Quick note wishing all of you a Very Happy New Year with only good things in 2011!
Had a good day food-wise but am getting hungry! I guess my stomach is healing and not as swollen around the band.
7:00 am Protein shake
10:30 am Pureed cottage cheese with pinapple
12:30 pm Tomato soup
1:30 pm Egg salad
Did 1.75 miles on the treadmill :)
Going to have a small meal before we leave for Hibatchi since I can only have miso soup. Should be fun if all the kids somewhat behave. I invited 2 of my au pairs friends so that should keep them occupied - the pretty Swedish and one Icelandic girl.
I am absolutely going to miss having some drinks tonight but it will feel good to know I have the discipline.
So Cheers to all - here's to all of our dreams and wishing coming true!
xoxo Susan
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
My first "workout" post surgery to a great motivating song "Let's Get Loud"
I did it! I got my butt on the treadmill and walked 1.5 miles. My favorite motivating song is Jennifer Lopez's "Let's Get Loud" and I copied the lyrics and bolded the best parts that get me going. I could have gone to 2 miles but was trying to keep it slow and didn't want to overdo it. Ladies - download this song to your ipods - it is a great one!
"Let's Get Loud"
[Chorus:]
Let's get loud, let's get loud
Turn the music up, let's do it
C'mon people let's get loud
Let's get loud
Turn the music up to hear that sound
Let's get loud, let's get loud
Ain't nobody gotta tell ya
What you gotta do
If you wanna live your life
Live it all the way and don't you waste it
Every feelin' every beat
Can be so very sweet you gotta taste it
You gotta do it, you gotta do it your way
You gotta prove it
You gotta mean what you say
Life's a party, make it hot
Dance don't ever stop, whatever rhythm
Every minute, every day
Take them all the way you gotta live 'em ('cause I'm going to live my life)
You gotta do it, you gotta do it your way
You gotta prove it
You gotta mean what you say
You gotta do it, you gotta do it your way
You gotta prove it
You gotta mean what you say [Chorus:]
Let's get loud, let's get loud
Turn the music up to hear that sound
Let's get loud, let's get loud
Ain't nobody gotta tell you
What you gotta do
[Break]
Life is meant to be big fun
You're not hurtin' anyone
Nobody loses
Let the music make you free
Be what you wanna be
Make no excuses
You gotta do it, you gotta do it your way
To gotta prove it
You gotta mean what you say
You gotta do it, you gotta do it your way
You gotta prove it
You gotta mean what you say
HOPEFUL. . .
Welcome new followers! It is so exciting! I hope I can help anyone new starting out with my experiences and welcome all the thoughts from experienced bandsters.
As many of you are posting your words for 2011 I have to say I agree with most of them. . . driven, determined, controlled, committed and a bunch of others that right now I can't remember. In thinking about how I feel as we begin the new year - I think HOPEFUL best describes it. I have not been hopeful about being able to lose weight in years. But now I am! :) I feel like I have a totally new outlook and it is beginning to show in everything I do - from dealing with my kids, friends, job, and family. And for the first time in so long I am beginning to look forward to things not just think "how am I going to get through it". It is just such an amazing feeling and I really hope it continues. And I am looking forward to what I will be able to wear and feeling good in clothes not just acceptable for someone my size.
Physically I feel pretty good. I have been getting some gas pains in my left shoulder which I have read is not uncommon following surgery. My stitches itch once in a while. And I do feel some port discomfort when I am lying down at times. I hope that goes away. I know I have to start exercising and plan to start walking on my treadmill at a slow pace.
Doing well on mushies and actually not getting bored yet. Since I didn't post yesterday here is what I ate. . .
7:00 am Protein shake (Vanilla with 1/2 banana and tsp of peanut butter) - so yummy!
12:30 pm Southwestern Chicken soup with refried beans and low fat cheese (loved this from the other day so finished it)
5:30 pm Pureed Chicken Marsala - the ready made Trader Joe's - took 1/2 a serving which would be 135 calories and pureed it and added some sauce. First bite not so great - tasted like tuna but then I got used to it. Not sure I would make it again BUT I was beyond full all night from just a little piece of chicken. This band really does work!
