Holiday Eating

I have found the last two days of my holiday break to be hard, when it comes to eating. I was prepared for Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas day. However, the last two days of eating out and having left overs and cookies everywhere have been tough.

I have not made the wisest of decisions when choosing meals. I thought I was doing ok but after wards I didn't feel well. I have eaten not because I was hungry but because it was in front of me. Which as we all know the absolute worst thing to do!

I haven't neglected my workouts, thank God, that has helped. In fact my run workouts have been long, fast and strong. Today I changed it up a bit and met a lifelong friend for a long 70 minute walk, in order to catch up with each other. I haven't even second guessed my workouts, they have come automatically. It's the eating where I have fallen...

I needed to write about it, in order to nip it in the butt! The mindless eating has scared me...I love the holidays but the amount of food is overwhelming!

Always an adventure on this new journey!  The running shoes are by the door and ready to be put in motion tomorrow morning!!

Merry Christmas!!

June 18th was the 6 month Anniversary of my niece's marriage. On June 18th I wore the dress on the left to her rehearsal dinner. When my niece commented on social media that she had already been married for 6 months I thought of that dress and what it would look like now?!?! So I got it out of the closet and tried it on. I am happy to say that it is huge on me now!

It hasn't even been 5 months since my surgery but I am seeing a such a change. Recently I went to dinner with some friends who I had not seen in quite some time and it took them a few minutes to recognize me. That is always fun. As I walk through this adventure, sometimes it is hard to the changes myself but it helps to see them through the expressions on the faces of friends.

Last night I went to dinner with another group of friends who have been so supportive of this entire journey. They were some of the first that I shared my decision with. I was excited to to be with them and to share my updates.

Just yesterday I stepped on the scale again and it had gone down. I am now down 63 pounds since July and a total of 90 pounds from my heaviest weight 2 1/2 years ago. I am only 20 pounds away from my goal weight! I feel great and I am so happy with my decision to have this surgery.

2016 has been quite the adventure. Some days have been overwhelming and even scary. However, I wouldn't change a thing. I was the person who needed to be convinced the most when making the decision to have the surgery. Not my friends or family, they saw this as the best decision I could have made and saw that it was important for me. So many days I still can't believe that I did it; that my clothes are getting smaller and more importantly that I am getting smaller. It wasn't an easy decision and neither has been the journey. However, through life, I have learned that taking the easy route isn't always the best way.

As we celebrate the Christmas holiday and the end of 2016 I look back and see this year as a new beginning! I am excited for what lies ahead in 2017!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

It's A Wonderful Run!

Saturday afternoon I ran in the annual, It’s A Wonderful Run, in Seneca Falls, NY. It’s a play on words from the classic holiday movie, It’s A Wonderful Life. A wonderful story about George Baily a beloved man in the town of Bedford Falls, NY. Rumor has it that the man who wrote the story of It’s a Wonderful Life stopped through Seneca Falls, NY on his way to New York City and started writing the story after spending a few days. There are many similarities to the two towns and the people of Seneca Falls love this claim to fame. 

Seneca Falls is also home to the National Women’s Hall of Fame and is the home of the women’s suffragist movement. Something that is near and dear to my heart. A few years ago before the race a friend of mine and I arrived early so we could tour the Hall of Fame. Taking the tour and reading about some incredible women can empower you in so many ways…but I digress.

This past Saturday was the annual 5k which starts after sun down at 4:40 pm on the bridge, where George Baily jumped in the icy cold river to save Clarence. The only lights that guide you on the course are the street lamps and the holiday lights that decorate the homes along the course. The citizens of Seneca Falls come out and line the streets to cheer the runners as they pass by on the course. There are parties on front lawns with fire pits, music and fun. Everyone, runners and walkers included are having a great time.

This year Saturday was a very cold day with temperatures not even hitting 30 degrees. However, that didn’t stop over 4000 runners from wanting to run the 3.1-mile distance many dressed up in costume (I wore my usual running clothes, but did add a snowman headband to be festive. It has been four years since the last time I ran this race and this year I wasn’t going to miss it. As soon as I knew the date I marked it on my calendar, registered and made sure keep the weekend free (A special shout out and thank you to a few co-workers who traveled to some work events for me).

As I stated earlier I was one of 4058 runners who crossed the bridge to start the race. I recently checked out my official time and I was so excited. I finished the course in 35:48, which was four minutes faster than my time in 2012. I finished 1,842 overall which is in the top 45% of the running field. In my age group I finished 127 out of 291, which is the top 43.6% of that group. And finally out of the 2,558 women who completed the race I finished 1113^th which is the top 45.5% of the group.

