Sitting on the floor at fitbloggin listening to a session about healthy communities. I am thinking this would be the opportune time for a balance ball chair.

A dilemma-monade #fitbloggin #procrastination

It's 94 degrees in my bedroom right now where I should be packing my suitcase in anticipation for my flight out to fitbloggin' 2013 tomorrow morning.  However instead of packing I am playing the "until the very last minute" game because -

• It is 94 degrees in my bedroom
• And I am avoiding all things boob sweat.  (I am currently sweating, sitting still.)

There is also this one thing --  I weighed in at 183 pounds last summer to fall.

fitbloggin' 2012

I now weigh 144 pounds and that is a visible size difference.  

2013

The thing is -- I've been wearing the same clothing regardless of its fit -- which means I probably look a mess quite often in a size 12-14 on a size 8 body.  I likely rock the plumbers crack.  #thumbsup

 

I could use some clothes that fit, but I would rather not until I know I am settled into a size that I am staying in unless I find super-inexpensive deals.  I bought clothing prior to the last set of events I attended - and they're too big now.  

As someone who is pretty much stuck-at-home since I do not drive due to my seizures, I don't shop much at all, and rarely shop online either.  Also:  with five other people in the house, you don't just SHOP for clothes, you have to consider everyone, and we have a list seven miles long of "needs, wants and like-to-haves..." and my stuff sometimes gets bumped.  That's just the long way of saying I can't just run out and shop.  I do not have that luxury.  If I were an employed adult with a dependable weekly paycheck, who could drive myself to the mall?  I suppose I might consider it more often, but I know I'd likely end up spending on the kids first because that's what parents do.  School's out this week.  #brainimplodes  #sendababypool #sendairconditioning #help 

Do you like how I am avoiding?  

It is working.  

I am still sitting here.  

The suitcase is empty.  

I will also mention that it is empty because I did not get a sponsor for this event.  In the spirit of being honest:  I did not try very hard to gain a sponsor.  I did not ask much.  I was quite disheartened after the last event I attended and sort of gave up.   I promised myself that I would not attend another blog conference (...or otherwise) after paying out of pocket in full for the last one that went completely belly-up on me and my entire support group.  I swore I would never do it again, until this time.

I suppose I should attempt to put some poorly fitted clothes in a suitcase now that the sun has moved a bit.   (Still. trying. to. waste. time. here.)

 

However, I've had two good experiences with fitbloggin'.    (A post from last year.)

I am off to Portland, Oregon in the wee hours tomorrow for fitbloggin' 2013 - which is my third trip to fitbloggin' - because they sort of rock.  I went in 2010, 2012 and now this year.  I will be live-blogging a session sponsored by #soyjoy about snacking!  *shrug*  

I like snacking.  

Many blog-friends will also be there!  Check out the list!  WLS bloggers in attendance:

• http://www.meltingmama.net
• http://www.bariatricfoodie.com
• http://www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com
• http://www.beautyandthebypass.com  <-- Speaking!
• And more!

 Watch the blogs - and

• Facebook streams for photos and coverage!  
• #fitbloggin2013 

 

 

Ending TOMORROW - Nominations are open! #OAC #YWM2013

Via OAC -  Nominations END tomorrow!

We are proud to open the nomination process for the OAC’s 2013 Annual Awards that will be presented on Saturday evening, August 17, at the 2^nd Annual Your Weight Matters National Convention in Phoenix, AZ.

Last year, the OAC unveiled its Annual Awards Program as a way to honor outstanding OAC members and volunteers for their tireless efforts to advance the cause of obesity and help individuals affected through education, advocacy and support. Our members truly drive the successes of the OAC, and we are excited to celebrate the individuals that have made a direct impact in furthering the goals and mission of the OAC.

During this year’s awards ceremony held in conjunction with the 2013 National Convention in Phoenix, we will present seven awards in key areas of focus for the OAC. A complete list of the awards to be presented may be found to the right. Of the seven awards, four are open to the membership to submit nominations. The remaining award recipients will be selected by the Annual Awards Program Review Committee.

