Good Morning...

Here's what's on the menu for today for me.

B: decaf coffee with Matrix Cookies n Cream and a splash of SF Davinci Vanilla syrup.
S: Snack n Slim chocolate protein pudding
L: Curry chicken salad in lettuce leaf
S: Nectar Roadside lemonade mixed with Crystal Light lemonade
D: Venison burgers with saute'd mushrooms and onions, salad

This thread will give us some accountability!!

For breakfast I had an egg with a tsp of bacon bits & 2 tsp of shredded cheese
For lunch I will have 1/2 c. low fat cottage cheese w/ 1/2 c. mixed fruit in Splenda-sweetened juice
For dinner I'm making tacos for the guys. I will have meat, cheese & a little of the veggies
I haven't calculated the protein yet, but will do a SF Swiss Miss w/ chocolate Unjury if needed.

OH yeah, I'll do 2 miles on the treadmill as soon as the oldest leaves for school. Only 7am here.

I wasn't going to add this here but, since you did, I will.
[i]I am really struggling with exercise. I continue to park a block away from the office & take the long way around, but I haven't been on my stationary bike in a week. I think it's a time issue...just not enough time in the day for all I have to do. I know this is really important, and will get on the bike tonight. Hold me to it; ask tomorrow if I did it!
This cold weather we're having is really killing me. I just can't get warm. So, yesterday I went back by the furnace several times & ran in place. I am also walking in the hallway.
Can anyone suggest a good low-impact aerobic video workout? [/i]

I haven't eaten yet today. I have a doctor's appt, and they always make me nervous, especially with a new physician. Dinner is planned already...I have pumpkin and sausage soup in the fridge...the kids asked for it for dinner, so I made a double batch so I have some in the fridge this week. I am going downstairs now to grab a c-light, and get ready for my appt. Exercise-wise, I am going to walk to and from the doctors appt...it is 3 miles each way. It calms me.

hmmmm, great thread! Accountability and all that......
Breakfast was 1 microwave scrambled egg with 1 ounce slice of garlic cheddar, coffee, followed later in the morning with a 16.9 oz bottle of lemon Propel.

about 10am, yoplait light with 2 tablespoons of Fiber One, followed later with a 16.9 oz bottle of water.

Sipping on another water now as I paint.

For lunch, 1 3oz grilled chicken breast with homemade sf teriyaki and 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and seeded and a tablespoon of my homemade ranch

At least 2 more bottles of water before dinner.

Dinner, I dunno yet.

Snack, either hot herbal tea or sf cocoa.

Got all my vitamins and supplements in so far.

Went to Curves this morning before I started painting in Jake's room.

So, I am going to have a very good day!

The walk away the pounds video sets were what I got started with for low impact aerobics. One thing my hubby always tells me when I am cold is to get my butt up and move around. After I shoot him with icicle laser beams from my eyes, I usually do get myself up and get on the treadmill. It is amazing how you can generate more heat when you are moving. I even get on the treadmill in my slippers and bundled up. It doesn't matter how you do it, just as long as you do it...

Ummm, my protein isn't very inspiring but you asked

6 dry roasted almonds, 1/2 ww english muffin

1 serving soy crisps (8 grams)

weight control oatmeal (7)

frozen dinner (14) if I can get down animal protein

protein bar (19)

Afritada (Fillipino chicken stew) If I can get it down :)

B: Protein shake & Vitamins (31g protein)
S: sm Gayla apple
L: Three slices lean ham & 1 oz cheddar cheese (18g protein)
S: Yogurt (6g protein)
D: Turkey parm, mashed yams, green beans (39g protein)
Total for the day: 94g protein

Loving this accountabiliy....my 2nd day of 5dpt

~So far Mocha Cappucino Protein shake....
~Sipping on herbal tea...32oz...
~Pumkin/Sausage soup later....
~Black Bean soup...........
~More water...maybe coffee

Thanks...have a blessed day!!!!

I'm going to be having quite a bit of food today...as I had breakfast at 4am! This is because I woke at 2:30 to take care of my mom...once I'm up, there's no going back to sleep!

Bfast: Egg/cheese on toast (26g)
Snack: 1/2 Pure Protein bar (15g)
Snack: Simply Good bar (10g)

This is what I've had so far...

Lunch will be: My Apricot Chicken w/butternut squash (20g)
Dinner will be: not sure if I'm going out...this is up to the dating Gods! (??)

