Three months post-op and working through plateaus

I am officially three months post-op today and 50 lbs down.

I am feeling pretty good and I have more energy than I did before the surgery. Everyone (well most everyone) has noticed the weight loss. I have continued to stay away from carbs and fried food for the most part and I still stay between 600-800 calories a day. I hit a plateau again the first week in January. I stuck around 199 lbs until mid Jan when I finally went down to 196 lbs. I find that I hit plateaus when I am not eating enough, drinking enough, or snacking at night because I didn't get enough calories that day.

Though I work out three days a week (mostly), I need to do a better job of spreading them out. I seem to do most of my workouts Thursday-Sunday. I have been successful with adding in weight training, but I have to develop it more. I really would like to hire a trainer again to show me how to properly weight train. I am super excited to have bought a Groupon for Pole Dancing lessons, but I would like to get down to 175 lbs and build my strength before I actually sign up for them. I have until late-March! That's my goal.

I am off the protein shakes, so I struggle to fit in enough protein throughout the day. I include a lot of low-fat string cheese and low-fat milk. I will most likely add in more yogurt and sliced deli meats for lunch. I haven't been packing my lunch for school :/ so that will be a goal! I bought some bento-like Tupperware and will be using it, trying to get in fruits and veggies more.

Clothes shopping has taken place a few times! I am between a size 14 and 16 at the moment (depending on the store and cut). I can easily buy clothes from most shopping outlets, which is exciting! I have also painted my own toe nails for the first time since 2001!

Goals by Feb 28:
Weigh 180 lbs
Pack my lunch 3 times a week
Drink more fluids

Total weight loss - 51.1 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

Crossing Off Bucket List Items and Making Resolutions!

I have come off my weight loss plateau for now (thank god)! I thought my weigh-in on Dec 21 was so funny because I actually gained 3+ pounds back the next day. So since the 22nd of Dec, I have really lost about seven pounds.  I haven't had any weird weighs since then. I finally am in the ONE Hundreds! I haven't seen those since 2001. Now that I am working out regularly, I believe it has balanced out. 

So I survived the holiday season and maintained my weight loss. I have read about so many people that stop losing after six weeks, or even gain some back after 2 months. I continue to work very hard at eating right and working out at least three times a week. I am now able to eat and drink anything I want, so I have to make good choices. When I crave my sweet coffee, I get a small one and drink only half of it. When I want bread, I eat half a bun or bagel, then make sure I work out. The surgery helps with how much I eat at one time, but I could always keep eating throughout the day. The real work is the changing of the habits.

The biggest (and only) issue I have had is eating too fast. Food will get stuck sometimes and it is painful. I had my first experience with throwing up just two days ago because a piece of shrimp wasn't chewed enough and it got stuck. :/  I have to be very careful to eat slowly so that I can chew enough. I also get very hungry late at night if I happen to eat an early dinner. I combat the hunger with some cheese, milk, or water. I have done better with my water and liquids intake. I have to continue to do that :)

Some of the things I can check off my bucket list are below.  There were a few I come close to checking off, but I didn't feel I could just yet!

#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.

#3 - Crossing my legs... I can do this comfortably all the time now.

#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.

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

The new year has arrived! I won't have the same resolution of just simply losing weight. I want to be more specific on how I plan on doing it. Then I also have some personal goals for the new year. They are below with some explanations:

1) Eat out less and bring my lunch to work.  This is pretty self-explanatory. Along with being able to lose weight, I will also save money.  I am probably more interested in saving the money! LOL Plus, eating out is so impersonal at times and can just be a routine. My husband loves to cook so I am hoping to do some cooking together. 

2) Properly integrate weights in to my work outs. I am so used to cardio and even HIIT, but I want to make sure I am also toning during the week.  I have seen the difference since I have started weight training in December. Plus, I want to make sure I am shaping up properly when the weight is coming off.

3) Stay away from excessive complex carbs and fried foods. I have already made this change and have stuck to it pretty well. They are items I can absolutely tolerate, but I know I should not over-indulge. People gain their weight back because they go back to old habits. I try hard to fight the urges. 

4) Eliminate toxic people in my life. This past year I have lost sight of looking out for myself when it comes to friendships and relationships. Because a person gave me instant gratification when we were together, I overlooked the way they treated me (and others). I was used, taken advantage of, my feelings were disregarded constantly, lied to, and I was flat out disrespected. I was disposable and completely optional in their life. No more...it took me a while to realize that I am really too good for those people. I feel sorry for them actuality and am at peace with my decision. 

