26 Low-Calorie Snacks to Keep You Slim! #lowcalorie #weightloss #gastricbypass

I haven't been well #malabsorbtion #gastricbypass #anemic

Me & Brianna, © 2022 thismomneedswine.com

It's been 10 years since I had gastric bypass surgery, and I'm almost at my goal weight. The process isn't easy, and it's a daily battle... no one truly prepares you for the life after surgery with possible complications, and severe malabsorption. I'm currently at 175 lbs, with the goal weight of 150 lbs. Over the years I've had an issue with malabsorption, and it recently snuck up on me. I went for routine bloodwork due to having dizzy spells, and my doctor called me over the weekend advising me to go to the ER right away. Apparently my hemoglobin was so low, that she called me on her day off... it was 61. By the time I went to the ER and they did testing, it was 67. No wonder I was feeling dizzy and always fatigued... my body wasn't able to function. I went to RVH and after further testing, they ended up doing a blood transfusion and an iron infusion... I was there for most of the day, and expected to feel better directly after it. Well, I felt worse for a few weeks actually... was constantly freezing, but had night sweats, my chest was hurting - could feel a weird discomfort in my lungs, incredibly tired and had zero energy. It's been a little over a month since the procedure, and I'm finally starting to feel somewhat human again! 

I have been referred to a hematologist, as well as supposed to go for a colonoscopy and a scope down the throat. I guess they want to rule out any kind of internal bleeding and/or cancer. I've been calling around trying to get follow-ups regarding the referrals, and it's taking forever. I truly feel like I moved to a city where I will die if I need to go to the ER. Barrie, Ontario has to have one of the worst hospitals in which there's a major wait for everything. 

I Feel Liken Shit #holidayeating #newyearresolution

The holiday season was very good... spent lots of time with family and friends and had plenty of yummy food. What's the problem? I feel like shit now... my body is not happy with me after indulging on way too many things. I sit back and think of how far I've come since I had the gastric bypass surgery, and it's partially gone to hell. The last two days I haven't been well, and I think it's because of my poor choices the last couple weeks. Been having the dumping syndrome more often, and the fatigue is uncontrollable. I've come to the realization that I have to get back on track... to even be able to properly function.

Yesterday I woke up with pain, took Tylenol and slept half of the day. The same thing happened today... so I've got to get back on track. Forget about the new years resolution... it starts from today. No more crap... no junk food, no sugar, no carbs, no fast food... I'm done with it all. I'm tired of feeling the pain in my gut, and want to get back to being me.

Having A Hard Time Adjusting: Pregnancy Body

For as long as I can remember I've always struggled with my weight. Growing up as a kid, I was made aware of my weight issue and had been placed on almost every diet known to man. At one point in my life I had ballooned well over 300 Lbs, and  truly hated my life at that time. It took a lot of soul searching to get up the courage, to work at losing a huge portion of the weight. The last couple years I managed to get down below 200 Lbs, and I was fairly satisfied, and still had goals that I was working on when it came to weight loss. My next goal was 175 Lbs, and I haven't met that as of yet.

I have been blessed with finding out that I'm pregnant, whereas, I was always told that I would most likely never give birth to my own child - due to health issues. I'm currently 28 weeks pregnant, and having a hard time dealing with the issue of putting on weight. So far I'm at an even 200 Lbs, and terrified of putting more on. I had put on some weight, but then actually lost some. The early months of the pregnancy I had gone up over 210 Lbs, but somehow managed to drop 10 Lbs. Looking at myself in the mirror I'm supposed to see the pregnancy beauty - glow... I just see that I'm a huge hippo. My stomach looks huge, almost like when I was obese before. I hate my body... I feel so fat and ugly and uncomfortable. Nothing fits, and I can't exactly afford pregnancy clothes... which makes me wish I kept some of my old fat clothes from the past.

For those of you who have been following my blog for some time, you most likely read up on my weight loss journey... the gastric bypass surgery and other surgeries I've had. The doctors warn everyone who have the surgeries, of the hanging skin, possible health problems that can come after, etc.... nothing prepared me for this. Dropping weight does help, however, it's still something that is a daily struggle. No doctor can change the thoughts that are in your mind... they will always be there. If you're obese and trying to lose weight, no weight loss pill, diet plan, or surgery will fix your bad habits... it's got to come from within. Having an eating disorder, no matter what type, is a major struggle that will haunt you.

So that's where I'm at right now... my daily struggle to make sure that I eat healthy so that my little angel can grow, but at the same time trying to love myself even when I feel pregnant and fat. Today is a slight downer, but hopefully tomorrow I will be smiling.

