tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53343989236269317512024-03-05T18:21:23.029-08:00Super Snail's Pace...being a journal of my quest to be a healthy weight. No matter the speed, a snail's pace can win the race!supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-50148743147167987062014-01-25T19:54:00.001-08:002014-01-25T19:54:37.523-08:00Gone for a while...in one-der-land now!Hello! I've been gone for a while, and wanted to check back in. Last I posted I was having my left hip replaced, and it went very well! I am in such less pain and can walk without a cane. I'm even doing stairs. I still have arthritis in my other hip and at least one knee, but the pain reduction is remarkable. As some might remember, my main motivation for doing the gastric bypass was health--because my orthopedic doc needed me to reduce weight to make my hip replacement surgery safer--and so that goal has been firmly met!<br />
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Of course there have been many other health benefits, including increased energy and a lower dose of blood pressure meds. And I DID make it into one-der-land! I have about 16 pounds left to the conservative goal I set when I began this journey. It will leave me in the "overweight" category, and if I want to keep losing I can, but I feel comfortable with all the "gains" I have had due to my "losses."<br />
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I've been having some episodes of sharp pain at the top of my abdomen, radiating to my back (between/below my shoulder blades), and leaving me in agony for 60 to 90 minutes. No help from Gax-X (and it doesn't feel like gas) or tylenol. All I can do is curl into the fetal position with the hot bag and wait. :-( In any case, I'm not putting off my 1 year check up with my surgeon any longer so I can get that checked out. Might be gallbladder or ulcer, or maybe just something I am eating that I should avoid, although I can't track it to anything specific. I was able to get an appointment for next week.<br />
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Okay, that's it for the quick update! Hope everyone is doing well, and happy weekend!<br />
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--Karen<br />
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P.S. I set a goal for 2014 to read 100 books! I started with this series and really enjoyed it:<br />
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<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-44968605725099355232013-08-02T20:23:00.002-07:002013-08-02T20:26:07.540-07:00Am I really approaching One-der-land?I was stunned to enter my weight at My Fitness Pal today (I have lost a few more pounds in the past two weeks), and see that I appear to be getting close to a dream-land for us larger folks: getting under 200 pounds. In fact, there's a name for it--when your weight starts with a "1" (instead of a "2" or "3") you have entered ONEDERLAND. I've been so focused on getting ready for my hip replacement this summer, that this goal snuck up on me. In 8 pounds, I'll be there!<br />
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Is it like the one in Alice in WONDERLAND? When you think about it, there are actually a lot of food and size concepts in that book. <br />
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There's the famous "Eat me" and "Drink me" items:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-tR5t2Xv2OVbaOMExA3hFLoSGCuk4Ft4aaOCYl03rl8yeN2M9-x5fn414oYEAy3ZpGkYl9-y15cY3aTRMeAqo4RLhtW-zaPNIt3H1ge-HYdKDc7mPAyqcyR_zFafNYIzg0W0PbvJMQM/s1600/alice+drink+me.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-tR5t2Xv2OVbaOMExA3hFLoSGCuk4Ft4aaOCYl03rl8yeN2M9-x5fn414oYEAy3ZpGkYl9-y15cY3aTRMeAqo4RLhtW-zaPNIt3H1ge-HYdKDc7mPAyqcyR_zFafNYIzg0W0PbvJMQM/s200/alice+drink+me.png" width="135" /></a><br />
There's the Tea Party with the Mad Hatter where Alice never seems to get anything to eat or drink:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiio-RUXFVvNqDNWuCLZSw_ALzhA79n_iJpOe1ALhOKkM0rgdSvPzSjHdjZarm_wyYZU2zPM0v3cpHJVHLixIhQtjUxfY8Zfpiu5gK9G3BMfD-x8buyYGs6YIEnvO2ic9w0THkd4GJr8/s1600/alice+tea+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiio-RUXFVvNqDNWuCLZSw_ALzhA79n_iJpOe1ALhOKkM0rgdSvPzSjHdjZarm_wyYZU2zPM0v3cpHJVHLixIhQtjUxfY8Zfpiu5gK9G3BMfD-x8buyYGs6YIEnvO2ic9w0THkd4GJr8/s200/alice+tea+party.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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There's the mushroom (complete with Caterpillar and his hookah) where one side makes you larger and one side makes you smaller:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbmJz_xYFi-LF-R3HabVvTcXrhO0pKcKuWETKqulbFTXKOw11erRjG7yr0Md9B5k6so7gCT9xaeJZvcJ02tNydJX7s7d5DHipafAxjo0NFnD53xVylvfeO2clc4PAYGchLIxx3hkdBbM/s1600/alice+mushroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbmJz_xYFi-LF-R3HabVvTcXrhO0pKcKuWETKqulbFTXKOw11erRjG7yr0Md9B5k6so7gCT9xaeJZvcJ02tNydJX7s7d5DHipafAxjo0NFnD53xVylvfeO2clc4PAYGchLIxx3hkdBbM/s200/alice+mushroom.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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And of course, we have the scene where Alice grows to an enormous size, and only can shrink when she eats pebbles that are thrown at her and turn into cakes:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0muzL7wInSvpsSK7VOohPUvmfO6OoZuKZJ1kYNv9bqxyDKFu9s1y2G1yZNeSyXiwoZqFmI23jFUB6Y5_2t0PYG6HzOO4y_YqaQponIXPweTb4WWqRNGtNushFxbU8i_vOhluwFwXSsA/s1600/alice+stuck+in+house.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0muzL7wInSvpsSK7VOohPUvmfO6OoZuKZJ1kYNv9bqxyDKFu9s1y2G1yZNeSyXiwoZqFmI23jFUB6Y5_2t0PYG6HzOO4y_YqaQponIXPweTb4WWqRNGtNushFxbU8i_vOhluwFwXSsA/s200/alice+stuck+in+house.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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No wonder Alice is confused! I kind of lived this life for years...bigger then smaller, then repeat. Now I'm 8 pounds away from a number I hardly remember. Today I put on a pair of pants that started with a "1" (size 18). All I can say is...I'm grinning...like the Cheshire Cat. :-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgVwzXL_sr3S5UOt8qizXaplnDnHa1WyX2gyLrtUKVR4wa6xA68d6uitL3ryPYP5ShF3Oy_OpXyiaUDsczLKw4lExzjFis9egiTEKHlaUofVEd0pnl98RbEimlbnalLI6xyFBsr6tLkE/s1600/alice+cheshire+cat.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgVwzXL_sr3S5UOt8qizXaplnDnHa1WyX2gyLrtUKVR4wa6xA68d6uitL3ryPYP5ShF3Oy_OpXyiaUDsczLKw4lExzjFis9egiTEKHlaUofVEd0pnl98RbEimlbnalLI6xyFBsr6tLkE/s200/alice+cheshire+cat.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-82060647263514669422013-07-19T16:37:00.001-07:002013-07-19T16:41:00.087-07:00Checking back...Well, it has been many weeks since I've made a post here. Life DOES get in the way, including one of my co-workers having a stroke, my dad having surgery, and going out of town to a conference. Since my last post, I have lost another 20 pounds (so down a total of 120), but it should have been more. My body and mindset went into a maintenance-mode, so I didn't gain, but didn't lose. I am now 7 months post-gastric-bypass, and I'd like to lose another 40 pounds before my surgery anniversary date in December.<br />
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I know I can do it--I lost 40 pounds BEFORE my surgery, getting ready--but I need to re-focus. One of the things that has really gotten in the way for me is my continuing pain from arthritis in my hip. I had hoped (and my orthopedic doc had hoped) that losing weight would reduce the pain, but that didn't happen. I finally went in for updated x-rays, and we found that not only do I have no cartilage left in my left hip, I have significant bone spurs on each side of the joint. So...I am going to go ahead and have it replaced. At least losing weight has made the surgery much safer for me.<br />
