Kerry, Trim Forever

Thank goodness for the sleeve.

2010-08-03T23:09:00.001+10:00

All my life I have been an emotional eater and I am so grateful for my gastric sleeve. I imagine that if I didn’t have it I would be absolutely massive by now. I have never been a great sweet eater, I would rather eat cold casserole or a biscuit or a pastry than chocolate and lollies. In the last couple of months I have eaten a power of mixed lollies and white chocolate and I have gained 2kg. Yesterday I decided that this is not going to continue. As hard as it has been I have not bought any more white chocolate or mixed lollies. I have purchased little tubs of fruit and bananas. The dietician has been keen for me to add more fruit to my diet so I have been having half a banana with my oats for breakfast and a little tub of fruit or apple when I get that sugar craving feeling. I don’t feel hunger because of my surgery so it is all psychological. I am still having less alcohol so that’s got to help too.

My diet this week is consisting mainly of homemade soup for lunch with multi grain bread and chicken with something for dinner. Tonight I had a drumstick from the freezer (cooked previously) with cous cous. I was supposed to have asparagus as well but I just plain forgot. The soup is one I made on Sunday night. I cooked 2 leeks with garlic until soft and threw it into the slow cooker with chicken stock, water, 2 large baked sweet potato, 2 baked carrots and 2 baked potatoes. I got the very old bamix stick blender out to puree it with and the poor old thing was DOA, so I had to ladle it into jugs and the blender to mix it all up. It is really yummy. I serve it to myself with a teaspoon of light sour cream.

I purchased the biggest loser 3 DVD set of work outs and they are actually quite good. I certainly felt sore after starting them. Sometimes I find Michelle quite annoying though. I am still not consistent enough.

Looking after myself

2010-06-19T18:56:00.001+10:00

This week, even though I been a bit weepy a couple of times, has been very good. I feel good about myself and actions I have taken.
I am looking after myself very well.
It would be very, very easy to fall into a pattern of eating badly particularly given that my stomach has been reduced in size drastically and I don’t have the “thing” that makes people feel hunger. That went with the rest of my stomach.
My healthy life depends more than ever on good food choices even though I can sneak feel good food in and not feel guilty.

I made a decision early in the separation that I was going to maintain my health and each weekend I cook something that I can freeze and eat through the week.

Today I tried one of those cook in a bag things that have been advertised lately, mine was Smokey bbq chicken.

It was so easy to do, just put eight drumsticks in the bag provided, add the flavour powder, tie a knot in the bag and pierce it with a fork and then cook for 40 minutes.
I know have 7 drumsticks to freeze for meals through the week.
I also have vegetable, pea and ham soup in the slow cooker.
In my freezer I have steam fresh veggies in a few varieties and something I never thought I would have which is frozen potatoes, some sliced, some mashed.
One of those bags of steam fresh veggies is too big for me but at least the chooks get a feed. Tonight I had peas, carrot and broccoli with re heated frozen mash(it was o.k too) and 1 drumstick. I am sooooo full, I probably should have stopped sooner. The dogs will get a bit of a feed out of the drumstick too.

Other things I have frozen include

Chicken satay
Lamb and apricot
Savoury beef
Lasagne
pumpkin scones
veggie soup

I have nearly finished the beef, scones and soup.

So my diet goes something like this

Meal one:Oats with low calorie maple syrup and a splash of milk
Meal two:Soup and a buttered bread roll which takes me a while to get through
Meal three:Lamb & apricot with rice and veggies.

Even though I don’t feel hunger pangs sometimes I feel like eating, especially if I am not busy enough and I have been snacking on lollies but this week I decided that has to change and I bought fruit, yoghurt and muesli bars for those times. BUT I do have a bag of choccy frogs in the car. I won’t be buying them again because they are like wafers. I think they have lost more weight than I have.

Tomorrow I am treating myself to a roast!!

I have a little Lamb rack with three bones so I will probably get two meals out of it or share it with the dogs. Last time I cooked these it was for a dinner party, our last actually, and I stuffed them. This time I will just brown it off and finish it in the oven and serve it with sweet potato, carrot and broccoli. They are fresh veggies that I will cook too.

Can’t wait til tomorrow now.

I don't have to try anymore

2010-06-15T19:58:00.002+10:00

......but that doen't mean I am going to take my eye off the game.
My BMI says I am still over weight but my looks don't reflect that.
More to come soon.

New Appointment

2010-05-21T16:02:00.001+10:00

There has been a lot going on and I have organised my time next week to suit my surgeon only to get a letter saying he won’t be there on the day and I should make another appointment. Now I have to organise myself for a trip to Melbourne a week later.

I won’t be at goal when I get there but I really don’t care, I hover between 58 and 59 on my scales which means about 60 on his.

I am very happy with the way I look and feel right now.

59

2010-04-08T20:09:00.000+10:00

Kerry, Jack and Reid

Downsizing again

2010-03-24T20:31:00.000+11:00

Well I have been fortunate in my weight loss journey.

Last year I got a bit stuck and then my gall bladder nearly killed me and I lost more weight.
I then had my gall bladder out and lost a bit more.
Reid told me he didn't want to be married any more and I finally broke the 60kg stumbling block.
I am relying on all my supplements and medication at the moment as well as counselling.

Read my other blog if you need to know more.

Kerry

Green veggies..yum

2010-03-17T19:20:00.000+11:00

When I am home alone I can eat what I like.
Tonight I had mixed asian greens poached in chicken stock and white wine with a bit of grated cheese and coriander added at the end combined with a lightly beaten egg. It probaby sounds gross but I really enjoyed it.

