Just checking in to say hello for beautiful Los Angeles. I don't want to come home.
Everyone I have seen so far has commented on the weight loss so far, saying that they can really see it. It's nice ot see people who don't see you every day, I think they notice it a lot more.
Being here means going out to eat, and so I've had some side effects. Last night I want and got Mexican with my friend L, and got chicken fajitas. I ate a piece of flour tortilla, and think it was trying to come back up, I felt it all bubbling around my esophagus and the back of my throat. We weren't sitting far from the bathroom, and I just decided to sit and let it do what it was going to do - after a few minutes it seemed to resolve itself. I ate some more, but very cautiously, just had some more chicken and veggies, but no more tortilla.
After getting some drinks with my friend Sam and his friends last night, we went to eat at Canter's Deli afterward (a diner/Jewish deli type place). I ordered egss, bacon and toast. Well, my standard MO is to dip the toast in my yolks, then eat the eggs. I definitely must have been eating too fast, and not chewing well enough, because I got stuck. That shit HURTS. I sat for a few more minutes hoping it'd get better but it wasn't, so I excused myself to go to the bathroom (Sam was the only person at the table who knew about the band), and went to see if it wanted to come out. It didn't, but the walking around helped. I was able to go back and eat some more of the eggs and some more bacon, but not much.
I think eating after a few drinks is definitely going to have to have all bread things excluded - the eggs and bacon probably would have been fine by themselves, but the toast really did me in.
I'm off to have lunch with some of my wonderful friends here - then to see their band play. Fun fun fun!
My Progress So Far!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
First Post-Fill Weigh-In....Whew!
I did my official WI this morning, praying that the gain I saw over the last 2 weeks would be gone....and it WAS! 254.8. Not sure what the fraction was when I last saw 254.something right before I started mushies, but I feel comfortable calling this my new low. I was pretty confident that I would have a good scale day, since TOM is over, and I was on the post-fill liquids/mushies for a few days.
Speaking of my fill - it's pretty crazy. I ate 2 medium meatballs with sauce for dinner last night (mashed up of course)....and while I think I definitely ate too fast because I had to leave for night job....I was so full. From 2 meatballs?! Based on DP, I ended up at 1066 calories and 93g of protein. I am kinda OCD and anal retentive, so I am going to have to eventually enter a recipe in for the meatballs so I get accurate numbers for those, but I used their estimate for now. I also had 3 liters (96oz) of water for the day, which was pretty awesome. Water is so so so easy to get in when I am at the day job. I'm working from home today so it will be more of a challenge.
Today I am planning on:
2 scrambled eggs with cheese
Greek yogurt
CIB shake
string cheese or 2
meatballs with grated cheese
Grande skim chai latte
Identical to yesterday, except for the cheese with the eggs.
Still no activity on the gym front for the week (and no chance for it either). Hopefully next week I can get there at least twice....should be a much less crazy week at work so I am going to do my best.
I saw a few people at work last night who I hadn't seen since before the surgery, and got a few more comments on my face looking a lot thinner. That's where I am seeing it the most for now, too...so it's nice to know I'm not crazy!
I'm heading to LA for the weekend to see some friends and to see my friends' band play. Should be a fun fun time. I am interested to see how flying affects me, since I do a lot of it. I am hoping I am not one of the unlucky ones who gets tight on planes.
I decided to set one mini goal at a time attached to an upcoming event....ie I want to be xxx lbs by the time John Smith (giggle) is in town. So on and so forth...the only rule is that I can't be upset with myself if I don't make it, it's just supposed to be added incentive. The first one I set was to be down 25# by this weekend. Since that didn't happen, and there are logical reasons why, I am ok with it... Next mini goal: be 25# down, or 250, by Nov. 9th when some of my band boys are in town. That's 2.5 weeks to lose 4.8#. I think it's pretty reasonable!
Speaking of my fill - it's pretty crazy. I ate 2 medium meatballs with sauce for dinner last night (mashed up of course)....and while I think I definitely ate too fast because I had to leave for night job....I was so full. From 2 meatballs?! Based on DP, I ended up at 1066 calories and 93g of protein. I am kinda OCD and anal retentive, so I am going to have to eventually enter a recipe in for the meatballs so I get accurate numbers for those, but I used their estimate for now. I also had 3 liters (96oz) of water for the day, which was pretty awesome. Water is so so so easy to get in when I am at the day job. I'm working from home today so it will be more of a challenge.
