tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24138835185369019672024-03-14T06:15:10.115+13:00Journey to Joy Via LGSI have had a laparoscopic gastric sleeve to lose excess weight permanently. I am blogging about other things that surround WLS: goals, incentives, types of operations, exercise, foods that can be eaten, how others react to your weight loss, how you react to your weight loss. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-64630730814652252452016-10-01T16:51:00.001+13:002016-10-01T16:51:12.730+13:00Why do weight training and cardio?<h2>
<span style="color: red;">Cardio? or Weight Training?</span></h2>
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Should you only do cardio as that is supposed to help you lose weight faster, get your triglycerides down and make you healthier? Why do weight training? Should you concentrate on one and not the other? The straight answer is; <span style="color: red;">USE BOTH. </span>Cardio will get you fitter but sometimes you can lose more muscle mass than you mean to with the diet and exercise. WLS means you are on a permanent diet, in case you forgot. Weight training does not change the number on the scales as quickly but if you take your measurements on a weekly basis you will notice shrinkage. Your clothes get looser too.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">The main reasons to combine weight loss and cardio are:</span></h3>
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<li>Your <span style="color: blue;">Basal Metabolic Rate</span> remains higher if weight training is included. What this means is the muscles actually use more energy than fat cells do as they are working and repairing 24/7. </li>
<li>Having a higher BMR means less chance of regaining lost weight as your body attempts to get back to the previous weight set point.</li>
<li>You lose more fat than muscle if you weight train which is the opposite to only using cardio. <a href="http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/weight-exercises-women" target="_blank">http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/weight-exercises-women</a> has a good article on this</li>
<li>Clothes fit better because your body shapes with the muscles being used to do the weight training</li>
<li>As you get older and less active the muscles get smaller and fat layers get larger, reverse this with WT</li>
<li>Calories get expended faster depending on the exercises so it may take less time at the gym to get the body you want, more time is left to do other things you enjoy</li>
<li>Exercising, as well as dieting, helps keep you on track as you don't want that time you have spent at the gym to be a waste</li>
<li>Exercise helps lower your stress levels and the hormones related to it. High steroid levels (from stress) means fat is laid down in the abdominal area which you don't want</li>
<li>Your mood will improve. Go and exercise for about 90 minutes and you will see what I mean. It doesn't have to be that long. Try out a good walk around your local area.</li>
<li>Doing a variety of weight exercises (circuit training) does raise your pulse a bit so it is having some cardio effect.</li>
<li>Most people find they are more productive after WT. I find I come home and get through my housework faster which lets me get to my creative activities quicker and I am more alert doing those as well i.e. more gets done. Your boss will love you at work for this result.</li>
<li>You could live longer as you are fitter than the average person, stronger, more focused on your health, have a reason to get up and out in the morning and socialise with others more often.</li>
<li>It has also proven to make you smarter ( I am not talking about those bulky idiots that take steroids and keel over early). Maybe your general circulation is improved. Increased oxygen levels within your body is better for your cells everywhere. Your short term and long term memory is improved.Your attention span increases as you consistently use it to make sure WT is done to form and the amount of reps you decided on.</li>
<li>Cardio can be used at the start to warm your muscles up and at the end to warm down. </li>
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<span style="color: red;">Reps vs Weight Amount</span></h3>
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You can vary both of these.The higher the weight the less repetitions making it <span style="color: blue;">high intensity</span>. The lower the weight the more repetitions giving <span style="color: blue;">low intensity</span>. Women usually do less weight but more reps. This leads to a lean, sleek, strong body, not a pumped up "Arnold" body. Saying that, when the weight you have been using gets too easy then go up to the next weight. </div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Strength</span> = low reps + higher weights</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Endurance</span> = high reps + lower weights</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Build muscle and mold body shape</span> = moderate reps + moderate weights.</div>
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They actually all do the same job but to a lesser, or greater, degree and it is up to you to decide what you want to do. The aim is to do enough reps vs weights that the last1-2 reps are straining you as that is when your body is being worked enough to make a change. Check back with yourself periodically and decide when you need to increase your weight amount. You will have to as your body does get used to your normal exercise regime. A change is needed to continue muscle growth or weight loss. At a good gym the trainer there may come over and suggest a change of weight size if it is now looking too easy from their point of view. (Thanks, Dayna). Using weights after WLS helps to lessen the size of the saggy bits as the muscles grow bigger underneath. </div>
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I still have a bigger abdomen but I can feel solid muscle underneath and it doesn't jiggle as much. My biceps look good and I am working on my triceps to lessen the batwing underneath. My calves look better and I am concentrating more on my thighs at the moment to tighten the inside thigh.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">Routines from the Net</span></h4>
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These are some of the routines I found on the Net. There are many more depending on what you want to do with your body. Remember to check with your doctor when starting a new exercise regime so you don't create health problems. Most gyms give you a free time with a personal trainer. Extract as much information from them as you can in that time as to what would help you the most. An occasional recheck will keep you on course. Have fun. Mix it up. Change what you do so your body doesn't get used to the same old thing. <span style="color: red;">Maybe your body will even impress you as time goes on.</span></div>
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Good luck. Let me know how well you are going and if this made any difference to how you use your time at the gym. Results? Tell me, please.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-25589067722560106652016-09-21T17:51:00.000+12:002016-09-21T17:51:26.699+12:00Clothes- big, small, medium, keep or get rid of.<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">Clothes - What to do with them?</span></h2>
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The best thing about WLS is getting into smaller clothes.The worst thing about WLS is getting into smaller clothes. Why do I say it is the best and worst thing? At the beginning you may lose weight fast enough that you may only get one wear out of the clothing item before it gets too small and sometimes the first time you put it on it slips off again. This can become expensive.</div>
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One way that makes it less expensive is to set yourself a weight goal for your next item of clothing. This means it can be an incentive and a reward. It might be 14 lbs or 5-10 kgs. That usually gives you a good enough difference in your measurements that you have probably gone down a size as well. To go from size 28 NZ to size 16-18 NZ made me, personally, feel very happy.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am second from the right</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still big but able to work out now</td></tr>
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If you are wondering why I would be happy to be able to work out; previously the size of my breasts would have almost meant black eyes from the bounce of my boobs if I tried anything. I need to work more intensively on my diet as well as the amount of exercise to keep my weight loss stable or decreasing still. I wondered why people did not change their habits after WLS. I have found out why. The brain is a very important part of on-going weight loss. You have to figure out why you are sabotaging yourself (then and now) and decide on some strategies that are positive and helpful. In the photo above my hand is holding 8 inches of fabric so that the top conforms to my body. Eight inches or more that my body has lost.<div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Get rid of "FAT" clothes</span></h3>
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This means that you have to go through your closet when you reach your set goal of weight loss. Try on everything. Have a box with <span style="color: red;"><b>Donate</b></span> on the outside. If it doesn't fit you toss it into that box. Big women can never find fitting second-hand clothes at the charity shops. The volunteers will love it every time you take clothing in to them. Who doesn't love a beaming smile directed at them?</div>
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Why get rid of your clothes? Why not keep them? Your goal is to lose weight. You won't be wearing these clothes ever again. If, heaven forbid, you do regain some weight then they will no longer be in style. You may not believe in feng shui but it is active in your life anyway . Discarding old useless or hurtful items allows positive and helpful items into your life. Sorting out and making clear space in your home works on your body as it is no longer being dragged down by old negative things. If you don't believe me go now and toss all the clothes that are too big, out of style or need mending. </div>
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Hang your clothes on beautiful coat hangers, sort them into an order or colour sequence that makes <span style="color: red;">YOU </span>happy, get rid of anything else in your closet you have not worn or used in the last year. Those shoes that don't fit; get rid of them. It was only money you used to fill that hole. Now you are taking charge and finding something else that makes <span style="color: red;">YOU</span> happy. You will feel <span style="color: red;">lighter emotionally </span>and would you believe it you will become <span style="color: red;">lighter in your body</span> also. Who knew?</div>
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I know you may not have a space like this but even small closets can be transformed. You might like padded hangers or wooden ones, metal or plastic. You can do something to them to make you happy with how they look. I knitted covers for padded hangers using "Feathers" acrylic wool. The jumpers stay on better and I handle colourful, warm hangers when I bring them out. Sorting out your cupboards means your clothes don't get creased. If you want a top, skirt, dress etc you can find it easily. Shoes, purses, scarves etc can all have their own spaces. No tossing out half the contents to find that one important thing you need before heading out the door. A time saving in our busy lives.</div>
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<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #a64d79;">Clothes for Right Now</span></h3>
<div>
Go to your usual place, or somewhere new, with an idea of what you need at this moment. If you are at the start of the WLS weight loss them you don't want to buy a heap of clothes. You will keep losing fast and don't need to buy a lot. Some clothes can be used with a nip/tuck here and there, or by using a belt. You want clothes that fit exactly now but are shaped so they will look good during your next set goal weight amount. It is probably a good time to have a mix and match wardrobe that has a few items that can be used in many ways.</div>
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You can have some fun here with wearing colours you like, not just the ones everyone expects you to use; default colour -black- can become apricot, sapphire, lemon or whatever your favourite colour is that always gets you a compliment. Find out if you are a Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter. The definitions that many years ago came out in a book called "Colour Me Beautiful" still hold true. It is an easy way to find a range of colours you can use to look good in. You will recognize in their colour pages the colours you always felt good in. Use some of them. Do not be timid any longer. Be proud of how you are changing your body to one much healthier for you.</div>
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<h3>
<span style="color: red;">The Aim Outfit</span></h3>
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If you have a very special event coming up you can buy the outfit you want to wear to it in the size you want to fit at that time. Do not set yourself an impossible task though as it will effect you emotionally. The reason for that Aim Outfit is to get you out of bed and exercising on the day you just want to curl back under the covers. It can be photographed and put on your pantry door or fridge door to make you think about what you are about to put in your mouth. It helps you want to make the good choice for your body.</div>
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It could be the Prom, the Oscars,your wedding, a resort trip or a new job that you want the Aim Outfit for. Be adventurous. Aim for a reachable goal you are happy with and have fun. It is only one outfit. You won't go bankrupt.</div>
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Clothes help make the person but it is only one part of you. Don't stress over them. Celebrate the changing sizes. Celebrate the day you can buy something from the store most others do, not the Big woman/man store. Celebrate the changes you are making to your body and life. It is all your hard work.</div>
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<h4>
<span style="color: red;">Things to do:</span></h4>
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<ol>
<li>Try on then get rid of the clothes/shoes that no longer fit</li>
<li>Put them in the <span style="color: red;">Donate Box,</span> put that box in the car right now, drop it off the next time you are out.</li>
<li>Buy only as needed till you reach final goal weight</li>
<li>Use interim set goal weights to buy a new clothing item as a positive reinforcement of how well you are doing</li>
<li>Inject the colours you like into your clothing</li>
<li>Sort out and organise your wardrobe then the rest of your house and life</li>
<li>Have an Aim Outfit (like the Biggest Loser contestants) for an important occasion but give it a reasonable time frame</li>
<li>Use that AO to help encourage yourself on your journey</li>
<li>Enjoy your new clothes whether they are brand new or second hand.</li>
<li>If you really want to keep your biggest outfit you can tuck it in a deep drawer for the day you can wear it to show the difference from then till now IE your body fitting in one leg of your old pants</li>
<li>Do remember the underpinnings of pants, bras and other underwear. Look for the pretty underwear as your size goes down. Shapewear will be very useful too. Ask to be fitted for your bras as you won't always know the right size.</li>
<li>Be joyful with your choices.</li>
</ol>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-30535480306363957342016-09-14T17:50:00.001+12:002016-09-14T17:50:26.770+12:00One problem most have after WLS - Pooping<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xicKT8ERh2g/V9jB_nzlIXI/AAAAAAAABv8/E38lsQDNsO0BSr51a0CrB5FXzyq-DCnuACLcB/s1600/679f49b0-a1ca-0133-6e34-0efce411145f.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xicKT8ERh2g/V9jB_nzlIXI/AAAAAAAABv8/E38lsQDNsO0BSr51a0CrB5FXzyq-DCnuACLcB/s400/679f49b0-a1ca-0133-6e34-0efce411145f.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just so you get an idea of what sort you need to see happening</td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="color: #783f04;">Pooping - the main grumble after WLS</span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="color: #b45f06;">The Reasons Why It Happens</span></h3>
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<ol>
<li>You have had a major bowel operation. The operation and anaesthetic can slow gut movement</li>
<li>Little or no food being eaten post-op then that amount stays a lot less than you are used to for ages afterwards.</li>
<li>Not enough hydration (glasses of water)</li>
<li>Lower fiber in food eaten</li>
<li>Less exercise immediately post-op</li>
<li>Stress, and you only know what your stress reasons are</li>
<li>Position on toilet</li>
</ol>
<h4>
<span style="color: #e69138;">What can help you get better Poops</span></h4>
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<div>
<span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ng33td5ebhs/V9jFHqjMIXI/AAAAAAAABwI/NmYMY-CbNbUZ4OTDLvYF1VffTTYFIX1RwCLcB/s1600/477973454_XS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ng33td5ebhs/V9jFHqjMIXI/AAAAAAAABwI/NmYMY-CbNbUZ4OTDLvYF1VffTTYFIX1RwCLcB/s320/477973454_XS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water</td></tr>
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<br />1. <u><span style="color: blue;">Water. </span></u>You need to drink 8+ glasses of water to get a comfortable poop. I carry bottled water with me when I go out. At home I take note of what I am drinking to make sure it is enough. I refill the glass as soon as I finish it. Yes, I know how hard it is to drink enough as the urge to do so is often absent. Sometimes when you feel hungry it is actually because you are thirsty; drink a full glass of water and see. Coffee actually dehydrates you but it is a bowel stimulant so may help you go.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7hDsyLg8bA/V9jFLZhsD7I/AAAAAAAABwM/_1J-FCCLmD8t_LTplS4U-iwO1Y1-PCavQCLcB/s1600/aid7359-728px-Relieve-Constipation-Quickly-and-Naturally-Step-16-Version-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7hDsyLg8bA/V9jFLZhsD7I/AAAAAAAABwM/_1J-FCCLmD8t_LTplS4U-iwO1Y1-PCavQCLcB/s400/aid7359-728px-Relieve-Constipation-Quickly-and-Naturally-Step-16-Version-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exercise</td></tr>
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<br />2. <u><span style="color: blue;">Exercise each day.</span></u> This may only be 3 10 minute walks just after your operation but it does help. 3 years post-op I often have to hit the toilet not long after I do the 1/2 hour walk into town. The exercise massages your abdominal muscles over your bowel and make it move more. They strengthen your muscles also. Being sedentary slows down your whole body. If I do a lot of exercise I may go to the toilet more than once in a day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5N5Sv29FmE/V9jFQV1v8NI/AAAAAAAABwQ/F4Ia0cfwMWwgOAR404oBhUKqn4BPizlKQCLcB/s1600/aid3946349-728px-Make-Yourself-Poop-Step-13-Version-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X5N5Sv29FmE/V9jFQV1v8NI/AAAAAAAABwQ/F4Ia0cfwMWwgOAR404oBhUKqn4BPizlKQCLcB/s320/aid3946349-728px-Make-Yourself-Poop-Step-13-Version-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massage your abdomen</td></tr>
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<u><span style="color: blue;"><br />3. Massaging your external abdomen</span></u> can encourage your bowels to keep everything moving along. You start upwards on your lower right side, across just under your ribs and down on your left side as this is the way your food goes through your bowel. I push in a little more in this left lower area and have been known to bend over my hand to get a little more pressure. This can work very well but be careful just after your operation as you don't want to cause any problems with internal stitches.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4U3nN_OQ0EY/V9jFXIKPvII/AAAAAAAABwU/7VOc2xlPswYnHVFQHyFSvSEQXfh2iIY-wCLcB/s1600/IMG_3559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4U3nN_OQ0EY/V9jFXIKPvII/AAAAAAAABwU/7VOc2xlPswYnHVFQHyFSvSEQXfh2iIY-wCLcB/s320/IMG_3559.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stool to get better angle</td></tr>
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4. <u><span style="color: blue;">"A stool in the toilet.</span> </u>What do I need than for?" This actually gives you a semi-crouching position. Why do we need that? There is an internal ligament that helps keep your bowel closed when you are moving around. It bends the bowel so it is blocked off a bit more. The squat position moves this ligament and you have a straight drop. Think long drop toilet instead of S-bend - much easier to use if it's a bit hard down there. For many weeks I used a step stool to raise my knee level (semi-crouch) each morning - it was easier on me.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kht-YP4qBuU/V9jFa8Sf69I/AAAAAAAABwY/iD4dEUbwN6AbVXtYDHGTzo-oT8I6LhBQQCLcB/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kht-YP4qBuU/V9jFa8Sf69I/AAAAAAAABwY/iD4dEUbwN6AbVXtYDHGTzo-oT8I6LhBQQCLcB/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regular toilet time with no interruptions </td></tr>
