So in the past week, 3 days I walked 1.5 miles each day, and the last 2 days I have walked a whole 2 miles each day. It may not be much, but it's a lot more than I ever did. And the walking actually makes me FEEL better, and healthier. I find I actually have MORE energy. And each day, the walk seems to get a little faster and a little easier. It's a nice change of pace.
Another BIG moment is that today my scale saw the lowest number it's seen in at least 3 years... 278.4! That's 10 lbs in 10 days! I almost can't believe it. I weighed, and reweighed, and reweighed. I am so overjoyed that in the last 10 days, I've managed to lose 10 pounds! It's rewarding to see the results in the numbers. :)
And most importantly...TOMORROW THEY ARE SENDING OFF MY PAPERWORK TO INSURANCE FOR APPROVAL!!!! I am BEYOND excited, as you can imagine. Initially, when I contacted my insurance company they gave me a long list of requirements to fulfill, but when the doctor's office called to verify benefits, they found that the list was significantly less than what I had been told. Apparently, this is quite common. Anyways, they have all the information they need and tomorrow they send me off for approval. If all goes well, I will hear something back in the next 1-2 weeks. Although, they warned, it can take up to 6 weeks. But as I browse forums, I've found that most people with my specific insurance had a response within the first week. I pray that this is the case for me, as I will be on pins and needles until I get the results!! Please, please pray for a QUICK and EASY first approval for me!
This week, I have a weigh-in on Wednesday, and on Saturday the ever-dreaded sleep study. They need to know if I have sleep apnea, as that would mean I have different oxygen requirements while being "put under" for the surgery. I hope I'm able to sleep while being hooked up to all those electrodes... maybe I'll take a benadryl.. just in case. Haha.
More to come! :)
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
okay dad. you're right. I'm wrong.
My dad has always said the mind is a powerful thing and if we can just learn to control it, we will find solutions to most of our problems. I always believed that to be partially true but I never FULLY grasped the concept of controlling your mind until recently.
I have always said "I don't like this food or that food. I can't eat healthy because I don't like the food." And excuse after excuse after excuse. But this time around, I find that I do enjoy the food by not setting negative expectations in my mind. I enjoy asparagus, I love feta cheese, and I think mashed cauliflower is actually more tasty than mashed potatoes. By not mentally setting negative expectations, I've only had positive results.
I'm also notorious for "well I'll start my diet tomorrow, for real," and that's my "valid" excuse for having a temporary glutinous one night love affair with a plate full of carbs. However I haven't done that this time. I tell myself "that doesn't taste as good as skinny will feel." And it's worked, every time. I haven't cheated and tasted food as I make it for Josh or Levi, I didn't sample any of my cake pops, and I haven't had a full sugar soda, not even one sip! I've been drinking 8 glasses of water, cooking healthy meals every night, not going back for seconds, and remembering to take my vitamins. These are HUGE accomplishments for me.
Small victories, day by day, week by week. This surgery isn't about a quick fix but about a permanent lifestyle change. For the first time in my life I feel committed enough to make the changes and stick to them. I've told myself I CAN do this, I WILL do this, I DESERVE this. And it has made all the difference.
I have always said "I don't like this food or that food. I can't eat healthy because I don't like the food." And excuse after excuse after excuse. But this time around, I find that I do enjoy the food by not setting negative expectations in my mind. I enjoy asparagus, I love feta cheese, and I think mashed cauliflower is actually more tasty than mashed potatoes. By not mentally setting negative expectations, I've only had positive results.
I'm also notorious for "well I'll start my diet tomorrow, for real," and that's my "valid" excuse for having a temporary glutinous one night love affair with a plate full of carbs. However I haven't done that this time. I tell myself "that doesn't taste as good as skinny will feel." And it's worked, every time. I haven't cheated and tasted food as I make it for Josh or Levi, I didn't sample any of my cake pops, and I haven't had a full sugar soda, not even one sip! I've been drinking 8 glasses of water, cooking healthy meals every night, not going back for seconds, and remembering to take my vitamins. These are HUGE accomplishments for me.