Today I am planning on:
2 scrambled eggs with cheese
Greek yogurt
CIB shake
string cheese or 2
meatballs with grated cheese
Grande skim chai latte
Identical to yesterday, except for the cheese with the eggs.
Still no activity on the gym front for the week (and no chance for it either). Hopefully next week I can get there at least twice....should be a much less crazy week at work so I am going to do my best.
I saw a few people at work last night who I hadn't seen since before the surgery, and got a few more comments on my face looking a lot thinner. That's where I am seeing it the most for now, too...so it's nice to know I'm not crazy!
I'm heading to LA for the weekend to see some friends and to see my friends' band play. Should be a fun fun time. I am interested to see how flying affects me, since I do a lot of it. I am hoping I am not one of the unlucky ones who gets tight on planes.
I decided to set one mini goal at a time attached to an upcoming event....ie I want to be xxx lbs by the time John Smith (giggle) is in town. So on and so forth...the only rule is that I can't be upset with myself if I don't make it, it's just supposed to be added incentive. The first one I set was to be down 25# by this weekend. Since that didn't happen, and there are logical reasons why, I am ok with it... Next mini goal: be 25# down, or 250, by Nov. 9th when some of my band boys are in town. That's 2.5 weeks to lose 4.8#. I think it's pretty reasonable!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Calories/Protein Goals vs. Hunger?
Hoping to get advice from some of the veterans on this new conundrum I find myself facing...
I am not really hungry after my fill (I'm sure this won't last, but this is how it is for now...), but know that I need to try to get in my protein/get enough calories so that my body isn't thinking starvation.
What's more important? The protein/calories, or listening to your actual hunger?
I had about 4oz of scrambled eggs around 9am, and it took me a half hour to eat them. It's almost noon, and I am trying to figure out if I should eat my Greek yogurt (my brain says yes, my body says nah we don't need that yet).
I'm not so worried about protein today - based on DP (Daily Plate), I am going to come in around 69g of protein if I just have the eggs, yogurt, a shake this afternoon and for dinner I am planning on 2 meatballs in sauce w/grated cheese. But this only comes in at around 700 calories (obviously give or take..)
Is this enough caloric intake? Seems way low. Any advice/opinions are appreciated!
I am not really hungry after my fill (I'm sure this won't last, but this is how it is for now...), but know that I need to try to get in my protein/get enough calories so that my body isn't thinking starvation.
What's more important? The protein/calories, or listening to your actual hunger?
I had about 4oz of scrambled eggs around 9am, and it took me a half hour to eat them. It's almost noon, and I am trying to figure out if I should eat my Greek yogurt (my brain says yes, my body says nah we don't need that yet).
I'm not so worried about protein today - based on DP (Daily Plate), I am going to come in around 69g of protein if I just have the eggs, yogurt, a shake this afternoon and for dinner I am planning on 2 meatballs in sauce w/grated cheese. But this only comes in at around 700 calories (obviously give or take..)
Is this enough caloric intake? Seems way low. Any advice/opinions are appreciated!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Back from the Land of the Lost...
Work has been INSANE, and I've had literally no time to post or comment. I've been reading, but haven't had any time past that! With that said...where were we?
Weight loss has been slow slow slow. Once I went back to solids, I could pretty much eat whatever I wanted. I have been making a supreme effort to keep portions down. I do get full much faster than I used to, and think I have recognized what my soft stop is (a very dull ache in my chest). Haven't really pushed it to find out what my "hard" stop is! :) I have actually gained about 4lb from the lowest low I've seen (254), but am not taking it to heart. I know eventually it'll move in the right direction.
I got my first fill yesterday! Dr. K drew out .6cc from surgery, and added 3.4 more, for a total of 4.0cc. She said it might be a little bit more, she thought there was more in there at surgery, but couldn't get anything else out. The fill itself didn't hurt at all, tiny pinch. She did have to push around a bit to find the port (because of how I am shaped - ps, it is not at all where I thought it was, whoops!), but it was pretty quick and easy. Not sure what kind of restriction, if any, this fill will bring me, as I'm still on liquids today and then mushies tomorrow and Thursday. I can definitely feel a difference when I swallow, even water, but not uncomfortable at all. Next appt is Nov 12.