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The hip replacement is scheduled for August 16--exactly 4 weeks from now. I need to start on some specific exercises for my hip to get ready, AND I want to see if I can lose 5 pounds by then. I still won't be able to do too much walking on my treadmill, but will do what I can.<br />
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So, that's my update! I hope to get to check in on some of your blogs, and stay more connected. Leave me an update on yourself or link to your blog if you read this!<br />
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P.S. I am looking forward to doing the the My Tiny Tank Walk/Run sponsored by Tracy over at <a href="http://www.mytinytank.net/" target="_blank">My Tiny Tank</a>! It's in celebration of her 13th year surgery anniversary, and is on July 24th, so check it out if you want to join in...you choose your own mode and length of walk/run, so it's right up my alley right now!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdAwnGOH8Q5FZ7hjRUt4k7IthQ7TiI5AiIIO0BetCjvgBaJshAaB6xyBtGQSDfqOduO8oBjyDoZ7LNYazArqcBzcq0yIG9u1lcKqclxLK1H491mryGZLaYry5BgunT8Kkv6A06WHt92A/s1600/Rain+and+paper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdAwnGOH8Q5FZ7hjRUt4k7IthQ7TiI5AiIIO0BetCjvgBaJshAaB6xyBtGQSDfqOduO8oBjyDoZ7LNYazArqcBzcq0yIG9u1lcKqclxLK1H491mryGZLaYry5BgunT8Kkv6A06WHt92A/s320/Rain+and+paper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-35809124434132241472013-04-01T20:55:00.002-07:002013-04-01T20:55:30.880-07:00100 pounds down!!!Yes, it's true! I have lost a total of 100 pounds! It's not an April Fools' Day joke either. :-)<br />
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That's 40 pounds before gastric bypass on December 14, and then 60 pounds after. Woohoo!<br />
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I have to make this short but sweet, but just had to announce this...<br />
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Have a good week!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsJiNIgpiRrPRNS2BCFZxwHP9IJH2ce273Os3o23KqQ0kcJw5k1YjzeVTjCSu1QmWsERFwXHE3G-E2E9gSaQf3BhZsLfMbqmrF3WCc-FPeZZzQnaUlxKuET4d-o41HDQzDUOgO2peW_U/s1600/pigmy+goat+and+bunny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsJiNIgpiRrPRNS2BCFZxwHP9IJH2ce273Os3o23KqQ0kcJw5k1YjzeVTjCSu1QmWsERFwXHE3G-E2E9gSaQf3BhZsLfMbqmrF3WCc-FPeZZzQnaUlxKuET4d-o41HDQzDUOgO2peW_U/s1600/pigmy+goat+and+bunny.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-48777250911906465762013-03-16T18:15:00.000-07:002013-03-16T18:30:30.314-07:00Finally using my new scale!A while back, I won a great scale in a give-a-way from Tracy at <a href="http://www.mytinytank.net/" target="_blank">My Tiny Tank</a>. It's an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/EatSmart-Precision-Digital-Kitchen-Silver/dp/B001N07KUE/ref=pd_sim_hpc_7" target="_blank">EatSmart scale</a>. I got it in the mail, and before I could start using it, or take any pictures, I got sick. :-(<br />
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However, now I am well, and I got out my new scale today! Here are some pictures of its first use:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HRVbrcQTByNiRKZVsTChPv1lgvaPKnSzHapUUwuELS1-DvOiiF74DnQxq96eOGUK_gzZyMn3MLrd3dUAOqw5DLu20wx080ldR2fxWzW4H2wmN03uSKMUk3i_LItCo3-_i54q6H6gVlM/s1600/IMG_20130316_171748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HRVbrcQTByNiRKZVsTChPv1lgvaPKnSzHapUUwuELS1-DvOiiF74DnQxq96eOGUK_gzZyMn3MLrd3dUAOqw5DLu20wx080ldR2fxWzW4H2wmN03uSKMUk3i_LItCo3-_i54q6H6gVlM/s320/IMG_20130316_171748.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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New scale on left...old scale on right! </div>
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Weighing out 1 oz of <a href="http://www.tillamook.com/" target="_blank">Tillamook</a> Medium Cheddar. (When I have cheese, I would rather have a small amount of the real stuff.)</div>
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I am vegetarian, so rely on cheese and dairy for some of my protein. Rather than buy the expensive pre-packaged string cheese, babybels or cheddar squares, I buy a larger size from Costco and slice it myself. Of course, cheese is on the high-fat side, so I want to stay very aware of how much I'm having! I've been using an antiquated scale...maybe from the 70's? (Okay, I'm making that up, but it IS very old and I think it's actually supposed to be a postal scale.)<br />
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This new scale makes it SO easy to measure out 1 ounce, and put it in separate ziplocks. All ready to go into my bento-box-style lunch box for work (from <a href="http://www.laptoplunches.com/" target="_blank">Laptop Lunches</a>) Then I re-use the ziplocks for the next round.<br />
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Thanks SO much to Tracy at MyTinyTank (her facebook page is here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyTinyTank?fref=ts" target="_blank">MyTinyTank</a>) and to Karen at EatSmart Products (their facebook page is here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EatSmartProducts?fref=ts" target="_blank">EatSmartProducts</a>) for this wonderful gift! <br />
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<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-27170898890760461952013-03-05T22:46:00.000-08:002013-03-16T18:16:10.311-07:00Feeling better...Well, that flu thing caught up to me. I had a flu shot, and thought since I'd made it through January (the first month after my surgery) that my immune system had survived...but...no. I have now been sick nearly two weeks, and luckily just have the cough and some head congestion left. (I kind of feel like my head is underwater...weird.)<br />
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During this time, I have not done hardly anything I am supposed to. I didn't log my food. I didn't exercise. I didn't get in all my vitamins. I certainly didn't get in all my protein, since I had several days of broth and popsicles due to the yucky sore throat. :-(<br />
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However, I didn't gain, and actually kept slowly losing. Of course that may change now that I'm getting back to eating "normally" (well, normal for my tiny tummy). I've actually lost 90 pounds now total--50 since surgery in December. :-)<br />
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I'm WAY behind at work (have been doing online work at home even), so don't have much time to say a lot more, but wanted to get a post in here to help me in getting back in the swing of things.<br />
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Hope everyone is doing well, and I look forward to catching up on your blogs soon...hopefully this weekend.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Cr9EjnGJSyx-E6eWXdhebMz2QefhTEluiqythTNjixO0XrBWYkjJNrDELQVCMP78ew8gPaX7aajA2Dv0HsV0vypa8LjDWfoNJjEfng8mxi5BPG6ff7zRdHH1jV6rwaDRADE53_lBBvQ/s1600/cat+lover+tissue+box.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Cr9EjnGJSyx-E6eWXdhebMz2QefhTEluiqythTNjixO0XrBWYkjJNrDELQVCMP78ew8gPaX7aajA2Dv0HsV0vypa8LjDWfoNJjEfng8mxi5BPG6ff7zRdHH1jV6rwaDRADE53_lBBvQ/s320/cat+lover+tissue+box.gif" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-83789439408745203152013-02-15T22:00:00.001-08:002013-02-15T22:01:38.551-08:00Another advance...crunch, crunch!Yes, I've been "advanced" again...this time to the "advanced" foods. I saw my surgeon and his team yesterday, and got the okay to eat whatever I can tolerate. That includes salad and raw veggies! I've been cooking my veg. soft (not quite mush, but bordering on it) for the past 6 weeks, so I am looking forward to the change. Since I'm vegetarian, I haven't had to deal with the experience of eating and perhaps not tolerating meat-substances, so protein sources will remain pretty much the same. However, a little more crunch will be welcome. :-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeUwD8MhlPpxPx46Pws2mzio6l2UrEHGAoUEl0MvMHaLdDpPtueqW2kH9J0yeuK3XkDv_EntgdDaOLMVbFGyDLfBSODiBtNILcogyS6V0fDj57hPeq_hXXW1KYSQRpa-Wcx1kEwb8Ono/s1600/salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeUwD8MhlPpxPx46Pws2mzio6l2UrEHGAoUEl0MvMHaLdDpPtueqW2kH9J0yeuK3XkDv_EntgdDaOLMVbFGyDLfBSODiBtNILcogyS6V0fDj57hPeq_hXXW1KYSQRpa-Wcx1kEwb8Ono/s1600/salad.jpg" /></a></div>
