Tag: food

WLS Chronicles – HELP!!!

On By mrsjmejonesIn Weight Loss Surgery2 Comments

There are a ton of resources for weight loss surgery.  The FIRST one you should listen to is of course your medical team.  But once you’re not at the physician’s office – where do you turn?  It was (and is) a combination of things for me, so I thought I’d share.

APPS

  • Baritastic – This is a great food journaling tool.  You can also set reminders here for taking meds, for drinking liquids/proteins, and for taking vitamins.  I hear that some doctor’s will be integrating with it in the future so they can receive your activity and monitor while suggesting/commenting on your habits/choices.  I think that would be WONDERFUL.  Accountability is an amazing tool.
  • Monitor Your Weight – This is a very simple app that tracks your weight.  You enter your starting weight and target weight (height, age, gender) and it provides BMI info.  When you weigh, you log your stats and it calculates your new BMI, pounds left to target, how much you’ve lost…etc.  VERY simple but the graphing and info is probably my favorite of all weight loss apps (and I’ve tried SO MANY!)
  • BariatricPal – This is more of a forum-based app that connects you to others going through the same experiences.  To be honest, I didn’t use this one much as it has SO MANY members and forums that it was overwhelming for me.
  • Lose It – I have used this app for years.  The free version is pretty simple and great for food journaling and weight tracking.  Personally I used this one for a while until I found Baritastic and just found that it served the purposes of tracking protein better for me.

There are tons of other apps but the above are the ones that I found worked for my journey.  In addition, many surgeons have their own app as well with recipes and tips!

 

SUPPORT

  • My number one support was prayer.  Knowing that I was praying for God’s will to be done in my life and my health has helped me more than anything else.  When you are submitting to His will, you are not praying to lose weight or to be approved for the surgery…you are praying for God’s will be to revealed in your life.  You are giving it all to God and, in doing so, knowing that He will equip you for the journey He sets you on.
  • Support also came in from my family in a huge way.  My husband and I talked at length about this and we prayed together too.  My parents and my in-laws all were rooting me on.  My kids were all excited about their Mom feeling better and ready to help however they could.  My closest friends knew I was going to start the process and were with me all along the way.  It has been wonderful to have cheerleaders in this process.  I can’t imagine having someone be negative about this decision (to my face).
  • A very unexpected resource for me was Instagram.  I was up late one night and decided to search “#weightlosssurgery” and “#gastricbypass”.  I was AMAZED!  Other users were sharing what they had eaten on different phases of the pre and post op diets…they were sharing their solutions for pain/pressure/loneliness/protein.  It was ALL just what I needed.  I quickly created a separate account for this purpose and am still very active in it.  (My username is:  rnyftw – follow me to see what I’m eating or how I’m progressing!)
  • A recipe source OF COURSE was Pinterest.  I don’t even think you can say the word “recipe” without thinking of Pinterest anymore!  You can search by the type of surgery or the phase of diet you are on.  I created my own post-surgery board so I could easily pin to it.  It was very helpful.
  • There a zillion blogs on weight loss surgery.  The one I found the most helpful was The World According to Eggface.  She is 11 years out from her surgery and has been amazingly successful.  She offers pics of her “bento box lunches” and recipes galore.  She is the creator of the famous “ricotta bake” that SO many of us enjoyed during the pureed phase of life!  She also includes any tools/appliances that she acquired before or after surgery to make life easier and that helped me so much!  (BUY A MINI FOOD PROCESSOR, TRUST ME!!!)

I hope the above list helps know where to turn if you have questions, need inspiration or need to vent.  The combination of all of them have helped me through this journey more than I can say!

 

WLS Chronicles – Post-Op Diet (Days 4 -13)

On By mrsjmejonesIn Bariatric, Weight Loss Surgery1 Comment

On around Day 3 or 4 after surgery, things get exciting!  You graduate to a Full Liquid Diet.  This is particularly exciting because it includes Strained Low Fat Cream Soups.  You will never realize how much you love these until they are all you have!  🙂  For this phase you can have all of the things from Days 1-3 with the addition of:

  • Low fat skim or 1% milk, soy milk, almond milk, Lactaid
  • Strained low fat cream soups
  • Low sugar low carb protein supplements

I was so happy!  I used Fairlife fat-free milk to make my soups to fortify them with protein.  This milk has 13 g of protein in a cup (and only 6 g carbs) so it was a great choice (and still is) for me.  It tastes great too.  I made my soup on the stove top so that I could be sure it wasn’t lumpy….strained it twice to remove any meat, lumps or veggies…and then separated it into 2 ounce servings that would be ready when I was.  My favorites were Cream of Chicken, Cream of Asparagus and Cream of Mushroom.  It was just nice to have something different at that point.

