Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!
$99 Yearly Supply Alert! 🌈 "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins
Sign in to follow this  
Followers 0
  • entries
    181
  • comments
    262
  • views
    19,148

Entries in this blog

 

Almost a Year!

One month from today will be ONE YEAR since I had my lap band surgery! WOW.   What a difference! I have lost 116 pounds, and only 14 pounds to go to meet my goal! I am at the high end of the recommended range of weight for my height! I have not been this weight in so many years, and yes, it does feel so good!   When I look in the mirror, I see a whole new me.   I have been at my sweet spot since June, and have not had a fill for three months - and I'm still loosing weight. During those three months, I have hit a couple of plateaus, but each time, after a few weeks, the weight began to drop again. Although it was a little discouraging, I never lost sight of my goal, and I continued my daily routine of proper eating and exercising.   I went to my niece's wedding dinner a couple of weeks ago and I wore a HOT red dress - It was great to see how my family reacted to my "new" appearance! Everyone was amazed, and everyone told me how beautiful I looked - ok, yes, that made me smile inside and out - lol.   Some people have asked me if I could have the lap band removed, and maintain my weight simply by continuing to eat properly and work out. For me the answer is NO WAY. I am a FOODIE, and the weight would just go back on. And I'm also hearing from a few friends, that I look great now, and that I should not loose any more weight - that I would look too skinny! Can you believe that - Me, TOO skinny? Those words do not compute!   One more thing - I was in the supermarket the other day, and a woman came up to me and said "you have a rockin body". OMG! That's me, my new look!   Wow, almost a year - I love it!:smile::thumbup:
Debra G

Debra G

10
 

My Love Affair With Food!

I had the best affair of all times. We loved each other, understood each other, wanted each other. When I was sad FOOD was there for me, when I was happy FOOD was there for me. I woke up wanting it and went to sleep wanting it.   In the mornings when I opened the refrigerator it would say "Hello Debra, how was your night, I miss you", and I would reply "I am well, I could not wait to see you too". I would say "what do you have for me today to eat?". And I would hear "hummm - take a look - I have some goodies in here for you eat, be happy lets start our day together". And my "Food Love Affair" would start all over again.   Food has never let me down when some people have - I could always count on my food, to give me that extra boost and that happy feeling in my heart. When I had a hard day at work, I knew there was something waiting for me when I got home - my food, my best friend. Food never said 'no' to me, it was always "yes Debra!".   I finally had a long talk with my food and told it I must end this affair - it was no longer working for me. And I did cry, I must say knowing that it was coming to an end. I made sure to tell the food we will see each other again, so it's not good bye, just so long for now we will meet again one day. The day I said goodbye was the day of my surgery, October 26, 2009.   I felt like I was detoxing from something I had been with a for so long. We eventually became reunited, not as the love affair we once had, but as dear friends. I set some ground rules to my food friend: I will only come to you to eat healthier, not use you as a crutch, nor let you become my whole life again.   So my love affair is no longer, but I now have a healthier friend - MY FOOD and I.   I know this may sound nuts but its really how I used to live and how I viewed my food.   :eek: CHECK OUT MY BLOG. FOR MORE INFO AND MY JOURNEY.   http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

6
 

More About Potassium!

In my last blog today I mention that I had a very low level of Potassium and was put into the hospital thinking I was having a heart attack. Come to find out it was Potassium Deficiency. So I did some reading on this and this is what I found out about it.   What is Potassium Deficiency (Hypokalemia)?   A medical condition in which our body fails to retain minimum necessary amount of Potassium required for its day to day functioning is called as Potassium deficiency or hypokalemia. Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) can be fatal at times if not taken care of. A person may also develop Potassium deficiency due to extra excretion of Potassium or lower quantity of Potassium in daily diet.   Here is a link to find out what foods has some or a lot of Potassium in them.   High Potassium Foods Summary Table From the USDA Nutrient Database http://www.vaughns-1-pagers.com/food/potassium-foods.htm   To read more about this subject, go to my earlier blog today entitled "Low Potassium Danger!"   or see my blog called "Life After LAP-BAND" http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/  
Debra G

