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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 29 January 2008 11:51 pm |
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elliptical lover wrote: Hey there Sassy,
I am glad to hear that you FINALLY got your results back.....the polyps stink! I am not sure if youre going to a GI specialist or not. Make sure you find one who does less invasive surgeries....there are lots out there...just do your research on the web and "shop around" by mouth of your friends and family.....gall bladder disease is a common issue!
Excellent job with the learning about the gall bladder. Your right, you should never cut out something completely....thats why GOD made all those things...cuz our bodies count on them to do what the body does each day....and the key is MODERATION....something that is quite challenging!!!!! You ROCK IT girl!!!!
I am so excited for you and your NEW treddy!!!! Wooohoooo!!!! That is sooo exicting! Now you just gotta make sure you use it as an EXERCISE machine...not a clothes line like i did with my elliptical for like 12 months!!!!! 
Good luck! 
I wish we had a GI specialist around here! We could sure use one!
Hummmm...The clothes line sounds like a practical idea.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 30 January 2008 12:11 am |
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I haven't been on here lately because I've been feeling pretty badly. I don't know how I went from feeling ok to doing so badly over the next couple of days, but in my desperation I have learned a lot.
I've had someone give me some advice on supplements and I think I'm going to give them a try. I was told that now is not the time to lose weight because it just makes the gallbladder worse. It needs to be contracting. The bile becomes thick and stagnant and it causes the gallbladder to spasm instead of contract fully, so I need to take some supplements to help thin out the bile, lower inflammation and help it contract better.
I have lost a few pounds while feeling sick. So this morning I weighed 138.2. The best thing would be to not lose anymore until my gallbladder is better.
Exercise has been shown to prevent gallstones and stimulate circulation so if I at all feel I can, I need to be exercising.
Today I only managed a 15 minute walk on the treadmill, but I did get some housework done and my side hurt while I walked.
I've ordered more supplements (again) and am anxiously awaiting for them to come. In the mean time, I do have a few that were recommended and I will take them.
They are: Vit C, Omega 3 oil - such as fish or flax, lecithin and magnesium.
The ones I am waiting for are: taurine, IP6 rice bran extract, and malic acid.
I also need to make sure I have a good diet - fats, but no saturated fats, with plenty of vegetables and fruits, Good ones, for the gallbladder are: apples, pears, garlic, onions, asparagus and of course the rest are good as well.
Through all of this, I am more determined and motivated than ever to get healthy. It's just hard to have energy when I'm feeling especially sick. It'll get better though - it has to!
The Biggest Loser is on tonight. I'm looking forward to watching that, and I'm looking forward to feeling better tomorrow.
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 30 January 2008 02:10 am |
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Hi Sassykat,
I was just talking to my chiro today about the Omega 3's. I'd ordered a bottle from Eniva, where I get my Vibe, my calcium/magnesium, and the Flex for joint support. I thought it was pretty good, as it had over 1000 mg total per dose (so many in the stores are so low). But she had a brand called "Metagenics" or "Metegenics", that had 3 levels of Omega 3 product...........the most expensive and complete one, having 120 capsules for around $40. The thing she likes is that this company tests every batch they make, to be sure that what they say is in it, really is in it.
You know I'm still praying for you..........live in his Son-shine! 
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 5 February 2008 10:38 pm |
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I love the son shine you always share with me Hisgal!
My symptoms are gradually getting less severe. I will have to remember to always include some fat in my diet and I will probably have to make sure I take some supplements to support my gallbladder. Hopefully I can get it back to working shape again and avoid surgery.
I am a little sad that I am not suppose to lose any more weight until my gallbladder is working better again. But it is imperative that I heal it! I should give it a name with all the grief it has caused me! I'm tired of calling it my gallbladder. It's a long name and doesn't sound very appealing either.
So today and yesterday I walked on the treadmill 30 min. And I've been experimentally adding fat to my diet and paying attention to the way I feel. It will probably be a long process. I've been thinking I would like to slowly increase my exercise everyday to increase my endurance.
I still feel a little dizzy for the first bit after I get off the treadmill. I wish that would go away.
Persistance is the key. I will get healthier.
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 6 February 2008 03:51 pm |
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Hi Sassykat!
So glad to hear that the symptoms are slowly getting better! Sometimes we can't do/have things in our timing! I guess you could see it as a lesson in patience??? Not that any of us want that, do we? We want it now and our way............at least I do. 
Just got back from the hospital and the hubs colonoscopy. Now the wait...........they found 3 polyps, one was larger than the other 2. They removed those, and we have to wait for the pathology report. Prayers appreciated there, that they won't be cancerous. They usually ARE NOT, so that's the good news.
