2016: First Quarter of January 1 through March 31, 2016

KonaKat

Well, here we are in a new year. Some of perhaps need to refocus...and that definitely includes me. 12 weeks @ at pound a week is a total of 12 pounds. We are all at different stages and weights, but our focus should be to eat healthier and exercise in some manner.

KonaKat

I just heard on TV that if one goes ten days without doing anything about our goals then we likely won't at any time. I guess the message is that if you are setting a goal, resolution or whatever you want to call it that you need to follow up ASAP to pursue that goal or it will be forgotten.

Helene610

I've gotten back into weighing and measuring food as I have to do some of that for DH. If I continue doing that, I'll be doing better on portion control. Now I just have to get between meal snacking and exercising back on track. That's what I'll be working on.

KonaKat

I think I'll prepare a day ahead of time a list of what I will be eating the next day. For shelf stable items, I'll put them in a box. For the others, I will put in a note of what I am to have. When the items are gone, that is it for the day.

PamS53

I'm not sure what I'll be able to do. Exercise is not possible for the next three months, and I'm pretty much at DH's mercy food wise. I'll do my best with portion control and request the healthiest options that he can manage, but I can't think of much else that I can do until I'm more mobile. Some mention was made of a walking boot at some point, so perhaps it won't be a full three months. My appetite has been variable lately. When I am taking the hydrocodone I'm not very hungry, but I'm trying not to take it if I don't really need it.

mdubbs1

Pam - good luck with DH in charge of food.

After my accident, DH brought food home from the hospital cafeteria. What fun. Not. I wish they'd sent me to physical therapy earlier to work on upper body strength for the move into a walker and then 2 crutches and then 1 crutch. But I suspect insurance wouldn't have paid for it.

I feel slow and sluggish and my acid reflux is (finally) acting back up again. I know I"ve been way too far off the wagon. I do my best when I plan each day's food the day before. I'm planning to hit the grocery store Sunday for some fruits and vegetables!

Our client seminar is scheduled for May 1 so hopefully in this first quarter I can make some progress. I plan to weigh myself Monday morning to see just how much damage I've done and where my starting point it.

KonaKat

Pam--It will be a challenge but perhaps you will be able to manage the food issue if DH cooperates despite not being able to exercise. At the minimum, you would be able to do upper body exercises using resistance bands.

Maryanne--I remember how well you did, so I think you can do it again. The scales await my getting on them tomorrow morning, provided I remember to weigh in.

As I said earlier, my not watching what I was doing after the ablation resulted in a gain. I should have been getting on the scales frequently especially since one of the meds is noted for promoting weight gain in some individuals.

The neurologist put me on a med for restless legs. He gave me some of the possible side effects but I just read a complete list. In addition to the possibility of falling asleep suddenly in the day, in some individuals, it increases compulsive behavior. If you like to gamble, an occasional visit to gamble may end up being everyday. For women who like to shop big time, they may end up buying impulsively. For those who like to snack, they might be living in the fridge, etc. Get the idea? It enhances whatever behavior gives you pleasure.

I get a lot of pleasure out of food and shopping. I'm seriously debating not taking the dumb drug. As it is, you have to gradually build up to taking the full dose. Last night, I took a quarter of the tablet before going to bed. I slept like a log. I had no problems today but felt hungry all day.

mdubbs1

Jean - that drug sounds like a good new/bad news kind of thing. What a terrible choice to have to make!

KonaKat

I thought I was being decent with food the past week and would maintain. Instead, I gained a pound. Time will tell about the drug. I'm still on one quarter of a dose working up to the prescribed level. So far, no problems but I've not had a problem with the restless legs and I've slept like a log. The biggie is that I have no problems going to sleep.