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Since schedules meant my 2 week follow-up was at 3 weeks, and my 6 week follow-up was at 9 weeks, we decided to have my blood drawn yesterday and skip the 3 month visit. (It would be 3 weeks away...seemed a little much.) They gave me a B-12 shot and sent me on my way. So long as everything continues to go well, I will go in again in the middle of May.<br />
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And, they say everything IS going well. I've lost 82 pounds, 42 of it since my surgery December 14, so according to them, that puts me right on track as far as weight loss. They warned it might start to slow soon, and that exercise would be especially important moving into that phase. I am having a lot of pain in my left hip (where I have no cartilage left), so may ask my primary care doc for a referral to PT again to see if some new exercises of the hip muscles are in order. I thought it was interesting that my nutritionist mentioned the changes our bodies must make as we shift our weight (either up OR down). She is pregnant (due in April) and used herself as an example! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXl17QCyeMEqgv5dbt8nFF3yO6wt34RwXiifCAK-71a55O2v0RKvVN8azpcLJkg7gJBBGk9Ju6B9F25gq6IrO7K6PMYu1TyvAvwVJWZVvqJIbN0YAJuBaHRfug-ujE0OC84_w5Q0IRnK8/s1600/pants+old+navy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXl17QCyeMEqgv5dbt8nFF3yO6wt34RwXiifCAK-71a55O2v0RKvVN8azpcLJkg7gJBBGk9Ju6B9F25gq6IrO7K6PMYu1TyvAvwVJWZVvqJIbN0YAJuBaHRfug-ujE0OC84_w5Q0IRnK8/s200/pants+old+navy.jpg" width="149" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19gUQtA6U0Vkj3LO7UdJqHvy5Pv8qfYSstyGSd2YTZ2_7cFAlh0dq7kz8K69jKOo8yLtDdEbiUS4ZIXAbPuD-uBnWiDByvcWakQIdD6dRCki25XLJhyphenhyphennmCY_ecW-TF2tTssnZg8oD4Ak/s1600/jeans+old+navy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19gUQtA6U0Vkj3LO7UdJqHvy5Pv8qfYSstyGSd2YTZ2_7cFAlh0dq7kz8K69jKOo8yLtDdEbiUS4ZIXAbPuD-uBnWiDByvcWakQIdD6dRCki25XLJhyphenhyphennmCY_ecW-TF2tTssnZg8oD4Ak/s200/jeans+old+navy.jpg" width="150" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhBnr4_uZYELLm_VdaiPEAZSvsiRF_h0P1rXbgPBrNA2l_1Yxi92vdFFlIEJBBGYWvaok8-T7shbfmCahyphenhyphenzna59Hi-mQ2W7wYM6b52PQAD_wUFi1KuAhIA0MZSVkFopbN24ITLQUVm5k/s1600/pants+target.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhBnr4_uZYELLm_VdaiPEAZSvsiRF_h0P1rXbgPBrNA2l_1Yxi92vdFFlIEJBBGYWvaok8-T7shbfmCahyphenhyphenzna59Hi-mQ2W7wYM6b52PQAD_wUFi1KuAhIA0MZSVkFopbN24ITLQUVm5k/s200/pants+target.jpg" width="200" /></a>On a somewhat related topic, my clothes have been falling off me (especially my pants), so I went out to a couple of thrift shops after my doctor's appointments yesterday. However, I came home with pants that were too small! I think I was compensating for the annoyance of having to hitch my pants up when I walk--but it is very frustrating. Now I'll have to go out again, probably to different shops because they didn't really have good choices in the next sizes up anyway. I really was clueless about pants sizes, but think I overestimated my progress. :-(<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vQr9NqGTpMQAbCl85MV2r4RW9eAaay9GrGDzCP1BRZ7HKH_7XAO7Ox9UC92aExCfeapgUBw3y3u8fOIXCAJTN3vgy0GMjEZTmgxQdMNQb0-0-trNc5QDdS6QvavDHKhyWTzgcFE31IE/s1600/sad+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vQr9NqGTpMQAbCl85MV2r4RW9eAaay9GrGDzCP1BRZ7HKH_7XAO7Ox9UC92aExCfeapgUBw3y3u8fOIXCAJTN3vgy0GMjEZTmgxQdMNQb0-0-trNc5QDdS6QvavDHKhyWTzgcFE31IE/s200/sad+face.jpg" width="153" /></a><br />
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On a totally UN-related topic, it's a three day weekend! Although I of course have grading and such to do, it will be nice to have three days to sleep in a little and hang around in my (very baggy) casual clothes. If you get a holiday also, hope you enjoy it!<br />
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<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-27291184591484850582013-02-07T23:14:00.001-08:002013-02-07T23:23:15.282-08:0010 Things ThursdayTen things!<br />
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<ol>
<li>As of today, I have lost 80 pounds--exactly half-way to my preliminary goal of 175 pounds!</li>
<li>I have lost 7 inches from my chest.</li>
<li>I have lost 8 inches from my hips.</li>
<li>I have lost 10 inches from my waist.</li>
<li>Walking on the treadmill this evening, I spontaneously walked to two songs without holding on. (This is a big deal. I have arthritis in my hips, and usually have to steady myself by holding the sides of the treadmill.)</li>
<li>I bent over to tie my shoe. (Just once. Just one shoe. Not sure I could repeat this consistently yet.)</li>
<li>I have to wash clothes twice a week because I run out of work pants before I run out of week.</li>
<li>There are about 5 full kitchen-trash-can-size bags of clothes that need to go to the thrift store.</li>
<li>I need to get some clothes from the thrift store. I am thinking pants with belt loops. Otherwise my pants might fall down when I have to lean over to pick up my white board marker (which I'm always dropping) during class.</li>
<li>I asked my partner to take new photos of me today, because I haven't taken any since before my surgery. Of course, we did it right after I was done exercising (because the previous pics were in the same location--standing on our treadmill). I was sweaty and my hair was all fuzzy. However, here's the comparison below if you want to see. :-O</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3Wjjf_UWRAEtEu3EYERgfxE5wUPrDPQitlEImPIL4_yGJnDE_FZPa4yumw1BMkoR-1CkWD2Q_YLu3q0NjO2RJbsGhxhCKier0IKFR8vCmmAZ-ELvhkyHm0aGyB5CMGk_SSP3V8RIC6E/s1600/before+10+18+2012+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3Wjjf_UWRAEtEu3EYERgfxE5wUPrDPQitlEImPIL4_yGJnDE_FZPa4yumw1BMkoR-1CkWD2Q_YLu3q0NjO2RJbsGhxhCKier0IKFR8vCmmAZ-ELvhkyHm0aGyB5CMGk_SSP3V8RIC6E/s1600/before+10+18+2012+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3Wjjf_UWRAEtEu3EYERgfxE5wUPrDPQitlEImPIL4_yGJnDE_FZPa4yumw1BMkoR-1CkWD2Q_YLu3q0NjO2RJbsGhxhCKier0IKFR8vCmmAZ-ELvhkyHm0aGyB5CMGk_SSP3V8RIC6E/s400/before+10+18+2012+1a.jpg" width="177" /> </a></div>
October 2012 vs. February 2013:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilcJtTUKbv4GFU4dv5RnycYApC0XeXXGKxgD5CjON_bTWi-2Lukb43cCgpnJCWMtFKGX5jlamBEVobNpCi-cEpMZk_zYO01PlvqXy2m166N-uPAJ2LKnNGkxYwLFKd2Ephu1lc1ZCaaU/s1600/80+pounds+down+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilcJtTUKbv4GFU4dv5RnycYApC0XeXXGKxgD5CjON_bTWi-2Lukb43cCgpnJCWMtFKGX5jlamBEVobNpCi-cEpMZk_zYO01PlvqXy2m166N-uPAJ2LKnNGkxYwLFKd2Ephu1lc1ZCaaU/s400/80+pounds+down+1.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-18042667889775555612013-02-03T01:19:00.002-08:002013-02-03T01:19:49.554-08:00Just for fun video...I know I don't always watch videos that people post, so it's okay with me if you skip this one, but it has such a simple, important message that I had to put it up. Some days you just need a positive phrase in your head! (The kids in it are very cute, too.)<br />
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Grandaddy Nature Anthem:<br />