They also found diverticula's............so far not too many. If he doesn't change his diet to higher fiber and drink more water, there is the chance that more would form, and could get infected, which is serious, if they would burst and spread fecal matter into his abdominal cavity. Now this is the man, who thinks he drinks a lot water, because he's up to 2 glasses a day.................and who fills his plate with meat, and goes back for veggies when I call him on it! Have to figure out a way to change his eating habits without sounding like I am nagging him.............got to do some thinking on that! 
Hang in there, Sassykat, and keep us posted. Not the time to worry about weight loss, that's for sure. Keep working on other aspects of your health 
Will do some extra prayers at the Ash Wednesday service tonight. 
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 6 February 2008 06:46 pm |
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My goodness, I will definately be praying for you and your husband. Thank you for letting me know how it went.
Yeah, my husband has the same taste. He tries to eat healthy, but it is an ongoing battle because he loves meat and potato chips. I have found that it is very tricky trying to encourage healthy eating without nagging. If I fix his plate (trying to be nice) then I can load it with veggies and bring a glass of water along with it, but it is very sneaky!
Sometimes my hubby actually asks me advice! I have slipped a couple of times and nagged, which does no good. It has just the opposite affect. I think gentle creativeness is the key. And some sneaky shopping might help also. Crackers and bread can be bought high fiber. What about meatloaf? Does he like it and is there a way to sneak some fiber into it? Ok, now I'm really being sneaky.
You can tell I'm feeling better because I'm getting ornery again.
We also have some of that...metamucil fiber stuff you mix in water or juice. My husband will use that occasionaly and I've nagged him a bit, saying veggies and fruits provide nutrition, but it is one way of adding some fiber for the day. (to go with that yummy plate of meat)
I had some ice cream last night and I thought of you Hisgal. It was so good, I imagined it was as good as that place you mentioned, The Cold Stone Creamery was it?
I am feeling pretty good today, just some mild gallbladder pain/ back pain, not too bad. I did my treadmill exercise. For the time being I am increasing my time on it by 1 minute a day. I have a little more energy and feel better mentally/emotionally.
I pray everyday for my healing. I am taking supplements to help my gallbladder. Time to get back to work!
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personsmom
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 6 February 2008 09:03 pm |
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Sassykat wrote:
What about meatloaf? Does he like it and is there a way to sneak some fiber into it? Ok, now I'm really being sneaky.
Yes, make it with oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs Yes we can be sneaky can't we.
Lee
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 6 February 2008 09:55 pm |
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You know, many years ago I saw a TV cooking show, and they said to add grated/processed veggies to your meatloaf. It makes it so moist, tasty and adds those veggies that kids and hubbies try to avoid! I've done that, and it is so good! Of course, we hardly eat any red meat anymore, so I haven't done it in years.
I haven't been doing well at all on my eating this past weekend I couldn't resist my grandson's birthday cake on Saturday...............it was from Cold Stone Creamery!  And it was GOOD! Of course, I let my little granddaughter share mine, but I still had way too many calories. It was the story of the weekend. However, the good news is that today has been an awesome day, eating-wise.
Lent has started, and I can do anything for Lent. This will be a good 6 weeks until Easter. I will be lighter on March 23, for sure!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 8 February 2008 11:06 pm |
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Oatmeal in meat loaf does sound like a good idea.
So Hisgal, are you giving up something specifically for Lent? I was wondering what it was, because I am nosey.
I've come here to announce the name of my gallbladder to be "Larry" after the cartoon character's Sponge Bob's pet snail. Because my gallbladder is sluggish like a snail and since it has caused me so much pain, it is getting a name! And may Larry be with me the rest of my life! Ok that sounded weird.
We went shopping for my youngest son's birthday which is this next week, so I didn't get my exercise done today. While we were shopping my gallbladder... er Larry reminded me with a back ache that I should not forget about it. Still in retrospect, it is not as bad as it use to be. I'm happy.
I would like to devise an eating plan that has enough fats to keep my gallbladder contracting and yet...maybe ...Possibly be a calorie deficit. The last thing I want to do is make the darn thing worse so probably it wouldn't be a deficit by much. Aaahh, that sounds like a lot of work. I'm not sure I'm up to it. I'll be thinking about it though.
Last edited on 8 February 2008 11:08 pm by Sassykat
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 11 February 2008 03:24 pm |
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I made a mistake. Songe Bob's snail is not named "Larry" it's "Gary". Hubs and kids corrected me on that yesterday. What kind of a cartoon watching mom am I anyway? So "Gary" is my gallbladder. The kids were quite tickled when I told them I had named my gallbladder.
It's going to be a real busy week. I hope I can manage to get my exercise in.
