tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3669528938105361302024-02-20T02:01:33.912-08:00Joining the Losers Bench!<a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wterWmc/">
<img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wterWmc/weight.png"></a>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-37685229225804196672013-02-07T16:21:00.000-08:002013-02-07T16:21:13.998-08:004 years post op and what have I learned?<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So in two days I will be 4 years post op. Amazing! Absolutely amazing journey in so many ways. </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not at my goal weight. In fact I am having a bit of regain. </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I stood in the shower this morning I remember many a time at my highest weight I would vow that if I was ever back to normal and I gained even 10 pounds it would go no further. I would stop the weight gain then and there.</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"It's NOT about the WEIGHT I've been told". But even in my pre-op therapy evaluation I remember telling the therapist... "ok now I GET IT. I know I'm fat. I know I over eat... okay? I GET IT! I get that I got here bite by bite and pound by pound. If I get this chance I won't blow it."</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But here I am about 10 pounds over my lowest of 177 from a high of 391 and will I blow it?</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I walked most days for more than a year. I stopped and its oh so much harder going back to it. </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started again today. I have a Dr. appointment in 30 days... I need to walk 30 days and get my act together so I don't go in there with a 12 pound gain or worse!</span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Am I woman enough to make this happen? I think I am. I'll keep <u>me</u> posted on here. Kinda an accountability thing.</span><br />
<h2>
4 years! Amazing! Time flies! I am grateful every day for this amazing gift I have been given and I don't intend to blow it!</h2>
HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-80544110668693337762012-11-13T14:33:00.000-08:002012-11-13T14:33:21.687-08:00Top 10 Changes in my Life since I had Gastric Bypass1. I can walk long distances and only get bored not tired.<br />
2. When I walk I can feel the air whistling past my lady parts (Thanks to tummy tuck surgery that ALLOWED me to now have my lady parts within "view")<br />
3. I can walk up a curb... even 14 inch curbs in the street without having to use something to hike me up.<br />
4. I can walk up stairs unaided by a handrail.<br />
5. I can easily turn in bed.<br />
6. I can stand for long periods of time.<br />
7. I can put on my shoes without sitting down first.<br />
8. I can step into my slacks without sitting down...I can step INTO them standing.<br />
9. Airplane seat belt HURRAH!!!<br />
10. I can collect a can or package of food for every pound I've lost for the annual Food Drive. Thank you Eggface for the idea!<br />
HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-45498809774758728422012-01-20T15:11:00.000-08:002012-01-20T15:11:10.996-08:00Post Weight Loss Surgery Yes or No?<strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75;">A dream for me... way out there somewhere was to actually have some kind of surgery on my tummy "someday". The opportunity has arisen and suggested and pushed by my surgeon to have it now that I have to have another surgery. One hospitalization one co pay... great idea. Oh ... yes did you know that these insurance companies are NOT your friend? I am very grateful that my insurer paid for my RNY and 33 months ago I had that surgery and have now lost almost 200 pounds. </span></span></strong><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75;">This is the deal... my insurer will pay to have my tummy <u>lopped</u> off BUT will NOT pay to have what I thought was a Tummy Tuck. My pannis hangs well below and almost halfway to my knees and that's a good thing because they will pay a small portion to have it hacked off ....but no muscle tightening, no invisible dissoluble stitches and no contouring... what they will allow is staples (OUCH) and a night or two in the hospital and the skin hacked off. If I want the other version it will cost me about $6,000.00 ... so the question is... do I spend $6,000.00 EXTRA to get </span><span style="color: #351c75;">a relatively flat abdomen and my musckles tightened? Or just get it hacked off and stapled? What would you do? it's not like I am going to wear a bikini any time soon (or ever again). Am I going to have another intimate new relationship? It's not like that is my only flaw and it's not like others in my age range don't have scars and stuff. $6000.00 in additon to my deductibles that's over 12k... but honestly I have to pay about 6k for suregry anyway... what's another 6?</span></strong></span><br />
<strong>I hadn't realized how awful my tummy was untilt hey took pictures in the plastic surgeons office I handed them my camera and asked them to take a couple shots too. Oh ohhhh my thighs! Oy vey!</strong>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-23013626378637188312011-06-03T11:07:00.001-07:002011-06-03T11:07:43.034-07:00New Years Resolutions!<div><span style="color: #003300;">I saw or rather noticed my 1st Weight Watchers commercial on TV this morning and realized that for the first time in recent memory I will NOT be stewing about adding Weight Watchers to my weekly plan of joining now while the joining fee is waived. Yeah WLS! </span></div><br />