5) I work a lot...I am not saying that I am giving up working so much, that is just who I am. My parents instilled a fantastic work ethic in me. However, I want to work smarter. I would like to focus on things that are going to propel me in to the next level of my career. 

6) Travel to a place I have not been. This is a fun one :) I may just stick to somewhere in the USA or Caribbean. 

Total weight loss - 46.2 lbs
December 31, 2014 - 199.8
December 21, 2014 - 203.8
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

Beauty Products After Surgery

So I am almost two months post-op and doing great.  I'm able to eat just about anything, but I choose to stay away from fried food and complex carbs (bread, pasta, rice). My new stomach can handle them, but my new lifestyle knows I shouldn't have them. Weight loss started to slow down with sodium intake, water retention, and increase of exercise. I have read that it will pick back up once my body adjusts to the new diet of eating normal food again. I'm still happy with 1.5 to 2 lbs a week, but this past week I picked back up.

I thought I would post about some of the products I use for scars and to help with skin elasticity. I saw a dermatologist about scarring from my breast cancer and they recommended Oil of Olay Total Effects 7 for a body wash.  I have been pretty happy with it so I also the face moisturizer.  It smooths skin and I can tell a big difference.

 I have five scars from my bypass surgery, so I am hoping they will diminish with constant use of recommended products. I use Bio oil and Mederma directly on my scars. I normally use one in the morning and one in the evening.  The scars are not too bad, but I'm so tired of scars!

The last product I use on my arms and thighs. Those are the areas of my body I fear my skin will sag. A friend of mine recommended Nieva's Q10 Gel Cream.  I haven't used this long enough to talk about it's effectiveness. 

Fitness - I have been in the gym doing cardio, weight training, and working on my flexibility. I am looking forward to becoming even more active over the holiday break and leading in to the Spring tennis season!

Total weight loss - 42.2 lbs
December 21, 2014 - 203.8
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

Four weeks out weigh-in! I get to eat FOOD now :)

I am officially able to eat soft food! This  means I can add in other proteins like chicken and fish. I actually started this phase three days early when I tried two ounces of chicken and some ahi tuna and it didn't bother me! I was at a birthday party at TGI Fridays and I ordered the small chicken skewers and ahi tuna bites. I got full really fast. That was my first experience with solid food and I survived!!  I then went out to eat for my anniversary. I took a bite of a flat bread and it did not go down properly, either due to not enough chewing or too big of a bite. It was very painful so I had to stand in the restroom for a bit. After 20 mins, I felt better and learned not to make that mistake again!! I had to skip my soup, but I ate some of my chicken. 

I have been doing well on soft foods since I started. I definitely do not eat as much as I was able to with the liquid proteins. I probably eat about a half cup of solid food. So far I have tried boneless chicken breast, baked chicken leg, sliced smoked turkey, scrabbled eggs, meatballs, cooked squash and zucchini, cooked carrots, mashed potatoes, baked beans, ground beef, string cheese, and oatmeal. I am basically steering clear from any bread, pasta, rice, anything fried, all sweets, sugar, and high-fat foods. I do fine with spicy, so I am keeping that. heheh

Because I started eating "solid" food, I was scared my weight loss would have slowed down. I actually lost more weight this past week! Bodies are so weird. I am still eating between 600-800 calories. I feel that I will probably default around this range for quite a while. A question to my doctor will be a safe caloric range. I still keep track of everything I eat, even though it is harder now that it is not packaged in a container all the time. I can see how it is hard to get in all the protein you need. I will continue to supplement a meal with a protein shake to ensure I get 60 plus grams. Though I do get full really fast, I do get hungry again, however it normally takes 2-3 hours on the amount of food I am eating right now. 

The hardest thing for me is not the "do not drink before and after meals for 30 minutes", but the eating slowly. I have to learn to put the fork down in between bites. Especially when I am hungry and wanting to eat!

I have not yet made it to the gym. However, I am moving well and not tired every day. I still do get tired at times, but it is normally after a busy day.  Since we are off this week, I am hoping to get to it. I know it will give me energy and make it easier for me after the tube comes out! 

Other exciting things this week include fitting in to clothes that I haven't worn in two years! Before surgery I was a size 18/20. Now my size 20's are too big and I am comfortable in my sized 18 clothes. I have a few size 16 I now fit. My goal is to be a solid size 16 by Christmas. 

Weigh-in results - total loss 30 lbs
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

30 pounds down - 81 to go!! Pictures next week :)

Week three post-op and weigh-in!

