i'm still alive...

so far im at 174lbs, would love to weigh less but that will happen when i put more effort in my exercise which, i wil do this summer in the pool and with walking. i,ve now had 4 episodes of kidney stones and hopefully no more to come...those suckers are killer painful! ouch!

well this is short but sweet, more later ...love you all!!!

Steph

i'm still alive...

so far im at 174lbs, would love to weigh less but that will happen when i put more effort in my exercise which, i wil do this summer in the pool and with walking. i,ve now had 4 episodes of kidney stones and hopefully no more to come...those suckers are killer painful! ouch!

well this is short but sweet, more later ...love you all!!!

Steph

I'M SELLING MEDICAL ID BRACELETS ON EBAY LADIES!!!

Hey Everyone, I just recently starting making interchangeable Medical ID bracelets for us ladies out there who don't want to be stuck with the same colored medical ID bracelet all the time.  Of course, you'll have your favorites that you'll want to wear a lot, but I would like to share with you my collection I have started selling on eBay for great CHEAP prices.  

Most interchangeable medical ID bracelets I've found are priced at almost $50 a pop!  That's outrageous! I couldn't spend that much even if I wanted to.  I decided to start up my own collection on eBay all for UNDER $15! That's unbeatable.  I hope you take some time to check them out.  :)

Here is the link: (PS: I am also selling regular beaded bracelets too)

http://shop.ebay.com/californiasgirl559/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340

Or you can just go to eBay and look me up via my name on there, which is:  californiasgirl559

We are called "California's Creations".  I hope you take some time to help out a fellow gastric bypass person and spread the word even if you aren't interested.  Thank you so much for your continued support.  I hope everyone is doing FANTASTIC!

Lots of love,
Stephanie

I'm STUCK!!! Help!

It's been long overdue, i needed to update my blog for sure.  I've been stalling on that though.  Here I am though updating it now.  As you can see, I am stuck on my weight and for quite some time.  I really hope I get responses on this.  I've never been THIS "stuck" before.  I am currently at 199lbs.  I have been at 199lbs for about two weeks now or so.  It's so frustrating.  Yeah, it's great that i'm in "onederland" now, but I feel like at any moment I could gain a pound and be back out of onederland.  I guess i'm just panicing.  I'm feel much more safe if I weight at least 195 so I know I have 1 pound of room that I don't have to worry about.  Does that make sense?

Did you guys have that problem too?  I'm only almost 3 months out and I'm getting my protein in now, i wasn't for a short while because I didn't have the money to buy more but now that I have been getting my protein in i thought that would help, seems it's not helping though.  That doesn't mean I won't be getting my protein in daily, but that I just was hoping that by getting all my protein in it would help.  I knew i was bound to hit a plateau, but for how long?  I still have a whole 49 lbs left to go to my main 150lbs goal.  Ahhh!  So frustrating.  I had gallbladder removal surgery approx. a month ago and because of that I still can't do any really strenuous workouts to burn off the fat or tone up more.  I cannot lift more than 10lbs or I could get a hernia.  With all the junk i've been through because of this surgery, I can honestly say, i'm not going to dare try to get a hernia on top of everything else.

Anyways, I'm having a bad day... I'm gonna go now.  Thanks for reading...

*in my no losing weight slum...* booo !!!

how did i even survive this!?

Sunday morning during church service i started experiencing this horrid pain in my back on the right side only. I leaned toward my mom and told her. She said to go to the restroom maybe i needed to stand up cuz i pulled a muscle or something. It didnt help at all. By the time church was half way over i was hunched over in the chair about to cry, i told my mom i needed to leave.

She made me call the surgeon on call which was dr. Swartz. He said it could be my gallbladder and i should go to the ER. By now i was doubled over in pain that was constant and i was crying all the way to the hospital. ER was empty in the waiting room so i got called back quickly.

Unfortunately i have small veins so after 10 tries to find a vein for my IV and a bunch of "sorry's" i was in the ER for 3 hours in excruiciating pain, so bad i was dry heaving every few seconds, not to mention moaning, crying and could not sit still with no pain meds. Finally they found a vein i pointed out to them and gave me some dilouted medication which was my miracle drug. Instant pain relief. Believe me though that when it wore off i was begging for more. I was laying in the ER for 9 hours until they finally moved me to a room at around 9pm.

