tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-696954604827498562024-02-08T12:07:52.866-06:00ReNewing Your commitment to Weight Loss SuccessThe journey back to health including cooking tips, tricks, and ramblings for anyone interested, written from the perspective of foodies who have had Weight Loss Surgery.Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-51348545670172837782011-09-29T02:13:00.000-05:002011-09-29T02:13:21.322-05:00You've Had WLS, Now Get Tested... Demand It!This is a story of a life changing decision, how the healthcare community has failed us, and finally redemption. I hope you learn from our mistakes and ultimately enjoy the roller coaster ride....<br />
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As most of you are aware, my husband and I had Roux-En-Y Weight Loss Surgery in 2003 and 2002 respectively. Our surgeon was the only surgeon in town doing the procedure and our insurance at the time wouldn't cover for us to go to Nashville. We put our complete and total trust in this doctor. He has actually performed three different surgeries on me, operated on most of my family, and of course my husband. We had our usual follow-ups for the first two years that included weight, vitals, and a standard blood test focusing on B-12. The only nutritionist we ever saw was the visit required by our insurance company for preapproval. This was an in-house nutritionist at the hospital who admitted she knew nothing about Weight Loss Surgery. She read us a pamphlet distributed by the surgeon and said not to follow it but we did the best we could and got lots of help from the internet and online support groups. After the initial two years, all communications stopped except for an invite to the local Bariatric Center he created, and now has two other surgeons working with him.<br />
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In the meantime, we were seeing a Primary Care Physician who we adored. He listened to us, he spent time with us, he expressed genuine concern and did what he could to help us when we needed. Or so we thought. Blood work again was standard tests, glucose, B-12, iron, and in my case thyroid and rheumatoid. In 2004 he diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia with the standard treatments that never really worked effectively. He sent me to random local specialists over the years who would see me once and say "well, your primary is doing what I would do so go back to him." A waste of time and money.<br />
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In 2007 he sent me to a local oncologist/hematologist for an iron infusion. My ferritin levels never got above 15. The specialist he sent me to didn't understand Gastric Bypass Surgery and refused to do the infusion. Instead she prescribed 8 over the counter ferrous sulfate pills a day. The constipation and nausea made me sicker than I have ever been or ever would be. When I called him crying, his only response was to treat the constipation with Miralax and told me to follow the advice of the specialist. After 10 appointments and lots of money in co-pays, my ferritin level maxed out at 15 so she discharged me back to him.<br />
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Fast forward to 2010. Still no contact with our surgeon and our PCP is spending more time dealing with personal issues than seeing patients. Appointments are scheduled weeks in advance only to be cancelled an hour before. If we even made it to the office, the wait time was never less than 4 hours and the care was sub-par at best. After fighting with his office for over a year, in 2011 it was time for us to find a new PCP. My gynecologist of all people referred me to someone in Nashville. Thankfully our insurance now covers doctors in Nashville so I made an appointment for us to see her within 6 weeks. I needed my PCP one more time and my intent was to show him some respect and talk to him about leaving. I waited 7 hours in the waiting room to see him, 2 hours in the exam room, and that was the absolute final straw. I got what I needed and never went back.<br />
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Our new doctor is fabulous. We've been with her for two months and she didn't wait to address the pain issues and the iron deficiency. As is typical with specialists, the appointments weren't immediate but were timely enough. The first appointment that I went to last week was with a pain specialist. After some probing and making me really think about it, we were able to pin point that the pain started after having Weight Loss Surgery. Of course my husband was with me and the doctor was honest with us, he's not sure Fibromyalgia even exists. He's actually a neurologist that specializes in pain. His theory is that all pain originates from somewhere and the trick is finding where.<br />
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He also revealed something else. New studies show that those of us who had the early Roux-En-Y are severely malnourished, more so than we were originally warned. He believes that my pain and exhaustion is actually a response to a vitamin deficiency. I mentioned the chronic anemia and he said this is bigger than just anemia. He started naming what to me sounded like the periodic table of elements. Another aspect of my pain is centered in my hips and legs. Past MRI's show arthritis in my lower back and down so he is going to treat that pain. I have a nerve block scheduled for next week to see if some of the pain can be relieved and he sent a letter to my new PCP with his theories and suggested blood work. I am excited and livid at the same time. Excited because I may be able to shed the stigma that comes with Fibromyalgia, finally end the cycle of daily pain and exhaustion, and start living the life I have wasted the last 9 years. Livid because had my surgeon actually followed-up or my Primary Care Physician not become complacent in accepting the Fibromyalgia diagnosis, this could have been caught years ago.<br />
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Today I had an appointment with the Nashville office of oncology/hematology and the Iron Deficient Anemia was in full swing. I had a hard time staying awake even after a good night sleep and my breathing was labored, typical symptoms of dangerously low iron levels. After a brief interview and a look at my blood work, the doctor was pissed. I revealed that the doctor at his sister office refused to do the infusion which made him angry and the fact that I begged for an infusion for years without results made him just as livid as me. My ferritin level was 7 a few weeks ago and despite the acceptable range of 10 - 150, he's not happy with a level less than 100. While he was looking at my blood work he said "wow, you are really malnourished" and pointed out a few other test results that while within the normal range are not actually normal. He had me moved to the other side of the office immediately for a 3 hour iron infusion. I'm already feeling better and am actually unable to sleep tonight which they warned me would happen.<br />
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Then finally this afternoon my husband had an appointment with our PCP to discuss some odd symptoms he's been having. After a thorough exam and discussion, she is sending him to a specialist as well, one that will refuse to give up until she finds the cause and fix it. Even though I didn't have an appointment, she asked if I needed anything and I asked about the letter from the pain specialist and told her about the infusion. Before leaving, she had nine.. yes I said nine.. vials of blood drawn to check the periodic table we discussed the week prior. It's going to be several days before we get the results and I'll be on pins and needles until I get the call. After 9 years of misery we have finally found a group of doctors who will take us seriously and are working hard to find answers. I will come back next week to give you the results as well.<br />
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So the moral here is that this is a major life decision that you've made. Don't make the same mistake we did and become complacent in your care. If your doctor is only checking the basics or worse yet, not checking anything at all, demand a complete nutritional workup and if you can't get it, find a doctor who will. Vitamin deficiencies lead to more serious effects if left untreated and we didn't have this surgery just to fight with other problems later in life. Weight Loss Surgery is meant to give you a second chance at a normal healthy life, don't let a doctor take that away from you. Our next step is to find a nutritionist who specializes in Weight Loss Surgery so we can become the healthy active members of society we deserve to be.<br />
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Let me know your experiences, where you have been failed, and who your champions have been. By sharing we can learn from each other and enjoy this gift we have been given. Stay tuned until next week.<br />
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Much love<br />
Angie<br />
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<br />Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-32067275850974867972011-08-26T02:05:00.000-05:002011-08-26T02:05:37.762-05:00Thirtysomething is Almost OverI haven't been here in awhile. I blame the mild Adult ADD but I felt the need to come back today. I'm going to go off topic for a minute but knowing me I'll find my way back to food or WLS somehow. Today (or rather yesterday since it's after midnight but hey, I'm still up) I turned 39. Let me start by saying I despise my birthdays. Always have since I was a kid. I'm sure a psychologist would love to pick it apart but I honestly don't know why. Some years are better than others but this one was especially hard. I've been horribly emotional all week and this morning was disastrous. I woke up at 1:00 am to find that my adorably evil cat decided to play with the flowers our daughter brought me and spilled the water on my laptop and phone. AHHH Panic ensued. The laptop seems to be okay but the phone was sizzling. It was on it's last leg anyway so I'm not even trying to revive it again. That took a couple of hours to clean up so of course I overslept. Work was the normal drama but I was anxious to just come back home.<br />
