Tag: body

Life

Five Months Post Op Gastric Sleeve/VSG

Everlasting Sirua

It’s interesting how much your relationship with food changes when you have this surgery. Of course you don’t really lose the cravings or magically begin to eat healthy right away. But the surgery is a tool to keep you full and hopefully eating right.

I still struggle with serving myself more than I can handle. Measuring my portions have helped with this and I use this Food scale to get me by. With different foods it becomes hard to simple serve myself and wing it since I find some days I eat more than I thought. While others I take a couple of bites and I’m done for the moment.

I’m still drinking protein ready drinks. Mainly Premier Protein in the chocolate flavor. It helps keep my protein intake up and does keep me going for a while. I ended up buying a bit more than I can handle and I plan to switch over to my original protein drink GNC Lean Shake Mocha Expresso. This was my absolute favorite when I started working out in the beginning of my wellness journey. Hopefully I can tolerate it and it continues to help me with my weight loss journey.

Now, what do I mean by tolerate? Well there’s some foods that might not sit well with my new stomach pouch. Dairy can be a little heavy if I try to eat it all at once. Milk feels a bit heavier unless I sip slowly (I add milk to my coffee, a bit with Oreos, whole milk yogurt or mixed into my protein powder). It’s important to be cautious about certain foods as sometimes it can be overwhelming and make you nauseous at first or may as well not to get to enjoy foods the way you did previously. For some this is the rough part. I will admit it can be off putting. But I’ve accepted this as the new me. I can do this and will continue to strive for my wellness! I’ve currently lost 44 pounds and counting! Still need about 33 more to reach my goal weight. Wishing myself luck at this point. Hope everyone has a wonderful week. I’ll continue to post as much as I can!

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Life

Health Delays: Crazy life

Everlasting Sirua

September is already a hectic time. School starting. Vacations ending. Summer showing it’s last remnants as we wait for the leaves to turn. School can be overwhelming since the season calls for sickness as I’ve been sick the past couple of weeks. Between headaches, sniffles, sinus issues, and now shingles.

Yes apparently not only did I have chicken pox when I was younger (this was never confirmed) but now I have shingles. Which usually is common for the older age group but being seen in a younger crowd is unusual. No one is sure what activates the dormant virus again. Stress, low immunity, depression, anxiety and essentially everything that could possible lower your immune system and life really.

It started off with my leg feeling rather strange. I thought I probably messed up lifting the kids or slept wrong. I did have a previous back injury so I’m not a stranger to my back and nerve pain in my legs. But as the days progressed. It worsened and I felt no relief with over the counter pain meds. I was exhausted trying to power though the days with this leg and back pain that I debated going to the doctor plenty of times. 3 days later I found a small rash in the morning and by nightfall it has progressively gotten worse. Next morning, it was worsening and the pain switched to burning and needs along my whole thigh and back. Doctor confirmed it was shingles.

Least to say it’s been an uncomfortable week. The best way I can describe how my leg feels is I had a long leg day session, dropped hot oil all over my leg and back then being randomly pricked with a bunch of needles. Constantly. Clothes are uncomfortable. Moving is uncomfortable and the nerve pain spreads to the outer parts of where the rash is.

I’m still doing my best to keep up overall with life. Been gaming more and studying when I can. Completing assignments and doing tasks for work. All while making sure my family is okay. Hopefully, shingles gets cut short and I’m able to have fun in our family vacation next week.

I’m excited to introduced new tarot decks I found that are absolutely adorable. Can’t wait to use them and have them in my collection. Stay tuned and stay sweet everyone!

Affiliate Links, Discounts, Hobbies, Product Review

Natural Deodorant Journey: Small Reviews

Everlasting Sirua

Underarms.

They’re a nuisance for some and others they hardly think about it. Puberty was a weird time for me with my underarms. Shaving the hair made it itchy. While different deodorants I tried cause the one my mother thought would work didn’t work and white tees would yellow. Yeah, thanks aluminum salts for always making me self conscious and tuck my elbows out of fear.

Recently it’s been said that the aluminum in some deodorants are potential hormone disrupters. Although not proven; scientists have what I would call an inkling that aluminum can potentially be harmful. Why is there aluminum in deodorants? Well it’s to plug the ducts and to stop/prevent sweating which causes body odor. Thus why some say antiperspirant.

Of course none of this is actual concrete evidence and frankly I’m not sure what to think. But knowing that it caused yellowing in white clothes and the idea of my sweat getting clogged up. And years of having dark underarms. I figured why not make the change to natural deodorants and go on a journey (self care journey?) I’ve tried a few different deodorants in the natural category: Native, Lume, Little Seed Farm and Each & Every. Little warning if you’re planning to switch to Natural Deodorant. The first few weeks are body crazy. You might sweat more then usual, skin changes, odd smells as the adjustment period follows. It took me about 6 weeks when usually it’s 3-4 since I had issues with one of the deodorants I tried.

