Lise The Loser’s Weblog

Health: Weight Loss Journey With Famous Daughter
CBS Broadcasting Inc

In health, a life changing transformation — for people who lose a dramatic amount of weight, it can be just the beginning of the journey. Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl takes you through the process with a famous daughter.

For Khaliah Ali, the 34-year-old daughter of Muhammad Ali, her struggles with weight have been a very public battle.

Four years ago, Khaliah lost 175 pounds after getting a lap band to reduce the size of her stomach. Even though she exercises, Khaliah still has a common problem for people who lose a dramatic amount of weight excess skin and tissue.

Caitlin Van Zandt’s Lap-Band Surgery
CBS Studios Inc.

Art is imitating life on “Guiding Light” these days because CAITLIN VAN ZANDT, who plays Ashlee on the CBS soap, had lap-band surgery — and there is no way the actress, who weighs more than 200 pounds, can shed the weight without her character doing the same.

ET was with the 22-year-old soap star as she began the process and we are with her two-and-a-half months later to show you her 30 pounds lighter.

Doctors Encourage Insurers to Cover Diabetes-Curing Bariatric Surgery
redOrbit.com

The diabetes-eliminating potential of bariatric surgery is gaining more attention, and doctors are emphasizing the benefit to encourage more insurance companies to pay for the surgery. In Wisconsin, few health plans do.

“More people should have this option,” said Dr. Michael Garren, a UW Health bariatric surgeon who operated on Graber. “At the very least, they should cover it for diabetics.”

Don’t you love those days when you lose a pound overnight and you don’t really know why? I mean you haven’t eaten any differently…and then you step on the scale and whooosh - a pound down! That’s what happened to me today. It’s like a wonderful way to start the day. Puts a smile on your face. Here’s my updated weight loss tracking graph - starting on my surgery date of 3/4 through today. Down a total of 32.8 pounds. 56.2 to go!

Guess what I got in the mail today??? My very own Lap-Band pedometer! Yes - remember way back during my post-op doctor visit when they gave me that “goodie” bag? Well, one item in it was a survey I could mail back to the Lap-Band folks and as a “thank you” for doing so, they would mail me a “free pedometer”. Well, about 2 months later it has finally arrived. I’m very excited to start using it. I’ll need Erik to set it up for me - but when he does I’ll be counting my steps! What fun!!!

Click on the images below to see the Lap-Band branded pedometer in it’s full glory!

Ahhhhh - another fantastic weekend in Whidbey Island. We stayed at the wonderful waterfront cabin for the first time. It’s super cute and in the perfect location. The weather wasn’t too great…but we still have a couple of months left so fingers crossed it will brighten up soon! For the full set go here.

Here are some photos of the cabin…click to enlarge!

It just so happens that one of the partners of the agency I work at (HL2) has a house on Whidbey and he was there with his wife and two kids so Erik and I stopped by at their place for a glass of wine. Their house is GORGEOUS! It was so much fun chatting with Don and his beautiful family! Afterwards, Erik & I went to dinner at our favorite restaurant, The Fishbowl…Erik had the Fillet Minot and I had the Thai Seafood Stew…you MUST click on the full size image of the stew - it’s BEAUTIFUL.

Again, another shot of what I didn’t have any of.

One of the things I love about Whidbey is all of the second hand shops. During our last trip we got a set of vintage tins for the kitchen. So cute. I took a couple of photos of the inside of one of the stores.

And a photo of downtown Langley…including the Dog House Tavern:

The trip would not have been complete without a trip to Whidbey Coffee!

And how could I forget some photos of my family!

Before I sign off for the night, remember how Erik & I were re-doing the floor downstairs? Well, it’s complete (except for the molding) … but check it out - pretty nice, eh?

Old Floor

New Floor

I have chicken stuck in my throat/band/whatever you want to call it and it does not feel good. I kacked a little but all that came up was saliva. It feels like a golf ball is in my throat. Oowwwwww. This is not fun.

Some recent articles on the Lap-Band…

What to do when obesity surgery fails
ABC Local

The number of people getting obesity surgery has more than doubled in the past eight years. But the highly popular and risky procedure doesn’t always work for everyone. So can these patients be helped? One local doctor offers a high-tech solution.

Lap-Band offers additional weight-loss tool, but support plays vital role
Spokane Journal Of Business

Trotter says use of the Lap-Band is gaining momentum as a tool in treating obese patients. It’s employed along with a highly restrictive and specialized diet that Trotter says patients would be too hungry to withstand without the surgery. Patients who have the so-called bariatric surgery can eat only about 1,000 calories a day, he says.