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Coming home never felt so right. My wonderful husband worked hard all day to make sure I was having a good day. He even raced home to get to the cupcake shop to get me a birthday cupcake (it's a waste of money and carb grams for two WLS post-ops to get a big cake - AND WE'RE BACK ON TARGET) only to find they had sold out for the day and were closed. So we've been sitting here tonight, listening to good music, enjoying each other's company, and talking about life.<br />
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A few days ago I received a Facebook birthday wish from an old high school friend. To say we were friends is probably stretching it a little bit but it's the best description of our relationship I have. We chatted off and on most of the day and I realized something that should have hit me years ago - I'm not the same person I was 10 years ago, much less way back then. I don't even remember who that 15 year old girl was but I can say the decisions she made had a huge impact on my life. I am stronger, more confident and assertive, more comfortable in my own skin than I remember her being. That 15 year old kid and I do have a few things in common. My best friend from then is still my best friend now. My friends have always been more like family than my real family and they still are. And when I love someone, I love them with everything I have. She did too. So maybe I remember more about her that I first thought. I made fun of my husband when he turned 39 that it was his last thirysomething year. It's not so funny now. I am thankful and blessed that this gentleman took the time to wish me a Happy Birthday because I honestly don't know if I would have spent the last couple of days processing this.<br />
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So what is the significance of this epiphany? Well first of all, it's the right time. Since I'm now in my final thirtysomething year, I'm not going to let it go to waste like I have the past several years. There are things I want to do with my life and I don't know if I can get them all accomplished before I get to play with 40 but I'm going to do as many as possible. That scared, confused girl is becoming distant memory and I really like that feeling. I was an obese child that grew up to be an obese teenager and adult, hence the need for gastric bypass surgery. Being an obese teenager is hard. Thankfully I had friends who loved me anyway and I am still friends with most of them now. What I find interesting is that I am the same size now that I was then but it's definitely not the same. I'm sure many, many years of therapy helped with that. I could go on a rant about teenage obesity but I'll save that for another midnight post.<br />
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One of the goals I want to achieve in the next year is to get back down to or close to my goal weight. I honestly don't think I could handle it the first time around. If you've had any of the weight loss surgeries, you should have been warned about the psychological effects of this decision. People treat you differently when you are thin than when you are obese, whether they realize it or not. That's hard to comprehend and even harder to respond to. I've learned a lot about myself and about people in the 6 years I've spent gaining some of the weight back. I'm ready to try again and now's the time to do it. This is a "if I knew then what I know now" kind of moment and I have the rare opportunity for a do-over.<br />
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39. Wow. I'm good at setting goals for myself, not so good at meeting them. Is 39 going to be my year? I'm going to do everything I can to make it sure that it's successful. Thank you to my new found friend for inspiring me and thank you to my husband for turning this birthday into the best birthday yet. I can't guarantee I'll share my journey but I will try if you'll stick around with me.<br />
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Talk to you again soon<br />
AngieAngiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-60692982537076762562011-06-05T17:30:00.000-05:002011-06-05T17:30:44.026-05:00Starting Over.. Week 1 Results<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here it is… the moment of truth. When I started this a week ago, I had some questions. Exactly how healthy are my current eating habits? Where can I make changes? Was water retention an issue and could I tie it to food? Did I answer any of these questions this week? Well, yes and no. This is what I have learned this week:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YoYo Dieting is more than just a weight loss phenomenon; it seems to be a way of life. Too few calories one day lead to too many calories the next. Even worse, too few calories lead to too many calories in the form of the wrong foods. Consistency is a key. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to be on a schedule. If left to my own devices, I will eat what I want, when I want. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was concerned that weekends would derail what I did during the week and of course it has. I had reached my calorie limit by 4:00 yesterday afternoon. I started to get hungry and my brain just said “screw it; you might as well enjoy it.” Chinese style pork ribs and sushi rice for dinner was amazing. This was actually the first time I've cooked white rice in over a year. Of course that was followed a few hours later by a peanut butter and banana sandwich on low carb whole grain bread. I am paying for it today though. I woke up swollen, sore, and 6.5 lbs heavier. 12 hours later and I’m still swollen. Of course I haven’t been very good today either. I’m almost afraid to plug it in to see just how bad it is. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carbs are not my friends. Not that this is breaking news. I have always been aware of subsequent pain caused by a diet of too many carbs, it's the bloating and associated weight gain that is surprising. The more I read about low carb diets, the more excited I am about making some serious changes. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keeping a food diary really works. To be honest, I had no intention of dieting this week. I wanted to look at what I was eating and determine where I could do better. Keeping a diary and actually being honest about it made me self conscious about what I ate. I became obsessed with writing down everything, figuring out how many calories I had left to eat, and what I could eat with the few calories that were left. So do I know how healthy I was eating last week or last month? No, not really. I can only guess I would find too many calories and too many carbohydrates.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I still don’t know if my pain level is associated with diet, weight loss, malnutrition, the weather, or just because. That question may never be answered but I will continue to search. Here are my final stats for the week:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open RNY Gastric Bypass: 10/22/2002<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highest Weight: 356<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight at Surgery: 306<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lowest Weight: 156<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highest Recorded Weight Gain: 238<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/29/2011: 224<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/30/2011: 221.8<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/31/2011: 221.4<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 06/01/2011:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>219.8<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 06/02/2011:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>219.8<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 06/03/2011:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>213.8<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 06/04/2011: 212.8<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Total Weight Loss = 4.7 lbs</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 06/05/2011: 219.3<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Personal <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Actual 06/04<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Weekly Average</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Calories:</b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1301<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1858 <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1503<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Protein: </b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>>80 grams <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>107.8 grams <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>98.2 grams<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Total Carbs:</b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><100 grams <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>156.5 grams <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>115.3 grams<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Net Carbs:</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><70 grams<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>122.5 grams<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>96.4 grams<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sugars:</b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>20 grams <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>35.9 grams <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>26.7 grams<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved being able to say that I had lost 11.2 lbs yesterday<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but am happy with the final tally of 4.7 lbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week has been an eye opener and I’ve learned more about myself and my habits than I thought I would. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am fighting with my brain today. My brain knew I was starting this as a one week project and now that we are wrapping up Week 1, my brain thinks were done. Little does it know it has a fight on its hand. :-) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will slip up. I will eat too many carbohydrates or not enough protein. I will not give up and take it one meal/snack at a time. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week has proven to me that with a little tweaking and dedication, I can get back to a weight that I am comfortable with, that will keep me healthy, and hopefully reduce my daily pain level. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to continue to log what I eat and keep up with daily results. I will also continue to weigh myself daily, at least for awhile anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next step is to take pictures and measurements. It’s interesting to see the inches drop as well as the weight, even sometimes in spite of the weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will move the stats to the sidebar and update them weekly. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fight with obesity is a lifelong battle, even with the help of weight loss surgery. Whether you have had surgery, are thinking about surgery, or are just trying to shed a few pounds, NEVER GIVE UP! Obesity is a medical condition that can be managed; the trick is finding what works for you. Keep searching. We all deserve to be healthy.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for spending the last week with me. Check back for further updates…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angie</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-12325699469392049122011-06-04T15:19:00.000-05:002011-06-04T15:19:00.462-05:00Starting Over... Days 5 and 6<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, I’m a slacker. Well if feels that way sometimes. Thursday and Friday were good days. I was able to keep somewhat of a schedule and learned that late at night is my worst time for grazing or even binging. I average 3-5 hours of sleep most nights which means I’m up and fighting the urge to eat something for 20 hours a day. Breaking up the day into 3 meals and 3 snacks is the easy part; it’s getting the right nutrients within the set parameters that I’ve set that is proving to be a challenge. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open RNY Gastric Bypass: 10/22/2002<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highest Weight: 356<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight at Surgery: 306<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lowest Weight: 156<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highest Recorded Weight Gain: 238<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/29/2011: 224<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/30/2011: 221.8</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/31/2011: 221.4</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 06/01/2011:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>219.8</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 06/02/2011:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>219.8</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 06/03/2011:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>213.8</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 06/04/2011: 212.8</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Personal <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Actual 06/02<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Actual 06/03</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Calories:</b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1301<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1389 <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1231<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Protein: </b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>>80 grams <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> 109.1 grams <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>76.4 grams<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Total Carbs:</b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><100 grams <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>100.3 grams <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>102.9 grams</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Net Carbs:</b><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><70 grams<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> 85 grams<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>81.8 grams</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sugars:</b> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>20 grams 30.2 grams <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>30.9 grams</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s talk about nutrition for a second. If you’ve been following along, you should notice a slight change; my goals have been evolving through this short process. I’m trying to listen to my body and make decisions based on how I feel.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2004 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Since then, as many of us post-ops have experienced, my blood work started showing deficiencies, mostly in Iron and Vitamin D. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the symptoms of Iron and Vitamin D deficiencies actually mimic the widespread pain and fatigue, the basic flu-like symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Too many carbohydrates also cause extreme pain, especially in my hips and legs. Even though I have lost 11.2 lbs since Sunday instead of feeling better, I am actually feeling worse. I realize that 11 lbs is a lot and I expect that to level off soon, maybe even plateau for a few days. I’m hoping my body is just reacting to the weight loss and the pain will subside soon as well. My fear is that I am eating too much or too little of something that is causing the pain. Having a nutritionist familiar with Weight Loss Surgery would be fabulous right about now. Unfortunately that is not available to me yet so I have to rely on The Interweb for research and information. No two theories are the same and it’s hard to know which theory to take to heart. I have a Multivitamin, Calcium, Iron, B-12 sublingual, and Vitamin D that I should be taking daily but I rarely do. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, this could just be a normal Fibromyalgia Flare-up and not related to the food changes and weight loss. How do I know? All I know to do is to find an eating plan that allows me to continue to lose weight and reduce my pain level. That is the ultimate goal in this; healthy and pain free. There are many situations in my life that I cannot control, what I eat is not one of them. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay tuned to tomorrow for a Week 1 Roundup. Oh and by the way… I’VE LOST 11.2 LBS SO FAR!!! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> :-)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Saturday</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angie</span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-91052065526223791782011-06-02T23:55:00.004-05:002011-06-03T00:01:59.254-05:00Starting Over... Day 4<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today’s entry is late. That seems to be the story of my life, I’m late for everything. I’ve been thinking all day about what I would write about and here’s what I came up with…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I woke up this morning, I was disgusted with myself. My night last night did not end well. My dinner plans were derailed when I couldn’t get the vinegar I wanted to make sushi rice. You see, I found a fabulous recipe for black sesame crusted salmon and wanted to serve rice and a raw asparagus salad on the side. When those plans were scrapped, I spent the night grazing on Memorial Day leftovers then topped it off with a salad and a few lemon poppy seed muffins. 1666 calories total for the day and I felt like I had failed before I really got started. I jumped on the scale first thing this morning knowing that my mini binge had caused me to gain. I was surprised to find that I actually stayed the same. So here is where I am now…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open RNY Gastric Bypass: 10/22/2002<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highest Weight: 356<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight at Surgery: 306<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lowest Weight: 156<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highest Recorded Weight Gain: 238<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/29/2011: 224<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/30/2011: 221.8<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/31/2011: 221.4<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 06/01/2011: 219.8</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 06/02/2011: 219.8</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I’ve been thinking about this all idea, I had an idea. This is actually my normal eating pattern, not very hungry one day, starving the next. So the answer is to eat consistently. Don’t hate me because I have always cringed when I’d hear other people say it but… some days I forget to eat. I don’t get hungry and at 11:00 I’ll realize my egg scramble is still sitting there. Lunch is at 12:00 or so. The trick is going to be to put myself on an eating schedule and forcing myself to eat. I’ve done it before and it really does work. It takes a few days but I can only guess it normalizes my metabolism. After about a week, I’ll start getting hungry again, and at fairly regular intervals. And that’s where the problem starts. If I’m hungry, I eat, and more often than not I eat too much. How do I control that? Or better yet, how do I keep what little control I have now and build on it? If anyone has the answer, please shout it from the rooftops. One of the first changes I’m going to make is in my daily goals. My calorie goal of 1200, while quite achievable, is too low for me for the moment. I’m going to adjust it to 1301 as recommended by WebMD and lower my Protein goal to 80 grams per day. I’m not going to change the Total Carbs or Sugars just yet. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WebMD Personal Actual</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Calories:</b> 1301 1301 1666 (Not happy)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Protein: </b> 46 grams 100 grams 109 grams (Now that’s what I’m talking about)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Total Carbs:</b> 130 grams 50 grams 133 grams (Holy crap!)