Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

A MONTH OF MY LIFE LOST

My first day out of ICU 4/21/13

My first procedure in Mumbai was done 
laparoscopically. My second required that I get cut from the top of my stomach to the bottom.










I had 2 drainage bulbs, a G tube and a 

feeding tube

I don't know what all had to be done but I do know that my husband told me that the surgeon told him that it took multiple surgeons to piece me back together and that my intestines were a mess and that the bottom of my stomach had closed up and that is why I couldn't hold anything down. 

APRIL 23rd 2013 {FB}
Yea!,,, got my very first Popsicle today, spoke with the kids for quite awhile, and had visitors... simple pleasures , can be so sweet. Happy girl



APRIL 26TH {FB}

Still on a feeding tube and walking around all hooked up like the bionic woman but still Improving. PAIN, PAIN, PAIN, YEAH I GOT IT!!!!!! Got put on the full clear liquid diet today. Did o.k. just going to take some practice. So happy hubby has started coming over to walk with me to help my healing come along. Earlier today I was told there was no ballpark as to when I may get to go home but later this evening when James and Nick were here the doc said as long as I keep progressing I maybe home by next Friday (no promises) but its at least goal to work toward. I still thank god everyday that I let James talk me into going to the ER. Chances are I wouldn't even be typing this had I not. OH YEAH AND A BIG THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO JUST BUSTED OUT OF THE WOODWORK AND TOOK THE TIME TO COME SEE ME. Ok I'ma stop so I don't get mushy but again you know who all you are and you mean a lot to me for just setting aside time for me.



April 27th 2013 {FB}
Another tube removed this morning. Still not the 2 I wish were gone but doc says they will more than likely be staying put till the day I leave. Breakfast of watered down grits wasn't to appealing but the cream of chicken soup this afternoon has so far been the winner of what I have been able to eat...well other than water, water, and more water. I'm getting to point that I think I really hate my veins. Its becoming a daily thing now where they are having to find a new one...curse you thin rolling uncooperative veins of trouble. Walking a bit more each day and getting my strength back.

27TH
Almost off the pain pump. Taking pain meds by mouth but still hooked up to the pump in case a little extra is needed. Feeding tube will be shut OFF tonight and disconnected. I cant believe how excited I am. So close to going home. Being a good girl and doing what I'm told. Thanks for all the prayers He is awesome!!!

27TH
It doesn't matter how I hold my belly or the pillow over it. Every time I sneeze I feel like its gonna blow wide open..lol

APRIL 29th 2013 {FB}
All these steps forward I've been taking and yesterday I have been pushed back the big green tube has been reconnected. Doc says its not a bad thing. Sometimes you gotta take a couple steps back to take more steps forward.


MAY 1st 2013 {FB}
As of last night I'm all most completely disconnected from everything. All that is left are my 2 tiny drainage bulbs.

1ST
Taking me back for another ct scan around noon. Looking for possible blockage, kink, or a part too narrow. Praying I won't have to be reopened. This is my only hurdle to overcome before getting to go home.

1ST
Results are a bit bittersweet. On the pro side everything looks good just swollen. On the con side, since the swelling is still so much they are reconnecting me to the feeding tube and so on and cutting out my oral intake for now.

MAY 7th 2013 {FB}
Even though I'm still going to  have a feeding tube and a g tube doc says I'm finally going to get to go home either tomorrow or Thursday!!!!!!!!!!!! Have to get a home health nurse set up to get me prepared to live a home with these tubes till I'm healed enough to have them disconnected. It's been a long painful month but I'm getting better and better as the days go by. Looking forward to the brighter days ahead. And again thanks again for the over flow of prayers for healing and a speedy recovery. Even though we have had to back track a tad I'm still getting better at a pretty speedy rate considering all that has been done.

MAY 9th 2013 {FB}
I broke down and cried for the first time today. Today was supposed to be THE day. I was finally supposed to go home and be with my family. But since I woke up sick and dry heaving the doc had no choice but to refuse my leaving. I cant even find the words to best explain how much I miss my family or just the feeling of home. I'm going to stay strong but it's starting to affect me just a tad more each day.

