Losing Libby

libby plus baby

2011-06-28T20:50:00.001-04:00

So I’ve been a terrible blogger, but I swear it was for good reason. Here are several key events going on in Losing Libby land.

As most of you know, I’m about to become a mommy. Insanity. I am obviously pumped, but I would totally be lying if I didn’t admit that I am scared outta my mind. Baby Mac is due to arrive in about 29 days…his name is going to be Ian. He is already gorgeous, mainly because he is mine.

I am quite proud to say I have gained only 18 lbs as of today. I have to be honest, I didn’t care how much I gained as long as I have a fat healthy baby! So overall, I think I did pretty well.

I am approaching my two year surgiversay. It is still a battle some days. I’d be lying if I said this was easy, and as most of you know, it has not. I am looking forward to lots more protein, exercise, and focusing on these things to lose the baby weight and then some.

We (me and the mister) moved two weeks ago into a new place. It is the perfect place for us to start our little family, and I am really happy we did. Moving about 6 weeks before you give birth though, not recommended:)

I will plan to blog about the baby, the baby weightloss plan, and overall life a bit more while off on maternity leave. I am going to be taking 12 glorious weeks off to start my kiddo off right (I hope!), so I look forward to hearing from you all. And thanks for sticking around, even though I’m a bad bad blogger.

Protein shake a day

2011-01-30T15:47:00.001-05:00

My new resolution is to try to have a shake a day, or at least some sort of solid protein (ex. protein bar, shake, no carbs…)

Today’s shake was this creation, and I must say, I love it.

Protein shake of the day:
Lime Berry Cream Shake

1 c. skim milk (or water, soy whateves)
1 scoop vanilla fusion (or whatever protein powder you like)
1/4 c. frozen berry blend
1 tsp. of SF lime jello mix
1 tbsp. of SF cheesecake mix
1 package of true lime (or fresh lime zest if you are fancy)
ice cubes galore

Splenda or whatever you use to sweeten it up a touch

blend, top with SF whip cream if you like (or whatever you choose!)

This one is tart, but so good. It masks all taste of protein in my opinion.

In other news, today the mister and I went to the Buffalo Soup-fest. It was delicious and filled with tasty tasty soups. Most of them were of the low-carb type even! I tried a lentil one, a vicychoisse (??), Dijon Carmelized Onion, Polish Sausage and Kraut, Zuppa Toscana, and of course, Chicken Wing. I could have tried to pack more in, but it got so crowded in there, we bailed. Nice turn out I thought though!

Anywho – happy shaking :)

The ever disappearing blogger...

2011-01-15T08:02:00.002-05:00

The disappearing blogger is about to go where some WLS patients have gone before.

MOTHERHOOD.

Holy shit people, I'm having a baby! The nugget will be making his or her debut on July 23. I will post some pictures once I edit them.

I have been feeling a little on the nutty side lately. The past few months have been a battle of hormones and overall unpleasantness. I'm really not sure why, other than, one of the things that happens when you are almost 2 years out, is your tool sometimes escapes you. Meaning one day, it is super easy to eat...a lot. I find myself using pregnancy and the hormones as an excuse to eat eat eat. I have gained 4 lbs so far, and I find this pretty much unacceptable!

When I went to my OB doc, she expressed a very good understanding of the gastric bypass patient, stating that it takes 300 extra calories a day to make a baby. Therefore, I shouldn't worry too much about weight gain, especially since I am still, overweight. I took that apparently, as a sign to just go balls out with food!

Well then the new year came, and with that is that whole, get back on the bandwagon business. I am trying, but my brain is often over running the logic that was known as food and healthy eating.

Anywho - I look forward to getting back on track with you all, if you're still here. And if you're not, well you'll be back :) <3

Learning how to take a compliment

2010-10-25T20:51:00.001-04:00

So my attempt to blog daily was ruined by this chick:

I made it extra large so you could see the ridiculousness on our faces. I love you Rosemary!! Ever since Rosie’s wedding I’ve been a total slack ass, as per my usual. But back on the blogwagon kids!

As most of you know, I am a music therapist, working inpatient mental health. I run group therapy 5 days a week and often get the opportunity to work individually with patients. I have found that most people have pretty shady self-esteem, and CAN NOT take a compliment. This happens daily, but today I reminded of my good friend Cynthia, who basically taught me how to take a compliment.

Ultimate rule: Just say thank you.

Sounds simple until 40 of your coworkers all tell you how fabulous you look. You immediately think, “Oh shit, how bad did I look before I lost (insert number of lbs here)!?!

My usual reaction would be to laugh at said person, and completely and one hundred percent disagree with them! It was a very hard habit to break, but I think I’ve finally done it.

How to take a compliment once you’ve lost 100+ lbs. (or even 10lbs frankly)….according to Dr. Libby:

1. Have your friends smack you around a bit and accept what they say as the truth

2. Always say thank you, even if your head is screwing with you to disagree.

3. Stop over analyzing every little imperfection in the mirror, or during a meeting or wherever. (Ex. You’re wearing a short sleeve shirt to work, sitting in a meeting, playing with your bat wings) (Sadly, a true story)

That’s it, it’s pretty simple. Stop being your own worst critic. I’ll even compliment myself on this one:

Dang. I’m HOT.

reasons why its important to take care of your brain

2010-10-05T16:02:00.001-04:00

I have always advocated for my profession, mental health, and overall, healthcare in general. Before I had WLS, I had never had any major surgery. The worst I had was carpel tunnel surgery, so needless to say, gastric bypass was definitely a much bigger surgery!

I tell everyone I know that is thinking about having WLS this: “They don’t rearrange your brain, only your guts.”

How true this statement is. I have seen multiple people end up with severe emotional issues post WLS, mainly because they forget to work on the issues that made them obese in the first place. Generally most people, including myself, probably have some sort of emotional issue that caused the weight. I think it is so important to work on whatever is “eating at you (har har har)” in order to be completely successful at this.

Some things you can do include reading as much about the procedure and aftercare as you can. Knowledge is power, as are attending support groups. We have ours twice a month, and for a while, I used to blow them off. Recently though, I found myself WAY more on track, a good portion due to taking the time to hear others stories, successes, and even failures! It’s how we grow! Another thing is therapy. I know I know, us therapists get a bad rap. You lay on the couch, talk about your problems while some therapist pretends to listen. Well we’re not all like this I promise! You can and will find someone that can help you overcome your issues, and even help you be more successful and accountable with your tool.

Usually I try get too preachy on this journal, but I insist on finding support. Be it online, in person, or where ever! It is key to getting the most out of your tool.

Polish Princess

2010-10-03T16:00:00.001-04:00

I have been cooking up a storm today. I am feeling a little craptacular (basically a stupid cold) and was craving chicken soup. I wanted the kind my polish mother and grandmother would make, with homemade kluski. So I sent the hubs to the store, and now, a few hours later, my house smells amazing.

Kluski really aren’t a good post-op food. They are made of flour, eggs, and a shot of water! Def not pouch friendly, but I figure a few won’t kill me. I made them the lazy girl way, by just spooning them into hot water. They are dense and really not good for the early out peeps.

I am planning on cutting out more carbs in the near future. Carbs have been so easy to eat sadly. I think a little mental focus would do me good at this point. After my best friends’ wedding next weekend, I will be all gung ho about getting back to basics and start moving my ass. I say next week because people, I gotta be real. I love being lazy.

