18 Month Follow-up Appointment and I'm doing GOOD! Break down of my Vitamin intake

I am officially 18 months out from my initial bariatric appointment and 17 months from my actual surgery date! I weighed in at 149.9 lbs with clothes on, at home I weighed 148.2 lbs. My weight chart, by date, is below. We had a small celebration in the room when the doctor pointed out I was finally at a "normal" BMI. Since I had my starting weight as 246, my personal goal is only about 2 lbs away. However, my doctor's goal for me is 134 lbs. Not sure if I will ever hit that goal, or if I even want to. I am really just trying to maintain my weight now, with hopes of toning up!

 A solid size 8, but my dress for prom was a size 6. Built for curves!

All my blood work came back normal and in range in all categories. I am still asked what vitamins I take:

• Daily - One Multi-Vitamin - Men's Silver 50+ Generic store brand
• Every few days - Liquid B12
• Twice a day - 500mg chewy Calcium with Vit D (equals 1000mg) 
• Daily - 5000mcg Biotin
• Every few days - Iron 65mg

My cholesterol was a little on the high side (still in range), so I will have to adjust my diet to try to lower it. I did pack my lunch last week and I will start doing that more and more. It all comes down to preparing it ahead of time. Back to Bento!

It is Spring Break, so I got the chance to start a new work out challenge! I am going to target my core and add squats back in! I am really in to Russian Twists right now. I just have to stick with the program! I am going with the plan below. We are heading to the beach tomorrow, so I will have to do it while on my mini-vacay! I am going to be checking off horseback riding on the beach from my bucket list!

Don't forget....

New year, new goals! What my daily diet looks like...

It's been a long while since I have updated the ole' blogspot! I actually updated my bucket list at the beginning of 2016, but have not gotten to post it. You can see the update below :) 

So 2016 has started with a bang! Things are going pretty smooth, however I have yet to fully recover my gym time from switching jobs in October 2015. I have been Having an on-again, off-again love affair with Anytime Fitness due to an ever-changing schedule. The only thing certain about my day, is that I arrive at work between 6:10 and 6:20 am. I am trying to build the capacity to wake up at 4:00 am and put my gym time in then. However, if I don't get to bed by 9:00 pm the night before, I talk myself out of the 4:00 am wake-up. I realize sleep is just as important as working out! I still have to find the balance. My new goal is to work more on weight training and toning since I don't really want to lose more weight. It will naturally happen, but I am not working out to lose weight now. I will not be hitting 30 mins of cardio full force. I am think 15-20 mins of cardio and 20-30 mins of weight training. 

My diet stays pretty much the same. Some days I obviously eat things that aren't good for me (I love cookies Bread is easier for me to eat a limited amount), but I never over eat on the bad stuff. I am sure my diet could be better and include more veggies and even protein, so this is a new goal of mine. I need to up my protein and return to getting 50-60 grams a day. 

I don't really think my stomach has stretched much over the 17 months. I still can only eat about a cup to a cup and a half of food at a time. What I need to focus on is not grazing. People who have had weight loss surgery, I am sure, figure out that they can gain their weight back by grazing on bad stuff throughout the day. This is where what you have learned in the first 12 months comes in to play. Even though I LOVE cookies, I realize I shouldn't have more than one and I shouldn't have them every day. I still stay away from fried food (with the occasional french fry and chicken) and I limit my bread intake. These are choices I MAKE, not because I can't eat the food, but I know I would gain weight if I grazed on bad stuff. The only "bad" thing I have not given up is my iced coffee. I continue to lose weight or maintain my weight with keeping Iced Coffee in my life....so it's not going anywhere. LOL

What my diet looks like now (normally):

