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Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving. Remember all in Moderation. Allow yourself a couple extra calories today but do the work also. Walk a little further, do that extra thirty min in the gym. Enjoy but don't overdo it. This is one day that if left unchecked could become the spiral down.

On another note I am on my way to Denver for eye surgery. For some reason my retina is detaching from my eye and wouldn't you know the only specialist where I live is on vacation. So it is road trip time. Hope to be back next week,

Have a great day

May the Lord give us all safe journeys this week / end.

Tom

A Message to Friends and Family

So every year friends and family ask me "what do you want for Christmas" and every year I tell them Nothing. They still go out and get something, So this year I am letting all know. If you are going to get me anything what I need most is a membership to the Gym. So if you want to you can donate to the cause. I am not sure of the prices but I know you can go together and get punch cards that are way cheaper. So there you are. If any of my new friends wish to help I do have a PayPal account. And believe me a dollar is a dollar closer to a membership. Hope you all not think this is tacky but we are talking about my life and getting it right the first time. Have a great T day. Easy on the desserts! LOL

Tom

Checking In

So I do not have a lot of time. Getting ready for church. I just wanted to update and explain the weight ticker. The weight that it was showing was to my goal. But actually since Jan 2011 I have lost a whopping 126 pounds. thus the jump in the ticker. The reason I started calculating the entire year is I made it. As of this AM I was down 104 pounds. So we now submit to the insurance company, which will go through; and I have my follow-up with Dr Hanly on November 28. I will have a surgery Date then. Hoping for a Christmas present. Around the third week in Dec. Starting the New Year off with a bang!

So that is the news for today. Have a great night/day depending on where you live. 

Stress Reducers:

Exercise

Deep Breathing

Prayer

Words of Wisdom:

 It is precisely when we have suffered defeat that we can determine to win and open the path to future victory.

May the Lord Bless and Keep you all this moment in Your Life!

Tom 

(Do not know why the ticker is not changing yet?) (should read 126)

Revalation

Why I am angry with myself?

So this took some very interesting turns as I thought about this question. First I had to get the definition correct in my head, I had always thought “anger” and “hate” were the same thing. Now that I more clearly see that they are not it has changed my attitude towards myself and those around me.

So why am I angry with myself:

I knew how to take care of the physical part of my but chose not to. My Mom worked at Russell Stover and would bring home boxes of candy. I would eat a lot of it and then deny doing so. I ate mostly then when I was afraid or sad. Of course being a southern based family everything was fried, fried, or refried. So that was the beginning I believe. But the knowledge was also not there either. The only education I really received was in the winter we had a health class that usually consisted of some 1950’s gov movie which taught us nothing and it seemed like the PE teachers then could care less unless you were a jock.

So that is the long way to get here. I started working in the food industry in Nursing homes where nutrition and healthy foods were the norm. I started learning what was good and not good.  So I now look at me and think what were you thinking. So yes I am angry with myself for getting here but I do not hate myself like I thought I did.

I was working laying flooring in the back bedroom this week and looked over in a full mirror door and thought Oh My! Are you really that big? I did not notice just how big I looked. It was a light bulb minute that reinforced why I have to, Yes have to get this done. No wonder Doctors freak out when they see me. I just never really noticed until this week.

So yes I am angry with myself but in a good way I think. In a productive way that keeps me motivated to not go back to the old ways, not tearing myself down. Coming to the realization that Life is worth living if you make it. This is more than why I am angry and may not even be what you wanted, but it what I wanted and needed to get out. I Am Worth Fighting For!

Stress Reducers:

Laughing when you want to cry

Crying just because you need to

Not holding back. Do Not Lie To YOURSELF

Words of Wisdom:

When you think your Doctor is crazy when he/she recommends therapy. Take another look. It may be exactly what you need!

May the LORD richly bless and Keep you and your Families safe during this Thanksgiving Holiday.

To my friends across the world, What holidays do you celebrate and how?

Your Friend Tom

Days in Days out

Talk about losing yourself. It seems like I am doing so much that I can't get anything done. lol

Things are going great on the weight loss side. I am 3 pounds away from my surgery goal. That means I have lost 96 pounds since May 23rd of this year. 

I will be going to the Bariatric reunion at St Mary's tomorrow night. looking forward to meeting some of the people I have talked to over the phone but have never gotten to meet in person. 

My therapist says she is going to write my clearance letter for surgery next week so it should not be long before I can announce a concrete date for the surgery. It has been a while. But the journey thus far has just been the begging. Just wait and the great stuff is yet to come. 

Since Jan 2011 I have lost a total of   118 pounds. Now with the added tool and a completely different attitude I am on my way to success. 

May the Lord continue to Bless us all in are daily walk!

Tom

Sunday Recipe

So I have a new (to me) recipe. Low caloric and pretty good if I do say.

I guess you could call it Asian chicken  Salad:


Ingredients:
3 oz Baked Skinless-boneless chicken breast
2 cups green salad
1 oz Roasted Pinion Nuts
1 small apple
Asian style Dressing


Directions:
Take and cube your 3 oz chicken. add to salad (lettuces 2 or 3 kinds for variety, scallions, radishes, and bell pepper). Mix then add nuts. (can use almonds or any nut you enjoy) Dice Apple and add to salad. I use the spray dressings so it is 10 sprays. For a little to a lot of heat you can add creole seasoning but watch out it gets hot fast. 


Thats it. Serves one. a very nice meal. 


I hope you try and enjoy it. 