I love sitting on my couch, watching mindless television, and/or reading a book, playing farmville, and chatting on facebook. I love it. Especially now that it is getting cold outside!

Speaking of getting cold out, I think I told some members of the Cult that I was going to attempt to go skiing this year. I don’t really know anything about skiing, but what the hell I’ll try anything once.

Back to work tomorrow.

Attempting to blog…everyday.

2010-10-02T08:45:00.001-04:00

Starting today I am going to blog everyday.

Quit laughing…No seriously.

I really enjoying blogging. It helps me stay focused and keep me in check. Plus I keep pimping this blog out at the support group meetings and then I never update so alas, here we go.

Goals for October:

1. Blog everyday (minus yesterday…I don’t count it because it was a Friday :) )

2. Lose 10lbs by the end of the month

3. Track my food via The Daily Plate (via Livestrong)

4. Move my sweet arse a bit more than as of late (which really means, I haven’t done anything since May)

So we covered numero uno, no onto….

2. I have instituted a weight loss challenge to the cult. Who ever loses the most weight percentage wise by the end of the year wins a lemon drop martini. I am going to try to do 10 lbs every month. I am at a standstill weight wise (due to number 4 probably being non-existent), so time to get cracking.

3. For some reason, this has been just as difficult as blogging! WTF!? So this attempt may almost be as hard as….

4. I have two gym memberships. Seriously.

So people…its time to get with it. I don’t consider myself a failure with this whole WLS thing, because I have lost a crap load of weight, and fit into clothes that I haven’t seen in over 10 years. Actually – longer. Wow. But I know the “bad” habits are creeping back in. Bites of junk food here and there, sweets, chocolates, etc. I need to cut this crappola out. Oh and my good friend, Mr. Carbohydrate, well he is an ever present force that needs a swift kick in his butthole out of my life.

So join me, in the re-education of Losing Libby.

Before (Jan. 2008) (Sept. 2010)

what the wolfberry?

2010-08-05T17:52:00.001-04:00

So a long while back, I made my way to the fine state of New Jersey, where the illustrious Whole Foods exists. I was, of course, enamored by all the fancy goodness that it has. I bought a few things, mainly a couple of spice rubs, but I stumbled upon this:

Sorry for the blurry picture, but it is Tera's Whey. Basically, it’s organic and hormone free. I purchased one of each flavor they had, and today, whipped up the wolfberry flavor. Initially, I had no clue what a wolfberry was, but god bless Wikipedia, it’s apparently gogi berries! Score!

So ignorance was definitely bliss, as this is one of the best tasting shakes I’ve ever created. Now I of course, did not drink it straight up. I used the old blender, added a little bit of the crazy fruit compote that I made the other night, and a 1/2 tsp. of sugar free fat free cheesecake pudding. Whiz and voila – amazing.

It is sweetened with stevia, which I personally like. It doesn’t have a terrible after taste, but great flavor. I can’t wait to get back to Whole foods to get more, but I could just order some online!

Two thumbs up for Tera’s whey!!

insert witty title here

2010-07-25T15:47:00.001-04:00

So…remember me? I used to blog a lot, and then I got married. Oh and it is summer in Western New York, and I am living it up.

Last year, at almost 400 lbs (holy shizzz), I couldn’t imagine running around town like I do now. It is truly a great feeling to be able to experience all that our town has to offer without 1. feeling like your having heart failure and 2. sweating like a pig all the time. I haven’t blogged much lately, mainly because I seriously have not been home. AND I LOVE THAT.

For the first time in the three summers we’ve lived here, we finally made our debut at the condo pool. I actually was not embarrassed to be wearing a bathing suit in front of people. I wore a sleeveless dress to a wedding last week, and I didn’t care that my bat wings were out of control, mainly because they are not rolls of fat anymore, just hanging skin (with a tad of fat for good measure :) )

I’m a married woman now. I had an amazing wedding! Here are a couple of shots for those that haven’t seen:

My beautiful friend Andrea and I.

My husband and I – about to tear up some food! LOL

My brother and my adorable niece, Taelor.

I hope to be a better blogger in the upcoming weeks. I am seriously considering writing a book about this whole weight loss thing, as I feel people can relate to my experiences and feelings. I’ll keep ya’ll posted on that!

In the mean time…I’ll be blogging. I promise.

Foggy focus

2010-05-09T12:05:00.001-04:00

The hardest part of WLS is staying focused.

Think of a little kid that gets the best toy EVER (LIKE OMG!), plays with said toy for about 5 minutes, then totally moves on to the next greatest thing.

That is what my RNY has become sadly. I haven’t been using it like I should, and to me, it shows. To the viewing public (those who see me regularly), they see the changes. I haven’t really lost a significant amount of weight in about 2-3 months and, truly, it is my own fault.

While I still don’t eat a lot (I think), I am not making the best choices due to life. Let’s be real, life is what got me to the fat zone in the first place. Stress eating and snacking are still my numero uno problems. I snack a whole lot on baked chips, tortilla chips, crackers, pop chips, rice cakes…If it’s carby, I want it. Why? Well it’s easy to put in my mouth quickly, and they slide right on through. I love them, I admit. Guilty as charged.

I have been trying (with minimal success) to get back into the mindset of food as fuel. I don’t need food to be happy, but to live and be healthy. This is going to be one of those ongoing battles that I will have to face for the rest of my life I feel. I am sure I am not alone in this either.

So many of my WLS love food too, but what it all boils down to is choices. Some have better control of this than others. I happen to be in the middle I think. I think of food a lot more than I did right after surgery. I cook obviously, a lot more than I did right after surgery. But I also seem to be going out to eat more than after surgery.

I’ve been trying to avoid asking questions like should I be able to eat a whole half of a sandwich with *gasp* BREAD? Should I be able to eat a whole slice of pizza? Do you think I am really hungry even though I just drank a 20 oz protein shake? Am I really hungry or is it in my head?

I don’t really know. Everyone has a different opinion on it, but who’s right? Each surgeon is different, each program is different. So I guess it’s all relative huh?

What I do know for sure (okay Oprah *insert eye roll*), is that in 13 days I am getting married, and like most people, that is the only thing I can think of. I go to work, I do my job, I think about the wedding all day long. I dream about the wedding. It is ridiculous and truthfully, I can not wait until it is here so that I can resume my “normal” (ha) life. Until then though, I am not going to beat myself up for going out to dinner. I am not going to beat myself up about eating some popcorn at nine at night.

I am however, going to do my best, however weak my best might be right now.

21 days

2010-05-01T10:10:00.001-04:00

In 21 days I am getting married. To say life is a little hairy is an understatement. It is exciting and totally overwhelming all at the same time.

I had been at a good 2 month plus stall, and am happy to report that I have lost another 5 lbs, making the grand total –115. Upping my protein has definitely helped. I have realized that they really weren’t kidding us when they told us protein is most important!

Last night, the man and I went out to the the Viking Lobster Company. It is a very small, amazing place, all fresh food and overall amazing. We started off with the clams casino – that to my total happiness – had no breading in it! All protein no carbs! woot! I had a few of them, then let the man finish them off. Soup course followed – I had gumbo – which again, had no rice/carbs in it! It was amazing! Jay had the chowder – amazing. I had a couple of spoonfuls of soup, and pushed it away. I am still learning to have a few bites, then push it away. It makes the whole dining experience much more enjoyable. Next – salad. Good fresh greens, and then the kicker was the house made clam dressing. Sounds creepy – totally tasty.