Our long weekend in Langley, WA on Whidbey Island was nothing short of amazing. From the gorgeous cottage we stayed at to the long days at the dog park to the beautiful beaches and delicious restaurants. I wouldn’t have changed one single thing. For the full set of photos, click here.

The cottage where we stayed was so cute - it’s about 800 square feet and like a log cabin. It has a loft where you sleep and it’s like sleeping in a tree house - waking up to the sound of birds … and that’s it - no noise!

[note: click on any of the photos to see them in full size]

We went to breakfast at a local diner called Mikes. Guess which meal was mine (and I only ate half of it).

We would stop at the Whidbey Island Coffee drive-through every day before going to the dog park.

Dogs waiting while we got newspapers before going to the dog park.

Speaking of the dog park…it’s amazing. And Betty & Page had so much fun!

Note: me wearing a belt…yes - my pants would fall down without them!

Erik looking suave at the dog park.

One of the beautiful beaches.

Dinner one night…the great thing about the band is that we only ordered an appetizer and one meal - and I just had a few tastes of both and was full!

And a bunny outside the window of the flower on our table.

What I ate NONE of.

So the great news is that on our last day we saw this for rent sign in the window of this darling waterfront beach house and as luck would have it, we decided to rent the house for the next 2 months! I will be taking Mondays off of work and spending 3 day weekends on Whidbey Island for the next couple of months…in our own private beach house with our own private beach! How amazing is that?!?!?

My first day home from vacation and wouldn’t you know it - I stepped on the scale and I was delighted to see I am in onederland! I will never see the 200’s again! At 199.4 I’ve lost a total of 29.6 lbs since March 4th. Let’s see - if I lose 2 lbs a week then I’ll be at my goal of 140 by December 1st. 180 by mid-July. Not bad!

Right now my husband is straightening my hair before I leave for work. Tonight I’ll debrief you on my fantastic weekend and our “big find”!

Until tonight!

Erik & I got the Annex Cottage reserved in Langley on Whidbey Island and we’re heading off in about an hour. Yeahhhh - but that means I won’t have access to the internet until Monday…but just imagine all of the news I’ll have when I get back…and photos! Can’t wait to update you all upon my return - have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Lise

So I had fill number 5 today - 0.4 of a cc. So far the nurse told me that according to their scale I have lost 3.1 lbs per week. I’ve been fine with the foods I’ve eaten lately … nothing very exciting going on. A bit stressed with work and such. Kind of in a grumpy mood. Erik and I are hoping to go to Langley, WA this weekend and I would take Monday off. I need a break and we adore Langley. It’s a short ferry ride from Seattle and it’s on Whidbey Island which is amazing. The place we typically stay is wonderful b/c it’s a cabin and has no television, internet, or phone so we are forced to “relax”!

Been stuck working night and day for an upcoming pitch tomorrow - but I will be back to my normal self after it’s finished. So sorry about the lack of writing…luckily (for me) these only happen every so often.

Just had dinner - shrimp cocktail and corn…don’t ask. Absolutely no problem eating it, I didn’t chew that well and I am a bit hungry still which makes me think I may need a bit of a fill so I’m going back in on Thursday. However, I don’t want to be a “fill-addict”…so I think I’ll just ask for like 0.2cc’s.

Interesting article on “medical tourism”…the new “craze”!

It’s called “medical tourism,” and a growing number of people in this country are touring a foreign country and ending their trip with a hospital stay.

Years ago it was unthinkable, but now an estimated 500,000 people a year are doing it, according to industry estimates.

For the full article, click here.

Last night Erik & I met up with our friend Scott for a night on the town in good ol’ Seattle. This was after a LONG day of Phase I of our basement remodel which started by moving all of Erik’s stereo equipment out of the room, ripping out the old disgusting carpet and tearing up all of the old lenolium which had probably been there since the 1950’s. What a workout!

After about 5 hours we were finished which left us ready for Phase II which will begin today with the installation of laminate flooring from IKEA.

Back to last night. We met up with Scott at around 6:30 at Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill in Seattle where Scott brought dinner and Erik & I brought the silverware, etc. Scott brought a great chicken, bread and drinks. Of course, I only had the chicken.

Erik and Scott

Scott opening the chicken

The chicken

From there we headed to see the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall but ended up getting there way early so we went to this ail house that had 160 beers on tap. We got some sushi, the boys got beer and I got a non-fat mocha. I only ate the “insides” of the sushi…no rice for me!

The Sushi

Erik contemplating which beer to order

The movie was absolutely hilarious - I would HIGHLY recommend it. After the movie we dropped Scott off and headed home at which time I was exhausted!