This dish is approx 365 Calories (depending on what you use for dressing and nuts)


Tom

Review

Formal Definitions:

res·o·lu·tion  A formal expression of opinion or intention made, usually after voting, by a formal organization, a legislature, a club, or other group.
VS

re·solve

 to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do no matter what) I have resolved that I shall live life to the fullest. .

How many of us have made those New Years resolutions? I will quit Whatever it is or I will be nice to, or Still yet my FAVORITE I am going on a ["DIET"]!!!!! Talk about four letter words! If I was lucky it lasted until the first gas station I stopped at or the first fast food joint that pop-up, and how that always seemed to happen, Yes you all know what I am saying. The problem I see with resolutions are they are usually made with good intention but never seem to get off the ground.  However when you MAKE the decision to do something and get determined about it, that is resolve. So I say throw the resolution out the window and get that characteristic feature called resolve. When you do you will actually feel the difference physically and you will overcome. Will it be tough? Absolutely. But resolve will see you through. :)

So today being Friday in a lot of work places it may be casual Friday.  So I have decided to watch through the week and post some fun stuff here. I do not know what yet but I am sure I will find something.

Stress reducers:
Meditation
Prayer
Walking

Well a little about me:

I was born in a very small town in Sothern Missouri called Caldwell. Do not ask me about it because at six (6) months old I was on my way to Beautiful Colorado. Well there were times it was not so beautiful but off and on it has been home for 50 years. There were instances that I was elsewhere. Like college in Washington (state), US Army at Ft Benning GA, let me tell you that is not the place to be in July. Arizona, Tennessee, Texas. But I always came back. I am glad I had those opportunities. They are all learning experiences, good and bad; but that is what makes you who you are. Well we will stop there hope this shined some light on your life today.

The following is a small article published by the Mayo Clinic. Thought it was worth notice:

Weight loss basics

By Mayo Clinic staff
Your weight is a balancing act, and calories are part of that equation. Fad diets may promise you that counting crabs or eating a mountain of grapefruit will make the pounds drop off. But when it comes to weight loss, it's calories that count. Weight loss comes down to burning more calories that you take in. You can do that by reducing extra calories from food and beverages and increasing calories burned through physical activity.
Once you understand that equation, you're ready to set your weight-loss goals and make a plan for reaching them. Remember, you don't have to do it alone. Talk to your doctor, family and friends for support. Also, plan smart: Anticipate how you'll handle situations that challenge your resolve and the inevitable minor setbacks.
If you have serious health problems because of your weight, your doctor may suggest weight-loss surgery or medications for you. In this case, you and your doctor will need to thoroughly discuss the potential benefits and the possible risks.
But don't forget the bottom line: The key to successful weight loss is a commitment to making permanent changes in your diet and exercise habits.

May the Lord continue to Bless and Keep you all.

Tom

Getting Closer

Well as you can see I am getting closer to that magic number that will allow me to have the surgery. It has been a long road and one that did not come without daily battles and yes even some losses. But here we are just about 11 pounds from the surgery weight. I feel better and have learned allot about what this is really all about and what a life changing experience it has been. 

So in the coming days I will talk more about what I have learned, what it all means to me, and how it has effected my life and those around me. 

So have a great day and walk with God always. 

Tom

Trying to Get Back in the Saddle!

Hello Old Friend, and to all of you. It has been awhile. My Brother passed away last week after a short battle with lung cancer so I have not really been in the writing mood. I can say the good news to this whole ordeal has been I did not turn to food for comfort. Don't get me wrong, I wanted to real bad. But I chose not to. That is a big step, believe me. 

So for this first blog in a long time I will dedicate to the Memory of my Brother: Robert Wayne Simmons. Born September 19, 1950, Passed on October 16, 2011. He had lung cancer, emphasema, and mold in his lungs. The mold, from what I understand is what got him. His lungs were just to weak to fight off the infection.  


A Vietnam Veteran (Medical Core), Firefighter in Neosho MO., Truck Driver and Mechanic for the last several years. Father of five children, One son by a previous marriage who lives in New Zealand now. Three sons and one daughter all living in Washington. Funeral servises were held today in Connell Washington.  He was preceaded in Death By his Father, all Grandparents and two infant sibling members. 


We pray for comfort and peace among the family members. 


Have a good night and will be back tomorrow and on down the road.


Tom

Just a quick check in

Things are a little stressful right now. My brother went into a coma on Saturday evening and is on life support. He lives in Washington state. So needless to say things are a little shaky right now but otherwise things on target. I am down 81 pounds and still on target for a December surgery date. So if you pray please pray for my brother and his wife and children. Thank you all. 

Tom

Understanding the word "Diet"

What is a diet? In our society today "diet" is what we do to lose weight. Well that is fine if you want to drop the odd ten pounds or so. But for a serious issue with weight it takes much more than a diet.  What it takes is a complete life renovation. I am not just talking about food. Food is actually the easiest part of the whole thing. You have to exercise, get the right amount of sleep, reduce stress in your life, and live different. That is right, live different!

You can't hang with the people you are hanging with if they lead you to drink large sums of empty calories or eat all the wrong things or what ever it was that put you where you are. One thing I learned working with adolescents was the ones who went back to the same environment had a much higher reoffending occurrence than those that changed their environment. You may think that is different but addiction is addiction, plain and simple. So the question for morbid obese folks is, Do you want to live or die? That is what is at stake here. Tough question but in fact it is the question that matters. Do nothing and remain the way you are or fight back and change. These are the same things I struggle with every day, Yes every day. It is not easy but it is one day at a time. Good luck!