For the main course – I had a the Vera Cruz stuffed lobster bake. The thing weighed seriously 7 lbs. It was stuffed with shrimp, crab and celery, peppers and onions – again – no carbs! It had a spicy red sauce mixed in with it, which was so good. It was served over a huge plate of rice – which I totally skipped. I ended eating like 2 bites, and packed the whole lobster up.

This morning, I chopped all the good stuff up, and made an egg bake with all the good leftovers. It was so good. Good gracious. Just because you have WLS doesn’t mean you’re never going to be able to eat again. It is all about choices.

I am hoping to lose about 5 more lbs before the wedding day. I think I can do it if I stick to the basics: protein protein protein.

Happy Saturday friends!

Roasted Veggie Mania

2010-04-10T13:42:00.002-04:00

I just roasted a big pan of vegetables. Saturday is Farmer's Market day, and I wanted to roast what was left over from last week. Basically a couple onions and bell peppers. I added a few things from this week as well, including a whole bulb of garlic (stinky but delish) and a leek. Random? Yes. Delicious? Most definitely yes.

I used Wegman’s Basting Oil to coat my veggies with. A little bit goes a long way, and makes all the difference. It is a great product. I feel lucky to live near Wegman’s, but am sure jealous of all you guys that have Trader Joe’s near you.

Anywho some food porn for your Saturday:

Don’t mind my ghetto baking sheets. If you’re invited to my wedding – you can guess why I registered for new ones!

I kicked my bottle of basting oil so I decided to make my own since I have my Aerogarden working overtime:

I got this nifty bottle at Ikea and have never used it. I chopped up a crap load of lemon basil, Genovese basil, oregano, and thyme. Added a bit of chopped garlic and used a combo of EVOO and canola oil. Not too shabby looking eh?? New Aero with 4 kinds of basil. Nice.

These look tasty eh? Oh…don’t mind the stevia packet.

You ask – Libby…how do you have time to be roasting vegetables and cleaning fruit, and playing 39487329852 hours of Farmville on Facebook? (BTW – Add me if you haven’t!)

This guy is the best guy. I attempted to sneak up on my soon to be husband sorting out our laundry, but he caught me and said, “What are you trying to put a picture of me doing laundry up on your blog!?” Damn…foiled again. He’s a keeper ladies!

So that’s my Saturday so far. I have to finish up the wedding invites today, and clean, but other than that it is Farmville and maybe hitting up the GYM. I would like to get rolling back on the Couch to 5K program that I started around Christmas time and now it is April. Holy hell when did April get here??

Anywho one last picture. This is my niece Taelor Jean:

She’s sassy and cute and well… I love her! The end!

I'm leaving blogger...

2010-04-01T21:20:00.003-04:00

April Fools. Har har har...Hi friends. Today was almost 80 degrees out in Buffalo, NY (that I am not fooling about!) It made me want to be running around outside, generally just enjoying the sunshine and vitamin d that comes along with it. It is such a wonderful feeling, very hard to describe, what spring does to me.

Last year at this time, I was getting close to a surgery date. I had my psych eval down, and was just waiting. It was one of the hardest parts, the waiting. Today I can't imagine not being 110 lbs lighter like I am today.

Everyday I get a compliment from someone, and I tell you, it truly never gets old. I just hope that next year at this time I can say I am 200 lbs lighter than I was in July 2009. That is a big goal I think, but I do believe it is attainable.

I am contemplating what to do with my life. Seems like when you go to school, spend lots of money on fancy degrees, all you get is just that: lots of debt and a fancy degree. What is lacking is the passion I once had. I am hoping that maybe I just need a "boost" - hanging out with other therapists in my field, going to some trainings, maybe finally finishing my damn masters degree? One day I am sure I will have it all figured out *eye roll*

I have been cooking up a storm! As most of you know, I'm getting married to the most supportive man ever in May (whoa...soon!) He is such a good sport about my semi-low carb lifestyle, and doesn't complain about doing a lot of taste testing. I registered for an ice cream maker, and one of my best gal pals got it for me! I made Eggy's protein ice cream. It is so damn good...I will definitely be making it with 2% milk next time, as opposed to skim! It will make it more creamy and even tastier. I made Choc. PB and Mint Chip....so forking good.

I am going to try to post some pictures soon, as I guess I am changing. All for good though:)

Talk soon bloggy friends :)

once upon a time

2010-03-28T22:23:00.001-04:00

In a blog far far away, a girl lived a crazy life, and neglected this poor blog. She promises to write again real soon. Until then visit my friends:

Eggy

Melting Mama

http://www.facebook.com/libby.korytko – Me.

Love you all.

Adventures in baking

2010-02-13T09:53:00.001-05:00

If you know me, I’m so anti-baking its sad. Usually everything I bake turns into a huge epic fail. Boxed mixes = fail. From scratch = fail. You get the point. So while reading the latest Everyday Food (from the queen of domestication herself Martha), I saw a recipe for “Healthy Morning Muffins” that was sent in from a reader. They looked interesting, with the base of the dough being shredded carrots. (If you want the recipe – send me a comment – I’ll email ya!)

I had a huge bag of carrots, along with all the rest of the ingredients, so I thought, what the hell!?

Lined and ready to roll….

The recipe is super simple, and doesn’t have 10842803 ingredients. A total plus in my playbook! I made a few substitutions to the recipe, including using half whole wheat flour (the non baking has multiple flours in her kitchen…go figure) and I used 1/2 golden raisins and 1/2 dried blueberries. I love dried fruit, so I have a ton of varieties in this place. I also decided to use Splenda Brown Sugar for baking instead of the real deal.

Proof that I am legit in the baking world – it’s even King Arthur! My mother would be so proud!

The other substitution I used was my secret ingredient – well I am going to share it with you:

Pampered Chef Cinnamon Plus. Truth be told – I didn’t have any nutmeg in the house. But this has nutmeg in it, along with a bunch of other goodness. I love the stuff, and sprinkle it on everything including greek yogurt and my favorite, cottage cheese.

So basically, this is what the dough looked like:

Not the most appetizing! I believe after I threw the remains out (claims to make only 12 muffins – lies) I said, out loud to myself, wow that looks like YACK.

So they bake – and I am pondering the title of this blog to be Bake Fail. A Baking Experiment of Epic Fail Proportions. Libby should stick to cooking…example one….

Ding. Times up. Test with toothpick – check. Here’s what they looked like after they cooled for a bit.

Sorry for my shady photography…but you get the point. So I taste them, and literally say out loud: “These don’t suck! SCORE!”

They are so moist – from the carrot over load, and they are just slightly sweet. I seriously love them. Now…I’ll keep you posted if the man likes them.

I remember one time I made spice muffins or something like that from Weight Watchers recipe with just pumpkin? I also attempted to make like a sugar free cream cheese topping. A friend literally put it in her mouth and immediately spit it out and yelled, I mean yelled real loud, THESE ARE HORRIBLE! Needless to say, my baking skills have not been very reliable.