Having A Hard Time Adjusting: Pregnancy Body

For as long as I can remember I've always struggled with my weight. Growing up as a kid, I was made aware of my weight issue and had been placed on almost every diet known to man. At one point in my life I had ballooned well over 300 Lbs, and  truly hated my life at that time. It took a lot of soul searching to get up the courage, to work at losing a huge portion of the weight. The last couple years I managed to get down below 200 Lbs, and I was fairly satisfied, and still had goals that I was working on when it came to weight loss. My next goal was 175 Lbs, and I haven't met that as of yet.

I have been blessed with finding out that I'm pregnant, whereas, I was always told that I would most likely never give birth to my own child - due to health issues. I'm currently 28 weeks pregnant, and having a hard time dealing with the issue of putting on weight. So far I'm at an even 200 Lbs, and terrified of putting more on. I had put on some weight, but then actually lost some. The early months of the pregnancy I had gone up over 210 Lbs, but somehow managed to drop 10 Lbs. Looking at myself in the mirror I'm supposed to see the pregnancy beauty - glow... I just see that I'm a huge hippo. My stomach looks huge, almost like when I was obese before. I hate my body... I feel so fat and ugly and uncomfortable. Nothing fits, and I can't exactly afford pregnancy clothes... which makes me wish I kept some of my old fat clothes from the past.

Shaping A Better Future Through Bariatric Surgery

Losing weight can be an extremely difficult task. This is especially true for people who suffer from severe obesity. For these people, regular diets and exercise are often simply not enough to enable them to lose enough weight to live a healthy life. Therefore, they must start to explore other alternatives to lose this weight. One of the most popular methods is bariatric surgery Tampa, more commonly known as weight loss surgery. There are many ways with which modern medical science is capable of enabling people to lose an enormous amount of weight and keep it off. This type of surgery is only meant for people who are extremely obese, not for people who are having trouble losing 20 pounds before beach season. Here are some of the benefits of weight loss surgery.


1. Live a longer life

It does not take a genius to figure out that being obese is very unhealthy. Carrying around literally hundreds of pounds of extra weight can put an enormous strain on the various systems of your body, not the least of which is your heart. Therefore, it stands to reason that when a person has weight loss surgery performed, this will dramatically improve their overall health. Studies have shown that obese people who have weight loss surgery live significantly longer than those who do not.

2. Other diseases are resolved

Obesity is often the root cause of a host of other diseases. Arthritis, asthma, sleep apnea and high blood pressure are just a few of the common health problems that are often brought on by the onset of obesity. These can all be eliminated or significantly reduced once a person's weight is brought under control after weight loss surgery has been performed. The patient's quality of life will be improved dramatically.

3. The weight will stay off

The news often reports about people who are able to lose large amounts of weight. These stories make us feel good and serve as inspiration for many people struggling with weight issues. However, the sad truth is that many of these people gain most or all of their weight back. Needless to say, the news does not report on this fact. Weight loss surgery uses methods that make it extremely difficult for the patient to gain their weight back. One of the most common methods is to place a band on the stomach, limiting the amount of food a person can eat.

Shaping A Better Future Through Bariatric Surgery

Losing weight can be an extremely difficult task. This is especially true for people who suffer from severe obesity. For these people, regular diets and exercise are often simply not enough to enable them to lose enough weight to live a healthy life. Therefore, they must start to explore other alternatives to lose this weight. One of the most popular methods is bariatric surgery Tampa, more commonly known as weight loss surgery. There are many ways with which modern medical science is capable of enabling people to lose an enormous amount of weight and keep it off. This type of surgery is only meant for people who are extremely obese, not for people who are having trouble losing 20 pounds before beach season. Here are some of the benefits of weight loss surgery.

Can't Sleep

Once again I can't sleep. I fell asleep fine, but woke up feeling a little off. I believe my blood sugar was dropping, so I had a little snack. Of course shortly after, I was greeted by a horrible case of dumping syndrome. I didn't eat too much, nor was it fattening or contained too much sugar, and I chewed it as much as I should. I really shouldn't be dumping what I ate... had a low fat protein bar.

Now I'm sitting up at the computer in agony with pain. The pain almost reminds me of when I had gallstones... but I no longer have a gallbladder! I've had dumping syndrome quite a few times lately, and I really shouldn't have. There's no change in diet... so why is this happening all of a sudden? I think I will need to reevaluate my current diet, and possibly make some changes... although I really have no idea what I will do. I guess for starters, I have to get back into the habit of keeping a food diary.

All I know right now is hopefully the pain will pass soon.

