Sue's October Observations

[FrugalSue]

Usually I really love the beginning of each month because it's a great time to set a few goals. But this month is predictably going to be eaten up by my knee surgery, which is scheduled for the 18th. Until then, I mostly have to do a lot of things to prepare for it--wind up some work, go to doctors' appointments, etc. And afterwards, I will be recovering. I think I will like November better!

Well, I do have a weight-related goal, despite what I'll be going through this month. I am going to be sure that this period of inactivity is not an excuse to gain any weight! I've worked too hard to lose weight to take backward steps just because I'm facing some difficulties.

Before my surgery, I'm going to stock up on things that I can and will eat during my recovery, and, more importantly, I'm going to make a shopping list for my husband to replenish supplies, because it will be several weeks before I can drive again.

[Rocky]

Those are great goals! Good luck with your surgery! Those are never fun. But it sounds like you have the right attitude. =)

[FrugalSue]

Thanks for the kind words, Rocky.

I enjoyed the show last night, but I felt sorry for the woman who had to leave, because I know how hard it is for a mom with kids at home to put herself first.

However, then this morning, I saw a great article in the Seattle Times, which says it first appeared in the Huntsville (Ala.) Times. It's about a woman who got into the finals of getting picked for BL, but then didn't get the final call. She's been getting support from similar people who almost made it onto the show on a website at www.reality-of-weighting.com, and she's lost 80 lbs so far. She is also a mom with kids at home, and she got started on exercise by having the kids get out with their bikes and scooters while she walked her first mile. Now she is running 5Ks. She hasn't been on any particular program or diet...she's just exercising every day and drinking lots of water. I'm sure she is also making good food choices, but without any exact rules about calories or carbs or whatever. Very inspiring!

I've been spending the last few days at the hospital, visiting my best friend who had a revision of her knee replacement. This is my very obese friend that I've mentioned here before. Man, I wish they had backs on those hospital gowns!

[mifsit]

Hi Sue

There are many exercises you can do while sat down so you do'nt need to put any weight on your knee. Check with your doctors if there's anything you should'nt be doing. I'll happily give you a few upper body exercises to try if you'd like

[FrugalSue]

Thanks, Phil!

I am doing some seated weight lifting (using 2-lb free weights) for upper body strength, plus some gentle non-impact exercises to strengthen the muscles above and below the knee, in preparation for my surgery.

I got a pamphlet about my surgery that I've been working off of. It has calf pumping, isometric quad sets, terminal knee extensions, straight leg raises, heel slides, and knee extension stretches (these are all lying down). It also has a standing knee extension stretch.

Then I'm practicing two practical skills in a chair for after the surgery--self-assisted knee flexion, where I use my good leg to raise up my surgery leg, and sliding forward and back in the chair with my feet planted firmly on the floor to limit stress on the knee.

I would love any suggestions you have, especially regarding the upper body work, because I'm kind of winging that, just based on what I used to do in the gym back when I was able to do more exercise.

Sue

[FrugalSue]

Those 100-calorie snack packs are really popular these days...but they're really just junk food. This month's AARP Bulletin has a page of 50-calorie snacks. I'm not going to try to list them all here, but here were some of the ideas I liked:

• 1 cup Manischewitz Matzo Ball & Soup mix
• 1/2 large grapefruit
• 2 1/2 cups sugar-free gelatin
• 12 baby carrots
• 3/4 cup smoothie (nonfat sugar free yogurt, 1 cup strawberries, 1 banana, 3 cups ice)
• 3/4 cup gazpacho
• 1 cup chopped cantaloupe or watermelon
• 10 dill pickle spears
• 10 medium strawberries with 1 Tbsp Cool Whip
• 3 Nabisco Original Wheat Thins topped with low-fat cream cheese and thin pickle slices
• 16 cherry tomatoes
• 2 thin slices turkey breast
• 1 Lightlife Smart Dogs meatless frank
• 2 cups light microwave popcorn
• 4 low-fat Honey Maid Honey Grahams
• 1 cup V8 100% Vegetable Juice
• 1 diet root beer float with 1/4 cup light vanilla ice cream
• 1 Breyer's "Pure Fruit" Fruit & Cream Bar
• 6 oz. Dannon Light & Fit nonfat yogurt

Also...here are three ways to burn 50 calories:

• 30 minutes of walking
• 10 to 15 minutes of giggling
• 30 minutes of kissing

SWAK....Sue

[energetic]

Hi everyone! I'm new to this site. what do people talk about

[FrugalSue]

Energetic--if you read my journal entries above where you asked what we talk about...you'll see what we talk about! LOL. There are lots of topics on here...read people's journals, look at the recipes, discussions on exercise and weight loss methods, etc. Start your own journal. Good luck! Sue

[FrugalSue]

Today I go to the hospital for a pre-surgery registration visit. This is so smart! They get all of the paperwork out of the way ahead of time, so on the day I actually go in for my surgery, they can just check me right in. I will have to see what the hospital scale says my weight is. My appetite hasn't been very good lately because of pain, and it's been kind of a struggle to eat right. Sometimes when I hurt, I feel like "medicating" with chocolate! So I've been having to be very conscientious about making myself eat healthy. And when I do eat chocolate, it's the medicinal dark chocolate kind ;-)

[muppet]

When I had my bought with strep throat in early September, I was kind of eager to see what the Dr. scale said too -- but they didn't weigh me!
I wish you the best with your surgery. Yes -- it is smart to get all the paperwork out of the way, to make the day of the actual surgery go as smoothly as possible.
I loved your post about those 100 calorie packs. They featured them tonight on TBL. It's so obvious who their sponsors are! I don't think they are that bad. but as you said, they don't have any nutritional value. Sure, it's better than eating a whole bag of cookies, but it's not like they're healthier. You could just eat one cookie, and have less calories, and pay a whole lot less too!. Just another gimmick they want us desperate fatties to fall for....
Yours were much better, economically and nutritionally.