2012 - I had Vertical Sleeve Gastric Surgery in October 2012, and this is my journey to push the fat girl aside and start living life without fear of lawn chairs, the middle seat, clothing shops and high heels. Among other things.

2017 - I'm preop for the Duodenal Switch procedure for my sleeve to help me get to goal weight....and to fix another hiatal hernia.


Monday, March 31, 2014

March Monthly Recap 2014

March is done... hard to believe!

This has been an amazing month for me for success, however this morning’s weigh in was slightly up. HOWEVER, I'm going to NOT let it bother me, as I didn't sleep well last night, had a late dinner, and get my morning constitutional in before weigh in.

In March I had 6 "new lows" recorded!  I couldn't be happier that I ended the month on one of those too.  234 is the lowest month end recorded weigh-in thus far. 

Happy Dance.

Feb 28 - 236.8 (-65lbs)
Mar 1 - 237.6
Mar 3 - 236.4
Mar 4 - 237.2
Mar 5 - 238
Mar 6 - 237.4
Mar 7 - 236.2
Mar 8 - 236 *
Mar 9 - 234 *
Mar 10 - 233.2 *
Mar 11 - 234
Mar 12 - 232.8*
Mar 13 - 233
Mar 14 - 233
Mar 15 - 232.4 *
Mar 16 - 232.6
Mar 17 - 232.6
Mar 18 - 232 *
Mar 19 - 233.4
Mar 20 - 234
Mar 21 - 232.8
Mar 22 - 232.8
Mar 23 - 232.4
Mar 24 -232.8
Mar 25 - 233
Mar 26 - 233.4
Mar 27 - 233.2
Mar 28 - 233
Mar 29 - 232.2
Mar 30 - 232.6
Mar 31 - 234**new low month end weigh in

Total lbs lost in March: 2.8lbs
Total lbs lost overall: 67lbs
 

 

 

I’ve been sick, had gallbladder surgery, root canal, and have not done any working out - but I also spent almost all of March recording everything that I ate on the MFP ap, and thinking about getting in more and more water and eating a lot of protein.   
 
The ap has really made a difference in my awareness to what I’m eating.  I still have treats, I still splurge on things, but just less frequently… AND I’m aware of them so I don't just indulge indulge indulge - which has been a big issue for me.
 
The NSV's this month:
 
1. bought regular size 18 pants in a regular women's department!  Almost into the 16's.
2. Solid size 16 up top/XL regular and the occasional L
3. new bras - 38DD
4. Went to a clothing swap yesterday. Actually fit into a couple of things!!  It was pretty awesome.
 
Not a very long post this morning, as I have work to get to, but I certainly am excited about my progress and looking forward to continued success in April.

Friday, March 28, 2014

UG!

Bulletpoint Friday

  • period started
  • ate 2 cookies after lunch
  • and a bag of chips
  • logged it all
  • feel like shit

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Saddle Up!

Yesterday I had a great morning socially, but a horrible one eating wise. 

Poor food choices make for a long crappy day.  Note to self - remember that.

As a good part of my job is event planning - I get invited to some cool things as businesses romance us for our budget dollars.   Yesterday morning was invited to have Breakfast with the Sea Lions at the Houston Zoo.  Pretty awesome!!  

What wasn't awesome - is that I totally forgot about it until I was already at my desk, and I had not have my protien shake yet.   But I didn't want to be late, so I jumped up and rushed over to the zoo. 

So I missed my normal breakfast and all that was on offer was pastry and goodies. I know that most people want for these things.  So I had 3 strawberries, a croissant, and 2 cups of coffee with cream.  Not the stellar start to a morning.  So I fought cravings all day.   I ate a bag of chips, a girl scount cookie, a pack of plain m&m's... a diet dr. pepper.   

No WONDER I feel terrible this morning as well.   :(

I should have grabbed my drink and had it on the way in the car.  Next time... think ahead!

Todays mantra will be WATER!!!!