Small victories, day by day, week by week. This surgery isn't about a quick fix but about a permanent lifestyle change. For the first time in my life I feel committed enough to make the changes and stick to them. I've told myself I CAN do this, I WILL do this, I DESERVE this. And it has made all the difference.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Flax Meal should be considered a Super Hero
First off I want to start by saying I AM DOWN 5 POUNDS SINCE MONDAY!! YIPPPPPEEE!!!! I am SO excited and proud of myself! I resisted several major temptations this week, and I am actually surprised at myself and my own will power. Anyways, on to the main part of this post.
Anyways, I thought I would write down all the collected recipes I have gathered, thus far, using flax meal. And, of course, if you have any delicious variations, please feel free to comment with them!
Microwave Flax Meal Bread
1/4 c Flax Meal/slice
1/2 tsp baking powder/slice
1 Large Egg/Slice
1/4 tsp salt/slice (preferably sea salt)
Spray bottom of a flat bowl (not a plate) with Pam. Then mix together all together (except for the salt) and spread out evenly in the bowl, and top with salt. Microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, on high. Then use a knife to separate bread from edges of the bowl, and enjoy!
A word of advice, for me, the bread actually rose enough that I was able to cut it in half and use it as 2 slices of bread. But, if that doesn't work for you, do not try doubling up the recipe and making two slices at once, as it just doesn't turn out quite right! Top this with whatever you like! It's around 185 calories, 8.1 grams of fiber, .4 net carbs (the only net carbs come from the egg if you use a quality Flax Meal!), and 11.5 grams of protein! Delicious and filling!
A word of advice, for me, the bread actually rose enough that I was able to cut it in half and use it as 2 slices of bread. But, if that doesn't work for you, do not try doubling up the recipe and making two slices at once, as it just doesn't turn out quite right! Top this with whatever you like! It's around 185 calories, 8.1 grams of fiber, .4 net carbs (the only net carbs come from the egg if you use a quality Flax Meal!), and 11.5 grams of protein! Delicious and filling!
Flax Meal Crackers
1 c flax meal
1/2 c water (may need to add more as you go)
1/3 c Parmesan cheese
1/3 c Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder *optional
1/2 tsp onion powder *optional
You can change the spices to fit your need, or even add different cheese into the batter. Spoon and spread evenly on a pan coated with parchment paper. Bake 15-18 minutes at 400 F. Let it cool completely. The whole recipe has 6 grams net carbs and 35 grams of fiber!
Flax Meal Tortillas
3 tbsp flax meal
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 Large Egg
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp melted butter
Mix well and spread onto 10" plate. Microwave 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. If using high quality flax meal, net carbs are only 1.2 grams per tortilla!
Flax Meal Buns
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon flax meal
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon granular Splenda
1 1/2 teaspoons dry minced onion
3 eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 tablespoons oil
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon granular Splenda
1 1/2 teaspoons dry minced onion
3 eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 tablespoons oil
Put the dry minced onion in a small bowl and add just enough water to moisten; let stand until softened. Mix the dry ingredients; add the onions, eggs, water and oil. Pour the batter into 6 greased muffin top pans. Bake at 325ยบ 15-20 minutes. To serve, split the buns horizontally to make two halves using a long, thin knife. Only 1.5 grams net carbs!
Flax Meal Pancakes
3 tablespoons golden flax meal
1 teaspoon granular Splenda or equivalent liquid Splenda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 dash salt
1 large egg
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon granular Splenda or equivalent liquid Splenda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 dash salt
1 large egg
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon water
In a small bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients and mix well with a fork. Pour into a greased 8-9" glass pie plate. Spread batter to cover the bottom of the pan. Microwave on HIGH 1 1/2-3 minutes, until cooked through but still soft. I flipped mine over after about 2 minutes and microwaved it another 20 seconds to set up the underside better because it looked kind of eggy. Serve with low carb syrup, cream cheese, or Polander's with fiber jams. Before toppings, a pancake only has 2 grams of net carbs!
