Tag Archives: Losing Weight

Quit TOUCHING Me!! #WLS

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First a rant.  I HATE the term “normal” section, it makes me feel like “women’s” sizes aren’t for “normal” people, when in fact that majority of the population probably wears “women’s” sizes or has at some point.  Side rant…why the hell do they always put the “women’s” sizes next to the petite section?

I figured that it would be late spring before I was able to shop in the “normal” section of the department stores for clothes, but that step happened much faster than I realized it would.  It sort of snuck up on me.  At first I was finding everything in size 1X in the Womens Department to be too large.  Well almost everything, some designers cut things pretty small.  Then I ordered things from Old Navy in the smallest Womens sizes that they sell, and everything except the tank tops that I wear to sleep in had to go back.  I gave up on Old Navy.  I thought they would be a good inexpensive choice as my size changes so quickly.

Last week I was in Macy’s with a co-worker during lunch, and tried on several things in the women’s department, but they just weren’t fitting me properly.  Since the store was fairly empty, me and my imposter ass headed over to the “normal” section and started looking around.  No one warned me how blasted overwhelming that section is.  It goes on forever and ever.  It doesn’t end.  The Women’s department is easy.  They segregate you off to a small area, you have your own dressing room, heck you’re often on a completely different floor than the “normal” section.

I then ordered a bunch of things from my favorite go to store, Talbots, and found that many of the items that I had ordered were to big.  Could it be?  Was I ready to move into the “normal” section?  Talbots can be confusing though.  Their “normal” section sometimes goes up to a 20, mainly 16′s though.  Their women’s section starts at a 14W.  This is when I learned that a 14W does not really equal a regular 16.  Women’s sizes are cut a bit softer, more round if you will, so there isn’t really a direct conversion.  I went against my gut and ordered a lot (12+ items) from the Talbots outlet/sale section in “normal” sizes.

I kept on thinking it was a fluke, that one item after another was cut large for the size, with vanity sizing being what it is, that is easy to believe.  I went into Old Navy this weekend, and since they only carry “normal” sizes, I was scared.  I felt like I didn’t belong, like I was invading a strange world, and that the inhabitants were assuming I was lost.  I filled up my arms with clothes to try on and off to the dressing room I headed.  There wasn’t a single thing that I tried on that was too tight, and I wasnt .  I actually had to go back and pick up XL’s, instead of XXL’s for all of the items.  I just assumed that I needed an XXL.  The pajama pants that I bought were just Larges, not even an extra in front of them.

When I got home from my adventure at Old Navy, where I bought a TON of things, I was surprised by the box of “normal” sized items from Talbots.  My gut was telling me that I had so much success at Old Navy that there was NO WAY that the Talbots items were going to fit.  As I was unpacking the perfectly wrapped items, as Talbots is known to do, and tried each item on, they fit.  Every blasted item fit.

So besides this new world of unlimited clothing options, seriously it’s over whelming and scary, I also came to find something new.  I wasnt focused on finding clothes that didnt touch my body.  I was finding that even if clothes touched my body or didnt drape away from my body, that I was OK with it.  Hence the title.  I am learning to let the clothes touch me and actually fit.

I still have a long way to go to reach goal weight.  I still have a pretty big fat tire around my mid section.  I could open my own airline with the bat wings that my arms are sporting, but damn it, I am able to fit into normal sizes.  My credit cards need to watch out!

Tata for now,

Scale Warfare

Photo Food Journal Thursdays #WLS

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I was a little hit or miss with taking food pictures this week, the ones I got are below!

Lunch Box 1.12.12

Coffee+ 1/2 & 1/2+Egg + Egg White + Cheese for Breakfast; Cheese Stick for Snack; Chili for Lunch; Protein Shake for Snack; Protein Bar if needed.

Lunch box 1.12.12

Dinner 1.12.12

Cod and Sautéed Yellow Pepper.  Salad Plate.

Dinner 1.12.12

Breakfast 1.13.12

Egg+1 Slice Bacon+Cheddar

Breakfast 1.13.12

Lunch 1.13.12

Morning Star Farms California Burger w/ Slice of Cheddar

Lunch 1.13.12

Dinner 1.15.12

Bacon wrapped filet w/ horseradish sauce.  This is an appetizer find from Costco, I love it!

