Too Sweet Lemons

Oh man, the stuff I have to drink for the colonoscopy is nasty. Anyway, it doesn't taste too badly starting out but after about a cup (and that's the first of 4) it gets a little tough to take. My second round starts at 3 a.m. Who's idea was THAT?

I had a bowl of cereal this morning and that's it but I'm not a bit hungry. In fact, this stuff makes me feel bloated. Yuck. I think the procedure itself will be a piece of cake since I'll sleep through it. I'm not enjoying the before and don't expect to enjoy the after either. Maybe I can sleep through the after too. Whoa, that would be nice.

Yesterday

Last night after work I was at the DMC weight loss meeting again, my first since the 14th. I've lost 3 lbs. Since All Care expects me to loss 27 lbs, I have quite a ways to go. The next meeting is Aug. 25th.

Tomorrow I start my 24 hours purge of my system before having a colonoscopy Friday morning. Things won't be pretty for a while.

More about that afterwards.

This morning . . .

. . . I had quiche and fruit at HOJ. I'm always surprised at how filling and satisfying it is. I may be skipping lunch today. Feeling very full even as I approach 11 a.m.

I'm still re-thinking this entire lap band idea. I know that Toni will be very happy to hear this.

More later
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Reflections on Tuesday Evening

I have a lot to think about. I went to an information and orientation meeting regarding bariatric surgery and lap band surgery. I have no interest in the bariatric surgery but lap band has a big appeal. At least it DID. I left all my notes at home but here is what I remember, in no particular order.

no coffee after surgery for ten days and then only decaf.

liquid diet for ten days after surgery.

multivitamin supplements are critical. Flintstone Complete chewables and choco-calcium are easy to consume and the chewing predigests them.

As I go along, I will discover what works in my body now and what does not. I should not be surprised that there will be many things I cannot eat anymore because I just will not be able to tolerate the food.

Lots more and I will fill in from my notes later however - here is my initial reaction.

Lap band, used as a tool, forces me to do what I could do freewill if I just got my act together. Taking vitamins in good. I'll get the items mentioned about the next time I need to pick up calcium plus D. Modifying and constantly watch food is good. I'm expected to do it to lose weight whether I have the surgery or not. Exercise can't be overlooked just because lap band is in place. In essence, I'm doing all the things I would normally do without surgery and giving up the pleasure that food gives.

MORE Later

Tip from Tammy

Good information here from Tammy S., one of my readers -

It's VERY important to try & eat breakfast. That makes a BIG difference in your caloric intake for the day. People who eat breakfast tend not to overeat as much later in the day. Definitely work on getting more calories (at least 1/2 your daily calories) before 1 pm. It helps avoid being too hungry at night and overeating.

It's hard to change old habits, so just take baby steps and keep working on it. With the lap band surgery I'm sure you'll have to eat smaller, more frequent meals, so this is a good thing to start working on.

Keep up the good work :)
Tammy
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Thanks Tammy - every little tip helps.
Breakfast today was

Mixed fruit - 150 cals
4 saltine crackers 52
Total 202 calories
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Lunch today
2 slices whole grain bread 140
2 slices turkey bologne 50
1 slice cheddar cheese 114
greentea lemonade 110
Total - 414 calories

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Dinner today
5 oz lean slo-cooker beef 331
1 white potato w/skin 65
lettuce with 3T dressing 120
greentea lemonade 110
Total - 626
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TOTAL for the day is 1242 calories

I drank a lot of water, my greentea lemonade 110 calories (don't have countrytime yet. will get it tomorrow).
and ice tea at starbucks unsweetened.

It has been a quiet and unchallenging day today. Started out with
a bowl of cereal again (230 cals) and
had an apple around noon (80 calories).

I have not eaten out at all this week. This is saving me calories and our bank account balance isn't suffering. Good all the way around. I still have not gotten enough food today. It's 2:45 and I'm getting hungry. I've been drinking my GTL but that is not food and nutrition; it's flavored water.

Subtotal - 310 cals. as of 2:45 since waking. Not good.
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dinner was 6 oz white meat chicken grilled - 280
3 services of mixed fruit - 150

310
280
150
Total for the day - 740

Green Tea Lemonade, MY WAY

After discovering the hard truth of Starbucks' Green Tea Lemonade, I determined that there HAD to be an easier way to have my tea and drink it too. So - I went looking for Plan B.

Take Countrytime lemonade - sugar free. Make as directions indicate.
Brew two - four Green Tea bags in 2-4 Cups of water. Brew to taste.
Combine.
Chill
Taste
If it is not sweet enough, add Splenda, one packet at a time.

Now instead of consuming Starbucks' calorie-laden version, I have a calorie free version that is very refreshing and pretty much cost free.