Well, it is official...I am cranky. I went into this with a great positive attitude, but not feeling very positive at the moment. My sister told me about the slogan H.A.L.T. that she learned from a friend. It stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. You are supposed to stop and think about why you are having a hard time...gee, I am all of the above. I had no clue just how difficult this was going to be...the liquid diet. And I have 7 more days of this? I am crabby, emotional, pissed off one minute~crying the next...I am like a starving menopausal woman. It just occurred to me that I really did not know what being hungry really was like until now. When you can hear your stomach growling loudly yelling at you to put something in it. As terrible as this is, I have to think this must be what it would be like for poor and homeless people. If I was hungry like this that often I would hurt somebody. I am not a violent person...but this sucks. I am normally a positive person, but did I say, this sucks?
I am not nervous about the surgery at all...I am however nervous about the duration of this damn liquid diet.
Hmmm, 3 down, 7 to go. Keep charging ahead. I will do this, I can do this, I am a strong woman...I am a bitch right now though ;)
Tomorrow is the big day...btw, lost 3 more lbs~that is 6.5 in 2 days.
Peace and Health,
Melissa
Day 1
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Day 2
Yay! I survived the first day of the liquid diet! Got on the scale, lost 3 1/2 lbs already...I know I will not lose that every day, and my friend Connie would be lecturing me right now about my obsession with the scale :)
I will probably weigh daily just while I am on the liquids, and then just once a week. I think the hardest part is that I feel tired. I need to work out, but don't feel like I have the energy. We bought a workout gym (all in 1) last night, so after I recover from the surgery, I can get going and Lisa can too. It will be nice to be able to work out at home and for us to do it together. I am slowly building piece by piece so I can continue on at home what I am learning from my trainer, who is AWESOME by the way. I am also thinking about setting a goal to accomplish a 5K run by maybe next St. Patty's day? So, St. Patrick's day 2012, then Komen 2012...why not set a goal for the half marathon in St. Louis by October 2012? Anyone want to join me?
I would have never dreamed I would want to run...LOL...my first partner was a marathon runner, and I had NO desire whatsoever to run. Thought runners were a little nuts. Ha ha, now I have the desire? That amazes me, totally. It makes me happy too. It is like I am going through a metamorphosis...
Just had a thought..My grandma and my mom always said it gets harder and harder to lose weight the older you get. So very true. I have tried so many things, that is why I am doing something drastic. But safe. I am thankful that I finally "got it" and I am doing something about it. I don't want to be heavy anymore. I don't want to get diabetes, which I am a prime candidate for with my weight and family history. I am thankful for my partner who is supporting me every step of the way, and we are BOTH going to be healthy and fit.
I am thankful for my mom, my family, and my friends for their encouragement and support. I am a very lucky girl :)
I am very thankful too, that I decided to do something for me and started taking JuicePlus last summer. That is truly where the seed was planted for what I am growing into now. And it is that plant based whole food supplement that will get me through this healing process with good nutrition. I am pretty much living on the JP Complete protein shakes now with my liquid diet, and I feel better after I drink them. Living on broth, jello, water, juice etc just isn't healthy, but a necessary evil for pre-op. At least I know I am getting my nutrition through the shakes, thank God that was approved by my surgeon and dietician! I can't imagine how much more fatigued and weak I would feel without the shakes.
Peace and Health,
Melissa
I will probably weigh daily just while I am on the liquids, and then just once a week. I think the hardest part is that I feel tired. I need to work out, but don't feel like I have the energy. We bought a workout gym (all in 1) last night, so after I recover from the surgery, I can get going and Lisa can too. It will be nice to be able to work out at home and for us to do it together. I am slowly building piece by piece so I can continue on at home what I am learning from my trainer, who is AWESOME by the way. I am also thinking about setting a goal to accomplish a 5K run by maybe next St. Patty's day? So, St. Patrick's day 2012, then Komen 2012...why not set a goal for the half marathon in St. Louis by October 2012? Anyone want to join me?
I would have never dreamed I would want to run...LOL...my first partner was a marathon runner, and I had NO desire whatsoever to run. Thought runners were a little nuts. Ha ha, now I have the desire? That amazes me, totally. It makes me happy too. It is like I am going through a metamorphosis...
Just had a thought..My grandma and my mom always said it gets harder and harder to lose weight the older you get. So very true. I have tried so many things, that is why I am doing something drastic. But safe. I am thankful that I finally "got it" and I am doing something about it. I don't want to be heavy anymore. I don't want to get diabetes, which I am a prime candidate for with my weight and family history. I am thankful for my partner who is supporting me every step of the way, and we are BOTH going to be healthy and fit.