• 5:45 am - Medium Iced Coffee with cream and hazelnut swirl (I never drink the entire coffee due to getting busy at work) and maybe a wake-up wrap (bacon, egg, cheese).
• 8:00-9:00 am - sometimes (if I miss breakfast) I get a snack of a banana and peanut butter, cheese, yogurt, chocolate, sesame sticks, or just peanut butter.
• 10:15-11:45 am - I will normally eat either school lunch of a salad or whatever they are serving (taco bowl, baked chicken nuggets). About once or twice a month we may order out. If skipped my snack above, then I replace my lunch with one of the above things (most likely I will combine them to have banana, peanut butter, sesame sticks). 
• 1:00-4:00 pm - I may have a small snack of milk, fruit, peanut butter, cheese
• 5:00-7:00 pm - Whatever I can find for dinner or order out. Last night I had some salad from Publix, banana with peanut butter, about a 1/4 cup of tuna helper that I made for my husband, and Gummy bears and baked lentils for a snack. The night before I worked until 10pm so I had a half of Nachos Bellgrande from Taco Bell. When I work late, I tend to eat from restaurants. Some of my fast food favorites are: Nachos, salad and/or soup from Publix/Chili's, Chicken Rice bowl from Chili's, wake-up wrap from Dunks, grilled nuggets from Chick-fil-a (love these), Grilled chicken snack wrap or sausage burrito (without most of the tortilla) from McDonald's, 
• 7:00-9:00 pm - depending on when I go to bed (normally by 9) I may eat a snack of cheese, peanut butter, or my favorite, Baked Lentils/peas. I have also loved mixing dried cranberries and almonds!

My priority right now is figuring out a gym schedule since some of my work days are 6:00 am-10:00 pm. Even when I work a normal day, 6 am to 4 or 5 pm, I don't want to work out. I need to get over that and get my butt in the gym. I would like to think I could do the 4:15 am work out, but yeahhhh...

My next doctor appointment is March 22. This is my 18 month check up. They say the weight you are at when you hit 18 months, is generally where you will stay. My ultimate goal is 146 lbs (even though my doctor wants me around 131 lbs). Right now I am staying between 149-151 lbs. I guess we will see what I hit on March 22. :)

 






Bucket List Update (Updated items in BLUE, Completed in BLACK, still have to do in RED)

#1 - I can't wait to buy clothes from any store I would like.  I have always been a fashionista trapped in a chunky girl's body. Which has made clothes buying limited. I can't wait to put together some fantastic outfits and I get to start with WINTER!

• I have bought underwear from Victoria's Secrets and am now in a size 16 so my hunni picked out some clothes at New York and Co.
• In early March I bought my first size 12 shorts. I then wore my first size 12 slacks. I wore a size 12 in Jean on March 20.  It's nice to be a size 12.
• My size 12s are too big, moving in to a size 10
• I am in a size 8 in most clothing brands

#2 - I look forward to fitting comfortably in airplane/movie/theater/arena seats without imposing on the person next to me!

• I first realized I completed this goal while attending the 2015 Florida High School Basketball Championships in February. I sat next to a very nice older gentleman and I didn't feel like I was imposing on him. :)
• I flew comfortably to Colombia in June! 

#3 - Crossing my legs...

• I can do this comfortably all the time now.

#4 - I am going to take pole dancing lessons....which means I am hitting the gym to increase my upper body strength. 

• Took my first class April 7th!  I am signed up for the month of April!

#5 - I look forward to coming off my high blood pressure medicine.  It makes me pee a lot! 

• My blood pressure is fantastic now, 118/75. My resting heart rate is also under 60bpm.

#6 - Wrap my legs around my man while being picked up (this also has a very sexual meaning, but i'm keeping this PG, hahahah)....still waiting....LOL

#7 - I look forward to being able to tie or fasten my shoes without huffing and puffing for air!

• Completed all the time :)

#8 - I'm definitely doing a pin-up photo shoot!....I have checked pricing and studios!

#9 - I have done 5ks in the past, but I would like to train and be able to run an entire race with ease.

#10 - I can't wait to be able to buy a tennis skirt and not be afraid to wear it in public!!   :)

• I have worn my tennis skirt out to play, but more importantly, I am wearing yoga pants in public. lol

#11 - I want to wear a two piece bathing suit that isn't a tankini!  I would prefer to wear a yellow polka dotted bikini just so I can sing the song!.....almost there!!

#12 - Zip lining!  wooohooo Most places have a weight limit and I can do some....but I want to be able to pick which zip line I would like to do!

