JOURNAL: March 19th - 11 mos. PostOp

(Click on Photo for a closer look)

I actually like my photos from February better than these! I guess I was holding in my tummy....but this is a good view of my 'tummy nemesis'....I have this annoying pooch! I've only lost 1.2 lbs. - :::sigh::: - although, I do like that you can REALLY see my BONES around my neck! WOW....

Even though this month has been hard... I think I can see a bit of difference in the way my jeans are fitting. I'm wearing a size 14 jean....and many size 14's in other clothes as well. I'm in a XL and some Large Tee's.

The best part of this is buying new clothes for spring...I'm actually having a little bit of trouble trying to decide "WHAT?!" I want my wardrobe to look like?! Hmph!!

I really am reinventing my wardrobe....and what I want to look like from season to season....it's kinda fun - and funny - all in one! Another fun thing - is b/c I've moved from Dallas, Texas (mid-south suburbia) to NYC (north east urban) - it's not only different from the climate standpoint...but also "Mommy Wear" looks different up here!

(Click on Photo for a larger view)

Thanks to Mel for sending me 30 pounds of new clothes....and thanks for taking 20 pounds back! Thanks too to Beka for taking a 21 pound box of Deb's closet!! I hope you two enjoy them....Love you girls...& MISS YOU TONS!!

The EYE BALL: Spring Semi-Formal

(CLICK on photos for a larger view)

My Hubby is in his first year of Optometry school...one of the perks of being back in school are "School Functions!" I think it's hilarious that a school that studies the eye....has a spring dinner/dance called the EYE BALL!

We had a wonderful evening....I especially loved that I got to dress up and go out on a REAL DATE with my sweet hubby!

We went to a little place in NYC's Little Italy called Sal Anthony's S.P.Q.R. - it was a beautiful place...the appitizers were amazing. But the entree was not the best - but I think that was because they were preparing for a HUGE group of people! I loved it...we had such a nice evening....we DANCED! How fun was that....

This is nearly my 11mos. post op anniversary...this month has been a little hard because I am "officially" on a Stall....I've only lost 1.2#'s this month...I would be lieing if I said I wasn't a little disappointed. I'm trying to keep my spirit up....and still hoping that I will plug thru losing the last 50 or so pounds. But for now...I'm enjoying life...and celebrating feeling beautiful and energetic!

Weight loss surgery and brain decline

Weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery, can lead to a vitamin deficiency that can cause memory loss and confusion, inability to coordinate movement, and other problems, according to a study published in the March 13, 2007, issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.The syndrome, called Wernicke encephalopathy, affects the brain and nervous system when the body doesn’t get enough vitamin B-1, or thiamine. It can also cause vision problems, such as rapid eye movements.
Weight loss surgery and brain decline
Bariatric and lap band surgeries are getting rather popular.Post surgery, folks consume a very limited amount of calories. Essentially, you’re shrinking your stomach size to that of a two year old. Of course you haven’t shrunk your nutritional needs to that of a two year old.
A study published this week in the Journal of the American Academy of Neurology points out numerous folks are experiencing memory loss and confusion as well as muscle coordination problems and vision problems.
They are tying the symptoms to lack of nutrition for the brain and nervous system – mostly B vitamins.
There have been other reports as well regarding brain functionality after weight loss surgery.
It’s basically mal-nourishment, whether you’re talking about a skin draped over bones person in a third world country, or a post-surgery “fluffy” person. The body still requires nourishment to function and rebuild itself.
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This entry was posted on Fri, 16.Mar.2007 at 9:15 am and is filed under Nutrition, Obesity, Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

CARBOHYDRATES: Nutrition Notes

By Theresa Stahl, RD, LDN

You may not really think of carbohydrates as brain food, but glucose, a simple form of carbohydrates, provides nearly all the energy your brain uses everyday.

Let's take a look at some carbohydrate basics:

• Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen - carbo meaning "carbon" and hydrate meaning "with water."
• Dietary carbohydrates include simple carbohydrates (the sugars) and complex carbohydrates (the starches and fibers).

Simple sugars include:

• Monosaccharides - glucose, fructose (fruit sugar) and galactose.
• Disaccharides - sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), and maltose.

Complex carbohydrates include:

• Polysaccharides -which are starches (grains, legumes, tubers such as potatoes)
• Fibers -(cellulose, hemicellulose, pectins, gums, lignan, and mucilages such as guar and carageenan). Fibers are not digested by human digestive enzymes and don't provide calories.The main role of carbohydrates in the diet is to supply energy. Carbohydrates are the best source to fuel muscles and promote healthy hearts. Fiber helps lower blood cholesterol, prevents constipation, maintains a healthy digestive tract and provides a feeling of fullness, which is the most immediate benefit that helps prevent overeating.

Tips for choosing carbohydrates:

• Choose whole-grains, including whole grain breads, cereals, rice and pasta.
• Include five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Choose 1% or skim milk and low-fat milk products, such as yogurt, cottage cheese and cheeses.
• Eat more legumes, such as beans, peas and lentils.
• Limit sugars, such as table sugar, corn syrup and honey, which promote cavities and may displace needed nutrients and fiber and contribute to obesity.

JOURNAL: February 19th - 10 mos. PostOp

This is my 10 month LINE UP....I think I look more like myself in the "center picture"...but since that picture I've dropped 44#'s...and wow...feel a world of difference. I was size 22 there...and now am a 14.

You Can click on the picture for a Larger look....to read the labels.

I still have 47#'s until I am at goal...but now that I'm under 200#'s and in a 'normal size' (14)...I feel very proud of myself...and all my hard work.

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To all those who read my blog...thanks for your emails and encouragement thru this journey...I can't imagine my life without WLS.

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