I am having a glass or two of chardy as well. :-)

Looking back and now looking forward

2010-03-15T20:32:00.000+11:00

Look back at my photo the Saturday before I had my surgery.

I knew I was morbidly obese but I still thought I looked alright at the wedding even though I was on my pre - op diet and nearly ready for surgery.

I think I suffered from reverse anorexia: I always looked good in the mirror!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, finally I see some flaws but not many (bodywise), I will never be happy with the face.

When my BMI is in the healthy weight range I would like to have some photos taken but unless I am earning money they will be taken by my children. I have very little to lose to get there but it just isn't happening soon enough.

I can go back to exercising very soon because my recoverey from surgery is about complete. I will start with light cardio this week. Next week I will attend my mix and match class and if I feel o.k after that I will go back to the gym.

Keep your finger crossed.

kerry

Infection

2010-03-09T21:36:00.000+11:00

Well now I know why I was so sore.
My wound was infected and my skin is sensitive to the sticky dressings. OUCH!!!!!!!!

Two different antibiotics and two visits to my GP later and it's nearly o.k.

On Friday I will go to the surgeon and let him check it all out.

It's not quite right so we'll see.

I've lost another kilo or two but can't quite get to 60kg. I have been so close but I haven't hit it yet. Soon, very soon.

It's time

2010-02-16T20:31:00.000+11:00

to grow my hair back.
Having short hair from hair loss sucks.

I have had my gall bladder out 5 days now and to be honest it was a much harder thing to go through than the gastric sleeve.

I'm still sore.

Random photos of me with members of my family

2010-02-15T12:17:00.000+11:00

Approximately 5

2009-12-24T12:26:00.002+11:00

kilograms to go before I am in the healthy weight range for the first time since 1990. yayyyyyyyy

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Time to update the photo

2009-12-04T18:08:00.002+11:00

People have been gasping lately when they see me.
I think it's the hair really. The regrowth from all the hair loss was quite fuzzy so I had it all cut off.
Dad got quite emotional when he saw me and said I looked like Mum. Everyone knows I am a dead spit for Dad. LOL
Reid and I had our photo taken together a couple of nights ago when we officially gave up being Mayor and Mrs. Mayor so I will try to get one of those to post soon.

Sunday Night on Channel 7

2009-11-15T19:13:00.002+11:00

I am disgusted with this show's article tonight.

I tried to respond to it but I wasn't able so I am doing it here.

I have not had lap band surgery but I would have if my surgeon hadn't offered something else.

I fully support lap band surgery and gastric sleeve surgery.

How dare Mike Monroe throw so much shit at lap band and support one doctor.

I'm sure there are lots more positive stories about weight loss surgery than they portray.

If you are not convinced google weight loss surgery forums and you will find plenty of happy people.

I have lost so much weight, I am fit, I am healthy, I don't take blood pressue medication, I am not diabetic and I love my life. Twelve months ago I was the exact opposite of all of those except for diabetes. How good is that. I have life to look forward to. I have grandchildren to look forward to, once I had limited opportunities due to my weight.
I can still die tomorrow, like anyone else but at least i am not offering myself up to the gods as a candidate to be taken early.

Express Lane

2009-10-18T17:03:00.002+11:00

I'm in the express lane to the end now with my gall stone problem that I reported in my moving forward blog. It's just dropping off everyday with no fat allowed in my diet. I am trying to balance the nutrition side of things so that even though I eat tiny meals they are at least good for me. Annette Sym's cook books are coming in handy because she makes everyday meals low fat and tasty. There are always lots of veggies and good protein sources so I think I am covered reasonably well. I haven't been this light since before I had children (Jack is 18 now) so I feel really good. I am going to try my Wedding Dress on one day soon but I think it may be a bit big.
For the first time ever I have slim legs. All my life I have had heavy legs and generally been fat all over. I have the legs I have always dreamed of, go figure how this happened but I am glad it has. Perhaps all those leg exercises I did when I was a serious bodybuilder :-) have paid off and left a legacy, who knows.
Any nutrition tips will be gratefully accepted as well as your version of what has happened to my legs.
Kerry

Is that Mum with Dad?

2009-09-07T20:48:00.002+10:00

My son Sam left for King Island on July 13th and we didn't see him until last Saturday when we were allowed to visit him. He didn't recognise me until he spotted Reid but wasn't sure if I was me. He straight away said that he thought I had lost a lot of weight. He was quite shocked really.
Next week he will be home for the holidays and he will get to know us all again.

Compliments

2009-08-15T10:45:00.002+10:00

My life is full of compliments at the moment and I am loving every minute. I am no longer obese and I look like magic.
The lady at the coounter in Target told me I looked gorgeous with no other conversation taking place and me not knowing her from a bar of soap. She has no idea how that made me feel. I thanked her of course be she will never know how much I meant it.
I have had some clothes taken in to make better use of them and I have also purchased new things.
Someone on a forum for the gastric sleeve asked once if you had a food addiction and you get the sleeve what takes the addictions place. The answer is shoes.
I l0ve shoes and skinny feet fit much better into pretty shoes than fat ones do.
Now I am not so heavy I can handle heels much better and the last two pairs I bought have quite big heels. I am weary the black ones to an engagement party tonight and I hope to have at least one good photo taken in my outfit. Can't wait.

