Cam's New Lease on Life Journal (comments welcome!)

[toystoryduo]

Sending a gentle :hug: your way and a WISH for a Happy Mother's Day!:flower3: You're in my thoughts and prayers.:grouphug:

[traceycooper]

Glad you had a great trip Cam :)
how did you find the Dolphin food? We are staying their next yr :)

[traceycooper]

hope your having a good weekend cam :)

[momof2minnies]

Cam,
I think I saw your post on the cruise board- we are also on the November 28th Magic!!!!!!!!

Can't wait.Will you be in training at all- for the 1/2 or full in January? We can plan a run around deck 4!!!!!! 5k on Castaway Cay too!

Linda

[keenercam]

Thank you for being so supportive Julie, Tracy & Tracey!!! You guys are awesome!

Linda -- It is so great to see you here. :goodvibes Yes, we are on the November 28, 2009 Magic Western. It will be so wonderful to see you on the ship! Judy (honeibee) and her DH, Charlie and we are SOOOO looking forward to this cruise. Judy and I will be training for the 2010 Half and Charlie and Howard will be training for the Full. It would be great to train together. I'll just have to be careful that I don't do too much cross-training by lifting those umbrella drinks! LOL!

Well, I haven't been here for a while again and I really needed to be. But, yesterday was a new start on my final effort to get to my WW goal. I started at WW meetings again yesterday, and my first day went really well. I have struggled continuously with eating too much at night and making bad choices at our many meals out. I am going to work on both of those behaviors. My first goal is to lose 15 pounds and I really want to do that by the time we leave for WDW on July 2. That is almost 6 weeks but I hope by shocking my system with good food and consistent workouts, it might actually give up those 15 pounds that quickly.

Yesterday's food:
B: arnold sandwich thin w/FF cheese (2); FF plain yogurt w/strawberries (2); coffee w/FF half and half (1)
S: banana (2)
L: green salad w/grilled chicken, craisins & FF dressing (4)
S: LF popcorn (1); kashi SW chicken (4)
D: kashi chicken florentine (6)

Total points (22)

[keenercam]

Today's food:
B: coffee w/FF 1/2&1/2 (1); FF plain yogurt w/strawberries (2); pear (1)
L: arnold sandwich thin (1); grilled chicken (3); FF mayo (1)
S: light popcorn (3)
D: LC butternut squash ravioli (7); lays light chips (2)
S: smartfood popcorn clusters (2)

Total points: 23

[momof2minnies]

That is so cool Cam, I am training for the 1/2 as well. Did the full last year but the winters here are way too brutal to train that much in that again.

I also posted on the cruise meets board maybe we can get some others to join us but it does not look too promising- no one responded to either of ours! I agree the one that is out there is way to in depth and has been going on for a year I think,too intimidating I think you said- Yup!

I can taste the Bahama Mama's and Pina Coladas now! Mmm!

Thinking about the 5k on Castaway Cay?

Linda

[keenercam]

Linda -- I know what you mean about training in the winter. Before the 2007 and 2008 WDW Full's I did almost all of my long runs (up to 22 miles) on the treadmill, usually starting at 5 or 5:30 am. at the YMCA on Saturday mornings. Ugly!!! I've sworn I am never doing a full again. Once would have been enough. But having the 15 year Mickey medal made it all worthwhile. :) I am hoping to be MUCH thinner by the cruise and definitely by January and hopefully that will help my breathing and my pace.

I am thinking I may have to do that 5k to "earn" the many konk koolers I intend to drink on Serenity Beach. :laughing: How old are your kids now?

On a "diet" related note (yeah, I know, it's a "lifestyle", not a "diet" LOL!) -- I am really relying on sugarless gum today to help quell the hunger pangs. Off to find some green tea. Maybe that will help.

[toystoryduo]

You CAN do it, Cam!!!!:cheer2:

I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead!:hug:

[momof2minnies]

Cam,
I find that green tea does help alot(they say actually lose the weight) but I can only say it keeps me full, I love water but a change is good.

I hope to lose weight by the cruise too.I would have thought that would have been a given training for the full last winter but I was hungry all the time and lets face it making good choices all the time is rough when you are ravenous.I can't even imagine training on the treadmill. :(

I posted on our cruise meets board also. My DDs are 18 and 15 at time of cruise.

It would be real cool to keep this going and see how much we can each lose by the cruise- what do you think? The winner gets an umbrella drink! Or 2!

Linda

[keenercam]

Thank you, Tracy, my dear, sweet friend! You have ALWAYS had more faith in me than I do in myself and I love you for that! :hug: Have a wonderful weekend!

Linda -- Love the idea of sharing this weight loss challenge. I have a LOT more to lose than you, I'm sure, so maybe it will be a bit easier and I will be able to stay motivated. My weigh-ins are on Thursday morning. Good luck!!! :thumbsup2

[momof2minnies]

Thursday mornings it is! Should we put our weights out there so we can be more accountable?


Well with that said I am off to a steak restaurant for an "American Idol" type sing off.My friend from work is doing it and we are all going to cheer her on.

Linda

[keenercam]

Thursday mornings it is! Should we put our weights out there so we can be more accountable?


Well with that said I am off to a steak restaurant for an "American Idol" type sing off.My friend from work is doing it and we are all going to cheer her on.

Linda

Linda -- I hope you had fun! Ackkk! on putting my weight in here. I've never done that. I'm too self-conscious about it. But I will be glad to report my weekly WW weigh-ins. I started completely fresh last Thursday so that I don't keep thinking about the pounds I've already lost, and more about where I am going.

I was sooo good this weekend even though we were away for 2 days and yesterday was a holiday. I journaled every bite I ate.

Saturday:
pre-race: light multigrain english muffin w/ scrape of peanut butter (2)
during race: 1/2 power bar (2)
post-race: piece of turkey sub (4); smalll banana (1)
lunch: light arnold roll w/LF chicken breast (2); lays light chips & pretzels (3); snack: goldfish pretzels (shared) (1)
dinner: balsamic chicken (6); 1/2 cheesecake dessert (6)
snacks: chips & pretzels (4); arnold sandwich thin w/chicken (2)

Activity -- 5 mile race plus 1 mile walk to and from car; walking on boardwalk

I ate too much but it was the day of my 5-mile race and I was voracious

---------------------------------------------
Sunday:
B: 1/2 bagel w/ham (4)
S: small movie popcorn (5); pretzels (2)
lunch/dinner: broccoli (0); salad (0); FF coleslaw (0); grilled fish (3); lean burger (4); arnold roll (1);2 marshmallows dipped in chocolate (4)
S: bites of chips & pretzels (low fat) (2)
---------------------------------------------------
Monday:
B: egg beaters & arnold roll toasted; coffee w/skim milk (3)
S: chips (2)
D: lean turkey burger on arnold roll (5); 4.5 oz london broil (6); spinach (0); green beans (0); olive oil (2)
S: watermelon (2)

[keenercam]

Today's food plan:
pre-gym: turkey breast on light roll (2); coffee w/fat free creamer (1)
S: fat free yogurt w/berries (3)
L: zero point soup (0); green salad w/FF spray dressing (0); low fat turkey breast on light arnold roll (3); fat free chips (1)
S: green salad (0)
D: turkey sausage (4) on light roll (1); green beans w/olive oil (1); spinach (0); 1 slice FF cheese (1)
S: FF chips & pretzels (3)

total points: 20

Activty: 30 minutes bike at gym

[goldcupmom]

You are doing really AWESOME, Cam! It's so nice to 'see' you back on WISH!! I missed you!!

[momof2minnies]

Cam,
Great job on the food and the exercise! Where was your race and how did you do?

I am starting to train in approx. 2 weeks, I have decided to do the Applefest again in Hollis,NH on Sept 28th.It is a great, pretty 1/2 marathon.

I see you are from Maryland, any chance you would want to join me? Last year there were some WISHers there.

I also posted it on the events board to see if anyone was going this year.

Weigh in tomorrow- I have not been as good as you.

Linda

[keenercam]

Thanks, Julie! I've missed my WISH journal friends. :hug:

Linda -- I am so glad you are doing Applefest. I wonder whether Kristi or Chad or Sunny is planning to do it. I'll have to ask them. We are in Delaware, and NH is probably at least an 8 hour drive, so I don't think there is any chance of doing the race. I hope you have fun training for it and that the weather is gorgeous on race day!

Weigh in is tomorrow and I really hope it goes well. I know I could have done better this week with less snacking and more working out, but hopefully there will be a loss on the scale and I'll remain motivated.

Food today:
B (pre-gym): turkey on light toast, coffee w/FF creamer (3)
post-gym: apple (1)
S: fat free yogurt w/fruit (3)
L: flat out wrap (2); turkey breast & laughing cow cheese (2); green salad (0)
S:light popcorn (1)
D: turkey sausage (4); FF cheese (1): turkey burger (4); light roll (1)
S: pretzels (1)

Total points: 24

Activity: 45 minutes elliptical

[traceycooper]

good luck for WI tomorrow cam :)

[toystoryduo]

You are doing a great job, Cam!!!:cheer2: I hope weigh-in goes well for you tomorrow!:wizard:

[keenercam]

Thank you, Tracey and Tracy! :grouphug: I really appreciate the good WISHes. :sunny:

[keenercam]

Week 1 over! Weigh in -- down 4.4 :)

My goal for week one was to journal every bite, even if the points were terrible. I met that goal and I know it really helped.

Goals for week 2:
continue to journal every bite
drink at least 64 oz water every day, regardless of whatever else I am drinking

Food today:
B: arnold toast w/2 slices FF cheese (2); FF yogurt w/fruit (3); coffee w/skim milk (1)
L: green salad w/FF dressing (0); flat out (2); light turkey & laughing cow cheese (2); zero point soup (0)
S: light popcorn (1)
D: turkey burger (4); turkey sausage (4); FF cheese (.5); arnold roll (1)
S: FF pretzels & chips (3)

[momof2minnies]

Great job Cam!!! OK time to get serious for me.I have to say though I have trouble breaking away from this weight- I went to the MDs today for a physical and my wt is only 1/2 lb. different than last year!

Keep it up!

Linda

[keenercam]

Linda -- I know what you mean. I "plateaued" for more than a year before our vow renewal. My doctor and the fitness director at my gym said I was working out too much and not eating enough calories. That seemed so stupid to me. LOL! I obviously had the whole "maintaining" thing down pat when I still had at least 30 pounds to my goal. It was so frustrating to do everything right and still not see progress on the scale.

I am now journaling religiously and will adjust my intake if i start to plateau (i.e., more protein, etc.) and hope that since I have so much to lose, I can do it at a steady pace.

I even put my starting weight as my weight last Thursday, rather than putting down the starting weight before I lost 70 pounds. I figure this is a fresh start and I'm not going to pat myself on the back for what I already lost. The fact is I have a HELL of a LOT of weight to lose still and I need to focus on where I am going. Onward and downward. :cool1:

[toystoryduo]

Great job on your weight loss, Cam!!!:cheer2:

Have a good evening!:hug:

[keenercam]

Thanks, Tracy!

Food today:
B: whole wheat toast (2); 1 sl FF cheese & 1 sl LF turkey (1); coffee w/skim milk (.5)
L: 2 light rolls w/2 slices FF cheese (4); watermelon (1); light popcorn (1)
D: jambalaya (9); salad (0)
dessert: watermelon (1); chips & pretzels (3)

Points: 23.5

[momof2minnies]

Cam,

It is very frustrating to know you are doing everything right and the scale won't move.

I could write a book on all this stuff and be a personal trainer! My body just won't cooperate- now I am sure if Jillian and Bob got ahold of it they could shake things up a bit!

Onward and downward! Good one!

Linda

[keenercam]

Linda -- I'm glad you understand. I am hoping that a normal lifestyle where I am reasonably careful and where I do reasonable workouts several days a week will get my weight loss back on track.

I'm really proud of myself because I realized this morning that I haven't stepped on the scale at home at all since I re-started WW. I used to be almost compulsive about it and my mood for the day and my attitude about staying on plan for any given day was often impacted tremendously by whatever the scale said. Right now, I am feeling really good about making good decisions and being on track and will hope the effort is rewarded at the scale. Of course, that's easy to say at the beginning when I have lots of motivation and when I had such a huge loss the first week. On those weeks when the loss is minimal or, worse, when there is a gain, I am going to have to remember that all of that is normal and that living a healthy lifestyle is more important than losing pounds. :)

[momof2minnies]

Good Morning Cam,
Yes we have to stay positvie and look at the small accomplishments each week even if that does not translate to lbs.Maybe we ran further that week or increased the weight we lift?

I too was getting compulsive on the scale but since we are doing this I am OK with starting to weigh only on Thurdsay- I feel it helps because with water gain, muscles being worked out(they swell and hold water at first) it fluctuates too much for me and I give up.

I went shopping with my DD15 yesterday- they redid a store we have here called Forever 21- I want to get an outfit there for the cruise, this is my goal! The Forever 21 part oh well! LOL!

Off to soccer now! Keep it up!

Oh my prerun food is usually oatmeal.

Linda

[goldcupmom]

Really AWESOME WI, Cam!!

You are doing fantastic at getting back at it.

Hope you are having a good week!

[keenercam]

Thanks, Julie!

WOW!! I just realized that I haven't been journaling my food here. I have been very diligent about journaling in my 3-month journal and on WW e-tools, but have to catch up here.

Saturday (stuck in the office 11.5 hours -- EEK!!):
pre-5.5 mile walk -- power bar (4); coffee (1)
L: salad w/craisins & almonds (1); chicken breast (4); bouillion w/light popcorn(1)
S: WW cheddar crisps (2)
D: turkey burger (4); 2 light hot dogs (2) w/sauerkraut (0); 2 slices whole wheat bread (2); 1 slice FF cheese (.5)
dessert: chips & pretzels (2)
Total points -- 23.5
Activity -- 5.5 miles (6 APs)
-----------------------------------

Sunday -- more work computer system stress
B: 1/2 cup egg beaters (1); 4 oz london broil (5); coffee (1)
L: pane w/turkey (2)
S: light popcorn (3)
D: veggie beef barley soup (5)
dessert: no pudge brownie and fiber-enriched chocolate pudding (4)

Total points -- 21
Activity -- 30 minute walk with Cali (my sweet furbaby) (2)

---------------------------------
Monday -- June 1
B: FF plain yogurt w/unsweetened strawberries; coffee w/skim milk (3)
S: small apple (1)
L: turkey chili (almost all veggies) & green salad, plain (3)
D: 2 light hot dogs in sauerkraut (2); beef barley veggie soup (4)
S: chips & pretzels (4); no pudge brownie (2)
late night snack - whole wheat pane slice w/low fat turkey (3)

Total points: 22

-------------------------
Today:
B: FF yogurt w/unsweetened fruit & coffee (3)
L: beef barley veggie soup (4); green salad (0)
S: light popcorn (1); small apple (1); small pear (1)
D: LC butternut squash ravioli & broccoli (7); 1/2 turkey sausage (2)
dessert: no pudge brownie (2); low fat chips (1)
Total points: 22

[toystoryduo]

Looks like you're doing a great job, Cam!!! Keep up the good work!:cheer2:

[keenercam]

Food for Weds 6/3 (dinner at a professional conference):
B: light arnold roll w/2 slices FF cheese (2); coffee w/skim milk (1); banana (2)
L: apple & WW yogurt (2)
S: soft pretzel (5)
D: green salad w/brie (2); fillet w/grilled shrimp (10); mashed potatoes (4)
dessert: small bite of chocolate cake (1)

Total points: 29

[keenercam]

Recap of Week 2 on WW:
Day 1: 23.5 pts
Day 2: 22.5 pts
Day 3: 23.5 pts (earned 6 APs)
Day 4: 21 pts (earned 2 APs)
Day 5: 22 pts
Day 6: 22 pts
Day 7: 29 pts

I used only 5/35 weekly points and none of the 8 APs I earned.
WI today: down only .6 pounds

What I did right:
Journaled every single bite
Weighed and measured food for accurate journaling
very few processed foods
never stepped on the scale between weigh-ins

What I did wrong:
not enough water on a daily basis
too few workouts
didn't get in all my dairy requirements
definitely didn't get in the healthy oil requirements

UGH! Staying within points isn't going to be enough to get the scale moving if I don't do all those other things.

This week's goals:
journal every bite
weigh and measure everything for accurate journaling
meet water requirement every day
avoid processed foods as much as possible
take vitamin every day
do NOT be depressed about the scale

[momof2minnies]

Hey Cam,
I like your goals for next week! I am with you except for the food journaling part for me.

Linda

[keenercam]

Food today:
B: WW breakfast sandwich (4); coffee, LOTS of coffee w/skim milk or fat free 1/2&1/2 (1)
L: veggie beef barley soup (3); grilled chicken over green salad (3); FF dressing spray (0)
S: light microwave popcorn (1)
D: kashi southwest chicken (4) over green beans (0); 3 pierogies (3)
dessert: kashi trail mix cookie (2); low fat milk (2); no pudge brownie (2)

[momof2minnies]

Great job staying on track Cam!!!!!!!!

Linda

[keenercam]

Thanks, Linda! I went over points a bit yesterday to have a no pudge brownie for dessert, but I'm not going to worry about it.

Today, I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and it said I burned 240 calories, though I'm not sure I believe that. (okay, I just checked and WW gives it 2 activity points, so it was definitely over 200 calories)

B (pre-gym): arnold flat thin w/1 slice FF cheese; coffee w/skim milk (2)
S: FF yogurt w/strawberries (2)
L: green salad w/grilled chicken (3); beef barley veggie soup (3)
S: WW cheddar twists (2)
S: whole wheat flat wrap w/ham & mozzarella (4); LF chps (3)
D: beef barley soup (5)
dessert: cashews (2); skinny cow ice cream (3)

Points: 29 (OUCH!)
Activity: 30 minutes elliptical (2 APs)

[momof2minnies]

Cam,
Remind me are you walking or running the 1/2?

Do you get Runner's World magazine? First let me say it is the best magazine I have ever recieved.July's issue has articles in it how to improve your 5k! It looks great!


