Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake
2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
¼ c butter, melted
2 8 oz. pkgs. Cream cheese or Philadelphia Neufchatel Cheese
¾ c. sugar substitute (Splenda granulated)
1 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
¾ tsp. cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
Combine crumbs and butter; press onto bottom and sides of 9 inch spring form
pan.
Combine cheese, ½ c sugar substitute and vanilla, mixing at med. Speed on
electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well
after each addition. Reserve 1 c. cheese mixture; add pumpkin, remaining
sugar substitute and spices to remaining cheese mixture. Mix well. Layer
half of the pumpkin mixture and half the cream cheese mixture over crust;
repeat layers. Cut through batter with knife several times for marble
effect.
Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes. Loosen cake from rim of pan; cool before
removing rim of pan. Chill.
10-12 servings.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Lemony Party Meringue Pie
Lemony Party Meringue Pie
1 pkg. Jello s.f. Lemon Flavor Pudding and Pie Filling
2/3 cup sugar substitute (Splenda Granular)
2 ¼ c water
3 egg yolks
2 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. butter
1 baked 9 inch pie shell, cooled
3 egg whites
6 tbsp. sugar substitute (Splenda Granular)
Combine pie filling mix, 2/3 c. sugar substitute and ¼ c water in saucepan. Blend in egg yolks and remaining water. Cook and stir over med. Heat, until mixture comes to a full bubbling boil. Remove from heat. Blend in lemon juice and butter. Cool 5 minutes, stirring twice. Pour into pie shell.
Beat egg whites until foamy throughout. Gradually beat in 6 tbsp. sugar substitute and continue beating until mixture will form stiff shiny peaks. Spread over pie filling. Bake at 425 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes until meringue is delicately browned. Cool at least 4 hours before cutting.
You can eat this right out of the pie shell if desired for reduced carb.
1 pkg. Jello s.f. Lemon Flavor Pudding and Pie Filling
2/3 cup sugar substitute (Splenda Granular)
2 ¼ c water
3 egg yolks
2 tbsp. lemon juice
2 tbsp. butter
1 baked 9 inch pie shell, cooled
3 egg whites
6 tbsp. sugar substitute (Splenda Granular)
Combine pie filling mix, 2/3 c. sugar substitute and ¼ c water in saucepan. Blend in egg yolks and remaining water. Cook and stir over med. Heat, until mixture comes to a full bubbling boil. Remove from heat. Blend in lemon juice and butter. Cool 5 minutes, stirring twice. Pour into pie shell.
Beat egg whites until foamy throughout. Gradually beat in 6 tbsp. sugar substitute and continue beating until mixture will form stiff shiny peaks. Spread over pie filling. Bake at 425 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes until meringue is delicately browned. Cool at least 4 hours before cutting.
You can eat this right out of the pie shell if desired for reduced carb.
Pumpkin Pudding Cake
Pumpkin Pudding Cake
2 tsp. granulated sugar
¾ c fresh or canned pumpkin puree, no sugar added
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Pinch salt
3 egg whites
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray an 8 inch spring form pan with nonstick cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with 2 tsp. sugar. In medium saucepan, heat pumpkin, then stir in lemon juice and salt. Remove from heat. In bowl of electric mixer, beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Stir into hot puree until no traces of white remain. Spoon mixture into prepared pan and bake almost 40 minutes or until set and knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Makes 8 servings.
Each serving provides: 18 calories, 1 gr. Protein, .1 g. fat, 3 gr carbs and 90 mg. sodium.
2 tsp. granulated sugar
¾ c fresh or canned pumpkin puree, no sugar added
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Pinch salt
3 egg whites
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray an 8 inch spring form pan with nonstick cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with 2 tsp. sugar. In medium saucepan, heat pumpkin, then stir in lemon juice and salt. Remove from heat. In bowl of electric mixer, beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Stir into hot puree until no traces of white remain. Spoon mixture into prepared pan and bake almost 40 minutes or until set and knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Makes 8 servings.
Each serving provides: 18 calories, 1 gr. Protein, .1 g. fat, 3 gr carbs and 90 mg. sodium.
Peanut Butter - Chocolate Ricotta Creme
Two servings.
1 cup low fat or part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 or 3 packets Splenda
1/2 to 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
1/2 to 1 tablespoon baking cocoa (or 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar-free
chocolate syrup)
Mix as desired, put in 2 serving dishes, chill, and serve. If using
chocolate syrup, you can pour on top instead of mixing in, if desired.
1 cup low fat or part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 or 3 packets Splenda
1/2 to 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
1/2 to 1 tablespoon baking cocoa (or 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar-free
chocolate syrup)
Mix as desired, put in 2 serving dishes, chill, and serve. If using
chocolate syrup, you can pour on top instead of mixing in, if desired.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Gastric Bypass is No Quick Fix
Gastric bypass is no quick fix
By Heather L. Connors
Times Herald-Record
hconnors@th-record.com
Weight-loss surgery is not a magic pill.
That's a point doctors try to drive home to those who are looking
for a surgical fix to their obesity problem.
"It's crucial they change their lifestyle, their eating habits,"
says Dr. Edward Yatco, a clinical instructor at Westchester Medical
Center in Valhalla and a bariatric surgeon at Obesity Surgery
Associates in Hawthorne.
"This is not the easy way out. It's a major surgery that comes
with significant risks and possible complications."
Unfortunately, this message can get lost in the glow of success
stories and miraculous "after" pictures.
In reality, a surgical procedure like gastric bypass (which
retools the digestive system to allow for less calorie absorption) or
the newer Lap-Band (which involves using an adjustable band to limit
the amount of food the stomach can hold) is just the first step in a
process that includes many lifelong adjustments.
And not just concerning food.
Prior to surgery, physicians like Yatco and fellow bariatric
surgeon Dr. Dominick Artuso make sure – via seminars, nutritional
counseling, one-on-one meetings and psychiatric evaluations – that
their patients are prepared to handle all aspects of life post-
surgery. Teens, which Artuso has been seeing a little more lately,
will go to counseling for six months to ensure they understand what
bariatric surgery means in the long term.
Social events, which are often centered around food, might become
a bit awkward.
For gastric bypass patients, a lack of vitamin and mineral
absorption might result in temporary hair loss.
Taking comfort in food will no longer be an option.
"Emotional eaters have to find other ways to deal with stress,"
Yatco notes.
And that's where another part of the weight-loss schematic can
play a key role.
Support groups – many of which are offered through a bariatric
surgeon – are really important, both doctors say. At these meetings,
issues are addressed that go way beyond the loss of food as a friend.
"These people can experience stress in their personal
relationships" as a result of the weight loss, Yatco says. "The
patient's spouse may feel threatened by their newfound confidence. A
spouse might also be jealous that the patient is now getting more
attention from the opposite sex."
He's even had patients tell him that they've had friendships end
because they were no longer the "fat friend," and thinner friends
were resentful of having to share the limelight.
"All these other issues that popped up – we didn't predict them
when we first started doing this," Yatco says. "Now they're becoming
more and more prevalent in patients."
In the end, most patients adjust and are happy to watch the pounds
melt off. And many of them are sorry for only one thing, Yatco says.
"Their only regret is that they didn't do it sooner."
http://www.recordonline.com/archive/2005/10/12/cover12.htm
This information while educational, is not meant to replace the advice
of a health care provider.
Also as in all weight loss programs, "results not typical"
By Heather L. Connors
Times Herald-Record
hconnors@th-record.com
Weight-loss surgery is not a magic pill.
That's a point doctors try to drive home to those who are looking
for a surgical fix to their obesity problem.
