
  • Sharron Osbourne – Lap-band in 1999
  • Randy Jackson – Gastric Bypass in 2008

Drew Carey and Aretha Franklin still deny having undergone any Weight Loss Surgery, but it is just suspicious with their quick weight losses. Maybe they just do not want to admit to it yet or they really did it without – hmmmm????

Good Luck Carnie on your new journey !! You can do it !!

Let me know what you think – leave a comment below…

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Uh Oh I had Fast Food

Wendy’s Small Chili

Wendy’s Small ChiliSo yesterday me and the kids had dentist appointments and I had to take them out of school early. After we got our teeth cleaned the kids were hungry for a snack since they eat lunch at school really early. I also realized I had hardly anything to eat either – it is hard to remember to eat these days (not complaining though). So I stopped at a Fast Food joint.

Usually I pack snacks in the car when I have to take them out of school early and know we will not be home for awhile, but this day I did not – oopsie. I do however never leave home with out my water and I did have that on hand, just sayin’.

So where do I stop to get a bite – prior to surgery it was a no brainer – I could go anywhere, but now I really had to think about it. I really wanted to stop at Starbucks like I always did when I went in this area, but I wondered if they made a Sugar Free Mocha Frappachino. I did not want to go and see, be tempted and end up with a “Dumping” episode if I caved. What I really needed was protein anyways.

So the light bulb went off and I remembered everyone on the Gastric Bypass Forums talking about Wendy’s Chili. So guess where we went – Wendy’s !! I had never had the Chili before because I would always opt for the burgers and fries, but this time that was not an option.

So I ordered the small Chili. I have to say it was delicious, the only thing I would say is that I wish it was a bit thicker. I only ate 1/2 and saved the other 1/2 for my lunch today. Today I added a drop of sour cream which made it even more yummy.

Here are the Nutritional Facts for Wendy’s Small Chili:

  • Calories – 210
  • Total Fat -6 grams
  • Carbs -21 grams
  • Sodium -220
  • Protein – 17 grams

Not a bad choice at all huh? I guess we all know there will be times when we have to go to a Fast Food Restaurant especially if you have kids. This was the first time I have had to do it since surgery and actually get something for me. We all know fast food is EVIL and I have avoided it for a long time and have kept my kids away as well, but if you have to do it you just have to make smart choices.