What I've Been Eating on Atkins!

I don't update this blog nearly enough, but now with the new year I'm trying to get back into it again. :) I was doing really well on the Atkins diet, but that all got messed up around the holidays (go figure!) Thankfully I didn't really gain any weight. (The few pounds I did gain, I lost when I had the flu the week after Christmas.. Which was a nightmare.) However, I want to start my weight loss again so I'm starting back on phase 1 of the Atkins Diet!

So here are some examples of what I've been eating the past few days! :)

The goal with the atkins diet in phase 1 is to keep your net carbs between 18 and 22 each day. I went to 23 and 24 on two days, however I don't think I actually consumed that many because I didn't finish  my salad one day, and I also didn't finish the chicken salad I ate the other day. So, I'm probably still between the 18 & 22 range. Regardless, I think I've been doing pretty well and thought I'd share it with you guys to hold myself accountable, while giving ideas to other people who may be in the same boat. :)

Hope you're all having a great day, and talk to you soon!

-Ashley<3(:

About The CME Conference!

Long story short, the bariatric team at the hospital where I had surgery almost 2 years ago has nagged me about coming to support groups and being on the committee and what not, but I never can because they're always on days I can't come and I live farther away than most the people that go. Maybe once I have a car that will be different, but for the time being, I'm kind of stuck.. Haha.

So an opportunity came up for this conference that they have once a year, and they asked me to be on a patient panel.. and I managed to work out a ride, so I was able to!

The purpose of the conference was to teach other health care professionals about the benefits of weight loss surgery for teenagers.. The patient panel was basically for patients to give their perspective on it, and to answer any questions anyone had about how it was for us (and our parents, as well!).

(I've posted some pictures on my Facebook page, you can check them out here! I wish I had gotten more, haha.)

My friend Sydney who had surgery almost a year after me, well, she's someone I mentored through the program. I actually met her at one of her pre-op appointments, when I was about 6 weeks post op.. She was in the hospital during the panel due to treatments for a pseudo-tumor.. But she managed to get out of her room for awhile to come do the panel as well! Along with two girls named Cari and Anesha. - I had met Cari at the one support group I went to last summer, and this was the first time I had met Anesha! However we had talked online before, through the Facebook support group page that the team had set up for patients pre and post op. (:

We were told to get there at 11:30-12 but we weren't really needed until 1:30 so we just hung out for awhile, got our nametags, ate lunch, and went over the list of questions we were given as a basis for what we were going to be asked.. Sydney was smart and wrote down all her answers, haha. I just wrote down some notes, the other two girls winged it..

I was really nervous.. Despite how well-spoken I may seem, I have some serious anxiety issues when it comes to speaking,.. I'm terrible at holding conversations, answering questions, asking questions, etc.. So it was a real stretch for me to agree to do, and actually go through with, this. I nudged Sydney a few times during the panel because I was shaking really bad..

I don't like words being put in my mouth, and I don't like not being able to explain things well.. I like writing because I'm able to think about what I"m going to say before I type it, and you always have the option to backspace/delete and re type what you want to say.. You don't have that option when you're doing something like this. So I'm really glad it went as well as it did, or I'd probably still be beating myself up over it.. haha.

However, the panel wen't really smoothly. I was luckily last to go.. They asked one person, then the next person, then the next person, then me, the same question then just repeated over and over again for like 10 questions, then the surgeon (Dr. Inge) had opened it up so anyone watching could ask questions.. So we took a few of those questions and whoever wanted to answer, could.. And then Payal (our Social Worker who was asking the questions from the list) asked a few more, but then we ran out of time..

It only took about 40 minutes or so, and was a lot less stressful once I got in the hang of things. Normally when I'm really anxious my blood pressure sky rockets and my face and chest and arms get really flushed.. The the flush/blushing didn't happen this time though, so I was really happy.

I answered all the questions the way I wanted to for the most part.. Sure there was more I could have added that I wish I did, but I didn't freeze up or anything so I was pretty pleased with myself. Haha.

I didn't eat lunch with everyone else before hand because I felt sick to my stomach because I was so nervous, so after talking to some of the surgeons there and saying hi to my dietitian and a few other people, my mom and I left and were going to go to Olive Garden... Nope. The one we were going to go to was shut down. Then we decided Outback Steakhouse. Nope. They were shut down too! So we ended up going to Long-Horn Steakhouse.. and it was freaking delicious. I don't go out to dinner much anymore, let alone anywhere that costs more than 8-9 bucks for a meal. I kind of feel like it's a waste because I can't eat it all and what not, so I don't like wasting money. However! It was worth it. It was so good!

And that's basically it.. I'm really glad I decided to take part in it, I got to talk to a lot of people and (hopefully!) help some people understand what the process was like for me and how it can be beneficial for others.