Dinner 1.15.12

Lunch Box 1.16.12

Breakfast Egg+Egg White+Cheddar+coffee+1/2 & 1/2; Snack Babybel Lights; Protein Shake Lunch; Protein Shake Snack.

1.16.12 Lunch Box

Snack 1.16.12

Weak moment at Costco, but a delicious find.  These make an appearance almost daily from here on out.  A sweet treat with whole grains!

Snack 1.16.12

Dinner 1.16.12

I was JONESING for BBQ Chicken Pizza, but wanted to figure out a healthy way.  I used a half of a Whole Grain Roll Up, a Tbsp of BBQ Sauce, 1/3 of a roasted chicken breast, and 2 Tbsp of Cheese.  Seriously filling, I only ate 75% of it.

Dinner 1.16.12

Lunch Box 1.17.12

I have spent a lot of this week at a client site that has no microwave, so I’ve been doing shakes for breakfast.  Protein Shake Breakfast; Babybel Lights Snack; Chicken Salad and 1/4 Whole Grain Roll Out Lunch; Protein Shake+Granola Thin Snack (about 2 hours apart.)

Lunch box 1.17.12

Dinner 1.17.12

Another healthified pizza, this time with marinara and shrimp.  I wound up only being able to eat half of my serving.  This is my serving vs that husbands serving.

Dinner 1.17.12

Lunch Box 1.18.12

Breakfast Protein Shake+Coffee+1/2 and 1/2; Snack 2 Babybel Lights; Lunch Chicken Salad and 1/4 Whole Grain Roll Out; Snack Granola Thin and about two hours later another protein shake.

Lunch box 1.18.12

Head Hunger Post Op #WLS

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One of the things you hear over and over again when you’re pre-op is that they surgery might remove 85% of your stomach (or re-route your intestines, or place a band around your stomach, etc) but the doctors do not cut into your brain to remove the head hunger.  While I certainly do not think about food in the non-stop way that I used to, I do still have challenges with head hunger.

Yesterday, the day after Halloween, was the day that apparently EVERY SINGLE co-worker brought in either their extra candy or the candy that their kids didn’t like.  It was like Willa Wonka’s freaking factory in our communal kitchen (actually it still is today.)  You couldn’t walk down a row of cubes without hearing someone un-wrapping some piece of sugar laden goodness.  It was a bit as though I was being stalked by the Sugar Monster (he dresses in chocolate, and has toffee in him in my mind, haven’t you seen him?)

The talk about the candy, the seeing of the candy, the smelling of the candy, etc., lead me to have the same conversations with myself that I had pre-op when I was on a diet/life style change.  I sat at my desk and negotiated with myself.   I said “Self, YOU DON’T EVEN REALLY LIKE SWEETS!” or “Self, if you don’t eat that candy, you get to have a tasty {blech} protein shake in less than an hour.”  Or. “Self, you’re going to be driving home in less than an hour, just make it 60 more minutes’ candy free.”

I reminded myself that I was in fact not hungry nor do I really even like sweets that much.  I promised myself that I would fill up my water bottle at the water cooler on the other side of the building.  I thought about how far I’ve come and how far I have to go.   I thought about having my insides cut out, and how could I possibly do that and then head down the slippery slope of all things candy coated and potentially onto grazing?

I’m in charge of this body, not the Candy Monster.  I am in charge of what goes in my mouth, not the devil on my shoulder who is reminding me how I love to eat Kit-Kat bars one layer at a time.  I reminded myself of what it feels like to be in a food coma from too many carbs or too much sugar.  I also reminded myself of the pain that I went through during recovery from surgery and tearing a stomach muscle.

I think part of the temptation was/is that I had four pieces of Halloween Candy on Halloween.  I let the sugar back into my body, and now I’m dealing with the consequences.

Yesterday I did survive.  Even though it took a lot of positive self-talk about why I shouldn’t walk my bootie into the communal kitchen and grab whatever piece of candy caught my fancy.

I suppose I’m writing this for several reasons.