As I mentioned, work has been crazy crazy crazy. My manager left the company a week after I came back to work, so I have been trying to close out/transition all of her projects and work, as well as get her office cleaned out. She was fairly senior, so there's been a lot to do. Not to mention, she had started planning a series of 3 day workshops not long before she decided to leave, and somehow, the entire responsibility for these got dumped on me. It's been frustrating, but I am hoping ultimately will gain me a little recognition that will lead to either a raise or a promotion. When my manager told me she was leaving, I did apply to another position within the company since the timing would be good. It's a slight promotion, but with a much more defined (and realistic career pathway - don't have one of those in my current group).
I started going back to the gym. We're lucky to have one in our building, and we're encouraged to go during the day (within reason, of course). I went twice last week, and am AIMING for going three times this...not sure if that's likely to happen. I think I can manage at least twice though.
I also did the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in the Bronx this weekend, and not only did I walk about 3 miles, but my family's team raised over $5k! My mother was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 2008, but was luckily able to beat it. So this is a cause very close to our hearts. I'm pretty happy that I got to raise money AND get some exercise at the same time.
I think that's all for me for now - hoping that the liquids post-fill and the departure of TOM will be nice to me on the scale on Thursday. Hope everyone is doing well...I promise to start commenting more!
<3
Liz
Weight loss has been slow slow slow. Once I went back to solids, I could pretty much eat whatever I wanted. I have been making a supreme effort to keep portions down. I do get full much faster than I used to, and think I have recognized what my soft stop is (a very dull ache in my chest). Haven't really pushed it to find out what my "hard" stop is! :) I have actually gained about 4lb from the lowest low I've seen (254), but am not taking it to heart. I know eventually it'll move in the right direction.
I got my first fill yesterday! Dr. K drew out .6cc from surgery, and added 3.4 more, for a total of 4.0cc. She said it might be a little bit more, she thought there was more in there at surgery, but couldn't get anything else out. The fill itself didn't hurt at all, tiny pinch. She did have to push around a bit to find the port (because of how I am shaped - ps, it is not at all where I thought it was, whoops!), but it was pretty quick and easy. Not sure what kind of restriction, if any, this fill will bring me, as I'm still on liquids today and then mushies tomorrow and Thursday. I can definitely feel a difference when I swallow, even water, but not uncomfortable at all. Next appt is Nov 12.
As I mentioned, work has been crazy crazy crazy. My manager left the company a week after I came back to work, so I have been trying to close out/transition all of her projects and work, as well as get her office cleaned out. She was fairly senior, so there's been a lot to do. Not to mention, she had started planning a series of 3 day workshops not long before she decided to leave, and somehow, the entire responsibility for these got dumped on me. It's been frustrating, but I am hoping ultimately will gain me a little recognition that will lead to either a raise or a promotion. When my manager told me she was leaving, I did apply to another position within the company since the timing would be good. It's a slight promotion, but with a much more defined (and realistic career pathway - don't have one of those in my current group).
I started going back to the gym. We're lucky to have one in our building, and we're encouraged to go during the day (within reason, of course). I went twice last week, and am AIMING for going three times this...not sure if that's likely to happen. I think I can manage at least twice though.
I also did the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in the Bronx this weekend, and not only did I walk about 3 miles, but my family's team raised over $5k! My mother was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 2008, but was luckily able to beat it. So this is a cause very close to our hearts. I'm pretty happy that I got to raise money AND get some exercise at the same time.
I think that's all for me for now - hoping that the liquids post-fill and the departure of TOM will be nice to me on the scale on Thursday. Hope everyone is doing well...I promise to start commenting more!
<3
Liz
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Mushies, New Tattoos and Back to Work!
I moved to mushies on Sunday, which was Day 10 post-op. (Well, technically, I had some scrambled eggs and cheese at about 1am Saturday night - hey, it was technically Sunday!) I have never been so excited. I had eggs again when I woke up on Sunday, and meatloaf, roasted cauliflower and mashed potatoes for dinner. I've been eating the meatloaf ever since - I have never been a leftover girl, but this works for me.
