voiceomt2002

Sometimes, there are solutions to stress right under your nose. Just a day before my DH called to tell me he'd lost his job, I signed up for a "Learn to Quilt" class from the local quilting guild. At first, going to classes when my DH was home with no job seemed frivolous and even selfish. However, I've found a certain peace and satisfaction in this art form. Funny thing is, it ties in with my losing weight. Last summer, while I waited to visit the surgeon and jumped through all the hoops like a circus poodle, I was also humiliated to find myself making clothes in a size larger than the pattern companies made. I had to "size up" from their largest, creating a pair of pants that were grotesquely huge. In despair, I never finished those pants. I was too mortified. The other day, I found those pants buried under the piles of cloth I made teddy bears out of for my grandchildren. I laughed and cut those pants into 6" charm squares for a quilt. Then I looked at my closet door. Hmmm! I have clothes in there that cannot be re-tailored down, but the memories of the "fat girl" events they represent should never be forgotten. I now have a pile of clothes to be cut down into a memory quilt of charm squares and black rails, since many of those clothes were black (or matched black) because I honestly believed black was slimming. No, I just looked like a black beach ball. I'll finish the pretty new blue quilt I'm learning on within the month. Then, I think I'll start on my memory quilt. Maybe I'll use it as a visual aid when I write "No Fat Chicks" this fall. Lena

Sometimes, there are solutions to stress right under your nose. Just a day before my DH called to tell me he'd lost his job, I signed up for a "Learn to Quilt" class from the local quilting guild. At first, going to classes when my DH was home with no job seemed frivolous and even selfish. However, I've found a certain peace and satisfaction in this art form. Funny thing is, it ties in with my losing weight. Last summer, while I waited to visit the surgeon and jumped through all the hoops like a circus poodle, I was also humiliated to find myself making clothes in a size larger than the pattern companies made. I had to "size up" from their largest, creating a pair of pants that were grotesquely huge. In despair, I never finished those pants. I was too mortified. The other day, I found those pants buried under the piles of cloth I made teddy bears out of for my grandchildren. I laughed and cut those pants into 6" charm squares for a quilt. Then I looked at my closet door. Hmmm! I have clothes in there that cannot be re-tailored down, but the memories of the "fat girl" events they represent should never be forgotten. I now have a pile of clothes to be cut down into a memory quilt of charm squares and black rails, since many of those clothes were black (or matched black) because I honestly believed black was slimming. No, I just looked like a black beach ball. I'll finish the pretty new blue quilt I'm learning on within the month. Then, I think I'll start on my memory quilt. Maybe I'll use it as a visual aid when I write "No Fat Chicks" this fall. Lena

Honey, an ugly hasp and padlock is better than unhealthy fat on the hips, right? Heck, even a locking toolbox would work as long as the food was locked away from me. I know another WLS person who ran a long bike chain through the handles of all her kitchen cabinets and gave her DH the key. She had to get out what she'd cook with the night before, right after dishes, and then her DH locked all the "naughty stuff" cabinets up tight. She had one cabinet designated for her "safe" snacks during the day. Her DH was a cop, so he had a very flexible schedule. He could eat from the "naughty" cabinet then lock it all up again. This was my "desperate measures" trick just before surgery.

Love those signs, BG. Yeah, you just wait for your fills and try to maintain healthy eating as best you can. Even fills don't mean perfection, they just provide a little more restraint on the volume. After all, ice cream slides right past the stoma, but it's bad for you. Doesn't matter how many fills you get, the methyl-ethyl-bad-stuff can still be shoveled in and swallowed. I'm still locking DH's massive carb binges like Oreos and monkey bread in the pantry only he and Dante have the key to open, and I'm definitely in my Sweet Spot at last. I can still open my mouth and swallow those treats!

I can hardly wait to write later, BG. I won't bore anyone with the professional details. Maybe that little bit of stress relief finally broke the dam of my writer's block, but I'm itching to get back to my newest story. Or maybe I just need a shower and a flea dip. LOL!