<div><span style="color: #003300;">I love WW and their program although it is a little heavy on carbs for this new WLS person. Balance and veggies... what could be bad.</span></div><br />
<div><span style="color: #003300;">But back to not having to feel guilty about joining... now do I feel guilty about not having to join? Nawwwwww Whooooopeeeeeee!</span></div><br />
<div><span style="color: #003300;">EXCITED!</span></div><br />
<div><span style="color: #003300;">Happy New Year me!</span></div>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-87250100302891784952011-06-03T11:07:00.000-07:002011-06-03T11:07:50.776-07:00Just so I won't forget....Since this is ALL ABOUT ME. <br />
A new vendor came into the office a couple times and wanted to take me out to lunch. I largely don't "do" lunch with strangers and particularly vendor who may or may not be here today and gone tomorrow so I was joking with hm and said my table manners were atrocious and I was not a good or suitable lunch attendee (I told (suggested) her take my assistant out for lunch). He looked at me and said "Gee, come on look at you how much could you eat? WHOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA that shocked me ... in a good way 1st because he never ever knew me at almost 400 pounds and 2nd because I am so small... well except for my giant legs and he had only seen me behind the desk. BLEW MY MIND! whooppeee<br />
Also went on my 1st hike in many years in Crestline this past weekend... a mountainous area about 4000 ft. IN So. California and over uneven terrain and although I did suffer from a lack of confidence I did complete the very short hike 9Maybe a mile or a little more) and went up and down. Another thing - a non-scale victory and something I haven't done for almost 10 years I'd bet. <br />
Yeah Meeeeeeeeeeee Thank you to my Dr. as well... he made this possible so I tanked him yesterday when I had my quarterly visit. 28 months today!HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-85069630280122187592011-02-02T12:50:00.000-08:002011-02-02T12:56:09.705-08:00103 Weeks outYeah one more week and I will be at two year <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">surgiversary</span>! Wow the time has flown by which is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">testament</span> in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">any one's</span> hesitancy to have the surgery I am thinking.<br />HAVE IT and the time just slips by. Which it would have done anyway ... but wow what a great couple of years with a lot of learning and a lot of good experiences.<br />I was at group the other night and sat next to woman who I sat next to 13 months ago she told me. She had just had surgery a week or two previously and I was impressed that she was out and about and COOKING for her family at 2 weeks from surgery!<br />13 months later and we look <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">FABBBBBBULOUS</span> although we both have more weight to lose... she about the same as I but not the same kind of weight. My legs are the issue and she is still overall a little plump. Will try and do a more reflective post on my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">surgiversary</span> on the 9<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> but need to formulate a little more.HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-5290392579665814872011-01-11T11:42:00.000-08:002011-01-11T11:53:39.127-08:00UGhhhh Some habits die hard. DIE bad habits DIE!<span style="color:#003300;">We got cookies at the office for Christmas and the can is down to the final few. Sure I take a couple now and then. I am not a cookie fiend so I feel that a cookie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occasionally</span></span> if properly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">administered</span></span> is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span></span>. HOWEVER<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Knowing</span></span> that the cookie tin is shrinking and seeing others go to the cookie tin and remove what may be the final cookies really bothers me. WHY?<br />I can buy cookies if I want and any amount that I want if I want to.<br />I don't mind sharing.<br />I don't NEED them.<br />Am i just being greedy?<br />Am I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">compelled</span> to have cookies?<br />I think this is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">by</span>-product of my overweight of so many years I feel <strong><em>competitive.</em></strong><br />I want them to leave me the last cookie... after all I'm the boss.<br />Oh PLEASE! Buy your own darn cookies or not.<br />They are employees for heaven's sake let them have them!!<br />They are just COOKIES!<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span></span> I feel better... kinda.<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">BRB</span></span> I need to see if the cookies are gone... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">hehehe</span></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error">I want the empty tin too.