I spent the night. The pain subsided at about 12am. At 7am Dr. Swartz came to see me and to find out more about my symptoms. I explained that it started with a warm burst throughout my stomach and then went away. Then i had a terrible back pain on the middle of just the right side of my back. The Dr in the ER said they tested my blood and my liver count should have been 10 to be normal mine was 230!! No gallstones though said the lady who did my ultrasound. Dr. Swatrz said he isnt for sure whats going on but is about 90% sure its my gallbladder. He would do surgery that day, Monday at 4:30pm and he would check my gallbladder, remove it if its not functioning properly, check all of my intestines for a hernia and do yet a fourth endoscopy all while i am under since i am having problems keeping solids down.

Turns out my gallbladder had stopped functioning causing me extreme pain, he removed my gallbladder. I had no hernia, but i did have an ulcer so he prescribed me nexium for that. I was sent home tuesday morning at around 10am with vicodin. Which, does NOT work! It only makes me tired but doesnt get rid of my pain. Anyways....

I went home and was sooo constipated. I wont lie, i wanted to die. Felt like i had been run over by a BIG truck and left for dead. Couldnt take pain meds because it causes constipation. The constipation was killer!!! I was soo backed up and blocked that all the gas pumped into me from surgery was stuck and just moving around, and i was in so much pain. I tried a laxative, milk of magnesia, stool softener, two supositories and still, nothing. So embarassed and desparate for help my mom had to give me an enema. Yes, how embarassing. It was painful cuz i was so tore up inside. Well, sad to admit my shame but its got to be said you must know not to ever let it get this bad. I had a big accident after that and had to wash clothes and take a good shower, i am sure u can imagine my humiliation. My poor mom was gagging! I dont blame her. I laugh now but it was soo sad when it happened. Worst of all, it didnt work. I called Dr. Swartz who gave me a concoction for yet another enema that is homemade and a sure fix. 1 part molasses and 1 part whole milk slightly warmed and mixed well put into an empty enema bottle. Omg! He wasnt kidding. It worked!!!

Not to be gross or give TMI but after passing the "trouble" i realize why i was in so much pain when i saw the size of it. My poor colon!! I felt sooo much better afterwords! Lol!

Although i still have awful pain from the surgery and still cant take pain meds, i am just thankful the worst is over and on the good side i no longer have to take that stupid gigantic horse pill for my gallbladder. Yay!

Lets just say its safe to admit i have a high tolerance to pain. God has really been taking care of me i dont know how one person could go through so much pain and surgeries and still be alive.

Feeling better now,
Steph

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Syntrax Matrix Perfect Chocolate Protein Powder

Okay, THANK Goodness for the makers of this stuff.  Totally not disgusting protein powder!  I HAD to give a BIG mention about this.  Only because after searching through countless products and trying many of them, not to mention, spending money on them after they are now sitting unopened in my closet or opened and sealed because they are nasty, this is one product i swear by!  It's so tasty.  I also bought the cookies n' cream (which is personally not my favorite flavor), they also have vanilla, chocolate as you see (this is my favorite so far), orange cream, strawberry and banana's n' cream.  I plan on getting the banana's n' cream one soon because I know i love banana's so that might be a tasty treat.

By all mean, BUY this protein powder before you try anything else.  The best part is they sell it here in town and not only that but they sell it for a low price of only $19.99 for a 2lb jug!  Woo hoo!!!

A BIG thumbs up to Syntrax Matrix Perfect Chocolate Protein Powder!

-Stephanie

Citracal Calcium Citrate w/Vitamin D - PETITES

I will say this quickly.  I was highly disappointed when i opened up this bottle and realized that it was not in any way petite at all!  I laughed and said "goodness, if this is petite then what the heck does the regular pill look like?" ha! What a joke. 

Anyways, these are sitting in my cupboard for a time when I'm able to swallow large pills.  So for now they will wait until a later date to be taken. 