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5.<span style="color: blue;"><u>Regular toilet habits.</u></span> It isn't easy at the start and it becomes more difficult if the kids/significant other are lined up at the door saying that they have to go. I am lucky as most days it is the first thing I do on waking. If it doesn't' happen then a walk may do to get a result. Last resort I take my sure fire remedy (kiwifruit) later in the day. So, literally pick a certain time each day that used to be your norm and re-establish that bowel habit. Have a drink of water before going to sleep, and on waking, can also help here.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2d_ZBoxERg/V9jFnRatGyI/AAAAAAAABwc/VPnkSnpvysguZ7-bZpIfS79sbXlaeVE2ACLcB/s1600/Fiber-Rich-Foods-To-Reduce-Bowel-Infection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2d_ZBoxERg/V9jFnRatGyI/AAAAAAAABwc/VPnkSnpvysguZ7-bZpIfS79sbXlaeVE2ACLcB/s320/Fiber-Rich-Foods-To-Reduce-Bowel-Infection.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not only infection but to help constipation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6.<u> <span style="color: blue;">Diet</span></u> is an important part of improving your bowel habits. Some of it is due to fibre - both soluble and insoluble - that the food contains. Sometimes it is the vitamins and minerals in them that strengthen all muscles including the bowels. Some create more movement and gas in the bowel. Probiotics in some foods repopulate your bowel with good bacteria used for digesting your food properly. My favourite way is to have 1-2 kiwifruit if I am a bit hard. I love the sweet/tart flavour and I have a good result either later in the day or the next morning. Remember to check with your surgeon or dietitian when certain foods can be introduced.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IYmOb0_VAFk/V9jPr4Gpc8I/AAAAAAAABww/KqxlIe1swB80w5c0Xfya0N3Tchyqw9TmACLcB/s1600/78f91ee6c5755cfcd153ef09e089d58b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IYmOb0_VAFk/V9jPr4Gpc8I/AAAAAAAABww/KqxlIe1swB80w5c0Xfya0N3Tchyqw9TmACLcB/s320/78f91ee6c5755cfcd153ef09e089d58b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bananas help in so many ways</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sut_VQlfi1I/V9jPt01Ns7I/AAAAAAAABw0/DQaGBBwYtTkZW5-gWJ2HjWLagzfE_0GxQCLcB/s1600/4c9c0aa9bf6ec0e6aa41a7d5dd2af1de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sut_VQlfi1I/V9jPt01Ns7I/AAAAAAAABw0/DQaGBBwYtTkZW5-gWJ2HjWLagzfE_0GxQCLcB/s320/4c9c0aa9bf6ec0e6aa41a7d5dd2af1de.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helpful foods</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Y5cJrfOto/V9jPzZKKxvI/AAAAAAAABw4/ebvj0TrlxrQG07DkkXew206XSSjYCm0xACLcB/s1600/beans-poop-400x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Y5cJrfOto/V9jPzZKKxvI/AAAAAAAABw4/ebvj0TrlxrQG07DkkXew206XSSjYCm0xACLcB/s320/beans-poop-400x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beans have helpful fibre (beware of gas eruptions)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSjLfIpQEnI/V9jP2EjMG2I/AAAAAAAABw8/jE4xzU_Fj4gZGxIJVfqArdvt4QmrZ2sQgCLcB/s1600/breakfast-poop-400x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iSjLfIpQEnI/V9jP2EjMG2I/AAAAAAAABw8/jE4xzU_Fj4gZGxIJVfqArdvt4QmrZ2sQgCLcB/s320/breakfast-poop-400x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fibre and breakfast - a twofer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2Blp-Qa84k/V9jP8q4ENpI/AAAAAAAABxA/T97vpu5dMPoGdXbSnEMaUiNH7FdsHkufQCLcB/s1600/flaxseed-poop-400x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2Blp-Qa84k/V9jP8q4ENpI/AAAAAAAABxA/T97vpu5dMPoGdXbSnEMaUiNH7FdsHkufQCLcB/s320/flaxseed-poop-400x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oats and linseed - fibre and oils</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucQdcmGAgfE/V9jQAPY7IOI/AAAAAAAABxE/Lw8zoNK_Qwciks01a1uI_5fDXY_R1uUZgCLcB/s1600/kiwi-poop-400x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucQdcmGAgfE/V9jQAPY7IOI/AAAAAAAABxE/Lw8zoNK_Qwciks01a1uI_5fDXY_R1uUZgCLcB/s320/kiwi-poop-400x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiwifruit - works wonders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wholefoods are better for you than processed food as you know exactly what you are putting in your body. You have more control over the amount of carbs, protein, fats, vitamins/minerals, salt and fibre that you eat. The portion size is correct as is the frequency of when you eat. MyFitnessPal is a quick and easy way to check on your intake as you can track your intake. They automatically tell you what it contains and let you know what your daily totals are. It can show if you have reach your target or not.</div>
<div>
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<div>
<h3>
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">The Times Nothing Works.</span></h3>
<div>
<b><u>What to do.</u></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Ask the chemist (pharmacist) as some OTC items work well</li>
<li>Ask your doctor as you may need suppositories/enemas to help clear the backlog</li>
<li>Head for the ED if you can't stand or walk due to the pain as it may be causing further bowel problems.</li>
<li>See your surgeon as the problem may have been caused by something to do with your op</li>
</ul>
<div>
Start with the top person and work down as all you may need is some extra fiber or mild laxative to get back to normality.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwdbh4iRpKE/V9jghvevPKI/AAAAAAAABxw/LwyW8JesONsFrNKHEAnjenBMmk8KOez4wCEw/s1600/dynarex-enemas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwdbh4iRpKE/V9jghvevPKI/AAAAAAAABxw/LwyW8JesONsFrNKHEAnjenBMmk8KOez4wCEw/s320/dynarex-enemas.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enemas to clear bowels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVE7J7yNHhc/V9jcv4fidtI/AAAAAAAABxY/Aso70SpZVGYwfZrvl-aYHzCXAvDhKc1IACLcB/s1600/aid1277236-728px-Regulate-Bowel-Movements-Step-5-Version-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVE7J7yNHhc/V9jcv4fidtI/AAAAAAAABxY/Aso70SpZVGYwfZrvl-aYHzCXAvDhKc1IACLcB/s320/aid1277236-728px-Regulate-Bowel-Movements-Step-5-Version-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soluble fibre to soften things</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7DvjvTllWQE/V9jc2SYt6dI/AAAAAAAABxc/jvZW0CFEAiseJMmx9RYDPRotoWwnGsXXQCLcB/s1600/suppositories_takahiro_yamagiwa_flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7DvjvTllWQE/V9jc2SYt6dI/AAAAAAAABxc/jvZW0CFEAiseJMmx9RYDPRotoWwnGsXXQCLcB/s320/suppositories_takahiro_yamagiwa_flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Suppositories to help at the bottom end</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4fGeXGPgpNE/V9jgdwJC1nI/AAAAAAAABxw/lgDlAf25H1sdPwcb73ku2b7bdio2JFTRgCEw/s1600/can-i-give-my-baby-lactulose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4fGeXGPgpNE/V9jgdwJC1nI/AAAAAAAABxw/lgDlAf25H1sdPwcb73ku2b7bdio2JFTRgCEw/s320/can-i-give-my-baby-lactulose.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Softener and lubricator</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /> Good luck and get on it early. It literally gets harder, and causes even more problems, if you take a wait and see approach. Most people go every 24-36 hours and that is your aim.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-59496272918270928002016-09-07T18:39:00.000+12:002016-09-07T18:39:16.902+12:00Exercise and Weight Loss Surgery Patients<h2>
<span style="color: red;"> Why is Exercise Needed?</span></h2>
<div>
Exercise is needed both pre-op and post-op. I hear a swear word being uttered out there but it is important. We have often gained our excess weight by eating more food/drink calories than we use in our exercise (movement). Our metabolic rate has probably been lowered by the number of diets we have tried before. Exercise helps to raise the resting metabolic rate for a time after the exercise. If you exercise regularly it stays at a higher rate than without exercise.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: red;">Pre surgery exercise needs</span></h3>
<span style="color: red;">In New Zealand if you are getting your weight loss surgery done then you have to reach certain targets of weight lost and keep it off. You are encouraged to start exercising before the surgery for a number of reasons.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: red;">Reasons for exercise pre-op</span></h4>
<ol>
<li>To get healthier, meaning less risk during the operation</li>
<li>To improve core strength which keeps you stable and upright</li>
<li>To lessen the amount of abdominal fat making it easier to do the operation</li>
<li>To heighten the chance of you continuing to exercise post-op as it is already a habit.</li>
</ol>
<h4>
<span style="color: red;">Difficulties in exercising pre-op </span></h4>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Inability to move freely because of physical size</li>
<li>Very sore joints in your lower body that limit how much you can do</li>
<li>Comorbidities that make exercise difficult</li>
<li>Depression that makes it hard to motivate getting up and out to do the exercise</li>
<li>Finding clothes to exercise in</li>
<li>Finding an exercise to do that won't cause further physical problems</li>
</ol>
<h4>
<span style="color: red;">Exercises that can help pre-op</span></h4>
</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><u>Walking:</u> start with a small amount of time, 30 minutes a day can be divided into 3x10 minutes if that is your limit. Wear comfortable loose clothing and supportive shoes. The shoes don't have to be expensive as long as they support well. This can be done outside or on a treadmill inside. Speed can increase as you find it easier to do and you can include inclines to add extra effort. I used this as a way to learn what my local area was like. It was lovely.</li>
<li><u>Swimming: </u>this supports the majority of your weight and has the added benefit of the resistance of the water to push through. It includes water exercises for range of movement, water walking and aqua jogging etc. You do find that when you get out of the pool you feel heavy for a while. I liked to walk and swim laps as I felt longer and looser afterwards. I could lose 20 kgs each summer. It is hard to see bodies through water so you don't have to be self conscious. Check with the Pool if you can swim in something other than a swim suit if you are currently unable to find one in your size. Some pools open earlier or stay open later for certain groups. Ask them about it.</li>
<li><u>Cycling: </u>using a recumbent cycle is easier on the body than the ordinary cycle. The seat is larger making it easier to sit on and you extend your legs forward instead of up and down. This means you are likely to cycle for longer and get better results from it.</li>
</ol>
<h4>
<span style="color: red;">Things to keep in mind</span></h4>
</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><u>Personal safety.</u> Forget those headphones as you can't hear what is happening around you. Be aware of people, animals, cars and other moving objects. Stay in the now when you are outside. Enjoy the weather, the trees, the flowers, saying hi to fellow walkers, the clouds in the sky, the feathers you find and anything else you enjoy looking at. I have harvested crabapples (for jelly) and picked up litter to make the area I live in a better place. Carry a personal alarm, safety feature in you hand (keys) or a phone to call for help if you are worried at all.</li>
<li><u>The downers. </u>Those slobs that go past in their grotty car and call out derogatory remarks. They have no right to and it can cause further depression if you take it onboard. I usually catch up to them at the next lights. "I may be fat but you are ugly and I can diet" is a phrase I use to good effect. Gestures can get you into trouble with some idiots so be careful with those. Be proud. You are actively working on reducing your size, they are not. Kudos to you. Idiot Award to them.</li>
<li><u>Don't push too hard.</u> If you do too much your body will let you know. It makes it harder to get out there the next day and do something to get closer to your goal. Do use enough energy to help lose that weight and/or get fitter.</li>
<li><u>Write down what you have done. </u>There are many food/exercise diaries out there now. Even a school notebook that you rule up is useful. It shows you what form of exercise, how much, time taken, amount of repetitions, weights used or anything else you want to note. It helps you to decide when you have to up the intensity or even add new forms of exercise.</li>
<li><u>Decide on your goals you want to reach.</u> When those goals are reached, celebrate. Set your next set of goals. Onward and upwards (or in our case, downward in weight)</li>
</ol>
<h3>
<span style="color: blue;">Post Surgery exercise needs</span></h3>
</div>
<div>
Diet is very important post surgery but for quite a while the surgery keeps what you eat to the forefront. Eat too much or the wrong sort of food and you will either be sick or experience "dumping". You mostly need a high protein, low carbs diet that has enough fruit and vegetables to keep your body healthy. Supplements are needed by most people for the vitamins and minerals but that is fairly normal. Drinking enough water is something you learn to do. That water bottle is never far from your hand. Sip, sip and sip all day. Keep it up during your exercise. I find I automatically drink more when exercising. Weight loss support groups, whether online or physical, help to keep you on course. They are places to talk out feelings and problems. You get solutions and support from them. Exercise completes the triad that helps you lose the weight and keep it off.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Importantly at the start of your WLS exercise regime be guided by your doctor on when to start exercising, how much and what form of exercise as you don't want any problems with the operation site.</span></div>
<h4>
<span style="color: blue;">Reasons for post-op exercise</span></h4>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Those who exercise regularly helps you lose more weight (can be 4.2% lower BMI)</li>
<li>2.5 hrs of moderately intense exercise means more actual weight loss compared to those who haven't done the same.</li>
<li>It can give you more than 5% extra weight loss in 6/12 months</li>
<li>Sticking to an exercise program usually means you are sticking to the diet as well. You are making your new body a priority.</li>
<li>I find it helps to define muscles more and some of the skin will appear to be less (always good)</li>
<li>Exercise has been proven to improve the mood.</li>
<li>Exercise can help your mobility improve.</li>
<li>Your metabolic rate stays higher than it would have. Your body thinks you are starving so it lowers the metabolic rate to conserve your body reserves. This makes it difficult for you to lose weight.</li>
</ol>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYVv_1I6KPM/V894cmyXJXI/AAAAAAAABuU/sTcorm7nxwcJwqJrFOvGIEZcsO8fT-7zgCLcB/s1600/three%2Bgenerations.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qYVv_1I6KPM/V894cmyXJXI/AAAAAAAABuU/sTcorm7nxwcJwqJrFOvGIEZcsO8fT-7zgCLcB/s320/three%2Bgenerations.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nq5FcWAuPRk/V8932RuIJHI/AAAAAAAABuM/aqXh6YMNBDk0Wjz2f03Mc-4CntuUbVqegCLcB/s1600/4August13%2Bfront%2Bview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nq5FcWAuPRk/V8932RuIJHI/AAAAAAAABuM/aqXh6YMNBDk0Wjz2f03Mc-4CntuUbVqegCLcB/s320/4August13%2Bfront%2Bview.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 2013</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PL3nrpi6fbc/V895ZlxzYGI/AAAAAAAABug/4sFONbBumDw-fSLC-7vmGLMQxJCAW70_wCLcB/s1600/IMG_0718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PL3nrpi6fbc/V895ZlxzYGI/AAAAAAAABug/4sFONbBumDw-fSLC-7vmGLMQxJCAW70_wCLcB/s320/IMG_0718.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 2016 _slight weight gain back to 103 from 99 kgs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<br /> <span style="color: blue;">Physical results in your body due to exercise</span></h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Longer life span</li>
<li>Less abdominal fat which leads to less risk of heart disease</li>
<li>Lower blood pressure so less heart/stroke risk</li>
<li>Triglycerides improve; less bad cholesterol, more good cholesterol</li>
<li>Better insulin control/improved or no diabetes</li>
<li>Lower risk of cancers in its many forms</li>
<li>Improved balance so less risk of injury (very good if you are older)</li>
<li>Muscles,bones,heart and lungs are stronger so you are fitter</li>
<li>More bounce (vitality) in your step</li>
</ul>
<h4>
<span style="color: blue;">Mental results due to exercise</span></h4>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Improvement in mood. I think if doctors prescribed 90 minutes of good frequent exercise to their patients that the need for antidepressants would drop</li>
<li>Improved appearance as you become taut, trim and terrific</li>
<li>Mental acuity improves so it is easier to complete that crossword etc</li>
<li>For the guys and gals; improved libido (yay, a sex life again, hehe)</li>
<li>I get through my housework faster after I have been to the gym</li>
</ul>
<h4>
<span style="color: blue;">Things to think of</span></h4>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Start slowly and work up carefully. You are relearning your body in a new way</li>
<li>Wear supportive clothing so you don't create problems</li>
<li>Drink plenty of water while exercising</li>
<li>Wear good supportive footwear. It doesn't have to be expensive it just needs to hold your foot in a good position, inserts may help here.</li>
<li>Warm up and cool down with exercise. A cold muscle may tear more easily. I briskly walk to my gym then do the recumbent bike as my first exercise. A brisk walk home is my cool down.</li>
<li>When aerobically exercising your heart rate needs to be between 50-85% of the Maximum for your age - this is easily found on the Net.</li>
<li><span style="color: red;">If it is painful, stop!</span> No, that doesn't mean the ache at the end of your rep, it means<span style="color: red;"> pain. </span></li>
</ul>
<h4>
<span style="color: blue;">So what forms of exercise are good for post-op WLS people</span></h4>
</div>
<div>
You want the exercise you do to fill three needs: <span style="color: red;">endurance, flexibility and strength</span>. These may have waned when you were bigger and it is time to treat your body as a temple; not a waste disposal unit. You have worked on how much you can eat and what sort of food helps you feel fit. You are working on why you want to eat and this can be on-going after your operation. Now the third part of doing the best for your body is to get it physically fit. Exercise in its many forms is a way to meet this need.</div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;">Walking (Endurance)</span>is the first form of exercise that doctors encourage you to do. Even 10 minutes/3 times a day helps. Each day you should try to get just a bit further. The best way to know how much you are doing is to get a Pedometer or today's gadget; a FitBit or others similar. Write down or record in some way just how much you have done. This gives you something to improve on tomorrow but you can look back at other days and see how far you have improved. 30, 300, 3000, 10,000+ steps; it is a positive result you can celebrate. When it gets too easy add hills or steps to climb up/down. Attempt that hill walk you never thought you could do. Enter a 5 or 10 km walk; finish it. Why? Because you can. The progression from there is a stationary bike or something similar.</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVOg3s0jV5s/V8-tKej-o2I/AAAAAAAABvk/juYa5d4PpGQVjzjp-7L30KftkTpRNWgGQCLcB/s1600/regular-physical-activity-helps-with-weight-loss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zVOg3s0jV5s/V8-tKej-o2I/AAAAAAAABvk/juYa5d4PpGQVjzjp-7L30KftkTpRNWgGQCLcB/s320/regular-physical-activity-helps-with-weight-loss.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And you can take time out together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;">Yoga (Flexibility)</span> This is to get those joints moving freely again. Start in a beginners class and, as you improve, progress in the forms you do. There are classes, videos, downloads and YouTube videos that you can follow. You might want to check out something like Tai Chi. You might just do the stretches on the wall-chart in the gym. To get you body moving freely through the full range of movements you may even need to use other health professionals to get you going at the start. Use them.</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EC2czBzN-ww/V8-sOEtVmcI/AAAAAAAABvY/JN-VnNzAg0ohJjDCnebChruomE01HRNeQCLcB/s1600/27-fat-femme-yogi.w750.h560.2x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EC2czBzN-ww/V8-sOEtVmcI/AAAAAAAABvY/JN-VnNzAg0ohJjDCnebChruomE01HRNeQCLcB/s320/27-fat-femme-yogi.w750.h560.2x.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big and flexible -high aims</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykdijMiLOcA/V8-sQp2dz6I/AAAAAAAABvc/Jur8shurPngnTs4Huo4W8RPafRnY1zMEQCLcB/s1600/30CB73D100000578-3428948-Contortionist_Dana_insists_that_yoga_is_for_everyone_no_matter_w-m-9_1454518537650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykdijMiLOcA/V8-sQp2dz6I/AAAAAAAABvc/Jur8shurPngnTs4Huo4W8RPafRnY1zMEQCLcB/s320/30CB73D100000578-3428948-Contortionist_Dana_insists_that_yoga_is_for_everyone_no_matter_w-m-9_1454518537650.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, to be so flexible</td></tr>