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sugars:</b> 25 grams 20 grams 29.3 grams (Ok, wasn’t expecting that. Stupid banana)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I’m still a bit disappointed in myself, I have a better understanding of my eating habits and am aware that a change needs to be made. Awareness is the first step towards change… or something like that.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stay tuned for the next weigh-in, just a few hours away.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angie</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-39791949587831383152011-06-01T09:12:00.000-05:002011-06-01T09:12:53.868-05:00Starting Over... Day 3<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow... what a difference a day makes. We were outside, digging up grass, for several hours on Monday. This probably explains the phenomenon I experienced on Tuesday. Monday I consumed 1608 calories and 94 grams of protein. Tuesday was a normal work day, back to a schedule, most of the day sitting at a desk, and I only ate 1138 calories (Ok make that 1254 – it’s midnight at the time of this writing and a mini sugar free lemon poppy seed muffin was calling me) and 81 grams of protein. Water is a major factor. I use Kroger In an Instant Light Sugar Free Peach Tea drink mix in my water. I realize that it’s not as good as plain water but by using these I can drink (8-10) 16.9 oz bottles of water per day. As I type that, I am aware how crazy it sounds. Starting today, I will substitute every other bottle with plain water. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here are Tuesday’s stats:</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open RNY Gastric Bypass: 10/22/2002<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highest Weight: 356<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight at Surgery: 306<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lowest Weight: 156<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highest Recorded Weight Gain: 238<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/29/2011: 224<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/30/2011: 221.8<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/31/2011: 221.4<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 06/01/2011: 219.8</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WebMD Personal Actual</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Calories:</b> 1301 1200 1254 (Now that’s a happy medium. Go me!)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Protein: </b> 46 grams 100 grams 81 grams (This needs to be a little better)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Total Carbs:</b> 130 grams 50 grams 87.7 grams (A little lower would be great)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sugars:</b> 25 grams 20 grams 13.6 grams (Love that number)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A much better day that included a 1.6 lb drop for the day. I have a tendency to be a bit ADD so I like schedules. I have learned how to fit breakfast, lunch, two snacks, and 4-5 bottles of water into an 8 hour day. I take my lunch every day so I have a lot more control over what I eat. Being at home I am more apt to graze and eat at odd times. I feed my cravings for both creating something new or different and consuming the final art piece (or flop. The odds are 50/50). I’ve tried off and on for years to schedule myself on the weekends but it has never worked. My fear is that my days off in chaos are derailing everything I accomplish during the week. I guess we’ll find out on Saturday. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday afternoon I started looking at what I had logged so far and what I had planned for dinner. I’m getting a bit obsessive about it but not so much that I’m concerned. Not yet anyway. What I noticed was that I wasn’t eating any “Free” foods. If you’ve ever been to Weight Watchers in the last 30 years, you know that “Free” foods are food with little or no calories. This includes a few fresh vegetables, salad vegetables, herbs, spices… so with my leftover pork chop, I had a beautiful salad with baby greens, red onion, alfalfa sprouts, sugar snap peas, tomato slices, and shredded parmesan. It was just enough to keep me full without adding too many additional calories. </span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did something to pamper myself after work Tuesday. I NEVER pamper myself and while this sounds like an every day event I got my hair cut. I received a style that I really didn't like last July. I have been letting it grow out and just never stopped to get it trimmed. Now that it’s falling out, it was starting to look unhealthy and I was no longer proud of what I consider my best asset. It looks and feels so much better and I’m amazed at how much better I feel about myself. A new do for a new me.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m really excited to see the 1.6 lb loss this morning. During my initial weight loss period in 2002 – 2003, I averaged losing a pound a day for the first 70 lbs and then it backed off to a pound every other day or so. I’m interested to see if I can stick to this and if I’ll consistently average a pound per day again. I'm not expecting those kinds of results the second time around though it would be nice. It’s really hot again today but I intend to add some activity to my day; taking stairs instead of elevator, walking around the block a few times, and maybe even a walk after work with my husband. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m having fun with this and can’t wait to see what today brings.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for coming along.</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angie</span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-47144501540683692992011-05-31T11:32:00.000-05:002011-05-31T11:32:46.401-05:00Starting Over... Day 2<div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday was a good day. I wish all Mondays were like this one. It was Memorial Day and we had the day off. We started the morning with our daily turkey, egg, and four cheese Mexican blend scramble.</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Turkey</b></st1:place></st1:country-region><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">, Egg, 4 Cheese Scramble for One<o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="NoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>You can save calories by using Pam instead of butter. If you have a digital kitchen scale, use it for this until you can recognize an ounce of each on sight. </span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 small pat unsalted butter (less than ¼” thick)</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 oz lean thin sliced deli turkey breast (I use Hillshire Farm oven baked), roughly chopped</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 oz shredded 4 cheese Mexican blend</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 large egg</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Melt the butter in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in the turkey breast and cook, stirring occasionally just until the edges start to turn a light golden brown, about 5 minutes. Crack the egg directly in the pan and begin stirring immediately. Stir constantly until the egg is cooked through but not dry. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese. Allow scramble to sit in the pan, off the heat, until the cheese is completely melted. Serve immediately or pack to stay warm. (I increase the eggs to 3 and the turkey to 2 oz during the week and we split it between us. We pack this every morning and eat them when we get to work.)</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nutrition:</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calories:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>240</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total Fat:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>16.3 g</span></div><div class="NoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturated Fat:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>8.6 g</span></div><div class="NoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cholesterol:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>241 mg</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carbohydrates: 3.1 g</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sodium:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>840 mg</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sugars:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1.4 g</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Protein: 19.8 g</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know it’s a lot of fat, cholesterol, and sodium. I’m looking for a good quality reduced sodium turkey and cheese but I can only find reduced fat. We’ve been eating 2 eggs every morning for several years and our cholesterol hovers around 140. I’m ok with the nutritional information here. </span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After breakfast we went outside, worked in one of the flower/herb beds, mowed the yard, and grilled enough meat for a few days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This stupor that I’ve been stuck in has kept us inside the past couple of summers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt great to be in the sun, digging in the dirt, and working together to actually accomplish a goal. It was a really good day. </span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finally grilled for the first time this season. We grilled (4) Hebrew National Jumbo Beef Franks, (2) Hamburgers made out fresh ground chuck from a local butcher, Guinness Extra Stout, and Low Sodium Worcestershire, (4) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and (4) boneless pork loin chops, both marinated in Lowry’s Tuscan Sundried Tomato 30 minute marinade, over night of course, and both also from our local butcher. Throw in a pound of asparagus tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, a head of garlic, and white onion wedges. I go into that much detail because quality has become a major factor in our food choices. One of the early post op habits that we continue today is chewing each bite until it’s mush. You become very aware of and develop an appreciation for texture. If food has random crunchy or rubbery bits, you know like bone, cartilage, silver skin, fibrous tissue, egg shells, unidentifiable debris, we notice it immediately and it completely ruins the meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After trying multiple brands we found that higher quality, fresher foods have little if any grit to destroy a beautiful dish. I admit it is more expensive but we don’t throw away near as much food as we did on lesser quality products. Watch for sales, coupons, and <a href="http://www.thechoppinblock.com/">The Choppin Block</a>, our local butcher who only sells All Natural meats in Choice grade or higher, runs specials on Tuesdays. The final price ends up being close to that of cheaper quality meats at the grocery.