The irony of this all people: my mother is a baker. I mean works in a bakery that sells goods to people and, in my opinion, she is known to be one of the best bakers/cookie makers in our corner of the world! So it is sad, that I did not inherit this baking gene that apparently has run deep in my family. We’re Polish – we’re supposed to know how to bake!

Hope you all have a good weekend – Thanks for reading by the way. Your comments make my day. If you want the recipe – let me know!

Totally unrelated side note: Does anyone else think Ellie Krieger looks like an elf? Just saying….

back to the land of the living

2010-02-11T09:19:00.001-05:00

Well I am feeling a whole lot better since having my gallbladder out. My surgery was Monday, and it took a bit longer then expected from what I was told. I was still able to have it done laparoscopic, but apparently they had to go in twice, once in to remove the gallbladder, then back in to get the residual stones that had passed (?)

I seriously have no idea, but that is what my dear fiancé tells me. I go see the doc for a follow up next week so I’m sure I’ll get more of the dirty details then.

I have been eating pretty normal…obviously not going out for greasy burgers or anything (not that I’ve had one of those since…oh my preop liquid diet (yes, I confess, I cheated once). I have really been trying to up my protein, especially with breakfast.

This morning I had a 1/2 cup of 1% cottage cheese, two strawberries cut up into it, and about eight blueberries. Just for good measure I topped it with a sprinkle of Truvia. If you haven’t tried Truvia yet, do yourself a favor and do it! I love it, and it is by far the best substitute for sugar out there, in my opinion.

When I look at the volume of food in the bowl, I think, day-um! That is a lot of cottage cheese, but when you read it on paper (or screen in this case), “normal” people would probably cry at the little amount. Two strawberries. Eight blueberries. Eight. Seriously I am laughing out loud….

I’m off to take a nap (yes at 9:15 a.m.) and then venture out to the post office and probably drop some money I don’t have at Barnes and Noble.

Currently listening to: What Could of Been – 7 Worlds Collide

Bariatric baking – take one

2010-02-07T19:52:00.001-05:00

I really don’t give a crappola about the superbowl – other than the commercials…so I gave a try to one of Eggface's protein cakes. I basically used her recipe – and added a few things of my own. I added unsweetened coconut and SF blueberry syrup to mine. Here’s the end result – sliced and ready for sampling!

cute eh?

Ode to eggface

2010-02-07T09:08:00.001-05:00

This post is dedicated to one of the most fabulous WLS bloggers I've ever gotten to know over the interweb....the one...the only...

EGGFACE!!!!!!

Shelly – aka Eggface – has helped guide me on this journey since way before I even had the surgery. She is the Martha Stewart of WLS eating. I tell you, if she makes it, it’s good. Even my non WLS fiance loves her stuff. Her recipes truly can be enjoyed by all.

I post this as first, a thank you, for helping me realize that you really can eat well after surgery. Two: She’s giving away free stuff again and since I have previous reaped the benefits of her giveaways, I’d like to jump back on that bandwagon!

Cheers – to Eggface!

quick update

2010-02-03T06:29:00.001-05:00

I have been having some crazy pain in my upper abdomen. I was in the ER on Sunday morning, had a CT Scan, left there with some drugs and a diagnosis of stomach flu (?). Called the surgeons office, no one said a word. Monday went by just fine, was feeling a lot better! Tuesday rolls in and I start feeling pretty crappy. I go to work , and then it gets bad. Real real bad. I go back to the ER, but not before I call the surgeons office again. The gal on the phone says, oh Dr. P says that you might have a small hernia going on, and that if it gets worse to go back to the ER. I go back, the ER doc runs a few more tests (he was great!) and orders an ultra sound of my gallbladder, kidney, liver, spleen, etc…Guess who has A LOT of gallstones and sludge working? Oh that’d be me. Why they didn’t do that scan on Sunday is beyond me. So first I go from having a hernia repair to about to have emergency gallbladder removal!

I am stubborn and was like, oh no you can’t admit me! I have stuff to do before I have to come into the hospital, etc. So I convinced them that I would come back Thursday (pending Dr. P’s schedule) and get it out. I promise.

So if you don’t hear from me for a while – I’ll be back gallbladder-less!

Dear 2010, stop being sucky. <3 me.

feeling groovy

2010-01-20T14:54:00.001-05:00

Finally feeling much better! Yahoo!! I felt like eating again today so I whipped up a pizza. First I must show you what I am deeming as a post-op necessity. Not really but if you like to cook, I highly recommend one.

The AeroGarden is seriously the best thing ever! These herbs are about 5 weeks old. As you can see one little pod in the back didn’t make it (Flat leaf Parsley) sadly. The basil is out of control, so that is what inspired my pizza.

The components:

Mission Low-Carb Whole Wheat Tortilla

2 drops (seriously!) of Wegman's Basting Oil (basically oil with garlic and lots of fresh herbs in it)

Rub oil in then layer part skim mozzarella, caramelized red onions (left over from last nights dinner), and about 3/4 of a pre-cooked chicken sausage link and I also added a few slices of marinated mozzarella.

I then chopped up a crap load of fresh basil

Bake about 10 minutes at 400 degrees…and voila!

Seriously took about 15 minutes to make, tastes better than anything delivery could attempt. I ate about 1/2 of it. Two thumbs up for this one.

Back to work tomorrow – Thank God!

the piggy flu strikes back…

2010-01-18T21:50:00.002-05:00

Well I have been diagnosed with the H1N1 flu. I have not been feeling good for about 2 weeks now, but yesterday I just could not take it anymore, and the soon to be DH took me to the Urgent Care center. They swabbed my nose and tested me for Mono, but low and behold I have the Swine flu.

I also have a touch of Bronchitis, which they have given me a Z-pack for. It is the first time I have taken antibiotics since surgery. I was a little nervous about taking them, and if they would even be absorbed. I spoke to my primary care doctor and she said that I should be okay, but I think I am still going to check with the surgeon just to be sure. I am pretty much over feeling like crappola!

Tonight, after I took a 2 hour nap, I decided to make some dinner. I haven’t really been eating much, but I felt like such a sloth I figured I could at least make something for the man. I decided to go with a casserole/faux mac and cheese. Here is the run down:

Libby’s Faux “Mac and Cheese”

Head of cauliflower (chopped up into little pieces) - steamed or blanched for about 6-8 minutes (depending on how you like it)

Saute the following in a pan coated with fat free cooking spray or olive oil on medium heat

4 slices of bacon – cut into 1” pieces

2 onions sliced

sweet peppers – I used red and orange – sliced

Saute till its all sweated out. Add in fresh sliced basil and parsley. Couple turns of salt and pepper. About 10 minutes.

Add in 3 precooked chicken sausages, sliced on a diagonal to heat through. About 3 minutes.

Meanwhile…

Heat 2 cups of fat free milk on low.

Pour steamed cauliflower into a big bowl, and add in onion/bacon mixture. Mix well.

In the same saute pan, add:

2 tbs. butter

1 clove garlic – chopped

dried oregano (about a 1/2 teaspoon)

dried basil (about a 1/2 teaspoon)

after butter is melted, add two tbs. of flour – to make a roux.

Cook roux for about 1 minute, and then add hot milk to pan. Pour back into the saucepan (or whatever pan!) and turn heat up to high. Sauce will thicken. Add 2 cups of cheddar cheese (or any kind of cheese you like) (I use the real stuff), and whisk until combined.