9:30 pm SF Jello and cup of decaf tea
This week I have been going to a lot of movies -- typically what we do the week between Christmas and New Year's when all the new movies come out. The movies are great because they don't revolve around eating and drinking - well if you can get past the popcorn, etc. which I don't have a hard time with if I go to the movies relatively full. I do love to go to restaurants but at this stage there really isn't much I can eat and I am going to stick to the surgeon rules of no drinks for 1 month. I have seen Little Fockers, The Tourist, Yogi Bear, How Do You Know (which was the worst - Reese Witherspoon who I usually love was in it. Just a very boring, slow, don't even know what it was really about type of movie). Still want to take the boys to see Gulliver Travels and I'd like to see The Black Swan.
Tomorrow night for New Year's Eve we are getting together with 2 other families and taking the kids for Hibatchi - if it seems like I go to Hibatchi a lot it is because it keeps my kids entertained. Trust me - I am not in love with the miso soup and green tea :) I was thinking of maybe trying some noodles but the thought of it getting stuck is just not worth it so I doubt I will. I can't think of anything "mushy" at a Japanese restaurant.
I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year - wishing you all great things in 2011.
xoxo Susan
As many of you are posting your words for 2011 I have to say I agree with most of them. . . driven, determined, controlled, committed and a bunch of others that right now I can't remember. In thinking about how I feel as we begin the new year - I think HOPEFUL best describes it. I have not been hopeful about being able to lose weight in years. But now I am! :) I feel like I have a totally new outlook and it is beginning to show in everything I do - from dealing with my kids, friends, job, and family. And for the first time in so long I am beginning to look forward to things not just think "how am I going to get through it". It is just such an amazing feeling and I really hope it continues. And I am looking forward to what I will be able to wear and feeling good in clothes not just acceptable for someone my size.
Physically I feel pretty good. I have been getting some gas pains in my left shoulder which I have read is not uncommon following surgery. My stitches itch once in a while. And I do feel some port discomfort when I am lying down at times. I hope that goes away. I know I have to start exercising and plan to start walking on my treadmill at a slow pace.
Doing well on mushies and actually not getting bored yet. Since I didn't post yesterday here is what I ate. . .
7:00 am Protein shake (Vanilla with 1/2 banana and tsp of peanut butter) - so yummy!
12:30 pm Southwestern Chicken soup with refried beans and low fat cheese (loved this from the other day so finished it)
5:30 pm Pureed Chicken Marsala - the ready made Trader Joe's - took 1/2 a serving which would be 135 calories and pureed it and added some sauce. First bite not so great - tasted like tuna but then I got used to it. Not sure I would make it again BUT I was beyond full all night from just a little piece of chicken. This band really does work!
9:30 pm SF Jello and cup of decaf tea
This week I have been going to a lot of movies -- typically what we do the week between Christmas and New Year's when all the new movies come out. The movies are great because they don't revolve around eating and drinking - well if you can get past the popcorn, etc. which I don't have a hard time with if I go to the movies relatively full. I do love to go to restaurants but at this stage there really isn't much I can eat and I am going to stick to the surgeon rules of no drinks for 1 month. I have seen Little Fockers, The Tourist, Yogi Bear, How Do You Know (which was the worst - Reese Witherspoon who I usually love was in it. Just a very boring, slow, don't even know what it was really about type of movie). Still want to take the boys to see Gulliver Travels and I'd like to see The Black Swan.
Tomorrow night for New Year's Eve we are getting together with 2 other families and taking the kids for Hibatchi - if it seems like I go to Hibatchi a lot it is because it keeps my kids entertained. Trust me - I am not in love with the miso soup and green tea :) I was thinking of maybe trying some noodles but the thought of it getting stuck is just not worth it so I doubt I will. I can't think of anything "mushy" at a Japanese restaurant.
I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year - wishing you all great things in 2011.
xoxo Susan
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
From Snowy Connecticut. . .
Not much to report but using the blog to track my daily menu.
Today's menu:
7:00 am Protein shake (Chocolate Myloplex Lite) made with skim milk and banana
10:00 am Chobani Vanilla yogurt
12:30 pm Southwest Chicken Tortilla soup pureed with FF refried beans and low fat cheese added
6:00 pm Turkey meatball (1 1/2) pureed with sprinkle of low fat mozzerella cheese
Love, love, love Trader Joe's!!!! The turkey meatball was from their prepared food. I pureed 2 with some sauce but left over about 1/4 of it because couldn't finish. Of course my very skinny Swedish au pair only ate 2 herself - but she did have some mashed potatoes with it! :)
Hope this isn't TMI - I finally went to the bathroom after 8 days. It was tough. I think that I am just not drinking enough water. Have been taking Miralax every day. Hopefully now that I am in the "land of mushies" as Ronnie termed it - it will be easier.