Helene610

Jean, what are the chances that a smaller dose would work on your legs. If it did, it might minimize the urge to nosh. Pam...Maybe you can do upper body exercises with light weights while you sit. The resistance bands are a good idea as well. Amazon sells a DVD of chair exercises which are done holding paper plates. The woman doing them is named Jackie. I'll try to look it up and see if I can find her last name. She did exercises with people of all abilities while they were seated. Maryanne..I'm starting over with healthier, portion control foods as well. I weighted in this morning and I'm read to begin again.

mdubbs1

I see QVC is featuring NS and Marie today.

KonaKat

I am watching the QVC presentation now. The most weight I ever lost in a month was with the QVC plan. They do a great job of explaining how to use the program.

Helene610

I posted my food yesterday for the first time in ages. That's the first step for me being more accountable to myself. So far, so good. Have you noticed most of the NS commercials being shown seem pitched towards men? Maybe they think that's an under tapped market?

KonaKat

Helene--Good job on posting the food. Dan Marino also did a pitch on QVC for the food.

We know this but sometimes it helps to be reminded:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-best-diet-tips-ever?ecd=wnl_wlw_010316&ctr=wnl-wlw-010316_nsl-ld-stry_title&mb=7UyIjppIel4DCSIwueX5w@HnVev1imbCmr6teg2NJ10=

mdubbs1

#2 is so true for me - my after dinner eating is a big downfall!

I went to the grocery store today - the produce department was sparse. I wonder if the storms are disrupting deliveries or if something else was going on. I ended up with frozen vegetables.

I've been seeing Marie commercials and turbo 10 commercials more than men. I wonder if it depends on time/station. I know they do target men, just makes sense I guess.

KonaKat

Maryanne--Evening snacking is very tempting. By 9pm, I have to eat something or I get the munchies big time before going to bed. I'm trying to delay dinner and save something to eat later and then a small snack. I use frozen veggies primarily as the local supermarket is less than desirable with its selection.

Right now, I'm having Quaker Weight Control oatmeal for breakfast, along with my two gummy vitamins. 15 calories for the vitamins but I can down these.

mdubbs1

The only supplements I take that I know have calories are the fish oil capsules. I actually have those calories on my spreadsheet (not that I'm a numbers nerd or anything - oh no - not me).

I weighed myself this morning. I only gained 5 pounds over the holidays which considering I've been letting myself eat anything and everything sort of surprised me.

I have a spreadsheet set up for today. Planning a frozen NS day. Now that NS has frozen a la carte I'd like to try some things but I need freezer space! It's somewhat embarrassing to admit that although I have an upright freezer and the freezer compartments on TWO refrigerators there's no room in the inn! Part of it is that I keep the stuff from Omaha Steaks and Kansas City steaks in the boxes. That takes up a lot of room.

My goals for this quarter are to lose 15 pounds and get back on the treadmill at least 5 days a week.

PamS53

Just back from seeing the ortho doc again. Over the weekend I was having increasing discomfort on both sides of my ankle. It felt like I had an open sore developing in both places and I was afraid this would cause problems for the upcoming surgery. Plus, it really hurt every time I had to move my foot! So I called and asked for an emergency appointment and got it. When the splint was opened up I had half dollar sized blood blisters on both sides plus smaller ones in other places. The doc called them fracture blisters and said it was good that I came in. He dressed them and a new splint was put on, with much more padding than the first one. So far it seems more comfortable. He wants to see me again on Thursday to assess their condition before going ahead with the surgery on Friday.

It was a quiet weekend around here, especially for me. I'm not using the pain meds except at night and not every night. With the new splint I hope I won't need them anymore, at least until I have the surgery.

DH is doing The Daniel Fast again this year for three weeks. You may recall that we did it last year, too. It is basically a vegan diet so it's quite a change for us. Lots of quinoa as I recall. The difference is last year I searched for recipes and did most of the cooking, but this year he will have to do the cooking. I remember feeling glad it was only for three weeks because I got pretty tired of it after a few days. I will probably still eat meat at times, but DH is trying to be more strict with it. One bonus for him last year was that he had his annual physical right after the fast was over and all his numbers looked great. This year his physical isn't scheduled until three weeks after the fast is over, so the numbers may be a more accurate reflection of his normal diet.

mdubbs1

Pam - ouch!! I'm glad you got in to see the doctor. Sometimes the ER does what it has to do but leaves a lot for the regular docs to take care of. It will be interesting to see if your DH is as gung ho about the fast when he has to do the cooking.