</span><br />PS there were Holiday cookies in the freezer from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Christmas</span> 2009 here and I threw <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">them</span> away when the 2010 cookies started arriving. WHAT is the ISSUE you dim wit?<br />Buy your own darn cookies if you <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">want</span> a cookie so bad.<br />Die urge for cookies DIE!</span><br /><span style="color:#003300;">Anyone else feel so compulsed for some food item?</span><br /><span style="color:#003300;">I hate this feeling!</span>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-8958018504839328492010-12-27T19:20:00.000-08:002010-12-27T19:28:26.777-08:00A good thought<span style="color:#000099;">I have an issue that is undiagnosed. I have huge calves. My Doctors says I am carrying about 50-60 pounds of weight in my lower legs. Is it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">lymphodema</span> or not? I have no reason to have it as it generally affects just one limb and it is a by product of Chemo generally after Breast cancer. I have not had cancer and my calves have always been larger than my body but my ankles are still AWOL.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">The fact is my calves are huge... and have been for years although now that I have lost just about 200 pounds it is more noticeable. No cure... no real treatment. Just keep losing weight and see what happens. Went to a specialist and have now seen 3 Doctors... no studies being done, no research on it. A good friend mentioned to me today however that even if I have only 30 pounds of water in my legs I have reached the over 200 pounds lost! And that is a VERY GOOD THING :)</span>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-5852372411057086252010-12-26T11:44:00.001-08:002010-12-26T11:50:59.114-08:00Holiday Blessings or ... gee it's not fun to eat anymore!<span style="color:#cc0000;">Amazing but true. Eating or rather the act of eating is a lost art. A HUGE part of any Holiday used to be the meal. I think normal weight people <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">loved</span> the m<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">eal</span> too .. right? But it appears now as they don't... well at least I no longer enjoy it. I love the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">look a</span><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">smell</span> of the food but honestly, it's just not fun eating anymore. No matter where I go or who I eat with... eating is an ordeal of epic portions.</span> <span style="color:#003300;">My eyes are still bigger than my stomach although when I look at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> plates I am shocked knowing that just 2 short years ago my plate was at least that overflowing large as well. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Mine</span> looks miserly as a comparison but then eating it also becomes an event. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Protein</span> first yummy, potatoes or veggies a bite or two then <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Protein</span>., <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">and</span> wow I'm almost too full.. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gotta</span> slow down gotta be careful... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">what a</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">drag</span>! But 200 pounds less of a drag and frankly I 'll TAKE IT!</span><br /><span style="color:#003300;">Merry Christmas!</span>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-4707738551921215922010-12-09T16:57:00.000-08:002010-12-09T17:00:52.260-08:00Under 200 pounds... soon!I HOPE to be under 200 pounds by Christmas or New Years... that's just 8 pounds (it was just 5 pounds YESTERDAY!) I do not even remember being under 200 pounds... maybe 1976 or earlier? Oh My Goodness!<br />Need to get my blood panel done. Had the bone density although the Dr. did not read it today. Must must must keep up the testing to make sure that the Frankenstein stomach and intestines are working at their optimum and keeping me on track. What a shame to go to all this work and fall apart and crumble from too little calcium or vitamins.<br />Whoo hoo 199 here I come!HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-13992415674038886022010-08-10T16:33:00.000-07:002010-08-10T16:42:18.843-07:00hahaha Driver License<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnJdGAnwNe3-eh7e1Bu3D9xwBS_bbLYcWyDyWylTi9SLEOKtZC8PEnhqoFZ-UfKnJY1jBBbttRNyMiZXVASvYwHwhIvFHvbmZ4R_X5thQmZq1NOLmYJGBEPRjwv25FxTdmAgwJWo9dgKm/s1600/IMG00230.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503929887195771458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlnJdGAnwNe3-eh7e1Bu3D9xwBS_bbLYcWyDyWylTi9SLEOKtZC8PEnhqoFZ-UfKnJY1jBBbttRNyMiZXVASvYwHwhIvFHvbmZ4R_X5thQmZq1NOLmYJGBEPRjwv25FxTdmAgwJWo9dgKm/s320/IMG00230.jpg" /></a><br /><div>My life is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">sooo</span> very exciting... and so full of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ahhhhhhh</span> moments recently. I screwed up the post about getting a test done and being handed a gown and asking the nurse if the gown would fit me and she looked at me oddly and said "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">uhhh</span> Yes!" It was just a natural reaction from a formerly fat, very fat <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> morbidly super obese person. I was so shocked I took a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">picture</span>... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">hmm</span> I wonder if I can load a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">picture</span>? Oh yes I did it! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">hahaha</span> Please note sweater and shirt still on as I was freezing! See it's a 3 arm gown and I was able to fit in it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yeahhhhh</span> me!</div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span> so today I had to make a copy of my license and noticed that I am 3 pound below what my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Drivers</span> license says I am!! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Geez</span> to think it took me 78 weeks to get to my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">DL weight</span> but at least I'm there!</div><div> </div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">hahahaha</span> Ain't life grand?</div>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-89298031895994052612010-07-06T13:32:00.000-07:002010-07-06T13:40:16.785-07:00A WOW moment flat on my butt :)<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span style="color:#330099;">hehe</span></span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">It was a GREAT moment this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">morning</span>. An unseasonably wet morning and I as usual went out to retrieve my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">newspaper</span>. I was wearing my slippers that are worn thin and whoops I slipped and <em><strong>splat fell</strong></em> flat down on my fanny! This in itself was freaky... so why was I smiling? I could GET UP WITH NO HELP!!! This has been my biggest nightmare and one of the 120,998 reasons why I chose to have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">WLS</span> surgery the fear that if and when I fell I would not be able to get myself up. I tripped at work one day a few months ago and others <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">rushed</span> to help me... but I kinda felt as though I could have done it myself but was to timid to try it again by myself. I not only was able to get up I did it this morning with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">absolutely</span> no problems. Well except to see if my fanny is going to be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">black</span> and blue tomorrow... but I was laughing and ^5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">ing</span> myself as I went up the stairs! What a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">great</span> way to start the day! I can GET UP!!!</span>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-61521411297728279832010-04-06T15:43:00.000-07:002010-04-06T15:53:28.461-07:00Week 60<span style="color:#330099;">Wowee Zowee... how is it possible? If I looked forward 58 weeks ago I would not and could not have imagined the changes in my body that would occur over the next year. I had no clue. Yes I have hanging chads... errr skin issues and yes I have psoriasis now which is an autoimmune disease which is largely from stress and is chronic. But many people only have to endure one outbreak and I am hopefully that this is my one. I am taking steroids for it which I am not crazy about taking but this may help to control the symptoms. There is no cure and no real studies going on apparently. It can be aggravated by stress and about a zillion other things. </span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">The good news is things could be worse A LOT WORSE and for that I am very grateful.</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">My skin issues are not a surprise but I am surprised at how a modest 2. - 2.5 pound loss a week for a year could create this much skin and I still have almost 100 pounds to go. Oy vey!</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">I am a new GP Dr. She pointed at my stomach and said... "Are you going to do something with that?" I hadn't really considered it and if truth is known any time someone mentioned it I recoiled in horror. Why would I have my skin cut off INTENTIONALLY? Can you can I imagine the pain of having yards and yards of skins surgically removed? Ewwww But a couple friends have told me that after all of this hard work don;t you deserve to have a body in clothing that looks more than just a hanging deflated bag that sways too and fro... OH. Ohhhhhhhhhhh</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">Now It's becoming more clear. Maybe I need to change my Insurance deductible to a lower level. What are you thinking about?</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">I did not mean to type about skin issues. But I guess I was thinking about it more than I thought I was. </span><br /><span style="color:#330099;"></span>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-61822080087895313052010-04-03T13:29:00.001-07:002010-04-03T13:29:53.534-07:00Jamie Oliver The post belowThis is an incredible video. Please take 20 minutes and watch it. Particularly if you have kids.