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Science is interesting! Weight-Loss Surgery: It's Not Just About Stomach Size

Article linked HERE

Weight-Loss Surgery: It's Not Just About Stomach Size
Published: Mar 26, 2014  By Elizabeth DeVita Raeburn, Contributing Writer, MedPage Today

The study focused on the fact that "substantial changes in circulating total bile acids are known to occur after VSG," and the fact that these bile acids are known to regulate metabolism by binding to the nuclear FXR receptor (farnesoid-X receptor), said Randy J. Seeley, PhD, of the University of Cincinnati, and colleagues in Nature.

"We hypothesized that FXR-signaling links altered bile-acids homeostasis to important postoperative changes in metabolism and gut microbial communities, thereby contributing to the maintenance of weight loss and improvements in glucose control" following VSG, they said.

Bariatric surgery is often the most "effective and durable" therapy for obesity, the authors wrote, adding that 40% of obese type-2 diabetes mellitus patients who undergo bariatric surgery achieve full remission within a year.

The presumption has been that the weight loss is due to smaller stomach size imposed by the surgery, but a growing body of evidence suggests that changes in gut physiology after the surgery also exert an important effect, the authors said.

"As just one example, a substantial proportion of diabetic patients are able to stop taking their medications within days of surgery, before substantial weight loss has occurred," they wrote.
In a series of experiments, the researchers also performed VSG, in which approximately 80% of the stomach is removed, on mice with diet-induced obesity, some of which were knockout (KO) FXR mice.

In the first week, both wild-type (WT) and KO mice that had undergone VSG lost weight compared with sham-operated controls. But while the wild-type mice sustained the weight loss, the KO mice did not, the researchers said.

"Within 5 weeks, the body weight of KO-VSG animals was no longer different from that of sham-operated controls," they said.

Eleven weeks after the surgery, "WT-VSG animals had half the body fat of sham-operated WT controls, while the body fat of KO-VSG and KO-sham operated mice was equivalent," the researchers said.

Observation of feeding behavior after the surgery revealed that, while KO-VSG mice initially reduced food intake in the week after surgery, they soon increased it.

Four weeks after surgery, the KO-VSG mice consumed more food than sham operated controls "suggesting that FXR signaling is necessary for the repression of rebound hyperphagia following caloric restriction initially achieved by VSG," the authors said.

When the researchers challenged the glucose tolerance of the mice with an intraperitoneal injection of dextrose, they found that WT-VSG mice "exhibited a substantial improvement" in their ability to clear the glucose, while KO-VSG and sham-operated mice showed no differences in glucose tolerance.

Investigation of the mice's gut microbiota also revealed that VSG had a stronger effect on microbiota composition in WT mice than KO mice, the researchers said.

The relative abundance of Bacteroides, for instance, was substantially reduced in WT-VSG mice relative to WT-sham controls, but did not vary with surgery among KO mice.

A recent study of probiotic treatment of obese women found decreasing numbers of Bacteroides to be associated with less fat and better glucose control. That association was also evident in this study.
"Taken together, the present results demonstrate that a functional FXR pathway is necessary for sustained weight loss, suppression of rebound hyperphagia, and improved glucose control following VSG," the authors wrote.

The findings provide a new understanding of the mechanisms underlying the success of bariatric surgery and suggest new targets for less invasive therapeutic interventions, they said.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Planning Luches & stuffs

The Husband got called to the office last night for an hour (IT guys.. never stop working), so I had some evening time alone in the kitchen getting my prep-on for this week!

I do so much better when I know what I can eat, instead of trying to make decisions when I'm hungry, or h-angry, or bored...

So I tracked my day (todays) calories out on the MFP ap last night and prepped lunches for the week.



I love these ziplock lunch boxes! They do make my life so much easier.  I usually start eating lunch at 11:30 and finish the cheese stick and grapes (or celery) as a snack later on 1pm. 

 
This is one of my favorite lunch conbo's. Hummus, rice crackers, cucmber & carrots. Getting my veg & fiber in.