Stress Reducers:
Deep Breathing
Rest at Night
Reading

Words of Wisdom:
There never was a wiser man than me until I looked in the mirror and saw the fool staring back.

May the LORD keep us all in his care.

Tom

Just Another Day

Woke up to brrrrr weather this morning. It was so cold two nights ago I dreamt of snow. We went right from hot to cold. What happened to Fall? Well I am inching my way closer and closer to that goal mark for the surgery. I have had people ask me why I need to do surgery. When you are as large as I am it is hard to lose weight after reaching a certain point. The surgery is just a tool to help continue that weight loss. It will still take watching what I eat and exercise just like now.

I received an e-mail from Chris Powell the other day. I had written him a few months back to see if he had any tips to share. I have an application to fill out for his show, Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition. While that sounds like a good thing, I also have to consider what it took me to get to this stage. I may go ahead and fill it out but they get thousands of these apps and only a very few actually get chosen. It is a neat thing, if you have never seen the show; Chris comes to your home for one month to work with you and show you how to work out and eat. Then he leaves and you are on your own, weighing in every three months with him I think. He pays for your food for the one year and leaves you with a fantastic gym that he converts one room of your house into. So there are some perks but what I like over "The Biggest Loser" is that there is no game. you can't be voted off. You are in the program for one year if chosen.

I am now seeing a therapist so I am not to thrilled about this. I do not like dredging up the past. I understand the idea behind therapy and addiction transfer, but I just do not like talking about myself. So I will do my best. The real me, I do not know if I know the real me. I have hidden behind so many masks that I don't know for sure who that is. So we will see. I am hoping to be able to have surgery by December, that would be a nice Christmas present. In the mean time it is time to pull out the coat and gloves ans walk, walk, walk. Figuring that 10,000 steps are five miles then I am doing about 1.25 miles a day now. A long way from the one to two hundred steps I used to do.

So if you are out there thinking it is time ti do something for yourself, get up and get moving. even in the winter time, if you can not afford a gym membership, go to a mall and walk around. Go to Wal Mart, you would be surprised how much walking you can get done there. The idea is ti do it today. Don't procrastinate, the only person that can do this is you. So I hope you are ready to start the first day of the rest of your life now!

Stress Reducers:
Yoga
Meditation/Prayer
Using Positive Affermations

Words of Wisdom:
When someone speaks ill of you or tries to hurt you remember, people who do this are people who are envious of what you are or have. Pity them, pray for them, they are the ones with problems!

May The Lord Continue To Walk With You In Every Step You Take.

Tom

New Pictures 6 Months In

Cuurent at 471 pounds









+

















490 pounds

531 pounds

This was at 571 pounds

Annual Reviews

Well I had my annual review today from my Caseworker. He was impressed that things were going well and I have a plan in place for getting back on my feet. So with that out of the way I can breath a little easier.

So if anyone really reads this I am going to do a week of recipes. Not mine but yours. If you have a recipe you would like to share with me and anyone who reads this please post it in comments or send it to me via email. I am looking for some different ideas. Especially from my friends across the big lake as they say. I would love an idea from Russia, Thailand, Greece, an the many others who have read this blog. So please give me a new recipe to try.

I have started my therapy and have my first working appointment tomorrow. I have done the homework for the most part as I understand it so we will see how it goes. will let you all know afterward.

Therapy is not my favorite thing but I know it is necessary. Food is an addiction just as sure as alcohol or drugs. So the therapy is to prevent me from transferring one addiction to another. So I will do the therapy and learn to control my obsessive behavior. (addiction)

As far as the surgery it self I am looking at a December date. What a Christmas gift hey. I have bumped up my exercise to 3000+ steps a day and lifting 6# weight.  I am feeling better and especially about myself. That is how I win. Doing his for me.

It is rainy and gray today but my spirit is high and getting through. Hope where ever you are no matter what the weather is outside the weather inside is warm and sunny.

Stress Reducers:
Dealing with problems not ignoring them
Walking
Spending time with God

Words of Wisdom:
"I use to complain about my shoes, until I saw a man with no feet"!  Unknown Author

May the Lord guide your steps through this crazy thing called Life!

Tom

Kicking It In The HEE HAW!!!!

So there are the day's that you wonder what is going on and is it worth it all. Worth what all? I am eating, Breathing, and moving around. What is it that I am doing that I would give up, Life, a chance to go back to work, or get off this %^&&##(** disability?

The answer is simple, The mind can make us believe we are doing something extra when we are losing weight. The fact of the matter is we are doing what we should have been doing all along. So out with the stinkin thinkin and onward.

I have bumped the walking up to a little over 1,000 steps three times a day, lifting light weights and drinking my water. They say that 10,000 steps is just right for optimal health. 10,000 steps equal 5 miles. So I am getting over one mile a day, that is a far cry from "the mailbox and back".

So I guess I am just saying when you need to get angry do so but not at anyone, but at yourself and say, look we are going to do this so suck it up and get it done! getting angry is not bad, it is what you do with the anger that can cause trouble.

Here's to better days ahead. Healthier, happier, and more full filling.

Stress Reducers:
Plan ahead
Make sure you follow that plan
Realize you are worth it

Words of Wisdom:
When you know you have gone as far as you can go, Get up and go some more!

May the Lord Bless you all in what ever journey you are on.

