Life around California

Hey Everyone!

Sorry for the late post and mild gap. I went to Colorado for a quick visit to come back and learn I needed Iron Infusions. When the doctor tells you that you are pale white and you have a saturation of 4% when it should be 50% it means business.  With every pregnancy, every surgery comes all the year later journeys and experiences. This was a first for me. During my pregnancy with A. I never required infusions, however with B it seems my body is just giving up at times when I need it to stay strong. So I experienced 3 weeks of iron infusions and boy was that fun. Here is how they go for anyone curious about an Iron infusion during pregnancy or after Gastric Bypass. 

You arrive, they verify your info. Take you to a room, you get comfy and then they medicate you. I got tylenol and benadryl. The benadryl is suppose to help with any reaction you may have. You get told there is a medication similar to an epi-pen in the med room should you have a reaction, which is extremely extremely rare. Then the fun begins, you get an IV. then you get temps, vitals etc taken every 15 minutes for the 2-4 hours your infusion goes. Expect lots of beeping and no alone time, haha. After all this is done, they start the infusion, it takes a 15 minute monitoring constantly to ensure proper flow, no reactions etc. All I can say from this journey is ask for an extra blanket because you will get chilly and prepare to be sleepy and dose between vital checks from the benadryl! But it is pain free, and actually I have been free from eating ice for several weeks, I noticed a change within 1 week and got my energy back. I was however recently told by my OB not to consider any further children without infusions prior to pregnancy and during. But that is okay with us as we are done with children! 

Life has been hetic in our household otherwise, A is attempting to potty train, learning new words and getting into all the trouble in the world. This child has attitude like crazy. I always wonder why she has such a huge meltdown but I think it has to do with her limited words and becoming frustrated that Mommy just doesnt understand. I am busy in school working hard on finishing Chemistry and A&P 2 so I can apply to RN programs finally. And of course the hubby is busy with Army work. 

Holidays are upon us and that also means B's arrival. My last check up indicated no contractions, no issues, and we did a blood draw for my CBC to see if my iron has improved since the infusions. I am only up 18lbs from my pre pregnancy weight and I go back next week for a membrane stripping and 38 week check up! I am eager to see what my newest little bundle of joy will look like and what personality she will have, but I am also dreading leaving A and childbirth and homework as my semester doesn't end till after she's here! Anyways, Thought I would take a moment of my night and share my infusion update news, and maybe help someone else who may be curious. Have a great week!

Xo

Krista

How do you plan for the 2nd baby???

How does one truely plan for the birth of a second child? I am a planner, a scheduler and I do not like being left to the unknowns. It causes me great anxiety and fear.

I lately have found myself worried about my daughter, She will be 21 months when B arrives and A has only really known me, daddy, and a few close friends of mine. She is not use to being with people without me and I think that sends both of us into a separation anxiety filled attitude. When I have left her she cries for me and it breaks my heart often times I leave when shes napping so she wakes up to daddy and isn't as bad of a freak out. It has gotten worst as I've gotten more pregnant.

The thought of leaving A with someone she barely knows is terrifying to me. What if they abuse her? What if they neglect he? How will she feel being away from us? I cannot get over these fears it took me a lot to return to work after A was born and let someone I didn't know watch her. But this situation is different. I could in fact be away more than 1 day depending on labor, delivery and release from the hospital and A has never been away from me for more than 1 overnight with her Nanny in Colorado. I am trying to find faith that it will work out but at the same time all of this rushes through my head. Someone who barely knows her doesn't know her routine, doesn't know her behaviors, and I really think she'll feel abandoned but I have no choice with no local family and with a 2nd baby you just never know when they are going to come. Will she come way before her due date, will she come after it. We have no clue and I think that's what drives me the most insane!

I have decided to try and get a few people around her to socialize her, and may even interview a few that may come to the house and watch her need be. But I am still so anxious over it all. So if you read this blog and have any pointers, tips, tricks or trades you want to share for how to handle this fear, this anxiety or situation feel free to post a comment to me!

My plan for the 2nd baby is to get the birth plan done soon either before Colorado or After I return from my vacation. To have our bags started for all 3 of us and then to just wait and see what happens. Obviously I have no control but what I can plan for I will plan for! I don't know who she'll go with whether it will be Jeremy's coworkers wife, whether it be a friend of ours that I've hung out with a few times, or a hired person, All I know is I continue to seek peace in this matter and hope that she understands when the time does come We are coming back and we do love her stinky butt.