Kerry

anit movement

2009-06-25T11:43:00.003+10:00

Still steadily progressing on the downward path but not as quick as if I were exercising regularly. I don't kmow why I won't because I love the feeling of finishing a workout, especially cardio. I'm good at cardio, I never get bored, I always mix it up and always finished pleased with myself, so why don't I like to start it.
I suppose somewhere in my head there is a bit that has decided to take the easy out and just let the sleeve do everything for me. ?????????????????????
My eating habits have certainly changed.
I don't crave anything really.
I choose healthy options even if the portions are small.
I have an occasional treat.
I love the new body I am developing so you would think if I could get there quicker with exercise I would just get off my butt and do it.

Move, Kerry, move.

Reflection

2009-06-02T18:37:00.002+10:00

Exercise: Bugger all
Breakfast: crumpet
Lunch: cup soup
Tea:casserole with dumplings, of course I will be full after about 1 dumpling and 2 tbsp casserole, but that is what I am going to have.

Many years ago when I was just a little girl and it rained I had little curls all over my head. Now that I am 51 and after/during hair loss I also have regrowth I have those little curls again. I feel so young it is not funny.
In fact I feel so young that I am dressing that way, I have a shortish skirt on today, yes I am wearing a skirt and it has been years since I have. It is size 12.
The other thing that I have on is knee high boots. I have boots on!!!!!It has been a very long time.
I have been getting compliments all over the place but what most people don't realise is that I am technically still obese and have about 3 stone (in their language) to lose, so they tell me that I should not go too far.
I am sure manufacturers have made the sizes larger. I really can't be a true 12 or as one shop assistant said to me, "you are going to end up an 8 or a 6". How good would that be, I think to myself, let's just keep motoring on.
Mirrors used to be a real threat and now I love them when I am dressed. I look fantastic.

Moving Forward

2009-05-25T17:58:00.003+10:00

Exercise: Whole body workout
Breakfast: toast and peanut butter
Lunch: 1/2 round toasted chicken sandwich
Tea:Lean beef burger with salad

I stayed home today except for a trip into town to pick Jack up from the bus which turned into 3 trips but that's another story.
Last week I was supposed to start an exercise program designed by Kristen at IBO, well actually I did the cardio then went to work so technically I did start it.
Late in the afternoon I tripped and fell and even now a week later I have the biggest bruise I have ever had on my left knee, two small ones on my right leg and a bruised left wrist. It knocked me for six. My left knee is absolutely amazing to look at and to feel. It is yellow, purple and black and still very puffy. The puffy bits hurt the most but the skin is numb if that makes sense.
I did the workout today but you should have seen me try to get up off the floor after the bridges. Let's put it this way, I am glad I was alone in the room because anyone there would have been in hysterics.

As you are probably aware my weight problem has mostly been to do with emotional things, like death, money, depression etc. Recently I took an unusual step with the support of my psychologist.

I went to a clairvoyant for a group session. Things that came up really helped me. Things that came up for some others made me teary. The next step for me is a private session which I should book because she has a wait list about 8 months long.

Today I feel empowered and I think I am really moving forward

cheers
Kerry

Bad choices

2009-04-30T19:01:00.002+10:00

Well after yesterday self back patting I have let myself down. I ate a mini spring roll and a bit of a really awful slice. My excuse is that it was very cold this morning. Ha! What a weak excuse, things will be better tomorrow.

This has been a mammoth week and I am just about burnt right out.

Tomorrow I will be at work in Culgoa and I will have some time at home as well. The weekend doesn't look like providing any rest and then I will start again.

I really want about two days sleep, please.

Boobs

2009-04-29T20:26:00.002+10:00

I haven't been weighing everyday so I guess I am making steps in the right direction in regard to self confidence and self assurance.

I automatically make good food choices most of the time now and even the thought sometimes of things I would have overeaten once makes me feel ill.
I have been shopping for clothes out of necessity and one lady helping me in a shop told me I have to get used to seeing a different me in the mirror. I walked out of there with nothing over size 14 and some 12's.
Today I was fitted for new bras and wait for it..............I now have size 14 bloody double ef. WTF#*#*
The girls don't want to go anywhere soon by the looks of it. Anyway they are at least sitting where they should and not dangling around my waist. Oh well, I guess I will have to live with what I have.

Moving Forward # 2

2009-04-10T13:33:00.002+10:00

My other blog is titled Moving Forward because that's what I knew I had to do after I gained all the weight back.

I am at the point in my weight battle that I was about 3 weeks after Mum's death in 2006. It was the lightest I had been in years, my next best memory being December 1995 when I was about 68kg and Sam started walking.

68kg is therefore my next moving forward goal. By then I will be overweight and no longer obese. I plan to be there by my birthday, May 15th.

How's that for a simple, measurable goal?

Hair

2009-04-05T10:16:00.002+10:00

Well I am still losing some hair and I am not taking the zincaps because every time I did I had severe nausea and dry reaching which wasn't good.

That's how many kg I have lost to date.

If exercise is the key, why the hell don't I want to do it?

2009-03-28T16:17:00.002+11:00

Exercise: Full body workout designed by me for me plus hill cardio for 30 minutes
Breakfast: toast with pn butter and 1/2 banana
Lunch: scrambled egg
Tea:going out to dinner, who knows?

The scales have shifted again and now as you can see by the ticker I am very close to the 30kg mark. It took 11 days for the move this time, way too slow, exercise will be the key.

Hopefully this will be the motivation for me to exercise more often, I haven't had that switch turned back on yet. I really enjoy exercise so I don't understand the grey matter in my head backing away from it.

Melanie replied and told me to take zincaps along with my multivitamin and to see her as soon as possible. It's alright for her, I'm in NW victoria and she's in Melbourne and she is only there on Monday and Wednesdays. I'll get there when I can.