Tom

We Interrupt This Story For a Brief Message

Hello all you Delta Colorado area peoples. Don't Miss this chance to get some neat stuff, baked goodies, glass ware, art work, you name it, it is here. If you live in the Delta area, yes I mean Hotchkiss, Cedaredge, Montrose, Grand Junction; come on down to the Seventh-day Adventist Church on the corner of Meeker and 8th street. 762 Meeker. There will be things upstairs and down stairs. Multiple donated goods for a school fund Raiser. Our Church school is trying to raise funds for extra activities. So don't be shy Starting tomorrow at approx 9 O'clock. bring yourself, A sweet tooth but most of all a big heart and a pocket book or wallet, hey even pockets work. See you there.

Be Back tomorrow evening with more journey news. Thank you all for your support

Tom

Rounding Third and Headed Home

Well I am in the home stretch. I have started losing again. Finally!! I have lost 74 pounds. Actually from the very begging of 571 I have lost 96 pounds but I started this blog from the point it became supervised by my medical team. But 94 or 74 WOW that is a lot to lose since the I started.

I received an interesting e-mail today from Chis ...... from the TV program "The weight Loss Edition" I want to say Home Improvement but that was Tim Allen and even though Tim is a supper guy and from Denver by the way, I think you will know what I am rambling about. I had wrote to him about four months ago just to get some ideas for exercise for a person in my predicament. Well he sent me an application to fill out for his program. Now you have to realize that he gets thousands of applications so if I do fill one out it will be a long long shot of getting on.

I once did a video trying to get on "The Biggest Loser" yea that went no where but it was pretty cool that my supervisors boss from Colorado Spring brought his Tech to Delta just to make sure I got the best possible video. They edited it and every thing. If I can find a copy I will post it here just for fun.

So I have 25 pounds to go and I am working on getting it done. I have already made it 3/4 of the way there in about 5 months so I believe I can get this done before the first of the year. My Therapist want me to wait until December anyway so she can work with me and get me ready mentally for this. Oh Yeah I now have a Therapist. More on that later.

So anyway here we are with options, that's new. I do have to say though I still run into the old stigma of being judged by how I look instead of what I can do. I went to Safeway shopping the other day, there is a new young man in our church and I have been trying to find him work. So I asked the manager if they were hiring. She said No. When I told her why I was asking she changed her tune and said have him come in and fill out an application. Now I can not blame her really because I was limping and looked half dead but still, get over it people. Heavy people can work and do most things that anyone else can. OK I am off the soap box now.

Stress Reducers:
Take a nice walk
Deep Breathing
Praying

Words of Wisdom:
Look before you leap, there may be crocodiles down there. :O

May the LORD continue to Bless us all.

Tom

Sunday Recipe On Monday

Where does the time go! I went a picked some fresh vegetables yesterday. It is getting cooler at night so it won't be long till they are froze out. By the time I got around to blog it was already 10:30 pm so I decided to do so today. Now it is a little past two and I am still behind. So I am going to post my Three Bean Chili. This can be made with or without meat so anyone who is a vegetarian will enjoy this also.

             Three Bean Chili
Ingredients

1 pound Ground Turkey or Beef
2 cups Brown/Pinto beans
2 cups Kidney beans
2 cups Ranch style beans
1 can of Italian style chopped tomatoes
1 rounded Tablespoon Bakers Coco
2 Teaspoons of freshly grated Ginger, Powder will do but only about 1 teaspoon. Powder is condensed
1 can chopped tomato /Fresh and skinned will also work
1 small onion, Yellow
1 1/2 packs of Taco Seasoning
Salt & Pepper
If you like hot chili add some hot peppers to you tasted

Directions
Precook Meat until done
Place all ingredients into a slow cooker
cook while at work on med or overnight

Serve with tortillas, crackers or what ever you desire
add shredded cheese and sour cream as a garnish if you desire.

1 serving is 1 cup

Calories will very depending what meat you use if any.

A great supper or lunch dish on a chilly or cold day.

May the Good Lord continue to bless and guide you

Tom

Ramblings Of A ?

Well I have started therapy for bariatric surgery. If any one tells you this is the easy way out it is not. You have doctors you have to see. The more medical problems you currently have the more you have to see. Then there is the psychological  testing and then a therapist to see. Most patients have to see a therapist just because this is a major adjustment to make. You may not think so now but it is.

I lucked out this time and I believe I have someone who will be an asset instead of a deficit. I have seen therapist before for depression and they interjected their belief system on me trying to influence me to there way of thinking. I do not see this happening this time. Matter of fact we are going to use the Bible for positive reinforcement tools. So once again I feel the Father guiding each step carefully and methodically.

I have not been here for a few days. I just could not get myself to set down and write. writers block I guess. I just could not put to words together. But I am fighting through the fog and will get back on task soon. still in a stall mode. down and up, down and up. Do not really know what is going on. I raised my exercise level, I raised my calorie intake back up to where it was suppose to be. just wait it out is all I know to do.

I am starting to be able to go shopping for myself for short periods of time. Still hurts but not as bad as it did. Losing this weight has made a difference, but not as much as I would like.

May the Lord Keep and Protect you in your endeavors this weekend.

Tom

Recipe Sundays / on early monday morning. Sorry

Where did today go. Turned around twice and it was gone. Here it is Monday at 2:30 am but I have to get this done. Been slacking and I can not do that. So how about a not so "lean" recipe but still good once in awhile. A lot of people have asked for this but I never would release it until now. So you all are the only ones I have ever shared this with.

