Yes, unbelievable but yes - 9 months since surgery! It is very exciting the changes I have gone through. I too, like many others, still see the "old me" at times when I look in the mirror. Sometimes it doesn't register in my brain that I have lost over 100 lbs! I still get surprised every time I put on my clothes or try on new ones because I look at it and say to myself "that isn't going to fit me, it is too small!" but to my amazement, IT FITS! I now wear an XL shirt (because I still don't like clingy shirts) and size 12 pants. Before surgery, I wore a 3X shirt and "snug" 18w/20w pants. Even my shoe size went down from a 9/10 to an 8/8.5. That is the funniest part to me. It is so nice to actually be proud of how I look and feel in my clothes.
And it is more than the clothes. I feel great. I have more energy. I do more things, getting out and not being afraid that people are staring or laughing at me. I have more confidence, although I am still the same ol me, introverted and shy, but not quite as much.
As you can tell I haven't blogged for quite awhile. I have been busy adapting to my "new life". For the most part I feel like the same me on the inside (mentally, emotionally) but there was a short period of time where I had to "re-discover" myself.
Eating
My eating remains very small portions and healthy choices. Even when I feel like I am starving, my stomach reminds me I still can't have too much. And I always remind myself of those people that have gone through this life altering surgery and regained their weight. I am NOT going to be one of those people. I really listen to my body now. I continue to eat slow - although there are still times I find myself eating a bit too fast and as usual, when that happens, it comes back up. I don't obsess over my eating but I do pay attention. I think "health" and protecting the gift I was given with this surgery. It has been wonderful to feel this new body, see this amazing change and I don't ever want to let it go.
As for what I am eating, again healthy choices. I eat much more fruit than I ever did. Lean meats, vegetables and protein supplements. I love Unjury powder - Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry Sorbet. My favorite thing to do is get a decaf, iced coffee (the powder doesn't mix with hot coffee), add some milk and add either just vanilla, just chocolate or both vanilla and chocolate Unjury powder - YUM! Tastes just like the kind of drinks you can get at Starbucks in my opinion but FULL of protein! I keep a bottle of protein drink in my fridge all day, every day. Anytime I go in to the kitchen for anything I always take a couple of sips at least, especially when I think I am getting hungry and really shouldn't be eating. A few swallows of the protein drink and my stomach is satisfied. And it doesn't hurt to double up the amount of protein powder used. I ALWAYS mix the powder with milk, never water. It fills me up more, tastes way better and gives me the added protein (8 grams per cup).
Exercise
Yes, exercise can be an ugly word but since I have lost so much weight and feel more energetic, I exercise - A LOT. And that is my choice. Not everyone exercises but that really is a bad choice not to exercise. Your body, no matter your weight, needs exercise to be healthy. My love is martial arts. I always look forward to classes. Me being me, I worked my way up from only 2 classes a week, to 6 classes a week and then on to 6 classes of martial arts per week and 2 classes of boxing per week. Yes, that may be overdoing it, but I felt great - until I became too exhausted. Granted I was having trouble sleeping due to my personal life issues (nothing related to surgery or weight) so that may have had a lot to do with the exhaustion. But nevertheless, I was ABLE to do it - I WANTED to do it, and still do - up until this last month....
The reason I haven't exercised for this past month is because I had some health problems. It was perfectly normal for this to happen - my gallbladder had to be removed. Now that it is out and the doctor has released me to get back to life as usual, I am going to martial arts tonight. This month of not exercising like I had been has really taken a toll on me. I don't feel as good as I did! It is amazing how beneficial exercise really is. You have to think of it as a "want", not a chore. Since I have been out of exercising, I feel sluggish, less energetic, bloated, more tired (sleepy) and just blah. I also feel like I am letting my body go back to the way it used to be, but I know I won't let that happen!
It is said by everyone, everywhere that deals with exercise and health that you should find an exercise you like because you will stick with it. That is why I chose martial arts. I love martial arts and I stay motivated to learn more things and advance in rank. Without martial arts, I really wouldn't exercise as much, I just know it. But I still would make myself do SOMETHING because I don't want to go back to the morbidly obese person I was before.
Adapting
As I mentioned earlier in this post, I had to adapt to the new body I have discovered. The weight fell off so rapidly it felt at times like I just woke up and overnight had a new person standing in front of the mirror. Sometimes I still feel that way, but I am getting use to it now. Things have stopped changing AS rapidly. I was never a trendy dresser and always felt uncomforable in my clothing no matter how much I thought I liked it. I always just threw on what looked "decent". I loved shopping for clothes, but hated it at the same time. I wanted nice stuff but when trying it on, it looked bad, didn't fit right, didn't fit at all - depressing. I did at least always try to make myself presentable - always put on makeup and fix my hair (well, all I do with my hair is wash, comb, dry, brush and go - occasionally I put it up in a clip, but that is the extent of it).
Now - I love shopping! I love to try things I thought I would NEVER be able to wear. Something I have discovered - tank tops and sleeveless shirts! Yes, they aren't just for wearing around the house anymore! I have become confident enough with my body now that I will wear tank tops and sleeveless shirts out in public and not be embarrassed. I am a little bothered by the excess skin on my upper arms but ya know, considering where I was, I can live with a little saggy skin! And it really isn't that bad. And believe it or not too, I will wear spaghetti strap tanks out in public! This is all so amazing to me and I love it.
