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My eleventh week after Gastric Bypass

Week 11

Week 11The holidays are coming and going and this week was Easter. I love Easter because I also love springtime, although it has been a bit chilly for my taste I will still take it.

This week I had the kids home starting Tuesday for Spring break from school. They were suppose to be home starting Wednesday, but my son was home with an upper respiratory infection and my daughter had gone to the orthodontist the day before and had to have 7 spacers put in her teeth for her upcoming braces the following week and was in pain. So I had them both home a day early. I do however really love not having to wake up in the morning to the sound of my alarm clock. BONUS !!

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

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

April 2nd

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 2 Pieces of leftover roasted Chicken
  • 1 Beef Jerky Stick
  • Protein Shake
  • 2 Slices of Salami
  • 1/2 Turkey Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bread with Mayo, Salt & Pepper
  • 1/4 Cup Smoked Almonds

Today I had to take my daughter out of school early to go see the orthodontist about getting on her braces. She is so excited to get them put on – I know crazy right? They love her there. We found out instead of waiting the normal 4-5 weeks from this visit that they will do them next Monday – she cannot wait. Thank goodness she has off from school that day because she will probably be sore. Not only does she need braces but also a Herbst Appliance with realigns the jaw from a bad overbite. She has he best smile now and after all of this comes out I cannot even imagine how great it will be.

April 3rd

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 2 bites of my son’s Omelet
  • 1 Piece of leftover roasted Chicken
  • 1/2 cupish Reduced Fat Corned Beef Hash with a Fried Egg
  • 2 Slices of Salami
  • 1 Piece of leftover roasted Chicken
  • Bite of a Boneless Chicken Wing from Pizza Hut
  • 2 Handfuls of Goldfish Crackers

So today I had both my kidlets home. My son has an upper respiratory infection and my daughter a bad headache and pain from the 7 spacers they put in at the orthodontist yesterday. So I got to play nurse for my babies. I also did my nails with a Watermelon Design while they were resting. Later on my daughter and I caught up on Long Island Medium – we love that show !!

April 4th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 2 Grape Leaves (my fav)
  • Bite of a Red Beet Egg
  • Bites of my son’s Salad
  • Protein Shake mixed with Coffee
  • Salad with tomatoes, feta cheese and Vinaigrette dressing
  • SF Ice Pop

Today I brought my son to the doctor and he got lots of meds -my poor pooh bear. After the doctors we did some food shopping. While at the market I picked up 2 Grape Leaves, which happen to be one of my favorite things to eat prior to surgery. I used to be able to eat 8+ in one sitting, but being I had no idea how I woudld react and knowing I did not have room for that many I bought just 2 from the salad bar. I ate them in the car on my way home and they were AMAZING !! My son had gotten himself a salad and I had some bites of his food as well – he made the best salad with lots of cheese like feta, blue cheese, parm cheese – those became the dressing from all the flavors and that too was amazing. He also got Red Beet Eggs which prior to surgery I was not very fond of, but I took a bite and it was yummy. It was a nice change in taste and I think I may be hooked. I could have eaten more, but my son made me stop concerned I would get sick with the mix of things I ate – how cute right?

April 5th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 1 Piece of Crab (imitation kind) 2 g protein
  • Handful of Goldfish Crackers
  • 1 Piece of leftover roasted Chicken
  • Watermelon
  • 2 Pieces of Crab (imitation kind) 4 g protein
  • Tortilla Pizza with fresh mushrooms and olives
  • 1 Frozen Yogurt Protein Popper
  • Handful of Goldfish Crackers

Today I had a bad headache from the time I woke up – maybe sinus related who knows. Later in the day I went outside being it was kinda warm finally. I did some needed weeding – wooo hooo got in some exercise. Later for desert I made hubby and the kids some Chocolate Chip Cookies and boy did they look good. I did not even have a nibble – so proud of myself if I do say so myself.