To some this may not seem like a big deal but when I have finished dead last on some courses finishing in the top half of the field and feeling like I could keep running is incredible! Every day is a new adventure. This journey has not been easy but seeing these results it has been worth it!!

 

Too many days off!

At the beginning of November I challenged myself to 30 workouts in 30 days. As you can see by the picture to the left I completed 27 workouts in 30 days. The three days that I missed were as a result of travel days for work Some days, due to early flights, late flights or long travel days, it can be tough to get a workout done. I try very hard but some days my body just screams for rest.

Even though I didn't complete my goal I was very proud of the 27 workouts I did. I don't think that is something to be ashamed of, instead I celebrate it. The only problem is that December doesn't look as good so far...


 I started off strong December 1st and 2nd but told myself to take a rest day on December 3rd. I was traveling in Chicago, hosting a volunteer retreat that took a lot out of me. I didn't want to worry about missing a workout so I gave myself permission to take the rest day. On Sunday my travel plans originally had me home with plenty of time to workout in the evening. However, the weather and American Airlines had other plans. My flight was cancelled and I was staying in Chicago an extra night. Since Sunday I have been exhausted and I haven't completed my workouts in the morning. By the time I get out of work in the evening, working out is the last thing I want to do! So now I have missed four days and I can feel it!!

Tonight I am challenging myself to get up in the morning and complete my workout before work. This will happen on Thursday, December 8th. I have officially circled the date on my calendar and I am telling all of you. I will get it done and I give you permission to check in on me tomorrow!

Other updates ... I am officially down 60 pounds! I feel great!

Turkey Trot and Beyond!

Race number of the 2016 Turkey Trot

I know it has been a while since I have posted. Since Thanksgiving life and work have been a bit busy but I do have a lot to share. I am currently at the Chicago O'Hare Airport waiting for my flight to depart. We have been delayed for two hours and it doesn't look good. I was planning on writing this blog post once I arrived home from Chicago but since I have time to kill I thought I would get it started.

We now have an update on our flight and it has been cancelled! I am now spending an extra night in Chicago. I was able to get a room in the hotel at the airport and now I can continue to work on this blog tonight. I was in Chicago for the past four days hosting a retreat for a group of alumni volunteers from the college where I work.

Prior to my surgery I set three goals for myself that I wanted to achieve as a result of the surgery. The first goal was to get off of all of my diabetes medication...check. Second goal to get off of my blood pressure medication...check. My third goal was to be a faster runner ... so far things are looking good.

On Thanksgiving morning I ran in the 5th annual Stuffing the Pantry 5K in East Longmeadow, MA. I have run this race for the last five years and I truly enjoy the course and the event itself. This year I completed the race in 35.26 minutes. This time is broken down to be 11:30 per mile...yes that is correct I completed this race running faster than a 12 minute mile.

I was so excited when I crossed the finish line. I felt strong the entire way and I know I could have kept running longer than the 3 miles. As I was running I saw the group ahead of me and the pack of people behind me. I was consistently passing people along the course and I thought to myself, so this is what it feels like to be in the middle of the pack!

I have another 5k scheduled for next weekend in Seneca Falls, NY. I will be running the It's a Wonderful Run 5K, which is one of my favorite 5ks. It is so fun to run the neighborhoods of Seneca Falls at night. This race is based on the It's a Wonderful Life movie and starts on the Bridge (Bridge Street) similar to the one you see in the movie. The neighborhood Christmas Lights, light the way on the course and it is so much fun. The last time I was able to run this race was in 2013. I completed the course in 39.42 which is broken down to 13:10/mile and I would love to beat that time. Let's set the goal to PR this course!!

For those of you who would like an update on my weight loss I am down a total of 58 pounds since my surgery. Which means I am down a total of 85 pounds from my heaviest weight over two years ago.

The journey continues.

Half Marathon Number 10 - Princeton Half Marathon

I know it has been over two weeks since my last post. Life has been a bit busy, a lot going on and a bit emotional.

We are now 11 days into November but since my last post we closed out the great month of October. There are 31 days in October and looking at my calendar (picture left) I completed 25 workouts and only missed 6 days. I felt great and I can tell you exactly why I missed those six days. Three days were due to work and travel times and three were based on needing rest days.

So this month, November, I have challenged myself to 30 days = 30 workouts. I realize that some of you are thinking, you need rest days, and I will listen to my body. If I feel I need one I will take a rest day or I will complete an easy workout, less intense than others that I do. Needing to move is important to me and right now I really want to move!

One week prior to my 10th half marathon I completed my last long run, 4.5 miles. I felt great, strong and ready to take on the world. The following day I was emailing a great friend of mine. This friend I actually met when I was training for my marathon 11 years ago. I shared with her that for the first time in a long time I loved running again. I enjoyed going out and covering the miles. The best part was I felt strong! Once again I don't regret having the bariatric surgery!