As far as weights go I usually do chest presses on a bench with either hand weights or weights and the bar.Shoulder presses with hand wts and bicep curls.I also do lat.pulldowns to help with the back.Need to get abs. going too.It does make a difference running with a strong core.

Right now I xtrain with tennis with DH or walk with a friend- I need to be outside this time of year-pollen or not!

Linda

[traceycooper]

Hi Cam just checking in to make sure all is well :)
looks like your well back on track now :)
have a great weekend

[keenercam]

Linda -- That sounds like a great strength training plan. I finally got around to calling the fitness director at our Y yesterday to arrange for the rest of my paid personal training sections. I think I am going to work on whole-body stuff instead of just focusing on upper body, especially until I start training in September for the 1/2.

Hi, Tracey! Thanks for visiting. I am doing okay, trying to stay on track, and not put too much emphasis on the blasted scale. ;)

[keenercam]

WOW! I really went over on points yesterday. I was so hungry through the afternoon and evening and I'm not sure why. I definitely had enough protein throughout the day that I should not have been that hungry. Oh well, that is what the weekly points allowance is for. I'd rather not do that again this week and we have a party tomorrow, so I'll have to be really careful.

Food today:
pre-workout: arnold flat roll w/ham; coffee w/skim milk (2)
post-workout: coffee w/skim milk & vitamuffin corn muffin (2)
---------------------------
UGH!! Things went downhill after about 1:30 pm when I arrived home stressed and hungry. Did a lot of running around and then DH and I drove DS and a friend to a party and FINALLY both got something to eat at Pizzeria Uno
lunch: gumbo; cajun flatbread pizza
S: 1/2 chocolate chip cookie

Then I did some stuff around the house and didn't eat dinner until around 10:30 pm when I was really hungry again
dinner: 2 light hot dogs on 1 flat wrap w/1 slice FF cheese; cashews, vanilla creme cookie

Activity: 100 minutes brisk walking (Garmin says over 1300 calories burned; WW says 6 APs)

[traceycooper]

HI Cam - i had a bad food day yesterday too!
we just have to get straight back into good habits ;)
You did brill with the walking :)
the nurse said a trainer had told her that women put too much emphasis on the scale when its inches we should be loking at - off to find a tape measure!!!

[keenercam]

Hey, Tracey!
Well, yesterday wasn't much better in the food department. I know that I am stress-eating but it doesn't help that I was craving chinese on Saturday and ate something else. I should know by now that it is better to eat a bit of what I am craving rather than to avoid it and then continue to want it. UGH!

Well, I am still journaling every bite, no matter how bad it is and even though I have no idea of the points. Yesterday's food:
Brunch: leftover cajun flatbread pizza; coffee w/skim milk
lunch: 1/2 turkey & cheese rollup, bites of watermelon
dinner: zero point cabbage soup; 3/4 lean cuisine flatbread (shared with DH); 3 pierogies; 1/2 cookie (shared with DH); low-fat chips

Today's food:
B: arnold flat roll w/1 slice FF cheese (1.5); coffee w/skim milk (.5)
S: decaf green tea; sugarless gum (0)
L: zero point veggie soup (0); soy crisps (2)
S: light microwave popcorn (1)
D: [chinese -- saving my points today for this]

I finally got a call from my new personal trainer and will meet with him Wednesday morning at 6. I hope it goes well. I am so self-conscious and it took me a lot of time to get used to working out with Jeff, so I am really apprehensive about this.

[disneyrunningnut]

Keep up the good work. WW is a good plan. If you burn more calories then you take in you WILL lose weight.

David

[traceycooper]

THats great that you can have a personnel trainer - i'm sure you'll get along just fine :) hope you can share any good tips he gives you ;)

[toystoryduo]

Your food doesn't look all that bad, Cam. I think you're doing a good job!:thumbsup2 You should have seen what I ate yesterday!:eek: Let's just say that a bag of chips and some french onion chip dip was involved. ;) :scared:

That's cool that you have a new trainer!:goodvibes I hope everything works out! :wizard:

Have a wonderful afternoon!:hug:

[keenercam]

Thanks, David! I appreciate the advice. I really have to petition for more hours in my days. There just dont' seem to be enough to get enough activity in. ;)

Tracey -- I am hoping it will be a good situation with the new PT. I am kind of intimidated because he is young and good-looking and seems a bit hard-core. Hopefully he won't be embarassed to be seen working out with me.

Tracy -- I think I've logged all of my food for my WW week and unfortunately, I seem to have used all but 1.5 of my weekly points and 8 activity points. I'll earn more APs tomorrow morning that I don't intend to use before my WI on Thursday a.m., but I am really concerned about how my 3 "bad" days in a row will affect my weigh in. Then again, I was perfectly on plan last week and only lost .6, so maybe there won't be a true correlation.

This weekend is Special Olympics Summer Games all day Friday and Saturday and I tend to not get to eat sensibly during those days just because of my hectic schedule and my catch-as-catch-can food situation. I am really going to try to be conscientious about what I eat by jotting it down whenever I get a minute. I always keep a water bottle with me, too, which helps.

[keenercam]

Food from Tuesday:
B:coffee w/skim milk (1); FF yogurt w/fruit (1);
L: zero point soup (0); LC panini (7); peach (1)
S: WW cheddar twists (2)

I was SOOO hungry when I got home from work at 8:15. I should have eaten some popcorn or green beans to hold me until dinner, but I didn't. Fortunately, I didn't go over on my points.
D: egg beaters w/cheese & salsa on flat wrap (4); lite hot dog on flat roll (2); WW 1 point chocolate bar (1); taste of Edys loaded ice cream (2); cashews (2)

[keenercam]

Food today:
B: arnold roll w/2 slices turkey & 1 sl FF cheese & coffee w/skim milk (3.5)
S: WW yogurt (1)
L: green salad (yummy with tomatoes, cucumbers, artichokes & snow peas) (0); flat wrap w/ham (4)
S: WW multi-grain crisps (2) with wedge of laughing cow cheese (1)
D: LC chicken in peanut sauce over broccoli (5)
Snack: 2 whole grain, low fat waffles with light ice cream (5); wheat thins (1)
Points: 22.5
activity -- 30 minutes treadmill; 30 minutes strength training (5 APs total)
--------------------------------------
I had the BEST workout of my life this morning. My new personal trainer was awesome. He had a plan in mind when I showed up and he moved me back and forth through 5 different locations (incline bench, pull up machine, flat bench, ball, rowing machine) to work upper body and core. I totally built up a sweat and had my heartrate up. He absolutely PUSHED me to my limits, whereas Jeff would always say "I don't have to push you at all. You push yourself." which I felt good about at the time but now feel like it was a copout. He never said "one more. come on. you can do it." When I was done, so was he. And there was too much down time between exercises and too much talking. Tom demonstrated the technique, told me how many to do and then corrected my technique the whole time. I was so stinkin' impressed. It felt like what it absolutely should be. I am so glad -- even though I am sure I will be feeling it for a couple of days.

This is kind of what the workout looked like:
incline bench dumbell press
weight assisted pullups (machine)
flutter kicks
push ups on ball
crunches on ball
dumbell curls
tricep dips on bench
seated row
incline bench dumbell press
weight assisted pullups (machine)
flutter kicks
push ups on ball
pushups on ball at legs (more intense)
crunches on ball
tricep dips on bench
seated row
bench crunches

I can't believe how much we fit into 30 minutes. After that, I did 30 minutes on the treadmill at a pretty relaxed pace and some very mild inclines (3%).

So, activity for the day:
30 minutes strength training
30 minutes treadmill, moderate walking

[toystoryduo]

Great workout, Cam!:cheer2: I'm glad that you like your new trainer. :goodvibes

Have a great day ahead!:hug:

[keenercam]

Great workout, Cam!:cheer2: I'm glad that you like your new trainer. :goodvibes

Have a great day ahead!:hug:


Thanks, Tracy!! :hug:

UGH! I have WW weigh-in tomorrow. I am really not looking forward to it. I told myself (and my friend) this morning that I guess it's more important for me to be moving than for the scale to be moving. Easier said than accepted. :rotfl: Especially after being so good last week and seeing a lousy .6 pound loss. UGH. I guess I should hope for the best but plan for the worst. :rolleyes:

[momof2minnies]

Cam,
What an awqesome workout- too bad I don't live near you, sounds like I would like that trainer.

Remember at the weigh in tomorrow that you worked those muscles hard today and at first they do become "inflammed" and hold water so I would not count too much on tomorrow's weigh in if it says you gained or stayed even.

Great job!

Linda

[momof2minnies]

Cam,
What an awesome workout- too bad I don't live near you, sounds like I would like that trainer.

Remember at the weigh in tomorrow that you worked those muscles hard today and at first they do become "inflammed" and hold water so I would not count too much on tomorrow's weigh in if it says you gained or stayed even.

Great job!

Linda

[momof2minnies]

Ok how did I do that?

[keenercam]

Oh, double the "goodness"! LOL! Thanks for the reminder, Linda. I would have attributed any gain to 3 days of non-stop eating. At least now I have a potentially more palatable (excuse the pun! :laughing: ) excuse. LOL!

[toystoryduo]

Sending some :wizard::wizard: for weigh-in. I hope you have a wonderful day today!:hug:

[keenercam]

Thanks, Tracy! :hug: Your good WISHes worked. :)

Surprisingly, I had a loss at WW weigh-in this week. Down .4. Barely, but a loss. LOL! I guess I should be glad, considering that I ate almost all of my daily points PLUS 33.5 of my 35 weekly points. I did have 13 activity points and didn’t use any of them, which is good. My goal is to get even more APs this week, which shouldn’t be hard considering that I’ll be on my feet for about 17 hours tomorrow and at least 10 on Saturday, working at Special Olympics. Now, I just have to be sure to stay hydrated and nourished, but not eat too much. I think I’ll take my water bottle and some crystal light packets. Fortunately, where I will be working is close enough to a ladies’ room that I can do that. LOL!

Food today:
B: Arnold roll w/1 slice FF cheese & pear (delicious!); coffee w/skim milk (3)
S: apple
L: zero point soup; green salad; flat wrap (2) with light turkey (1.5), lettuce & mustard
S: light popcorn

[momof2minnies]

Good job Cam - .4 is better than adding .4. I know that too well.

Keep up the great work.It is funny even though I do not know you or Veronica just knowing I am posting all this is really keeping me motivated.I hope the same is for you.

Knowing I am writing it and someone is following me makes me do the work. Make sense?

Also wanting to go on the cruise and wear something that does not fit like a sausage is motivating me too.HA!HA!

Our cruise meets board is moving very SLOWLY.I think we have the whole ship to ourselves as far as Disers go.

Linda

[keenercam]

Linda -- I agree that having friends watching over my shoulder and providing support and accountability really helps me to stay on track. I have journaled every bite (practically), even the day I had 42 points. OUCH!!

Oh, and I think that other cruisers on our sailing are completely intimidated by that large group. :( Maybe as the date gets closer (and especially after people have paid their final payment), we will find more DISers checking in.

[toystoryduo]

Congrats on the weight loss, Cam!!! :cheer2:

I hope you have a great time this weekend!:goodvibes

[goldcupmom]

Great job on the Loss, Cam! You are really getting back on track quite well!

have a restful weekend!!

[keenercam]

Thanks, everyone!
I had a great weekend, food-wise, even though I was busy with Special Olympics all of Friday and Saturday and we went to two movies on Sunday. I did a great job of staying on track and very close to my daily points. I was careful to eat before I left home both mornings before 6:30 and had my coffee on the way. And I didn't eat any of the food I was around all day both days. Instead, I ate minimally or something I brougth with me and then ate dinner when I got home. This was the most successful I have ever been during this event over the past many years that I have co-chaired the food committee.

Friday, June 12:
B: coffee w/skim milk; flat wrap w/light turkey (4)]
S: apple (1); banana (2)
L: turkey & cheese pinwheels (8); sun chips
S: sun chips (3)
S#2 (on the drive home at 10:00 pm) -- weight watchers cheddar crisps (2)
D: kashi SW chicken (4)

Activity: on my feet, lifting, carrying & serving food from 7 am - 10 pm except for 7 minutes
---------------------------------------
Saturday:
B: arnold roll w/turkey & FF cheese; coffee w/skim milk (3)
S: apple (1); weight watchers yogurt (1)
L: zero point soup (0)
D: 2 extra lean burgers on 2 arnold rolls w/2 slices FF cheese (11); oven "fried" potato (3)

Activty: on feet, lifting, carrying, serving food 7 am - 2pm (never sat down)
----------------------------
Sunday:
B: WW yogurt (1)
L: 1/2 turkey & cheese wrap (5)
S: 1/2 turkey & cheese wrap (5); movie popcorn (7)
D: arnold roll w/rotisserie chicken breast (4)
S: watermelon (2); edamame (1)

Activity: none (couch potato)
------------------------------
Today, June 15
B: 2 slices whole wheat toast w/1 slice light turkey; coffee w/skim milk (3)
S: watermelon (1)
L: flat wrap (2); light turkey (1); zero point soup (0); green salad (0)
S: WW multigrain thins (2) with LC light cheese wedge (1)
S (while cooking dinner): edamame (1); pretzel crisps (2) with jalapeno hummus (2)
D: 4 oz pork chop w/shake & bake (5); 7 oz baked potato & low fat sourcream (4); green beans (0)
dessert: 2 multi-grain waffles with lite ice cream (5)

Activity: fire evacuation, down 14 flights of steps (LOL!)

[keenercam]

Ugh! I ate too much last night. I was doing fine until I gave in to the craving for the waffles and ice cream. Oh well, that is what the weekly points are for and today is a new day. :)

Food today:
B (before gym): arnold roll w/1 slice lean turkey; coffee w/skim milk (2)
B (post-gym); small sesame bagel with scrape of fat free cheese (5)
S: watermelon (1)
L: vegetable soup (0); green salad (0); flat wrap (2); lean turkey (1); hoagie spread (0)
S: lite popcorn (1)
S: 1/2 svg pretzel crisps (1); edamame (1)
D: turkey meatloaf (5); baked potato (3) w/light sour cream (1); green beans (0)
Dessert: watermelon (1); WW frozen candy bar (3)

Activity: 45 minutes treadmill

[keenercam]

Points were high yesterday, again. I had to dip into weekly points, but there wasn't a lot of "junk" on the menu. Still working on keeping the empty calories to a minimum. Yesterday, that was probably only the lite popcorn, the pretzel crisps and the WW frozen candy bar. I plan to do better today.

I had a killer personal training session this morning that included:
wall squats w/ball and weights
crunches on the ball
machine leg press
calf extensions
resistance band side steps with weights
isometric crunches
lunges on the bosu
flutter kicks

The toughest things were the isometric crunches and the flutter kicks. I should work on those every day. I know I am going to be so sore tomorrow and I have a 5k tomorrow night. There will be a HUGE walking contingent, so I won't be uncomfortable if I end up walking it.

Food today:
B: coffee w/skim milk; whole wheat toast w/1 slice turkey (2)
L: zero point soup (0); green salad (0); flat wrap (2); turkey breast (1); LC cheese wedge (1)
S: watermelon (1); WW peanut butter bliss mini bar (1)
D: turkey meatloaf (5); baked potato w/light sour cream (4); hummus & pretzel chips (4)
Dessert: WW frozen candy bar (3); edamame (1)

Activity:
10 minutes elliptical
30 minutes personal training

[toystoryduo]

That sounds like a great workout, Cam!:thumbsup2 I'm glad you like your new trainer. :goodvibes

Your plan for today looks good. :cool2: You CAN do it!:cheer2:

Have a wonderful Wednesday!:hug:

[keenercam]

Down .8 at WW WI this morning. Total of 6.2 for 4 weeks. Slow. UGH!
Going to try to eat more points in the morning, less later in the day, and get in my healthy oils this week.

Food today:
B: 4 oz bagel w/turkey; coffee w/skim milk (7.5)
L: green salad w/lite olive oil, lemon & garlic dressing (2)
S: WW 1 pt bar (1); FF plain yogurt w/strawberries (2)
D: turkey meatloaf (5); 2 arnold flat rolls (2); salad w/craisins & almonds (1); 1/2 frosted sugar cookie (2)
Dessert: ice cream w/lite chocolate syrup (5)

---------------------------------
Activity: 5k race in the rain :(

[toystoryduo]

Way to go on the weight loss, Cam!:cheer2: Keep up the good work!!!:cheer2:

[momof2minnies]

Good job Cam! Going in the right direction.
Keep up the great work!

Linda

[traceycooper]

congrats on the loss Cam :) slow and steady wins the race ;)

[keenercam]

Thank you so much, Tracy, Linda & Tracey!

Well, I did do that charity 5k last night. It was disgusting. The rain was torrential, coming down in sheets until right before the start. We were standing there under umbrellas and I was still wet. Fortunately, the rain was much dimished soon after the start. However, I'd still advise to never do a race in the cold and rain with a migraine and little more in your stomach than Advil Migraine. I was feeling wretched. The course was very tough. They changed it to prevent one steep downhill (on cobblestones) because of the rain, and it ended up being so many uphills stretches instead AND it went right by the monkey house at the zoo; the smell was beyond description – you can bet I ran past there, even if it was uphill. LOL!

My sweet DH met me near the finish with a bottle of cold water and I went right to my car and drove straight home because I was wet and miserable and my head was pounding. He and DS had time for hot dogs and pizza while they were waiting for me. I could not have imagined eating at that point, but was hungry by the time I arrived home. I definitely could have done without the ice cream, but it was a nice treat.

Today:
B: WW yogurt (1); flat wrap w/turkey (3); coffee w/skim milk (.5)
L: green salad (0); greek dressing (w/lite EVOO), craisins & sunflower seeds (6)
S: lite popcorn (1)
D: 2 boneless buffalo wings (4); 3 oz sirloin (4); 1/2 baked potato plain(2); steamed broccoli (0)
dessert: oreo granola bar (2); pretzel crisps (1)



Activity:
30 solid minutes of crunches, pushups, core & leg work

[keenercam]

Playing catch-up again.

