December 21, 2023

Dec 21, 2023

Back from second trip to Italy.  Winter is a great time to go--even the "crowds" were small in Florence.  And the lights were just magical.  While I did travel to Ukraine while near my heaviest, I cannot imagine this trip at that size.  The walking would have been killer and all the stairs!  I can't even begin to think about it.  I would have missed so much just due to the pain.  I know there is a balance (and for each person it is different) between being accepting of one's physical shape and reality (I will never be 'thin') and the way our world works and the bodies it is built to accomodate.  The Tuscan area I have been in is very hilly and built for the generally overworked and under-nourished of medieval Italians.  I don't even like driving up some of the steep roads.  So know I reference the "Tuscan" diet--just walk up everything you eat.  I did eat more sweets than normal and less protein.  With my tasting issues, I wasn't really able to enjoy much else. 

I did lose a couple of pounds anyway over the two weeks, so I am about 8 pounds from my lowest post-surgery weight.  I'm at a good place about my weight, and am coming to acceptance about my shape--very heavy legs, droopy elbows, etc.--and am appreciating what I am able to do and figuring out ways to engage even when there are things I can't do.  Now I have to add in age!  I will be happy to play that card and take advantage of it where I can.  I've made it years past what I expected when I was young, so yeah me.

At 18 years post-surgery, I can only affirm that this has been the best thing I ever did for myself.  I wish there was less stigma around it and more insurance support for it.  It isn't a magic fix-all, but it is a medical treatment for a medical condition that also has behavioral contributors as well.  Like diabetes or high cholesterol. 

I need to give some thought to what my health focus will be for the coming year.  This year was to get my weight back down, so maybe 2024 will be more about getting strong.  I keep reading about the need for strength building as we age. 

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