2009-03-23T17:41:00.002+11:00

Exercise: Full body work out with Steve, yay at last.
Breakfast: oats
Lunch: dry biscuits and pn butter, trying to add some carbs
Tea:Chicken and salad

This hair business is becoming a bit of a worry and Melanie hasn't answered my email yet, I hope she does soon.

Every day I get heaps out when I wash it, dry it and brush it. I find it on my pillow but not thick bits like when mum lost hers through chemo, always just a few strands but it is getting to be too often. It is starting to look a bit thin now.

Twittering

2009-03-17T21:02:00.003+11:00

Look to your right and you will see I have added my Twitter account in. This will be updated much more often than the blog so you can check what I'm up to here in two ways.

I have been losing hair for the past few weeks so I did some research and found out it is due to low carbs according to my Google findings so I will have to try to add a few more in than I have been. Eating carbs is difficult because they fill me up instantly and make eating anything else difficult. Tonight I had some rice with my meat and veggies.

I will keep you informed.

Monkey off my back

2009-03-14T10:53:00.003+11:00

That 200g monkey is finally off my back and I can now move on.

Tomorrow I am going to my secondary school mini reunion. It's mini because selected people have been invited and if it goes well there will be an all in one some other time in the future.

I have size 14 pants and a new top to wear and I really can't wait to get there.

I think I will get Reid to take a photo before we go. I had better charge the camera battery and take the camera with me as well.

Winning and Losing

2009-03-12T09:42:00.003+11:00

I hate lsoing stuff I tried to post.

I have been losing and gaining 200g for about 10 days now and it is very frustrating.

I have two size 14 pairs of pants.

There you have the shortened version of my lost post

Exercise:
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Tea:

For Sale

2009-02-23T13:43:00.003+11:00

My clothes are for sale on Ebay. Well not all of them but an awful lot of them. I put them on last night and already I have one item bid on and lots have watchers. There's still 4 days to go so I am very happy about that.
Here's a sample

The dress in the side bar picture below, and above the shift I wore to my 50th.

and this is an old size 8 I thought I would throw into the mix.

..............if this skirt doesn't sell I might just keep it and put it with my small old clothes to try on again.

Exercise:2 x 30 minute bike rides (to town and back)
Breakfast:protein pancake with sf maple
Lunch:tuna to go coffee
Tea:

Hump Day

2009-02-22T09:50:00.003+11:00

I have passed the half way mark to my final goal.

To me this is huge and the last couple of weeks have been so slow but I finally got here.

Breaking the chain

2009-02-15T22:10:00.003+11:00

Exercise:
Breakfast:Protein pancake with sf maple syrup
Lunch:more pancakes
Tea:1/2 stuffed zucchini with more veggies.

Today I cooked up a heap of chicken and put it into little bags in the freezer and made some stuffed zucchini and put them in the fridge.
Reid has started a program so it is easier for him to manage if it is all prepared earlier. Ultimately this will be good for both of us. I will do some more tomorrow.

All I have to do now is re start the exercising. I will start and I will not break the chain.

Reid went the the Northern Buloke Bushfire Bash this afternoon where a drought stricken community raised over $17,000 in a few hours. A lot of people who donated money will be paying interest on that donation because most of us have been borrowing funds to live for a couple (or more) years now. I think that's pretty commendable for poor people to do.

I also know this has nothing to do with the context of this blog, sorry.

Goals

2009-02-13T10:48:00.002+11:00

Exercise:
Breakfast:Protein pancake and sf maple syrup
Lunch:stir fry and lamb
Tea:dinner at the sofitel.

I have had a goal since I had the surgery to fit into the Diana Ferrari dress I bought after Mum died. Today I have it on. I just love it and I feel really good with it on. I also have matching DF shoes on.

500g to go and I will be exactly half way to my final weight goal.

check in

2009-02-09T20:56:00.003+11:00

Breakfast:scrambled egg white on toast
Lunch:lamb, broccoli and sweet potato
Tea:chicken, sweet potato and broccoli with a little bit of carrot

My eating is improving all the time but I still can't eat the ends of asparagus, the tips yes, but no matter how far I trim, I can't get that really fibrous bit to go down.
The hot weather is over and I am just being lazy.

Bravery

2009-02-07T15:29:00.005+11:00

Well I haven't been very good at the exercise since the heat set in but things will change as of Monday because Reid has signed up with Sue so we will work out together but I have to get ahead of him so I can stay lighter than him.

If you missed the article in the Weekly Times, click here.

This is my second attempt at this blog so I am not going to write it all twice.

I hate it when you publish and half is missing.

cheers
Kerry

I weigh less than Reid

2009-01-25T18:18:00.002+11:00

I have waited so long to be able to say it and now I can.

Yipee

Weekly Times

2009-01-24T10:43:00.004+11:00

If you are from rural Victoria you probably know who Miranda is.

Genevieve Barlow is a friend of mine on Face Book and I invited nearly all of my face book friends to the Ideal Bodies Online Face book group including her.

As a result I am doing an interview over the phone this weekend about emotional eating and my struggles with weight and the support I have had from Sue and then the gastric sleeve.
Next Thursday Sue and I are going to be photographed together at the Herald and Weekly Times office and Miranda will include an article about me/us some time soon.
Miranda and Genevieve are one and the same if you are not familiar with The Weekly Times.

This is all very exciting.