Creamy Chicken Enchilada:

Ingredients
4 Skinless/boneless chicken breast
2 cups Mozzerella Cheese
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 flour Tortillas
8 oz cream cheese (if you want to take it up a notch use cream cheese with chives)
3 cups Fresh Salsa (Pace if fresh is not availabe) my prefference.
Chopped black olives
2 cans of Stokes Green Chili (chicken)
2 cans green chili sauce
1 can chopped green chili
8 oz Sour cream
Salt
Pepper
(I told you this is not a weight watches approved meal) lol

Directions

Cook chickrn breast until done. I boil it but you can bake it or grill it. (DO NOT fry it)

When chicken is done let cool. useing a fork shred chicken in a large mixing bowl.

Add 1 can of Stokes Green chili, 1 can green chili sauce, cream cheese,  4 oz sour cream, olives, green chili's, 1 cup salsa, and mozzerella cheese. stiring with a large spoon mix all ingredients until well combined.

Salt and pepper to taste. Be careful for these sauces and ingredients are salted also.

Warm Tortillas, Place a generous spoon of stuffing onto shell. roll and place in a large baking dish. repeat until all 10 are filled. If there is any stuffing left you may put it around the stuffed tortilla to bake.

In a seperate bowl mix 1 cup salsa, 1 can stokes green chili, and 1 can green chili sauce. Spoon over the top of the enchiladas.

Spread grated cheddar cheese over the top of this and place in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour. Watch closely after 45 min so that cheese does not get overly brown. Remove and let stand for 15 to 20 minutes. top with remaining Sour Cream and salsa.

One serving is 1/2 of a stuffed tortilla. Calorie count, you do not want to know. This is not a meal you would serve on a weekly basis but it works great for a pot luck or a party.

left overs (if any) keep in refridgerater for upto 2 days with no problems.

I hope some of you who have pestered me for years for this recipe are reading this now.

God Bless

Tom

Understanding The Body In Reference To Weight Loss

Well if that title caught your eye and you expect a brilliant answer, Sorry but that is not here. I do not think I will ever understand the body and how it works with weight loss. If you don't eat enough your body kicks into starvation mode and stores fat, if you eat to much it stores the excess as fat. So you have to find the right amount. Now that is where it gets complicated, some say 1200 calories is the right amount; then their is the 1500 opinion, that doesn't do it for me either. So what I have discovered is that everyone is different and what works for one person does not always work for you. I have found that 1800 to 200 calories a day is right for me know. Remember as you lose weight you may have to adjust this. Know I also realized with WLS that that will differ also.

But here is the problem I was having, getting that many calories in 3 meals was hard to do. Eating the right food and getting the calories is something that takes planning and effort. I saw my Doc yesterday and she said to eat snacks and cut back on the portion sizes at one meal. Why didn't I think of that.? I think because I am always looking for that big light bulb answer, when all the time it was the simple one. Kind of like computers, if your computer won't turn on; check to see if it is plugged up first kind of things. (you might be surprised how many times it is unplugged) So I have rewrote my menus and included snacks. I am getting my calories but not all at once. It is the theory that getting to much at once causes the body to store excess. This way it is spread out and not storing.

So see what works for you and do it. Of course exercise is as important as food is. I saw a program a while back that was talking about walking and its benefits. They said if you get 10,000 steps a day you are getting the optimum benefit. Now you may say WHAT? But the fact is that most people get 5,000 or more in their work, Setting at a desk may be less and a construction worker will get more than they so it varies how much you get at work. The other thing to remember is that it is accumulative. So through the day adds up. I, after trying to build back up after hospital; get 225 steps twice a day. but hen their are the trips to the table, bathroom, get the mail. I do not work right now but it adds up still. Take yesterday I went to the doctors, shopping, got gas, and went to Oxygen Plus and then church. that all adds up. So instead of getting 500 yesterday I ended up with almost 1500 steps. That is not bad for me. But you get the idea. Movement equals exercise. Don't fall into the idea that because you have a disability you can't do it. Unless your disability is the type that you can not move your limbs or are bed bound there is something you can do. When you talk on the phone walk around instead of setting eating the popcorn. All movement helps. So get up and get moving.

Stress Reducers:
Love yourself
Love Someone
Love God

Words of Wisdom:
If you are standing under a drip and do not want to get wet, move out from under the drip.

May the Lord continue to Bless you for His glory.

Tom

Bariatric Surgery / A New Book By Mary Lime

This is out of a new book I just purchased. Looks to be a real informative book. The title is "Bariatric Surgery - Around The World One Of The Most Important Medical..."

I bought it on Amazon.com in "Kindle" form. I am sure it will answer some questions for you along with my favorite, "An Experts Guide To Weight Loss Surgery"  By: Dr Garth Davis of Big Medicine. Dr Garth covers the top four procedures in his book from A-Z in simple language. it is a must read for the most bang for your buck, I also purchased my copy of this through Amazon.com.

What Is a Bariatric Procedure?

Bariatric is a medical field that is focused on both the study and treatment of obesity. Bariatric procedure is typically an operation that usually involves gastric bypass surgery or the placement of a gastric band to regulate or treat obesity. There are different variants of bariatric procedures, some of which are performed up to this day.

True gastric bypass surgery is exactly what it sounds like: a part of the gastrointestinal tract is taken out or altered, with the normal route being bypassed. In some instances, the area that is operated on in gastric bypass surgery is the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine that connects the organ to the stomach. Other types of bariatric procedures make use of medical staples to make the stomach smaller. There are also lap bands, essentially adjustable sleeves that are used to constrict the stomach.