Although I'd like to give this a thumbs up for being an "option" at least, and for FUTURE endeavors I cannot at the moment give this a thumbs up because I'm only a little over 8 weeks out and the feelings of "doom" after taking a pill this big with my itty bitty pouch is not quite the best comfort for a gastric bypass person.  So for now, a thumbs down.  :(

-Stephanie

Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenges w/Vitamin D

Since Dr. Felix's office was out of the liquid calcium that I was used to, I decided to try a little something else, i needed my calcium so I asked and they had these lozenges.  I guess on the way out the door I read the bottle wrong because I could have sworn it said "chewables" but i quickly found out I was wrong when i turn it around and the directions noted that you put it in your mouth and let it dissolve. WHOOPS!  Yeah, rude awakening.  It wasn't horrible chewed up, but it did get kind of stuck in my teeth, and the chalkiness of it was a bit unnerving.  I won't do that the next time.  All in all, these don't have the BEST flavor, I haven't tried the other flavors which are; wild cherry, mint and cinnamon.  I can tell you though that chocolate isn't HORRIBLE, but it will get me by.  It will help me get my calcium in.

The reason I'm going to post so many calcium things on here (3 to be exact) is because I have tried all three.  The reason I absolutely cannot do the "pill" form is because at this point in my a little over 8 weeks post-op I have found that I'm still not cool with swallowing those bigger than normal pills.  I just hate swallowing pills in general.  Before surgery though it was never a problem you could have given me a horse pill and I could have swallowed it with no issues at all, now, not-so much!

Another big thumbs up to: Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenges w/Vitamin D.

-Stephanie

Wellesse Liquid Calcium Citrate & Vitamin D

This is an item that came in my $950 kit from Dr. Felix's office the day before my surgery.  This was a lifesaver after surgery and after trying to deal with so many pills and chewable vitamins.  I most definitely recommend this for those of you who are less than six weeks post op.

As you know, i had a few complications, nothing TOO major, and i'm still alive and i wouldn't change a thing I am happy with my decision.  Life is MUCH BETTER!  YAY!  Anyways, with my complications getting even liquid down, you can imagine my struggle to choke down pills both for acid prevention and for my still existing gallbladder.  Then the chewable vitamins and iron pill as well.  This was a breath of fresh air. 

WORD OF ADVICE:  Please always remember, NEVER take this with your iron pill.  It will not absorb.  Nor will your iron.  That's what i was told from my surgeon's office.  They know best!  You may take this with your regular multivitamin though.  Remember to only take 1 tbsp. at a time.  Although it says you take 2, your body can only absorb 500mg at a time so just take 1 tbps. at a time and then wait at least 1 hour before taking another.  :)

A big thumbs up to the Wellesse Liquid Calcium Citrate (never use carbonate, it doesn't absorb in our pouches!) & Vitamin D.

-Stephanie

Product Reviews

So I just wanted to let everyone know that I'll be spending a lot of time on product reviews for those of us bariatric and soon-to-be bariatric people.  I have been through so many different kinds of protein shakes, the powder AND the liquid that I NEED to notify you all about what is "tasty" and what is just down-right NASTY!

I have also been testing out different pills, some of the time though I go back to dr. felix's office to purchase their very reasonably priced products.  I will also share my thoughts on the products I received in the $950 kit I was given the day before my surgery. 

Join me, and leave your feedback.  If you have any ideas on great products for all of us, please leave me comments.  I'll be happy to post a product review on that product as well for us all. 

Thanks and happy weight loss to everyone!

Sorry for my absence...I am back.

So, just to give a quick update.  Monday i will finally be allowed solid foods, but not EVERYTHING.  I still have to stay away from those scary carbs like; bread, pasta, rice and tortilla's. 

I have had 3 endoscopy's to get me where I am at today and I'm thankful that I no longer have to deal with not being able to hold down mush, much less WATER.  Even that was coming up.  I'm also thankful to be able to eat mush even.  I was on liquids, which actually, I was only able to drink water, nothing else.  Other stuff came back up...anyways, i was on water for about a month.  hence the quick weight loss. 

Plateau...
I did hit this.  A "plateau".  All in part to starting mush after one whole month of ONLY water.  My poor body went into shock and held on to EVERYTHING.  I even gained about 3 pounds.  I have since lost one of those 3 pounds and I know for sure, it will continue to come off. 