Debra G

8
 

Recipe Of The Day! Almost Homemade Sage Stuffing

This recipes has the traditional old-fashioned sage stuffing favorites, taste like it's made from scratch. Wonderful for your Thanksgiving Turkey, but welcome any time you need a savory side dish. Start with a package of unseasoned stuffing mix, add onion, celery, ground sage and ground thyme -- the result is delicious stuffing that's perfect for the holiday table or a casual dinner. This delicious stuffing is the recipe that I use when making stuffing. ENJOY!!   Makes 6 (2/3-cup) servings   Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes   221 Calories per serving   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

RECIPE OF THE DAY! BLUEBERRY & PEACH COBBLER

Low calorie, Low cholesterol, Low sodium, Healthy weight.   This is a healthier version of a traditional cobbler, with canola oil in place of some of the butter and whole-wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Unlike more classic biscuit-topped cobblers, the peaches and blueberries are nestled into a tender batter that swells around the fruit as it bakes. Other fruits may be substituted. It's especially beautiful when baked in and served right from a cast-iron skillet. Just made it yesterday for some company and it was a hit. It's really good and guilt free! ENJOY!!   Active Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 1 1/4 hours   182 calories Per serving   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Recipe Of The Day! Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

"Delicious! Love this as a snack.   Making oven fries out of sweet potatoes brings out their inherent sweetness. This is a tasty side dish that can be added to any main course. Try this recipe today, and you will find it's delicious, easy to fix, and good for your family. Be careful of the time, they can burn. Check them a few times while cooking you want them to be crispy. ENJOY!   Servings Per Recipe: 3 150 Calories: Per 6 fries Serving   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Doctors with the "Bad-News" Face!

Well, the first anniversary of my LAP-BAND is almost here. It was on October 26, 2009 that I had the LAP-BAND put in - and what a year it has been.   So as we all know, at the end if your first year, we need to have an esophogram and blood work done, and mine is due next Thursday. I got the prescription for my blood work and took it to my physician to have my blood drawn. After a few days, when the results were in I asked the doctor for a copy of my results.   So now I'm waiting for the results in his office - which was full of patients. Within a few minutes the receptionist told me that the doctor needed to talk to me, and he called me into his office ahead of the other patients. :smile2:   When I walked into his office, I could see he had on that face that doctors have when there is something wrong. He closed the door and told me to have a seat. Now I'm nervous - thinking there is something really wrong here - I was waiting for some serious bad news like the LAP-BAND has to come out - which for me will never happen even if it kills me - at least I'll die thin! LOL:tongue_smilie:   Then he proceeded to say I was vitamin D deficient and also iron deficient. I look at him and smiled and say "is that all" LOL. So he says it is not that good. I said this is nothing - can vitamin supplements help(which honestly, I have not been taking like I should have been doing)? The answer was yes, so I'm taking vitamin pills now.   Someone posted today about a vitamin D deficiency and passed out a link and I looked at it. I learned that vitamin D deficiency is common with obesity and also common with weight loss.   Boy, doctors sure know how to scare a person! LOL:sneaky:   Now I'm looking forward to the esophogram next week and I'm sure the results will be fine. I just hope my surgeon has his usual smile on his his face when he calls me in to tell me the results in his sexy Aussie voice! I will keep you all posted. I hope you are all doing well!:smile2:
Debra G

Debra G

6
 

Recipe Of The Day! Classic Thanksgiving Turkey With Herbs

"This recipe makes a deliciously moist turkey."   Pull out all the stops and make this Thanksgiving dinner a traditional feast! So, polish your silver, pull out the family china and make your Thanksgiving dinner extra special.   Classic dinner favorites plus some new ideas for this year's Thanksgiving Turkey. Roasted turkey is so juicy and flavorful when the bird is stuffed with stuffing,and seasonings. Butter under the breast skin keeps the meat juicy while the skin bakes crisp and brown. This really does make the juiciest turkey. ENJOY!!   264 Calories: per serving Yield: 12 servings (serving size: 6 ounces turkey and 1/4 cup sauce)   Prep Time:30 Min: Cooking time: 3-4 hours-Depends on the size of Turkey   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE :scared2:http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Recipe Of The Day! Baked Fish With A Medley Of Vegetable