Week three was pretty good. I have started sleeping on both sides comfortably, which I need because I hate sleeping on my back. It's the little things. I am still on liquid proteins, soups, pureed beans, cottage cheese, etc and I have stuck to that pretty dead on. I did try peanut butter in my protein shake and I didn't feel too well after. I'm not sure if it was the peanut butter though. I still drink one liquid protein supplement a day, which has 30 grams of protein. I'm averaging about 70 to 75 grams of protein a day and 600 to 700 calories.

Things that I have added comfortably to my diet, along with liquid protein, so far include: Hot sauce, all types of spices, melted cheese, sour cream, all my chewable vitamins, sugar free and crustless pumpkin pie, butternut squash soup, french onion soup without the bread, potato soup, black and pinto beans, and ricotta cheese.  I do not eat more than 1/2 to 1 cup of food at a time (4 to 8 ounces). I do get hungry at times because of the liquid base of my diet. I don't believe it stays with me as long. The fullest I feel is when I eat the beans (of course).

I get to move to soft food next weekend! I'm super excited and ready to try out my new stomach. I am going to be able to start foods that I can cut with the side of a fork or spoon. I'm looking forward to chicken and some fish.

During week four, I really would like to return to the gym and complete a light cardio workout. I will not be able to fully workout until my G-tube is out and I'm healed up from that. The tube comes out December 2. I have plans for my fourth 5k at the end of January so I would like to start training for that after the New Year. I would like to run some of it :) I am flying up north December 11, so I will be excited to finally fit more comfortably in an airplane seat!!  Bucket List Here I Come!!

Weigh-in results - total loss 24.1 lbs
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14 - 246 lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24 - 239 lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31 - 231.8 lbs
Two weeks post-op, Nov 7 - 226.6 lbs
Three weeks post-op, November 14 - 221.9

Week two Post-op...Social life on a liquid diet

Week two has been a  breeze!  I have returned back to work and feel about 75%.  I get tired pretty easy still, so I am taking my weekends to recoup. The week got easier as I went. Since I am in education, however not a classroom teacher, and have more or less a desk job, it was easy for me to return 10 days after surgery. My doctor asked me why...I told him I felt ready!

I had my two week post-op visit with my doctor. He checked my G-tube (which I absolutely hate!) and said all my other incisions looked great. I told him I am eating well and feeling good. Almost scarily good. I can easily eat a half cup to a cup of food, in about 10-15 minutes. I have no signs of nausea and I don't get overly full. I have integrated soups in my diet. Mainly because I have been out to eat three times in the past week.

I am very social and part of that is joining people out to dinner. I first tried Crisper's Butternut Squash soup, LOVED it! I was only able to eat the cup and not the bowl. Next, I tried a broccoli cheddar at Bob Evans. I left out the big chunks of broccoli but it was still good. Last, I had French Onion at Red Robin.  I also ordered their black beans and smashed them, so I didn't finish much of either. I find it pretty easy to eat out with friends in this stage. Soups are low calorie (as long as you don't get the ones laden with cream) and have protein. The only down side, is I know going out to eat contributed to my obesity. Therefore, I have to be very careful when returning to normal. I know eventually I will be well enough to be tempted by fried food and bad-carb food. I am learning to like things that are much better for me,

My doctor said I could start my vitamins! I was super excited. Since I had issues with my iron when I was going through chemo, I decided to buy a chewable multivitamin with iron. I then take two calcium tablets, one around lunch and one at night. Finally, I take a biotin to help maintain my hair and nail growth. I shopped around and found the most affordable for what I wanted. I take the ones below:

Some of my favorite things to eat are below. Premier protein tastes great and it is 30 grams of protein.  I either have it for breakfast or I sip on it throughout the morning after breakfast. To make sure I get over 65 grams of protein, I usually drink one a day right now. I do use protein powders, but I try to get real food in first. I will also drink a cup of milk at night if I am low on protein for the day. The doctor said to get at least 60 grams, but I aim for 75 just to make sure. 

Weight loss is happening! I lost some real fast at first and then when I introduced the protein liquids, it slowed a little. I also became more active and the first few days of that, my body had to get used to. I don't want to loose too fast because I don't want to deal with the sagging skin. I can't wait to start working out in the gym though.

Weigh-in results - total loss 19.4 lbs
Weight at pre-op appointment, Oct 14 - 246 lbs
Weight morning of surgery, Oct 24 - 239 lbs
One week post-op, Oct 31 - 231.8 lbs
Two weeks post-op, Nov 7 - 226.6 lbs