theresarimini

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I think the really challenging part is starting now - life is back to normal, I can eat more and more things...and the old habits start to creep back into my daily routine.  Habits like - picking when I'm preparing food and wanting to munch in the evenings - essentially mindless eating. I've come up with a few rules that I am trying to follow - no eating while standing and giving myself options at night (if I feel I must eat)..sugar free popsicles and sunflower seeds (they take a long time to eat for not many calories).  I also try to nurture myself with herbal tea.

I'm feeling so good though - the weight off my joints is liberating!  I can cross my legs with ease!  Also, I finally feel as if I can ride a bike again - so purchased a new one and will start riding the trails with my kids. Now is my time to kick up the exercise...no excuses!

Okay, it has only been a bit over 2 months since the surgery, but it seems as if it was 2 years ago...I'm eating, exercising (some), working, traveling...all the things I thought it would take many months to do again.  

Part of me wishes that I had a whole year just to take care of myself without having to jump back into the fray.  I know I have to learn to deal with all normal things in life and take care of myself in the best way possible...but it can be so difficult.  

But, to be able to take care of myself and the needs of my family...I made the decision to go down to 30 hours a week at work - and - work one day from home.  I think it will reduce my stress and give me some extra time to focus on ME!

Wow, a whole month since I last posted? So much has been going on.  I decided I felt well enough to take my son on vacation.  So we went to Orlando for 8 days...It was fabulous!  I needed the sun (vitamin D therapy) and swimming and just relaxing...I also did a ton of walking around the theme parks, so got some exercise in as well.  There were days that I could tell I had overdone it...since I was only 5 weeks out, I still had some soreness around the belly.  But all in all...I loved it!

It has been hard to settle back into my routine with work and kids, etc...and figure out the best way to feed myself.  I tend to fall back on all of the soft stuff when I know I should be branching out a bit.  I've lost 25 pounds so far - but more importantly, I've really gained a new mindset about making decisions and taking care of myself.  More about that in the next post.

I've been feeling so good that I think I pushed it a bit too much.  My left side is hurting more than before...like a strained a muscle.  Hopefully nothing too bad.  Now trying to keep my butt glued to the bed for rest!

On March 19th, I gathered all my courage and went into surgery.  Actually, by that time my nerves had calmed and I felt very at peace with the decision.  Everything went very smoothly from check-in to check-out.  The only downfall was that I stayed in recovery most of the day on Wednesday and my kids were disappointed that they could not see me.  

The pain was not easy for the first few days - and the hospital experience was a bit of a blur due to all the pain meds...it was so great to get out on Saturday.

So, I've been home a week and feel great!  The pain is minor now...my energy and spirits are up.    I appreciate all the support and check-ins I've gotten from my friends at OH.  Thank you all!

More soon.

Yes, I am nervous!  Nervous and very excited.  I've started a blog (see website in my profile) to formally document this journey of weight loss and wellness.  I am hoping  I will have enough energy in the weeks after surgery to at least type on my laptop in bed.  I am trying to ease my nerves by keeping busy and preparing as much as possible for the post-op experience.  Oh and - because my nine year old still insists that a 7 foot tall bunny really does hop all over the planet delivering baskets loaded with sugary crap - I will have baskets prepared for the kids this weekend

With each day I get more excited about the opportunity to let go of the extra weight, to have more energy and stamina, to create a healthy, fit body.  To most of us, it is not simply about weight loss - it is so much more.  

At the same time, I hesitate and feel guilty about the surgery.  I ask myself, am I taking an unnecessary risk?  Am I "big enough" to do this. The fears creep in.

My surgery date is March 19th...more soon.