Anyone out there have this?

I have a symptom, diagnose me internets! 

Kirstie Alley's Weight Regain

She was the Jenny Craig Spokeswoman, showed her new body off in a bikini a couple years ago, now she's regained.  My initial reaction is SO WHAT. 

But, I have to wonder if the pressure of BEING a spokesperson for a diet system actually backfired.  You can't be paid to maintain an image an not be completely. stressed. out. about it.

(Diets don't WORK.)  *Edited to add, typically.

From an article in People in 2007: 

"I don't think of myself as a role model for weight loss as much as a role model for tenacity," she says. "I like being a role model so women know that they can change anything they want to change – any time."

Kirstie is on Oprah today to discuss her recent regain.

It was an eye-popping moment on The Oprah Show—Kirstie Alley in a bikini. Two and a half years later, she's going public again with a big admission.

If she were any other typical American (not in the public eye) it would be no big deal, regain happens.  She's very brave to discuss the issue, I commend her for that.

This is a reason why I get irritated when I see people say/write "___ pounds gone FOREVER." 

Forever is usually a very short-lived time, for "dieters" it's *typically (your mileage may vary) extraordinarily short. 

For weight loss surgery folks it can vary dramatically.    Some post-ops are fortunate enough to lose it all and stay that way after surgery, but I see a bigger majority either regain, struggle to maintain or 'diet" constantly. 

Regardless of how you lose weight - it's a life-long commitment to the change for most in order to maintain.  We are all human and slip up at times, whether it's via gaining some weight back, or in other areas, it happens.

We have to work on life long health, not "pounds gone" forever, because if you hold yourself to that specific statement, how do you feel about yourself if some/lots/all pounds revisit?

I assembled food today!

I know - it rarely happens.  I mean, I assembled food.  I might have one child eat it - but - whatever.  It would be easy to make food for just me, how easy to be a post-RNY living alone?!  OMG.  (You have to understand, they eat nothing.  I have to make meat or poultry and broccoli most real dinner nights.  UGH.)

Anyway.  I have been craving a tomato mozzarella salad.

Here's what I dumped in a bowl!  Very complicated.

• 1 container fresh SMALL mozzarella balls, I cut them in quarters because they were still about large grape size, and I wanted to spread the wealth.  (My favorite part.)
• 1 container grape tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 can cannelini beans
• 1 can artichoke hearts in brine, drained, cut in fourths
• 1/2 can black olives
• Olive Oil (Drizzled)
• Basil (Fresh would have been better, but my plant is SO tiny, I used dry)
• Minced Garlic
• Parsley
• Salt + Pepper

I don't measure - I just dump - to taste.  Mix all.  Eat.  I scooped it into little plastic containers, because it's likely it's just for me.  Which is fine, too.  :P

MAKE IT STOP.

A child has died in Houston, TX from the swine flu.  Please, please make this stop.  We are all going to get crazy panicked about this.  I got three reverse 911 calls last night, asking that I keep my children home from school if they show symptoms, and to report fever + flu symptoms to the town.  My husband got an emergency email at work - they have banned any business in Mexico (not that he would ever need to go...) and further instructions to come.

...and there's a couple kids with the virus in my state.  Hooray.

Do we all just STOP everything for a while and let the "air clear?"  Or what?!

Also, a coupon...

At Bodybuilding dot com:

Limited Time Special!
	For a limited time, get an extra $2.00 off your purchase of our already discounted CLICK Espresso Protein Drink! To get your extra $2.00 off discount, when checking out use the promotional code:
2offCLICKProtein

I love things.

 

(This is my backyard after fertilizing it, it brought out the dandelions!)

I was going to write about this tabloid article, it is a tabloid, right?  Because I want to know why this is printed - did they pay her for the story?  If so - we have been a nasty tabloid story.  :( 

My family has had 'take-away' food since very early on.  When my first two kids were very young, my husband managed a McDonald's for crying out loud - you don't think my babies didn't eat The McNuggets?   Yeah.  I always offered more choices, and made food, but it's never been perfect, and I used to represent that size as well, the both of us.  You should have SEEN the looks we would get while shopping.  "Those two can't be good parents, just LOOK at the size of them." 