April 6th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • 1 Piece of Crab (imitation kind) 2 g protein
  • 2 Pieces of Crab (imitation kind) 2 g protein
  • 3 Slices of Salami
  • 4 French Fries stolen from my daughter
  • 2 Slices of American Cheese
  • 1 Red Beet Egg
  • Watermelon
  • Smart One Homestyle Pot Roast Cal 180, Fat 4.5g, Protein 17g, Carb 18g
  • Handful of Roasted and Salted Soybeans

Today I did some thrift store shopping with my sister and daughter in hunt for treasure !! We stopped at the store and I got myself my own Red Beat Egg – great protein punch. It was yummy. I also bought some Roasted and Salted Soybeans to try out and 1/4 cup has about 11 grams of protein – I had never had them before and they are not so bad. A great munchie snack for evening TV.

April 7th

  • Water (drank over the course of the day) with 4C Light Iced Tea Mix
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Roasted Chicken Leg & Thigh
  • 1/2 Baked Potato with Sour Cream, Butter and Salt
  • 1 Piece of Crab (imitation kind) 2 g protein
  • Meatloaf, Green Beans & Mashed Potatoes

Today was a busy day for me gathering everything for Easter tomorrow. I do lots of fun crafts for the kids, I baked some brownies from scratch, made a bunny bread that gets surrounded with fresh veggies, made up kids Easter Baskets etc… I also did some more shopping with my daughter in between that all. Then later in the evening my sister came over for dinner and she made a delicious meatloaf – so good I ate too much and had a belly ache. So being I just picked up some of those Papaya Enzymes I posted earlier this week it was the perfect time to give them a try. So I chewed up two of them and guess what? It worked !!! Withi9n about 15 minutes my belly felt so much better – amazing !! After dinner we colored our eggs and now we just had to wait for the Easter Bunny – lol.

April 8th – Easter ✿

  • Water (drank over the course of the day)
  • Coffee with Sugar Free Hazelnut Creamer (1/2 mug)
  • Protein Shake
  • Coffee with Creamer & Splenda
  • Raw Veggies – Broccoli, Tomatoes, Carrots & Cucumbers with a Dill Dip
  • Picked at a couple Tortilla Chips
  • Ham, Green Beans, Corn & Mashed Potatoes
  • 2 Green Olives stuffed with Garlic
  • A bite or two of bread
  • Tiny bite of Cinnamon Bun Cake
  • Meatloaf with Ketchup

Easter was at my mother in laws today and I think I did pretty damn good eating wise. For appetizers I had brought a veggie tray so I ate a bunch of veggies from that. I also did pick at a couple tortilla chips, but only a couple. For dinner we had Ham so I ate that first with a small amount of the sides. I did have a bite or two of some bread – very small. The hard part was when dessert came out – even though I am not a big sweet eater I wanted some, BUT I controlled myself and took a tiny taste of a Cinnamon Bun Cake my sister had made. We ad a great time, but by the time we got home I was hungry. It had been awhile since dinner and being I did not have dessert I was hungry. I heated up a small slice of leftover Meatloaf and dipped it in ketchup and I was all good. It was a really great day with lots of laughs and fun for the kids.

Here are a few pictures from Easter.. The first picture is my son and daughter on the right with my nephew and niece on the left, next is my niece and daughter with the bunny masks they made and last is me and my hubby❤.

This week was filed with fun for me getting ready for Easter and having the kids home – although my son was sick I got to play nurse. Love my babies even if they drive me crazy – I would not have it any other way.

I have the same issues as always – still working on getting in all my proteins, liquids and that damn exercise. OH wait I did exercise this week – I weeded one day – that counts right?

At Easter I was talking with the family about everything and the exercise came up of course and they gave me a challenge. They challenged me to do 30 minutes a day on the treadmill – everyday !!! OMG I took that challenge – so what do I get if I do it? Geez good question they did not put up a prize or anything now that I am thinking about it. UGH !! Well I guess I will feel better and maybe even give that slow metabolism of mine a good boost. I am gonna take it on and see what happens come my next weigh in – Game On !!