If you know someone who is deserving of one or more of the OAC’s awards, we encourage you to submit a nomination using the below links. Self-nominations are also welcomed and accepted.

 

Supporting the #WalkFromObesity for the OAC and ASMBS Foundation with the #BBGC

Deadline to Submit Your Nomination: Friday, July 19

 

Candidates for the below awards are nominated by the OAC membership and will be submitted for final review by the OAC Annual Awards Program Review Committee. Self-nominations are accepted. The description, qualifications and criteria for review are available once you click the link provided for the respective award. 

 

#YWM2012 Awards Night with Michelle Vicari

 

• The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, July 19. 

We hope you submit a nomination for the OAC’s Annual Awards and invite you to join us in Phoenix for the presentation. Here are the details of this year’s Awards Ceremony:

Saturday, August 17
7:00 pm – Arizona Grand Ballroom – Conference Center at Arizona Grand

Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
8000 South Arizona Grand
Phoenix, AZ 85044
Plated Sit-down Dinner

Tickets to the 2^nd Annual OAC Awards Dinner are included in Full Convention Registration and can also be purchased separately. To learn more about registering for the Convention and this event, please visit the official Convention Web site at www.YWMConvention.com.

• To view the recipients of the 2012 OAC Annual Awards, please CLICK HERE.

Yay SUMMER - Get hydrated! #momwisdom

Summer starts tomorrow.   Ironically in Massachusetts it's been the one of the WETTEST JUNES on record.  My plants are loving it.  Beth can't seem to get the message - drink. more. water = feel better = grow better?  Moms are always right.

My flowers got the message:

This article is #sponsored by Nestlé® Pure Life® Purified Water-

In order to keep her family on track, some Moms pass down advice through generations; others create their own pieces of wisdom. Sometimes the advice Mom gives can seem a little “out there”, influenced by her own unique traditions and values. But there’s no denying that Mom’s advice always comes from the heart. We celebrate Mom for all of her unique wisdom.

Moms have provided many pure words of wisdom. Listed below is some of our favorite advice.

• “Be patient, breathe, and smile. Everything will always work out.” #momswisdom
• “Don’t be a worrywart” #momswisdom
• “Be independent and follow your dreams.” #momswisdom
• “If someone is giving you a hard time, give them kindness in return.” #momswisdom
• “It’s always better to walk away than to say words you can’t take back.” #momswisdom
• “Don’t let small details upset you. Look at the big picture and what's really important.” #momswisdom
• “Your individuality makes you unique and wonderful.” #momswisdom
• “Mother knows best” #momswisdom
• “Opportunity is always knocking, you just have to listen hard enough to hear it.” #momswisdom
• “Trust your gut instincts.” #momswisdom
• “Learn from your past but do not let it define you.” #momswisdom

Water tips -

• Mom probably gave you some pure wisdom to help you live a healthy life. That’s why Nestlé® Pure Life® wants to help you share some wisdom on how to stay hydrated this summer. 
  
  - Did you know that 60% of an adult body is water? Keep it well hydrated by drinking enough water!
  Source: USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion
  http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/NutritionInsights/Insight27.pdf
  
  - In addition to drinking plain water every day, eating foods with high moisture content—such as fruits and vegetables—could be a good way to increase total water consumption. Water constitutes 90% of most fruits and vegetables and about 50% of meats.  Source: USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

  http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/NutritionInsights/Insight27.pdf
  
  - Drink water instead of sugary drinks when you’re thirsty. Regular soda, energy or sports drinks, and other sweet drinks usually contain added sugar. To manage your daily calorie intake, sip water or other drinks with few or no calories. Source: ChooseMyPlate.gov

  http://choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet19MakeBetterBeverageChoices.pdf
  
  - Drink water with and between your meals. Adults and children take in about 400 calories per day as beverages—drinking water can help you manage your calorie intakes.  Source: ChooseMyPlate.gov
  http://choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet19MakeBetterBeverageChoices.pdf
  
  - Water is a great choice when it comes to daily hydration. Have ready-to-go containers filled with water available in the refrigerator. Place them in lunch boxes or backpacks for easy access when kids are away from home.  Source: ChooseMyPlate.gov

  http://choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet19MakeBetterBeverageChoices.pdf"

- This article is #sponsored by Nestlé® Pure Life® Purified Water  Thank you!  

