Feeling Down

Sorry for disappearance act. On 12/01/2010 I got another fill of .6 ccs for a total of 12.6 cc's in my 14 cc band. My weight has plateaued again (338-341 lbs), because I been lacking in my workouts. I been having trouble with my left knee, so today I decided to visit my orthopedic doctor . He told me that I have arthritis in my left knee!! Due to all that weight I been carrying for years, it caused some damage to my knee. I need to do some quad-strengthening excersies and continue to lose weight.

I am not surpised...

Still Alive

Hello everyone. I am still alive and well. I been very busy between work and my personal life and my weight is STUCK between 344-342 lbs. Tomorrow is a new day!!

Curtis Stone Biggest Loser - 100-calorie Cupcake Recipe

site: http://www.examiner.com/weight-loss-in-national/curtis-stone-biggest-loser-raspberry-cupcake-recipe

Here's an update from last night's Biggest Loser cupcake episode. Chef Curtis Stone showed the contestants how to make a 100-calorie cupcake recipe. NBC provided a cupcake recipe but its recipe had a banana frosting. We investigated and now have the raspberry frosting recipe, courtesy of NBC:

Makes about 14 cupcakes

Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 5 organic egg whites
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the raspberry frosting

• 1 cup nonfat cream cheese, at room temp
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• Fresh raspberries to garnish

Method

• Preheat the oven to 325F.
• Place the egg whites in a large bowl and using a handheld mixer whip the whites on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes or until the whites begin to lighten up and hold their shape.
• Increase speed to high and whip in the salt and honey until the whites hold a soft peak, then add the vanilla extract.
• Fold in the yogurt.
• In a separate medium mixing bowl combine the flour and baking powder and mix well.
• Sift the dry ingredients into the egg whites a little at a time, gently folding them in with a rubber spatula.
• Once fully incorporated, scoop the batter into cupcake tins lined with cupcake papers.
• Bake the cupcakes for 15 to 20 minutes or until they have colored and gently spring back when pushed with a finger.
• Remove from the oven and cool the cupcakes at room temp.
• While the cupcakes are baking, puree the raspberries in a blender until smooth.
• Pass through a fine mesh strainer into a small saucepot and cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until the puree reduces slightly.
• Cool completely.
• Place the cream cheese into a medium mixing bowl and fold the puree into the cream cheese until fully mixed.
• Once cupcakes are cool, spread a little of the berry frosting over the cupcakes, garnish each with one raspberry and serve.

5 Day Pouch Test Challenge

10/07/2010 348.2 lbs - Day 2

10/08/2010 347.2 lbs - Day 3

10/09/2010 344.2 lbs - Day 4

10/10/2010 343.2 lbs - Day 5

10/11/2010 343.4 lbs - 4.4 lbs lost -The 5 Day Pouch Test Works !!!.

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Days One & Two: Liquid Protein - Low-carb protein shakes, broth, clear or cream soups, sugar-free gelatin and pudding.

Day 3: Soft Protein - Canned fish (tuna or salmon) eggs, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy.

Day 4: Firm Protein - Ground meat (turkey, beef, chicken, lamb), shellfish, scallops, lobster, fresh salmon or halibut.

Day 5: Solid Protein -White meat poultry, beef steak, pork, lamb, wild game

One Year with my LAP-BAND® !!

Wow, how time flies!! With wonderful support from my friends and family, in 09/22/2009 (10:00 AM), I had LAP-BAND® surgery. I was 409.8 lbs that day and was very anxious and ecstatic at the same time. Today, I am 345.6 pounds, 64.2 lbs lighter and feeling great! I still have a long way to meet my Final goal at 189.5 pounds. I know with determination I will meet my goal.

The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enable us to count our blessings. - Eric Hoffer

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. -Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV)

FitDay is a free online diet & fitness journal with over 4.2 Million members. With FitDay you can track your diet, exercise and all the major aspects of your fitness. Check me out on Fitday. Sign Up Today!!

5 Day Pouch Test

I made a conscious choice to eat no more than 1 cup of food (protein first) per meal. I would not eat any snacks during the day.