I was very happy with this weigh in and have no complaints at all – want to know how I did? Visit My Weigh Ins and see

So Stay Tuned to see if I can do this 30 minutes a day for a whole 7 days….

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I broke down and ate Charlotte Watermelon

gastric bypass watermelon, Watermelon

gastric bypass watermelon, WatermelonIf you follow my posts then you probably saw the one about my love for Watermelon now and my new BFF Charlotte Watermelon. Well I am sorry to say I ate her.

Yup in a moment of weakness and a craving for that sweet juicy flavor I lost control and cut her up. I know sounds horrible right? Well she was a great friend for a couple days – she listened to my problems, never talked back and always greeted me with a smile. But my craving for Watermelon was so strong that I could not take it anymore.

Not to worry she never saw me coming – I snuck up from behind and it was quick. I did feel bad until I licked my fingers. I knew at that point this is what she would have wanted. I will miss that blue eyed watermelon – she was definitely SWEET. Now I will get to meet the rest of her family and enjoy their sweetness company all summer long.

After reading that you are probably thinking this girl is just insane, well ya know what I am – just a tad – lol. See what taking away all my comfort food will do – oh heck who am I kidding I was no different before it was taken away.

RIP Charlotte Watermelon – You will be remembered for your Sweetness

I will now listen to my son and not draw faces on my food anymore and give them a soul. It makes it so much harder to eat it then, what was I thinking?

As I ate my Watermelon I did reflect on the time we had together. I also painted my nails with a Watermelon design to show tribute to all Watermelons out there – see I am not so bad after all.

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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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Frozen Yogurt Protein Poppers

Make Protein Poppers

Make Protein PoppersAs the weather warms up I love to snack on things that are cold. I have been looking for easy ideas that will combine a cold treat and protein and these Frozen Yogurt Protein Poppers are both.

I must admit I am completely addicted to Sugar Free Ice Pops, but they do not provide me with any protein. So I am trying to change things up a bit. I have posted about Frozen Protein Shake Pops and My Chocolate Protein Iced Coffee Drink concoction but the more variety the better. So I had to share this latest idea with you all too.

Here is what I used to make these:

  • 0% Chobani Black Cherry Greek Yogurt
  • 1/2 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
  • Ice Cube Tray
  • Cut up Straws

All I did was mix my yogurt with the protein powder. You can use any flavor combo that works for you – I like Black Cherry and decided to give this flavor combo a try.

Then I just spooned that into the Ice Cube Tray and it filled 8 spots. I stuck it into the freezer for about 10 minutes and then took it out and added the cut straws. I added the straws to make little handles so they would be easy to hold and less messy. You can leave the straws out if you like so you can just pop them right in your mouth.

Then back into the freezer they went for a couple hours to freeze up. When set just take them and pop them out. If you have trouble popping them out like I did – just sit the tray in hot water for a couple seconds to release them from the sides.

You can store these in your freezer until you need a quick treat to cool off.

Each one of these little cubes of yumminess has about 3.5 grams of protein – not too shabby. I can easily eat all 8 over the course of the day for a grand total of 28 grams of protein – BONUS !! These are perfect for the hot days coming, don’t ya think? Of course you can also freeze the same mixture into full size pops, but this way makes it quick and easy to eat without over filling your pouch.

Enjoy !!

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Whole Wheat Tortilla Pizza

Tortilla Pizza

Tortilla PizzaI ate Pizza !!! Well not quite a pizza you would normally get at a pizza place, but a very tasty version I made that you can make too.

So tonight for dinner I made myself this yummy pizza that uses a Whole Wheat Tortilla as the crust. It is not an overload of carbs and the cheese gives me my protein. I also added on some sauce, fresh sliced mushrooms, sliced black olives and pizza seasonings.

It was so EASY to make and tasted Delish !!