</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="NoSpacing"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Disclaimer: I notice I’m using “we” a lot when this blog is supposed to be about me. My husband is my best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even though I am the only one experiencing excessive weight gain, our surgeries were only 14 months apart and we still share every aspect of our lives, including this adventure.) </span></i></div><div class="NoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We snacked on hot dogs (1 for each of us) while the other meat cooked and we continued to clean out the flower/herb bed. Dinner was a burger, 1/2 cup asparagus, a few cloves of garlic, and a TBSP of roasted onions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throw in a couple of South Beach Meal Replacement Bars throughout the day and a handful of berries and I was 83 calories over where WebMD wants me to be. That’s when the day went downhill. </span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks ago we discovered mini cupcakes made with Pillsbury Sugar Free Yellow Cake Mix. My darling husband has been asking me for Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins for months so I made them tonight. It was really simple;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just add a small packet of Sugar Free Lemon Instant Pudding and 1/4 cup poppy seeds to the cake mix before adding the ingredients on the box. Even though it’s sugar free, each mini muffin is 62.5 calories. Before I was done, I had popped 3 in my mouth, along with a handful of blueberries and blackberries tossed with Splenda and <a href="http://www.sumnercrestwinery.com/desert.php">Sumner Crest Tennessee Blackberry wine</a>. I overestimated the amount of berries to account for the tablespoon of wine but WebMD now has my calories for the day at 1625, 324 calories above their goal of 1301 and a whopping 425 calories above my personal goal of 1200. That’s 128 calories more than I ate yesterday. The goal was to reduce my calories while maintaining the protein, not the other way around. I’m only 2 days into this but that 1200 calories is being elusive. </span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="NoSpacing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here are my stats for today:</span></div><div class="NoSpacing"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open RNY Gastric Bypass: 10/22/2002<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highest Weight: 356<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight at Surgery: 306<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lowest Weight: 156<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highest Recorded Weight Gain: 238<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/29/2011: 224<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/30/2011: 221.8<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/31/2011: 221.4 (Total loss since 05/29/11 - 2.6 lbs)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WebMD Personal Actual</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Calories:</b> 1301 1200 1625 (Are you kidding me?)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Protein: </b> 46 grams 100 grams <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>95.2 grams (Less than Sunday)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Total Carbs:</b> 130 grams 50 grams 111.3 grams (A little less than Sunday)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sugars:</b> 25 grams 20 grams <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>27 grams (Almost the same as Sunday)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So with less protein and less carbs, where are the calories coming from? I still lost .4 lb which is good for one day but it also tells me that 1625 is too high. The Hebrew National Beef Frank is 275 calories and the hamburger is 345 calories. Those two items also account for 43 grams of protein. The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">South</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Beach</st1:placetype></st1:place> bars add 12 grams of protein and 180 calories each. With protein comes additional calories. Interesting… <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what have I learned so far after day 2?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Protein = calories. If I’m going to watch my calories, I need to find alternative, lower calorie sources of protein. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->I now understand what the disclaimer “not a reduced calorie food” really means. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Making a treat for the husband is not always the best idea<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Be conscious of the food on my plate, concentrate on what I’m eating, and chew gum while cooking. Grazing is always a bad idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m really getting excited about what the week has in store. “Information is the mortar that builds and destroys empires” (Tobsha Learner, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Witch of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Cologne</st1:city></st1:place>) </i>The same could be said about any aspect of our lives. The information I am gathering about what I eat and how food alone affects my weight can either help me succeed or give me an excuse to give up. I am reaching for success. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until tomorrow... <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angie<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-70124053154626015932011-05-30T10:59:00.000-05:002011-05-30T10:59:07.630-05:00Starting Over.. Again<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I apologize for being MIA the past several months. I lost sight of the purpose of this blog and almost abandoned it but as is typical, life caught up to me. It’s been a very stressful year and a half with the worst of it being the last 8 or 9 months. It was easy to fall back to old eating habits. I was eating what I wanted, when I wanted, dumping and vomiting be damned. I was on food and lifestyle autopilot. Then a series of events in April woke me from my stupor. A personal situation came to a head and had to be confronted and I’m not sure which was worse but over the course of two days, a coworker snapped some pictures of me. I cried. To be honest, I saw some pictures of myself from my high school reunion last July and even though I was embarrassed by how much weight I had gained, autopilot was too well engaged and it wasn’t enough to snap me out of it. The timing on these pictures was perfect because the fog was already starting to lift. <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Moral: Don’t stop taking pictures. They keep you honest and give you a visual confirmation of how you’re really doing. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first clue that something was amiss was my hair started falling out in late Winter. I admit I have been letting it grow out and haven’t gotten it cut in way too long. I wanted the hair loss to be normal seasonal shedding but it just kept falling out. Thankfully I have really thick curly hair and losing it just makes it behave better but I have honestly gotten scared. Then when the pictures came out, it was the punch in the gut that I needed. I immediately came home and threw away anything that I thought was derailing me. What I love about having this surgery is that it only takes a few diet and lifestyle changes to get the weight loss going again. In a matter of 30 days I lost 22 lbs and even more hair. (I honestly let my guard down last week and found that I gained back 6 of the 22 lbs. Another eye-opener)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>Side Bar:</i></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><b><i> I have to say that probably the most important catalyst of clearing the fog was confronting my personal demons, both physically and psychologically. I know that the original weight gain the first 30 years of my life was in response to an abusive childhood and the regain was my brain’s way of dealing with similar situation with a coworker. When an unrelated situation came to head and I had to actually deal with it, it finally clicked that I am now strong enough to deal with anything that comes my way and my health doesn’t need to be the casualty. I couldn’t say the same thing just 5 years ago. I also had 10 years of therapy as a foundation. If your brain is keeping you from success, please seek professional help. You deserve to be the healthiest person possible, both physically and emotionally.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I started doing research on the hair loss. I was able to control the hair loss the first time around and while I remembered it had something to do with protein, I couldn’t remember all the details. I also started looking for other WLS patients that are more than 5 years post op. I’m almost 9 years post op and while support groups for new patients are fabulous, they helped me through my first year, they don’t answer some of the questions I have now about long term effects. This is when I found the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/default.htm">WebMD Healthy Eating and Diet Section</a>, the <a href="http://exchanges.webmd.com/diet-exchange">WebMD Diet Community</a>, and the <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/food-fitness-planner/summary">WebMD Food and Fitness Planner</a>. I know there are other communities and food trackers out there but this one is easy to use and it tracks the nutritional information I need like Calories, Protein, Carbohydrates, and Sugars. The Diet Community is not very active but there is good information there if you take the time to look for it. I’m still searching for a more active community so if anyone has any suggestions please post them in the comments.