Weigh in this morning: 232.8   I'm really enjoying the low 230's.  Its still hard for me to believe it.  But I'm there!!

Dr's appointment today.  There is a small portion of my incision that has not healed from my gallbladder surgery. Yes... that is almost 4 weeks ago now.  So I'm not very pleased.  The dr. was on vacation last week, so I get it a good try with cleaning, washing, anti-bacterial stuff and band aids... but its still weepy. 

Ug.   So that will have to get corrected today.  I'm no bikini model, but I don't want a giant scar bubble... or to have an open wound for 4 weeks.  *grumble grumble*.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Friday, March 21, 2014

Water: Its Magic

okay... its not magic. 

I'll just put this out there - I NEVER want to go back and count the number of blog posts I have about getting in more water. 

Yesterday: 234
Today: 232.8
Difference: water

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Goal Today: Water

The house guest is clearing out today. THANK  THE GAWDS.  Trying to just think if it as a good karma bank and that I've topped it off.

I've not been sleeping well, and not getting enough water.

Getting on top of that today.

******Edited*****


Yep... noticable difference today.  Lots more time headed to the ladies. Of course the floor above ours is out of service so all the women have been down here using the toilette. Standing room only on the day I need it more.

:)


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

6 Milestones in March....already!

Weigh in this morning - 232.0.

This is the sixth time this month that I've had a new low!   

WOW!

I had been totally stalled out since October of last year (1 year sleeved anniversary).  I had spent 3 months after that fighting against myself and not following the rules. Also thinking that the 240's was it and that I was at the limit of my surgery assistance.

As usual, he limiting factor in weight loss is me (and my brain).

January 1st, I downloaded the MFP ap and recommitted to tracking my food.  Every time I keep at tracking -  I get better at food portions and just being aware of my consumption.  The key factor.  Plus - MORE PROTEIN!!

Eat MOAR Steak!


So this month has been a real revelation for me.  I am currently at my college weight.  I'm on track to be in the 220's.  THE 220's.  That means... 210 is around the corner.  Which means... the 200's and 190's are totally achievable.

Maybe not in 2014, but I think that in another year I could be down to my 195lbs goal. Pretty incredible stuff.

Mid March - feeling good!

Monday, March 17, 2014

Headed in the Right Direction/More Complaining/Attitude Shift

I'm still headed in the right direction.

I've been feeling very stressed lately, at the office, as well as at home: 
  1. I have an infection in my tooth (that got a root canal) and its annoying and painful.
  2. My incision for my gallbladder has one spot that is not healing... this weekend it started pusing (sorry TMI) so, I'm worried about that and have to get a dr's appointment asap.
  3. We have had an overstaying house guest for the last 10 days, and its getting to me.
I think that the abov was the reasons for the pitty-party that I had on the weekend - and the boo-hooing over being in the low 230's and not "looking better in some crappy photo that I took.   FOR GAWDS SAKE THIS IS AMAZING!  

Anyway - I took the guest shopping yesterday and to the gun range after (lol texas at its finest), but the original itinerary was that she would be out of our house traveling for most of the trip and using it as mostly a way station.  She cancelled all those plans and has been lounging on our sofa eating us out of house and home and begging rides all over. 

I'm kind of sick of it. I didn't really expect to have to cook, clean and feed her for 12 days solid as well as work full time and be a chauffeur. This is YOUR vacation, not mine. Also - 45min hot showers and running the laundry every second day.  Yeah... this is not what I signed up for.

I'm such a creature of habit a well, so I just can't be comfortable.  She also won't shut up about how little I eat.  It's really grating on me.  

She was supposed to head out this morning and be gone until Wednesday, but told us that she changed her mind and will be back this evening.  REALLY. 

This is why I never stay with friends when I travel.  No matter what they say - I know that I will never slot smoothly into their schedule.  I always stay in hotels and I need a lot of quiet time to myself each day.