Started my day with the usual protein shake - 35
1/2 turkey, bacon, cheddar wrap w/lettuce, tomato & pickle slice (sans wrap) - 10
Snack will be part of the fruit protein bar stuff - 10
Dinner will be roasted chicken & veggies - 25
Snack??? SF Hot Chocolate & maybe 1 or two PB protein balls...

I still write this all in a paper diary as well - I need it to keep me in line!

Gosh, I totally forgot about my yogurt and flax with my vitamins this morning...add 13g!!!

I don't know if this is a good idea or not, but it works for me. What I have been doing since I got home from the hospital is first thing in the morning I make a protein shake with Carnation Instant Breakfast made with 8 oz of milk, a carton of yogurt and a scoop of protein powder so it totals around 40 g of protein. I sip off of this all day with water inbetween. Then for dinner I have been having a cream based soup again with a scoop of protein powder. I have it all evening long. I have my first set of vitamins in the morning with my shake then the rest in the evening with my soup.

My exercise is walking back and forth to the kitchen from the back of the house. I pour only the amount I need for the hour so am walking back and forth each hour. I'm only a week out of surgery so may branch out next week. Right now I am just trying to get in all my protein and vitamins the easiest way possible.

Denise

A week out and getting this much protein is great! I didn't start adding additional protein powder until around 3 weeks out and I was very weak before that because of it. You are just beginning - keep up the good work!

Denise...First, I'd like to say "well done!!!" on getting that protein in during the day. Insert clapping here!

I only have a couple of suggestions...if you find that you're having any bloating or discomfort, it could be that you are lactose intolerant...this happens to many. You might want to switch to Lactaid milk instead of regular milk. Also, look at how much sugar is in that Carnation mix. If there are more than 5 grams of sugar, I'd advise shopping around for another.

Now here is the big one...three meals per day. You should be establishing a set eating pattern...where you sit at a table for thirty minutes to consume your "meal". At this point in the journey, where you are, I was only taking in 3 ounces at each meal. One ounce every 10 minutes. It is all about establishing your new life...you don't want to be a "grazer" a year from now. You want to know that breakfast, lunch and dinner are all required meals. Sip on that protein throughout the day until you get to the point where you are able to eat your protein in your meals.

Again, just a suggestion!

Breakfast - Weight Control oatmeal

Ride to work - 16.9 oz. water

Arrive at work - Coffee

Snack - Hardboiled egg

Lunch - 20 minutes/1.08 miles on the dreadmill
then a chicken Lean Cuisine

Hour later - Slime Fast with extra protein

Now - Another bottle of water


Later - more water, a haircut, nails done, and pork for supper

Well, you KNOW I'm loving this thread. Good job, neighbors!

My protein today is roast beef, lean only, slow cooked. I've got 6 oz. measured out for the day. I've had a protein shake for bfast, a half of protein bar this morning and now I'll begin slowly working on the beef. I find that when I eat this way, it's like the sensation the neighbors on the pouch test describe: I can really feel my pouch and find that I stop a lot sooner than if I don't know what I'll be eating. That's got to be a psychological thing, but I don't fight it. I'm learning to use it to my advantage...

I'll post my totals tonight.

I wanted to say to the person looking for a good video--my first year out I was so out of shape that all I could do was turn on the music and dance around the house. I still do that when it's just too friggin' cold to go outside. It's amazing how much you can do with just dancing! Put a "step" somewhere and that even increases the intensity (I use an old glass block) Just turn the music up really loud and let your body move...

And it's a very good suggestion, Kim. You're well on your way to making some good changes, and your routine looks good Denise. Establishing good eating behaviors now will really help you when you're two years and further out. As the pouch heals, it tolerates more at one sitting. There are lots of stories out there about people who have gained back all their weight . . . and . . . a lot of it is due to grazing.

Thanks Kim for the advice. I plan on doing just that when I can. For now the Dr. wants me to have between 2-4oz every hour from morning until bedtime. I do the 1 oz every 10 minutes then water the rest of the hour and then start over. I questioned about the sugar in the Carnation Instant Breakfast and they said it was fine as long as I only had one a day. I still don't feel well enough to be having to make something everyhour that's why I make a whole shake and just drink the amount needed for the hour and ref it until next time. So far I haven't been bloated from the milk. Usually with the shake I only use half a cup and use water or flat soda for the rest of the liquid. I go to the Dr on Thursday so hopefully he'll let me move to the next stage and get my meals more regulated. Well keep you posted.

