CoobyD
update
May 06, 2008
Honestly, I can't believe I'm only 7 1/2 weeks out. That's the only part of my life that's going slow. I seriously feel like surgery was a year ago. My energy level is amazing. I thought I'd get a little weak, but NOTHING...in fact, it's gone UP. I guess that comes with losing 53lbs. (that includes my liquid diet).
My biggest wow so far has been my confidence. I can't even describe it. It's not that artificial kind of confidence where if someone gives you a compliment, THEN you feel good about yourself. That's so fleeting. I feel like I'm glowing ALL THE TIME. I'm always in a good mood AND I look people in the eye and smile when I pass by. How great is that!?!
I had a little wow moment today too...while I was working I looked down at my hands and noticed that the bones are sticking out a little more and I can see my wrist bones!!! Weird...but still wow!
Another thing I noticed (you're gonna think I'm crazy).....when I walk by a mirror and just glance over, I can't get over the size of my head....LOL....I'll explain. To me, overweight people have small heads because it's ill-porportioned to the size of their bodies. So, now...I see a big ass watermelon head and I LOVE IT!
I never realized what losing just 53lbs can do to your body...the way it feels, the way I see it, it's all amazing...and I still have about 75lbs more to go!
I don't regret a single day of this....even in the beginning right after surgery when I was crying and wondering what I did to myself. Even tho' I'm only this far in the game...I wouldn't change anything and I would do it over and over again. I've never taken care of myself better than I am now and I'm so proud of myself. It's a tool...but I'M the one working it.
My biggest wow so far has been my confidence. I can't even describe it. It's not that artificial kind of confidence where if someone gives you a compliment, THEN you feel good about yourself. That's so fleeting. I feel like I'm glowing ALL THE TIME. I'm always in a good mood AND I look people in the eye and smile when I pass by. How great is that!?!
I had a little wow moment today too...while I was working I looked down at my hands and noticed that the bones are sticking out a little more and I can see my wrist bones!!! Weird...but still wow!
Another thing I noticed (you're gonna think I'm crazy).....when I walk by a mirror and just glance over, I can't get over the size of my head....LOL....I'll explain. To me, overweight people have small heads because it's ill-porportioned to the size of their bodies. So, now...I see a big ass watermelon head and I LOVE IT!
I never realized what losing just 53lbs can do to your body...the way it feels, the way I see it, it's all amazing...and I still have about 75lbs more to go!
I don't regret a single day of this....even in the beginning right after surgery when I was crying and wondering what I did to myself. Even tho' I'm only this far in the game...I wouldn't change anything and I would do it over and over again. I've never taken care of myself better than I am now and I'm so proud of myself. It's a tool...but I'M the one working it.
Taco Balls
May 05, 2008
So this is a really yummy recipe that I kinda made up...
1 pkg. Extra Lean Ground Turkey (1.25lb)
1 egg
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 cup finely shredded Kraft Mexican Taco Cheese*
Salsa
Fat Free Sour Cream
Preheat oven to 350F
Mix ground turkey, egg, and taco seasoning until well blended. Mix in 1 cup cheese. Form into medium size meatballs and place 1 inch apart on nonstick cookie sheet. (lightly spray with Pam Cooking Spray if NOT using nonstick bakeware). Bake at 350F for 10-15 min or until firm and lightly browned.
Add a touch of salsa and sour cream on the side!
*may want to substitute Pepper Jack cheese for an extra kick
These are packed full of protein and so yummy if you want a taco taste without all the added carbs and calories from tortillas or chips.
1 pkg. Extra Lean Ground Turkey (1.25lb)
1 egg
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 cup finely shredded Kraft Mexican Taco Cheese*
Salsa
Fat Free Sour Cream
Preheat oven to 350F
Mix ground turkey, egg, and taco seasoning until well blended. Mix in 1 cup cheese. Form into medium size meatballs and place 1 inch apart on nonstick cookie sheet. (lightly spray with Pam Cooking Spray if NOT using nonstick bakeware). Bake at 350F for 10-15 min or until firm and lightly browned.
Add a touch of salsa and sour cream on the side!
*may want to substitute Pepper Jack cheese for an extra kick
These are packed full of protein and so yummy if you want a taco taste without all the added carbs and calories from tortillas or chips.
just a little step, but.....
Apr 04, 2008
....it's going to be HUGE later!!!
Today I'm 3 weeks out and down 16 lbs. I haven't been losing much, *yeah right! when was the last time I lost more than 5-10 in a month!!* but with this surgery I think we all get these high expectations of losing about 40lbs in the first month. I'll admit that I've gotten a bit discouraged, but I'm starting to let go of my perfectionism and I'm just going to let my body tell me what to do instead of my head. This is where my "little wow" comes in. I've always heard that thirst can be read as hunger....but I thought it was a bunch of crap until I experimented.
