Bariatric Surgery - My Story · David's Thoughts · family · Uncategorized · WLS

David’s Thoughts

Hello, it’s David again! Today, I wanted to write about another aspect of my life with Jerry that has changed since her weight loss surgery – food and eating. Now, I know that sounds like an obvious point, and I knew that Jerry’s diet would have to change after her surgery, but I didn’t really understand the effect that would have on both of us.

First, a bit of history – throughout the majority of our relationship, both Jerry and I were overweight. Food and eating were a major part of our time together, and we both genuinely enjoyed not just the dining, but dining with each other. And, given our mutual love of food, our dining was rarely a restrained activity. Meals out typically included appetizers, large entrĂ©es, and desserts. Combined with a lack of exercise, it is no surprise that, at our heaviest, together we tipped the scales at over 600 pounds.

Since her surgery, Jerry’s food intake has been a mere fraction of what she used to eat. Which has affected how I eat, simply because I have lost my “partner in crime”! đŸ™‚ When we go out now, if we order an appetizer, it’s only because it is her meal (appetizers are typically small enough for Jerry to eat without hurting herself, or wasting a lot of food.) I do still order full entrĂ©es for myself, but dessert is a rarity now. It’s just not as much fun digging into a piece of chocolate cake by myself…

Now, while I am still quite heavy, Jerry’s significant weight loss has inspired me. As I mentioned in my last post, one of the most exciting parts of her transformation has been my hope for more time with her. However, as she routinely reminds me, if she is going to sticking around, then I better get healthy to make sure I am there with her! And so, I have been trying. Since her surgery, I have been keeping a closer eye on my own eating. I have lost about 30 pounds from my heaviest, but I would still like to lose another 15-20. If for no other reason than to help me maintain the energy I need to keep up with Jerry now!

So, with my posts, I hope I have helped show that weight loss surgery affects more people than just the patient. But every change has been worth it, and continues to be.

David

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · family · husband · share · thoughts · Uncategorized · weight loss · WLS

Guest Posts

In the next week or so, David (hubby), will be guest posting on his perspective on my weight loss journey and our new life. Obviously the changes we make affect the people around us, so I thought it might be good to hear from someone affected by my changes.


Hopefully, we will all be able to learn something about others touched by the weight loss journey.

Blessings. 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Chobani Flip · Holiday · Indulgence · snacks · Uncategorized · WLS

S’more’s Day

I really have never been a big fan of smores.  Too messy, have to build a fire.   And today is National Smore’s Day…and I don’t want to build a fire…

Love this yogurt! This flavor has become my favorite. 

Blessings. 

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · sushi · Uncategorized · WLS

Sushi, again

Last night, we went to dinner at my favorite sushi restaurant – Juno’s.

Juno couldn’t remember what he made me last time, but we decided to try a “rainbow roll” modified.

Instead of steam shrimp he used shrimp tempura which added a crunch, but the toppings were the same.  No rice, cucumber, avocado or seaweed wrap.  Just the basics.  Next time I think we will add the avocado.


It was crunchy with the tempura and sesame seeds, tangy with the spicy mayo, and full of flavor.  Loved it.

What is your favorite sushi roll?

Blessings.

 

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Holiday · Uncategorized · Watermelon · WLS

Watermelon

Today is National Watermelon Day.

I used to hate watermelon (before surgery).  Then it seemed, after surgery, I craved it.   My Mom ate it while she was pregnant with me, and I do believe that had something to do with my not liking it.

But, not anymore.

watermeloninfo02On the above information picture it states to avoid during pregnancy.  Oh okay.  Well, not pregnant, so no worries there.  Need to find some slush recipes.

How are you enjoying your watermelon today?

Blessings!

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Disney · Travel · Uncategorized · WLS

Non-Scale Victory 

Carmen and traveled to Walt Disney World over the Fourth of July holiday.

In the past, I would have had to rent a scooter just to get around.  I wouldn’t be able to ride any rides (or if I did my bones would not like me).

This time was SO different.  I was able not only to walk, and ride the roller coasters, but I was able to last till then end of the day.

I was so grateful to be able to fit into the chairs of the rides.  To sit and enjoy the day.  It was amazing.

2017-07-02 16.41.06

It was such a nice trip.  I have a bit farther to go in my weight loss, but this trip confirmed that I have come a long way already.

Blessings.

 

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Changes · Uncategorized · WLS

Wine

I am one cheap date.

Really.  I like most drinks/cocktails now.  I haven’t always been able to drink.  I think part of my surgery took the part of my stomach that couldn’t handle alcohol.  I know it sounds crazy, but my friends can attest that I would not be able to drink a full glass of anything.

Wine lately has been nice.  One or two glasses, and I am done.  Cheap – or really expensive, doesn’t matter – same affect.  Done.  I love that I can enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail now.

What is your go to drink?

Happy weekend! Cheers!

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · snacks · Uncategorized · Whisps - Parmesan Cheese Crisps · WLS

Whisps

Parmesan Cheese Crisps…have become my go to snack.  They are bitter, salty, with a super amount of crunch.  9 grams of protein for 15 chips! Hello!

Love them with my glass of Chardonnay, or any other drink for that matter.

I need to try the cheddar ones, but for now these will do. 

Blessings! 

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Goals · new habits · Uncategorized · WLS

Back to the Habit

The scale is not going in the right direction lately.   Too much chocolate and cheetos! So back to the swing of things…

Habits…walking (treadmill), daily…again.

Eating better. Today.  Meal planning. I must do this.  I have to prep for the week, mainly for lunches, to be successful.  I need some new ideas for dinner.  Need to plan for those as well.  Plan to succeed.

So… what do you do to continue to be successful?  Do you meal plan? 

Blessings.

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Chicken · Recipes · Uncategorized · weight loss · WLS

Dijon Chicken

The day ended like it started, crazy.  So getting dinner on the table was really a miracle for me.  I didn’t take pictures of before or during—completely forgot.  At least I got pictures of the final product.

4 Boneless/skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
2 T of red wine vinegar
1-2 T Olive Oil
1 T of dried parsley (fresh would be better)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Pat the chicken dry.  Mix together the rest of the ingredients and coat the chicken.  Heat oil in pan, and sear until done.  These could have browned a bit more.  The vinegar added a nice tang with the mustard, and not heavy in taste.

img_1266

My plate, with sauteed spinach (my favorite, of course).

I made these again last night, but cooked them in my iron skillet.  They browned a bit more, and flavor was better with that searing.

I made a pan sauce from the dripping by adding some wine and butter (1/3 cup wine, 3 pats of unsalted butter), and reduced it by half.  It was really nice over rice (again a standard in our house for the family).

Blessings.