Native

Native was the first one I tried and oh man I wish I would of read ahead of time. For those who aren’t aware there’s a chance that baking soda can have side effects on your skin. Native has a line of baking soda deodorants and non baking soda for people with sensitive skin. I tried the baking soda one and essentially my skin began to burn and peel. At first I thought this was normal? My underarms were unplugging and breathing again. But then it began to worse and I couldn’t use it anymore. Unfortunately I became aware that my underarms are allergic to the baking soda ingredient found in deodorants. It wasn’t pretty. The peeling made it look like a chemical peel. The skin was pale and pink while the outer edges were dark. Perhaps if I had tried their non baking soda option I would of liked it more and probably wouldn’t have had an issue. But, I ended up moving on to another brand since at the time I was sure if they offered a non baking soda option. Which they do! Silly me.

Lume

Lume was first starting when I ordered a tube. Now they have a line of scented ones that I’m curious about. The first tube I ordered wasn’t a fan of the smell but it did do it’s job. I healed from the chemical reaction from using Native and the tube made it easy to use in other parts of my body (under boob sweat? Groin? Thighs? Covered!) Although it worked for me, I frankly couldn’t get over the smell and wanted something either floral or scented to at least feel like I was smelled nicer? Currently they do offer different scents that I have not tried. the tube is sort of like toothpaste and you simple squeeze, apply and done.

Little Seed Farm

Amazon purchase for the win. So I found Little Seed Farm on amazon when searching for best natural deodorants to use. I was happy to see they had samples to try in case you have a scent you’re looking to try but don’t want to commit to a jar just yet. You can find the samples to try here for all their scents. For their larger size they have glass jars so yes you essentially take a small amount and apply to your underarm. It melts down and you’re good to go. I personally enjoyed the lavender and cucumber options but they also have charcoal as an option. In total they have 7 scents and an unscented option. The little jars are perfect to wash out and use for little things afterwards if you’re a fan of reusing things! You can purchase a full jar here. Honestly, this is my second favorite and first favorite for my brother who also made the switch to natural deodorants.

Each & Every

This is my go to. The different scents and their plant based packaging. You can even return the bottles you’ve used up for points towards your account since they recycle it. They provide you with a shipping label and off it goes in the mail. They have different scents including my favorites: Rose Vanilla, Lavender Lemon, and Geranium Snow Mushroom. There’s many other amazing sounding scents. But these scents especially if there’s a sale specific for some odors I tend to buy it in bulk to share with my husband or mom who also fell in love with the brand. It glides on smoothly and the essential oils are such a lovely scent. It feels so luxurious and who doesn’t love luxury when pampering themselves?

How do I know it works? Well let’s just say I can definitely smell myself when I don’t use it or forget to apply deodorant (oops!). If you’re looking to try this one you can click here for a 5 dollar off discount on your first purchase!

Thank you for reading! I always enjoy doing product reviews for you all with my honest opinion. There’s still more to come!

Disclaimer **As an Amazon associate I do receive compensation for any Amazon links clicked above**

Hobbies, Shedding my Weight, weight loss

Fitness Journey Begins: 10 Weeks Post Op Weight Loss

Everlasting Sirua

The weeks fly by and I continue to find myself more comfortable with my decision of weight loss surgery. Do I miss eating a good amount of food? Yes. Do I still crave junk food? Sure I do. I’m still an Oreo gal every time my period comes up. But I manage to eat one cookie with some milk to curb that sweet tooth. I’m still drinking my protein since it’s the most convenient breakfast and focusing on a high protein and low carb diet.

Since I was given the okay to workout again. I don’t feel there’s much limits at all since I have to build my stamina and strength. It’s a slow progress I hope to achieve in the next few months. Excitedly I signed up for LA fitness along with my husband. I plan to have gym partners and bring family to motivate me. My main reason? The pool since I love swimming and being in the water. Working out alongside my husband and I’m happy they have a kids club for our younger son to stay and socialize. As a parent it’s always hard to find someone to watch the kids while you try to get something done. Sometimes it’s near impossible. More gyms should have a kids club environment for parents to work out since at times it’s our me time to get ourselves out of a stressful headspace.