My DH is headed for the doctor on Wednesday because he's finally ready to ask for help for his back. The real question will be - if they prescribe drugs, will he take them? - if they prescribe physical therapy, will he go? My bet would be "no" to both - sometimes I wonder why he bothers going.

KonaKat

Pam--I am so glad that the doctor was able to see you and take care of the problem. The fast sounds somewhat challenging and possibly boring. Hopefully DH maintains the positive attitude about it when he has to do the cooking.

Maryanne--I do hope DH heeds the doctor's advice; otherwise, why go? It must be very frustrating for you at times.

I worked the afternoon. Before going to work, I called the neurologist's office to see if I could get an appointment to discuss the medication. Basically, each night I have taken the minimal drug, I have slept well and have had no leg issues. With all the possible side effects, I didn't see a reason to go to the suggested dose which I had to build up to taking.

I couldn't get an appointment but my comments were given to his nurse and she returned the call after I got home from work. They agreed to my continuing on the same level I am now instead of increasing the dosage. Time will tell how this works. If I get used to this level and it no longer works, I guess I'll be calling again. It really surprised me that they changed the prescription without seeing me but they also know I have a good knowledge of medicine, etc.

mdubbs1

Okay, first day down! I did pretty well today. Of course yesterday at the end of the day I pitched a lot of junk! I have my food picked out for tomorrow and my spreadsheet ready.

I really don't like the NS lunch melts but I got it down. I had a huge salad at lunch for the first time in awhile. I gave Sammy some turkey and he was quite happy!

Jean - I'm glad the doc agreed with your thinking. Definitely a plus IMHO in a doctor! The autocrats I'm not so happy with.

Thursday I go back to the retina specialist. I just saw the glaucoma guy within the last month. He said I could tell the retina specialist her repair looks good to him "but of course he's not expert". At which point I actually laughed out loud and blurted out "you guys are as specialized as we are"!

KonaKat

The sub system called me at 5am. By the time I woke up and reached for the receiver, it was on the last ring and going to voice mail before going to the next person. I called but the job was gone. I guess I have to start setting the alarm to 4:59am. I've been up since the phone rang.

I have a foot issue going on so I may see if I can get in to see a podiatrist today while I'm not working. I've been thinking that the pain would go away but it isn't.

Maryanne--Good job on Day One. I hope the visit to the retina specialist goes well.

Off to fix the Quaker Weight Control oatmeal.

mdubbs1

Jean - good luck getting the foot looked at! 5 am is way too early for just about anything - yikes!

mdubbs1

Did anyone watch Biggest Loser last night?

Richard Hatch as a contestant is a hoot! I don't know the Voice person but what an odd team they could potentially be.

I'm undecided on how I like Bob as the host. I guess I'll have to see how it goes.

I couldn't believe they had the trainers pick teams. These are people with low self esteem and they are putting them in the position of being picked last or next to last? Was that necessary? Maybe I'm being too sensitive.

KonaKat

I missed The Biggest Loser. I didn't realize it was on.

I ended up working today for 3/4 of a day and will be working tomorrow.

I just had dinner and I feel I should be full but my appetite says otherwise. Resistance is not futile!!

mdubbs1

I should have posted a note ahead of time about BL. I haven't watched the whole thing yet. They built a new house and a new gym (supposedly - it's television so who knows). The contestants are pairs - siblings, parent/child, aunt/niece, etc. Except for the two "celebrities" who got paired up not knowing each other. Those two are Richard Hatch who won the first survivor and someone who was on the Voice. They managed to set Richard up to do a joke about not paying taxes. They apparently try several times through the show to tempt them to give up with cash. Richard's partner starts to do a calculation of how much it would be worth after tax and Richard says "who pays taxes". Yea, ha ha... not.