Today I felt really good and decided to give "turkey jerky" a try.  I had been eating it.  Although, i think i ate too much.  I over stuffed myself.  I feel guilty about it, but then again, I know i'll NEVER do that again.  Lesson learned.  It's SOOO not fun throwing up turkey jerky that's been chewed to the best you could do.  Sometimes not exactly TOTALLY chewed enough.  Reason I threw up was because I couldn't chew it thoroughly.  Bad idea.  No more turkey jerky for me.  Although it was delicious, it definitely WAS NOT fun coming back up.  Therefore, Turkey Jerky will take a rest for a "later" date.  :) LOL!

I have been updating my youtube videos as much as possible.  Check them out if you haven't yet.  It's not necessarily for anything other than a purpose for myself to see what a different I have made in weight loss.  When i was young and thin, i thought i was fat.  So, this is so I don't EVER do that again.  When i get to my goal weight, i will NEVER doubt myself, feel depressed because I'm not thinner than SOME girls, and I will not let myself down again...EVER! 

I want to take a second though before I end this to thank God who helped me through such a ROUGH time.  Who let me live through such a horrific experience.  Even when I was laying there LITERALLY dying, people crying around me, I managed to live.  I prayed a LOT while I was in the hospital and I know the reason WITHOUT-A-DOUBT was because of Jesus that I am still here today to talk about it.  God Bless those of you about to have this surgery, my prayers will be with you.  Those who have had the surgery, my prayers are with you as well.  Hang in there! :)

Steph

long awaited update...

I know i wrote an entry about day one in the hospital but i was in the hospital for 7 days so i figured with being behind on updating on here, i will just sum it up.

Please understand i am in no way trying to discourage anyone. This is just the truth not all of these surgeries come with no complications.

My case is a good example.

I had not one but two surgeries, got pneumonia when under anastesia the 2nd time. Had a catheder in my neck and well... You know. Had multiple xrays, i literally lost count.

Got out of the hospital and was having troubles. I had these really uncomfortable foamy burps. So i found out i had stenosis and would need an endoscopy. Got that done but dr said he could only slightly dilate me cuz i was only two 1/2 weeks out from surgery and that i would probably need to get another one done when i hit 3 weeks. So i went back and got a 2nd endoscopy. I was told it should be the last one.

Turns out that was wrong i go back again tomorrow for another endoscopy. Number 3! I hope it fixes it cuz i have been on water for 7 straight days, no food. By the time this is all done it will be 10 days of just water. I have been really cranky cuz i am soo hungry.

So thanks to everyone for your prayers and please continue to pray i really need it.

I guess i will end this now, tried to sum it up a bit and i am sorry for not updating in so long. Just been a tough couple weeks.

Steph

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Day 1 in hospital - Surgery Day

I'll make this as brief as possible after all, I was in the hospital for 7 full days. 

I showed up in my PJ's and no makeup, hair done.  There was a mix up in my surgeon.  I was like "no, i said i want Dr. Felix not Dr. Swartz".  I will NOT do surgery if Dr. Swartz does it.  Not that Dr. Swartz is bad, but I know Dr. Felix is the best of the best and I had only met with Dr. Felix. 

I was taken to a room where my bed (little did i know i'd be on for 7 days) was at.  I was to get undressed, put all my clothes, shoes and undergarments into this plastic see-through bag thing that they would keep with me under my bed in a holder thing. 

I got on the bed and waited.  Two nurses came in, and then a third.  One asked me health related questions and the others got me ready for surgery, one was doing something behind me, i'm thinking an IV the other was putting the IV in, when i heard the IV lady say "whoops, i'm sorry, that vein just popped."  I'm sorry but "whoops" is not a word you want to hear while laying there in a hospital bed and especially not from the lady with the big needle. 

She then tried my other arm, while my left arm stung ridiculously.  She managed to get a good vein for my right arm, a "straight" one she said. 

My grandpa (Poppy) showed up to pray for me before surgery, David was in the room with me.  I almost cried because for some reason, i just got really nervous and realized that i COULD die from this.  I stayed strong. 