Can't Sleep

Once again I can't sleep. I fell asleep fine, but woke up feeling a little off. I believe my blood sugar was dropping, so I had a little snack. Of course shortly after, I was greeted by a horrible case of dumping syndrome. I didn't eat too much, nor was it fattening or contained too much sugar, and I chewed it as much as I should. I really shouldn't be dumping what I ate... had a low fat protein bar.

Now I'm sitting up at the computer in agony with pain. The pain almost reminds me of when I had gallstones... but I no longer have a gallbladder! I've had dumping syndrome quite a few times lately, and I really shouldn't have. There's no change in diet... so why is this happening all of a sudden? I think I will need to reevaluate my current diet, and possibly make some changes... although I really have no idea what I will do. I guess for starters, I have to get back into the habit of keeping a food diary.

All I know right now is hopefully the pain will pass soon.

Where have I been hiding?

Some of you may have been wondering where I've been hiding lately? Well, I'm still here, just going through some stuff. I haven't been around the computer much, as I haven't been feeling the greatest. Not only has my gallbladder been acting up, but I've also been stressed like never before. You're probably wondering what I'm stressed about... well I will fill you in about that later.

I just found out my surgery date to finally have my gallbladder removed... June 1st. Thank God, because I've had several attacks of incredible pain, and it doesn't seem to really matter what I eat that brings it on. I even had an attack after eating Cheerios... which is crazy. Am I scared about this surgery? Hell no... I can't wait for them to rip the damn thing out. If you're someone considering having gastric bypass, expect to have your gallbladder removed sometime after, as rapid weight loss can cause gallstones. I still wouldn't change my decision for the world, as it was one of the most important, best choices of my life.


Now for why I've been stressed... I'm getting married. No, the marriage part doesn't stress me. In fact, I can't wait to finally marry my fiance. The stressful part is that I don't exactly have my mothers blessing. So it looks like both mom and grandma won't be attending my wedding, which is heart breaking for me. She seems to think that if I waited a year everything would be better, however, it's already four years that him and I have been together. I don't need any extra time to know that he's the one, that I love him, and that he makes me happy.

Yes it's an interracial marriage... he's a Hindu Indian and I'm Caucasian Canadian, Scottish/Irish background, Catholic. I'm very open minded when it comes to religion, and his family is quite modern. I find the Hindu religion to be quite fascinating, and peaceful when it comes to visiting the Temple. I have never been so happy before in my life, and no one has ever treated me so good. With him I truly feel like a princess, and he's my best friend... other then my mom of course. Is it the culture that scares her? The religion? Why can't she be happy for me?

So that's some stuff that's been on my mind, and why I've been hiding. Normally when I have stuff on my mind I blog about it, but it's a little awkward when I know there's a possibility that my mother may read it. Just in case... mom... I love you, and I love him... please be there for me.

Where have I been hiding?

Some of you may have been wondering where I've been hiding lately? Well, I'm still here, just going through some stuff. I haven't been around the computer much, as I haven't been feeling the greatest. Not only has my gallbladder been acting up, but I've also been stressed like never before. You're probably wondering what I'm stressed about... well I will fill you in about that later.

I just found out my surgery date to finally have my gallbladder removed... June 1st. Thank God, because I've had several attacks of incredible pain, and it doesn't seem to really matter what I eat that brings it on. I even had an attack after eating Cheerios... which is crazy. Am I scared about this surgery? Hell no... I can't wait for them to rip the damn thing out. If you're someone considering having gastric bypass, expect to have your gallbladder removed sometime after, as rapid weight loss can cause gallstones. I still wouldn't change my decision for the world, as it was one of the most important, best choices of my life.

I feel like shit

I've been awake for a few hours now, and right now I'm in agony. The pain that I had a while ago is back, and I'm debating calling my mom to take me to the hospital. Is it dumping syndrome? I don't know. I had tilapia last night, and that doesn't normally bother me. However, we did go to Red Lobster, and maybe all together it was just too much for my body. I can feel and hear my stomach talking, and I pray that it's just dumping syndrome, and it passes soon.

I'm paranoid as to what I should eat now. If you're going to have gastric bypass surgery, expect to never eat out again. Even the healthy choices of food can still be too much fat. I don't regret the surgery one bit, but I pray that this pain goes away soon. I will update you all later as to how I'm feeling.

I feel like shit

I've been awake for a few hours now, and right now I'm in agony. The pain that I had a while ago is back, and I'm debating calling my mom to take me to the hospital. Is it dumping syndrome? I don't know. I had tilapia last night, and that doesn't normally bother me. However, we did go to Red Lobster, and maybe all together it was just too much for my body. I can feel and hear my stomach talking, and I pray that it's just dumping syndrome, and it passes soon.