I read another little interesting fact that correlates a low incidence of gallbladder problems with a high nut intake. So I had a PB&J for breakfast. Didn't enjoy it much though. I have a bad cold with stuffy sinus and ears popping. No real appetite. I'm basically forcing myself to eat for my gallbladder's sake.
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trimB
Moderator
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Posted: 11 February 2008 10:44 pm |
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| I love that you have given Gary his name!! I think it shows that you've kept a positive attitude and a sense of humor!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 12 February 2008 01:12 am |
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trimB wrote: I love that you have given Gary his name!! I think it shows that you've kept a positive attitude and a sense of humor!
Why thank you trimB! I'm honored that you think so. As long as I don't name all my other organs I'll think I'll be ok sanity wise!
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Paint-Mom
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 12 February 2008 06:43 pm |
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SassyK - I'm gonna look forthe book that Pat recommended too! I always want helpful books to read while I'm riding my stationery bike.
I also have a gall-b problem. I went to the hospital back in Sept. thinking I was having a heart attack! Seems not -- but I've had no problems since. I do watch what I eat though...no more "fried" onion rings - which I love! Doc. said to have the thing removed--but I will have to think on this! Just wanted you to know - your Larry(I mean GARY) has a cousin in Texas! Opps! Long time since I watched cartoons.
Wish you were closer - I would use the expertise in construction!
Bless you - and have a wonderous day!
/Sherry
Last edited on 12 February 2008 06:44 pm by Paint-Mom
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 12 February 2008 07:27 pm |
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Paint-Mom wrote: SassyK - I'm gonna look forthe book that Pat recommended too! I always want helpful books to read while I'm riding my stationery bike.
I also have a gall-b problem. I went to the hospital back in Sept. thinking I was having a heart attack! Seems not -- but I've had no problems since. I do watch what I eat though...no more "fried" onion rings - which I love! Doc. said to have the thing removed--but I will have to think on this! Just wanted you to know - your Larry(I mean GARY) has a cousin in Texas! Opps! Long time since I watched cartoons.
Wish you were closer - I would use the expertise in construction!
Bless you - and have a wonderous day!
/Sherry
I was wondering if I would be able to read while on the treadmill. I have my doubts because I have bad balance and I am clumsy, but the time goes terribly slow, I've tried praying, but even that doesn't seem to take up very much time. It would be great if I could manage it though.
I'm so sorry to hear about your gall bladder. I would not wish the agony I've been through on anyone. If you haven't had any problems, maybe you could just take something to keep it nourished or support your liver, with milk thistle or something. Then you could ward off any prospective problems.
Some fat, is good, to keep it "exercising"/ contracting. I feel my own problems developed from a low fat diet.
Yea, it would be awesome if you lived close by, I could show you all my supplements for my gallbladder and tell you about my own ER experience, which wasn't fun. When are they going to start making the ER fun anyway? My daughter wants to be a doctor, so maybe she can work on that goal.
I've been looking for high fat foods lately to feed Gary got any suggestions? (I know this is a weightloss forum! Shhhh! Don't tell anyone I'm asking for fat suggestions) I may try the onion rings!
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
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Posted: 14 February 2008 05:37 pm |
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Congrats on becoming a Distinguished Member!
And more important, thanks for all your contributions. Your diary alone has been viewed over 10,000 times, and I'm sure you have helped a lot of people with their struggle with diet and weight loss.
Peter
P.S.
Happy Valentine's Day!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 14 February 2008 06:20 pm |
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Thank you Peter! You're such a sweetheart.
10,000 times! I thought this diary was private! I've definately learned a lot since I first joined.
Do I look distinguished? I feel different now.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 18 February 2008 02:35 pm |
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Trying to get healthy seems like it's getting trickier and trickier. Why can't life be simple? I have enough distractions in my life normally with all my kids and our business. I don't have time to fuss, count calories, weigh, measure food or especially get sick. Ok enough complaining. It's not very charming.
This morning I weighed 140.8 lbs.
It would be so nice if someone would devise a weight loss plan to include support for the gall bladder, but I guess that's asking for a bit too much.
I think I could probably lose some weight slowly as long as I have plenty of fat in my diet everyday. Since I'm still trying to get my gall bladder back in shape, it needs to be contracting several times a day. I'm going to have to think about this. Today the kids don't have school so it may not be a good day to figure out an eating plan. They never let me use my brain. The moment I decided to be a Mom I pretty much donated my brain for the cause of motherhood. Now, I just borrow it back on occasion.
My eating plan will have to include the following criteria:
~ Lower in calories than what I burn
~ Include somewhat of a balance of vegies, fruits, protein, grains and fats
~ Have servings of fats through out the day to exercise my gall bladder.
