Roz !!!!
7 Year Surgiversary!!!
Oct 24, 2015
Today is my 7th year Surgiversary!! I just went to my Profile Page and read some of my old posts. At my 1 yr. date I was down 89 pounds, weighed 114 and wore a 4P then dropped down to 103 during the next 8 months before foolishly starting Maintenance. I looked at pictures of myself when I was at the 103 and I really did look sickly. Comments from family and friends scared me into starting Maintenance before my body was done losing. I could kick myself for not making it to a 100 pound loss and getting a Gold Apple on my Signature page!!!
At 7 years out and 84 pounds lighter I feel great!!!! I'm 62 now and have a few more wrinkles and more gray hair (thank goodness for color and highlights) but this has been the happiest 7 years of my life!!! I weigh 5 pounds more than I did 6 years ago and still wear a 4P. My good range is 118-120. I have a tendency to go up a couple pounds during the summer months (maybe too many picnics) but as soon as it cools down I drop back down. This past week I've been in the 117-119 range. 119 is my Happy Weight......
Protein, Low Carb and Posting on the LW's forum is the answer to my success!! If I have a couple of carby days I can feel an extra bulge around my waist and it's amazing to me how quickly my waist and scales get back into my comfort range when I up my Protein and watch those carbs.
Some write that I am an inspiration for them, but they have that backwards....YOU ARE ALL MY INSPIRATION....the reason that I keep posting....the reason I track my menus.....YOU are the ones that made this ride so easy......THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE FOR ME....and sharing in this life changing experience!!!!!!!!!!! (repeated)
Day of Surgery 203 Pounds!!
Do I really need surgery?
Jul 01, 2013
Welcome!!!!! I am always getting asked this question. Do I really need surgery?
My daughter wanted me to have surgery years ago. I was in my late 40's and early 50's, 4'11" and weighed 203. I THOUGHT I was healthy and I THOUGHT I was able to do everything.......BOY WAS I WRONG!!!!!! I finally decided when I was 54 and once the decision was made I never looked back. I also did not listen to everyone telling me I didn't need surgery. Since my surgery those same people tell me how great I look and say things like WOW...I never thought of you as being heavy and are amazed when I tell them how much I've lost. They are just used to looking at us and look past the unhealthy part. Some had just heard stories and were worried about the surgery itself.
I am now 60 (had a birthday and this is the first time I've wrote that...haha) 4'11" and only weighing 119....NOW I AM LIVING!!!!! I can get down on the floor and play with the kids, went to an amusement park yesterday and I kept up with 6 Grandkids, I can keep up with 3 DD's shopping and at times I am the only one NOT complaining about being tired.
I didn't even realize how unhealthy, how old I felt, or how much I was missing out on before WLS. It has been the best thing I have ever done for myself.
I don't miss comparing myself to others, I don't miss buying loose clothes so none of my rolls show, I don't miss sitting on the sidelines watching others having fun, I don't miss being mistreated by sales people (I didn't notice before but they treat me so much better now), I don't miss going up for seconds and thinking that people are judging me and I definitely don't miss the 84 pounds that I have kept off!!
One Year Surgiversary
Oct 15, 2009
I am down 89 pounds and over 100 inches. I have gone from a size 20/22 to a size 4P. I can now share clothes with my 3 Beautiful Daughters, the only thing is, it's my closet that they come to borrow out of....LOL. I love it though!!!!!!
I love my LW friends!!!!! I don't have a support group close by, so I depend 100% on my Lightweights for support and you have never left me down!!!!!
Some write that I am an inspiration for them, but they have that backwards....YOU ARE ALL MY INSPIRATION....the reason that I keep posting....the reason I track my menus.....YOU are the ones that made this ride so easy......THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE FOR ME....and sharing in this life changing experience!!!!!!!!!!!
Recipes
Oct 13, 2009
Protein Powder Recipes
http://food.allwomenstalk.com/fantastic-recipes-to-make-with-protein-powder-that-taste-like-dessert
Protein Shake
I use 8oz of water and 1 scoop of protein powder and blend it in the blender. Then I add 1 cup of frozen strawberries and blend it. Finally I add 9 ice cubes and blender. Depending on the quality of your blender, you may need to use your spoon (in between blending) to get it fully blended.