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<span style="color: orange;">Weights (Strengthening) </span>You can do these at home or at the gym. Many forms of weights are available for limited cost. Start light, between 1-5 lbs, and work up as your strength grows. Gyms have machines that assist you as well as free weights. Lower weights and more repetitions improve your muscles but still keep you trim. Most males want bulging muscles so they use higher weights and less reps. Whatever you desire to look like is up to you. Do get formal help with higher weights as you can cause injuries if you do them incorrectly. An added benefit is they strengthen bones and stave off osteoporosis which is a possible side effect of WLS. Exercise balsl help with core strength and there are other exercises you can do using them that improve your body strength.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkhOrmgpsHE/V8-sFemLb3I/AAAAAAAABvU/kAivftwGdYQRvraiV4ST2RSI6fsqheDdwCLcB/s1600/92173960_XS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkhOrmgpsHE/V8-sFemLb3I/AAAAAAAABvU/kAivftwGdYQRvraiV4ST2RSI6fsqheDdwCLcB/s320/92173960_XS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start small</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJzcG9AWu_w/V8-sBf0XCOI/AAAAAAAABvQ/n1GbXQP5pfkRMWQR8Sx35UOEJ2lYGrdTwCLcB/s1600/73d8b706f1ee3eb3a8dd2150c4ac1e38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJzcG9AWu_w/V8-sBf0XCOI/AAAAAAAABvQ/n1GbXQP5pfkRMWQR8Sx35UOEJ2lYGrdTwCLcB/s1600/73d8b706f1ee3eb3a8dd2150c4ac1e38.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aim high</td></tr>
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<div>
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<span style="color: orange;">Swimming (Strength, flexibility and endurance) </span>The best all round form of exercise is in the pool. You can go swimming for as long and what ever style you are comfortable with. You can walk the pool lengths and you can do flexibility exercises holding on to the edge of the pool. This can be done pre/post-op with good effect. You are supported by the water and you have to push against it. Win/win for your body. You don't feel your full body weight in the water so you move more freely.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B80t6SspB-Q/V8-ktOB7DmI/AAAAAAAABu4/89tEPYZr4oMpmMHJ2IIPgiumMNkKq1pkACLcB/s1600/272457ed748b5a4d2c45d9b1afd124c0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B80t6SspB-Q/V8-ktOB7DmI/AAAAAAAABu4/89tEPYZr4oMpmMHJ2IIPgiumMNkKq1pkACLcB/s200/272457ed748b5a4d2c45d9b1afd124c0.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leg exercises in water<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yRkAu53rcVA/V8-l5QHyiaI/AAAAAAAABvA/tvA_CDhN3hQSfdV8W_rwLSsuscpUZvCjgCLcB/s1600/887171-001_XS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yRkAu53rcVA/V8-l5QHyiaI/AAAAAAAABvA/tvA_CDhN3hQSfdV8W_rwLSsuscpUZvCjgCLcB/s320/887171-001_XS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water exercising</td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Best things to help you keep exercising</span></h3>
<div>
Set and track your goals as it makes you happy to see improvements happening. This can be weighting your self regularly; taking your body measurements afterwards so you see changes happening. Sometimes your measurements go down and the scales don't. Having a partner that works along with you can help get you out there on the days your mind doesn't want you to do it. Fit-bits mean you can have a digital partner if the physical one is too difficult. They encourage you to better your own targets too. Try different forms of exercise or different places. Mix it up and you won't get bored. Your body can get used to doing the same thing and it doesn't get as much result from it. So use the gym today, go for a swim tomorrow, climb Mt Kilimanjaro, do something different. Do something you have always wanted to do and never thought you could.</div>
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<div>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0_a2gnlSA4 and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjsh4Z3GMUk" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjsh4Z3GMUk</a> <span style="color: magenta;">are two big girls that prove anyone can be a yoga body.</span></div>
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<div>
Be consistent with when and where you exercise as your body gets used to it and makes you feel antsy when you don't do it. Share what you are doing with other because you know they are going to check up and you want to be able to say "yes,I did". Don't push yourself but do progress each time. Injuries will stop you otherwise. Gyms are useful as they have equipment you can't afford and trainers to make sure you use it right.</div>
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At home you can do your exercise routine outside in good weather. If not, then have one particular space inside where you exercise every time. Have what you need stored there. Set a definite time to do it then carry through. There are DVDs, online resources and cheap equipment out there. Use it. Be the best you can be for you. </div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: yellow;">Gym at least 3-5 times a week for me; back there tomorrow. How often do you exercise and what sort do you do?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-28635257999932389802016-08-22T17:58:00.002+12:002016-08-22T18:06:45.674+12:00Nutrition is Good for Weight Loss<h2>
<span style="color: red;">Nutrition Is Important for WL</span></h2>
<div>
What we eat is very important in our weight loss journey. We can slip back into old habits the further out from our surgery we are. We need to do our research as to what foods are good for us to be eating. Temptation from the doughnut or muffin can rear their ugly heads before you know it. Our body does reject some foods pos-op by causing "dumping". It is horrible to feel like you want to be sick, or have a mouthful of extremely thick saliva that you have to spit out into a napkin or feel like there is a plug in your throat that won't even let water past. It settles as the food slowly works down your gut but why do it. You had an operation for a reason.Yes, I have been guilty of this and had it happen twice last week.</div>
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<h3>
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Research what food is good for in your body.</span></h3>
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The best thing for your body, including post-op, is a <span style="color: magenta;">HIGH PROTEIN-LOW CARB</span> diet. The high protein helps keep your skin, hair and muscles in good condition. If the hair fallout has hit you it is partially because you have have a major operation and the other part is that you haven't managed to get your protein levels up to the optimal level. My nutritionist suggested I eat the protein first, vegetables second and the carbs last. Often the amount of carbs is limited as you have already eaten enough for the size left in your stomach.</div>
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There is a lot of information in books and on the Net about what each food contains.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-d-ZLXJ-as/V7qCr4r5KVI/AAAAAAAABso/dZF89joaEGo_ILa3ULWyOTT3LDQ4_4FHwCLcB/s1600/low-carb-diet-food-list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-d-ZLXJ-as/V7qCr4r5KVI/AAAAAAAABso/dZF89joaEGo_ILa3ULWyOTT3LDQ4_4FHwCLcB/s320/low-carb-diet-food-list.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the low carb-high protein way that helps you lose weight</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNHPr8PLo_8/V7qCcnfP1EI/AAAAAAAABsc/LNkImAag110nRuxIRpn0Wihv6uXON42yQCLcB/s1600/ESCI369DIET001_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNHPr8PLo_8/V7qCcnfP1EI/AAAAAAAABsc/LNkImAag110nRuxIRpn0Wihv6uXON42yQCLcB/s320/ESCI369DIET001_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the high carb diet normally followed and leads to obesity and the health problems that can occur.</td></tr>
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There are many diets out there as you probably know having tried most of them as well. The best you can do for your body is to eat real food with little or no processing.There is time in your life to cook healthy food. Preparation on the weekend can quicken things up when you come home after work. If you make it from fruit, vegetables and/or meat you know exactly what is in your food. There are no polysyllabic words that you don't understand in a carrot or blueberry etc. If you buy organic that is good. If you have grown it yourself that is even better.</div>
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<h3>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Protein Sources</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PFAHWsK0PLo/V7qFjdbuwOI/AAAAAAAABtA/9L1RJZ63qo4y1AYD1bJ1uUDhj26cAFHVACEw/s1600/Protein-Rich-Beans..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PFAHWsK0PLo/V7qFjdbuwOI/AAAAAAAABtA/9L1RJZ63qo4y1AYD1bJ1uUDhj26cAFHVACEw/s320/Protein-Rich-Beans..jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beans with good protein levels</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3nG7EFsK6I/V7qCliBfGwI/AAAAAAAABsw/3oZCP4mP3-05GBBzQCJy8Rc86HC7dTmIACEw/s1600/high-protein-foods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K3nG7EFsK6I/V7qCliBfGwI/AAAAAAAABsw/3oZCP4mP3-05GBBzQCJy8Rc86HC7dTmIACEw/s320/high-protein-foods.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetable sources of protein</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87jd2v4ajwU/V7qFdpr3buI/AAAAAAAABs8/-U5NlYtUzqEXjYLZAf-JbjkvQfwnxWBbgCEw/s1600/protein-rich-foods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-87jd2v4ajwU/V7qFdpr3buI/AAAAAAAABs8/-U5NlYtUzqEXjYLZAf-JbjkvQfwnxWBbgCEw/s400/protein-rich-foods.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other good sources of protein</td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue;">Vitamins and minerals</span></h3>
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The reason you are told to "eat a rainbow" is that this is often reflected in the vitamins and minerals that the food contains. Eating the range of foods means you get the required amounts of the healthy fats,vitamins, minerals, protein and carbs.</div>
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Yes, some are higher in fructose - a form of sugar - but if you eat the whole food you also get the fibre content needed for your body.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lH1H6Rt73k4/V7qOLU6VNpI/AAAAAAAABtQ/PJwU_twE_b8De7sl7kb6h2dYw0HKcUGPwCLcB/s1600/0b7767205bdf1d3046af3be70c6dcbee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lH1H6Rt73k4/V7qOLU6VNpI/AAAAAAAABtQ/PJwU_twE_b8De7sl7kb6h2dYw0HKcUGPwCLcB/s400/0b7767205bdf1d3046af3be70c6dcbee.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The various foods contained in the colours</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxgyI483gVDThtQmdU08-4FMNyP8N8U512dixNQR_4MEEYPE1eTMmGZx1Qa2S3z26f_lFqnrmHA9l9llBVk2Z0zrENCjpwOANnhUfT6tENv3lHTV1JtR7eTiUTw1blzopP4EOj9dZuqaK/s1600/546299a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxgyI483gVDThtQmdU08-4FMNyP8N8U512dixNQR_4MEEYPE1eTMmGZx1Qa2S3z26f_lFqnrmHA9l9llBVk2Z0zrENCjpwOANnhUfT6tENv3lHTV1JtR7eTiUTw1blzopP4EOj9dZuqaK/s400/546299a.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vitamins and their sources</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AceY-hXFPx4/V7qOksaHroI/AAAAAAAABtg/4dwN7nkUFYopuH0FfjMUG4vPJJWPSsZiQCLcB/s1600/food-vitamins-and-minerals-chart_409155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AceY-hXFPx4/V7qOksaHroI/AAAAAAAABtg/4dwN7nkUFYopuH0FfjMUG4vPJJWPSsZiQCLcB/s400/food-vitamins-and-minerals-chart_409155.jpg" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minerals, sources and uses</td></tr>
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<h3>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><span style="color: #a64d79;">Wholefoods vs Processed</span></h3>
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Processed foods normally contain added sugars, fats, salt, chemicals and other things that your body may find difficult to process. Too high levels can actually affect your health in a negative way. If you ever get diagnosed with coeliac disease and start looking at the labels on all foods you would be shocked at what you are eating. Wholefoods may have some chemicals used in production but with more organic produce on the shelves now you do have options. Many people are going back to their own backyards. Fruit and vegetables can be grown in containers if you don't have that yard, too.</div>
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It is your body. You have the right to ask for the food you eat to be nourishing. The amount you must have varies depending on age, activity, size etc. Find the amount you need to eat to lose/gain weight. I wish you luck on this ongoing adventure of life.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-59997511283967683252016-08-15T17:01:00.004+12:002016-08-15T17:07:19.208+12:00Winter Blues<span style="color: blue;">The winter doldrums hit me recently. </span>Low sun levels, a lot of rain and quite chilly weather meant I got a little lackadaisical about my eating and exercising. This means I gained some weight back but I catch myself quicker nowadays. I know most people would not consider the temperature we have in Auckland as very low but they are enough to make you think twice about going for a walk or getting up for the gym. <span style="color: #f1c232;">Sometimes that good book you can read in a warm bed calls too loudly</span>.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K88X17h3ViY/V7FBJAN6kbI/AAAAAAAABqw/F87c6ErL0dUjBTp1UJXqH9KzGcOPh22UACEw/s1600/bloodbound75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K88X17h3ViY/V7FBJAN6kbI/AAAAAAAABqw/F87c6ErL0dUjBTp1UJXqH9KzGcOPh22UACEw/s1600/bloodbound75.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.patriciabriggs.com/books/" target="_blank">http://www.patriciabriggs.com/books/</a>. I have just read Blood Bound which I thoroughly enjoyed. I like my paranormal books. Who am I kidding? I love most books and genres. I spend time each day reading and consider it time well spent. Nowadays I also spend time (most days) on some form of exercise. I walk for at least 1 hour+ or go to the gym for 90 minutes. I am feeling much better for it. It doesn't always keep my weight less because I forget to note what I am eating and nibble too much. If I use MFP then I am accountable and eat less leading to weight loss.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;">Creative things I did last week;</span><br />
<ol>
<li>Knitted 2 baby jumpers for an up-coming great-nephew due sometime this month</li>
<li>Wrote some more of my MG book</li>
<li>Sorted out MindMaps I do for my writing group so that I can write a book about that</li>
<li>That tidied up my files which meant my full book cases look more organised as well</li>
<li>Had my writing group which went well</li>
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I do find when I am being creative I eat less as I am not bored. With my hands and mind involved I don't think about what I can eat now. I have learnt to have a water bottle and glass nearby then so I do get my water amount up to the level it should be. With LGS you don't feel that thirsty. You really just need to keep sipping frequently. I read somewhere that you needed to drink 168 mls every hour to be sure. As you aren't supposed to drink 30 minutes each side of food then this is probably right. It is something I am really only getting fully on track with now and it takes a conscious effort to do so. </div>
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At the gym I get the first 2-3 glasses in before I have breakfast. I find that I can't exercise after food with any efficiency so I usually get up, have my few meds with the 1st glass of water and head off to the gym. I find that first thing is best for me because the times I say (to myself) "I'll go later today", I never do.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My idea of Heaven - books and a place to write</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The place that helps me regain muscles and health</td></tr>
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I reward myself with the first idea of <span style="color: #b4a7d6;">Heaven</span> after I have been to the <span style="color: red;">Healthy</span> place. Yes, I can say the word <span style="color: red;">GYM</span> even if once upon a time it was almost a swear word. I have grown to like the fact that my muscles are stronger. They may still have fat overlaying them but it ge3ts less as time goes on and the muscles are getting larger. I am a woman so I do a lower weight but more repetitions. I don't want to be muscle bound but I do want to be strong. It helps to make the loose skin not quite so obvious too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your belief in yourself will get you to the gym regularly</td></tr>
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I checked out my biceps this morning accidentally and was quite impressed with myself. I have improved in other ways. The weight amount has gone up a kilo. The time it takes me to cycle 10 kms has gone down low enough that I have taken the intensity to the next level and that is not too difficult so I may take it up one more level. There are abs behind the flab if you poke. There are people there who I just stare at in wonder at their endurance but there are others just starting that I am better than. We are all there for ourselves and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. You have to be doing it for you or you don't get yourself there regularly.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TpYI51NDiRc/V7FGWe-C1KI/AAAAAAAABrY/xpnvgthx4_cfw9WF_slEjho_emOxTcRzACEw/s1600/189507.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TpYI51NDiRc/V7FGWe-C1KI/AAAAAAAABrY/xpnvgthx4_cfw9WF_slEjho_emOxTcRzACEw/s320/189507.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I train to improve MY PERSONAL BESTS</td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta;">This week's intentions or goals:</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: magenta;">Gym 4 times at least, maybe more</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Lose 2 kgs</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Walk 3+ times for longer than 1 hour</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Write more of my MG book</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Eat healthily</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Sort another blog on the process around Weight loss surgery that helps others learn more about it by Sunday</span></li>
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So what are you training for? Where do you train? How healthy are you becoming? Is some-one giving you positive feedback? Ignore the idiot that is dissing you, they know no better. If you are out there, or in the gym, exercising you are ahead of the game. You may live to a good healthy age and that is all you can ask for, eh?<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-28714954279216007602016-07-31T16:20:00.001+12:002016-07-31T16:20:20.832+12:00Some things you may not realize about major weight loss and possible treatments (could be confronting)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">Major weight loss = major skin folds</span></b> </span></div>
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Major weight loss = major skin folds for most people especially if you have been large for many years. Skin does not just snap back to your new, much smaller, shape. A few kilos up and down it can cope with. 45+ kilos not so much. Dressed this is not so visible especially with Spanx or similar underwear that is now available. All the extra skin is compressed and you look normal. Most of us want to have fun with intimate contact involved at some stage. It can be terrifying to know that when the clothes come off you will be seen in all your saggy glory. Your permanent partner may not worry too much but if you are in the process of dating it can be a major barrier.<br />
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Of course there are other reasons for getting rid of your saggy, baggy skin. Those folds can quite easily get infected. A large fold holds moisture in and that is a lovely environment for a lot of infections. Some abdominal folds can be large enough to impede movement when walking or trying to exercise. There can be ongoing spinal problems caused by the excess skin folds altering the way you stand and move. These are all valid reasons for doing something about it.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">1.Exercise is a first option.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">T</span>ime spent at the gym, or any other form of exercise that will help build up the underlying muscles, is always the start of your body shaping journey. Getting fit and healthy will make any needed surgery much easier on your body. Some skin folds will lessen a bit.<br />
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">2. Nutrition needs must be met before, during and after surgery.</span></b><br />
You want your body to be good nutritionally as surgery uses up a lot of vitamins, minerals etc while you are healing. Your doctor will check blood tests and advise on any supplementation needed to ensure speedy and good healing. Fruits, vegetables and protein are needed here. Iron and vitamin tablets can help also.<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>3. You need to reach goal weight and stabilize for a number of months.</b></span><br />