Rant over. I must sound horrible. She is leaving on Thursday so we only have a few more days of this.

NSV Alert!!

Shopping.  We went to Old Navy and I am now between a size 18 and 16 regular jean.  OMG!!  So excited!  Finally out of my fat pants.

YAY!!

Scale this morning - 232.6.   So pleased.   Going to have to work to put on a happy face today.  But it must be done.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Mental struggles

Today Was another new low. 

232.4lbs. 

It's really quite exciting!! 



Of course today I've eaten: a scone, a sausage & cheese kolache,  two slices of pizza, and four shortbread cookies. On top of scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast. 

I'm feeling terrible. Mentally. All this success and I still eat like shit. 

Baby steps. Baby steps. 

I took some pictures to see the progress. The last time I took pictures I was 236. Now I'm 232.4 and I think these pictures make me look heavier. 

Interesting choice of words I used there. "Make me look heavier". Technically I know I am lighter, my clothes fit better and I know I am smaller.  But the image on the camera is making me feel fatter.

Gawds. This weight thing is hard. 

Pic at 236.

Pic at 232.4

Friday, March 14, 2014

Holding Steady

Its been such a great 10 days that I've been starting to worry that its all going to be over.

I had myself convinced that I was going to be 240lbs when I got on the scale this morning...

crazy stuff.

I'm so glad that I make myself weigh in every morning. Its like aversion therapy for phobias.

Today: 233lbs

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Office Stress + NSV + New Low

OFFICE:
The budget closed, I finished in time. Wok stress is reduced by half. 

I'm always WAY more stressed about it during...and then after I'm all... WTF was so hard.  Of course - this will be repeated next month.   Learning the new system was not easy, so I'm pleased with my efforts.

NSV:
I'm just really pleased that I did not run to the vending machine for "relief".  That is a major NSV for me.  I also gave my husband the small bills out of my wallet.  There is nothing more tempting then having singles that I can just slot in there for some snacks.   Go me - preemptive snack stopping.

NEW LOW:
Weight in this morning... and astounding 232.8lbs.

Another new low.   I'm feeling like its the heady days of post-surgery.  But... the truth is that I'm simply doing things the way that I'm supposed to:

  • Tracking my intake
  • No extra mid meal snacking on an extra 500 of calories a day. 
  • Drinking more water
  • Eating LOTS of good proteins (dinner for sure, but trying to get them in all day)
  • Breakfast protein always
  • Haven't bought ice cream in ages
Its the little things things that are adding up.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Irony

This is budget week at work. Its due tomorrow evening at 6pm. We had a complete new SAP system implimented and this is our first crack at it... omg....

I am STRESSED...and I want to eat eat eat... but I've been doing so well, that I don't want to ruin it and I'm not eating.  

I feel weird. LOL

one more time....

I really REALLY did not expect this, this morning. 3 days in a row.  Three new lows.

233.2

Another .6lb down.

In college I was 232/230lbs.  This is unreal to me.  I'm so so so glad that I keep track. Made all the days wallowing around in the 240's worth it.

:)

Its quite motivating.  I updated my ticket today to remind me... since its so awesome.!!!

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Saturday, March 8, 2014

236

236.0

:)

What have I been doing different....
1. Tracking my calories
2. Quit morning and afternoon snacking by half
3. More water
4. Lotsa eating in
5. Protein protein protein 

It's the simple things. 

Friday, March 7, 2014

New Low!

As I said to a friend yesterday, I've been spending more time under 240 then at it, and that is success for me.  The little ups and down are SO much easier to manage mentally when I track them and look at them everyday.

Otherwise, I would count these down days at flukes and the ups as permanent... you know.  Brain issues.

Anyway, today is another new milestone - which I wouldn't know about if I didn't keep such detailed notes!  :) go me!

236.2lbs.

Last night as I was getting undressed the husband said - you are getting so small.  funny that.  I didn't believe him. 

Wednesday, March 5, 2014