If that fail, next week I am going to do a 5 Day Pouch Test.

Days One & Two: Liquid Protein - Low-carb protein shakes, broth, clear or cream soups, sugar-free gelatin and pudding.

Day 3: Soft Protein - Canned fish (tuna or salmon) eggs, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy.

Day 4: Firm Protein - Ground meat (turkey, beef, chicken, lamb), shellfish, scallops, lobster, fresh salmon or halibut.

Day 5: Solid Protein -White meat poultry, beef steak, pork, lamb, wild game

LapBand Slump

September 22^nd is my band anniversary and I am going thru my LapBand Slump again. My weight is going back and forth 352-347. I have 11.4 cc in my 14 cc band and I am filled to the point where I don't WANT another fill, but feel like I SHOULD have one. HELP ME AHHHHH!!!

Must Have: Marilyn Convertiable Dress

From Monif C. website http://www.monifc.com/. I am taking donations now.

Catherines Fashion Show

Yesterday, I was model for our local Catherines store. My clothing size is 28-30 top and bottom. It was nice to be a model for 30 mins. Maybe I should do this more often.

Bargain Finds

I am not a big purse person, but I found this purse at the local goodwill for only $20 !!I fell in love with the stitch design. Now I need to find an outfit =)

10th Fill - UGH !

She gave me a .6 cc fill, totaling 11.4 cc !! According to their scale my weight is 360.2 lbs. I have lost 4.2 lbs . I am little frustrated of the slow progress, so my doctor said I need to lower my carb intake to 75 grams per day. I can't believe I am back to watching my carbs again..UGH!!

Say, YES to Low Carb!!

Drew Carey and John Goodman embarked on a strict low carbohydrate diet of and hitting the gym religiously. Drew Carey lost 80lbs and John Goodman lost a whopping 100bls!! Congratulations to the both of them.

The Best Bargain EVER!!

The "Bargain Gods" was looking down at me today. At the local GoodWill I was able to find a Schwinn Ranger 2.6 FS 26' bike for only $25.52 !! That is right, an $150 SCHWINN bike for 25 bucks!! No damage, no rotten tires, it is practically brand new!!

Arc Trainers RULES!!

Yesterday at the gym, I tried out the Cyberx 750A ARC Machine. According to PeerTrainer forum, this "duck walk" style machine was design to burn more calories than the elliptical machine WITHOUT the knee & hip stress. Well baby...this machine is the TRUTH!! I was pushing really hard for 15 mins and I had burn 284 calories!! No stress on my knees what so ever!! 5 band stars to Cyberx 750A!!

My hubby and I joined planet fitness. It only cost $10 a month, with a $29 one time yearly set up fee. No excuses now!

Progress Picture

It is rare for me to wear a dress, so my husband had to take to picture.

I am still here

Just a small update, I been up and down with my eating plan and exercising . Tomorrow, it is time to refocus (again).

9th Fill

She gave me a 1.0 cc fill, totaling 10.8 cc. According to their scale my weight is 364.4 lbs. I have lost 4.4 lbs in 29 days!! My cholesterol is high, but she stated just increase my fiber intake…time to pull out the Cheerios. I am still taking 1000 Mg of Metformin. I have a long way to go.

The C25K Program Update

After 3 Weeks of hardwork on Week 1 of the C25K Program, I am now ready for Week 2!!!

Shout out to Nicole for her Podcasts !!

Getting Smaller?!?

Here is my picture update!

Working out Hard

Here is my work out picture taken at 06/11/2010- 363 lbs. More pictures coming soon.

Embarrassing Lapband Moment

I had the embarrassing Lapband moment, today.

I ate some Chinese food too fast and got stuck!! Oh the PB’ing Horror!!! So I ran to the bathroom and time I open the door there was my co-worker staring right at me!! I was able to hold my food in my month (looking like a frog) and headed straight to the stall.

After all that horror, said to her, “I had bad Chinese food, don’t try their steam clams”, LOL !

The big lesson for me, Slow down and chew, Chew, CHEW!!

I Ate the Whole Thing..