Saturday, June 20:
pre-7 mile walk: 1/2 power bar (2)
post-7 mile walk: egg beaters, salsa & arnold roll (2)
L: salad w/grilled chicken& feta & veggies (6); 1/2 multi-grain roll (2); 1/2 chicken tortilla soup (2); 2 peanut chews (2)
S: soft pretzel (6)
D: bite of chicken breast sandwich (1); small cupcake (4); pretzel crisps (1)

Activity: 7 miles of brisk walking
-------------------------------------
Sunday, June 21
B: 2 lite multigrain english muffins w/egg beaters, canadian bacon & 1 sl FF ch & coffee w/skim milk (7)
L: combos (6)
D: 3 oz steak (4); baked potato (3)
Dessert: small cupcake (4); mini nilla wafers (2); lite ice cream on 1 waffle (4); pretzel crisps (1)

Activity: none
--------------------------------
Today:
B: coffee w/skim milk (.5)
L: veggie soup(0); green salad (0); lite EVOO (2); WW yogurt w/raspberries (2)
D: baked potato w/lite sour cream (4); brown rice (6); turkey meatloaf (4); corn (1)
dessert/snacks: LF chips, FF pretzels, WW ice cream (10)

Activity: jumping jacks & leg work (during commercials)

[momof2minnies]

Hi Cam,
How is it going? I have found this week hard with all the lousy weather.

Also the kids are out of school and hopefully this won't knock me off track.

Hey guess what- 146 days til cruising time!

Have a great day,
Linda

[keenercam]

OMG! Linda! That number scares me! I can't believe it is so close!

I was not disciplined through the weekend and early part of the week. I used all my daily points every day, every single point of my weekly allowance AND many of my activity points. I did earn more activity points than prior weeks, which had been my objective. At my WI I was UP .2. I should have taken off my jacket. LOL! I hate that I had a gain, but I wasn't surprised and I am so lucky it wasn't huge, considering how badly I'd eaten for 4 of the 5 previous days.

I have been logging all my food, even though much of it is mortifying!!! :eek:

6/23 -- Tuesday
B: arnold roll w/FF cheese; coffee w/skim milk (3)
S: FF plain yogurt with fruit (3)
L: whole wheat wrap w/laughing cow cheese (3)
S: soft pretzel with cheese dip (8)
S: donut (6)
D: lean ground beef w/brown rice & corn & broccoli & green salad (12)
dessert: donut (6); pretzel crisps (1)

Yes, I went on an absolute carb binge and ate a soft pretzel AND 2 donuts that day. No exercise

--------------------------------
6/24
B: lite multigrain english muffin w/FF cheese; coffee w/skim milk (2)
L: arnold roll w/FF cheese; salad w/FF dressing & craisins (2)
S: coffee w/skim milk (.5)
D: lean ground beef w/brown rice & corn & broccoli (11)

Activity:
10 minutes elliptical
30 minutes personal training -- upper body/core/ab
15 minutes bike
25 minutes WiiActive (148 cals)

---------------------------
Thursday, June 25
B: coffee; skim milk; FF yogurt; raspberries (3)
S: watermelon (1)
L: green salad; greek dressing w/EVOO (2); homemade gazpacho (1)
S: soy crisps (2)
S: movie popcorn (5)
D: LC panini (7)
dessert: WW frozen candy bar (3)

Activity:
20 minutes walking
30 minutes WiiActive (198 calories)

[keenercam]

Today:
B: arnold flat roll w/1 sl FF cheese; apple; coffee w/skim milk (3.5)
L: LC chicken in peanut sauce (5); steamed broccoli & cauliflower (0)
S: green salad w/greek dressing (EVOO) (2); coffee w/skimmilk (.5)
D: chicken stir fry with brown rice (7.5)
dessert: southaven farms chocolate peanut butter muffin (2)


Activity:
30 minutes ab & core work

[keenercam]

I have been journaling very conscientiously, though not listing here. Playing catch-up now:

Saturday, June 27
B: 3/4 panera bagel & 1/2 RF cream cheese; coffee w/skim milk (7)
S: 1/2 southaven farm muffin (1)
L: flat wrap w/hoagie spread & turkey breast (4)
D: italian bread (2); 1 slice appetizer pizza (5); tilapia (4);potatoes (2); broccoli (0); cheese & chocolate cake (9)
dessert: chipcs & pretzels (2.5)

Activity:
5.3 miles walking (700 calories)
1/2 hour WiiFit (140 calories)

------------------------------------
Sunday, June 28
B: coffee w/skim milk (1)
S: cut fruit (2)
L: lasagna, green salad (5)
D: hamburger (no bread) (4); peanut noodles (3); salad, pickles, tomatoes & onion (0)
dessert: watermelon (2); bites of chips and pretzels (3)
S: flat out wrap w/turkey breast & lite mayo & hoagie spread (5); thin slice birthday cake (5)

Activity:
WiiActive -- 165 calories

[keenercam]

Today:
B: coffee w/skim milk; high fiber choc PB muffin (2)
L: lite popcorn (2): broccoli (0); LC panini (7)
S: 1/2 c. yogurt w/strawberries (1.5)
D: 2 small lean ground turkey burgers made w/peppers, onions & oats (5); tomato, pickle & onion (0); veggies/salad (0); flat wrap (2); 1 slice FF cheese (.5)


Activity: Wii Active (140 calories)

[keenercam]

Today:
B: coffee w/skim milk (1); southaven farm high fiber muffin (2)
L: lite popcorn (1): LC panini (7); salad w/EVOO (2)
S: WW cheddar twists (2)
D: small lean turkey burger w/onions, peppers & oats (3); flat out wrap (2); 1 FF cheese slice (.5); 2 oz whole wheat pasta with broccoli & tomatoes & soy parmesan cheese (3)
dessert: 2 small bites birthday cake (2)

Activity:
1 and 1/2 WiiActive workouts (250 cals)

[momof2minnies]

Hi Cam,
How are things going? I have not been doing good at all on this project we have going.

I also counted wrong for our trip.It was more like 151 days when I said 146- sorry.

I hope things are better for you.

Talk soon,
Linda

[keenercam]

Thanks for checking in, Linda!
I have been very active and I have been conscientiously journaling every bite. I am just hoping the scale will show some progress tomorrow. I am about to kick it into submission. I am pretty frustrated about it.

Last night, I did a regular WiiActive workout in the 30day challenge. Then I re-started it, but eliminated some of the exercises that were rough on my knees and hips (in-line skating, jumping lunges) and those that would require the resistance band (figured I'd get that stuff at my personal training session this morning). It was a good workout and I really like the 30 day challenge. I may also be lengthening those workouts by doing a custom workout after the regular one, to get closer to an hour.

This morning, I did a 10 minute warmup on the elliptical and then my PT kicked my butt for a half hour. It was a good whole-body workout, including
leg presses
lateral raises (with dumbbells)
lateral raises without dumbbells
flutter kicks
leg presses
lunges with a one-arm weight push on each "raise"
bench crunches
more lunges w/weights
more bench crunches
planks (on back) with a ball
lying crunches with ball between legs (lifting legs only)
more planks with ball
more lateral raises with heavy weights, then lighter weights, then no weights

I could barely walk when we were done and my biceps and triceps were trembling. LOL! So, then I did 10 minutes on the bike to spend a few minutes with my friend.

Food today:
B(pre-gym): arnold flat roll w/1 slice LF turkey; coffee w/skim milk (2)
B (post-gym): SHF high-fiber roll (2)
S: watermelon (1)
L: LC peanut chicken w/steamed green beans (5)
S: apple (1); WW yogurt (1)
D: turkey burger on whole wheat flat out w/1 sl FF cheese & lettuce (6)
dessert: birthday cake (7)

Activity:
30 minutes personal training session
20 minutes elliptical & bike
WiiActive (252 calories)

[momof2minnies]

That sounds like a productive day Cam.You will definately see progress tomorrow.I would be shocked otherwise.

Keep up the great work,
Linda

[keenercam]

Thanks, Linda!

Fortunately, the scale was down 2.2 this morning. I think I figured out that I had 11 workout sessions this week, since I did WiiActive nearly every night on top of my gym workouts, walks, etc. That puts me down a total of 8.2 pounds in 6 weeks. S-L-O-W.

I am hoping that some wonderful meals this weekend at 1900 Park Faire and Boma and the Conch House won't completely derail me for next week.

Food today:
B: bagel w/scrape of CC (7); coffee w/skim milk (.5)
L: green beans (0); green salad w/EVOO (2)

[momof2minnies]

Cam,
Your going to DISNEY?????????

I am so jealous.

Yeah it is the pits how slow this process is.I know you feel better but the rewards should be greater for what we put in.

I have not been doing well- basically I quit again.Ugh- need to start again.

I went to Forever 21 with my DDs yesterday- well ok I know I am not 21 but I am not the biggest person out there either and that was a depressing eye opener.

I went to the gym I used to belong to and checked out spinning again and the rates.I then looked at my calender this summer and thought how can I fit it in- they have limited class schedule.

Oh well today is a new day and the sun is out- WOOHOO! That's different these days.


Keep up the great work- hope to join you soon,

Linda

[goldcupmom]

Great job on the loss, Cam! Down is Down!!

Hope you have a GREAT weekend....Disney? AWESOME!!!

[momof2minnies]

Cam,
Can't wait to hear all the Disney details!

By the way have you recieved any info regarding excursions for our cruise? Judy(Honibee) said they recieved a booklet?

Hope you are having a great time- weather must be better there than here!

Linda

[keenercam]

Hi, Linda & Julie! We had such an awesome time in Florida!! I'll share some of the highlights, especially as they relate to my WISH efforts. LOL!

We flew out of Philly on Thursday night and I'd stopped at our favorite sub place -- Primo's Hoagies -- before we went to the airport, so that at least we ate normal food (even if it was high-calorie) instead of airport food. We had drink coupons for our flight, so I also had a rum & diet coke. I can't remember when the last time was I'd had an "adult beverage" and I had two during our vacation. :)
Our supposedly on-time flight got off the ground nearly 30 minutes late, but wasn’t too late arriving in Orlando. Jenn had an opportunity to work at Cap’n Jack’s restaurant at DTD that evening until 11:30, so we picked her up on our way to Saratoga Springs. We loved our location at SSR, though we were glad to have a car, especially when it was very hot, though I am sure more walking and less driving would have been better for me.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/July%202009/disneyjuly2009001.jpg

Friday – Andrew and I walked to Artists’ Palette and Jenn and Howard drove over a few minutes later.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/July%202009/disneyjuly2009007.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/July%202009/disneyjuly2009008.jpg

We all had breakfast there together (I had the adult mickey waffle and 2 sausages and coffee), shopped a bit (I got my Mickey sink stopper!), and then Jenn went off to work as a lifeguard there, and we got on the road. This was the day we were driving to St. Augustine to see our friends’ (Marie & Jim) new house. They’ll use it as a vacation home for now, but plan to retire there in about 8 years.
For lunch we went to a local favorite, the Conch House, which is located right on the water. I had a spicy conch chowder. We got conch fritters and hot wings to share as appetizers. My lunch was a grilled ahi sandwich (only ate the top part of the roll) with crispy french fries. I had my second (and last) adult beverage of the trip -- a pina colada.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/July%202009/disneyjuly2009013.jpg

We drove around sightseeing for a while then visited a bit more and then got on the road close to 4 to head back to Orlando. Marie & I will spend a long weekend in St. Augustine in September and I'm looking forward to exploring the area.

Jenn was working until 6:30, so when she arrived at our villa and changed clothes, we went to Capn Jacks for dinner. I had a bowl of New England Clam Chowder and my entree was baked salmon with rice pilaf and green beans. Not a bad choice considering I wanted fried crab cakes and french fries. LOL! No dessert here, either, so I was congratulating myself on my restraint. The restaurant manager was so nice – she stopped by to tell us how wonderful Jenn was and how she wanted to kidnap her for as many shifts as possible, but was glad to get her for 2 shifts this week.

Side story: Jenn’s a lifeguard and sometimes rotates through the marina at DTD where they help with the boats, etc. Apparently, her manager and the CJ manager were talking on Thursday and the CJ manager needed a greeter that night. Jenn’s manager thought she’d be good for it and so, after working her regular shift at the DTD recreation dock, Jenn got a CJ costume and worked the dinner shift as a greeter/seater. Jenn loved it and apparently they loved her, so she is picking up a couple of shifts there this week, too.

So, Friday night dinner was a Capn Jack’s and then we took Jenn to Wal-Mart for grocery shopping. Turns out Andrew wasn’t allowed in Jenn’s complex after 7pm, so he and I sat out at the guard gate while Howard and Jenn took groceries in, labeled them and put them away. Then, we all went back to SSR for bed.

Saturday was another big day. Andrew will turn 16 this weekend and I really wanted to be able to celebrate with Jenn. Andrew LOVES Nightmare Before Christmas, and there is no better place for an NBC cake than Disney, right? I’d arranged for a custom cake from the Grand Floridian Bakery and gave them explicit instructions on style, colors, artwork, flavors, etc. We had an 8:10 ADR at 1900 Park Faire, so we hung around GF waiting for 1900 Park Faire to open. Once we were seated and had drinks, I told our server at around 8:20 that we HAD to do the cake at 8:30 because Jenn had to get to work. We were seated right outside the kitchen and ours was the first table the characters visited.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/July%202009/disneyjuly2009019.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/July%202009/disneyjuly2009020.jpg

I did pretty well there -- no sweets except birthday cake. I limited myself to 2 trips to the buffet and took very reasonable portions. I even avoided the chocolate croissants - the first place I'd ever had them was on the Disney Magic, so I've tried to avoid them anyplace other than DCL, to keep that kind of special (Linda -- Have you had them? Put them on your "MUST-DO" list for the cruise!! :) )

Except for the fact that I sent them the artwork for the particular Jack face that I wanted around the sides and it wasn’t on there anywhere at all, the cake looked GREAT.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/July%202009/disneyjuly2009024.jpg

The taste? Not so impressive. I thought the cake tasted stale and we never got to the bavarian creme and strawberries that morning, even though we cut about 1/4-1/3 across the diameter of the cake. So, we all had ordinary yellow cake with buttercream frosting. (When we ate leftovers very late that night, we finally “found” the bavarian creme and strawberries at the very center of the cake). I was truly peeved that they charged us sales tax AND 18% gratuity on the cake, too. They didn’t even cut it and we never got something other than a butter knife to cut it until it was cut and we were nearly done eating it. So, I was glad Andrew enjoyed the cake, but I’ll never spend that kind of money on a custom cake again.

After breakfast, we drove Jenn to work at Port Orleans Riverside, went back to SSR to put leftover cake in the fridge, and then to MK. We arrived at about 10 a.m. and stayed in MK until 2:00pm and in that time did Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Mickey’s PhilHarmagic, Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents, etc. We were very impressed with the new HoP. I was very proud of myself for avoiding SO MANY of our favorite MK treats - the Main Street Bakery, Casey's hot dogs, turkey legs, churros, popcorn, etc. We just skipped lunch all together since we'd had a big breakfast and were looking forward to Boma for dinner.
It was so incredibly, indescribably hot and humid that I was walking around in a tank top, which NEVER happens.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/July%202009/disneyjuly2009027.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/July%202009/disneyjuly2009028.jpg

We took the AKL bus to AKL where we visited Kidani Village (I got my favorite WDW treat -- Mickey pretzels -- in the gift shop there, and then felt guilty eating them at the observation patio at the Savannah). We had a lovely time viewing the giraffes and zebras on the savannah, though I was hoping they couldn't smell the pretzels and weren't offended that I wasn't sharing. ;)
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/July%202009/disneyjuly2009033.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/July%202009/disneyjuly2009036.jpg

Then we walked the very long walk from there to the Jambo House. We relaxed in the lobby where I catnapped on one of the couches. At about 4pm I washed up and changed my top and was ready just when I got a text from my friendTracy saying they were in the bar having a drink. We were so blessed that friends that live in Florida were willing to meet us for dinner at Boma. Dinner was absolutely delicious and the company was beyond compare. I won't even pretend that I was good there. Carrot ginger soup, hummus, ribs, etc. It was so much fun!!! Afterwards, we visited for a while in the lobby until two of our friends had to leave.

Howard, Andrew & one of our friends and I all went in her car to the GF where we parked and took the monorail to MK. We did the Carousel of Progress and then found a spot for the fireworks. The fireworks were phenomenal. You are literally surrounded with the spectacle over and around the castle, plus behind you over the train station and on both sides over the shoppes of Main Street. It was incredible. Beyond incredible was that when we were leaving Tomorrowland to get to MS to find a spot, we were routed behind Tomorrowland, backstage through a HUGE parking lot where delivery trucks were parked, etc. People were camped out on the concrete parking lot to watch the fireworks from BEHIND the shoppes on the right side of Main Street.

We were all appalled that crowds were routed backstage and that people were sitting on the ground of a dirty parking lot by the hundreds, if not a thousand, to watch the fireworks. We knew Walt would be rolling over in his grave to know his guests were in a dirty backstage area.

When we found a spot on Main Street, we were wall to wall people with barely room to raise your arms to point at something. It was so wicked hot that the sweat was rolling down my arms and dripping off my fingertips. I would have been so curious to weigh myself before the fireworks and after, because I'll bet I lost a considerable amount of water weight through my pores. I was literally feeling dehydrated by about half-way through the fireworks. Since it was so hot, we left right after the fireworks ended.

Sunday a.m. we had Lean Cuisine breakfast paninis in the villa while packing. We checked out and hung out at the pool for an hour or so. We left by 12:45 and went and picked up Jenn at her apartment to head to Downtown Disney. We were shopping in World of Disney, waiting to hear from an old HS friend of mine to let us know when he and his wife arrived for us to meet up (we hadn’t seen each other since graduation in June 1981!), when the following conversation happened at the checkout:
Disney Guest: Excuse me, could you please hand me a kleenex for my glasses?
Me: (reaching over the cash register counter to grab a couple of kleenex) “Sure! Here you go.”
Disney Guest: Thanks, Carmella.
Me: Oh my God!! Paul!!!
It was so funny!! I can’t believe he recognized me. He swears I don't look any older than high school (love you, Paul! LOL!) I don’t think I’d ever have recognized him if he hadn’t called me by my given name. It was great to see him.