"It's crucial they change their lifestyle, their eating habits,"
says Dr. Edward Yatco, a clinical instructor at Westchester Medical
Center in Valhalla and a bariatric surgeon at Obesity Surgery
Associates in Hawthorne.
"This is not the easy way out. It's a major surgery that comes
with significant risks and possible complications."
Unfortunately, this message can get lost in the glow of success
stories and miraculous "after" pictures.
In reality, a surgical procedure like gastric bypass (which
retools the digestive system to allow for less calorie absorption) or
the newer Lap-Band (which involves using an adjustable band to limit
the amount of food the stomach can hold) is just the first step in a
process that includes many lifelong adjustments.
And not just concerning food.
Prior to surgery, physicians like Yatco and fellow bariatric
surgeon Dr. Dominick Artuso make sure – via seminars, nutritional
counseling, one-on-one meetings and psychiatric evaluations – that
their patients are prepared to handle all aspects of life post-
surgery. Teens, which Artuso has been seeing a little more lately,
will go to counseling for six months to ensure they understand what
bariatric surgery means in the long term.
Social events, which are often centered around food, might become
a bit awkward.
For gastric bypass patients, a lack of vitamin and mineral
absorption might result in temporary hair loss.
Taking comfort in food will no longer be an option.
"Emotional eaters have to find other ways to deal with stress,"
Yatco notes.
And that's where another part of the weight-loss schematic can
play a key role.
Support groups – many of which are offered through a bariatric
surgeon – are really important, both doctors say. At these meetings,
issues are addressed that go way beyond the loss of food as a friend.
"These people can experience stress in their personal
relationships" as a result of the weight loss, Yatco says. "The
patient's spouse may feel threatened by their newfound confidence. A
spouse might also be jealous that the patient is now getting more
attention from the opposite sex."
He's even had patients tell him that they've had friendships end
because they were no longer the "fat friend," and thinner friends
were resentful of having to share the limelight.
"All these other issues that popped up – we didn't predict them
when we first started doing this," Yatco says. "Now they're becoming
more and more prevalent in patients."
In the end, most patients adjust and are happy to watch the pounds
melt off. And many of them are sorry for only one thing, Yatco says.
"Their only regret is that they didn't do it sooner."
http://www.recordonline.com/archive/2005/10/12/cover12.htm
This information while educational, is not meant to replace the advice
of a health care provider.
Also as in all weight loss programs, "results not typical"
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Thursday Thirteen
 |
1. Get the kids ready for school & make lunches 2. Pick up my friend and her 2 boys 3. Drive everyone to the bus stop (5 minute drive) 4. Drop my little guy off at preschool 5. Clean the house 6. Prepare for my Brownie meeting 7. Pick up the little one from preschool 8. Pick up the older 2 from the bus stop 9. Hold my Brownie meeting (18 girls ages 6-8) 10. Make dinner for my family 11. Homework with the older 2 12. Get everyone ready for bed 13. RELAX! |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Update
Since my last post I have lost another 6 # and I'm down to 135 and a size 8. It's still coming off, but slowing down now. I am 9 months post op and the "honeymoon" is just about over for me. I have to start being more diligent about what I am eating.
Right now I am having a tough time with all the Halloween candy in the house. I find myself grabbing a piece here and there. Some of it makes me sick, but there are kinds I eat with no ill side effects.
I had also slacked on my vitamins, but just started taking all them again. My problem is that it is ALOT of pills to take throughout the day. I will be going to have my blood work done again soon.
Right now I am having a tough time with all the Halloween candy in the house. I find myself grabbing a piece here and there. Some of it makes me sick, but there are kinds I eat with no ill side effects.
I had also slacked on my vitamins, but just started taking all them again. My problem is that it is ALOT of pills to take throughout the day. I will be going to have my blood work done again soon.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Time Flies!
Wow, ever since the kids started back at school the days are just flying by. I just realized it's been a long time since I've updated my blog.
So here goes my update...
I am down to 141 lbs, for a total lost of 76 lbs so far! WOOHOO! I'm wearing a size 10 and medium clothes. I'm feeling great.
I recently started taking iron supplements and upped my b12 to 5000 mcg a day. I'll have to wait until my next labs to see if my numbers are going back up. I'm feeling better though.
So here goes my update...
I am down to 141 lbs, for a total lost of 76 lbs so far! WOOHOO! I'm wearing a size 10 and medium clothes. I'm feeling great.
I recently started taking iron supplements and upped my b12 to 5000 mcg a day. I'll have to wait until my next labs to see if my numbers are going back up. I'm feeling better though.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Another week
Tuesday I went for a job interview as a waitress at a local restraunt. I have a friend who works there and she said that the manager said they are going to hire me so I'm waiting anxiously for the phone call.
Yesterday was very stressful. Our electric was shut off since I couldn't pay it. I had to call my mom and ask for help, which I really really hate doing. But with 3 small kids in the house I didn't have much choice.
As of this past Monday I'm down to 152. I'm feeling more and more like my old self. The me I was before I gained all the weight.
Yesterday was very stressful. Our electric was shut off since I couldn't pay it. I had to call my mom and ask for help, which I really really hate doing. But with 3 small kids in the house I didn't have much choice.
As of this past Monday I'm down to 152. I'm feeling more and more like my old self. The me I was before I gained all the weight.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Down another 2#
As of this past Monday I'm down to 153. WooHoo!!! It's been a long time since I've seen that number on a scale.
I've been pretty stressed out about money lately. I'm hoping to get a job waitressing at our local Perkins. I put in my application and I'm just waiting for a call. It wouldn't hurt my weight loss efforts either to be walking around for several hours while working.
Tonight my daughter is having a sleepover. It's 10pm and they are still awake. I'm hoping they pass out soon. I'm pretty tired myself and would like to go to bed soon.
This Sunday we're having a BBQ here with some of the girls from my Brownie troop. Should be fun.
I've been pretty stressed out about money lately. I'm hoping to get a job waitressing at our local Perkins. I put in my application and I'm just waiting for a call. It wouldn't hurt my weight loss efforts either to be walking around for several hours while working.
Tonight my daughter is having a sleepover. It's 10pm and they are still awake. I'm hoping they pass out soon. I'm pretty tired myself and would like to go to bed soon.
This Sunday we're having a BBQ here with some of the girls from my Brownie troop. Should be fun.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Long Overdue Update
I've been very neglectful of my blog lately. I've been so busy with the house and kids that I just haven't even thought to take a minute and sit and write here.
The kids are out on summer vacation right now. They go back to school on Aug. 25. We've spent some time at the pool (going again today). This past week the older 2 went camping with my in-laws. It was quiet and peaceful here last week. Now already this morning all hell has broken loose.
I've been doing pretty good with my food, protein and vitamins. I've been eating mostly high protein and getting at least 1 protein drink a day. Some days I manage to get in the 2 that I'm supposed to have. I use a powdered multi-vit that I mix in my protein drink. I also take calcium citrate, vit d3, vit b12, and a hair skin and nail formula.
As of this morning I'm down to 155 (62# loss). I'm feeling great.
The kids are out on summer vacation right now. They go back to school on Aug. 25. We've spent some time at the pool (going again today). This past week the older 2 went camping with my in-laws. It was quiet and peaceful here last week. Now already this morning all hell has broken loose.
I've been doing pretty good with my food, protein and vitamins. I've been eating mostly high protein and getting at least 1 protein drink a day. Some days I manage to get in the 2 that I'm supposed to have. I use a powdered multi-vit that I mix in my protein drink. I also take calcium citrate, vit d3, vit b12, and a hair skin and nail formula.
As of this morning I'm down to 155 (62# loss). I'm feeling great.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
50 lbs GONE!
