Wow - Almost April,

I can't beleive April is almost here. Well I had a fabulous weekend, started on Friday night when we went out to dinner with family and friends for Si's mothers birthday, it was a really pleasant evening.

Saturday was poruing with rain, and that was a problem as we had everyone from friday night as well as our friends Leigh & Maryanne and their 4 grandkids coming over for a potluck dinner. 
So I had a brainwave to keep the kids occupied, I put our spare telly out in the large front hallway, and asked if they could bring their beanbags to sit on. I got them a DVD from the store, and they had a blast watching dvd's without disturbing the adults. 

I also found a box that said 'kids toys' on it, and I thought it was some pencils and a colouring in book, which is what I was looking for, for the two younger girls, but is works out that not only was it the book and pencils, but also my barbie doll and all her furniture and clothes etc from when I was 8-10 I guess. So the girls were also sorted!!!!!!!!! YAY. I got a bit nostalgic actually, and since one of the ladies who was at the potluck was the lady who made most of the clothes for my barbie it bought back alot of memories for both of us. 


Most people left around 10:30pm, but Leigh, Maryanne and I ended up chatting till around 1:30 am. ( the kids were asleep in the spare room by then). I was going to go straight to bed and leave the clean up till the morning as Si had already gone to bed and I thought moving the furniture etc would wake him, but then I just picked up the odd thing and before you know it, the whole lot was done and it was only 2:17am. 

So that means on Sunday I spent most of the day playing our new game. It is called RIFT, and it is very much like World of Warcraft, but new and exciting, and no where near as many kids playing it.


This week I see the specialist again for my liver, although he has not had me do the normal blood tests, so I am not sure how he's going to get me to change my meds around especially since the last 3 months has been pretty rough adjusting. 

Be willing to go to any lengths

The NAWLS Small Bite for March 28th is

Be willing to go to any lengths.

It's notuncommon for a WLS patient to say, "I know I should do that, but I just can't" Drinking water is one such example. Success involves being willing to go to any lengths to achieve your goals. Going to any lengths means doing something you need to do , whether you want to or not, until you have a change of heart and want to do it. 

If you can't handle plain water, put mint leaves or cucumber in a jug to flavour it. If you're too busy to drink water, prepare four 500 ml servings and drink one the way to work, one during the morning, one during the afternoon, and one on the way home. Use things you do regularly (like driving to and from work) as triggers to drink your water. To day you "can't" is often saying you "won't". Is that how you want to approach this new life you've been given?

Action for the day:

Pick one area in your WLS lifestyle in which you can improve. today, make the change you need to make, and resolve to keep doing it until you want to do it. 

© 2007, Katie Jay. All rights reserved.

Have courage

The NAWLS Small Bite for March 27th is

Have courage. 

Over time, most people realize they will have to make important changes, difficult changes, if they want  long-term WLS success. Some of the changes are physical: more exercise, better eating habits, getting your lab work done regularly. Somon of the changes are mental: resolving long-standing depression, changing negative thought patterns, uncovering old ideas that sabotage you. And some of the changes are spiritual: reconnecting with your Creator, learning to care for your soul, and leaving and isolated lifestyle behind. 


All these changes are often scary and rqire hard work. Be brave- physical, mental, and spiritual health await you.

Action for the day:
Take 15 mins today and make a badge of courage for yourself. Get out the crayons,markers, tape, scissors, glitter....whatever you need. On your badge write something like: "Janine the Brave." Hang your badge where you'll see it everyday (and wearit around the house from time to time to help you change how you view yourself and your potential)

© 2007, Katie Jay. All rights reserved.

Learn the difference between snacking and grazing

The NAWLS Small Bite for today is

Learn the difference between snacking and grazing. 
Snacking and grazing are not the same thing. Snacking has a healthy purpose. You snack because you need a short supply of energy for your body. A snack is planned, including the quality of food you eat, the quantity, and the time of day. Grazong has no purpose other than to manage emotions or sooth our boredom. 

An honest self-assessment should help you determine whether you are sacking or grazing, but if you're not sure ask your nutritionist. Most WLS patients struggle with the urge to graze from time to time. You learn strategies to curb grazingm including determining what, if any, lanned snack you may need to inlcude in your eating plan. If you are struggling, don't keep it a secret. Ask someone you trust to help you develop strategies that will work for you. 

Action for the day:
Start a food diary today and keep it or three days. Write down what you ate, the time and quantity, and what you were feeling when you ate. Bring this with you the next time you see your nutritionist, and start to explore solutions to your grazing problem. 

© 2007, Katie Jay. All rights reserved.

I know I was definately falling into the grazing section, and even was at the last minute changing planned meals to enable me to eat the wrong foods. Since stopping that and actually listening to my body I feel so much better.

Be spontaneous

I am still super excited about how the scales have come down. It makes me want to continue to eat according to my pouch rules. Tonight will be interesting as we are going out for dinner with both sets of parents, and some other family friends. I think I will just order the steak and seasonal vegetables. Will think on that during the day.

Today's NAWLS Small Bite is

Be spontaneous.
Lifehas its own energy - a force that drives you through time. You cannot control it; you can only hold on tight and hope not to fall off. You can allow yourself to be be frightened by the ride, or you can scream in delight and let yourself be tossed. 

Try to roll with the punches, and let things happen as they may. Being flexible and spontaneous is a survival mechanism worth developing. Enjoy the ride of life; fighting the motion will only make you sick. 

Action for the day:
When the unpredictable happens, be spontaneous and look for the fun in it. 

© 2007, Katie Jay. All rights reserved.

I always think I want to be spontaneous, but when ever anyone suggests an activity I tend to put up walls, so maybe not. I do however think that the best parties and bbq's are the spur of the moment ones.