One Minute Flax Meal Muffin
1/4 c flax meal
1/2 tspn baking powder
1/4 tspn splenda
1 tspn cinnamon or cocoa powder
1 Large egg
1 tbsp butter
Mix all together in a coffee mug. Microwave for 1 minute. Delicious with whipped cream, fruit, or cream cheese. Only 2.1 grams of net carbs, and 11.5 grams of protein!.
I'm sure I'll be adding more as time goes along... but for now.. enjoy!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Eyes on The Prize!
I thought it might be helpful to jot down a few of my overall goals, for encouragement for the times that I am bound to get down. Also, I welcome any of you goal-coordinated individuals, to share your ideas and provide any motivation that you find helpful!
**GOALS**
-To be healthy
-To be happy and gain back the confidence I lost
-To Weigh in between 145 lbs & 150 lbs.
-To be able to shop at Aeropostale (something I have never been able to do)
-To be able to shop virtually anywhere I want, except Lane Bryant (praise Jesus! I won't miss that store!)
-To be able to wear tank tops in the summer (because I'm sick of wearing long sleeves in 100 degree heat.)
-To go to Six Flags and not worry about fitting in the seats
-To go on a vacation somewhere, because we won't have to buy two plane seats just for me (ha!)
**MOTIVATION**
-To be healthy, happy, and confident.
-To correct my insulin resistance and not have complication from diabetes later in life.
-To be around for my son's graduation.
-To grow old with my husband while sitting in rocking chairs and yelling at kids to get off our lawn
-To run around the park with my son, and not get insanely winded.
-To be able to buy all the cutest, most fashionable clothes.
**GOALS**
-To be healthy
-To be happy and gain back the confidence I lost
-To Weigh in between 145 lbs & 150 lbs.
-To be able to shop at Aeropostale (something I have never been able to do)
-To be able to shop virtually anywhere I want, except Lane Bryant (praise Jesus! I won't miss that store!)
-To be able to wear tank tops in the summer (because I'm sick of wearing long sleeves in 100 degree heat.)
-To go to Six Flags and not worry about fitting in the seats
-To go on a vacation somewhere, because we won't have to buy two plane seats just for me (ha!)
**MOTIVATION**
-To be healthy, happy, and confident.
-To correct my insulin resistance and not have complication from diabetes later in life.
-To be around for my son's graduation.
-To grow old with my husband while sitting in rocking chairs and yelling at kids to get off our lawn
-To run around the park with my son, and not get insanely winded.
-To be able to buy all the cutest, most fashionable clothes.
I'm Not Crazy? Am I? Don't Ask my Husband...
Day 2 of almost no carbs, and it's actually been way easier than I expected. Usually I would have dreams of dancing candy bars dunking themselves into a gallon of Blue Bell ice cream, but I'm happy to report that hasn't happened thus far. In fact, yesterday I resisted the urge to eat Blue Bell and french fries. Tonight I also made the boys a different (much carbier) meal than my own, and I didn't even taste test it! Small victories. In all honesty, I think having the surgery as a motivation to lose the 15 pounds is a huge help. I know that there is a goal and the end result is a happier, healthier, thinner me. And I have my eyes set on the prize; a cute little polka dot dress hanging on a wall in the bedroom. Ha!)
Today I had my psych evaluation, which went wonderfully. I also had to do a 370 true/false questionnaire in conjunction with my meeting with the psychologist. They score the test, and if you aren't crazy (which I hope I'm not), they give the doctor the clearance for surgery and a write up to submit to the insurance provider. If something "raises flags," then they will bring me in for a follow-up. But just from our brief little meeting, the psychologist said she really doesn't see that happening. Phew! Now I can finally tell my hubby to rest assured, I'm not crazy... well... so they say.