WOOHOO!!!! I am down 50 lbs so far :-)
I am also down to a size 12 from a tight 18. I am just thrilled!
I am also down to a size 12 from a tight 18. I am just thrilled!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
another monday
The weekends go by too quickly. It's already Monday again. {sigh} I'm down another 2# this week, YAY!
I've been pretty lazy the past few days and really need to get my butt going and start exercising. I know the weight would come off even faster then; not to mention it would help tone things. I'm getting kinda bored eating the same foods over and over. Right now I mostly eat chicken, chili made with ground beef and beans, refried beans, cheeses. The past few days I've been having tons of popcicles since it's been so hot out. I have to be better at drinking more water too.
One other good thing...the ferocious beast is about 95% potty trained. Now he's only wearing pull-ups at bedtime. He's doing really well too (knock on wood!) and hasn't had an accident if a few days.
That's about it for now...
I've been pretty lazy the past few days and really need to get my butt going and start exercising. I know the weight would come off even faster then; not to mention it would help tone things. I'm getting kinda bored eating the same foods over and over. Right now I mostly eat chicken, chili made with ground beef and beans, refried beans, cheeses. The past few days I've been having tons of popcicles since it's been so hot out. I have to be better at drinking more water too.
One other good thing...the ferocious beast is about 95% potty trained. Now he's only wearing pull-ups at bedtime. He's doing really well too (knock on wood!) and hasn't had an accident if a few days.
That's about it for now...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Rough week
I have been so busy that I barely have time to think, much less write. May is nuts around here. We have The Girl's usual dance, gymnastics and Brownies and then baseball starts. The older 2 both do baseball and between practices and games it takes up alot of our time.
Yesterday was my oldest's class trip. I went with the class to a nearby small zoo. It was chilly out and there were rain showers on and off but the kids had lots of fun.
Yesterday the scale was up 1 lb but I think that's just because I'm PMSing. So I'm hoping for a nice loss next week. I'm down to a size 12/14 clothes which makes me very happy.
Here are some pics from yesterday's trip:
Yesterday was my oldest's class trip. I went with the class to a nearby small zoo. It was chilly out and there were rain showers on and off but the kids had lots of fun.
Yesterday the scale was up 1 lb but I think that's just because I'm PMSing. So I'm hoping for a nice loss next week. I'm down to a size 12/14 clothes which makes me very happy.
Here are some pics from yesterday's trip:
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Feeling better now
I decided I'd had it with the car. Between all the problems and the 3 kids all together in the back seat fighting constantly I couldn't take it anymore. Yesterday I went to the local dealer and traded it in. I got a 2007 Dodge Caravan. I feel so much better now!
As of yesterday morning I'm down a total of 38 pounds since surgery!
As of yesterday morning I'm down a total of 38 pounds since surgery!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Frustrated
I am so frustrated and tired of feeling defeated. I went to get my car (that I bought only 1 month ago) inspected last week and it failed. It needs 4 new tires and because I live in PA and bought the car in NY the dealer doesn't have to fix it. So hubby and I went yesterday to see if we could at least get used tires so it wouldn't cost $400 or $500, and my tires are an odd size an no one has them used. While we were out driving yesterday the car started overheating and we discover that the antifreeze is leaking in 2 places. I'm so done with this car. Now we're looking to trade it in and get a new car at a local dealer which we really didn't want to do because we really don't want 2 car loans. But it looks like I have no other choice.
And just to add to my lovely week we got lots of rain the other day and the skylight in my bathroom is leaking really bad. DH has fixed this twice before but it doesn't hold. So I had to call a contractor to come look at it today and he will be calling us back with an estimate to fix it. I'm not sure where all this money is coming from...hopefully some starts falling from the sky soon. I can't take much more of this.
The good news is I didn't turn to junk food when I was feeling down this week. That's a major improvement for me.
And just to add to my lovely week we got lots of rain the other day and the skylight in my bathroom is leaking really bad. DH has fixed this twice before but it doesn't hold. So I had to call a contractor to come look at it today and he will be calling us back with an estimate to fix it. I'm not sure where all this money is coming from...hopefully some starts falling from the sky soon. I can't take much more of this.
The good news is I didn't turn to junk food when I was feeling down this week. That's a major improvement for me.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Day from HELL!
First thing this morning I went to throw out yesterday's junk mail and noticed a letter tucked inside a flyer that I had missed. I open it up and it is for my hubby telling him if he does not pay the fine (for a ticket I didn't even know he had gotten) within the next few days he license would be suspended. Great, more money we don't have. So I call him up and tell him. I've already got a pounding headache from sinus congestion and my ear is filled with fluid and making me dizzy. But I take Christopher to school anyway. While he is there I decide to have the car I bought a month ago inspected. I haven't had the time or money to do this yet. I had a little money left from babysitting so I use that. Well guess what...the car, that I've had for a whole month, does not pass inspection. It needs 4 tires and the fog light and plate light fixed. Even more money...wonderful. Hubby is busting his ass working overtime so we can catch up on our bills and it just seems so pointless. Every time I think we may have a chance more shit comes up. And just to top it off (it's only 2:30 in the afternoon) The Ferocious Beast (aka Christopher) decided to take a poop in his pullup then go into the bathroom to change himself. I'll spare you the gory details but I will say he (and my walls) needed to be "hosed" off. I'm almost afraid to ask..."what next?"
Thursday, April 24, 2008
This week went FAST!
What a crazy, busy week. We had t-ball practice monday, baseball practice tuesday and dance and a baseball game wednesday. Tonight is Brownies. Monday and Tuesday I also had one of my Brownie girls here for the night that I will now be babysitting a few days a week.
I've been eating a little more than before. I've been having Uncle Sam's cereal for breakfast. It is high protein and less than 1 gram of sugar, tastes pretty good too. This coming Sunday we are going to my aunt and uncle's 50th anniversary party. We'll see how I do at the restaurant.
Time to get the kids ready for school.
I've been eating a little more than before. I've been having Uncle Sam's cereal for breakfast. It is high protein and less than 1 gram of sugar, tastes pretty good too. This coming Sunday we are going to my aunt and uncle's 50th anniversary party. We'll see how I do at the restaurant.
Time to get the kids ready for school.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
hump day
I'm feeling pretty worn out today. Yesterday I did a bunch of cleaning and today I just don't feel like doing much of anything. I'm hoping all my blood levels (protein, vitamins and iron) are ok. I go for blood work next week and will find out then. I'm upset too because Monday we woke up to the alarm on our septic going off. We have to replace the pump, but can't do anything about it until hubby gets paid friday. And he's been gone working overtime since Monday afternoon so I'm paranoid something is going to happen with the septic before he gets back. I'm off to get the older 2 from the bus, then take The Girl to dance class.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Thursday Thirteen #5
 |
1. Brownie meeting 2. The Girl's tee ball practice 3. The Good One's baseball practice 4. Sew on The Girls's patches that keep falling off her Brownie vest 5. Finish cleaning the house 6. Make dinner 7. Homework with the older 2 kids 8. Put away the t-shirts I took out of the attic earlier 9. Get the kids off the bus 10. Get together the supplies for tonight's Brownie meeting 11. Order more protein drink mix 12. Get off this computer! 13. Go to bed |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Wednesday, April 9, 2008
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Monday, April 7, 2008
Another Monday
I'm down another 2 lbs this week. Total of 28#. I decided to try to do my TaeBo dvd this morning. It's the first attempt at it since the surgery. I got through 30 min of the 45 min dvd then started to feel light headed so I got some water and quit. Will try again tomorrow. I forgot how much TaeBo kicks my ass when I'm not in shape! I definitely need to start doing some crunches. My belly is getting saggy already.