Unfortunately, since I transitioned to "real" food (even though it's still mushy, it's way more substantial than what I had been taking in for the past 10 days!), the scale is no longer dropping at a speedy rate. It's ok, I expected this. I was down to 254.something (not sure) on Sunday, then it crept to 255.4 yesterday, and this morning 256. I know my body is probably thrilled to be taking in over 500 calories, so I am giving it a break. As long as I don't do too much damage between now and my first fill (Oct 18th), I will be ok with it.
I had a productive (well relative to my activity level lately) weekend. On Saturday night, my friend Carla (hereafter known as my HLP, or Hetero Life Partner) and I popped into my night job, the comedy club, to say hi to everyone. It was good to see them all, and a bunch of people commented that my face looked much slimmer, and that overall I looked smaller. On Sunday, I went and got a new tattoo, and had another one re-done. I got a periwinkle ribbon on my left wrist for gastro-esophageal cancer (for my dad), and re-did the outline of the pink ribbon on my left wrist to match (for my mom, she is a survivor). It's quite amusing to put on/take off a bra when you are still being careful of tummy incisions AND trying to avoid both wrists.
I went back to work yesterday and wow was that a culture shock. Actually getting dressed, making the long commute in, and then being awake for an 8 hour stretch...jeez. I was exhausted when I got home, but I am almost all caught up, so I can go back to normal days. Since I was out and about for a few hours on both Saturday and Sunday, it wasn't too too bad. I got in to find out that my boss has given her notice, and will be leaving the company at the end of this week, so it's been a little crazy. Several people there have also noticed that I've lost - which is nice.
I am definitely glad I decided to take the extra time off of work - I feel so much better than I did last week. I thought recovery was going top be way easier than it actually was - maybe I am just a wuss. I had a lot more pain than I expected, was way more tired than I thought, etc. Happy to say that now, the only pain I have is my port incision, and that just twinges if I am sitting for too long (unfortunately, day job is a desk job...)
That's it for me for now! Hope everyone is having a great day :)
Unfortunately, since I transitioned to "real" food (even though it's still mushy, it's way more substantial than what I had been taking in for the past 10 days!), the scale is no longer dropping at a speedy rate. It's ok, I expected this. I was down to 254.something (not sure) on Sunday, then it crept to 255.4 yesterday, and this morning 256. I know my body is probably thrilled to be taking in over 500 calories, so I am giving it a break. As long as I don't do too much damage between now and my first fill (Oct 18th), I will be ok with it.
I had a productive (well relative to my activity level lately) weekend. On Saturday night, my friend Carla (hereafter known as my HLP, or Hetero Life Partner) and I popped into my night job, the comedy club, to say hi to everyone. It was good to see them all, and a bunch of people commented that my face looked much slimmer, and that overall I looked smaller. On Sunday, I went and got a new tattoo, and had another one re-done. I got a periwinkle ribbon on my left wrist for gastro-esophageal cancer (for my dad), and re-did the outline of the pink ribbon on my left wrist to match (for my mom, she is a survivor). It's quite amusing to put on/take off a bra when you are still being careful of tummy incisions AND trying to avoid both wrists.
I went back to work yesterday and wow was that a culture shock. Actually getting dressed, making the long commute in, and then being awake for an 8 hour stretch...jeez. I was exhausted when I got home, but I am almost all caught up, so I can go back to normal days. Since I was out and about for a few hours on both Saturday and Sunday, it wasn't too too bad. I got in to find out that my boss has given her notice, and will be leaving the company at the end of this week, so it's been a little crazy. Several people there have also noticed that I've lost - which is nice.
I am definitely glad I decided to take the extra time off of work - I feel so much better than I did last week. I thought recovery was going top be way easier than it actually was - maybe I am just a wuss. I had a lot more pain than I expected, was way more tired than I thought, etc. Happy to say that now, the only pain I have is my port incision, and that just twinges if I am sitting for too long (unfortunately, day job is a desk job...)
That's it for me for now! Hope everyone is having a great day :)
Friday, October 1, 2010
Confession Time!