#13 - I want a second tattoo.  Preferably on my hip line (because I want to be able to hide it),  I have thought about trying to cover up some of my scar from my DIEP surgery, but I will have to wait and see!  I have been a huge fan of "To Thine Own Self Be True", feathers, something breast cancer related, or something in Italian.... I have picked this out!

#14 - I have so many pairs of Gucci and Prada heels that I never wear because I mess shoes up from being too heavy or they are just hard to wear all day.  I can't WAIT to have less weight on my shoes and wear cuter ones!  PLUS....SOMEONE will owe me a pair of red Jimmy Choos when I get to 160 pounds!

#15 - I want to do a best friends photo shoot with my girls!  Since I have always be the heaviest one, by a long shot, I never wanted to do these.  I would like to hire a professional Photog and head over to Disney or some other fabulous location!  Along with my family, these ladies are my rock and support system...they keep me in line :)

#16 - It's coming close to Halloween and I can't help thinking that I will not be buying a costume this year, because A, I don't really have anywhere to wear it to, and B (more importantly) they never make anything cute over a size 16.  I CAN'T WAIT TO BUY A NORMAL SIZED COSTUME....

  

#17 - I can't wait to see the look of surprise on faces of those I do not see often after losing weight.  Seeing someone after a major change, whether it is weight loss or just a drastic hair cut, is always fun!

• Pretty safe to say I get these comments all the time from people that I go a few weeks without seeing. 

 #18 - I would like to go horseback riding, either on the beach or through a jungle-type environment.  Again, most horseback riding requirements have weight limitations and I always hit the borderline number.  I don't want to have to worry about that!

#19 - This is corny, but I can't wait to wrap a regular sized bath towel around me!!!!!!  It's cold when there are gaps!

#20 - I would like to sign up for my first Warrior Dash once I am in better shape.  This looks like so much fun, but I don't want to get stuck or not be able to pull myself along.

#21 - Let's just say better over all hygiene. I look forward to not have as many rolls and crevasses. Plus, I will be able to reach more places to shave ;)  hahaha, TMI I know. Soooooo much easier to shave now!

#22 - I want to be able to do 10 pull-ups! It's going to be a loooooong time before I do this. LOL

#23 - I have always wanted to become a certified Scuba Diver.  Part of me is scared and the other part knows I need to be in better shape.  This is something I will definitely do!

#24 - To weigh less than I did in High School!  My senior year, I probably weighed about 170. I thought I was soooo fat at the time. geezzz.. 

#25 - I would like to take up yoga and increase my flexibility.  I am hoping this will also enhance my sexual performance in the bedroom....and other places I will be able to fit with my new, slimmer body ;)  I have start my flexibilty classes, along with my Pole Classes. I am doing yoga as well. 

#26 - I want to be able to have my hunni give me a piggy back ride!!

#27 - Tango dance lessons....I am addicted to this sexual and sensual dance.  I have been since I traveled to Argentina!  

#28 - I can do anything without being judged by the size of my body...people will not be able to use that to pick fun of me and I will believe people when they tell me I am pretty.

• What cracks me up now is the number of white men that look at me when I enter a room.

#29 - I can buy sexy underwear and feel confident in them :)

#30 - I will treat my body as a temple and not continuously mistreat it, gaining the weight back...

Weight Loss and Fitness tips that work for me! Weight Update...

It has been a while since my last post!  I struggled with my biggest plateau to date, not moving away from 174 lbs until last week. I just continued with my new lifestyle. I knew that part of it could have been the new intensity with my work outs. There were also days I probably ate too much sugar. I've been able to pull that back in. Some people ask me what my tips are to maintain my weight or continue to lose. I may have stated some before, but here they are again:

• I limit (almost nonexistent) fried food and most breads. In moderation, I do eat rice, small tortillas, potatoes, and crackers. 
• I normally start my day with yogurt, cottage cheese, or sometimes a wake-up wrap from dunks ;)
• I don't miss a meal. I eat at least three a day. 
• I do not eat big meals after 8 pm. However, I will snack if I am hungry. Usually, popcorn, fruit, cheese, milk, or peanut butter. I find it is so important not to eat late!
• I take liquid B12, Biotin, and a multivitamin with iron.
• Protein with each meal is a must!
• In order to get my liquids in a drink a mix of water, coffee, and sweet/unsweet tea. I haven't changed my drinking habits much, which I am sure holds up some weight loss. But I NEVER, drink sweet tea, soda, or super high sugar coffee drinks. Years ago I switched from lattes to just coffee. I usually will add a shot of sweetner, but never extra sugar. That is just my preference though. Definitely my weakness!
• I limit alcohol.
• I work out... no excuses. Never go more than three days without it. I try to fit in 4-5 days a week.
• My workouts include cardio (heart rate up for more than 15 mins), strength, and flexibility. You really need all three! I can absolutely tell a difference in my body by doing this. Even if the scale doesn't move.

My favorite stretch for hip flexibility. Hip Flexibility is what I need to work on the most! Next would be back flexibility. 

Core strength is my weakest so I have started to work on that area through toning classes, Pilates, and stations in the gym. The blue ball of death is always nice. I also do back extensions with added free weight, hip flexors, and pull-ups (machines are in order). I do three sets of 10-12 in rotation. 

The past month I have really focused on my workouts. Starting pole dancing was probably the best move I did to get a totally body workout. I still take other cardio and toning classes throughout the week, but pole is paying off.  I use this cool app to schedule my classes at Lotus Fitness:

Latest comparison picture from the Color Run May 2, 2015...

Only a few more pounds before I can cross two more things off my bucket list!  Updated list coming next month!

Total weight loss - 74.5 lbs
May 11, 2015 - 171.5
April 11, 2015 - 175.6
March 17, 2015 - 178 lbs
March 2, 2015 - 184.8
February 16, 2015 - 188.4
February 1, 2015 - 191 lbs
Jan 24, 2015 - 194.9 lbs
December 31, 2014 - 199.8 lbs
December 21, 2014 - 203.8 lbs
December 11, 2014 - 210.6 lbs
Five weeks post-op, November 28, 2014 - 214 lbs
Four weeks post-op, November 21, 2014 - 216 lbs
Three weeks post-op, November 14, 2014 - 221.9 lbs
Two weeks post-op, Nov 7, 2014 - 226.6 lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31, 2014 - 231.8 lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24, 2014 - 239 lbs
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14, 2014 - 246 lbs

Jump starting weight loss again! and Food Porn...

Soooo...even gastric bypass patients have a lull in weight loss. I knew it would come, when plateaus starting piling up and weight loss would start crawling along. Just like any normal person, we have to diet and take a hard look at our habits (new and old). Working out is not an option and it's a daily struggle to motivate myself, especially with a string of 12-14 hour work days and very busy weekends. However, I know it is very necessary and if I fail I want to be able to say I did everything I could, without making excuses. I am still losing weight, but I am not happy with my progress this month.

I can tell that alcohol is definitely a set-back. I don't drink much as it is, but I know when I do have a drink or two, I will not lose weight. I still do not eat much fried food (even though I can handle it) or carbs. I simply can not do break without getting super full. However, I can handle some carbs.

I am going back to basics with my food choices. I am replacing a meal with a protein shake and sticking to a liquid or creamy, low carb diet. My only exception is fruit, chicken, and nuts. I stocked up on cottage cheese, yogurt, protein shakes, milk and cheese. My plan is to complete a two week period.

Here are some pictures of previous lunch I have packed:

Egg Salad, crackers, fruit                     Pinto Beans, chicken w/ cheese Pineapple

   

Chicken casserole, carrots/ranch         Turkey, cottage cheese, edamame

   

Chili's Margarita Chicken and rice, almonds        Turkey and Cheese roll-ups

              

Protein Shake, oatmeal muffin (no sugar or flour)

Goals so far:
I am not really on track to be the 180 by March 1st. I will have to see where I land :/
I'm doing good with bringing my lunch to work (check)
I have gotten some workouts in during the week (check)
I need to drink more fluids (no check)

