First year to a new me!

 

So that last year has been a long and interesting journey.  Most of you know by now that I had gastric bypass surgery on 8/31/2010 (before and after pics below). It was something that I didn't broadcast because everyone, and I mean EVERYONE has an option. It's not that I didn't want to know what people thought, but more over it was none of anyone's business. I told my immediate family and a few very special friends. People who really know me and understand my struggle. I appreciate all the advise I was given and took it all to heart. Weight loss has always been a struggle my entire life and I wanted to make a choice that was best for me, best for my health, my sanity, and my survivial.

It's been quite the year. Right after surgery I thought, what the hell have I done. I could not get in any water or protein shakes. 10 days on a liquid is no walk in the park and after I left the hospital my pain meds made me so sick I could not take them. I pushed on knowing it could only get better.  At my 10 day check up I was down 21 pounds. If I had the energy I would have done a dance of joy.

Over the last year I have learned a lot. There are still things that make me sick that I use to love...like chicken. Man, I really miss eating chicken. I keep trying it every few weeks to see if I can get it down. I am determined!! I have learned to cook and shop in a whole new way. I have learned to tweak old favorite recipes to a way that I can enjoy them. I can't really have any sugar without feeling like I want to die, so it makes it pretty easy to avoid. Everyday I have to remind myself not to overeat. Everyday I still measure my food. My food scale is my best friend. It helps keep me on track and helps keep me honest about what I am eating and how much. I grocery shop and come home and pre-portion my snacks in snack baggies so if I need something I don't have to think about it. It's already measured for me. Cheese and Nuts are my go to snacks these days. I still love my protein shakes and replace breakfast or lunch with them a few days a week.


One thing I never ever thought I would like to do is exerceise. I love my gym. Before I hated going because I always felt like everyone was staring at the fat girl.  Now I toss on my exercise clothes and bust a move. Body Pump and Zumba are by far my favorite classes. I also find I enjoy walking to work or even walking on my lunch break. I like to move and that is very different for me.


My weight loss has cost us some pennies on top of the standard hospital and dr bills. I have gone through a ton of clothes. I am starting to even out now but I would still like to lose a little more. I am working on re-building my wardrobe slowly. When you need everything from undies to shoes (yes your feet shrink) it is not cheap!


The last year has been challenging and fun all at the same time. I feel better, have more energy and have a better outlook. I am more confident and more self aware. I feel like I have a re-newed purpose. I still enjoy going to support groups to try and help new pre-op patients start their journey and offer any advise I can. A lot of them read my blog now which is nice.


Some outsiders think gastric bypass is the "easy" way out. I can assure you, and so would any other post op that it is FAR from easy. My weight is still something I have to work at everyday. It will always be a struggle to maintain a healthy lifestyle but I am determined to do it!


At the end of 365 days I have gone from 303.5 and a size 28 (yes both those #'s are embarssing  and I can't believe I am putting it out there for all to see) down to a current 182 and a size 10/12. I would be happy living my life at 150 so I still have a ways to go.


Me "before" July 2010

Me and Viv - June 2010

Me- June 2011

August 31, 2011- 1 year from surgery!

Just for fun :)

For my readers who are WLS patients, pre-ops and post ops, feel free to ask me any questions you might have. Private message me if you want and we can chat. You can also follow this blog or follow me on twitter (jennygrl is my user name)


For those of my readers who are my dear friends and family, all I can say is thank you for your love and support.






In the coming months I will be posting more recipes for WLS and non WLS patients and just general ramblings.... I am currently working on a WLS Essentials list of things I can 't live without :)

I am celebrating my one year today by going to my "One Year Successful Habits" class and maybe, just maybe the wife will take me out to dinner this week  :)





Blueberry Muffins...delish!!

I had a friend ask me for my favorite muffin recipe today, so here it is. You can switch out the blueberries for really any fruit....or chocolate :)

So I was watching my favorite cooking show the other night with Ina Garten and she made the most delicious looking Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins. Now, technically I can't eat muffins, but I want to make these so darn bad. So I caved and made them for my family...

Ina Gartens Blueberry Coffee Cake Muffins:
What you will need:
Muffin Cup liners
2 Muffin tins- makes about 16 muffins
Regular size Ice Cream Scoop- makes the perfect size muffins

Ingredients:
2tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt
2-1/2 cups Flour
3 XL Eggs
1-1/2 Sticks Butter
1-1/2 cups Sugar
1-1/2 tsp Vanilla
1/4 cup Milk
8oz Sour Cream

1-2 cups Fresh or Thawed Blueberries



Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time then vanilla, sour cream, and milk.
Sift together Dry Ingredients and slowly add to wet mixture until just combined.



Fold in Blueberries gently so you don't break them! Scoop into prepared pans and bake at 350 for about 18-22 min.


I split my batter into two and made half blueberry and half chocolate chip!

I got a batch of 20 out of my batter...

If you give the recipe a try, let me know how it comes out!

Happy Baking!!

Custard & Strawberries Mock Tart

So I have not had much free time lately but the other day I was craving some English custard so I broke out the Birds container. While digging around for my splenda I thought why not kick this up a notch so I started seeing what I had around and voila now I have a Custard & Strawberries Mock Tart what works for my WLS lifestyle..

Here is what you will need:

For the "Tart" Crust:
1/4 cup Almond Meal
2 TB Golden Flaxseed Meal
2 tsp Splenda
2 tsp melted Earth Balance butter (just enough to make it like a crumb base mixture)


Pat into 4oz heat ramekins and bake for 6 min at 350. They will be slightly puffy.

For the Custard:

Bird's Custard- half recipe on container to 1 cup Milk and 1 TB mix. Use 1TB Splenda. Cook as directed.



 
 
 
Fill ramekins with warm custard mixture. Let cool for about 5 min.

Slice a couple strawberries in half and gently place on top of custard.

Cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge to cool.

 

These are super yummy and really hit the spot :)

 

Let me know if you try these out !

 

Happy Eating,

Jenny