Tag: health

Life, Shedding my Weight, weight loss

Six Months Post Op VSG: Stalls

Everlasting Sirua

Half a year down. One more year to go. I say this because that’s how long it may take to reach a goal weight with gastric sleeve. I’ve hit a stall recently. Mostly due to what I take in as food. Plus lack of exercise. I’m going to reset and start over. Back to strictly healthy foods and water. Along with upping my physical activity and holding myself responsible to go to the gym. The only cheat I’ll have is my weekly Starbucks that I love when studying. We will see how that goes.

Stalls are frustrating because you’re eating less and it feels like your body is refusing to lose weight. But sometimes taking a step back and assessing what you’re doing right or wrong then changing things a little can set you back on the right path. Mistakes are made along the way and habits don’t change in a day. I got lost along the way due to convenience and snacks. I let my cravings get the best of me when water should of been my best friend. I’ll get back there to that mindset of the gym and pushing past my limits.

Temptations are everywhere. Every outing. Every grocery shopping errand. People around you. Social parties. It’ll happen and you might fall off for a while. But it’s important to realize and get back up. Motivate yourself or find others to motivate you and support you. It’s okay to try again. It’s okay cause you’re learning and we are all learning. That’s the beauty of the journey (or struggle)

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!

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4 Months Post Op: VSG (Gastric Sleeve)

Everlasting Sirua

Wow 4 months! Honestly, time passes by more quickly than you’d ever think. I remember waking up feeling regret and pain. Change is difficult and this was another change I didn’t feel all that ready for. But I went for it. Cause when would I truly be ready?

As it turns out I was more ready than I ever thought I would be. The change has been pleasant thus far besides the heart burn that I now have if I sleep on a somewhat full stomach. Highly recommend not eating before bed unless it’s very light with some water. There’s been many times I wake up with a burning feeling all the way down to my throat or felt like I couldn’t breathe from the acid build up.

Besides that so far it’s been 35 lbs down and counting! I use my fitness pal most days to track what I’m eating and making sure I keep my macros within the range. That’s probably one of the difficult things since according to some research online and the app. My macros for a 1k calorie day are:

  • Protein 75-100 grams a day (30-40%)
  • Fat 33-44 grams a day (30-40%)
  • Carbs 50-75 grams a day (20-30%)

Of course this varies and things come up. Eat what I can and try to make healthier choices. But these are the set goals and what’s best for me besides taking my daily vitamins. Which I definitely suck at doing. I give my kids their vitamins and always make sure they’re eat well. But it’s so easy to forget about myself. I’ve been getting better at remembering that I matter too.

A typical eating day for starts with a protein drink for breakfast. Easy, simple and I’m on the go: work, gym, or preparing breakfast for the kids. I do like the convenience of the Premier Protein Bottles and my favorite is chocolate. As a back up I enjoy GNC Total Lean Shake Slimvance in the flavor mocha expresso. The premier protein contains 30g of protein. 4 carbs. 1 g of sugar, 3g of fiber and 160 calories. Meanwhile the GNC does have caffeine, 25g of protein, 18g of carbs, 2g of sugar, 6 fiber and 190 calories. GNC also has a fat burning quality to it. I alternate these depending on the day and if extra calories are needed I mix the GNC with half milk and water. Also, if you want to add a workout recovery and a friendly reminder to drink more water I use Collagen for some extra support. I usually drink this probably in the afternoon after a work out since it’s unflavored it’s a perfect addition to my water intake.

As far as how I am. I feel good, lighter, energetic and hopeful. I am hopeful that I find a healthy weight and work out more. I want to tone and be stronger, healthier and eventually get into some kind of sport/activity. I do love swimming as an exercise which I think I’ll continue to do and work out my arms and back to increase my stamina and strength. I’ve always liked the idea of karate or taekwondo but one step at a time for now. Thank you for those who continue to keep up with me and my health journey. Stay sweet everyone! Always feel free to reach out with anything through my social links below.

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Life, Shedding my Weight, Tarot/Card Readings, weight loss

5 Weeks Post Op VSG: Does it Get Easier?

Everlasting Sirua

5 weeks in and I’m feeling better mentally and physically. Granted I could walk more for some exercise but rather wait for my stomach to be fully recovered at 6-7 weeks before I attempt further distances in this heat. I won’t get into specific numbers yet until I’m further in but so far a total of 20 pounds have been lost! Exciting.

I am starting believe it starts to get easier. As someone who sees the pros and cons of things it’s been easy to see both sides.

