8 Month Post-Op

Jan 18, 2010

Today is my 8th month RYN post-op.  To date I've lost a total of 123 pounds and 83 total inches.  If anyone would have told me on my surgery day I'd be where I'm at now I wouldn't have believed them.  This has been a amazing journey, one I wish I would have started much sooner.  Weight loss surgery isn't a cure, it isn't necessarily a easy journey, or a easy way out as some might think. 

I've learned a lot so far, like getting in my fluids, proteins, eating slow, chew, chew, chew, watch the sugar, learning what foods don't agree with my pouch and what does.  I've been very fortunate that I haven't really been sick and I'd like to think it's because I've been so careful and also afraid of eating something that might make me sick.  Don't get me wrong I have ate to fast on a few occasions and started to feel sick.  Those are reminders I need.....slow down. 

Before surgery I loved chocolate, sweets, well junk food in general would call my name.  I'm not sure what happened but so far chocolate just doesn't taste so good any more.  Neither does most starchy foods like rice, crackers, pasta, etc.  I can eat a little but not much.  My surgeon told me sometimes your taste changes after surgery but usually comes back and to go with it as long as I can.  This has actually been good because I'm eating more fruits and veggies to get the "good carbs" but not going overboard with them.  I've also become a lover of shrimp, it agrees with my pouch and full of protein.  Chicken is good but can't eat as much of it as shrimp.  Beef is okay, but I still can't eat very much.  Eggs.....that's another story.  I ate so many eggs in the beginning, you know they're soft, easy to chew, lot's of protein but I just can't eat them very often now. 

Exercise.....well, that's still a work in progress.  I don't love it, but with the weight loss I've found my feet, knees, and hips don't hurt like they use to.  I have so much more energy that walking is a good thing and dancing around the house is really fun.  My husband says he's not so sure he'll be able to keep up with me this summer when I want him to help me work in the yard :-)   

The best part of all this so far is "SHOPPING."   I use to wear a 24, 2-3XL depending on the cut, now I'm wearing L or XL tops, sweaters and 16 dresses.  Pants a 16W since my hips have always been the biggest area of the body but the lower half is beginning to catch up with the upper part.  I tried on some 16 misses pants and they fit.  It's so hard not to go out and buy a bunch of clothes, but I hope to be smaller next winter than I am now and just don't see spending more money than I have to.  That's the hard part, but I will say I'm really looking forward to summer shopping. 

If I had to sum up everything into 4 words it would be  "Just Follow the Program." 

0 Comments