I had one NSV today - my housekeeper who comes once a week was here today and the first thing she said was "Did you lose weight?". It was the first person who didn't know about my surgery to comment on my weight loss. I know at my weight it takes a little longer for people to be able to tell so this felt good!
Until tomorrow. . . good night
Today's menu:
7:00 am Protein shake (Chocolate Myloplex Lite) made with skim milk and banana
10:00 am Chobani Vanilla yogurt
12:30 pm Southwest Chicken Tortilla soup pureed with FF refried beans and low fat cheese added
6:00 pm Turkey meatball (1 1/2) pureed with sprinkle of low fat mozzerella cheese
Love, love, love Trader Joe's!!!! The turkey meatball was from their prepared food. I pureed 2 with some sauce but left over about 1/4 of it because couldn't finish. Of course my very skinny Swedish au pair only ate 2 herself - but she did have some mashed potatoes with it! :)
Hope this isn't TMI - I finally went to the bathroom after 8 days. It was tough. I think that I am just not drinking enough water. Have been taking Miralax every day. Hopefully now that I am in the "land of mushies" as Ronnie termed it - it will be easier.
I had one NSV today - my housekeeper who comes once a week was here today and the first thing she said was "Did you lose weight?". It was the first person who didn't know about my surgery to comment on my weight loss. I know at my weight it takes a little longer for people to be able to tell so this felt good!
Until tomorrow. . . good night
Monday, December 27, 2010
1 week Bandiversary and down 17 lbs from my highest pre-surgery weight!!!
Hi everyone! Hope you all had a terrific holiday. Here in Connecticut we are digging ourselves out of 18 inches of snow.
I can't believe it was a week ago that I was almost being wheeled into the OR. What a week it has been! I was really having a rough time for the first couple of days and the recovery was definitely much harder than I anticipated. However you were all right and it definitely got better! Today was my first day of mushies - although I could have started earlier according to my surgeon's instructions and I dabbled with some sweet potatoes the other day. I actually like the protein shakes so I don't mind drinking them and it has been easier to just have those. Honestly I have been a little afraid to move on but I know that I needed to and so I did.
Today's menu:
7:00 am protein shake
10:00 am pureed cottage cheese with pineapple
1:00 pm fat free refried beans with low fat cheese
4:00 pm protein shake
7:00 pm pureed southwestern chicken soup with reduced fat cheddar
It feels like I ate so much but it was less than 1000 calories and full of protein. Those of you who were banded around the same time as me - what are you eating?
It just feels so great to know that I can do this! I am truly hopeful for the first time in such a long time. I keep thinking about how good I am going to feel as I hit each milestone - especially Onederland which I have not seen since July 2004. I have been reading so many of your blogs - catching up on your weight loss stories and each one is so inspirational. It is great to read about how you felt during my stage and then fast forward to see how wonderful you are doing now. Especially during the holidays because everyone tends to reflect where they were a year ago. You should all be so proud! In thinking about where I was last New Year's. . . it was on my mind that the following week we would need to have our pictures taken for my company's annual report. I was desperately trying to lose some "bloat" and remember being about 5 lbs heavier than where I am now. Little did I know that I would gain another 10 lbs as the year progressed. The prior year I got away with using a great picture from 2002 last year but they said everyone had to take updated ones. Thus - that horrible picture by my name - I will change it soon - it was just the first one that I found and didn't like it being blank.
On the home front has been pretty quiet - as quiet as it could be in our house. :) On Christmas Day we visited my nieces and took them for Hibatchi - miso soup and green tea for me. They are 11 and 13 and my sister and brother-in-law are pharmacists and both work on Christmas since it is not our holiday - giving others the time off. My cousin lives nearby and so she stopped by and it was nice to see her.
Yesterday it started snowing around noon here so we just hit the supermarket and then were home the rest of the day watching movies. I can't tell you how many times I have seen Toy Story 1, 2, and 3! Our Au Pair had 2 of her friends over and my husband cooked them a Spiral Ham for a post -Christmas dinner. It ended up to be a really nice night. The boys and my husband love having three pretty Swedish girls around :)
Today the gymnastics camp I signed my two older boys up for was cancelled so spent the morning being lazy and then late afternoon we all went to see Yogi Bear. Between the tickets and popcorn it was $86 for 3 adults and 3 kids. Totally ridiculous! I have to remember to look for the 2D version of movies because my kids don't even like 3D.