One week later I was on the start line of my 10th half marathon, The Princeton Half Marathon. The race started at 7 am on a beautiful fall morning. The sun was shining, the temperature hit the mid 50s and it was perfect running weather. The course had a strict 3 hour cutoff and at two different points on the course you had to be there within a certain time limit; mile 6 and mile 9.5.

My goal was to finish this race and do it under 3 hours. I was nervous, but I always say if you aren't nervous it isn't important to you. Of the 9 half marathons I had done previously, five I completed under 3 hours and four were over 3 hours. With this in mind it didn't settle my nerves. The last 9 half marathons I completed the cutoff time was 3 1/2 + hours.

Another good friend mine, prior to the race, reminded me that I am stronger than I think and I just have to run my pace and keep going. The race started and I kept going. I passed the first cutoff, mile 6 (on the top of a very long climb) and I was ahead of schedule. I continued running and made it to cutoff #2, mile 9.5 and I was still ahead of schedule. At this point of the race I was in the middle of a 2 mile climb so I allowed myself to walk for 3 minutes which got me to the top of this hill. I started running and continued until mile 11 where I walked for another 2 minutes. I began to run until just past mile 12 and the last water stop. I stopped for one minute to walk and take in some water. I looked at my watch and I knew I would finish this race with time to spare. With less than a mile to go, and on the last uphill climb, there was my family cheering me on and letting me know that I was accomplishing my goals. I was so thankful that they were there.

I crossed the finish line and the clock read 2:57...I did it. I finished strong and was happy. Due to the changes I made in my life, I took 20 minutes off my last half marathon finish time! The finish time was still not a PR (2:51, completed 11 years ago) but I didn't care I did everything I set out to accomplish!

Fifteen (15) weeks post surgery and I am down over 55 pounds. I can't rest now. I worked out the day after the race to loosen up the tight muscles. Training for the next half marathon (March 26th) starts this weekend.

3 months post surgery

I am now 3 months post surgery and down 52 pounds. I went for my 3 month appointment today and my medical team is thrilled with how things are going. Yes, things are going really well but I am still not at the finish line. This will be an ongoing race for the rest of my life. As I have shared before this isn't easy, and every day is a trial and error and I am always learning something new. However, as the learning process continues I can be learn to be proud of my achievements and of myself.

This week I took part in a GXT test. The GXT test measures your Oxygen intake and your VO2 max, which helps determine your energy level while working out. Students in the Exercise Science department at Ithaca College help to administer the test and it lasts all of 8 - 12 minutes once you are all hooked up to computers, EKGs etc. Well I completed 8 minutes of the test running a 12 minute/mile pace and finished on a 7.5 incline on the treadmill. During the process it was discovered that I currently have a resting heart rate of 50 beats per minute and I am the 90th percentile of my age group for my fitness level. This made my day and helped me appreciate all the minutes, hours and miles I cover when exercising!

8 mile training run in Forest Park

The next step in my plan is the Princeton Half Marathon. I have just over 1 week left until the race, which will be my 10th half! In fact according to their website I have 9 days 9 hours and 11 minutes! Training has been going really well but I have to admit I am really nervous about this race. There is a 3 hour cut off for this race (14 minute/miles). Although I have completed 5 half marathons under 3 hours, I always had that cushion time with race cut off 3 1/2 or 4 hours. Two weeks ago I finished a five mile, very hilly, race with a minute/mile time under 13 minutes, but my confidence still isn't high. For now my goal will be to show up on the start line, ready to run. If I am cut from the course so be it...but I will be working hard to finish #10!!

Prior to my surgery I asked the doctor if he could make me a stronger and faster runner. He laughed and said he could. In three months I found that I am running faster and stronger and I will be bringing this with me to Princeton!!

Good luck to my friends running the Marine Corps Marathon this weekend. I will be thinking of you!

Finally...

...the scale finally moved this morning and I hit the 50 lb mark! I am down 50 pounds!!I know I still have a long journey ahead of me but this is a nice milestone! So what will tomorrow bring??

What a Run!

Sunday, October 16, 2016 I ran the 10th Annual Eastwood 5 Miler Race. It has been five years since I ran this course and the course runs through an old neighborhood I lived in at one time in Syracuse. I love this run but I have to admit there are many hills. I actually forgot about so many of them after not running there for so long.

My goal was to keep a 14 minute/mile pace which would have me finishing in 1:10. Instead I kicked that courses A$$! I completed the course in 1:04:40 which means I ran under a 13 minute/mile. Although this wasn't a PR, I missed that by less than a minute, but I was faster than my last 5 miler in 2015 and it was faster than my training! I was so happy and I felt great the entire course.