Pros

  • Learning to eat slower
  • Diet changes to eat healthier
  • Portion changes
  • Less time spent eating
  • Less temptations to eat out
  • Reevaluate my relationship with food

Cons

  • Limited overall consumption of food or liquids
  • Difficult to eat and drink (recommended to wait 30 min to an hour after eating to drink anything)
  • Difficult to truly enjoy food all at once
  • Learning curve when eating small amounts

A lot of the cons are mainly learning curves of having this new stomach. It’s difficult if your previous relationship with food was to eat all at once, eating quickly or used to eating and drinking at once. All these habits become difficult and need to constantly remind yourself to stop once you start feeling full. It’s easy to feel uncomfortable if you overfill yourself and you risk heartburn, nausea, vomiting etc when doing any of the above cons.

I’m looking forward to going to the gym with my current weight loss and furthering my wellness journey. I’ll update in a couple of weeks. In the mean time, I did do a tarot pull this past Tuesday.

The Chariot

This card is about overcoming difficulties in my life and letting the positive come through. Whether it be about my health, work or personal life I can see this coming through for me in every aspect at the moment. I hope to continue down the path of positivity.

Thank you all for reading. I do enjoy updating about my life here and there. More tarot based blogs and updates coming. Hope summer hasn’t melted everyone!

Life, motherhood

Random Thoughts: Making Time

Everlasting Sirua

As someone who’s constantly on the go. And I mean this in every sense. Whether it be physically or mentally. It’s hard to make time for yourself and perhaps others. This is your reminder to do so. Self love. Self care. And find balance in your life. Take a few minutes to breathe. Call someone who makes you happy or take a walk. Whatever it takes to bring you back from turmoil. Cry it out if you need to. Life can be hard. It’s okay to not be okay.

I have a lot of moments like this as a mother. Motherhood is a still something I struggle with emotionally every day. I love my babies. They’re my world. It’s easy to forget about myself in the heat of things. When they’re crying and need things. Once they’re in bed after a long and difficult day. The mom guilt comes in and there I am wishing I could of done better and wondering what I could of done better. But I try to remember that the best thing is to take care of myself. If I’m taking care of myself then I’m bringing that positivity into their lives as well. Even to those around me. Although it’s better said than done. Please try to make time for you.

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

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, motherhood

Exclusively Pumping: Breastfeeding Journey Glimpse

Everlasting Sirua

To be honest, things have been hectic. Between little sleep and slowly trying to get back on schedule and keeping a routine with a toddler while feeding a newborn on demand. It’s…well demanding. Along with a part time job at home, school online, my son’s therapy (that’s another blog for another day) I think some days I reach peak of mental exhaustion. I’v been lucky to have my husband for five weeks to help me through this time cause it is not easy getting back to whatever we consider reality at this point.

All things considered I am okay. This time around I know more than I did the first time around with my son. I was new to breastfeeding and pumping. I was new to the experience of motherhood and everything it physically entailed. This time around I am a little less nervous and knew what I wanted which was to pump as much as I could for this baby.

The first time around I remember doing so much research and stressing about my output. I was only making about 20 ounces per day after two to three weeks and it wasn’t enough. I was able to supplement at night with formula but my goal was to strictly breastfeed. Eventually, by an increase of water intake, adding more pumps in my day, lactation supplements and lactation treats was I able to start reaching 30-35 oz a day. I was able to purchase a stand up freezer and store a lot of breast milk for when anytime my supply started to drop towards the end of my journey or started using breast milk in the solids I would give my son. I was proud of the hard work I put into it and couldn’t be happier that I had reached my goal of a year breast feeding. I was relieved once it ended. My mind at peace.

Now here I am once again. I struggle with the thought of doing this all over again for another now…49 weeks or longer depending. This time around I have a oversupply when I prepped for under supply in the beginning. I am proud and yet stressed to say I am at 50-60 oz per day! This time around I did maintain a good water intake, coconut eater from a company I found, lactation brownies, prenatals and pumping at least 6 times a day (its advised to do more like 8-12 so please don’t try this if you’re experiencing an under supply). This all isn’t easy since breast feeding and exclusively pumping has its pros and cons. Every situation is unique and I have my own personal struggles to overcome when it comes to pumping from the wash and sterilizing of bottles and pump part to planning each pump to make sure the kids are comfortable and in a safe place while I sit for 20-30 minutes.

To put this into perspective that’s 20-30 minutes for every pump and at the recommended 8-12 times a day for the first 6 weeks to establish supply. Pumping can actually be a full time job cause this doesn’t include the constant washing of parts and bottles. While taking care of a new baby and everything else of course. This is a glimpse of the struggle but I am proud of myself and those who keep their littles fed. Fed is best and even those who give their little ones formula its still its own struggle to afford formula in the first place. Whether you’re new to this journey or returning. Welcome (Welcome back) you’re not alone!

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!