The schedule is the same – protein at the top of the hour (2 oz, taking 15 minutes to consumer) followed by hydrating liquids (2 oz per 15 mins).   A large part of the day is spent prepping, and when you are not prepping you are SIPPING!  It is like a job.  I was constantly sipping something, recording it in my journal, warming up soup, or some combination of those things!  It. Was. Exhausting!

WLS Chronicles – Post-Op Diet (Days 1 -3 Clear Liquids)

On By mrsjmejonesIn Bariatric, Weight Loss Surgery1 Comment

One of the questions I get the most (after the dreaded, “How much have you lost???”) is “what do you eat?”.  That answer has changed over the last seven weeks, dramatically!

The first three days after surgery are ALL about sipping.  The diet is ALL clear liquids.  The focus in on hydration and protein.  One of the biggest concerns after weight loss surgery is dehydration, and this fact is really driven home by all medical staff at the hospital, at the Dr’s office and from the weight loss community – so I took heed.  The goal for hydration is 64 ounces a day.  Here is a sample of the suggested hydration liquids:

  • Decaf Coffee or Tea (Splenda, Equal, Truvia & Stevia are allowed)
  • Clear Fruit Juice (Diet or Sugar Free)
  • Sugar Free Jello
  • Sugar Free Popsicles
  • Chick, beef or vegetable broth
  • Water
  • Sugar Free, Non-Carbonated beverages (Crystal Lite, SF Kool-Aid, SF Lemonade)
  • Vitamin Water Zero
  • Mio drops
  • Dasani flavored water
  • Skinny Water
  • G2

You also have to focus on protein.  For days 1-3 the list of protein (in liquid form) is pretty short.  The goal is to get 60-80 grams of protein in a day (for my surgery).

  • Nectar Protein Powder
  • Health Wise high protein fruit drink
  • Cytomax
  • Healthwise Bouillon
  • Isopure Liquid
  • New Whey 42
  • Healthwise Sugar Free Protein gelatin
  • Unjury chicken soup

For me, the list was pretty disgusting too!  😦  I was NOT a fan of most protein drinks.  Also, your taste changes from the pre-op to the post-op period.  I was fine with the Isopure drinks prior to surgery…but after…ugh!  It made me nauseated to think of sipping on that!  I LOVED the Unjury chicken soup.  It was wonderful since most of my hydrating liquids of choice were “sweet”.  I craved the savory and it satisfied!

The SCHEDULE is the hardest part of this.  The easiest way to explain it is to think of a clock and break it up into 15 minute increments.  From the top of the hour until 15 minutes past, you are sipping on your protein liquids.  From 15 mins past the hour until 30 mins past, you are sipping on your hydrating liquid.  From 30 mins past the hour until 45 mins past, you are sipping hydrating liquids.  Finally, from 45 mins past the hour until the top of the next hour, you are sipping on hydrating liquids.  EACH 15 minute interval you should consume 2 ounces of liquid by SIPPING slowly.  You start over at the top of each hour, so that each hour you are having your protein first.  You are literally sipping every minute of the day, if you’re doing it right.  This stressed me out so much!  I didn’t feel like I could rest at all because I was worried about dehydrating and not getting my protein in!

Again, I missed chewing and I missed my life not revolving around sipping but STILL WORTH IT.  I went into this on diabetes and high blood pressure meds and I stopped them the day before my surgery.  Have not had a blood sugar level over 105 and my blood pressure is normal, if not low, at all times!  Praise God for this opportunity to be HEALTHY.

I found it most helpful to write everything down.  I kept a notebook detailing what I drank, how much and what time.  It was the only way to stay on track and not forget where I was for the goals I had (64 ounces of hydrating liquids, 60-80 g protein).  Here’s a snapshot of one of those days (this was during the next phase – full liquids):

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I also measured everything out (2 ounces at a time) in either shot glasses, small Dixie bathroom cups (they are 3 ounce, so you have to measure liquid before), or clear plastic mini cups (they are 2 ounce – PERFECT) with lids.  You don’t want to chance gulping from a large cup or serving and it helps to visualize as you are drinking.  I remember thinking “Okay, it’s 7 minutes after, I should be halfway done…” and it really helps when you are trying to do everything by the book.