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So my brain is in the right place and I’m motivated. Motivation is really hard for me to maintain; if it weren’t, I wouldn’t be suffering from morbid obesity… again…. As embarrassing as they are, here are my stats:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open RNY Gastric Bypass: 10/22/2002<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highest Weight: 356<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight at Surgery: 306<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lowest Weight: 156<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highest Recorded Weight Gain: 238<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/29/2011: 224<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight on 05/30/2011: 221.8<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Based on a suggestion from the WebMD Diet Community expert, I logged every bite I took yesterday. I can never stick to a food log so I’m only obligating myself to 1 week. The goal is to see just how healthy my current eating habits are and where I can make changes. I also read a suggestion that said to weigh yourself every day so you can see how eating and activity the day before effects your weight and how you feel. I deal with a lot of water retention and don’t know if it’s diet or medication. I hope to find a pattern. It’s hard to find nutritional guidelines online for those of us this far post op so here is what WebMD says I should be eating, what my personal goals are based on a combination of first year post op diets and familiarity with my own body, and how I did after day 1 of logging my food.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>WebMD Personal Actual</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Calories:</b> 1301 1200 1497 (YIKES)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Protein:</b><b> </b> 46 grams 100 grams 108.7 grams (WOOHOO)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Total Carbs:</b> 130 grams 50 grams 115.2 grams (HOLY CRAP)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sugars:</b> 25 grams 20 grams 26.3 grams (Could be better)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So as you can see, I have some things to work on. Since this blog is supposed to be my journey living with Weight Loss Surgery, what better way to use this space than to document my struggle and eventual success? I plan to come in every day for at least the next week and talk about this learning experience I am embarking on. I am tired of feeling “fat”, of having little or no energy, of living with the pain of fibromyalgia (another post for another time), and of this “autopilot” that has taken over. I made the decision 10 years ago to completely change my life and it’s time to let this tool do its job. I hope you decide to join me on this journey and I look forward to your comments and suggestions.</span></span><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we go! Are you coming along?</span></span><br />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angie</span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-40476744805436791932010-10-02T18:15:00.008-05:002011-05-30T10:58:32.330-05:00Pumpkin Truffle Cake<div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a recipe I came up with a few years ago and it's now a staple around here during the holidays. It has a lot more sugar than recipes I normally make but it's worth it. My husband says it tastes like one of those big, soft gingerbread men dipped in chocolate from Godiva. When I made it to write down the measurements, I would have taken a picture but a wedge came up missing before I could get to the camera. I hope you try it and enjoy it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PUMPKIN TRUFFLE CAKE</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 box yellow cake mix</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup sugar or Splenda</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup vegetable oil</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup water</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 large eggs, slightly beaten</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin puree</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tsp. ground cinnamon</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp. ground nutmeg</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp. ground ginger</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp. ground cloves</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 oz good quality bittersweet chocolate</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350°. Using the microwave, melt 4 ounces of chocolate in a medium bowl. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine pumpkin, oil, water, and spices. Mix on low until smooth. Gradually add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add sugar or Splenda and cake mix and mix until thoroughly combined. Remove 1 cup of cake batter and mix with the melted chocolate. Pour 1/2 cake batter into a greased Bundt pan. Add all of the chocolate batter mixture, using a rubber spatula to ensure even coverage. Top with second 1/2 of the cake batter. Bake 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Turn out cake onto a platter and refrigerate until chilled.</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ganache</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 oz. good quality chocolate, semisweet or bittersweet (I use 1/2 of each)</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup heavy whipping cream</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 T. unsalted butter</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If using solid bars of chocolate, chop chocolate into small pieces and place in glass or metal bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, cook cream, butter, and vanilla until a slow boil forms. Pour cream mixture over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes without stirring. After 5 minutes, stir cream and chocolate together until mixture is thick and glossy. Pour ganache over cake like a glaze. Work quickly because the chocolate will get thicker as it cools. Refrigerate cake until ganache is set.</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note: To reduce the amount of sugar in this cake, use Pillsbury Reduced Sugar Yellow Cake Mix and Splenda. You can also use baker's unsweetened chocolate in the filling but you may need to add more Splenda to the filling mixture as well.</span></div></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-62758021009044696712010-09-21T02:08:00.002-05:002011-05-30T09:47:05.108-05:00Low Carb Lifestyle<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am constantly fascinated by the quality and quantity of blogs available on the internet. I am also fascinated by the crappy information passed off as fact. <a href="http://lowcarbblogs.net/">Lowcarbblogs.net </a>falls in the area of quality information available. After having weight loss surgery, we were told by our doctor that the best diet to follow to insure weight loss success consisted of high protein and very little carbohydrates. This diet plan worked great for awhile and it was only after adding carbohydrates back into our diet that we began to gain weight. Maintaining a low carbohydrate lifestyle can be challenging when you are bombarded with nutritionists, doctors, talk shows, grocery stores, and commercials that constantly remind you that whole grains should be the basis of and proteins limited in any food plan. The more I read, the more I understand just how wrong this is, especially for those of us with a modified gastric system. Quality blogs like<a href="http://lowcarbblogs.net/"> Lowcarbblogs.net</a> are a great source of information and ideas for creating and maintaining a lifestyle that is right for you. No, I am not receiving anything, nor was I asked to endorse this website but after reading the posted articles and blog lists, I felt that it would only benefit all of us if I passed it along. Take a few minutes to check this out. You won't regret it.</span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-38992403343786186402010-09-04T23:39:00.002-05:002011-05-30T09:46:43.503-05:00I have finally made the decision<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted anything since May. Wow how time flies. We've had a fairly uneventful Summer except for finding out that there are 35 wineries in the State of Tennessee. Who knew? We have visited a couple so far and plan to visit all 35. I don't know how long it will take but we're going to do it eventually. I'll post some links and talk more about that later.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what decision have I finally made? I'm going to write a cookbook. I've started on the first set of recipes and the concept is a work in progress. I thought however that I would go ahead and post the first few pages. What I have done is taken a regular run of the mill Oatmeal Cookie recipe and turned it into several variations. I hope you notice that all of these start with the same base and that it only takes a few ingredients to turn a traditional recipe into something your friends and family will ask for over and over again. All of these cookies contain ingredients for both a regular recipe and a reduced sugar recipe. I have yet to come up with a way to make chewy, indulgent cookies without the aid of brown sugar. If I finally find something that works, you'll be the first to know.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So on with the recipes. Please give me your feedback, I look forward to it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OATMEAL COOKIES</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 3/4 cup self-rising flour </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 packed cup brown sugar + 1/2 cup sugar or</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup packed brown sugar + ¾ cup Splenda</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups old fashioned rolled oats</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 375° In a mixing bowl beat butter with electric mixer until smooth. Add 1 cup flour, the brown sugar, sugar or Splenda, and cinnamon. Beat until crumbly. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour, then stir or beat in the oats. Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden. This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 3/4 cup self-rising flour </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 packed cup brown sugar + 1/2 cup sugar or</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup packed brown sugar + ¾ cup Splenda</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups old fashioned rolled oats</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup raisins</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 375° In a mixing bowl beat butter with electric mixer until smooth. Add 1 cup flour, the brown sugar, sugar or Splenda, and cinnamon. Beat until crumbly. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour, then stir or beat in the oats. Fold in the raisins. Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden. This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CHOCOLATE OATMEAL COOKIES</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup unsalted butter, softenedd</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 oz unsweetened Baker’s chocolate, melted</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 3/4 cup self-rising flour </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 packed cup brown sugar + 1/2 cup sugar or</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup packed brown sugar + ¾ cup Splenda</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups old fashioned rolled oats</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 375° In a mixing bowl beat butter with electric mixer until smooth. Add melted chocolate and beat just until combined. Add 1 cup flour, the brown sugar, sugar or Splenda. Beat until crumbly. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour, then stir or beat in the oats. Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden. This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 3/4 cup self-rising flour </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 packed cup brown sugar + 1/2 cup sugar or</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup packed brown sugar + ¾ cup Splenda</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups old fashioned rolled oats</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 375° In a mixing bowl beat butter with electric mixer until smooth. Add 1 cup flour, the brown sugar, sugar or Splenda. Beat until crumbly. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour, then stir or beat in the oats. Fold in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden. This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TWICE THE CHOCOLATE OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 oz unsweetened Baker’s chocolate</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 3/4 cup self-rising flour </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 packed cup brown sugar + 1/2 cup sugar or</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup packed brown sugar + ¾ cup Splenda</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups old fashioned rolled oats</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 375° In a mixing bowl beat butter with electric mixer until smooth. Add melted chocolate and beat just until combined. Add 1 cup flour, the brown sugar, sugar or Splenda. Beat until crumbly. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour, then stir or beat in the oats. Fold in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden. This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">INDULGENT CHOCOLATE OATMEAL COOKIES</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 oz unsweetened Baker’s chocolate</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 3/4 cup self-rising flour </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 packed cup brown sugar + 1/2 cup sugar or</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup packed brown sugar + ¾ cup Splenda</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups old fashioned rolled oats</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup dark chocolate chips</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 375° In a mixing bowl beat butter with electric mixer until smooth. Add melted chocolate and beat just until combined. Add 1 cup flour, the brown sugar, sugar or Splenda. Beat until crumbly. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour, then stir or beat in the oats. Fold in the chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden. This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WHITE CHOCOLATE AND CRANBERRY OATMEAL COOKIES</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 3/4 cup self-rising flour </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 packed cup brown sugar + 1/2 cup sugar or</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup packed brown sugar + ¾ cup Splenda</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups old fashioned rolled oats</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup white chocolate chips</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 375° In a mixing bowl beat butter with electric mixer until smooth. Add 1 cup flour, the brown sugar, sugar or Splenda. Beat until crumbly. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour, then stir or beat in the oats. Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped cranberries. Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden. This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TRAIL MIX COOKIES</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 3/4 cup self-rising flour </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 packed cup brown sugar + 1/2 cup sugar or</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup packed brown sugar + ¾ cup Splenda</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp. nutmeg</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp. ground ginger</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1-1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup wheat germ</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup milled flax seed</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 TBSP toasted sesame seeds</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1-1/2 cup any combination of raisins, dried apricots roughly chopped, dried cranberries roughly chopped, toasted walnuts roughly chopped, dark chocolate chips</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 375° In a mixing bowl beat butter with electric mixer until smooth. Add 1 cup flour, the brown sugar, sugar or Splenda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Beat until crumbly. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour, then stir or beat in the oats, wheat germ, flax seed, and sesame seeds. Fold in the raisins, apricots, cranberries, walnuts, and/or chocolate chips. Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are golden. This recipe makes approximately 30 cookies.</span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-49886417303736077812010-05-20T17:24:00.003-05:002011-05-30T09:46:28.193-05:005 Bean Chili<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a fabulous recipe for those "chili" nights or just when you need a little comfort. High in protein and you can make it as mild or as spicy as your heart desires. Enjoy!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1-1/2 lb. ground beef </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 heaping T. chili powder, or to taste</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 T. cumin</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 med. yellow onion, coarsely chopped </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 lg. green bell pepper, coarsely chopped </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cloves garlic, large, minced </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 27-oz cans Bush's Chili Beans, both mild or one mild, one hot</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7 (15-oz.) cans beans, any combo black, dark red and light red kidney, pinto, well drained</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 (15-oz.) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 (64-oz.) bottle V8 or vegetable juice</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 T. salt or to taste</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 dash red pepper flakes or Tabasco Sauce to taste</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a large stock pot, I use an 8 quart, brown ground beef, 1/2 of the chili powder, and 1/2 of the cumin until meat is cooked through. Drain meat thoroughly and put it back in the pot. Stir in onions, peppers, and garlic. Add both cans of Bush's Chili Beans, stir until thoroughly combined. Add the rest of the beans and the Diced Tomatoes. It will be thick but stir as much as possible. Slowly stir as much vegetable juice as the pot will hold. Add most of the chili powder, the rest of the cumin, salt and pepper. Add additional chili powder and salt to your taste. Bring to a boil, cover, lower heat to low and simmer for two hours, stirring occasionally. Makes great leftovers for days.</span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-42151215544101349432009-09-03T00:30:00.003-05:002011-05-30T09:46:10.309-05:00Black Angus Veggie Burger or Confetti Burger<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made this for dinner tonight and my friend Josh gave me the idea. I've given it two titles, depending on the type of meat used. The Black Angus Veggie Burger uses Black Angus Beef whereas the Confetti Burger can be made with any ground meat or even tofu. I'm not proficient with tofu but if you are and try it, please let me know how you did it. What I found was that while these burgers aren't pretty, they are amazingly good. So... here is what I did...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Black Angus Veggie Burger/Confetti Burger</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 lb ground Black Angus beef or your favorite burger base</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cans black beans, drained</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup water</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 chicken or beef boullion cube</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 1/2 TBSP ground cumin</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 medium onion, grated or finely chopped</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 medium carrot, grated</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cloves garlic, grated or crushed</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 oz shredded cheddar, monteray jack, and/or colby cheese</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 slices deli style cheddar cheese</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a medium sauce pan, combine black beans, water, boullion cube, and cumin. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until most of the water has evaporated. Mash the beans with a potato masher or hand blender until smooth. Set aside to cool but do not let it get cold.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a medium bowl, combine ground meat, onion, carrot, garlic, 1 cup black bean paste, and shredded cheese. Blend with hands or spoon until thouroughly combined. Pat out 6 evenly sized patties.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heat a large skillet on medium high until it's screeching hot. Coat the bottom of the pan with nonstick cooking spray and gently place the burgers in the pan. Be careful and watch for splatter. Turn the pan down to medium low and cook for 20 minutes, flipping the burgers halfway through. These burgers have a high moisture content that makes them easy to fall apart and the cheese could make it stick to the pan. When turning the burgers, take it slow, try to get as much of the "crust" off with the burger as you can. Don't be alarmed if the crust sticks completely.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place the burger on 1/2 of a bun. Top with a spoonful of the remaining black bean paste and a slice of cheese. Serve it open faced with a side of black bean paste and vinegar cole slaw.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who are WLS patients, we did not have the vinegar cole slaw with this because it's just too much food with it added. I can see making the cole slaw instead of extra beans when I make this again. Other than sticking to the pan, this came out really well.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angie</span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-77126103802289066302009-08-30T08:29:00.002-05:002011-05-30T09:45:54.089-05:00What exactly is WLS and Roux en Y and what does it have to do with this blog?<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who are unfamiliar with this, WLS is the common abbreviation for Weight Loss Surgery and Roux en Y Gastric Bypass is the type of Weight Loss Surgery my husband and I had. I had my surgery in October 2002 and he had his in December 2003. At the time of surgery, I was 180 lbs overweight and my husband was 150 lbs overweight. The average adult stomach will hold an average of 1 quart of food, or 32 oz. The surgeon reduced our stomachs to only hold a volume of 1 oz. This new stomach is referred to as a gastric pouch or "pouch". The surgeon also performed a Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy. This procedure removes a portion of the intestine and the duodenum, preventing absorption of fat and sugar, then the new pouch is attached to the small intestine. So not only does the volume of food we are able to eat decrease to a minimum, but there is also an issue with malabsorption. The diet immediately after surgery consists of only liquids. The solidity and types of foods allowed gradually evolves over the first 6-8 weeks.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having this procedure has changed the way we choose which foods to eat. Because of the malabsorption, our diets should be high in protein, low in simple carbohydrates, low in fat, and minimal sugar. Too many carbohydrates, fats, and/or sugars at once causing "dumping syndrome" where our bodies essentially reject the food and we are left nauseated, breaking out in sweats until the offending food moves through the intestines. It's not fun to go through and takes about an hour before we are feeling normal again. The size of the pouch dictates that we need as many nutrients as we can get in as little food as possible. The size of the pouch causes pain when the wrong foods are eaten as well. Carbonated beverages, rice, pasta, breads (anything that expands when wet), medications, too much sugar, can all be extremely painful and if the food bites are too big, it can actually get stuck in the stomach, preventing other foods or beverages from being consumed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong, even with these limitations, I would do again today. We both lost approximately 150 lbs in the first year after surgery. I no longer have to take medications to regulate my blood sugar and his blood pressure is normal for the first time in a decade. Unfortunately, our bodies are very resilient and over the past 6-7 years, our pouches have expanded to 8 oz. While that's a far cry from 32 oz, it is enough that when combined with other factors, it has caused us to gain back 50% of what we lost. This is normal for most RNY patients and is still considered a successful procedure.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what have we discovered in this process? We feel better when we are eating lean, good quality meats, fresh fruits and vegetable, and drinking lots of water. We read labels now before we buy a new product. Sometimes we have to take another look at the nutritional labels on products we've always used. We've become amazed at how many additives are in processed foods, how much sugar is in the most savory products, and fats that really do not need to be there. We buy All Natural and Organic as much as we can afford and have learned some fabulous ways to prepare our meals. But this isn't just for WLS patients.. everyone.. whether you are obese, overweight, needing to add an exercise program, or physically fit and running marathons, the recipes and tips that will be covered by this blog will fit your lifestyle.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information on Weight Loss Surgery and Roux en Y, please visit these and other sites available online. The RNY is not the only Weight Loss Surgery option available and information on those procedures is available as well.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/weight-loss-surgery/gastric-bypass"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.webmd.com/diet/weight-loss-surgery/gastric-bypass</span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://fatblog.org/index.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://fatblog.org/index.php</span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.gastricbypass.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.gastricbypass.com/</span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angie</span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69695460482749856.post-54491517628573044562009-08-30T04:29:00.015-05:002011-05-30T09:45:38.423-05:00Welcome<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to <a href="http://www.the-wls-cook.blogspot.com/">www.The-WLS-Cook.blogspot.com</a>! I hope you will enjoy reading it as much I will enjoy writing it. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what is this blog all about? Well, my husband and I had Gastric Bypass Surgery in 2003 and 2002 respectively. We quickly reached our goal weights but within 2 years, we were gaining it back again. This has forced us to look at what we are eating, the nutritional information, and the quality of the product. I intend to share what we have learned, mistakes we have made, commentary on our own struggle to reach a healthier weight, and mouth watering, mostly healthy recipes that are perfect for anyone, not just those of us who have had surgery. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I look forward to this journey and I especially look forward to sharing it with you. To start things off, here is a recipe for <strong>Reduced Sugar Oatmeal Raisin Cookies</strong> I made for dessert this evening. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://tinypic.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i32.tinypic.com/99jsed.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Reduced Sugar Oatmeal Raisin Cookies</strong> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup butter, softened</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 3/4 cups self-rising flour</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup packed brown sugar</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup Splenda or store brand equivalent</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp vanilla</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups rolled oats</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup raisins</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 375 degrees. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a mixing bowl beat butter with electic mixer until smooth. Add 1 cup flour, the brown sugar, Splenda, and cinnamon. Beat until crumbly. Add egg and vanilla. Beat until thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour, then stir or beat in the oats. Fold in the raisins.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drop by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375 degree for 10 minutes or until edges are golden. Makes approximately 30 cookies.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Variation:</strong> <span style="color: #741b47;"><em>Thank you <a href="http://thedesperatecook.blogspot.com/">The Desperate Cook</a> for mentioning breakfast. :-)</em></span> Try reducing the oatmeal by 1/4 cup and replacing it with 1/2 cup total of wheat germ and/or milled flax seed for an extra boost at breakfast. Enjoy!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As soon as I learn how to calculate the nutritional information of my recipes, I will go back and add that valuable piece of information. I will also begin uploaded photos soon. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you decide to try these cookies for you and your family. Please let me know if you do and how they turned out.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you again for visiting my blog. Stay tuned for more recipes and tips.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish you happy, healthy eating..</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Angie</span></div>Angiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09355670749715924107noreply@blogger.com3