Now that I'm minus a sack of potatoes, I'm starting to fit into some of my older & smaller clothes in my wardrobe which is a great feeling... Don’t worry - I wont be pulling out 80's or 90's fashion... That’s just too old, and when I get down to that size it will be time for some retail therapy...
I've managed to get comfortably into some shorts I go last year, that ended up being just slightly too tight and something you wouldn’t be seen in in public, and finally can wear my nice V8 polo I bought back at Bathurst in 07 without it looking like its 10 sizes too small… It’s now comfortable without stretching it…
And there’s so much more… I’m looking forward to autumn (I know it’s a long way off) but I think that’s when I’ll do a good cleanout of my wardrobe, and get rid of all the 3XL stuff… While I don’t expect to ever get down to a medium, I’m hoping by the time I reach my goal I’ll be somewhere between a Large and X Large…
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The week that was...
This mornings unofficial weigh in was 115.7kg, making it almost 20kg’s since I started just over 6 weeks ago…. And I’m feeling great…
Yesterday I plotted my progress on excel and included a progress indicator column at loosing 2kg a month until I reach my goal of 80KG (25BMI)… at 2kg a month, I’m hoping to reach my goal my March 2011, so just over 18 months. It’s not going to be easy but I’m determined to succeed this time – and KEEP IT OFF…
Back at work this week, and even though only for 3 days, has been busy and I’ve been quite active (more than normal) and found it all much easier. I’m even using the stairs more – consciously, but eventually I’m hoping it will become second nature
Yesterday was a bit different though… we had a few equipment problems so I was doing a bit of bending, which took it out of me and the port area got a little tender by the end of the day, so I asked the others to pack up so I didn’t irritate it more… last thing I want is a popped port and have to go through all this again…
Going to take it easy this weekend… After last weekend’s hectic ACS meetings and prep, I need to get some stuff done around home… Going to leave it till this arvo to go for my walk, after the wind and dust has died down, but I’m about to head out for my coffee and paper so will see you around soon
Yesterday I plotted my progress on excel and included a progress indicator column at loosing 2kg a month until I reach my goal of 80KG (25BMI)… at 2kg a month, I’m hoping to reach my goal my March 2011, so just over 18 months. It’s not going to be easy but I’m determined to succeed this time – and KEEP IT OFF…
Back at work this week, and even though only for 3 days, has been busy and I’ve been quite active (more than normal) and found it all much easier. I’m even using the stairs more – consciously, but eventually I’m hoping it will become second nature
Yesterday was a bit different though… we had a few equipment problems so I was doing a bit of bending, which took it out of me and the port area got a little tender by the end of the day, so I asked the others to pack up so I didn’t irritate it more… last thing I want is a popped port and have to go through all this again…
Going to take it easy this weekend… After last weekend’s hectic ACS meetings and prep, I need to get some stuff done around home… Going to leave it till this arvo to go for my walk, after the wind and dust has died down, but I’m about to head out for my coffee and paper so will see you around soon
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Buds of Spring
After yesterdays dusting, I rose early to give the herbs and tomatoes a drink after they way the wind dried them out… To my amazement they are growing so well, the tomatoes are starting to get flowers on them (so fresh tomatoes shouldn’t be too far away) and the herbs and chilli’s have just taken off… The basil is thriving along with the parsley, and the rest are coming along well too… So by the time I’m back on solid food and back from the mountain, I’ll be able to cock up a storm in the kitchen with my fresh herbs… I’ve tried growing them before but never had any success so I’m really happy with them now
A little bit less mad at work today… Getting used to walking the stairs again instead of the escalator or lift… finally started to get through some of the backlog from the last 2 weeks… which I need to before I head for Bathurst in 6 days…
Getting used to the mushies today too - I feel like I'm eating a lot as I have to have 6 "meals" (only 1/2 cup) a day… and getting back to keeping my fluids up as well (2x750ml sports bottles) plus a coffee and tea… Scott's cooking Chilli Con Carne tonight, so that should be nice all whizzed up...