We all walked over to Ghirardelli’s where we sat and reminisced for a while. Jenn went and got a soda and Howard and Andrew walked to Goofy’s to get the caramel apple Andrew has been craving for the 3+ years he was in braces. Howard knows I have a thing for Disney cupcakes, so he brought me a "holiday cupcake". It had toppled by the time he brought it, but I think it was a blueberry cupcake with red, white & blue frosting. I ate just the cupcake part and gave the kids the frosting. We all visited for a while, but had to leave to run errands before heading to the airport.

Andrew has been dying to try CiCi’s pizza buffet, so we did that for lunch (good in a high-carb, low-budget, "OMG! I should NOT be eating this" kind of way), then took Jenn back to her apartment. We headed to the airport where we shopped a bit (SWATCH) and then went through security. Again, we avoided food at the airport. Our flight landed 22 minutes early. YAY!!

I have NOT been good this week and my personal training session this morning was the first workout I've had since all the walking at WDW. I have to get back into the routine and I am sure my weight watchers WI tomorrow will not be pretty.

[momof2minnies]

Cam,
It sounds like you had a wonderful time. Nice that you were able to meet up with so many friends.You will have a nice place to visit in St Augustine in 8 yrs.- HA!HA!

OK so you were off the wagon a little you will get right back on and get ready for our big trip! Choc. croissants sound great, I will add those to my list.

Did you get the excursion booklet while you were gone? Judy and I did. I was fun to get.

I saw that the heat was oppressive down there, we actuallt had a couple summer days last weekend. Today more rain.

Talk soon,
Linda

[toystoryduo]

Cam,

It sounds like you had a wonderful time in Florida!!!:cloud9: That was so sweet of you to order your DS a NBC cake. Did you say he is 16 already?!?!?? Where has the time gone?:eek:

You have a beautiful family, Cam. :grouphug: All of you are so photogenic! ::yes:: Thanks for sharing your photos with us. :goodvibes

I hope you have a great evening!:hug:

[traceycooper]

wow great pics & report Cam,
the cake looked amazing!!

[keenercam]

Wow! I can't believe that it has been more than 3 months since I've visited here. And, as I've always said, if I'm not paying attention to my WISH journal, chances are that I'm not paying attention to my diet and am not likely living a healthy lifestyle. That has definitely been true.

I am so frustrated with myself. I have gained 20 pounds since January, and a lot of that has been since I seriously injured my knee on July 14 and have given up almost all race walking and all running activity. That's no excuse, though. I should still find time to exercise at least 5 days a week. I have to get back in gear. I absolutely refuse to gain any more of the 70+ pounds I've lost.

Today's food:
B: steel cut oats w/apples & raisins; coffee w/skim milk (4)
S: green tea & light yogurt (2)
L: green salad w/FF dressing & grilled chicken (2)
S: 2 egg whites (.5); mini bag of light popcorn (1)
D: LC chicken enchilada suiza (5); chicken breast, brown rice, kidney bean & corn mix (5)
dessert: baked chips & pretzels (4); WW chocolate raspberry bar (1)
Total points: 24.5 EEEKK! --Gotta get that under control

Water -- over 100 oz
Vitamin - yes
Activity -- none
Fruits & veggies -- yes, but could do better

My plan is to back to WW this afternoon and to get back to journaling. I really have to do this, especially since I need surgery on my knee. I can't allow my inability to walk/run cause me to gain back weight. I have to get control of my eating and I have to find ways to exercise to stay healthy and fit, regardless of whether I am on crutches.

Thanks for letting me vent here. I am really so unhappy when I look in the mirror these days and when my clothes are getting tight. One of my suit skirts was actually too tight to wear to court last week -- what a horrible feeling that was!

[momof2minnies]

Cam,
This is really very weird- I was thinking about you this morning on my way to the gym just wondering how you were doing.

I am sorry to hear about the knee- when is surgery? Arthroscopic? Knee replacement? Where does this put you for the 1/2?


So do you believe our cruise is so close? Time has flown by.You are still on for the cruise right?

You can do this, I know a set back is lousy but stay focused and we can all do this together.On the events board we have a Donald thread and we are all chiming in with our workouts- come check it out.

I am not on the cruise meets anymore- with 2 teens going and no little ones my posts were pretty much invisilble so I quit.

Talk soon,
Linda

[keenercam]

Linda -- I have been thinking of you, too, and thought I'd track you down on the WISH boards to see how you are doing. So glad to hear you are training and that you are posting with other Donald medal pursuers!! Awesome!

The injury to my knee was initially a lesion on the cartilage between the femur and the tibia. Since then, it has gotten much, much worse. I did about 9 weeks of physical therapy and have had 2 cortisone shots and that got me to the start line of the Race for the Taste 10k on October 11. Unfortunately, the pain almost prevented me from getting to the finish line, but I did it and I have my awesome medal to prove it. LOL!

The plan now is to go through a series of 3 injections of Synvisc in the hopes of putting some synthetic lubricant in the knee so that maybe the bones won't crunch together with every step. If those injections help enough, my plan is to get to the start and finish of the 1/2 marathon in January. The ortho says there is no way I will ever run again without surgery. The cartilage is gone, so I need one of 3 different types of surgery: (1) a procedure where they pinprick the bottom of the femur and the top of the tibia to make them bleed which might stimulate cartilage production in that area; (2) a cartilage plug (bone & cartiladge taken from another part of the knee and grafted there) or (3) a different type of graft where they use a compound made of "juvenile" cartilage that they put in place and hope the cells will re-generate and make more cartilage. In any of those options, I absolutely cannot put any weight on the leg while the graft or cells are fresh -- otherwise the cells will be killed. So, obviously, no training at all. That is why I am putting off surgery until January. If it doesn't "take", I will not have prevented myself from at least trying the 1/2 marathon for nothing.

UGH! Sorry for the novel. It has been a distressing time. Since my 4th heart surgery in January 2005, I've been consistently active and working out no less than 4x/week. I've really slacked off and the pain in my knee is not a good enough excuse. There are plenty of things I can be doing even if I can't run or speedwalk.

I just have to get back into the routine.

[momof2minnies]

Wow Cam I had no idea you were going through all this.

First congrats on the Taste 10k that must have tough.Those procedures sound interesting.The stuff they can do these days.

I feel your pain not being able to train but like you said there are other things to do.I want that Donald medal too but don't over do it.

Are you getting packed yet? I pulled out my bag yesterday to check out the size.We only do carry ons.I'll make it work.HA!HA!

Have a good one,
Linda

[keenercam]

Linda -- I haven't even begun to think about what to pack. I'll have to do some research to see what the weather is typically like at that time of year. We've never cruised in November/December before. I have to go to a black-tie gala with Howard in early November, so I am thinking that will be the perfect excuse to buy a new dress for formal night. Not sure yet what I'll do about shoes, since heels are out of the question at the moment.

Today's food:
B: steel cut oats w/apples & raisins; coffee w/skim milk (4)
L (Howard's choice after his dr. appointment)-- Olive Garden zuppa toscano, salad & 1/2 grilled chicken flatbread (13?)
D: stuffed chicken breast & whole wheat couscous (9); turkey sausage link & broccoli (2)

Water: not enough
vitamin: never found them at home
activity: none
Total points: 28. Way too many. Still working on this.

I am working from home today. Temptation is difficult on these days and since I'll be out at a doctor's office for several hours, water will be an issue. I'll concentrate on that. Oh, and I have to find vitamins here,since I usually take them at my office.

[toystoryduo]

:hug: Cam,

I'm so sorry to hear about your knee. :( I will be praying for you. :hug:

I do have to say that you inspire me. Here you've had a major injury to your knee and yet you pressed forward to complete and get a medal in the Race for the Taste 10K. You show such determination in completing that race, Cam!:hug:

I know that it must be hard to not train like you're used to. :hug: Please be sure and take it easy and listen to your body though. You don't want the injury to your knee to get any worse.

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!:goodvibes It's great to have you back here at WISH!:hug:

[keenercam]

Tracy -- Thank you so much, sweetie! I am having a hard time coping with the various demands on my time (lots of new clients/cases in the past several months and many of the cases are expedited), but am hoping to be here more and to visit other WISH journals on a regular basis. I am so inspired by so many of my friends' journals here, even if I am just reading on a random basis. But, I definitely am looking forward to getting back in touch. :hug:

Food yesterday was bad because of a high point lunch and waiting too late to eat dinner and being over hungry. UGH. Have to break these bad habits all over again. At least I didn't try to talk Howard into the Chinese buffet. LOL!

Food today:
B: steel cut oatmeal w/apples & raisins; coffee with skim milk (5)
L: green salad w/grilled chicken (2)
S: lite popcorn (3)
D: broccoli stuffed chicken breast, whole wheat couscous & broccoli (14)
dessert: cookies (5)

vitamin: done
water: doing better today
activity: 10 minutes elliptical (ouch!) and 30 minutes strength training

[keenercam]

I was doing fine yesterday until I baked 12 dozen cookies and ate 4 little ones.

Today was difficult from the start since I had the first of 3 injections to my knee and it has been a painful experience. I didn't have breakfast and I am not drinking enough water because it hurts to walk too much and I've barely left my desk.

B: coffee w/skim milk (.5)
L: green salad (0); WW pita w/laughing cow cheese (2); apple (1)
S: lite popcorn (3)
D: egg beaters w/turkey sausage & fat-free cheese on whole wheat flat wrap (10)
dessert: 2 rice cakes w/fat free cheese (1.5)

vitamin - yes
water -- not enough
activity -- none

[keenercam]

Today:
B: fat free cottage cheese (2); NSA diced peaches (.5); coffee w/skim milk (.5); 1/2 apple (.5)

[toystoryduo]

:hug: Cam,

I'm sorry to hear that those shots are so painful. :( I hope your knee is feeling better today. :hug:

Your food looks really good from yesterday. No worries on those cookies!

I hope you have a nice weekend ahead. Please try and take it easy if you can.:hug:

[momof2minnies]

Cam
How is it going after the injections? My friend had those done and they did help a little.

Linda

[toystoryduo]

Hi Cam,

I hope your knee is feeling better. Did the injections help?

I hope you have a nice day today.:hug:

[keenercam]

Thank you for asking about my knee, Tracy & Linda. :grouphug: I had my second Synvisc injection yesterday and I had a good opportunity to talk with the doctor at my ortho’s office who does the injections The first injection that I had last Thursday was much more effective than we’d expected or even hoped. There is less crunching of the bones in the knee on manipulation and my range of motion is slightly improved. The ligaments are holding up well (apparently, they can weaken and "break down" with an injury like mine if the quads aren't strong enough).

After the first 3 or 4 very painful days after the first injection, my knee felt better this week. I was able to do the elliptical for 30 minutes Monday, 10 minutes Wednesday (just to warm up before my personal training session) and 30 yesterday and I was also able to do the bike for 15 minutes yesterday. All before the 2nd injection, of course. Right now it is very, very painful so I couldn't imagine doing either today. I am allowed to do the bike or elliptical, but not allowed to use any resistance at all and the incline has to be “0”. I’m not allowed to do the treadmill at all, but just being able to do what I’ve done this week is a big improvement.
Steps are still painful and I have to be sure to “plant” my foot in the same direction as the alignment of my femur if I am getting out of the car, bed, etc., but those are behaviors I just have to work on as we go on. He said he thinks I may actually get 6-8 months of efficacy from the injections. Next week we’ll discuss the prospects for running if I don’t have the surgery, especially since these doctors equate walking at a race pace with what it would take to jog. Hoping for a good discussion next week.

So, there have been times in my journey where food was good but exercise was bad, and sometimes vice versa. It seems like right now, I am motivated to exercise, but can't get myself on track with food. I am just going to keep track of how things are going and try to have it all come together.

This week:
Monday:
Food -- not good
Water -- yes
Vitamin -- yes
Activity -- 30 minutes elliptical; 100 crunches; 100 pushups (1st day of my challenge to myself)

Tuesday:
Food: Not good
Water: yes
Vitamin: yes
Glucosamine (new regimen): yes
Activity: 100 push ups; 100 crunches (day 2 of my self-challenge)

Wednesday:
Food: not good
Water: yes
Vitamin: yes
Glucosamine: yes
Activity: 10 minutes elliptical; 30 minutes strenuous upper body strength training; 100 pushups & 100 crunches (Day 3)

Thursday:
Food: not good
water: yes
vitamin: yes
glucosamine: yes
Activity: 30 minutes elliptical; 15 minutes bike:100 pushups & 100 crunches (Day 4)

Friday:
Food:
Water:
Vitamin: yes
Glucosamine:
Activity:

[traceycooper]

Hi Cam
glad you knee is a little better & you are managing some exercise :)
hope you have a great weekend

[toystoryduo]

I'm glad that the shots seem to be working.:goodvibes That's great that you were able to get some exercise in!:cheer2:

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!:hug:

[momof2minnies]

Cam
Glad it is all looking positive! Keeping my fingers crossed.

Linda

[toystoryduo]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Cam!:hug:

[toystoryduo]

:santa: Merry Christmas to you and your family, Cam!!!! :grouphug:

[traceycooper]

merry christmas cam :)

[inkkognito]

Ouch, that knee sounds painful. At least the injections are giving some relief but that has to really put a crimp on activity.

[keenercam]

Well, here I am again. Thank God I'm not "starting over" but I am starting fresh. I joined the BL challenge and am working to lose 20 pounds by the end of the summer. I am trying to be realistic.

Since I hurt my knee on July 14, I have been unable to run or do the 5-7x/week workouts I'd been doing. Not only has walking been painful nearly every day, though to varying degrees, but the pain kept me from sleeping well, so I've been mostly too tired to work out many days. I am having surgery on Monday, May 24, if all goes according to plan. I hope that my immobility for up to 8 weeks may be the jumpstart I need to get out of the habit of going to the fridge and pantry too much and going to the coffee shop many mornings. And I am hoping that by spending the first two weeks mostly in bed, I will get back into journaling here and visiting WISH journals of others, to find support and to get back into the habit of supporting others, which I've always loved, but unfortunately not made time for.

So, here we go again. Hopefully, by the end of the summer I will have undone all the "damage" I've done in the past 10 months.

[wtpclc]

Cam - You know you've always been my hero for the way you jumped into a healthy lifestyle and kept at it. You have done amazing things! I know if it weren't for this awful physical setback, you'd be right where you want to be! I know you can get on track again! Love that we are bot rededicating ourselves to healthy eating agin at the same time! :grouphug:

[keenercam]

Carrie - You are so sweet! Thank you! :hug: I have to keep telling myself that I am not "trying" or "hoping" to do this or that -- I am "doing" this. It all starts with a single step (even if you can't walk. LOL!) Thank you for your support!

[DianeL]

:hug: Cam! You can do it! I'm marking the surgery date down on my calendar so I can be sending you tons of PD that day.

Big hugs!!!

[momof2minnies]

Cam,
Welcome back!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck on Monday.I'm sure once this is behind you it will be easier without the pain to focus better.

Don't you wish we were looking forward to our cruise again this November- what weather we had!!!

Linda

[keenercam]

:hug: Cam! You can do it! I'm marking the surgery date down on my calendar so I can be sending you tons of PD that day.

Big hugs!!!

Thank you so much, Diane!! I just got word that the surgery is going forward (as of Tuesday it was not likely). I can't wait until I feel up to walking again, much more training!

Cam,
Welcome back!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck on Monday.I'm sure once this is behind you it will be easier without the pain to focus better.

Don't you wish we were looking forward to our cruise again this November- what weather we had!!!

Linda

Thank you, Linda! The cruise was awesome and I can't believe it has already been almost 6 months!! We were fortunate enough to have a vacation at the end of April into May in Jamaica. It was the most amazing vacation we've ever had. Too much food, though. LOL! Still haven't lost all I gained there. Or maybe I did but gained it back. :laughing:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So far so good today (which means no stop at the coffee shop for a bagel).

I'll BBL to track food.

Okay, here is food:
B: reduced sugar oatmeal
L: garden salad w/balsamic vinegarette dressing
S: apple
D: Chick Fil-a grilled chicken sandwich, dry
S: grilled chicken breast strips


BTW, my first "mini-goal" is 5.2 pounds away.

[goldcupmom]

Cam, I am so glad you are back, but sad that you are going thru such knee problems. I will be praying! You are a VERY strong woman and I know you will come thru this wonderfully!:hug:

[keenercam]

Thank you, Julie!

[traceycooper]

Hi Cam - welcome back :)
I cant begin to imagine how you are coping with the knee problems, especially when you've been so active - what caused it? i've had a knee issue myself Dr says wear & tear, physio has really helped though, but i worry now i run & spin so much if im causing more/any damage, would be interested in hearing how yours started & what they think caused it.
I hope the op gets you back on track :hug:

[keenercam]

Hi Cam - welcome back :)
I cant begin to imagine how you are coping with the knee problems, especially when you've been so active - what caused it? i've had a knee issue myself Dr says wear & tear, physio has really helped though, but i worry now i run & spin so much if im causing more/any damage, would be interested in hearing how yours started & what they think caused it.
I hope the op gets you back on track :hug:

Thank you, Tracey! The injury, according to my doctor was a "misfortunate confluence of bad events". :laughing: I was doing incline training on the treadmill off and on for 2 hours and when I was done and stepped off it felt like my knee kind of re-aligned and popped like when you crack a knuckle. It turns out that the femur and the tibia "bruised" the knee cartilage from top and bottom, causing a lesion. Ultimately, by the time I had arthroscopic surgery on 12/28, the lesion was full-depth (it goes all the way through) and when he cut/burned (?) away the damaged and ragged cartilage there wasn't a whole lot left. The back of the patella is getting scraped, too, by the friction in there because of lack of cartilage.

I've read some articles this week about the procedure and it is so new that they are just in the past several months doing the medical journal articles on 1 year post-surgery reports, all of which were favorable. I hadn't planned on the recovery taking a year. I am planning to start training for the January Disney half-marathon this fall, so the recovery better be a lot faster than that. LOL!