Since the surgery I have lost 28 pounds. At my highest weight I’ve lost 36 pounds. It’s amazing how weight can impact a lot since the energy and motivation I have is wonderful. The numbers may not seem as much but comparatively I’ve lost as much as all 3 of my cats put together or the weight of a small child. Where was it hiding? I am not sure. The body is a funny place.

I am excited to share this journey with you all as I progress every week or month. I hope to motivate others and share my experience as honestly as I can. More updates soon!

Life, Shedding my Weight, weight loss

VSG Journey: Three Weeks Post Op

Everlasting Sirua

Previously, I was on a weight loss journey where I documented the struggles and triumphs. However, as working mom and student in the midst of breastfeeding. I took a break to focus on other things and didn’t want to add to my daily stress. Admittedly, I was struggling. I always told myself if I have to resort to surgery I would consider it so here I am.

September 2021 I started the process for VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy). For those don’t know, there’s a process in which you need to be cleared for surgery involving specialists and even a psych evaluation. Although tedious, it’s necessary to be cleared for surgery and to follow the instructions of the surgeon when making this decision. Society might say this is the easy way out. However, three weeks in? It is not easy as people make it seem.

This is a permanent lifestyle change. You learn to eat again. The first few weeks you’re on a liquid diet then a purée/soft diet. You watch everyone around you eat “normally” yet you’re limited. Your relationship with food changes physically and emotionally you might realize more than initially thought.

A lot of struggles I’ve noticed is waiting to eat somewhat normal again. It takes about 6-8 weeks for the internal staples to heal. The liquid diet gives you what you need for a while to not only shrink your liver but let the staples heal a bit. The purée diet is a gentle way of introducing foods again without much pain to the stomach. If you’re someone like me who had a habit of eating quickly this is a struggle. You have to sip on everything. Make sure you’re eating as slow as you possibly can. You chew your food excessively, swallow and wait. If you don’t you’ll experience nausea, sweating, light headed, throwing up and even diarrhea in some cases. This phenomenon is known as dumping syndrome.

Currently, I am doing alright. I’m halfway through puree diet and soft foods I still drink my protein shakes twice a day. One a day vitamin and calcium chews along with some other medications to make sure my stomach doesn’t have issues. The vitamins I will need everyday for the rest of my life. It’s important to try to remember to take it everyday as you’re limited in calories and your body can’t get enough nutrients with the new limit your stomach has.

So far I’ve lost about 20 pounds. I feel the loss in the clothing I wear and mostly see it in my facial features. The progress will take time and I’m ready to face whatever comes my way. Do I have regrets? Sometimes. As it’s frustrating not being able to eat what I want, when I want since I’m at the mercy of the healing and small new stomach. But, I look forward to welcoming this new lifestyle and the health benefits.

Life, Shedding my Weight, weight loss

Weight Plateau, Process And New Changes

Everlasting Sirua

I’ve hit a weight plateau where I haven’t lost weight and don’t gain much either. At first I was afraid for my milk supply. Even with all the supplements I was taking I wasn’t sure if it would be enough but I am going to chance it til I see there’s an issue.

I started on this wellness journey with an oversupply of milk. was proud but also felt as though it was draining so much out of me I did not know what to do. I was eating about 2,300 calories and still lost 1-2 lbs a week for about a month. It wasn’t until the milk supply lowered that I could lower my intake to 2,100. The weight loss still slow but manageable. I eventually reached my goal weight and plateaued. I didn’t mind since it was difficult as a mother of two, working from home and doing school online. Most days I am exhausted and only wish to curl up to my husband to watch anime as the kids sleep. I have days where I wish my brain could take a moment and breathe. It’s been difficult to find that peace and center ground. But, I did find it again.

I am now taking 1,850 calories to start. I would say 50 percent of my diet is protein shakes and dinner/snacks have been my main solid foods. I am slowly changing what dinner looks like and still reducing portions for now. I take my supplements to make sure I continue to have a milk supply for my son , keep myself hydrated and fed. Next week I would like to start a strength training regimen since I made 12 weeks postpartum. It’s important that the body heals and teach yourself patience in this process. Love yourself and the body you’re in. Find the will to keep going cause there will be days you give in and want that fast food that you know you shouldn’t have right now. But, you keep going and repeat the process again. You can do this!

Next time I will talk about what I am eating and if its working since all this is all recent. There’s still room to tweak or improve. I am no expert and also want to get blood drawn in my next physical to make sure my body is tolerating the way it should. Everyone’s journey is not the same but inspirations sparks from places we least expect it to. It does help that when I start to feel like my world is heavy. My husband brings me my favorite: Salmon sushi.