There is a reason for this. Every surgery carries major risks. You don't want things done and redone. You wait for a while so that your skin will do any changing that it is going to without help. You are getting as fit as possible for the surgery to go well for you. You may need to save to have the surgery done if it is something not done in a public health system or under your health insurance. Your mind needs to be in the right headspace. Surgery and reshaping your body does not cure everything. You are still you. How you are emotionally may not change unless you have taken the time to work through it. Research on body <a href="https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/body-dysmo" target="_blank">dysmorphia</a> if you don't believe me.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Pictures of the body changes after large weight loss</span><span style="color: #741b47;">.</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDyvH8KdjBY/V51vmJlcGqI/AAAAAAAABpI/hUo508BHJTI3dhn77XC4FkdEa4_upOFDQCLcB/s1600/023-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDyvH8KdjBY/V51vmJlcGqI/AAAAAAAABpI/hUo508BHJTI3dhn77XC4FkdEa4_upOFDQCLcB/s320/023-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nMzbHFdDHk/V51vqOrEsJI/AAAAAAAABpM/zDfpH0kTEWQcVHPILmgBA_8LQC-BwVQBACLcB/s1600/Dr-Darm-Plastic-Surgery-Tummy-Tuck-Before-and-After-GD-Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nMzbHFdDHk/V51vqOrEsJI/AAAAAAAABpM/zDfpH0kTEWQcVHPILmgBA_8LQC-BwVQBACLcB/s320/Dr-Darm-Plastic-Surgery-Tummy-Tuck-Before-and-After-GD-Slide1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xwMC-1k9MMM/V51vtvn8cSI/AAAAAAAABpQ/LDMivaDwlGgYQlU8yhnZsFDm1rPr1AJ1wCLcB/s1600/Blog-Image-Body-Lift-Surgery-After-Weightloss-Excess-Skin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xwMC-1k9MMM/V51vtvn8cSI/AAAAAAAABpQ/LDMivaDwlGgYQlU8yhnZsFDm1rPr1AJ1wCLcB/s320/Blog-Image-Body-Lift-Surgery-After-Weightloss-Excess-Skin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdEvB9LpDGo/V51vybpU3fI/AAAAAAAABpU/mlv-m359fW8XOehVnSMQDDysL26KzpukACLcB/s1600/PageImage-497933-2508731-Half_Online_Preview4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdEvB9LpDGo/V51vybpU3fI/AAAAAAAABpU/mlv-m359fW8XOehVnSMQDDysL26KzpukACLcB/s320/PageImage-497933-2508731-Half_Online_Preview4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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These are confronting photos and you may never be exactly like these people but you will have some issues that you may want addressed in the end. <span style="color: orange;">The main thing though with the weight loss achieved through your surgery is that you gained your life back.</span> Once again you can move freely, tie your own shoe laces, cross your legs or wear lovely clothes again. Your blood pressure may have gone back to normal, your diabetes may have improved or disappeared, your heart or kidney problems may have improved, you are healthier all round. That is the prime reason for weight loss surgery; to improve and lengthen your lifetime. The rest is just the niggly bits. Your self image may be happier if the outside mirrored your insides. That is not to say that everyone needs, or wants, surgical help to alter their outer body too. It is a personal decision always.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>6 common surgeries after WLS to remove excess skin</b></span></div>
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1. Tummy tuck - this can be large or small abdominal flaps and may include some muscle repair</div>
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2. Breast augmentation/lift - some lose cup size, others need a lift to come off the waist area</div>
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3. Face/neck lift - to remove jowls and sagging of the face and neck</div>
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4. Arm lift - to get rid of the sagging under your upper arms.</div>
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5. Medial thigh lift - the inner thigh sag</div>
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6. Lower body lift - this may include the buttocks, groin, outer thighs and sometimes the lower abdomen</div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Pictures showing the possible differences</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjaSbQdfCbo/V5101WlME7I/AAAAAAAABpk/WXQGkz9V0Rg5xFF-JpSpJYXIlbLprUJgwCLcB/s1600/_53346da5d889c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjaSbQdfCbo/V5101WlME7I/AAAAAAAABpk/WXQGkz9V0Rg5xFF-JpSpJYXIlbLprUJgwCLcB/s320/_53346da5d889c.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTTctdIAGo4/V5105U9gF9I/AAAAAAAABpo/ElIDvzLI3vEJZXtz6Rq_R2wIjCSV1yg0wCLcB/s1600/abdominoplasty-before-center-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTTctdIAGo4/V5105U9gF9I/AAAAAAAABpo/ElIDvzLI3vEJZXtz6Rq_R2wIjCSV1yg0wCLcB/s1600/abdominoplasty-before-center-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jq660B80034/V511BG0ucFI/AAAAAAAABps/FrLXVGr4lhIDcRHl6hYZBp5BYrasZ2NvQCLcB/s1600/p_mb_bodycontour2_140102.nbcnews-ux-1080-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jq660B80034/V511BG0ucFI/AAAAAAAABps/FrLXVGr4lhIDcRHl6hYZBp5BYrasZ2NvQCLcB/s320/p_mb_bodycontour2_140102.nbcnews-ux-1080-600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hw9mCqlteHk/V511PKa-1UI/AAAAAAAABpw/nAuVGUcKRKEEfVJmScUVpP4vHrhY5qRxwCLcB/s1600/PAY-Jessica-Davis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hw9mCqlteHk/V511PKa-1UI/AAAAAAAABpw/nAuVGUcKRKEEfVJmScUVpP4vHrhY5qRxwCLcB/s320/PAY-Jessica-Davis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">You need to think long and hard about body contour surgery.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>What they do</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URmSMDm6GYA/V5110ZkofoI/AAAAAAAABp8/2Kblqo1l21ElBq0JOZfmUmcKpK_n6JLRACLcB/s1600/weight%2Bloss%2Bsurgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URmSMDm6GYA/V5110ZkofoI/AAAAAAAABp8/2Kblqo1l21ElBq0JOZfmUmcKpK_n6JLRACLcB/s320/weight%2Bloss%2Bsurgery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43pcDFXi3tU/V5113zk7BbI/AAAAAAAABqA/n3BtJ4WacWwdHkBF0B_g8k26qTs-u1CVwCLcB/s1600/140306-weight-loss-skin-cover_5944be526b58c94b0a4f510382879bed.nbcnews-ux-2880-1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43pcDFXi3tU/V5113zk7BbI/AAAAAAAABqA/n3BtJ4WacWwdHkBF0B_g8k26qTs-u1CVwCLcB/s320/140306-weight-loss-skin-cover_5944be526b58c94b0a4f510382879bed.nbcnews-ux-2880-1000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSDcFEznyMo/V511_BuNAdI/AAAAAAAABqI/RQw6UnltOGgpOSnVYXtOZixME-BLMnSowCLcB/s1600/04_09081127_896646_2335274a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSDcFEznyMo/V511_BuNAdI/AAAAAAAABqI/RQw6UnltOGgpOSnVYXtOZixME-BLMnSowCLcB/s320/04_09081127_896646_2335274a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This surgery can be very extensive and hard on your body so you need to go into it with your eyes open. There will be pain. You will need time off work. You will need to take care for a time afterwards and follow your surgeon's orders. You may need to wear support garments to help your body during the healing process. Learn everything you can before you decide to do it. Chose a good doctor and hospital. Enjoy your new body if you go this route. It is your life, live it how you want to.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8xhrI78hBg/V5140YDxtLI/AAAAAAAABqY/KAMsojKog50mTViKj3SnamVS4mldnoHJgCLcB/s1600/panniculectomy-body-lift-surgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8xhrI78hBg/V5140YDxtLI/AAAAAAAABqY/KAMsojKog50mTViKj3SnamVS4mldnoHJgCLcB/s320/panniculectomy-body-lift-surgery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Your new body is rising from the older larger one. You did it. Celebrate.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-32230455230570050542016-07-23T14:38:00.004+12:002016-07-23T14:43:14.042+12:00Progress finally, have lost a kilo in weight.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlGeZ8u2uZg/V5LIumNcwnI/AAAAAAAABno/1Dqt93luIfs5SC1OSRmL1x3GdQwjDgDkQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0788%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlGeZ8u2uZg/V5LIumNcwnI/AAAAAAAABno/1Dqt93luIfs5SC1OSRmL1x3GdQwjDgDkQCLcB/s200/IMG_0788%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
I have had a long 6 months of bouncing around 106-108 kgs and finally I have started on a downward trend in the last 2 weeks. Once again my body has reinforced that you have to eat less calories than you need to actually lose weight. I cut out eating puddings every night and suddenly a kilo of weight disappeared. Going to the gym at least 4 times a week for 90 minutes and walking for 1-3+ hours on the other days was the other part of the equation.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WY_K_5vP76k/V5LIy82vN6I/AAAAAAAABns/6xqyIx8kP4QjKcJSBCBfsgkF5Fi2-stUACLcB/s1600/IMG_0787%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WY_K_5vP76k/V5LIy82vN6I/AAAAAAAABns/6xqyIx8kP4QjKcJSBCBfsgkF5Fi2-stUACLcB/s200/IMG_0787%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a>I use MyFitnessPal to record the food I eat and the exercise I do as well. The food input shows you how many carbs, fat, protein, sodium and sugar that you have eaten. If you are trying to increase or lower some of these you have an instant response on how well you are doing. You look at the food you are eating and do some research to improve the levels.<br />
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There are blogs to read or write. The mental part of weight loss is as important as the physical part. Writing it down can help you see where you are at. If you are down or hating yourself this shows up and you can address it. If you are celebrating good things in your life you do so out loud for others to read. If you have found something that works for you someone else may be able to use it too.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ai0RoPxNlL4/V5LOzeHf0UI/AAAAAAAABoE/xVfpZLOx8jMC-0z96rQNwBatAznMXEPigCLcB/s1600/IMG_0675%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ai0RoPxNlL4/V5LOzeHf0UI/AAAAAAAABoE/xVfpZLOx8jMC-0z96rQNwBatAznMXEPigCLcB/s200/IMG_0675%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a>I have a problem drinking enough water each day and noting how much makes me drink up so I can write it down. Instead of 1250 mls /day I am regularly drinking 17-1800 mls. My body is happier with that. You can also check charts of your progress and nip an upwards trend quicker. Forums with other going through the same journey show you why, how, when etc things may happen. So many others are having the same battles. Most give positive support to you. Those that don't are soon put in their place.<br />
<br />
It is a place where if you are too thin to be healthy or too fat and risking major health problems there is someone there in the same place. If others around you; whether at home , at work or just socially, are shaming you emotionally you can talk about it. Hey, at least you are attempting to become a healthier person. Most of the shamers have their own problems. Why deal with theirs? You need to be strong on this journey. Hopefully those around you will be strong with you.<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIesfDTmp5o/V5LPKjsGkrI/AAAAAAAABoM/JTncztI8T-IwAmUjIczbsFdtwvUCNprKgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0677%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIesfDTmp5o/V5LPKjsGkrI/AAAAAAAABoM/JTncztI8T-IwAmUjIczbsFdtwvUCNprKgCLcB/s200/IMG_0677%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
Recipes that may be of use in changing your eating habits are available. We can get stuck in the same food groove. It pays to try something new. Your tastes may change after WLS. The amount you can eat certainly does. The type of food that you can tolerate and enjoy does. Fatty food and too many carbs will cause dumping - not nice. But hey, you had the surgery for a reason. <br />
<br />
Their own blog covers many aspects surrounding weight. They have sorted it out into Eat, Move, Live and Learn. I find these articles and videos very useful. It is a tool that may be of use to you. It is to me.<br />
<br />
These photos are me. The top 2 were taken today and the bottom 2 were in January this year just after Xmas. I can see that the gym work is tightening my body up. I know when I look down my body I no longer see lumps of rolly fat jutting out from my inner thigh. My boos are out past my abdomen again instead of my abdomen being very visible past my boobs. There is more muscle definition on my forearms and the upper arm is slightly smaller. I hope the next lot of photos I share will show an even bigger difference.<br />
<br />
I am giving myself a pat on the back for losing, instead of gaining, weight this winter. I have been known to gain up to 20 kilos though that came down to 2+ post surgery. Losing 2 kgs in the last 3 weeks makes me happier. Fitting into XL leggings easily again makes me happier. I have others that I love but if I can keep this weight loss going I will have to release them to someone else that may need them at the end of this winter. There are nice clothes awaiting me next year that will be smaller and prettier. I look forward to it and will work hard to get there. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-8757728619696108352016-07-23T14:38:00.002+12:002016-07-23T14:42:47.728+12:00Progress finally, have lost a kilo in weight.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlGeZ8u2uZg/V5LIumNcwnI/AAAAAAAABno/1Dqt93luIfs5SC1OSRmL1x3GdQwjDgDkQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0788%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XlGeZ8u2uZg/V5LIumNcwnI/AAAAAAAABno/1Dqt93luIfs5SC1OSRmL1x3GdQwjDgDkQCLcB/s200/IMG_0788%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
I have had a long 6 months of bouncing around 106-108 kgs and finally I have started on a downward trend in the last 2 weeks. Once again my body has reinforced that you have to eat less calories than you need to actually lose weight. I cut out eating puddings every night and suddenly a kilo of weight disappeared. Going to the gym at least 4 times a week for 90 minutes and walking for 1-3+ hours on the other days was the other part of the equation.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WY_K_5vP76k/V5LIy82vN6I/AAAAAAAABns/6xqyIx8kP4QjKcJSBCBfsgkF5Fi2-stUACLcB/s1600/IMG_0787%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WY_K_5vP76k/V5LIy82vN6I/AAAAAAAABns/6xqyIx8kP4QjKcJSBCBfsgkF5Fi2-stUACLcB/s200/IMG_0787%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a>I use MyFitnessPal to record the food I eat and the exercise I do as well. The food input shows you how many carbs, fat, protein, sodium and sugar that you have eaten. If you are trying to increase or lower some of these you have an instant response on how well you are doing. You look at the food you are eating and do some research to improve the levels.<br />
<br />
There are blogs to read or write. The mental part of weight loss is as important as the physical part. Writing it down can help you see where you are at. If you are down or hating yourself this shows up and you can address it. If you are celebrating good things in your life you do so out loud for others to read. If you have found something that works for you someone else may be able to use it too.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ai0RoPxNlL4/V5LOzeHf0UI/AAAAAAAABoE/xVfpZLOx8jMC-0z96rQNwBatAznMXEPigCLcB/s1600/IMG_0675%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ai0RoPxNlL4/V5LOzeHf0UI/AAAAAAAABoE/xVfpZLOx8jMC-0z96rQNwBatAznMXEPigCLcB/s200/IMG_0675%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a>I have a problem drinking enough water each day and noting how much makes me drink up so I can write it down. Instead of 1250 mls /day I am regularly drinking 17-1800 mls. My body is happier with that. You can also check charts of your progress and nip an upwards trend quicker. Forums with other going through the same journey show you why, how, when etc things may happen. So many others are having the same battles. Most give positive support to you. Those that don't are soon put in their place.<br />
<br />
It is a place where if you are too thin to be healthy or too fat and risking major health problems there is someone there in the same place. If others around you; whether at home , at work or just socially, are shaming you emotionally you can talk about it. Hey, at least you are attempting to become a healthier person. Most of the shamers have their own problems. Why deal with theirs? You need to be strong on this journey. Hopefully those around you will be strong with you.<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIesfDTmp5o/V5LPKjsGkrI/AAAAAAAABoM/JTncztI8T-IwAmUjIczbsFdtwvUCNprKgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0677%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TIesfDTmp5o/V5LPKjsGkrI/AAAAAAAABoM/JTncztI8T-IwAmUjIczbsFdtwvUCNprKgCLcB/s200/IMG_0677%255B1%255D.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
Recipes that may be of use in changing your eating habits are available. We can get stuck in the same food groove. It pays to try something new. Your tastes may change after WLS. The amount you can eat certainly does. The type of food that you can tolerate and enjoy does. Fatty food and too many carbs will cause dumping - not nice. But hey, you had the surgery for a reason. <br />
<br />
Their own blog covers many aspects surrounding weight. They have sorted it out into Eat, Move, Live and Learn. I find these articles and videos very useful. It is a tool that may be of use to you. It is to me.<br />
<br />
These photos are me. The top 2 were taken today and the bottom 2 were in January this year just after Xmas. I can see that the gym work is tightening my body up. I know when I look down my body I no longer see lumps of rolly fat jutting out from my inner thigh. My boos are out past my abdomen again instead of my abdomen being very visible past my boobs. There is more muscle definition on my forearms and the upper arm is slightly smaller. I hope the next lot of photos I share will show an even bigger difference.<br />
<br />
I am giving myself a pat on the back for losing, instead of gaining, weight this winter. I have been known to gain up to 20 kilos though that came down to 2+ post surgery. Losing 2 kgs in the last 3 weeks makes me happier. Fitting into XL leggings easily again makes me happier. I have others that I love but if I can keep this weight loss going I will have to release them to someone else that may need them at the end of this winter. There are nice clothes awaiting me next year that will be smaller and prettier. I look forward to it and will work hard to get there. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-19244230233636627772016-07-05T01:37:00.003+12:002016-07-05T01:37:49.589+12:00Possible weight loss from WL surgeriesThe weight loss surgeries act in one of two ways: <span style="color: red;">Restriction</span> or <span style="color: blue;">Malabsorption</span>. Restriction is a limiting of the size of stomach by either placing a LapBand around the upper part of the stomach or by removing up to 80% of your stomach as in the Gastric Sleeve. Malabsorption as in the Gastric Bypass is by making a pouch at the top of your stomach that connects much lower in your small intestine. Food has a much shorter time to be absorbed and it isn't fully absorbed.<br />
<br />
The time that your body takes to alter is different for each operation but with all of them you will lose faster at the start. What you have to remember though is these percentages are about your excess weight.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Current Weight</span> - <span style="color: blue;">Ideal Weight</span> = <span style="color: magenta;">Excess Weight</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>
It still remains up to you, and what you do, as to how much weight is lost in the end. <span style="color: orange;">Weight Loss Surgery is a tool </span>that helps you lose the initial weight that can help you become a healthier person. It is hard to exercise when you are 40 +% higher than you should be weight wise. Your body protests in your lower limbs with pain, your boobs try to smother you in your sleep and fat around essential organs makes it more difficult for them to work properly. Pick up a child that weighs how much weight that you need to lose to give you a better perspective. When you grunt and groan to do it remember that is the extra amount you carry around every day. No wonder you don't feel right. I know. Been there, done that. Guys, pick up some bags of cement to give yourself an idea.<br />
<br />
Any weight loss further out is all you. You have learned to eat better. You have learned to exercise daily. You have learned the food and fluids your body needs. It may be on-going but every time you learn something new your body will thank you. Your family will thank for being there, and healthy, with them. You may get that family you have been trying for so long to have. You may feel better in your skin than you ever have. <span style="color: #38761d;">TRY IT.</span> <span style="color: #e69138;">GO</span> for it. Keep going every day. Everyday's a new and better day.<br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Type
of surgery</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Way
it works</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Possible
weight loss</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Timeframe</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Roux-en-Y gastric bypass</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Malabsorption.
