It's That Time Again! 10 Month Surgy -- w/Pix (I Hope)!!!
Hi Sweet One :-)
Thanks........I am enjoying life these days. I think I was blessed with an over abundance of seratonin or something because no matter what happens to me, I keep finding the silver linings and the blessings and the umph to keep in good spirits (most of the time LOL) Something else I've been blessed with is an abundance of wonderful, inspirational people who have come into my life as a result of the surgery. You don't need a sledge hammer upside your head to know you are one of them! You have no idea what a huge impact your story has had on me.
Hugs, Little one!
Ree xoxox
What lovely photos! Congratulations on your success! I will be going on a Celebrity Cruise in several months (our 5th with them) and was wondering how the food worked for you? Did you have a hard time getting what you need, appopriate portions, etc. Did you let them now about your dietary needs before your cruise? Any rules that helped you through it? Thanks!
Thank you for you kind words :-) I've become less shy about getting pix taken lately LOL
The April cruise was my 3 trip since surgery...........one trip to Las Vegas and two cruises. Eating just isn't a big deal to me any longer -- most of the time LOL Celebrity has some of the best food, so keep that in mind. Quite by accident, early in the cruise, I got to meet the Executive Chef on the Eclipse and he was quite helpful. Providing the cruise line with your dietary issues can help -- call the line and tell them which cruise you'll be on and they will guide you through the rest.
My best advice:
1. When they serve a shrimp/pasta combo -- immediately tell them you want 3-4 additional shrimp -- possibly more if you have a spouse who thinks your food is HIS food as well! Since I don't eat the pasta (rice in some cases) -- or only a fork twirl or two of it, I need more than the 4 shrimp that are usually served.
2. Expect to gain 2-3 (maybe more) pounds per week of the cruise. Ship food is salted WAY more than I ever salt at home, so I gained water weight. I lost it immediately upon my return....but it can become discouraging when you think you've followed your plan.
3. Do not trust the scale in the Fitness Center. Ship motion affects the scale and you won't get a good reading. They will tell you it's accurate when the ship is docked, but that's not true!
4. As for portion sizes, they put enough on a plate to feed a small country! YOU have to be responsible for your portions. Example: I ordered grits for breakfast one morning -- a carby splurge to be sure, but I LUV grits! I asked for a SMALL cup of them rather than a bowl. I swear they gave me a whole box of cooked grits! Try not to order the fruit plate -- you'll get a garden of fruit! I ordered 1 watermelon wedge, 1 honeydew wedge, etc. That worked well.
5. They provide plenty of protein. I ordered turkey sausage links for breakfast most days. The buffet, if you choose to go that route some days, has an unbelievably huge selection of protein -- cheeses, meats/poultry, eggs, etc. You can get all your protein in without any problem.
6. ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT! If you want sauces on the side, say so. If you want dressings on the side, same thing. If you want more veggies instead of potatoes, that's doable. If you want to have "just a taste" of something other than the entree you order, ask for it. And be prepared to stop the wait staff -- they will load your plate like you've been digging ditches all day!
I tried hard to stay on plan -- I did indulge in a few tastes of desserts............and ice cream -- OMG, I'm a chocolate ice cream addict! And the Gelateria onboard is the devil's own workshop! They have REAL gelato! The pistachio is almost as good as the chocolate! And the hazelnut is wonderful. In the buffet, they have "after eight" ice cream -- it's a version of mint chocolate chip........again, superb! Did I mention I indulged in a bit of ice cream? LOL Seriously, it was fine -- I asked for half a scoop when I did indulge, so it worked.
You will be walking a LOT -- and if you're into it, the fitness center is a MUST. The Eclipse had a great fitness center -- and the view of the ocean on the ellipticals and treadmills was really nice. That helps with keeping your calories in/calories out better balanced than not walking or working out.
Where are you going on your cruise? Have a GREAT time -- and relax -- use the pool, walk, indulge a bit food-wise and come home safe with gears in motion to get right back on plan!
Good luck........
Ree
Thank you, Julia, for the very nice comments. Looks like you're rockin' the process very well -- nearing goal must be very exciting! Good job!
BTW -- don't try to translate "stomach into English" -- there's no key for it! Myrtle talks a lot and there are days she talks LOUDLY as well. She's just showing off, that's all. Feeding and watering her doesn't make her become quiet, so I've just decided she needs to display her personality in her own good time. It is a bit much when she "sounds off" during a presentation or similar quiet event. Those who know, understand -- those who don't -- well, not my problem! LOL
Lap Band 2006
VSG 2008