[keenercam]

Yesterday was my first completely on-track food day in so long that I don't even remember the last time I didn't wake up regretting what I'd eaten the day before. Today is going to be easy but tonight is going to be outrageously difficult. I am hosting 10 prom-goers and their parents at my house for pictures and munchies before the limo takes them to the prom. Afterwards, twelve teens are coming back to my house for a post-prom party (their school doesn't do "after-prom" for the juniors, so I figured Andrew and his friends can come back to the house). There will be so much food there and almost none of it is WW-friendly. I'll be really careful all day to save points for tonight.

[toystoryduo]

Welcome Back, Cam!!!!!:banana::dance3::yay::woohoo::cheer2: :dance3:

We missed you around here!:hug:

I'm so sorry to hear about your knee and all the pain that you have been going through. :( We will be praying for your surgery on Monday and for a quick and complete recovery for you. :hug:

Way to go on your food yesterday!:cheer2:

That is so cool that you are hosting an after prom party at your house!:cool1: What a blessing for the kids to have a safe place to go where they can have fun and enjoy the evening. Hope everyone has a wonderful time!:wizard:

I'm so glad that you are back with us on the WISH boards!:hug:

[keenercam]

Tonight went so well food-wise. I am really glad I was able to resist all the delicious foods I put out and ate only the things I really wanted and only in moderation.

Here are my darlings, my son Andrew and his best friend Kristi

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/Sallies%20Prom%202010/IMG_2638.jpg

And here is their whole fun crew, heading off to the junior prom.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/Sallies%20Prom%202010/IMG_5589.jpg

They are all here now for our very own post-prom party and they are leaving at 3 a.m. I need sleep! LOL!

[keenercam]

Food was great yesterday and I didn't even get popcorn at the movies. Just a diet soda. Woohoo!
On to day 4 and starting strong. Surgery is tomorrow. Maybe the food thing will be a bit easier when I am stuck in bed for 2 weeks. LOL!

[goldcupmom]

Praying all goes well tomorrow. Let us know when you can!

[toystoryduo]

Sending prayers your way, Cam. :hug:

[momof2minnies]

Hope things went well Cam! Get back on those feet soon!

Linda

[traceycooper]

Hope everything went well Cam :hug:
cant see your pics at work but will check them out on home computer :)

[toystoryduo]

Sending a :hug: and prayers your way, Cam. I hope the recovery process is going well!:goodvibes

[Angel16]

Cam, sending warm wishes and prayers. I know how difficult knee surgery can be. Stay strong and take good care of yourself. :hug: Will be here waiting when you are up to posting.



Angel16

[keenercam]

I can't believe it's been 3 days since surgery. Time is passing in a daze, either from the pain meds or from trying to accomplish stuff during the couple of "good" hours provided by the meds.

The surgery was very different from what I expected but should turn out to be a much, much better solution. Instead of having a cell compound "spackled" on the bones with the resultant risk of the compound being sheared off with the wrong movement, I ended up with the "gold standard" of resolution, as far as prospects for success. My doctor found out last Thursday that he was able to get a cadaver bone graft with cartilage tissue in time for Monday's surgery, so when I showed up, I found out that would be implanted instead. They carved a wedge out of the femur at the weight bearing spot where the cartilage was gone. Then they cut a slightly larger wedge (like a dowel) from the cadaver bone with tissue on the end and forced it into the opening. The bone should fuse and the cartilage tissue should grow. The piece they put in is larger than what they took out so there is the pain from the drilling and the pressure/pain from that being wedged in there and then there's the really long incision over my knee cap along the "inside" -- I think the incision is about 4" long. He said the worst of the pain is from them opening up the joint to get to the operative site and then closing it up again.

I'm on dilaudid, which one nurse told me is the strongest narcotic they can prescribe. I was getting it every 3 hours by IV in the hospital and now take it orally every 4 hours. I am also on an antibiotic and aspirin. My leg is immobilized from mid-thigh to ankle. There is a dressing over the operative site, then a sleeve over that. Then a compression and ice pack that wraps around the leg with velcro; it has channels in it and two tubes coming out the bottom. Those tubes run to an electric ice chest. That compression & ice pack continually compresses and deflates and ice water runs through all the channels to keep my leg "on ice" and compression. Over the compression and ice pack is an immobilizer that looks like a removable cast. It has about 8 velcro tabs that hold it closed across the front of my leg up the whole length and then over those there are 7 velcro straps & loops that have to be kept tight.

I'm not allowed to even touch my toe to the floor (unless it's the difference between falling or putting my toe down to regain my balance, per the doctor. LOL!) so I am confined to my room. I use crutches to hop to the bathroom. And I have a wheelchair for when I want to sit up out of bed. I have an awesome bed desk so I've been able to do work since I felt up to it yesterday. I haven't spent even 5 minutes reading a book or watching any movies as I'd planned. It's funny how when you feel so bad you don't want to do anything fun.

My family has been amazing. The past 2 mornings since I've been home Howard got up and helped me get washed up and back in bed where he brought me coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Before they leave, Andrew brings me a cooler bag with lunch. Today, Jenn came home to deal with the guy from the Geek Squad who came to fix our wireless router and to interface with the cleaning lady. So far, it's been pretty smooth and I've been in too much pain to get bored yet.

I'm enjoying reading on the DIS tonight, though I can tell I am already wiped out again and need more medicine. I'll be back soon to do some relevant catching up.

[momof2minnies]

WOW Cam that sounds like quite the procedure.Is it a sure thing, will this make all the pain disappear for sure?

I am glad your family is taking good care of you.

Hey sounds like you need a CRUISE!

Linda

[toystoryduo]

Sending lots of prayers your way as you recover from your surgery, Cam.:hug: I'm glad to hear that your family is taking such good care of you!:hug:

[keenercam]

WOW Cam that sounds like quite the procedure.Is it a sure thing, will this make all the pain disappear for sure?

I am glad your family is taking good care of you.

Hey sounds like you need a CRUISE!

Linda

Linda -- We are really praying this will fix my knee. It really should. It just may take a while. The process is painful, so I sure as heck hope it is worthwhile.

Sending lots of prayers your way as you recover from your surgery, Cam.:hug: I'm glad to hear that your family is taking such good care of you!:hug:

Thanks, Tracy. I can use all the prayers I can get. Yes, my family has been very patient with me. I'm not very good at being helpless. I'm sure I'm not the most pleasant person to be around right now.

I'm in a lot of pain today, so I'm feeling down. I've been avoiding taking medicine, but I think I have to take them soon and take a nap. I haven't even felt up to reading a book I've been "saving" since April 27. Oh well ....

Back soon to catch up.

[keenercam]

Being stuck in my room has really helped me not to overeat. Howard brought me coffee this morning and I had a baggie of dry cereal that I munched on all morning in tiny bits (cap'n crunch, so not a great choice, but it wasn't much). He also packed me a nice lunch. I had a lean cuisine panini (I love these cold after they've been microwaved) and an apple. For a snack this afternoon I had a 100 calorie ritz snack mix pack.

I am looking forward to maintaining these good habits of eating normal amounts of foods even when I am not stuck in my room anymore. As a matter of fact, I still have a reese's dark chocolate peanut butter cup that Howard got for me Saturday night. I ate one and saved the other and haven't "needed" it yet. :woohoo:

I am sad to be missing a special olympics meeting tonight but Howard will fill me in on everything, even if I can't work on the event this year. I am going to try not to eat out of being sad about that.

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, first of all, I am sending some prayers out to you for a speedy recovery! I am new to your journal and its funny, I have been looking for a new Wish friend since a few people who I used to share with aren't around anymore. So when you posted on my journal, it was like "there's my new Wish friend"!

I need to read more of your journal, but page one alone gave me a lot of inspiration from your story and motivation to get my own self healthy.

I really look forward to getting to know you better. I did see your wedding pictures awhile back, Traceycooper told me about them and they were so lovely.

Hope you have a restful night.

[wtpclc]

Cam - You are doing awesome!!! I would be gobbling any chocolate in sight, because I "deserved" it for being in pain adn stuck. You are amazing! :goodvibes

[toystoryduo]

You are doing a wonderful job, Cam!!!:thumbsup2 How are you feeling, my friend?:hug: Sending more prayers your way!:goodvibes

[goldcupmom]

Glad you are on the mend, Cam, & praying it will be well worth all the pain!

Enjoy your down time! You work hard & I know it's hard to just sit, but maybe it will turn out to be a bit of a break for you. And, you're doing AWESOME on not eating out of stress!

Hang in there!

[keenercam]

Cam, first of all, I am sending some prayers out to you for a speedy recovery! I am new to your journal and its funny, I have been looking for a new Wish friend since a few people who I used to share with aren't around anymore. So when you posted on my journal, it was like "there's my new Wish friend"!

Amy -- I feel like I "know" you, especially since I lurk on these journals so much to draw inspiration from others. I am so glad you are here. Thank you!! I am really looking forward to sharing this journey. :hug:

Cam - You are doing awesome!!! I would be gobbling any chocolate in sight, because I "deserved" it for being in pain adn stuck. You are amazing! :goodvibes

Thank you, Carrie! I had really been working on not using food to "self-medicate" for pain or stress, especially after reading "Overcoming Overeating". Now, I feel like I should look on this "down time" as a jump start on breaking old habits. Not being mobile limits my choices. Whenever I ask Howard, Jenn or Andrew to bring me something, I give a lot of thought to how I will feel sitting in bed or the wheelchair afterwards. Will that food be "fuel"? Or just some fluff I put in my stomach that I regret. So, even if it is cheating, I am going to take advantage of this opportunity to build new, GOOD habits.

You are doing a wonderful job, Cam!!!:thumbsup2 How are you feeling, my friend?:hug: Sending more prayers your way!:goodvibes

Thank you for the prayers, Tracy. Painful today do to the outing to the doctor (I'll update on that below), but I am optimistic that this will all be worthwhile and I am well on my way to being upright and mobile and pain-free. :banana:

Glad you are on the mend, Cam, & praying it will be well worth all the pain!

Enjoy your down time! You work hard & I know it's hard to just sit, but maybe it will turn out to be a bit of a break for you. And, you're doing AWESOME on not eating out of stress!

Hang in there!

Thank you, Julie. You are the queen of being entitled to eat out of stress and not caving to it. Thank you for being such an inspiration. :hug:

Update on my recovery (feel free to skip! ;) )

Went to the doctor and got my stitches out this morning. The entire length of the incision is banded with what I think is called suture tape. The doctor said to not pull that off, let it continue to reinforce the closed incision, and the tape will fall off over time. He said he doesn't want to take any chances on small gaping openings in the incision and this will also help ward off infection.

He hadn’t expected me to do the leg raises that he suggested and was very pleased to find that I had done them and consequently, have pretty good quad strength in that leg. Since I did, I can now move on to trying to bend my knee. He suggested sitting on the edge of the bed and allowing gravity to pull it down bit by bit and if I can’t stand the pain to stop the range at that point and not push it. I will see him again in a week. In the interim, I will work on building up the bending range. I’m allowed to put my foot down for balance but no real weight bearing and no “pushing off” with it. I have to use the immobilizer and crutches whenever I am out of bed. But I am allowed to take a shower now that the stitches are out. YAY!!!

I am due back at the office Monday. I have been working from home since the day after I came home from the hospital, but it's not the same as being in the office. We picked up a huge package of mail and pleadings from my secretary on the way home, so that will keep me busy this afternoon before and after 2 teleconferences, assuming I am up to it.

Getting back up the stairs when we got home was rough and Howard had to lift me off the floor at the top of the steps because of the pain. All I could say after "thanks, honey." was "How embarassing." So, now my knee is swollen huge just from doing that much.


My poor dog, Cali, heard me whimpering after Howard left and I was doing my exercises. She came running up, all concerned. Now she is lying by the bed, keeping me company and checking on me every little while. What a sweet companion she is.

BBL! I have to also check the dunkin donuts website. We stopped there for Howard to get me breakfast/lunch and he ordered a turkey & cheese flatbread instead of eggwhite with turkey sausage and no cheese. I have to figure out how many calories it was. It was a very nice treat but I'll have to be careful the rest of the day. Since it's the only thing I've eaten today, I am sure it is not in excess of my breakfast and lunch allowances.

[wtpclc]

Cam - :grouphug:It is not cheating to try to make the nbest of a very hard situation. That's awesome! I worry that you have only eaten 1 thing all day. I know you're not burnign a lot, but be careful not to starve yourself or bring your metabolism down too much with too few calories. You are such an inspiration! Must look into Overcoming Overeating.

[Amy&Dan]

Cam it really sounds like you are doing great with your recovery and that is good news! And not surprising given your strength and determination. That is so sweet about your dog, I have a friend who just had major back surgery and her dog has been the same way. They are truly our best friends!

You amaze me with being able to work from home through this, I'd be popping the pills and passing out in front of the tube cause I am a baby!

We don't have Dunkin Donuts but the new Subway breakfast sandwiches have me intrigued. I may have to try one!

[keenercam]

Cam - :grouphug:It is not cheating to try to make the nbest of a very hard situation. That's awesome! I worry that you have only eaten 1 thing all day. I know you're not burnign a lot, but be careful not to starve yourself or bring your metabolism down too much with too few calories. You are such an inspiration! Must look into Overcoming Overeating.

Thanks, Carrie! Jenn brought me a mini bag of popcorn and an apple for a late afternoon snack and then I was fine until dinner.

Cam it really sounds like you are doing great with your recovery and that is good news! And not surprising given your strength and determination. That is so sweet about your dog, I have a friend who just had major back surgery and her dog has been the same way. They are truly our best friends!

You amaze me with being able to work from home through this, I'd be popping the pills and passing out in front of the tube cause I am a baby!

We don't have Dunkin Donuts but the new Subway breakfast sandwiches have me intrigued. I may have to try one!

Amy -- If my flatbread had bacon on it, it woudl have been 410 calories. OUCH!!! I'm not sure how many calories the bacon would have been, but I figure the version I had was probably 300-350 calories.

Dinner was another splurge. We ordered from a pizza place. I am sure I could have made a smarter choice than I did, but I got an antipasto salad with no dressing. It is a HUGE green salad with a hard boiled egg, 4 kalamata olives, grape tomatoes, and italian lunch meats. I don't get any dressing or oil or anything like that. It also had 2 garlic knots. Delicious. Not the best choice but better than pizza or the strombolis the rest of my family ordered. I was seriously craving a huge green salad. I am used to having one at least 5x/week and have haven't had any since my surgery. If I don't make salad around here, it doesn't get made.

As for my recovery, yesterday and overnight were awful. I might have overdone it yesterday with the new exercises. Pain-wise, today I'm back where I was the first couple of days but I'm reluctant to take the Dilaudid at the frequency and dose I took then. Now I know why the doctor was so insistent yesterday on me having an ample supply for the next week. I should have taken his word for it and taken the pain meds every four hours. How can one small joint hurt so darn much?

To make matters worse, we realized this morning that my Disney Cruise Line tote bag that held the clothes I wore to the hospital and in which Howard put my drivers license and insurance card was left in my hospital room. I am so frustrated that this is one more complication to deal with and really upset that my license and insurance card are missing. Howard went to the hospital this morning and no one knows anything and no one found it. They are pursuing some possibilities, including that my roommate's family (Did I mention that situaiton here? My doctor wanted me to stay another night but my roommate's family was so loud and obnoxious and there were 5 people crowdiing the space, so I was sort of "forced" to leave a day early) might have picked it up by mistake. I am so unhappy. On top of how lousy I am feeling, it is just so much to deal with.

Oh, and I took on three new cases between the last 2 business days. :eek:

[toystoryduo]

Oh Cam,

Sweetie, I'm sorry that you are in pain right now. :( Please be sure and take it easy, my friend.:hug:

I hope they find your Disney Cruise Line bag soon!:wizard: I hope your roommates at the hospital didn't take it!:eek:

Sending our love and prayers from Ohio...:flower3:

[keenercam]

Thank you, Tracy. :hug:

[wtpclc]

Cam - That's awful about your roommmates. Didn't realize that's why you didn't stay the extra day. :mad: So sorry about your bag. I do hope you find it soon and nothing is missing. What ar eyou doing taking new cases on right now? :headache: (I know, you can't turn them down, but it seem slike someone else should be covering this) :grouphug:

[keenercam]

Well, it's been another on-track day for food, so far, and DH and DD went off to have dinner and to see a movie. They love their "Daddy/Daughter" time as Jenn (almost 22) refers to it.

B: coffee w/skim milk & bites of dry cereal (wasn't feeling well enough to eat)
L: LC panini
S: apple
D: grilled chicken strips; green beans

ETA: Jenn shared some of her leftovers with me from Olive garden. I had a few bites of her fettucine alfredo w/spinach and steak gorgonzola. And I had mini fat free salt free pretzels with mustard.

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, I am so sorry you are in pain and have had this tote bag and liscense and insurance card go missing. I hate it when myself or anyone I love doesn't have a private room at the hospital! That is awful you had to leave early but was probably the best thing all things considered. I had a roomate from he!! years ago when I had surgery and can still remember that woman over 15 years later!

Can they give you a different pain killer that maybe you feel more comfortable taking so often? I know its scary with that stuff, you don't want to get hooked but you don't want to hurt! Hang in there.:hug:

That is so neat your dd and husband still have their daddy daughter time!

[keenercam]

Can they give you a different pain killer that maybe you feel more comfortable taking so often? I know its scary with that stuff, you don't want to get hooked but you don't want to hurt! Hang in there.:hug:

That is so neat your dd and husband still have their daddy daughter time!

Amy -- Nothing else even touches the pain, so I won't take it if it doesn't help. I figure it is better to stick it out until I can take the Dilaudid. The last couple of nights it has really helped me to sleep.

I am convinced that Jenn and Howard have such a great relationship because he was so involved with her when she was little. I worked long hours so he was with her more than I was and I think they just bonded from the time she was born. I'm really glad that they have that relationship. He is an excellent male role model for her as she goes through this phase of her life where she is starting to think about long term relationships.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As for my weight loss efforts this week, I am DOWN 6.6 pounds!!!! :dance3:

Jenn's immediate response was "Well, it's easy when you can't go to the fridge or the cabinet for food whenever you want." That kind of made me sad. I was thinking of all the times I wanted to have someone bring me all sorts of food or leave it on my end table and didn't. And all the times Jenn or Howard offered to stop for fast food on their way home. Or when Andrew asked what I wanted from Rita's. All those times I said "no." I have to keep telling myself that there is value in that.