I used this run as a trial for my nutrition for when run a half marathon I registered for in 3 weeks. Since the surgery I can't eat the same things I always did when doing endurance events. I can't drink Gatorade and Gels are hard to take in so I have had to try a few new things. I even had to change up my usual breakfast. Two hours prior to the race I had an egg with some cheese. Then 1 hour before the race I ate half of an English muffin with peanut butter. While running I drank the water on the course plus I used Ultima in my water bottle. Ultima is an electrolyte replenishment that has zero sugar and zero calories but filled with electrolytes! I also used a few Honey Stinger chews that did not seem to upset my stomach. With this in mind I think I am one step closer to completing my next race on November 6th.

Later that evening I decided to treat myself to an early birthday gift, I registered for my second marathon in Burlington, VT. I decided to do the Vermont City Marathon on May 28, 2016. Eleven years ago I completed my first marathon in San Francisco. I always called it my first marathon when I would talk about it because I always knew I would do another one. I am ready for my second marathon. Although a majority of my training will be done during the middle of winter I will be looking to my marathon friends to get me fired up to train!

Finally, I am a bit frustrated with the scale. I know I am not supposed to measure my success just by the digital box but sometimes you want to see the magical numbers. I know I have had so many success since the surgery; down four sizes; off of my diabetes and HB medication as well as feeling fabulous. Recently I even had to go shopping for new bras ...I don't think I have ever looked for the size I am looking for now...bring on the padding!! I just want to hit the 50 pound mark ... it is a milestone and I am 1 1/2 pounds away!  I hate the scale but when it doesn't move the way you want it to, all the old negative thoughts come rushing back. The numbers aren't going up but you start to question if this will work? Am I doing enough? Will I fail? No matter how much good happened to me yesterday, the digital box can overshadow all of it!

One year ago...

On October 10, 2015 I completed the first annual Rock n Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon. That was my 9th half marathon and I really enjoyed the course and the race itself. It was a beautiful fall day, as a runner, you couldn't as for anything better.

At this point in my life I had been dealing with Type II diabetes for 11 months and was struggling with my blood sugar numbers and obviously my weight (based on this picture). Just one month earlier I had my first conversation with a member of my medical team about Bariatric Weight loss Surgery. Of course at that point I had dismissed the conversation. One month after this photo the subject was brought up again and my whole life took a different turn.

One year later (less one day) I went for a run on Sunday, October 9, 2016. I completed 3.5 miles as a drop back week, since I am training for another half marathon. In less than four weeks I will be on the start line of half marathon number 10 in Princeton, NJ. I don't know what the day will bring as training for this race is so much more than just the miles. However, I am ready to take it on ... what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger, right?

Over 45 lbs down!

Down over 40 pounds

Officially 40 lbs down

40 lbs down!

It's been 10 weeks and I am down over 40 pounds. Last week I went and met with my diabetes coach. Even though I haven't taken any medication (for my diabetes or anything else) since my surgery I wanted to make sure I was still OK. As my coach explained my daily number counts looked great and going forward I don't need to check them every day as I was. However, she did explain to me that I am not diabetes free, just in remission. With this in mind I have to stay on top of it, continue to check my numbers on a weekly basis and make sure I stay in a "normal range". She explained that this surgery definitely helped but doesn't mean it is a cure. Either way I was happy to hear stay off the medication and this is motivation. I will not go back and I want to stay medication free. It is not my plan to slack off and let my blood sugar numbers start to climb again.

Before my appointment was over we talked about my workouts and my training goals. She asked me if I was strength training ... my least favorite thing!?!? I explained to her that I know how important it is but I don't enjoy it. She then challenged me to start adding it in even just two days a week. With the fast weight loss, I am also losing muscle and I need to keep that. Of course this I know but I would rather go for a run or swim than lift. However, I never turn away from a challenge so here I go...adding weights to my workouts!!

Another highlight of this past week, I went shopping to pick up a few things. My closet is dwindling and I need a few dresses for some upcoming events. I bought three dresses ... two were a size L and another was a size 14! I am officially down 4 sizes! Since I don't check my scale every day, it's nice to have other ways to measure your success!

Below is two pictures showing another success. Some of you may not understand this or probably can't relate. However, as someone who travels often for work, this is a huge success!!

"Insert the metal fittings one into the other, and tighten by pulling on the loose end of the strap"

Yes, I can do that now!!

Trying On Clothes...

This evening I am watching the first 2016 Presidential debate. While listening I decided I needed to multitask because some of these answers are just crazy ... so I decided to try on clothes in my closet. My wardrobe is getting bigger and bigger. I am not complaining but I need to figure out what I can wear now and I need to distract myself.