Earlier today, when I was eating my potato soup, there was a single chunk of potato in it (not a big fan of my parents' stick blender, so I didn't get them all)....and I ate it. It was mushy, and went down fine.
(That's not the confession...)
There have been ice cream sandwiches in the freezer for a few days now (all geared towards the "Fatten Dad Up" campaign which is ongoing)...I loves me some ice cream sandwiches. After thinking about them (a LOT) today, I decided to try one out. Very small bites, chew very well, and throw it out if I experienced any discomfort or pain while eating it. My theory was that the ice cream would obviously be no problem, and that since the cookie part is usually pretty mushy, as long as I chewed it well, it wouldn't be an issue either.
I think I was testing myself, basically because I think I am good to move to mushies. It was very frustrating to me that Dr. K said no, especially since I was definitely expecting her to say yes.
Whaddya know - it went down fine. One of those bad boys would normally take me approximately 30 seconds to eat, this took around 5 minutes.
And I don't feel bad about it.
With that said - I know in all of the rules it says not to advance yourself...but I really think I am ready for at least "really" mushy foods....eggs, pudding, cottage cheese? Opinions?
(That's not the confession...)
There have been ice cream sandwiches in the freezer for a few days now (all geared towards the "Fatten Dad Up" campaign which is ongoing)...I loves me some ice cream sandwiches. After thinking about them (a LOT) today, I decided to try one out. Very small bites, chew very well, and throw it out if I experienced any discomfort or pain while eating it. My theory was that the ice cream would obviously be no problem, and that since the cookie part is usually pretty mushy, as long as I chewed it well, it wouldn't be an issue either.
I think I was testing myself, basically because I think I am good to move to mushies. It was very frustrating to me that Dr. K said no, especially since I was definitely expecting her to say yes.
Whaddya know - it went down fine. One of those bad boys would normally take me approximately 30 seconds to eat, this took around 5 minutes.
And I don't feel bad about it.
With that said - I know in all of the rules it says not to advance yourself...but I really think I am ready for at least "really" mushy foods....eggs, pudding, cottage cheese? Opinions?
Thursday, September 30, 2010
One Week Post Op!
I am officially one week post op today, and I definitely feel much better than I did the past few days. My incisions are the only thing that still actually hurt (and mainly just my port incision). Back pain is almost all gone, and I am a lot perkier. So thanks for all of the sympathetic noises after my last whiny post - it really did help, and I promise to (try to) whine less.
I've been a daily weigher since the beginning of pre-op, but am only counting Thursday weigh ins. While I've been pretty happy with the daily loss I've been seeing, I am happy to report that the number today was 257.8, which is down a total of 17.2 overall (3 weeks), and 10.2 since surgery (1 week). I know it's because I am getting very few calories, and that as soon as I can move to mushies, this will probably slow down, and maybe even stop with solids. I am ok with that I guess...I knew what I was getting myself into (Bandster Hell!), and am relying on my early loss to carry me through. 17 pounds is still 17 pounds.
I had my post-op with Dr. K yesterday, and she said everything looks good. I was hoping and praying for clearance for mushies today...but alas, she is standing strong at 10 days. She did say I could go to thicker liquids, since I have been hungry (so tomorrow I am going to try some thin Cream of Wheat). I guess that means Sunday I will be planning on waking up and eating the best scrambled eggs ever (weirdly enough, that's been my biggest craving - scrambled eggs). I also made my first fill appointment, for 10/18. Not sure how aggressive Dr. K is, but they want to see me every 3 weeks for the first few months, so even if each fill isn't very aggressive, I have high hopes that we'll get there quickly.
I made a big batch of potato cheese soup the other night to give me some variety (really have no interest in tomato soup for a while, no matter how good it is), and that's added an important facet of life back in - pooping. Man, never thought I would be so happy to poop a little every day. Yeah yeah, TMI - but I've reading all of your blogs - you can handle it! ;-)
A few things popped up today that I am definitely excited to show off some loss at - first in about 3 weeks, I am heading to LA for the weekend. I have a ton of friends in LA, love it there, and try to get there about 4 times a year. It's hard for me to go for weekends, since I am usually working, but since I am off from the night job for a while, and should be healed enough from surgery, I thought it was good timing. I will obviously be seeing a lot of people who might notice the loss more quickly than those who see me often, but I ALSO get to see my baby, Sam. Sam is a dear dear friend of mine who just moved there a few weeks ago, and I already miss him desperately. Despite his model good looks (no, really, he is a model and an actor), he is quite possibly the nicest guy on the planet. We've pledged to get married when I am 34 and he is 30. Please move faster, time :) Anyway, I am very excited to see him, and see his reaction.