Food today:
B: apple, coffee w/skim milk, bites of dry cereal
L: LC panini; fat free, unsalted mini pretzels
S: dry cap'n crunch cereal

[toystoryduo]

That is so sweet that your DH and your DD went out to dinner and a movie!:goodvibes

Way to go on the weight loss, Cam!:cheer2: How are you feeling today?

Sending prayers and :wizard: your way. Have a nice weekend!:hug:

[keenercam]

Tracy - Thanks for asking. When I am sitting still the pain can be as bad as 5 or 6. When I try to move it or put any weight on it, it is at least an 8. Hoping to see marked improvement soon.

[toystoryduo]

Tracy - Thanks for asking. When I am sitting still the pain can be as bad as 5 or 6. When I try to move it or put any weight on it, it is at least an 8. Hoping to see marked improvement soon.

:hug: Cam. I hope you see lots of improvement soon too!:wizard: Are you still scheduled to go back to work on Monday?

[keenercam]

Yes, though I am completely intimidated by how far I will have to go on crutches to get to the ladies room. Andrew is going to be working in my firm's law library, so I will at least have his help on Monday and maybe a few days after that. He will take me to and from my office in the wheelchair and then I'll use crutches to get around the office suite. I'll pack my lunch and snacks and bottled water so that I'll only have to get around to go to the ladies room.

[goldcupmom]

OMG, Cam! I can't believe that now you have to deal with losing all your stuff!

Can't believe the weight loss! FANTASTIC!!

Sorry the pain is still bad. I also can't believe that you are back in the office on Monday. You are really a trooper!

Hang in there. Praying things improve soon and you find your bag.

[keenercam]

Thanks, Julie. The only consolation is that I won't be able to drive again for several weeks so there is no real pressure to replace the driver's license right now.

I can't believe I've been out of my office 2 weeks as of today. At least I've been able to work from home using our firm's remote server since my first day home from the hospital, so my partners really only had to cover completely for me for 2 whole days. I've worked the other 8 business days and we stopped at the office on Wednesday for my secretary to bring a redweld of stuff out to the curb for me, which means my desk shouldn't be too messy, thank God.

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, that is great you lost so much weight in one week! It would have been very easy to have people bring you food, and when someone is sick, people always want to do that! But you didn't and yes, that is worth a great deal. Also, considering you couldn't exercise, you clearly ate so on target it paid off.

I am so sorry you have so much pain, I know that painkiller and its good stuff. If it helps you sleep, that is a huge thing.

I am saying prayers that tomorrow sees that pain scale going downwards!:hug:

[keenercam]

Soo much to report from this weekend!

I can't believe what happened Saturday. I happened to go in my closet to get something and saw my tote bag on the floor. Neither Howard nor I remember picking it up at the hospital, bringing it home, emptying it (except for the pockets), or putting it in the closet. I'd been praying it would be found. Now I'm praying that God will forgive me for thinking ill of my roommate's family or anyone else who I thought might have picked it up. So, now I don't have to worry about replacing my drivers license or reporting my insurance card missing. Howard and I still just cannot believe it turned up. We are both completely flabbergasted. God answers prayers.

I am in my office today. Howard dropped me and Andrew off sometime between 7:30 and 7:45 (forgot my watch). Getting in wasn't bad at all because Andrew pushed me and most of my stuff in the wheelchair and then I moved to my desk chair and will use crutches to get around the suite. Once Andrew helped me get settled, I sent him to my favorite coffee shop to get himself breakfast and to get me coffee. He won't be here tomorrow so it might be a bit harder to manage. Fortunately, I don't have to be in court until next Thursday, the 17th. Hopefully I will be getting around better by then.

Our friends and their 5 kids came to visit yesterday, which was really nice, though when they got there, we were in the middle of a power outage (the second since Thursday). Everyone was so considerate. Howard was grilling with Andrew running stuff in and out, and our friends got all the kids' plates made while Jenn worked on side dishes. I was so spoiled and never moved from an arm chair in the family room with my leg up on the ottoman. My BFF Jason :) made a plate up for me, complete with cutting up my turkey burger. He even bought Howard a birthday cake so we could all celebrate together, early.

It is so hard to be so dependent but I hope I have done all I could to minimize the imposition on every one.

Pain levels were extreme during last night and I ended up taking pain meds twice, but forced myself to wait the 4 hours between doses. I just think that as I try to use my knee more it is going to be painful. But I am hoping that I won’t have such a huge transition when I start physical therapy since I am doing more now.

As for tomorrow, I am hoping Howard will get me up to my office, but I am not sure of his schedule. Since I won't have anything to carry except a lunch bag and my purse, I could always put it in a backpack and crutch it up to my office, just taking frequent breaks. I will work from home Wednesday and Friday because I have a doctor appointment Wednesday that Patty is going to take me to and on Friday, Howard will be busy with Special Olympics Friday afternoon and evening, down by his office after working all day. So, I don't want him to have to pick me up from work. I am hoping he might run home and get me later in the evening to take me to opening ceremonies.

Food has been really good. I think I am really learning to eat only when I am hungry and not in large proportions. And I haven't been snacking a lot, even when the food is on my end table or in a cooler bag next to the bed. :banana:

[toystoryduo]

Woohoo!!!:woohoo: I am so glad that you found your bag with the insurance card and license in it!!!!!:banana:

I'm sorry to hear that your pain levels have been high again. :( Sending lots of prayers your way, my friend!:hug:

I hope work goes smoothly for you as the week goes on. :wizard:

Have a nice evening!:hug:

[keenercam]

Thanks, Tracy!

I ate too few points yesterday and the scale was up a bit this morning. I'll try to be more careful today.

B: light yogurt with sliced almonds (2); coffee w/light creamer (1)
L: LC panini and green salad with light dressing (6)
S: apple (1)
D: whole wheat pasta w/rotel (5); london broil w/FF cheese on bialy (4.5); green salad (0)
S: pretzel crisps w/laughing cow cheese (4)

[wtpclc]

You are doing awesome, Cam!!!! :banana:

So glad you found your bag! Scott adn I giggled over that. So like somethign I would do! ;)

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, isn't it funny how eating too little can make that scale go up? Your food looks awesome, you are doing so well and being so disciplined. Good job!

I am so sorry your pain was so high in the night, I hope and pray you get some relief soon.

And I am very proud of you for sitting in your arm chair with your leg up and letting your family and friends take care of you! They know (as we all do lol) that you would do the same. It can be really tough to take the help but in the long run, you are doing everyone including you a huge favor by allowing your body to heal.

Great news on the tote bag, God does indeed answer prayers! And your roommate's family will never know a thing about how their behavior caused you to be suspicious of them! Ignorance is bliss and it was only natural for you to wonder!

[keenercam]

Carrie - So happy to know you understand how that could happen. :hug:

Amy -- Thank you for making me feel better that the other family would never know. I hadn't thought of that, but it is one less thing to feel badly about. :hug:

Well, I ate a little too much last night as far as volume, though not over my points. I was too hungry when I got home and probably should have eaten salad or green beans to fill up a bit before eating anything else for dinner. Being more careful today.

B: coffee w/light creamer (1); light yogurt w/almonds (2)
L: whole wheat pasta w/rotel (4)
S: apple (1);noodles, peas & grilled chicken (4)
D: london broil (3); whole wheat wrap (2); chicken (2); light mayo, apple & walnuts (2)
S: turkey burger w/FF cheese (4.5)

Hmmm.... planning that out it is clear I can have more food. I am going to give some thought to what may be "missing" from the overall nutrition value and try to supplement.

[toystoryduo]

You're doing a great job, Cam!:cheer2: How are you feeling?

[keenercam]

Thanks for asking, Tracy. :hug: When I am sitting still, my knee is not painful at all. Moving it or touching it hurts but even that is getting better. I slept okay last night without taking any dilaudid, which was my goal.

I have an appointment this afternoon. I am sorry for the TMI, but this is totally freaking me out. I noticed a tiny piece of suture line at the bottom of the incision and thought I could just pull it out with a tweezer, thinking it was just sort of sitting there. Well, when I pulled it, it got longer and then I couldn't pull it anymore and I almost vomited from the situation. Now I am freaked out that there is suture line left inside my leg that did not come out when he took out the stitches last week. :eek: I am SOOO not looking forward to whatever he is going to have to do to get this out. Overall, the incision looks like it is healing well, but there are spots where it is a bit lumpy and the whole area is discolored like a huge elongated (4" incision) bruise. I'll be curious to see what he thinks this afternoon.

[wtpclc]

Cam - I am so glad that you are making sure to eat all your points and balancing things out. I kno wit's hard fro you not too eat less. You rock! :scared1:Sorry about the sutcher. Glad you can get it looked at today. I hope it can be very easily fixed. :hug:

[keenercam]

Thanks, Carrie!

I just had dannon light and fit vanilla yogurt (80 calories!) with a tiny bit of sliced almonds mixed in. OMG!! This is so delicious! I swear it's like having dessert for breakfast!! I used to do this with mini pretzels in place of the almonds - just 2 or 3 mini pretzels broken up and mixed in is so delicious!

[toystoryduo]

Sending some :wizard::wizard: for your appointment. I hope it goes well!:goodvibes

[goldcupmom]

Glad you found the bag, Cam! Sorry about the pain and the suture.....ICK!!!!! Hoping to hear it was nothing bad. I, too, would be freaked!

Your food is incredibly good! I love yogurt with 'stuff' added. My fav is vanilla with a dash of cinnamon, fiberone cereal and fresh berries.

Praying all goes well and pain eases soon!

[keenercam]

Thanks, Tracy & Julie! Julie -- Your yogurt mix sounds delicious!

The doctor was able to cut the suture line that was protruding and said that the internal sutures will absorb, fortunately. He was very pleased with how much I've accomplished in teaching my knee to bend to better than 90 degrees with no weight bearing. I have another 2 weeks of no weight bearing/mostly wheelchair, during which time I can start PT. Then I'll be fitted with a brace that can be adjusted to a limited range of motion so that I can start bending it and putting 50% weight on it with crutches.

So, it will be a slow process, but well worth it if my knee is strong when it is healed.

I went over my points by 2.5 yesterday because I was so hungry at about 10 pm that I ate a turkey burger with fat free cheese. Interestingly, the scale was actually down a bit this morning. I do NOT understand how my body works. LOL!

Food today:
B: coffee w/skim milk; apple (2)
L: LC panini (6)
S: yogurt w/sliced almonds (2); 100 calorie cheezit snack mix (2)
D: turkey with lettuce, tomato & sweet peppers on whole wheat roll; reduced fat kettle chips :eek:

[toystoryduo]

I'm glad to hear that your doctor's appointment went well, Cam. :goodvibes

Great job on points yesterday! :thumbsup2 Are you doing the Flex Plan?

Hope you have a wonderful day!:hug:

[keenercam]

I'm glad to hear that your doctor's appointment went well, Cam. :goodvibes

Great job on points yesterday! :thumbsup2 Are you doing the Flex Plan?

Hope you have a wonderful day!:hug:

Yes, Tracy, I am following the WW flex plan, though I have not been good about following the healthy guidelines for healthy oils. :rolleyes1 Veggies, dairy and water haven't been too bad, though.

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, so glad you are continuing to heal and that your pain is getting better. That is great news!!

I am also glad the doctor was able to get that suture thing out and is pleased with your progress. That would have freaked me out too, glad it was all fine and good!

I am laughing at your "I do NOT understand how my body works" line! I can totally relate to that.:rotfl:

That yogurt and almonds thing sounds very good. I am going to have try that.

The healthy oils thing has never been easily accomplished by me. Sorry but its tough to want to add in those points and its not second nature to pour oil into other foods/beverages. And honestly, when I did do that, I didnt' notice any difference with hunger/satisfaction like they said I would.:confused3 I also don't find the veggies, water and dairy tough to do either.

Hope your weekend was a good one!

[keenercam]

Thanks, Amy!
We had an awesome weekend, though it wasn't easy to stay on track, food-wise. All in all, I think I did really well.

Friday night, I didn't get dinner until 9:30 on our way home from special olympics opening ceremonies. We stopped at wawa and I had DH get me turkey, lettuce, tomato & sweet peppers on a whole wheat roll (dry) and a bag of reduced fat kettle chips.

Saturday was tough because I was home alone while my family was off working with special olympics. When I finally got around to eating something, my BFF called to say he and his fiance were nearby and were bringing lunch. So, I let him talk me into a nice treat. The good thing is that I didn't eat anything else the rest of the day until I ate 2 slices of lunchmeat turkey before bed just to have a bit of protein.

Saturday food:
Brunch: apple; WW santa fe style rice & beans over lettuce
Late lunch early dinner: 1 slice anthony's coal fired pizza; 2 baked chicken wings; 1 bite sweet sausage
S: 2 slices deli turkey

Yesterday was tough because we went to a barbecue at our friends' house and there was so much good food. I think I was pretty restrained though I should have asked Howard to move the chips away from me.

B: apple, dunkin donuts egg white flatbread with turkey sausage
L: baby carrots, veggie burger on roll; salad w/candied pecans; a few chips; 1 rainbow cookie
D: turkey burger on 1/2 whole wheat flat wrap; 1/2 piece grilled chicken; small slice london broil

Today should be much better, though I am so hungry already that it is unbelievable.
B: coffee, apple
S: yogurt w/sliced almonds
L: Lean Cuisine panini
S: pretzel crisps w/laughing cow cheese
D: whole wheat pasta w/rotel
S: mini bag of light popcorn; 1 WW chocolate chip cookie

[wtpclc]

Cam - It can take your body a couple days to catch up weight wise. Thatalways gets me. I will eb bad and my weight goes down so I think I can be bad again. Nope, the weight shift was from being good a few days agao. So, har dto figure out. Just try to be slow and steady. If your body is screaming that it's truely hungry, as it sounded like teh otehr night, feed it. It knows what it needs. It's just when our heads say we're hungry tha twe get into trouble.

Of course, I know these things, but that doesn't mean I do well implementing them. :guilty:

You are doing awesome!!!!

[keenercam]

Thanks, Carrie! I keep telling myself that I have to be good now if I want my weigh in to be good on Friday. I am really hoping that I will have lost a lot more than the .2 I gained last week. Still, 6.4 over 2 weeks isn't bad.

Today:
B: coffee w/skim milk (.5)
S: yogurt w/almonds (2)
L: whole wheat pasta w/rotel (6)
S: pretzel crisps & laughing cow cheese (4)
D: grilled chicken strips; green beans (4)

[goldcupmom]

Glad the suture issue is resolved! ICKY!!!!

Food still looks good! 6.4 in 2 weeks is definitely a good thing.

Hope things all continue to keep healing well! Still praying!

[toystoryduo]

Sending a gentle :hug: and prayers your way, Cam. How are you feeling today?

[keenercam]

Thank you, Tracy and Julie! I was doing okay yesterday. PT was not as hard as I thought it would be, seems I've been making progress over the past week pretty well. However, about an hour or 2 after I got home I was in a lot of pain and nauseous from it. I ended up climbing in bed early and stayed there. I didn't even eat much and even though I had Andrew bring me my devil dog that I'd been looking forward to for dessert, I didn't even eat it. I ended up having way too few points yesterday. I may allow myself a treat or two today or maybe Indian food for dinner.

Food today:
B: coffee w/skim milk; apple (1.5)
S: Special K fruit crisps (2)
L: grilled chicken strips & green beans (4); 1/2 bag fritos (5)
S: sugar free jello (0)

[wtpclc]

I may allow myself a treat or two today or maybe Indian food for dinner.
Sounds liek a great plan!

[toystoryduo]

I'm sorry to hear about your post PT pain last night. I hope you're feeling better today!:hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, I think you are doing awesome with your food. If this was me, I'd be eating bunches of Devil Dogs feeling sorry for myself. But you are a trooper and doing so well, I am impressed!

I am sorry you had so much pain after your PT. I hope you are doing better with that.

I hope you had some Indian food for dinner, you certainly deserved something tasty and comforting!

[keenercam]

Thank you, my WISH friends!

Last night, I broke down and asked Andrew to set up the ice/compression system for me and I used it for more than an hour. In the interim, I was dealing with details regarding a potential emergency for this morning's hearing. When I finally fell asleep I was in enough pain that I woke up and took something for it. It really does get me about 4 hours of mostly pain-free sleep, which is good.

Dinner last night was a mix of lean ground turkey, onions, mushrooms & A1. And I did have my devil dog for dessert. :) Boy, did I enjoy that. Still a little low on points yesterday and the scale was up about .5 this morning, which is ridiculous. Since WI isn't until tomorrow, I am not going to worry about it.

I have a hearing this morning, my first court appearance since my surgery. My file clerk/paralegal/friend will get me to the courtroom in the wheelchair and I am hoping there is actually room at counsel table for me to pull the wheelchair up to it. I am not going to take the crutches so the US Marshals don't think they are potential weapons. Getting through the metal detectors with the steel rodded immobilizer may be an adventure in and of itself.

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, good job taking that pain medication last night. You are being very wise with that and pain free sleep is the road to recovery for you!

Hope court went well today and that you got through security!

That dinner sounds good, I used to make that a lot and need to again!

I always gain weight when I undereat, its not fair!

[toystoryduo]

How did the hearing go this morning? How are you feeling?

Sending lots of prayers your way, my friend!:hug:

[keenercam]

Cam, good job taking that pain medication last night. You are being very wise with that and pain free sleep is the road to recovery for you!

Hope court went well today and that you got through security!

That dinner sounds good, I used to make that a lot and need to again!

I always gain weight when I undereat, its not fair!

Amy -- That mix is one that I came up when I was (successfully) following the WW core plan. I still really enjoy doing pure protein & veggie mixes. I find them to be really filling, and it is so nice to make a batch of something like that and to have it for several meals without having to cook again. :)

How did the hearing go this morning? How are you feeling?

Sending lots of prayers your way, my friend!:hug:

Thanks, Tracy! Court went well. Getting through security was a breeze and the hearing went really well, though it is kind of sad to know a case that I filed 11 years and 7 days ago is over now. It turned out really well for the shareholders we represented and I am so proud of the work my team did over the duration of the case.