The Ferocious Beast (aka Christopher) went back to school today after a 2 week break. He was really looking forward to seeing his teachers and the other kids. He came home tired but is refusing to take a nap, so I'm sure by the time we are done with The Girl's t-ball practice he will be a total beast.
The Ferocious Beast (aka Christopher) went back to school today after a 2 week break. He was really looking forward to seeing his teachers and the other kids. He came home tired but is refusing to take a nap, so I'm sure by the time we are done with The Girl's t-ball practice he will be a total beast.
Friday, April 4, 2008
TGIF!
It has been a long and busy week. But what else is new. A lot of running around with the kids. One day I went into my 8 yo class to help out. Today we had an ice cream social with our Brownie troop and another. The girls had tons of fun. I didn't even feel like I was missing anything not having ice cream. And anyone who knows me knows that before surgery ice cream was *my thing*! I could eat a pint a night if I really let myself. I didn't even want it today. I've actually been having a hard time remembering to eat. I'm not really hungry much anymore. I have to keep reminding myself to get food. I even made up a schedule and posted it on the fridge with meal times and when to take my vitamins and meds.
Tomorrow my oldest starts baseball practice, then Monday my 6 yo starts her t-ball practice. And they'll be even more running around to do! I was asked to be team mom for my 8 year olds team so I said I would. Just one more thing to do! Tonight my daughter has a friend here that will be sleeping over. So, I'm sure we'll be up late. I hope I get some sleep tonight!
Tomorrow my oldest starts baseball practice, then Monday my 6 yo starts her t-ball practice. And they'll be even more running around to do! I was asked to be team mom for my 8 year olds team so I said I would. Just one more thing to do! Tonight my daughter has a friend here that will be sleeping over. So, I'm sure we'll be up late. I hope I get some sleep tonight!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Long weekend
It's been a busy last few days. Thursday and Friday my 8 yo was home sick from school. My 3 yo was off from school all last week and this week.
Then Sat and Sun I went camping with my Girl Scouts. We had 6 girls (6 & 7) myself and my coleader. We had tons of fun. We got there at noon Sat and stayed until noon Sun.
Lots of hiking and we had a campfire and sing-along with another brownie troop. There was also an older girl troop there that was kind enough to teach our brownies a bunch of new songs. Sunday we worked on a try-it and took another hike. The girls went to bed late and were up earlier. So by the time we got home I was beyond tired.
Today is dreary and rainy out so I've got a wicked sinus headache going. Wish I could take a nap.
Here are some pics from where we went camping. It was beautiful.
Then Sat and Sun I went camping with my Girl Scouts. We had 6 girls (6 & 7) myself and my coleader. We had tons of fun. We got there at noon Sat and stayed until noon Sun.
Lots of hiking and we had a campfire and sing-along with another brownie troop. There was also an older girl troop there that was kind enough to teach our brownies a bunch of new songs. Sunday we worked on a try-it and took another hike. The girls went to bed late and were up earlier. So by the time we got home I was beyond tired.
Today is dreary and rainy out so I've got a wicked sinus headache going. Wish I could take a nap.
Here are some pics from where we went camping. It was beautiful.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
When will I learn
I just got home from a meeting not long ago. I thought I was hungry and sitting on the counter was the kids' Easter candy. Without even thinking about what I was doing I grabbed a handful of M&Ms and ate them. Now I feel gassy and nauseous. What the hell was I thinking. I have to stop and think before putting food in my mouth now. I can't just grab a handful of junk anymore. If I do I end up making myself sick. Earlier today I had AWFUL heartburn. I had to stop at a convenience store and buy some Pepcid. It was gone, but now I feel it coming back after the M&Ms.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
On a positive note, I did do Yoga this morning and got in 48oz of water. Working my way to 64 or more.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
On a positive note, I did do Yoga this morning and got in 48oz of water. Working my way to 64 or more.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Exercise
This morning I exercised for the first time since having the surgery. It felt pretty good. And my lil' munchkin was kind enough to watch a movie and let me do it. I did a bellydance dvd that I have. It's fun to do, even though I'm sure I look ridiculous. I also posted a progress pic of me in the sidebar this morning. Going by my scale my weight just before surgery was 213, as of yesterday it was 189...down 24 lbs.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Thursday Thirteen #4
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1. Ireland 2. Italy (I have family there I've never met) 3. Hawaii (any of the islands would be great!) 4. Aruba 5. England (my great-grandfather was from there) 6. Any of the Virgin Islands (can you tell I like WARM places!) 7. Bermuda 8. Alaska just because I've heard it's so beautiful 9. Australia 10. Arizona 11. Greece 12. Switzerland 13. Washington state |
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Busy, busy, busy
I just realized that I've been so busy I haven't had anytime to sit and write here. I had my one month appt with the surgeon today. I'm down 24 lbs since the pre-op class (21 since surgery). He said being tired is normal until my body adjusts. I plan to start exercising tomorrow using dvds I have. Hopefully the kids will allow it! This past weekend we took the kids roller skating so I got some exercise doing that. We had a blast, it's the first time we've taken them. After skating I promised the kids McDonalds. I got a bacon ranch salad. I was able to eat the chicken, but the lettuce caused severe slimies and lots of spitting into the garbage can. Yesterday I went into my daughter's class for their Spring party. My job was to color eggs with the kids, so I came home with multicolored hands. But it was fun.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Major Headache
I woke up this morning with a major headache and it is now the middle of the day and has not gotten any better. I can only take tylenol (no advil, asprin, etc. since the surgery) which does nothing for my headaches. I kept my little guy home from school today because I just could not make the 30 min drive to his school, come back home and do it again to pick him up. The house is a disaster right now. Christopher decided it would be fun to throw toys everywhere, and refuses to pick them up. Right now I just don't have it in me to fight with him to do it, so they are all over the living room and kitchen. I really hope this headache starts getting better soon. I have to take my daughter to gymnastics tonight.
Because the headache is so bad it is making me nauseous which is making it hard for me to drink any water. I've only had a little bit so far today, I've got to work on that.
Because the headache is so bad it is making me nauseous which is making it hard for me to drink any water. I've only had a little bit so far today, I've got to work on that.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Thursday Thirteen # 3
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1. cheese 2. pizza (just a few bites) 3. chicken 4. eggs 5. yogurt 6. cottage cheese 7. deli meats 8. veggies 9. fruit (lower sugar fruits) 10. sugar free pudding 11. sugar free ice pops/italian ices 12. tuna fish 13. dark chocolate (just a few small bites) |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Tired alot of the time
Now that I'm more than a month post op I no longer have any of the pain from surgery and I'm getting along a lot better. I am however tired most of the time. I get bursts of energy but that's about it. It's a little hard on me right now with the 3 young kids to take care of and all our extra activities. But I'm making it through. I'm still working on getting in my water. I'm not up to were I should be yet, but each day I get a little more. I have worked my way up to 2 protein drinks a day which is good. I constantly need to remind myself to eat, which never in my life have I had to do. I am pretty much never hungry and if I don't remind myself I forget to eat. I'm at the point now where I can start adding whatever foods I want back to my diet. I just have to be careful to only try one new food at a time, and chew really well. As of this past Monday I'm down 18 lbs.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
What happened?
This morning started out beautiful and sunny and now it is afternoon and rainy and dreary. Pretty depressing. I'm sitting here trying to get down my second protein drink of the day. I took my medications a little while ago and they feel "stuck" in my esophagus now. I know they're not really, but it's still an awful feeling. It's the one thing I hate since the surgery. Luckily I haven't really come across any thing else negative so far. I'm trying to be good and make sure I get in all my protein and vitamins, but at this point it's still a bit hard. Hopefully the further out I get the easier it will be to get in all my protein. I'm supposed to get 80-90 grams a day.