Denise

Denise,
Are you using the sugar free Carnation? If not, you might want to switch to it asap. The sugar in just one could make you dump...probably not with you sipping some of it hourly, but it would be good to do the sugar free.
I totally agree w/ Kim's advice & when you are on soft foods you will definitely want to make it 3 meals a day. They will be small meals, but meals none the less. At 13 weeks out I still can only do 2oz of foods that have more form & texture, like roast beef, etc.
I'm glad it is going well for you. Maybe you are one of the lucky ones, like me, who didn't get lactose intolerant.

B 1 Can Atkins Chocolate Shake 20 g Protein 5 g Carbs
S 1oz Cheddar Cheese & 10 Slices Pepperoni 12g P .36g C
L 1oz Cheddar Cheese & 10 Slices Pepperoni 12g P .36g C
Roast Beef and 2 Tbs mixed veggies 19 g P 8g C
D 1/4 Grilled Chicken breast in Lettuce w Ranch and Cheese 19 g P 6 g C

Total 1132 Calories 78.5 Protein 20 Carbs

OTM! Look at you!!! What a change in your face. I would not have recognized that it is the same face that was in your old picture. Congrats! You look great!

OK, so I told you to hold me accountable. I'm 'fessing up: I did not ride my bike last night. I planned to, but dumped and fell asleep, waking at 12:30 a.m. BUT...I got up & did it first thing this morning. Don't know why I've been avoiding it; I felt so good afterward.

OneTall Skinny Moma! OTM is now OTSM!!!! You're looking fabulous!!!
You must bee feeling good too! Love your hair too!
Oh the new YOU! Love, love, LOVE IT!

OTM: Your new hair is very becoming. You were "pretty" before, but NOW! NOW you look so capable, confident and womanly. I love it.

Jean: I think you MUST be seriously punished for not riding the bike last night! Everyone, line up and let's beat on Jean for awhile!!! WHERE is the beating icon??? At least you confessed to your evil crime so... guess it's a wash this time. We'll let you off. Now, if WE can let it go, I want you to let it go, too, ok?

JAS: your protein day looked good. How did you like those pepperonis? Did you find this to be a satisfying day as well as a good numbers day?

Today: I just finished my protein drink. BF with ice and coffee. 23 grams of pure whey protein baby! What's on my plate today: BEEF!!! Must be "that time of the month" or something...

Have a good protein day, y'all!

OTM - love the new 'do.


Protein, Protein everywhere. Shrimp, and cheese, meat... usually find there way on to my plate most days!

Sandy, you crack me up! I'm not beating myself up. I was sooooooo sick!
I couldn't get down much of my supper at all, so waited about an hour & made myself a shake. I had this 1/2 piece of sugar free fudge left from Christmas & shredded it up in the hot chocolate protein shake. It was good, but by the time I finished the shake I was feeling pretty nauseous. Guess the sugar alcohols are going to make me dump if I have too much. So, I laid down on the sofa. Next thing I knew I woke up at 12:30. I just didn't have it in me to ride that bike after midnight! LOL

Good Morning! Thanks for the comments on the new hair. I'm almost a year out and needed to celebrate what I've accomplished in that time. I just love the short cut!

Here's my plan for today:
B: Coffee with Matrix Cookies n Cream
S: Peanut Butter balls
L: Curry Chicken Salad *leftover from yesterday*
S: Snack n Slim Chocolate protein pudding
D: Halibut Alfredo and broccoli
S: cheese crisps and salsa mixed with cream cheese (for the cheese crisps, I melt little piles of cheese on a silpat or parchment until they are crispy.)

Breakfast - Oats
Snack- hardboiled egg
Lunch - shredded pork and a little piece of cheese
snack - slime fast
Supper - Turkey chili
Lots of water
Little bit of coffee

5 minutes on the ellepitahell and 20 on the dreadmill

Ok Jeanie, BUT I'm watching you! No more of these shenanigans....

Protein packed lunch: lean roast beef in a tomato and ground beef sauce. I know it sounds terrible, but I'm really enjoying it. So hearty when you're cold...

