Category: WLS

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · German · Recipes · Uncategorized · WLS

Bratwurst

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Weisswurst…bratwurst.

Cravings.  I walk around the grocery store thinking about what I haven’t had to eat in a while, and what to cook for the week.  I make lists, and follow those, but in general it is cravings that fuel our weekly menu’s.

I haven’t cooked bratwurst in a long time.  My family has preferred to have the traditional knockwurst.  Different flavors, and to me, a lot more fat.

I found this Dietz & Watson Black Forest Bratwurst, and thought I would cook one or two up for just me.  Again, thinking that I would be the only one really wanting to eat it.


I normally cook my bratwurst in beer in a slow simmer.  We didn’t have any, but David drinks (on occasion) Smith & Forge Hard Cider.  Per their website:  Hard cider is a strong, sturdy but not-too-sweet fermented alcoholic beverage built from the juice of apples.  And, David said “apples and pork go together.  I watch the Food Network.” Yes, they do.

So, we simmered the bratwurst in 3/4 of a can of the cider until evaporated.

 Then just seared until golden brown (I like my a little darker – crisp).

I ate mine with a bit of Dijon mustard. It was perfect.  

David really enjoyed his, and we both loved the flavor of the apple cider.  Will use this again when cooking bratwurst or maybe even kielbasa.

Blessings.

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Brownies · Butterfinger · chocolate · Ghirardelli Chocolate · Recipes · Uncategorized · WLS

Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownies

jachancellor1 Comment

Chirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie mix is the bomb!  Really.  I crave chocolate, and having a small bite everyday has helped me not eat the entire pan (that, and I would probably make myself very sick).


I have had cravings for Butterfingers as well.  I had some of the Butterfinger baking pieces in the freezer, and decided that these two things would be extra yummy.

Yes!  All I did was sprinkle one cup of the Butterfinger candy on top of the brownie mix.  Baked, and cooled. Super yummy. Very rich and decadent.

A cheater way to something yummy.

Blessings.

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Changes · sushi · Uncategorized · WLS

Sushi

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In my past life of eating everything, I loved eating sushi.  All kinds of sushi.  Well, except Uni.  Never have liked it.

But, I could and would eat two or three rolls or consume chirshi don (10 different pieces of sashimi on rice) with miso soup and maybe even a seaweed salad.  Way too much food.

Since my sleeve surgery, I have had sashimi but really no more than 4-5 ounces at a time.  I have missed the combination of flavors that traditional sushi rolls have. I have been talking about eating sushi with a co-worker who has lots of dislikes when it comes to textures and food.  She really doesn’t like a lot of fish either.  So sushi?

Well, all of the talk of what kind of fish to try (if any – hello steak!), made me want some sushi again.

After talking with my long time sushi chef and friend about my cravings, he served me this:


2 pieces of shrimp tempura wrapped in 3 ounces of yellow tail with spicy mayo and green onions (with a little bit of eel sauce).

Oh my!  My taste buds were extremely happy, and so was my tummy.  It brought back the roll flavors I had been missing without any of the rice (yes, the tempura breading is a no-no, but in the grand scheme of things – not so bad).

So thankful.  And, yes I will be having it again – maybe next time with ahi tuna.

Blessings.

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Cabbage · Recipes · Turkey · Uncategorized · WLS

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

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I was wanting something a bit different…and remembered seeing this post on Facebook a while ago.  I didn’t get this from Facebook, however, I found a version on Skinny Taste.  I like this version the most, and decided to give it a try.

A couple of differences:

Ground turkey instead of ground beef, and currants instead of raisins, and I didn’t add in rice (David and Carmen had rice in their dinner but not mine).  There were some other differences, but I mainly used what we had.

Ground turkey, currants, Italian seasoning, cabbage, smoked paprika, purple onion and garlic.Shred the cabbage, chop the onion, and chop the garlic.I browned the ground turkey with black pepper (1 teaspoon).  Added the onion, garlic, Italian seasoning (2 tablespoons), and smoke paprika (2 teaspoons).

Then added the currents, 1 beef bouillon dissolved in 1 cup of warm water, and 8 ounces of tomato sauce.  Stir, and simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes.Add the cabbage and another cup of hot water…let simmer for another fifteen minutes or until the cabbage is wilted.My salad plate, and no rice.  I loved it.  

David’s plate with heated rice under the cabbage mixture.  The flavors were savory, sweet, and tangy.  We will have this again.  David didn’t add ketchup so I would say it was a win/win.  Carmen did add Tabasco for a little more of a bite.

Blessings.

 

anniversary · Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Uncategorized · WLS

Card

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I received this card in the mail on Saturday from my surgeon’s office, Baptist Bariatric Center of Excellence.


I had just been questioning my weight loss.  It is difficult not to see how far I have come, but how much farther I need to go.  Always what else I need to do, not how much I have done.  Do you do this?  It doesn’t always have to do with weight loss.  Oh the tricks that the mind plays.

This simple action, a card with my results in a picture, hit me hard.  My arms are by my side, not hanging out.  I have an actual neck.  I can shop in a normal clothing store.  I have lost weight.  I am not huge anymore.