Now, it's different, not a soul looks on us negatively regarding our size, but sometimes I will get a look or comment about my children, which is worse.  "Well, she's a big girl, eh?"  Today, even a nice comment was sort of a backwards hit, "I can't reach the teeth in the back because your cute cheeks are so big!"  My kid responded with, "That because I look like my baby cousin, and I have baby cheeks."

But, we made it through a dental appointment for FOUR today, two of the kids went without a problem, the problem child needed about ten minutes of coaxing, and I hid behind the wall while she asked a thousand questions, because her brother told her "They're going to use a sharp hook in your mouth."  Thanks, kid.  Anyway - we got them through with four cavities total.  Whew.

Myself however, the reason I haven't been in so long came flooding back as soon as I checked OUT.  "You've got $1,000 yearly benefit, most of which you've used today."  Beth needs a billionty cavities filled, an extraction and gum disease treatment, out of pocket. 

You can imagine the response at the desk from Mr. I'm Not Even Getting An Appointment Because I Am Not Paying That Much For Fucking Teeth.  (He always thinks there's a better deal out there.  "Find another dentist."  If there were a drive-through Wal*Mart clinic, he'd be all over it.)

At least they were nice enough to suggest I might want to break the items into separate appointments, right?  They suggest two or three things at once.  I asked if I could do ONE at a time and hope that I can get TWELVE rides to TWELVE (or so...) appointments and pay a hundred or two each time.  Fun! Fun! Fun!  I scheduled four so far. 

I was aware I had some cavities and gum issues starting, I am just lucky that my teeth look okay.  This started after I lost all the weight, and my Vitamin D tanked.  I went one time with an emergency pain issue - and it needed a root canal - I couldn't afford the treatment.  I asked the dentist to rip it out.  Done.  Cheaply.

Now, do I pay the mortgage, or let my teeth fall out?  O-o

PB2 in SAMPLE Packs!

It's about time.  First CLICK samples, now PB2!  Woot.

A review of the stuff.

So here.

Bariatric Advantage Liquid Vitamin D3 10,000 IU

"Bariatric Advantage Liquid Vitamin D3 is designed to facilitate ease of dosing for those who need a high potency Vitamin D product. Our liquid vitamin D is a unique sugar-free formula of vitamin D3 in a suspension of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). It is very pleasant tasting and offers the easy ability to dose either 10,000 IU (a full-dropper) or 5,000 IU of vitamin D. This is a great solution for those who need to maintain their vitamin D levels and support bone health."

This is great- Vitamin D supplement options with much higher D levels for us with low vitamin D.  Haven't tried it - it's new.

Win $10,000 of Energy Star Kenmore Appliances!

Yes please.  Enter now.

With like-minded missions focusing on the environment and sustainability, Stonyfield Farm and the Environmental Protection Agency are testing people's energy efficiency IQ and offering up some home efficiency tips with a Home Energy Quiz sweepstakes.

And one lucky winner of the Stonyfield ENERGY STAR - Qualified Appliance Sweepstakes will win $10,000 worth of ENERGY STAR-qualified Kenmore appliances from Sears.

Stonyfield fans can take the Home Energy Quiz to enter on line or by mail from April 1, 2009 until June 15th, when a winner will be randomly chosen from the entries received. Complete rules and entry forms can be found at www.stonyfield.com or www.kenmore.com.

"We want people to test their home energy use knowledge by taking our Home Energy Quiz," says Stonyfield Farm President and CE-Yo Gary Hirshberg. "Even those who consider themselves experts in home energy efficiency might learn a thing or two, saving energy and the planet while saving money."

The average American household spends more than $2,000 a year on energy bills, but the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR program can help reduce energy costs by over a third (about $700).

The ENERGY STAR-Qualified Appliance Sweepstakes is being promoted via Stonyfield Farm yogurt lids. Anyone can complete Stonyfield's Home Energy Quiz to be entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to win $10,000 in Sears gift cards to be used to purchase ENERGY STAR-qualified Kenmore appliances - the nation's leading appliance brand.

And, if you win, and do not want your winnings, send 'em my way, I'll share.

Yikes.

Dr. Oz just said on The View, that we should be prepared for the possibility of not being able to go to work or school, because of the swine flu.  Lovely.

http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=11226

Invasion! Help!