While there are different bariatric procedures, most of these share the same goal, which is to reduce the amount of food that people consume or retain in their systems. Because they eat less, their bodies also absorb fewer calories, which then lead to weight loss. Even so, the diet plans will vary according to the physician and the type of procedure administered. For example, some recommend consuming protein and less on carbs, while others prescribe the complete opposite. Even so, these are essentially window dressing, as the weight loss formula remains the same: to lose weight, you will need to consume fewer calories than what you actually burn.

The types of patients who are considered for bariatric surgery are those who are grossly obese, that is, those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. (35 with medical markers) These include those who have tried all sorts of dieting programs and workout routines without much success, which is why bariatric procedure is considered to be the best, and sometimes the only viable option they have. Even so, physicians would still recommend that they strictly follow the tailored diet they are given after their surgery. This may include taking vitamins and supplements, but making lifestyle adjustments remain paramount in order to help them maintain their bodies and their health after surgery.

After the procedure, the type of food and drink they take in are carefully monitored and regulated. This can be difficult for long-time obese patients who may feel that these changes are very drastic, and in truth, it can be. Exercise also plays a large role in post-procedure routines after the recovery period has passed and when they have reached a certain amount of weight loss. The patients' attitudes toward food and eating will also need to be modified so as to retain the long-term effects of their surgery.

The procedure you will go through will depend on several factors, which is why patients who are considering going through a bariatric operation need to have several consultations with a team of specialists to let them know whether it’s the right option for them. After all, surgery isn't for everyone. Furthermore, no matter what surgery recommended by your physician, you will also need a certain amount of willpower and genuinely want to change in order for this to actually be effective.

Like other types of surgeries, bariatric procedures have their own shares of benefits and disadvantages. Surgery is often recommended for people who have previously tried other forms of weight loss strategies without success; because this meant that they've already exhausted all of their other options. The initial procedure is done within a two-year span, which will then lead to a lifetime commitment towards weight control.

In spite of the challenges that they are faced with, the majority of those who chose to go under the knife report that they are satisfied with the results of their surgery. Because they weigh less, there is less strain on their joints and their heart and the risk of getting diabetes is greatly reduced. They also have more energy for doing more physical tasks, and they have better overall health. Lastly, they also feel more attractive, and their relationships have also improved thanks to their level of self-esteem improvement due to the surgery.

Lime, Mary (2011-08-28). "Bariatric Surgery - Around The World One Of The Most Important Medical Procedures That Is Used To Deal With Morbid Obesity Is Bariatric Surgery. A Must Read Book."

My Prayer For You Is That The Lord Walk Daily By Your Side Blessing You In Each Step.


Tom

Recipe Sunday's

Well I am back. I needed away for a bit so took a few days and did not think about writing. So I have chosen a video from Jamie Oliver. I enjoy Jamie's attitude towards cooking. I do not use pork in my dishes however as I say "make it your own". So when he uses pork you can use turkey versions or another meat completely. Jamie uses a lot of different herbs and spices which I believe makes a dish, Today is about soups. This is a two part video. The first is a rustic Itallian tomato soup and part of a chicken soup, the second is a fish stew and the finish of the chicken soup. I do not use shell fish but you know what I say! So Bon Appetit!

http://youtu.be/zbmsf2YWkTg

http://youtu.be/R1yyswGKw7U

Tom

Fact vs Myth

We are going to look at some Facts vs Myths today. These are my thoughts and words and from what I have learned on this journey so far.

1. People who are overweight are lazy.
     This is a long standing misconseption. Most overweight and obese persons are very active. They work, play, and even exercise. This thought they all we do is lay around and eat is not true. This myth has been around for who knows how long. There are usually underlying factor that you can not see. Stress, Depression, Medication, and many other reasons are accomplices to weight gain. The good news is that doctors are seeing more and more what the cause and effect are and they are starting to treat these problems. I can remember when a doctors response to an overweight person was, "just push away from the table". Gladly those doctors are less and less. If yours still think that way I would suggest finding a new, up to date doctor.

2. Surgery is the easy way out.
     This is one of the most absurd things I have ever heard. Who in their right mind would think going under the knife is easy. I am sure this stems from the old thought that bariatric surgery was "cosmetic" and you only had it done to look better. Those days thankfully are fast going by the way side. The most important thing to remember is that Bariatric surgery is not a magic pill. You don't have the surgery and then set back and poof the weight disappears. You have to eat right, exercise, and work with the bariatric team for this to work. If you are thinking of surgery I advise to find a qualified doctor and have a set down to discuss it or find a seminar in your area. Bariatric surgery works if you work it. It is a tool to use to get the weight off. I have heard of people stretching their stomachs and gaining the weight back. My guess would be this person needs to find what the real problem is and work on it with help. The body and mind are a powerful creation and if we are not working to overcome old habits and problems the surgery will not do that.

3. Bariatric surgery takes a long time to recover from.
     In most cases, there are always exceptions; you are out of hospital in two days. With the Lap Band I heard you don't even have to stay in hospital. Most surgeries are completed by laproscopic surgery now and so there is less chance of deep wound infection because you do not have a deep wound to get infected. Any time you go under the knife there are risks and anyone who tells you otherwise is flat wrong. But in my case the risks are just as high if I do not have surgery to have a heart attack or stroke or a number of different life ending problems.
I can tell you this. my blood pressure has already gone down and my cpap pressure has also lowered so there are benefits to weight loss.

