Laurie S.
OMG, it's May!
May 19, 2010
I am ***this*** close to my 4 month surgiversary and I'm so proud of where I am! I am 88.5 lbs down, with 82.5 to my initial goal, I'm down 4 sizes in pants and am able to buy "regular" 2x shirts from places like walmart and old navy without thinking twice about, "will this fit me?" I'm thrilled with my progress thus far....I just have to stay the course. I no longer weigh myself every day - in fact I keep the scale in the linen closet and only weigh once every week or two. It's so liberating! I have more energy than I've ever had....I can sit on the floor without discomfort..... I can stretch my back and legs without help!! It's a great feeling! Now that I've proclaimed the positive, let's discuss the negative.....because there are two sides to every coin!
I am struggling with letting old habits get the best of me. For example..... I allow myself to have a half a peanut butter sandwich on a sandwich thin every night to get the remainder of my protein in - but I fear the carbs are going to get me. I find myself allowing a little nibble here and there of carbs.... a whole wheat pringle here, a pretzel there..... I am always cognizant of making sure it's whole grain before nibbling, but I do find that when I "indulge" I am far more hungry later.....does that happen to the rest of you? I have to get back to basics.... and I will do so. (after this tortilla chip - just kidding!)
I am slacking on my meds/vitamins......I am lucky some days if I remember to take my birth control! Which I fogot this morning - and I am paying for it in cramps and early spotting...good times. I expect this since I'm only on it for the last 2 months.....but it's annoying now to have TWO periods a month until I stabilize!
I have days when I don't get in all my protein - some days I'm a rock star! Others, I get about 50 - 60 in.....but it's not optimal.
In a nutshell - the more "normal" and "better" I feel, the more I find myself unconsciously getting back into old habits. I'm keeping it under control, for the most part.....and the fact that I'm aware of it is HUGE..... but things have to change again..... it's time for another refocusing!!
I resolve to do the following starting tonight (5/19/10):
- take my meds each and every day.....using a pill box for a reminder.
- drink at least 1 protein shake a day to supplement my food proteins
- journal daily - on Daily Plate or on here - to track my every move
- CUT THE CARBS! - no more PB&J's at night.....with those comes the craving for "crunchy" a bad habit to say the least!
- stretch and do some form of exercise every day - and journal it here/on Daily Plate.
Ahh...I feel better. I'm going to get over the hump and move along..... I am doing this - I just know I can do it better.
Thanks for reading!
<3
Laurie =)
The little things....
Apr 22, 2010
Friends at work did a party for us occupational therapists for national OT month and they did small portion finger foods with me and my new tummy in mind. Now that's a wonderful group of people with whom I work. Incredible. Good news? I ate protein rich foods first - cheese, sausage casserole (with veggies and no breadcrumbs!), the inside out of a quiche. I also managed to get a bite or two of fruit in - strawberries and cantaloupe. Bad news? I allowed myself a bite of spanikopita, a cream puff, and a dark chocolate hershey kiss.
Is this really a bad thing? I try to think not.....since I did eat what I NEEDED first..... and it was only the second time I allowed myself this - the first being my sister's birthday. I know that carbs beget other carbs, which can be the downfall of any post WLS'er...... but I know it was an indulgence and it is not something I plan to do every day. I think that's the key.
When I used to go to a nutritionist pre my WLS journey, she used to say to me, "if you really want something, allow yourself to have a little - then you won't think it's 'not allowed', just 'not preferred'. I am typically an all or nothing girl - but my ideas have changed on this journey. Moderation used to be a word that meant little to me - but it's so much easier to understand that when your stomach is the size of a sharpie marker, like mine. You have to pick your foods carefully so you remain healthy..... and that makes all the difference to me. I always pick my proteins first, followed by my veggies/fruits, and then - if I have room - I allow myself something sweet. Typically something sugar free (Sugar Free Rita's water ice is my only real indulgence)..... this was only the second time I allowed myself something sugary. It was TOO sweet....I think this'll last me a LONG time. And that is the difference this time around.
Man, I've gotten so stinkin' smart in the last year, huh? At least, I like to think so..... =) Thanks for reading, as always!