Initial size limitation, reconnected lower in the small intestine less time
to be absorbed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">65-75%
of EXCESS weight</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">12-18
months, changes made by you help<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lap
Band<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Restriction.
A band is placed around the upper stomach (adjustable through external port)
limiting amount of food eaten. Allows normal absorption.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">50
% of EXCESS weight</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Up
to 3 years if you work at it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Lap.
Gastric sleeve<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.5pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Restriction.
Part of the stomach permanently removed creating tube. Less hunger hormones
produced. Normal absorption.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">40-70%
of EXCESS weight</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 115.55pt;" valign="top" width="154">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the first year, can be ongoing if you continue to work at it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-27604138000959329272016-06-13T02:10:00.003+12:002016-06-13T02:10:52.044+12:00The 3 main types of Operations and their differencesI had a Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve done July 2013. At one stage this was the first step a super obese patient would take so their weight would go down far enough for the surgeon to do a bypass operation that would allow the patient to get back to the "normal" weight/height ratio. After a number of years they decided that it could be a standard weight loss surgery in its own right with no further operation needed.<br />
<br />
The 3 main WLS surgeries are:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass</li>
<li>Lap-Band</li>
<li>Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6e4Q94IcO0/V11QTOBx_WI/AAAAAAAABlc/cJqsccAzgr81kfnD9ajVUA9-j2cbZ6U7gCLcB/s1600/surgical_options_flyer_all_three1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6e4Q94IcO0/V11QTOBx_WI/AAAAAAAABlc/cJqsccAzgr81kfnD9ajVUA9-j2cbZ6U7gCLcB/s640/surgical_options_flyer_all_three1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comparison Chart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These operations all work. They vary in the amount of weight lost afterwards, possible complications, how the food you eat is absorbed and how much supplementation of vitamins and minerals you may need. The majority of weight loss will occur rapidly after the operations as you can only tolerate limited amounts of food and drink. The weight loss by the end of two years usually slows down and you head into a more maintenance phase. In New Zealand the Gastric Sleeve is more frequently done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is a combination of the surgeon's ideas on the weight loss surgery they think is best for your problems and what your life is like/how it will be affected. It can depend on the amount of weight needing to be lost and the health problems caused by your excess weight. We all know that diabetes, heart problems, breathing problems, fertility problems, mobility problems and even some cancers can be affected by excess weight. The chances of dying earlier rise. The majority of people who try diet and exercise to lose large amounts of weight find it very hard to keep the weight off. Often they find they end up gain more than they lost. Mentally they feel a failure and get depressed. Your own body seems to work against you. Having WLS surgery gives a greater weight loss and if you do regain later on it is never as much as you lost. You can see the effects of the changes in diet and exercise you may make much more rapidly too.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.unmc.edu/surgery/divisions/gensurg/mis/patient-care/bariatric/sleeve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://www.unmc.edu/surgery/divisions/gensurg/mis/patient-care/bariatric/sleeve.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gastric sleeve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: red;">So, Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve:</span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Between 60-80 percent of the stomach is removed. It is stapled and cut laparoscopically then removed through a large port site. This is the one that gives you some discomfort for a short while after the operation as there is often an internal dissolving stitch. The large area of the stomach that is removed means that you feel full very quickly. The fact you still have the rest of the structure means that the absorption of food is more normal. Some supplements are still needed as you can't eat enough food to get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Drinking alcohol will show up very quickly in how you feel. No more bingeing as even 1 drink will feel like 4 to you.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It cause changes to the levels of hormones made within your gut, you feel full for longer and it aids in the controlling of blood sugar. There is nothing foreign in your body. You can lose up to 50% of your excess weight and keep at least 50 % of that off. My own surgeon said that the minimum weight loss for her patients was usually 35kg (77 lb) and after that it was up to you and your actions. This is a major incentive as that much weight off can get you back out there allowing you to walk, swim, cycle or whatever exercise you enjoy. With the operation being done by laparoscopy the incisions are small and you can soon return to your normal life. If you don't want people to know they don't have too.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lap Band<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue;">Next, Lap Band:</span><div>
This is done laparoscopically as well. An adjustable band is place around the top area of the stomach. It is connected to an access port placed lower in the abdomen that is used to insert or extract saline to create a small pouch for your food. This limits severely how much you can eat and what sort of food will go through more easily. There is often a delay between insertion of the Lap Band and port to allow healing and insertion of the saline to create the pouch. The amount of saline can go up or down depending on weight loss needed or too much nausea and vomiting of the food you are eating. It is done by the doctor as needed. This means until the band has the saline put in you won't have weight loss occurring from the operation.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gastric bypass pre- and post-op</td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Last, Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass:</span><div>
This operation creates a small pouch of your stomach (by stapling) and then directly connects it to your small intestine. This often means that your weight loss is more and quicker as a large part of the digestion is no longer in use. Some loss of nutrition occurs needing supplements. You are more likely to get dumping syndrome with carbohydrates and high sugar foods.This is often used for people with the larger amounts of weight to lose. This can be done laparoscopically but may need to be done with open surgery (open meaning cutting a large site on your abdomen rather than 4-7 small slits for the laparoscope gear).</div>
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In my next post I will talk about the average weight loss from these operations and probably possible complication vs benefits. On the Internet there is a lot of information available about these operations and even Youtube has videos and animations that show you what happens.</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RQzqUQ2QtU" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RQzqUQ2QtU</a> shows a gatric sleeve being done. Don't worry you are fully asleep while they are doing this. If you are squeamish don't bother but if you want to know what they have done within your body this will show you. Have fun researching the other.</div>
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When you go to see your surgeon have a written list of questions you may want to ask him/her. Take another person with you as they will remember things you don't. Don't be afraid to ask as they are happy when you understand what is ahead. Get through this and your life will open up for you. It is up to you as to whether you tell people or not. Some are supportive some are not. It may surprise you who is and who isn't. It is your life though. <span style="color: magenta;">Who doesn't want to live longer than they might have? I want to live as long as I can and feel good while doing so.</span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span>That is the main aim of weight loss surgery. To live a long healthy life filled with the things you enjoy doing and with the people you love.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">Tell me about your operation and how it went, please.</span><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-60581909470209417222016-06-02T01:44:00.000+12:002016-06-02T01:49:51.956+12:00What would be your incentive to start and continue this weight loss journey?Everyone has a different reason for wanting to lose weight. These are a number of them:<br />
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<li><span style="color: magenta;">To fit that fabulous wedding dress/tuxedo</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">To fit in clothes that are fashionable and not on the Plus rack</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">To fit smaller, nicer shoes (yes you do lose shoe sizes as you lose weight)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Because you have had a joint replacement done (hip or knee)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">To lessen the risk of injury from a fall</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Because you are nowhere near the societal norm and you are tired of being harassed about it</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">You look in the mirror and cringe (or avoid looking in mirrors altogether)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">You have a young child (or children) that can outrun you - risky at times</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">You want to fall pregnant</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Your cholesterol and other lab results are scaring your doctor and you</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Your blood pressure is too high and is causing kidney and heart problems</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">You are diabetic (type 2) or pre-diabetic</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">No-one of the opposite sex is interested in you and you want to change that</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">You take stock of where you are in life and want change,weight loss may be a starting place</span></li>
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There are so many reasons why you start this journey. Often there are so many reasons why you don't continue or if you ease up too much the weight may come back on. Even with weight loss surgery weight can be regained. That is where I got to. I gained back weight when I was not doing much exercise other than long steady walks. It probably would have helped if I had kept my food under better control and ate right. I didn't. I gained. Inches came back on my measurements. I got a good deal on a gym membership through a friend telling me about it. I went and signed up that day. The least I have done is 2 days in a week. the most days was 5 days in a week. This week I am aiming for 7 days out of 7. 3 down so far. This is some pictures of my journey.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTjEPWbxZg4/V07XguIvjsI/AAAAAAAABkk/OE76KRqgDhIYrRYPju2Zc9d9KvrqFFY7ACLcB/s1600/bill%2Ballen%2Band%2Bfamily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTjEPWbxZg4/V07XguIvjsI/AAAAAAAABkk/OE76KRqgDhIYrRYPju2Zc9d9KvrqFFY7ACLcB/s320/bill%2Ballen%2Band%2Bfamily.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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137 kgs approximately I am standing at the back</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GABY7ObBr6A/V07Wt2mwh_I/AAAAAAAABkc/_pL03sR5haoAhpVLOfijGYJZ7hInHumvACLcB/s1600/IMG_1338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GABY7ObBr6A/V07Wt2mwh_I/AAAAAAAABkc/_pL03sR5haoAhpVLOfijGYJZ7hInHumvACLcB/s320/IMG_1338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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60th birthday closer to 110kgs</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2TlB9nuJ6-U/V07YJmyhBzI/AAAAAAAABkw/MbbeTJvM5W4y1-Fx-T7XviJVGBOm2-7uQCLcB/s1600/2%2Bappril%2B2016%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2TlB9nuJ6-U/V07YJmyhBzI/AAAAAAAABkw/MbbeTJvM5W4y1-Fx-T7XviJVGBOm2-7uQCLcB/s320/2%2Bappril%2B2016%2B006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Back up to 107 kgs from 99.2kgs but heading down from there now</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4TnTpD4_Bk/V07ZcujSE_I/AAAAAAAABk8/-UlTgtnPmRMSYaWBMAv64e4UXIqPNvNJgCLcB/s1600/MOTHERS%2BDAY%2BRONWYN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x4TnTpD4_Bk/V07ZcujSE_I/AAAAAAAABk8/-UlTgtnPmRMSYaWBMAv64e4UXIqPNvNJgCLcB/s320/MOTHERS%2BDAY%2BRONWYN.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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In a size 18, previously up to size 26-28</div>
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I am not small yet and will never be tiny but I aim to fit size 14 clothes, at least, by the time I lose the weight I would like to. Wearing nicer clothes is part of it but it is not the major part. I feel happier and healthier as I go down in weight. I move more freely and there is a vast reduction in joint pain (sometimes there is none). I don't get verbally hassled by passing idiots in cars. Hey, I am out there walking, you are not. I have gone down a shoe size from a size 11 to 10 so back in the normal range. Don't always have to get a man shoe.When my grandchildren came to visit over Christmas I could walk with them freely and for as long as they wanted. No more having to know where all the seats were to sit and rest on.</div>
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<img src="http://www.dhresource.com/0x0s/f2-albu-g1-M00-75-C5-rBVaGVTZ01-ASH60AA89xnQRynk664.jpg/amelia-sposa-2015-mermaid-wedding-dresses.jpg" height="312" width="320" /><img src="http://aelida.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Exotic-Party-shoes.jpg" height="270" width="320" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiEVNlMACYHJ-yxYyJItKqREueu1uFzsYBwqyu3d2PL6RDe5PgJfBo-cZONxozOEHtfe9F2xduXsHrpdeYqlCCsPdGnVFVqPrzas9kGuxpKYuUtBYhWMjmqgs5Z3NR641gdGI-J3ujoMNLYwKiGZeMCiFxJYoHJqPmWC-yGcy0M_eSl=" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/media/1761655/tu-and-gok-clothing.jpg" height="196" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjDJlSdmSrd909-5S4oKOn1HqNmnfW3AvoVQMvAgTn4_ZVmfuemNvlbcrVBKUybBiuuyc01hwzizeRorWldGExq6GPYi_o_zcYsMfJG9SOXTzBuO5n8SqyO7pEVppEER65eA8P2PKdDgGzwUk_-nrNWMb6BgAxZK9eSF4wrtlkCcg=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.epoal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/healthy-body.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img height="212" src="https://media3.popsugar-assets.com/files/2016/01/06/847/n/1922398/c3e5f34506ac5fd2_shutterstock_301323740.xxxlarge_2x.jpg" width="320" /><img src="http://www.instablogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/physical-and-mental-health-of-a-pregnent.jpg" height="212" width="320" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEh2DViJOlwdQ2nouRs-EGqLxtZvt_SZ1lG9m_Gi8_e4qgH2aaMb2bvmr46SNRbDiiW9UBeUgkZ3T7A8PrdsfXWjI48MlMOf_QzzI_dajPsP3kMAt-ZoeFGEyHTA4_xcJ4WacZY918InTeIOQJXYDsVZykTskuMTckNUe9hdLnZ1r5qjQlowVoLTrByXIMe-x652ByEs9AsPAIJlEDZeIM_tO07tys446S7a1CTdGQf6I8rKiKRmHZG8oc8UnM9IRbJoIOSB9tWrRFzB9JXF_zDSUG-WWq7ePQ7fY0asEFvFA5qqMpAKSgQNKCtVKfQtgh6Epta4kOfSTBuiZJriXLq4Jds5kGh-1TM_=" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://previews.123rf.com/images/designua/designua1410/designua141000032/33134293-Complications-of-diabetes-mellitus-diabetes-complications-such-as-blindness-heart-disease-kidney-fai-Stock-Vector.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhZ6cuZzEd_Jy3jRXFEzyeFRg5vBF-0rhc2NvDtiTydAriUM3iUdooDdh7PCeeG7FMBaMAGT-INORyh1sUi7-B-Zym4ISNWtcML4NZ7BMRZMS5bjX6Skg-FwJSMx_MXMztIgLPFUdxES6GqoQV4ZszrmcgE-5pYsFw0urqU4xnjYoGP1I3ZxekXqYa4YaeTQ7N3P_kDfgsKZXg=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/151102152551-elderly-japanese-exlarge-169.jpg" height="177" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img src="http://www.beautiza.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/what-change.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">What is your incentive?</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Think about what your incentive to change would be.</span> Make a vision board for your wall or computer screen that you look at daily as a reminder. Put down the smaller steps to reach that goal and put a time frame to help you reach it sooner. Research if you need to find out what steps you may need to follow. Ask people as well; friends, doctors, nutritionists, exercise specialists, anyone you think will help you reach your goal. It could be a surgeon. They will help you get the initial weight loss start but it is still up to you to keep going. Being lighter in weight will make it easier for you to do the on-going exercise needed for long term weight maintenance. Whatever works for you is what you use. Others will tell you what they did but one size does not fit you all. Explore and engage your <span style="color: #cc0000;">mind, body and soul</span> in making your life better. <span style="color: red;">You are worth it and let no-one tell you otherwise. </span>You are unique. The world needs unique people to shake it up. Let me know how you did.<br />
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Me, I lost 2 inches on my hips and thighs in 7 days. I hope by next week it will be even more. Good luck and good management to everyone.<br />
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Even with WLS there comes a time that food is on your mind more than you want it to be. By that time you need to have some behaviours in place that will keep you away from the fridge and pantry. If you don't then your weight may creep up again. That is not something you want happening after you have gone through major surgical changes to your body.<br />
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<u><span style="color: red;">Fitness Distractions</span></u><br />
Some of these distractions can be orientated to the weight loss experience. Friends are using <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.fitbit.com/nz" target="_blank">Fitbit</a> </span>Challenges to encourage themselves and others on the same journey. They do steps challenges, cycling challenges, gym time challenges. They decide together what the challenge will be, try to reach it and encourage each other if things slow down. Fitbits can track activity, exercise, food, weight and sleep depending on the one you buy (or are given).<br />
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<a href="https://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">MyFitnessPal</a> is useful to keep an eye on your food and exercise balance. You can blog there and also join the community forums. They have their own blog that gives a lot of information that is useful in a weightloss journey. Check it out to see if it is useful for you. Some like to keep a close eye on things as that helps them lose weight because it makes them feel more accountable. If something has to be written down, food wise, you may not want to write down a 200gm chocolate bar so you will think first and hopefully step away. Writing down your exercise is positive reinforcement that you are reaching goals. The charts help you see the changes you are making in your body and life. Other people encourage or commiserate with you. They may give you ideas for change because of something that has helped them. Recipes may give you changes in your diets that are beneficial.<br />
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These are just a few of the options available to help you in your weightloss journey. Go on the Internet and find one that works for you.</div>
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The <span style="color: lime;">gym</span> is a good distraction that helps you become fit and tightens up your muscles making you look thinner at the same time. The<span style="color: #f1c232;"> pool </span>when used as a place of exercise, then fun, will do the same thing. As you get down in weight use <span style="color: magenta;">the swings or slide</span> at the local park to remember when you were much younger and carefree. Who cares if your kids laugh at you. Nothing beats the sensation of flying free on a swing. Hang your head back and look from a different viewpoint. Remember the joy you felt as a child and recapture it. Kick the ball around, throw a frisbee, play chase; just move. Move with the kids or grandkids. A dog will do at a pinch as they never run out of energy. You might help in their weightloss journey too.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Hobbies</span></div>
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New ones mean that you have to concentrate on something that you have never done before and maybe always wanted to give it a try. They can be crafty ideas: knitting, crochet, cross stitch needlepoint, painting, jewelry making, photography. The list goes on. Your friends can teach you. You can attend courses. You can go on YouTube and find videos of how to do almost anything.</div>
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<a href="https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/40/syllabuses/611/preview_image/crochet-fruity-pot-holders.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/uploads/users/40/syllabuses/611/preview_image/crochet-fruity-pot-holders.jpg.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgdTK2g4NbQxDFlqvsJkIuPsUNRBy8a_nz5Dj9Sy9oS63b1iwvXkHKt_NDx-KGzYtAnh1rt02zcVtdLs95lnB8NRJSdBO2qzA_6odoWNa-V62rMwNRiHlS7Xx03T5eWkNacsTAJpH3ZkNWiqdUYsNmx4nM37DdvqKqE=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://popmu.se/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/1-1-crafts.jpg" height="137" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjgBo2zST4VBZ0eI4aV7kHqNG4sH6G8hJ033lS5Yog3oEp3emNxT0lFwufzkrrXASxLvEkVYYgP5Gzs_9hBaF8qlTskRKILFP7riep2RkTC8o1eV9p0RU0HcRpqnTKK5kEBjKWTO4rfgT6pgsNHJhZhjwO2y_lKbym-XtIQvrrPJqmf4Nww_HfFBw38IzjxVJInIaNk_Q=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media2.handmadecharlotte.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/5-diy-paper-crafts.jpg" height="167" width="200" /></a></div>
