Wow, it's been awhile!

Feb 20, 2010

It's been a long time since I've posted so I just wanted to put some updates on here.  I have been doing pretty well since my last post.  The weight loss has been slow, though.  I know, some that may say that it's a good thing.  However, I'm still having some serious Gallbladder issues. 

I exercised at least 5 times per week in October and November, but fell off the wagon mid-December.  I finally got it back together during the end of January and went back to the gym.  I went on my first cruise (one of my goals!) on 2/7.  It was great.  I did hear that cruises were mostly about the food.  On the second day, I realized that yes, this applied to me, too.  I found myself planning out how often I could eat.  I got a little irritable and angry at myself so I went and found the gym.  I worked out 5 out of the 7 days on the cruise.  I didn't eat too much but did consume quite a bit of alcohol!  Empty calories, I tell ya!  I know, some will scold me for the alcohol.  Thanks for your concern but I already know.

I'm still working out regularly but nervous because I know I might fall off the wagon again after my surgery.  Oh, about that...I wish I would've asked the doctor to remove it during my sleeve.  I thought that I wouldn't have a problem with the stones because I was already starting out at a low BMI.  I was wrong.  My first gallbladder attack was 11/23.  It was awful!  It was the worst pain (right next to a non-medicated delivery of a 9 lb baby) that I have ever experienced in my life.  I then proceeded to have 6 more attacks over the upcoming months and finally landed in the ER this week with Pacreatitis.   I had not been seen by a doctor up to this point because I think I was in denial.  I'm a healthy person all around and don't really get sick.  The occasional sniffles or a cold but nothing more serious.  The other thing, I'm a nurse and we can fix ourselves, right?  ;)  I was trying to change my eating habits to see if they would go away.  That didn't work.  I'm probably going to have the surgery this week.  I feel a little frustrated because I've really nursed my scars to try and help them fade and now they have to be opened again!  Oh, well.  I'll probably never wear a bikini again. 

I haven't really kept a great log at my weight loss because it has been SO SLOW!!  I think my total since the day of my surgery is now at 42.5 lbs.  My health tracker should show it.  I think that the surgery will help me lose a few pounds over the upcoming weeks.

I'm now working on another goal...getting back in the military.  So far, not a lot of luck.  However, I think I will be able to start with the Reserves.  It's just going to be a tedious process and one that I dread. 

I just wanted to let you all know how I'm doing with my eating habits and abilities.  When I feel hungry, my stomach acts like it wants to growl.  It climbs up the hill but then never makes the noise.  That's how I know I'm hungry and need to eat.  Not to say that I don't like to snack throughout the day!  That has been a problem for me...the consumption of sweets.  Love love love chocolates, cake, cookies, brownies.  Definitely staying away from that with the belly issues right now.  The amount of food that I can eat:  One 3-4 oz piece of chicken breast and a couple of bites of a side.  One taco comfortably, two and being uncomfortable.  One chicken hot dog with the bun and 3-4 baked chips.  One 3-4 oz piece of steak and a couple of bites of side dish.  I'm not always thrilled with my choices but then I think, "yeah, so what?  I ate a taco.  Six months ago I probably would've eaten 6 tacos!"  I do throw up 1-2 times per month.  Not on purpose, just from overeating.  I'm still working on the mental portion of it.  I think my kids have finally gotten used to it.  I can tell you that I didn't think that protein drinks were going to be my thing.  I was just going to drink them long enough to start getting my protein from food.  However, I have somehow along the way come to appreciate them.  I have one at least 3-4 times per week.  It helps me open up my options a little bit more for food choices.  I drink the EAS chocolate ones.  Today I had a fruit smoothie with the non-flavored protein.  We'll see how I do.  I'm on "gallbladder rest" right now.

I know a few more people who have had or are planning on having the sleeve.  I'm so happy for them.  It is going to be wonderful to watch other people's lives change for the better.  I still wish I could go up to all of the fluffy people and say, "I know how you feel.  You don't even have to say it.  Please, just go and do this.  Your life can be different".  I don't, though.  I don't want to seem like a salesperson.  I also feel a little embarrassed that I took "the easy way out".  But, I know that I work hard in the gym every week to keep it like this now.  I can't promise that I'll do it forever, but I'm going to do it today and most likely, tomorrow.  I feel dedicated to this lifestyle change.

Well, this post has been much longer than I expected it to be.  I think I'll also post it on the forum as an update for those that are considering the surgery.  I welcome any questions. 

One more thing....

I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!!

Going to try and post a pic from the cruise on here.  It's not the best pic but it does show me in a swimsuit!  Oops.  It posted to the top.  Maybe I'll try another one...  Not sure what happened to the second one.  Oh, well. 

Cheers, OH family!!

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