This seems daunting at the moment!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 18 February 2008 03:44 pm |
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OK. I think I'm making this more complicated than it has to be. For now, I'm not going to count calories. I'm just going to watch my portions and make sure I have some fats everyday, with every meal for now. Predominantly healthy fats if possible.
Breakfast can be a slice of toast with smart balance spread and an apple.
or a handful of nuts and an apple, or an avacado sandwhich, or eggs and toast with smart balance or olive oil, or shredded wheat with ... whole milk maybe (except we don't buy whole milk...I could just buy some for me.) I can't think of how else to add fat to shredded wheat.
Lunch - can be a sandwhich with some fat of some kind, cheese or avacado... or salad with olive oil and some cheese.
Dinner - is easy, I've already gotten in the habit of cooking lots of veggies and having either chicken or fish. I'll just add some olive oil to the veggies.
Snack - I need to really make an effort to eat nuts. They're suppose to be really good for the gall bladder.
Note of concern - Most of the time my appetite is not that great. I have been forcing myself to eat. I know it's because of my gall bladder problems. If I just followed my appetite I know I could lose a lot of weight, but I'd also end up in the operating room having my gall bladder taken out.
Exercise: walking briskly on treadmill for 30-35 min ever weekday. At some point I'd like to be able to add in some toning exercise, like the 8 min pilates video I have lying around somewhere...Where is it I wonder?
Plan established and put into effect today.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 21 February 2008 12:40 am |
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I almost felt back to normal and well today, except for about ten minutes of gall bladder pain a little while ago. I even decided to take a break from all the supplements I've been taking for my gall bladder. Every thing you take stresses the liver somewhat. I'd like to get healthy enough to not have to even take a vitamin or any supplement. I'm guessing to get that healthy I would need a considerable amount of exercise everyday. And I am sooo disinclined to exercise. What a pity.
I have been doing a brisk walk on the treadmill about 4 days a week for 35 min. Unfortunately sitting at a desk the rest of the day does not help. And I'm soooo lazy. The best way is to engage myself in activity that is interesting and fun that does not involve sitting.
My appetite seems to be coming around, but at the worst time of day - the late afternoon and evening. I don't know that I truly feel hunger, or just like the idea of having a bowl of icecream. I think if I could give up that bowl of ice cream in the evening, I could lose weight. Because lately with what I've been eating and doing, I seem to be maintaining my weight, and that includes a bowel of ice cream around 7:00 pm. Maybe I could also find a low cal replacement.
I've also been thinking, as far as my gall bladder, if eating a handful of olives and nuts everyday would help it. (I'm really tired of swallowing pills. Some you take with food, others have to be taken on an empty stomach - what a pain.)
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 23 February 2008 05:23 pm |
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I have gone 4 days without taking any gall bladder supplements and it hurt this morning. Yesterday wasn't so bad however. It's not easy trying to figure out what helps and what doesn't. Yesterday I did not really have any good fats, such as nuts olives or eggs. Could that have something to do with it? Or do I need to start back on the supplements again? First I'll try the good fats again, see how I feel tomorrow.
I weighed 140.8 this morning so I decided to keep track of my calories today, maybe even for the week, while adding in some extra fats that are suppose to be good for the gall bladder, such as eggs, olives, nuts, avocados etc.
I had 20 olives this morning with 1 egg and 1 piece of bread and 2 cups of coffee for breakfast. Those olives are high in calories! At 5 calories a piece, a handful of say, 20 is 100 calories! I'm gonna have to watch what I put in my coffee and eat the rest of the day, because fitting in these healthy fats is expensive! Calorie wise that is.
And my hubs sister gave us a chihuahua puppy. Her name is Chloe. She is so sweet. My daughter took a picture of her on my lap and for some reason all I could see was my spare tire. More motivation for me to get healthy and slim. I will get there. I've just hit a few snags along the way, being sick, but I will get there.
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 26 February 2008 07:46 am |
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hey! glad to see you are back! sounds like you are doing pretty alright. it's good to know!
yeah, finding that healthy balance is a struggle. and hey, if you need fats in the diet, ice cream is the best source (imho, at least ). my first thought was peanut putter, though. or for breakfasts, if you like oatmeal, toss in some nuts and fruit and milk. i always thought oatmeal would taste great with pecans, a bit of honey, and maybe some raisins or something. egg sanwhiches are really good too. just "fry" up an egg in EVOO or smart balance butter, thow it on an whole wheat english muffin with some cheese. if you want meat on it, but don't want the saturated fat, boca makes a really good sausage patty. oh, and velveta makes really decent light cheese (less fat and clas, but still has some fat). i dunno, just some ideas...
and congrats on the new puppy!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 26 February 2008 02:45 pm |
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Thanks Zenobia! Those are some great ideas. I think I am slowly getting better at learning what is healthy for me. I keep looking things up and that has helped. I feel like a slow learner though. I guess the bile that is produced by the liver, which is then stored in the gall bladder actually has fats in it, and the bile changes according to what we have eaten or not eaten etc. So I read that while all fats do make the gall bladder contract, which is what we want (if it just sits there, it gets inactive and "sick".) The healthier fats are suppose to make better bile composition.
