Tallmama
A YEAR! (Well....almost...)
Mar 21, 2008
It is hard to believe the incredible changes that have occured over the past year! My RNY gastric bypass surgery was last April 3rd, 2007. Nearly 1 year out and I am healthier than I have been since I was a teenager. Perhpas even healthier, since I smoked when I was a teen! (I quit on December 5th of 2005.) I have been working out like a madwoman and have recently begun weight training in anticipation of competing in the coming year. My only complaint (and I shouldn't complain, I know...) is the amount of loose skin on my upper thighs and back. I would love to get rid of some on my arms as well, and my boobs look like a couple of empty gym socks! (Fried eggs sunny side up when I'm laying down!) I tell people I can suds 'em up and throw 'em over my shoulders to wash my back when I shower! Anyhow, overall I am amazed, awed, stupified and grateful. Check out my new 1 year photos! God Bless! He is Risen indeed! Love you all, Karen
An Amazing Journey
Oct 23, 2007
Well I continue to be amazed by this whole journey. I weighed in at 183 today, a loss of 128 pounds! At 6'2" I am well within the "normal" range now. I am aiming for a 21 BMI of course! I have been able to eat more, just about anything I want. I have to consiously watch my portions though the pouch still lets me know when I've eaten too quickly. (I STILL haven't mastered that skill! The skill of slowing down....) My weight loss has slowed considerably now. I really find I have to work at it to lose each pound. I wasn't really expecting this until I was closer to the 1 year mark, but I'll do ok. I would like to reach somewhere between 165 and 175 when all is said and done. I feel fantastic! I had a hernia surgery a little over 2 weeks ago and recovered super fast. I was back in the gym the same week as the surgery. I feel so much younger and able-bodied. Its funny because sometimes I still stand there when I drop something, like someone else will have to pick it up for me! (I couldn't bend over with all of the extra weight and my back problems before surgery.) So after a few seconds I'm like, "Oh wait! I can get that! duh" I am able to do things I haven't done in years and I truly feel wonderful helping others again. I am a Girl Scout Troop leader, a room mother for both of my children's classes, in the PTA... and just generally active. What a blessing from God this surgery has been!
How do I get so much protein?
Sep 04, 2007
I have gotten this question a few times so I thought I'd paste the answer from my post here! I weighed in at 193 today and am now "normal" BMI (24.7) for my height of 6'2"! My 5 month surgiversary was yesterday! Anyhow, here is the post:
As far as getting my protein from food, I eat fish (tilapia, usually) just about every day. I also can tolerate a lot of different kinds of nuts. (chewed well.) I eat high protein cereals once in a while and still eat cottage cheese as well as other cheeses. I eat ZERO bread of any kind. I do not do well with beef or chicken unless it is ground beef in chili or something. Fish is my best bet. I also do not consume sugar at all except in negligable amounts if they happen to be an ingredient. I still take a lot of protein supplements. There are a lot of different schools of thought on how long people should continue with supplements, etc. I am personally prepared to stay on supplements for my entire life. I use protein powder in soups and broths. I also have 1 to 2 protein drinks a day as well as one or 2 protein bars. With as much as I work out, the calories (around 170 to 200) per protein supplement do not affect me. There you have it!
As far as getting my protein from food, I eat fish (tilapia, usually) just about every day. I also can tolerate a lot of different kinds of nuts. (chewed well.) I eat high protein cereals once in a while and still eat cottage cheese as well as other cheeses. I eat ZERO bread of any kind. I do not do well with beef or chicken unless it is ground beef in chili or something. Fish is my best bet. I also do not consume sugar at all except in negligable amounts if they happen to be an ingredient. I still take a lot of protein supplements. There are a lot of different schools of thought on how long people should continue with supplements, etc. I am personally prepared to stay on supplements for my entire life. I use protein powder in soups and broths. I also have 1 to 2 protein drinks a day as well as one or 2 protein bars. With as much as I work out, the calories (around 170 to 200) per protein supplement do not affect me. There you have it!