Hope everyone is staying safe and as always: Stay Sweet

Life, Shedding my Weight, weight loss

First Weight Goal Achievement and Wellness Update

Everlasting Sirua

I achieved my first goal weight this week. I honestly can say that I haven’t seen this number on the scale since before 2016. I am feeling proud and more determined now. I cant say its been easy as I continue this journey. I am far from my true goal. Lately, it feels like I’m far from so many goals but every moment I am getting closer and that’s been my comfort in all this. That eventually I will reach my true goal and that I can continue to share with everyone my emotions, my struggles, and my progress.

Emotionally, I have been better I would say consideringI am now 11 weeks postpartum. It’s hard to believe how quick and well my recovery was this time around. It’s truly shocking how much mental health contributes to overall wellness. I recently started my period again and I haven’t mentioned this but before my period I tend to have PMS symptoms leading up to the day of. These can vary from minor to moderate. It’s a terrible cycle when I feel emotional over everything and can breakdown all the good I worked for the last few weeks in a moment because of a hormonal cycle and perhaps a bad day. I am hoping with my life style changes these symptoms improve as time goes on. I am tracking my cycles. Although, I do plan on getting an IUD soon. This will be my first time using birth control. I am a bit nervous about this but I need the comfort of knowing I am doing everything I can to prevent another pregnancy til further notice. I will discuss how I feel on it and anything else I can report about it.

My struggles have been high and low. I do have days where I wish I didn’t crave certain things but honestly my true cravings have been Milky Mama Lactation Brownies, Salmon (sushi or baked), and Chofan rice from our favorite restaurant with different meats we order. We try not to order out since that can throw off any progress so I limit the amount I eat and snack on something else later on to prevent me from going on a carb binge. The brownies are to help with my breastfeeding since I need the extra calories to help with production. Truly without the brownies I would be in a deficit in calories and I try to limit everything else throughout the day since sugar and carb content in them is high. These will soon be replaced by a fat burning protein once the baby is older and caffeine isn’t an issue for his belly. As a meal replacement it would be great as something to make and have quickly without feeling guilty especially in the morning where I struggle to fully wake up and eat something.

Progress so far has been going well. I will say that its been somewhere between 1-2 pounds a week for now. I feel this is my comfort level right now since I know my eating habits aren’t entirely perfect in terms of using a macro system and limiting carbs as a keto diet would. The reason being is breastfeeding. The supposed amount a mother burns while breastfeeding is 200-500 a day estimate. This can depend on how much milk is being produced. To counter this I eat healthier snacks like cheese, nuts, and fruits so I can enjoy my lactation brownie and cold cup of 1 percent milk later on. For the most part I tend to choose low carb, high protein meals and do my best to avoid take out if possible. Ive also adjusted my portions and that’s helped significantly. This is all slow progress since all of this began since before May-June 2020. Since the pregnancy threw me into a spin and i did my best to eat healthy through it as well.

I was also wondering whether I should share my progress on Tik Tok since I only just began posting on there for my Twitch stream and cutesy stuff I tend to order once in a while. Once I do I will probably share it more on my social platforms since instagram and twitter are my other platforms to share. If I decide to I will definitely share it on here and everywhere else. I’ll start putting my social links below to follow and chat. Thank you for reading!

If you’re interested in purchasing Milky Mama Lactation Brownies you can use my Referral Link for a 5 dollar off coupon. They also have cookies, supplements and drinks you can try! Always feel free to let me know if you try it and what you think.

Feel free to follow and chat with me using the above social links!

Life, Shedding my Weight, weight loss

Implementing Walking as a Workout: Second Wellness Entry

Everlasting Sirua

Now that I started this journey it seems as though I am motivated more than ever. I want to prove I can do this and can build good habits as time goes on. Now that my eating is more or less established I wanted to add exercise to my routine. My schedule is hectic if it can be called a a schedule at this point but I figured I could free up 30 minutes to an hour to go walking while my newborn naps.

MapMyWalk has been my best friend at this point. I messaged some friends in hopes to motivate each other into walking along with me. Seeing their efforts and messages have been a huge help in this process. Cause I have days where I am exhausted. But, I need to push through this and do whats best for myself. Setting these goals and meeting them is truly important for me since it has to do with my health and I see that as an investment towards a brighter future.

I feel it. The nagging soreness that doesn’t leave unless you rest for two days and the heaviness of lifting my legs in the middle of the night or morning. Do I have regrets? Perhaps. But who doesn’t? I ask myself will it hurt more later or how much further can I push myself? I can probably make 2 miles into 3 and so on. Goal right now? Eventually get to 4 miles by June without pain. I am confident thats a great goal for me to look forward to. Either that or be jogging by June. That one is a higher up goal that I’m hesitant about since I am not a fan of the warmer months or jogging. However, I believe in myself and in my circle to continue motivating me with this. So if you’re in the beginning of your wellness journey. Welcome! Join along this beautiful struggle with me. If you’re further and have experience in this. Welcome! Send advice and help please.