Even though I know I have lost weight sometimes it is hard to see yourself thinner when you have seen yourself fat for so long! I need to tell myself that these clothes are hanging off of me and I need to let them go! Psychologically this is tough. How many of us have saved clothes, because someday you may need them? I don't want them and I will not go back!

So far my clothes donation pile is getting higher and I have a lot of empty hangers! I tried on an LL Bean winter jacket I bought last year, one that I love so much, but it is huge on me. I will need to purchase a new one soon.

As much as this debate is upsetting me the closet clean out is not!! Looking forward to a small shopping spree soon.

I think it is time for a new jacket!

Yeah I would like a new jacket!

Struggling...

It has been over 8 weeks since my bariatric surgery (RNY) and I can, with 100% certainty, say that this is not easy and I don't know everything. Especially after the last 32 hours! Three months ago if I was traveling for work and I was taking an alumnus/alumna out to lunch or dinner I wouldn't even think twice. I would order something that sounded yummy on the menu and probably eat the whole thing.

Since the surgery it isn't that easy. In fact it causes me a bit of anxiety. Will I order the wrong thing? Will it disagree with me? Will I eat too much? Within the last 32 hours I have struggled with where I should eat, what I should order and how much I should eat? I probably should admit I haven't made the best choices.

Granted I can look back at every meal and know that I barely ate anything (for a normal person). For example I went to dinner on Friday evening and when the waiter finally took my plate away (after 40 minutes...yes I time myself) most people would probably say, did you even touch the meal? However, I left the restaurant feeling stuffed and uncomfortable. I ate one too many bites. Of course right away I started to beat myself up. Why did I do that? Why didn't I just listen to my body? However, a few months ago I would probably have eaten the entire meal and I didn't do that, not even half. I am not making excuses just trying to make myself feel better.

When I am home I weigh and measure everything I eat. I plan every meal so being on the road, not always knowing how things are made or how much will be served can be difficult. Yes, I pack protein bars and other snacks to have on hand. I have also shopped at grocery stores in different cities to pick up some meals but I am sure not our alumni wouldn't be into going to the deli counter at Ralph's in LA!?!? But maybe they are?!?

I need to figure this out because I can't ask every alumnus/alumna out for coffee/tea...I would be supper high on caffeine!

I know this post is probably all over the place but that is how I feel right now. A good friend of mine, who is a fantastic writer, once shared that sometimes you just have to put thoughts down on paper and not worry about making sense!

PS: For those who don't know me, I work in the field of alumni relations in higher education and I travel a lot!

On a new journey!

Another Quick Update...

I am almost at 8 weeks post surgery and every little measurement or accomplishment keeps me going. When I was in college the school that I attended had so many traditions. One was a class ring that everyone ordered. Or I am going to assume that everyone ordered because I know of no one who didn't order one. We ordered the rings at the end of our sophomore year and they were delivered during our Junior year. Part of the tradition is the school holds a ring ceremony and being a Catholic School the rings were blessed during this ceremony.

I never ordered a high school ring, because I always thought they were ugly but I was very proud of my college ring. I wore it for years post graduation. However, within the last 10 years I haven't worn the ring because it didn't fit any more. The day before the surgery I took the ring out of a drawer but left it in it's box. Just this last week I decided to try it on ...It fit!!

A new journey!!

My College Ring!

It FITS!!!

Quick Update

Race Number and Race Shirt

On Sunday, September 11th I ran in the GySgt Thomas J Sullivan 5K Remembrance Run. This run was organized to honor the memory of a soldier who was killed in Chattanooga a year ago. Tommy Sullivan grew up in the same neighborhood as I did and I saw this race as an opportunity to respect his memory and also do my first race post surgery. I was so happy with my time and how I felt on the course. I completed the race in 38:55 (according to my watch). According to the race (gun time) had me completing the race doing a 12:37/mile. I was so excited when I saw that! I have other races scheduled in the near future so I am excited to see what my future holds for me and my finish times.

The second quick up date I want to share is this morning I flew from Syracuse, NY to LA. For the last few years every time I boarded a plane I would say a little prayer, begging God that the seat belt would fit. Twice in the past I have had to ask for an extension...which was embarrassing. Some people may think that twice isn't that many times but for me it was too many. I learned to ask for the extension as soon as I boarded that way no one would know I needed one. Well today I got on the plane, went to my seat and buckled myself in for the ride. Not only did I fasten the seat belt but I was able to pull it tight!!

Some times the little things mean so much!!

New Journey!

Updates: 6 weeks tomorrow

Just completed 5 miles

This past week has been a busy one personally and professionally. As of tomorrow I am 6 weeks post surgery and even though I feel great and have had few problems I can say that it hasn't been easy. Prior to my decision to have this surgery I went to the bariatric support group to meet with other patients. I remember during that meeting a woman looked at me and said "there is nothing easy about this surgery". Well I can say without a doubt that this is true.