Here's a cute pic. I took of my little monster this morning:
Here's a cute pic. I took of my little monster this morning:
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Thursday Thirteen # 2
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1. Ben & Jerry's (or any other)ice cream 2. Girl Scout (or any other) cookies 3. Brownies 4. Cake 5. Chips 6. Cheese steaks 7. Milk shakes 8. McDonalds (or any other fast food) 9. Pies 10. Easter candy (which is in all the stores right now...and killing me!) 11. Tasty Cakes, Little Debbie, or any other of the yummy not so good for you treats in the store. 12. Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kremes 13. French fries Can you tell I've got food on my mind this morning! LOL! |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
3 weeks post op
Today is 3 weeks out! I'm down a total of 15 lbs. It's also that time of month for me and I'm crampy, bloated and really bitchy! EVERYTHING is bugging me today. The kids were being crazy this morning, the dog won't stop whining (for no reason) and I'm tired. I just want to curl up and go back to bed. Unfortunately I can't do that. I've got things to do here at home and then running around to do later today.
As far as food goes, I'm still on soft foods. Last night my parents ordered pizza while we were visiting and my mom ordered me chicken parm. since I've been ok with chicken. Well, it was tough chicken and after 2 bites I was in PAIN. It lasted a few minutes and then passed but those few minutes of pain seem to last forever. So I don't think I'll be trying that again anytime soon.
As far as food goes, I'm still on soft foods. Last night my parents ordered pizza while we were visiting and my mom ordered me chicken parm. since I've been ok with chicken. Well, it was tough chicken and after 2 bites I was in PAIN. It lasted a few minutes and then passed but those few minutes of pain seem to last forever. So I don't think I'll be trying that again anytime soon.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
2 Weeks Out
As of yesterday I'm down 13 lbs. WooHoo! I'm feeling pretty good. Sunday I was getting bad pains in my one side whenever I moved, but I think it may have been a trapped gas pocket. By Monday morning it was gone, thank God. It hurt so bad at one point I was in tears.
Yesterday I thought maybe I would try to eat some tuna on half of a weight watcher's pita. Bad idea! One bite and even though I chewed it really well it felt like a rock slid down my throat and was stuck in my stomach. It took awhile for the *stuck* feeling to go away. I won't be trying that again anytime soon.
The kids' school closed today in anticipation of a storm that's supposed to be coming today. The sky does look pretty ominous right now. I'm sure they'll be making me nuts by the end of the day, considering the younger two are already fighting with each other. I can't wait for Spring!
Yesterday I thought maybe I would try to eat some tuna on half of a weight watcher's pita. Bad idea! One bite and even though I chewed it really well it felt like a rock slid down my throat and was stuck in my stomach. It took awhile for the *stuck* feeling to go away. I won't be trying that again anytime soon.
The kids' school closed today in anticipation of a storm that's supposed to be coming today. The sky does look pretty ominous right now. I'm sure they'll be making me nuts by the end of the day, considering the younger two are already fighting with each other. I can't wait for Spring!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
11 Days Post Op
And 11 lbs lost! It would have taken me months to lose 11 lbs before surgery. The pain is only very mild now and on the left side, and the gas pains are pretty much gone. I only get them occasionally after eating or drinking. I saw the surgeon on Thursday and he said everything looks good and to continue with soft foods for now until I go back for my one month visit. Some things I can have are yogurt, sugar free puddings, cheeses, eggs, cream of wheat, oatmeal, tuna with low fat mayo, chicken cooked really moist with gravy and canned fruits and veggies. And of course my protein drinks and sugar free liquids.
I'm feeling pretty good now. I'm feeling more positive than I have in a long time. For a change it finally seems like I can lose this weight and be the old me again.
And a little rant about the cops...
Hubby got 2 tickets in the mail yesterday for our accident. WHAT! One was reckless driving??? And the other improper lane change. This one really has me stumped, the only "lane change" we did was when we where bounced from northbound across the southbound lanes. Please someone tell me how to do that "properly". And what's with the reckless driving, the only cause of the accident was ice on the road. When hubby pointed out where we hit the ice the cop sent the plow guy (who had also pulled over) right over to plow that area. And the next day when we called the police station to find out where the car had been towed they said that unless we knew the exact point of the accident they couldn't tell us, since there were so many accidents on that road that day there were too many to go through to find our paperwork. So please tell me...how is this our fault? I'd really like to know if they gave everyone who had an accident that day a ticket. UGH! We'll be fighting this one.
I'm feeling pretty good now. I'm feeling more positive than I have in a long time. For a change it finally seems like I can lose this weight and be the old me again.
And a little rant about the cops...
Hubby got 2 tickets in the mail yesterday for our accident. WHAT! One was reckless driving??? And the other improper lane change. This one really has me stumped, the only "lane change" we did was when we where bounced from northbound across the southbound lanes. Please someone tell me how to do that "properly". And what's with the reckless driving, the only cause of the accident was ice on the road. When hubby pointed out where we hit the ice the cop sent the plow guy (who had also pulled over) right over to plow that area. And the next day when we called the police station to find out where the car had been towed they said that unless we knew the exact point of the accident they couldn't tell us, since there were so many accidents on that road that day there were too many to go through to find our paperwork. So please tell me...how is this our fault? I'd really like to know if they gave everyone who had an accident that day a ticket. UGH! We'll be fighting this one.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Update on me
Monday was one week post-op. The scale is down 8 lbs! Before surgery it would have taken me at least 2 months to lose 8 lbs.
I'm still having some pain, but nothing too bad. It hurts most when I try to bend down to pick something up. I've also been overdoing it a bit taking care of the kids which is tiring me out.
My plan has been as soon as the surgeon clears me I'm going to join a gym and go while Christopher goes to school in the morning. This is going to be MY time for ME. I told the woman whose baby I watch that this is my plan. She needs someone in the morning to watch the baby so I won't be watching her anymore. I really need to do this for me. Plus the whole point of us putting Christopher in school was so that I would get a bit of a break. That hasn't been happening. It seems I always have running around to do, which leaves hubby with the baby and that's not fair to him since I was the one who agreed to watch her not him. Not that he complains, but still he isn't getting any of his stuff done either. I'm not really the type of person who loves to watch babies/kids anyway. Of course I love my own, even when they make me nuts, but my 3 are enough. I think having the extra baby all the time is getting to be a bit much for me anyway. I don't do well with screaming babies, they make me want to hid in another room and cry! I barely survived my kids' infant hood, not sure what I was thinking agreeing to watch a 2 month old baby.
I'm still having some pain, but nothing too bad. It hurts most when I try to bend down to pick something up. I've also been overdoing it a bit taking care of the kids which is tiring me out.
My plan has been as soon as the surgeon clears me I'm going to join a gym and go while Christopher goes to school in the morning. This is going to be MY time for ME. I told the woman whose baby I watch that this is my plan. She needs someone in the morning to watch the baby so I won't be watching her anymore. I really need to do this for me. Plus the whole point of us putting Christopher in school was so that I would get a bit of a break. That hasn't been happening. It seems I always have running around to do, which leaves hubby with the baby and that's not fair to him since I was the one who agreed to watch her not him. Not that he complains, but still he isn't getting any of his stuff done either. I'm not really the type of person who loves to watch babies/kids anyway. Of course I love my own, even when they make me nuts, but my 3 are enough. I think having the extra baby all the time is getting to be a bit much for me anyway. I don't do well with screaming babies, they make me want to hid in another room and cry! I barely survived my kids' infant hood, not sure what I was thinking agreeing to watch a 2 month old baby.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Recovering
So I'm home now and 5 days post-op. I've had mostly terrible gas pains and some mild pain in my stomach area. This morning I woke up with more severe pain in my left side. The doctors said this was to be expected, so I knew it was coming. It's the area the camera was inserted through the abdominal wall, which is now sutured closed. I have a fairly high tolerance for pain so I'm not taking anything for it, just dealing with it.
