Cece2014

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I like food and like to cook - and of course then eat all the goodies!  On this low carb journey I've discovered the joy of revamping recipes and seeking out ideas from the dozens of books already on the shelf.  One I took a close look at the things I like to eat the most, coming up with variations hasn't been so bad.

That's not to say all my creations have been tasty or wonderful - some failed.  But each one was a learning activity.

For instance:

Fridge clearing Chinese stir fry - no cornstarch on the meat or in the sauce, fewer onions,more vegies and without rice. Increase the flavor with more spices and chili paste.

Next challenge - pizza flavors w/o a crust!  if you have any ideas, please share.

Major milestone today, meeting with the surgeon and deciding on Gastric Sleeve.  She was very thorough, explained risks and positive outcomes, her success rate, etc.  It certainly helped to put a face with a name and reputation.  Glad I chose her and the program:  Dr. Mary Estakhri at ValleyCare, Pleasanton California.

While there are more tests and pre-op requirements, it's all in motion now.

Surprisingly, her goal weight for me is 225 - the goal set for myself is 200.  If I can stabilize at either end of that I will be VERY happy.

As every milestone passes this becomes more real, and I feel more OK with it.  This was a decision 2 years in the making, I researched, read blogs, reached out to friends and friends of friends to seek their experiences.  So much positive outlook, expressions of health and encouragement has been received.

Next Milestone:  Acceptance into the formal program, then insurance approval.

Here's to positive thinking!!

Another strange and fascinating realization - my taste buds want something, but the stomach isn't really all that interested! I've been feeling full and not hungry yet the desire to munch on something remains.  Just understanding this has made a difference.  One or two bites of something sweet about 7pm is all it takes to squash the craving; that and some self-talk and several large swallows of water!

As someone whose life revolved around food this is a major ah-ha moment. And now that I know this it will become easier to ignore, especially when I look at my weight record and see the steady progress.

The 6-month medically supervised diet is much like Atkins - very low carb at 20-25 per day.  No bread or processed flour, no sugar, no starchy vegetables and no fruit.  Yikes!  I thought it would be harder - but after one week (which was my challenge to myself) I was doing OK!  I gave up sugar in my coffee, and now am down to 1 cup each morning, not wanting more.  Bread and pasta was easy to give up - big surprise!  Starchy vegies not so much - I love carrots, potatoes, peas, beans.  I tell myself ... just not for now.  Later I can have them.

Summer in California = great fruit, which I cannot have - just not yet.

I do still crave something sweet, especially in the evenings.  So far jello or a protein shake have done the job.  Need to seek out more recipes that will increase variety.

I've also found sometimes you can just make the same thing without breading, tortillas, or potatoes.  Imagine that - not much of a change but the taste buds are happy.

Another mind blower - I'm no really hungry!  First time in my life I can say that and truly mean it.  I don't wait until I'm starving, but also am often in no hurry to eat. Sometimes the brain says it's time to eat or later you will regret it, which is wise advice I came to learn.  And leaving food on my plate is getting easier all the time.

For the last few years I've wondered what I would do if I really lost weight - would I travel more? Would work be more enjoyable? Would I look better in clothes?  Could I find clothes in regular stores? Am I really tired of being twice the size of a normal person?

But there was always an excuse, or five, that kept me from action. Finally it happened - I felt terrible, walking created sweat and shortness of breath, and my sister-in-law died.  Yes, and part of her long decline was a request to me:  Take of the weight, you don't want to see the things I've seen in the hospital. You don't want to suffer.

Then I started reading blogs and sites about bariatric procedures, the options, the risks and the rewards. I attended an info-session at the hospital.  It was the same info I heard two years ago, but this time it seemed to matter.

I went to see my Dr. and asked her about it.  YES! was her enthusiastic response. You are a good candidate and we talked about it before.  Are you ready?  I'll send thru the referral.  And that was all it took. 

My insurance requires a 6-month Dr. supervised program for which I am grateful. The local hospital is a Center of Excellence with thousands of surgeries and 20+ years experience. They offer classes on general weight loss, and once approved for surgery a completely different educational track about nutrition, preparation for the procedure, diet, etc. The post-op support groups are open to everyone so there is no reason to not fully understand what I've signed up for.

So I'm now going through a gauntlet of Dr. appointments and screening, and as my Dr. put it "anything you might need done".   I've seen more white lab coats in the last month than in the last two years!