Entering a 5K
Aug 09, 2007
I really cannot believe how much my life has changed since April 3rd! My famous saying used to be, "Hell, I ain't runnin' unless someone's chasing me....and even then, if they're small, I'll just sit on 'em!" Well, I'm training to run a 5K on September 23rd. Never thought I'd utter THOSE words! I am down to 205 now...106 pounds down from my highest known weight last March. The only issue I am having is with the herniated discs I have in my upper back/neck... but hoping strength training will help with that. As long as the neck holds out, I will do the 5K run. I also have hernia surgery scheduled for 10/4, and am hoping to get some nips and tucks at the same time! We'll see. I will be 6 months out then, so may want to wait on the skin removal. Will consult with a plastic surgeon at the end of this month. Right now, My main goal is to get UNDER 200 pounds! These ast pounds to get under 200 seem to be taking forever. But I'll try not to complain as I am thrilled with my reults so far. Peace and love to all.
100 POUNDS!
Jul 25, 2007
Yes, its true...I had to get on the scale 3 times to be sure.....I weigh 211 pounds....I DID weigh 311 pounds. I've LOST 100 POUNDS! So hard to believe how quickly I have changed. I look at the old pictures of myself and see such unhappiness and pain. I have to remind myself constantly that I AM capable of doing things that were an unbearable struggle before. I have to get the "fat picture" of myself out of my head periodically when I reach for a larger size than I could possibly need. I am so grateful for all this surgery tool has provided for me (through God) and I am grateful to have my life back and a new life both at the same time! hugs, Karen P.S. How do I get a 100 pounds card?!
This is amazing!
Jul 12, 2007
I weighed in at 219 this morning! Only 8 more pounds to go, and I will have lost 100 pounds! I have been exercising everyday, and making sure I get all of my protein. Other than that, I just stay as active as possible. I do have at least one major hernia that is pretty bad, but will see the surgeon next Wednesday about that. I also somewhat feel like a Shar-Pei whenever I sit down, due to all of the excess skin! I'll think about that when I reach goal... I feel so blessed to have this new lease on life!
The Indians Game...
Jun 18, 2007
I am 10 weeks out from surgery today. Last night my husband and kids and I went to the Indians game. (Awesome seats behind the dugout!) Anyhow, when we got there, I said, "I want a T-shirt". So we went into the shop, where I usually becom depressed because they have exactly 2 "women's" t-shirts for the larger gals unless you buy men's. So I never would buy. Well, last night I passed by the women's "section" and was actually able to buy a L T-shirt in the regular section and it fit beautifully! I was hesitant to buy it, thinking it would never fit, but my husband said, YES! Buy it! It made my night until....I saw a 50-foot ME on the jumbo-tron for over 20,000 people to see! I couldn't believe it! They put ME on TV cheering for my team and I looked GOOD! I would have been horrified 80 pounds ago, but I was thrilled. As we were leaving the game, a group of young guys passed us and one of them said, "Hey! SHE was on the jumbo-tron, I saw her!" I'm famous! hugs, Karen
I'm overweight! Yipee!
Jun 14, 2007
I just weighed in this morning and I am finally below a 30 BMI!(29.9 to be exact.) I am OVERWEIGHT and no longer OBESE! This was one of my first goals to meet, and I feel so PROUD! I thank God for this surgery that is helping me to be healthy.
Recipe
Jun 08, 2007
1 can pumpkin
1 container cool whip
1 box sf/ff butterscotch pudding mix
dash pumpkin pie spice
I make this at thanksgiving, and its gone in a flash! i call it Pumpkin Fluff! You can even put it in a graham cracker crust to take to a pitch in,,and top with reddi whip when served. The pumpkin is a vegetable, and the only sugar would be in the crust! 6 grams per slice.
Post Date: 6/20/07 5:39 pm
Here it is. Not only is it sugar free, its low carb and if you use Smart Balance or Smart Balance Light, its low fat too....and a bonus, its got quite a bit of protein too. Keep in mind with this granola, as in others, it may be sugar free, but that doesn't mean CALORIE free. So go easy.
Get the sugar free coconut at the the health food store, do NOT use the sugar laden stuff from the grocery store......this stuff is really really really really good....
Don't bake it too long....and set your stove timer to turn it. 45 minutes is way too long, I bake it 30 minutes.
Charlie
Source: dLife
2 1/2 Tablespoons (1/2-ounce) finely shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup low-fat, low-sugar, low-sodium marinara sauce
2. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and the mixture is hot. Serve immediately.
This recipe provides the great taste of lasagna without all the carbs!