Pour Cauliflower mix into Pyrex, spread out, top with cheese sauce mix, top with more cheese, pop in over for 30 minutes or so on 400 degrees till bubbly!

Whew! Seems like a lot of steps but it really didn’t take more than 20 minutes of prep I promise! Another fab substitution would be to use thawed out frozen cauliflower, which I have heard people do before.

When I cook I generally just through a bunch of stuff together, and the soon to be DH says its good. He said, and I quote: “You can make this one…ANYTIME".

Enjoy :)

Starbucks swap-a-roo

2010-01-13T16:40:00.001-05:00

I’m envious of you protein drinking chicks (and dudes of course) out there, so I am trying to get my creativity on with the infamous pre and post op necessity!

I have been sick lately, just achy and congested, chapped face, etc…looking super hot…LOL…so I haven’t been eating a whole hell of a lot lately.

Today when I got home from work I thought I would have a shake to get my protein up, and I decided on a Mint Chocolate “Frappacino”.

I bought myself this fancy double lined cup from the Buxs before Christmas, and I must tell you, I love it. It comes with this fancy straw and a “sealed” lid. The shake recipe:

Libby’s Mint Chocolate “Frappacino”

8 oz. Skim Milk

1 scoop Click

1 scoop Mint Chocolate Bariatric Fusion or SEI Ultimate Chocolate Chip Mint

A decent size squirt of Smuckers Sugar Free Chocolate Sundae Syrup

5-6 ice cubes

It turned out very creamy, and quite good. I topped mine off with a little whippage and a bit more SF Chocolate syrup that didn’t really want to come out of the bottle too well…

I’m off to sit under a quilt and sip my shake…Happy Wednesday Friends!

Protein shaken…not stirred.

2010-01-10T13:32:00.001-05:00

I just made myself a shake for lunch, and I am going to call it Cherry Danish. I think it needs some tweaking, so I’m not going to post the recipe quite yet. I am experimenting with Bariatric Fusion’s Cinnamon Bun flavor of protein. It is quite good in my opinion on its own, but add a few shakes of some high quality cinnamon to it, it’s even better. I am using this from Pampered Chef. The fusion was created by one of the physician's assistant’s at my center where I had my surgery.

Anywho - I have just subjected myself to the first episode of the new season of celebrity rehab. Wow…these people are whacked!

Technorati Tags: protein shakes,lazy days

Today I am laying pretty low, doing laundry and trying to get over this dang cold I got. I hope you all have a fabulous Sunday.

Proof that surgery isn’t the easy way out

2010-01-06T18:21:00.001-05:00

I love it when people say “They lost weight the hard way! Without surgery or pills!”

What do you think getting your gut cut open is easy?

Obviously not but getting your guts rearranged is actually the easy part. The hard part is they don’t rearrange your brain, and how you think. Better yet, how you react to stress. There isn’t an owners manual on how to deal with all of life’s bullshit.

If you’re me, you had a realization about 2 weeks after surgery that sure as shit, you are an emotional eater. You eat when you’re happy, you eat when your sad, and most importantly, you eat even if your not hungry. Hello bad coping skills!

I just came home from an actual wonderful day at work, and a less than stellar personal day. Before I even got off the phone, after walking in the door, I pulled out the fixings for my favorite sandwich.

If you know anyone who has ever had bariatric surgery, you know then, that bread is generally the devil. It sits in your pouch like lead, and if you are one of the “lucky” ones that can even get it down. Next culprit: Bologna.

Ughhhh I know what you’re saying. WTH…Bologna? Weak. I know.

While I had one slice of bread and one slice of bologna, where as before surgery I probably would have had 2 huge sandwiches (4 slices of bread, and probably a half a pound of bologna!), I still feel like why the hell did I even eat that? Add in the handful of potato chips that were in my house, and I’ve basically sabotaged the whole day.

What did I learn – post bologna mortem – you ask?

That shit happens, people will piss you off, and bologna generally isn’t the answer.

Preparing for these stressors post bariatric surgery is a good idea, because the moral of the story is that old habits die hard, and you best be prepared when life slaps you in the face.

First off…make sure you hide the chips…

Back and better than ever

2010-01-02T13:45:00.001-05:00

Hi Friends! Long time no blog. What a wild few months its been since I’ve last written.

First, a word of wisdom. Do not under any circumstances have bariatric surgery and then immediately go back to graduate school about 8 weeks after. It will nearly kill you!

Lucky for me, and all of you fine people reading this, I survived. It was the dumbest thing I ever did, but more on that some other day.

Second, I’m getting married. HOLY SHHHHHHHHH…. you say? Yah me too! Got engaged at the end of October…and that has been a wild ride as well.

Third: Started being able to eat…whatever I could put in my mouth. Its been scary at times, yet I feel so much more in control of food. Its a catch-22 at this point.

Fourth: Exercise. Wow…its almost…dare I say fun at this point! I just joined the gym, and it is going good so far. I also invested in the Nike+ running system, and I really enjoy it.

So as you can tell, I'll have a lot of updating to do. Happy New Year to you all!

Much ablog about nothing

2009-11-28T14:29:00.001-05:00

Well, long time no see! Remember when Libby had gastric bypass surgery in July, and then thought it would be a brilliant idea to go to graduate school not once a week, but twice a week, oh and that it takes her approx. three hours of driving each night? Righttttttt…..

Anywho – I’m back on the blog wagon if anyone is still out there reading. I expect to post a good one tonight/tomorrow about turkey day and all that jazz.

Check ya later!

Feeling neglected?

2009-10-11T21:54:00.001-04:00

Dear Blog friends, I have not forgotten you! I will post something spectacular tomorrow! I love you all :) Sign, the management.

Support is where it’s at!

2009-09-27T13:08:00.001-04:00

I wrote this entry as a guest editor for another blogger (my friend Donna). I decided to share it here as well, as I really do think it is VERY VERY important!

I have been a fat chick my whole life. I am three months post op RNY Gastric Bypass surgery. I have lost an amazing 70lbs so far, and am still going strong. While I would love to post here and toot my own horn, I am dedicating this post to a very important subject for any post op gastric bypass patient: Support.

Support: give moral or psychological support, aid, or courage to. (via google search)

One can not succeed at gastric bypass with out some type of support. It is essential. Support can come from a variety of sources, and my goal here today is to enlighten you fine readers with where you can go!

First off: Family, Friends, Etc...

You say, no duh, but this isn't as easy as it appears. People in this world are very judgmental, "Oh you're having...SURGERY" Why yes, I am having life altering surgery..... "Have you tried dieting?" No...why would I try dieting? OF COURSE I TRIED DIETING!

We've heard it all. When I decided to have GB (Gastric Bypass), I decided to tell everyone. I told all my coworkers, most of my family, all of my friends, all of the Internet even (shameless plug to my blog http://losinglibby.blogspot.com), I have even told most of my clients. I have had the motto that the more people I can educate, the better. That being said, it definitely didn't make it easy to tell. In the long run, I'm glad I did this, as people support me now, and my decision, and even encourage me. They are excited about my progress, and keep me motivated.

Second: Support Groups

Support Groups can be very beneficial for the post op'er. Everyone is basically in the same boat, either getting ready for surgery, thinking about it, or already had it. It is a place to come and complain about how you're feeling, or boast about how awesome you are doing. Some even have added bonuses of clothing exchanges, fun outings, and menu ideas. I find them to be comforting, especially when someone else is missing a certain food you are missing, or can't seem to find the perfect piece of clothing to help hid the skin flaws.

