Hi, I'm Nikki!

Hello all!

I mostly hang around the RNY board but wanted to give a shout out to my Maryland peeps!

I had surgery 14 months ago and am doing great so far.  I have lost 152 lbs and feel wonderful. 

Currently I am exploring my passion for post-RNY cooking by doing cooking parties.  At these parties, which I call Pouch Parties, I demonstrate how to cook protein-rich, low calorie, low carb meals that will work for new post-ops as well as the vets!  If you're at all interested in attending one, check out the blog for my cooking parties (http://pouchparty.blogspot.com) or drop me a PM.  Just so you know I've not made any profit from doing this (although people do chip in for the food).  I just feel like when I am eating a great and varied menu that I should be sharing this with other people.  So I am and having a blast doing it!

At any rate, I look forward to posting here more and getting to know everyone. 

Hello Nikki! And congratulations on your success. Your parties sound like a neat idea. My life is kind of crazy now, but I will keep in in mind for the future.

Debbie

Hey Debbie!  What hospital did you have your surgery at?  I don't recognize your doctor's name and I thought I knew about most of them (from finding mine).

Thanks for the congrats.  I'm hyper neurotic so it's a wonder I haven't burned myself out at this early stage.  Last night at support group a body image social worker was talking about relapse prevention. Some of the neurotic behavior he described could have come right out of a page in my diary!  Oy.

Glad to meet you.

When I had my surgery, Dr. vonRueden was at GBMC. He moved to St. Agnes in Feb. of 2008 and that is where his practice is based now.

I know what you mean. After all, we still have the same brains we always have had. It takes some time to really work through all of issues, whatever they may be. The good news, I have learned is that I am not going back. I may struggle from time to time, but I am not going back!

Hi Nikki - I met you last night!  I am the "doctor" aka "blue shirt" from the demo... LOL  I am only almost 3 weeks (tomorrow) post op.

I just wanted to say hi, I will be watching the blog for recipes...  I doubt I will be able to make a pouch party, but I wish I could!  I don't live in down here in Baltimore, so I try to stay away on the weekends - I spend enough time driving down M-F to last me a week!

I do think after looking at the pics on your blog, hubby might just have to learn to like meatloaf... I think the idea of trying them in a muffin pan rocks!

Hey there!  Yes I remember you.  My friend Yasmin put you on the spot didn't she?  I love that girl to death but she is a trip and a half! 

I do host pouch parties and I do travel, so if you're ever interested in having one up your way, let me know.  

The muffin pan meatloaf idea is actually from this really cool blog called "The World According to Eggface."  The lady who does it...Shelly...she is my idol.  I mean many of my recipes are my own (like the Carbonara for instance) but I use a lot her methods and vibe off her recipes to do my own thing too.  Anyway that website is www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com.  You should check it out. 

Hi Nikki,

I read your posts on the Main Board all the time.  I'm just a lurker over there.  I'm six months out and down 78.7lbs so far, just wish I'd done this sooner!

Congrats on your WLS success and Welcome to the MD Board. 

Heather

Hey Heather!

I know what you mean.  Imagine if I'd had this done in my 20's...yikes!  But I'm ok with what I've been through and where I'm headed so I guess it's all good. 

Congrats on your losses.  You sound like you're doing great!

Hello you have done well and I know you must be happy... I have not had surgery yet and am hoping to do so one day. I am not sure which surgery I will do. I am confused and trying to learn all I can before I make my decision. Your party sounds great and if I should ever need to explore food options I will check you out.. Thanks so much it sounds like fun..

 

                                                                                                               Julie

Hi Julie~

Good luck with making your decision.  There's so much information out there nowadays.  All I knew about was the gastric bypass and the Lap-Band.  Now there's the vertical sleeve gastrectomy, the duodenal switch, and probably some other stuff that I have no idea about. 

The food I make is applicable to most bariatric diets and it gives a good general idea of the portion sizes you'll be able to eat post-op whichever way you go, so keep up with the blog and please do join us sometime!  We have great fun talking, laughing, and cooking.