6 months post-op today (pics too)
It is so hard to believe I began this journey 6 months ago. At times it feels like forever, but for the most part it seems like only a few days ago. Although I haven't lost what I would have wanted ideally, I am still incredibly proud of my loss so far. I am down 83 pounds in 6 months. I just came off a 3 week stall and I'm knocking on Alice's itty-bitty door to onederland. I don't exercise as much as I should, but I make sure I am active all day every day. My work makes taking time out quite difficult during this season, but we are coming to a close next month and its back to zumba daily for me!! I am ready for the toning and the burn.
I track what I eat and I'm honest about it. With only 3 exceptions per month(I don't know why my exceptions are that number) I stay on track and within my calorie range of 600-800. I eat my protein first at most meals. The times I don't are just giving in to craving and I regret them because the choice I made never tastes as good as I expected it to. Beef jerky is my number one go to snack. I need a food dehydrator ;) . I don't get all the water in that I should, but when I do, the pounds melt away so I have to say there is truly a corrolation between your protein intake and water intake and pounds lost. I have pain when drinking plain water still today, but of course I carry flavor packets with me at all times. Snapple packs rock!!
I have learned so much about myself along this journey. I have learned that I CAN do this, and I'm not deprived. I have learned that no matter how much success you have, there are always those that don't see your accomplishment as good enough. I have learned that often those closest to you who should wish the most success will often try to sabotage you or root for your failure. It is their insecurity, not your issue...Always remember that. I have learned that I have bones ALL OVER MY BODY!! It's amazing, I never knew you were supposed to feel those beneath the skin! I have learned that no matter how many pounds I lose, I will still want to step on that scale for validation and will be momentarily crushed when it doesn't give me the response I want. I also know that as long as my clothes keep "growing" then I'm still doing it right and the scale will eventually see things my way.
I have an NSV this week, after much hard work, I now weigh less than my husband, and he didn't make my goal easy. He stared out at 230 when I began my journey. He decide to lose weight with me and is down to 205. I spent 5 weeks weighing the same amount(to the ounce) as this man!! He was driving me nuts, but he loves me and he knows I need a challenge so he gave it to me full bore. Knowing he was working hard too made my victory on Sunday all that much sweeter. He loves me. He's always loved me. He is my rock and our marriage is stronger as a result of this journey.
My girls are both losing weight and are viewing food differently so I thank God every day for that. I still don't have grocery shopping under control. I still over buy and have to freeze a lot or simply toss. It's frustrating to not be able to control that part of my head. I have eaten out several times since surgery and can manage my portions with great ease. That part turned out to be easier than anything else. Go Figure!! My soda demon has come back to bite me in the booty, so I don't keep it in my house. Everyone has given up soda because mom can't say no!! I'm admitting and I'm warning, if a food or drink was your weakness before, it has the potential to be your downfall afterward too.
At 6 months out I can eat more than I did in the beginning which is why I measure my food. I still feel full after eating 3 oz. but I could easily eat 4 to 5 oz of most foods on any given day. Overeating and feeling "stuffed" at every meal got me here...won't repeat that mistake. When the vets say "measure" and "track" your food, they say it because they know it works, they also know that NOT doing it doesn't work. My NUT's best advice was to never test my sleeve, measure my set amount(2-3 oz) and don't deviate from that for a meal. Eating more doesn't give me comfort so there is no point unless I want to maintain the weight I'm currently at, which I don't.
Sorry this was so long. I just thought I'd answer all the questions I've asked along the way for those that look to this for comparision or inspiration. It can be done, and most days it isn't that hard as long as your head is in the right place. I spent the better part of a decade getting my head right before I took this journey. My head isn't perfect, but its manageable. For those beginning, it gets better. For those on track, keep it up; and for those who've reached goal, thank you for being the inspiration I needed to succeed!!
Love to all!
I track what I eat and I'm honest about it. With only 3 exceptions per month(I don't know why my exceptions are that number) I stay on track and within my calorie range of 600-800. I eat my protein first at most meals. The times I don't are just giving in to craving and I regret them because the choice I made never tastes as good as I expected it to. Beef jerky is my number one go to snack. I need a food dehydrator ;) . I don't get all the water in that I should, but when I do, the pounds melt away so I have to say there is truly a corrolation between your protein intake and water intake and pounds lost. I have pain when drinking plain water still today, but of course I carry flavor packets with me at all times. Snapple packs rock!!
I have learned so much about myself along this journey. I have learned that I CAN do this, and I'm not deprived. I have learned that no matter how much success you have, there are always those that don't see your accomplishment as good enough. I have learned that often those closest to you who should wish the most success will often try to sabotage you or root for your failure. It is their insecurity, not your issue...Always remember that. I have learned that I have bones ALL OVER MY BODY!! It's amazing, I never knew you were supposed to feel those beneath the skin! I have learned that no matter how many pounds I lose, I will still want to step on that scale for validation and will be momentarily crushed when it doesn't give me the response I want. I also know that as long as my clothes keep "growing" then I'm still doing it right and the scale will eventually see things my way.
I have an NSV this week, after much hard work, I now weigh less than my husband, and he didn't make my goal easy. He stared out at 230 when I began my journey. He decide to lose weight with me and is down to 205. I spent 5 weeks weighing the same amount(to the ounce) as this man!! He was driving me nuts, but he loves me and he knows I need a challenge so he gave it to me full bore. Knowing he was working hard too made my victory on Sunday all that much sweeter. He loves me. He's always loved me. He is my rock and our marriage is stronger as a result of this journey.
My girls are both losing weight and are viewing food differently so I thank God every day for that. I still don't have grocery shopping under control. I still over buy and have to freeze a lot or simply toss. It's frustrating to not be able to control that part of my head. I have eaten out several times since surgery and can manage my portions with great ease. That part turned out to be easier than anything else. Go Figure!! My soda demon has come back to bite me in the booty, so I don't keep it in my house. Everyone has given up soda because mom can't say no!! I'm admitting and I'm warning, if a food or drink was your weakness before, it has the potential to be your downfall afterward too.
At 6 months out I can eat more than I did in the beginning which is why I measure my food. I still feel full after eating 3 oz. but I could easily eat 4 to 5 oz of most foods on any given day. Overeating and feeling "stuffed" at every meal got me here...won't repeat that mistake. When the vets say "measure" and "track" your food, they say it because they know it works, they also know that NOT doing it doesn't work. My NUT's best advice was to never test my sleeve, measure my set amount(2-3 oz) and don't deviate from that for a meal. Eating more doesn't give me comfort so there is no point unless I want to maintain the weight I'm currently at, which I don't.
Sorry this was so long. I just thought I'd answer all the questions I've asked along the way for those that look to this for comparision or inspiration. It can be done, and most days it isn't that hard as long as your head is in the right place. I spent the better part of a decade getting my head right before I took this journey. My head isn't perfect, but its manageable. For those beginning, it gets better. For those on track, keep it up; and for those who've reached goal, thank you for being the inspiration I needed to succeed!!
Love to all!
Bri
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