Hi All...I am still here and trucking right along.. Had a great week and weekend.. I have a week-long goal this week...to have my lunch and snacks prepared and ready to go for the week.. Last week was so bad.. I didn't have anything prepared so it was out of whack.. Having to go to somewhere and pick through the meal is kinda crappy..and eating out is not as fun as it used to be. So today I have made Shelly's Tuna Pesto Salad...and hope to eat some here and there for the week (it takes me about all week to get through the salad...and sometimes it gets old..so I have to change up my meals)...recipe below.. I have also listed below tomorrow's meal plan..just to give you an idea of what I am eating.
http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2010/02/day-in-my-pouch_17.html
Monday's Meal
Breakfast - one egg scrambled with peppers/onions and cheese (sometimes meat too)
Snack - plain greek yougart with a fresh strawberries and sprinkle of stevia/truvia
Lunch - Shelly's Tuna Pesto Salad
Snack - String Cheese
Dinner - Grilled fish and vegetables (boys plan to have steaks)
Snack - Protein Shake - Chocolate powder with skim milk with ice (my favorite)
and WATER WATER WATER
Exercising - I had a full week of workout with my trainer (Lesa)..love her.. Monday (worked out for an hour, Tuesday (worked out for an hour after work, then Grady I swam for 45 min), Wednesday (walking), Thursday (worked out for 45 min and than swam with Grady for another 45), Friday (walking), Saturday (walked all over Dollywood...will talk more about that in a minute), Sunday (rest). This week will be a lot like last week...but now...since it has been 6 weeks..I can now do ab work..I am so excited.
Ok back to Dollywood.. I have to say..all week I was kinda dreading it.. It has been a long time since Dollywood was fun for me.. YES, I do enjoy being with my family but being tired and not being able to ride anything...was not fun at all. So Saturday...Mark, Anne, Jessica, Erica, Grady, Dewayne, and I all went. The day was beautiful (anytime in the mountains are beautiful)... Anyway (back on track Lora)..I still didn't ride any of the rides....but the best part was that I was not tired and miserable. I walked and kept up with everyone... We had a great time and I am so thankful that I went and knowing that one day I will be riding the rides...makes me happy too.
So..I am trucking along..slowly but surely.. Hope everyone has a great week...
Love to all...
Lora
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Short and Sweet
I had my follow-up (one-month) appt with the dr today. Everything is good..they are happy with the weight I have lost and my blood work was good too. They also did a body scan today...was kinda interesting. I will have another one done at 3 months. I am still working my meal planner...I was hoping to work on it this weekend..but I was busy with other things I love....visiting a friend and a day in the mountains with family.
I hope everyone has a great week...
Love to all,
Lora
I hope everyone has a great week...
Love to all,
Lora
Thursday, April 19, 2012
One Month Today
Well today marks a month for me... I had surgery on March 19. I am feeling really good and started back at the gym this week. I have lost a total of 38 lbs...I will have my official weigh in on Monday at my one month doctor visit (pics below..not the best but they will work for now...I will get a better picture next time.). I feel good and looking forward to what the future brings. I still do have my struggles daily...but I am coming up with tricks to keep going. It is mostly with my mind...my body tells me I am full...but telling my brain is another thing. I am doing better...but every day is a challenge.
I am going to tell a story...quick though...might give you some insight on some things that have gone through my head (and other heads of people that are bigger) . Today we went to honors convocation at our main campus (where they give awards to students). Ever since last year..I have dreaded going...but for selfish reasons. When you are bigger person...there are so many things that go through your mind when you are out in public...but it is not something I have shared with lots of people. The convocation was held in the auditorium. Last year..I was very nervous because the seats looked small (for a normal person they are not) but for me they did. I was able to sit in the seat (relief...in that situation...but there have been times when I didn't (not a good feeling))...but seats are a concern when you are a bigger person. I was very uncomfortable in the seat and really couldn't move. My arms didn't even fit on the armrests...I felt like I was on top of the seat and bulging overtop. This year was different...I about cried. I sat down and I was like "whoa"...I have more room and my arm fit on the armrest...was a great feeling. I turned around and hugged my friend Kim. I was so happy and felt good about myself. I still go into a restaurant and do a scan...looking at the chairs/booths and always wonder...will I fit or not. It is a horrible a feeling...and I can't wait to the day comes I fit into everything.