  1. As a reminder to my future self that while Sleevie McGavin is amazing at portion control, I am the boss.
  2. As a reminder to those further out from surgery that it is up to us to put the proper nutrition in our bodies.
  3. As a notice to those who are either pre- or post-op that the header hunger, the cravings, the wanting of things that aren’t on our “approved” lists, will still call our name from time to time.

My cravings and head hunger are certainly lower than they ever were pre-op.  I do have to remind myself when I get busy that I have to eat now.  I don’t start wondering what is for dinner at breakfast time.  I don’t drive by fast food and immediately crave it and feel myself pulling into the drive through as though someone else is controlling my body.  I forget to take things out for dinner.  I see other people’s portions and am often a bit disgusted by them.  Food no longer controls me the majority of the time.  But there is another percentage of time that I deal with the same head hunger struggles that I dealt with pre-op.

Tata for now,

Scale Warfare

VLC Diet Day 2

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Yesterday went really well on low carb.  I wound up coming up with a new recipe last night for dinner, which I will hopefully get a chance to post either tomorrow or Friday.  It is for Mock Loaded Nachos, which were delicious!

My carbs were a little higher than the PA recommended yesterday, but overall they were still way lower than normal.  My goal today is to stay under 50 total carbs.

Nutrient Calories
Fat 82.6g 47.7%
Cholesterol 658.9mg
Sodium 3,745.1mg
Carbohydrates 58.7g 15.1%
Fiber 14.9g
Sugars 11.2g
Protein 145g 37.2%

Breakfast: 304

Egg (1 Whole)
2 Servings
140
Sausage, Turkey, Patty
2 Ounces
90
Sauce, Pesto
1/2 Ounce
74

Lunch: 261
Salad Dressing, Ranch, Light
2 Tablespoons
77
Lettuce, Boston, Fresh, Shred/Chpd
2 Cups
14
Bacon Bits, real, svg
2 Each
50
Cheese, Blue, Crumbled
1/8 Cup
60
Cheese, String, Light
1 Piece
60

Dinner: 534
Ground Beef 93/7 Raw
4 Ounces
170
Cheese, Cheddar, Shredded
1/4 Cup
114
Onion, white, fresh, chpd
1/2 Cup
32
Sour Cream, Light
3 Tablespoons
62
Dip, Salsa Con Queso, Med
2 Ounces
66
Peppers, Bell, Green, Sweet, Fresh, Med, 2 1/2″
1 Each
24
Refried Beans, Traditional
1/3 Cup
67

Snacks: 474
Cheese, String, Light
1 Piece
60
Nuts, Almonds, Whole
15 Each
104
Protein Shake-Chocolate
1 Container
160
Jay Robb Whey Protein – Chocolate
1 Serving
110
Milk, Almond, Original, Unsweetened
1 Cup
40

Practice Makes Perfect

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There are a number of things that I will have to make a habit after I have surgery.  In my last nutritional appointment, they recommended that we start working on making these things a habit now, prior to surgery.  The reason?  We are going to have enough of a life shock after surgery, why not make some of these things a habit beforehand?

Taking vitamins on a regular schedule.  While malabsorption isn’t an issue with VSG, the reality is, you’re only eating a very small amount of food.  To ensure that you are getting all of your nutrient’s in, vitamins and supplements are required.  I purchased these to help me get in the habit of taking my supplements on a regular schedule:

 

I throw the pack in my lunch box in the AM, after I’ve taken my breakfast time supplements.

Not drinking 30 minutes before, during, and 30 minutes after eating.  This has been the toughest one by far, and will likely to continue to be a tough one.  I drink water all day long, so remembering to stop drinking about 30 minutes before its time to eat can be tough.  I’m working on it though!

Chew, chew, chew, chew.  Ugh, this is another tough one.  I tend to be a very fast eater, so I know that I need to slow down.  I’m working on making my meal last 20 minutes by taking smaller bites that I chew well.  Working on it is the key phrase there.

Protein, protein, protein.  The nutritionist wants us eating protein first at meals, followed by veggies/fruits, and then grains.  I am working on eating in this order.  It’s actually going quite well.  I am finding that I am eating fewer of the grains because by the time I get to them, I’m already full.  I’m also meeting my protein requirements by getting in a high protein shake/drink each day as one of my snacks.