It is difficult not to see the fat me, but this helps.

Happy Monday!

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · BBQ · Potato · Recipes · Uncategorized · WLS

Pan Fried Potatoes

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We grilled the Cornish Hens the other day, and for a side, I had thought of making foil pocket potatoes.  Well, after a very long day, we ended up just making pan fried potatoes (and will do the foil packets another day).

5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled, and chopped
1 onion – halved and sliced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste

I soaked the potatoes in cold water (then rinsed and drained).  

Added the carrots and onions after the potatoes are partially cooked in the pan.

This was David’s plate and he loved them.  I like my potatoes crispy, more of a crunch when you bite into them.   These were soft, and favorable, but most certainly not crispy.  Everyone has their preferences.

Blessings.

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Chicken · Cornish Hens · Recipes · Uncategorized · WLS

Cornish Hens

jachancellor1 Comment

Summer memories.  I have said before that growing up we would BBQ on the weekends.  I am trying some of the recipes now on my family.  Strange how I haven’t really cooked any of these in years.  Too many things going on, I suppose.


You can find Cornish Hens in the freezer section at your grocery store.  Defrost in salted water (helps draw out blood, and flavors the meat).  Once defrosted, cut in half with kitchen scissors or a really sharp knife.

Marinate – I tend to use Italian Dressing especially since it has oil, seasoning, and vinegar to break down the tissue of the meat.  I also add wine.  Whatever is open.  Marinate in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.  Bring out about 45 minutes before the grill is ready.  You should grill these on direct heat.


Grill, over medium-high heat until cooked through.  You will want to check the temperature in the thigh portion (since it is the thickest), and it should read 165 degrees or until the juice runs clear (just like a regular chicken).

I sauce at the end with our blended, store bought BBQ sauce. Let rest for about 5-8 minutes under tented foil.  Serve with your favorite side (we usually do Jasmine rice with BBQ Chicken) this time we made fried potatoes (another post coming soon).


My portion – and yes, I like the wing and drumstick a little charred. 🙂

Enjoy.

 

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · goal · Goals · lupus · Uncategorized · WLS

Weekly Shots -Update

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Last week I saw my Rheumatologist, and we decided to take me off of the Methotrexate shots.  I had been experiencing too many of the side affects, and really felt the need to get off it.

Really won’t see the benefit until a couple more weeks go by, but excited that my immune system can recover.  I would really like to see how my body is without a lot of immune suppressing drugs.  One day.

Again, hopeful.

 

Anxiety · Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Changes · Empty Nest · Quotes · Uncategorized · WLS

Change

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Definition of CHANGE (Merriam-Webster)

changed;  changing

transitive verb

  1. a :  to make different in some particular :  alter never bothered to change the will b :  to make radically different :  transform can’t change human nature c :  to give a different position, course, or direction to changed his residence from Ohio to California

  2. a :  to replace with another let’s change the subject b :  to make a shift from one to another :  switch always changes sides in an argument c :  to exchange for an equivalent sum of money (as in smaller denominations or in a foreign currency) change a 20-dollar bill d:  to undergo a modification of foliage changing color e :  to put fresh clothes or covering on change a bed

intransitive verb

  1. :  to become different her mood changes every hour

  2. : of the moon :  to pass from one phase (see 1phase 1) to another

  3. :  to shift one’s means of conveyance :  transfer on the bus trip he had to change twice

  4. of the voice :  to shift to lower register :  break His voice started to change when he turned 13.

  5. :  to undergo transformation, transition, or substitution winter changed to spring

  6. :  to put on different clothes need a few minutes to change for dinner

  7. :  exchange, switch neither liked his seat so they changed with each other

changer

noun

change hands

  1. :  to pass from the possession of one owner to that of another money changes hands many times

One thing in life that is constant is change.  My dad always said this.  Most of the time, I am okay with change so long as I am in control of it.  Ha, who isn’t, right?

We are going through some major role changes at work with new leadership, and at first I was shocked, then sad, and ended up excited.  The next morning, completely overwhelmed, then angry at the rumors.  Last night, I was completely excited again remembering that this is new, different, and challenging.  I love that.  I love being told I can’t accomplish something.  Bring it, right? But still scared of the change.  The unknown.

So the definitions list above are to remind me that the small, little word “change” can mean lots of different things to different people.  I am in the midst of change at work, with being back in school, becoming an empty nest home, and my weight loss.  Lots of change.  So I leave you with these:

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” – Winston Churchill

“Change is inevitable.  Progress is optional.” – Tony Robbins

Blessings!

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · lupus · thoughts · Uncategorized · WLS

Weekly Shots

jachancellor3 Comments

I take two shots weekly on Sunday evenings for my Lupus.  

This weekend has been bad for me with my Lupus, bones are aching and fatigue is heavy.  Doing too much lately and my body said rest. 

I don’t like it but it is something I still deal with.  Seeing my Rheumatologist this morning hoping to stop taking one if these shots.  I have really like getting off of most of my medicines with my weight loss.  I really, really don’t like giving myself shots. 

Hopeful.