I am thankful for my mom, my family, and my friends for their encouragement and support. I am a very lucky girl :)
I am very thankful too, that I decided to do something for me and started taking JuicePlus last summer. That is truly where the seed was planted for what I am growing into now. And it is that plant based whole food supplement that will get me through this healing process with good nutrition. I am pretty much living on the JP Complete protein shakes now with my liquid diet, and I feel better after I drink them. Living on broth, jello, water, juice etc just isn't healthy, but a necessary evil for pre-op. At least I know I am getting my nutrition through the shakes, thank God that was approved by my surgeon and dietician! I can't imagine how much more fatigued and weak I would feel without the shakes.
Peace and Health,
Melissa
Monday, March 28, 2011
Day 1
Started the liquid diet today. It is honestly a challenge, but trying real hard to keep myself distracted from food and the kitchen. So far, I am doing okay. I feel better after I drink my JuicePlus Complete protein drinks. At least those fill me up a little and I am some getting good nutrition. I am trying some juices, POM for one...VERY expensive, but good. I am on a liquid diet for 10 days. That in itself should get the weight loss rolling shouldn't it? I have made it 11 hours so far LOL. I want to work out, but feel really tired. Guess it makes sense since I am not getting alot of calories. I am going to at least go for a walk though. I have not worked out with my trainer for almost 2 weeks now, due to a shoulder/chest injury. That has set me back a little bit, never thought I would miss working out so bad. Can't wait to get going again. We are getting some workout equipment so we can work out at home. Have done that many times in the past, all with good intention of course, but REALLY plan to use it this time!
Peace and Health,
Melissa
Peace and Health,
Melissa
Sunday, March 27, 2011
End of one, beginning of another
So, today is the last day of eating as I have known it all my life. This weekend I have had ample opportunities to "go crazy" and eat whatever I want. Amazingly, I have not. Even going out to dinner last night, I ate healthy, and not too much. Today, I am almost afraid to eat...tomorrow I start the 10 day liquid diet. I am very emotional today. Have been crying quite a bit. Why? Not really sure why. I am nervous, scared...not about the procedure at all...I guess about shutting one door and going through another. It still amazes me how "mental" eating was for me. Sure, we need it for survival...not in the quantities I consumed though. Eating felt good. Eating was a band aid. Eating was an addiction. Okay, I said it. Addiction. I am not addicted to drugs or alcohol, or anything else that I know of, except, for food. So, my fear? Is that food is going to be my enemy, that food is going to make me fail. Like so many times in my life, I failed at diets. That really sucks, because we need food to survive. So how does one control their addiction to something that is necessary for survival? I guess the answer for me is restriction. I cannot trust myself to restrict myself...hence the decision for LapBand. I need this tool, this assistive device, to help me get over my addiction~or at least control it. The end result? My health. I want to be as healthy as I can be, and want to keep up with my kids. I don't want to be a "fat mom"~I want to teach my kids so that they don't have a weight problem like me. Gosh, there are SO many reasons to do this...I just have to buck up and do it. For ME!!! And for them...and for anyone else that has this problem, if I can do it, anyone can! So, I am gonna do it!
Thank you to my many friends and family that loves me and supports me~that will definitely help me to get through the door and on my way on this new journey.
Peace and health,
Melissa
Thank you to my many friends and family that loves me and supports me~that will definitely help me to get through the door and on my way on this new journey.
Peace and health,
Melissa
Friday, March 25, 2011
Getting Ready
This week several people have asked "are you ready" when discussing the upcoming LapBand procedure. I have answered yes, and felt very honest with that reply. Until today. First time I have felt ANY anxiety about having this done. I was grocery shopping with my kids, and suddenly I felt like, wow...I can't eat this, and that, and that, and OMG...I start my liquid diet on Monday..."am I going to make it ok?" I asked myself. My stomach started turning and I felt nervous. I still feel that way, that is what prompted me to blog. I have been pretty darn confident up until this point. Life is going to change, BIG time. Maybe I should be a little nervous. I know I need to do this...I just want my brain to cooperate with my body. My mind has won most battles, overriding my fleeting thoughts of "this isn't good for you Mis" or "stop shoveling it in" or "do you really need to eat that?" SOMETHING in my brain has the power to override these thoughts and go on "auto-pilot" and do what I call brainless eating. I have not done that in a while, but I guess it is like an addiction...I am fearful of losing control again. Maybe that is the reason for the anxiety today. Fearful of failing. Like so many times in the past. I have conquered so many things in my life~but the battle with food, well, need I say...I haven't conquered that one? I am doing better, doing pretty good actually...but the fear is always there. I have to be strong. I have to do this. I will not let food defeat me. I have to do this for ME.