How did you plan for your 2nd baby? What steps did you take for the care of your other child? How did you make a smooth transition at home?

Post Pregnancy/Breast Feeding Plan

I wanted to take a moment and share my before and after baby diet. I tend to eat too many carbs during pregnancy to even want to admit it. So Here is what my typical diet will look like after the baby is born and I get back into my Gastric Bypass Weight Loss Roots!

Water: 64oz minimum! This is a must breastfeeding especially! Dehydration is one of the most common causes of loss in supply!

Breakfast: 
Oatmeal I add in butter (Ireland Grass fed) with a 1/4tsp of honey and cinnamon.
or a protein shake or smoothie with spinach
or Spinach, cheese omelet

Snack:
Almonds (Raw or Salted) and String Cheese

Lunch:
Veggie with hummus or plain
Cucumber sliced with cream cheese and lunch meat
or A Cheese and meat roll up and cottage cheese
or a mixed green Salad with hard boiled eggs and shredded cheese

Snack:
Protein Shake or Smoothie whatever extras I have from breakfast, If I didnt make one for breakfast, I will make whatever sounds good.

Dinner:
Chicken Baked or Grilled
Carb- Small amount for me of brown rice or quinoa
Spinach or mixed green salad
1/2 Avocado

Snack:
String cheese and Almonds
or Cottage cheese

If i want something sweet we do enjoy dark chocolate occasionally or dried cranberries :)


If we go out I often will order a chicken sandwich or if we go to a BBQ place I will get pulled pork and just not eat the bread. I use to love Texas Roadhouse Steak Salad with a Raspberry Vinaigrette but that is no where to be found out here yet :(.

I do follow this diet for my snacks currently but have been avoiding protein shakes and instead trying to eat my proteins. As well as I currently consume carbs like crazy.

If you have any questions feel free to ask! :)

Protein is your focus!!

Krista XO

26 Weeks and Counting! Pregnant WITH WLS

What a fun couple of weeks its been, with appointments for catching up for prenatal care that we needed done, to preparing for a trip to Colorado, to getting Jeremy taken care of for work. I sometimes feel as if I am busier as a stay at home mom and wife than as an employee to a large company. Don't get me wrong I am in no means complaining, but some days I feel as if I never stop!

We were able to get our anatomy scan done and A behaved so well alone with me since Jeremy was at work. It is in fact a second baby girl! We are excited and nervous all at the same time! And I am in my 2 weeks of doing my blood sugar finger pricks for my gestational diabetes, OH Boy!

As a gastric  bypass patient we are advocates for our own care. I have done enough research and know how I respond to increased amount of sugars in 1 sitting in a short period of time I would end up hospitalized. So rather than having to do the glucose orange drink I am doing 2 weeks of 4 finger pricks a day. Or another alternative some doctors chose to use is to pull your a1c1 every 3 months from the start of your pregnancy. Let's just say I hate needles and this process and its stressing me out. I am terrified of the results, I am worried for of course B's health as well as she could end up with Diabetes later in life I have them during pregnancy and a week before all this we finally agreed to revamp our diets and get onto a clean eating for after she comes making shopping quicker, and easier for either parent to do!

My 26 week appointment to learn gestational diabetes involved a nutrition course and sadly all that was recommended to me to eat and how much was recommended to eat would never and could never fit in my tummy. And the scale climbed to 190lbs. I often have this mental mind game and battle because of the scale climbing. So at 27 weeks I am 190lbs and that puts me at a total weight gain for the pregnancy so far as 11lbs. I am hoping to stay under 25lbs as I did with A but we will see. Two nights ago I began doing 10 squats a night, 10 pelvic tilts and now I've added in 30 minutes of walking a night tonight, well it actually ended up being 15 minutes because it was 102 degrees. But I went .69 miles.

What the next week entails in our home for us is preparing for Aspen and I to fly to Colorado to visit some friends, attend a memorial service for my best friends mom and to enjoy some time away from the house. By time I return I'll be 30 weeks. So between gathering plane toys for Aspen, planning meals and shopping trips for September, and making sure all is done around the house it has been crazy. I am ready for the break, but sadly I do start my last 2 pre-reqs for nursing school on August 31st so my break will still involve being a Mommy and doing homework for Chemistry and A&P 2. But I know all of this chaos is worth it in the end!

