Saved by Vitamins!

FedEx delivered a much needed package tonight. My vitamins arrived!

I've decided to try out the renewal program at Bariatric Advantage. With the renewal program I get free shipping and don't have to remember putting in my order. How convenient!

I ordered the VitaBand Chewable Multivitamin in watermelon flavor. It doesn't taste like watermelon at all if you ask me, but I still think it's better than the lemon or mixed berry. In fact, I think I would describe these vitamins the same way Shelly describes protein powders......"they taste like monkey's ass!"

I ordered a ton of the chewable calcium in chocolate flavor. Those taste like dessert. They are delicious so just make sure to remember that they are vitamins.

I'll be expecting another shipment in 90 days.

Protein Powder

I ordered my first container of protein powder last night. Shelly at theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com believes that Max Protein Powder is the best, so I'll give it a whirl. I'm super excited!
I don't know if I could have ordered it at a better time. I just love hot cocoa with all this cold weather, but there is absolutely nothing nutritional about the stuff. It's just calories, but if I can make hot cocoa with the protein powder I'll get getting loads of protein.

What protein powders do you recommend?

Tiny Victories

I'm finally down a couple more pounds. When I stood on the scale this morning it said 200! I could hardly believe my eyes. That means I'm only 1 pound away from being in ONEderland! I'm so excited! I don't think I've seen any number in the 100s in the past 9 years or longer.

In case you weren't aware of this I had another surgery recently. It was actually 3 months to the date after my gastrectomy. This time I had a parathyroidectomy.

While I was in the hospital I gained 4 pounds. 4 pounds in 2 days!!! I was so upset. I followed my healthy eating plan and didn't even eat much, but still gained weight. It must have been from all the fluids they pumped me up with and the lying around. I've been recovering so that 4 pounds took me over a week to lose. I'm sure it would have come off sooner if I had been exercising, but there hasn't been any of that going on at all. On a positive note, I'm only 11 pounds away from my personal goal I'd like to reach by Christmas day. That makes me very happy!

Obesity Help

I did it! I've been meaning to sign up for months, but never got around to it. I finally registered on ObesityHelp.com. I'm pumped!!!

I could beat myself up about taking so long, but it's better to join late than never, right?

If you're not familiar with Obesity Help, it's an online weight-loss community. Just think of it as a GIANT support group. We all have something in common too.... we're striving to be healthy!

I've been posting on my profile, posting questions, posting responses to other people's questions, providing encouragement, and even sharing recipes. It's wonderful!

The Cup

Nope, I'm not talking about a coffee cup. I'm talking about cup sizes. Oh, yes!

It's both embarrassing and odd to think that just a few months ago I owned and was actually wearing 42DD/42DDD bras. Well, those days are over!

I'm currently wearing a 38DDD, but it's getting a little big. Praise God for that!

While I was at the mall today I stumbled into Victoria's Secret. I had them size me for a bra and the nice young lady informed me that I should be wearing a 36DD. Holy Toledo! I'm finally in a size that VS makes and no longer have to buy my bras at Lane Giant. What a relief..... What excitement! As a "professional shopper" I'm aware that they're having their semi-annual sale in January. You better believe I'll be purchasing a new VS bra that month. Who knows, maybe by then I'll be even a little smaller.

No-Pasta Lasagna

Renee's No-Pasta Lasagna

- It's high protein, low fat, and low carb. Yum!

2 lbs. 93/7 lean ground turkey

12 oz. tomato paste

16 oz. low-fat cottage cheese

2 eggs

2 zucchini (use a veggie peeler and make strips)

1 c. water

8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded

Italian cheeses blend (optional)

Italian seasoning to taste

Fresh Basil (I use basil paste found in the refrigerated section of the produce department)

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

Fresh sliced tomatoes (optional)

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees
• Brown turkey and drain
• Add tomato paste and water to turkey
• Add spices to meat mixture and simmer
• Slice zucchini into super thin slices (I use a veggie peeler) (I bet it would be great if it were pre-sauteed in a skillet, too)
• In a bowl, combine egg and cottage cheese; mix well
• In a 9x13 baking dish, spread out a very thin layer of meat mixture
• Add a sprinkling of mozzarella
• Add 1/3 of zucchini slices
• Add 1/2 cottage cheese mixture
• Add a thin layer of meat mixture
• Add another sprinkling of mozzarella
• Add 1/3 of zucchini slices
• Add 1/2 cottage cheese mixture
• Add 1/3 of zucchini slices
• Add remaining meat mixture
• Add remaining mozzarella

I like to add a blend of Italian cheeses to top it off. Then I add sliced tomatoes and sprinkle with more Italian seasoning.

You don't have to follow the layering order exactly, just have FUN!

Bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Size Update

Shirts: Large or Medium

Pants/Skirts: 14 or 12

Dress: Large