All of these fats are so expensive in calories though!
I really appreciate your suggestions though, figuring out what to eat for my gall bladder has been such a struggle. The oatmeal with pecans actually sounds good, though I've never tried nuts in my oatmeal before.
I've decided that I can't just not think about my weight. If I do, I will just gain more weight and that will make my gall bladder worse.
So I've got this little book that I bought at the dollar store and I've been writing down what I eat, even when it's bad.  I guess I must be somewhat of a perfectionist because I don't like writing down what I've eaten unless it falls into my guidlines of what I think it should be.
I have learned that the best type of lecithin for the gall bladder is actually in eggs! This makes it somewhat easier on me. Eggs are fairly low in calories. Whoo hooo!
The bad thing is... They are not really a convenient food. Also good are nuts and olives. I imagine that avacodo is good too, just haven't read anything that states them specifically.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 26 February 2008 03:13 pm |
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Lately (ever since I decided I want to try and lose weight again despite Gary the gall bladder making himself known) I have been tempted like the dickens to eat all sorts of bad foods! I gave up pop and candy for lent. Evil thoughts of candy come into my mind occasionaly. And since I've been thinking about losing weight again..., Evil, evil thoughts of sugary sweets have been plaguing me! Plaguing me I say! And then this little voice says "you'd better feed Gary! You don't want him getting any worse do you?!"
 Why can't my life be simple?
The 24th of Feb, I weighed 140.8
I ate:
2 cups  of coffee (milk & sugar)
small handful of nuts
2 eggs
1/2 avocado
salsa
soup
chocolate chip cookie
nectarine
shot of vinegar  (yuck!)(read it's good for gall bladder and digestion)
1 pop tart
2 sugar free fudge sickles
tamale pie for dinner
calories were estimated at 1,010 up to the tamale pie. Gave up figuring it out with the tamale pie.
Feb 25, weighed 140.4
I ate:
2 eggs cooked with butter spray ( 0 calories for butter spray!)
1/2 avocado
2 cups of coffee (suppose to be good for Gary)
salad  of mostly lettuce
12 olives
1/2 peanut butter & honey sand which
apple
1/2 chicken breast
boiled veggies w/ butter spray
salad & light dressing
Then I had to "feed Gary" bowl of chocolate ice cream  with cashews, chocolate sprinkles and chocolate syrup. (why? why? why?)
Ok, I may have to keep my sanity in check here a little bit. I do have a family to take of, and they need me. I can't just go bonkers.
So today I am thinking it might be wise to try and plan my food for the day. It may help with the...
This morning I weighed 140.6
I've got my meals planned, but haven't figured out the calories yet. Also I need to get my walk in. I didn't do that yesterday. I opted to clean house all day instead.
Last edited on 26 February 2008 03:15 pm by Sassykat
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 27 February 2008 10:49 pm |
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Weight today 138.6
It would be good if my weight would be permanent. It'll probably go back up to 140 though. I almost feel as though my scale is partial to 140.
Had a bout of gall bladder pain last night and this morning. I wish the darn thing would just heal and be over with it already. Since not, I am going to keep trying crazy remedies until something works!
The latest crazy remedy I'm going to try is taking a daily dose of olive oil and lemon juice. I took 2tsp of each today, plain - yuck! If nothing else maybe the torture will be good for my character.
The plan is to try this maybe a Tbsp of each a day for as long as I can do it. I'm not happy about the extra calories as it does not taste good and is not worth it, in the satisfaction department, but I'll try anything to get my gall bladder back to health.
Yesterday I ate:
coffee - 60
2 eggs cooked in 1 TBsp olive oil - 140+120
Salsa on eggs - 20
15 grapes - 45
Sandwich w/ 2 slices of bread - 140
slice chedder cheese - 90
a little turkey - 40
lite mayo & honey mustard - 30
tomato slice - 15
2 pickles -0
chocolate chip cookie - 140
Bits of meat in gravy over mashed potatoes - 70+30+115
boiled veggies - 60
2 sugar free fudge bars - 70
1 tiny mint cookie - 35
Today I ate:
2 eggs cooked w/ butter spray - 140
2 tsp olive oil & 2 tsp lemon juice - 90
Coffee -60
Same sandwich as yesterday -315
haven't had dinner yet. I will post that later.