Part of me wants to go crazy and eat whatever I want this weekend. Have a last "hurrah." But then I think it will be too easy to want to continue that and then this life change will be even more difficult. Hmmm, I am struggling...guess it is normal. I feel like I will be mourning...the love affair with food is coming to an end. Or is it just a new beginning? To live my life and not be this overweight? Now that is a nicer thought. Need to be positive :)
Peace and Health,
Melissa
Part of me wants to go crazy and eat whatever I want this weekend. Have a last "hurrah." But then I think it will be too easy to want to continue that and then this life change will be even more difficult. Hmmm, I am struggling...guess it is normal. I feel like I will be mourning...the love affair with food is coming to an end. Or is it just a new beginning? To live my life and not be this overweight? Now that is a nicer thought. Need to be positive :)
Peace and Health,
Melissa
Monday, March 21, 2011
Life Change
So, I wanted to start a BLOG to chronicle my journey. Currently I am living with my partner Lisa, and have shared custody of 2 beautiful daughters Grace and Lily. I work full time, I own ChefMel Sauces, Inc and I am a JuicePlus+ distributor. To say that I am an entrepreneur and try to get the most out of life is truth. I have accomplished alot in my almost 42 years, but my newest adventure will be the most life changing.
I am preparing to have the LapBand procedure on March 31st. One day before I turn 42. I am giving myself the ultimate birthday present.
My journey took a turn when last summer, I decided to start taking better care of myself. I am really good at taking care of others, but kinda sucked at taking care of myself. So I took a leap, and started taking a whole food supplement called Juice Plus+. I wanted to be healthy, but really just wanted to feel better as I had a tendency to "burn the candle at both ends" like my grandma used to tell me. I would get run down, and then get sick~it was the only way my body got a "break." Little did I know, that once I started taking Juice Plus+ that I would then not only start feeling better, but started craving more fruits and veggies, and additionally began feeling like I really needed to get healthier.
My bloodwork had been looking great, until I was told I have a mild case of fatty liver disease. What?? Gee, made sense though, since I have plenty of fat around it LOL. But it scared me, and I thought, well...I have been pretty darn healthy despite being overweight, but that is probably going to change as I age. So I started eating healthier. I started "trying" to exercise, though with my schedule, I had every excuse or justification needed to NOT exercise. I had looked in to the LapBand procedure about 3 years ago, and just didn't do it. I started thinking about it again, approached Lisa about it, and she was very supportive. She wants me to be healthy too. She does not have an issue with me being overweight from a vanity standpoint, only wants me to be around as long as possible for her and for our kids.
So, in December '10, Lisa and I and my mom went to a seminar presented by Darin Minkin, MD. He specializes in bariatric surgery. I filled out the paperwork, went for a few prerequisite tests, and much to my dismay, was approved by my insurance company by mid February. I have been working out the details, ie time off work, ever since.
I met with the dietician last week, and actually got the idea for a BLOG from her. I felt very good after talking with her, and finding out about support groups and just the general staff support. I feel confident in the program and plan to be very successful. I plan to BLOG as much as possible to chronicle my journey, and to be accountable. This is for me, this is for anyone that wants to or is doing any bariatric procedure, this is for anyone interested in weight loss, for anyone interested in health and wellness as a big part of my recovery and success will be due to my intake which relies heavily on Juice Plus+ capsules AND Juice Plus+ Complete Protein powder as I will be on liquids for about 2 weeks. I will need to continue to supplement with Protein shakes throughout even once on solids to avoid losing muscle or suffering hair loss.
I started working out with my personal trainer Chet about 6 weeks ago. Since December, I have lost 17 pounds to date. I don't really have a goal weight as of yet, however I definitely want to be in the "1 Club" meaning I want to weigh in the 100's, NOT 200's. When I work with Chet, I am weight training combined with cardio, ie squats, lunges, etc. I train with him 2 days a week. At least 3 more days out of the week, I do my own cardio, which is usually a 2-3 mile walk. I have now gotten myself to walk/run...I never thought I would run, not since high school soccer when coach made us run a mile at the end of practice. I always came in last...the only time I felt ahead was when the other girls were lapping me LOL. But then they would pass me and oh crap, now I am really behind. I actually like running now. I am only doing short spurts to increase my heart rate, but I think I may actually end up running regularly once I get this weight off. I will be much lighter after all!