Physical therapy last night was so hard and my PT had to help me with leg raises by supporting my ankle because I kept getting charlie horse pains in my kneecap area. Apparently, the patella is suspended in 4 muscles that support it and with all the swelling in my knee, using my quad puts a lot of pressure on the knee "fulcrum". I was in horrible pain all night both in my knee and in my left hip (I may have been using the hip to compensate for the weakness in my quad) and I finally took medicine at 3:30 that left me feeling like a zombie when the alarm went off at 6:15. Oh, well, maybe I can sleep late tomorrow, which I haven't done since we were in Jamaica in April.


Thursday's food:

B: coffee
L: 100 calorie snack pack; ground turkey, onion & mushroom mix
S: WW cheddar twists
D: LC panini
dessert: devil dog

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Friday food:
B: coffee; apple
L: subway turkey & ham on 6" wheat roll w/veggies, dry
D: 2/3 primo sub
dessert: movie popcorn :cloud9:


Oh, and my WI this morning was wonderful!!! Down 2.5 pounds this week!!!! :woohoo: That is 8.9 total since May 28. :)

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, congratulations on the weight loss! That is awesome at anytime, but given what you have been through, its even more impressive.

I am glad your case went well, that must be a weird feeling that after so many years you are "done". That's a big chunk of your life! But you obviously did well and your hard work paid off. Glad you got through security easily. I had visions of you sounding off alarms with your hardware!

I hope you sleep better tonight and that your pain is less than it was. That just makes me wince to read about it!

Hang in there, enjoy Toy Story 3 and I hope you have a super weekend!

[toystoryduo]

Congratulations on your court hearing, Cam!!!:cheer2: I'm glad that everything worked out for you and your team!:goodvibes

Congratulations on your weight loss too!!!!:cheer2:

Did you like Toy Story? We loved it!:love:

I hope you have a nice weekend, Cam.:hug:

[keenercam]

Cam, congratulations on the weight loss! That is awesome at anytime, but given what you have been through, its even more impressive.

I am glad your case went well, that must be a weird feeling that after so many years you are "done". That's a big chunk of your life! But you obviously did well and your hard work paid off. Glad you got through security easily. I had visions of you sounding off alarms with your hardware!

I hope you sleep better tonight and that your pain is less than it was. That just makes me wince to read about it!

Hang in there, enjoy Toy Story 3 and I hope you have a super weekend!

Thanks, Amy!! I feared I'd set off alarms, too, but the US Marshalls just hand patted my shoulders and arms and let us go around. I guess I looked trust-worthy, especially when I offered to let them hand-wand me.

Congratulations on your court hearing, Cam!!!:cheer2: I'm glad that everything worked out for you and your team!:goodvibes

Congratulations on your weight loss too!!!!:cheer2:

Did you like Toy Story? We loved it!:love:

I hope you have a nice weekend, Cam.:hug:

Thank, Tracy! We LOVED Toy Story 3. I was sobbing at the beginning thinking of my very own Andy going off to college next year. And then, the last 10 minutes, OMG!! Not a dry eye in our family!

[keenercam]

Food Saturday:
B: 1/3 leftover italian sub; coffee
S: lite popcorn
L: pork roast
D: whole wheat pasta w/rotel; rotisserie chicken
S: apple


Food today:
B: lite yogurt w/almonds; apple
L: (PF Chang) 1 steamed dumpling; wonton soup; 1 lettuce wrap; kung pao chicken (1/2 order) w/1/2 order brown rice
S: 1/2 small movie popcorn, no butter
D: pork roast; canned corn

[toystoryduo]

I'm so glad that you loved Toy Story 3!! :cool1: It was such a great movie! I can't wait to see it again!:thumbsup2

How was the rest of your weekend? How are you feeling?

Have a nice Monday!:hug:

[keenercam]

Thanks, Tracy! We LOVED TS3 and I really do want to see it again. Every scene was so rich in detail that I'm sure we missed a lot. I think it is pretty impressive when a movie can bring your 22 year old and 17 year old to tears, too. As we sat outside the theatre waiting for the kids I was really struck by the diversity of the audience exiting that theatre. Every age group, pre-school to senior citizen and there were lots of teenagers including some who were dressed Goth and many punk rockers complete with spiky mohawks dyed green and groups of giggly teenage girls and teen couples obviously on a date. I think that says incredible things about Pixar's success. :love:

Well, looking back on the weekend's food, I really didn't do badly at all, especially considering the options I passed on, including all sorts of junk food at 2 different movies, dessert at PF Chang's that my family had and I didn't, and even those point-friendly desserts I have in the house but just felt no need to touch this weekend. I just hope I can stay on track this week. Wednesday is Howard's birthday and I'll have to see what he wants to do for dinner, but maybe it will be somewhere I can fulfill my craving for broiled seafood.

Food today:
B: coffee, apple
S: yogurt w/almonds
L: leftover kung pao chicken w/brown rice; green beans
S: 100 calorie snack pack
S: pretzel crisps w/laughing cow cheese
D: 3 slices pork roast; corn w/ICBINB spray
dessert: devil dog

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, great job on the food this weekend!:thumbsup2 Man, I NEED your determination and will power.;)

I am so glad you liked Toy Story 3. I cannot wait to see it. I know I'll be crying, that was the first movie my son Matthew fell in love with and its very special to me. The fact he wants to see it at age 15 speaks volumes!

Again, great job with your food and I hope Howard picks seafood for his birthday dinner! I love broiled seafood too and its nice and rare for me love a healthy version of anything!

[goldcupmom]

Wow, Cam, your willpower is stunning....wanna share?

Kudos on the long court case finally being successfully ended.

Hope the leg pain is gone for good soon!

Have a great week!

[keenercam]

Cam, great job on the food this weekend!:thumbsup2 Man, I NEED your determination and will power.;)

I am so glad you liked Toy Story 3. I cannot wait to see it. I know I'll be crying, that was the first movie my son Matthew fell in love with and its very special to me. The fact he wants to see it at age 15 speaks volumes!

Again, great job with your food and I hope Howard picks seafood for his birthday dinner! I love broiled seafood too and its nice and rare for me love a healthy version of anything!

Oh, Amy! I hope you and Matthew love it. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments. I wish I could see it again tonight. :) BTW, Howard has, in fact, picked a seafood restaurant for his birthday dinner. I am so excited. The menu looks fabulous! I just have to remember the 'no butter' request on my broiled seafood.

Wow, Cam, your willpower is stunning....wanna share?

Kudos on the long court case finally being successfully ended.

Hope the leg pain is gone for good soon!

Have a great week!

Thanks, Julie!! I think your willpower may be inspriing me, so thank you! Yes, I am looking forward to knee pain being a thing of the past. I see the ortho again on Wednesday and I'll get a new brace. I am hoping he is going to let me bend the knee a bit, which means I might be able to drive again. I'll have to go get my handicapped driver tag in order to be able to park near an elevator at work and it will give me a bit of freedom, even though I do appreciate Howard driving me everywhere and being so helpful.

Our MAJOR landscaping, exterior home improvement project started this morning. The contractor told us it was mostly demolition work today. :eek: Can't wait to see what they accomplished.

[toystoryduo]

I'm with you, Cam....I can't wait to see Toy Story 3 again!:banana:

You are doing a great job with your food! Keep up the good work!:cheer2:

I love seafood!:love: Glad you'll get to have some for your DH's birthday!:goodvibes

[keenercam]

I just realized I never got here yesterday to post my food. It was crazy busy at work and then last night after PT I was no in no shape to do anything but eat and go to bed.

Food yesterday:
B: coffee; yogurt w/almonds
L: green salad w/grilled chicken and Greek dressing
S: apple; 1/2 granola bar
D: 4 pierogies; 1 slice pork roast; 1 bite rotisserie chicken; egg beaters w/fat free cheese & salsa; Dr. Praeger veggie burger (WOW! that looks like a ton of food!)


Physical therapy last night was so painful and I kept breaking out into a cold sweat like you get right before you faint. Tomorrow night, I'll start therapy in the pool, which should be a bit less painful. My PT is so thrilled with all the work I've been doing on my own to build up strength and range of motion. Even my dr. commented this morning that Anthony was really glad at how fast I am progressing. I just wish I didn't end up crying in the bathroom during the night because of the pain. But it will all be worthwhile. He said the next 2 weeks the pain will be brutal and urged me to use the Dilaudid and call him if I need more. He even said I should work from home if necessary to be able to take the Dilaudid if I need it. We are planning to go to DMV tonight to get my handicap tag. I am hoping to be able to drive myself to work starting soon even if Howard and I have to switch cars (Max is tiny, so I'll have to see if I can even get my leg into the driver's seat. LOL!).

I have a new brace that lets me bend my knee from straight to 60 degrees. I was supposed to only be able to do 30 but the dr said my progress is so advanced that I can start at 60 and if it is too painful, can dial it back to 30 degrees for a while. I also had xrays this morning to check the graft. It is huge!! I was shocked. But it looks perfect and the spacing in my knee is perfect so they don't have to go back in and shave any of the bone to level it, thank God, and the space looks like the cartilage growth is probably right on target.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Food today:
B: coffee; light yogurt with sliced almonds
L: green beans; Dr. Praeger veggie burger
S: apple
D: We're probably going to Cheesecake Factory for DH's birthday dinner since the seafood place's menu isn't suited to the kids' tastes. Howard and I will do that another night. I am hoping to get my favorite dish at CF and bring leftovers for lunch tomorrow and dinner tomorrow night. I won't even feel guilty for splurging if I do that.

[goldcupmom]

Great news on the graft & the brace.

Enjoy CF tonight. I havent been to one in years & afraid of going!

[wtpclc]

:hug: Hate hearing how painfl PT is! Thrilled that you are doing so well, though, adn that all is healing well. Have awwonderful diner tonight!

[keenercam]

Great news on the graft & the brace.

Enjoy CF tonight. I havent been to one in years & afraid of going!

Thanks! I can relate, Julie, but since it's Howard's birthday, I'll make the sacrifice. :rolleyes1 LOL!! I keep telling myself I have to be strong and bring home 1/2 of my entree. Avoiding the cheesecake for dessert won't be a problem at all, though.

:hug: Hate hearing how painfl PT is! Thrilled that you are doing so well, though, adn that all is healing well. Have awwonderful diner tonight!

Thanks, Carrie!! I am always worried about waking up Cali with getting up so much or that she might hear me whimpering and get upset. I'm just glad Howard can sleep through it all. I think I'll go back to using the ice & compression machine after PT and that might help some.

[toystoryduo]

That is great that you are making so much progress with the PT!:goodvibes I'm sorry to hear that it leaves you in such pain though. :( I'm praying for you, Cam!:hug:

Have a wonderful time at Cheesecake Factory tonight!:wizard:

[keenercam]

Well, I totally blew it at CF last night but it was well worth it. Actually, I could have done so much worse. We didn't order an appetizer, but I ate way too much bread. No butter, though. I got my favorite entree for dinner which is 1500 calories! :eek: LOL!!!!! I brought half of it home, though and I'm having some for lunch and some for dinner both times with a green salad.

For dessert, I ordered fresh cut strawberries and only ate 2 with some whipped cream. I brought the rest of them for a snack today, but threw away the rest of the whipped cream. When we had Howard's birthday cake, I had 2 practically see-through slivers.

Oh, well. I may not have done great, but better than I might have otherwise.

Today's food plan:
B: coffee
S: light yogurt w/almonds
L: leftover thai chicken pasta
S: strawberries
S (before PT): veggie burger; pretzel crisps
D: egg beaters w/salsa & fat free cheese

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, anyone who can eat fresh strawberries at CF instead of cheesecake is on the road to success! I am very impressed. And to have such a tiny amount of birthday cake is also very impressive. I think you did great!

It always blows me away to see the calorie counts at restaurants. No wonder we are an obese nation with the way we eat!

I am so sorry the pain is so bad with PT but you have the right attitude. Have you given any thought to working at home so you can take the painkiller regularly? Hang in there, you are doing great and being a real trooper!:thumbsup2:hug::flower3:

[keenercam]

Cam, anyone who can eat fresh strawberries at CF instead of cheesecake is on the road to success! I am very impressed. And to have such a tiny amount of birthday cake is also very impressive. I think you did great!

It always blows me away to see the calorie counts at restaurants. No wonder we are an obese nation with the way we eat!

I am so sorry the pain is so bad with PT but you have the right attitude. Have you given any thought to working at home so you can take the painkiller regularly? Hang in there, you are doing great and being a real trooper!:thumbsup2:hug::flower3:

Thank you, Amy! Fortunately, the strawberries at CF are huge and juicy and better than candy, so I definitely did not feel like I was making any kind of sacrifice. :cloud9:

Work is busy enough right now that it just wouldn't be as productive to work from home, so I am only using the pain medicine at night and only if the pain is bad enough that it is keeping me awake.

Last night was the first night of water therapy and it went really well. I was able to walk around in the pool just holding on to the safety bar that goes around the perimeter. Within about 10 minutes of doing that, though, my knee was so swollen that I could hardly bend it because the skin was so tight. It was weird to be able to see the suture lines going across the incision scar because of the swelling when those are not normally visible at all. So, then I did some "resting" and flexing before doing hip strengthening and other standing exercises in the water at the safety bar.

After PT Anthony helped adjust my brace and showed me how to place it so that it properly restricts the knee range of motion. I think everything went really well. I know my knee got a great workout because once I was home, I was barely able to move it or walk on it which I'd done easily just 90 minutes before.

It took a lot of courage to put on a bathing suit and do that stuff in the pool, but since I'll be doing that 2x next week, I'll get over it, I'm sure.

On a happier note, I was down another pound this week and that was with eating all sorts of wonderful foods, just in moderation. I feel like I am back in the groove on my quest. In 4 weeks, I've lost 9 pounds (well, more than that, but I'm using my pre-surgery weight since post surgery was much higher probably due to IV fluids and lying around so much. So, 9 down!!! Not even going to think of how many more I have to go. Just taking it a week at a time.

[toystoryduo]

Fresh strawberries instead of cheesecake?!?!?! :worship: WONDERFUL job, Cam!!!:cheer2:

I'm glad that the water therapy went well for you last night. :goodvibes

Congrats on the weight loss!:cheer2:

I hope you have a nice weekend.:hug:

[keenercam]

Food yesterday:
b: coffee, yogurt w/ almonds
l: green salad with Greek dressing: leftover Thai chicken pasta
s: cupcake
d: grilled carrots, veggie burger, grilled chicken

Food today:
B: coffee, turkey with veggies on whole wheat roll.
D: too many tortilla chips w/salsa; 1/3 chimichanga; bean burrito; refried beans; rice; diet coke & rum :)
dessert: gelato

[Amy&Dan]

Hey Cam, your food looks spot on! You eat a very varied and healthy diet.

Your thoughts on the CF strawberries got me to thinking about how perception plays a big role with the foods we choose. I love strawberries and truth be known, really good ones in particular are a treat to me, moreso than cheesecake in all reality. But of course I perceive they aren't a treat and would think "I'm here, I gotta go for the cheesecake"!

Its a good reminder to eat what we love and if its the healthier option, that's even better!

I hope your weekend is great!:goodvibes

[wtpclc]

Cam - Huge congrats on your 9 pounds!!!! I was thrilled with my 2.5. I know I don't have your self-control/discipline, though. great job!!!!

[keenercam]

Thanks, Amy & Carrie!

Well, I certainly had little self-discipline this weekend. Too many splurges but even then I was aware of them.

Food Sunday:

B: coffee
L: 1/2 chicken salad sandwich on portuguese roll; too many chips & too much hummus; lots of watermelon
D: (Famous Dave's) chicken wild rice soup; cornbread; tri tip sirloin; 2 chicken tenders; baked beans; bites of potato salad; mini corn on the cob

EEK!!

[keenercam]

Well, it's a new day and I am back on track and being very attentive and conscientious about what I put in my mouth.

Our weekend was nice but busy and it involved a lot of delicious food. Our friends came Friday night and they left at 5 a.m. Saturday to drive with Andrew to Saint Augustine, Florida, where he had his first college interview and tour this morning.

Howard and I went to NY on Saturday to visit friends and for him and one of our friends to do a 1/2 marathon together yesterday. We left home around 11 and since we were on the road for 4 hours, we both got burned to a crisp. I'd taken off my summer sweater and rode up in a tank top, so I ended up with a funny burn line from the seatbelt across my upper chest and round white spots from the stones on the necklace I was wearing. LOL! We had a great afternoon and evening and went with our friends to their favorite mexican restaurant, where Howard had 2 margaritas and I had a rum & Diet coked that I diluted across 2 other diet cokes since it was pretty strong.

We were up early yesterday to go to the 1/2 marathon and it was fun to hang out with a bunch of WISH friends there.

Since I was on my feet so much yesterday at the race and even went on the beach with my crutches, I was in so much pain on the ride home and went to bed as soon as we got home. It's a bit better today.

The big news here is that I drove to work today after working out last night in the garage how to get in and out of the car. I have to put the driver's seat as far back as it goes to get in and then gently move it forward, but I did it. I was totally exhausted by the time I got to my building (not sure how I'll fare grocery shopping tonight), but I like the flexibility of driving myself.

Food today:
B: coffee
L: 1/2 chicken salad sandwich; green beans
S: yogurt w/sliced almonds
S: weight watchers cheddar twists
D: 2 leftover chicken tenders; 1 small serving stuffing; kashi southwest chicken meal

It's 1:25 and I've already had more than 70 oz of water and I'm hoping to flush all the effects of rich, fattening foods out of my system.

I am also going grocery shopping tonight for the first time in 5 weeks (today is 5 weeks post-surgery). I am looking forward to buying lots of healthy foods.

[goldcupmom]

Wow, Cam! You are brave! But we already knew that! I don't envy you for your grocery trip tonight tho. Don't overdo!!

Sounds like you had a nice day trip to NY.

Have a great rest of the week. Thankful you are healing!!

[momof2minnies]

WOW Cam 5 weeks already that is great.I have missed alot of the journals lately I just wanted to pop in and see how things were going.

I guess the fact that you were at the grocery store says you are doing pretty well.