Laur =)
1 comment
Is this really a bad thing? I try to think not.....since I did eat what I NEEDED first..... and it was only the second time I allowed myself this - the first being my sister's birthday. I know that carbs beget other carbs, which can be the downfall of any post WLS'er...... but I know it was an indulgence and it is not something I plan to do every day. I think that's the key.
When I used to go to a nutritionist pre my WLS journey, she used to say to me, "if you really want something, allow yourself to have a little - then you won't think it's 'not allowed', just 'not preferred'. I am typically an all or nothing girl - but my ideas have changed on this journey. Moderation used to be a word that meant little to me - but it's so much easier to understand that when your stomach is the size of a sharpie marker, like mine. You have to pick your foods carefully so you remain healthy..... and that makes all the difference to me. I always pick my proteins first, followed by my veggies/fruits, and then - if I have room - I allow myself something sweet. Typically something sugar free (Sugar Free Rita's water ice is my only real indulgence)..... this was only the second time I allowed myself something sugary. It was TOO sweet....I think this'll last me a LONG time. And that is the difference this time around.
Man, I've gotten so stinkin' smart in the last year, huh? At least, I like to think so..... =) Thanks for reading, as always!
Laur =)
12 weeks out - and what a weekend!
Apr 18, 2010
Okay, I have to admit, I was not so good with my food this weekend. I'm sure I got the extra calories my nutritionist wanted, but odds are, she didn't want me to get them this way. But it was a wonderful weekend!
My sister turned 30. We threw her a surprise party - the jig was almost up when we got to the restaurant - she started recognizing cars in the parking lot.....I was so worried. It was wonderful! I was so happy we didn't manage to blow it before the actual party.
As for the food? Well, let's just say I had a few carbs. Okay, more than my usual few.... I had a couple bites of pizza (it was my favorite pizza in the world, so I indulged) but followed up with a grilled chicken breast for the protein. I had 2 bites of my sister's birthday cake - tasted heavenly, but almost too sugary! I'm so used to no sugar that the sugar in it was overwhelming. I also had a few sweet potato fries at Poor Richard's Pub Saturday night...but at least they were a vegetable *lol*. I made up for it in the days previous and after.... in fact, now that I read my list of "bad foods" it's not SOOO bad. A little variety is okay once in a while.
My muscles are so sore... we've been moving...and moved a LOT of stuff yesterday. I've been unpacking boxes and doing laundry. There's a certain freedom to starting over in a new space....a new opportunity to organize, to minimize, to center. I am not looking forward to going back to the house to finish this afternoon - it's so overwhelming. But my kitties are moving over today. And I have a couple friends coming to help move the remaining stuff this afternoon. For now? I'm a prisoner of my apt...waiting for the FiOS guy. Gonna be a long one.
Thanks for reading!
<3
Laur =)
0 comments
My sister turned 30. We threw her a surprise party - the jig was almost up when we got to the restaurant - she started recognizing cars in the parking lot.....I was so worried. It was wonderful! I was so happy we didn't manage to blow it before the actual party.
As for the food? Well, let's just say I had a few carbs. Okay, more than my usual few.... I had a couple bites of pizza (it was my favorite pizza in the world, so I indulged) but followed up with a grilled chicken breast for the protein. I had 2 bites of my sister's birthday cake - tasted heavenly, but almost too sugary! I'm so used to no sugar that the sugar in it was overwhelming. I also had a few sweet potato fries at Poor Richard's Pub Saturday night...but at least they were a vegetable *lol*. I made up for it in the days previous and after.... in fact, now that I read my list of "bad foods" it's not SOOO bad. A little variety is okay once in a while.
My muscles are so sore... we've been moving...and moved a LOT of stuff yesterday. I've been unpacking boxes and doing laundry. There's a certain freedom to starting over in a new space....a new opportunity to organize, to minimize, to center. I am not looking forward to going back to the house to finish this afternoon - it's so overwhelming. But my kitties are moving over today. And I have a couple friends coming to help move the remaining stuff this afternoon. For now? I'm a prisoner of my apt...waiting for the FiOS guy. Gonna be a long one.