Today, my father is coming over to get a haircut from Erik and to go to IKEA with us because he has a SUV v. my Protege so it will be big enough to haul the flooring back.

In other news, I am in LOVE with Worcestershire sauce - in particular, Lea & Perrins.

I’ve been adding it to my stir-fry recipies and they have been coming out fantastic!

Last night Erik & I went to Lark - a restaurant in a neighborhood called Capitol Hill in Seattle. The food was fantastic - but the service was very slow. The menu featured a range of small plates, allowing you to savor courses of cheese, charcuterie, vegetables, grains, fish, and meats.

Of the cheeses we ordered:

• Abondance: velvety, sharp, tangy
• Epoisses: rich, intense, washed rind
• Bleuet de chevre: savory, tangy, balanced

We also ordered:

• Sautéed mushrooms: with olive oil and garlic
• Smoked prosciutto: with pickled Spring garlic
• Foie gras terrine: with caramelized pineapple and star anise
• Carpaccio of Yellowtail: with preserved lemons and green olives

I ate a few bites of the cheese, some mushrooms (they were funky baby mushrooms), a couple slices of the prosciutto and a bite of the yellowtail. Every plate was smaller than appetizer size and had it’s own unique, distinct taste.

Afterwards, I met up with my good friend Robin for girl-talk and Erik met up with Mik for man-talk (Erik and Mik have been best friends since they were 8 years old). Robin & Mik own one of the top Seattle design agencies together which they started about 13 years ago called Engine Interactive. I worked for Engine about 5 years ago and believe it or not, Mik introduced Erik to me and the rest is history! I adore both of them - they are honestly two of my favorite people out there.

Beautiful Robin

Swanky Mik

I’ve decided to post a before and after shot of me to show you the difference in my face from pre-banding to now. The pre-shot was taken on the morning of my surgery day…driving to get banded! The current shot was taken a few days ago. I can definitely notice a difference in my chin. Click on the shots to see them in full size!

Pre Banding

Post Banding (down 25 lbs)

Marvelous Mel wrote me a few questions and I wanted to make sure that you all could share in my responses - I love answering questions (who doesn’t love to talk about themselves)! So feel free to ask away - you all know I’ll always answer honestly.

• It seems that you lived on tuna salad during mushies stage, is that just tuna and mayo

Yes! Just tuna packed in water from the can with a little bit of mayo added to make it not so dry. I also would eat it with chopsticks because it was my way of “classing it up” a bit. :)  Also, it made me feel as though I was eating sushi…plus, it forced me to eat slower.

• Now that you have moved beyond mushies and are now at restriction, what does your daily intake look like?

Let’s see….today I had no breakfast…I typically don’t eat breakfast. This is probably not good or recommended but I’m just not a breakfast girl. I am, however, a coffee girl so when I get to work I immediately make a HUGE glass of crystal light and a big cup of coffee with some non-fat vanilla creamer. When lunch came around at noon I had about 5 cooked prawns which I chewed up VERY well. Now that I’m home for dinner we are making spareribs. I’ll most likely have 1 and a half. I always get a craving for sweets at around 9 so I have 1/2 of a slimfast shake (normally chocolate). And there you have it! This is pretty typical except for lunch I may have a chicken drumstick, half of a chicken breast, some leftover fish…and for dinner I normally will make flank steak, chicken stir-fry, salmon, tilapia, etc.

• Lastly, are you exercising??

Helllll no! Ok - I should be so proud of that - but as I wrote before - I just do not enjoy exercising…especially when I’m overweight. But I do have some good news. About 3 months ago when I would walk from my car to the office (about 2 blocks) I would be huffing and puffing…totally out of breath. Now, I don’t even notice it - I’m fine - not out of breath at all. So that is a big thing for me. Since we’ve purchased the bikes I’ve rode it once. I just can’t jump on that exercise train.

There you go! Everyone - please send questions - I’ll save them up and write another post to answer them. Fun!

Finally down 25 pounds - well, I shouldn’t really say “finally” since it’s only been 48 days since my surgery and my only pre-op was 3 of those pounds. BMI has dropped from 37.5 to 33.4 which is pretty dang cool. Current weight is 204 which means pretty soon I should be in onederland! From there, it’s alllll downhill.

Work this week is insanely busy with projects and client meetings - good thing and challenging all at the same time. I will say that by the time noon rolls around I am hungry - I have been having leftover chicken from the other night and after a few bites I am full for the rest of the day. Workday that is. By dinner I’m definitely ready for food!