Total weight loss - 57.6 lbs
February 16, 2015 - 188.4
February 1, 2015 - 191 lbs
Jan 24, 2015 - 194.9 lbs
December 31, 2014 - 199.8 lbs
December 21, 2014 - 203.8 lbs
December 11, 2014 - 210.6 lbs
Five weeks post-op, November 28, 2014 - 214 lbs
Four weeks post-op, November 21, 2014 - 216 lbs
Three weeks post-op, November 14, 2014 - 221.9 lbs
Two weeks post-op, Nov 7, 2014 - 226.6 lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31, 2014 - 231.8 lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24, 2014 - 239 lbs
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14, 2014 - 246 lbs

Lunch ideas and a weigh-in!

This week was a surprise for weight loss, as I dropped nearly 4 lbs. They only thing I really changed was taking my lunch three times this week. I also ran in the middle of the week, which is a goal to get more exercise in the middle of the week. It seems like I'm on my way to 180 by the end of Feb!

Just some pictures of my bento lunches this week:

Albacore Tuna with light mayo, Veggie crackers, half banana and strawberries.

Ham and cheese rolls (one piece of Havarti cheese), hummus, veggie crackers and strawberries.

Left over salad from Crispers, two slices of ham, ranch dressing, Babybel light cheese (one of my fav snacks for protein), and a cutie!

I love water, but I have also been getting more liquid from tea (sometimes McDonald's). I do half sweet and half unsweet to avoid artificial sugar. For breakfast I will do either a yogurt, Eggo waffle with peanut butter, 1% milk and banana with peanut butter, half breakfast burrito from McDonald's, or Wake-up wrap with bacon from Dunks. It all depends on how late i'm running in the morning LOL.  We have learned how to eat out with my new diet. We only order one meal and I will eat off of it. Most of the time it is chicken on a veggie, but sometimes we do steak or ribs. Rarely do I eat fried stuff or excessive white carbs. If there was one thing that I still struggle with, it would be sugar and not eating enough at dinner, so I want to snack late at night. Must do better!

I am buying size 14 bottoms now and they are fitting, but fitting tight. I am hoping within the next 2 weeks, I will fit them comfortably. I am buying most of the items from Ross and Walmart to save money. I don't foresee having to buy too many items until I am a solid size 12. 

Goals by Feb 28:
Weigh 180 lbs
Exercise in the middle of the week (*)
Pack my lunch 3 times a week (*)
Drink more fluids (*)

*= completed for the week

Total weight loss - 55 lbs
February 1, 2015 - 191 lbs
Jan 24, 2015 - 194.9 lbs
December 31, 2014 - 199.8 lbs
December 21, 2014 - 203.8 lbs
December 11, 2014 - 210.6 lbs
Five weeks post-op, November 28, 2014 - 214 lbs
Four weeks post-op, November 21, 2014 - 216 lbs
Three weeks post-op, November 14, 2014 - 221.9 lbs
Two weeks post-op, Nov 7, 2014 - 226.6 lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31, 2014 - 231.8 lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24, 2014 - 239 lbs
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14, 2014 - 246 lbs

Adding the gym back in to my life :) and pictures!

I knew I had to start sometime...I felt good enough this week to hit the gym.  I worked out three times this week! I had to prepare myself mentally not to drop the weight I was used to seeing because of this. I NEVER loose weight when I start working out. The gym came easy to me though. I did a mile in 17:53 one day and then 16:36 two days later.  I also spent time on the elliptical. I really want to jog and do some weight training, but I told myself not until after my tube is out. My goal is to get to 12:00 by Christmas!

My other issue this week was not eating enough calories each day. I fell below 600 calories a few days. With working out, I am not sure that was a good idea.  I am fully on soft food, but I drink one protein shake a day until I am sure I can get 60+ grams of protein. I am eating just about everything fairly well.  I am still staying away from all bread, pasta, rice, uncooked veggies, steak, pork, all fried food, and sweets.  I eat about a cup of food at each setting with two snacks (when I can remember). I have grown to love beans! Mom found me the Bush's La Cocina beans and I LOVE them!!