MAY 10TH 2013 {FB}
Doing a little happy dance. The doctor said I can go home today!!!! They are working on my discharge papers now and I'm keeping my fingers crossed I don't get sick.


Saturday, October 12, 2013

**PAST POST** Makes water yummy

YUMMY YUMMY


It's been about a month since I had to cut out all sweet/sugar/carbonated drinks in preparation for my upcoming surgery and in order to get used to life after the operation. I started out slowly at first and am now building up to my required water intake needed daily for my current weight. It's helpful to know how much water an individual should intake daily. 8 glasses a day is recommended but people with more body mass actually needs more than that.
measures your weight plus exercise and tells you what amount of water you personally need to be drinking daily. I myself am supposed to be drinking 96 ounces a day. 0_0!







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MiO-FRUIT PUNCH
Rating:*****

The average serving size for the MiO enhancers measures out to be 1/2tsp. But the best part is that there are no calories!! MiO cost $4.35 a bottle where I live. The nozzle of the bottle is designed to only release liquid when pressurized, which works in together with the firmness of the bottle itself to make accidental squeezes rather difficult. Lastly the bottle is so small it can easily be taken with you everywhere.


Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: .1/2 tsp
Servings Per Container: 24
Amount Per Serving
Calories 0.0Calories from Fat 0
Total Calories 0Total Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Value* (DV)Recommended DV
Total Fat 0.0 g0%65 g
Saturated Fat 0 g0%20 g, Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg0%300 mg
Sodium 0 mg0%2,400 mg
Potassium 0 mg0%3,500 mg
Total Carbohydrate 0 g0%300 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g0%25 g
Sugars 0 g, Protein 0 g, Vitamin A0.0%
Vitamin C0.0%, Calcium0.0%, Iron0.0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily vailues may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

==============================

MiO ENERGY- BLACK CHERRY
Rating: ****1/2
Yes that's right it's not only a flavor enhancer but also ENERGY
enhancer!!! Coming from being an avid Monster drinker to having to cut it out completely this has been a real help for me. I know that once the pounds start falling off I will have more natural energy but right now I need to cheat every now and then. This flavor used at the recommended amount of 1/2tsp taste a bit watered down but but BE WARNED!! using more than the suggested amount can cause your heart to race and make you feel jittery (speaking from experience). Each serving contains 60mg of caffeine!! 

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1/2 tsp
Amount Per Serving

Calories 0
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.0 g 0 %,Sodium 10 mg 0 %
Total Carbohydrate < 1 g 0 %, Sugars 0 g
Protein < 1 g 0 %, Niacin 10 %
Vitamin B6 10 %, Vitamin B12 10 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Ingredients: water, citric acid, propylene glycol, caffeine, contains less than 2% of taurine, guarana extract, ginsing extract, niacinamide, vit b6, vit b12, natural flavor, sucralose and acesulfame potassium (sweeteners), sodium citrate, potassium citrate...
==============================


DASANI-PINEAPPLE COCONUT Rating:*****
Yet another Yummy water enhancer that also smells heavenly. Average price is $4.00 but Lucky me lucky me I run into an end cap at the store with lots of coupons for $1 off so bonus points on saving money!!! Unlike the MiO the Dasain Drops serving size is 1/3 tsp.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1/3 tsp
Servings Per Container 32
Amount Per Serving

Calories 0
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0 G 0
Sodium 0 Mg 0
Potassium 0 Mg 0
Total Carbohydrate 0 G 0

Sugars 0 G 

Protein 0 G 
Calories per gram:

Fat 9·Carbohydrate 4·Protein 4

(-) Information is currently not available for this nutrient.

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:**

** Percent Daily Values listed below are intended for adults and children over 4 years of age. Foods represented or purported to be for use by infants, children less than 4 years of age, pregnant women, or lactating women shall use the RDI's that are specified for the intended group provided by the FDA.
Calories:2,0002,500Total Fat Less than 65g 80g
Sat. Fat Less than 20g 25g
Cholesterol Less than 300mg 300mg
Sodium Less than 2400mg 2400mg
Potassium 3500mg 3500mg
Total Carbohydrate 300mg 375mg
Dietary Fiber 25mg 30mg
==============================


CRYSTAL LIGHT-MANGO PASSIONFRUIT
Rating: *****
Super yummy!! and super cheap. I paid $2.50 to $3.00 for this drink mix. it does taste great and 

Ingredients:
Water, Malic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Contains Less Than 2% of Natural Flavor, Sucralose And Acesulfame Potassium (Sweeteners), Potassium Citrate,Red 40, Yellow 5, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative).


Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1/24 Bottle (About 1/2 Tsp.)

Servings Per Container 24

Amount Per Serving Calories 0

Calories from Fat 0

% Daily Value*Total Fat 0 g 0%
Saturated Fat —0
Trans Fat —0
Cholesterol —0
Sodium 0 mg 0%
Potassium —0
Total Carbohydrate 0 g 0%
Dietary Fiber — 0
Sugars 0 g
Protein 0 g
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%,Calcium 0%
Iron 0%, Copper —0
Folic Acid —0,Iodine —0
Magnesium —0, Niacin —0
Phosphorus —0,Riboflavin —0
Thiamin —0,Vitamin B12 —0
Vitamin B6 —0,Vitamin D —0
Vitamin E —0, Zinc —0
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
==============================



CRYSTAL LIGHT- PEACH BELLINI Rating: ***
Of all the flavor enhancers I've purchased this is the one flavor that gets used the very least. A little goes a long way for sure. Just using the 1/2tsp it gives your water a super STRONG peach taste. 


All in all I am so glad I decided to give these little drink enhancers a try because it sure has helped me get my water daily water intake goal!! 


==============================
But if your not into the water enhancers here are some other ways to perk up your water :)

*Purchase some peppermint extract and a dropper and make your own "Minty" water. The extract adds 0 calories and a refreshing taste.

*Give flavored seltzer a chance (The ones without artificial sweeteners) if you can find it see: A Refreshingly Sweet Zero Calorie Beverage With No Artificial Sweetener.

*For you lemon or citrus lovers Squeeze a lemon or lime in your water or buy the powdered form called True Lemon (Which also has other flavors as well). There are no preservatives or artificial colors. 

*Try the book "Cool Waters" by Brian Preston-Campbell. 

*Dilute your favorite juice. Try watering down your juice and see how little juice you can use to make it taste good to you.

*Try a fruit flavored herbal tea. There are some great caffeine-free flavors such as peach, blueberry, and apple. Brew some up and chill it.

Do you have any water flavoring ideas you use that you would like to share. I always interested in hearing and trying new ideas :)

HAPPY HYDRATING!!

**PAST POST** Water, Water and more Water


Do you love water or can you relate when I say I only tolerate it because it's healthy and I have too??



I know a lot of people don't have a problem drinking water and yes I've heard many times that water is water, there is no difference To me there is and I know I can't be the only one who is picky. I used to love water when I was younger. I remember as a little girl that we just filled up a pitcher with tap water and put it in the fridge till it was cold and that's what we drank. Nowadays the water from the tap taste funky and I'm on a quest to find a water that taste good enough to drink.



WATER 101

Not all waters are created equal. The seemingly endless sea of labels and brands on the market often makes it difficult to determine which are best. Many water drinkers incorrectly assume a bottle of purified water from a major soft drink company to be spring water sourced from a protected mountain valley in a land far, far away. To the contrary, many contain nothing more than filtered water from a municipal supply.

NATURAL SPRING WATER
Spring Water is widely recognized as the product of choice for the discerning and the thirsty. To carry the title of Natural Spring Water, the water must be derived from an underground formation and, from there, flow naturally to the surface of the earth. Spring water must be collected only at the spring or through a shaft, which taps the underground formation.

PURIFIED WATER

Water that is processed by means of distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis or any other recognized method meeting the definition of purified water in the United States.

MINERAL WATER
Distinguished from other types of bottled water by its constant level and relative proportions of minerals and trace elements at the point of emergence from the source. No minerals can be added to this product.

ARTESIAN WATER
Bottled water from a well or spring that taps a confined, water-bearing underground layer of rock or sand, called an aquifer, in which the water level stands above the top of the aquifer.