In an earlier blog, I ranted a bit about some of my stresses. This weekend, I found the solution to two of my issues and relinquished worry about a third. I'll talk a bit about #3, then #1. Number #2 is for tomorrow. #3-- I've relinquished worry about my the possibility of losing my house. Let's face it, we were risking a lot when we bought it, and it did put us in the financial position of rarely having money for extras or emergencies. DH and Dante constantly fuss about whose turn it is to mow the lawn until I'm ready to bash their heads together. While we don't need the hit on our credit, I think visiting the "We Buy Houses" guy a couple miles from here just might be the very thing to lower my stress. After all, there are just some things that are malignant and best treated like surgery--just get it removed as quickly as possible. #1-- One of my stresses was also having the guys right behind me in the office when I tried to write. I'm one of those writers who must be completely alone and concentrating in the zone to get the job done. We finally moved the gaming computer into my bedroom, separating the computers and giving me a man-free space to write. The only things in here besides my computer are my grandmother's antique secretaire I use for bills and household work, and my beloved antique vanity I use as a sewing table. Now, it's blissfully quiet in here. No more bangs and explosions as masculine aggression is focused on killing tiny pixels on the screen. Ahhh!

In an earlier blog, I ranted a bit about some of my stresses. This weekend, I found the solution to two of my issues and relinquished worry about a third. I'll talk a bit about #3, then #1. Number #2 is for tomorrow. #3-- I've relinquished worry about my the possibility of losing my house. Let's face it, we were risking a lot when we bought it, and it did put us in the financial position of rarely having money for extras or emergencies. DH and Dante constantly fuss about whose turn it is to mow the lawn until I'm ready to bash their heads together. While we don't need the hit on our credit, I think visiting the "We Buy Houses" guy a couple miles from here just might be the very thing to lower my stress. After all, there are just some things that are malignant and best treated like surgery--just get it removed as quickly as possible. #1-- One of my stresses was also having the guys right behind me in the office when I tried to write. I'm one of those writers who must be completely alone and concentrating in the zone to get the job done. We finally moved the gaming computer into my bedroom, separating the computers and giving me a man-free space to write. The only things in here besides my computer are my grandmother's antique secretaire I use for bills and household work, and my beloved antique vanity I use as a sewing table. Now, it's blissfully quiet in here. No more bangs and explosions as masculine aggression is focused on killing tiny pixels on the screen. Ahhh!

I own an old Hamilton Beach mini-food-processor that worked about the same way for chopping up very small amounts of food. I still use it occasionally, since drier forms of meat like "chunk albacore tuna" can still be uncomfortable. Giving the tuna a whirl with a bit of mayo can solve the issue.

You know I stole this, right? LOL! Thank you for the smile.

After spending four days in the hospital for a false alarm "heart attack" I had to go visit my PCP yesterday. (sigh) We both agree it's clear that losing fifty pounds, attaining normal cholesterol and blood sugar, and exercising three times a week doesn't guarantee good health. However, it does give you a fighting chance. I'll take that positive. The old specter of my many years of GERD has possibly come back to haunt me. I may have something like Barret's esophagus or (forgive me for not remembering the term well) hammered esophagus. (sigh) To rule out nastier problems, I'll go back under anesthesia for an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy. Lovely! The way I figure it, I'll be asleep. What the heck, I refuse to worry too much about it. After all, I like anesthesia. Best sleep of my life, and as a bonus, they'll take me off Coumadin for a couple days. Even better. There's enough on my "worry list" right now anyway.

After spending four days in the hospital for a false alarm "heart attack" I had to go visit my PCP yesterday. (sigh) We both agree it's clear that losing fifty pounds, attaining normal cholesterol and blood sugar, and exercising three times a week doesn't guarantee good health. However, it does give you a fighting chance. I'll take that positive. The old specter of my many years of GERD has possibly come back to haunt me. I may have something like Barret's esophagus or (forgive me for not remembering the term well) hammered esophagus. (sigh) To rule out nastier problems, I'll go back under anesthesia for an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy. Lovely! The way I figure it, I'll be asleep. What the heck, I refuse to worry too much about it. After all, I like anesthesia. Best sleep of my life, and as a bonus, they'll take me off Coumadin for a couple days. Even better. There's enough on my "worry list" right now anyway.