This morning I'm having "thin" cream of wheat hot cereal for breakfast. This is my most solid food since last Sunday and it tastes good! I'm starting to feel foggy minded from lack of anything real to eat. Next week I can add a few things to my diet...
cottage cheese, cheese sticks, canned chicken with gravy on it. Anything really soft that I can tolerate. At one month post-op I can start adding more real foods like chicken, non-starchy veggies, some fruits, etc.
Right now I'm thinking a lot about food. I'm hoping it's only because of how long it's been since I've had real food and that as soon as I am able to eat real foods again that I'm not thinking so much about what I can no longer have.
And just to torture me some more, I've been surrounded by Girl Scout cookies all week. I started with close to a thousand boxes in my house (my whole Brownie troop's order) and am down to just a few hundred finally.
This morning I'm having "thin" cream of wheat hot cereal for breakfast. This is my most solid food since last Sunday and it tastes good! I'm starting to feel foggy minded from lack of anything real to eat. Next week I can add a few things to my diet...
cottage cheese, cheese sticks, canned chicken with gravy on it. Anything really soft that I can tolerate. At one month post-op I can start adding more real foods like chicken, non-starchy veggies, some fruits, etc.
Right now I'm thinking a lot about food. I'm hoping it's only because of how long it's been since I've had real food and that as soon as I am able to eat real foods again that I'm not thinking so much about what I can no longer have.
And just to torture me some more, I've been surrounded by Girl Scout cookies all week. I started with close to a thousand boxes in my house (my whole Brownie troop's order) and am down to just a few hundred finally.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Home from the hospital - UPDATE!
I'm back home after surgery. I'm happy to say the surgery itself and the hospital stay after were uneventful. Just the normal recovery pain, though I did get up and walk alot. Lots of gas pain, but I tend to get this anytime I have surgery so it was expected.
Now the eventful part...
I was discharged Wednesday and the weather here was pretty bad. Lots of rain, flooding and icy/slushy spots on the road. Well I live about an hour from the hospital and halfway home we hit an ice spot and got into a pretty bad accident. When we hit the ice patch hubby tried to get control of the minivan but there was a water tanker next to us that we ended up hitting. This spun us around, then the back of our van hit the tanker's tire which catapulted us across the snowy median and across 2 lanes southbound then into the guard rail where we finally stopped several feet from the road. All 3 kids were in the car and thank God no one was hurt. All the windows in the back of the car broke out, the passenger side is all banged up and neither of the sliding doors would open. It could have been alot worse, we could easily have flipped where the median was or there could have been oncoming traffic southbound. So someone was definitely watching out for us.
Two guys who saw the accident stopped and called 911, the cops were there within minutes, and the ambulance came fast too. The paramedics checked us all out, then took me back to the hospital just to be sure everything from the surgery was ok. The PA in the ER was going to do a CT scan but the surgeon came in and told her not to, then he admitted me for overnight observation even though everything looked ok. They did a urine sample to check for blood and check my H&H all night long to make sure I didn't have any internal bleeding. Hubby ended up having to take the kids to a hotel near the hospital for the night and in the morning my dad's girlfriend came to get us and bring us home.
I'm still sore from surgery but considering what could have been I'm not complaining. Right now I'm still sipping water, tea, broth, and having jello and sugar free italian ices. Right now I just started a no sugar added applesauce. So far so good.
Hubby has been great in taking care of the kids and house for me.
So that's my unexpected adventure.
Now the eventful part...
I was discharged Wednesday and the weather here was pretty bad. Lots of rain, flooding and icy/slushy spots on the road. Well I live about an hour from the hospital and halfway home we hit an ice spot and got into a pretty bad accident. When we hit the ice patch hubby tried to get control of the minivan but there was a water tanker next to us that we ended up hitting. This spun us around, then the back of our van hit the tanker's tire which catapulted us across the snowy median and across 2 lanes southbound then into the guard rail where we finally stopped several feet from the road. All 3 kids were in the car and thank God no one was hurt. All the windows in the back of the car broke out, the passenger side is all banged up and neither of the sliding doors would open. It could have been alot worse, we could easily have flipped where the median was or there could have been oncoming traffic southbound. So someone was definitely watching out for us.
Two guys who saw the accident stopped and called 911, the cops were there within minutes, and the ambulance came fast too. The paramedics checked us all out, then took me back to the hospital just to be sure everything from the surgery was ok. The PA in the ER was going to do a CT scan but the surgeon came in and told her not to, then he admitted me for overnight observation even though everything looked ok. They did a urine sample to check for blood and check my H&H all night long to make sure I didn't have any internal bleeding. Hubby ended up having to take the kids to a hotel near the hospital for the night and in the morning my dad's girlfriend came to get us and bring us home.
I'm still sore from surgery but considering what could have been I'm not complaining. Right now I'm still sipping water, tea, broth, and having jello and sugar free italian ices. Right now I just started a no sugar added applesauce. So far so good.
Hubby has been great in taking care of the kids and house for me.
So that's my unexpected adventure.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
It's prep. day
Tomorrow is the big day. Wish me luck and a speedy recovery! Any and all prayers are also welcomed and appreciated!
So...today is prep day. This is stomach surgery after all so I do need to be "cleaned out". I'll just leave it at that and allow you to imagine how my day is going.
And clear liquids only today. Right now I'm just feeling pretty tired, think maybe I'll try to take a nap in a bit. The kids stayed at my MIL's house last night and DH is over there picking them up now so it's really quiet here...except for the fiercely howling wind outside.
We didn't make it to the party last night, we got hit with more snow right at the time we would have been driving. It normally would have been an hour and a half drive (including 25 miles on I80) but I'm sure with the snow it would have been at least 2 hrs to get there. I actually had to try to explain how it logically did not make sense for us to go to hubby. Though in the end he finally did agree that it probably wasn't the best idea to drive that far in a snow storm, especially just to go to the party for someone he only works with and I don't even know.
Tomorrow I'll be leaving my house at 6am to get to the hospital by 7. I'll be back home sometime on Wednesday and will post an update on how it went when I'm feeling up to it. Right now I'm cold so I'm going to go make a mug of hot chicken broth to warm me up...yum!
*See* you on the other side of surgery!
So...today is prep day. This is stomach surgery after all so I do need to be "cleaned out". I'll just leave it at that and allow you to imagine how my day is going.
And clear liquids only today. Right now I'm just feeling pretty tired, think maybe I'll try to take a nap in a bit. The kids stayed at my MIL's house last night and DH is over there picking them up now so it's really quiet here...except for the fiercely howling wind outside.
We didn't make it to the party last night, we got hit with more snow right at the time we would have been driving. It normally would have been an hour and a half drive (including 25 miles on I80) but I'm sure with the snow it would have been at least 2 hrs to get there. I actually had to try to explain how it logically did not make sense for us to go to hubby. Though in the end he finally did agree that it probably wasn't the best idea to drive that far in a snow storm, especially just to go to the party for someone he only works with and I don't even know.
Tomorrow I'll be leaving my house at 6am to get to the hospital by 7. I'll be back home sometime on Wednesday and will post an update on how it went when I'm feeling up to it. Right now I'm cold so I'm going to go make a mug of hot chicken broth to warm me up...yum!