Every day I have to think about the amount of protein I eat. I have to think about not eating too fast or too much at one time. I can't drink anything while I eat due to the space in my stomach. I have to read every label and make sure there isn't any added sugar. Finally I am also limited on what items I can take in and not knowing how something is cooked makes a huge difference. I am not complaining because I am willing to do all of this in order to achieve success. However, I have to think about these things prior to going out with friends, going to the Great NY State Fair or traveling for work.

I have to admit I have not gone out for dinner or lunch. And I have not ordered out since the surgery. This past week was a first. I was traveling for work and I have to admit I was nervous. It was a quick trip down and back to NYC but what could I bring with me? Where could I eat? I had plans to meet two alumni for lunch so I had to plan what I could order. I checked out the menu online prior to arriving at the restaurant. You see if I order the wrong thing it can cause some serious problems. So I went with the gnocchi with a basic red sauce. Gnocchi is a very soft potato pasta which is allowed so far on my diet. Of course when my plate came I didn't even get through half of it but all was good and I made a great choice.

The pasta was a positive choice but earlier in that morning I made a cup of tea. When I usually make a cup of tea I add equal and skim milk. I drink tea like other people drink coffee so the fact that I am still able to drink my tea post surgery is a wonderful thing. So Wednesday morning on my way to NYC I was on the Cornell bus that travels from Ithaca to NYC daily. It is a relaxing way to get into the city. Someone else drives, there is free wifi, and free snacks and drinks. Around 8 am that morning I started to eat my breakfast and decided to have a cup of tea too. I forgot that on the bus they do not have equal or skim milk but I thought to myself how much trouble would a little bit of sugar and some half n half cause? Well I learned the hard way and I couldn't even believe how fast of a reaction my body had to these illegal substances! I didn't even finish the cup, I had probably two sips (it was hot). Well what happened next was not fun. I had indigestion, pain in my chest that felt like a heart attack, nausea and finally I was running to the bathroom (on a bus ) to get sick. Yes this is what was described would happen. They call it "dumping" (I am sorry for the word it doesn't even sound fun) and every bariatric patient I have talked with has gone through it, so there was my initiation! And I hope I never go through it again!

Once I returned from NYC I had plans to go to the GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR!! It is my annual trip and I will admit I love going! I was never the person who went to eat their way through the fair, in fact "fair day" was always my best diet day. However, prior to the surgery I looked forward to drinking some chocolate milk, having some Saranac root beer and if I wanted something else I knew I could get a sandwich or a burger without any problems. On this trip it was different, I couldn't have any chocolate milk or root beer. The one item I could still have was the $1 baked potato. I looked forward to it and I was very happy when I finally got through the line and picked up my baked potato. I think I was also the only person at the fair who packed her own food. I had to be prepared. With or without the food, I always enjoy the fair. It is a great place to walk around and the best place to people watch. Also where else can you see cows, pigs and goats!

So this week I also had some non-scale achievements. While at the fair I saw a booth that was selling running/workout clothes. So I stopped by. They had running tights for $19, I couldn't believe it. So I started talking with the guy working the booth and he told me that if I bought the tights I could get a top for $10! So I thought what's the harm in trying them on. Well this was a first both the top and bottoms fit and weren't tight. I was actually able to purchase normal people clothes. Of course the sales guy was very concerned that I had to have a matching top. I laughed and said well that would be a first because I never match when I run. I would put things on that fit. Now I have a matching outfit!!

The second non-scale achievement happened during the week. I had purchased some clothes at Kohl's with a coupon I had received. I was excited to purchase several items that were all in smaller sizes. Before I went to the check out I picked up two shirts that were on sale but I didn't try them on. When I got home one fit but the second one was too big. So today I had to return to the store and exchange for a SMALLER size! And finally tonight I went to the weekly support group of bariatric patients. I walked in a few minutes passed 6 and everyone stopped talking and looked at me. They were filled with congratulations and told me how wonderful I looked. I hadn't seen the group in about three weeks. It's nice for others to notice because sometimes its hard for me to see it every day.

Tomorrow is another day and I am excited to face each new one!!

Dinner, digital numbers and shopping

It has been just over a month since my surgery and even though I have been adding certain food items back into my diet there are so many I haven't tried. There are even food items I haven't had the desire to try and others that I am afraid to try. However, that is all for another post. I will say that I have been wanting to add more flavors to what I have been eating. Can I add spices, will my body react negatively to what I add? So tonight I tried something. I made an individual lasagna without the noodles! Yes, you read that correctly I made a meat lasagna without the pasta! I had all the ingredients; sauce, turkey meatballs, ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese. I took a small baking dish for one and put some sauce on the bottom. I then added some ricotta cheese. In order not to use too much ricotta cheese, I mixed it with fat free cottage cheese, garlic salt, and oregano. I then added the turkey meatballs (2 oz total) which I cut up to create the third layer. Then it was more sauce, the ricotta cheese mixture and finally I sprinkled some mozzarella cheese. I baked this for 20 minutes and it was FABULOUS!!!