Exercise:
Yesterday I increased my speed on the treadmill for 5 min, but still did 35 min. over all.
Today I increased speed another 5 min for a total of 10 min at the higher speed, but over all time was 35 min.
I have high hopes of becoming healthier through gradual increase of exercise. I have never really been a very sporty/ active person so this is all new to me... I sort of feel like a fish out of water, but I am determined to keep up with it.
Tomorrow I probably won't have time to exercise or write down my food as I won't be home most of the day, but I will try and eat sensibly.
As long as my health stays steady, my goal is to lose 2-3 pounds a month. I should be slim and in good shape by the end of the summer!
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 29 February 2008 10:52 pm |
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Hi Sassykat
I am back! Wow! It was wonderful to have almost a whole week off........of course, I'm here late tonight to finish printing some reports, but then I knew that would happen when I decided to take time off work. I think it was really good for the hubs..........he's been off work for 6 full weeks now, and was getting kind of down being around the house all day.
I've been catching up with your diary...........with all you've gone through with Gary the gallbladder, you still sound so upbeat and ready to try whatever it takes. I need some of that attitude with my eating! Although we did much better on vacation, at eating healthy, than we usually do..........now that I'm home, I seem to not be able to get a handle on it again 
I had an idea.........with the vinegar and olive oil..........what if you put them on a salad? My oldest daughter used to use only oil and vinegar on her lettuce salads. She never used regular bottled dressings. Maybe it would make taking it more palatible? And you could save the calories from the light dressing?
I've been working hard to get those "good fats" into the hubs diet too. With his good cholesterol so ridiculously low, he needs them! I do use olive oil alot. I stir fry veggies in it........the low cals of the veggies help to offset the higher cals. of the olive oil. I add about 100 of chicken breast to it. I serve him brown rice with the stir-fry, as he doesn't like it without...........but I usually just each the veggies with the little bit of chicken. He won't eat avacado..........I tried, but he didn't like it. He counts out a serving of almonds, that he eats most every day. And I do throw a serving or two of olives on his plate too.
When the hubs found out about his high cholesterol 4 years ago, he started eating oatmeal for breakfast every morning. I tried to get him to add nuts to it, and he resisted. Now that his good cholesterol is so low, he's looking for ways to raise it, and has finally agreed to add nuts............I weigh out 1/2 serving of raw walnuts (high in Omega 3's) into little baggies, which he adds to his oatmeal every morning. He read about adding cinnamon to his oatmeal somewhere, so he puts that in too!
The thing is, being a man, he can have 1600-1900 calories a day and still lose weight! And being he's home everyday yet, when the weather is nice, he takes long walks. (I'm jealous!  ) I can see your frustration with trying to feed Gary good fats, and still keep the calories in line! Just keep at it...........we want Gary to get back to good health
I had one other thought............in your little notebook, as you note your food/fat intake.......are you also writing down which supplements you are taking at the time? And also record what pain you had, how long it lasted, how many times you felt it? Then you'll be able to go back and maybe find a relationship between food/pain/no pain/supplements?
My prayers always for your success and healing Live in His Sonshine!
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artistjohn
Senior Member
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Posted: 29 February 2008 11:03 pm |
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I leap in here. Hi Ladies!!
I do a salad dressing.
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Tsp of grainy type mustard
Plenty of chopped garlic
Mix and pour on salad. Delicious. Your partner has to eat it as well. Due to odours you emit for 24 hrs after eating!!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 29 February 2008 11:37 pm |
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Hisgal wrote: Hi Sassykat
I am back! Wow! It was wonderful to have almost a whole week off........of course, I'm here late tonight to finish printing some reports, but then I knew that would happen when I decided to take time off work. I think it was really good for the hubs..........he's been off work for 6 full weeks now, and was getting kind of down being around the house all day.
I've been catching up with your diary...........with all you've gone through with Gary the gallbladder, you still sound so upbeat and ready to try whatever it takes. I need some of that attitude with my eating! Although we did much better on vacation, at eating healthy, than we usually do..........now that I'm home, I seem to not be able to get a handle on it again
I had an idea.........with the vinegar and olive oil..........what if you put them on a salad? My oldest daughter used to use only oil and vinegar on her lettuce salads. She never used regular bottled dressings. Maybe it would make taking it more palatible? And you could save the calories from the light dressing?