No where near perfect on these, but I am practicing!

Vitamin Supplements

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Thought I would go over the supplements and pills that I’ve been taking on a regular basis, and also show you the ones that I’ve added since deciding to go with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.  Only 55 more days until surgery

Prior to Surgery Decision

Multi-Vitamin:  I usually take this at breakfast time.  I’ve been taking a multi-vitamin for a couple of years now.

Calcium Supplement (500 mg):  I take two a day, one in the AM with breakfast, and then another in the evening with dinner.  I started taking these about a year ago, but until this past January I always took them together at breakfast.  My gyno informed me that your body can only absorb approximately 500 mg of Calcium at a time, so that it’s best to split the dose into two different servings.  I either take a 500 mg pill or a 500 mg sugar free chocolate chew.  According to my gyno, all women need to be getting in 1000 mg of Calcium per day and the earlier you start doing this the better.

Prilosec OTC (20.6 mg):  I take one a day at breakfast.  I was having issues with getting a full breath in about two months ago now, and the doctor diagnosed the issue back to acid reflux and vocal cord dysfunction due to the acid reflux.  One of these babies a day and I’m reflux free!

Mega Red (300 mg): I’ve been taking these for about a year now.  They are the equivalent of fish oil pills without the fishy burps, so I can ensure that I get my Omega’s in.  I’m not a big fan of many of the fatty fishes (i.e. salmon, etc.)  You can get a 90 day supply of these at Costco for $19.  Once I am post op, I will likely switch over to Barlean’s Omega Swirls, at least until I can take liquid gels again.  The Barlean’s is expensive ($1 a serving!) but they taste super yummy!  I get the Barlean’s at Whole Foods.

Zyrtec (Aller-tec generic 10 Mg): This co-insides with the Prilosec OTC.  I used to take a Zyrtec a day for a couple of weeks in the spring and then a couple of weeks in the fall to fight allergies.  The doctor believes that one of the issues that lead to me having the breathing problems (besides acid reflux) is post nasal drip.  After surgery I might have to switch to Claritin redi-tabs since I will need a dissolvable pills, at least for a while.  FYI-Buy this at Costco as the generic if you are a member.  You get 365 tablets for $16.  That’s less than half of the cost of 65 Zyrtecs!

Additional Supplements Pre-Op

Most of these I am adding pre-op because I want to make sure that my body has a good base going into the surgery.  These are all supplements that I will likely take post-op, even though VSG does not have a malabsorbative side effect like some other procedures.  A lot of people are deficient in both Iron and B12 according to my research (PhD from Google, duh) so even without surgery, I was on the path to add a few supplements.  Added since deciding on surgery:

B12 (1000 mcg):  I am taking one of these a day at dinner time.  They dissolve under my tounge.  I got a package of 100 at Trader Joe’s for around $10.  I am going to get my next pack at Costco, they are 2500 MCG instead of a 1000 MCG and they come in a 250 pack for about the same price (I believe, don’t quote me on that!)  “Vitamin B-12 is essential for the normal formation of red blood cells and proper metabolic functioning.† These microlozenges contribute to heart and circulatory health, as well as energy metabolism and a healthy nervous system.”  (From Costco’s website.)

Iron (65 Mg):  I am taking one of these a day before bed.  Iron is a deficiency that many women of child bearing age run into.  I know for a fact that I am iron deficient and have been for several years from blood work and also from tests done while attempting to donate blood.  I’ve been planning on adding this to my regimen regardless of whether or not I was having surgery.  Iron helps to prevent anemia.  Did you know that Iron blocks Calcium’s ability to be absorbed?  That’s why I take this closer to bed instead of with breakfast or dinner.

Biotin (5000 mcg): One of the side effects of drastic weight loss and anesthesia is potential hair loss.  For some people they have no hair loss, for some it’s minimal and for some it’s a bit more dramatic.  I want to do what I can for my hair NOW to prepare for this.  I am taking two of these a day, which is probably over kill.  One in the AM with breakfast and then one at dinner time.

I can get most of these items in either liquid or chewable form, which will be great post op!  I will reassess which supplements that I take.

