Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Some more.....

This will be quick as I am posting this from my phone. Total lost as of this morning: 51.4.  This is the total that I have been keeping track of.  Add a few more lbs and that is probably the official total.

If I don't post anymore before Thursday, happy thanksgiving.

Struggles

Hey. I know I mentioned I’d post earlier this week, but it has been crazy here.  I plan to write every evening but come 8 or 8:30 and forget it. I’m out for the count.

Today’s subject: Struggle.

Lately I am struggling a lot. Well, it’s not the end of the world but I still worry.

My adjusted daily calorie intake is 1900 calories.  That means I should be in-taking that many calories a day.

This is the adjusted total the dietitian and I came up with at my last appointment. I don’t know what it is because I was able to do 1900 calories easily in the past. As of late, I’m HUNGRY. Starving.  Eating through my snacks and lunch before lunchtime arrives. 

I’ve actually had a few days over the 1900. 

Now, the 1900 calories is an adjustment down from 2100 calories that I was doing.  So, I’m not TOO upset as I am still in the range I was doing prior. I just want to maintain the 1900. It actually will help with the weight loss coming off quicker. 

The GOOD note is if I wanted to lose 1.5lbs a week, I’m very ok.  I can in take 2,627 calories and still lose that much a week.   Number wise, I’m ok, even with my slip ups as of late.

But I don’t want to be OK, I want to be great.

But back to the hunger: I eat about every hour and a half to every 2 hours.  Most of that is snacking.   Like I said, lately it’s been very hard as I’m constantly hungry and the last week it’s been out of control.

The past two days I’ve mixed it up.  For my breakfast and snacks, I’m trying to make sure I’m taking in more protein.  The protein keeps you feeling less hungry longer.

So far the past two days have been successful.

I’ve taken to eating peanuts with my breakfast. The snacks  I’ve been eating are celery & peanut butter, grapes, low fat cheese sticks, sugar free jello (10 calories), or a protein bar to name a few.  That & I down the water while I snack.

So, as much as I’ve been making progress, I stumble. I struggle and I hate it.  However to cheer me up, I took a photo the other day.  I’m going to leave it here for you to compare J

Ouch.........

So my feet are killing me. I can barely walk. No walk tonight for me. Rich pointed out that the weather is changing and I forgot to take my meds. Crappy day.

November 17: Happy Sunday

Good Morning Folks.

No weigh in today. The scale is all over lately.   It isn't consistent. One minute it shows me down a few more pounds than I am. The next it doesn't move.  SO no real number to report. I'm hovering close to 50 lbs-depending on the time of day.

I didn't weigh myself for breakfast so anything I do now is off.   Check back in a few days.

First I would like to thank you all for taking the time to read and even comment on my blogs.  I DO read them as everyone is sent to me via email. I may not respond by the time I get online but I do read each one and appreciate it.

I REALLY want to thank you to those who have even gone out of their way to send me personal notes of encouragement. Each and every one mean the world.   

I started this blog as a way to get my jumbled thoughts out and maybe just maybe help one person.  If I've done that, then it's all worth it.   Another reason I keep this up is to have just one more person to be held accountable to.   I'm less likely to fail if I have to tell someone, "I gained".   

I was originally going to do a post on "tools" to help lose weight but a friend's comment on a post helped me decide today's post.

I have mentioned that I'm hungry a lot.  I eat about every two hours.   It seems I"m always hungry.  My lunch bag during the week is packed with a lot of items to keep me sated during the work day.

Now , I don't have huge meals every two hours. NO, I have small snacks.   One of the things I had discussed with my dietitian is just how hungry I am some days.   

The goal to keep feeling satisfied is high protein snacks.  Your body takes longer to process protein so it keeps you feeling full a bit longer.

Now in addition to the list she shared with me, I like to take these snacks with me.  
Sugar Free Jello Pudding
Sugar Free Jello
Low Fat String Cheese
Peanuts
Apple

This is a High-Protein Snack list from the Cleveland Clinic.

You may not like items in this list, but it can help spark a thought to trade out one item with something else you like. 

Protein shakes:  In the beginning when I was on the road to surgery, I drank many of these.  I've eased off and am exhausting my current supply.   I've taken to drinking a glass of milk with some Ovaltine.  Lower in calories and sugar and just as filling.

I hoped that help!    

Until next time.....

Yay

Someone who apparently didn't know I was on this track stopped me just now during my walk to tell me: I've been meaning to tell you that you look like you've lost a bunch off weight.

So happy!

