8 months out...what I have learned.

Jul 03, 2012

Hi fellow sleevers!  Just checking in.  I am 8 months out and while I have certainly not had the fastest weight loss, I'm happy with my progress.  I have lost just over 50% of my excess weight and still working hard on it!!!  One thing I have learned and sometimes still struggle with "getting" is that the sleeve is not a one size fits all surgery.  What I see working well for others has not worked for me in many cases, and I'm still learning what MY body wants and needs.  When I first came on here I was seeing so many people hitting their goal inside a year and I hoped that I would one of those following a similar plan.  Clearly at this point, that will probably not happen.  I am able to eat a lot more than some people on here, and quite frankly, I NEED to eat more than some people on here.  I was struggling and stalling constantly eating at 600-800 calories a day...at my 6 month visit I was told by my doc I should be eating more like 1000 to 1200 calories a day.  I followed this advice (somewhat, I eat at around 1000 calories a day now), while at the same time decreasing my carb intake, and my weight loss has been steadier and I have more energy.  My resting metabolic rate is 1598, so I could potentially eat up to that (but I wont) and still lose weight.  I probably eat a little more fat that many folks here, but this seems to work for me. 

I have learned to learn more and pay attention to my body.  I have PCOS and insulin resistance and I believe this contributes GREATLY to how I lose weight and what and how much I need to eat.  I have learned that how my body responds to insulin/sugars/carbs throws the calories in/calories out equation to losing weigh out the window.  I am also coming to terms that I will need to stay off the 'drates for life.  I have learned that 90% percent of the struggle post surgery is my thinking and my attitude.  On days when I start feeling sad that I can't eat a big meal out with friends, I make bad choices.  On days when I have planned well and exercised, there isn't a Snickers bar in the world that could tempt me!  I still come here for support on days when I feel "off"...and I'm always encouraged.  I also continue to track my food everyday on myfitnesspal, even the crap I've eaten, and I keep my diary public to friends, so I can be accountable (I'm Jastrong78 on MFP, if anyone wants to add me).  I am learning that I've been doing too much cardio and have begun to replace it with more strength training, and I'm seeing better results with this.  I feel stronger and healthier and even though I still have a small child to lose, I feel like I will reach my goal. 

This has been an amazing journey for me and I hope it will continue to be.  I went from telling no one about surgery to telling anyone who asks me!!  I thank God every day that I had the courage to do this and I still pray for the courage to continue.  Best wishes to all of the OH family for success and health!!
 

0 Comments