It was just the flavor I needed without a lot of calories. I measured everything:
Less than 1/4 cup of sauce
1/4 cup of ricotta cheese mixture
2 oz of turkey meatballs
1 tablespoon of mozzarella cheese

I really enjoyed my dinner tonight and I finished it off with dessert ... 1/2 cup of watermelon

In order to make this all work I have to weigh and measure all my food. I can not eyeball anything. For me this is the only way I can stay in control. Even though my stomach is smaller doesn't mean that my relationship with food is cured. This is something I need to work on every day!!

The other thing I have to work on every day is my relationship with the digital box or what is normally called the scale. Every time those digital numbers show up on the box and stare back they have a power over me. I have hid my scale for now. I am trying, very hard, only to weigh myself once a month. I need to focus on other things other than the numbers on the scale. This new journey is about more than just the numbers on the scale. One day at a time but for now the digital box has been hidden! September 20th should be my next  weigh in date!

So speaking of focusing on other things other than the numbers on the scale ... I went shopping this weekend. I had a coupon for Kohl's so I thought I should pick up a few things. I ended up purchasing two pairs of pants; a few shirts and a dress. I went into the store not really knowing what size I was, so I knew I would have to try everything on. After trying on several or should I say a lot of items, I realized that I am down 3 pant sizes and 2 sizes in the tops. This was a big day...and I am hoping I won't be wearing these new clothes for very long!

Always learning something during this new journey!

One month post surgery

Today was my one month post-surgery follow-up with my doctor. During my appointment we discussed my diabetes daily number readings, my high blood pressure and the weight I have lost so far. I shared that my daily numbers have been in normal range and I am not taking any diabetes medication at this time. We then discussed my blood pressure which is low and once again I am off that medication too. After we discussed this, my doctor had a huge smile on his face and said, well wasn't that our goal? I smiled and said yes, that was our first goal, to be medication free. We can now check that off the list! The surgeon laughed and then said the weight-loss is just extra. I am losing about 4.5 pounds per week and I am down a total of 27 pounds since the two week pre-surgery diet started.

We continued the appointment and talked about my food intake, any problems I may be having and also exercising. I shared with him that so far I hadn't had any negative reactions to any food I have tried. Since leaving the hospital I only had the one incident of bad indigestion and other than that I have been pain free. Once we covered that I was excited to tell him about my exercise. With a smile on my face I told him I was back running routinely and I had also been swimming and biking! I shared with him that I had discussed my nutritional intake when exercising with the nutritionist and he thought I was right on track. The doctor's final question for me, "so are you happy with your decision to have the surgery"? I said so far I am very happy!

I have been attending a support group for bariatric surgery patients in the area. The support group is fabulous. In the group there are patients who have had the surgery years ago and some like me who had the surgery weeks ago. Last week the discussion was about how much you share with people about your surgery. When it was my turn to talk I laughed and said I am an open book. I said prior to the surgery I told certain friends and family and based on their positive support it made it easier for me to go through with my decision. Since the surgery I shared with the group that I have been keeping a blog and sharing my news with everyone. Keeping this "journal" helps me but I do hope it does or someday will help others too. Since I am a newbie in the support group I also shared how my recent surgery went and post-surgery had been going. I think I shocked the group when I shared that I was back running 11 days post surgery!! I have to tell you I am very proud of the fact that I got back into my workouts. I have been taking it slow, but it was important to me to get back into my routine!

Since I am one month post surgery I was able to incorporate additional food into my diet. This week I tried whole wheat toast (noticed I said toast and not bread), lowfat wheat thins, and some cheese. I had been eating chicken, eggs and most recently soft meatloaf. I made the meatloaf myself with ground turkey, hamburg, and oatmeal. I am not able to add breadcrumbs so I added oatmeal instead. I have found since having this surgery sometimes it is the little things that make you happy. Adding the toast, wheat thins and cheese made my week. So far there haven't been any negative side affects to adding these food items. Plus wheat thins always make me think of two greats friends ... so that added an extra smile to my face!

Answering my doctor's question again ... Yes, I am happy with my decision to go forward with this surgery!

