Six Months Down...

May 17, 2011

Having returned from a week in California, I am happy to say that I am back in the pool and swimming 4000 meters in two hours.  The downside to that is that I am doubtful I will be able to get 5000 meters in two hours, so I may have to adjust when I swim to try and get the next two plateaus (I only increase in intervals of 500 meters at a time).  Here's to hoping I can get to the goal by Summer!  Although, judging by the weather in the Pacific Northwest, Summer may not get here until August.

My six month "surgiversary" was yesterday, and I saw my surgeon.  Good news, my labs are incredible.  My surgeon is so compassionate, he answered all my questions and emphasized that I am doing just fine -- even if I feel like I am a slow loser.  My favorite nurse put me on the body composition scale to show that the numbers (pounds) aren't the whole story.  I know how exercise works, but we all obsess over the numbers.  Anyhow, I am comparing all my readouts from before and after surgery, to show my worried head that I am building muscle and the numbers are just numbers.

The surgeon was impressed with my "work ethic," and told me he "wish(ed) all of (his) patients took exercising as seriously..."  My loses since surgery is 86 pounds in six months, my total losses are now 122 pounds - with a whole lot more to go!  From my calculations (yes, again with the numbers), I should hit my goal weight (or around it) in 53.5 weeks.  Okay, big number, but the way I look at it, what is one more year, give or take?!  My measurements really are showing more progress than the scale, and I laughed when I showed off my "Guns" to the nurse!  Swimming is ridding me of my side boobs, my side muffins (I didn't have muffin top in front for some reason), and my back is looking sexy, ha ha.  My ankle hurts so much less, which I now know for a fact after missing my daily swim for one week.

My last post was me being frustrated over a gain, well, I lost it plus four pounds, so I am only two pounds away from my first big weight goal after surgery.  For those following my journey, I also added probiotics - I think they are helping.  Ten dollar investment in seeing if it would help in the bathroom (I usually only "go" every three days).  There are so many to choose from, I just started turning bottles, and settled on GNC brand 1.5 BILLION of the little happy bacteria per chewable.  Yogurt never did squat, but I definitely hear & feel the difference from these chewables.

My protein goal is now higher, and on the advice of my surgeon, it may be easier to get the130 grams of protein I am shooting for, as I should be getting more calories considering my heavy exercise routine.  And for those wondering, more protein will help keep your hair on your head, not in the brush!  I have noticed an increase in my daily hairs we all lose, but nothing like so many other patients I have known.  Vitamins, supplements, protein, and iron -- this should be your mantra, too! 

One of my friends just asked me how I deal with cravings.  I try to not be so strict in my diet that I have to deal with binges, I just am careful that I only eat to satiate the craving, and I measure it.  Soy crisps, rice crisps, in different flavors (I love savory flavors - Quaker has a sweet chili that hits all the right targets - crunch, hot, sweet, salty), are a great "treat".  Edamame (soy beans still in the pod) are a great snack - salty & protein, lots to chew (you can find them in the frozen veggie section of most stores, then microwave & add sea salt).  I have found that if I only have a couple teaspoons of my sweeties ice cream, I am happy without the guilt.  After surgery, I really don't need a whole bowl, just a taste will do!  Some may say "No! No! No!" but I chew gum.  Different flavors help with urges.  Fruit flavors take care of the sweet cravings, and chewing seems to take my mind off the "head hunger".  Mint flavors will make ANY food taste icky - so I keep LOTS of mint flavored gum on hand.  Just do not punish yourself, and do not eat in private.

Six months have come and gone, I feel great, look a whole lot better, and am learning to be patient with myself -- that is the hardest part of this journey.  If you want to succeed, you need to be active in the process.  Think exercise, food journals, vitamins and supplements, lots of water, and love yourself - at every weight.  Stay positive, it only gets better!

Brenda : )~

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