I'm paranoid as to what I should eat now. If you're going to have gastric bypass surgery, expect to never eat out again. Even the healthy choices of food can still be too much fat. I don't regret the surgery one bit, but I pray that this pain goes away soon. I will update you all later as to how I'm feeling.

The Blood Sugar Solution, By Mark Hyman, MD: Book Giveaway!

Since I've had weight loss surgery, I've had issues when it comes to my glucose sugar blood levels. Now I find myself having levels that are too low, whereas before when I was overweight, they were borderline too high. I was at the point of possibly becoming a diabetic, and knew I had to do something quick. I was well over 300Lbs, had a few health problems that were starting to surface, and I was getting tired of the way I was living.

I finally made the decision to take my life back, and made a huge decision to have gastric bypass surgery. This procedure may not be for everyone, but I was the perfect candidate. If I could drop some weight, I could turn around time and undo what I had put my body through. Since then I've been focusing on anything health related, and trying to improve my overall health. I came across a wonderful book called Blood Sugar Solution, which is written by Mark Hyman, MD. If you're looking for a wonderful book with excellent health tips, wonderful easy recipes, and information to help prevent disease... this is the book for you!

In THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION, Dr. Mark Hyman reveals that the secret solution to losing weight and preventing not just diabetes but also heart disease, stroke, dementia, and cancer is balanced insulin levels. Dr. Hyman describes the seven keys to achieving wellness-nutrition, hormones, inflammation, digestion, detoxification, energy metabolism, and a calm mind-and explains his revolutionary six-week healthy-living program. With advice on diet, green living, supplements and medication, exercise, and personalizing the plan for optimal results, the book also teaches readers how to maintain lifelong health. Groundbreaking and timely, THE BLOOD SUGAR SOLUTION is the fastest way to lose weight, prevent disease, and feel better than ever.

Now of course a lot of the information in the book is common sense, but there's quite a few health tips and recipes that are awesome. There's something for everyone in this book, and I'm positive that it will peak your interest the moment you flip through it. I'm personally not a fan of big novels, but this is easy to read in sections, and to easily come back whenever you like. Every recipe is made up of all natural ingredients, they will make you feel truly amazing and healthy. I only recommend things that I personally have read/tried, and this is a great book for anyone who wants to take control of their health.

Interested in purchasing a copy for yourself or for someone else? Click here to select a place to purchase!

Thanks to Hachette Book Group, one lucky person will get a chance to win their own copy. To qualify, you must be a resident of either Canada or the USA.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received an item(s) for review for my honest opinion. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own, and others may vary.

 

The Blood Sugar Solution, By Mark Hyman, MD: Book Giveaway!

Since I've had weight loss surgery, I've had issues when it comes to my glucose sugar blood levels. Now I find myself having levels that are too low, whereas before when I was overweight, they were borderline too high. I was at the point of possibly becoming a diabetic, and knew I had to do something quick. I was well over 300Lbs, had a few health problems that were starting to surface, and I was getting tired of the way I was living.

I finally made the decision to take my life back, and made a huge decision to have gastric bypass surgery. This procedure may not be for everyone, but I was the perfect candidate. If I could drop some weight, I could turn around time and undo what I had put my body through. Since then I've been focusing on anything health related, and trying to improve my overall health. I came across a wonderful book called Blood Sugar Solution, which is written by Mark Hyman, MD. If you're looking for a wonderful book with excellent health tips, wonderful easy recipes, and information to help prevent disease... this is the book for you!

Diabetic Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome is a condition common after most types of stomach surgery, gastric bypass for example. However, dumping syndrome is also common in those suffering from diabetes. Find out how to prevent dumping syndrome and what treatments are available for this condition.

Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome occurs when undigested food passes into the small intestine too quickly. A valve located at the top and bottom of the stomach acts as a acid-filled storage tank. It takes food and breaks it down into small parts so that it can pass into the small intestine slowly. However, when dumping occurs, food goes into the small intestine too quickly and only mixes with saliva and not the acid needed to break food down at a slow pace.


When food passes into the small intestine at this fast rate, the small intestine dilutes the food by means of the water recruitment process. Water recruitment is the process of water flushing into the small intestine to dilute food. For diabetics, the higher the sugar content is in food, the more water will come into the small intestine to dilute the food. This begins early dumping syndrome and can lead to late dumping syndrome.