See you again soon!
Krista xo

CyberBullying!

  

            Today I wanted to take a second and blog about something that occurred to me last night. Something that I haven't been through personally till now and something I really didn't think I would ever personally face as an adult. That would be CYBER-BULLYING! 

Cyber-bullying as defined is the dictionary is: the act of harassing someone online by sending or posting mean messages, usually anonymously.

                  I personally as a 26 year old mother never thought that removing a simple person from my Facebook for personal reasons would end up in a personal cyber-bullying me in a group that we were both part of. This person feels that because she left me anonymous, however posted intentionally for me to see her post that she was leaving because I removed her from my Facebook and the admins of such group wouldn't kick me out that she would post hints about who I was, How many mutual friends I had with others and continue to bash me for what reasons I removed her from my Facebook for. When I addressed her that she was being a cyber bully she stated because it was anonymous it wasn't cyber-bullying... Sad truth is it is still!

                  When you bash, belittle, harass, attack someone with mentioning a name or not mentioning a name you are being a bully.  You are trying to hurt someone intentionally and by people responding on her post and getting involved in discussion about it is making those who commented a bully as well. 

          

              It is quite sad how you an watch the news and see reports of children, teens, adults killing themselves over the fact that someone, somewhere on the Internet was being a bully to them. And I am sure just like this person, they play the victim and say how they weren't bullying the person that has ended their life in all reality that are the cause and are a mean and hateful person deep down inside. 

           After my incident last night, I have learned a few things about this incident and what it has made me feel. I do not agree with nor will I ever accept anyone bullying me for standing up for my own beliefs, my own feelings and my own opinion. Some one's life choices and decisions are their own to live with and if I chose to remove someone from my life because I don't agree with those choices I am not in the wrong. I am allowed to be human, I am allowed to feel a certain way and I am allowed to have my own privacy. I will never ever tolerate my daughter's bullying another person and I will take proper action to place discipline to my children for bullying anyone. It is our job as parents to raise our daughter's and son's to respect others and to be civil, but at the same time our children are allowed freedom of speech and to voice their opinions. My child will never be subject to bullying either. I can guarantee that I will take the steps needed to make sure anyone that bullies my children will have to answer to their actions. And last but not least, I have learned I am not a victim by this little girls actions. She obviously has some battles and issues in her own life that she feels the need to tear down someone else, to get a group of so called grown women attacking an unnamed person. By being the bigger person and by not responding to the hurtful comments, the bashing and the hatred, I am the bigger person. I didn't become a victim other than her trying to make me one. I can sit here today with a clear mind and know that I said nothing wrong, I didn't respond in a moment of hatred and I didn't let her get to me. Instead she showed me all the signs to watch for to prevent bullying especially cyber bullying from happening to myself or my children.

  So to you, I thank you. Thank you for showing me I am strong, for attacking me and letting me find my strengths when most fall down and loose the battle. Thank you for proving how much I have grown in the last 2 years. Thank you for teaching me a lesson that I will one day be able to teach my daughters. Thank you for proving another lesson in my life where I will not play victim but will use it to teach someone else. Thank you for allowing me to find the beauty in the friendships I do have. 

Krista XO


**All Images Borrowed from Pinterest and are not my property**

A year to remember....

A year to remember.... Sadly that kind of sounds like a Walk to Remember... But I can promise I wont be writing a sad love story... A story that will break your heart. Instead I am going to take a moment and share some surreal, true feelings and expressions of the past year. 

A year ago in May I decided to take a chance, I was a single mom of a 2 month old. I was terrified to put myself out there again but I decided it was probably time to see what my future may hold. I knew I had my things that may lay in the way of a man wanting to date me.

 1. I had a newborn basically. 
 2. I was a college student and a full-time Hospice CNA and part-time caregiver. 
 3. I had a very guarded heart
 4. I felt physically there were better options than what I had to offer. 
 5. I had a sperm donor that was stressing me out through a child support battle. 