WELL WATER
Bottled water from a hole that has been bored, drilled or otherwise constructed in the ground, which taps a water aquifer.

SPARKLING WATER
Water that after treatment or possible replacement with carbon dioxide, contains the same amount of carbon dioxide that it had as it emerged from the source. Sparkling bottled waters may be labeled as sparkling drinking water, sparkling spring water or sparkling mineral water.

Lately when I go the the store I grab a few bottles of every kind of water I see to take home and try. So far I can say I have 3 brands that I find more tolerable than others and then there are 3-4 brands that I know I will never buy again. So here are my ratings on waters


1-8

Rating: ****
This one has to be my favorite of all the waters. The average cost for this brand is $1.00-&1.50 a bottle and I have yet to find a store that you can buy it by the case so I just get a couple bottles at a time.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1L
Amount Per Serving
Calories 0,Calories from Fat 0% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.0 g 0 %,Saturated Fat 0 g 0 %
Trans Fat 0 g,Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0 g,Cholesterol 0 mg 0 %
Sodium 10 mg 1 %,Potassium 0 mg 0 %
Total Carbohydrate < 1 g 0 %,Dietary Fiber 0 g 0 %
Sugars 0 g,Other Carbs 0 g
Protein < 1 g 0 %,Vitamin A 0 %
Vitamin C 0 %,Calcium 6 %
Iron 0 %,Vitamin D 0 %
Vitamin E 0 %,Vitamin K 0 %
Thiamin 0 %,Riboflavin 0 %
Niacin 0 %,Vitamin B6 0 %
Folic Acid 0 %,Vitamin B12 0 %
Biotin 0 %,Pantothenic Acid 0 %
Phosphorus 0 %,Iodine 0 %
Magnesium 0 %,Zinc 0 %
Selenium 0 %,Copper 0 %
Manganese 0 %,Chromium 0 %
Molybdenum 0 %
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.



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NESTLE PURE LIFE-Purified water

Rating: ***1/2
Another great tasting water. Not to expensive and is avalible to by in the 34pack at walmart or I bought a 24pk from Lowes foods for $3.99

Nutrition Facts 
Serving Size 8 Oz
Servings Per Container 2.5
Amount Per Serving

Calories 0
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0 G 0
Sodium 0 Mg 0
Total Carbohydrate 0 G 0
Protein 0 G
Information is currently not available for this nutrient.

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:**

** Percent Daily Values listed below are intended for adults and children over 4 years of age. Foods represented or purported to be for use by infants, children less than 4 years of age, pregnant women, or lactating women shall use the RDI's that are specified for the intended group provided by the FDA.
Calories:2,0002,500Total Fat Less than 65g 80g
Sat. Fat Less than 20g 25g
Cholesterol Less than 300mg 300mg
Sodium Less than 2400mg 2400mg
Potassium 3500mg 3500mg
Total Carbohydrate 300mg 375mg
Dietary Fiber 25mg 30mg


Calories per gram:

Fat 9·Carbohydrate 4·Protein 4

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AQUAFINA-pure bottled water

Rating: ****
PepsiCo Inc. produces three types of Aquafina water: pure water, Aquafina FlavorSplash and Aquafina Sparkling. Aquafina pure water originates from public water sources and goes through a seven-step purification process. Aquafina FlavorSplash comes in six flavors: Grape, Wild Berry, Strawberry Kiwi, Raspberry, Lemon and Peach Mango. Aquafina Sparkling is a carbonated water beverage with fruit flavor. It comes in Berry Burst or Citrus Twist. Personally I prefer the pure water to the other types. Which I buy by the 24pk

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 8 fl oz (240ml)

Amount Per Serving

Calories from Fat 0Calories 0

% Daily Values*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g 
Monounsaturated Fat 0g 
Trans Fat 0g 
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Potassium 0mg 
Total Carbohydrate 0g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 0g 
Other Carbohydrate 0g 
Protein 0g 

Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0%

Calcium 0% Iron 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Glaceau Smart Water-Distilled water
Rating: ***
Glaceau Smart water is said to be a sister product of Vitamin Water. After the water is distilled, a balance of Magnesium, Potassium, and Calcium is introduced adding electrolytes. I believe I love the bottle more than I do the actual water. Can be bought in 6pk, I love the closing spout top,Taste is not my favorite but is drinkable