<br />XOHOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-3285423342382180452010-04-03T13:28:00.000-07:002010-04-03T13:28:54.921-07:00Jamie Oliver's TED Prize wish: Teach every child about food | Video on TED.com<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_oliver.html">Jamie Oliver's TED Prize wish: Teach every child about food Video on TED.com</a>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-20473171588190966622010-03-22T13:29:00.000-07:002010-03-22T13:52:56.091-07:00It's a Strange Strange Strange New Tummy World<span style="font-family:georgia;color:#330099;">It continues to amaze me even 58 (!) weeks post op how things change and how things remain the same. The RELATIONSHIP we <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">WLS</span> peeps have with food is a nasty little devil... but with our tool... the surgery it slaps us upside the head and says No No <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Noooooooooooooo</span> I think NOT. Gone are the days when I looked forward to a solitary meal as a delight, a comfort, a fun time . Food now is a necessary maybe not an evil but something that I must do to 1. stay healthy 2. groom myself for stamina and 3. Get through. </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#330099;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#330099;">Sunday used to be my favorite day of the week to eat and Breakfast my favorite meal with Dinner right behind and yesterday ...just yesterday I realized it's lost it's allure . Now its not planning "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ohhh</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ewww</span> goody what am I gonna eat?" It's "okay I need to eat a little and what is it going to be ?" "Can I get close to 20 grams of protein?"...again a feeling that I think regular weight people have who have normal weight and treat food as fuel feel. Eat it get it over with and move on. I kinda sorta miss the food... I sorta miss the high, I sorta miss the friend that was food but then isn't that how I got here? </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#330099;">I'll STILL take THIS new feeling rather than the old feeling any day however! How about you?</span>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-15632014291965709712010-02-09T11:46:00.000-08:002010-02-09T11:54:15.946-08:00Happy Surgiversary ME!<span style="color:#330099;">Whoo hooo One year ago today I started one of if not <strong>the</strong> most exciting journey of my life. I would never ever go back... only forward and not one regret. Every day is new day, every day is a new challenge and every day there is joy that I am where I am and I look forward to tomorrow.</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">Am I successful every single day ? nope but the majority of every day yup!</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">Congratulations ME. </span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">This has been the shortest year I have ever had and the longest and the most fulfilling and the worst full of agony and pathos.</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">I will NEVER regret this!</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">On a side note today in the obits was a notice for Marian the first actual person I ever met that had WLS. She lost 100 plus pounds about 20 years ago when the surgery removed a lot of intestine. She passed away more than 80 years old and I am certain she lived that long due to the enormous amount of weight she lost. She was truly a success! An early success and mentored me a bit to think about surgery.</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">Rest in Peace Marian!</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;"></span>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-6359338657250295812010-01-25T18:32:00.000-08:002010-01-25T18:36:37.683-08:00BMI and Me<span style="color:#3366ff;">Okay I am writing this down so I won't forget it. AT my height 5'1" I will have to get to 158 before I am only obese and not Morbidly obese. Yikes that is over 80 pounds away and almost at the initial goal weight I set for myself of 145. Okay I REALLY want to be 125 but I think at 145 I will be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">soooo</span> happy. </span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">Okay I just checked again and I will have to be 132 to have a normal <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">BMI</span>. Maybe that will be my new goal.</span>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-4577589592911084952010-01-22T12:07:00.000-08:002010-01-22T12:13:53.162-08:00Ok got the Cumin<span style="color:#6600cc;">Rainy, stormy weekend... (I wonder whatever happened to my junior high school friend <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rainey</span> Allen?)I tried googling her but no luck. I hope she is happy and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">successful</span> no matter what.</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">Anyway I got the Cumin and some fresh garlic now what? A weigh loss <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">successful</span> meal this weekend. Must have chicken I think.