Next post will be from the next phase of diet!  The FULL LIQUID phase!

 

 

 

 

WLS Chronicles – Pre-Op Diet

On By mrsjmejonesIn Bariatric, Uncategorized2 Comments

Let me start by saying, every individual is different.  Every surgeon is different.  If you are reading this and you are on your journey to weight loss surgery, ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS listen to YOUR surgeon and medical team.

My surgeon instructed me to start a “liver reduction diet” two weeks before my surgery.  The purpose of this diet is to make it easier for the surgeon to move your liver out of the way so they can focus on your stomach during surgery.  The first week of the liver reduction diet is made up of a daily diet of 2 bariatric protein shakes, 2 bariatric snacks (crisps or bars) and one meal of lean meat and green veggies – NO/LOW carbs, NO caffeine, NO sugar – and 64 ounces of liquids.  I started on December 13th and this part of the diet was not THAT complicated or difficult but that one meal a day was CHERISHED let me tell you!

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Hamburger Steak, asparagus, green beans and a pickle!

The second week of this diet was very simple.  Five bariatric shakes a day.  Only that.  No solid foods, no snacks, no cheating.  This was HARD.  I missed chewing.  I missed real food.  I could still have hydrating liquids and that included sugar-free popsicles so they were my jam.  They still are.  Yummy.

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My protein shake – Bariatric Advantage Cookies & Cream

The liver reduction diet requires planning, willpower and commitment.  Basically this sets you up for success after surgery as well.  It also gives you bad breath, low energy and dry skin!  By the last few days, it was all I could do to get those shakes down.  The last day, I think I only drank three.  There was just no way.  I was tired of them and just tired in general.  Keep in mind that on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day I was on liquids only.  My family was so kind and understanding and did everything they could to make things easier on me.  During this time I still cooked for my family and was around food…I knew that it was going to require me to keep doing that after my surgery so I figured I should start learning to resist temptations!  Easier said than done but I did it!

Twenty-four hours before the surgery, I had to stop all red and purple liquids.  That means only orange sugar free popsicles!  🙂  As usual, nothing to eat after midnight the night before surgery.  My surgery was scheduled for 10:30 AM so I had to be there at 8:30 AM.  I was so beyond ready.  Prayer helped me so much here.  I felt a peace that I couldn’t have come by alone.  I was ready.

WLS Chronicles – The Initial Visit

On By mrsjmejonesIn Bariatric, Weight Loss Surgery2 Comments

Once you have committed in your mind that you’re going to go for it, the work begins.  You may not even commit until after the first appointment…or the third…or the tenth!  Personally, I had to commit in my mind before I even walked in to the office.  My first appointment (Aug 8, 2016) was a flurry of activity.  I was assigned a caseworker (Kevin, very helpful) and weighed (ugh).  I sat down with Kevin and he presented me with two important documents:  Surgery Estimate and Bariatric Checklist.  The estimate was FABULOUS:

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Now, this is not normal.  However, when your sweet husband spends a week in ICU due to double pneumonia, you have certainly met your out of pocket maximum for the year.  Thank you Jesus for health insurance.  Yes, you are seeing that right.  This surgery cost me exactly ZERO dollars.  (Hmm, I guess that should have been on my first post about this!  It was a factor!)

The Bariatric Checklist was the piece of paper that looked the most intimidating.

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All those highlights were something I had to do…which meant (to me) something to worry about.  (Let me just pause here and say that my prayer life was being tested and built at this time and I believe it was God’s plan to teach me how important it was!!)  The first thing I heard Kevin say was:  “Okay, your insurance requires four months of weight loss visits – basically four months of us weighing you – before surgery.”  I thought I had NO chance of getting this surgery squeezed into 2016!!  He then told me that this visit would count as my first one…so my window was TIGHT!  I had a ton of things to do in a short amount of time and we began scheduling appointments and making plans!  It was organized chaos and I was up for the challenge.