All these things, which weren't many I personally felt would run a man off. Who wants to date a girl who's had gastric bypass and excess skin? Who wants to date someone with a newborn child? How are they going to fit in between my crazy work schedule, a part-time job, my online school and my daughter? Is there a man that will love my daughter as his own one day? Will there be a man that decides to put up with the drama of having a battle with a sperm donor? The answer is YES! There is a man that is out there that is chosen and meant to fit into our lives in the most perfect, most simplest ways. I didn't believe it, you always think well isn't she lucky, but why not me... Timing has everything to do with it. 

I feel that when I finally gave up looking, when I felt that I was ready to raise my daughter alone and knew that I no longer NEEDED a man is when things started to change for me. I focused on my weight loss. I focused on my daughter's happiness. I focused on becoming something better for my daughter so that she would grow up not struggling and would know what it really means to work for what you want and not be handed down things in life. That's when I got a special message from the man I now call my husband! 

Last June I was at a birthday party for a friend's son. We were sitting and talking and I get a notification that I have a message. I look and it's a message from Jeremy. He is very easy to hold a conversation with and I don't mean 1 line sentences he would respond back in full paragraphs. We shared some common interest, then bam! I find out his employment... He's Military! I did not trust military men, I knew from the town I lived in these men were often players. But I expressed my concerns to him, and he promised me that he wasn't the typical military guy. Conversations continued as he was deployed and as we got closer to his coming home date it was interesting how we were able to simply hold our daily conversations, and nothing felt forced. It flowed and was genuine. I started thinking, okay he comes home he meets me and then he'll probably vanish. Ha! Was I wrong! 

Jeremy took me on our first date on July 27th, I ended up bringing A. along with me to see how he would handled being around her. We met at Rudy's Texas BBQ in Old Colorado City. And then went for a walk in Garden of the Gods with A. This man was so sweet, so worried about tipping A's stroller over, was chattering almost non stop..Poor guy was so nervous... we talked for hours and walked. Little did I know that he would be bugging me and chasing me down for another date, haha! 

Jeremy bonded with A, took interest in my job, my future, and was involved in learning who I was as a person. One of the most meaningful things he told me was that he could see how I was devoted to my weight loss and had lost so much weight that he knew I would be dedicated and devoted to other things in life. This hit home to me and made me see that this man was learning to love me and my daughter for who I was through my soul and not my appearance only. This man knew what made my heart beat and made me get up every day. 

I often sit at home and think, how the heck did I end up so lucky. How did I find that man that loves not only me for who I am, but loves my daughter as OUR daughter? He was terrified of babies, wouldn't touch her and slowly fell in love with her and now he chases her around and plays with her. He cannot even go a day without asking about her, and when we are without her he often wonders what she is doing or talks about her. This man was meant to be a daddy and husband! And I am lucky that my daughter and I get to share that life with him! 

When I sat down and decided to move to another state with him I weighed in my head many things I seeked in a man that I would settle down and marry. I wanted a man that could not only be my best friend, but my husband. I wanted someone I could be open with in communication and not be fearful of his response. I wanted a man that would be honest with me regarding my looks, that would encourage and support my weight loss, and working out. I wanted someone that would not treat A any different that any future children, or any children he may have already had. I wanted someone that would balance me when I got stressed out. I wanted someone that was Selfless, Compassionate, Loyal and Devoted. I wanted someone that had family that would accept A as their own not placing the title "STEP" in front of daughter. These were all traits that I saw in my father and hoped one day I would have in a husband. Surprise Surprise I got all of it! 

A year ago I would have never seen my life where it is now. Had I run away being fearful, saying what if it doesn't work or what if he can't stand me when we live together. I would have missed out on an amazing man. Jeremy has so much to offer and I am lucky that a year later, I can call him my husband. The year has flown by and I can only hope and imagine that the next 30 years do the same as we watch our daughter's grow up and as we transition through career changes and our own life changes. I have learned to never take time together for granted and to cherish the memories you can create because you just never know what tomorrow may hold. Jeremy is my rock when times are tough, he is my shoulder to cry on when I feel I have done wrong, he is the best friend I have seeked for many years. Most importantly he is the man I married and now call my husband and will grow old with.

Know this marriage takes work, communication, and time. It is 100% give and take on both sides in order for it to be successful. Do not give up with the going gets tough, because we are never sent through a storm that we cannot handle. 