Early Dumping 

Early dumping takes place about 45 minutes after eating. These symptoms do not endanger life but can be frightening and very uncomfortable. Early signs of dumping include: weakness and fainting, sweating, irregular or rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, flushed skin, dizziness, shortness of breath, vomiting, and diarrhea or cramps. Late Dumping Late dumping takes place two to three hours after eating. Late dumping is the result too much insulin building up because of food and fluid going into the small intestine at such a fast rate. High amounts of insulin lower low blood glucose levels and late dumping results. The signs of late dumping syndrome are: perspiration, hunger, shakiness, anxiety, difficulty in concentrating, exhaustion, and faintness. 

Prevention/Solution

In dealing with dumping syndrome, prevention is the key. Prevent dumping syndrome by not eating foods that cause dumping. Fats high in sugar content, starches, and fried foods contribute to dumping syndrome. Eat small balanced meals throughout the day and include high-protein foods like lean meats, eggs, cheese, nuts, toast, potatoes, and whole grain items. Milk and other milk products can also promote dumping syndrome, so choose these products wisely.

Treatment for Dumping Syndrome

If early dumping occurs, lay down from 45 minutes until signs of early dumping subside. This will decrease the chance of fainting. Treat late dumping by eating a hard piece of sugar candy, drinking juice or a sugar sweetened soft drink. Allow these methods to stop low blood sugar. Also, eating the recommended amount of fiber in foods like fruits, vegetables and grains can reduce the chances of late dumping.

Acarbose and octreortide are medical remedies to dumping syndrome. Acarbose will slow down food absorption and keep blood glucose levels even. Octreotide, a man-made protein, stops insulin release because it slows down the process of food entering the small intestine.

 

Diabetic Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome is a condition common after most types of stomach surgery, gastric bypass for example. However, dumping syndrome is also common in those suffering from diabetes. Find out how to prevent dumping syndrome and what treatments are available for this condition.

Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome occurs when undigested food passes into the small intestine too quickly. A valve located at the top and bottom of the stomach acts as a acid-filled storage tank. It takes food and breaks it down into small parts so that it can pass into the small intestine slowly. However, when dumping occurs, food goes into the small intestine too quickly and only mixes with saliva and not the acid needed to break food down at a slow pace.

Friday Update

The last couple days I haven't been feeling the greatest. What's wrong now? God only knows. I've been having pain in my chest, or should I say just below my chest... in the center below the ribs. It's not as bad as before when I could barely move from pain, but the annoying ache is there. Hmmm... I'm afraid it could be my gallbladder, or a gallstone. Why? It's very common after gastric bypass surgery to have that problem. I realized after having the surgery, that I could have had my gallbladder removed at the same time, to help prevent this from happening. Grrr... the surgeon should have mentioned this. Maybe I'm just overreacting, as that's something I always seem to do. Hopefully the pain will just disappear, but until then, I will be very careful about what I eat.

Friday Update

The last couple days I haven't been feeling the greatest. What's wrong now? God only knows. I've been having pain in my chest, or should I say just below my chest... in the center below the ribs. It's not as bad as before when I could barely move from pain, but the annoying ache is there. Hmmm... I'm afraid it could be my gallbladder, or a gallstone. Why? It's very common after gastric bypass surgery to have that problem. I realized after having the surgery, that I could have had my gallbladder removed at the same time, to help prevent this from happening. Grrr... the surgeon should have mentioned this. Maybe I'm just overreacting, as that's something I always seem to do. Hopefully the pain will just disappear, but until then, I will be very careful about what I eat.

Mid Week Update!

Happy Wednesday everyone. For those of you who work during the week, it's almost over! Dammit, my cat is in front of the computer screen, and I'm trying to write. Grrr... silly cat!

The last few days I haven't been feeling so hot. Once again food seems to be going right through me. Damn dumping syndrome. Sometimes it happens no matter what I eat, and it can be embarrassing if I try to go out. Now I don't mean vomiting everything, I mean dumping syndrome as in the other end. In the beginning I used to get the dumping syndrome where I'd vomit what I ate, but now it's the other way around. Not fun if you're trying to work, or live a normal life. Sometimes I'm afraid to eat, but at the same time I have to because my sugar will drop too low. I traded one problem for new ones. I still don't regret having gastric bypass surgery, as I would do it a million times over.

So far I've lost 115Lbs, and I'm getting closer to my goal. My next goal is to get down to 175Lbs, as I'm 185Lbs currently. Then the following goal is to get down to 150Lbs. My overall goal is to be 130Lbs, as I'm 5'5. I am determined to get down to 150Lbs by the summer, the only thing is I will hate having to wear a girdle in the summer heat. I'm happy to have lost so much weight, but I hate the hanging skin that I'm stuck with. Obviously I'm going to have to surgically have it removed, but it's too soon to even think of that.