This past week I went to support group (I am so thankful that they offer this)...I didn't say anything...but I learned so much. I have never been to something like AA but I imagine it is kinda like that. We sit in a circle, share our name and state if we are post or pre op. It is an open discussion..and I love how the topics change. This week I learned so much...that everyone is not perfect and that some of the struggles that I have been having..they are having too. I always come away refreshed... This week they did share a blog...http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/. I love it...she talks about her journey (she had bariatric surgery) and shares tons of recipes. I tried a few out this week...and the family loved them. I really liked the pizzas...yumo. I have listed the recipes below...but you can also find them on her blog.
I have also been doing a lot of thinking...in particular my habits. One of my habits (it is an old one) but I find myself walking back in the kitchen and grabbing stuff to eat...and not think about it. Now I still go into the kitchen..but I am thinking more and not grabbing but sometimes the urge is there. So I have come up with another POA (plan of action) - I have decided I am going to be a planner instead of a grabber. Meaning...If I have my meals planned out for family and me (I am planning 6 for me a day...which are very small)...I will not go to the fridge or kitchen and just grab something I don't need or shouldn't need. Just need to stick with a plan.... So I have done some research and I think I have the design..just need to create on computer and go from there. So I have a plan...love to have plans...and will see what I can come up with.
Shelly's Italian Chicken Salad
rotisserie chicken
1 cucumber, diced
1 stalk celery, sliced (I didn't have this so I doubled my cucumber amount)
1/4 of red onion, diced
2 green onions, diced
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp of fresh basil, chipped
1/2 of 13.75 oz can of artichoke hearts, chopped (I didn't use this either..didn't have any on hand)
2 roasted red and yellow peppers (I didn't use this either..none on hand)
2 tbsp pistachios
Dressing
3 oz greek yougart (I have Greek God's Greek Yougart, plain)
2 tbsp pesto sauce
1 tbsp of mayo
1 tbsp Parmesan cheese
s/p
Mix together and enjoy...next time I will take pictures...
Shelly's Chicken Carbonara Tortilla Pizza
1 Mission Carb Balance Whole Wheat 6" fajita size tortilla (I couldn't find this brand but I did find LaTortilla Factory Low Carb High Fiber made with whole wheat..50 calories for one)
leftover chicken..had some rotisserie chicken leftover from the other night
tsp of alfredo sauce
slice of provolone
sauteed mushrooms
1 1/2 slice of pancetta
sprinkle italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese on top
Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
Shelly's Irish Tortilla Pizza
tortilla (like above)
slice of Havarti cheese
corn beef (from deli)
green onions
sprinkle italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese on top
Bake at 350 for 10 minutes
You can find more recipes on her blog...they were really good...yumo!!!
I am going to tell a story...quick though...might give you some insight on some things that have gone through my head (and other heads of people that are bigger) . Today we went to honors convocation at our main campus (where they give awards to students). Ever since last year..I have dreaded going...but for selfish reasons. When you are bigger person...there are so many things that go through your mind when you are out in public...but it is not something I have shared with lots of people. The convocation was held in the auditorium. Last year..I was very nervous because the seats looked small (for a normal person they are not) but for me they did. I was able to sit in the seat (relief...in that situation...but there have been times when I didn't (not a good feeling))...but seats are a concern when you are a bigger person. I was very uncomfortable in the seat and really couldn't move. My arms didn't even fit on the armrests...I felt like I was on top of the seat and bulging overtop. This year was different...I about cried. I sat down and I was like "whoa"...I have more room and my arm fit on the armrest...was a great feeling. I turned around and hugged my friend Kim. I was so happy and felt good about myself. I still go into a restaurant and do a scan...looking at the chairs/booths and always wonder...will I fit or not. It is a horrible a feeling...and I can't wait to the day comes I fit into everything.
 |
| before |
 |
| after |
This past week I went to support group (I am so thankful that they offer this)...I didn't say anything...but I learned so much. I have never been to something like AA but I imagine it is kinda like that. We sit in a circle, share our name and state if we are post or pre op. It is an open discussion..and I love how the topics change. This week I learned so much...that everyone is not perfect and that some of the struggles that I have been having..they are having too. I always come away refreshed... This week they did share a blog...http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/. I love it...she talks about her journey (she had bariatric surgery) and shares tons of recipes. I tried a few out this week...and the family loved them. I really liked the pizzas...yumo. I have listed the recipes below...but you can also find them on her blog.