Ever notice how it's better to take that first bite and wait a few minutes before trying another bite? Since I've been doing that things go down much better and I'm able to eat a lot more kinds of protein... My meat bowl also has mushrooms, spinach, carrots and onions in it. Not many carrots and onions, just enough for a little texture. Yummy.

So, Beth, how's that Slime Fast working for you? LOL

OTM, do you have the recipe for the halibut alfredo? I ordered halibut <we dont have a fish market here, so I ordered it through omaha steaks online>...but have no idea what to make with it other than baked or steamed...and I really LOVE halibut...dont want to mess up the few pieces I got. Would you mind sharing?

Sandi...ya know, as a RULE, I dont wait a few minutes before taking the second bite. The ONLY time that I do this sort of thing is when I'm eating something decadent...like French cheese! I go much slower and appreciate it much more. However, when sitting down to a piece of grilled salmon, I just plow through until I make it through to the end. Not a good thing. I'm going to make an effort to take a minute between my first and second bite.

As for your "meat bowl"...the ingredients sound like what my doglets get in thier "meat bowl" each night!
They think that it's yummy, too

Marianna,

I use my "Quick & Easy Alfredo Sauce" recipe and I flake the halibut after grilling it. I add steamed chopped broccoli and mix it up. mmmmmm.... For the hubby and kidlets I put it over noodles.

I also make a mean 'margarita halibut'. :) I take the bottled margarita mix (no alcohol, just the green stuff in the bottle) add to halibut in a ziploc bag and pop in the fridge for a few hours. Then I either grill it or bake it off in the over with a lil of the 'juice' on it. MMMMMMMM... tangy!!! This also works for Margarita chicken or shrimp.

Re: JAS: your protein day looked good. How did you like those pepperonis? Did you find this to be a satisfying day as well as a good numbers day?

I really like the sliced pepperoni. It makes a great snack with the sharp cheddar and I quit eating it pretty quickly because it has so much flavor. Yesterday was a very satisfying and feel good day. Today wasn't so good though.

Today's Menu

B 1 Can Atkins Vanilla Shake 20 g Protein 5 g Carbs
S 1oz Cheddar Cheese 7.06 P .36 g Carbs
L 2/3 Chicken Quesadilla (out for lunch) ~30 g P ~17 g C
S Doctors CarbRight Bar 18g P 21g C from sugar alcohol
D 4 Fried Cheese Sticks 18 g P 34 g C (Lazy wanted quick dinner)
Totals Calories 1229 Protein 93.4 Carbs 77.5 WAY WAY to many Carbs

@ Kim: you thought that Rosie and I had a lot in common! I don't always need to wait a minute for the second bite, but if I'm eating beef or white chicken or any really dense protein, it sure makes the difference between enjoying the meal and just surviving it...

@ Jas: I am glad that you are eating stuff that is satisfying. I find that this is an important key to being successful with reduced calories Your numbers look great.

Weird day for me, but I tried to get my protein in today:

Breakfast: Coffee w/SF coffeemate

Breakfast (1 hour later): Pumpkin/sausage soup

Awards Banquet/lunch: I was really worried about "falling off the wagon" at this. However, as I thought, choices were limited but they had "loaded" baked potato soup, so I "strained it off" with the ladel by not allowing potatoes in it and "loaded" it up with bacon (protein) and a little bit of cheese. Still ate less than a cup. The other options were crosissant sandwiches which I could have taken the chicken salad off - but I was afraid I'd be tempted by the croissants, so I passed on it. I even avoided the home made cookies & brownies!

Snack: 4 shrimp.

Dinner: Lentil/Barley soup

Dessert: (will be) SF pudding

Yesterday's intake was much better in the Carbs department but I stayed up WAY WAY past my bedtime so I ended up with an extra snack. Here how it looked.

B 1 Can Atkins Chocolate Shake 20 g Protein 5 g Carbs
S 1oz Cheddar Cheese & 10 Slices Pepperoni 12g P .36g C
L 2 Whataburger Chicken Strips with Ranch dressing. 18.4 g P 23 g C
S 1oz Cheddar Cheese 17 g P .36 g C
D 1/4 Grilled Chicken breast in Lettuce w Ranch and Cheese 19 g P 6 g C
S 1 Can Atkins Chocolate Shake 20 g Protein 5 g Carbs

Total 1205 Calories 87 Protein 28 Carbs

@ Jas: I think that it's great that you're putting your numbers through fitday, or some counting program. I find that this is such a quick way to get a handle on what's going on and what needs to be tweaked. I'm looking at the last couple of days and wondering about your fat grams...Do you still have your gall bladder? You're getting your control back and that is a very cool thing. Keep up the good work!