Calories: 146
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 18g
Total Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: less than 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 615mg
Here is my basic protein ball recipe:
1 CUP of Peanut Butter (smooth or junky)..your preference
1 CUP of vanilla protein powder (again...your choice!!)
1 CUP of Rice Crispy Cereal (or granola...again, your choice!!)
Splenda to suit your taste
1./3 cup of water (set aside in a bowl)
3 tablespoons of Cocoa Powder (i really love the70% cacao powder..no sugar too!)
3 packets of SPLENDA (Thanks to Tanya for reminding me that I left out an optional ingredient!! Thanks Tanya!!!) - the unsweetened cocoa powder may seem bitter to some so by adding some Splenda, it makes it a little bit more sweet. Definitely play around with the ingredients to get them to suit your own taste.
1. MIX peanut butter, protein powder together.
2. FOLD in the rice crispy cereal
3. MIX peanut butter, protein and cereal until ingredients are well mixed.
4. ADD Splenda to suit your taste (optional...but it adds a bit of that "sweet" flavor that we crave!)
5. DIP finger tips in water and coat the palm of your hand
6. FORM 1" balls with the protein ball mixture
7. ROLL the 1" balls in cocoa powder and Splenda (packets work best..use more or less to suit your taste) so that they resemble a truffle
8. REFRIGERATE and enjoy cold (they keep for about a week...IF everyone doesn't eat them before you do! LOL)
ENJOY!!!!
Not a Peanut Butter FAN?!?!?
OKAY!
Instead of PB, use Cream Cheese!!!! Instead of Cocao Powder, use chopped almonds or macadamia nuts! Add some vanilla extract for a yummy taste!!!
Want more of a cheesecake consistency?!?!??! ADD one EGG, 1 tablespoon of flour with pure vanilla extract... Bake at 350 for about 10-12 minutes.. COOL and ENJOY!!! Want a little bit of fruit with it?!?!?!
ADD 1/4 tablespoon of 100% Real Fruit jam (I love the blackberry 100% preserves...What a heavenly treat...curbs the sweet craving AND is good for you!!
Each 1" protein ball has about 10 grams of protein (give or take a gram if you use more or less of the PB or Cream Cheese)... and if you use 100% complex carbohydrate cereal such as Rice Crispies or Granola, it can bump up the protein AND fiber!!!
When I make these (I still do at 5 years post!!), I have to tell my kids to STAY AWAY FROM EM! LOL
Hope this helps!! Just eating 4 a day can easily at 40 grams of protein!! Add this with some lean turkey or tuna and you will easily surpass your daily requirement!!
ENJOY!
Kathie in Hawaii
1 container cool whip
1 box sf/ff butterscotch pudding mix
dash pumpkin pie spice
I make this at thanksgiving, and its gone in a flash! i call it Pumpkin Fluff! You can even put it in a graham cracker crust to take to a pitch in,,and top with reddi whip when served. The pumpkin is a vegetable, and the only sugar would be in the crust! 6 grams per slice.
Post Date: 6/20/07 5:39 pm
Here it is. Not only is it sugar free, its low carb and if you use Smart Balance or Smart Balance Light, its low fat too....and a bonus, its got quite a bit of protein too. Keep in mind with this granola, as in others, it may be sugar free, but that doesn't mean CALORIE free. So go easy.
Get the sugar free coconut at the the health food store, do NOT use the sugar laden stuff from the grocery store......this stuff is really really really really good....
Don't bake it too long....and set your stove timer to turn it. 45 minutes is way too long, I bake it 30 minutes.
Sugar Free Low Carb Granola
1 cup unsweetened shredded Coconut
1 cup chopped Pecans
1 cup chopped Walnuts
1 cup chopped Almonds
1 cup Sunflower Seeds
1 cup Whole Flax Seeds
1 cup Rolled Oats
1 stick of melted Butter (Smart Balance Light works too)
2 tsp. Vanilla
2 tsp. Cinnamon
30 packages of Splenda (I don't like it as well using the bulk Splenda)
Directions:
Mix together coconut and nuts. Combine vanilla and melted butter. Drizzle over dry mixture. Mix together cinnamon and Splenda and toss over granola. Toast in a 350o oven, tossing every 10 minutes, for about a half hour to 45 minutes. This makes 12 - 1/2 cups servings. Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator.