I am so amazed at how much better I’m feeling for the weight I’ve lost so far… its like I’ve lost a sack of potatoes (almost – not far off 20kg loss now)…
Until next time
A little bit less mad at work today… Getting used to walking the stairs again instead of the escalator or lift… finally started to get through some of the backlog from the last 2 weeks… which I need to before I head for Bathurst in 6 days…
Getting used to the mushies today too - I feel like I'm eating a lot as I have to have 6 "meals" (only 1/2 cup) a day… and getting back to keeping my fluids up as well (2x750ml sports bottles) plus a coffee and tea… Scott's cooking Chilli Con Carne tonight, so that should be nice all whizzed up...
I am so amazed at how much better I’m feeling for the weight I’ve lost so far… its like I’ve lost a sack of potatoes (almost – not far off 20kg loss now)…
Until next time
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Back at Work – Waking up to the Apocalypse
Ok let’s try again… My laptop has been in the habit of blue screening again lately, just as I was starting to do today’s blog… Gotta Love Bill Gates!
I’m finally on the train on the way home… I thought I might be able to easy myself back into work today, but on waking up to this morning’s apocalypse, there was no chance… One of the first ones in for the day shift and one of the last out…
It was great when I got in this morning… everyone was so amazed at how well I looked and how much I’ve lost… Not that I’ve lost that much since I finished 2 weeks ago (only like another 4.5kg – this mornings weigh in was 117.3kg), but I think the combination of not being around for a couple of week and also my walking regime while I’ve been away, may well have changed my composition a bit… It’s a great feeling though when you get compliments and people noticing your weight loss…
Everyone stopped me and asked me how I was feeling, how it all went, and even commenting on the blog… Great to see I have some loyal readers out there… That said I still managed to clear my desk of bills, clear my inbox of emails, and start a 'to do' list, before heading out to do a live cross for news… It was full “team coverage” tonight with all trucks out and one of the late operators called in sick so I had to fill in…
I was quite good with my food too today with my first full day on mushies… Breakfast I had 1 soggy weetbix with heaps of milk, a green tea when I got to work, followed by a skim flat white a little later… Morning tea was some apple and strawberry puree, with my butter chicken and rice for lunch… forgot about the water bottle until just before lunch, but had a full bottle after, before my ½ cup of oats about 3.30pm… For dinner I’m thinking baked beans with either scrambled egg or ricotta cheese; its bloody yummy ricotta – low fat from the deli – I could eat the full tubs it’s that delicious. I can’t believe it – a full day without Optiyuk! (sorry I’m just over it)
Well I’m almost home (and the laptop hasn’t crapped itself again) so I’ll hit the post button and will blog again tomorrow… Hopefully with a little less wind and dust
I’m finally on the train on the way home… I thought I might be able to easy myself back into work today, but on waking up to this morning’s apocalypse, there was no chance… One of the first ones in for the day shift and one of the last out…
It was great when I got in this morning… everyone was so amazed at how well I looked and how much I’ve lost… Not that I’ve lost that much since I finished 2 weeks ago (only like another 4.5kg – this mornings weigh in was 117.3kg), but I think the combination of not being around for a couple of week and also my walking regime while I’ve been away, may well have changed my composition a bit… It’s a great feeling though when you get compliments and people noticing your weight loss…
Everyone stopped me and asked me how I was feeling, how it all went, and even commenting on the blog… Great to see I have some loyal readers out there… That said I still managed to clear my desk of bills, clear my inbox of emails, and start a 'to do' list, before heading out to do a live cross for news… It was full “team coverage” tonight with all trucks out and one of the late operators called in sick so I had to fill in…