I have also been doing a lot of thinking...in particular my habits. One of my habits (it is an old one) but I find myself walking back in the kitchen and grabbing stuff to eat...and not think about it. Now I still go into the kitchen..but I am thinking more and not grabbing but sometimes the urge is there. So I have come up with another POA (plan of action) - I have decided I am going to be a planner instead of a grabber. Meaning...If I have my meals planned out for family and me (I am planning 6 for me a day...which are very small)...I will not go to the fridge or kitchen and just grab something I don't need or shouldn't need. Just need to stick with a plan.... So I have done some research and I think I have the design..just need to create on computer and go from there. So I have a plan...love to have plans...and will see what I can come up with.
Shelly's Italian Chicken Salad
rotisserie chicken
1 cucumber, diced
1 stalk celery, sliced (I didn't have this so I doubled my cucumber amount)
1/4 of red onion, diced
2 green onions, diced
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp of fresh basil, chipped
1/2 of 13.75 oz can of artichoke hearts, chopped (I didn't use this either..didn't have any on hand)
2 roasted red and yellow peppers (I didn't use this either..none on hand)
2 tbsp pistachios
Dressing
3 oz greek yougart (I have Greek God's Greek Yougart, plain)
2 tbsp pesto sauce
1 tbsp of mayo
1 tbsp Parmesan cheese
s/p
Mix together and enjoy...next time I will take pictures...
Shelly's Chicken Carbonara Tortilla Pizza
1 Mission Carb Balance Whole Wheat 6" fajita size tortilla (I couldn't find this brand but I did find LaTortilla Factory Low Carb High Fiber made with whole wheat..50 calories for one)
leftover chicken..had some rotisserie chicken leftover from the other night
tsp of alfredo sauce
slice of provolone
sauteed mushrooms
1 1/2 slice of pancetta
sprinkle italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese on top
Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
Shelly's Irish Tortilla Pizza
tortilla (like above)
slice of Havarti cheese
corn beef (from deli)
green onions
sprinkle italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese on top
Bake at 350 for 10 minutes
You can find more recipes on her blog...they were really good...yumo!!!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Long overdue....
I am so sorry everyone..I should have posted way before now.. Anyway...lots of things have happened (good and bad)...but I am trucking along. I have also been spending a lot of time in my craft room..which makes me happy :)
The Bad
Struggling with food will be with me forever... Guess..I thought the struggle would go away..but it doesn't. Last week I did something that I am not proud of.. D and Grady were eating at mom and dads and I decided that what they were having was not good for me...I get a check for that..right? So I came home and baked two pieces of tilapia (they were not that big) (little bit of old bay and evoo). My plan was to eat one..than save the other one for lunch tomorrow. I ate the one and then started to watch some TV... I went back to the kitchen to take care of the dishes...and on a whim..I picked up the other piece..and ate it. I wasn't hungry..I think it was just there.. I felt so bad afterwards..my stomach hurt all through the night.. I was also planning to write on the blog that night..but I couldn't do it.. I couldn't tell all my family and friends that I had failed... My emotions were all over the place.. The next day started out quiet (still feeling down and disappointed in myself)...than I received a text from Anne...she said..I love you. Do you think she knew...I wanted to tell her...she called me and I told her what I had done and how disappointed I was with myself. She had so many kind words to say and lifted me back up.. Thank Annebadannie...I love you! My day started to get better....than I started to feel overwhelmed again..and I confided to my close friends at work and even cried... So thankful that I have friends at work that care about me and are there for me (thanks girls).. So my POA (plan of action) next time is....pack it and put in fridge for tomorrow after I plate my meal and I needs to stay busy... I am learning so many things about myself and my habits.. I still go to the kitchen to get a snack and then realize...wait a minute...it is not time for my snack and/or I am not hungry....so I then turn back around..but it is struggle..I would be lying if I didn't say it was. I guess I need to learn that I am not perfect and I will make mistakes...it is still hard to do.. I am learning to pick myself back up (not literally) and move on...
The rest of the week did get better and than Easter was here...and family came home. We had a wonderful weekend and we are so blessed to have each other. I have posted below two Easter pictures...one was from last year and the other is this years... I can see a difference...can you?
My mom tells me I have a glow..one she hasn't seen in a long long time..that makes me feel good....and literally I do feel good. I see a difference in my clothes already (not much but some)...and I can tell in my face and my hands.
Today was a good day too... There is a support group for people who have had this procedure (gastric sleeve) every second Thursday of the month. I have been to 2 before surgery..and one after. I really enjoy going and listening to others. I don't feel alone there....they have already had the procedure or are pre-op. I listen to them and realize that I am not alone in things I feel, my emotions, and even they make mistakes too.. I always feel good when I leave and ready to conquer the world (maybe..lol).