*See* you on the other side of surgery!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Didn't do much today
Kyleigh was home from school sick today with a fever and a cough. Which didn't stop her from bugging me all day! I had to keep telling her to go back in the room and lay down.
Other than that I just watched the baby that I babysit for and took care of my "ferocious beast". He is only 3 but very stubborn and persistent. He actually tries to stare down hubby, which is not a good thing. I just wish I knew a productive way to deal with him. Time outs don't work and I usually just end up more frustrated. So if anyone has tips for dealing with an overly aggressive, and destructive 3 year old I'd love to hear them!
Tomorrow will be my busy, running around day. Only 3 days til surgery! I had my last piece of pizza (for a very long time) and washed it down with my last soda tonight.
Other than that I just watched the baby that I babysit for and took care of my "ferocious beast". He is only 3 but very stubborn and persistent. He actually tries to stare down hubby, which is not a good thing. I just wish I knew a productive way to deal with him. Time outs don't work and I usually just end up more frustrated. So if anyone has tips for dealing with an overly aggressive, and destructive 3 year old I'd love to hear them!
Tomorrow will be my busy, running around day. Only 3 days til surgery! I had my last piece of pizza (for a very long time) and washed it down with my last soda tonight.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
High Anxiety
The closer it gets to Monday the higher my anxiety level is getting. Everything is making me twitchy and irritable right now. I feel like I'm going to freak out at any moment. And I swear the kids can sense this (especially "the ferocious beast" aka: Christopher) and feed off it to see exactly how far they can push mommy before I really do go insane. *ummmmm* (Can anyone say "mommy needs yoga time!")
And my husband chooses this Sat of all nights to decide that we need to go out. He wants to go to a 50th birthday party for some guy at work. Not even one I've ever heard him talk about before. So he goes and arranges for his parents to take the kids sat overnight. Great, but they are an hour and a half away. So we have to go drop off the kids there in NY, go to the party in NJ from 6-11pm then come home to PA. Then Sunday go back to NY to get the kids. Not really what I want to be doing this weekend. He says "but we never go anywhere". Well, do you think maybe you could've asked your parents to take the kids some other weekend, um...I don't know...any other weekend up til now??? Then we could have had a *date night*. Men!
And my husband chooses this Sat of all nights to decide that we need to go out. He wants to go to a 50th birthday party for some guy at work. Not even one I've ever heard him talk about before. So he goes and arranges for his parents to take the kids sat overnight. Great, but they are an hour and a half away. So we have to go drop off the kids there in NY, go to the party in NJ from 6-11pm then come home to PA. Then Sunday go back to NY to get the kids. Not really what I want to be doing this weekend. He says "but we never go anywhere". Well, do you think maybe you could've asked your parents to take the kids some other weekend, um...I don't know...any other weekend up til now??? Then we could have had a *date night*. Men!
Thursday Thirteen #1
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1. I have a wonderful hubby, and 3 great kids. 2. We have 2 dogs, 4 cats a bunny and 2 geckos 3. I grew up in NY and now live in PA 4. My favorite color is green 5. I'm addicted to all the Law & Order and CSI shows. 6. I babysit a friend's baby girl...who is screaming her head off for no apparent reason right now. 7. I am a Girl Scout leader & Sunday school teacher 8. I never finished college after I got pregnant with my oldest child. 9. I love taking pictures of my kids, animals and anything in nature. 10. I'm not a very patient person 11. I LOVE tigers 12. I HATE doing laundry & washing dishes 13. I have 1 sister |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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Wednesday, February 6, 2008
I snapped!
Yesterday we had to do our taxes, which we went to an H&R Block set up at Wal-Mart to do. Well I was there I figured I pick up a few things we needed since we were almost out of the kids snacks, milk, bread, etc. Well there I ran into my friend who had the surgery last summer. I told her mine is on Monday and she was telling me to be prepared to feel crappy for the first two weeks. After that I'd start feeling better. Ok, no problem. I knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park.
Then I get to the grocery section and start realizing in just a few days I won't be able to have some of my favorite goodies anymore. Next thing I know I've got cookies, chips and ice cream in my cart. Up til now I've been pretty good at cutting out the junk in preparation for surgery and after.
At the checkout I got a king size Snicker bar, and for lunch and then again last night ate a bunch of chocolate chip cookies. The good news is hubby and my littlest helped me eat them so there's not much left to get into today. I'm not too big on chips so there not calling my name, at the time I grabbed them I think I wanted them just because I knew I wasn't going to be having them again anytime soon. The ice cream now is a different story. More likely than not that pint of Ben & Jerry's (my biggest addiction) will be gone by the time I go to bed tonight. But I have no plans to go back to any stores between now and Monday so I will not be getting anymore junk.
I did get all of my after surgery stuff already so I'm all set with that.
Then I get to the grocery section and start realizing in just a few days I won't be able to have some of my favorite goodies anymore. Next thing I know I've got cookies, chips and ice cream in my cart. Up til now I've been pretty good at cutting out the junk in preparation for surgery and after.
At the checkout I got a king size Snicker bar, and for lunch and then again last night ate a bunch of chocolate chip cookies. The good news is hubby and my littlest helped me eat them so there's not much left to get into today. I'm not too big on chips so there not calling my name, at the time I grabbed them I think I wanted them just because I knew I wasn't going to be having them again anytime soon. The ice cream now is a different story. More likely than not that pint of Ben & Jerry's (my biggest addiction) will be gone by the time I go to bed tonight. But I have no plans to go back to any stores between now and Monday so I will not be getting anymore junk.
I did get all of my after surgery stuff already so I'm all set with that.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
It's really real!
Yesterday I went down to the hospital for my pre-admission testing. While I was sitting there with the nurse it hit me, this is really happening. Up until now I've been excited but pretty much just going through the motions of what needed to be done in order to be approved for the surgery. Well now that I've been approved and it's less than a week away it's really hitting me. I'm excited but also anxious. It's going to be a huge change in my life afterward. I worry if I'll be able to make the changes needed in order to stay healthy during the weight loss period and afterward. And also once I get to goal if I'll be strong enough to stay there. I feel fairly confident that I can, but there is still that apprehension in the back of my mind that comes with any new experience. I've got plans set and have been filling the house with after surgery "foods" (more like liquids) and getting protein drinks. And after the doctor okays me I plan on joining a local gym. So I do have plans, as long as I stick to them all should go fairly smoothly!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Not as bad as I thought....
So yesterday (Sat) we took my Brownie troop ice skating. Only 4 out of 10 girls came and the moms (and one dad). We had tons of fun and for most of the girls it was their first time. They all did terrific. It was my 3rd time ever in my life on the ice. Once when I was 12, once last year with hubby and the older 2 kids and yesterday.
Now I'm probably about 30 lbs heavier than last year so I figured I be dying on the ice and that today I'd be sore as anything. Well it turns out that I'm not sore at all from skating and I being on the ice wasn't too bad.
I am sore, however, from the lovely spill I took. Now picture my big ole' butt heading toward where my daughter and 2 other girls are. One girl slid into where my daughter and another were standing holding hands. I go to reach out to keep them from falling and *bam* take a nasty fall myself. All you heard was *whack* as I fell onto my well padded bottom (still hurt even with all the padding!). What hurt worse was the fact that as I fell I put my elbow down and it drove right into the ice. My arm went totally numb and my fingers started tingling. Now up to this point I'd been doing great. We had a total of 1 hr 45 min to be on the ice. Wouldn't you know it, this happened 1 hr and 40 min after we got there. That's my life! So now the feeling starts coming back, and I'm wishing for numbness again. It is hurting like hell. At this point it's time to get the girls out of their skates and head home. As we're driving the hour and a half back I'm contemplating going to urgent care, but decide against it. I figure I'll go today if I wake up still in pain.