Have a great day,
Linda

[keenercam]

Wow, Cam! You are brave! But we already knew that! I don't envy you for your grocery trip tonight tho. Don't overdo!!

Sounds like you had a nice day trip to NY.

Have a great rest of the week. Thankful you are healing!!

Thank you, Julie! :hug: Grocery shopping was tough last night, but we put my crutches in the cart and I leaned on the cart while Howard pretty much reached for anything not at eye level for me. I know that I'm still not able to do that on my own, but I'm going to stop there tonight on my way home to use a $5 off coupon while Lean Cuisines are 50% off. I'll use a tote bag over my shoulder and no cart so that I can manage on crutches. The good thing is that we now have lots of healthy options in the house and lots of quick meals, which is important for me.

WOW Cam 5 weeks already that is great.I have missed alot of the journals lately I just wanted to pop in and see how things were going.

I guess the fact that you were at the grocery store says you are doing pretty well.

Have a great day,
Linda

Thanks for stopping by, Linda! :hug: I am still not weight-bearing on the left leg and I can't get around without the brace but I can definitely tell there is great progress.

The awesome news is that except for overdoing it Sunday, the pain at night is totally manageable and I haven't had to even consider using pain medicine. Of course, tonight is physical therapy so I have to expect some pain afterwards, but it is in the pool tonight and Thursday night, so I am really optimistic that it won't be too bad.

[keenercam]

Okay, so all the "bad" food and all the sodium from the past week is showing up on the scale. I am up 3.5 pounds from Friday, which I know isn't "real" but it is a real eye opener. It probably doesn't help that I drank over 100 oz of water yesterday and am feeling very bloated, too. I did well on food yesterday, but really need to continue to be very conscientious.

Food today:
B: coffee
L: salad w/FF dressing; sandwich thin with 2 slices turkey & 1 slice FF cheese
S: light yogurt w/sliced almonds, 100 calorie special K fruit crisps
S (after PT): apple
D: whole wheat noodles w/corn, rotel & grilled chicken strips, watermelon
dessert: 100 calorie snack mix

[goldcupmom]

I hear you on the water bloat. I stopped counting at 100 oz yesterday & it was mid afternoon. What a double edged sword water is. Food plan looks spot on. Be cautious at the store tonight, as I know you will.

Hope today is going well!

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, you did some splurging but to me it wasn't a jaw dropping kind of thing. And you had fun. Rum and diet coke is my drink of choice, great minds think alike!:rotfl:

That 3.5 pounds will be gone soon, once that water starts moving on down the line.

I'd like to see a picture of that tan line!

That's great your ds is looking into colleges in Flordia. What a nice place to go visit your son! What a great time of his life this is.:goodvibes

Great news that you can drive to work now, that must feel good!

[toystoryduo]

Woohoo!!!:woohoo: That is great news that you are able to drive yourself to work now and that your pain has been manageable the past few days!!! :hug: We continue to pray for your healing, my friend. :hug:

That's great that your DS is looking at colleges in Florida! How did his interview go?

I hope your pool therapy goes well tonight!:hug:

[keenercam]

Thanks, Julie, Amy & Tracy!!

Well, it looks like I ate a lot of food yesterday, but I wasn't over on my points. I think I just have to eat more earlier in the day so that I am not so hungry late afternoon through the evening.

Tracy -- Thanks for asking. Andrew's interview went very well, though I think they liked him more than he liked the school. It just doesn't have the major he really wants and there is no music major, so he can't even create an interdisciplinary major. I hope he still applies there and gives them a chance to entice him with scholarships.

We have to make plans to go visit his top schools -- American U in DC, University of NC, James Madison (VA), Belmont (Nashville), and some closer to home -- Drexel (Phila.) and Drew (north Jersey). I am overwhelmed thinking about squeezing in all those college visits, especially the ones that will require a weekend trip. :eek:

Food plan for today:
B: coffee; apple (1)
S: yogurt w/almonds (2)
L: green salad w/grilled chicken & FF dressing (2.5); green beans w/almonds (.5)
S: watermelon (1)
D: whole wheat noodles w/grillled chicken, corn & rotel (6); WW pasta entree (6)
dessert: pretzel crisps w/WW cheese wedge & 2 slices FF cheese (6); skinny cow ice cream mini-cup (3)

OUCH!!! Wayyyy over on points!

[toystoryduo]

OMG Cam!!! It just sunk in for me that your DS will be going to college soon! I even asked you about his college visit and it still didn't sink in for me that he will be heading off for college until now. Where has the time gone?!?!?!? He's a senior this year, right?

Your food is looking good!!!:goodvibes How is your leg feeling?

Hope you have a nice day today!:hug:

[keenercam]

Yes, Tracy, he is going into his senior year. I just dont' know where the time has gone.

Food yesterday was so bad. I arrived home so hungry and essentially ate a second dinner when I popped a WW entree into the microwave and grabbed a small container of Tuesday's leftovers from the fridge. Stupid, old bad behaviors are NOT going to become a part of my life again. I kicked the overeating at night thing over the past 6 or 7 weeks and I don't want to kick that habit again.

Food today:
B: coffee
S: apple
L: LC panini; green salad; SF jello
S: yogurt w/almonds
S (before PT): WW chocolate muffin
D: rice pilaf w/veggies; grilled chicken strips

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, I am glad your son's interview went well, he must be a really on the ball kid to have so many schools to choose from. Good for him, how exciting!

Some days we just eat more, I think when we come home starved its always tough to do well. I bet you didn't do nearly as bad as you think, esp if one of your meals was a WW entree!

Old habits can sometimes creep in here and there but I know you'll stay strong and make it right back on track!:thumbsup2

[momof2minnies]

Cam good luck on the college search- we just did that for DD 18- she leaves on Aug 17th.It is killing me.We just came back from a mother/dtr trip to the world for EE a couple weeks ago. Yes where has the time gone??? Even though they are getting older WE are NOT right???
She is going to be in NY 40 mins from the city- she is a soccer player and they gave her the most money- not our or her first choice but the $ talks these days you need to take it.

As far as the eating goes it is like being on a roller coaster I swear.I did the same thing yesterday came home starving and then ate what I should of walked away from.

Have a good one,
Linda

[keenercam]

Linda -- Good luck to your DD!! It is awesome that they are paying her to play soccer. I hope it is a wonderful experience for her. :banana:

Amy -- Thanks for the encouraging words. I reminded myself of what I posted about not falling back into bad habits, and I thought about your post, and I ate a reasonable dinner last night and then went upstairs to do some small chores, played "Words with Friends" with some friends, and read in bed for a while. How's that for getting right back on track? Thank you! :hug:


Food today:
B: coffee, watermelon; vitatop apple crumb muffin top
S: yogurt w/almonds
L: green salad, grilled chicken; LC panini
S: apple
D: grilled chicken; cajun rice & bean mix
Dessert: skinny cow ice cream cup

[toystoryduo]

Happy Friday, Cam!:banana: I hope you have a nice weekend ahead!:hug:

[keenercam]

Okay, I have to catch up on the weekend's food.

Saturday:
B: 3 1/2 small walnut pancakes; 3 pieces turkey sausage; maple syrup; coffee
D: margarita pizza; sweet potato fries
Dessert: skinny cow ice cream cup

Sunday (this is where it got really ugly)
B: coffee; honey graham cereal (dry)
L: movie popcorn; pretzel M&Ms; turkey hot dog
D: grilled chicken; corn on the cob; turkey Italian sausage; turkey burger w/FF cheese on sandwich thin; grilled carrots; WW oriental green beans
Dessert: Skinny cow ice cream cup

Monday (and it got even worse)
B: panera bagel w/RF hazelnut cream cheese; coffee w/skim milk
L: WW oriental green beans; grilled carrots; 100 calorie party mix pack
S: sour cream & onion chips; pretzels; corn on the cob; watermelon
D: grilled chicken; 2 small slices london broil; baked beans; turkey hot dog; corn on the cob


Yes, the whole weekend was a food fest. Ugly. Just plain ugly.

Back on track today.

B: coffee w/skim milk
L: green salad w/grilled chicken
D: turkey hot dog; 2 slices london broil; WW zero point soup; rice pilaf w/corn added
dessert: pretzels; devil dog; sugar free jello w/whipped cream

ETA: my best intentions of getting back on track went right out the window when I got too busy at work for my scheduled food, had an unexpected partners' meeting that got me home late to prepare for physical therapy, and arrived home from PT very hungry and eating everything in sight. So, another day bites the dust.

[toystoryduo]

No worries on the food, my friend. :hug: It was a holiday weekend! ::yes:: Just focus on one meal at a time today and do the best you can do. I know you CAN do it, Cam!:cheer2:

How is your leg feeling?

Hope you have a nice day today!:hug:

[keenercam]

Thanks for asking, Tracy! :hug: It's been pretty painful since Sunday and I can't figure out why it's suddenly harder to extend it. I am hoping PT in the pool tonight will help. I have a dr. appointment tomorrow. I thought maybe he'd take me out of the brace, but the PT thinks I'll be in the brace for "quite some time". Hmmm... that was so not my impression. I guess I'll find out soon enough.

[Zoesmama03]

Oh wow college. That has to be a bittersweet time.

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, if I had enough time and computer memory, I'd post my food over the last few days and you'd feel so much better about your weekend! Three day weekends are seldom easy to get through. Good job getting right back on track today!

So sorry your leg has been hurting, I hope it got better as the day wore on. Good luck at the dr. tomorrow!:goodvibes:hug:

[momof2minnies]

Cam good luck at your Dr. appt today- is the pain cause from some swelling that wasn't there before? Water retention maybe from different foods over the weekend can affect that too.

I bet you are anxious to get that brace off in this heat- even in air condioning it must be uncomfortable.Yesterday it was so hot my car AC at 60 felt like it was blowing warm air.Still better than snow!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a good one,
Linda

[keenercam]

Oh wow college. That has to be a bittersweet time.

I can't believe we'll visit campuses this fall, Melissa. He is turning 17 next week :scared1: and yet I remember when he was born like it was yesterday. :cloud9:

Cam, if I had enough time and computer memory, I'd post my food over the last few days and you'd feel so much better about your weekend! Three day weekends are seldom easy to get through. Good job getting right back on track today!

So sorry your leg has been hurting, I hope it got better as the day wore on. Good luck at the dr. tomorrow!:goodvibes:hug:

OMG! Amy, that bolded part made me laugh. You are such a sweetheart. Thank you for making me feel better. :hug:

Cam good luck at your Dr. appt today- is the pain cause from some swelling that wasn't there before? Water retention maybe from different foods over the weekend can affect that too.

I bet you are anxious to get that brace off in this heat- even in air condioning it must be uncomfortable.Yesterday it was so hot my car AC at 60 felt like it was blowing warm air.Still better than snow!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a good one,
Linda

Linda -- You know, I hadn't even thought of that, but you could be right. It gets very swollen and becomes more painful if I am on it a lot and even after physical therapy in the very warm pool. So, it could have been the higher sodium levels and the swelling. :thumbsup2

So, I edited my food post from yesterday. My good intentions went right down the drain because of circumstances beyond my control and then letting those circumstances dictate my food choices. UGH! I am promising myself to do better today.

B: coffee w/skim milk; light yogurt w/sliced almonds
L: green salad w/grilled chicken
S: WW wheat crisps w/laughing cow cheese wedge
D: corn on cob; green beans; grilled carrots; grilled chicken
S: turkey burger w/FF cheese on sandwich thin

Well, that looks like a lot of food, but the chicken was small pieces and 99% FF, so the points were low and I ended up below my daily points allowance. It is pretty obvious to me that I am eating too many of my points in the second half of the day. I'll have to figure out whether to try to change that.

[toystoryduo]

I'm sorry to hear that your leg has been painful the past few days. :( Sending lots of prayers your way!:hug:

How did today's appointment go?

[goldcupmom]

Praying the leg pain is a fluke & starts feeling permanently better!

Don't worry about the food. You have such willpower that I'm sure you will be back on track in no time.

Have a great rest of the week. Stay cool!

[keenercam]

Thank you Tracy & Julie!! You guys are so wonderful! :grouphug:

Saw the orthopedic specialist yesterday and I'm still on crutches and in the brace, though the brace can now be set for 0--90 degree range of motion. I can also start PT on "land" instead of only in the pool. My formerly very pronounced and strong quad isn't "firing" right, so my running days are further off than I'd like to think. :sad1: But, I am going to start trying to do more and see where that gets me. I'm not supposed to push it so much that my knee swells up but I am allowed to try to do whatever I can stand, pain-wise.

Well, I'm swamped at work, but I wanted to journal that despite the ridiculously complicated planning it required and the logistical nightmare of getting there and in the building and then through the shower, etc. afterwards, I did, in fact, go to the gym today to do a 20-30 minute uppper body workout. Tonight is water PT, so that will be the most exercise I've had in more than 6 1/2 weeks. :dance3: I am dying for the chance to do some cardio and may even try to ride a recumbent bike at the gym in the next week or so.

Maybe if I shake up my routine a bit my body will give up a pound or two. LOL!

[keenercam]

Food today:
B: coffee
L: turkey & ff cheese on sandwich thin; lite yogurt w/ almonds
s: apple; sf jello
d: eggneaters with onions & mushrooms; London broil
dessert: vitamuffin, snack mix& pretzels

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, that is great news you made it to the gym! That is a serious amount of determination, you go girl!!:cheer2:

You'll be running probably quicker than that doctor thinks given your will and drive!

Have a great weekend.:goodvibes

[goldcupmom]

OMG, Cam! I can't believe you made the gym! You are a MARVEL!! Just don't overdo!

Have a great weekend and take care. I think you will recuperate faster than you think! You are determined!

[momof2minnies]

Glad to hear it all worked out Cam and you made it to the gym.In this weather PT in the pool sounds pretty good.

I bet you are itching to get moving on that bike.I would be too.

Have a great weekend,
Linda

[toystoryduo]

Wow Cam!!!! Great job getting to the gym!!!:cheer2:

Hope you're having a great weekend!:hug:

[traceycooper]

Hi Cam - so sorry to hear your leg is still causing you pain - but wow well done for going to the gym :) i am more than impressed by your determination!

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Cam, hope you had a great Tuesday!:goodvibes

[keenercam]

I have been doing so lousy, and of course, as a result, not posting. I am really working on being much better this week. All of these weekends away (looking at campuses last weekend and the next 2) and houseguests and parties have derailed my efforts, but am working on making better choices.

Today's food:
B: reduced sugar oatmeal; coffee
S: fruit crisps
L: steamed veggies; LC chicken in peanut sauce
S: lite popcorn (mini bag)
S: pretzels
D: chicken, brown rice & corn w/soy sauce
dessert: low fat waffles w/WW cookies & cream ice cream bar in between (LOL!)

[wtpclc]

Hang in there, Cam! I've been a bottmless pit lately myself. :sad2:

Road trips kill me!!! Hope you can fidn some good choices this weekend!

[momof2minnies]

I am right there with you- I am wondering if the fact that my DD18 is leaving in 27 days for college that has me a mess and I don't realize it- oh and the new pup too.

We will get back on track- in the winter I always say it is easier in the summer- guess not?

Hang in there!

Linda

[Amy&Dan]

I have been doing so lousy, and of course, as a result, not posting. I am really working on being much better this week. All of these weekends away (looking at campuses last weekend and the next 2) and houseguests and parties have derailed my efforts, but am working on making better choices.

Today's food:
B: reduced sugar oatmeal; coffee
L: steamed veggies; LC chicken in peanut sauce

Cam, I am right there with you, I have had too many special occasions etc in July and I have not been doing well. Lets get back on track together, I know we can do it! Just hang in there and it will come back together. And don't be hard on yourself, you've had a lot going on lately not to mention your surgery and recovery. :hug:

[toystoryduo]

I am right there with you, Cam. :hug: We've been eating fast food more often than I like to admit this week. :blush:

Like Amy said, please don't be too hard on yourself. :hug: You've had a lot going on plus you've had the surgery and recovery to deal with as well.

Hope you have a nice weekend! :hug: What college will you be visiting?

[keenercam]

Thank you so much for your support, everyone. Well, I've gotten back to journaling my food, even if I just put it on the notepad in my phone. For me that is always the first step towards accountability.

Speaking of steps, my knee has been very swollen. I jammed it stepping down an uneven step yesterday and my entire leg swelled up from the knee down. So much so, that my PT almost flipped this morning when he saw the huge bruise on the outside of my leg from the brace. Most of the time that strap is loose, but my leg swelled so much yesterday that the brace left a huge bruise. It is ugly and weird. The good news is that I did 5 minutes on the bike at PT this morning, as well as all of my other exercises. I also stood on the bad leg for 4 reps of 15 seconds, which was very impressive to the PT team. So, moving right along. Hoping to get rid of the brace and/or crutches next Wednesday.

This weekend we are visiting University of SC, University of NC, and East Carolina State. Lots of walking in lots of heat. UGH! But we are all excited. I can't wait until we see a school that "feels" right for Andrew (though he was pretty stinkin' impressed last weekend with American University).

[keenercam]

Thursday's food:
B: coffee
S: 1 fruit crisp; few almonds
L: chicken, corn & rotel
S: lite popcorn (mini bag); 100 calorie snack mix
D: eggbeaters w/mushrooms & onions & 1 sl FF cheese
snack: bagel thin w/chicken patty & 1 sl FF cheese; chips (I was starving, I think my body was trying to make up for missing breakfast)

[goldcupmom]

I hear you on July being a tough month, Cam! Seems it always is!

Sad to hear about your leg swelling & bruised. Not fun at all! But Kudos to you for keeping going! You are such a great role model for perseverance!

Hope you have a better week and congrats for getting back to journaling!

[toystoryduo]

I'm sorry to hear about your knee, Cam. :( I hope your leg is feeling better soon! :wizard:

Enjoy the college visits this weekend! :goodvibes

[traceycooper]

sorry to here about your knee again, but well done on getting the PT done :)
enjoy the visits :)

[Amy&Dan]

Cam, I am so sorry about your knee and the swelling, I hope its feeling better. Good job with the PT!

Can't wait to hear how all the college touring went.:goodvibes

[Amy&Dan]

Was just thinking about you Cam and hope things are going well!:goodvibes