Fish baked in a delightful lemony vegetable mixture. I have made this recipe several times on several occasions. This dish will make for a nice light lunch. Easy too! I served it with a brown rice! I also used thinly sliced lemon on top of the fish while baking. Very moist and tasty too. It came out supremo!! Yummy!! ENJOY!!     Prep Time:15 Min   Cook Time:25 Min   Ready In:40 Min   Yield 3 to 4 servings 221 Calories: Per Serving   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Recipe Of The Day! Low Cal-Blueberry-Lemon Tiramisu

Looking for a desert for a dinner party or just a nice family desert. Impress your friends and family with this great summertime tiramisu!   Makes 8 Servings   175 Calories Per 3 oz serving   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Recipe Of The Day! Lamb And Couscous

Looking for a distinctive lamb dinner? Then check out these browned chops simmered in a flavorful sauce and served with couscous - a wholesome meal! Very most and oh-so tasty lots of flavor. ENJOY!   Prep Time 10 Minutes Total Time 30 Minutes   Makes 4 servings 310 Calories(1 Serving)   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Recipe Of The Day! Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a traditional French Provincial dish. Ratatouille is usually served as a side dish, but also may be served as a meal on its own accompanied by pasta or rice. It was originally an everyday dish prepared in the summer with fresh summer vegetables. The original Ratatolha de Niça or Ratatouia Nizzarda used only zucchini, tomatoes, green and red peppers (bell peppers), onion, and garlic. The dish known today as ratatouille adds eggplant (aubergine) to that mixture. The word ratatouille comes from Occitan ratatolha and the recipe comes from Occitan cuisine. ENJOY! BON APPETITE!!   Makes 6 servings Active Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 5 hours 241 Calories Per Serving   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

4
 

My Sweet Spot!

I had my first unfill yesterday. I had my last fill 10 days ago - 1/2 cc, my usual amount. But I have been sick for the past 10 days, I could not understand why. (They took out 1/2 cc yesterday).   I was not able to keep anything down those past 10 days. What I was able to eat before, I could only eat 1/2 of that - 4 raspberries, 4 bites of salmon, 3 or 4 sips of liquids, and I could not even keep that down. Once before, when I had a fill of 4 cc, I was in distress, but it did pass after 2 or 3 days. However, this time, it lasted for 10 days, with no sign of getting better. I thought this would pass also, but it did not.   During these 10 days, I lost 13 pounds. OK, this was way too much weight to loose so fast (to be honest I was so happy about loosing so much weight, so I resisted going to the doctor). Yes, I agree it was not a good idea to wait so long!   I went into the doctor's office yesterday without an appointment, and I told them what was going on. They told me I had reached my "sweet spot". It was at that moment I realized what was happening to me. That last fill had sent me over into the Sick Zone.   Everyone's sweet spot is different. You don't know you have reached it until you get thrown into a place that is uncomfortable. My only advice is not to wait as long as I did to return to the doctor.   Because I am now at my sweet spot, I will not need as many fills, and the fills will be smaller. After they took out the 1/2 cc, I was able to eat normally again, without feeling sick, and am now able again to enjoy my Recipies of the Day!   So I am at a new stage of my journey - my sweet spot. In the immortal words of Jackie Gleason, "How Sweet It Is".   So feel free to check out my blog to follow my journey, to see some tips and to see my Recipies of the Day":thumbup:   http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

5
 

Recipe Of The Day! Baked Fish With Bread Crums

These flaky fish fillets get plenty of fresh flavor from onions and tomato, plus a little zip from cayenne pepper. This recipe is particular favorite of my family's. The fish doesn't get dry...it's moist and delicious. ENJOY!!   Prep Time:10 Min   Cook Time:40 Min   Ready In:50 Min   251 calories per 1 serving Yield 6 servings   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Recipe Of The Day! 15 Minutes From The Stove To The Table Meal

Enjoy the Essenes of salmon with this quick and easy recipe. Salmon is considered a good source of beneficial omega fatty acids. Nothing like a good piece of salmon I love salmon. Works really well with other fish as well if you don't have any salmon lying around. Quick to Prepare (under 15 minutes) and 4 ingredients, and you are done how simple is this. ENJOY!!   Total Preparation Time: Less than 10 minutes   Actual Cooking Time: Less than 15 minutes   Number of Servings: 4   Simple (4 ingredients)   Calories: 300   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Inches lost - Whoo Whoo!