Some of these items I take for medical purposes (acid reflux/allergies) and some I take because I think they can help my insides last longer in a healthier state.  I know that post op my doctor’s requests that we take a good multivitamin, a calcium supplement and B12, the other things I will have to discuss with him.  He already knows about most of these, and has ok’ed them.

Ready To Drink Protein Shakes

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Anyone who has either looked into or has begun the process of bariatric surgery has inevitably been hit with the protein drink delima.  So many choices, which one is right for me?  I’ve found reviews all over the place, but I wanted to do a review of as many as I could get my hands on, without having to buy more than four at a time (i.e. not buying a Costco sized case) to help others out in their journey.  I’ll do a separate review on powdered protein, as I’ve found them to be exceptionally different than the Ready To Drink (RTD) variety, even under the same branding.

In picking these, I went against my normal flow and chose Vanillas over Chocolates when possible.  The reason for that is that I wanted to be able to add the Torani Sugar Free syrups to jazz them up and to keep things interesting.

This might be in a few parts, otherwise it could become an epically long post!

Muscle Milk Light-Vanilla Creme (Lactose Free, Contains no Milk, 8.25 FL OZ)

Nutritional Stats:

  • Calories: 100
  • Total Fat: 2.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Potassium: 420 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugars: 0 g
  • Protein: 15 g

Thoughts: I’ll be honest, I had high hopes for this one.  No sugar, no lactose, decent amount of protein in 8.25 ounces.  The first sip for me was BAD, it was almost bitter, as if someone had dumped too much of the pink packet (Sweet n’ Low) sweetener in it.  I thought perhaps it was because I had brushed my teeth less than 30 minutes prior.  The reaction was about equal to what it’s like when you drink orange juice after brushing your teeth.  I did finish off the drink, but the taste didn’t get any better.  I drank it while it was very cold, so that wasn’t the issue.  I am going to give the powder a shot since I’ve read some good reviews on it.  No bueno in my opinion.

EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control-French Vanilla (11 FL OZ)

Nutritional Stats:

  • Calories: 110
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
  • Sodium: 260 mg
  • Potassium: 440 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugars: 0 g
  • Protein: 17 g

Thoughts: You get more here, another 2.75 FL OZ than the Muscle Milk Light RTD, a few more calories, a bit more fat, and a bit more protein.  The taste for me was exceptionally better, it doesn’t have as strong of that sort of bitter/tart artificial sweetener taste that many of the protein drinks have in this category (high protein, low carb, no sugar.)  That flavor is hard to describe, but you know it when you taste it.  This also feels a bit thicker, which makes it feel more indulgent than the muscle milk.  I could see this one being in my fridge as a go to drink.  One minor complaint…Where is the cute little straw that comes with many of the RTDs?  I guess after WLS we aren’t supposed to be using straws regularly anyway.

Gatorade Recovery 3-Strawberry Kiwi 16.9 FL OZ

Nutritional Stats

  • Calories: 130
  • Total Fat: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Potassium: 95 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0 g
  • Sugars: 12 g
  • Protein: 16 g

Thoughts: Besides the standard Gatorade that you get at the grocery store, Gatorade makes three levels of performance drinks. Level 1 is to “prime” you for your work out; Level 2 is to hydrate you as you work out; and  Level 3 is “recovery” and includes both protein and carbohydrates. There’s a lot of drink here for only 130 calories, so it would be a good alternative for a post work out protein shake.  The sugars are a bit higher than most of the protein drinks recommended for bariatric patients.  The initial flavor on this is good, a bit sweet but enjoyable.  After you swallow though the after taste is a bit, ummmm, strange.  I suppose its an acquired taste.  The smell is a bit strange as well, but, you can get over that by NOT smelling it, ha!

Atkins Advantage Vanilla Shake 11 FL Oz.

Nutritional Stats

  • Calories: 160
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
  • Sodium: 260 mg
  • Potassium: 600 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugars: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g

Thoughts:  Well, apparently I picked up a bad batch of these drinks.  I got a 4 pack, and took the first one out.  It didnt shake like any of the other protein drinks, so I though something was off.  Upon opening it, I found it to be incredibly chunky and almost a paper mache consistency.  Each of the four in the pack had the exact same consistency, so I have up on this one, there was no way I was going to drink it.