If you have a craving for a Pizza this is a great alternative to avoid the high carbs of an average slice from the pizza place. You can also make it anyway you want and add on toppings of your choice. To up the protein add on some pepperoni, ground beef, meatballs etc… Really the limit is only your imagination.

The Whole Wheat Tortilla I used is 8″ . It was nothing fancy just store brand. 1 Tortilla has 120 Calories, 3g Fat, 22g Carbs, 4g Dietary Fiber, 0g Sugars and 4g Protein. I also used part skim shredded mozzarella.

I took pictures of me making it – lol Does that look good or what? Of course it is not the real deal, but it was still yummy. I loved the thin crispiness of the tortilla.Next time I am gonna leave it in the oven longer to brown up the cheese more, but I was hungry and impatient !!

I was almost able to eat the whole thing, but I shared some with my hubby & son.

I think I will make myself a Mexican Pizza with refried beans & cheddar cheese and a Greek Pizza using spinach & feta cheese next. The possibilities are endless…

So give it a try and if you do send me a picture of your delicious creation and I will add it on here !!

Enjoy !!

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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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Pesto Chicken,Tomatoes and Artichokes baked in a foil pouch

Festive Chicken Stuffing Bake

Festive Chicken Stuffing BakeIf you are looking for a quick and tasty way to change up your chicken, then look no further because I found one. This recipe is so EASY to make, it is delicious and the chicken comes out so moist.

My sister and I are always looking for new recipes and she came across this one on Kraft Food’s website that looked so good to us so we figured we would try it out. Boy am I glad we did because I thought it was so flavorful and amazing that it was worth the share with you all and I am going to show you how it is made step by step.

Now the recipe does call for white rice and for me I can handle it, but for those who cannot you can either leave it out, sub with Brown Rice, Sliced Potatoes or just add in more veggies.

Here is what you need for this recipe:

  • 3 Cups of Instant White Rice – uncooked
  • 3 Cups of Warm Water
  • 6 Boneless Skinless Chicken breast halves (1-1/2 lb.) cut about 1/2 inch thick – so 3 Whole breasts cut in half.
  • 1 Can of Artichoke Hearts (13 3/4 ounce) – we used Artichoke Bottoms, either works
  • 2 Large Tomatoes – Chopped
  • 1/2 Cup Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing (you can use light if you want – I did not)
  • 1/4 Cup Pesto (we used premade Pesto from Buitoni)
  • Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil

First preheat your oven to 400 degrees

Next I cut up my chicken, my plate has more than the recipe in case you were wondering why it looked like so much. Then chop up your tomatoes.

Next heat up your 3 Cups of water – I did that in the microwave. Pour the uncooked rice in the water.

In separate bowl whisk together your Italian Dressing and Pesto.

Prepare 6 Foil Pouches by folding up the sides.

Assembly Time !!!

Take one of your foil pouches and place some of the white rice on it. There will be liquid in it and that is ok – that will get absorbed while cooking.

Then place a piece of chicken on top of the rice.

Take some of the artichokes and tomatoes and place on top of the chicken.

Then drizzle with a nice amount of the Italian dressing pesto mixture.

Next close up your foil pouch by double folding the top and both ends to seal leaving room for heat circulation inside.

Place them on a Baking Dish or a Cookie sheet and bake for approx 30 – 35 minutes.

When done let it sit for about 5 minutes and then open up the pouch and let some steam out.

Grab your fork and dig in !!!

I absolutely loved this and of course I ate the chicken first before any of the rice which I did not end up eating all of. Yes they say stay away from the carbs, but honestly if you have them in moderation think that is just fine.

Another thing I found when making this recipe was that who knew Italian Dressing and Pesto mixed could be so tasty. I will definitely be using that combo for other recipes. That extra chicken I had was cooked in that mixture in a plain baking dish so I would have some protein the next day – it is delicious as well.

I hope you give it a try and if you do let me know what you think.

Enjoy !!

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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.