Thanks for reading!
<3
Laur =)
Almost 11 weeks out....
Apr 09, 2010
Hey, all!
Well, it's almost been 11 weeks (I can't believe it!) and I'm loving life! I've had a couple of NSV's in the last couple of weeks, moreso then scale victories - but they all count and keep me motivated to keep on keepin' on.
As of today, I am 287lbs (just weighed), which is only 1# from my weight 10 years ago when I got married! That is a big accomplishment! The scale creeps rather than jumps at this point, but as long as it's going in the right direction, I'm a happy girl!
I have changed to weighing only 1x/week - which helps me to maintain my sanity....weighing every day was making me crazy after the initial month when each and every day you have a loss of at least a pound. Once you get past that stage, DROP YOUR SCALE! Hide it or just use it once a week - trust me....every day will have you constantly adjusting and questioning yourself....your weight fluctuates each and every day.....even throughout the day! Save yourself....I do same amt of clothing each time, same time of day, and same day. Keeps things accurate......okay, back to my NSV's...
1. I had a patient at work tell me that she did not recognize me from the back and was about to ask where I was! Hilarious, since my booty used to be my biggest (no pun intended) defining feature on my body!
2. My 24s are getting huge on me and I'm wearing some size 22s.....I'm afraid to buy any though....I'll wait until they're falling off me and THEN move on...but cool!
3. I actually had to move my driver's seat CLOSER to the steering wheel. Now, for those of us who have been there - I ALWAYS moved the seat all the way back to accommodate my belly and booty....I found myself reaching uncomfortably for my steering wheel and decided to move it up....by the time I realized what I was doing, it was done and I was shocked! And I still had room to move, get in/out, etc. It's so awesome!
#4 is a little on the dirtay side....but I'm pleased to say there is some variety now in my *ahem* relations with my hubby..... I've gotten a bit adventurous with things...for the first time in FOREVER! (sorry to my sisters who read this - I know it's TMI, especially since you all know my hubbins!)
It's been a wonderful journey thus far and for those of you who are reluctant or in the early stages of this journey - believe me - it is COMPLETELY worth it. Even during the stalls and the frustrations - the energy, flexibility, ability to move, lack of worry about "will I fit in those seats?", "can I keep up with them?", "I don't want to sit on a bench while my sisters shop", etc.....make it totally worth each and every step. Stay the course.....
<3 you all!
Laur =)
0 comments
Well, it's almost been 11 weeks (I can't believe it!) and I'm loving life! I've had a couple of NSV's in the last couple of weeks, moreso then scale victories - but they all count and keep me motivated to keep on keepin' on.
As of today, I am 287lbs (just weighed), which is only 1# from my weight 10 years ago when I got married! That is a big accomplishment! The scale creeps rather than jumps at this point, but as long as it's going in the right direction, I'm a happy girl!
I have changed to weighing only 1x/week - which helps me to maintain my sanity....weighing every day was making me crazy after the initial month when each and every day you have a loss of at least a pound. Once you get past that stage, DROP YOUR SCALE! Hide it or just use it once a week - trust me....every day will have you constantly adjusting and questioning yourself....your weight fluctuates each and every day.....even throughout the day! Save yourself....I do same amt of clothing each time, same time of day, and same day. Keeps things accurate......okay, back to my NSV's...
1. I had a patient at work tell me that she did not recognize me from the back and was about to ask where I was! Hilarious, since my booty used to be my biggest (no pun intended) defining feature on my body!
2. My 24s are getting huge on me and I'm wearing some size 22s.....I'm afraid to buy any though....I'll wait until they're falling off me and THEN move on...but cool!
3. I actually had to move my driver's seat CLOSER to the steering wheel. Now, for those of us who have been there - I ALWAYS moved the seat all the way back to accommodate my belly and booty....I found myself reaching uncomfortably for my steering wheel and decided to move it up....by the time I realized what I was doing, it was done and I was shocked! And I still had room to move, get in/out, etc. It's so awesome!