I certainly sometimes have my fair share of doubt, wondering if the surgery was the best idea or if in the long run it was the best decision for me, personally.. but it has helped so many people, and just because I get frustrated doesn't mean it didn't help me.. It may have just helped me less than it does other people, and I'm okay with this, because it's still done a lot.

I answered all the questions from the panel in my last post (here!) in case anyone is curious.

I hope everyone's having an amazing day, and I'll update again soon!! :D

-Ashley<3(:

Live life to the fullest.

I've used this summer to really get myself on track.. With doctors and exercise and what not.. I'm still having extremely slow weight loss.. But you know what? I'm tired of my life revolving around my weight. It always has. Ever since I was 2-3 years old. My weight doesn't define me. Or it shouldn't, anyway. Some people like to make it seem like it does but.. It doesn't.

I've realized that when making such a huge life change, whether it be surgery or other health issues or even not health related.. a break up/divorce, moving, switching schools, anything.. It's really important to take care of yourself.. Not just eating right and exercising.

Along this journey I've met a lot of people that I probably would have never met, otherwise. Not just people from a support group or certain doctors.. But real friends. I've always had issues making friends.. But when I became confident in my doctors helping me get healthy, I became more confident in myself.. I've found myself doing things I never thought I'd do before.. Or things I wanted to do, but couldn't.

I lost a lot of friends over this journey.. But I've gained so many more, and they don't even realize that most my life has revolved around this kind of stuff.. They take me at face value. For me.

It's an amazing feeling.

Not just that, but I've started taking better care of myself.. I've always had social anxiety issues. But I've been applying for jobs, doing volunteer work, and all sorts of stuff...I would always sleep in the living room on the couch because I felt claustrophobic in my room. I had no motivation to clean it, ever. You couldn't walk 2 feet into it without tripping and risking death.. I cleaned it. I have a bed in there now (I didn't before.. my friend had broke it and i never put a new one in.)

I don't live on the computer anymore. I've been lazy and put off getting my license, but I'm almost finished with drivers ed. (:

It's just.. It's an overall positive thing, and I want everyone to experience it. It's an amazing thing.

No matter what big change you're going through, whether it be surgery/health stuff like mine, or a divorce/breakup, or switching schools.. or anything.. Remember to take care of yourself. If you get yourself stuck in a rut, you can get yourself out.

I've quit spending money on clothes. It's not worth it. I wear baggy clothes, and I go to concerts. I enjoy creating memories for myself because I blocked so much of my life out.. I call up old friends, go to an arcade.. go on a late night run to Sonic just to catch up with someone.. This is the first real summer I think I've ever had... That wasn't revolved around my health,.. or where I wasn't too depressed to leave the house.

There's so much more... Just.. I had an amazing summer. It was the first time I've really had to take care of myself and just have a good time. If you don't find things to make yourself happy, you won't be happy. Do things you enjoy. Life is short!

I guess the point of this is.... I'm healthier. I'm still in the process of losing weight but... To be honest..? I've only weighed myself maybe 3 or 4 times this summer, vs every week.. My weight doesn't define me and my life doesn't revolve around it. Of course it's still a huge goal of mine to continue losing weight, but there is more to my life than just that. My quality of life is so much better.. not only did I take it into my own hands to get physically healthier by having this surgery.. But I took it into my own hands to not be a hermit. To not hide in my room anymore. To enjoy life. I'm tired of wasting time.

It's an extremely empowering feeling knowing that you've done so much for yourself.. That you've changed so much.. When you realize how far you've come..

No matter what change you're dealing with in your life, remember to take care of yourself.. and make yourself happy. This is the only life you get. Make the most of it.

Have a great day!!

-Ashley.

Here are some pictures from my summer, things I've done.. Things I'll never forget. (Warning: Lots of pictures.. Making this post a lot longer than necessary.)

bowling. (:

 

Went to the pool a TON this summer.. I got a tan for the first time since i was like 12.. haha

 

Went to the Lego store in Cincinnati for my brothers 9th birthday. (:

 

Made home-made cherry pie (and lots of other stuff) for the 4th of July. I bake a lot.. ha ha

 

Went to coney island (waterpark/amusementpark) on my dads week off! went canoeing for the first time in years.. I've always loved it. <3 haha

 

warped tour!!!! I was going to use a picture of one of my favorite bands but this one kind of helps you visualize just how huge it was.. and this was only 1 of the 8 or 9 stages.. :P

 

went fishing. (: i didn't catch anything but 2/3 of my brothers did!

 

I kind of have a thing for campfires.. :P I had to have at least 6 or 7 this summer..

 

Went to MI to see a few of my favorite bands.. Eyes on the sky, at long last, paradise fears, ashland high (trace cyrus.. yes, mileys brother.) and FTSK.

 

Here's my picture with Trace. He was so sweet. I got pictures with pretty much every other person there too but this picture list is already long as-is.. add me on facebook if you wanna see the rest, haha.