Exercise:Intend to do 20 minute hills and 1 x 10 minute HIIT
Breakfast:coffee, eggwhite crepe with berries and sf maple syrup
Lunch:
Tea:

Successful Dinner

2009-01-22T11:42:00.003+11:00

Exercise: 2 x 15 minutes hill intervals @ two different speeds
Breakfast: hi bran weetbix, water, milk and coffee as usual
Lunch:Left over salad from dinner
Tea:

Last night's dinner went really well and the warm chicken salad I made was a huge hit. So were the scotch finger biscuit ice-cream sandwiches.

I had a good serve of chicken and salad and a taste of the dessert.

Wednesday

2009-01-21T12:38:00.004+11:00

Exercise:3 x 10 minutes on treadmill but .3km faster for each than yesterday. Tomorrow I will do two lots of 15 at the same speed as the last two today. I plan to build up my endurance slowly.
Breakfast:coffee, hi-bran weetbix,splenda,water and a dash of milk

Lunch:half a salad sandwich
Tea:Warm Chicken salad with dinner guests.

Today I stuck to the exercise plan.

2009-01-20T15:22:00.004+11:00

Exercise: 30 minutes on treadmill which was the same workout 3 x 10 minutes but faster each time. Tomorrow I will start with a higher speed and do the same.
Breakfast:Coffee, hi bran weetbix, splenda, water and milk
Lunch: 1/2 salad sandwich
Tea:lamb Back strap with something (I haven't had it yet)

I am really pumped at the moment even though Phat Camp has been cancelled again. This time I have asked for my money back. I am disappointed to say the least.

Have I mentioned my much loved milk drinks?
It seems my body doesn't like them anymore.
About 15-20 minutes after consumption I feel bloated,then pain and then I'm on the loo with disastrous diarrhoea. This has happened more than once so I don't think it is a coincidence. I will miss my milk drinks terribly.

Kerry

Sunday and Monday

2009-01-19T18:20:00.004+11:00

Exercise: Slacked off again yesterday, treadmill tonight. It was hot so instead of the treadmill I hopped in the pool and kept moving one way or another for 30 minutes timed by my mobile phone. I walked, I swam, I squatted, I lunged the whole time. Today I have very slight doms in my quads.
Breakfast:hi bran weetbix, splenda coffee today, toast with peanut butter yesterday
Lunch:today, premium biscuits with salmon and cream cheese, yesterday zucchini slice with veggies
Tea:yesterday, left overs but I threw them up. Trifle with stewed apricots. Tonight I will egg white crepe with berries and maple syrup. Looking for ward to that

Saturday

2009-01-17T10:22:00.002+11:00

Exercise: slacked off
Breakfast:coffee, multigrain toast with peanut butter
Lunch:Zucchini slice and coleslaw
Tea:roast pork, root veggies, asparagus and peas, all tiny bits of course.

I reached 85kg neat today. This was a bit slower than I planned but I finally made it.
With exercise I will be able to achieve the next five much quicker.

Friday

2009-01-17T10:20:00.001+11:00

Exercise:40 minutes walk up and down dam banks and around the farm
Breakfast:1 hi bran weetbix with yoghurt
Lunch:zucchini slice and coleslaw
Tea:rissole, stir fry veg and 1 tiny chat.

2009-01-16T15:59:00.002+11:00

Exercise:15 minutes treadmill and 30 minutes around the farm
Breakfast:hi bran weetbix
Lunch:1/4 lean beef rissole thingy and salad
Tea:salad and slithers of chicken cordon bleu

I'm getting the hang of cutting the salad up more now so I have had it twice in one day.
Last night I made more zucchini slice and froze some. We have lots of zucchini so I will be living on it for a while. We'll probably have some soup this weekend if it's not too hot.

Dr's visit

2009-01-14T21:57:00.002+11:00

I saw Mr. Frydenberg today and he was very pleased with my weight loss and progress, so much so that I don't have to see him for another 6 months.

I then went for lunch with Reid and Sam. I tried risotto and managed a few spoonsful and then I had to race back to see Melanie, the dietician.

Those things I can't are no longer on the can't eat list, I have to cut them more finely. For example carrot should be grated and then cut up. I should take about 20minutes to eat a meal and stop after 20 minutes if there is any left. Sandwiches should be made with one slice of bread or if I have to buy one, I should throw half away.
I am on three meals a day and no snacks.
I am to start recording my exercise time per day so I might as well record all food and exercise from now on.
Starting tomorrow I will record it here too.

Please comment if you notice me going astray.

Kerry

You really should click on the link and read this

2009-01-04T18:21:00.002+11:00

One doctor's take on Weight Loss Surgery.

This is a must read for all who need to understand about fatness and the need for weight loss surgery.

Mini Goal

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Another milestone.

2009-01-04T15:25:00.001+11:00

Perhaps I should have had different goals or at least two sets.

I passed the 20kg mark today, 20.3 to be exact and I am extatic.

I have started moving forward again which I am really pleased about.

Kerry

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T21:30:00.002+11:00

I do not make New Year's Resolutions. I never have and I never will.
I am not good at goal setting for my own health and fitness but I am very good at organising and planning and working towards other things in my life. Once I set my mind to some things there is no budging on my behalf, that is how I have achieved lots of things in my life. It's a real mystery as to why I don't seem to treat my health in the same way.
Bariatric surgery was easy to plan for and keep to schedule. I did not put one foot wrong in preparation for the surgery. I followed all the rules and it was a breeze.
My weight loss was very quick and relatively easy but now it has slowed considerably. I have one minor female age related problem at the moment that could be slowing things down temporarily but that is only an excuse I am looking for.
I stole some goals from Tracey's blog and have tuned them to suit me.

