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Domika03

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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Blog Entries posted by Domika03

  1. Domika03
    We had our 3rd support meeting tonight. It usually runs from 4:30pm - 6pm, but we had a bigger group & did a round table (a few minutes with each person), so we didn't get out until around 6;30pm. I enjoyed listening to everyone's story & hearing about their triumphs and struggles.
     
    During our 1st meeting back in January we decided everyone would bring at least one bariatric friendly recipe to each meeting, so 6 months down the road, they would gather all our recipes & create a little book for everyone. We put our names on each so we get credit, and they're going to have the NUT confirm nutritional the values. I happen to be the type of person that likes to cook & try new recipes as time permits, so I brought 7 or 8 recipes with me
     
    We talked about protein bars & which ones everyone liked. The winners were Quest protein bars, which also have a very high fiber content (17 grams in the White Rasberry Chocolate flavor I ate earlier) with 190 calories, and Pure Protein which averages around 200 calories but has a lower fiber content.
     
    Someone else chimed in about PB2, which I've heard of, but didn't know anything about it until tonight. I guess this is a powder peanut butter that you add a little water to.. I guess it turns into a slightly grainy peanut butter. Traditional peanut butter contains about 180 calories, while two tablespoons (approximately 12 grams) of PB2 powder, and contains just 53 calories. I hear it tastes OK, just not sure I want to try this.
    When it was my turn to speak, I talked about the fact that I've been getting really diz zy & light-headed almost on a daily basis. I thought it was an issue with my not meeting my protein requirements, which I thought was supposed to be 60-70 oz. The registered dietician asked me how much I was getting & I told her my average was probably 50ish. She said anything over 40-45 oz is perfectly acceptable. Remember, I'm on maintenance not in the beginning phase. Then she asked me about my fluid intake. I told her around 30 oz per day. It's something that I struggle with daily!
     
    B-I-N-G-O! More than likely, I'm getting dehydrated & am at high risk of having low potassium levels as well. I need to have at least 64 oz per day (actually we all do) and because I drink of 6-8 oz of chai tea (that has caffeine in it), I'm dehydrating myself more. She suggested I try 6 oz of V8 juice every day for a week. She thought that would help keep me more hydrated & boost my potassium & sodium levels. I thought V8 had a higher salt content, but she thinks my body needs it. She suggested I only do it for a week to get myself going then focus on getting those liquids in.
     
    Note to self: Gotta keep up with those required fluids to reduce potential issues with constipation AND more importantly, avoid the chance of getting hospitalized as a result of dehydration. So not worth it!
  2. Domika03
    I know how important it is for bandsters to take their vitamins, supplements, and lots of protein. I take my vitamins daily, but I struggle remembering to take the calcium citrate, and sometimes, meeting my daily protein intake.
     
    The calcium citrate I take is chewable, like a star burst type candy. I got it from my Dr's office. The problem is that since I need to take 1000mg, each "candy" is only 500 mg. And, your body can only process 500mg at a shot, so I have to take 2 'candies' at a time. Since I take my other vitamins in the mornning, and they 'suggest' you take these after lunch, I forget. So, I try to remember when I get home & only wind up taking 2, if any at all.
     
    Anyway, between that & not always getting enough protein in, I worry a little about my health 5 yrs from now. I tell my husband that I'll finally be thin, but wind up sick with osteo or something else My mom has low bone density, so it gets me thinking.
     
    I"m wondering what kind of calcium citrate other people take. Do you take pills, or liquid? Oh gosh, if liquid, I"m sure it tastes nasty. I'm curious...
  3. Domika03
    7 1/2 weeks post op, and I'm at the point where I'm trying different foods here & there to see what my tummy can handle, and determine what will work. This weekend, I did some research & was determined to find things that would be healthier for me.
     
    I seem to eat eggs, in some form or another, more often than I'd like. While I try to have egg whites instead of regular eggs whenever possible, it still gets old. Plus, I worry about my cholesterol getting high as a result.
     
    While grocery shopping this weekend, I noticed that Dannon Lite Greek yogurts had a few new flavors so I bought a few in hopes of giving those a whirl for breakfast on their own, or adding them to protein drinks so I can get my protein requirement up (something I still seem to struggle with). I also found a greek yogurt with strawberry preserves and chia seeds that had 17 grams of protein. I ate 1/2 of it today, but did have to add splenda because the yogurt was a bit... IDK, tart tasting I guess. I also went ahead & bought several different flavors of Quest protein bars. I think they have about 21 grams of protein. Another way to hopefully get my protein up.
     
    We also went to Trader Joe's to see what all the hoopla was about since opening their stores in CO. I have to say, it's OK, nothing really impressive overall. However, with that said, I found something called spinach & kale balls. A serving of four balls (yes, I thought that sounded funny too, LOL), has about 6 grams of protein & about 140 calories. I thought it was tasty, and made a good snack.
     
