Healthy Living with Tiki

My VSG Weight Loss Journey: From Surgery to Zepbound Results

noreply@blogger.com (Healthy Living with Tiki) — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:46:00 +0000

I have really missed sharing my healthy living journey here on the blog. Life has changed in so many ways over the last few years, and now I am ready to get back to documenting my progress, ups, downs, and all.

In June 2023, I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) surgery to help me reach a healthier weight. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. After surgery, I lost 90 pounds and finally felt comfortable and confident in my own skin again.

By September 2024, I took another big step and had a tummy tuck to remove excess skin after the massive weight loss. The healing process took time, but seeing the results made it all worthwhile.

Then something unexpected happened. After receiving steroid injections in my knees for joint pain, my weight crept back up from 168 to 187 pounds in just a few months. It was discouraging to watch the scale rise after working so hard to lose the weight, but I knew giving up was not an option.

That is when I decided to try a GLP-1 medication to help me get back on track. I started Zepbound at 2.5 mg and now, four weeks in, I am already down 11 pounds. It is exciting to see the scale moving in the right direction again and to feel my energy return.

If you have had bariatric surgery or you are considering GLP-1 medications like Zepbound, Mounjaro, or Ozempic, I want to share a few lessons I have learned that might help you reach your goals faster and stay consistent.

Small But Pack A Punch| Vitalicious EnergyLoaf Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:00:00 +0000

Do you love when you find a snack that taste great and is good for you? I saw the Vitalicious EnergyLoaves and I had to give them a try. Granted, I totally had one of Tee's special moments and I didn't get to enjoy all of my muffins; however, that was totally my fault. I'll get to that in just a moment.

What Type of Grocery Shopper Are You?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 03:56:00 +0000

The question was posed about the types of grocery shoppers. Do you wander when shopping, or are you prepared with a grocery list? The question made me giggle because my neighbor and I were just talking about the topic the other day.

Credit: cremson.edu

Taking control of my health and happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 03:01:00 +0000

I recently had a real conversation with myself about my health, weight loss, and overall happiness. I have to get active in my own life and not expect things to change without any action from me. I am responsible for me and I have created a plan to get back on track.

What Is The Cost of Being Unhealthy?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 23:00:00 +0000

I saw this Infographic on the cost of being unhealthy and I decided to share it on my blog. I'm not arguing the validity or how you can be overweight while stilling being healthy. I thought the statistics of the cost of gas, insurance...were interesting enough to share and get your thoughts.

FitWit: Changing Fitness for Atlanta Youth!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Nov 2014 22:00:00 +0000

Recently, I was strolling through my emails and found information on a couple that created fitness program and foundation to support students in Atlanta. If you are local with younger children, this might be something to look into for your family. I love the concept of the program because it is a combination of fitness and tutoring.

More information about the program:

She's Been In the Kitchen Again...Lemon Brownie Cheesecake, Maybe?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Have you ever made something so good that you had to toot your own horn? I was playing around with a recipe that I've been working on for a minute last night and it turned out better than expected. I'm not a huge fan of lemon but this had just the right amount of lemon and Splenda that made it just right. I was so busy watching, "How To Get Away with Murder" that I forgo the Strawberry reduction on the stove. I thought I ruined it but by the time I doctored it up and let it cool down, it was perfect.

Happy Labor Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 14:15:00 +0000

Eat responsibly! LOL!

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday. Today marks the start of my birthday month. I have 28 days to reach my mini goal. Let's see if I can get all of the medicine weight back off. I'm watching what meds I take and being mindful how they affect my weight and body.

30 Day Fiber Choice Get Picky Challenge Is Over!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Thirty days goes by so quickly. I can't believe my challenge has come to an end. Thirty days again I joined the Fiber Choice 30 Day Get Picky Challenge. We were offered out choice of Fiber Choice products and I naturally chose the weight management product.

Still Going...Fiber Choice 30 Day Get Picky Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Sponsored Post

Yes, I am still going strong with the Fiber Choice 30 Day Get Picky Challenge. I am so proud that I am able to be consistent and stay on track. Last week I moved my daily intake up from two tablets per day to four tablets per day.

Meal Prepping and Weight Loss

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 13:00:00 +0000

I realized after writing my last post I didn't go into detail about what I am doing for meal prepping. OK, I forgot to take pictures too. Let me tell you, meal prepping has been a life saver. It takes the fuss out of what I am eating for the week. Also, I works for those days that I have not felt well enough to cook. I just pop a meal in the microwave and go. Works for me!

Challenge Accepted: The FiberChoice 30 Day Get Picky Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Sponsored Post

Losing weight and maintaining weight loss is not for the faint of heart. It truly takes hard work and dedication but for some of us there are challenges and obstacles beyond our control that makes the process much more difficult. I've been on my journey to living a healthy life for awhile now and I decided to changes things up to give myself that extra boost.