How do you get in your daily water?  Do you aim for a particular goal?  

It's been... #BBGC

I've got that Barenaked Ladies song "One Week" playing in my head as I write this post --

No words.

#YWM2013 OMG CNN

Via Obesity Action Coalition -

We are proud to announce that the OAC has secured prominent National media coverage and local outlets confirmed to attend this year's ground-breaking event in Phoenix. 

CNN, one of our nation's most long-standing media outlets, has officially confirmed their attendance this year and will join us in Phoenix to provide National coverage of the event. We are honored to have CNN attend this year and showcase the tremendous strides that are being taken to provide the needed education to individuals concerned about weight and health. This is also a unique opportunity to show a major news outlet like CNN a different side to the obesity epidemic, and our hope is that their experience at this year's Convention will foster a broader understanding of the complexities of the issue.

This year, we will also be joined by the local Fox affiliate, which will provide coverage of the event to Phoenix-area residents. Spreading awareness about the cause in local communities is a crucial component and we are excited to expose the local affiliate to our important messages and community.

• I was part of the Inaugural Your Weight Matters National Convention last year and felt the energy and enthusiasm of more than 275 attendees! Join me this year to learn about all things related to weight and health – August 15-18 in Phoenix, AZ. 
• For more information, visit www.YWMConvention.com.

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For Many, Affordable Care Act Won't Cover Bariatric Surgery

A Tongue Patch For Weight Loss

#YWM2013 Convention Contest!

A Tongue Patch For Weight Loss

A tongue-patch to lose weight.  

No, really.

"Dr. Chugay has recently begun performing a revolutionary weight reduction procedure, which he has dubbed the Miracle Patch.  This patch, when surgically applied to the tongue, produces a means to lose weight never before offered by other surgeons.

During a reversible procedure that takes less than an hour, the patient is fitted with a custom patch for the tongue which makes chewing of solid foods very difficult and painful, limiting the patient to a liquid diet. Under the direct supervision of Dr. Chugay and his staff, the patient is put on an easy to follow liquid diet, fulfilling all of their nutritional needs while at the same time minimizing caloric intake and maximizing weight loss results.

Recovery is rapid; and patients are typically able to return to work the following day."

I am intrigued and disturbed at the same time.

As a woman who had her stomach and intestines altered to lose more than 170 pounds I will not judge much (?) the above procedure's level of "OMG YOU DID WHAT TO YOURSELF!?!" because I have heard it all.

But how is this accomplished?  

The doctor takes a piece of mesh - the material used to repair abdominal hernias - and attaches it to your tongue.  Heck, you may already have this stuff inside you.  (Half my family does.  We're all patched together.)

This is supposed to make eating now so. unpleasant. that. you. stop.

You have surgical hernia (repair?) of the tongue.  (I see other uses for this.  Today.   Yes.)

 

I am not a psychologist, but I am a bariatric patient of nearly ten years and professional watcher of post op bariatric patients.  (That's my disclaimer, it's all you get.)  Rapid weight loss by behavior modification of "Eating!  Now Very Difficult And Painful!" can lead to some severe psychological eating issues later on.

Certainly if you're following the "rules of the tongue patch" it should work -- as as very low calorie liquid diet would.  But, add in the benefit of making food no longer a pleasant experience, you might as well add the cost of your therapists bill too.

 Sigh.

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Wada Results

The results are in - 

OBJECT: RECORD EEG DURING A SODIUM AMOBARBITAL EXAMINATION.