 

Went to an arcade place with one of my best friends for my 17th birthday.. I've known her since i was 5. Haven't seen her much the past few years until recently..  reconnecting with old friends is an amazing thing.

 

Saw Paradise Fears for the 3rd time this year.. at a house party they did in Grafton, OH. These 6 guys (and the friends i've made through them) are the only people who have left me with any hope in the human race. They are some of the most accepting people I have ever met.. I couldn't be more thrilled that I've got to spend as much time with them as I have. (:

 

This is my picture with Marcus (the bassist in PF). We (me and like 15 other people) sat and talked with them all for like 4 hours around a bonfire.. It was an amazing night. Too many pictures to post at once, though. This was honestly a night I'll never forget.. I made a bunch of new friends (that i don't want to post pictures of.. I don't know if they'd be cool with it.) that i would have never met otherwise.. I've only known them a week but i feel as if I've known them my entire life.. Music brings people together in an amazing way.. I love it.

 

Me & Tara. The girl I typically go to all these concerts with. (: it's all smokey because of the bonfire. haha.

 

Went to a big sunflower patch to take some senior pictures for my friend, because her photographer wasn't available.. we ended up setting a timer and taking some of both of us.. (:

 

All in all my summer was absolutely amazing.. This wasn't even half of what I wanted to post but this is already way too long as is so I'm going to shut up now..

 

Before I go? That band I keep seing? Paradise Fears? They did a cover of a song by Gym Class Heroes that is kind of amazing... their originals are fantastic but the video for this cover... you should watch it.. all the way through. Seriously.. It will give you hope in humanity.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf4YPpOQMGc

 

 

Alright! Bye (:

 

 

 

 

I would just like to point out that...

The absolute best form of exersize that I've found since surgery (aside from swimming which I don't have the chance to do very often..) is playing with little kids.

There are a lot of kids in my neighborhood. They always used to want me to play soccer with them, because (not to be cocky or anything but...) i was pretty good when i played..t hen the weight got too much and blood prsesure and depression and i just quit. Well i'm about at the weight i was when i quit.

The other day I was outside taking pictures and they asked me to play.. So i actually did.. o.O it's been getting nice out.. so i figured hell, why not.

I played for a good 45 minutes to an hour straight. Street soccer. not a ton of start and stopping... and i've done that every day this week so far... today I played 'knockout' (a basketball game..) that i havent played since elementry school. and actually won once... and that went on for about 40 minutes straight then i quit because i wanted to take pictures.. not because i couldn't play anymore..

This is honestly like.. amazing.

If you have the privelege of having a bunch of obnoxious little kids in your neighborhood, or little siblings or cousins or anything, that liek to play outside... go for it! you may feel stupid playing with little kids (i know i do) but then when people ask just say your good with kids. they begged you to play. it doesn't even seem like exersize untill you realize your sweating and y our face is red and your heart is pounding in your chest, haha.

Alright. That will be all. <3 (:

have a great day!

-ashley.

www.twitter.com/justashley1637
www.facebook.com/justashley1637
ashleyellen1637@aol.com

Tropical Smoothie!

I don't know who all has a tropical smoothie near them, but it's a smoothie place that there are a few of near me... I started going there when my cousin got mehooked when i was thirteen.. Well, I've always known they've made a handfull of their smoothies with splenda, if you ask... I've always been afraid to though, because the smoothies are kind ofe xpensive (like 4dollars..?) and i hate the taste of splenda...

But today, non the less, i decided to try one.. and it was a new type of smothie i had never tried before.. Normally I get sunrise sunset, which is strawberries, mango, orange, and pineapple.. today i got pineapple paradise,which is pineapple, orange, and banana..

i think i'm in love.... My famiy doesn't buy a lot of fruits and vegetables (fresh ones anyway... lots of canned and frozen ones) unless i am there to make sure it happens... i hate the grocery store.

So i crave freshfruits and vegetables all the time. I"ve always been a healthy eater.. always. I prefer salad over fries at resturaunts, etc... And the smoothies were always great. but higher-callories & sugar..

 they're massive too. they only have one size.. 24oz. so for four dollars, it isn't that bad.. especially considering now after surgery, I can only have 8oz at a time.

But anyways!! you can't taste the splenda at all!!!!! I was amazed. I had it a lot when i was younger to the point now that splenda just makes me sick... but the fruit overpowers it.. and theres only like 200 callories in the 24oz smoothie, instead of the 4-500 that were in with turbinado or whatever sweetner it was they use normally...

I'll pour out some into a cup, and stick the rest in a freezer for another time.. and with smoothies they'll thaw.. and beprettymuch the same consistency before... so it's not a waste.

loveloveloveloveloveloveloveittt<3

If you have a smoothie shop in your area that doesn't make smoothise with splenda, you could request they have it as an option.. it would give them some good rep, and healthier options for people including yourself.

Just a thought. (:

have a great day<3

-ashley(:

www.twitter.com/justashley1637
ashleyellen1637@aol.com