Third: The Interwebs!

When you're busy in life, sometimes you just don't have time to make it to a meeting, or you don't feel like talking to someone live and in person. The Internet then, is your friend!

Sites such as www.obesityhelp.com can provide basically 24/7 support. There are a variety of topics that you can explore through here, from what to eat, what to wear, how to go out on a date post op, and so on. It has been very helpful, and introduced me to a lot of very fun and supportive Internet friends.

Bloggers can also be very supportive and give you new ideas. One of my favorites, http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com, provides delicious and practical recipes for not only pre and post op GB patients, but frankly, anyone who likes food! Reading about someone else's success is very comforting. Also Melting Mama provides a ton of resources and ideas for success. Most people online also keep it real. This life changing surgery isn't always sunshine and roses! Its hard work, physically and emotionally, and you better be ready for it.

Twitter is another great resource for weight loss surgery. You can join us on our Twibe! Twibes makes it easy to participate in the conversations you care about. Come check us out at http://www.twibes.com/group/weightlosssurgery

So this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to support. Not everyone of these resources is going to work out for you. Some will even be disappointing to you at some point, but with the variety of options, you can never use the excuse that you were never supported. You will be supported on your decision to have WLS, you just have to be the one that goes out there and finds it!

holy deliciousness batman!

2009-09-22T21:04:00.003-04:00

Evening kids. I just returned from my bariatric center's seasonal clothing exchange. I must say, now that I am down a size (or two?), I am so happy they do this! Clothes are expensive, and when you can get them for free, well...its grand.

I decided to stop at Wegman's to pick up the ingrediants for Pam's amazing protein hot chai mix. Let me tell you...it is delcioius. It is warm, kind of thick like hot chocolate, very little protein taste, and SPICY (how I like it). I highly recommend it to any chai drinkers that are missing the sugary counterpart. If you can believe this, I actually didn't put any of the splenda in it, and I like it. I would imagine this cuts a bit of its intense spicy-ness, but I don't miss the over sweetness of it.

My weigh in at 12 weeks post op is down 68lbs. I am quite happy with this number of course, but would like to see the scale move a little more. I am sure that exercising would help this. I need to MAKE time for this important step in my health, and to maximize the benefits of this tool I have.

In other news, my darling BF and I are obviously the epitome of procrastination as he is playing his nerd computer games and I am blogging. Such exciting lives we lead huh?

Sunday Sunday Sunday

2009-09-20T18:22:00.003-04:00

Well another beautiful Sunday in Buffalo, NY. Sunday's in the fall mean only two things in Buffalo, Football and Chicken wings (and pizza...so okay three). On Tuesday I will be 11 weeks post-op and I am now dealing with the fear that I am going to screw this tool up royally.

I find it so easy to be relaxed with my decisions. I have been notorious for not taking my vitamins as I should, not having enough protein, eating "slider" foods, etc. The trends are there, just as they were before. I didn't have my guts rearranged to lose only 70 lbs, so the buck stops here so to speak.

I enjoyed the toppings off of a slice of piece, with a few bites of the crust. I had 2 chicken wings (sans skin), and I feel disgusting.

I just ordered some Click (espresso protein powder). I am really excited to try this. I also ordered myself a fancy pill box so that I have no excuse about these damn vitamins. I also splurged and got myself a super cool bento box. I have a lot of the tools of the trade, now I just have to make it happen.

Any pointers? I'll take them.

On a totally positive note: Tuesday I will be going to the Synergy clothing exchange. I need some new pants REAL bad, as they are literally falling off my keester. So I must be doing something right huh?

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend...Go Bills :)

Protein BLITZ!

2009-09-14T18:27:00.006-04:00

I totally won the Max Protein contest held by the magnificent EGGFACE!!!

My prize was at my doorstep when I got home today! I was so happy!

Behold the magical box o'protein:

Dang box was hard to open:

It kind of felt like Christmas!

Fricken packing peanuts are wicked annoying...but the prize is worth it!

Dang that crap went everywhere!

Yah protein!!! MMMM Mint Chocolate Chip!

Hooray!!

Thanks Eggface!

Let's taste this bizzzzness:
Water...check!

Protein...all over my hand.

Protein...check!

Shake what yo momma gave you!

The taste.....

Excellent!

Seriously...this stuff is good:

Let's get a closer look:

And it is good!

Taste: Amazing! Texture: Not very clumpy/lumpy! Vote: Two thumbs up!
What a big ass tub of protein!

The end! Thanks Eggface!! Oh and special thanks to darling JMac for taking my picture and laughing at me...he gives the protein two thumbs up too!

Survey Says!

2009-09-04T21:48:00.003-04:00

So long time no blog! Dang I am busy! I started working full time again, and I am going to school part time. I am driving twice a week to Rochester (about an hour and a half from where I work) and then 3 hours of class, then an hour back home! Gahhhh. Very very very tired. Very very stressed!

While I was driving home Tuesday, after a particularly stressful day, I realized that I definitely turned to food to relieve stress. The good/bad part is that when you physically can not eat (because your stomach is the size of a walnut (or more), you can't resort back to those habits. You need to actually use some good coping skills. Shit.

I loved food. I still do love food. It's satisfying, it's comforting, and pleasurable. When you feel like crap, food can make you feel better. When you are sad, it can make it go away (for a bit), its a vicious cycle, and I can see how people can get a bit obsessive about food.

How did I deal with said stressful day? I resorted back to my old friend music. I used to blog a lot about music, and particular lyrics that stood out to me, etc...I haven't been too impressed by new music, nothing really deep or satisfying to me. Finally I stumbled upon the new Ingrid Michaelson album. I love it. It is passionate, deep, and satisfying to my soul. I highly recommend the song Are We There Yet? It really resonated with me.

And now...a tale from the scale. I am down a total of 24(!) inches since July 7. I am also down 67lbs (!) I am almost to the point where I may actually tell you people how much I weigh! I feel great, minus being all tired and moderately cranky!

Thanks for reading...more soon I hope :)

Back to Basics...

2009-08-23T12:55:00.003-04:00

I want to preface this entry by saying, that I feel great. I feel though that I am not making the best choices when it comes to food, and of course, vitamins.

The best part of going back to school is that its time to get back on a schedule. Working and school will only force me to become more diligent about my vitamin regimen and eating. I need to get back into protein shakes/supplements, as I am constantly falling short of the goal. My calories are okay, not great, but okay. I need to call the nutritionist I think.

Today so far I have cleaned, and broken the coffee pot. Good thing we had an extra one in our storage unit.

Tuesday is my class night. I must pack and prepare snacks for the car ride (1 hour plus there, 1 hour back) and for during class too. Any ideas? :)

Hope your weekend was as nice as mine was!

back in the swing of things

2009-08-20T13:40:00.004-04:00

So I went back to work yesterday for the first time since my surgery. It was a great day, and it felt really nice to feel welcomed back. Everyone was super excited to see me. The day was pretty normal, couple groups, lots of paperwork.

I definitely did not get enough protein in, of course. I had half of a pure protein bar before group, and then had a salad made with a roma tomato and marinated mozzarella, with balsamic vinegar, and a handful of raw trail mix. I drank in between throughout the day, which worked out fine, as I have a key to the kitchen and have access to all the ice I can handle! Yah! I love ice lately. The colder the better.