Clothes, workouts and swimsuits

Just after my surgery and being released from the hospital, with the help of my sister, I organized my clothes. If you struggle with your weight like I did and went up and down the scale, I can assume that you have a closet filled with many different sizes. I had a closet and two bins filled with clothes. So with my sister's help we sorted the clothes by size. I then tried some on and decided what I would keep and what I would donate, knowing I would never wear them again. This was two weeks ago and after we sorted the clothes we donated an entire bin to the rescue mission.

For the next week I didn't wear many different outfits. I was still home from work and pretty much wore yoga pants, t-shirts and my pajamas. So when I finally returned to work I started to wear the clothes that we organized. If you don't step on the digital box (scale) every day trying on clothes is a nice way to judge how you are doing. My first day back I wore a dress that I realized I may not be wearing again. I am losing weight, which is the plan, and I am losing it in my upper body area first. So with this in mind my bras are loser and so are many tops and the tops of dresses. On Friday I brought another bag of clothes to a consignment shop. The shop took half the clothes I brought to them and I made $24 off of what I was giving away. Instead of bringing the remaining clothes home I brought them to the Salvation Army and donated them there.As time goes on I have a feeling that donating clothes and bringing them to consignment shops will become part of my routine.

I have continued my workouts since the surgery and they have included walking, running, biking and swimming. I have been taking it easy because I am still trying to balance my nutrition with my effort level. So when I got on my bike, I was on my trainer and road for about 30 easy minutes. I was so excited to get back in the pool, which I did for the first time last week. I didn't go too hard but I had to move quickly because I was swimming in between thunder storms. I was able to get a good 22 minute swim complete before the thunder began. In between raindrops I have also been able to get a few runs in too. Today I completed a 3 mile run and it felt great. I have been run/walking as to not over do it. For every minute that I run I then walk the same amount. It isn't fast but I am covering the miles.

As I mentioned I went swimming last week. A few years ago I bought several new bathing suits but did not use them all in the first season. At the beginning of this summer I brought out one of those suits and used it for the first time. The suit fit fine all summer until I tried it on last week. It was much bigger than the last time I wore it. Guess who will be checking out SwimOutlet.com very soon?!? Oh the fun has begun!

Stay tuned I head back to the nutritionist this week!

Work, Workouts and Eggs!!

 
It has been two weeks since my surgery and yesterday I returned to work. I returned to an overflowing email inbox and gratitude to be back on the job. After seeing the doctor on Friday and talking with my boss we came to the decision that I would return to work but only part-time for this first week. I have to admit I still get tired in the afternoon but getting back to work feels great.

Since being cleared to workout on Friday I haven't missed a day. Saturday and Sunday I ran. Yesterday I biked and today I walked. Needed to get something done but I was tired so I figured walking was better than nothing. The workouts have felt great but still need to keep them easy. Until I meet with the nutritionist I can't increase the miles or the intensity. I am hoping with the help of the nutritionist I can learn how to balance my nutritional intake with increasing my miles.

The biggest update I have for this week is I can start adding some solid food to daily intake. For the last two weeks I have following a liquid diet. The most solid item I was able to eat was yogurt. However, I had to add milk to it to make sure it was more of a liquid. The problem with eating yogurt every day is I don't really like yogurt. Prior to the surgery I ate yogurt occasionally but not every day. So after eating it for two weeks I was looking for something else. I am slowly adding certain items back into my diet like unsweetened applesauce, bananas and eggs. However, in order to add these items I had to go to Wegman's first.

On my list was Eggs, Milk, bananas, applesauce, gazpacho (purred veggies), chicken, and light mayo. I was never so excited to go grocery shopping. I went to get the soup first, then I picked up some chicken, bananas, milk and eggs. I then had to discover what was the best kind of unsweetened applesauce I should buy and also mayo with little sugar. Come to find out Mayo with olive oil doesn't have any sugar ... who knew?!?

The other item I was going to investigate was baby food. Yes, you read that correctly baby food! Due to the fact that during this period of post surgical diet everything has to be blended, mashed or pureed, many weight loss surgery patients suggested I try some baby food. It comes in the correct serving size, there is no sugar added and if you try the stage II jars they are usually chicken, turkey etc and they have plenty of protein.

Well first I had to find the baby food. Obviously, not having any children, this is not an item I normally buy. So as I wonder the aisles at Wegman's I finally discover that baby food  is not where I would have displayed it. Sure it is on the same aisle as diapers and baby wipes but it is not with other food, but that isn't important. I discovered a few things as I was checking out all the jars of baby food. First I feel bad for babies because none of the jars seemed very appetizing and second baby food is very expensive!! Well, after weighing all my options I decided on three Gerber jars (at .99 a jar) of chicken and gravy. When I get up the courage to try it I will let you know!!

In the mean time tonight I had a scrambled egg and a 1/4 cup of applesauce!! I love eggs!!

There is always an adventure on this new journey!