FINDINGS:

CONTINUOUS RECORDING: The EEG recording during the performance of this sodium
amobarbital (Wada) test began at 14:57:45. The background consisted of a
normal alpha frequency posterior dominant rhythm with appropriate attenuation
to eye opening. There was intermittent theta frequency slowing and
disorganization in the right posterior temporal region, centered at the T6
electrode, with intermixed sharp transients in that same area.
On review of the video and audio recording, an injection was made at
16:03:12. A few intermixed delta waves were seen broadly in the right
hemisphere shortly after that time, but no sustained slowing or change in
background were noted.

Another injection was made at 16:18:05. Again, a few delta waves were
seen broadly in the right hemisphere shortly after that time, but no sustained
slowing or change in background were noted.

The recording was terminated at 17:00:24.

SLEEP: The patient became drowsy at points during the recording but did not
fall asleep.

CARDIAC MONITOR: Showed a generally regular rhythm.

IMPRESSION: This EEG recording during a sodium amobarbital (Wada) examination
showed a normal alpha frequency background. Despite two amobarbital
injections, no sustained change in EEG was seen at any point, and the
recording was subsequently terminated.

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Protein Water Video Review

Before you even suggest it, this vendor had already packed up and left when Michelle and I tried this product with the CEO of a vitamin company. We tried his personal samples. We were not breaking anyone's Code Of Conduct. KTHANKS.

• Check out Spartos Protein Water on Facebook
• Spartos Protein Water
• Watch our review again, don't forget to SUBSCRIBE!

Ow. WADA Test and I thought I'd at least get dinner before you stuck a needle where?

Yesterday at early-o-clock I went into Boston in preparation for my WADA testing.  This test (like I explained before...) checks the effects of putting the halves of my brain to sleep each side at a time in preparation for eventual epilepsy surgery to remove a section of brain that is suspect for seizure trigger.

The WADA -

The test begins with an angiogram, a test that examines the flow of a dye through the blood vessels. A thin plastic tube (catheter) is introduced through an artery in the inner portion of the upper thigh. A local anesthetic is given to numb the area, and a needle is then inserted into the artery. The tube is threaded through the needle, and the needle is removed. There is some mild discomfort during the local anesthesia, but the rest of the test is painless. The tube is guided up to the carotid artery in the neck. A small amount of contrast dye is injected through the tube into the artery, and x-rays are taken to study the flow of blood in the brain. Some warmth or flashing lights may be experienced with the injection of the dye. Next, the radiologist injects the amobarbital, which quite literally puts almost half of the cerebral hemisphere to sleep for several minutes.

Immediately after the amobarbital injection, tests are given to see how well language and memory are working with half of the brain sleeping. This provides information on the functions of the cerebral hemisphere that is sleeping and the hemisphere that is awake. The same procedure is usually repeated on the opposite side after a delay to ensure that the patient’s level of alertness has returned to normal. 

Soon after reaching the hospital, I got on my fancy headgear (EEG) to measure brain activity and then spent many hours WAITING for the test.

And waiting.  And waiting.  And waiting. 

Which was fine, because then this happened, while totally awake -

Let me tell you - in everything I read prior to this procedure I was AWARE that I would be awake and functioning during the test. I knew that I would "feel" it. I knew that it was only local anesthetic.

BUT HOLY HELL.

That first part (as shown in the video...) hurt like a bitch. The only way I could describe it, because my outer skin was numbed, and I was totally non-sedated - was a spinal tap. I've had MANY of those. It was the creepiest, crawliest, burniest, leg-crampiest, GET OUT OF MY HIP WITH THAT GOD DAMNED NEEDLE YOU MOTHERFUCKER feeling, EVER.

I cringed, winced, bit my lip, at one juncture there was a tear - and I was told not to move.  I have been sick with allergies and was trying NOT to cough because if that NEEDLE MOVED -- I was thinking I would knick something and bleed to death.  The EEG tech came over after the procedure was over and said that I made him cringe a little, I think he had a camera over my facial expressions.I was not prepared for pain.  I was prepared for discomfort.  However, it passed as soon as the radiologist got through the hip area and threaded the wires past the bony area of ME.  I did not feel any actual pain from the wires/tube after that, I only felt creepy/crawlies from the tiny tube later on.