Delicious Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Makes 8 generous servings
Ingredients
2 scoops of vanilla protein powder (I use New Zealand Whey)
8 tbsp PB2
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
2 tbsp Earth Balance, melted (or butter)
1/4 cup unsweetened chocolate almond milk
1 tsp almond extract
1 egg
2 tbsp egg whites
12 drops of stevia (or to taste)
Directions
1. Pre-heat oven at 350 and prepare a glass baking dish with non stick spray - I didn't have a glass dish so used a 9 x 9 non stick pan.
2. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
3. In separate mixing bowl, place all liquid ingredients and whisk together
4. Add in the dry ingredients and mix
5. Scrape down your mix into your sprayed glass baking dish
6. Place in oven for 15 minutes or until your protein mix is fully baked
7. Let cool for ten minutes, then cut your protein bake into 8 bars and place on a cooling rack
Per Serving (1 bar)
Cals 80, Total Fat 4.1g, Total Carbs 3.3g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Protein 9.4g
I increased the protein powder to 90g and used Syntrax Matrix Simply Vanilla, substituted the Stevia with Splenda, used Coconut oil in place of buter and used Watkins Peanut Butter Extract instead of Almond Extract. I added a tablespoon or 2 more of almond milk due to the increase in protein powder. Next time I may add apple sauce and cut down 1 tbsp of coconut oil to reduce the calories a bit or even add in some greek yogurt.
So my stats came out to:
Per Serving (1 bar)
Cals 108, Total Fat 5.6g, Carbs 3.6g, Dietary Fiber 1.1g, Protein 12.5g
Pancakes
2 oz cream cheese - Philadelphia Neufchatel 1/3 less fat Cream Cheese
2 eggs - 1 large egg and 1 egg white equivalent = 53g
1 packet stevia sweetener - splenda to taste
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
20g 0% Greek Yogurt
10g Syntrax Vanilla Bean Torte Protein Powder
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp lemon juice
Approximate nutrition info per batch with my modifications: 292 calories, 17.5g fat, 2.56g net carbs, 26.7g protein
Carbquik Quick Cinnamon Rolls - this one is a little harder
1 2/3 cup Carbquik(you can use Atkins flour - but I don't like it as much)
1 Tbls Splenda
1/2 cup low-carb milk (or 1/4 cup cream & 1/4 cup water)
1/2 cup softened butter ( I don't use a full 1/2 cup and use I can't believe it's not butter)
1/4 cup brown sugar substitute
3 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup nuts (Optional- I usually don't put these in)
In a bowl combine Carbquik, 1 tbls splenda and milk until moist. Let sit one minute. Stir again until well combined(I do it with my hands-it is sticky). Sprinkle some Carbquik on a kneading surface or wax paper, turn dough onto surface. Knead for 3-4 minutes(doesn't usually take this long) Roll into a rectangle shape. Spread the softened butter over the entire rectangle. Mix brown sugar substitute and cinnamon together sprinkle this on top. Roll up lengthwise and slice into parts - it says 6-8 but I usually have double that because I make mine smaller.
Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes - Watch it closely because it if overcooks they are terrible.
I use the Laughing Cow Cinnamon Cream cheese as the topping, but there any cream cheese topping would do. Enjoy.
Pumpkin Pudding Ingredients:
1 small pkg Jello f/f s/f butterscotch pudding
1 c skim milk
2 scoops vanilla protein powder (52 grams protein for 2 scoops)
1/2 c canned real pumpkin (not the pie filling)
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
Mix skim milk and protein powder. Wisk in dry pudding and spices. Stir in pumpkin. Refrigerate. Makes about 4 half cup servings (just a bit more than 1/2 cup if I remember right). Serve with s/f Cool Whip if desired.
Nutritional Stats (I figured these on my own using the stats off of the packages)
Per Serving...