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<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-40865469855296812052013-02-01T23:43:00.001-08:002013-02-01T23:43:40.186-08:0075 pounds lost...and let's not find it!Yesterday I reached a nifty milestone: a total loss of 75 pounds since I started this journey on August 28. That's when I got the preliminary approval from my insurance company--with the requirement to lose 5% of my body weight. My weight then was 335.<br />
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December 14, by then 40 pounds down, at 295, I was wheeled into surgery, and was wheeled out with a gastric bypass.<br />
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Fast forward to January 31, just about 7 weeks after surgery, and I'm down another 35 pounds, at 260, for a total of (yes, it's math) 75 pounds lost.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Sv_NAAHfofLUwzFaNqhZTQam1In29BjOTrAtAC1TzFhaS12ViCzHt78NWQuDuz5HZTGqrAlgbe388YuASsMIt6l-IlUoC-bj1ySaCWloecsL-vYC9v3b8iRrobgB25EBQ8syfvby8eM/s1600/75.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Sv_NAAHfofLUwzFaNqhZTQam1In29BjOTrAtAC1TzFhaS12ViCzHt78NWQuDuz5HZTGqrAlgbe388YuASsMIt6l-IlUoC-bj1ySaCWloecsL-vYC9v3b8iRrobgB25EBQ8syfvby8eM/s200/75.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
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Lost...and let's not try to find it!<br />
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If you read my last post, you know I had a little turbulence after talking to my insurance company nutritionist last week. A little overreaction on my part probably--I got a bit of a judgment vibe from her, that I wasn't losing fast enough since surgery. Turns out it was just a blip on the radar. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyPqrVHzLtWAaQWf5Rn8qi3JIjLWuLmWsF2ZItdc5a3va2Wt0hIQkHVQo_ygiBzNWASLXdn5T-jhgqeEHzyLPfV8VBUFZq431RxvcsZqeP98vRPpH6YdKnKrKS9vpwNhHHPzINxkP0v4/s1600/radar-screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyPqrVHzLtWAaQWf5Rn8qi3JIjLWuLmWsF2ZItdc5a3va2Wt0hIQkHVQo_ygiBzNWASLXdn5T-jhgqeEHzyLPfV8VBUFZq431RxvcsZqeP98vRPpH6YdKnKrKS9vpwNhHHPzINxkP0v4/s1600/radar-screen.jpg" /></a></div>
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In another 2 weeks, I have my next follow-up with my surgeon and his team, and expect to be released to an advanced diet then. It probably could have been sooner--for some people it's at 6 weeks out--but scheduling conflicts meant February 14 was the soonest I could get in. I keep moving forward--and the timing for everything just is what it is.<br />
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I realize I haven't used this blog to set any specific goals--more just reports, and my thoughts on the process. I want to change that, and there's a fun challenge going on over at <a href="http://bariatricfoodie.blogspot.com/2013/02/bariatric-foodie-pledge-submit-your.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FLAQho+%28Bariatric+Foodie%29" target="_blank">Bariatric Foodie</a>. It's Week One in the Bariatric Foodie Pledge! Check it out if you want to try it--there are even prizes! So, here's my Week One pledge: <i>I will walk on my treadmill for 30 minutes at least 6 days this next week.</i><br />
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Let me know what your Week One goal for February will be! <br />
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supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-83659749875059480862013-01-27T13:47:00.001-08:002013-01-27T13:50:25.405-08:00I thought things were going well...and then...I've been racing along, super busy with work (more on that below), and feeling pleased with my progress. I was making it closer to my water and protein goals, getting more vitamins in, and watching my clothes start to fall off. Has it ever happened to you, though, that all of a sudden something takes the wind out of your sails?<br />
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That's what happened to me this week. I had my "phone consultation" with my nutritionist. (Now, this is not the one from my surgeon's office--this one is part of my requirements from my insurance company.) She asked her usual questions about how I was feeling, my energy, etc., and then asked what my weight was. I told her (it was 266). There was this pause. Then she said, "How do you feel about that?" Gulp. There was something in her tone. I said I felt pretty good--I was continuing to lose, but perhaps had come to a little plateau. Wasn't that normal? I had read a lot about those 3rd or 4th week stalls. Her response: silence.<br />
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In truth, I hadn't paid much attention to how many pounds I had lost since I last talked to her two weeks ago. I was losing...I was happy about that. So I said to her, "It sounds like you think I am not doing well...that I should be losing more." She compared my loss in the previous two weeks (10 pounds) to my loss in this last two weeks (5 pounds). I did what I needed to do to get through the last part of the phone call. ("Yes, okay. Yes, I'll try that. Yes, I'll up my exercise.") I hung up and sat kind of stunned.<br />
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I started to second-guess myself. Have I been eating too much fat? Did I eat too many calories? I did take one tiny bite of that cake pop from Starbucks. I ate a little rice with my tofu and broccoli. I did skip a few workouts because my arthritis has been super painful. (We went from 30's and crisp to 40's and a damp fog here.) OH NO! Have I messed this whole thing up???<br />
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Later, telling this experience to my partner (the phone call took place at work), I burst into tears. And here's the response that got me to stop crying: <i>Don't let what she said get you down. She doesn't know you. She's never really met you. She can't even see what you look like! You are doing amazing.</i><br />
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And I started to feel a little better. I am a unique individual. I might not be following some chart they hand out at the nutrition team meetings. But I can still feel good about the past two weeks. I also don't need to reject the information I heard altogether. (So...I really should focus more on my exercise, despite my hip pain.)<br />
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What do you think? Am I making excuses? Should I take what she said more seriously? I don't know, but I do know I've also had a few important NSVs last week:<br />
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<ol>
<li>My primary care doc reduced my blood pressure meds by half.</li>
<li>She is referring me for a home-study on my sleep apnea, because I have some signs that I might need lower pressure on my CPAP--or even not need it.</li>
<li>I get comments every day from co-workers about how good I look (or how my clothes are falling off, lol)</li>
<li>I had to put two more pairs of pants in the "donate" bags, because I was tripping over them.</li>
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Oh, and I lost 4 more pounds since Thursday's phone call. That puts me 2 pounds away from a 75 pound total loss (since August when I started preparing for surgery).</div>
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So, a little happier now, and with a little additional motivation for change, I'm ready to tackle the work week tomorrow. Speaking of, here's my report on how work has been going...</div>
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...it has been a whirlwind! I went back to work full-time on the 2nd week of the term, and we're now going into the 5th week. Just when I have my schedule down, I have to revise it because something else gets added. Luckily, I'm feeling a lot (a lot!) more energy, because I sure need it! I'm teaching a full-time load plus some, doing my department chair duties on top of that, and also working on training faculty in our new online teaching software. (If you know about online classroom management programs, we're moving from Blackboard to Canvas.) But it's all lots of fun--I really do love my job. :-)<br />