This morning I got up and I decided to take on of my nemeses, the measuring tape. I call it my nemesis, because we have been at war for so long, and up till now, it has always won. So I decided to challenge it today.   We both stood in front of the mirror, the measuring tape and I, and for the first time in years it was I who was the kryptonite! Wrapping my nemesis around various parts of my body, this is what I found. The "girls", previously 44DDD are now 40D!!!!!!!!! My waist is now 36" - down from 46"; hips are now 42" - down from 48"; thighs are now 24" - down from 32"; upper arms (or, as I call them, Turkey Wings") are now 13" - down from 18"; Neck size is now 13" - down from 17".   These are great numbers for me, and it was wonderful to know that I am finally able to win this Battle of the Bulge. So after this, my measuring tape is no longer my nemesis - my nemesis has been vanquished!   This is what I did to keep everything from sagging after loosing so much weight. I EXERCISED! I bought an exercise stool years ago, called "Red", but I stopped using it. I started using it again after the LAP-BAND on a daily basis - it is great for the waist. I bought an inexpensive resistance band and used it for my legs and arms.   I walk 3 miles every day (wearing my new pedometer!). The pedometer is a great walking companion because it measures steps, distance and calories burned. The walking is great cardiovascular exercise, and is good for the hips and thighs. So I have reached another new level on my journey - INCHES LOST!   You can learn more about the things that I do and a few tips by going to my blog. http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

8
 

I Cried From Pure Joy!

I had been feeling ill from my last fill on Thursday. Today am feeling so much better, am almost back to my 100% self again. Taking it slow today am only going to eat mushy foods and my Jell-O with my boost and some of my low cal ice pops, and some broth that will fill me up for the day. Do not want to eat solid foods just yet. The last time I ete solid food was on Wednesday. Yes I want it so badly but slow is the best way. Tomorrow I will have solids again. I so wanted to break my 200 mark by my birthday June 16th, the scale was moving very slowly for me last month but I did it, I BROKE MY 200 MARK!! As of today I got on the scale and I was amazed to see what I saw. I'm 198 as of today. I'm down 90 pounds. YEAAAA:biggrin:. So I cried for a while and had a long look at myself in my mirror and I loved what I saw, for the first time in a long time I did not mind looking at myself in that mirror. Wow what a huge difference. I CRIED FROM PURE JOY!!:thumbup:   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ABOUT MY JOURNEY AND SOME GREAT RECIPES. http://life-after-lap-band®.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

6
 

Recipe Of The Day! Sausage And White Bean Cassoulet

Cassoulet (from Occitan caçolet) is a rich, slow-cooked bean stew or casserole originating in the south of France, containing meat (typically pork sausages, pork, goose, duck ... Full of robust flavors, surprise your friends and family with this Delicious Cassoulet. ENJOY!   Makes 8 servings Active Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes   316 Calories Per Serving   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

2
 

Recipe Of The Day! Spinach Orange And Pepper Salad

This is a Low Carb, Very Low Sodium, Low Potassium, Low calorie Recipe. How can you go wrong!   Spinach orange and pepper salad recipe for a perfect start to any meal, try this colorful and complimentary salad that's loaded with green bell peppers, orange sections and red onion rings. Skip the bottled dressing and make your own. ENJOY!   Makes: 6 servings   Serving Size: 3.8 Oz. Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 0 min   68 Calories per serving   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

2
 

Feeling Great!

I lost 80 pounds so far. I have alot more energy walking 3 miles every day now. H:thumbup:aving fish tonight for dinner, one of my own recipies of the day from my blog called "Life After Lap Band" Here is the link if you like some great food tips. http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

2
 

Recipe Of The Day! Herbed Mashed Potatoes With Mushrooms

Looking for a side dish, this is the one. Are you in the mushy stage of your band, or just want a great taste for your potatoes, you can get that with this 142 calorie dish.. ENJOY!   Makes 5 cups Active Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes   142 Calories Per Serving   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band®.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