#4 is a little on the dirtay side....but I'm pleased to say there is some variety now in my *ahem* relations with my hubby..... I've gotten a bit adventurous with things...for the first time in FOREVER! (sorry to my sisters who read this - I know it's TMI, especially since you all know my hubbins!)
It's been a wonderful journey thus far and for those of you who are reluctant or in the early stages of this journey - believe me - it is COMPLETELY worth it. Even during the stalls and the frustrations - the energy, flexibility, ability to move, lack of worry about "will I fit in those seats?", "can I keep up with them?", "I don't want to sit on a bench while my sisters shop", etc.....make it totally worth each and every step. Stay the course.....
<3 you all!
Laur =)
Completely silly, random, and off topic....
Apr 03, 2010
As you all know, my hubby and I are in the middle of moving - sold our house, buying another - may be apartment bound for a while. In the transition since we put the house on the market, our cats have been living in our utility room, as to not mess up the new carpet (I feel like a horrible mommy, but they don't seem to be minding it much - and we go down there as much as possible...). Anyway - I have 6 cats.
My in-laws send us an Easter package each year, and this year they included a cat toy for them! I couldn't wait to get down to give it to them and hang out. So, we bring the toy and some treats downstairs.... I give out treats and spend some quality snuggle time with the kitties - Spooky is in my lap chillin' and I hear hissing and slapping across the room - I look and my one cat, Champ, is guarding the toy and fighting everyone else off. I almost yelled at him, but then the funniest thing happened!
My former fraidy cat, Bo, gets smacked by Champ, and immediately makes his way to my seat - looks me straight in the eye and starts talking to me - loudly. I ask him sweetly, "what's wrong, honey?" - he proceeds to look at me and walk directly over to Champ and stand there. He was telling on his brother!! I thought it was hysterical!! =)
Thought I would share the wonderful world of being owned by your cats.
Thanks for reading! =)
<3
Laurie =)
2 comments
My in-laws send us an Easter package each year, and this year they included a cat toy for them! I couldn't wait to get down to give it to them and hang out. So, we bring the toy and some treats downstairs.... I give out treats and spend some quality snuggle time with the kitties - Spooky is in my lap chillin' and I hear hissing and slapping across the room - I look and my one cat, Champ, is guarding the toy and fighting everyone else off. I almost yelled at him, but then the funniest thing happened!
My former fraidy cat, Bo, gets smacked by Champ, and immediately makes his way to my seat - looks me straight in the eye and starts talking to me - loudly. I ask him sweetly, "what's wrong, honey?" - he proceeds to look at me and walk directly over to Champ and stand there. He was telling on his brother!! I thought it was hysterical!! =)
Thought I would share the wonderful world of being owned by your cats.
Thanks for reading! =)
<3
Laurie =)
Stall officially broken - and Anniversary Celebration!
Apr 02, 2010
The scale is now reading 290.5 consistently. I'm so thrilled. I'm almost down to the weight I was when I got married 10 years ago. I haven't seen that number in a dog's age.
I'm feeling pretty good..... had one baaaad reaction to food this week - ate a Healthy choice meal with some brown rice in it and made the mistake of trying some. OY. Do not attempt at home...trust me on this one.....agony! Pain, nausea, sweats, panic......all lasting almost 4 hours. Not recommended.... So, rice I shall not have ever again!
Yesterday was my hubby's and my 10th wedding anniversary. He, for the first time in a LONG time, brought me home roses and a beautiful card..... we went to the movies and grabbed dinner on the way home. It was lovely. I'm so happy. I'm in such a better place than last year at this time. Everything is on its way UP (except my weight, nyuk nyuk).
Have a blessed Easter! Lots of love! <3
Laur =)
1 comment
I'm feeling pretty good..... had one baaaad reaction to food this week - ate a Healthy choice meal with some brown rice in it and made the mistake of trying some. OY. Do not attempt at home...trust me on this one.....agony! Pain, nausea, sweats, panic......all lasting almost 4 hours. Not recommended.... So, rice I shall not have ever again!
Yesterday was my hubby's and my 10th wedding anniversary. He, for the first time in a LONG time, brought me home roses and a beautiful card..... we went to the movies and grabbed dinner on the way home. It was lovely. I'm so happy. I'm in such a better place than last year at this time. Everything is on its way UP (except my weight, nyuk nyuk).