115 calories
.5 g fat
12.25 g carbs
4.5 g sugar
15.5 g protein
Protein Hot Chai Mix
6 scoops vanilla protein powder 1.5 cups non-fat powdered milk 3/4 cup instant unsweet tea mix 3/4 cup Splenda 1T. chai spice mix (or use half cinnamon and half ground ginger) 1t. ground cloves 1t. cardamon (original recipe calls for this, but I don't have any, so skipped it)
Mix all dry ingredients in bowl until well blended. Add 1/2 cup of mixture to mug and add either splash of cold milk or water -- stir to create smooth paste (so you don't get lumpy protein powder). Add 8oz hot water and mix well. You can top with Light Redi Whip and a sprinkle of chai spice or drink it naked. (The drink is naked, not you.)
Recipe makes 7 half-cup servings. Calculation below is without the "splash of milk" when you're mixing the tea. If you use RediWhip -- it adds about 20 calories.
Calories: 146 Fat: 1g Carbs: 9g Protein: 27g
PUMPKIN MOUSE
15 oz can of Pumpkin
1 box sugar free vanilla pudding (could use sugar free butterscotch)
1 1/2 teaspoon pumkin pie spice
1 8 oz container of cool whip, I used fat free
Mix it all together and let it chill for an hour in the frig!
Shelly's Turtle Protein Dip
3oz Fage Greek Yogurt (2%)
2 Tablespoons Sugar Free Caramel Sauce Topping (Smuckers)
1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder
1-2 Tablespoons Pecans, chopped
Protein Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites w/crust!!!
Filling:
1 block of fat free cream cheese (8oz block) room temp
2 scoops of vanilla protein (I use Dymatize Elite Vanilla for all my shakes, recipes, etc. It is 24g @ 114 cal each scoop)
2 egg beaters (1/2 cup)
3/4 cup splenda (use less if you don't want that sweet taste)
1 tblsp vanilla extract
1/2 can pumpkin puree (use more or less depending on taste)
1 tspn pumpkin pie spice
Blend cream cheese and eggs very well. To mixture add splenda, protein powder, vanilla, and spice. Let sit while you make the crust (optional)
Crust:
4 full crackers of low fat honey graham crackers finely chopped (will yeild around 3/4 cup...add more if needed)
3 tblspns margarine melted in microwave
Pour the melted margarine over finely chopped crackers. Press mixture into whatever pan you are using. I used a mini muffin tin of 24 minis.
Bake in 350 oven for 5-8 min. Remove and let cool to room temp. Add filling and place back in oven to bake until a knife or toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove and let cool/set.
Enjoy... :)
STATS:
40 cal per bite (mini muffin size)
3g of protein per bite
1.5g of fat per bite
3g of carbs per bite
Mock French Toast
Mix 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese with an egg, some Splenda, 1 tsp. vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg and cook it in a sprayed pan, kind of like a pancake. When it sets on top flip it. It really does remind me of French toast, especially with the sf maple syrup.
5 pounds under Goal!!!!
Jul 28, 2009
Although I have increased my intake, I am still short as to the amount my NUT wants me to get to, but I have a fear of gaining back my weight. Meats and my pouch don't always agree, so I don't know how to increase my calories without increasing my carbs and "bad" carbs are a weakness for me.
I am 56 years old and it has been at least 38 years since I weighed 120. I weighed 134 when I got married 35 years ago and my wedding dress was a size 13 and then I slowly worked myself up to a 20-22. I'm wearing size 6's and PS now and I even have a few 4's. Although all 3 of my DD's weigh under 125....I weigh less and I plan on staying there!!!!!! Every time I buy something new to wear someone wants to borrow it....usually DD #1.
My biggest regret is not having WLS years ago when my energy level would have been greater and my skin would have bounced back instead of sagging. My thighs look like I am 100 years old....gross! Those of you that have grabbed this great opportunity in your 20's, 30's and 40's enjoy every second of it!!!!! Your early decision has given you the greatest gifts you could have given yourself and your families......health, youth and time are all things to cherish.....ENJOY!!!!!!
GOAL!!!!