I’m super excited that my company now has stocked the kitchen with Crystal Light On the Go in Peach Tea flavor…they rock. Both the drink and my company! I add my benefiber to the drink and I swear you would never know it was in there. Go benefiber!

Just returned home from work and decided to have a carrot…healthy - right? Of course - but band friendly? Not for me! Within minutes of eating the evil kack-causing demon in disguise of an orange healthy stick of nutrients I felt that “what did I just consume” feeling otherwise known as hell. After 10 minutes of standing over the throne and spitting into it … I finally kacked up some carrot remnants. I couldn’t get it all up but I drank some crystal light and it has appeared to settle.

My short list of band un-friendly foods thus far consist of:

• Cold tilapia
• Evil carrots

Wow - check out the rise in obesity in the US year over year…and by state! Astonishing!

Brrrrr…it’s was sooooo cold in Seattle. First light snow, then hail. Crazy weather here - but I love it! Erik & I drove into Bellevue from Seattle (about a 20 minute drive across Lake Washington). When we entered Bellevue (home of Bill Gates) it started to hail like crazy!

If you click on the picture, you can see the hail on the hood of the car and the street - looked like little dip n’ dots!

Erik took a photo of me driving and I do believe the double-chin is shrinking a bit! Amazing!!!

However, with all good things, a negative comes along. Erik had to stop at the grocery store to pick up some birthday cards and I took a self-portrait…and I do believe I’m getting wrinkles around my eyes! I guess that is what comes with turning 31! (you have to login to flickr and view the photo in “all sizes” to see this…but I promise, the wrinkles are sprouting)!

At Maggianos Erik & I ordered together as the meals are HUGE. We ordered a half chop salad and the chicken I wrote about yesterday. I ate about a half-cup of the salad and then one piece of the chicken…if that. It was really good.

When I got home I took one more bite of the chicken and then felt the “golfball” in my throat but did not kack, thankfully. I am learning my portions and when to say “stop”. This can be hard because the food tastes so good and you “want” to eat more of it. But - the band is doing what it is supposed to do which is make you only eat smaller portions. This is a good thing.

As I was making my coffee this morning, I decided to take some photos of things around my house that make me smile. Since I’m the Chief Design Officer of our family, I can take 100% credit for the designs in our house - except for the “man-room” which I take absolutely NO credit for. It is filled with stereo equipment, hair styling equipment (did I tell you my husband is a hair stylist), and other man-stuff like pictures of vintage Mercedes’, belts, and clothes he refuses to get rid of. But I still love him.

So - here are things that make me smile:

Beautiful ceiling lamp from Rejuvenation which was a gift from Erik’s parents

Lovely pillow we received as a gift from our friends Dave & April

Wood wall hanging I bought at a garage sale for $5

Orchid I was given as a going away present when I left Expedia

Window in the bathroom which allows us to look at into the backyard (which is lovely - a quarter acre of forest-like setting with 400 foot tall evergreen trees) while doing our business

Pottery Barn Vintage Style Phone

Our authentic gas vintage stove which came with the house when we bought it

Isn’t it the little things that make the most wonderful impacts!

Another vintage ad - your guide to good health. With some fun commentary by yours truly!

• Eat air with a spoon. 0 calories.
• Fish without a hook.
• Wear tiny shorts.
• Use a child size shopping cart.
• Take pictures of  miniature mountains.
• Sit 1 foot away from the eye chart.
• Go to a doctor who is on his deathbed.
• And - always wear lots of blush!

Erik’s folks are in town for the weekend from Spokane, WA! Yeahhh!!! So we’re going to dinner with them and his sister, brother in law and their 2 little ones.

Erik & his father Otis

Erik & his mother, Tana

Erik’s sister Kelly, Brother-in-law Brent, & nephews Ian & Duncan

We’re going to Maggianos which, I’ve been told has HUGE portions so I’ve already planned out what I’m going to have:

Whole Roast Chicken, Rosemary Garlic
A whole roast chicken marinated in fresh herbs, roasted and cut into pieces. Served in a light chicken sauce.

Now, I’m not going to eat a whole roast chicken myself so I’m going to share it with Erik and bring home whatever we don’t eat for lunches.

By the way - I’ll be sure to take pictures and post them later!

Dinner was fine - ate about 1/4 of a steak pinwheel when all of a sudden I was like “full…full..full” and stopped  - but had I eaten one more bite I know I would have been running for the bathroom. Luckily, I ate slowly and chewed super well. I sure hope the weight loss speeds up now that I’m finally in “dreamland”…aka restriction!