Walk without pain

I can't believe it has already been 12 weeks since my surgery.

I finally started working out- I started that about 2 weeks ago- we have a fantastic free gym onsite where I work and so really don't have any excuse not to work out. I just get to work about 6:30, work out and shower, and then walk upstairs to my desk. I think my average weekly weight loss has temporarily slowed in reaction to the added exertion but I do expect the loss rate to pick up again as my body and metabolism adjusts to the shock.

I can really feel the muscles in my legs and core getting stronger and more toned- I see a real change in my posture and silhouette. I carry myself stronger. Without the weight of my stomach pulling my back forward I am able to stand straighter with my shoulders less rounded. The gym offers personal training and I have a fantastic trainer helping me- We started weight training for the arms/shoulders/ and upper back last week- ouchie. After a couple weeks I will rotate in a program for lower back/legs/and abs. I like the idea of the fat melting off and revealing toned muscle underneath. Plus, I am hoping that this will help with skin issues and reduce the amount of plastic surgery I will need.

I alternate between different elliptical machines and my favorite- the rowing machine. I love the rowing machine because it is a full body workout without tearing up my joints. 

My energy level is increasing every day. I have energy after work to do more than come  home and collapse on the couch in front of the tv or take a nap. I find that taking the dog for a walk after dinner really help reduce acid and keeps me from having any issues at bedtime. I avoid snacking between dinner and bedtime to avoid acid issues.

I take an acid reducer morning and at dinnertime- occasionally I take one at lunch if I feel the need- it does depend on what I am eating. In my case, it seems the denser the food the more acid I produce and so I adjust my dosages to compensate. I can eat just about anything and I have- just in really small amounts. Head hunger and cravings have just about disappeared- if they do strike they fade rapidly. Sometimes I eat borderline too much and have some discomfort but haven't gotten the foamies for a long time- it only took me a couple of lessons and I learned not to eat past my hiccup.

I have occasional mood swings and bouts of irritability that are extreme enough that I can easily identify them as caused by the released hormones- I just recognize that I am not going to be a nice person for a few hours, grit my teeth, and withdraw to a safe distance until the urge to snap at everyone passes.

I fight to get in water and protein- I have started drinking 1 Nectar a day every am- I sip on it all morning instead of the Special K ice tea. I still drink protein supplements- I try to get in a 1/2 Slimfast or Atkins shake before I work out and then finish it while getting dressed.

I have to plan my meals and snacks or I get lazy and don't get enough protein. If I don't drink enough water I battle constipation.

The past few months pre op I was just treading water at my job- I wanted to finish school and recover from surgery before I made any decisions. With my weight loss has come more self confidence and I have applied for a couple jobs that are big forward steps from where I am now- cross your fingers for me.

I am so happy that I did this- it was money well spent and I love my sleeve