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As you can see, I haven't had much time to blog--although I'm trying to keep up on reading some of my blog list! I don't know what this next week will bring, but hopefully I can keep up at least a weekly report.<br />
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Take care, all!<br />
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<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-24206233088310202692013-01-11T20:51:00.001-08:002013-01-11T20:51:47.662-08:004 weeks since surgeryWow! 4 weeks have passed since I went into the hospital to have my gastric bypass. It has both been sooooo slow, and sooooo fast! Here are a few of my accomplishments so far:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Let's just start with the scale: LOST 25 pounds! With the 40 I lost before surgery, that puts me down 65.</li>
<li>Proved I can give myself a shot. My doctor required twice-a-day injections of a blood thinner (Lovenox) for 28 days after I left the hospital. Although I am lucky enough to have a super partner who did most of them for me, I have also done it myself! It is kind of scary, but I keep telling myself if I didn't get this surgery, I might have been injecting myself with insulin for life.</li>
<li>Had to bag up some clothes to donate because they are too big. I did a big purge of the closet! (Unfortunately the bags are still here in the house--I couldn't lift them at first per doctor's orders, lol!)</li>
<li>Gained an even greater appreciation for the amazing support people in my life. They did so much for me--I can't even list!--and I was actually able to LET them take care of me. (This is an accomplishment for a caregiver-type like me.)</li>
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...and here are a few of the challenges:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>I had no idea how difficult it would be to manage X amount of water and Y amount of protein and Z amount of vitamins, especially when you can't have X with Y, and you can only have Z with certain other Z, and there are only a certain number of waking hours in a day!</li>
<li>Finding okay protein powders. Enough said about that.</li>
<li>I keep wanting to do projects at home that involve lifting, bending, and carrying, but I am still fairly sore on my left side. Thinking I should try to hold off for a little longer.</li>
<li>It takes longer than I'd have thought to get back to my regular stamina level. I went back to work full-time on Monday and kept going from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm--repeat on Tuesday--then...crashing commenced! I didn't understand why everyone at work kept stopping by my office to check on me! I'm glad it's the weekend now. :-)</li>
</ol>
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It's a work in progress...but I know I made the right choice. What an amazing start to 2013 and to my 50th year on the planet. :-)</div>
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supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-91758518775257993512013-01-04T19:20:00.001-08:002013-01-04T19:20:23.907-08:00Time to Advance! Charge!The weight-loss-surgery arena (and really, blogging in general!) has such interesting language. I'm a newbie to a lot of this, being just 3 weeks out. Oops...I did it already:<br />
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<i>3 weeks out = 3 weeks after having had weight loss surgery</i><br />
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When I first started reading blogs focused on weight loss, I was a little confused. Everyone is always having an NSV!<br />
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<i>NSV = Non-Scale Victory = something cool that happens during weight loss besides seeing your pounds or kilos going down.</i><br />
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Then, for the ladies, they would have a visit from TOM, or TTOTM. Tom? Is he someone who travels around the world somehow making a woman's weight go up or stall?<br />
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<i>TOM = Time Of the Month and TTOTM = That Time Of The Month</i><br />
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I started reading forums (like <a href="http://obesityhelp.com/">obesityhelp.com</a>), and needed a decoder ring at first to break the code people had on their posts, such as "HW = a, SW = b, CW = c, GW = d." Translated this is:<br />
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<i>HW = highest weight</i><br />
<i>SW = surgery weight (or start weight, if losing without surgery)</i><br />
<i>CW = current weight</i><br />
<i>GW = goal weight</i><br />
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And I will admit that I puzzled over this one for a while: OT in the title of a post<br />
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<i>OT = Off Topic = a post on a weight loss forum not related to weight loss</i><br />
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Now, I totally understand acronyms and assigning specific meaning to words and phrases! After all, my training is in mental health, and we have ADHD, ODD, GAD, SAD, BPD, PTSD, DID, NOS and the DSM, among others.<br />
<br />
But I have to admit, I got quite the visual when my surgeon said I could "advance my diet" yesterday. Advance it? As in, the zombies are advancing? As in, some jobs required an advanced degree? Or as in Monopoly, the "advance to the nearest railroad" card?<br />
<br />
I guess it is all of that, really--my pureed diet was like preschool, and now I've advanced a grade to primary school. I am advancing in my fight against the fat cells. My diet graduated and is now in 1st grade, so gave up naps for language arts and mathematics.<br />
<br />
I don't know, maybe I think about these things too much--or I have way too vivid of an imagination--or my mind doesn't really see the world in the usual way. But what I WILL say is I am SO glad to advance to soft foods! I can't even say how glad. I had puree for 3 weeks, due to the holidays. That's long enough!<br />
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Soft foods, look out, because I'm advanced!<br />
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P.S. I can't really eat apples yet. I just liked this picture. :-)</div>
<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-69695508975164871462012-12-31T16:30:00.000-08:002012-12-31T16:30:02.791-08:00The Wisdom of a SlothI was reading a blog post from Athena Banded Warrior (<a href="http://athenabandedwarrior.blogspot.com/2012/12/blustery-sunday.html">Blustery Sunday</a>), and it got me thinking about sloths. The animals, that is. I think sloths get a bad rap. Sometimes we use the word "sloth" to mean "lazy" or "slovenly." "Lazy" means disinclined to activity, while "slovenly" means untidy or slipshod. And yes, we use the word "sloth" for apathy and inactivity.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitT7gpFgF9fgCVH-JUf-fD-rs3zyQs6AUwOr3vgaJx4-Q5ePzZg9Q32Vi6W_gcxmWXXyBcA8eQh5ILUQhC3RaE7_wyLrauV1rmtVei3GqvHxpCNTm6T43fURZXRucHXdpInoS5CefGWkM/s1600/sloth+babythreetoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitT7gpFgF9fgCVH-JUf-fD-rs3zyQs6AUwOr3vgaJx4-Q5ePzZg9Q32Vi6W_gcxmWXXyBcA8eQh5ILUQhC3RaE7_wyLrauV1rmtVei3GqvHxpCNTm6T43fURZXRucHXdpInoS5CefGWkM/s320/sloth+babythreetoe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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However, I don't think it's all bad to be like a sloth (the animal). In my opinion, here is some of the wisdom of sloths:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Sloths are in fact slow-moving. They are apparently one of the slowest-moving animals in the world. They remind me of snails! Sometimes we race ahead of ourselves. Sloths remind us that the best way can be slow and deliberate. </li>
