And I Say To Myself............What A Wonderful World.....
Buon Giorno OH Family,
Today, I celebrate my 5 months "Surgy" -- and to put a fine point on it, the skies provided for a penumbral eclipse just after midnight and this morning's sky was breath-taking. As the Frosty Moon in the western sky was beginning its descent to the horizon, it appeared as though Jupiter was chasing it downward! We are given wonders to see if only we will take the time to look. Yeah, I'm a bit of an Astronomy geek! LOL
So, 5 months ago, I was pretty much a physical wreck, but with high hopes that getting a sleeve was going to change my life. All the surgeries went very well, recovery was amazing, and I knew from the get-go that this was the best thing I've ever done for myself. Four months ago, I started back at my fitness center -- still under some restrictions due to the umbilical hernia repair, but I was allowed to do what I felt comfy with. Ten minutes on the recumbent bike was more than enough -- I got in just over a mile and thought I was doing well. I would spend another 15-20 minutes on the weight machines and free weights and thought that was a decent workout. Since then, my fitness has improved a lot. Today, which is representative of my normal workout, I rode for 30 minutes and covered almost 5.5 miles, and spent another 50 minutes on the weight machines and free weights. Sometimes I do more, but rarely less. I NEED the exercise now. Weird!
My labs are good, my doctors think I'm a poster child (old lady???? LOL) for VSG because I have yet to go off plan and have done everything they've told me to do. I'm certainly not a perfect person -- I readily admit I stay on plan out of fear of slippery slopes. Fear is a good motivator!!! Anyway, they are pleased with me and I think of that as an NSV. Being off ALL meds for my comorbs is a great NSV. My Type II Diabetes is in complete remission, the Chronic Kidney Disease is stabilized (some numbers even show improvement), my cholesterol levels are in the "ideal" ranges, and while I never had hypertension, my blood pressure is also in the ideal range.
Other NSVs -- nicked knees from shaving my legs -- YES, I count that because it means I've found BONES in my legs -- what a concept, right? LOL I can cross my legs (in most chairs) for the first time in 30+ years. I've been shopping my closets lately and found some cute things to wear that don't just hang on me. My sewing skills are improving as I've had to become creative in figuring out how to remake/take in some of my favorite larger size clothes. I don't get winded doing my regular chores and I can go up the stairs without gasping for air. There are so many things that make life so much nicer now -- hard to remember them at the moment.
My scale hasn't been as generous as I would like it to be, but this morning it did cough up 2 pounds bringing my total to 62 pounds lost since the day of surgery. I've measured each month and as of yesterday's numbers, I've lost 54 inches. It's going to take me longer than some of you, but I'm going to get there.............I WILL NOT FAIL. My calorie deficits show I should have lost more, but my body must love my fat -- it's hanging on to it for dear life!!! Even so, this is the least I've weighed since 1977 when my first son was born.
With one exception (total lack of support/encouragement here at home), this has been the most incredible 5 months of my life. I can't think of anything better that I could have done for myself I've learned so much about ME -- and a lot of that I learned because of so many of you here on OH and MFP. My surgeon's support group is also filled with a bunch of loving and incredible people. I'm blessed.
What a wonderful world -- filled with sky shows, and flowers to smell, and good, healthy things to eat, gentle rains, the laughter of babies, the daily miracles we don't always recognize but are definitely there...........and you wonderful, loving, generous, kind and beautiful people who have come into my life as a result of the decision to have a VSG. I love you all.........and Myrtle loves you too! Yes,..................IT IS A WONDERFUL WORLD!
Hugs,
Ree
What a great way to start the day -- reading your inspiration post! I laughed at your little old lady poster child for VSG reference! Too funny!
It's great to hear that you are doing so well, and that you've found the support you need! I was just sitting here, thinking about some exercise! I'm two-weeks post op and can go swimming today, so I'm thinking that's what I'll do, after I take the mutt out for a romp!
Thanks again for sharing the beauty in your world! The sun is shining here, and now, I'm going out to explore! See what a positive influence you are!
Thank you so much! That's great that you are allowed to swim already. I had to wait 6 weeks last summer. What made it hard is that I have a pool in my yard and it was our hottest summer ever and that pool taunted me LOL Swimming is so great because you can get a good burn, but you don't have to stress your body too much to get it. Taking "the mutt" for a walk is great, too. The more we move, the better off we are!
Thank you Mom4Jazz.........it's been a great ride so far~
You are so right about more bones -- I keep finding new ones.........but those around the knee are confused -- they seem to think they belong to a 12-13 years old who is just learning on to use a razor LOL What kind of warped person gets a kick out of nicked knees? Hahahaha
Great perspective and a beautiful post. Just keep doing what you are doing, you are on your way and you will get to your prize. It might take you longer, but your determination is endless and will see you through. You are quite an inspiration and a beautiful human being. Here is to always taking the time to see the beauty around us. Thank you for your post.