    My 3 month blood work is scheduled in the next month, and I have to admit I'm a little anxious about what the results will say. My concern is that I'm not getting enough protein, and that, while I'm at a healthier weight, and feel better than I did with my extra 100+ pounds, my health isn't as optimal as it should be. No regrets on having WLS, but I must say weight loss is a never-ending challenge. I need to work smarter, not harder.
  4. Domika03
    As most of us know, this weight loss journey takes us on quite the psychological roller coaster ride, starting from how we felt as overweight people (pre-surgery) and straight through to wherever we are now. I'm no exception.
     
    I made my original WLS decision back in 2012 because I was extremely depressed, and, quite frankly, felt disgusted (oh yes, disgusted), with the way I looked. My weight affected "every" aspect of my life (work, social, family & marriage). With that said, I was approved by my insurance to have lap band surgery in August 2012.
     
    I lost about 90 pounds with the band before I ran into complications mid to end last year, wound up having my band completed un-filled, and was left with the fear (a huge fear, I might add) of possibly gaining the weight back. So, I made the decision of doing a revision to the sleeve, not knowing if I would wind up being self-pay or insurance approved. Thankfully, some how, some way, my insurance covered my surgery even though I only weighed 156 pre-sleeve surgery (not considered obese but still somewhat over-weight).
     
    Fast forward to the present: I had my revision surgery Jan 2014 and have since lost about 18 pounds since. I weigh 138 pounds, am considered to be on maintenance, and am a size 8. Amazing, coming from a size 22+.
     
    Mind you, I love, love, LOVE clothes shopping now & wearing all these nice outfits. They feel great & fit soooo much better than they did before. So, what's my issue? Is there an issue?
     
    The last few days, I've actually been feeling 'fat." Yea, I said 'fat.' I understand I am not fat as defined in the dictionary "(of a person or animal) having a large amount of excess flesh." Nonetheless, I can't explain it. Don't get me wrong, I'd been feeling great about my recent weight loss & finally hitting (and passing) my weight loss goal weight. I can't put my finger on it, but I can't shake this feeling. Hopefully, this is just a temporary feeling. Heck, I'm sure it's temporary. I just don't understand where this is coming from all of a sudden.
     
    Anyone else feel this way?
  5. Domika03

    Who Needs Breakfast?

    By Domika03,

    I went for a possible fill today, and I didn't get one. The Nurse asked me if I was eating meats, and I told her that I really wasn't because I was afraid of getting stuck. I explained how scrambeled eggs got me stuck the 1st time for breakfast. She suggested I stick with yogurt in the morning as our stomachs are typically a little more swollen in the morning so it's much easier to get things stuck then. Hum, I didn't know that. I mean I read that some people couldn't eat breakfast, but didn't understand why. So, now I know.
     
    I'll try to have yogurt with strawberries or something from now on in the mornings. She said if I can eat meats (chicken, beef, turkey or pork) that aren't dry, and eat every 3 hours or so, that I should be in a good place. Sometimes our bodies change & I might need another fill down the road, but I could be OK. I told her I baked burgers last night (not fried or grilled), and they came out OK. I added a little honey mustard for flavor & so it wouldn't be dry. Got it down OK, so I think I'm in a good place...
     
    I lost 5 pds, and she was only expecting 1 1/2 or 2 pds, so I guess thats good.
     
    So, there you have it... no more eggs for breakfast for me...
  6. Domika03
    Yippee, yahoo!
     
    I weighed myself this morning & there it was just starting at me. The scale actually started with the number "1". Let's forget the fact that the other #'s were 99.6. Who cares? It actually started with a "1"
     
    It's probably been 10+ years since I've seen that. It felt so good that I even put on my size 18 jeans & they fit. A little snug in the tummy area, but you could actually tell that I'd lost 45 pds with them on. I actually had a male co-worker (who knows me well) tell me that he could tell I lost weight!!!!!
     
    I'm excited & looking forward to hitting 190 in the next 6 weeks :-)
  7. Domika03
    Follow up to my first fill yesterday....
     
    As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, apparently my band is 14cc, a large one. It even sounds embarrassing, geez.
     
    Oh my gosh, so last night, I was supposed to eat only soft foods...which I mostly did. Key word people: MOSTLY! I made myself a nice flounder with herbs and a little cottage cheese on the side. Good, right? Well, I made chicken parm for the family & wanted to taste a tiny piece. BIG MISTAKE!!! I took a tiny frigin' piece, like not even 1/2 of your pinky size,thought I had chewed it up well, and the damn thing was just STUCK. Pardon my french, but holy ****, that was soo not pleasant. I didn't feel nauseous or get sick, but the middle of my breast bone hurt for a good 30-45 minutes, maybe more. I walked a little around the house & just used the heating pad. Yes, eventually it passed, but I was soooo NOT happy.
     