I was quite good with my food too today with my first full day on mushies… Breakfast I had 1 soggy weetbix with heaps of milk, a green tea when I got to work, followed by a skim flat white a little later… Morning tea was some apple and strawberry puree, with my butter chicken and rice for lunch… forgot about the water bottle until just before lunch, but had a full bottle after, before my ½ cup of oats about 3.30pm… For dinner I’m thinking baked beans with either scrambled egg or ricotta cheese; its bloody yummy ricotta – low fat from the deli – I could eat the full tubs it’s that delicious. I can’t believe it – a full day without Optiyuk! (sorry I’m just over it)
Well I’m almost home (and the laptop hasn’t crapped itself again) so I’ll hit the post button and will blog again tomorrow… Hopefully with a little less wind and dust
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Variety is the spice of life - The Mushies
Finally after 6 weeks, I can start to eat some regular types of food… it just has to be puree’ed to within an inch of its life (to like tomato paste consistency)… but hey its only for 2 weeks… so by the time I head for the Mountain (Bathurst), I’ll be back onto normal food in new portions…
The physio session was cancelled this morning (the physio was sick), but the dietician session was fantastic and really informative…
Still eating and drinking throughout the day every hour or so for 12 hours, but at least its now something with sustenance and that should start to make me feel like I’ve actually had something and also stop the dizzy attacks… I mentioned to the dietician about them (and also confessed my spag bol on Friday night) so she said I should be right to start on mushies tonight…
So It’s ½ cup of mushies 6 times a day (or 2 more half cups if I’m still feeling hungry) – and the mushies are anything from cereal (oats, weetbix, pasta and rice) to pureed soft fruit (bought some Goulburn valley puree’s), soft boiled vege (potato, mushy peas, pumpkin, sweet potato); some real protein and dairy (fish, chicken, meat, eggs, baked beans, ricotta cheese, custard, milk – all low fat of course) as well as sauces and gravy… the only thing I cant have is fats and oils which isn’t a problem… They also suggested to blitz things separately so they still look semi appetizing.
I have just got home from the supermarket, and it was a good shop… Also got a new muffin pan – not for the muffins, but it’s a great size to measure out the ½ cups and freeze them for future – just like my sister does for my niece…
So what’s for dinner tonight? I’m thinking butter chicken and rice… I was going to make spag bol, but I had that on Friday night…
The other part of the session was going through how the band was placed, how big our new stomach is and why we must follow these diets, how the band was placed and stitched, why we need to follow the guidelines for no tummy type exercises, and the worst part, how you know if something is wrong with the band… She also said there is some fill in the band already, which I didn’t know… apparently now they do put some in during the operation, which they didn’t do in the past… how much – I don’t know… Guess I’ll find that out at my first band fill on 13 October – Some of this would have been good to know either just before you went in or straight after the operation… I mean I was told some of it, but I would have like to have known more…
Back to work tomorrow so it should be a nice relaxing night tonight in front of the TV watching Rafters and All Saints…
Weigh in tomorrow morning so that should be interesting to see how I'm going... They say that now were back on food, we should be looking at loosing 2-5kg's of excess weight a month... which is generally what they say is a good speed to do it... 1/2 to 1kg a week.
Until next time…
The physio session was cancelled this morning (the physio was sick), but the dietician session was fantastic and really informative…
Still eating and drinking throughout the day every hour or so for 12 hours, but at least its now something with sustenance and that should start to make me feel like I’ve actually had something and also stop the dizzy attacks… I mentioned to the dietician about them (and also confessed my spag bol on Friday night) so she said I should be right to start on mushies tonight…
So It’s ½ cup of mushies 6 times a day (or 2 more half cups if I’m still feeling hungry) – and the mushies are anything from cereal (oats, weetbix, pasta and rice) to pureed soft fruit (bought some Goulburn valley puree’s), soft boiled vege (potato, mushy peas, pumpkin, sweet potato); some real protein and dairy (fish, chicken, meat, eggs, baked beans, ricotta cheese, custard, milk – all low fat of course) as well as sauces and gravy… the only thing I cant have is fats and oils which isn’t a problem… They also suggested to blitz things separately so they still look semi appetizing.