I was RAVENOUSLY hungry for the past week. I probably ate more than I should *about 800-900 calories a day*, albeit it was mostly yogurt and milk, but still. So, a couple days ago every time I got hungry I'd have a glass of crystal light. The "empty" feeling went away and it kept me satiated until my meal times. I realize a lot people already know this, but this was an epiphany for me. Before this surgery, everytime I was "hungry" I'd shove food in my mouth because I thought it was what my body needed....I mean, how can i get hunger pangs if I'm not hungry? Well, I was probably thirsty and not hungry at all.
I just feel so good that I've figured this much out and it gives me so much hope that YES I CAN FIGURE THIS TOOL OUT AND BE SUCCESSFUL!!!
Today I'm 3 weeks out and down 16 lbs. I haven't been losing much, *yeah right! when was the last time I lost more than 5-10 in a month!!* but with this surgery I think we all get these high expectations of losing about 40lbs in the first month. I'll admit that I've gotten a bit discouraged, but I'm starting to let go of my perfectionism and I'm just going to let my body tell me what to do instead of my head. This is where my "little wow" comes in. I've always heard that thirst can be read as hunger....but I thought it was a bunch of crap until I experimented.
I was RAVENOUSLY hungry for the past week. I probably ate more than I should *about 800-900 calories a day*, albeit it was mostly yogurt and milk, but still. So, a couple days ago every time I got hungry I'd have a glass of crystal light. The "empty" feeling went away and it kept me satiated until my meal times. I realize a lot people already know this, but this was an epiphany for me. Before this surgery, everytime I was "hungry" I'd shove food in my mouth because I thought it was what my body needed....I mean, how can i get hunger pangs if I'm not hungry? Well, I was probably thirsty and not hungry at all.
I just feel so good that I've figured this much out and it gives me so much hope that YES I CAN FIGURE THIS TOOL OUT AND BE SUCCESSFUL!!!
Dear John Letter
Mar 13, 2008
Dear Fat,
Fat, rolls, flaps, and cellulite....I hid behind you for so long. You're how I'm identified in pictures, how people describe me. I can't erase you from my life...there's too much evidence to reveal your presence even after you're gone...and I'm not sure I want to erase you. I don't regret you, you taught me a lot through the years, but you're not serving your purpose anymore. What purpose was that? Keeping me humble and grounded I guess, but honestly I don't like giving you that credit either. You were an excuse. An excuse to not look people in the eye, to think I'll always be the "friend" and not the "girlfriend", to be shy and not reveal who I really am to those around me. You kept me from a lot of things and I resent you for that. I let you burden my life, but it's now time to say goodbye. I know you won't leave as quickly as I'll like and I know you'll sneak in every now and then to give me a bad day, but I promise you this...you will be replaced bye strength, confidence, and genuine love. I will get that closure on that chapter of my life and you'll no longer be welcome. You'll find your baggage on the front step after I've finished cleaning house. The only memories will be from pictures, but it's not to remember YOU, but to remember where I came from and to see how much I've grown without you.
Farewell "friend"
Tricia
Fat, rolls, flaps, and cellulite....I hid behind you for so long. You're how I'm identified in pictures, how people describe me. I can't erase you from my life...there's too much evidence to reveal your presence even after you're gone...and I'm not sure I want to erase you. I don't regret you, you taught me a lot through the years, but you're not serving your purpose anymore. What purpose was that? Keeping me humble and grounded I guess, but honestly I don't like giving you that credit either. You were an excuse. An excuse to not look people in the eye, to think I'll always be the "friend" and not the "girlfriend", to be shy and not reveal who I really am to those around me. You kept me from a lot of things and I resent you for that. I let you burden my life, but it's now time to say goodbye. I know you won't leave as quickly as I'll like and I know you'll sneak in every now and then to give me a bad day, but I promise you this...you will be replaced bye strength, confidence, and genuine love. I will get that closure on that chapter of my life and you'll no longer be welcome. You'll find your baggage on the front step after I've finished cleaning house. The only memories will be from pictures, but it's not to remember YOU, but to remember where I came from and to see how much I've grown without you.
Farewell "friend"
Tricia
One more week
Mar 06, 2008
The countdown has begun!! 7 more days...that's insane!!