For granola WITH oatmeal it works out to:
Carbs: 22; Fiber: 9.41; and Protein: 11.7 per serving
For granola minus the oatmeal:
Carbs: 13.5; Fiber: 8.03; and Protein: 9.6
Even with the oats you get a net carb count of 13 (rounded up). Not too shabby when you compare this to store bought.
Charlie
Cottage Cheese Marinara
Submitted by: dlifeSource: dLife
Ingredients:
1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese2 1/2 Tablespoons (1/2-ounce) finely shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup low-fat, low-sugar, low-sodium marinara sauce
Instructions:
1. In a small microwaveable bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mozzarella, and sauce. Mix well.2. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and the mixture is hot. Serve immediately.
This recipe provides the great taste of lasagna without all the carbs!
Nutritional Information:
Per Serving--Calories: 146
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 18g
Total Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: less than 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 615mg
Here is my basic protein ball recipe:
1 CUP of Peanut Butter (smooth or junky)..your preference
1 CUP of vanilla protein powder (again...your choice!!)
1 CUP of Rice Crispy Cereal (or granola...again, your choice!!)
Splenda to suit your taste
1./3 cup of water (set aside in a bowl)
3 tablespoons of Cocoa Powder (i really love the70% cacao powder..no sugar too!)
3 packets of SPLENDA (Thanks to Tanya for reminding me that I left out an optional ingredient!! Thanks Tanya!!!) - the unsweetened cocoa powder may seem bitter to some so by adding some Splenda, it makes it a little bit more sweet. Definitely play around with the ingredients to get them to suit your own taste.
1. MIX peanut butter, protein powder together.
2. FOLD in the rice crispy cereal
3. MIX peanut butter, protein and cereal until ingredients are well mixed.
4. ADD Splenda to suit your taste (optional...but it adds a bit of that "sweet" flavor that we crave!)
5. DIP finger tips in water and coat the palm of your hand
6. FORM 1" balls with the protein ball mixture
7. ROLL the 1" balls in cocoa powder and Splenda (packets work best..use more or less to suit your taste) so that they resemble a truffle
8. REFRIGERATE and enjoy cold (they keep for about a week...IF everyone doesn't eat them before you do! LOL)
ENJOY!!!!
Not a Peanut Butter FAN?!?!?
OKAY!
Instead of PB, use Cream Cheese!!!! Instead of Cocao Powder, use chopped almonds or macadamia nuts! Add some vanilla extract for a yummy taste!!!
Want more of a cheesecake consistency?!?!??! ADD one EGG, 1 tablespoon of flour with pure vanilla extract... Bake at 350 for about 10-12 minutes.. COOL and ENJOY!!! Want a little bit of fruit with it?!?!?!
ADD 1/4 tablespoon of 100% Real Fruit jam (I love the blackberry 100% preserves...What a heavenly treat...curbs the sweet craving AND is good for you!!
Each 1" protein ball has about 10 grams of protein (give or take a gram if you use more or less of the PB or Cream Cheese)... and if you use 100% complex carbohydrate cereal such as Rice Crispies or Granola, it can bump up the protein AND fiber!!!
When I make these (I still do at 5 years post!!), I have to tell my kids to STAY AWAY FROM EM! LOL
Hope this helps!! Just eating 4 a day can easily at 40 grams of protein!! Add this with some lean turkey or tuna and you will easily surpass your daily requirement!!
ENJOY!
Kathie in Hawaii
So close...
Jun 07, 2007
Well today I weighed in at 237. I am pretty happy, but can't wait to reach "overweight" status! (My next goal) My BMI is 30.4 (for my 6'2" frame) and I will be "overweight" when I reach a BMI of 29. SO CLOSE! My back has been in a terrible spasm for almost 3 weeks. We just moved to our new home last Friday...and I haven't been able to rest properly. I have tried, but the pain still persists. It is difficult since we cannot take anti-inflamitories. I tried to do too much too soon. But I want to go to the gym so badly! I may attempt it this evening and see if the extra motion and stretching will help. We are enjoying our new home and really love owning a house again. But Home Depot is going to put us in the poor house! Thats it for now...
About Me
Stepford, OH
Location
23.0
BMI
Surgery
04/03/2007
Surgery Date
Dec 26, 2006
Member Since