Have a blessed Easter! Lots of love! <3
Laur =)
Two month post op appointment with PMRI
Mar 26, 2010
So, today was my two month follow up with the weight management department at Christiana. Everything went relatively well! I have lost 17% of my body weight, which they said was remarkable, my measurements were great - I lost 1.5" in my NECK, 6" in my waist, 7" in my hips! Amazing! Also, I fit into my 22s today! =) And, my weight in the afternoon was 295.1. So, I may be stalling a bit in the scale department - but the NSV's are coming on strong.
My labs were good, too! My iron was great, my pre-albumin was a little low (14, lowest should be 17), but all my other values were good. They told me I need to hit the gym - my LDL needs some elevating.
Overall - a pretty amazing day. And now - to find my dream house tomorrow.....wish me luck.
<3 Thanks for reading!
1 comment
My labs were good, too! My iron was great, my pre-albumin was a little low (14, lowest should be 17), but all my other values were good. They told me I need to hit the gym - my LDL needs some elevating.
Overall - a pretty amazing day. And now - to find my dream house tomorrow.....wish me luck.
<3 Thanks for reading!
Stall.... I guess it had to come sometime...
Mar 22, 2010
So, I'm stuck at 295.5 for the last week. Fluctuated up and down around that number - and I'm a bit frustrated, but I did expect it to come at some time. I keep telling myself that I have lost 43 lbs in 8 weeks - still averaging 5lbs/week. I so can't argue with that.
I am having some soreness in my shins..... not really shins, it's in the outsides of my lower legs.... like there's a bruise with no bruise...and the discomfort is not consistent....makes me nervous - but my body is going through SO many changes, there has to be some kick back. IDK. We shall see.
I'll keep you all posted!
On the + side! the weekend was wonderful - my "nephews" had a great play/great LAX games and I had so much fun with the family. I went the whole weekend without worrying if my butt was going to fit in any armchair or seat.... that is such a freeing feeling....I even had some room in the business class seat when I crossed my legs.... did I mention I could cross my legs? I'm just sayin'. =)
Thanks for reading, all! =)
BTW - I started a comprehensive blog @ www.laurot95.blogspot.com - check it out. I'm likely going to stop blogging here so much and just try to blog in one place - it's so much easier..... we'll see.... I'll miss blogging here, so it won't be right away! =)
<3
Laur =)
1 comment
I am having some soreness in my shins..... not really shins, it's in the outsides of my lower legs.... like there's a bruise with no bruise...and the discomfort is not consistent....makes me nervous - but my body is going through SO many changes, there has to be some kick back. IDK. We shall see.
I'll keep you all posted!
On the + side! the weekend was wonderful - my "nephews" had a great play/great LAX games and I had so much fun with the family. I went the whole weekend without worrying if my butt was going to fit in any armchair or seat.... that is such a freeing feeling....I even had some room in the business class seat when I crossed my legs.... did I mention I could cross my legs? I'm just sayin'. =)
Thanks for reading, all! =)
BTW - I started a comprehensive blog @ www.laurot95.blogspot.com - check it out. I'm likely going to stop blogging here so much and just try to blog in one place - it's so much easier..... we'll see.... I'll miss blogging here, so it won't be right away! =)
<3
Laur =)
First flight post surgery! =)
Mar 18, 2010
Courtesy of the lovely folks at Air Tran - I have free internet on my flight! Woot! =)
Anyway - I did the upgrade to business class just because I'm so used to doing it for the larger seat, but I have to tell you - I'm not only comfortable, I feel like I have upper body room! It's unreal. So comfy. AND - no seatbelt extender - I even had to cinch it up a bit. I'm beyond happy.
I do have to say - I'm starting to notice the "sag, bag, and drag" my old weight watcher's leader used to mention - Oh, there is quite an abundance already.... My legs and arms are a sight - but I have to say - I'll trade my fat anyday for extra skin. Thank you for this gift....I'm too thrilled with the whole journey to worry about that right now. Once the gym starts to kick in, it'll reduce......won't it? *knock wood* I certainly hope so.