</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">Soup form last weekend was a success. Green pea from the Thanksgiving <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ham bone</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Honeybaked</span> Hams special soup packets. Love <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">them</span> L.O.V.E. T.H.E.M. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">The</span> leak was good but no spectacular. Think I will stick with straight leek <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">potato</span> and not try and make it creamy next time.</span><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;">I need to go and check out <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eggface</span> and what she has for a stormy weekend. Wondering how I can add a link to this blog or a pciture.... hmmm maybe read the instuctions? Weigh in on Monday .... 50 weeks!!!!!!!!!!</span>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-6095193418129774522010-01-14T14:02:00.000-08:002010-01-14T14:22:00.129-08:00WTF is Cumin?Am I the only person who doesn't particularly care for Bacon? Now that I am 48 (YES 48 Weeks!) weeks post op I have discovered that I lose weight more consistently when I cook from scratch. Prior to surgery I was about a 75% fast food person . Honestly though I wasn't a hamburger, fries and a shake girl but a grilled chicken sandwich and a lemonade and maybe a starch but probably not. Yeah Yeah Yeah almost 400 pounds and you ate lettuce leaves right ? No really but I ate too much and too often perhaps. ANYWAY I also ate a egg mcMuffin's and that can't be just good food right?<br />So Post op and past the slimey egg stage I started to reintroduce myself to food. Well not so much. For the 1st 8 weeks and longer I was struggling with still being massively overweight and throwing up at almost every meal. The 1st 8 weeks it was nausea every day. So the POINT (Get to the point) I still ate some fast foods. I ate the grilled chicken salad. like about 4 bites. I ate a El Pollo Loco leg and the soup at El Pollo omgoodness the soup saved me... it was hot and nutritious I felt almost human and I didn't barf.<br />Gradually however as I begin to be more mobile for longer than 10 minutes at a time, my cooking gene became aroused. I stared experimenting with old favorites and then new stuff and I became interested in looking at cook books and EggFace became my (unbeknownst to her) my mentor. I WISH I had the time and the brains she has to create as she does.<br />ANYWAY<br />I now cook if at all possible once at least a week and make enough for several meals. I am way into casseroles with meat and beans and this weekend I have big plans for those 2 chicken breasts that were left from my meals in restaurants and am planning a leek and chicken soup. Oh Yuma Arizona.<br />ANYWAY I had a point. Yup I did, Yes I did I DID!<br />Cumin - WTF is Cumin and why is it featured prominently at my favorite Trader Joe's and why didn't I pick it up last night because it appears EVERYWHERE in every silly recipe and Paula Deen I think says it's smokey and yummy or is that garlic and butter? Or is it Ina?<br />Oh Never mind. Well TJ's didn't have Leeks either so I have to go to a regular grocery and get those so perhaps CUMIN the miracle spice is on my list if it's under $4.00 a jar (note to self: look up Cumin and see what it is in a Mexican spice as those are so much cheaper at the market)<br />OK I'm done ... for the moment. :) As you wereHOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-78404011784477603542010-01-05T12:59:00.001-08:002010-01-05T13:36:18.783-08:00Happy Weight Loss Over the Holidays?<span style="color:#330099;">I reluctantly weighed myself yesterday morning. Who doesn't cheat or go off track just a wee bit over the Holidays? I can't say I was perfect but gee whiz when you compare it to this time LAST year I was incredible. Thank you Gastric Bypass! Had a few issues with throwing up as I over filled or maybe it was sugar but when I stepped on the scale I had lost 11 pounds in the past 3 weeks! I was shocked and got off the scale and then back on it again. I haven't seen THAT number ....in years. </span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">It's now week 47 and what great a 47 week ride it's been. A big learning curve but very rewarding. It's hard every day and I am still learning what to eat and what not to eat. I have started in the past few weeks having intense gas pains like menstrual cramps in the evening. I think it may be the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">carbs</span> breaking down in my system. I bought a bottle of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beano</span> and have tried to remember to take that with the Gas X before or during each meal that has a gassy food in it. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beano</span> before the meal...Gas X during the meal. It's not yet working correctly but I think I need to be more vigilant. The gas is odoriferous as my Mother used to say. Ugh that is embarrassing. </span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">Friends over the Holidays were very complimentary and considerate which was a big concern. Small plates, smaller amounts of food and good company what could be better? Oh yes 141 pounds gone <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">FOREVA</span>!