Weight Loss Surgery Forums

ga_ginger_10’s Posts

ga_ginger_10
on 7/3/19 11:36 am

Topic: RE: Northside Hospital Bariatric Support Group, Atlanta, GA

You are invited to our Bariatric Support Group, Saturday, July 6th from 10:00-12:00.
Northside Hospital
980 Johnson Ferry Rd NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30342
Classroom "A".

Connie Stapleton, PhD will be speaking. (Bio below)
The topic is "Addictions", which I thought many could relate.

Hope you can come!!

Bio
A licensed psychologist in the state of Georgia, I have the privilege of working and speaking throughout the US and internationally in relation to the psychological aspects related to weight loss and WLS.

I've written three books and am working on the next two!

I have 20 years of experience in the field of addictions. In addition to maintaining my license as a psychologist (Ph.D.), I maintain certification as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor and as a sex addiction therapist. I currently work extensively in the area of weight loss and WLS.

Open RNY 3/27/01 400 lbs - 170lb. Please visit my blog at www.gingerrock.blogspot.com. You can also find me on facebook www.facebook.com/GingerRock and Twitter www.twitter.com/GingerRock
~Ginger~

ga_ginger_10
on 3/26/15 11:41 pm

Topic: RE: 14 years out!!! Loving life!!!

Happy! Happy! Happy!!
Today is my 14th anniversary of an event I thank God I was able to do!!

Gastric Bypass enabled me to use a tool to lose weight and keep it off. All my life I dieted and failed miserably!! I could not have imagined 14 years ago being where I am today!! I am so blessed and I plan to use the rest of my life helping others get to where I am and living life to its fullest…..
Only God knows where I will be in another 14 years and I truly look forward to the journey!!!
Thank you God!!!

ga_ginger_10
on 3/28/14 8:27 am

Topic: RE: 13 YEARS OUT!!!;-D

Thanks everyone~!! All I can say is if I can do it so can you!!! Just do what your surgeon tells you to and NEVER STOP DOING IT!!

This is a tool we use to help us and you have to make a lifestyle change FOR LIFE...to have continued success!!

But everyone can do it....just believe in yourself.....and never stop!!! I wish everyone much success and happiness!!

Ginger

ga_ginger_10
on 3/27/14 2:30 am

Topic: RE: 13 YEARS OUT!!!;-D

13 YEARS AGO TODAY I did something that changed my life.....actually gave me a life!!

Thank you God for allowing me to be able to have Gastric Bypass!!!

“Within you right now is the power to do things you never dreamed possible. This power becomes available to you just as soon as you can change your beliefs.” ~Dr. Maxwell Maltz

I can tell you....I dreamed it.....and worked really hard to make those dreams come true....and continue to work everyday...because I have so many more dreams I want to fulfill!!
THE ONLY ONE STOPPING US IS US!!
If I can do it so can you!!
You just have to believe!!!

I am now a Registered Nurse and work on the same Bariatric Med/Surg Floor that I had my surgery one!!!

Thank God for all my blessings!!!

ga_ginger_10
on 5/8/13 6:21 am

Topic: RE: OVER 12 YEARS OUT AND YES DREAMS CAN COME TRUE!!!

Thanks everyone!!!

ga_ginger_10
on 5/7/13 9:41 am

Topic: RE: OVER 12 YEARS OUT AND YES DREAMS CAN COME TRUE!!!

I am proof that anyone can do it! I started my pre-requisites January 2010 and I am graduating at 52 years old!!! It is never to late for dreams to come true!!!

Good luck with your surgery and your dreams of being an RN!

Hugs,

Ginger

ga_ginger_10
on 5/7/13 8:03 am

Topic: RE: OVER 12 YEARS OUT AND YES DREAMS CAN COME TRUE!!!

Hello,

Over 12 years ago I had RNY surgery. I thought losing all the weight was my "Big" accomplishment! But I have realized that was just the beginning of a long journey for me!

This Saturday, May 11, 2013 I will be graduating from nursing school. I could have never accomplished this weighting 400 lbs.

I have always wanted to be a RN and now I am!!! I will be able to care for people who walk in the same shoes I used to walk in!! It warms my heart to know I will be able to make a difference in other peoples lives and also be able to help them with their journey!!