I am told I look like Jean Stapleton. This is not an improvement. (Okay, we're both buck-toothed.)

Yeah well, both Oprah and Kirstie could benefit from WLS. A band would do them both some good, IMHO.

I agree with Stacy. Yes. you probably need a fill. I just had my third, and we're fairly positive I'm in the Sweet Spot zone. (My banding was in early January.) Remember, no one puts a gun to your head and makes you eat bad things. The band offers some controls, but the rest is up to us. I've got recipes on my blog if you need them. Hugs from Florida! Lena

Forgot to add-- I found the hominy in the Mexican food section of the grocery store. It can be difficult to find, but is well worth the trouble in this recipe.

Wow, am I impressed with this one. Doc and I finally achieved an understanding on the subjects of meats. I've been having trouble with meats being too dry, and yet Doc wanted me to eat lots of meat to stay low carb. Can you say conflict? Well, crock pot and pressure cooker meals are the answer. This particular recipe was fast, easy, inexpensive, and relatively low carb. The meat was so tender, it was almost a mushie recipe. If you're not a spicy food lover, eliminate the chili peppers and use a few shakes of red pepper flakes to give it heat without burning your mouth. While I love "Dragon's Breath Chili" and other hot foods, DH and Dante can't take the heat. So, I use Tabasco on my portions.

Wow, am I impressed with this one. Doc and I finally achieved an understanding on the subjects of meats. I've been having trouble with meats being too dry, and yet Doc wanted me to eat lots of meat to stay low carb. Can you say conflict? Well, crock pot and pressure cooker meals are the answer. This particular recipe was fast, easy, inexpensive, and relatively low carb. The meat was so tender, it was almost a mushie recipe. If you're not a spicy food lover, eliminate the chili peppers and use a few shakes of red pepper flakes to give it heat without burning your mouth. While I love "Dragon's Breath Chili" and other hot foods, DH and Dante can't take the heat. So, I use Tabasco on my portions.

I talked to my doc and his nutritionist yesterday. The nutritionist, Sarah, agreed that many bandsters merely swap addictions --food addiction becomes a smoking addiction, so it's up to the bandster to find a good addiction. In the meantime, she suggested I take walks when the urge to misbehave hits. Seems to be working.

I don't miss those days. (grin)

I was shocked to find myself vulnerable, that's for sure.

I heat the vinegar, stuff the herbs in the bottle, pour the hot vinegar over the top, put in the cork, and let it rest at least a few days. The longer it rests, the better it tastes. In the case of a pepper vinegar using cayenne peppers, I kept adding more vinegar for like two years with good results. It's amazing how long the herbs or peppers give good flavor!

When I first began my journey toward having a LapBand, I was told an odd fact: a fair percentage of bandsters often end up with other issues such as alcoholism. I thought that rather odd, and considered myself very well-adjusted. I couldn't imagine developing such a horrible problem back then. I can now. What's more, I now understand why. I'm a stress eater. When I get under stress, I run to the refrigerator, not a bottle. That is, I did until I was banded. While I can still swallow those naughty treats, I don't keep many around anymore. Even ice cream, which slides past my band like it wasn't even there isn't available as much anymore, long as I avoid temptation while in the grocery store. But where does that leave me when under stress? I don't smoke. I can't eat sweets and junk because I don't keep them around the house. Booze? Yes, it's here. I keep a small stock for cooking. Now I can see how some bandsters, deprived of their usual comforts when under stress, turn to booze. Oh, yeah. I have to admit, thanks to recent events here at home, I've had a few glasses of wine and actually considered going for the (yuk!) bourbon. I hate bourbon. But I was desperate for any tranquilizing feel-good effects. Okay, so clearly that's why my doctor has a shrink on staff. She may spot potential issues like OCD, or stress management issues long before they become irrepairable. I can see that now. Scary. Very scary. The trick has been to find new methods of calming down. Walking has worked. Working, like cleaning house, helped. Doing my crafts rather obsessively has helped. Finding a job that got me out of the house has helped. It's the little things.