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The more <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><u>cerebral</u></b></span> ones are writing your own blog, or memoir. Write your family history after you have done the genealogy research and gathered up some of the stories. Some will be almost unbelieveable. Start (then complete) that novel, or other book, you have always said was inside you. Put it down on paper or in a Word document today and for however long it takes you to finish. It may end up being good enough to publish and make you some money.</div>
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Something <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><u>hands on</u> </b></span>could be gardening; especially if you end up growing some of your own food or the Best In Show Flowers or vegetables that garner a ribbon for you at the local show. You could renovate your house, build a new one, make structures for your garden, learn how to make a drystone wall, paint inside or outside your house. The ladder climbing will be manageable. You will be moving more freely.</div>
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You do what speaks to you. You do what enchants and involves you. You do things that you may never have been able to do. You do things that scared you. It is your life and you are changing you life with your weightloss journey. <span style="color: blue;">GO FOR IT.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">What are you going to do that you love? Mine are:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Cerebral</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;">A book using my writing mindmaps; written then published</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Hold a workshop around the book</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Have it at the library where the librarians have been so encouraging for the last 2-3 years</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Be 75 kgs when this workshop occurs</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Aim for December 2016 to make me work harder</span></li>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Hands on</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: blue;">Knit my daughter a eternity scarf on 20mm needles within the next fortnight as it will grow fast</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Finish the cornish village needle point by June 30 as there is not much left to do</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Do a page of colouring in to relax my mind</span></li>
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<span style="color: red;">Health and exercise</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: blue;">Gym 4-5 times a week for 60-90 minutes and walk for the same length of time on the other days</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Eat more protein, less carbs - that is an ongoing battle but I will change my desires one day at a time</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Use MyFitnessPal to track food and exercise and size/weight changes, blog there as well.</span></li>
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By starting this journey you are starting to show some self love. It is not hating that large body in the mirror that you really don't want to look at any more. It is looking at your body and thanking it for what it has given you so far and loving it enough to say <span style="color: red;">I WANT TO BE HEALTHY. </span> <span style="color: magenta;">I need to be a lower weight and I need to be fit. </span>The things in life that matter; yourself and your family - close and extended - should have you for as long as possible. We need to be active so we can join them in sports, walks, trips and yes, even dining out. We need to be up and out of this chair. We need to eat healthily. We need to do some form of exercise every day. If we make that exercise something we enjoy we will want to do it regularly. Pick a number of forms of exercise to mix it up. If you mix it up your body is never quite sure what muscles are going to be used and it won't get into a set routine.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Forms of exercise:</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: blue;">Swimming - non-weight bearing but against water resistance</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Aqua-jogging - as above</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Water walking in a number of different ways - as above</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Gym work - this can be cardio or weight training. Cardio improves heart/lungs, weight training strengthens bones and shapes the body</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Cycling - cardio and lower body strength</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Walking - cardio and lower body/ upper body if you swing your arms more vigorously</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Running/jogging - as above</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Dog walking - helps the dog get healthy too</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Cat walking - I'd like to see how far you'd get with that with most cats, though some don't mind going into a walking harness and going with you</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Dancing - so many different sorts that there is a form of dancing for most people. Dancing With the Stars contestants say that they lost up to 25 kgs during their time. I would like to try belly dancing as I loved doing it with a friend from a long while ago. Being bigger shows it off better too and it tightens your abdominal muscles as well as looking very sexy.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Skiing of all sorts.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Snowboarding</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Skating of all sorts</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Racquet sports - tennis, badminton, squash, ping pong - hand/eye co-ordination and the speed of running to the next ball</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">You find something you like and do it daily for at least an hour. Break that time up if you need too. I like my 90 minutes at the gym but I also like to go for a walk that lasts from an hour upwards.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Set yourself a goal and a time frame to accomplish it in.</span> Reward yourself for reaching that goal. I reward myself with glass items I love, not food. If you slip off the wagon, step right back on. Reset that goal. You have so many ways to help you reach your goals nowadays. The latest electronic way is using a <span style="color: red;">Fitbit</span> and linking in with your friends nearby electronically if you haven't been able to meet up physically. Set reminders on your phone, computer or in your diary. Have friends that are on the same journey so you see can talk about your progress or any problems you may be having that are slowing your progress. These friends may be the people you have known for a while or they may be digital friends. Both sorts help you on your journey.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">My Goals at the moment:</span></div>
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<li> <span style="color: #990000;">Up my gym times to daily with the days that I have other things on being only for an hour, 90 minutes on the between days.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;">Walking into/back and around town for shopping or visits to the library 3+/week</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;">Eating better and less</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;">Reaching 100 kgs in 6 weeks or less</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;">Measuring myself monthly to show that they are decreasing even if the weight is not going down as fast as I want</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;">Daily Facebook with WLS friends</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;">Blogging weekly to reach out to others on this journey </span></li>
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I find if I exercise at the gym for 90 minutes that I get the positive endorphins showing up. It took a couple of times of it happening before I realised it was. The same with my walking into town etc. If I go by myself and walk at the speed I like for the same amount of time I get it then as well. I am trying to be more present in my walks and that has been interesting. I have been gifted with a number of lovely bird feathers. Metaphysically it is supposed to show you that your guardian angel is near you and protecting you. My daughter says it is molting season. I enjoy the differences and the beauty in each and every feather. I am going to make and frame a picture using them soon. I notice the weather, the trees, the birdsong, the nice cars going past, the light in so many different forms that I can also use in my writing</div>
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I endorse the picture above. I exercise now because I feel better after doing so. I am happier. Today as I got out of bed I rested my hands on my legs. I could feel the muscles underneath with only a small amount of fat overlaying them. It used to be the opposite way round. It was positive reinforcement to me that I am on the right path for me. We need to stop punishing ourselves for past behaviour and make the changes we want and need now. We only have the present. We can't change the past and we don't need to worry about the future as we never get there.Now I eat well, exercise well and live life well. I can do the things I need to make my life better. We can all do this every day. </div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>Honour yourself by starting the journey for you. Decide what your life needs to be like. Each day do something that will help you get that life. We will walk hand in hand to get there together - to our new life. The life we want and love.</b></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-23099759206597540642016-05-11T14:39:00.005+12:002016-05-11T14:39:45.561+12:00I'm a gym bunny - words I never thought I would sayScary title, huh? When we shifted midway through last year I lost the use of the small on-site gym room where we were. The stress of packing, shifting, unpacking and settling in lead to a weight gain because I was feeding my emotions. Walking wasn't cutting it weight loss wise. Recently a friend said he had joined the gym just down the road (5 minutes walk) for $29 and a weekly amount. I dashed down there the next morning and scored the same deal. I actually got a lower weekly rate as my brother had joined earlier than me. I got a family weekly rate of $10.95 instead of $12.95. Score.<br />
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They have an incentive to get you into the habit of using it by saying if you use the gym at least 3 times a week for 12 weeks you get a month fee free. I have been going at least 3 times a week and sometimes up to 5 times if nothing gets in the way. I am enjoying it. I find when I get back home to get Mum up and do the housework that I get through things quicker. My clothes are getting looser again, my muscles are tightening up and my back is slower straightening again. The times I take to do various distances on the bike or treadmill are getting less so I must be going faster. I can increase the weights by one kilo and still do the repetitions well. I am happier emotionally as I spend about 90 minutes there most mornings and that is long enough for the endorphins to kick in.<br />
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It is a Jetts' gym so you are able to use it 24/7 as you enter with a swipe card. During the day there is staff available. You get a 1/2 hour free consult on exercise at the start and they are available as personal trainers as well. Most people are there to do their gym work but a number will speak to you. There is a good mix of ages and capabilities so no-one sneers at you which is very good.<br />
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I can see there is a difference in these 2 photos;There is still a way to go in my abdomen etc, but the legs are slimming down and shaping up. Early on this gym journey I lost 1.2 kgs in the first week then went up 2 kgs over the next few weeks. The first week I did nibble too much but I pulled myself up and went back to listing food eaten. There was and is a slow decrease happening again. I am putting that initial gain down to muscles growing bigger and therefore heavier than fat. I'd rather have the muscles. I will continue to go to the gym at least 3 times or more each week and hopefully I will return to below 100 kgs in weight soon. I am working on eating less and better each day. I don't always finish what I put on my plate but now I get up and put it on the kitchen bench. If I leave it near me I will nibble at what is left when my stomach empties out a bit. I am putting less on my plate and aiming to see more of the pattern of the lovely plate my food is on.</div>
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In a closed Facebook for WLS NZ people we had a lovely discussion on <span style="color: red;">how to reward yourself for reaching goals</span> you have been working towards. I am firmly on the side of buying something permanent from an interest you have had within your life. My first 20 kgs were celebrated with buying 2 blown glass heart shaped paperweights that I chose because they were a lovely shade of blue with patterns internally that I like. I love coloured glass. A Murano chandelier would be my fantasy Christmas gift that I would be delighted to get. The glass candle holder was for the next 10 kgs. I am working towards the next glass item so will start looking now as an incentive to get there faster. Whatever you do to reward yourself do not let it be food or alcohol. They are the things that got us to the stage of being morbidly obese and needing an operation to help us lose our weight. </div>
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<span style="color: lime;">Clothes can be a good incentive. </span>On the Biggest Loser they get them to chose the item of clothing they have always wanted to be able to wear. They showcase it in a glass case and by then end of the program the person is parading down a runway wearing it. I know the joy I felt when I finally got out of the 26, 24, 22, 20 range and into the 16-18 size range. I wish my breasts would reduce even further so I can get back to at least the DD range as there aren't many pretty bras in the larger sizes still. It would also be easier on my shoulders and back. If I find when I get right down to a normal weight and I still retain the size I would seriously think about breast reduction.I like being larger in some ways but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. </div>
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Give yourself <span style="color: orange;">permission to buy</span> a few clothes items in your new size and <span style="color: orange;">dispose</span> of the <span style="color: orange;">clothes you no longer fit. </span>A charity shop will be happy to receive them as it is a size they don't have many of and they are needed. Don't keep Fat or Thin clothes in your cupboards. Keep only what you fit. Get a ftting for your bra size (if female) as your size will change. Shoe sizes will go down as you lose weight too which is something they don't tell you about. I was a size 9 in my 20's and slowly crept up to a size 11 as my weight increased. I have lost one shoe size so far and expect to return to that size 9 when I get my weight right down.</div>
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I am reading <span style="color: blue;">Deepak Chopra's book called "What are you hungry for - The Chopra solution to permanent weight loss, well being and Lightness of soul". </span>I think this is a good book for me at the moment as I feel what I need to work on more is the mental part of weight gain so that I can balance myself out and work through what is needed. I don't want to self medicate with food anymore. I am finding it very interesting and it is answering my questions, making me think, and encouraging me to balance out my life. He says this leads to balance in your weight and from some changes I have made recently I can see what he is saying will work on my mind and eating habits. Balance and awareness are essential to change. It is worth reading. Mine is a library copy but I may buy a copy so I can go back to it regularly.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">My Intentions for the rest of May:</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: red;">Gym 4-5 times a week</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Eat smaller, more protein, less carbs</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Walk 2-3 times a week</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Do a chapter in my MG book at least every 2 days to finish the first draft finally</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Knit beanies and scarves for the City Mission so homeless people have something to keep them warm over winter (done 1 scarf, 1 beanie so far)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Mow the lawn fortnightly (done once)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Do this blog weekly</span></li>
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<span style="color: red;">MY WEIGHT this week back to </span><span style="color: blue;">105.9 kgs</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-53809258855033402102016-04-13T17:08:00.001+12:002016-04-13T17:08:11.444+12:00From 106.8 to 105.6 kgs in one weekI started at Jetts Gym last week and it is showing up already. By Saturday I had gone down 0.9 kgs and today all up I have lost <span style="color: red;">1.2 kgs. </span>That is something that I find, since the LGS, is that you get an almost instant response when you change the amount of exercise or the food that you eat. Before I could eat too much and it wouldn't show up for ages or if I exercised regularly my measurements might change but my weight wouldn't. It would be very discouraging. Now it shows almost in 24 hours.<br />
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I was getting discouraged because I had gained weight but by using a closed Facebook page for people who have had or about to have WLS I am talking (on the page) with others in the same position. It is helping. The other thing that made me a little happier was looking at a picture from May 2013 and a recent one. There is a massive change in how I looked then and now.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rqcQMDDUxSc/Vw3CpHWZ48I/AAAAAAAABhQ/WnbcsLVhDjkrEhD3xuzlQD7yOO_9tBd4QCLcB/s1600/IMG_3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rqcQMDDUxSc/Vw3CpHWZ48I/AAAAAAAABhQ/WnbcsLVhDjkrEhD3xuzlQD7yOO_9tBd4QCLcB/s320/IMG_3766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am second from the right and in my mind now I feel I was the size of a bear</div>
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I am not small in this photo but am definitely much smaller than in the photo above by a minimum of 30+ kilos.</div>
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I still have a way to go but now I am back on course with cardio and weight training at the gym I think it will go back to a steady decrease. Weight loss surgery isn't the easy option it is the helpful option. In giving you at least 30-35kgs weight loss at the start, because you become very limited in what your body can tolerate, it often gets you to a weight that you can exercise again without injuring</div>
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your legs or back. As the weight goes off and you become more pain free you actually want to get out there again. I no longer get remarks (offensive) from strangers going past me in cars. Hey, at least I am out there exercising while they sit on their butts, in a car, to go a short distance.</div>
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As you lose weight you become more confident again. You may not accept treatment from others that was always unacceptable (but you put up with it because of your weight and confidence issues) and this can change how you react to them now. I am not in a relationship and haven't been for a long time. You become invisible to most men over a certain weight. My thought is that the person inside that weight is the same as the person without that extra weight. I remain intelligent, strong, creative and I enjoy a sense of humour in others/myself. There are those that will only acknowledge you when you are a normal weight. Saying that, others who only know you as the fat person seem to become threatened if you become the much smaller (and more usual) weight. Crazy, isn't it? Damned if you do and damned if you don't.</div>
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I am still working through the mental part of losing weight and I feel that will be ongoing. I like that I have got this far and I have got back the desire to continue this journey. I think that after 2 years you become a little more lax in what you do in your life. You can eat more than you could at the start and unless you figure out why you want to eat at any particular time you can slip back into the habits that put the weight on the first time. So, yes, I do enjoy tasty food.<span style="color: magenta;"> Solution:</span> tiny tastes and only very occasionally will stop weight going back on especially if you are hitting that gym or footpath. Trigger foods such as bread and biscuits. <span style="color: magenta;">Solution:</span> don't have them in your house. If you have them for your children put them into tins and out of your eye line. You may be able to catch yourself in time if you have to search for them.</div>