I made it through yesterday. If I'm doing one day at a time, that's day 2! I've got to move around more. I read this article the other day the gist of which was basically if your life is sedentary even if you exercise you're killing yourself. I find myself avoiding stairs because of the arthritis. That would probably be a good place to start. Doing the stairs more. Of course I've been a sedentary book worm for 65 years so don't know how successful I'll be at this.

I've got my spreadsheet filled out for today. Gotta tell ya - having a NS frozen week - so far I'm not sure what folks rave about with respect to the frozen vs shelf stable. Of course the shelf stable isn't what it used to be. So far I don't think there's anything that doesn't have a better tasting equivalent in my local grocer's freezer case.

Have to meet Bonnie at the storage unit to get some stuff unloaded from her van. She has a friend who is moving and apparently she's been drafted to help. We're talking about two women both of whom walk with two canes. I think professional movers would have been a useful idea myself.

mdubbs1

I had the NS pancakes for breakfast this morning. They aren't bad. They taste a lot like the Van's (frozen) whole grain pancakes I've bought at the grocery store.

Right now I'm having my "big salad" with turkey and a packet of FF dressing.

I've now been to two grocery stores this week. I've never seen such empty produce departments. I don't know if the weather is keeping the stores from getting shipments.

KonaKat

I'm ending up working this entire week. Not a great way to start a diet again.

Maryanne--You continue to be busy...and also doing well one day at a time with the diet.

I see Oprah is pitching Weight Watchers.

mdubbs1

I've seen those Weight Watchers commercials with Oprah. I'm too OCD and mathematical for that. Making your own food and assigning it "points". Just hits me as splashdash (is that a word). But the commercial itself is sort of uplifting.

It's definitely easier to find time for shopping and eating now that I work at home. OTOH working at home creates great temptations.

Today I have an ophthalmologist appointment at 11. If they were on time I could be home at a proper time for lunch. But the odds are slim!

Did fine yesterday except forgot I wanted to take breaks and do stairs etc.

DH came home from the doctor with acetaminophen-hydacodone (sp?) and a PT prescription. He's reluctant to take the pills and totally pooh poohing PT. I pushed a little but doubt I'll get anywhere. I think the PT place he went before (once) was very primitive. Sounds like nothing but floor exercises. I can see why he might think he could do as well at home. I told him he should go somewhere they have a complete set up with the exercise machines. That beats anything you can do at home.

PamS53

Maryanne, I went to PT for back issues several years ago and most of the exercises I was given were floor/mat exercises that emphasized flexibility and strenghtening my core. This place had every machine imaginable, but those seemed to be used mainly by people with joint issues. That's pretty potent medication he got -- that's what I've been given with my ankle. Is his back issue lower back or elsewhere? The exercises really did help me a lot and I still do them, especially when having an episode of back pain.

We go back to the ortho doc today to see if my fracture blisters are in good enough shape for him to go ahead with the surgery tomorrow. I really hope we don't have to postpone. I'm not looking forward to the surgery because I suspect there will be a lot of pain afterward, but I am really ready to get the healing started and moving forward. It's a day surgery and the anestheliogist told me I will go home with a nerve block in the leg and medication to keep it blocked for a couple of days. That indicates to me that I can expect a rough few days afterward, but maybe the drugs will take care of it. I sure hope so!

PamS53

Surgery is a go for tomorrow. The doctor's visit today was tough as my foot had to be completely unwrapped and then resplinted after he drained the two largest blisters. After my foot was resplinted I passed out and scared DH pretty badly, but the PA who was taking care of me wasn't phased by it. I came around after a couple of minutes and was given water and chocolate then came home and spent the afternoon on the couch. I'm feeling better now and I want to wash my hair tonight because I doubt I'll feel like doing it again for several days after the surgery. So that's how my day went -- how was yours?