Once the wire/tube was in place at the brain artery - I was dosed with medications - repeatedly - this doctor explains it very, very well... listen -- EXCEPT - 

You watched it right? You understand what was *SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN?  Brains go to sleeps! Listen to it if you did not.  I will wait.

What do you THINK happened because I am BETH and nothing is ever simple?  Neurology nurses might know.  

That's the next post.  I'm waiting on the doctor to call with what we do next because Beth is very special.  

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#YWM2013 #walkfromobesity #gooddoesgood

Check this out, there are only two teams signed up to "Walk From Obesity" during the #YWM2013 event.

It is the #BBGC and the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) Board Of Directors. 

*stifled giggles*

Where are you?  

 

Please JOIN us to Walk?

If you can't make it, please consider a very small donation to make a very big difference.  

We've received one donation so far!  Thank you!  And the #BBGC donated $1000.00!  Help us help!

http://walkfromobesity.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=5562

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Please judge everything.

It's a funny thing when you post your lowest-to-date weight, instant comments happen.  I suppose I should expect it.  I watch the comments scroll on other people's blogs, pages, etc and I try to ignore them but I do wonder what the guidelines or cut offs are for making judgements on a person's shape/size.

• "Now don't you go wasting away on us!"  (I am a nine year and two month bariatric surgery post op, I think I have this whole cyclic regain pattern pretty much DOWN to a science.)
• "Gosh, I hope you are not going anorexic over there!"  (Wait, what?!  No, really,  WHAT?)
• "I NEED TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU EAT EVERY SINGLE DAY."
• "What do you eat?  600-800 calories?  Show me."
• "OMGoodness aren't you just a little thing!" 
• "I hope you calculated your excess skin in there!"  (Um.  It's about 5-7 lbs.  If I take Skilsaw to my arms, belly and thighs, I will be in exactly the top range of normal body weight.  I'd probably become Super Anemia Girl too.)

I don't think it matters which direction you go - there is a comment somewhere.   

And it just proves that we are SO INDIVIDUAL.  You cannot judge your path against someone else.  Please don't try.

*cue Britney Bitch* 

Why do other people feel compelled to immediately (No, seriously, THE SECOND YOU TAKE A BIG SHIT AND POST YOUR WEIGHT LOSS...) judge themselves against you?  

Oh my goodness, aren't you a crass little creature!  *unsubscribe*

I have never (in my life) seen 145 lbs.  I am a short woman, which makes 145 lbs "overweight."  May I own it for five seconds before I sabotage it?

Please do not make body comments about anyone.  Ever.  You have NO idea what kind of lasting impression it has on them.   I am stronger than most.

“The process is the goal.” 
― Geneen Roth

 

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A new uncharted territory.

Welcome, Beth, to somewhere you've never been before - .3 point to a normal BMI.

145 lbs at 5 ft 3.5  = 25.3 BMI = something I have never seen as an adult.

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Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooal.

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High Protein Coffee Giveaway - Closed

I like Chike. <-- GO READ MY REVIEW.  

The winner is ...

KJ OH NO.

Particularly when it is pushing 100 degrees outside and I have little-to-no appetite and must get my high-quality protein in.  An ice-cold refreshing coffee drink packed with protein is amazing -- either poured over iced or made in the blender.

I thought we should give some away today.  Want to win a canister of Chike Coffee Flavor and a BlenderBottle?

• Go like Chike and let them know I sent you!  "MM + BBGC Sent Me To Like Chike http://www.meltingmama.net/wls/2013/06/high-protein-coffee-giveaway.html" 
• Leave a comment on this blog post so I can pick a winner!
• Your prize will ship from Chike.  G'head.  Share, win.  The more love, the more prizes next time.

That is all!

Thank you!