I am off from work this week and it is so relaxing. In my business - finance - not much happens the week between Christmas and New Year's and most people take off time to be with their families. It really was a great time for me to pick to get the band. Things will pick up again in January and I will be off to Bermuda again the week of the 10th for management meetings. I will need to be really careful as the meetings involve breakfast, lunch, dinner. I might just go the protein shake route and if anyone asks I am just trying a new diet. And I should be able to have soup. It will be tough not to have any wine.
Other random thoughts. . .
Jeans - I can't wait to wear jeans again. I refused to buy jeans in a size larger than 20. I have 2 pair of James Jeans plus size that my sister found at Off Saks for $40 each - they are regularly $200 in the store. I had her get me the 18 and 20 and am going to bring them in to get shortened tomorrow. I think the 20 fits and hope the 18 will soon.
Shoes - my total addiction. When I was thin in the late 1990's/early 2000's I was a huge shoe addict - my biggest weakness at the time was Manolo Blahniks (when not paying for childcare I was able to afford them). As my weight creeped up I really had difficulty wearing any kind of heal - let alone a skinny one. First Memphistos became my new friend, then Dankso, and for work when I can't wear my Dansko I wear Taryn Rose but they are so expensive. I just can't wait to be able to wear nice shoes again for longer than 5 minutes.
I guess that is all for now. Have a good night!
I can't believe it was a week ago that I was almost being wheeled into the OR. What a week it has been! I was really having a rough time for the first couple of days and the recovery was definitely much harder than I anticipated. However you were all right and it definitely got better! Today was my first day of mushies - although I could have started earlier according to my surgeon's instructions and I dabbled with some sweet potatoes the other day. I actually like the protein shakes so I don't mind drinking them and it has been easier to just have those. Honestly I have been a little afraid to move on but I know that I needed to and so I did.
Today's menu:
7:00 am protein shake
10:00 am pureed cottage cheese with pineapple
1:00 pm fat free refried beans with low fat cheese
4:00 pm protein shake
7:00 pm pureed southwestern chicken soup with reduced fat cheddar
It feels like I ate so much but it was less than 1000 calories and full of protein. Those of you who were banded around the same time as me - what are you eating?
It just feels so great to know that I can do this! I am truly hopeful for the first time in such a long time. I keep thinking about how good I am going to feel as I hit each milestone - especially Onederland which I have not seen since July 2004. I have been reading so many of your blogs - catching up on your weight loss stories and each one is so inspirational. It is great to read about how you felt during my stage and then fast forward to see how wonderful you are doing now. Especially during the holidays because everyone tends to reflect where they were a year ago. You should all be so proud! In thinking about where I was last New Year's. . . it was on my mind that the following week we would need to have our pictures taken for my company's annual report. I was desperately trying to lose some "bloat" and remember being about 5 lbs heavier than where I am now. Little did I know that I would gain another 10 lbs as the year progressed. The prior year I got away with using a great picture from 2002 last year but they said everyone had to take updated ones. Thus - that horrible picture by my name - I will change it soon - it was just the first one that I found and didn't like it being blank.
On the home front has been pretty quiet - as quiet as it could be in our house. :) On Christmas Day we visited my nieces and took them for Hibatchi - miso soup and green tea for me. They are 11 and 13 and my sister and brother-in-law are pharmacists and both work on Christmas since it is not our holiday - giving others the time off. My cousin lives nearby and so she stopped by and it was nice to see her.
Yesterday it started snowing around noon here so we just hit the supermarket and then were home the rest of the day watching movies. I can't tell you how many times I have seen Toy Story 1, 2, and 3! Our Au Pair had 2 of her friends over and my husband cooked them a Spiral Ham for a post -Christmas dinner. It ended up to be a really nice night. The boys and my husband love having three pretty Swedish girls around :)
Today the gymnastics camp I signed my two older boys up for was cancelled so spent the morning being lazy and then late afternoon we all went to see Yogi Bear. Between the tickets and popcorn it was $86 for 3 adults and 3 kids. Totally ridiculous! I have to remember to look for the 2D version of movies because my kids don't even like 3D.