Thank you God for guiding me along the way! Telling me everything would be ok, when I cried! And showing me there can be a much better life for me!

I am so blessed!!! I want to tell everyone....

NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!!! NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!!! ALWAYS BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!! YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU SET YOUR MIND TO!!!

HUGS,

Ginger;-D

ga_ginger_10
on 7/25/12 12:03 am

Topic: RE: So you say you want to lose weight! Really???

It sure does...most of us have had weight issues our entire lives....WLS does work...but you have to use the tool and do the work.....FOREVER!

In my lifetime I have lost at least 1000 lbs. on a diet and off a diet...gaining the weight back I lost plus more....I refuse to let that happen ever again!

The way that I feel now and things I can do in this body is worth so much more than the few minutes of euphoria when eating something sweet, then feeling horible about eating it. The fact is I don't miss the foods I was addicted to....I have found a really good piece of fruit gives me the same satisfaction and it is good for my body.

I see so many people who think they can work their way around eating healthy and exercising....they lose weight...well inially they do...however later when they can eat more they find themselves back where they started....that is so sad.....I have sat with people who did just that...they cry and say how did I let myself gain the weight back......

ga_ginger_10
on 7/24/12 10:06 am, edited 7/24/12 10:06 am

Topic: RE: So you say you want to lose weight! Really???

It is not easy...and those who say it is...I believe are lying...LOL....as long as you get back on that horse you are fine! Keep up the good work!!

ga_ginger_10
on 7/24/12 8:19 am

Topic: RE: So you say you want to lose weight! Really???

I want to share something with individuals who have had WLS. I am over 11 years out from WLS. The further out you get the harder it is to keep the weight off. You can eat more and if you don’t eat healthy and exercise you can and will gain weight! WLS is not a magic surgery. The surgeon does surgery on your stomach, not you head! You have to do that! If you need counseling get counseling, go to support group! You have been given a 2^nd chance to make changes in your life, to get healthy and do all the things you have always dreamed of! Not everyone gets a chance like that! Change the way you think and feel about food. You need to eat to live….not live to eat. Try different foods, you may be surprised and really like them! Figure out if you have an addiction to a particular food and do something about it! Before WLS I was addicted to carbs, I have not eaten bread, rice, pasta, potatoes or sugar in over 11 years! I don’t crave them, I don’t feel deprived, I don’t want them! YOU CAN DO THIS! YOU CAN BE HEALTHY! BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! IF I CAN DO IT SO CAN YOU! But you have to really want it bad enough to give up all the unhealthy habits! JUST DO IT!!!

ga_ginger_10
on 3/27/12 3:59 am

Topic: RE: TODAY IS MY 11 Year Anniversary!!!! The First Time I have ever been able to keep the weight off!!!!

Thank you all!! You know....I am doing so many things that I only dreamed about doing....I am 51 years old and started nursing school this year!!! I could have never done that before! I am so incredible Blessed!!!

Hugs,

Ginger

ga_ginger_10
on 3/27/12 3:58 am

Topic: RE: TODAY IS MY 11 Year Anniversary!!!! The First Time I have ever been able to keep the weight off!!!!

Thank you!;-D

ga_ginger_10
on 3/27/12 3:58 am

Topic: RE: TODAY IS MY 11 Year Anniversary!!!! The First Time I have ever been able to keep the weight off!!!!

You are so welcome!

ga_ginger_10
on 3/27/12 2:33 am

Topic: RE: TODAY IS MY 11 Year Anniversary!!!! The First Time I have ever been able to keep the weight off!!!!

Today is my 11 year anniversary for WLS!!! IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST DISCUSSION I HAVE EVER MADE!!

I started my journey at 400 plus lbs and I had a weight problem since I was 6 years old!!!

I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to have WLS.....and that for the FIRST time in my LIFE....I could lose weight and keep it off!!! To all of you out there on your WLS journey....eat healthy and exercise....there is no magic to keeping the weight off....you just have to NEVER stop doing all the healthy things you do for your body!!!!

I hope your WLS journey is awesome!!!!;-D

ga_ginger_10
on 1/4/12 11:33 pm

Topic: RE: White Chili

Sounds good I will have to try it!!