I made a "chicken hash" for dinner. I roasted a poblano pepper, peeled it and diced it. Added a scallion, 2 small red potatoes, some fresh corn from the cob (not much), garlic, cumin, and diced up a trader joe's chicken patty. It was amazing. I then topped it with an egg (ala hash), and a slab of smoked gouda with bacon cheese. This made two servings, I had one of course. The hash (without the chicken and cheese) came out to be about 200 calories. The cheese was amazing of course, from Yancey's Fancy here in Buffalo. The roasted chicken patties from TJ's are great. Even though the TJ patties have 22g of protein in them, I still seriously lacked the protein.

I started the day off with some Fuzzy Navel Nectar, as I am coming to terms with the fact that I can not get enough food in me yet to meet my protein requirements. I am going to be ordering some Click to try, and I made a pit stop at the Vitamin Shoppe to get some samples of pure protein bars. I took a few bites of the blueberry one, and it was so sweet. Definitely a dessert bar of sorts for me. Ha!

Today I went to the grocery store, and got some dairy goodness. Yogurt, Cottage Cheese, etc...and now I am relaxing a bit. Anywho...if you have any tips for upping the protein, let me know. And keep the ideas rated PG...pervs:)

the report is in

2009-08-14T15:54:00.002-04:00

I had my six week check up yesterday, and everything looks good he said. The incision pain is best case, a small tear where the sewed me back up, the worst case, a hernia. He said it is too soon to tell, and chances are that it will just heal up on its own in about a month. I am down 32 lbs since surgery, for a grand total of 54 lbs. DA-UHM! I am feeling pretty good of course, just this occasional pain BLOWS.

In other news, I have to go back to work on Wednesday. Blargh! I am pretty much not looking forward to this, but alas, time to go back to working for the man. I wonder how much has changed? Should be entertaining no doubt.

My beautiful friend Jenn is getting married tomorrow, so I better straighten my 'fro out and get moving, cuz I am the official page turner for the pianist. Later kids ;)

I'm back!

2009-08-11T09:57:00.003-04:00

So I went on a little mini vacation this past weekend, and decided to cool it from the blogosphere. I missed you all!

I had some interesting experiences this weekend with el groucho poucho and the incision from hades.

I haven't had many if at all any problems with my incision, until we got into the car to leave good old WNY. I twisted the wrong way and it felt like someone stabbed me! GAH! It hurt bad! So occasionally through out the weekend, and a little bit now, I feel this burning/stabby pain. It pretty much sucks bad, but I am going to the doc on Thursday. It isn't constant, thank god, but its more like...just noticeable.

Back to work in less than a week. That is kind of sad, as I definitely did not accomplish all I wanted to. Oh well...

I went to the farmers market this morning, and of course, everything looked AWESOME. Props to the WNY farmers...you name it, I bought it. For 25 bucks I got enough fruits, veggies, and herbs for the week, as well as three lbs of the most delicious chicken sausage ever! Dinner should be great!

Anywho - tonight is the last support group meeting I can go to until the semester is over. Sad to report, that also starts soon. Dear graduate school, please be over soon. Love, me.

I'll be making updates to my site soon. I am looking to revamp the look of my bloggy blog. Should be fun, and able to do it before I have to concentrate on school and my thesis.

Anywho - off to cook. See ya'll later!

4 weeks ago...

2009-08-05T10:43:00.003-04:00

So four weeks and one day ago, my life changed forever. I am four weeks post op, and down 44 lbs. An average of 11 pounds a week. Not too shabby for the first month out. Here's to another 44 in month two.

Month two is probably going to be harder than the first month. I have to dedicate myself to an exercise routine. It has got to become an important part of my life. I am really going to try to make it as important as food has/had become. It is the only way to keep up with this aggressive losing, and overall improvement of my health.

This is such an exciting time in my life. I never would have been able to lose 44 lbs and keep it off, without this tool I have been given. Like I've said before, has it been the hardest thing I've ever done? Yes. But has it also been probably the most rewarding...Yes Yes Yes!

Off to do some Wii Fit...if you walk by the back door here, I'm sure you'll get a good laugh!

Last night I had a date with...

2009-08-03T09:18:00.003-04:00

The infamous dumping syndrome. Holy shit it was AWFUL. So basically I thought I would be cool and have some carb comfort ice cream. Ugh my stomach just started rumbling at the thought of it. I had about 3/4 of a half cup. Then I thought I'd throw some SF cool whip on it. Well it was a reciepe for DISASTER! I got so hot and sweaty, and then toilet time! Man did it suck...I still feel a little wierd this morning, but I am trying to have a protein shake (which I haven't been too fond of as of late). I am going to go back to basics today, protein shakes, soft soft soft mushy foods, and just kind of take it easy in terms of food.

I am updaing my iPod, hoping to get motivated to go for a walk. I already put socks and a bra on so, there's half my battle! It is supposed to be 80+ and sunny here in WNY finally, so I need to take advantage of the sunshine! Yah!

Special shout out to all my "followers", and thanks for reading!

Lazy Sunday

2009-08-02T17:17:00.003-04:00

Today turned out to be a beautiful day, and this weekend was perfect.

Friday we went out to a delicious dinner. We went to a "seafood house", where I ordered the broiled seafood platter. Of course, it was huge, but I wanted to try a little of each part of it. It came with broiled haddock, scallops and shrimp. The sides were salt potatoes and coleslaw. My favorite part of it were the scallops and the haddock...they were so soft and tender. God it was good. The best part, was that I finally felt NORMAL again, that I could go out to dinner with my boyfriend, and eat! Grant it, not a lot, but it was perfect. I felt good...everything has been settling nicely in pouchy when it comes to food.
After that we decided to head out to a coffee house to hear some music, and explore a bit. The music was so so, but I was happy to see they had an array of sugar free syrups. I ordered a nonfat sugar free chocolate raspberry latte. I did FAIL when I forgot to order decaf. Needless to say I survived, but I only drank about 1/4 of it. I felt satisfied, but more importantly, happy. Happy not from the food, but from being able to go on a date again!

Saturday turned out to be pretty random as well. I decided to make dinner, consisting of grilled chicken tenders, wegmans delicious baked potato salad, and corn on the cob. I ate 1 tender, with hot sauce and my home made greek yogurt blue cheese (twas good!), about 2 tbs. of the potato salad, and with the assistance of my new handy dandy corn zipper, 1/2 a zip of corn (the nerve!). Needless to say, I didn't die from the corn. We tried to eat outside, but there were two fricken bees bombarding us!

Then we sat around for a bit, I had a schwans healthy creation bar, and relaxed. Then I forced Jay to go to see the legendary Lance Diamond at a bar in Buffalo. I ordered up my delicious bottled water and added in my own crystal light. It felt nice to be out, and I was out till 3 a.m.! Whoa!

We went to Elmwood Taco and Sub after the bar was starting to get filled up with sketch balls, and I ate about 4 tbs. of the inside of a beef and refried black bean burrito. It was kind of hilarious to be eating that late and post RNY, but it was normal. I ate basically the cheese and meat/bean stuff, a slice of tomato (what?!) and a very very very little bit of lettuce. Oh and a couple bits of the shell. It was so good...so normal.