I also got to meet with the nutritionist. She said I have already lost 7 lbs since my last weigh-in, which you could've fooled me! I guess at my initial weigh-in I was at 300 lbs, and today I was at 293. (according to my scale though, I'm 286. Conflict!) My goal is to lose another 10-12 lbs in the next month, and to start consciously making better food choices, drinking 64 ounces of water every day (killer), and to slam the protein back. I also found out, though, that my iron is low; which, is not too big of a shock as it's always been low. But they started me on super high strength iron supplements THREE times a day. They can't operate if my iron is low, so hopefully this will fix it up!
They also started me on my pre-op vitamins!! So EXCITED! Around next Thursday they should have the write-up from the psychologist, and the following Monday they SHOULD be able to submit everything to my insurance for final approval. Eeeee! While I'm not holding my breath, as the doctor says approval can take up to 6 weeks, but most of the forums I've been on say United Healthcare generally has approval in 3 to 5 days. I pray that is the case in my situation! But after I get the final approval, I will have a sleep study done, and do the two-week mostly liquid diet, and then I will have my Gastric Bypass Roux n y. I am getting so excited!! If everything goes well, realistically, I could be having surgery in just 4 to 6 weeks!!
I just want to stop and say how thankful I am to God for opening up this door for me. I have always really struggled with my weight and in the past year, for some reason, it has really started to bother me. Maybe it's because I feel like, at the rate I'm at, I won't be around to see my son graduated from high school or that I'll end up losing a leg due to diabetes. However, all that aside, I really want to thank Jesus, in all seriousness, for how He's just let everything fall in to place and for guiding me to a wonderful surgeon and a great office! All this also couldn't be possible without the support of my amazing parents and husband. They have all been a huge push of encouragement and have been so supportive of me and I know that makes all the difference in the world.
Anyways, just wanted to update everyone on what's going on! I am getting SO incredibly excited as the days pass. Each day is another day closer to being the best me I can be and to becoming Pleasantly Perfect!
Today I had my psych evaluation, which went wonderfully. I also had to do a 370 true/false questionnaire in conjunction with my meeting with the psychologist. They score the test, and if you aren't crazy (which I hope I'm not), they give the doctor the clearance for surgery and a write up to submit to the insurance provider. If something "raises flags," then they will bring me in for a follow-up. But just from our brief little meeting, the psychologist said she really doesn't see that happening. Phew! Now I can finally tell my hubby to rest assured, I'm not crazy... well... so they say.
I also got to meet with the nutritionist. She said I have already lost 7 lbs since my last weigh-in, which you could've fooled me! I guess at my initial weigh-in I was at 300 lbs, and today I was at 293. (according to my scale though, I'm 286. Conflict!) My goal is to lose another 10-12 lbs in the next month, and to start consciously making better food choices, drinking 64 ounces of water every day (killer), and to slam the protein back. I also found out, though, that my iron is low; which, is not too big of a shock as it's always been low. But they started me on super high strength iron supplements THREE times a day. They can't operate if my iron is low, so hopefully this will fix it up!
They also started me on my pre-op vitamins!! So EXCITED! Around next Thursday they should have the write-up from the psychologist, and the following Monday they SHOULD be able to submit everything to my insurance for final approval. Eeeee! While I'm not holding my breath, as the doctor says approval can take up to 6 weeks, but most of the forums I've been on say United Healthcare generally has approval in 3 to 5 days. I pray that is the case in my situation! But after I get the final approval, I will have a sleep study done, and do the two-week mostly liquid diet, and then I will have my Gastric Bypass Roux n y. I am getting so excited!! If everything goes well, realistically, I could be having surgery in just 4 to 6 weeks!!
I just want to stop and say how thankful I am to God for opening up this door for me. I have always really struggled with my weight and in the past year, for some reason, it has really started to bother me. Maybe it's because I feel like, at the rate I'm at, I won't be around to see my son graduated from high school or that I'll end up losing a leg due to diabetes. However, all that aside, I really want to thank Jesus, in all seriousness, for how He's just let everything fall in to place and for guiding me to a wonderful surgeon and a great office! All this also couldn't be possible without the support of my amazing parents and husband. They have all been a huge push of encouragement and have been so supportive of me and I know that makes all the difference in the world.