As i was wheeled on my bed past my family in the hallway, they all waved and said not to worry.  My mom and dad were able to come into the "pre-surgery" room with me, where i met the funny, African-American anesthesiologist, who was super nice.  He calmed me down and got me to understand what was about to happen and not to worry because I was in good hands. 

Dr. Felix showed up and I verified once more that HE would be my surgeon.  He agreed and said "of course it's me." Told my parents to say goodbye for now and then they were going to take me to surgery.

I remember whizzing past each hallway, each turn faster and faster, or maybe that was my heartbeat.  I was getting scared.  I was wheeled on my bed into this FREEZING cold room.  The temperature change was undeniable! I heard party music going on and a lot of laughter.  I felt at ease when i heard the happy crowd that was about to work on me.  At least no one was having a bad day.  I saw the faces, okay, no, i saw the ceiling, and eyes.  With blue masks over their faces and muffled voices.  I was told to slide from my bed to this very thin cold hard, metal table.  Which i knew was THEE table.  My arms were spread out beside me.  I heard the anesthesiologist say "okay you're going to feel a little chill go through your veins and I want you to close your eyes and think of the beach".  I felt almost immediately my eyes crossing and I laughed and said "whoa, you must have done that already, my eyes feel funny.." that was all i remember.

I woke up to a young girls voice. "Stephanie sweetie, you're in recovery, from a 1 - 10 what's your pain level?" of course I said "8" only because I was trying to be strong, and really wasn't sure what "10" was, but it was sure close!  I was gagging a little on the treck tube they had stuck down my throat which i don't remember them pulling out, but I do remember the feeling in my throat being so scratchy and dry.  Ouch.  I hated the recovery room.  It was painful.   I think the girl in recovery gave me some good pain meds because I don't rememeber falling asleep I just remember waking up in my room on floor 3.   Room 321, if i remember right. 

I was laying there staring at my family gathered around me, looking at me and saying "how do you feel?".  Later that night, I was asked to get up and try to pee.  I did.  With no problem at all.  A asian nurse came in saying that i needed a catheter.  Oh man, NO!!! I could hear the two nurses arguing with each other one saying "no she doesn't need it she just peed" the other saying "it's doctor's orders".  I was like "whoa, someone tell me what's going on..." i remember the feeling of the catheter going in.  NOT FUN!! It sucked! Whatever though.  I started to get the hiccups, painful relentless ones.  My heartbeat was going really high, up to 150.  Which was causing the hiccups.  The doctor came in at around 4pm and said "Stephanie, I'm sorry to say this, but we are going to do exploratory surgery on you to try and make sure you don't have internal bleeding your heart rate is just way too high plus the hiccups." 

(to be continued to day 2 in the hospital).

Day of Surgery...

Today is SURGERY day! I am excited to get my little pouch of a tummy after nearly 3 days of pure torture, couldn't eat food for almost 3 days! Only clear liquids! I feel my tummy trying to eat me alive! Lol!

Yesterday i had to drink that magnesium citrate junk and let me tell ya, i have NEVER tasted anything so awful before in my life. I felt like i drank 10 ounces of pure salt water, added with LOTS of extra salt. Just drinking that salty crap i gained 2 lbs in a matter of hours but after spending most of the day on the toilet i have now lost a total of 8lbs. Yay, but still dealing with the aftermath of that stuff i drank today - the day of surgery.

Eating nothing for so long causes your brain to kind of "take a break" can't seem to remember much anything these last two days, been a bit foggy-headed.

Thanks to everyone for your kind wishes and prayers. I really appreciate it. I will do my best to blog when i can but not sure i will be allowed my phone in the hospital. Boo!! Lol!

Love,
Steph

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Surgery Day Tomorrow...

I'm going to make this brief because I just drank that magnesium citrate stuff that it was AWFUL! Oh man, i'm still cringing from the taste.  Plus it's suppose to CLEAN me out so i will make this fast.  I have surgery tomorrow at 1pm, i have to be there at 11am.  I'm excited now, and want it here already, i can hardly take anymore of starving myself and just allowing liquids.  Been doing this for two days now and I feel sooo light-headed.  It's hard. 