My point of posting all this nonsense, is that eventually, you feel normal again. You start to feel like a twenty something that can go out, drink (water for now :)), and enjoy late nite food in your town. Did I eat even HALF of what I ordered, heck no, but was I happy that I could at least partake in the party, heck yes.

I am four weeks out this week. I am feeling great, and I am going to start exercising tomorrow. Here's to chapter two of this adventure...

Slacker Blogger

2009-07-30T08:36:00.003-04:00

Anywho - I'm back. Sorry for the lack of posts the past few days...I went to Dunkirk Tuesday and then Rochester Wednesday for a few hours, and man, was I tired.

I have to give myself a little slack, as I just had surgery three weeks ago, and am still recovering. Walking around for more than 45 minutes is a little tiresome, but I am getting better I think.

My body is definitely changing, while unfortunately, the number on the scale is not. I am at a bit of a stall, and was actually encouraged from my online buddies to up my calories. I was averaging about 500-600 calories, and yesterday I had about 850. I am hoping that my body will get out of starvation mode, and get back into losing mode. I am going to take a walk today also, as it is one of the few nice days apparently that WNY is having. Hooray!

Next weekend we are traveling off to my future in-laws! I am excited and hope that "pouchy" behaves herself. I would like to go into NYC, and hope that my legs and my pouch allow me to do that. I don't know how much vacation time I am going to have around Christmas and Thanksgiving, so I figure we should go together now. Not a bad way to spend your "disability" time right? :)

Today I started the day of with a no sugar added carnation instant breakfast. It doesn't have as much protein as the bariatric fusion, but it is a lot "thinner" then the thick shakes. It actually tastes pretty good too. For lunch I will probably have some of the white chicken chili from the Cheesecake Factory, and dinner, I may actually cook for JMac and I! (what?!). Probably this Poblano and Onion Chicken Burger (sans bun for me) and some oven fries.

That being said, I better get my butt moving. Thanks for reading ya'll

I Will Survive

2009-07-25T10:08:00.002-04:00

I survived pizzagate 2009. I even chewed the crap out of a piece of chicken wing that I peel the skin off. I survived, and I will survive even more temptations. The company sure does out weigh the food. I just read my friend Donna's blog ( and thought about her latest entry, regarding things in life being more important than food. It is so true, that sometimes we lose perspective on life when we are so concerned about something that is so trivial.

I think denial played a big role in my weight gain. I never thought of myself as a food addict, or obsessive about it, but in the recent weeks, denial is definitely rearing its ugly head. Its a hard item to come to terms with.

Today I am on a mission to get more Nectar. Nectar is a fruit based protein drink that I find more tolerable at this point, over the thick, milky shakes.

So far today I have had a nectar (fuzzy navel) with 24 grams of protein and some greek yogurt. A good start to the day.

Today so far has been pretty lazy, which I am okay with. I will venture out eventually, but am in no hurry as we are all on laptops, doing our own thing. Yet it feels so nice to be surrounded by family.

I am about to go weigh myself, and to see if I have lost anything. I have been at a bit of a stand still for about 5 days, which is a little sad. I never though I would say this, but I can not wait to start a serious exercise program.

If you're reading, leave a comment once in a while

Food Sucks.

2009-07-24T18:11:00.003-04:00

So I live in Buffalo, NY. Home of the chicken wing. Yes I said it, chicken wings.

About a week ago, I was at my parents house hanging out, and we ordered pizza and chicken wings for my boyfriend and them...
and then...the worst happened: I cried.

I friggin cried over food people, and I feel like I may do it again, in front of my future in-laws! I find it completely amazing and ridiculous how wrapped up I get with food.
Tell me, veterans, does it get easier? Getting over food?

It isn't getting easier. I am having a damn hard time with food. The best, or worst, is that so far, I have been able to tolerate all of the food I've tried, beans, ricotta, cheese, etc. I even "cheated" and had a couple saltine crackers! The nerve!

I am almost three weeks post op now and I'm down about 45lbs. The success obviously outweighs (har har!) the food, but it's still fricken hard.

Seriously, whoever said WLS was the "easy way out", is full of...well you know what.

Thanks for listening.

Rainy Buffalo

2009-07-23T08:05:00.002-04:00

Sweet Jesus How is a girl supposed to start a walking routine when it keeps fricken raining! I knew yesterday was a fluke.

Yesterday I ate over 800 calories (HOLY!). That is the highest amount I have hit since surgery, and frankly, I ate too much. I had some black bean soup for dinner, and definitely had more than I should have. I didn't get sick, thank god, but I definitely felt so stuffed. It just goes to show the importance of measuring out your food. Note to self: Measure.

Today is cleaning day. It isn't tooo bad around here, so it should be fine. I'll probably post again later when I get sick of cleaning. I want to weigh myself so bad, but I know I should do this every day....fighting the urgeeeeeeeeeee.

All's well here though!

Good Day Sunshine

2009-07-22T13:43:00.002-04:00

So another day is upon me, and I feel like I've done a 180 since yesterday. I feel so much better, want to actually eat, and just over all feel good. I went to the sleep medicine doctor this morning, and it was oh so thrilling. It kind of went down like this:

Me: "Hi Doc, I am having trouble sleeping."
Doc: "Do you wear your mask?"
Me: "Well kind of, but like I said, I am having a hard time falling asleep, so when I finally do fall asleep I don't always put it on"
Doc: "well you need to wear your mask"

Hey, DOC, are you LISTENING to me! See, seriously, if I could sleep like a normal person, don't you think I would throw that baby on every night, just to appease you? Why yes I would.

ANYWHO...today So far I have had a protein shake with some PB, some tuna fish, and some black bean soup. Food is going okay, when I want to eat. So yah!

I got a compliment from one of my friends today about how the weight is just falling off of me. That was pretty nice to have someone notice. I haven't really weighed myself, mainly because my scale is jacked up. It gives me one weight, and then you get on again, and its different.

Anywho, I should get cleaning...

Bleh

2009-07-21T09:35:00.000-04:00

It never ceases to amaze me in the two weeks into this thing, how one day you can feel like a million bucks, and the next, craptacular.

I know, I know, you're all saying, Libby, you had major surgery 2 weeks ago today, you're still healing! Blah blah I know. I still don't want to feel like that though! Yesterday I kept thinking I was ready to go back to work, but today all I want to do is crawl back into bed, and definitely not not eat. I don't even want to think about food today, or water. Usually by this time I've had 24 oz. of water and a protein shake. I went grocery shopping this morning to get some things to make my dear boyfriend a nice birthday dinner, and I literally wanted to die at the store.

Oh well enough complaining. I suppose this is part of the RNY territory...I have read a lot of posts on Obesityhelp.com about one day your pouch being snarky, one day perfect. Guess today is the snarky day.

I have up until today been tolerating all foods I've tried. I will probably start blogging what I eat daily, just as a little reminder for myself. It's my blog and I'll do what I want to :) Ha!
See ya'll later :)

Welcome

2009-07-20T22:58:00.000-04:00

And so it begins, my new adventures in blogging. This blog will serve to tell the story of my weight loss surgery adventure. Everyone calls it a journey, but frankly so far, its been an adventure.

I will probably post daily. It will include pictures, and it will probably include me crying every once in a while too. It's about my life, and all that goes with my new adventure into the unknown.

Anywho - Happy Reading!