Second, in about 5 weeks, one of my favorite bands is playing in NYC. They haven't been here in over a year, and though I've seen a few of the members over the past year, it'll be fun to go out and show off a (sort of) new shape, even if it's just a little smaller. One of my favorite things to do is go see an amazing band play (you'll hear a lot more about this in the future I am sure - I have seen my favorite artist play 100 times, in 25 states and 4 countries!), and it's been a few months since I saw a show, so it's a two-for-one, as far as I am concerned! Plus, I'll be all moved into my new apartment (God, I can't wait, altho being at home with my parents right now has been a blessing).
I am FINALLY caught up on everyone's blogs who have been kind enough to follow me - again, if you are following me, and I am not following you, please please please leave a comment with your blog link...some people I could not find a link to their blog so have been unable to follow back.
I've been a daily weigher since the beginning of pre-op, but am only counting Thursday weigh ins. While I've been pretty happy with the daily loss I've been seeing, I am happy to report that the number today was 257.8, which is down a total of 17.2 overall (3 weeks), and 10.2 since surgery (1 week). I know it's because I am getting very few calories, and that as soon as I can move to mushies, this will probably slow down, and maybe even stop with solids. I am ok with that I guess...I knew what I was getting myself into (Bandster Hell!), and am relying on my early loss to carry me through. 17 pounds is still 17 pounds.
I had my post-op with Dr. K yesterday, and she said everything looks good. I was hoping and praying for clearance for mushies today...but alas, she is standing strong at 10 days. She did say I could go to thicker liquids, since I have been hungry (so tomorrow I am going to try some thin Cream of Wheat). I guess that means Sunday I will be planning on waking up and eating the best scrambled eggs ever (weirdly enough, that's been my biggest craving - scrambled eggs). I also made my first fill appointment, for 10/18. Not sure how aggressive Dr. K is, but they want to see me every 3 weeks for the first few months, so even if each fill isn't very aggressive, I have high hopes that we'll get there quickly.
I made a big batch of potato cheese soup the other night to give me some variety (really have no interest in tomato soup for a while, no matter how good it is), and that's added an important facet of life back in - pooping. Man, never thought I would be so happy to poop a little every day. Yeah yeah, TMI - but I've reading all of your blogs - you can handle it! ;-)
A few things popped up today that I am definitely excited to show off some loss at - first in about 3 weeks, I am heading to LA for the weekend. I have a ton of friends in LA, love it there, and try to get there about 4 times a year. It's hard for me to go for weekends, since I am usually working, but since I am off from the night job for a while, and should be healed enough from surgery, I thought it was good timing. I will obviously be seeing a lot of people who might notice the loss more quickly than those who see me often, but I ALSO get to see my baby, Sam. Sam is a dear dear friend of mine who just moved there a few weeks ago, and I already miss him desperately. Despite his model good looks (no, really, he is a model and an actor), he is quite possibly the nicest guy on the planet. We've pledged to get married when I am 34 and he is 30. Please move faster, time :) Anyway, I am very excited to see him, and see his reaction.
Second, in about 5 weeks, one of my favorite bands is playing in NYC. They haven't been here in over a year, and though I've seen a few of the members over the past year, it'll be fun to go out and show off a (sort of) new shape, even if it's just a little smaller. One of my favorite things to do is go see an amazing band play (you'll hear a lot more about this in the future I am sure - I have seen my favorite artist play 100 times, in 25 states and 4 countries!), and it's been a few months since I saw a show, so it's a two-for-one, as far as I am concerned! Plus, I'll be all moved into my new apartment (God, I can't wait, altho being at home with my parents right now has been a blessing).
I am FINALLY caught up on everyone's blogs who have been kind enough to follow me - again, if you are following me, and I am not following you, please please please leave a comment with your blog link...some people I could not find a link to their blog so have been unable to follow back.
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