Nutrition Facts

Glaceau - Smartwater

Calories 0 Sodium 0 mg
Total Fat 0 g Potassium 0 mg
Saturated 0 g Total Carbs 0 g
Polyunsaturated 0 g Dietary Fiber 0 g
Monounsaturated 0 g Sugars 0 g
Trans 0 g Protein 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg 
Vitamin A 0% Calcium 0%
Vitamin C 0% Iron 0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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EVIAN-Natural Spring water
Rating: **
The first word that comes to mind when describing this water is think. I don't understand but I really do not care for it at all. I mainly chose to try this water because of all the publicity it gets on tv. 

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 serving (12oz)

Amount Per Serving

Calories from Fat 0Calories 0

% Daily Values*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g 
Monounsaturated Fat 0g 
Trans Fat 0g 
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Potassium 0mg 
Total Carbohydrate 0g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Sugars 0g 
Other Carbohydrate 0g 
Protein 0g 

Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0%

Calcium 0% Iron 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Information for this food was submitted to the 


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DASANI-Purified Water
Rating: **
Getting down to the waters that I don't care to try again. Dasani is yet another that is tolerable, meaning if I couldn't find my favorite brands I would but this but not in the case. Dasani is a Coca-Cola product which is marketed as "expertly designed water." The company produces their product by taking water from the local water supply, then filtering it to remove impurities. The water is then mixed with a blend of minerals. Water is essential to any healthy diet, but this product does not provide much in the way of nutritional value.

Nutrition Facts
Dasani - Purified Water

Servings: 

Calories 0 Sodium 0 mg
Total Fat 0 g Potassium 0 mg
Saturated 0 g Total Carbs 0 g
Polyunsaturated 0 g Dietary Fiber 0 g
Monounsaturated 0 g Sugars 0 g
Trans 0 g Protein 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg 
Vitamin A 0% Calcium 0%
Vitamin C 0% Iron 0%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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DEER PARK-Pure spring water
Rank: **
Yet another brand I don't care for and as for spring water I care for it the very least. I don't know what it is about the taste but it is one that this girl does not like. 

Deer Park, is of the oldest and most well known brands of natural spring water in North America, it was originally founded on a natural spring located approximately 3,000 feet above sea level in the Appalachian Mountains, just outside the small town of Deer Park, Maryland.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 8 fl oz.
Servings Per Container: 16
Amount Per Serving
Calories 0.0Calories from Fat 0
Total Calories 0Total Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Value* (DV)Recommended DV
Total Fat 0.0 g0%65 g
Saturated Fat 0 g0%20 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg0%300 mg
Sodium 0 mg0%2,400 mg
Potassium 0 mg0%3,500 mg
Total Carbohydrate 0 g0%300 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g0%25 g
Sugars 0 g 
Protein 0 g 

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily vailues may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. 
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FIJI-Natural Artesian Water
Rating: *

This water is at the very bottom of my list for a good reason. YUCK!! I did not like it and really don't have anything positive to say about it.


Fiji water is an expensive alternative to tap water. Fiji water is artesian water sourced on the island of Fiji. Artesian water is defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as "water from a well tapping a confined aquifer in which the water level stands at some height above the top of the aquifer." Artesian water is not mineral water, however, and therefore must not meet the minimum 250 ppm concentration of designated "mineral water" in the U.S.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Cup
Servings Per Container: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 0.0Calories from Fat 0
Total Calories 0Total Calories from Fat 0
% Daily Value* (DV)Recommended DV
Total Fat 0.0 g0%65 g
Saturated Fat 0 g0%20 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg0%300 mg
Sodium 0 mg0%2,400 mg
Potassium 0 mg0%3,500 mg
Total Carbohydrate 0 g0%300 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g0%25 g
Sugars 0 g 
Protein 0 g 
Vitamin A0.0%
Vitamin C0.0%
Calcium0.0%
Iron0.0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily vailues may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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**All opinions stated here are totally my opinion alone and not a fact when it comes to taste**