I've been working hard to get those "good fats" into the hubs diet too. With his good cholesterol so ridiculously low, he needs them! I do use olive oil alot. I stir fry veggies in it........the low cals of the veggies help to offset the higher cals. of the olive oil. I add about 100 of chicken breast to it. I serve him brown rice with the stir-fry, as he doesn't like it without...........but I usually just each the veggies with the little bit of chicken. He won't eat avacado..........I tried, but he didn't like it. He counts out a serving of almonds, that he eats most every day. And I do throw a serving or two of olives on his plate too.
When the hubs found out about his high cholesterol 4 years ago, he started eating oatmeal for breakfast every morning. I tried to get him to add nuts to it, and he resisted. Now that his good cholesterol is so low, he's looking for ways to raise it, and has finally agreed to add nuts............I weigh out 1/2 serving of raw walnuts (high in Omega 3's) into little baggies, which he adds to his oatmeal every morning. He read about adding cinnamon to his oatmeal somewhere, so he puts that in too!
The thing is, being a man, he can have 1600-1900 calories a day and still lose weight! And being he's home everyday yet, when the weather is nice, he takes long walks. (I'm jealous! ) I can see your frustration with trying to feed Gary good fats, and still keep the calories in line! Just keep at it...........we want Gary to get back to good health
I had one other thought............in your little notebook, as you note your food/fat intake.......are you also writing down which supplements you are taking at the time? And also record what pain you had, how long it lasted, how many times you felt it? Then you'll be able to go back and maybe find a relationship between food/pain/no pain/supplements?
My prayers always for your success and healing Live in His Sonshine!
Hey Hisgal! You're back! Whooo Hooo! Welcome back! Did you guys have a nice time?
I do keep my supplements written in a seperate notebook along with how I'm feeling. It's very hard trying to guess and figure out what helps and what doesn't. Actually the past couple of days Gary has been giving me a hard time. I've gone back to taking one of the supplements that I dropped because it was so expensive, but I'm hoping it was actually helping me (I'll bite the expense to get better - I just want to get better) and I'm going to stop taking some of the others that I highly suspect were making me tired because they lower your blood pressure. My blood pressure has always been low anyway. It is good to write down everything - at this point I am my own science experiment.
The olive oil & vinegar on salad is a great idea. I was taking it alone to make sure "Gary got it." But I'm getting rather tired of all the suffering. Thank you for the compliment saying I'm upbeat. I am trying. Some days are easier than others. Today I just feel extremely tired for some reason.
I really, know what you mean about hubs getting to eat more calories and losing weight more easily. The past few days I find myself looking at my husband sideways due to that fact exactly! Sigh! He's been home a couple of weeks too. I am praying we get some work for our construction business or we'll both be looking for low paying jobs. (Mc Donald's comes to mind - my twin teenagers are both working there.)
I'm so glad you are back! You really brighten up the place!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 29 February 2008 11:46 pm |
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artistjohn wrote: I leap in here. Hi Ladies!!
I do a salad dressing.
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Tsp of grainy type mustard
Plenty of chopped garlic
Mix and pour on salad. Delicious. Your partner has to eat it as well. Due to odours you emit for 24 hrs after eating!!
Hi artisjohn! Aren't you the one who posted brussel sprout suggestions in my husband's diary? I'm not real big on brussel sprouts, but if cooked with bacon...they might go down easier.
I will have to totally agree about husband and wife both consuming garlic together. It is the only way to survive it without marital problems. Your recipe sounds interesting. Next time I plan salad I'll have to try it. A couple years ago, my husband and sons were eating mostly raw garlic, barely toasted and I could barely stand it. Everyone reeked! The smell seemed to just rise off their skin. In other words, it wasn't just contained to bad breath and ... gas/flatulence. I also have a very sensitive nose!
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zenobia
Moderator
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Posted: 1 March 2008 05:06 am |
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real quick (sorry, i've a lot to do or i would give you a much better post!)... a suggestion.
you said you are going to use spelnda to shave cals.... and you are wary of fake sugars... well, i would suggest stevia powder to you. you can get it at GNC. it is a bit pricier, but it's all natural (plant derived)and it works great. it does have a bit of a different taste, but you will adjust quickly (especially when you know there aren't nasty side effects (splenda gives me horrid tummy aches, even a little)). i really really like it now and use it in coffee (i bring my own packets if i drink coffe out) and tea. wish i could send you some so you could try it out!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 1 March 2008 05:32 pm |
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Aaaawww, thank you Zenobia! You're so sweet sharing with me and all. I will look around for the stevia. We don't have much around here, but I will look. If I just use it in coffee the expense shouldn't be too bad. Thanks!