<li>Sloths live in a beautiful environment. They are found only in the rainforests of South and Central America. I would love to visit there--barring that, I could do more to make my own space a beautiful environment.</li>
<li>Sloths hang from trees. Now, I don't want to sleep hanging from a tree for 18 hours at a time like a sloth can, but I remember climbing trees as a kid, and sitting under trees. I want to take more time to appreciate the wisdom of trees.</li>
<li>Sloths are for the most part vegetarian--they eat leaves, twigs, and fruit. They eat very slowly. I am vegetarian (by choice), but need to work on eating more slowly. Eating like a sloth.</li>
<li>Sloths, despite living in trees, are surprisingly good swimmers. Wouldn't have thought that was a good combo, but I shouldn't judge a book by its cover (or a sloth by its body shape). When do I make assumptions about someone because of their body shape? When do others do the same to me?</li>
</ol>
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I'm sure that is more than you wanted to hear about sloths (although I didn't tell you the female sloths give birth to their babies hanging upside down!), but I think I'm going to keep a picture of a sloth around for a while. I hope it reminds me to slow down, consider my options, and live more planfully in 2013.</div>
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supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-21384183527310245142012-12-27T18:48:00.001-08:002012-12-27T18:48:28.017-08:0050 - 50 = ?What would you say if I told you I reached fifty going up, and fifty going down? No, it's not a math problem, it's what happened to me yesterday!<br />
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It was my birthday, and I turned<br />
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...and I reached 50 pounds lost!<br />
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Yes, that's what I said, I am now<br />
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and I've lost</div>
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It was the strangest thing, but also a sweet way to enter my 50's. Although I didn't specifically plan to have weight loss surgery before I turned 50, it was a nice goal to shoot for. It didn't even occur to me that I could lose 50 pounds in that amount of time (since August 28)!<br />
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I'm so excited that I'm going to have to put in some more "50s" here, but feel free to scroll down if you want. :-)<br />
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Oh, and guess who else turned 50?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzJioexeCD7Wp-cjrLO4mE65NPjW3qlbRRW_7lxfy7wHGq-hOfWSx2dcmnwgne6YbXbCgXO2v_qyzoKqJynZzBFMBfAinB-egi27ouvKtpKFzjLHXpzNBz4XQobqPGvlfFAEOo9YcUrE/s1600/50+years+clifford+big+red+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzJioexeCD7Wp-cjrLO4mE65NPjW3qlbRRW_7lxfy7wHGq-hOfWSx2dcmnwgne6YbXbCgXO2v_qyzoKqJynZzBFMBfAinB-egi27ouvKtpKFzjLHXpzNBz4XQobqPGvlfFAEOo9YcUrE/s320/50+years+clifford+big+red+dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I remember Clifford the Big Red Dog from my childhood--he's probably part of why I wanted to be a dog when I grew up! <br />
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Enough excitement for today. :-)supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-92013485834183065742012-12-22T01:53:00.000-08:002012-12-22T01:53:14.709-08:00My new friend, the blender<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvXXoy65xMi8PydCYyCSFEAF3MezdzXvf6xfQnCaiRaRMmUmq8x6S3agpnVjAY7KEcW8NZ4Wu788_YRxDFpAk0JY93Wwud4CkkWQb8pf3pbhhE1MVKoJsp1NPf7GpwEE6yv3hXymj__E/s1600/vitamix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvXXoy65xMi8PydCYyCSFEAF3MezdzXvf6xfQnCaiRaRMmUmq8x6S3agpnVjAY7KEcW8NZ4Wu788_YRxDFpAk0JY93Wwud4CkkWQb8pf3pbhhE1MVKoJsp1NPf7GpwEE6yv3hXymj__E/s320/vitamix.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Here is my new buddy, my Vitamix blender. (By the way, the blender itself is 5+ years old and not as new-looking as the one in the photo.) I am one week out from my surgery, and the first few days home my diet consisted of: Siggi's yogurt (like Greek, but "Icelandic" style), applesauce, and chocolate pudding (in order to get down my incredibly bitter and horrible crushed medications). Just barely bites of each, and sips of water between. And a very small amount of Big Train Fit Frappe protein drink. Yikes! This part is harder than I thought it would be...I really need to make a chart for water, food, protein shakes, vitamins, and medications.<br />
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After a phone consult with my nutritionist yesterday, I got brave enough to try blending up low-fat cottage cheese. (As a vegetarian, that was one of my primary protein sources pre-surgery.) She suggested putting some tomato soup in it, but I didn't have any--however I noticed a jar of portobello pasta sauce (low-fat, low-sugar) so put some of that in. It was actually good! After blending it, I heated it briefly in the microwave. I could only eat about 1/8 of a cup, but it was yummy. Today, I extended my blender experiments by blending up a can of Vegetarian 99% fat-free chili. I took a careful bite (it was spicier than the cottage cheese mix), but it went down fine. You have to not look at it too much, but having something hot to eat kinda cancelled that part out. :-)<br />
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I'm up to 392 calories and 35 grams of protein today. Still a ways to go, but significantly better than my first few days back from the hospital. I'm also down 8 pounds!supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-1496545090034097942012-12-19T17:01:00.000-08:002012-12-19T17:01:33.080-08:00I woke up to flags at half-mast...Things feel kinda surreal to me right now. I checked in for my surgery here in Seattle at 6 am on Friday December 14. All went well (other than nausea from the anesthesia) and I was in my hospital room by late afternoon. I looked out my window, and saw the flags at half-mast. I was on some serious pain medication, so vaguely wondered what had happened--assuming someone might have lost their life in combat--but didn't ask anyone. I wasn't interested in TV, so didn't hear any news reports. I didn't have my laptop or iPad with me either, which is how I usually learn national and international news.<br />
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The next day, my family was visiting, and my dad said there was some bad news. I thought he was going to tell me about a problem that had happened with my jeep. My mom said, "She doesn't need to know about that right now," but I said, "No, tell me." And he told me about the tragic shooting and death of the school children and teachers in Connecticut.<br />
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Although I am not a parent, I worked as a child & family therapist for many years before coming to teach at my community college. This senseless loss of life, especially such young lives, was overwhelming.<br />
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But, despite what happened, my focus remained on healing. On myself. On my pain, on getting up to sit in a chair, on walking in the halls, on trying to eat and drink. Was this wrong? I don't think so. But I still feel surreal.<br />