I met the surgeon and we discussed the types of bariatric surgeries and the pain I was feeling in my left side as well (my aforementioned femoral hernia).  Dr Tyner was very helpful with the tons of questions I had already and gave me some information on apps to use and diets to read up on to get myself ready for this huge change.

When I left the office that day, I cried like a baby knowing that this was going to be hard.  I cried harder out of joy, knowing that I serve a risen Savior who would equip me for this battle.  I literally and figuratively leaned on Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

xoxo

Small J

WLS Chronicles – The Decision

On By mrsjmejonesIn Bariatric, Weight Loss Surgery2 Comments

There are many steps of Weight Loss Surgery and possibly one of the hardest is making the decision to go for it.  Many weeks or months or even years go by while someone considers it, most often.

For me, it was a few factors.  I had been diagnosed with diabetes and put on meds for it.  I had been diagnosed with high blood pressure and medicated for that.  I lost an Uncle last March who was obese and we believe that led to his passing.  I had more time on my hands than EVER, after retiring from my job in July.  I was referred to a surgeon for a pain I was experiencing (that we thought was endometriosis related and turned out to be a femoral hernia) and this particular surgeon performed bariatric surgery as well.  I prayed.  I talked to my hubby.  I talked to my Daddy (who had lap band surgery in 2013).  I talked to my Mama (who was the chief cook/warden/support for my Daddy!).  I stressed, I worried, I prayed, I read, I researched, I cried, I decided.

I needed to do this for my family, for my health, for my LIFE.  I have ALWAYS battled with my weight.  I have hypothyroidism as well, which does NOT help.  I am an emotional eater.  I had a very stressful job for 5+ years with travel and meetings and “no time” to plan to eat healthy – so I didn’t.  Yes, that’s an excuse.  🙂  I was all about convenience.  I was being selfish.  Why not be selfish enough to take the time and energy and opportunity to push the reset button on my health?  My family was the most supportive.  I knew I would face criticism and the whispers of “why can’t she just diet and exercise?” and worse.  The thought of this negativity made every little bit of positivity mean that much more.  I clung to it and decided to move forward with the surgery, not really sure of which procedure I would land on.  I was open to all options and began praying that I would have peace and clarity about which one.  The procedures (lap band, gastric sleeve, duodenal switch, gastric bypass) all varied in their effectiveness as well as their chance of complications.

Research online helped tremendously as well as information from my surgeon’s office.  (I went to Bariatric Specialists of North Carolina.  Cannot say ENOUGH about how awesome they are.)

If you are considering bariatric surgery, my advice is this:  Research, be patient and ensure you have a support system that understands the full process.  Research the surgeries as well as the surgeons.  Don’t settle for mediocre care as you may end up with mediocre results.

I plan to chronicle each phase of this journey and would love feedback or questions!  You can reach me at mrsjmejones@gmail.com.

xoxo

Small J

 

Meatballs, made of meatloaf..meatloafballs? (Recipe & Pic)

On By mrsjmejonesIn food, recipes2 Comments

So it’s time I share one of the ways to my hubby’s heart.  My meatloaf that happens to be shaped into balls and not at all loaves.  They cook faster.  They are almost “crunchy” on the outsides.  They are AWESOME!  This is so simple!

MLB

 

Meatloafballs a la justjmejones 

You’ll need:

  • 1 lb. ground sirloin
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 cups of ketchup
  • tbsp of A1
  • dash of salt
  • tsp garlic powder
  • 3/4 sleeve of saltine crackers, crushed

In a medium sized bowl, add all ingredients and mix together.  Scoop out balls using an ice cream scoop to obtain the desired size (and please don’t worry, they are not meant to be perfect!).  I bake them on a rack on top of a cookie sheet.  (This way some of that fat drips right down to the pan and you don’t touch it!)  Cook for around 30 minutes at 425 degrees.  Note: I use tongs and turn mine over with about 5 minutes left to make sure they are “crisp” on the top and bottom.  These are not saucy meatballs, but more of a “crusted” meatball.  I add a little bit of ketchup to the tops of mine before serving and that’s it!  🙂

Extra Snacks in the Bag…

On By mrsjmejonesIn about us, food, grateful, hubby, love, marriageLeave a comment

When my husband goes to the grocery store (which he does, almost every time this family GETS groceries), besides when it’s Lowes Foods To Go – I mean him going and doing the shopping, he usually always picks up something extra.   I often joke with him that I’d be much better off going because it would save us a good $60 each TRIP!  He’s a brand name snob.  He will NOT buy generic medicine (not even pain reliever…but it’s mostly due to his pharma knowledge so it makes sense).  I’m funny about my ketchup and mac and cheese but other than that, bring on the store brand!  Not the mister.  However, there are a few things that he purchases that don’t bother me a bit.  I don’t ask for these things or even remind him…but when he gets home I’m almost excited to see what he’s remembered that I love.  The last time he went, I found these things in addition to the “list”….