</span>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-91625398722913785712009-12-01T12:18:00.000-08:002009-12-01T12:37:52.176-08:00Ugh ugh it's JUST a tool, a toolI have been smacked with my new reality and it's name is hunger. I was told that I would <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">eventually</span> get my hunger back and it would be raging. I thought that I was lucky as it did not appear at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">anticipated</span> 6 month mark nor 7 months but I have now lost that battle. I am sadly just like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">everyone</span> else who has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">WLS</span> :::sigh::: human. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">carb</span> monster came first and I began to crave C.R.A.V.E <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">carbs</span>. I already had an appointment to see the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">nutritionist</span> at the Dr.'s office so I went <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">anticipating</span> that she would have normal follow up questions for me and she <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">surprised</span> me by asking me why I came to see her. Huh? I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">uhmmm</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cause</span> the Dr. told me to come I stated and started to feel a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">little</span> foolish. However I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">continued</span> I have been starting the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">carb</span> cravings and think all hope is now lost (Okay something like that). I don't think she is really clued into the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">WLS</span> surgery patient I think she is a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">regular</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">nutritionist</span> but not really in the loop. However she did <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">suggest</span> that I start eating a fruit l<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ike</span> dried fruit or an apple mid <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">morning</span> and mid afternoon and those <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">carbs</span>/sugars in the fruit <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">would</span> slow down my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">carb</span> fever. And they have been slowed down. So I am grateful. Still more hungry than I have been but it has taken the edge off.<br />I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">actually</span> gained a few pounds before I got to this point I think 4 pounds which is a huge amount to me who still has more than 100 pounds to go. At 260 pounds I can see 300 pounds on the horizon if I am not careful. Looming in front of me is a Dr. appointment this Thursday so I have been aware of the deadline to get off the few <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pounds</span> I lost <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">because</span> for sure they will weigh me and I will feel like the millions of WW meetings I have attended and a failure. I weighed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">myself</span> about a week ago and was down 2 or 3 of the pounds I had gained but need to start on a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">regular</span> basis the exercise so that I can <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">integrate</span> that into my daily life. Ugh. The surgery is just a tool darn it. Not a magic potion. I was holding out hope that it WAS a magic potion. Now I need to pay much more attention I think and stick with weigh-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">in's</span> once a week and although I am not craving <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">carbs</span> as much as I was several weeks ago I need to pay attention to that monster and well... pay more attention. Ugh. Ugh drat! I was warned darn it!HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-76739972547287255792009-10-26T13:03:00.000-07:002009-10-26T13:25:21.704-07:00JoyI am now a pound or two more than 1/2 way to my initial goal weight. I woke up the other morning and for the 1st time in a long time felt absolute JOY. Joy in my chest... bursting out of my heart at the difference in my life this surgery has made already. I now have a chance! Life is again <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">full</span> of all opportunities or the possibility of most opportunities again!<br />The surgery has made possible so many positive things that I had forgotten about.<br />I am not alone with these absolutely amazing realizations I would bet I have lots of company in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">WLS</span> community. But this is my blog and It's mostly about ME, Me me!<br /><br />Yes, Life still has complications and challenges. But I am having so many non-scale related positives:<br /><br />To list a few:<br /><br />1. Saturday I went shopping at 4 different places. or is that 5 ? I had no tiredness no exhaustion and it was so great I almost cried at the last store. I can DO IT AGAIN I can shop like an almost normal person!