Anyways, just wanted to update everyone on what's going on! I am getting SO incredibly excited as the days pass. Each day is another day closer to being the best me I can be and to becoming Pleasantly Perfect!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
A Word from Dr. Patel
Today I had my consultation with the lead surgeon, Dr. Patel! We discussed lab results and my gallbladder ultrasound results. For a week now, I have been agonizing over the fact that I may have to have gallbladder surgery before I finally was rewarded with my gastric bypass.
But today, I found out, that isn't the case! I will be able to have my gallbladder removed at the time of my gastric bypass surgery. My blood results also came back great! Dr. Patel said that he's going to fast track me, and it looks like I will be having my gastric bypass surgery this April! However, he would like my to lose 15 lbs in the next 4-5 weeks.
Another major event upcoming this week, is my psychological evaluation on Thursday. Within one week of the evaluation, they will have all my insurance requirements fulfilled and they will send off all the paperwork to my insurance for approval. Now, according to what the insurance has already told them, I will be accepted and they will cover 100% of my costs. So please, keep this in your prayers that the insurance will quickly approve my surgery and I will be on to smaller (hehe) and better things!
After the insurance approval comes back, I will have to have a sleep study test, which I am told is standard before surgery to ensure you are given the proper amounts of oxygen while under anesthesia. I will also go to a pre-op class where I will recieve a 200 page binder full of information about the lifestyle changes to come, and they will get me started on my two week liquids only diet. yummmmmy!
As for right now, I will have to lose 15 lbs in the next 4-5 weeks at the surgeon's orders. No problem! Gladly!! So tonight, I am bidding my carbs goodbye with a tasty meal at my favorite place, Chuy's. Tomorrow will be the first day of a new life for me.
But today, I found out, that isn't the case! I will be able to have my gallbladder removed at the time of my gastric bypass surgery. My blood results also came back great! Dr. Patel said that he's going to fast track me, and it looks like I will be having my gastric bypass surgery this April! However, he would like my to lose 15 lbs in the next 4-5 weeks.
Another major event upcoming this week, is my psychological evaluation on Thursday. Within one week of the evaluation, they will have all my insurance requirements fulfilled and they will send off all the paperwork to my insurance for approval. Now, according to what the insurance has already told them, I will be accepted and they will cover 100% of my costs. So please, keep this in your prayers that the insurance will quickly approve my surgery and I will be on to smaller (hehe) and better things!
After the insurance approval comes back, I will have to have a sleep study test, which I am told is standard before surgery to ensure you are given the proper amounts of oxygen while under anesthesia. I will also go to a pre-op class where I will recieve a 200 page binder full of information about the lifestyle changes to come, and they will get me started on my two week liquids only diet. yummmmmy!
As for right now, I will have to lose 15 lbs in the next 4-5 weeks at the surgeon's orders. No problem! Gladly!! So tonight, I am bidding my carbs goodbye with a tasty meal at my favorite place, Chuy's. Tomorrow will be the first day of a new life for me.
Measurements
Height: 5'3
Weight: 294
Goal Weight: 145lbs
Age: 24
MEASUREMENTS
Upper Arms: 17.5
Neck: 15.5
Bust: 49.75
Waist: 48.25
Hips: 60
Upper Thigh: 36
Calf: 19
SIZES
Pants: 24/26
Shirts: 2XL/XL
Jackets: 18
Shoes: 9
Bra: 42F
Dresses: 2XL
A New Beginning
Although many people following my Blog will already be quite familiar with me, I feel the need for a brief introduction. My name is Olivia Pleasant, I am 24 years old, married to my best friend (7/11/2009), and the mother of one very rambunctious, wonderful (almost) 2 year old. We live outside of Austin, Texas and love life in the South!