Identify these fuckers. 

^{(My apologies.  I <3 nature and all it's little creatures, HOWEVER.  When you come in to my personal space, and screw with my laundry, it's ON.)}

Again, another in the list of shit to deal with in this house.  These little jerks were here in ones or twos in the fall, dead.  I asked a bug guy to do something to take care of them, he had no clue what they were, as he was here to deal with the BEE problem we have.

Bees, ticks, and little wormy millipede-ys that are coming in like crazy.  My first search suggests they want WATER, and WATER we have, the basement leaks during a hard rain from the run off.  Fine.  We have to fix that somehow, but WHAT ARE THESE!?!  They are freaking the kids out, as we keep finding them and today ON MY LAUNDRY.

Make them GO away.

Baconnaise + Bacon Salt. Everything tastes better slathered in pig. ON OPRAH!!!

Here's my MM review of the stuff, from last fall. :)

Detainees "tortured" with 1,000 calorie diets?

Source:

In an effort to rationalize the use of dietary manipulation on detainees, Bush administration officials turned to Slim Fast and Jenny Craig.

In a footnote to a May 10, 2005, memorandum from the Office of Legal Council, the Bush attorney general's office argued that restricting the caloric intake of terrorist suspects to 1000 calories a day was medically safe because people in the United States were dieting along those lines voluntarily.

"While detainees subject to dietary manipulation are obviously situated differently from individuals who voluntarily engage in commercial weight-loss programs, we note that widely available commercial weight-loss programs in the United States employ diets of 1000 kcal/day for sustain periods of weeks or longer without requiring medical supervision," read the footnote. "While we do not equate commercial weight loss programs and this interrogation technique, the fact that these calorie levels are used in the weight-loss programs, in our view, is instructive in evaluating the medical safety of the interrogation technique."

This is what happens when you're kicked out of the fridge + WT pot farm.

Until they fall.  She can stick to the tuna cans, nobody eats it.

In CAPS! I WANT TO SAVE YOUR LIFE!

Wait, you want to what?  I think the title of the show is a bit dramatic.

"I Want To Save Your Life"

It's fatervention!

Don't watch this one underneath unless you're a glutton for punishment, or want a view of my house. LMAO.

*

The flowers from last weekend's wedding center piece.

They smelled AMAZING all week long, except that it was like a funeral home. I love them, they are, friendly?

isopure PLUS zero carb clear whey protein drink

Thick milky protein shakes?  If those aren't your thing, or sometimes you really, really need to change it up and have something clear and fruity.  If you haven't already tried Isopure Plus, you're missing out.   It's good stuff, and perfect for the weight loss surgery patient. 

Check out these stats:

"Compliance with post-operative dietary guidelines is very important, but it can be tough to find variety in the foods and drinks that fit into your new diet. In general, the post-bariatric surgery diet includes foods that are high in protein, and low in fat, fiber, calories, and sugar. If you're recovering from weight loss surgery, turn to Isopure Plus Zero Carb Protein Drink to get the protein you need without the extra calories from carbohydrates.

With just 60 calories and no sugar, lactose, fat, gluten, or carbohydrates, Isopure Plus Zero Carb Protein Drink is the refreshingly clear alternative to traditional ready-to-drink protein shakes and powders. It contains 15 grams of ion-exchange whey protein isolate in a great-tasting, clear formula that goes down easily. You'll also appreciate the convenient grab-and-go size of Isopure Plus' single-serving, eight-ounce plastic bottles.

If you're currently preparing for weight loss surgery, your doctor may recommend starting a diet that's high in protein and low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. Delicious, convenient, and packed with protein, Isopure Plus Zero Carb Protein Drink is a must-have addition to your shopping list!"

Isopure has updated the website with all new information about Isopure Plus, check it out!

60 calories, 15 grams of protein, and totally sugar and carb-free.  Much easier to handle than the previous big twenty ounce glass bottles, yes?  I would venture to assume this is targeted to bariatric babies, and those with compromised systems, taking in very little food.  It's also a perfect supplement for those in compromised health or while you're sick:

Great news for sensitive stomachs! Isopure Plus is easy to drink and free from lactose, which can cause stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, cramps, and bloating in some people. Fat and gluten are two other ingredients you won't find in our nutritional and protein drinks.*   What you will find is 15 grams of ion-exchange whey protein isolate. That's more high-quality protein per eight-ounce bottle than most other nutrition drinks, in a formula that's clear and goes down easily.