I have just got home from the supermarket, and it was a good shop… Also got a new muffin pan – not for the muffins, but it’s a great size to measure out the ½ cups and freeze them for future – just like my sister does for my niece…
So what’s for dinner tonight? I’m thinking butter chicken and rice… I was going to make spag bol, but I had that on Friday night…
The other part of the session was going through how the band was placed, how big our new stomach is and why we must follow these diets, how the band was placed and stitched, why we need to follow the guidelines for no tummy type exercises, and the worst part, how you know if something is wrong with the band… She also said there is some fill in the band already, which I didn’t know… apparently now they do put some in during the operation, which they didn’t do in the past… how much – I don’t know… Guess I’ll find that out at my first band fill on 13 October – Some of this would have been good to know either just before you went in or straight after the operation… I mean I was told some of it, but I would have like to have known more…
Back to work tomorrow so it should be a nice relaxing night tonight in front of the TV watching Rafters and All Saints…
Weigh in tomorrow morning so that should be interesting to see how I'm going... They say that now were back on food, we should be looking at loosing 2-5kg's of excess weight a month... which is generally what they say is a good speed to do it... 1/2 to 1kg a week.
Until next time…
Monday, September 21, 2009
My dizziness problems are answered - SYDBAND on Yahoo Groups
A couple of weeks ago I joined the SYDBAND group on Yahoo Groups…
SYDBAND We are a social group that aims to provide support to people that have had the laparoscopic adjustable band or ‘lap band’. We provide a safe and no judgmental space for lap banders to talk about their experiences on this journey no matter what stage they are at. We also are there as a source of experience for people looking to be banded at some point in the future.
Tonight I posted about my dizziness during the Thin Fluids stage, wondering if anyone else had suffered and within an hour, I had 4 of the members come back to me to tell me what they had done to overcome it… Basically it’s a protein deficiency in the diet now my body is almost back to normal – well it has been almost 6 weeks since I had any REAL protein ; apart from the synthetic stuff that’s in the shakes and the other Optifast products…
The responses and suggestions are much appreciated… From starting on Puree a little early (like I did on Friday night), adding sauces and gravies, to adding baked beans to the tomato soup and even a little cheese… YUM… even tuna and tomato juice… and having 6 smaller meals a day rather than the 3 (I'm having shake then soup in about 90 minutes)
Looking forward to trying them all
SYDBAND We are a social group that aims to provide support to people that have had the laparoscopic adjustable band or ‘lap band’. We provide a safe and no judgmental space for lap banders to talk about their experiences on this journey no matter what stage they are at. We also are there as a source of experience for people looking to be banded at some point in the future.
Tonight I posted about my dizziness during the Thin Fluids stage, wondering if anyone else had suffered and within an hour, I had 4 of the members come back to me to tell me what they had done to overcome it… Basically it’s a protein deficiency in the diet now my body is almost back to normal – well it has been almost 6 weeks since I had any REAL protein ; apart from the synthetic stuff that’s in the shakes and the other Optifast products…
The responses and suggestions are much appreciated… From starting on Puree a little early (like I did on Friday night), adding sauces and gravies, to adding baked beans to the tomato soup and even a little cheese… YUM… even tuna and tomato juice… and having 6 smaller meals a day rather than the 3 (I'm having shake then soup in about 90 minutes)
Looking forward to trying them all
Thin Fluids Diet - Day 12 – Bring on the mushies
As I blogged the other day I am so over shakes and soups, and now the last few days for some reason I’ve been getting dizzy spells when getting up out of a chair or lying down on the lounge – not good…
I’m trying to drink as much water, tea & coffee, along with juice, drinking yoghurt, as well as the soups and shakes, but the same old same old, just isn’t cutting it anymore… it feels like I’ve been on a 2 week drinking binge because I’m always heading to the toilet…
So what happens when you’re not content – you start to pick… Yep back to my old habits… I haven’t picked much but without the variety my body is just getting bored… There was a pasta bake in the fridge, so I’ve had a few bits off that so far…
Yesterday’s ACS meeting went well and the positive compliments I received from my colleagues about my weight loss and how well I look made me feel great… It was a long day – almost 8 hours of meetings – I’m glad we only do that twice a year
Tomorrow morning I’m off to the physiotherapist and then dietician to find out about stage 2 and the “mushies” which I have to stay on for another 2 weeks… That sounds a little more appetising, as at least I can have a bit more variety in my diet…
