NewMeNewbie
Six Months Out - How am I doing?
May 30, 2011
It’s been a number of months since I’ve blogged. I feel a little bad about that and not keeping in touch with OH, but on the other hand, I’ve been busy living life. It’s been on my TODO list for awhile now, but then I got the E-mail today from OH stating I’m six months post-op. It is today that six months ago I was undergoing my surgery and my life was about to take a dramatic turn. I don’t regret it for a minute and it’s a gift I wish I could give anyone who was interested in proceeding though I’m partial to the gastric sleeve over any other procedure.I’m 70 lbs down and so much stronger and healthier. I have about another 50 lbs to go according to one of my docs, but I might be happy with 40 lbs. We’ll see as I get there as it’s been so long. My blood pressure was taken the other day and it was 112/76 which is pretty amazing. It’s such a relief to not have diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, stroke, and orthopedic issues hanging over my head waiting to disrupt my world. I’m exercising 5-6 days per week, walking on the treadmill and lifting weights. I remember when 3.5 mph on the treadmill was hard for me. Now, it’s where I warm up and I’m walking at 3.8 to 3.9 mph for 40-60 minutes depending on how much time I have. I’ve been able to increase all my weights on the weight machine and am seeing muscle definition in my back, arms, waist and legs. I’d like to do more or go back to jogging, but I’m obeying the physical therapist’s orders in keeping it moderate for more fat loss and less muscle loss.
I’m down to a size 16, but nearing a size 14 fairly soon. I’m wearing some “large” clothes now versus extra large which makes me feel more normal. Everyone is noticing now and that makes me a little uncomfortable. I haven’t hidden my weight loss surgery, but I don’t necessarily volunteer it either. It depends on to whom I’m talking and how much time we have. Beginning that discussion in an elevator ride doesn’t give me the time I want.
Food-wise, I’m doing just fine. I’ve got a routine and it works for me. I am able to eat more than a few months ago, but I’m still able to stay around 1200-1300 calories and be totally satisfied. That’s kind of where I plan on staying until or unless they tell me otherwise. The nutritionist told me to start adding some whole grains like oatmeal a couple months ago so my morning is Starbucks oatmeal and a tall sugar-free cinnamon dolce soy latte. Starbucks is my little luxury and this breakfast is my favorite way to start the day and it fits with my calories. Around 10:00, I have a Premier protein bar which has 30 grams of protein. I’m drinking water as soon as my coffee is gone. Around 1:00, I have lunch and the last couple weeks it’s been Lean Cuisines as they are easy. However, I’ve really noticed they all seem to have rice or noodles. I mainly want protein and veggies so I don’t know how long that will last. I can’t always finish them. Lunch lasts me the rest of the day until dinner which is usually a lean meat and veggie on a small plate. Again, I’m trying to fit in as much water as possible, but work and activities sometimes get in the way. If I still have calories left and I’ve exercised, I may have a little treat in the evening. However, sometimes I forget about it or just not interested. It’s totally different than ever before. I don’t think about it as much. I’ve also gotten much better about learning when I’m about full and stopping so nothing comes back up. Some foods I just need to avoid because they swell in the stomach and then come back. These are mostly bread products of some form.
Eating out isn’t a problem for us which is important as we do like to dine. We’ve learned which restaurants in our area have great appetizer menus that fit my needs. We frequently have a to go box when we leave and I’ve gotten better about sticking my own Tupperware containers in my purse so I have a reusable container versus the disposable ones.
Overall, I’m doing really well and I am sooooo happy. If I take a moment to think about where I was at and where I’m at now, I get teary. I had some tears the other day when I found some smaller size clothes in the attic I thought I had gotten rid of. I started trying them on and many of them fit. I burst into tears, overwhelmed with the knowledge of how far I’ve come and how much good this has done for my health and psychological disposition. And, the journey isn’t over yet.
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About Me
Salem, OR
Location
27.4
BMI
Surgery
11/29/2010
Surgery Date
Sep 21, 2010
Member Since