Well, I wake up this morning not thinking of my arm and as I go to roll out of bed lean right on that elbow...*wham* I see stars. The good news is that it seems to just be that I badly bruised it and as long as I don't touch it or lean on it I'm ok. My ego on the other hand....well, you can imagine :-)
Now I'm probably about 30 lbs heavier than last year so I figured I be dying on the ice and that today I'd be sore as anything. Well it turns out that I'm not sore at all from skating and I being on the ice wasn't too bad.
I am sore, however, from the lovely spill I took. Now picture my big ole' butt heading toward where my daughter and 2 other girls are. One girl slid into where my daughter and another were standing holding hands. I go to reach out to keep them from falling and *bam* take a nasty fall myself. All you heard was *whack* as I fell onto my well padded bottom (still hurt even with all the padding!). What hurt worse was the fact that as I fell I put my elbow down and it drove right into the ice. My arm went totally numb and my fingers started tingling. Now up to this point I'd been doing great. We had a total of 1 hr 45 min to be on the ice. Wouldn't you know it, this happened 1 hr and 40 min after we got there. That's my life! So now the feeling starts coming back, and I'm wishing for numbness again. It is hurting like hell. At this point it's time to get the girls out of their skates and head home. As we're driving the hour and a half back I'm contemplating going to urgent care, but decide against it. I figure I'll go today if I wake up still in pain.
Well, I wake up this morning not thinking of my arm and as I go to roll out of bed lean right on that elbow...*wham* I see stars. The good news is that it seems to just be that I badly bruised it and as long as I don't touch it or lean on it I'm ok. My ego on the other hand....well, you can imagine :-)
Friday, February 1, 2008
Getting Here
Well, it's been a journey already just to get to this point. Obviously I didn't just wake up one morning and decide surgery would be a great thing to do to lose weight.
I've been overweight since my early teens. I've done just about every diet there is. Some have worked, some haven't. The most successful for me was always Weight Watchers. However, I've always gained whatever weight I've lost back, and more. I gained, and lost with each of my 3 pregnancies. After my last child was born I was able to lose some, but not much. Over the past 3 years I've managed to gain it all back. I am now as heavy as I was the day my youngest was born. This is my highest weight. 219#'s. It hurts me just to write that number. I can't believe I've let it get to this. All of my recent (past year) attempts at weight loss have failed. I've spoken with my doctor and she thinks that because I've yo-yo dieted so much in my life my body no longer is cooperating with my weight loss attempts. After speaking with a friend of mine, who had RNY last year, who is doing so well with it I decided to look into it more. I had been considering LapBand but now also started thinking about RNY. So I took the first step and called the surgeon's office and made an appt to attend their seminar. My friend was kind enough to come with me to the seminar for support, which was truly great. I learned alot about both LapBand and RNY and that night made my decision to go with RNY.
Ok, so I've made my decision...now what?
Well, it's not so simple. There is a whole process required to get to where I am now. I went and saw their nutritionist for a whole discussion on what to expect after surgery, how I eat now, things that will change after surgery and the vitamins and protein supplements I'll need to take the rest of my life. Next up, the psychological appt. I spoke with the psychologist and had to complete a lovely 300+ questionaire that assesses if I'm "sane" enough to make the decision to have this procedure. Ok, done. Lab work...lots of it. Done. Letter from my primary doctor. Done.
OK great, I'm feeling really good about this now. Wham! The surgeon's office calls and says my insurance changed their policy and now I have to prove 6 consecutive months of medically supervised weight loss attempt. Ok, now I'm a little worried. I know I've seen my primary doctor on a regular basis but can't remember if there are 6 consecutive months of visits. So after a few days of phone tag with them I get the good new that there are and they type up a paper for the insurance. Wonderful!
Now it's wait and see if I get approved. This feels like forever, when in reality it's only a week and a half. Then one glorious day the insurance lady at the office calls and says I've been approved! Yay!!!
So up next...I do a 3 hr pre-op class at the office with other patients scheduled for surgery. They mostly go over information already given and some new stuff. And they make sure you have no questions and know exactly what to expect during and after surgery. They also make sure all paperwork is in place for the hospital. Done. Great!
Now on this coming Monday, the 4th, I go to the hospital for pre-admission testing and finally on the 11th will be my surgery!!! WooHoo!!!
Can you tell I'm excited? I'm also getting nervous as the date gets closer. I'm not scared about the surgery, but more worried about if I'm going to be strong enough to do all that is required in the beginning after surgery. I think I will, but it is still a huge change in my life so of course I'm a bit apprehensive about it.
So that's my story so far. Check back for updates as my journey progesses. It has only just begun.
I've been overweight since my early teens. I've done just about every diet there is. Some have worked, some haven't. The most successful for me was always Weight Watchers. However, I've always gained whatever weight I've lost back, and more. I gained, and lost with each of my 3 pregnancies. After my last child was born I was able to lose some, but not much. Over the past 3 years I've managed to gain it all back. I am now as heavy as I was the day my youngest was born. This is my highest weight. 219#'s. It hurts me just to write that number. I can't believe I've let it get to this. All of my recent (past year) attempts at weight loss have failed. I've spoken with my doctor and she thinks that because I've yo-yo dieted so much in my life my body no longer is cooperating with my weight loss attempts. After speaking with a friend of mine, who had RNY last year, who is doing so well with it I decided to look into it more. I had been considering LapBand but now also started thinking about RNY. So I took the first step and called the surgeon's office and made an appt to attend their seminar. My friend was kind enough to come with me to the seminar for support, which was truly great. I learned alot about both LapBand and RNY and that night made my decision to go with RNY.
Ok, so I've made my decision...now what?
Well, it's not so simple. There is a whole process required to get to where I am now. I went and saw their nutritionist for a whole discussion on what to expect after surgery, how I eat now, things that will change after surgery and the vitamins and protein supplements I'll need to take the rest of my life. Next up, the psychological appt. I spoke with the psychologist and had to complete a lovely 300+ questionaire that assesses if I'm "sane" enough to make the decision to have this procedure. Ok, done. Lab work...lots of it. Done. Letter from my primary doctor. Done.
OK great, I'm feeling really good about this now. Wham! The surgeon's office calls and says my insurance changed their policy and now I have to prove 6 consecutive months of medically supervised weight loss attempt. Ok, now I'm a little worried. I know I've seen my primary doctor on a regular basis but can't remember if there are 6 consecutive months of visits. So after a few days of phone tag with them I get the good new that there are and they type up a paper for the insurance. Wonderful!
Now it's wait and see if I get approved. This feels like forever, when in reality it's only a week and a half. Then one glorious day the insurance lady at the office calls and says I've been approved! Yay!!!
So up next...I do a 3 hr pre-op class at the office with other patients scheduled for surgery. They mostly go over information already given and some new stuff. And they make sure you have no questions and know exactly what to expect during and after surgery. They also make sure all paperwork is in place for the hospital. Done. Great!
Now on this coming Monday, the 4th, I go to the hospital for pre-admission testing and finally on the 11th will be my surgery!!! WooHoo!!!
Can you tell I'm excited? I'm also getting nervous as the date gets closer. I'm not scared about the surgery, but more worried about if I'm going to be strong enough to do all that is required in the beginning after surgery. I think I will, but it is still a huge change in my life so of course I'm a bit apprehensive about it.
So that's my story so far. Check back for updates as my journey progesses. It has only just begun.
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