I am READY...let's DO this! LOL! You are all amazing and I hope this is helpful.  Oh, i don't think i'll be allowed my cell phone so don't count on me updating from the hospital although if i can get away with it, I will.  LOL! 

Please pray that all goes well.  :) 

Thanks everyone!

Steph

It's Pre-Op diet time!!!

Only clear liquids  from here on out until surgery day which is in two days! Can't believe time has gone by so fast! It's just amazing!

Not sure what fasting for two days feels like but i am about to find out! Lol!

I have been so ready for this, eating my last REAL meal tonight made it that much more real. I drove home thinking about what i sadly always seem to think about "what to eat tomorrow" but soon that was scratched out because i realized all i get is clear liquids. Lol!!! Yikes!

I am already parched and want to drink something but know i will only be thirsty for more and i am already in bed. Dont want to have to wake up mid-nighttime and have to use the bathroom. So i will deal with it.

Got the 5 wishes form in the mail and filled it out, and if i might express some thoughts and observations... i am sorry but if it says leave all that apply alone and cross out any of the things listed you DON'T want done and one option is "if i have bowel movement problems and/or i have a bowel movement or if i urinate while being treated and i am unable to care for myself i wish to be cleaned and have my linens replaced." two things;one, why would anyone cross that out and want to lay in their pooand pee and two, really!? Why is this question on here? I mean if doctors and nurses in hospitals are leaving patients in their own poop and pee wouldnt that hospital be out of business by now? Lol!

I kind of laughed at the second part to this next question and my response to it that i didnt write down but said aloud cuz i was kind of joking. Question one: "when u die, circle which one u would want to be done with your body: buried or cremated" i circled "buried". THOUGHT: How do i circle this WHEN i die? Lol! Question two: "where would u like your remains?" my answer "in the ground" lol!! So i really put the name of the cemetary but laughed when i read that and thought of my imediate answer. Lol

Well off to bed now, goodnight everyone! :)

Steph

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Good ol' Wal-Mart!

Today, David and i took a trip into Walmart. The place i hate going to, but the place whose prices i love!

I laughed and almost felt sad at the same time. My basket was blocking the way for some younger lady, probably mid 30's. I said "Whoops, I'm sorry." with a smile of delight on her face she said "oh that's okay hun, thank you. At least you said sorry and were polite.". Really? No seriously, really? Is it really so hard for those inconsiderate, rude and undisciplined people out there to just slide their cart over and say "sorry"? Apparently it is. What a joke, this World needs Jesus!

Anyway, I made a list of things my "support group" friends told me I will need for in the hospital and for after surgery. I had to get it today because i wont be driving to town again until Sunday and dont really have time on Sunday to do it.

This is an idea of the many things i was told I will need, i will try to list most of them.

Water bottle
Protein powder
Milk of magnesia - for well, you know!
Benefiber
Boitin - to help prevent dry skin, and to keep the health of ur hair and nails as well.
Sugar-free popsicles
Sugar-free jell-o
Fiber one yogurt-plain or vanilla
Low-fat cottage cheese
Ear plugs - for those ever-so-annoying beeping IV machines that are expiring.
Band-aids - for after your shower u can put band-aids back on incisions.
Pill organizer- for the many many vitamins.
Fat-free or low-fat milk
Soy milk - in case the regular milk doesn't sit well.
Tiny tupperware containers - bought cute little 1/2 cup ones. Perfect size.
Chapstick - for right after surgery.
A robe - because walking around with your hospital gown on with the back side open isnt exactly a "good" feeling, especially for an obese person. Lol! It provides...umm...shelter!
Little baggies - gonna need a place for all my vitamins when i have to go somewhere, it will fit nicely in my purse. Found these in the arts and crafts section actually! Lol!

Well i feel like i am missing something but i am not sure. I hope this is helpful to anyone considering or about to get gastric bypass surgery.

•just a random thought - I would really like this cold weather to warm up or the heater in this house to be turned up. Burr!! My nostrils are FREEZING! Lol!

Goodnight! :)

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Strange dislikes

This may sound a little bit crazy, but i seem to be hating sugar lately or even bad stuff in general. Today I looked at the ice cream in David's freezer and "thought" about having some. It was my favorite kind. Thrifty brand "chocolate malted crunch". Yum, right?