Went for another long walk this morning as the last 3 days have been a bit to hectic to do it… if I can get at least 3 good walks in a week, as well as the running around I do at work, I’ll be happy…
One more day and them I’m back at work… I’m enjoying my time off, but once I get back into it at work, hopefully it will help me take my mind of when my next “meal” is which is shat I have been doing this last few weeks because of the amount of fluid I have had to drink
Until next time…
I’m trying to drink as much water, tea & coffee, along with juice, drinking yoghurt, as well as the soups and shakes, but the same old same old, just isn’t cutting it anymore… it feels like I’ve been on a 2 week drinking binge because I’m always heading to the toilet…
So what happens when you’re not content – you start to pick… Yep back to my old habits… I haven’t picked much but without the variety my body is just getting bored… There was a pasta bake in the fridge, so I’ve had a few bits off that so far…
Yesterday’s ACS meeting went well and the positive compliments I received from my colleagues about my weight loss and how well I look made me feel great… It was a long day – almost 8 hours of meetings – I’m glad we only do that twice a year
Tomorrow morning I’m off to the physiotherapist and then dietician to find out about stage 2 and the “mushies” which I have to stay on for another 2 weeks… That sounds a little more appetising, as at least I can have a bit more variety in my diet…
Went for another long walk this morning as the last 3 days have been a bit to hectic to do it… if I can get at least 3 good walks in a week, as well as the running around I do at work, I’ll be happy…
One more day and them I’m back at work… I’m enjoying my time off, but once I get back into it at work, hopefully it will help me take my mind of when my next “meal” is which is shat I have been doing this last few weeks because of the amount of fluid I have had to drink
Until next time…
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Health Matters with Dr John Darcy
Hi
You’ve probably just heard me on the radio chatting with Dr John; and now you want to know more about why I’ve gone down the lap band path to control my obesity and basically “get a new life”…
As I said "I was over being FAT!" As I get older things are getting harder and little problems are starting to creep into other wise my relatively good health.
I’m 37, and after many years and a promotion moved into a desk job at Channel 7… I’ve always been big, but after moving off the road in 2005, I started to balloon, and people were starting to notice (not to mention myself)
I committed to getting the lap band back on 10 August 2009 - blog
Dr John and I have been work colleagues for nearly 20 years and he’s seen the way my yo-yo dieting had gone… When I caught up with him in August prior to committing to the surgery, he was very supportive of my decision, and we discussed how we could share my story to the broader audience, who may have heard about it, but didn’t know where to go next…
This Blog is one way I’m letting people know my experience, along with regular chats on “Health Matters” every few weeks to monitor my progress
When I started I was tipping the scales at 135kg and a BMI of almost 43. In 6 weeks I have dropped almost 16kg and my BMI is now 37 – and I’m already feeling the benefits – including a whole new wardrobe I haven’t worn for a few years…
I’ve blogged here every day, so if you curious and want to find out more about my experience so far (warts and all), grab a glass of water, sit back and have a read… feel free to comment or drop me an email…
All the best
Craig
You’ve probably just heard me on the radio chatting with Dr John; and now you want to know more about why I’ve gone down the lap band path to control my obesity and basically “get a new life”…
As I said "I was over being FAT!" As I get older things are getting harder and little problems are starting to creep into other wise my relatively good health.
I’m 37, and after many years and a promotion moved into a desk job at Channel 7… I’ve always been big, but after moving off the road in 2005, I started to balloon, and people were starting to notice (not to mention myself)
I committed to getting the lap band back on 10 August 2009 - blog
Dr John and I have been work colleagues for nearly 20 years and he’s seen the way my yo-yo dieting had gone… When I caught up with him in August prior to committing to the surgery, he was very supportive of my decision, and we discussed how we could share my story to the broader audience, who may have heard about it, but didn’t know where to go next…
This Blog is one way I’m letting people know my experience, along with regular chats on “Health Matters” every few weeks to monitor my progress
When I started I was tipping the scales at 135kg and a BMI of almost 43. In 6 weeks I have dropped almost 16kg and my BMI is now 37 – and I’m already feeling the benefits – including a whole new wardrobe I haven’t worn for a few years…
I’ve blogged here every day, so if you curious and want to find out more about my experience so far (warts and all), grab a glass of water, sit back and have a read… feel free to comment or drop me an email…
All the best
Craig
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
My Weight Loss Progress