Jun 15, 2009
I just bought my first size 4 pants!!!!!! Most of my pants are 6's and my tops are S/M Petites. I made my 28 year old DD #3 take her jeans off the other day so I could try them on. They zipped right up!!! I would never wear them out in public because they are too fitted, but it was great to know they fit!!
This has been quite an exciting journey. It is crazy how your life and the way you think about food changes instantly after you have surgery. It happens so fast that your mind can't keep up to your new body. Was it the easy way out....NO!!!! Do I feel like I can keep it off....YES!!!! I look at my old pictures and I am shocked because I really didn't think I was that fat. My DD's say the same thing when they look at old pictures of me. It is funny how in your mind you see things differently than they really are because you are used to it seeing it that way. My eyes have been opened....I was FAT and I NEVER want to be FAT AGAIN!!!!!
Things I liked to eat before WLS aren't as important to me any more. I don't need cookies, candy bars, Diet Pepsi, potatoe chips, etc. to be happy now. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I could pass those things up. My DH loves the mini M&M cookies and every once in awhile I reach in his bag and take one and I am perfectly content with that 1 mini cookie. Even at 8 months out, I still have the fear of Dumping on sugar and fats, so RNY was a good choice for me. I know that I have to stop at 1or my body is going to take on an ugly side of its own!
I Praise GOD for giving me this Life Changing Opportunity. I don't keep my WLS a secret, because if my sharing just helps one person better their life it is worth the few odd looks that I get.
Tailbone Pain
Feb 17, 2009
2-17-2009 148 Hurts slightly when sitting in computer chair
Did not hurt the whole weekend when flying to
Atlanta or during the comp.
3/1/2009 142 Still hurts slightly when sitting in computer
chair.
Drove 4 hours to and back from Columbus
and watched about a hour at the comp.
and it was still ok.
3/15/2009 139 5 Months out. 61 pounds lost. Pain is the same
so no need to stop yet. 14 pounds until goal of
125.
4/05/2009 135 5.5 months out. 65 pounds lost. Pain is getting worse if I sit back
on my tailbone. When I am on the computer I have to be very careful
not to slouch.
5/25/2009 127 7.5 months out 73 pounds lost. Very little pain unless I sit back on
my tailbone. I can feel bones in my butt and back when I sit on a hard
surface. Uncomfortable but no pain.
6/11/2009 125 Same as above! YEAH!!!!
7/27/2009 120 Same as above! YEAH!!!!! Being careful has paid off!!!!!!!!!!
After Surgery
Oct 21, 2008
It has been a week since my Surgery. I think I pulled a muscle in my left side trying to get out of bed myself, but the surgery pain hasn't been to bad just a lot of soreness. I got a little depressed for a couple of days and even doubted why I did this. That seems to have passed.
I have been on clear liquids since a week before the surgery but starting on day 6 I can have puree. I had a scrambled egg and cream of potato soup they were delicious but I don't think the eggs set well with me. I didn't feel good for about 1.5 days and I finally threw up.
The first few days I drank to close to bed time and got a little nauseated. That won't happen again. I couldn't drink before bed before surgery so I don't know why it did it last night. I have never done well on liquids, but warm liquids seem to be better.
On the 9th day I as able to get in 3 meals and some of my liquids. The soreness is almost gone and I can get out of bed easily now.
Life is looking better now!!!
Last Supper
Oct 07, 2008
Well yesterday was the big decision day....where to have my Last Supper! I could have picked any place I wanted to go, but I picked McDonalds!!!! I have avoided it during these past 6 months and I was so hungry for a Quarter pounder and fries. My daughter thought I was crazy, but It was wonderful!!! Afterwards we went to Brewsters for my favorite ice cream.
Today was my Mom's birthday, so I took her out for breakfast. I got up enough nerve to tell her about my surgery. After the typical, "why don't you just try to lose the weight" questions, I explained everything to her and she seemed to be fine. That doesn't mean that she won't call me today and tell me she is against it or that I am crazy. Oh heck....she might not even remember I told her. She has been very forgetful lately.
Tomorrow starts my liquid diet. I have been planning for this week for months. I hope it is as easy as it is in my plan...LOL!!!