Low Carb Meal Plan 5/26-5/31

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 May 2014 13:00:00 +0000

It’s time for another weekly meal plan. This week is focused on low carb eating. I am back on track mentally and headed in the right direction. I’ve been eating okay. I found out I was not eating enough and that bummed me out but I got over it. Now, it’s time for dig in and get going. I should have a new workout coming soon focused on my joint issues and I’m pretty excited about getting started. I hope to be back at my mini goal by the end of the summer. I think I can do it!

Weekly Update: Coming Out of The Closet...Kinda

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 12:00:00 +0000

I'm sorry I've been so quiet. The last few weeks have been a struggle. I guess this is my coming out post of sorts. I've had a couple of Lupus flares and it's slowed me down a bit. Today it got to the point I couldn't walk more than a few steps. I won't lie, I scared the hell out of me. It hurt so badly that I lost my breath and I couldn't stand up straight. No one knows my personal struggle because I don't want people to feel sorry for me. I've been suffering for years and the doctors didn't put it together until December. Lupus attacked my kidneys in 2011. That was the first major clue. Then I started having issues with my knees and other joints. I explained that away because I was running with too much weight on my joints. Wrong! I had been experience other symptoms long before then. I spent years trying to explain away what was going on with me. I will do another post about the systems I experience.

Meal Plan and Juicing Chat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 12:00:00 +0000

This week I have to go in for my weigh in with my doctor and I will find out if he is going to keep me on the Adipex or take me off. I know he is going to ask me again about juicing so I decided to get a few juices in this week. I know I'm terrible. Let's see if this resparks my love of juicing. I love having juices but I don't love the clean up.

Mean Plan Saturday #3

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 19:21:00 +0000

It's time for me to post my meal plan for this week. I do apologize that I am a day late. I wrote it out and fell asleep with my laptop and everything. LOL! Anywho, you will see juices listed in this week's meal plan. I have a separate post about why I'm adding them in scheduled for tomorrow.

Please remember that I am going back to intermittent fasting for a bit. So, you will not find breakfast listed. If you would like to know why I removed breakfast, please read my last update.

Weekly Update and Reduxa Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 00:59:00 +0000

I wanted to catch up with everyone and give you all a quick update. Each week I attempt to create a meal plan to prevent the "What's for dinner?" stress. I will admit, things don't always go as planned but it is nice to have an idea. I posted my meal plan for last week and I tried to keep up with it as best as possible. I even threw in the Reduxa fat burner that I was sent for review.

What does that mean? I ate on track but I might have skipped breakfast or dinner. I have been trying to force myself to eat breakfast for years but it has been difficult. I can eat breakfast for dinner with no problem but I have trouble eating in the am.

I've been this way since I was a child. My grandmother tried to get me to eat in the morning but I just couldn't do it. My grandfather ate breakfast every morning but my mother never ate the am. My parents would eat breakfast occasionally but not anything worth mentioning. I guess the example was set that breakfast wasn't mandatory.

I started thinking and I decided to go back to intermittent fasting (IF). I started it but stopped in attempt to eat three meals. However, that is just not me and IF works better for me. Actually, I lose better with IF because I only eat between 4 and 9 or 10 pm. It depends on the window I set.

If you have been here for awhile, you will know I've done this before off and on. I am going to create a meal plan for the rest of the week and you will notice breakfast is missing. As for last week's weigh in, I'm down 4lbs. I'll take it!

Now, I gave the Reduxa a try in hopes it would give me a little boost in fat burning. Hey, every little bit helps. I try to keep things as natural as possible and thought these might work because the ingredients only list Garcinai Cambogia, Green Tea extract and Raspberry Ketone. I was hoping I could possibly replace the Phentermine my doctor put me when my thyroid function dropped.

I can't say that it helped. I didn't see an extra boost of weight loss or energy. It says it curbs appetites but I slipped up Sunday and had Chinese food because I was so hungry. I was not feeling well and wanted to eat right then. lol I went back to my Phentermine today to help get me focused again.

Oh, I almost forgot that my 20lb kettlebell came in on Friday. I can wait to try this one out. I have a 10lb kettlebell but it is just too light now. I'll search YouTube in a bit to find more workouts for legs. I have on DVD but I want to add a little more to it. If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment below.

Anywho, I will catch you next week. I have a video to post on YouTube tomorrow. Be sure to subscribe to the blog and the channel. Thanks for dropping by.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Healthy Living Tiki Printables

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 12:00:00 +0000

I was just browsing some of the group that I have joined online and one gave the idea of creating or ordering a custom printable for my readers. I was thinking maybe a shopping list and/or a weekly menu. My only concern is if anyone would be interested in a either of these. At the very lease, I could share mine with you all each week. Just thinking...