Have a great day!

Ginger

ga_ginger_10
on 1/4/12 10:55 pm

Topic: RE: White Chili

It is really good...in the winter months I make it and freeze in individual contains so I can have it later.

Enjoy!

Ginger

ga_ginger_10
on 1/4/12 10:54 pm

Topic: RE: White Chili

You are welcome enjoy!!!

Ginger

ga_ginger_10
on 1/4/12 10:54 pm

Topic: RE: White Chili

I also add hot sauce...but I like it spicy!!!;-D

Take care,

Ginger

ga_ginger_10
on 1/4/12 10:53 pm

Topic: RE: Veggie and Cheese Frittata Recipe!

You are welcome!!!

Enjoy!!

ga_ginger_10
on 1/3/12 2:07 am

Topic: RE: White Chili

2 lbs Cooked Shredded Chicken Breast
1 T olive oil
2 med. Onions chopped
4 garlic cloves minced
2 (4 oz) cans chopped mild green chilies
2 T ground cumin
1 tsp. oregano
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
3 16 oz cans great northern beans
6 cups chicken stock or 3 14 oz cans chicken broth
2 cups Monterey jack cheese (make sure to have a little extra to top each bowl)
Salt and pepper to taste

Put boneless skinless chicken breast in a large pot fill 3/4 of the way with water. Boil chicken until done.

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions sauté 5 minutes; add garlic, chilies, oregano, cayenne pepper and cumin and sauté for 2 minutes.

Take chicken out of pot and sit aside to cool. Add the ingredients you sauteed to the pot of water. Add beans and Monterey jack cheese and bring to a boil.

Shred chicken into small pieces with a fork and add to pot.

Reduce heat to simmer.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Top with extra Monterey jack cheese.

For a picture feel free to visit my blog.

Enjoy!!

ga_ginger_10
on 1/3/12 2:00 am, edited 1/3/12 2:05 am

Topic: RE: Veggie and Cheese Frittata Recipe!

Veggie and Cheese Frittata

Ingredients:

3 eggs (or egg substitute)

½ large Vidalia onion diced

Spinach (I use leftover spinach that I have sautéed in olive oil with fresh garlic from the night before)

Jalapenos

¼ cup Colby Jack Cheese (or your favorite cheese)

1 T olive oil

Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce (optional)

Instructions:

In a small skillet that can be put in the oven safely. Put about 1 TBS of olive oil and add onions. Sauté until tender add jalapenos and spinach sauté until hot.

In a bowl whisk eggs and add salt and pepper. Pour into skillet. I stir it around in the skillet like I do scrambled eggs until it the eggs are almost done.

Then I take the skillet off burner top with cheese and place in the oven on broil until the cheese is melted. If you prefer not to use cheese that’s ok, but place the skillet into the oven so the top can brown a little.

I love hot sauce and my favorite is Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce I drizzle it on top.

This is a great recipe that you can change with whatever veggies you have available and you can also add meat. I like to use leftovers from the night before.

For a picture feel free to visit my blog.

Enjoy!

ga_ginger_10
on 12/19/11 5:31 am, edited 12/19/11 5:31 am

Topic: RE: Holiday Recipes Thread

Carrot Cake!!! No flour or sugar!!! You will love it!!!;-D

Ingredients:

4 eggs
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
2 cups splenda
1 cups almond flour
(Almonds that have been ground down to a flour texture. You can get it at health food stores or order on line)
1 cup ground oats (I ground up instant oatmeal in the blender)
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
few drops vanilla (optional)
3 cups finely grated carrots
¾ cup raisins
2 TBS club soda (help to recipe rise)

Beat eggs, mix with oil, then splenda. Combine dry ingredients then mix all together. Add grated carrots and raisins.
Bake in greased loaf pan or 9" at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes (depends on pan used) or until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out nearly clean.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

1 cup splenda
1/4 lb. butter, softened (or butter substitute)
1 8-oz. pkg. low fat cream cheese, softened
2 tsps vanilla
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Combine butter and cream cheese. Stir in splenda, add vanilla and pecans. Ice cake

I think this was my favorite desert!! IT is SOOOO GOOD!!

For this and other really yummy recipes visit my blog!