When I first began my journey toward having a LapBand, I was told an odd fact: a fair percentage of bandsters often end up with other issues such as alcoholism. I thought that rather odd, and considered myself very well-adjusted. I couldn't imagine developing such a horrible problem back then. I can now. What's more, I now understand why. I'm a stress eater. When I get under stress, I run to the refrigerator, not a bottle. That is, I did until I was banded. While I can still swallow those naughty treats, I don't keep many around anymore. Even ice cream, which slides past my band like it wasn't even there isn't available as much anymore, long as I avoid temptation while in the grocery store. But where does that leave me when under stress? I don't smoke. I can't eat sweets and junk because I don't keep them around the house. Booze? Yes, it's here. I keep a small stock for cooking. Now I can see how some bandsters, deprived of their usual comforts when under stress, turn to booze. Oh, yeah. I have to admit, thanks to recent events here at home, I've had a few glasses of wine and actually considered going for the (yuk!) bourbon. I hate bourbon. But I was desperate for any tranquilizing feel-good effects. Okay, so clearly that's why my doctor has a shrink on staff. She may spot potential issues like OCD, or stress management issues long before they become irrepairable. I can see that now. Scary. Very scary. The trick has been to find new methods of calming down. Walking has worked. Working, like cleaning house, helped. Doing my crafts rather obsessively has helped. Finding a job that got me out of the house has helped. It's the little things.

This is a quickie trick that can develop into an obsession, I'm warning you. LOL! I've been doing this for about fifteen years, but I've been growing my own herbs and veggies that long or longer anyway! It all started with a Purple Ruffles Basil plant. I loved that plant with its gorgeous purple leaves and mild basil taste. Then I read about making herbal vinegars by simply warming up your choice of vinegar, pouring it into an easily corked bottle (new cork, please!) and then adding herbs. I gave it a shot with white vinegar and a clear bottle that had once held wine. I was rewarded with a vinegar that slowly turned into the loveliest shade of purple and was a delight on any salad! I practically wept that winter when we used the last, knowing I'd have to grow more purple ruffles basil before we'd have more. My family made me promise to make several bottles, but it wasn't to be. My DH lost his job, and we ended up moving to Denver. We did without our purple basil vinegar for two years before I found another and successfully grew it again. Now, you can get fresh herbs in any local grocer's produce section at almost any time of year and make many different kinds of vinegars! Tarragon vinegar is a delight! Regular basil vinegar is delicious! What do you do with this liquid treasure? Salad dressings made with oil and vinegar. Marinades often call for vinegar. Homemade mayonnaise calls for vinegar. Some sauces call for vinegar, and one of the most delightful tricks on the planet is sliced cucumbers soaking in vinegar in the refrigerator on a hot summer day.

This is a quickie trick that can develop into an obsession, I'm warning you. LOL! I've been doing this for about fifteen years, but I've been growing my own herbs and veggies that long or longer anyway! It all started with a Purple Ruffles Basil plant. I loved that plant with its gorgeous purple leaves and mild basil taste. Then I read about making herbal vinegars by simply warming up your choice of vinegar, pouring it into an easily corked bottle (new cork, please!) and then adding herbs. I gave it a shot with white vinegar and a clear bottle that had once held wine. I was rewarded with a vinegar that slowly turned into the loveliest shade of purple and was a delight on any salad! I practically wept that winter when we used the last, knowing I'd have to grow more purple ruffles basil before we'd have more. My family made me promise to make several bottles, but it wasn't to be. My DH lost his job, and we ended up moving to Denver. We did without our purple basil vinegar for two years before I found another and successfully grew it again. Now, you can get fresh herbs in any local grocer's produce section at almost any time of year and make many different kinds of vinegars! Tarragon vinegar is a delight! Regular basil vinegar is delicious! What do you do with this liquid treasure? Salad dressings made with oil and vinegar. Marinades often call for vinegar. Homemade mayonnaise calls for vinegar. Some sauces call for vinegar, and one of the most delightful tricks on the planet is sliced cucumbers soaking in vinegar in the refrigerator on a hot summer day.