Of What ??

“Pringles – Multi Grain Cheesy Cheddar SUPER STACK”

Why??

“I have a taste for them. After I have ate my portion, I could have given the rest to someone, but I didn’t. I just sat there like a zombie and ate the whole D@mn can!! I did not get any “feedback” from my band, but that was ok. I was greedy and that is my fault.

What lesson you learned?

No more Pringles. I have to get over the idea of having a “Clean plate”!!!

What do you do if you have a “small” taste for something (candy, cake, etc.), but you can only buy it in a large amount?? Do you NOT buy it at all? Do you eat your portion and give the rest away or throw it away? Please let me know.

Recipe: Santa Fe Mix - High Protein

* Publix Geen Wise Market - Organic Soybeans
1 Whole Can- 15 oz (425 g) - Drained
* Olives Slices
1 Whole Can - 3.8 oz (108 g) - Drained
*Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles
1 Whole Can - 10 oz (283g) - Drained
* Green Giant Mexicorn
1 Whole Can - 11 oz (311g) - Drained
* Red Onion
1 Whole Onion - Chopped
* Taco Dry Seasoning
4 teaspoons
* Lemon Juice
2 teaspoons

Just mix together and store in the fridge!! Use it as a salad topping or a side dish.

Whole Container
Cal 1200
Fat 43.75
Total Carbohydrate 147
Fiber 52
Protein 59
Net Carbs 95

Per Serving Size 6 1/2 Cups

Cal 200
Fat 7
Total Carbohydrate 25
Fiber 9
Protein 10
Net Carbs 16

Goal Range Battle #1 - Mental Breakdown

After my writing my last blog entry, I had a mental breakdown. I was so frustrated with the whole plateau crisis that I felt that I failed myself again. So I walked into the kitchen like a zombie, grab the bread, butter and cheese and made TWO grilled cheese sandwiches. Without any hesitation, I ate both sandwiches and went to bed.

This morning I woke up and realized that it was not a dream. Why did I do that last night?!? I am trying so hard to break free from emotional eating; I can’t afford to have a relapse!! So today I am starting back to the basics with a new agenda.

Nutrition:

Calories: 1300-1400

Carbohydrate : <80 grams

Protein:>50 grams

Exercise: According to online sources, weight control is a daily event which requires daily exercise. I have to start and STICK to the Couch to 5k program!!

Goal Range Battle #1 – 350lb

Since I am closer to my first goal (350lb), I feel that my body is fighting against me. Right now I am stuck at 366/365lbs for the past 3 weeks. In the afternoons, I am walking one mile plus weight training, three times a week. I talked to some friends online and they said I HAVE to step it up on my exercising. Call me crazy, but sometimes I have a fear of exercising, especially running. I don’t get any satisfaction from working-out, unlike eating food. But like my husband always said, “excuses are like assholes, everyone has one”. With my next workout, I am going to focus on increasing my cardio.

People from Lapbandtalk.com suggested the “bodybugg tool” from 24fitness.com. It cost $175.00 with free shipping. PLUS there is a monthly fee of $9.95!! I really feel that I spent enough money with this lapband, so for right now, no-no to the bodybugg tool.

I have been fighting this battle for way too long (since 2006). It is time to crush the enemy!!

8th Fill

Just had my 8th Fill today. Again, it was only .6 cc, totaling 9.8 cc. According to their scale my weight is 368.8 lbs. I have lost 7.8 lbs in 35 days!! My average calorie intake is around 1700-1800 per day. She said I need to lower my calorie intake to an average of 1300-1400 per day. My carbs should be under 75 grams. I really don't count calories, but on a good day, I do watch out on my carbs. So for the rest of the day, I am eating refried beans...(not low carb..hehe).

Couch to 5k Podcast Link

The C25K program at Cool Running
These are the guys who started all this. The first place to visit to give you all the background, plus a copy of the program. In addition to the free, printable version of the plan, you can keep track of your progress online using the ActiveTrainer training log. Note there is a cost for the training log.

