Today I decided to hit the gym early. My son broke his ankle a few weeks ago and so I try not to be gone from home too much. So I set my alarm for 6:10 am and was at the gym by 6:50. What I didn't realize is that on Monday mornings they have command fitness where a butt load of marines are there working out. Really really really buff Marines...I know...are there ANY other kind of Marines?  I don't know why, but this pushes me harder when they are there. Instead of running my 5 minute intervals / then weight lifting, I ran one whole mile without stopping. whew. Then walked at a 7% incline at a very fast pace for another 1/2 mile. It did make me a little sad, since my hubby is deployed right now. Hes been getting all buff since hes grounded w/ Marines. I can't wait to see him...less than one month hopefully! 
I usually work out 4-5 days a week, but I think my body has gotten used to it, b/c I don't really hurt or feel sore afterwards. This gave me that little push to go further though.

I am so thankful for my support group at Portsmouth Naval. If you have been attending more than about 4 or 5 months, you know what our support group was like back then. It has ramped up and become so awesome over the past few months. A really great lady (Lynn) has jumped in full force and is making it exciting and fun! 
She does door prizes, has made "buddy" lists, and is going to be teaching a nutrition class for WLS people. The nutrition class they hold now that is mandatory is really lacking (in my opinion). I sat in on it (just for fun) the other night to see if I might learn something new. I learned alright. I learned that what that lady was teaching was soooo off base for us WLS people. She was saying things like its ok to drink fruity juices, eat Lara bars (ok super high in sugar) and suggesting that we fill up on veggies and salads (nope, protien first and then maybe a bite or 2 of salad if you have room).
Anyway, I have just noticed that since this new group of ladies and man have taken over, the vibe is different. People are excited to be at SG. Even the surgeons who have spoken to our group seem more light hearted, funny, and personable.
Its fun to meet new people, those who are pre-op, they are so excited and nervous and happy about the adventure they are undertaking. Those post-op who you can totally relate to about everything from bowel movements to protien powders.
It is so important to be part of a community like this. If you don't have one ...please find one in your area. You will be so glad you did! 

I went to the monthly support group meeting last Thursday. Its interesting to meet and talk with people who are pre-op. Some haven't made that decision yet to have the surgery, some are about to have it, some are scared out of their mind and some are really anxious to get it over with. I love to encourage them. I love to tell them how far I have come. I always tell them that if they have any emotional attachment to food (I think all obese people do), they need to heal their body and mind. Because this takes a toll on your mind.
I have received so many compliments. Its really wonderful. It seems so odd to hear people say things like "you are so skinny!" or "You have such a cute figure!". I don't think I have ever heard those words. Me? Skinny? Wow. Some days I have a hard time actually believing these things. It comes from years / decades of very low self esteem. This is an emotional journey for me. I hope one day I will be at a point where I can look in the mirror and say "wow you ARE skinny Tina" or "you are beautiful". I am working on it. With the help of counseling I will get there.
Emotional eating is something that hasn't gone away for me. Lately I have been missing my hubby a million times more. We are 5 months into the deployment and have 3 months left. I can't wait for it to be over so I can be in his arms again. I will be the happiest girl in the world. After 19 years of marriage, I am still crazy in love with that man.
2 snow storms in 2 weeks is not helping my emotional eating. Being trapped inside last week was bad. I decided this week that I would not do that again. We braved the roads and went to church this morning. The news made it sound alot worse than it actually was. And I needed to hear what was said in church. Im so glad I went.
I have a few friends at church who have had gastric bypass too. So its almost like a mini-support group meeting too! 
Overall, I love my RNY. There have been things I don't love about it...but they are minor, like the monster who constantly growls in my tummy, constipation like passing a watermelon, hair loss, turkey neck, low iron. I think thats about it. But compared to all the awesome things like, no more meds! , diabetes GONE, high blood pressure GONE, sleep apena GONE, sex drive BACK! and regular cycle BACK!  life is good. I can't complain.