I'm super excited that my G-Tube comes out Tuesday!! It is showing more and more with weight loss. It is being held by one small stitch...so needless to say, I can't wait for it to come out!

Here are some pictures!! I don't see too much of a difference, but I am one size down in clothing...almost two.

Four weeks out - 

Nov. 29

Weigh-in results - total loss 32 lbs
Five weeks post-op, November 28 - 214
Four weeks post-op, November 21 - 216

Three weeks post-op, November 14 - 221.9

Two weeks post-op, Nov 7 - 226.6 lbs

One week post-op, Oct 31 - 231.8 lbs

Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24 - 239 lbs

Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14 - 246 lbs

Nutrition Appointment...moving right along. 15 days and counting

I met with the nutritionist this past Tuesday, which is a prerequisite for surgery.  I had to fill out a form about my current diet and exercise habits.  She met with me individually to weigh me and figure out how many calories I need to consume to lose weight.  We settled on about 1200.  I also voiced my concern about my iron levels and the best way to keep them up.  She discussed a supplement with me. 

Next, she met with a small group of us and went over the paperwork below.  We tried vitamin samples, looked at food samples she recommended, and she spoke about what our diet would look like from two weeks before surgery as well as after surgery.  She told us about the best protein powders to buy and how much protein we needed to get each day.

We concluded the session with what to do when issues come up such as dumping, constipation, and so forth.  It was very informative!!

My next steps are my blood work tomorrow morning and my gallbladder ultrasound tomorrow morning.  My pre-op appointment is Tuesday, the 14th and all that stuff has to be done prior. They have emailed me my pre-op paperwork of dos and don'ts.  I may post that next  blog! 

How I reached my 5% weight loss goal!

I don't want to post every time I lose weight, but reaching my 5% goal is supposed to be a big deal (says Weight Watchers)! So I thought I would take a few minutes and type down a few of my changes since January 10th that has landed me 12.8 pounds lighter!

I have stopped eating out in the mornings. I used to go to Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds 2-3 times a week before work. I still may go but it is definitely much less and when I do, I order smaller sizes. I have also stopped eating school lunch. It is so easy to become lazy at bringing a lunch but I bring a variety of Smart Ones and Lean Cuisine frozen meals. I also switched from sweet tea to unsweet with sweet and low :)  Even though my students say the pink packets kill brain cells….

My daily allotted points value is 36. Everyone's is different. My morning meal averages about 6-7 points and always consists of coffee with cream, carbs and protein. I LOVE Weight Watchers bagels. I usually eat a half one with cream cheese and turkey or chicken lunch meat. My lunch ranges between 7-9 points. I always have a snack between breakfast and lunch. It normally includes peanut butter (3 points) and a banana (0 points). My fabulous 4th period calls it "peanut butter banana time"!  The rest of my points are used up at dinner and an evening snack (usually something sweet from Weight Watchers).  I track 98% of my food!  The key to success is tracking and I strongly believe that.

I have definitely have been cooking more often. I got a plethora of great recipes from Pinterest.  Herb is always wondering what I am cooking up.  One of my favorite quick bites so far have been petite lasagnas.

We still go out to dinner.  I just plan ahead and also make changes to my ordering.  I still eat French fries.  It isn’t every time I go out to dinner but I will probably get them 1 time out of 3.  I hardly ever drink my calories.  I stick to water and unsweet tea.

Let’s talk exercise.  I joined a gym about a year ago when I finished my first surgery after being diagnosed with breast cancer.  I worked out religiously (classes, weights, and machines) and hardly ever lost a pound.  I understand that the gym moves inches, not pounds, but it was a bit disheartening when the scale barely moved.  So when it came to implementing a workout program with my Weight Watchers program I decided to take it much easier. Now I am just walking on the treadmill and doing some lighter elliptical work.  We will see how that goes.  I also take a multi-vitamin, calcium, vitamin D, and an iron pill 3 times a day.  I still need to drink more water, so that is a goal!

The most valuable piece of advice I have heard at the meetings is, “If you fall off the Weight Watchers wagon just get back up!  There is always a new meal ahead or a new day tomorrow!”