Podcasts:
These free, varied-BPM workout music mixes for runners, joggers, and power walkers at all levels are designed to build endurance and improve overall conditioning.
http://gonicoleyourself.blogspot.com/2008/06/couch-to-5k-podcast-page.html - Pop/Hip-hop
http://www.djsteveboy.com/intervals.html - Trance/Drum & Base


Personal Note: Week 1 is NO joke!! I can barely run 10 secs. I will not give up.

My Progress Picture

My new top from Dots!! For now it is a 3x. Time to pump it up!!

Cycling

I have not road a bike in 10 years. Wow, what a work out!!

Luck 7th Fill

Just had my 7th Fill today. It was only .6 cc, totaling 9.2 cc. The Great news is that I lost 2 inches from my waist!! According to their scale my weight is 376.6 bls.

BuyBulkWhey Weight Loss Challenge

I just order my first 5 lbs of Pure Whey Protein!!

I am starting a new challenge called the Bulk Weight Lost Challenge. This will start on 04/19/2010 and will end on 05/25/2010. As a Lap band patient, protein intake is very important.

This is my sample eating schedule during my challenge.


Breakfast - BuyBulkWhey Smoothie
Mid Morning - Protein
Lunch - Protein/Veggies - Lunch
Afternoon - BuyBulkWhey Smoothie
Dinner - Protein/veggies - Dinner

The Challenge ticker is placed below. Of course my trusty SportPal will track my workouts!!

Protein Ice Cream

Protein ice cream
by Onyah from Lapband Talk

I used this recipe’s directions, with the following ingredients:

2 ½ cups 2% milk
1/3 cup granulated Splenda
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 scoop protein powder (I used Bariatric Eating’s Peanut Butter Cookie)

I dissolved the protein powder in a small amount of milk, then stirred it in right before freezing. I also chopped up 3 Butterfinger mini-eggs leftover from Easter and added them in at the very end (when the ice cream maker had one minute left).

I scooped the finished product into little Gladware half-cup containers; it filled six. By my math, here are the stats per serving for the ice cream alone:

Calories: 90; Fat: 2 g; Carbs: 9 g; Protein: 8 g

And with the Butterfinger pieces (totally worth it, in my opinion):

Calories: 112; Fat: 3 g; Carbs: 12 g; Protein: 8 g

It’s smooth, creamy, tasty, and makes me very happy. The NYT article explains how the cornstarch helps keep crystals from forming, and makes for ice-creamey texture without high-fat ingredients such as heavy cream or egg yolks (though I do intend to experiment with some egg-based recipes in the future – it’s protein, after all)!

Next I wanna try it with strawberry protein powder and throw in some chopped berries. Yum!

Buy Bulk Whey.com

www.buybulkwhey.com

I drink two 16 oz protein shakes per day. I use the 100% natural whey protein from BuyBulkWhey.com. It has No artificial flavors, No artificial colors, No artificial sweeteners and No MSG. The powder has NO taste to me. So it so easy to add any flavoring to my homemade smoothies.
Click the link above to order!!


Here is my sample recipe:
2 scoops of pure whey protein
2 cups of soy milk (any flavor)
1 cups of strawberries (or any fruits)
3 packets of Truvia sweetner

Spring Walk

Aww, Spring is in the air!! Time to grab my sneakers and walk. Today I walked 2 miles!! check me out on SportyPal.com .

Fill Update

Update: I am up to 8.6 cc. Feeling pretty good!! My doctor said that I am getting close to the "Green Zone", which a goal to eat no more than 1/2 to 3/4 cups of food per meal. When I started my lap band journey on 07/24/2009 I was 430 lbs, now I am down to 379.8!! That is a true blessing.

Whew Finally Under 380!!

This Morning I weighted 379.8 !! Whew finally under 380! Now to get to under 370.

My progress pictures

I use my bathroom door as my "ruler". On 09/22/2009, I had to turn on the side just to fit thru the door.

Another Fill

Had another fill on 2/17/2010. I am up to 8cc. wow! Down to 385.3

Another Fill

Another fill of .2 cc..
Totaling 7 cc.


My weight is 386.2 Lost 5lbs!!

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