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There is no way I can do justice to this horrific event. I would ask you to read some posts from my fellow bloggers, who describe what I would have said much better than me. <i>Fit and Free with Emily'</i>s post <a href="http://www.fitandfreeemily.com/2012/12/love-for-newtown/">Standing in Light</a> is one I suggest. Another is <i>Chubby McGee</i>'s<a href="http://chubzilla.blogspot.com/2012/12/an-update-is-in-order.html"> An Update is in Order</a>, in the highlighted part where she reminds us, <b>"Focus on acceptance, love, and compassion every, single day for the rest of your life."</b><br />
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Thanks for listening.<br />
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<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-4693732051638425792012-12-17T18:13:00.001-08:002012-12-17T18:13:37.265-08:00Home from surgery!I am home from the University of Washington hospital where I had my gastric bypass. I stayed 2 nights, then stayed with my parents for a night (no stairs), and am finally back in my own bed with my partner and our dog and cat. :-)<br />
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I stayed pretty up-beat the whole time (I think) and wanted to get up and walk even before they let me! My wonderful partner and my mom & dad visited a lot, and I had text messages from friends and co-workers, so I barely had time to be lonely.<br />
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The staff seemed impressed by how much I did for myself right away. I think I was actually helped by the fact that I've had to accommodate my life for some time to the arthritis in my left hip--I was already used to getting up and down certain ways, and walking even with pain. And since the worst surgery pain is on the left side, I didn't need much PT or OT to get ready to be functional while healing.<br />
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I will say the worst pain was actually the incredible gas pains in my lower abdomen. :-( That and having to eat very bitter crushed pills (that I've been swallowing for years...who knew they were so yucky!) in something. I went through yogurt, applesauce, cream of wheat, and finally had a winner with chocolate pudding.<br />
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I am not eating much yet, but trying hard on my water, and walking the halls whenever I can.<br />
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More later--just wanted everyone to know I am still here! :-)supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-62142895224204763662012-12-13T17:06:00.000-08:002012-12-13T17:06:21.637-08:00surgery is TOMORROWWell, if I were a race car, I'd be sitting on the track, idling my motor, waiting for the green light to start the race. I check in at the hospital at 6 am tomorrow, a little more than 12 hours from now. As I've said, I will be having laparoscopic gastric bypass (RNY). They plan for me to be in the hospital Friday & Saturday, going home on Sunday if all is well. <br />
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I picked my parents up from the airport today (they've been in Arizona, but have their house here in town, where they will stay--so no house guests here) and have done as much prep as I can. I have had 2 days of showers with the "special soap," which is very weird. It is clear liquid and doesn't lather, and has an odd odor, but, whatever will help me avoid infection, I'll do it. I'm finishing up a load of laundry with my comfy sweats that I will wear to the hospital.<br />
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By the way, I've lost an even 40 pounds since I started pursuing this surgery on August 28th. :-)<br />
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I'll check back when I'm back home!<br />
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<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-15984573585747533232012-12-10T22:15:00.001-08:002012-12-10T22:15:17.820-08:00I won!I am so excited, because I won a canister of Mocha Fit Frappe in the giveaway from Big Train! The entry info is on their facebook page here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bigtrain?fref=ts">Big Train facebook</a>. I just blogged about the new flavor (Spiced Chai) and am glad to have more choices for my protein drinking pleasure. :-)<br />
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On another note, I went out tonight for a planned "last meal." Just this one--I haven't been doing it all month or anything. Skip if you don't want to hear it, but I had portobello ravioli in a cream sauce, salad, breadstick, and a decadent chocolate-cheesecake-mousse slice. I'm not going to look up the calories, but I enjoyed every bite. These are things I don't expect to have more than a bite of in the future (especially the dessert). Most other things I like I know I can eventually incorporate small amounts and/or WLS-friendly versions, so that was really all I wanted.<br />
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My surgery date is in sight--just 3 days until Friday. My mind is full of things I need to do to be ready, to be sure my partner and "kids" (pets) have everything they need for a little while, to try to anticipate anything I might need to address at school during the winter break. I know I'll never think of everything! However I know everyone will cope without me for a little while (hard to believe, but it's true!). <br />
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I feel like I'm counting down to a rocket lift-off!<br />
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<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-74575352563271658062012-12-09T15:52:00.002-08:002012-12-09T15:52:56.508-08:00New Celebrate Vitamins give-a-way!Just wanted to let you know (if you don't already) that Shelly at <a href="http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/">The World According to Eggface</a> is having a terrific contest to win a basket of Celebrate vitamins! Here's my favorite: <a href="http://www.celebratevitamins.com/shop/multivitamin/multivitamin-chewables/multivitamin-chewable-pineapple-strawberry-30-day.html">Celebrate multi-vitamin Pineapple-strawberry</a>. If you haven't tried these chewables, meant for us with bariatric surgery, you should. It has made it so easy for me to get going on a vitamin regime that I can continue post-surgery and for the rest of my life. Check it out!<br />
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<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-89489220121985541482012-12-06T19:50:00.000-08:002012-12-06T19:50:59.816-08:00Ten Things ThursdayHere are my 10 things in no particular order...<br />
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1. Monday is payday. We're going to squeeeeek by. First on the list: healthy groceries and gas. (The kind that goes in my jeep...not the kind you get from the healthy groceries.)<br />
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2. I am sitting here NOT drinking water. NOT drinking water. NOT...well you get the idea. I just finished eating and am practicing not drinking and eating together. You know the one about the pink elephant in the living room?<br />
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3. There are 20 more minutes until I can drink. That's why I'm writing this blog post.<br />
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4. I am on the 3rd week of my 1000 calorie diet pre-surgery. I'm worried that I'm not losing much weight. I think I am counting carefully, but maybe not? I wonder if I should push it down to 900 calories for the last week? Having my pre-anesthesia visit at the clinic tomorrow and will ask if I am doing something wrong. Maybe I'm not dropping a ton because I already lost 37 pounds? Sigh.<br />