Isopure Plus is the first clear nutrition beverage for people who need pure quality protein for specific medical and nutritional needs. Anyone suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS, recovering from Gastric Bypass surgery or simply unable to digest protein solids needs an easily digested, stomach-friendly and lactose free alternative to Boost and Ensure.

Isopure Plus Zero Carb Protein Drink is ideal for diabetics and gastric bypass surgery patients as well as for anyone who wants to minimize their carb intake.

Isopure Plus 0 Carb features (per 8 oz. bottle):
• 15 grams of protein (100% pure whey protein isolate)
• Zero Fat
• Zero Carbs
• 60 Calories
• Lactose Free
• Gluten Free

On first glance, I am very happy to see this product as a reformulated eight ounce drink.  The original Isopure in the glass bottles was one of my saving proteins as an early post-op, but twenty ounce glass bottles.  Really.

Bottoms up.

The smell:  slightly fruit punchy.  

The texture:  it's a clear liquid, not exactly h20, but more viscous, but juuuuust slightly.  It's just a step above water.  Please note this is coming from the girl who won't LOOK at Jello products without wretching.  I know texture.)  It's completely smooth of course, and entirely pleasant to my sensory integration system.

The taste:  Muted fruit punch, like diluted LIGHT Hawaiian Punch, but with whey!  The protein is not quite evident, but you know it's there.

The aftertaste:  There's a lack of protein after-tongue-feel.  HOORAY.  I do not feel the urge to brush my tongue as with other whey products.

• Product -  isopure PLUS
• Via -  http://isopureplus.com/
• Available at Gastric Bypass Supplements
  
• Price -  $2 each, $11-$12.99 per six pack, $40 case.
• Pros - 60 calories, 15 grams of pure whey protein, perfect supplemental protein nutrition for bariatric patients.
• Cons - None, really.
• Rating - Absolutely pouchworthy ^MM

Give me strength, or duct tape and Benadryl.

I am kidding.  Please take in to consideration where that is coming from.

I bribed, begged, and pleaded for my middle kids outside to play a little while ago. 

They are beyond bored.  We cleaned two bedrooms, ate lunch, moved the Wii up to the family room, yadda yadda yadda... but they have 'nothing to dooooooo.'

I told them to check a house out back (in my sight) for signs of kids to play with.  No dice.  They were told to look there and come back.  They did not.  (Again, this is why living in the HOOD is preferable.  They did not have to look for playmates.) 

We are SO scared these days - that kids are not allowed to take off and play.  I don't know how it is where you are:  but kids just don't go play.  It's sad.  (I used to.  I feel really old right now.  I am an 80's kid, I played outside all the time, in the woods no less!)  Did kids just *not* get abducted then - or are we just hypersensitive to it now? 

My son said that the reason he did not come right back, is that he listened to me:  Do not leave your sister's side.  Come back with her.  She wanted to check a little further "Look!  There's kids right there!" and he had to stay with her.  They did find kids from their classes - and stayed to play.  But.  I couldn't see/hear or find them.  You can see where this is going.  Maybe if we had cell phone contact this time or in the future - I could allow them to go out of range to play?  I don't know, do you?  I was helpless, in the yard, going as far as I could out of the range of MY house phone two and half year old in tow - YELLING for them.

It ended well, aside from the girl's tears, "But I told them I would be right back to play!  I lieeeeeed to them!"

But, now, they're glued to the yard if I can actually get them out to play.  Forget a swing set, I am going to need fencing. 

Swingin'

"I wan fwing set." 

We had one two houses ago, a wooden set that was a bitch and a half to assemble and took several boys to do so.  As much as I wish we took it along with us, there really was no way.  It is still up at that house.  We have the perfect set up here for a serious play set or three.  And then I hit up Google, the first thing I see, a set that requires a mortgage.  Wow.  Even small ones are a big expense, and we only realistically have two kids that will actually use it, so it's not likely we will, but it's nice to window shop.