Atkins Advantage Milk Chocolate Delight Shake 11 FL OZ.

Nutritional Stats

  • Calories: 160
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Potassium: 790 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugars: 1 g
  • Protein: 15 g

Thoughts: Much better result than the Vanilla Shakes of the same brand!  The chocolate was good, sort of like drinking super thick chocolate milk, but with a tiny bit of the protein after taste.  You dont get as much protein bang for your buck with this one as you do with other ones, 15 grams for 160 calories isnt great, I know I can do better.  In a pinch these would be a fine choice though, they even throw in a little fiber!

Premier Nutrition Protein Drink-Chocolate 11 FL OZ

Nutritional Stats

  • Calories: 160
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
  • Sodium: 340 mg
  • Potassium: 500 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugars: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g

So this one I actually bought at Costco, which means that I purchased 24 at once.  That’s a big risk when I really just wanted to try one or two of them initially.  I did read lots of other great reviews for this product prior to trying them, and with Costco’s phenomenal return policy I figured I’d roll the dice.  The 24 pack was $23.99, so right at about $1 a drink.  For a Ready To Drink, drink, that’s a really great price.  Often times you cant even get the powdered drinks that you need to mix for that.  The drink is really good, it’s not overwhelmingly chocolate, it’s not overwhelmingly sweet, it is full of protein!  30 grams of protein in 11 oz of beverage, that’s not too shabby.  I really enjoyed this one.  Between the taste and the cost, I will likely be making this a staple in my post surgical diet.  Something that I didnt look at for some of the other shakes is the Iron and B12 content.  Since both of those tend to be deficient areas for bariatric patients, it’s nice to see that one of these shakes covers 25% RDV of both of those minerals, as well as 50% of the RDV for calcium. 

DISCLAIMER: The opinions stated in this post are just that, opinions.  The reviews are written based on my taste buds at the time of tasting, your results might vary.  I wasn’t paid for any of these reviews.  In some cases companies did send me coupons to use towards a product, but in no instance did I receive a free product. 

Breakfast Casserole-South Beach Friendly Breakfast

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One of the issues I run into with South Beach is figuring out what I’m going to each for breakfast.  Most mornings, I dont have time for make eggs.  I read on someones blog (not sure whose, sorry) to use cottage cheese in egg casseroles, it’s pure genius!  The cottage cheese takes on a cream cheese like texture in the casserole and keeps the casserole moist.

Breakfast Casserole-Turkey Sausage, Asparagus, Onion, and Mushrooms

  • 9 Eggs, Beaten
  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 pound raw Turkey Sausage (remove casings if there are any
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 package sliced mushrooms
  • 1 bunch asparagus cut into 1″ pieces
  • 1 package 2% light shredded cheese of your choice
  • 1 package 1% light cottage cheese, drained and rinsed

Makes 8 Servings

Pre-heat oven to 350

With 1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil sautee the diced onions and mushrooms until the mushrooms are translucent:

Prepare a casserole dish by oiling it or buttering it.

Add onions, mushrooms, and chopped asparagus to the casserole dish.

Add the browned turkey sausage to the casserole dish.

Top with drained cottage cheese to the casserole dish.  Trust me on this one, it sounds strange, but its so blasted good!

Add the beaten eggs to the casserole dish.

Top the casserole with cheese.

Into the 350 degree oven.

Bake for approximately 45 minutes.

Allow to sit for 15 minutes or so to set.  Makes 8 servings.

Tons of protein in this recipe, so it keeps me full for hours and hours.  You could easily reduce the calories by reducing the amount of cheese, using egg beaters, and using fat free cottage cheese.  This reheats fantastically well in the microwave.  Heat a serving for about 90 seconds and shazam, breakfast is ready!

Weekly Weigh In

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Wowza’s I haven’t done a weekly weigh-in, in a long long time!  Since I started my modified South Beach Diet required by the bariatric surgeon on 5/28, I’ve lost exactly 5.0 pounds as of yesterday (Monday.)  I’m going to stick with Mondays as my weigh in day for a while, just to keep me in check on the weekends.  I have a few very busy weekends coming up, as we are now fully into birthday season.  The majority of my friends have their birthdays in either June or July.