    Needs to say, I was afraid to eat anything today. I was trying to feel it out & figure out if & when I was full. Not sure I like this learning curve!
  8. Domika03
    Why is it when I'm highly stressed, I go towards junk food. I did great all day until this afternoon when I got home from my parents house, for the 2nd time today.
     
    As you may know, my dad is in stage 4 cancer, and while he's been one helluva trooper beating this cancer shi*, it's finally starting to take it's toll. He's starting to feel pain more often so the pain meds are getting stronger & given more often. He still looks strong, but we know the inevitable.
     
    Anyway, I had to call Hospice, his Dr, then check on him, then go back when the Hospice Nurse got there, and make an apt for him to go to his regular Dr tomorrow. Mind you, many emails & texts with my husband & brother in between. You get the picture?
     
    With all these "excuses" said, I ate 2 (not just one) sugar cookies AND a few chips (which I NEVER eat)!
    I was on a roll not eating "junk" food then I hit major stress & BAM.. back to the horrible habits!
     
    Can anyone tell me.....Why, oh why do old habits die hard?
  9. Domika03

    Will I Ever Learn?

    By Domika03,

    I'm thinking I'm the only person that, knowing I must eat slooooowly & chew/chew/chew, I manage to still try to inhale my food. In my mind, I'm slowing down, but in reality, apparently I'm not.
     
    I swear I'm trying, but not enough! Gosh, it's so frustrating because you know what happens when you eat to fast. Your stomach or esophogus... IDK... rejects it.... And then guess what happens? Apparently, I'm good at having the food come back up.
     
    I'm so frustrated with myself. I actually had this happen 2 or 3 times this weekend, seriously.
     
    I try to put my fork / spoon down, but I guess I just pick the damn thing back up again too quickly. My husband even reminds me, "slow down Fran."
     
    Done venting.... back to eating again. See? I waited to take my next bite until I was done complaining about myself
  10. Domika03

    WTH is wrong with me?

    By Domika03,

    I'm not sure what's going on with me the last few days... I've taste 'tested' a few items that were not part of my food phase. IDK why, but it's not like they were smart choices. I tried chocolate chip cookies a few times, little bites of some of the dinner I made the family like mild italian sausage yesterday (made the family lasagna (didn't have that), chicken & dumplings today, and I even had a crab cake.
     
    Why the hell am I doing this? I don't understand. My stomach has been fine, until now. It feels a little crampy, like I have to go. Of course, in my true constipated form, I can't go. I only go a few times a week, maybe once or twice. And no, it has nothing to do with this because this just started a few days ago. I've always had issues, but moreso now since being sleeved. I feel like my old bad habits are coming back. I'm testing the water or something. Food addiction coming back after almost 1 1/2 years. I don't understand.
     
    I'll be 4 weeks post-op this Thursday, and my 1 month follow up is Friday. I can only hope that I'm not hurting my stomach / recovery.
     
    Has anyone else dealt with this at all? What the hell is going on?
     
    Feeling frustrated & upset with myself......
  11. Domika03

    Ya Know What?

    By Domika03,

    Ya know what? I think I'm starting to feel a little better about myself lately. While I'm very aware that at 5 '3, weighing almost 210 pds is overweight, I've managed to lose just shy of 35 pds in the last 3 months! I notice my clothes are loser, and that I've dropped 1 dress size. Techinically 1 1/2, but that doesn't quite exist, now does it?
     
    I actually felt good about myself when I got dressed for work today. I put on my size 20 pants, and they were loose. I tried my size 18, and I'm not quite there yet. Need to lose more stomach weight... LOL...
    My pants felt loose, and even my shirt was a little big.
     
    My co-workers haven't noticed the weight loss, or at least they haven't said anything. My guess is that they don't want to be rude wondering if I have lost any weight. But, I'm hopeful that come mid January, when we host our Dealer Meeting, people (co-workers) will have no choice but to notice that I've lost weight. Yes, I'm hoping for compliments.
     
    Looking forward to continuing this journey & looking and feeling better each day!
  12. Domika03
    Does anyone else find they can no longer eat / digest bread, or that you just don't enjoy it anymore?
     
    I bought a package of Jimmy Dean's Delight Honey wheat english muffin with canadian bacon, egg whites & cheese . Sounds kinda yummy, no? It had everything I like & what I perceived would be a tasty muffin. Well, while I managed to eat it, but I think it was more because I was challenging myself to see if I could eat the whole thing or not. Hey, I never said I was a genius.
     
    I learned that I would have been just as satisfied with half, or better yet, without eating the bread all together & only eating the inside.
    I learned that it was basically a waste of money, for me.
    I learned that it would have been even more healthy without the muffin.
    I learned that my stomach doesn't have a great time processing bread, regardless the type. I had a stomach 'ache' the rest of the day.
    I learned that I should challenge myself with better challenges.. LOL ...
     
    And there you have it... yet another lesson learned..

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