I have always struggled with my weight. In fact, I can't remember a time in my life where I was my "ideal body weight," or where I wasn't at least 50 pounds overweight. At my most reasonable size, I was an 11 my junior year of High School but still weighed in at 185 lbs. I can vividly remember being taunted and teased throughout most of my life, starting when I was just 5 years old. I can remember being called Rolly Polly, Mimi (yes, from the Drew Carey Show), Shamu, and a multitude of other even harsher names. Until high school, I never had many friends and I know it was because of my weight. I was quite the not-so-little chunky monkey!
Now, today, as I sit here writing this, I am at the highest weight of my life measuring in at a staggering (and quite horrifying) 300 lbs. At only 5'3" this puts my BMI at 52.1. Now, not too be too obsessed with numbers, but an ideal BMI is between 18.5 and 25, and an ideal weight, given my height and age, would be around 130-145 lbs. And, numbers do not lie. I am more than double in both of these criteria! I currently have insulin resistance, PCOS, and get winded just walking the few feet to our mailbox and back inside again.
After much research and debate, last month I finally got fed up with the way I look. I avoid mirrors, hate the limited clothing stores, and am generally embarrassed by my own weight. Last month, I finally decided it was time for a change. I finally got fed up with beating myself down, getting depressed, eating some chocolate, and starting the vicious cycle all over again. I decided it was time for a complete life style change. I had my first visit with Texas Bariatric Specialist with Dr. Houston and Dr. Patel. It was that February 16, 2013 that I finally decided to have a life changing operation: Gastric Bypass Roux n y.
I decided that I feel it is important to document my journey, every single step of the way. I want to be able to look back at who I was and truly treasure and value who I have become. While some people may think, "so what, she's losing some weight," to me I see a complete life style change on the horizon. By losing weight I feel like my whole outlook on myself and my life will change; I will be able to run a 5K and not be winded when chasing my son around the park. I will be able to shop at any store, and look myself in the mirror with a love I have long lost. I am looking forward to the coming changes, and although the future may hold its complications, I know that all the struggles will be worth the end result. A healthier, happier me.
I have always struggled with my weight. In fact, I can't remember a time in my life where I was my "ideal body weight," or where I wasn't at least 50 pounds overweight. At my most reasonable size, I was an 11 my junior year of High School but still weighed in at 185 lbs. I can vividly remember being taunted and teased throughout most of my life, starting when I was just 5 years old. I can remember being called Rolly Polly, Mimi (yes, from the Drew Carey Show), Shamu, and a multitude of other even harsher names. Until high school, I never had many friends and I know it was because of my weight. I was quite the not-so-little chunky monkey!
Now, today, as I sit here writing this, I am at the highest weight of my life measuring in at a staggering (and quite horrifying) 300 lbs. At only 5'3" this puts my BMI at 52.1. Now, not too be too obsessed with numbers, but an ideal BMI is between 18.5 and 25, and an ideal weight, given my height and age, would be around 130-145 lbs. And, numbers do not lie. I am more than double in both of these criteria! I currently have insulin resistance, PCOS, and get winded just walking the few feet to our mailbox and back inside again.
After much research and debate, last month I finally got fed up with the way I look. I avoid mirrors, hate the limited clothing stores, and am generally embarrassed by my own weight. Last month, I finally decided it was time for a change. I finally got fed up with beating myself down, getting depressed, eating some chocolate, and starting the vicious cycle all over again. I decided it was time for a complete life style change. I had my first visit with Texas Bariatric Specialist with Dr. Houston and Dr. Patel. It was that February 16, 2013 that I finally decided to have a life changing operation: Gastric Bypass Roux n y.
I decided that I feel it is important to document my journey, every single step of the way. I want to be able to look back at who I was and truly treasure and value who I have become. While some people may think, "so what, she's losing some weight," to me I see a complete life style change on the horizon. By losing weight I feel like my whole outlook on myself and my life will change; I will be able to run a 5K and not be winded when chasing my son around the park. I will be able to shop at any store, and look myself in the mirror with a love I have long lost. I am looking forward to the coming changes, and although the future may hold its complications, I know that all the struggles will be worth the end result. A healthier, happier me.
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