Sorry for the longwindedness...I don't think that is a word..but I might make it one tonight... Tomorrow is another day and another day that I will be closer to my goal. I have a lot of things going on in my head that I want to try..just haven't made the time (setting goals, making that food journal that I still haven't made)..so I have lots of things to do...which is very important. Need to keep moving (and to that note)..I will get to go back to the gym for my regular workouts soon..I am excited about that too.
Oops almost forgot....I wanted to show you some of the stuff I have been making...these are so much fun to make...especially when my music (60s/70s of course) is playing and I am in my zone...
The first two are prayer journals...the inside has a place for date, scripture/prayer request, and then a place to journal or write notes. You could use them with your daily devotion or at church during the service. The next 4 are note pads...big and small. If anyone is interested in one..just let me know.
I guess I will end this longwindedness..I used it again...ha ha.. I hope everyone has a great weekend coming up... Thanks so much for all your prayers and being there for me...
Love to all,
Lora
The Bad
Struggling with food will be with me forever... Guess..I thought the struggle would go away..but it doesn't. Last week I did something that I am not proud of.. D and Grady were eating at mom and dads and I decided that what they were having was not good for me...I get a check for that..right? So I came home and baked two pieces of tilapia (they were not that big) (little bit of old bay and evoo). My plan was to eat one..than save the other one for lunch tomorrow. I ate the one and then started to watch some TV... I went back to the kitchen to take care of the dishes...and on a whim..I picked up the other piece..and ate it. I wasn't hungry..I think it was just there.. I felt so bad afterwards..my stomach hurt all through the night.. I was also planning to write on the blog that night..but I couldn't do it.. I couldn't tell all my family and friends that I had failed... My emotions were all over the place.. The next day started out quiet (still feeling down and disappointed in myself)...than I received a text from Anne...she said..I love you. Do you think she knew...I wanted to tell her...she called me and I told her what I had done and how disappointed I was with myself. She had so many kind words to say and lifted me back up.. Thank Annebadannie...I love you! My day started to get better....than I started to feel overwhelmed again..and I confided to my close friends at work and even cried... So thankful that I have friends at work that care about me and are there for me (thanks girls).. So my POA (plan of action) next time is....pack it and put in fridge for tomorrow after I plate my meal and I needs to stay busy... I am learning so many things about myself and my habits.. I still go to the kitchen to get a snack and then realize...wait a minute...it is not time for my snack and/or I am not hungry....so I then turn back around..but it is struggle..I would be lying if I didn't say it was. I guess I need to learn that I am not perfect and I will make mistakes...it is still hard to do.. I am learning to pick myself back up (not literally) and move on...
The rest of the week did get better and than Easter was here...and family came home. We had a wonderful weekend and we are so blessed to have each other. I have posted below two Easter pictures...one was from last year and the other is this years... I can see a difference...can you?
My mom tells me I have a glow..one she hasn't seen in a long long time..that makes me feel good....and literally I do feel good. I see a difference in my clothes already (not much but some)...and I can tell in my face and my hands.
Today was a good day too... There is a support group for people who have had this procedure (gastric sleeve) every second Thursday of the month. I have been to 2 before surgery..and one after. I really enjoy going and listening to others. I don't feel alone there....they have already had the procedure or are pre-op. I listen to them and realize that I am not alone in things I feel, my emotions, and even they make mistakes too.. I always feel good when I leave and ready to conquer the world (maybe..lol).
Sorry for the longwindedness...I don't think that is a word..but I might make it one tonight... Tomorrow is another day and another day that I will be closer to my goal. I have a lot of things going on in my head that I want to try..just haven't made the time (setting goals, making that food journal that I still haven't made)..so I have lots of things to do...which is very important. Need to keep moving (and to that note)..I will get to go back to the gym for my regular workouts soon..I am excited about that too.
Oops almost forgot....I wanted to show you some of the stuff I have been making...these are so much fun to make...especially when my music (60s/70s of course) is playing and I am in my zone...
The first two are prayer journals...the inside has a place for date, scripture/prayer request, and then a place to journal or write notes. You could use them with your daily devotion or at church during the service. The next 4 are note pads...big and small. If anyone is interested in one..just let me know.
I guess I will end this longwindedness..I used it again...ha ha.. I hope everyone has a great weekend coming up... Thanks so much for all your prayers and being there for me...
Love to all,
Lora
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