I am off from work this week and it is so relaxing. In my business - finance - not much happens the week between Christmas and New Year's and most people take off time to be with their families. It really was a great time for me to pick to get the band. Things will pick up again in January and I will be off to Bermuda again the week of the 10th for management meetings. I will need to be really careful as the meetings involve breakfast, lunch, dinner. I might just go the protein shake route and if anyone asks I am just trying a new diet. And I should be able to have soup. It will be tough not to have any wine.
Other random thoughts. . .
Jeans - I can't wait to wear jeans again. I refused to buy jeans in a size larger than 20. I have 2 pair of James Jeans plus size that my sister found at Off Saks for $40 each - they are regularly $200 in the store. I had her get me the 18 and 20 and am going to bring them in to get shortened tomorrow. I think the 20 fits and hope the 18 will soon.
Shoes - my total addiction. When I was thin in the late 1990's/early 2000's I was a huge shoe addict - my biggest weakness at the time was Manolo Blahniks (when not paying for childcare I was able to afford them). As my weight creeped up I really had difficulty wearing any kind of heal - let alone a skinny one. First Memphistos became my new friend, then Dankso, and for work when I can't wear my Dansko I wear Taryn Rose but they are so expensive. I just can't wait to be able to wear nice shoes again for longer than 5 minutes.
I guess that is all for now. Have a good night!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas!!!
We celebrate Hanukkah but also celebrate Christmas with our Au Pair who is from Sweden. So the boys get more presents and they are quite happy about that. Feeling pretty good today but probably did too much. We took the boys to the Children's Museum and then ran a few errands.
I am able to get more liquids down but still very slowly. I had 3/4 of a protein shake this morning, some Tazo Passion tea. For lunch some broth and pureed carrots. I think I actually got hungry today - is that possible 4 days post - op? It didn't help that I went to pick up chocolates from the homemade chocolate store and then went food shopping at the gourmet grocery - Balducci's for the family. Everything in there looked so delicious and I love holiday celebrations. I can see how hard it will be for all of you at the Christmas celebrations over the next couple of days. I am going to try to puree chicken and see if I can eat it. Just seems so much better than buying baby food and I want to get my protein in.
Stitches are starting to itch. My husband says that means they are healing - I hope so.
Tonight we are going to the Japanese restaurant for Hibatchi - and all I will be able to do is sip some soup. I wanted to do something special for the Au Pair and not just stay in. Boys love watching them cook with the fire. I think I will be okay. Green tea and miso soup here I come!
Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas!
xoxo Susan
I am able to get more liquids down but still very slowly. I had 3/4 of a protein shake this morning, some Tazo Passion tea. For lunch some broth and pureed carrots. I think I actually got hungry today - is that possible 4 days post - op? It didn't help that I went to pick up chocolates from the homemade chocolate store and then went food shopping at the gourmet grocery - Balducci's for the family. Everything in there looked so delicious and I love holiday celebrations. I can see how hard it will be for all of you at the Christmas celebrations over the next couple of days. I am going to try to puree chicken and see if I can eat it. Just seems so much better than buying baby food and I want to get my protein in.
Stitches are starting to itch. My husband says that means they are healing - I hope so.
Tonight we are going to the Japanese restaurant for Hibatchi - and all I will be able to do is sip some soup. I wanted to do something special for the Au Pair and not just stay in. Boys love watching them cook with the fire. I think I will be okay. Green tea and miso soup here I come!
Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas!
xoxo Susan
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Feeling Much Better!
Need to get some rest so just a quick one. I took a nap this afternoon and woke up feeling much better. I spent some time with the boys. They know not to go near mommy's tummy - and keep asking to see my boo-boo's. My au pair made cookies with them because tomorrow the Kindergarten class is doing a cookie exchange. I am looking forward to going.
While I am still only taking small sips I was able to drink most of a protein shake, more chicken broth, an ice pop, water, and one SF jello. It felt like I was eating all day.
I am about 1-2 lbs more than when I left for surgery but I know it is water weight and I haven't "gone to the bathroom" yet.
Gas pains seem to be going away. I am still taking the Loritab every 4 hours.
Sweet dreams bloggers :)
While I am still only taking small sips I was able to drink most of a protein shake, more chicken broth, an ice pop, water, and one SF jello. It felt like I was eating all day.
I am about 1-2 lbs more than when I left for surgery but I know it is water weight and I haven't "gone to the bathroom" yet.
Gas pains seem to be going away. I am still taking the Loritab every 4 hours.
Sweet dreams bloggers :)