4. It does not matter what you eat.
     I use to believe this little myth myself. You can eat whatever you want and lose weight. Well I can tell you first hand this is not true. One of the biggest weight reduction problems are the multiple companies who are out to only make a buck and could care less about the person who is buying the product. I myself have fallen into this category more than once. The only thing I lost was money. I can tell you for me one of the greatest things I ever did was giving up sugar, added and processed in food as much as possible. I also gave up breads, pastas, and processed  flour goods. I contribute this to a major amount of rapid success I have had. 69 pound in just over 5 months.

5. Some people are just born to be large.
     This is one of the biggest myths of all. You are not born to be large unless you are one of the few born to become a "giant" and those are very few. Even those persons are not always overweight. I know there are times you get discourged. I have been there. Why try? Nothing works? It does not bother me? And many other lies we tell ourselves.

If anything I just want to encourage you to do what it takes to reduce your weight. If not surgery, then whatever works for you. The thing is it is for you and no matter what you have heard you are worth the effort.

May the Lord find your walk with Him pleasing in His sight.

Tom

Insomnia and weight loss

Since I have been having trouble sleeping this week I thought I would find an artical on insomnia and the effects on weight loss and share.

Sleep is essential. It is the time when our body replenishes its vital energy by repairing the mental and physical wear-and-tear we suffer during the day. However, our "non-stop" culture has created a sleep-deprived generation. Cell phones, computers, PDAs and 24-hour cable television keep our brains stimulated. The result is Insomnia.

Insomnia is difficulty in falling asleep or trouble in staying asleep. Some people with insomnia may fall asleep but they wake up easily or very early in the morning. And eventually, their health and day-to-day activities get affected due to poor sleep habits. Insomnia causes sleepiness in the day time, affects the ability to concentrate, memorize and perform daily tasks, causes headaches, stress and depression. But what is the connection between Insomnia and weight loss?

In order to understand the link between Insomnia and weight loss it is important to know how much quality sleep we need. Experts believe that adults require seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Studies suggest that sleep loss may increase hunger and affect the body's metabolism, which may make it more difficult to maintain or lose weight. Sleep loss appears to do two things to your weight:

• It makes you feel hungry even if you are full. Sleep loss has been shown to affect the secretion of cortisol, a hormone that regulates appetite. As a result, individuals who lose sleep may continue to feel hungry despite adequate food intake.
• It increases fat storage by interfering with the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates, which leads to high levels of blood sugar. Excess blood sugar promotes the overproduction of insulin, which can lead to the storage of body fat and insulin resistance, a critical step into the development of diabetes.

Quite obviously, insomnia and weight gain is a double problem that needs to be resolved quickly before your health falls apart. If you are experiencing problems sleeping and think your sleeping disorders might be causing you to gain weight, here are a few DOs and DONTs

Dos

• Drink lots of water as a habit.
• Warm milk is supposed to be soothing. It helps sleep, constipation and gastric troubles in some. Herbal teas can also help.
• Exercise regularly, but as a rule, not less than 3 to 4 hours prior to bedtime. Exercise is stimulating for many people.
• Eating slow-burning carbohydrates can help you get a good night sleep
• Establish relaxing pre-sleep rituals, such as a warm bath or a few minutes of reading.
• Give yourself a relaxing massage once in a while.
• Praying before going to sleep may help you to relax and de-stress.
• Improve your sleep environment. Shut out extra light or noise. Improve ventilation.

Don'ts

• Don't go to bed feeling hungry, but don't eat a big meal right before bedtime.
• If you watch TV before bed time try to stop that habit.
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol in the late afternoon and evening.
• If you have trouble sleeping at night, don't nap during the day.
• Avoid snacking on foods that raise your blood sugar levels like white bread, candy and cookies.

Getting your sleep problems diagnosed and treated may be the first step in accomplishing your weight loss goals. If you've tried everything to lose weight and nothing seems to be working, don't give up. Lack of sleep may be keeping you from achieving weight loss success.

Read more: http://www.lifemojo.com/lifestyle/insomnia-and-weight-loss-1270562#ixzz1XDPdWsUN

Time To Reevaluate Menu

I have come to the conclusion that it is time to take another look at my menus.  I have had some trouble the last six days. I have gained around 4 to 5 pounds. It may be the illness and recovery or it may be after losing 70 pounds I need to recalculate what I eat. Now I could never eat what the on-line calculators say I should eat. That would be 4200 calories a day. I do not know where they get that. they need to look at their calculators and reconfigure them. The amount of calories you eat is figured on how much you weigh but there is a cut off there to. No one needs that many calories per day unless you are wanting to gain weight and even then that would be unhealthy. So I will take a look at my food journals and see where I am at. This is why the food journals are so important. If you just go and don't keep track you will have trouble remembering what you were doing six months later. I urge you to keep some kind of food journal.

If you would like a copy of what I do please email me at tomsimmons@q.com or tomsmmns7@gmail.com I would be happy to send you a copy. It does not copy well to here or I would post it here.

I hope you all had a great weekend. I love this time of year. All the great, fresh vegetables are ready for picking and fresh is best. Thank You Pastor Seth for having two green thumbs. He grows the best vegs and melons.

May The Lord Continue To Bless Each One Of You.

Tom

Recipe Sunday / + A Web Site Address

Well once again we start a new week with some recipes, and today a web site I have posted before but worth doing again. I browsed this site today and found a book I had not seen before. I use to collect "Dummies" books just because of the titles so here is a new one for me. "Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook for Dummies". That brought a chuckle to my heart. It is listed on this web site. I will be getting this one for sure.

http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/bariatric-eating.html

Feeling a bit better today and a little clearer thinking.

I have three new recipes today. They are not necessarily Surgery friendly but with a twist or two could be made so. I always say, "Make it your own" and that is what these are.