EDIT:

Also, an old Supervisor saw me yesterday and said "You're looking really really good"  

Yay....

No interesting title here

Hello again. 

Well, today I met with the Dietitian.  In two and a half weeks, I lost 7 more lbs.  
Go me, right?  

One of the things we discussed was the difficulties I have been having the past week and a half. Lately, I've been starving. Really really starving.  I've had difficulties staying under my calorie goal.  While I'm still in the weight loss range, I've had a few days over.  I"m not too proud of that but she told me not to worry about it.

We did review my food diary of MyFitnessPal and modified my daily goals (protein, carbs, and fat). We dropped my calorie intake as well.  I was given a few handouts and pointers to keep me on track and reduce the hunger.

We shall see how it works.   She's still extremely happy with my progress.   We did talk about that if I wanted to lose all the weight, it is a 2 year process.   On the surface, that is almost enough to make me say HECK with this and have surgery.

I was looking at some of the before and after pics posted on the bariatric group people have posted.  While they look FABULOUS, I see the excessive skin.   I know I'll have some, but mine will not be anywhere as bad as these people.   

My being vain will hopefully keep me on track.

Again, thank you for the words of encouragement.  They really mean a lot to me.  This is a hard process and all the support helps.

Not what you were looking for

There will be no real weight loss posted this week. I've apparently reached a plateau or it may be something else. That I will follow up with next week. I'm not ready yet for disappointment.

I've decided to do a good news time of post instead.

Last week I had a dentist appointment, so I was out of work early. Right across from the dentist's office is an Avenue.   

I decided to stop in and try some clothing on because I was curious as to what size I am in right now.
I tried on a handful of items and I think it's safe to say I'm about 2 sizes down.

The discard pile continues to grow and I am reclaiming items in my closet.   So while I'm currently at a stand still, I do have progress.

One of my tank tops that I bought at the beginning of the summer is now a bed time item because I cannot wear it in public. 

As I stated earlier, I'm stuck at 44 lbs.   Not too happy about hitting a plateau but it wasn't like I wasn't expecting it.   I will just have to change it up a bit this week and hopefully will get back on track.

Decisions. Decisions.

One thing I do not have an issue with this week is lack of topics.   Currently I have three items I want to talk about but I'm trying to keep this to one subject.   

Hmmmm, Ok. I am going to go with this one....

I'd like to think I'm not normally a vain person, but this has been bugging me lately.

The number of people "in the know" isn't that large on the whole.  Those at work that I talk to on a daily basis are aware of my journey and blog.  They're some of my cheerleaders.  Outside of work, my immediate family, my friends/neighbors, & a few others know of my bariatric option and/or the blog.

Almost every single one of them that have seen me or see me on a regular basis comment on how it's noticeable (my weight loss) and how good I've been looking. 

In fact I had 3 comments yesterday and today mentioning how I look happier, healthier or how I carry myself differently (more pep in my step).     I also had two texts from my dear friends who sent me lovely and encouraging messages on my struggle.   To those who know, it's 'obvious'.  

Minus one, how come no one else has noticed.  OR noticed and have not said anything?  

It would be nice to hear from someone not aware of my current weight loss. Just a little something?

I know it has to be obvious if I have to retire a bunch of clothing due to the fact that they are the equivalent of a sack right now.

So, I'm asking you all --if you see someone who looks happier or healthier, say something.   Sometimes that little thing will go a long way.   
I'm not asking to be the center of attention, just a "Hey Laurie! Did you lose some weight?" or "You're looking good".  Sadly I heard these comments more when I WASN'T losing.

You never know when you're going to make someone's day--even if they aren't losing or whatever.... 

This past weekend...

Sorry, no weight loss update yet.   I might do it tomorrow morning, if I remember. 

Saturday was rainy but I did manage to get in a short walk with Duchess.   Additionally I was on and off the bike all day.

Sunday, while chilly, we did get to go on a scenic walk of Beaver Creek.  While we've been there before & I believe I've shared pictures, this time was so much more "pretty" thanks to the fall leaves.

Discovered more clothing that I can never wear out again.  I had this tank top that I purchased earlier this year to wear under a few things.   I went to wear it on Saturday & discovered it hung pretty low.  Sweet!   That is until I noticed it hangs so low, I can't wear it with a bra.   
It was transferred to my PJ drawer.   Another item bites the dust.

I also found a few articles that once were too tight but fit co comfortably now.   So while I am losing items, I am also gaining items.   

 

So that's all I have for now.   I'm sure I"ll have more later this week.