I love you babe and I cannot wait for the memories we are able to create over the next several years as our girls grow up! 

Krista XoXo

Fat Shaming, My Thoughts....

I wanted to take time today to write a blog that I felt was very a very important subject to me. You probably have seen it often in the news lately and women and men are taking to Twitter and Facebook about it as well. That topic would be: "FAT SHAMING". This is a touchy subject so I am approaching it with caution but at the same time I am writing from my heart and my views on it. 

Fat Shaming is described as "A term made by obese people to avoid the responsibility to actually take proper care of their body and instead victimize themselves by pretending they’re discriminated like an ethnic group." (http://definithing.com/fat-shaming/) 

Fat Shaming and taking acceptance of your body are 2 different things. We as Americans lately it seems to want to take anything and turn it into a way of being racist, hateful and so on. We want to be a victim in some light or fashion. We need to wake up! This is not okay. WE do NOT need to teach our sons and daughters that it is okay to morbidly obese. 

When I grew up as a little girl I was overweight. I wasn't happy being overweight, unable to keep up with fit friends and I knew my life was unhealthy. My parents didn't support my weight but they also didn't look down on me negatively. What they did do was provide me with resources and chances to try and fix myself. They loved me as ME, not for being FAT or being SKINNY but because of who I AM! 

By Fat Shaming we are supporting that life style instead of encouraging our children that we need to do our best to be healthy, to be active and to work on ourselves. I am not saying there is anything wrong with my daughter having more weight than she should, but it is my job as a mom to encourage her lifestyle and being healthy. Not to encourage her to continue to gain weight and continue to be at health's door step for continuous health problems. There is a difference between being HEALTHY and being UNHEALTHY. Between making excuses "Fat Shaming" and accepting your body for who you really are! 

I am taking a stand in my own life to not support FAT SHAMING but to encourage body acceptance. Accept yourself for who you are, you are not a victim, you can change anything you want to change but it begins with YOU! I will teach A and my unborn child that just because they may be a little heavier, they may have to eat a little different to get back on track, that being outdoors with their father and I and being active is not only good for them emotionally, but also physically and mentally. I will teach them that they can love who they are on the inside because on the outside we are ALWAYS changing. The key as a parent is to provide the necessary tools for our children! And being there and being a ROLE MODEL for our children! 

I know what it's like to be judged, to be made fun of, to not fit in because I was too FAT to wear what the other girls wore, or I wasn't pretty enough. But Today I can say, Those girls that judged me, that bashed me, that looked down on me, 50% of them reversed roles with me. I am now that fit mom, that healthy mom and they aren't and I don't sit here and laugh at them. I encourage them as I wish they had encouraged me. I have hopes that they will find the path back to being healthy, to loving themselves, because in someones face you can always see the hurt, the sadness, the urge to change.

I hope you understand my views on fat shaming and body acceptance, with that being said I am going to leave you with one of my favorite quotes about body acceptance.

"I think it's so important for girls to love themselves and to treat their bodies respectfully."

Ariana Grande

Much love, 
Krista XO

Pregnancy, Health, Life!

It has been far too long since I have blogged. I keep promising myself I will get better, I will remind myself to blog weekly if I can or daily. Then I get wrapped up in life and space the blog! I apologize for that! 

So you may wonder what is new in this momma's life. Being pregnant was rough the first semester and I am finally trying to get my energy back this second semester! It is here but some days I tend to overdue myself because I think I am not pregnant. I feel the baby move and so can Jeremy now which is even more exciting.


 * How has eating been during my pregnancy?
I eat often I snack a lot more than I actually eat a meal. I have been craving shrimp lately and yes I do give in to these cravings in moderation, I do not believe it is going to harm me as everyone always panics. I eat for snacks a lot of chex mix lately, ice water, hummus and carrots. I have been sticking to Jeremy's diet list he is eating chicken and spinach lately to get fit for a test, so what might I be doing with it because that's just so boring! I make a wrap, it has french or Dorothy lynch dressing then some shredded cheese, shredded chicken and a handful of spinach. It is so tasty!! We eat low carb tortillas when we do eat them. I have become highly addicted to spicy famous daves pickle slices on everything. I also love horseradish sauce, onions and horseradish mustard!! YUM! 