This is my last week of eating as I have known it all of my life. Next Monday, March 28, I start my liquid diet. Then, 3 days later I have the procedure, and continue on liquids for another week. There is a slow progression from there, incorporating soft foods, for about 8 weeks until you can eat a regular diet. Of course, my portions will be much much smaller. About 1/2 cup of food 3-4 times a day.
No more soda, and no more beer. I will miss the beer, especially when golfing...but I will deal with it. I have already given up bread, pasta and rice...which I NEVER thought possible! The thing I will miss the most in the first 8 weeks is fresh fruit and veggies. Thank goodness I will have the Juice Plus+ though, for my nutrition!!
Life is going to change, alot...but I have the support I need, and the right mental attitude. I will do this. I will be changed forever. I am so excited to be on this journey! I am so happy to share this with you.
Peace and Health,
Melissa
I am preparing to have the LapBand procedure on March 31st. One day before I turn 42. I am giving myself the ultimate birthday present.
My journey took a turn when last summer, I decided to start taking better care of myself. I am really good at taking care of others, but kinda sucked at taking care of myself. So I took a leap, and started taking a whole food supplement called Juice Plus+. I wanted to be healthy, but really just wanted to feel better as I had a tendency to "burn the candle at both ends" like my grandma used to tell me. I would get run down, and then get sick~it was the only way my body got a "break." Little did I know, that once I started taking Juice Plus+ that I would then not only start feeling better, but started craving more fruits and veggies, and additionally began feeling like I really needed to get healthier.
My bloodwork had been looking great, until I was told I have a mild case of fatty liver disease. What?? Gee, made sense though, since I have plenty of fat around it LOL. But it scared me, and I thought, well...I have been pretty darn healthy despite being overweight, but that is probably going to change as I age. So I started eating healthier. I started "trying" to exercise, though with my schedule, I had every excuse or justification needed to NOT exercise. I had looked in to the LapBand procedure about 3 years ago, and just didn't do it. I started thinking about it again, approached Lisa about it, and she was very supportive. She wants me to be healthy too. She does not have an issue with me being overweight from a vanity standpoint, only wants me to be around as long as possible for her and for our kids.
So, in December '10, Lisa and I and my mom went to a seminar presented by Darin Minkin, MD. He specializes in bariatric surgery. I filled out the paperwork, went for a few prerequisite tests, and much to my dismay, was approved by my insurance company by mid February. I have been working out the details, ie time off work, ever since.
I met with the dietician last week, and actually got the idea for a BLOG from her. I felt very good after talking with her, and finding out about support groups and just the general staff support. I feel confident in the program and plan to be very successful. I plan to BLOG as much as possible to chronicle my journey, and to be accountable. This is for me, this is for anyone that wants to or is doing any bariatric procedure, this is for anyone interested in weight loss, for anyone interested in health and wellness as a big part of my recovery and success will be due to my intake which relies heavily on Juice Plus+ capsules AND Juice Plus+ Complete Protein powder as I will be on liquids for about 2 weeks. I will need to continue to supplement with Protein shakes throughout even once on solids to avoid losing muscle or suffering hair loss.
I started working out with my personal trainer Chet about 6 weeks ago. Since December, I have lost 17 pounds to date. I don't really have a goal weight as of yet, however I definitely want to be in the "1 Club" meaning I want to weigh in the 100's, NOT 200's. When I work with Chet, I am weight training combined with cardio, ie squats, lunges, etc. I train with him 2 days a week. At least 3 more days out of the week, I do my own cardio, which is usually a 2-3 mile walk. I have now gotten myself to walk/run...I never thought I would run, not since high school soccer when coach made us run a mile at the end of practice. I always came in last...the only time I felt ahead was when the other girls were lapping me LOL. But then they would pass me and oh crap, now I am really behind. I actually like running now. I am only doing short spurts to increase my heart rate, but I think I may actually end up running regularly once I get this weight off. I will be much lighter after all!
This is my last week of eating as I have known it all of my life. Next Monday, March 28, I start my liquid diet. Then, 3 days later I have the procedure, and continue on liquids for another week. There is a slow progression from there, incorporating soft foods, for about 8 weeks until you can eat a regular diet. Of course, my portions will be much much smaller. About 1/2 cup of food 3-4 times a day.
No more soda, and no more beer. I will miss the beer, especially when golfing...but I will deal with it. I have already given up bread, pasta and rice...which I NEVER thought possible! The thing I will miss the most in the first 8 weeks is fresh fruit and veggies. Thank goodness I will have the Juice Plus+ though, for my nutrition!!
Life is going to change, alot...but I have the support I need, and the right mental attitude. I will do this. I will be changed forever. I am so excited to be on this journey! I am so happy to share this with you.
Peace and Health,
Melissa
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