I try to not allow birthday season be an excuse for eating ridiculous amounts of birthday cake and bad choice restaurant food.  This year I’ll be focusing on that even more since I want to be as healthy as possible for the surgery.  I want to focus on enjoying the time with my friends as opposed to enjoying the eating and the friends and the drinks.  These days I’m not much of a drinker, I might have a glass or two of wine every other week with dinner (on average.)  Come birthday season though, there are more opportunities for empty liquid calories.  With the exception of a couple of wine trips that I have coming up with my girlfriends this month and next, most of the birthday dinners I will be having water, my normal beverage of choice.

Completely random-When walking out of the gym this weekend, I realized  that they had a TON of Ready To Drink (RTD) protein drinks in their big fridge cases as you exit the gym, all available for sale one at a time (instead of having to buy a four pack or a case!)  I’m in the process of putting together two posts, one reviewing RTD shakes and one reviewing Protein Powders.  Finding all of these individual RTD shakes available is going to be good for the budget!  Buying 4 packs was getting expensive, many times only to find out that I couldnt stand the drink!

Weekend Recap & Pysch Eval Scheduled and HI MOM.

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What a busy weekend!  I’m used to being able to sleep in a bit later (ok maybe 7:30) on the weekends, but both Saturday and Sunday required the use of my alarm clock.

During a bit of free time on Friday I went through the list of psychologists that the bariatric surgeon had given me, since my insurance requires a psychological evaluation.  I found several that are preferred providers with my insurance, so I gave a few a call.  I picked one and have my appointments set up with her.  She breaks the evaluation into two appointments.  The first appointment she spends time asking me questions and discussing things like what I expect from bariatric surgery and my life history.   At the end of the first meeting, I will fill out a questionnaire that takes approximately 30 minutes.  Between the first and second appointments, she will review my questionnaire and come up with an evaluation for me.  The second appointment will be her going over the previous appointment and the questionnaire, letting me know what things to expect, what sorts of emotions I will likely go through, etc.

I’ve never been one that’s a fan of therapy or psychologists.  It’s not that I don’t think they are great for some people, but having been force fed them a few times as a child, I’m just sort of “meh” on the whole idea.  So there you go Mom, I blame all of my life issues on you and you forcing me to see that crazy lady Irene (aka one of the Therapists.)  FYI-My Mom now knows about the blog, so part of that last sentence may or may not be a joke (HI MOM!)  That’s not to say that if I won’t ever see one.  I know that I’ll be going through a lot post-surgery and it might be beneficial to me to see someone to help me sort out everything out.

It is strange to know that someone I know in real life will be potentially reading the blog.  I suppose it’s the first baby step of coming out of the closet as a BLOGGER.  Yikes.

Saturday I woke up grabbed a protein shake and then headed to water aerobics with one of my girlfriends.  Saturday afternoon we (DH and I) had an appointment at the gym.  We decided since it’s $11 a class for me to take water aerobics ($33 a week,) that it just made sense to rejoin our old gym, which is only $42 a month (each) and has tons of equipment as well as three water aerobics classes a week that fit into my schedule.  My car was in for service all day, so the rest of the day was spent taking care of things around the house, laundry, picking up, etc.  Saturday night the hubs and I grilled out on our new Charcoal grill (the ginormous gas grill was ready to go to the big cookout in the sky) and I cooked steaks and zucchini’s on the grill.  They were both SOOOOOOOOO good.  Sometimes I have a hard time figuring out when the steaks are at about a medium for me and rare for the hubs, both of them were perfect this time…I should write down how long I cooked them before I forget.

Sunday was a super early morning.  I was up by 5:30 to get ready for the day.  I headed out with one of my girlfriends to cheer another friend on in her first triathlon.  It was so much fun to watch and completely inspirational.  There were teenagers all of the way up through people probably in their 70s or early 80s.  I’m so proud of her for finishing!  We wound up doing a ton of walking on Sunday going to all of the different spots to watch the racers, granted nowhere near as much activity as those participating got!  We headed to do a little shopping, have lunch, and then to see Hangover 2.  Hangover 2 was very funny, but at least at this point, I don’t think it’s as funny as the first.  Sometimes you need to let movies marinate and grow on you :)