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As my mother is diagnosed coeliac we changed our food habits to <span style="color: blue;">gluten free</span> for the household and it improved our health. There is so much gluten (wheat, rye, barley and some oats) and sugar in processed foods nowadays. We bake and cook from scratch with gluten free products as needed. We also grow foods, for our table, in containers. It is not all our food but enough to have really tasty food on our plates each day. Try it and notice the difference. Fresh picked beans, tomatoes, silver beet, strawberries, and soon bok choy, beetroots and spinach we put in recently. It helps to keep your food spending down too. I have had people stare into my trolley and ask how can I have so much for so little. Most of what I buy is what they call <span style="color: #bf9000;">outside aisle spending</span>. This has <span style="color: #bf9000;">minimal processing; </span>meat, vegetables, fruit, milk, butter, GF flour etc. These are always cheaper and unless you eat ginormous amounts you can either lose or maintain a good weight. These next images were Googled to show what I mean by outside aisle spending.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">This week's Intentions:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: red;">Use the gym daily for the rest of the week</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Journal what is happening mentally to me in this weightloss journey I am on</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Listen to my body, check if I am hungry or bored when I want to eat</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Give myself joyful times to show I love myself where I am today</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Celebrate good changes in my life, look at not so good parts and change them for the better.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Get back to Camp Nanowrimo writing today and every day. I have 17 days left and 18500 words to go to reach 25,000 wds for the month of April</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Enjoy my writing groups and attend Saturday's one. </span></li>
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<span style="color: blue;">What are the reasons you overeat or under exercise?</span><span style="color: magenta;"> What solutions can you put in place to create changes in your life? </span><span style="color: #990000;">Remember one day at a time. </span><span style="color: #134f5c;">Every day you wake up is another day to create the change you want to happen.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-79199463898340340652016-04-08T00:36:00.003+12:002016-04-08T00:36:38.653+12:00Back to the gym, weight loss ensues 0.6 Kgs downA friend (and my brother) managed to get a gym membership, on a special, of $29 down and a weekly amount. I got mine for $10.95 a week because they went ahead of me so I won both ways. I have mainly done treadmill and horizontal cycling with a few arm exercises with weights. Tomorrow when I go in the morning I should get a free 30 minutes with a trainer. I will get them to run through the weight machines with me and give me number of reps, etc. I have put myself down for a nutritionist time next Monday as well (free this time). I<i> </i>have been twice so far as the other 2 days were busy ones with a long walking time involved as well.<br />
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I am already feeling more comfortable in my body. It may be a psychological effect but I don't care. A few muscles are letting me know that I am doing something different but it doesn't stop me moving freely so that is ok. I found last time I was doing this that after 90 minutes of exercise I would feel happier. When I got back home the housework was done quicker as well. Wednesday I swear I was up and moving at 8 am and it was after 3 pm before I sat down. Beds, dishes, a large load of ironing, the small amount of lawn mowing we have, some extra gardening (putting in seedlings we got last week). picking up everything from the floor (chairs etc) so my daughter did the vacuuming were all done after 90 minutes at the gym.<br />
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The nights are getting cooler here and early morning needs an extra layer if you are out exercising. They say if you sleep in a cooler environment you use a few more calories keeping warm. Me, I like to be warmer or achy muscles will wake me up. Since I have lost weight I don't wake up to turn over so my sleep is more restful and relaxing. I am also not being smothered by my boobs trying to cover my face. I find that I still snore less sleeping on my side. I do deam quite vividly and often remember that dream now.<span style="color: red;"> Do you ever think you are dreaming so vividly that you are not sure if you have rested much overnight?</span><br />
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Overhead lights are not great to photograph under but this is a baseline facial one that I hope will show a difference in my next post. This is one of my meals earlier in the week. I managed to leave some of the potato and corn on my plate. I did not have pudding that night. I have not got myself fully out of the habit of a 10 pm snack yet but maybe I can by having a small amount around 9pm. Tonight I did eat just a bit more than I should at teatime.What I find happens now is my body then insists on a short doze. I wake up regurgitating some food almost. <span style="color: magenta;">Note to self: eat a smaller amount at meal time.</span> The beauty of having a LGS is your body will let you know when you have had too much and you won't like the way it does that. Listen to your body and you won't have that problem. There is eye hunger when you want to eat all you see, then there is a small volume that you can fill and no more. </div>
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It is more than a lap band so it takes longer to lose as much weight .I don't think that is a bad thing though. We get to our very large size because we love food and eat more than we use. Yes , I know there are people that have medical reasons and I have a few of those. I didn't eat take aways but I did eat like a labourer and not work like one. I enjoyed a few lollies and the occasional homemade biscuit or cake. My recent gain in weight was through not enough consistent exercise. I have a monetary reason to continue to use the gym because I have a limited income and I am spending $22.00 of it each fortnight to be able to use the gym whenever I want. It will be good over winter too as it is only a few minutes away from our place, walking. It is a place that you can use 24/7 as you have a card that only allows paid up members to enter at any time. If I keep losing like I have already this week I have another incentive. The third incentive is I will reshape my body and have less saggy skin and more muscles. Muscles give a higher metabolic rate than fat as well.</div>
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Creatively I am doing <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Camp Nanowrimo</span> to help me complete a book I have had on the go for a while. I have added over 6000 words and will do more tomorrow. Knitting wise I was doing strips for a blanket. The wool I was using was thinner than the pattern says so I am making it into a scarf instead. The KIP group decided that for World Knitting Day we would knit scarves, beanies, gloves and other items for the Auckland City Mission that they can hand out to people in need this winter. Any made beforehand can go on the table at the start of the day as well.</div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">This Week's Intentions:</span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Lose 1 kg or more</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Go to the gym at least 5 times</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Write 10,000 words + on MG novel</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Alter eating habits after tea to lessen the amount</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Do more Autumn cleaning and assess winter wardrobe needs</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Tidy up the garden</span></li>
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<span style="color: red;">What are you doing this week to improve your life?</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-76908785789422873742016-03-29T17:19:00.004+13:002016-03-29T17:19:35.634+13:00My eating is lessening and I didn't gain over EasterOne thing having WLS has done is to help me eat less chocolate at Easter. It needs to be spread out and if you keep up the walking (or whatever exercise you like) then IN=OUT with no weight gain occurring. This is a very good thing. Of course, you can't eat the large expensive eggs but really that is like some-one who smokes; you burn your hard earned money so you can get sick. It may be cancer with smoking but it is heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, asthma etc with high weight. Doctors tend to not check you out for other problems, as they can't see past your size, so it does limit how long you live.<br />
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This was my Good Friday meal of fish, homemade chips and salad. I put a lot less on my plate and did not finish it. I also did not put it in the fridge and nibble at it later as I would have done before. I didn't even have pudding so I was feeling quite virtuous. We had a lamb roast on Easter Sunday with a similar response so limiting the amount I eat is helping my resize my stomach back to what it was post-op. It may not actually do any resizing but my mind thinks it has. I don't fall asleep after my evening meal and wake up choking on regurgitated food which has happened before because I was overeating.</div>
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I was a little slack with my walking with the wet weather but tried to do other things inside so I didn't eat from boredom. I did get 3 long walks in though so I was not a total sloth. If I am at my computer doing things with my writing, or online, I am not diving into the pantry every 5 minutes. I have to stand up and walk to the kitchen so it has to be a conscious choice. I have my drink of water at hand and sip often on that to keep up my hydration. I do get up from the computer regularly as I still need to get food and drinks for my mother on a regular basis.</div>
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I need to finish saving for my gym card so I get back to bigger weight loss and continue tightening up my muscles again. I am slimmer but I want to be slimmer still. Once you get a good result you really don't want to go backwards. My next Drs check will be in July/August so want to be back under 100 kgs, and much closer to 90 kgs, before then. I am becoming an Urban Forager on some of my walks. I found a tree of crabapples so every couple of days I wander along that way and pick up the majority of the ones that have fallen on the grass verge. My daughter is the one who actually makes the crabapple jelly and it is delicious with cold meats. I love the deep pink, crystal clear colour and the sweet but tart taste is heavenly. </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">This week's Intentions:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Set Up Camp Nanowrimo so I finish my first book</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Finish first strip of knitted blanket and start a multi strip</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Knit baby bootees for nephew's coming child.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Eat protein, then vegetables, then carbs</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Eat more protein at lunch to keep me satisfied</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Walk most days for 90+ minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Do more Autumn cleaning (tidied up linen cupboard today)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;">Put winter vegetables in garden this week.</span></li>
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<span style="color: orange;">What are you intentions this week for helping weight loss? Any tips? What are you doing only for your joy? For your family? For your home? For your garden? For a better world?</span></div>
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I regularly pick up trash on the verge during my walks as it really irritates me to see it there. The amount seems to be lessening so maybe others are becoming a bit more aware. I hope so as it is becoming a pet peeve of mine. We only have one world and we need to be looking after it. If everyone took responsibility for themselves and helped others see why we could make a major difference. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-63437440078246950882016-03-22T00:09:00.000+13:002016-03-22T00:09:01.280+13:00A stable week but didn't walk as oftenI am cutting back on the food amounts I eat and it is having a good effect. The protein is a good amount and I eat less carbs. I am not falling asleep after tea and waking regurgitating the food I have eaten. I think that is what they refer to as dumping. It is not nice as you cough and splutter for ages and have an acid feel in your throat for the rest of the night.<br />
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Small amount of rice with chicken stirfry and fresh kernel corn. Plate is not full and it is b&b size. I left some rice.</div>
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Nachos. The first time in 2 1/2 years. Very small amount, lots of chewing. I enjoyed it and did not have any pudding.</div>
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Both were full of vegetables and had plenty of fibre. Both home made and tasty. You eat such a small amount that you can try something tasty and different. The joy of seeing your lovely meal and it tasting fabulous outweighs the fact it is a much smaller amount than what you used to have. Herbs and other tasty things mean each meal can be an adventure. Do it well and the rest of the family will want the same so you won't have to cook multiple meals each night.</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>Things I Like in My Pantry</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Moroccan spice, Roast chicken salt, All purpose seasoning etc</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Herbs and spices: nutmeg, smoked paprika, ginger, thyme (dry or fresh), chives, mint (flavoured ones too), basil, garlic, chilli etc</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Fresh grown food from my garden - heirloom tomatoes, runner beans, lettuce (gourmet), carrots (round short stem ones), silver beet</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><b>GF flours etc for home baking - small amount out, rest in the freezer in case of visitors</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Homemade jams and preserves as you can keep an eye on sugar and have fresh goods put up</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Fresh fruit and vegetables weekly</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Homemade soup in the freezer</b></span></li>
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On my walks I have been Urban Scavenging. Crab apples came home with me from a mid week walk. As I was picking them up from the grass verge I am sure the home owner came home from the school run. I thought at any minute I would have an irate landowner coming to tell me off. It didn't happen. We have one jar of crab apple jelly from 1 kg of fruit. It looks and tastes beautiful. The fruit shop had extremely good specials on fruit so we have 4 more jars of plum jam and multiple small containers of peaches and apples. They taste so much nicer than store bought tinned fruit.</div>
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Creatively; this is the castle, page, knight, princess and horses that my mother and I helped make. Mum and I did the knitting for the castle, Katrina on the left did horses and other members of KIP did the rest. It is on display in the Botany Library, East Tamaki . It was used for a Story Time and the princess went missing but reappeared after an email was sent out.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>This week's intentions: it is Easter this weekend.</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Limit chocolate eaten</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Walk/exercise more to get rid of chocolate on hips</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Enjoy time with the family</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Do handcrafts if the weather turns wet</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Write more on my MG novel</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Eat more protein/less carbs</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Treat my eating like an addiction and say .. just for today</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Journal if I feel stressed</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Reach 1800-2000 mls/daily</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Write down food eaten as I go</span></li>
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I know this is similar in many ways to last week but I am trying to get into a good habit. This has to be done daily for at least a month or more to become your new norm. Practice makes perfect or at least helps.Maybe I should photograph each main meal. I want to see more clear plate around the meal and less height above the plate. I don't want to have the same amount as others and try to mentally trick my brain by the use of a smaller plate but piling it on.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Journalling intentions</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red;">I choose to deal with emotions and not bury them with food.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">I claim back my life and a healthy body by treating it as a temple.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">I will exercise daily; mostly with long walks but also other forms of exercise</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">I won't hate myself if I slip up, I am human and I can correct myself at any time</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">I create a trim, taut and terrific body by what I do each day and I am.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><i>What do you choose, claim, will, won't and create this coming week, day by day?</i></b></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-69960477015449662872016-03-13T10:32:00.004+13:002016-03-13T10:42:53.536+13:00I am going down in weight -104.8kgs now<span style="color: red;">Its working. </span>Eating better and less combined with walking 90+ minutes 6 days out of seven at least is starting to work again. I did have a little cheat as I felt really bloated and took a mild diuretic with a resulting 3.3 kgs weight loss. With drinking as I should be regained 1.5 kgs of that but have kept the rest off so I consider that proper weight loss as I have not regained it totally. You know it is only extra fluid when from one day to the next you can't take rings off. I find it happens around low pressure (rainy, stormy days) and the worse the weather the more fluid retained. A high pressure system comes along and squeezes all the fluid back into your lymphatic and blood systems and you get rid of it naturally.<br />
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I find as my body gets fitter from the regular walks that I can walk further in the same time. This means I see more of our local area. Sometimes I take a bag with me and pick up the trash as I walk along. I hate to see so many fast food wrappers, plastic bags, polystyrene bits, cardboard and even wood pieces lying on the ground. People as so grubby and lazy at times. One area near a rubbish bin at a bus stop can be so bad. Come on people, just a few more steps and it would be gone. <span style="color: cyan;">End of rant.</span><br />
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I saw this banana tree down beside a gabion wall area on one of my walks. It was an unexpected sight but a good place for it to grow as it was in a sunny pocket and protected from any cold, southerly wind. Our local council and the Greater Auckland Council are trying to get a lot of walkways set up and connected. There is also a number of areas in NZ trying to do a walkway that goes from the top of NZ to the bottom. Every year more is included. It is great for tourism but it is also great for people to increase their fitness and learn the beauty of our lovely home. Who wouldn't want to walk in areas away from cars; their noise and exhaust fumes? I can see and hear all sorts of birds. The other day it was three colourful rosellas warbling and flying around. The plantings allow other birds, insects and wildlife a place to grow leading to a good biodiversity in the area.</div>
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These walks are good for me in another way as they are up and down hill walks so they add that extra little bit. The walk to town only has the mildest rise and fall but some of these roads and paths have a serious gradient on them. My legs, and knees, let me know that they have been worked out thoroughly by the time I get home. I am sweaty. My hands fell full of fluid; my rings won't come off. I feel mentally good as I have walked long enough and well enough to get the endorphins that athletes talk about. Once I have showered and had my breakfast I find I do my housework quicker as I am already warmed up and aware mentally. It is a win-win for all parts of my day.</div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>This week's intentions: </b></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: orange;"><b>Lose 1 kg or more</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: orange;"><b>Walk on six days this week</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: orange;"><b>Eat less and healthier</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: orange;"><b>Sleep 8 hours a night</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: orange;"><b>Do my writing and other creative outlets daily</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: orange;"><b>Read each day</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: orange;"><b>Do some embroidery as my BFF has sent me 3 more to do.</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: orange;"><b>Autumn clean a space each day till our house and garden is done and ready for winter.</b></span></li>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>What walking are you doing each week? How is you eating better going? What have you changed in your life?</b></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-12543096524025042842016-03-07T14:26:00.005+13:002016-03-07T14:26:58.302+13:00Up and down, yo-yoing weight lossMy weight is yo-yoing around like crazy. I should not weigh myself daily but I do. One day I am 107.1 kg, the next 105.9 kgs. The lowest weight came after I managed to drink 10 glasses of water. I presume my kidneys decided enough fluid was coming in to enable it to release some excess fluid. The downside was I was on the toilet 2 hourly all night as well. It did help me eat less as I was too busy drinking. I am continuing to try to meet the target of 8-10 glasses of water every day. It also meant that my mouth did not get dry as it sometimes does.<br />