I'm enjoying my flight immensely - and it's supposed to be WARM in Georgia....can't wait to see my "nephews and niece" (friends' kids) and enjoy the weather and the company. Good times.
Thanks for reading.....*hugs*
<3,
Laur =)
1 comment
Anyway - I did the upgrade to business class just because I'm so used to doing it for the larger seat, but I have to tell you - I'm not only comfortable, I feel like I have upper body room! It's unreal. So comfy. AND - no seatbelt extender - I even had to cinch it up a bit. I'm beyond happy.
I do have to say - I'm starting to notice the "sag, bag, and drag" my old weight watcher's leader used to mention - Oh, there is quite an abundance already.... My legs and arms are a sight - but I have to say - I'll trade my fat anyday for extra skin. Thank you for this gift....I'm too thrilled with the whole journey to worry about that right now. Once the gym starts to kick in, it'll reduce......won't it? *knock wood* I certainly hope so.
I'm enjoying my flight immensely - and it's supposed to be WARM in Georgia....can't wait to see my "nephews and niece" (friends' kids) and enjoy the weather and the company. Good times.
Thanks for reading.....*hugs*
<3,
Laur =)
St. Paddy's Day Parade Day - adventures of off the cuff eating.
Mar 13, 2010
Happy St. Patrick's Day - okay, it's not THE day yet, but it's Parade day in Scranton and it's THE day to most of us who grew up here.
A bunch of firsts this weekend....... First parade day sober - quite an interesting experience, I must say. The day is much longer when you haven't been drinking.....being DD is fun, though...you get to watch everyone getting crazy and stand back and enjoy the show. First full day out relying on food available AT the event for nutrition. I have to say, not too bad. We made it a point to go out for breakfast this morning before we went - had some eggs and 1/2 a sausage. My sisters giggled when I said I was full. Then it was my first adventure trying beef since surgery. Not.so.good. Felt yicky for a good hour or so after - will NOT be doing that any time soon. I'm exhausted but exhilarated - it was a great day - lots of walking, dancing, and didn't have to ask my sisters to wait once. In fact, sometimes I was the quick one. It was awesome.
I'm off to Poor Richard's in a couple hours. My friends Renee and Jennifer are going to be PISSED if I back out - even though I really would LOVE to sleep. But I'm in demand when I'm home......and I have to say, I do love the fact that they miss me when I'm not here. It seems a bit selfish....but it's nice to be loved. I miss my hubby, though. He does not partake in the parade festivities - not a drinker, really not into live music..... he's home holding down the fort in DE. I can't wait to see him tomorrow, but don't want to leave my fam here either - it's a double edge sword.
K, talk to you all soon - thanks as always for reading - Lots of love <3
Laur =)
0 comments
A bunch of firsts this weekend....... First parade day sober - quite an interesting experience, I must say. The day is much longer when you haven't been drinking.....being DD is fun, though...you get to watch everyone getting crazy and stand back and enjoy the show. First full day out relying on food available AT the event for nutrition. I have to say, not too bad. We made it a point to go out for breakfast this morning before we went - had some eggs and 1/2 a sausage. My sisters giggled when I said I was full. Then it was my first adventure trying beef since surgery. Not.so.good. Felt yicky for a good hour or so after - will NOT be doing that any time soon. I'm exhausted but exhilarated - it was a great day - lots of walking, dancing, and didn't have to ask my sisters to wait once. In fact, sometimes I was the quick one. It was awesome.
I'm off to Poor Richard's in a couple hours. My friends Renee and Jennifer are going to be PISSED if I back out - even though I really would LOVE to sleep. But I'm in demand when I'm home......and I have to say, I do love the fact that they miss me when I'm not here. It seems a bit selfish....but it's nice to be loved. I miss my hubby, though. He does not partake in the parade festivities - not a drinker, really not into live music..... he's home holding down the fort in DE. I can't wait to see him tomorrow, but don't want to leave my fam here either - it's a double edge sword.
K, talk to you all soon - thanks as always for reading - Lots of love <3
Laur =)