I must be honest and say that I'm getting quite nervous and scared. This liquid diet is proving to me that food will never be a friend to me anymore. I can't go to it when I need comfort. It's scary to know the crutch I've been leaning on for so long has been kicked out from under me....BY ME! *I* made this choice to change my life...I'm finally taking charge of something and being ACTIVE in my own health and well-being. It feels good, but yet the unknown still has an ominous feeling to it. I'm changing my body....MY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. C'mon, if that isn't freakin' scary....yikes! But, at least I'm taking steps in the right direction. I'm being proactive instead of reactive to health concerns and inevitabilities if i stay at my current weight. I'm proud of myself. No matter what happens after surgery I have to remember that at least I tried.
Thank you God for everything you've given me and the things you've kept away from me. I'm forever in debt.
I must be honest and say that I'm getting quite nervous and scared. This liquid diet is proving to me that food will never be a friend to me anymore. I can't go to it when I need comfort. It's scary to know the crutch I've been leaning on for so long has been kicked out from under me....BY ME! *I* made this choice to change my life...I'm finally taking charge of something and being ACTIVE in my own health and well-being. It feels good, but yet the unknown still has an ominous feeling to it. I'm changing my body....MY DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. C'mon, if that isn't freakin' scary....yikes! But, at least I'm taking steps in the right direction. I'm being proactive instead of reactive to health concerns and inevitabilities if i stay at my current weight. I'm proud of myself. No matter what happens after surgery I have to remember that at least I tried.
Thank you God for everything you've given me and the things you've kept away from me. I'm forever in debt.
Liquid Diet
Mar 02, 2008
Liquid diet starts on the 4th, but I think i'm gonna start on the 3rd. Why not? It's just one more day. I'd like to lose a little weight before the surgery just to get a head-start. Gosh...11 more days. Too crazy.
I bought some slimfast (vanilla and chocolate flavor), some sugar free jello, some applesauce, beef and chicken broth, propel, and of course my skim milk. I forgot sugar free popsicles, so I'll get them tomorrow or something.
I just can't wait to see myself in a year....i'M SO DAMN EXCITED!!!!!!!!
I bought some slimfast (vanilla and chocolate flavor), some sugar free jello, some applesauce, beef and chicken broth, propel, and of course my skim milk. I forgot sugar free popsicles, so I'll get them tomorrow or something.
I just can't wait to see myself in a year....i'M SO DAMN EXCITED!!!!!!!!
SURGERY DATE!!
Feb 13, 2008
March 14th....8am....lol, everyone's gonna LOVE the fact they gotta bring me to the hospital at 6am. Neener neener
Met my surgeon today who is absolutely fabulous!! Dr. Svendsen is so amazing....very down to earth and funny. I feel so comfortable around him. I know this is the right choice. That doesn't mean I'm not nervous though. I'm just scared about having to be so careful and watch EVERYTHING with such a close eye. But, me worrying about it makes me confident that I'll do the right thing and make good choices...I hope.
What a rollercoaster!! It all happened so fast, yet it took 7 months from when I started. I'm really having surgery....wow
Met my surgeon today who is absolutely fabulous!! Dr. Svendsen is so amazing....very down to earth and funny. I feel so comfortable around him. I know this is the right choice. That doesn't mean I'm not nervous though. I'm just scared about having to be so careful and watch EVERYTHING with such a close eye. But, me worrying about it makes me confident that I'll do the right thing and make good choices...I hope.
What a rollercoaster!! It all happened so fast, yet it took 7 months from when I started. I'm really having surgery....wow
I got approved
Feb 08, 2008
Well, it's official now. I'm approved for RNY. The insurance specialist at PNC submitted on Wed Feb 6th and i got approved the next day! I couldn't believe it. I still can't...it's reality now.
I started back in August with all the nutritionist visits and now it's here. Wow, it went so incredibly fast. Now, I'm all in a panic of going through my cupboards in anticipation of my 10 day liquid diet. Trying to separate the clothes in my closet...ones i wear now and the smaller ones i used to fit into that I'll probably only wear for a week or 2 after surgery.
I see my surgeon on Wed Feb 13th and I schedule from there. Hopefully I'll have it at the end of Feb or at least by the first week in March.
I've been hoping and wishing for this for so long...now it's finally within my grasp. What a feeling!!!
I started back in August with all the nutritionist visits and now it's here. Wow, it went so incredibly fast. Now, I'm all in a panic of going through my cupboards in anticipation of my 10 day liquid diet. Trying to separate the clothes in my closet...ones i wear now and the smaller ones i used to fit into that I'll probably only wear for a week or 2 after surgery.
I see my surgeon on Wed Feb 13th and I schedule from there. Hopefully I'll have it at the end of Feb or at least by the first week in March.
I've been hoping and wishing for this for so long...now it's finally within my grasp. What a feeling!!!