@ Toris: You are doing great too. I know that going to these function type things can be daunting. I have to compliment you on sticking to your program and passing up as many of the empty calories as you could and trying to get some quality eats in. Way to go! I hope you had a delicious dinner that night...

Sandi, I am using the Living Cookbook to track my intake since I tend to eat the same things over and over. It's easy I just add the recipe or ingrediets to the calendar for the day and it gives me the individual as well as daily totals. As for my gallbladder no I don't still have mine. They took it out when I had my band put in back in 1991. The first year or so fat was really hard to tolerate but gradually it got easier. I can eat just about anything except certain veggies and have no issues. The fat intake really helps keep me satisfied and helps with things like grilled chicken, pork or steak. The same eating plan I'm following now helped me to loose the 30 lbs I gained several years ago and keep it off for a while. Everyone is different and I'm not sure if someone who had the RNY could tolerate the fat. I love Helmans mayo and it's great with almost everything.

Good Mornin' Neighbors!!!

B: coffee with chocolate micellar milk and a splash of creme de menthe SF davinci syrup
S: hard boiled egg
L: shrimp salad - chopped shrimp, fage yogurt, pepper, red onion, red bell pepper, chopped cashews
S: Matrix Cookies n Cream blended with water and ice
D: Buffalo Chicken dip and small salad
S: hard boiled egg

I'm on liquids today, as I woke with a wonky tummy. Protein shakes, broth, tea...all good and easy on my stomach!

Good morning all, This is where I am having problems......since it is only 2 weeks since my surgery the pureed foods are really hard to get down. Any suggestions? The protein shakes are terrible tasting and I have tried several including the Smartforme which are for weight loss surgery. I think it is a texture thing with me. Pureed foods all taste the same. Oh well, about two more weeks and I can start transition foods. Yippie Skippie. Have a good day all

I have found Matrix protein to be the smoothest mixing and best tasting. I also like the Nectar protein mixes. When you say purees are hard to get down... do you mean they don't taste good or that they are literally hard to get down?

I enjoyed....

Ricotta cheese warmed in the microwave and mixed with a small amount of marinara sauce
refried beans thinned with sour cream and some shredded cheese
scrambled eggs
tomato soup with AnyWhey 'flavorless' protein powder mixed in.
Snack n Slim protein pudding
Vanilla Egg Custards
Mashed potatoes
Cream of broccoli soup (blended)
Cottage cheese pancakes (can be savory or sweet)
Ricotta mixed with SF preserves
A large variety of shakes - I loved experimenting with the Davinci sugar free syrups. They really help take away the
'proteiny' tastes of some mixes.


I have more ideas. What tastes do you enjoy? Spicey? Ethnic? I would love to try to help you find something that sits well with your pouch, and you find enjoyable.

Kim, I hope you are feeling better! *thinking of you*

Thanks Jana...what was in my cup today? Four protein shakes and some TJ's Butternut Squash soup. I tried the Muscle Milk Banana Creme. It was their regular protein shake and I didn't care for it! I like their "light" version much better! The one that I have is Chocolate Mint...kinda fun.

Sassy Tea and some lemon water. I'm floating...

Butternut squash soup sounds yummy!!!

It's tasty, but not a gram of protein in the container...sooooo...it was ancillary to my shakes. It would be a great one to mix shredded chicken into...or white beans even. It's not the Trader Joe's brand...I was wrong...it comes in a little cardboard box and is sold in the organic section of the market. I'd dig it out of the trash, but am not up for that task at the moment! Forgive me... ;-)

no worries.. and no trash diggin needed. It sounds good. I need to look for some soups like that again. Right after surgery I would mix anywhey into them. This winter soup has been so good!!!!

Jeannie you were looking for a low impact weight loss program....get the DVD by Leslie Sansone's...it's called Walk Off The Weight...I think....16 minutes and when you are done you've walked a mile in your own living room. Easy to do exercises. Am sure you could get it online also.

Thanks, Gay. You are the third to suggest it. Judy Pettite gave me a website w/ some other suggestions as well. I should be able to squeeze the money out of next week's budget to purchase the one I chose.

Hey, good chatting w/ you last night.