Yesterday my weight was 140.6 again. (that was what I expected) and this morning it was 140.0
The day before yesterday was a splurge day, and in fact yesterday I kind of splurged too. I had some low cal desserts (thanks to weight watchers) and instead of the treadmill went for a beautiful walk down our muddy road. The sun was shining brilliantly, but we live on a dirt road, which is sometimes muddy. That was the bad part so I only went a mile because Chloe went with me and I was very tired and the road was very muddy.
Splurged on breakfast this morning. Instead of my usual fairly naked, plain eggs, this morning I added onions, tomatoes and a tiny bit of shredded cheese. My goodness it was yummy. The onion was sweet and made it extra special. And I am expecting to run to town later this afternoon so we can get some white clothes to wear to our baptism for Easter. We will most likely stop at Sonic for another splurge on those Java Chillers. They are so yummy and taste a lot like chocolate milk shakes.
I am feeling good today, the sun is shinning, the weather is warm - 50 degrees or so. Today just seems like such a precious gift from God. Thank you Lord for this special day.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 4 March 2008 12:15 am |
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We had a terrible blizzard yesterday. My poor puppy, Chloe died in it. She was only tiny, just a couple of pounds. We searched and searched for her for 2 hours, but it was too late by the time we found her. I even tried to massage her and warm her, but she must of quit breathing long before we found her. I'm so mad at myself for letting her go outside. The weather wasn't that bad at the time though. It seemed to grow to a severe storm very suddenly. It was white out conditions, we struggled to look for her. The wind stung our faces, our hands, our clothes were drenched within minutes or seconds even.
I feel horrible. She was my little buddy, so tiny and cute and sweet. I've never thought of myself as trying to comfort myself with food, but I have tried since yesterday to make myself feel better with food, but it hasn't worked. Everytime I think about it I just start to cry. I don't care about anything anymore. I just want my little Chloe back. I was even going to post a picture of her on here. I'm so glad I never did.
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Tratra
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 4 March 2008 12:18 am |
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| I'm so sorry for your loss. That's really heartbreaking-I know pets are like family members. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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DeterminedGal
Senior Member
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Posted: 4 March 2008 12:41 am |
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| Sassykat, I am so sorry about your sweet puppy. I'm sending you a big hug. Hang in there!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 4 March 2008 01:16 am |
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Thank you Tratra. Thank you Determined Gal.
She was really special. She use to cover her eyes with her tiny paws, and do a sort of "dance" when she played with the boys. I don't know if all Chihuahuas are like that or not since I never had one before, but Chloe was very charming. I can't believe how devastated I feel over just a few ounces of fur! Helping my youngest with his homework tonight actually made me feel better and I gave him his first lesson in dish washing after dinner. I'm thinking it will take quite a few more lessons before he can attempt it by himself. I need to remember the rest of my blessings.
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Theresa
Senior Member
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Posted: 4 March 2008 10:56 am |
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| I am so sorry for the loss of your little buddy. My thoughts are with you in this painful time. It sounds like she was the cutest little doggy
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hoofprints
Senior Member
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Posted: 4 March 2008 03:36 pm |
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oh I'm soooooo sorry for your loss. Darn "old Man winter"
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 4 March 2008 04:19 pm |
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Sassykat,
I just got time to read your diary...........I am soooooooo sorry the loss of your puppy! I know that hurts so much! My eyes tear up just thinking about what you are going through!
We had to have our dog put to sleep a few years back..........she was diabetic, and we'd been giving her insulin shots, but she lost most of her sight and was walking into the side of the house instead of through the door. So, we knew it was time, but oh did I cry!
Even that wasn't as bad as the time I stepped on a new baby kitty and killed it! We had had her for less than a week! I cried.........no, sobbed for 4 hours straight! I drove to my daughters, who were both living about 1/2 hr away, and just sat and sobbed! They were so worried about me........they weren't sure what to do. I still get sad when I think about it But, you know what? We got her (I'd named her Angel) from my FIL's farm, and took her only because it was very late fall, and my FIL didn't think she'd survive the winter out in the barn. We already had one cat in the house. Anyway, because she died, we got one of her litter-mates........which he didn't even know existed! That is our Squirt, which we still have today. He's always had trouble with drainage from his eyes..........so maybe we were meant to have him, so he could get help from the vet? Otherwise, he probably would have died that winter. He is the cuddliest, lap-cat I've ever seen. He seems so human to us, and we just love him. He is so much a part of our family!
So, maybe God's got another puppy that needs you even more than Chloe? You just never know! And Sassykat...........accidents happen! Don't forget that! I'm sure you let her out because she needed, or wanted, to go outside, and with the blizzard.....well, you know we could get lost out there too! My prayers for you, my dear!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 4 March 2008 10:14 pm |
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