This year I am choosing to focus on the following:
I refuse to let emotions play a part in my health and fitness.

I will embrace the opportunity my gastric sleeve has given me to improve my health and support it by making healthy food choices. We are a team!

Exercise will be a regular component of my life. I will participate in planned exercise at least five times each week.

I will hydrate my body with at least at least two litres of water a day.

That is four areas of my life that I am choosing to keep “neat”, shouldn’t be too hard should it? Well, trust me, you will hear about it if I mess up.

I hope you don't mind too much Tracey.

I have started to do a minimum of 30 minutes cardio each day, even getting up early to do it when necessary. This is a huge change on my behalf. Unlike other times when I have started exercising after a break I have not tried to do it full on as if I haven't stopped. I am doing very easy cardio and intend to build on it each day.
I will also start incorporating weights again.
I have booked into Phat Camp, even if I am the only one I know there, I will go and I will be in the best shape I have ever been when I get there. I am already looking forward to it. Let's hope I don't fall off anything this time.
I still have eating issues. Most vegies don't go too well unless they are mashed. I refuse to put proper meals in a blender. I am not a baby and I will not eat baby food. I will perservere with all food until the hernia repair stretches itself or I learn to do without some things.
I can no longer eat rich food such as fruit mince pies, Christmas pudding and chocolate. I will not miss the chocolate but unless something changes Christmas just won't be the same again.
I cannot drink softdrink, the bubbles are too big but Champagne bubbles are fine in small sips, go figure. Every now and then I wouldn't mind a coke zero.
I am learning to enjoy tea, iced mainly, but also the occasional hot one. I still love coffee and if I haven't had food or drink for a while I can drink a whole small one. I used to always drink large flat whites. No more large ones now. Just think of the calories I am saving. I will not ruin the coffee with low fat milk so I still get a few extra calories but I don't have coffee as often so I guess it's win, win.
I am loving the way I feel at this point in time and it can only improve from now on.

Cheers,

Kerry

Sticking problems

2008-12-25T18:40:00.002+11:00

I'm still having trouble with things that stick and still experimenting with food choices.
Cruskits and smoked salmon with some philly is my current favourite and probably easiest meal. I usually have that for lunch.

Things that don't work.

Asparagus
Red meat
BBQ chicken
Lettuce or salad greens in general
Fizzy drinks like softdrink have far too many bubbles
Bread is far too filling so sandwiches are now out in preference to cruskits

and..............I seem to discover new ones most days.

I did manage a small amount of Christmas Dinner.

Mini Goal

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A stitch in time.......

2008-12-18T13:37:00.003+11:00

..well one where the stomach drain was anyway. It's apparently trying to make it's way out through my skin. It looks like the eye from a hook and eye. I remember having those stitches removed and it wasn't pleasant. I'm told it's only a piece that's been left behind and it will come out of it's own accord.

I am tolerating more food and learning to slow down and chew more. Red meat is not something I even want to try though. Fizzy drinks, except sparkly, don't go down well. Flat drinks are much better. Today I have an iced tea which I will eventually finish. It will take me the rest of the afternoon to finish the round of mixed sandwiches I have.

Mini Goal

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One down, eight to go.

2008-12-08T20:34:00.002+11:00

Goals, that is. I achieved the first one yay!!!!!!!!!
I finally broke into the 80's.

I am having trouble with solids due to the hernia, the tight little hole won't let much through so I have to chew and chew and chew and chew and if I forget I am in big trouble. Food gets stuck and then I either throw up or stay in what could only be described as extreme discomfort for several minutes. It certainly makes my eyes water.

One good find has been cruskits, they sort of dissolve on chewing and cause no problems. I will be eating more of them now.

My next goal is 85 which is not nearly as far away as 90 was so I reckon I will be celebrating again mid - late January. Fingers Crossed.

Kerry

Mini Goal

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Trying to adjust to solids

2008-11-30T17:15:00.003+11:00

Well I decided that the school reunion this weekend would be a good time to start solids.

Attempt 1

Lunch - Tiny quiche.....so far so good

Attempt 2

Dinner - Sausage are soft, I'll try one of those with some egg and some pasta. Slice off a bit of sausage and chew what I think is an adequate amount of time and swallow. Try a bit of pasta salad too. Then the tightness in the chest began and people started asking are you o.k? Ella who is ten asked and I threw up into my hands. Ella quickly got her Mum and I'm throwing up in the garden.

I ate the egg whites and that was it.

Attempt 3

Breakfast - coffee

Attempt 4

Lunch - bits of chicken, ham and sliced pork. All chewed very well and swallowed.

Later - I then decided to look for something soft that I wouldn't have to struggle with and took a piece of cake/slice which I thought looked nice and then I got a serve from another woman about what I chose. She tried to take it out of my hands and to say the least I was very offended. My dietitian told me that there was no need to go on a food funeral before the surgery because I would be able to eat anything I wanted still.
I ate half, which is all I ever intended to have and threw the rest in the bin.

Tomorrow I will speak to Melanie, the dietitian again to get some more handy hints and then I'm on my own devices until mid January.

I am losing about 1kg per week now which is more realistic than the original weight loss I had.

I am still a very happy camper.

Mini Goal

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Too much food round two.

2008-11-20T20:50:00.002+11:00

Bugger, I lost my first post as well as the mashed pumpkin I shovelled into my mouth.
The pain was unbelievable in a tight sort of way.
Now I am on pureed fruit and yoghurt from a teaspoon.

Sorry I couldn't be bothered re typing everything.

