dasie
ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Nov 16, 2010
Tomorrow, November 17th, I will celebrate my one year anniversary. I know it sounds like a cliche, but it really does seem like yesterday I was preparing to go to the hospital. I have enjoyed an easy recovery and journey, and I am extremely grateful to Dr. Sherman and his staff for managing such a superior program. I have learned a lot this past year, and I have ObesityHelp to thank for much of that. So for those considering surgery, I wanted to share a few thoughts.- When I began considering surgery, I assumed everyone would celebrate my decision. Some did not, but those who mattered did. Do not let anyone deter you when making this life changing decision - unless it is your surgeon or other health care professional who is responsible for your medical needs.
- I had a very difficult time finding a protein shake that I could tolerate. Months prior to surgery, I was told to find a shake I liked. I decided to wait, and as a result, it made the first few months very difficult as far as my emotions were concerned. I was extremely concerned about my health. Everything made me nauseous, and I barely got 30 grams of protein per day. Make certain you are well prepared prior to your surgery date.
- I followed my Dr.'s plan. There are a lot of good programs, but in the end I knew I needed to follow his protocol because, after all, he performed my surgery and provided the after care. I have however learned much on the boards that I have incorporated into my plan. These are things that enhanced rather than conflicted with the protocol I I received. Get support as much as possible and remain active on ObesityHelp
- Exercise is non-negotiable, but I appreciated Dr. Sherman's practical approach. We were admonished to move our bodies at least 30 minutes per day even if we only walked for that amount of time. Those simple instructions gave me "permission" to not have to live in the gym like I did in the past. But as the weight came off, I fell in love with walking, often walking 6 miles per day in Texas' 100 degree heat. It was during those months I had my best results. I concentrated more on cardio and weight loss than anything. Although I spent minimal time toning, I will now shift my focus and emphasis to gym related exercise. If exercise has never been part of your lifestyle, know that walking 30 minutes per day is a great way to start.
- I chose a goal weight that I knew was realistic for me. While my goal seemed low to some, it was right for my frame. Don't let the number control you. Yes, I have a goal and work towards it. I decided prior to surgery to not weigh often. I wanted to relax and enjoy my progress. Now that I am nearing maintenance I plan to weigh each day in order to remain accountable. If it works for you, try not to weigh too often. If you follow your Dr.'s orders, the weight will come off.
- I have concentrated on "whole foods." I was a volume eater with a carb and sugar addiction. I can completely control any cravings when I stay away from processed simple carbs. I do not eat "white" carbs, and it works well for me. I have stayed with lean meat (I don't like meat too much any more), fresh vegetable (they are now my absolute favorite), beans, cottage cheese, cheese, yogurt and nuts. If you are carb sensitive, try eliminating processed carbs; it really does make a difference.
- Last, but certainly most importantly, I am in better health than I have been in years. I am more active than I was in my thirties, forties or early fifties. I no longer take co-morbid medications and all back and joint pain is gone. I went to the hospital wearing a size 24; today I wear a size 4/6. That has been my greatest surprise of all. I hoped to wear a size 8, dreamed I would wear a size 6, but I ended up in a size 4. That was never my goal. I am only 15 pounds lighter than I weighed in 2004, yet I am easily 6 sizes smaller. I can only surmise all the walking I have been doing for the past year made the difference.
So I end with my most important thoughts. We all go through life with our own dreams and methods for achieving them. For me personally it is, and has always been, my relationship with Christ and knowing "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Though I have struggled with my weight for years and certainly wanted to embody that scripture, I also knew I was not made to be trapped in an obese body. I know He wants the best for my life, all our lives, and He is always there with outstretched arms to help us and to equip us for achieving our goals. He does not promise us a perfect life, one without trials or testing, but He does promise to be with us in our trials. It was that knowledge that has comforted, sustained and guided me these past 12 months. I take each day as a gift, one day at a time, and I know I am always one cupcake away from defeat if I do not rely on Him and follow my plan. I do fall down but try to get up as quickly as possible.
Thank you to ObesityHelp and to those who have impacted my life and supported me these last 12 months.