*What do I drink?
I often drink water with ice, lots of it. I swear I am always in the bathroom or asking to stop to pee! I do allow myself to splurge with soda occasionally but have been very strict on water since it is so so hot here! 

*How is weight gain going?
I have only gained 3lbs. I am 22 weeks today and that is great! I only gained 25lbs total with A! So I am hoping to stay the same area to be able to bounce back quickly! 

*Changes/Differences this pregnancy than last?
I have faced so many differences this pregnancy. I am on double prenatal this round to be safe with deficiencies due to WLS. I also am on a heme or carbynol iron and calcium citrate. I am more exhausted this round, have tons more headaches and am WAY more EMOTIONAL! I have no cravings or true desires to eat, often times I have to force myself to eat and remember to eat. 

* What exercise are you doing currently?
I am not exercising at this present time and I think that has to do with the extreme heat we live in. The heat makes me feel very sick and light headed so I have been putting it off. I did begin Kayaking today with A and Jeremy and it was amazing for my arms. We are working and discussing on me beginning Cross-Fit exercises at home after baby and squats! I also have began walking at nights with Jeremy but we have been inconsistent in it with the heat, life and him in the field working. However I do feel chasing my super hyper active toddler around has given me a good run for my money in exercise! And we do go float and swim the pools as much as we can! 

* Anything different planned for this baby from my 1st?
I do not plan on doing anything differently with this pregnancy or baby than my last. The only thing I do know is I don't need half the baby stuff I got with A and that I plan to take an easy approach to much of it. Making sure A is involved enough. Being outside and active. More baby-wearing maybe. However I plan to still breastfeed which will affect my diet after baby too! Oh and I know I don't need nearly as many baby clothes as I bought and had last time!! 

Anything else you wish to know or have questions about with a WLS post pregnancy feel free to ask!! 

Here is 18 weeks 6 days photo! 

Much love,
Krista

Hey Hey!

Hello Followers!!

I am sorry that I have been away from my blog for quiet a while. I didn't plan to be away intentionally however sometimes life gets the best of us! I had walked away last leaving you a post about how I had been experiencing a sickness and was unable to work out. Well that sickness was news that we weren't really ready to share yet. However the time is here! WE are expecting our 2nd little girl! I am currently 15 1/2 weeks pregnant and my energy level this time around is gone. To get up and function is a huge effort on my part lately. However, I am seeing a light in this long tunnel and feeling refreshed! So, whats new besides being pregnant again... Revamping our diet!

At the beginning of this crazy pregnancy, all I could get by eating was carbs, carbs and carbs. For anyone post gastric bypass surgery you know this is a bad habit. However we also cannot starve ourselves or avoid carbs because it is needed for the babies development. However what we can do is limit them. We are transitioning to 1x a month grocery shopping and meal planning that includes a diet of no sugar, less than 20g of carbs a day and protein, protein, protein.

My soon to be hubby is trying to get into the Army's special forces selection in September so this means, not only do we need to get him in shape we need to make a life long change to stay active and clean eating. Sometimes this is easier said than done. However a recent study we watched called "Sugar-Cause of Candida- Candida cause of cancer" I think really got my soon to be hubby in the right mindset to focus on letting go of his diet coke addiction and to change to a cleaner eating life style. However to not experience the toxic release of candida dying its a slower process for him. He will begin with taking probiotics and using coconut oil in his foods. However I think once you read about candida and learn the affects it has on your body you would see why its so critical to do the steps correctly and to clear out and get a clean gut!

So, what will this blog entail for the next 6 months! Well I am out of school. So my plan is to blog about our meal prep, meal planning, and recipes. As well as workouts. I am focused on being active as much as I can this pregnancy and trying to not gain any more weight than I did when pregnant with my first!

You may ask us what ever happened to your bet you wrote about. It went poof! However we are both focused on this mission together to eat clean, be active and be there for our daughters. I hope you enjoy the way the blog will run for a while and in a few months we will be back to reviewing proteins, adding in some crossfit and hiking!

Have a blessed day!

UPDATE!

Sorry for the late posts! It has been crazy and due to some unforeseen medical issues I've been facing I have been unable to work out as I should be. I am getting back on the band wagon with eating finally. I am detoxing from carbs this coming week. Everyone has an addiction that they battle, Carbs is mine! I am weighing in today at 179.4 lbs. I have been dehydrated and forcing myself to finally drink more water.