I’ll continue to update periodically. I miss streaming video games, playing video games, I also have plans to update little blogs here and there about some unboxing and purchases I made. Some reviews on shows or movies I watched. I’m mostly into Asian drama, animes and some crime/doctor shows (Not Grey’s Anatomy since I haven’t even started there). Stay tuned and stay sweet everyone!

Life

Taking Control of my Health: First Wellness Entry

Everlasting Sirua

A while ago I started a series where I thought I would lose weight and begin being healthy again. I was pregnant soon after and that was forgotten after the many days of morning sickness along with being exhausted. Now at postpartum, breastfeeding and avoiding caffeine for the sake of it all, I felt the need to take control of myself again. To take the chance to change my eating habits little by little.

I have admit, this has been a mixture of good and not so good. I am still getting into groove with being a mother to a newborn again. My older ASD son has therapies 20 plus hours a week, sleep deprived, Pumping, part-time job, full time online student and still wanting to connect again socially. It’s overwhelming at times since time management can go out the window when my days aren’t planned. Kids are wild cards and life can throw things at you at full speed. Most days I have a grasp but others I lose track of when I ate and what will I eat.

Not knowing what to eat and making meals consumed my time. All I was consuming were essentially my lactation brownies, water, milk, and dinner if the kid allowed. Most days we ordered dinner and I did my best for it to be something not too unhealthy. It’s difficult feeding yourself when you have two other kids who need your undivided attention.

I desperately searched for anything that I could possibly drink or have. My protein shakes that I love contained more caffeine than needed and while breastfeeding that can be an issue. My best bet was Amazon Fresh and I luckily came across these personal salad bowls that came with different ingredients and dressing so you can enjoy different flavor profiles without worry what to eat or preparing ingredients since its all there for you to mix. I also order some small servings of fruits to serve and snack throughout the day if needed. Planters Nut-rition pack snacks, cheese sticks, Sargento Balanced breaks with cheddar cheese, and tried to have dinners where protein was the main focus. Eventually I came across a meal plan service called Splendid Spoon and ordered that to try out. They have different plans and I opted for 5 smoothies and 5 plant based meals to start off.

First of all, I am one of those people that when it comes to smoothies I can be a bit put off by ingredients and taste. Of course, the smoothies blends are great for anyone used to drinking healthy already. I t was intimidating for me personally but I managed to drink all five this past week without thinking about it much. As for the plant based food I definitely have enjoyed eating them. My favorites so far are Vegetable Bolognese and Beans with Greens. The Cuban Bowl I enjoyed as well but it didn’t have the flavor profile I was expecting but I would order it again perhaps. I am still getting through the meals and will update which others I enjoy.

It’s been about two weeks since I started to eat healthier and I have to say that it is important what we put into our bodies to fuel it. I have a bit more energy than before and I do take into account that I’m breastfeeding so I do up my calories a bit to fit my goals and make sure I eat and snack a bit throughout the day. My portions are reduced and taking into account my weight before being pregnant with my second. I’ve lost about 20 lbs so far. I hit a plateau where now I go up and down 1 pound but I am happy to be fitting better in my favorite shorts again. I will update more as I go and hopefully I keep myself motivated this time. Once I’m healed and ready to go I might add some work outs. Squats at home? Walking with a stroller? Both? We shall see!

Life, Shedding my Weight, weight loss

Weight loss and Hormones

Everlasting Sirua

Getting on that scale every Friday is intimidating. I look forward to it to see what’s working and what’s not. I don’t because I’m afraid to fail. As a woman of course every month I go through a week of having my menstrual (yes, my period) and the cravings used to be for Oreos. Not that I would deny having an Oreo milkshake even now. However, it’s usually much less likely for me to deny any while dealing cramps.

Luckily, I’ve been able to curb the cravings so far. I don’t deny myself the sweets. I only taste and move on for the most part. Besides, the protein shakes and afternoon walks really do curb the cravings as much as it can. I’m proud to say that although before my vacation I lost 3 pounds and gained 4. I was able to lost 7 lbs since coming back September 12. It’s been a month and 7 lbs is progress. Although I’m sure I can lose more. I’ll continue to do so. I’ll take as much as I can get at this point. Even if it’s 1lb a week. I’ll share more as I go. For now it’s only protein in the morning. Less carbs. More water. Combined with intermittent fasting. Hopefully I’ll continue losing every week!