GRILLED EGGPLANT WITH FETA, MINT, AND CHILI

Side Dish, Appetizer, or snack

Makes 20 rolls

Ingredients:

2 Large Eggplants

4 tablespoons of Olive Oil

8-9 ounces of Feta cheese

1 large Red Chili (finely chopped, seeded) you can leave seeds in if you like hot. *

Large bunch of fresh Mint. (finely chopped, keep a small amount in reserve for garnish)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon.

Black pepper (fresh ground if possible) *

Directions:

Preheat a grill, stove top griddle or broiler to high heat. *

Slice eggplant, lightly brush both sides of eggplant and cook approx 2 minutes, until golden brown and tender.

In a bowl crumble in the Feta, add lemon juice and ½ the zest, Chili, Mint and pepper. (reserve other ½ of zest for garnish.) No salt needed due to Feta.

Take one slice of eggplant, put mixture on the end of lice and roll. Repeat until finished. Place seam side down on plate. Top with reserved mint and zest. May be served warm or cold. *

* = added information

Grilling is preferable but any method of cooking can be used.

Red Chili: Remove seeds and fibrous veins holding seeds to remove heat. The fibers actually contain the most heat.

Black Pepper: Using Fresh herbs and spices are always more favorable.

May use tooth picks to hold roll together if needed.

As always, make it your own. Try other type cheese if you do not like feta. If you do not like heat try Bell pepper also.

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VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH CORNBREAD TOPPING

Main Course

Serves: depending on helping size.

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

2 medium onions

2 cloves Garlic, minced

2 large Red Bell Peppers, seeded and finely diced.

2 teaspoons dried chili flakes

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

3 cardamom pods

1 ½ cups Red Lentils

1 can chopped tomatoes

3 cups tomato pulp or thick puree

3 cups water

3 cups canned red kidney beans

¼ cup tomato ketchup

¼ cup tomato puree

1 Tablespoon unsweetened Cocoa powder

For Cornbread:

¾ teaspoon salt

2 cups cornmeal

2 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon

1 ½ cups Buttermilk

2 eggs

1 teaspoon honey

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1 cup cheddar cheese, coarsely grated

Guacamole:

 4 ripe Avocados

4 Scallions

Juice of two limes

¼ cup cilantro

2 cups Sour cream or 1 ½ cups Greek Yogurt

Paprika to dust

3 ¾ cups cheddar cheese, grated. (less would be better and healthier) (try Low fat)

Directions:

For Chili:

In a large pan that has a lid, heat the oil and add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until tender approximately 10 minutes. Stir in chili, coriander, cumin, and cardamom pods. Add lentils and stir.

 Stir in can of chopped tomatoes, water, kidney beans, ketchup, tomato paste, and cocoa. Bring mixture to a boil, turn down to med low heat and simmer for 45 minutes stirring frequently. If mixture is watery leave lid ajar a little as it cooks.

You can cook this ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve. Could also be cooked in slow cooker overnight or through the day while at work.

For the Cornbread topping:

Combine salt, cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, honey, and oil. Stir into dry mixture. Should become a vivid yellow batter.

Place chili in a 9 X 13 baking dish. Pour batter mixture over chili. (may glob on like dollops if desired)

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over top. (less is better) Bake in oven until cornbread topping is cooked. The time can vary depending on if the chili was cold or hot when baking but approx 25 min is a good rule of thumb @ 425 degrees. Watch carefully as not to over cook.

Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes.

For Guacamole:

While baking chop Avocados, scallions, and cilantro. Add together in bowl with lemon juice. Dust with paprika.

Serve chili bake with a side of Guac, sour cream or yogurt, and cheddar cheese. (this way people can add or delete thing that they wish)

Serve and enjoy!

As always, make it your own. I would use Low Fat Cheese Sparingly, Greek yogurt has less fat and high in protein. The Guac is a nice healthy blend of fresh vegs.

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MUSHROOM STROGANOFF WITH BROWN RICE

Main Course

Serves 8

Ingredients:

1 large onion

2 cloves of Garlic

¼ cp Olive Oil

8 oz Shiitake Mushroom

10 oz Button Mushroom

8 oz Cremini Mushroom

8 oz Field Mushroom

1 Stick of Butter

1 Tablespoon Sea Salt

1 Tablespoon Paprika

½ Tablespoon freshly grated Nutmeg

1 ½ cp Sour cream or 1 cp Greek Yogurt

1/3 cp chopped parsley

Directions:

Peel and quarter the onion and process with the peeled Garlic cloves until finely chopped.

Heat the oil in a large wide pan. Cook onion and Garlic mush until softened but not colored.

Remove stalks from shiitake and slice, quarter buttons and slice, slice cremini, take stalk off field, quarter and slice. Discard stalks.

Add butter to pan when melted add mushrooms. Carefully turn mushrooms in pan. Cover and cook 15 minutes or until mushrooms are at desired consistency.

Take off lid, add salt, paprika, nutmeg, and sour cream or Greek yogurt. Stir and heat for 5 minutes or until hot. Add Parsley and stir. Remove from heat.

On a bed of Brown Rice, Or any rice you prefer; pour mixture over top. Sprinkle a little more parsley over top.

Serve and enjoy!

As always, make it your own. Try sprinkling a little extra nutmeg and paprika on top. Use different type of mushrooms. Use pasta instead of rice. Spinach pasta may give it a new twist and is healthier than regular pastas.

Tom

May The Lord Give You Blessed Health Through Eating