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In the weight loss Facebook group I am a member of one of the ladies queried about drinking alcohol. The responses came back with a consistent post of "you get a drunk feeling with minimal alcohol but it goes away very quickly also". The other response was that it was "empty calories" so the consensus was to keep it for special occasions (birthdays, Christmas etc). I also found if I was having a meal out (1/2 normal size or less) and I tried to have a drink we would have to be there for a few hours before the drink was finished. I have had to leave it half drunk and at the price they charge in pubs I make a decision before I go as to whether I will have a drink or not.<br />
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I was thinking the other day why I can eat more and again on the board some-one mentioned a food pouch occurring. I was already diagnosed with a hiatus hernia before my op and I think if I over eat then some of the food sits there. Often I feel sleepy after eating but if I doze off I wake up regurgitating the food I have just eaten. I need to limit the food again, go back to smaller servings. I am not eating puddings nightly as I had got back into the habit of. My daughter was serving them out without asking so I have asked her to check with me before she does so. It is up to me to say no then. I have managed it a number of times. I think I need to get it back to being the occasional treat.<br />
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I walked every day except Saturday last week. It was good for my body and my mental state. The least I walked was for 60 minutes, the most 180+ minutes (food shopping Thursday). I did break that up into two separate times; one walk around our area, one walk to the library and back.It helps to improve your mood if you get that endorphin release in your brain. If you don't believe me then go for a walk when you are feeling down. Note how you felt beforehand and how you feel afterwards. Be mindful. Note the sounds you hear; birds, insects, traffic, planes, people talking, trees rustling. What smells were there? The scent of KFC, blooming roses, fresh mown grass, diesel (or other fuels) may be some of them. What do you feel under your feet? Is it sand (wet/dry/squeaky), is it hard uneven concrete, sticky hot tar, crunchy snow, sticky mud? You can write about it in your journal as well.<br />
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Today's photo of how the body looks. Hopefully by next week it will look a bit slimmer. My legs are starting to lose the layer of fat that came back on when I gained weight. The calves are becoming more defined again. I will keep losing weight even if it means I am doing some form of exercise for 2 hours every day. Today the phone alarm was set to 7 a.m. and I was out walking before 8 a.m. When I came back it was an hour plus of ironing and then the rest of the housework after Mum was up. I am on my 5th glass of water and it is not 2p.m. yet. Blog is getting done and I will organise a mindmap for my writing group after I finish this.</div>
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I have another reason to want to lose weight. My favourite shop (Merric) no longer exists in BTC but Peter Alexander Lingerie is the new shop in its place. Of course, the cost of the items would mean saving to buy anything from it. They had an hilarious hat that has a bunny face and ears on it. It suited my daughter even if she is an adult. Lovely fluffy bath robes beckon and some calfskin pattern, fleecy bed pants look good even if they are supposed to be for the guy in your life and your fantasy of a cowboy</div>
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Salads and Gluten free pasta with bolognese one of my meals this week. The plate is about a bread/butter size plate. The salad has herbs, lettuce, some fruit, heirloom tomatoes and avocado in it. Cucumber on the side, small amount of Edam cheese in mince.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;">This week's intentions:</span></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Walk 6 days this week for 90+ minutes</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Do some weight exercises each day at home</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Eat smaller and better with my food choices day by day</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Do mindmap for writing group</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Have a good day at my writing group tomorrow</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Write each day to continue towards finishing my first book</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Do some more knitting on blanket for charity.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="color: red;">What intentions are you putting out to the Universe this coming week so it can help you achieve them? How are you doing exercise wise? What is your creative outlet?</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-6804859318605360552016-02-27T14:05:00.000+13:002016-02-27T14:05:39.081+13:00Exercise is doing it, as is monitoring my food intakeDon't you just hate it when <span style="color: blue;">all the weight experts were correct</span>. It really does come down to eating less calories than your calorie output due to exercise and doing your daily activities. It does help to <span style="color: magenta;">be of good mind also</span>. To have some hope that you will continue to lose weight even if you have a bump in the road for a while. You just have to return to the behaviour that helped you lose weight in the first place. That upwards bump may mean your body will release your fat (to be disposed of again) as it no longer thinks you are starving. It won't clutch on so hard to those calories coming in.<br />
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The other annoying thing is the amount of exercise I need to do daily to have that consistent downward trend seems to equal 2 hours of brisk walking or some other aerobic exercise, It is a large chunk of my day and I have so many other things I either have to do (look after Mum and do the housework) or want to do; my writing, my crafts and my reading. I need another 20 hours in the day I think. Less time eating, nibbling and making food is giving me some time back. The positive thing of all the walking is that it puts me in a happier mood. If you don't believe me try it. <span style="color: red;">Walk for at least 60-90 minutes regularly and note how you feel.</span><br />
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Our house is at the top of the hill and I walk a variety of routes through the subdivision below it. There is hills to go up and down, walkways that are used by both cyclists and walkers so you see others doing their daily exercise too. They have a park with a few exercise options so 1-2x a week I hit them too. The area has lots of nice houses, trees and views to see so every day is slightly different. There is also lovely dogs to say hello to as they enjoy taking their owners for a walk. Of course if you go to town you might see something else to drool over.<br />
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The bottom photo (my granddaughter Maia using exercise equipment at park) shows a couple of the exercise stations at a local park. You have to be gutsy to do it as others walk past but it is a way of doing something other than walking till I can afford to pay gym fees.<br />
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This I have on my desktop to remind me that I am worth the time I need to take to lose the weight and get healthier. I do it for me as I move more freely when I am lighter and with less, or no, pain from my joints. If I don't do it now it would mean more joint replacements in my future. When I was larger I fell over too easily because I was top heavy and my centre of gravity was out of whack. I broke my upper humerus badly due to a fall and had to have operations to fix it. I slipped on wet steps and ended up with a knee joint replacement because of the amount of damage the fall caused. I find with the 40kgs I have already lost that I am much more stable and I don't have massive damage (except to my ego) if I do fall over.Falling right over is unusual now. I might stumble then recover on rough ground now.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Things I did for me this week:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Attended my fortnightly writing group. We talked about how to start writing, keep on going on your project and possible goals for what you are writing.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Attended Adult Colouring In at the local library and met some lovely ladies. It sounds like later in the year I might have to demonstrate how to make bath bombs at the Fun Friday craft days they have there. I will have to practice doing so at home before then too ( a new goal)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Listened to a webinar by Jeff Goin on how to make an income from blogging -very interesting</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Started back into doing a Needlepoint tapestry called "Starbirds" as only have the face to complete on it</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brought some new plants for the garden and am about to go and put them in. Still eating heirloom tomatoes off our plants daily and beans every couple of days.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #cc0000;">Walked Daily for at least 90 minutes.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>What did you do just for you this week? How is your journey proceeding?</b></span></div>
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<span id="goog_963433498"></span><span id="goog_963433499"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0Australasia-37.439974052270571 175.078125-62.419316052270574 133.769531 -12.460632052270572 -143.61328100000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-89061885783214366032016-02-17T15:18:00.000+13:002016-02-17T15:18:10.586+13:00Starting to go down again - 0.5kgsIt may be in small increments, and some days are better than others, but a downward trend is starting up again. The steps I put in place are helping. Documenting what I eat makes me think first as I really don't want to write down something I know should not be going in my mouth if I want to lose weight. I am not perfect and the food I eat is not always perfect but I have substantially decreased eating empty calories. Sugar is so addictive. It is also one of the easiest things to eat even with an LGS.<br />
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TV1 has a new program "The Big Ward" that follows people through the process of having WLS and what they want them to do before the operation goes ahead. This is being done in the Public Hospitals for free so they are very strict on the criteria you have to meet. I was lucky that my brother paid for my surgery privately but I still had to get down to around 120 kgs to make it safer and a bit easier to do the operation. I took appetite suppressants for a month to help me stopping full time grazing . This was followed by using Optifast for a month . I lost 10 kgs on each of these months. <a href="http://tvnz.co.nz/the-big-ward/6444924" target="_blank"> http://tvnz.co.nz/the-big-ward/6444924 </a> to see how others work towards better health and a much better life.<br />
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One of the ladies was up front about the fact that she really had a sugar addiction and I know where she is coming from. Stress, probably accompanied by cortisol release, really wants your body to eat sugar and carbs. This goes straight onto many people's hips(entire body) instantly. It is so hard to fight though as it is the thing that is most prevalent in supermarkets, cafes, food halls etc. Everywhere you go there is a place to eat. I swear KFC pumps the scent out of their extractors directly from a scent pack. Saying that I have only eaten KFC once in the last five years. As we were watching TV last night around 10 pm the ads for New World and Countdown came on one after the other. My 82 year old mother grumps, <span style="color: #3d85c6;">"I wish they weren't allowed to put food or chocolate ads on after 7 pm. It just makes me want to eat and I am trying not to have anything extra after tea as it goes straight on my body."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I</span> have asked my daughter who brings non-gluten free, lovely smelling potato/herb/pumpkin bread (and other things I don't need to eat) to start to put it into containers I can't see through so it is not visible to me. For preference I really don't want it in the pantry at all but the house is small and the storage tight. We need to go back to not buying some foods that I know I eat and gain on. It would help Mum and my daughter as they need to lose weight too.<br />
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A 90 minute walk can take 0.4 kgs off at the time and I think if I can do that walk most days it will help me keep going down. Through various small bits of work (doing ironing and giving a massage) I am $84 towards the startup fee for the local gym just a few metres down the road. I need the weights and cardio that I can get at a gym for sustained weight loss. It is a 24 hour gym so you can use it at anytime as you have a swipe card that gives you admittance. You pay just under $11.00 per week for the use of the gym which is direct debited from your account. I will have to cope with the cost, in money, for the pay off in health and weight loss. The cost would ensure I actually use it. I like to exercise before my mother gets up as I find I have more energy for the rest of the day if I do that. I would still be able to go any other time of the day if I couldn't get there earlier so it would be a win-win situation. A couple more weeks and I should have the money.<br />
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This mirror in The Warehouse (14th February) gave me a better idea of where I am in my weight. It is less than I have been and more than I was at this time last year. By this time next year I want to be able to say that I have lost all the weight I want to lose. I want to be 70 kgs but to get there I am going to have to go back to working hard at it again. You do lose weight with WLS but you can nibble your weight back up if you fail to keep your eye on the goal. I would love to lose a number of cup sizes on my breasts as I still fill a G Cup. I like the thought of wearing the lovely dresses that are in the shops at the moment but the excess boobs stop me from doing that. I know why small breasted women sometimes want larger ones but we ladies with XXXL boobs often want just a little less of nature's bounty. No more sore and rounded back, no more falling over if you start to trip (top heavy centre of gravity) and being able to wearing nicer clothing are all good reasons for less.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>INTENTIONS FOR THE COMING WEEK:</b></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: red;">Walk daily even when it is raining</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Monitor food/water intake during day and use MyFitnessPal to see how I am doing</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Lose 0.5 - 1 kg before next week.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Work daily on book</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Do exercises at home to videos on the Net</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Set up a vision board for my weightloss and my book this week, photograph and post them next week</span></li>
<li><span style="color: red;">That more people read this post and maybe leave some comments so I know what interests them.</span></li>
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<span style="color: blue;">A few questions that I would like comments on: </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Do you want more on different exercises?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Do you want more on food eaten or recipes?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Do you want graphs showing changes occurring?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;">Do you want more on creative things to do to keep your hands/mouths away from food and do something positive?</span></li>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-63570383696598217552016-02-10T14:47:00.000+13:002016-02-10T14:47:16.262+13:00I am going up in weight - noooo!!!I am trying to <span style="color: blue;">figure out</span> what is happening at the moment. I am getting back to walking for at least an hour or more daily, with only 1 day off a week. I am using my kettle dumbbell to get my arms smaller again. I am tracking my food / glasses of water each day. I am journalling. I joined a Facebook page for WLS people in New Zealand.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1596568713949751/permalink/1660344167572205/" target="_blank"> https://www.facebook.com/groups/1596568713949751/permalink/1660344167572205/</a><br />
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I am still going up and I am <span style="color: blue;">freaking out</span>. I am finding out that I am eating some empty calories so am attempting to change that each day, one day at a time. I don't care what they say food can be an addiction to some people, me included. I love my fruit especially bananas. Most fruit is high in sugars though. Peanut butter is another thing I have daily. I won't buy it this week, see how I do.<br />
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My mother is noted that I am wearing more flowy clothes again and commented on it. I had moved to more shape conforming clothes as I lost weight but they are not so comfortable at the moment. It is lovely and hot this summer but that can make you sweat if your clothes are too tight. It is maddening as I went through this op to have a good permanent weight loss and regain my younger body weight or at least under 100 kgs and as close to 70 kgs as I could get. I managed to get to 99.2 kgs. Some of it is the food that my daughter brings into the house. Some of it is me wanting to taste that food.<br />
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I need to go back to how I ate when I first had this op: smaller portions, no daily puddings, fruit/vegetables in controlled amounts and more protein(eaten first). Hide my mother's lollies so I don't dip as I go past. I snorted at a person who was going on about the pizza etc they were still eating after their LGS and queried why they bothered. I knew it would come back to bite me when I did it.I don't eat pizza and fast food myself, but I have been fooling myself about the amount of so called good, non-processed food that I am eating.<br />
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I must work out what I am going to eat the day before and stick to that. I will walk daily and do other forms of exercise also. MyFitnessPal needs to be entered as I eat, I think, or at the end of the day if I note it elsewhere. I think if I manage to get my drinks up to 10 glasses that may help. Documenting how many I have had is getting me up to 8 glasses most days now.<br />
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The top photos are today, the left hand lower one was early 2015, the right hand one is November 2015. I know we dealt with shifting etc and I comfort ate but I need to learn and practice other means of dealing with my emotions. I don't want or need this weight.<br />
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These are affirmations I am using to get back into the right headspace again. So, no more whining. The positive things that have happened since my last post:<br />
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<ul>
<li>I finished a small crochet blanket that will be given to some-one in need to help them stay warm in cool weather</li>
<li>I attended a Creative Writing Workshop at my local library which even though it concentrated on poetry (not good at that) gave me more insight into writing</li>
<li>The person in charge of the workshop asked if I was interested in being a local contact for other weekend workshops (YES)</li>
<li>I met some lovely people at that workshop and some are coming to our Tuesday writing group (woohoo)</li>
<li>This week's writing group went well and one new member has done a Copy-editing and proofreading course already. </li>
<li>The people in the Facebook page referenced above are lovely people to communicate with</li>
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Synchronicity in action again.</div>
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<b style="color: blue; text-align: center;"> The next time I blog I will record a weight decrease.</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2413883518536901967.post-587308391935751632016-01-10T15:29:00.001+13:002016-01-10T15:29:57.865+13:002016 - the year for creativity and joyI have decided to have two words to describe my coming year as both are and will become more important to me in the year that is unfolding. Creativity is a positive action that leads to positive changes: mentally, emotionally and physically. To try something new will help me grow in so many ways. It is difficult to eat if your hands are fully occupied elsewhere. It also becomes a thought out process when you decide to eat as you have to stop what you are doing creatively, get up and walk to where the food is. This means you can trick your brain and say "I'll get something in ten minutes." Most of the time after 10 minutes you will have forgotten that urge because you are involved in something you find enjoyable.<br />
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I like to write as evidenced by this blog ( forget last year's slacking) and I like to do handcrafts. I completed a jumper in aran stitches for myself last year and a castle for the library from my knitting group. Others did their bit too. Meeting with good friends has brightened my year especially when they usually live overseas and it was a serendipitous meeting that led to us having a good meal together with lots of talking done while eating.<br />
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Joy comes from friends and their caring. It comes when you reach a goal you were not sure you would complete. It comes from loving times with close and extended family. It comes from time with your grandchildren or children. Sometimes life just hits you with a gust of happiness unexpectedly. Being present in the moment is helping me have more moments of joy.</div>
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So this year I create:</div>
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<ol>
<li>A Middle Grade book</li>
<li>An erotca book (under another name)</li>
<li>A picture book</li>
<li>Knitted clothes for me and my family</li>
<li>Knitted goods for people in need</li>
<li>A slimmer, healthier, stronger me</li>
<li>A lovely bedroom for me I love to be in</li>
<li>A clean and healthy environment for my family </li>
<li>A garden of food, flowers and joy</li>
<li>Exercise I do daily</li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04491174530432495092noreply@blogger.com0