Kerry

Mini Goal

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Magic Melanie

2008-11-17T19:11:00.002+11:00

Today I had a phone consultation with Melanie, my dietition. She gave me some good ideas for things to eat like spag bol without the spag, sherpherds pie, fruit with my weetbix and I can crush ladybird crunch up and add it to oats or the weet bix. I will also try some low fat custard because four weeks of yoghurt and fruche has taken a toll. Don't get me wrong I enjoy them both but I am over them for now. Tonight I had carbanara sauce for dinner and ate it with a teaspoon as I am meant too. At least it had a different taste.

Mini Goal

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Success

2008-11-11T12:08:00.000+11:00

Today I put on pantyhose without asking Reid for help.

First post op visit

2008-11-08T16:58:00.002+11:00

I had my appointment with Harry and he was very pleased with my progress especially on the scales and so was I because on his scales I have lost 11kg. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!

I am now allowed to thicken up my fluids and have very wet mushy food. I will eat like this until the end of November and then I will progress to solids.

I have a phone appointment with my dietitian on the 17th of November.

My next appointment with Harry is January 14th.

I do feel tightness in my chest when I consume food/water and Harry said that that will improve over time and some of the people on the Gastric Sleeve forum have reported that this is true, so I am really looking forward to that.

I am starting to make friends with clothes that I haven't worn for quite a while which is good. At least I have smaller clothes to choose from and I don't have to go out buying things.

Life is good.

Kerry

Very Excited

2008-11-06T15:16:00.003+11:00

I am very excited because I have hit the 10kg off zone. That's 10.2kg since I was in the surgeon's rooms on October 8th.

Good bye old Kerry

Kerry

2008-11-03T19:21:00.005+11:00

On Friday I will go back to see Harry for a post-op assessment. I think he will be pleased.
All my holes, five in all, are healing well and I am following all orders to the letter.
Good news, today the teds came off and I am back behind the wheel.

I have added a photo of me before I went to the wedding the Friday before the operation.

I nearly died when I saw it because I realised I look like Nana.

Nana and mum are featured below.
That fat gene seems to have missed Mum and stuck to me.

Kerry

Weekend over

2008-11-03T09:32:00.002+11:00

and thank god it is.

I slept for a fair percentage of it and tried really hard to keep the fluids up.

I read on the Gastric Sleeve Support forum that a large percentage of women sleeved have a period about two weeks after whether it is time or not. Now I haven't had one since April and yesterday I had a bit of a show. I hope it doesn't develop into more because I have truly enjoyed the last few months of being officially old.

I am going into Culgoa store today but not for the whole lot, I think I will come home early and go back again tomorrow.
I also have an appointment with my G.P tomorrow so he can make a mental health plan so I don't have to pay the psychologist. I will also make sure he checks my blood pressure and other bits while I am there.

My weight loss slowed over the weekend but I think it is all to do with fluid, I'd like to reach the 10kg mark by next weekend.

My short term goal is the 80's by Christmas. When I am allowed to exercise I am goint to build up my stamina on the treadmill slowly and then really get into it.

Kerry

Gastro

2008-11-01T17:02:00.002+11:00

It's not ideal to have diarrhoea when you can only have liquids anyway. It's hard to work out whether it's a drink or food. It must have all been food because I have ended up dehydrated. Jack has the same thing and the doctor said it comes and goes for three weeks. Just what I need!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sam has conjunctivitis so he's home too. Zachary is away and fine and Reid is o.k too.
I have had a busy and very tiring week where I probably should have been in bed but Kerri was away and somebody had to do the shop. Jack was supposed to drive me but he couldn't so Reid came to Swan Hill each day with me.
We are closing for cup day and we never open on Mondays so I should get a bit of a break.

Kerry

9 days on

2008-10-29T12:23:00.002+11:00

I am steadily losing weight at the rate of about 600grams per day.

The narrowness of the hernia repair can get really tight but I am dealing with it quite nicley. Sometimes I forget and take a whole spoonful of something and then I have to wait until I feel it pass through before I eat more.
I am still wearing the hospital teds (compression stockings) for another 5 days and although I am looking forward to not wearing them, my ankles have never been better than with them on.
I am back at the shop in Swan Hill but I can't drive so I have to be driven over and back. This looked like a no brainer because Jack has his L plates and goes to school in Swan Hill but he has gastro so today Reid drove me over and I will be picked up at the end of the day by our farm manager and his family. Reid will be at council.
My blood pressure has been all over the shop and for the last few days it has been low/normal without tablets whilst in hospital it was dangerously high. I monitor it about 3 times a day. I am lucky that I bought the machine a couple of year ago. I have had the readings compared to a manual reading and it is spot on so I feel condident doing it myself.
I am still very tired. Yesterday Jack spent the day with me at the shop and because it was quiet we shut early and went home. When we got there we both went to bed and slept. I managed to get up about 1 1/2 hours later for a couple of hours.

Time for lunch.

I can choose from soup or yoghurt or pureed fruit. I think I will go with the fruit.

Kerry

Two for the price of one.