 

Caramello bars are my most FAVORITE candy bar from WAY back.  Talenti is a new but serious favorite frozen treat.  I love that he remembers these things and knows that they are such small ways to show me he cares.  To surprise me and show me his love.  I do the same for him if I go to La Dolce Vita for lunch…I usually order his fave dessert to go.  If I am in Tramway on a Saturday, I might go to Tobacco Road to see if there is a new shirt he’d love.  Showing your spouse you love them in a small way can really make a BIG difference.  I certainly know he’s always thinking about US…and he knows the same.

And, now, I have to run.  Caramel and keyboards don’t mix.  😉

Gee Thanks!

On By mrsjmejonesIn about us, family, grateful, home, hubby, kids, lists, love, marriage, MJ, my heart, positive thinking, praise, ThanksgivingLeave a comment

So, I’ve been a bad, bad girl.  I haven’t been on FB to post every day what I’m thankful for!  <Gasp!>  (Before you think I’m talking about YOU, I did it last year and I didn’t hate it….so I’m not judging.)

But, we all know by now, I’m a list girl.  I’m thankful for lists.  That’s all!  Good night, thanks!

Okay…maybe…more….like…

  1. My personal relationship with my Lord and Saviour.  (If you don’t have that, please talk to me!)
  2. My sweet, considerate, funny hubby.  Our relationship is crazy strong and we are just getting started!  (Six years…)
  3. My kids…all three of them are so different but such great combinations of personality, wit and charm. (And sarcasm.)
  4. My family, every single member of it.  Both sides.  All sides. Especially the relationship with my Mom.  Always there for me.  Always willing to listen.  Also, the relationship between myself and my step-wife (my step-son’s Mom if you are not in the know) is such a blessing.  No drama, just working together for the good of our families that are intertwined.  Makes perfect sense, huh?  🙂
  5. Our home.  Though we are trying to sell it…it has provided shelter from storms, cold (hmm), heat and rain…we’ve welcomed a new life into this home together and had many moments of cheer and sadness as well.
  6. My job and it’s blessings..coworkers…my team..my boss..my friends made and kept there…
  7. Yoga pants
  8. Short hair (don’t care)
  9. Talenti gelato
  10. My wonderful family physician…Phillip takes such good care of us ALL!
  11. A clean house and the fabulous lady who makes that possible!!  (Love my cleaning angel!)
  12. That all my kids are potty trained!!!
  13. Social media. It’s been a lifeline at times for me. Might sound sad..but it’s true.
  14. Lifetime movies
  15. Nordstrom personal stylists. Sometimes when I put on one of the outfits she put together for me I’m still shocked that I’ve gone outside the box on some things.
  16. Hallmark Channel
  17. Dasani water
  18. Bojangles.  Just yes.
  19. Thyroid medicine.  Makes such a difference.
  20. Excel. Pivot tables. V look ups.
  21. Freedom
  22. Fantasy Football – gives me a reason to watch and spend time with my boys and hubby
  23. Blogging. A healthy outlet for me.

White Bean Chicken Chili Recipe

On By mrsjmejonesIn food, recipes1 Comment

Here is the recipe for the chili I have raved to everyone about.  I have found many variations online but this is the one that is perfect for me and my family (and coworkers)!

  • 1-1/2 – 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into “chunks”   
  • 1 medium onion, chopped to your liking (depending on who is eating it, I might even mince)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
  • 1 can (7 ounces) chopped green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • In a large saucepan, sauté the chicken, onion and garlic powder in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Add the beans, broth, chilies and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream and cream. Makes about 7 servings.  
  • It is fabulous with red pepper flakes!
 
Also – you can put all ingredients in a crock pot and cook that way – just don’t add the sour cream or heavy cream until just before you serve it!