2
 

Recipe Of The Day! Artichoke Cheese Dip

Quick and easy, hot artichoke dip with artichoke hearts.   Cheesy artichoke dip has become one of the most popular side dish around the world. It is a food regarded suitable for people following the vegetarian diet. Baking is the preferred method of preparing cheesy artichoke dip. It is popular dish of American cuisine. The cheesy texture of the cheesy artichoke dip sets it apart from others of its kind. A wonderful, rich appetizer, that is extremely delicious. ENJOY!!   Prep Time: 15 Minutes Total Time: 40 Minutes   Makes: 2 1/2 cups Makes: 40 servings   30 Calories 1 Serving (1 Tablespoon)   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

0
 

Going from Thinking Big to Thinking Small

Almost one year in - wow what a journey!   So many things have changed in my life that still amaze me to this day. My health is 100% better. I have stopped taking at least 8 out of 10 meds. I have so much more energy - I go out so much more, walk and exercise. I feel great about my looks, and I can shop for regular-size clothing!   When I go clothes shopping it makes me smile when I try on clothes that are too big for me! This is a mind set that will take some time to change - I've been so big for so long.   When I take public transportation and see a seat on the bus or train, my heart does not have to beat fast, realizing that I don't have to size it up to see if I can fit into it. I just sit down with room to spare! This is something else it will take time to get used to.   I have 12 more pounds to go before I reach my goal. I have not lost any weight since my last posting - I've hit another plateau that I have spoken so much about. I wanted to be at my goal weight by October 26 - the first anniversary of my LAP-BAND surgery. I'm not going to make it exactly, but, hey, a year ago I weighed 288 pounds! I know I came a long way and I will surely lose the 12 pounds soon.   I still work out daily. Now I even have a few women who ask me to help them the with their workout regimen on the weekends. We go the the pier and look at the New York skyline from the Jersey side - makes for a great background for walking and exercising. Two of the women have lost 8-10 pounds each and are so excited about it! Can you believe I'm helping others to loose weight?   So I guess it is going to take some time to get used to the new me! I'm extremely happy and excited, and I've been amazed on my one-year journey that has transformed me. Now I'm looking forward to the rest of my life as the new me.   I want to thank everyone on this site for all the wonderful support and encouragement that has been so important to me. And I know that this support is so important to all of us who are in the process of changing our lives in such a big way!   For more about my journey and to see my Recipes of the Day, please visit my blog at http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/   :ohmy: :frown:
Debra G

Debra G

6
 

Saturday Evening Out In Manhattan.

A Saturday evening out in Manhattan with friends after seeing a Broadway show - we decided to go to Carmine's, an Italian restaurant, to eat. I told them to choose the restaurant - no matter where I went I would not be able to eat much anyway.   Carmine's is a family-style restaurant with large portions that feed about four people. We got a cold antipasto, which came on a huge platter, and I was able to pick a few things off of there to eat - smoked salmon, yellow tomato, eggplant, red peppers, spinach and cheese, which was lovely for me. For the main dish, we had veal parmigiana with pasta, of which I had a little bit. I also remembered not to drink my raspberry lemonade until I had finished my solid food. I waited 15-20 minutes before drinking. Boy this felt so good, not making myself sick.   What was nice about this family style was that I was able to taste a little of everything, without having to order entire portions for myself, most of which I could not finish. So this worked out just great for me.   I think what I'm saying here is that I'm learning how to eat out with my lap band and still enjoy the dining experience. This only took me 9 months to figure out - LOL. So this was a new step for me and it really felt good - a Saturday evening out in Manhattan.:rolleyes2:
Debra G

Debra G

6
 

Recipe Of The Day! Potato And Fish Stew

My mother has been making this soup for several years now. Stews for me are comfort foods and every time I makes this dish it reminds of my childhood. It is incredibly easy to make, given how tasty and how low in calories it is. Works well with white fish, I've used cod, tilapia, sole with good results. I also use clam juice some times, mmmmm... tasty. ENJOY!   Makes 6 servings Active Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes   253 Calories Per Serving   CHECK OUT MY BLOG FOR MORE INFO ON THIS RECIPE AND SO MANY MORE:thumbup: http://life-after-lap-band.blogspot.com/
Debra G

Debra G

6
Sign in to follow this  
Followers 0

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

Bariatric Forums

For Patients

Health Professionals

Search Surgeons

Bariatric Surgeons: Want to research a weight loss surgery surgeon? Enter their last name below to start!

×