2008-10-25T12:08:00.002+11:00

Yes, I had two surgeries for the price of one. Once in there the surgeon found a hiatus hernia, which, apparently is not uncommon. He repaired that and then went on to create the sleeve. I went in at 11.00 a.m and was back on the ward at 1.30 p.m. I slept most of the day so don't have much memory of it.
I had a few attachments which were gradually removed and now I am home on a liquid diet for four weeks. This is not usual. The repair to the hernia is a bit narrow and as a result I have to have the fluids longer and may even have to go back to have it stretched. I think I can cope with yoghurt, soup and protein shakes for at least 3 more weeks and won't the weight drop off because a fruche size tub is pushing the limits a bit with what I can fit in.
The only pain I felt is at wound sites which is minimal and a drain site which is slighltly more.
More to come.
Kerry

One More Sleep

2008-10-19T17:26:00.001+11:00

I have followed the Optifast to the letter, even at the wedding.
I am a bit nervous but I am still looking forward to tomorrow.
I will fill in you in on all the gory bits next week.
Kerry

Day 1 Optifast

2008-10-13T09:26:00.002+11:00

Today I started the Optifast.

I am not allowed to have coffee so I have managed a cup of tea!!!!
The chocolate bar is o.k too.

I found out that I will have bad breath for a while. It's a result of Ketosis associated with rapid weight loss.

This isn't something I am looking forward to so I will have to start out with weights reasonably quickly, just light ones though for a start.

I am still excited about what's ahead and because we are leaving on Wednesday night for council stuff and a wedding I think the time will go really quickly.

kerry

Ready, .................

2008-10-11T17:31:00.004+11:00

I went back to Harry Frydenberg on Wednesday the 8th of October and then I saw the dietition.
I am still in Melbourne and having a "food funeral" which mostly seems to be poached egg dishes and ice-cream, both of which I will be eating again in a few weeks time. Melanie,the dietition, said it wasn't necessary because I will be able to eat most food again but just not much.

On Monday I start on Optifast. I thought it was shakes but there are bars, soups and a dessert as well as shakes. I can also have some green vegies.

I am getting really excited now.

Blood Tests

2008-09-24T19:42:00.003+10:00

I finally had my blood tests on Monday morning.

Last Monday morning I was supposed to have them but Reid brought me a coffee in bed and then Zachary made me some oats for breakfast. It was only after I had it all that I remembered I was supposed to fast.

This time I got it right.

I have decided to go with the sleeve.

The GP

2008-09-10T10:44:00.002+10:00

I had an early morning appointment with the GP in Melbourne so I travelled down the night before and went with friends to a spanish restaurant. The food was magnificent.
The GP was lovely and very thorough and took more interest in my IBS than anyone else ever has.
Turns out I have no real problems but have to have obligatory blood tests which my own doctor will see to next Monday.
I have booked into the psychologist for grief counselling on October 14th which was the earliest I could get.
Kerry

The Psychiatrist

2008-09-01T10:56:00.002+10:00

I have been told that I am too honest for my own good.

After a quick tour of Albert Park I finally found Dr. Leon Fail's practice, a quaint little house tucked behind the cafe area of Albert Park. There is no receptionist, just a doorbell and a locked door that he opens for you.

I have read on forums that he makes his money very quickly.

A quick chat about my weight ups and downs and mostly the huge up since the Mothers Day after Mum's death and he tells me I will need grief counselling or I could sabotage the whole procedure and then, are you paying by cheque or cash, here's a pen. In total 10 or 15 minutes of his time.

I probably do need counselling and I know a good one, I just don't want to fork out the money or the time.

Kerry

Preliminaries

2008-08-25T19:31:00.002+10:00

August 28th, 12.30 p.m Appointment with Psychiatrist

September 4th, 9.00 a.m Appointment with General Practitioner in Melbourne

October 8th, 12.00 noon Appointment with Harry

October 8th, 1.45 p.m. Appointment with Harry's Dietician, assuming the other two doctors deemed me fit for surgery

My last hurrah will not be at the wedding it will be at the Hobson's Bay Mayoral ball the weekend before because at the wedding I will be only having Optifast shake.

I am so excited about all of this

Taking bigger steps

2008-08-23T16:07:00.001+10:00

This is Mr. Harry Frydenberg, my surgeon. Reid and I had a lovely chat with him on Friday and he has given me two options:
1. The Lapband

2. Gastric Sleeve

Check out the links to see a detailed explanation.

The second option is more radical but there is no need for follow up visits. This would save on fuel, accommodation and other travel costs over the first twelve months.

I have to go to a psychiatrist and a general practitioner and then back to Harry after they have assessed me as fit for the operation.

We have chosen October 20th tentatively because the general practitioner is hard to get into and Harry is having three weeks off in September. We have a wedding to go to on the 17th so that will be my last hurrah.

If by some chance I can get back to Harry quickly it will be sooner but not likely.

If you have some thoughts about the choices, please leave a comment.

Step Three

2008-07-23T20:44:00.000+10:00

I was in Melbourne yesterday so I called into the Surgery and made my initial appointment which is August 22nd and I am really excited. I feel like someone has given me a big gift and I can't stop smiling, well on the inside at least.
I also bought a book written by an Australian sugeon - The Lap-Band Solution, A partnership for weight loss .
Apparently Australia is the world leader in this kind of surgery so I'm feeling better about this all the time.

Kerry

Step Two

2008-07-21T17:57:00.001+10:00

So, I got the referral with no trouble at all. Now I have to make an appointment with Mr. Harry Frydenberg at the Epworth Centre for Bariatric Surgery.
I will call in there tomorrow to make an appointment seeing as I will be in Melbourne.

Kerry

The first step

2008-07-20T16:09:00.000+10:00

Tomorrow I am taking the first step to permanent weight loss.

Reid and I have an appointment with the our doctor to request a referral for lap band surgery.

I fit the criteria so I should have no worries getting it. The point of this blog is to record my feelings and thoughts during the process.

Please think of this as a positive for me and give me support when I need it.

If I don't get the referral I will be very upset.
I will post again tomorrow evening.

Kerry