<br /><br />2. I can get up if I fall down. One of my biggest fears has been the fear that if I fell I would not be able to get up unassisted. I can get up on my own now.<br /><br />3. When I was at my heaviest I felt invisible. Not to children, but to adults. I am still very, very overweight (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">I am</span> not kidding myself) however I am no longer invisible to adults. I even had a guy smile at me twice at the gas station the other day!<br /><br />4. From the waist up I look good... from the waist down... <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">uhmm</span> not so much. But I can see an image of my former self... well with a chicken neck (Which I really need to GET OVER!)./<br /><br />5. I have no problem getting into a booth at a restaurant anymore!<br /><br />and the list goes on and on.<br /><br />At this moment in time... life is good and getting better each day :)HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-33679586945788793272009-09-15T14:10:00.000-07:002009-09-15T14:22:34.025-07:007 months and a few days out<span style="color:#330099;">It's amazing how long it's been since February 9<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> until today. 31 weeks that's a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">LONGGGGGG</span> time and it has been worth every single upset stomach & every single barf. I am almost to 1/2 way which if I was thinking about this a year ago (And I was) I would not have imagined actually getting here... uhm there (Whatever). I lost 4 pounds last week and have my 7<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> month appointment with the Dr. this Thursday where they said they will be taking blood tests for nutrient levels. I am curious what they will say. My big elephant legs are a concern to a couple of my friends. They (They being my legs she says in an oddly third person kinda way)... do not seem to be losing weight. My right leg however is smaller than my left by about two inches around the calf. I told them talk to me in another 100 pounds if my legs are still this big. They made me promise to talk to the Dr. about my legs. okay okay but we DO talk about my legs each time I go to see him. He is more concerned about how my legs will be flopping around after I lose weigh in them. Do they (They?) do <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">plastic</span> surgery on calves? I imagine so. Maybe like the 1930's when women wore hosiery with seams up the back <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">heehehe</span> Yeah like that is $10K that I want to use on calf plastic surgery. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">OHHHH</span> please with this chicken neck? Any 10K can be spent on my chicken neck. Or the worlds largest inventory of turtlenecks from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Lands End</span>. I love those <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">luxuriously</span> combed cotton <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">turtle</span> necks from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Lands End</span>. Me and Kathryn Hepburn <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">turtlenecks</span> are <strong><em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">awesome</span>. Then I can spend $10k on travel.</em></strong></span>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366952893810536130.post-16136760706123719402009-09-09T15:00:00.000-07:002009-09-09T15:10:46.866-07:00Whoooo hoooo a small goal<span style="color:#330099;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Whoo</span> yeah me... ! A small goal met when I weighed myself and was pleased to see 279 on the scale. I don't know why this was a goal but I remember this was what I weighed about 12 years ago. Now my next goal is to weigh what my drivers license says! That is another 19 pounds. At approx. 2 pounds a week that will be at about the 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> week in November. I'll take it! Also another goal is to be a 50% weight loss which is about the same time which will be about 9 months post op.</span><br /><span style="color:#330099;">I wrote earlier but think I never hit POST about feeling my hunger like a "normal" person feels. Feeling hungry is similar to what I used to feel like... almost. I do not have the never satisfied feeling that I used to feel in fact sometimes the feeling is "Oh dear ! I ate too much - <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">huhooo</span>" and wonder if it will stay down? But its kinda non issue... an inconvenience because it's not like I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">want</span> to eat something... sometimes I think to myself. Come on you need to eat something soon. Right now It's 3:00PM and I have been hungry kinda for a while.. thinking I need to eat something but then I take a good sized gulp of water and I am good for another hour or so. Seeing that scale go down is rewarding. Being responsible for what I put into my mouth is the tough one... but you already knew that... right?</span>HOA Mgr Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949018880623140075noreply@blogger.com1