I am reminded that all weight loss boils down to two tools: the amount of calories consumed and the amount of calories used. Portion size and exercise. I just have use of a third tool for the time being, and is the bariatric surgery to help with the total number of calories consumed. I have this opportunity for approximately the next 6 months to lose an additional 45 pounds (i.e. that averages out to be less than 8 lbs a month, and less than 2 lbs per week).
The doctor said we should be consuming between 1,000-1,200 calories in a day, but it was important to get in the 60 grams of protein. My diet is now primarily grilled / microwaved chicken breast, pork loin, turkey sausage and some hamburgers. Also protein bars, cottage cheese, chili and yogurt. I am slowing down or stopping the use of the protein shakes, because I don't think they are staying in my stomach long enough to get the entire 20 grams of protein because each shake is 11 ounces. They were great before the surgery, probably not so great afterwards. Eating the South Beach Diet 10 grams of protein, protein bars because they taste better than the meal replacement bars. Decided not to use the protein bullets some others are taking (they are $3 a pop).
They also gave us another website to check out www.bariatriceating.com and I found it interesting to see recipes for all stages in this process. You may want to check it out.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Groups at Cleveland Clinic last week
I attended two small groups last week at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland. I discovered that I was getting along a lot better than most of the others. So I am very fortunate and blessed.
I discovered that the phenomenom of throwing up that I experienced is called foaming, which basically described what I have spit up. Thus not nasty taste afterwards, and gaining relief from overeating.
I am pretty much on track with my weight loss for 3 months, maybe a couple of pounds behind of where I should be at, but close. I was told that my weight loss will slow down by 9 months and pretty much stop at a year from surgery. So that means I need to work hard at what I eat and keep up with my exercise. Speaking of which, my trainer Holly, has stepped up my routine to be more challenging for me. She will keep an eye on my progress, and we will meet in approximately 6 weeks and re-evaluate. Today when I tried my aquatic and talked with Holly. We decided that I am going to focus my time in the gym, and use the aquatic if I want a change of pace or my feet are hurting too much.
Another thing I discovered is that I probably should get my blood work done, so I can adjust my meds accordingly. The doctor said I should cut my BP in half, since my blood pressure is low. I am checking my blood sugar also. Sugar is lower than it has ever been, but am just controlling it with diet anyways. The one I am concerned about is Lipitor for cholesteral. Don't want to have too strong a dose and possibly have liver damage.
The doctor also said that we should get flu shots. And if I cut out coffee all together, I may not need the water pill I am taking.
All of us noticed that we have a difference in our sleep habits, and the doctor suggested that we be re-evaluated on our cpap machines. Said it was important that we continue using them, to keep improving.
The worst case I have found from people having the surgery done about my time is a lady who blew out her staples and had to stay in the hospital for 6 weeks.
During the fair, I met a fellow who had it done over 18 years again. His advice to me was make sure you get your proteins and don't drink carbonated drinks.
Everybody I have talked with tell me they are glad they had the operation, and would do it again.
Again, it has to be a personal choice. But for those of us who have tried everything else recently that did not work, it is an invaluable tool to regain our health and enjoy life. May God bless you on your quest for life.
I have posted my 3 month pictures below, and will post some again around Christmas (my 6 months out from my operation).
I discovered that the phenomenom of throwing up that I experienced is called foaming, which basically described what I have spit up. Thus not nasty taste afterwards, and gaining relief from overeating.
I am pretty much on track with my weight loss for 3 months, maybe a couple of pounds behind of where I should be at, but close. I was told that my weight loss will slow down by 9 months and pretty much stop at a year from surgery. So that means I need to work hard at what I eat and keep up with my exercise. Speaking of which, my trainer Holly, has stepped up my routine to be more challenging for me. She will keep an eye on my progress, and we will meet in approximately 6 weeks and re-evaluate. Today when I tried my aquatic and talked with Holly. We decided that I am going to focus my time in the gym, and use the aquatic if I want a change of pace or my feet are hurting too much.
Another thing I discovered is that I probably should get my blood work done, so I can adjust my meds accordingly. The doctor said I should cut my BP in half, since my blood pressure is low. I am checking my blood sugar also. Sugar is lower than it has ever been, but am just controlling it with diet anyways. The one I am concerned about is Lipitor for cholesteral. Don't want to have too strong a dose and possibly have liver damage.
The doctor also said that we should get flu shots. And if I cut out coffee all together, I may not need the water pill I am taking.
All of us noticed that we have a difference in our sleep habits, and the doctor suggested that we be re-evaluated on our cpap machines. Said it was important that we continue using them, to keep improving.
The worst case I have found from people having the surgery done about my time is a lady who blew out her staples and had to stay in the hospital for 6 weeks.
During the fair, I met a fellow who had it done over 18 years again. His advice to me was make sure you get your proteins and don't drink carbonated drinks.
Everybody I have talked with tell me they are glad they had the operation, and would do it again.
Again, it has to be a personal choice. But for those of us who have tried everything else recently that did not work, it is an invaluable tool to regain our health and enjoy life. May God bless you on your quest for life.
I have posted my 3 month pictures below, and will post some again around Christmas (my 6 months out from my operation).
Friday, September 4, 2009
250 Milestone Passed
Last night at TOPS I passed the 250 lbs. milestone. I weighed in at 249, after losing 2.5 lbs from last week. So that brings my total weight loss from last winter's high of over 317 lbs. to over 67 lbs. and since my surgery to over 43 lbs. My goal of losing a total of 70 lbs. by the 3rd month anniversary of my surgery is within sight. So that means I want to lose an additional 45 lbs by next June. I think I can do that. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can,... I know I can.
I had a relative say he didn't see any change in me since a week after my surgery, but I know that I am progressing towards my goal. I am logging my weight at our weekly weigh-ins at TOPS, and I can see the progress that I have made. I think I lost a lot of my first weight in my face and neck, and that does look the same. And I know that my weight loss is going to be more gradual now, because they say it takes a year to a year and a half to lose all the weight. It is better to lose it a little more gradually anyways, so the skin tightens up some through exercise.
More later. Will post a recent picture after the County Fair and my 3rd month anniversary of my surgery (September 12th)
I had a relative say he didn't see any change in me since a week after my surgery, but I know that I am progressing towards my goal. I am logging my weight at our weekly weigh-ins at TOPS, and I can see the progress that I have made. I think I lost a lot of my first weight in my face and neck, and that does look the same. And I know that my weight loss is going to be more gradual now, because they say it takes a year to a year and a half to lose all the weight. It is better to lose it a little more gradually anyways, so the skin tightens up some through exercise.
More later. Will post a recent picture after the County Fair and my 3rd month anniversary of my surgery (September 12th)
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