My previous post discussed the 5 day pouch test! I successfully completed it after starting it with tons of struggle and self control battle and did loose 5lbs. However I began struggling and went back to old habits due to the health problems.

What is the one addiction you face with food? What is your best way to conquer that addiction? What are your goals and dreams?

I do pretty well once I overcome temptation, I am so tempted and once I learn I don't need the Carbs to survive I do quiet well. I enjoy a protein only diet and felt more energy and not so cruddy after detoxing. I also like the slimmer feel without the bloat!
Encouragement is my biggest help! I love people that check in on me and encourage me!

Here's some motivation for you tonight!



I do not have the rights to the photo and I am not reimbursed or sponsored by any products I discuss! I hold no liability to it.

Protein review of Jay Robb

What a day it has been! Preparing for my daughter's 1st birthday tomorrow and a party next weekend. I wanted to take a moment of my time and write a review on Jay Robb. So here it goes.
Everyone's looking for a great protein shake. One that taste great, is price acceptable and one that fits their dietary requirements. I was looking for a protein shake that has low carbs, no sugars and tasted good.
Well Jay robbs all are made with Stevia, No artificial sugars, etc. It is made with Whey Isolate which is what most people should drink when looking for a protein shake. Soy is not good for ones body.
I mixed it with  12Oz Almond Milk Unsweetened Vanilla, It is so smooth, not chalky and mixed well. I let it set for a minute and dissolve from the foam. I loved the taste, Its actually the first protein shake that doesn't taste horrible, or leave a nasty after taste and one I actually enjoyed drinking. I tried chocolate and it tasted like Chocolate milk! YUM! It only has 1 carb, 0 sugars mixed with Almond milk that didn't increase my carb count or sugar count! YAY!
I will be ordering more on Monday to use for my workout. The only downfall is you do not get a lot for your money.
I love how simple it mixed, the taste was great and the feeling of being full was even more rewarding! One for the win! Watch for more protein shake reviews!

Disclosure: I am not compenstated in any way by Jay Robb or any other products you will find within my blogs.  

What's this 5 Day Pouch test you ask?

The 5 day pouch test is a great restart for your pouch when you're a Gastric Bypass Patient. Sometimes we tend to fall off the wagon and consume foods we should not be eating. Obviously this then allows for weight gain, or a stall on our weight loss. So how do we fix it and get back on track? We do the 5 day pouch test and focus our mind on the correct path. See our Gastric Bypass is ONLY A TOOL! We have to retrain the way we think, and the relationship we have with food. It is not only a mental mindset, its a emotional mindset change too.

Here is what the 5 Day Pouch Test Looks Like:

• Day 1 & 2 Full Liquids – low-carb protein shakes, broth, clear or cream soups, sugar-free gelatin and pudding
• Day 3 Soft Proteins – canned fish (tuna or salmon) eggs, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy.
• Day 4 Firm Protein – ground meat (turkey, beef, chicken, lamb), shellfish, scallops, lobster, fresh salmon or halibut.
• Day 5  Solid Protein – white meat poultry, beef steak, pork, lamb, wild game

***Add in 64 ounces of Liquid (Water) per day as well)***

I've been reading Why We get Fat, And what to do about it by Gary Taubes. He suggests staying under 20g of carbs a day, Removing sugars and focusing on fats and proteins, so I will also be adding this in during my 5 day pouch tests. Book found here. This is the process in which my Fiance will be focusing, detoxing and restarting his diet as well for his weight loss and fitness routine.

Disclosure: I am not compensated in any way for  any products you will find within my blogs.  I am writing of my own personal experience, opinions and reviews.

60 Day Challenge, Starts NOW!

So last night my Fiance and I went on a 2 Mile round trip Walk. I walked 1 1/2 Miles, Ran 1/2 Mile. Once we got home I offered up a Challenge to him , To be the one to loose the most inches/weight. See we are getting married soon (No date set yet) and I want us to be in great shape for our photos. This is all I asked for my wedding, was beautiful photos! So we sat down and had a challenge placed in front of us. Lately I have been wanting to work out and have been seeking the best work out I can find on the market that appeals to me and draws me in. I found p90x to be a little too drawn out (1 Hour needed for work out) and a little too fast paced for me. Therefore I have been hunting for the one program I would dedicate myself to for the next 60 days, to get me going. Well I found T25 by Shaun T. Ordered it and threw out a challenge. Here's where you can join in with us. 