Meal Plan Saturday #2

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 15 Mar 2014 12:00:00 +0000

It's time for meal plan Saturdays! This week I am making one of my favorite low desserts, Pumpkin Bake. You will see days that I do not have a vegetable listed with a protein. I am off setting those carbs with the Pumpkin Bake. I am trying to keep my carbs at 20 grams total for each day, similar to Atkins Induction. If you would like any of the recipes that are not already posted on the site, you can check back on that day. I will update recipes as I go.

Heroin Wings - Adapted Version

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 07:14:00 +0000

Heroin wings are a staple among low carbers. I have heard about them for years but never gave them a try until recently. I think they are quite yummy and I wanted to share my adapted version of the recipe. I do apologize but I do not know where I found the original recipe.

4 Chicken wings, cut into sections
1/4 C Shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Parsley
1/4 tsp Oregano
1/2 tsp Paprika
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 Stick Butter
Pepper to taste

I also added adobo and garlic powder. That just me and I add them to everything.

Direction:
Preheat over to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine Parmesan, and spices. Melt butter in a separate baking dish. Dip wings in butter and follow by dredging in Parm and spice mix. Place wings on a lined baking tray and bake for 45 mins.

Meal Plan Saturdays #1

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 06:51:00 +0000

It's time for Mean Plan Saturday. I know I haven't posted a meal plan in a bit, but I want to start posting them again every Saturday. Planning my meals has been a tremendous help for me to stay on track. If I don't have a plan, I eat all types of crazy mess. I hope by sharing my plan that I can encourage and assist anyone who needs it. This meal plan is induction-friendly, so if you are on Atkins, you are more than welcome to give it a try. I will update some foods with links to the recipe on the day it is scheduled.

Time For A Tiki Update!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 03:33:00 +0000

It is my first update in a bit. I wasn’t posting as much as I used to because I didn’t want to be a Debbie Downer. Someone made me realize there is a way to keep everyone updated without feeling as if I’m always complaining. So, I decided to start updating the blog and the YouTube channel on a regular basis again.

GungHo Focus Shot Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 01:21:00 +0000

If you have followed me for awhile you know that I have been fighting with some health issues. Over the last few months I have started reviewing and trying products that I think may help with day to day things or have natural ingredients. My idea is to get away from as much "junk" as possible.

Pine Bros Softish Throat Drops Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 07:58:00 +0000

It cold season and most are looking for items to bring them comfort and relief. I have not had a cold in years but Pine Bros Softish Throat Drops appeals to me. Why? I am a talker. No, really...I have to talk most of the day. Recently, I developed this weird tickle in the back of my throat and it only happens when I am talked just a little too long. It was driving me crazy and my normal throat lozenge was not doing the trick.

As luck would have it, I was offered the opportunity to review the Pine Bros. drops. This has been the one item that I have truly anticipated receiving. I needed relief and I was intrigued by the word "softish" in the product description. I was able to choose from three flavors: Natural Honey, Wild Cherry, and Black Licorice. I naturally gravitated to the wild cherry.

When the box arrived I was relieved. Yes, the tickle was driving me crazy! I opened the box and was pleasantly surprised with the contents. I thought I was only going to receive packages or the puck containers. The good people at Pine Bros sent both and a bonus tote. My inner bag lady was happy about the tote. LOL!

My thoughts:

The drops definitely helped relieve my tickle. The only problem is they are addictive. I found myself eating them like candy. I was going through bags and containers like crazy. In an effort to slow down my consumption, I decided to share a bag with the ladies in my office. I dropped off a bag to the Assistant Manager and she immediately dived in. As soon as she started eating one she exclaimed, "I like these...they are soft. I really like these!" I don't think she shared the drops with anyone. LOL

I do have two things that I wish I could change. One, I wish the package came in a resealable bag because the drops are not individually wrapped. I lost about half of a bag because it tipped over, spilling drops on the floor. The other issue is the flavor. It does have a cherry flavor but it is very mild. If it just had a tad more of the cherry, I would be a happy girl.

Oh about the "softish" part...the drops are soft and it takes a bit to resist trying to chew them. I do love this part because it is easier to move the drop around while talking. Plus, you don't get the clicking across your teeth when you are talking and moving the drop. The best thing to compare the drops to is taffy. It's not too hard and not too soft.

If you haven't guess, I really did like the drops. I am so glad that I decided to give them a try. I guess I am glad I had the tickle. hehe

Pine Bros Throat Drops are available nationwide. Retailers include CVS and Walgreens. Connect with Pine Bros on Facebook and Twitter

I received the products mentioned above for review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

January 2014 Tiki Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:54:00 +0000

I know I've been posting a number of giveaways but nothing really about me lately. I've been trying a number of products to see what fits in my lifestyle and sharing my result with you. I feel that you can be have foods and drinks that are both healthy and delicious. So, the first thing is that I will continue to share my new finds.