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5. Tomorrow is the last day of the regular quarter before final exams. In addition to the stress of that, everyone is having end-of-the-term parties, and they drop off all their leftovers in the staff room. Today: doughnuts, cake, muffins (frosted), candy bars, soda, pizza, Hershey's kisses with macadamia nuts (from Hawaii), and a pretzel snack mix.<br />
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6. I did not eat anything from the staff room. Only went in there to fill up my water bottle. :-)<br />
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7. I am so trying not to get sick! I need to be healthy for surgery. Luckily some staff know this, and one of my co-workers stood in the hall outside my office to talk to me because she was sick. Very sweet! However, my students don't know and are dragging themselves to class for the last week, some exuding germs wherever they go. I have some of that alcohol-based hand cleanser in my office. Not sure if it will help, but I am making good use of it.<br />
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8. The Walking Dead is over until February. Boo! However, American Horror Story is still on. VERY creepy episode last night.<br />
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9. I want to get a couple strings of lights up on the deck. However, the weather needs to cooperate--I refuse to put up electric light sets and extension cords when it is pouring down rain. Silly of me, I know.<br />
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10. Last night was monumental in Washington State: legalization of recreational marijuana, and marriage equality. It was fun to see the pictures of couples being able to get their marriage licenses now...there were two older women who had been together for 35 years. :-)<br />
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Well, that's it. I am going off to drink some water now. Thanks for distracting me!</div>
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supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-34641369747671822202012-12-05T20:48:00.000-08:002012-12-05T20:48:14.200-08:00Big Train Fit Frappe Spiced Chai ...yum!I had already settled on Big Train's Fit Frappes as my protein drink of choice. I'm not good about drinking gross things...it's a failing of mine. I would never be able to consume just veggies squished through a juicer. Another positive for Big Train is it actually dissolves and doesn't leave any weird bits or strange textures. I know a lot of people like Click, but somehow I always end up with some slightly chewy bits.<br />
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Unfortunately Big Train is expensive. (I asked for it for Christmas. Hope I don't end up with a train set.) But it's good. My favorite to date is Vanilla Latte...next is Espresso. They do have plain vanilla and plain chocolate if you don't like coffee. (Is that possible? I live in Seattle.)<br />
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Just when I was happy, grooving along with my flavors, they put out another one: Spiced Chai Latte. Now, I'm not even a huge fan of chai tea, but this stuff is fantastic. I brought two scoops in a baggie to work, and only ended up using half of it. When I came back to work today, my whole office smelled deliciously spicy. Wow! I might just keep a dish of it around for aromatherapy.<br />
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It's quite possible I'm trying to distract myself from my surgery next week. But if you have a chance try this stuff out. Or at least sniff the canister. :-)<br />
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Oh, here's the link. <a href="https://www.bigtrain.com/fit-frappe-spiced-chai-protein-drink-mix-skinny-chai-latte-canister-p-3260.aspx">Big Train</a>supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-68215686185229780752012-12-02T00:42:00.003-08:002012-12-02T00:42:40.872-08:00Two weeks to go...In two weeks, I will be in the hospital recovering from gastric bypass. It's coming too quickly and too slowly simultaneously. I spent so much energy getting to this place--jumping through insurance hoops, losing the first 17 pounds to qualify, doing my required phone consults with the nutritionist, exercising, exercising, exercising (did I mention exercising?)--that to actually BE in this place is like suddenly putting on the brakes. Everything seems to have slowed down to molasses.<br />
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On the other hand, it is finally hitting me about the ultimate seriousness of this step. I will actually be doing this very soon. Is it normal to be a little trepidatious at this point? Instead of using my energy to push for the date, my energy is now racing around in my head. Then it seems like this is happening fast! (And it is--I started getting ready for this on August 28, so that makes the process start-to-finish only three and a half months.)<br />
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Also I am thinking of more questions than I had before. Such as, can I drink a protein drink, and drink water? Makes sense that you could because it's MADE with water, but I am trying hard to practice not drinking water (or anything) with meals. (WAY harder than I thought, by the way.) So is a protein drink a meal or a snack?<br />
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How about this one: Can I take my iron pill with a protein drink? I've been taking it with a protein bar that I don't think will work after surgery (at least for a while), and being vegetarian, I depend on a lot of dairy protein. I usually take the iron in the morning with breakfast, but obviously can't take it with dairy like yogurt or cottage cheese. I am writing all these questions down.<br />
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Then there's finishing up the quarter at school. The regular quarter ends next Friday (December 7), and final exams run the following week (ending on December 14). Grades aren't due until December 18--but obviously I will need to turn them in well before that! Luckily I only have one regular final to give on December 10 (the rest of my classes this term are online) and a few meetings on December 11. My usual routine is to tell myself I'll get caught up, and be done with grading early, and then be rushing to submit them on the last day, and that is definitely not going to work.<br />
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All this being said, I have a lot of positive energy and plans for the next two weeks. I am stocking up with broth, protein powder, yogurt, cream of wheat, etc. for the first weeks after surgery. I am actually keeping up on grading, and when writing my syllabi this fall, set due dates for term papers December 6 & 7 instead of the following week. (I did this well before I even knew if I could do this--positive thinking!) I am reading blog posts and re-reading some of the books and materials I have. I am planning out some of the logistics for the whole hospital thing. Also I am hanging out with my support people (especially my amazing partner) and my "support pets" (recently had my face thoroughly washed by my dog after I got off the treadmill).<br />
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But still...AAAAAAAAH! :-)<br />
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<br />supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5334398923626931751.post-89377101344499002972012-11-26T00:17:00.001-08:002012-11-26T00:17:34.750-08:00A rebus puzzle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Translation: TWO plus TERn plus VILLE = TWOTERVILLE! Yes, just got there today. :-)supersnailspacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07939045522616939270noreply@blogger.com4