So he accepted the challenge, Our prize: a day of doing whatever the winner wants to do. This means breakfast in bed for winner, the looser has to tend to our daughter and cook the meals and the winner gets to pick where we go, what we do for the day, and what we watch. Meaning a day of pampering basically. 

Here's what you need to do to partake:

Take your before Measurements and photos. Chose a Program of your choice. Become Accountable to someone. 

This took me a week to set up, as I had to order protein shakes, of course the workout I chose and anything else I felt we needed. 

I ordered a few Jay Robb Protein Shake Samples (awaiting the arrival!)Found Here, Some PB2 Peanut Butter Found here. And My awesome Blender Bottles Shown Below ( I got these off Amazon). I also ordered Premier Protein Ready to Drink Shakes that my Fiance will be trying for the low carb count. Our Fridge and Pantry is carb cleaned out except what I feed our daughter and I stocked up on my Almond Milk!

I love pink and black!!!

My T25 Arrives today, My blender Bottles arrived yesterday. I am hoping my proteins arrive soon as well. However for the time being I will be starting a Pouch test Tomorrow Friday Feburary 27th and using Quest. Want to know more about the Pouch test? Read another blog coming later!

So listed here you will find my measurements and before photos. This challenge Starts today and goes till May 1st, 2015. 

Measurements:

179.6lbs

Hips 38.5

Stomach Area: 34

Waist 31

Chest 34

Both Legs 22

Both arms 11

Neck 12

My Workout for 2-25-15: 20 Standing Lunges, 20 Squats with 10lbs, 4 sets of 5 Curls, 30 Sit ups, 2 sets of 10 Curls behind the head (Dont remember the proper name)

Plus the 2 mile walk/run

Disclosure: I am not compensated in any way for  any products you will find within my blogs.  I am writing of my own personal experience, opinions and reviews.

Welcome!

Welcome to my Blog. Today is a day I have chosen to begin a blog to not only be accountable but to encourage and support others in their own journeys to weight loss. So I want to begin with a little about me so we can all relate and share and be on this journey together.

I am a 26 year old momma to a beautiful almost 1 year old girl. I have always battled with my weight loss and struggled to even conceive my daughter after weight loss.

Details of where I have came from:

In 2007 I hit 280 lbs and continued to grow till in 2010 when I was 302 lbs. In 2010 I decided it was time to take control of my life and I chose to go through many monitored diets and programs. All were failed attempts and I continued to grow. In February of 2011. I was approved for Gastric Bypass Surgery with a Surgery date of 4-11-11.
On the morning of my Surgery I was engaged to a man that told me I would die during the surgery and not improve my life, that I would always be fat. That morning I weighed in at 284 lbs.

Day of Surgery

I made it through my surgery, and survived the next several months of loosing the much needed weight. I found confidence in myself, and found out who I really was.

302 lbs to 284 lbs to 176 lbs

 I ended up going through a divorce. Partying way too much, Falling in love again and ending up pregnant with my daughter after months of fertility drugs. The fertility drugs caused me to gain weight and of course any prior fat girl then begins to battle the mentality of being fat again. 

40 Weeks Pregnant (25 lbs Gained) 210 lbs

Thankfully after the birth of my daughter I lost my weight quickly. I was up to 194 lbs on her date of pregnancy confirmation, got down to 180 lbs, went back up to 210 lbs on date of delivery, but to 194 lbs 2 weeks post delivery. I went through another failed relationship and ended engagement and knew it was time to make a change. I then began to work out, eat right and believe in myself again to where I am currently back to 178 lbs. 

178 lbs size 10

The purpose I have for this blog is that I want to become even more fit. I am not happy with my results thus far. I have a beautiful daughter, have went through 1 divorce, 1 failed engagement and I am currently preparing for a wedding to the man of my dreams. I want to be that fit momma that can chase her daughter, encourage eating habits that are healthy and most of all feel great and confident about myself. 

Disclosure: I am not compensated in any way for  any products you will find within my blogs.  I am writing of my own personal experience, opinions and reviews.