WRONG!

I closed the freezer door and did a "chills down my spine" shiver. I felt naseaus. I grabbed a glass of water and sat down.

David decided he was going to make tortellini and red sauce with shredded cheese for dinner. I took about three bites and i was like "I'm done, sorry, dont feel that great."

I think that i am getting to where i just dont want certain yucky foods. Even the thought of fast food makes me cringe. Yuck!

This is a good step toward healthy eating.

I also notice i look at sugar, calories, fat and carb amount on EVERYTHING! It's become an obsession. I guess i just took the knowledge we were given in our nutritionist class and ran with it, i am realizing that what the nutritionist said is so true.

She said that most companies try to trick people by putting fat free on something to trigger "healthy" in their mind and make them think it's much healthier for them but in reality food companies have to over compensate for what they take out like "fat" and add in things that we are so accustomed to tasting like "sugar". Fat free milk had about two grams higher of sugar than 2% milk had. I thought that was pretty interesting.

Anyways, i just thought i would share my thoughts on that stuff.

Take care everyone,
Steph

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

5 Wishes *i wish to be*...

Let's talk about RUDE awakenings. 

5 wishes.

My case manager from blue cross said that this is a weird subject to bring up to patients who are my age, 27 because it's not something they ever thought about at their age.  I understand.

At first, it was a bit of a gut-wrench-er. I saw there quiet as I tried to figure out if she was trying to tell me that I needed to do a "will" before surgery "just-in-case" but instead she just kind beat around the bush and went over reason's why it's best to have this planned out ahead of time before surgery.  I then asked "do you mean like a living will of some sort?" she said "well, i know it's a lot to take in at 27 years old and not something you want to face right now, but just as a suggestion, it is a good idea so that your family will feel comfortable in making decisions for you if something did go wrong during or after surgery."  I agreed. 

I kind of always wanted to have one on hand, because I know several people who died at an early age.  That's not to say that i'll die young, but I know that my feelings about "life" won't change by the time i'm 80 years old and in my "elderly" years. 

I read some of the questions and honestly, some of the questions I had to read a few times to totally understand what on earth my answer would be.  I don't even know some of the answers to these questions.  LOL! 

I'm going to make my mom the "agent" or well "decision maker" and if she's not able to do it, it will be my "dad".  I feel bad because I would have it be David, but since we are not married, I don't want to put that kind of responsibility on him and make anything happen where my family would be upset with him for going off of MY guidelines and making a decision they wouldn't have made.  I just want it to be that when i'm gone, whether that's now or WAY FAR off (hoping and praying for the last one.. lol) then I want them to still be close to David.  He needs my family and I know they would be sad without him around too. 

I will, however, write up a letter to each person in my immediate family and to David to let them know how I feel in case they had any "last words" it will be like a "conversation" with out the other person's opinion, just "questions answered" i guess. 

I know that this won't happen...at least that's the mentality I'm going to keep to make it through surgery and not get all freaked out before surgery happens.  I want to go into surgery with a clean heart (that's business with me and God) and a clear mind and HAPPY THOUGHTS.  :)

Body Fortress - VANILLA!

Just to make a note:

I bought the body fortress whey protein "vanilla" (they were out of chocolate) from wal-mart the other day.  I tried it first with water.  YUCK! Hard to deal with.

Two days ago, i tried it with 1% milk.  YUMMY! Tasted great! It's kind of sweet tasting though, even though there is VERY little sugar in it.  Hopefully I can handle it after surgery.  I will be buying soy milk though because I don't want to get sick off of the "milk sugar" that comes in regular cow's milk.  Hopefully i can handle soy milk.  :)

Oh, the best part is it was only $15. 

I plan to buy the chocolate kind tomorrow when i head to wal-mart again to pick up a few odds and ends for after surgery, if they don't have the chocolate, i'll buy the strawberry, don't want to be stuck with ONE flavor and become bored. 

Oh yes, and in case you can't see what it says, in only TWO scoops of this stuff i will have drank 52g of protein.  I need about 52 - 60g's per day so this will be MUCHO helpful.  :)