Another part of adapting is with regard to attention from others. A lot of women have said that men start paying more attention to them since they have lost their weight. I am shy and introverted and still don't go out too, too much but I have noticed more people noticing me. And I am talking people that work in the stores I go to, not going out partying or whatever. When I was at my largest, it was rare for someone to ask if they could help me. Now, more people are willing to assist me. Coincidence? Maybe. But it is interesting how less invisible I feel now.
So, that is all I have for now. Living, not just existing anymore! :)
Inspirational Quotes and Pictures
June 30, 2009
November 25, 2008
Already 2 Months Down
Two months went very quick! It seemed like FOREVER waiting for surgery to happen and now, I am already a little more than 2 months post-op! As I have said before in earlier posts, it hasn't been easy, but it has been worth it. I calculate my weight loss from my highest weight during this year since I signed up for surgery. I am now down 60lbs. That is amazing to me. It is coming off "effortlessly" so-to-speak. I am eating healthier, although I have had some downfalls, but the surgery certainly reminds me to stay on track. I started out not exercising as much as I should, but now I am back in MARTIAL ARTS and I am so excited!
I say it hasn't been easy because I have had to experience the negative reinforcement to solidly "get it". Sometimes no amount of counseling or direction makes it all come together. Sometimes, those that are stubborn like myself, have to find out the hard way. It is so easy to be tempted to revert back to old behaviors. But again, the surgery constantly reminds me I can't do that. It isn't fun to get sick, i.e. vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea... So you learn quickly that whatever caused it was NOT worth it!
Martial arts - my love!
I couldn't be more excited to be back in martial arts. I have compared my experience now (post-op, after losing only 40 lbs when I started back in classes) to the classes I had just prior to surgery and there is a remarkable difference! I remember prior to surgery I couldn't go for long without being drenched in sweat and panting, out of breath and unable to complete a full class. Now, I can keep up well and breathe better. I can last the whole class. There are times I can't go full speed like some of the others, but that's ok because I am working up to it. Considering I had major surgery a little more than 2 months ago, I believe I am doing great. It is hard to explain the difference in writing but I assure you it is so empowering. I feel like I can take on anything now - and I am not done losing all the weight!
Clothes
Oh yes! I have dropped enough weight to really start seeing changes in my clothes. Although, I am perplexed at how some people can lose 20 or 30 lbs and drop a few sizes and it took me 60 lbs to drop 1 size. I don't understand that. Before surgery, I was wearing 3x tops and size 18/20W pants. The pants were getting kind of tight. Now, right now, I am wearing jeans in a size 16M and they fit great. Very comfortable, I don't feel squeezed in and they don't look too tight (I keep asking others because I am self conscious about looking like I painted my pants on!).
Granted, as a lifelong habit, I have always worn my clothes loose. I have never liked "fitted" or "form fitting" clothing. I have always been overweight and I never liked to call attention to my fat rolls. This may be part of my issue now with thinking I am not dropping sizes as quickly as I am dropping pounds. But, I also don't look sloppy with what I do wear by wearing things that are simply TOO large. I don't wear clothes that sag off of my bum or tops that are so large two people could fit - no. I comfortably wear what I have had in my closet and felt was too tight to wear before. Some of my bigger items I have pulled out and given away. Some of the things I comfortably wear I have heard are actually looking too big now. But, I still wear what I have as long as it doesn't look too bad.
Donations
Prior to my surgery, my wonderful boss Angela emailed my entire office letting them know of my upcoming surgery. In the email, she said that I could use all the donated clothes anyone was willing to give because I obviously couldn't afford to keep buying new clothes in new sizes with the rapid weight loss I would be experiencing. I have to say I work with some wonderful people because I have received donations from 3 ladies here. I filled a dresser FULL of the clothes I was given! I can't thank them enough for their generosity. The jeans I am now in are those that were donated to me. Some of the tops I received are a little smaller than I am comfortable with right now, but I will get there!
I say it hasn't been easy because I have had to experience the negative reinforcement to solidly "get it". Sometimes no amount of counseling or direction makes it all come together. Sometimes, those that are stubborn like myself, have to find out the hard way. It is so easy to be tempted to revert back to old behaviors. But again, the surgery constantly reminds me I can't do that. It isn't fun to get sick, i.e. vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea... So you learn quickly that whatever caused it was NOT worth it!
Martial arts - my love!
I couldn't be more excited to be back in martial arts. I have compared my experience now (post-op, after losing only 40 lbs when I started back in classes) to the classes I had just prior to surgery and there is a remarkable difference! I remember prior to surgery I couldn't go for long without being drenched in sweat and panting, out of breath and unable to complete a full class. Now, I can keep up well and breathe better. I can last the whole class. There are times I can't go full speed like some of the others, but that's ok because I am working up to it. Considering I had major surgery a little more than 2 months ago, I believe I am doing great. It is hard to explain the difference in writing but I assure you it is so empowering. I feel like I can take on anything now - and I am not done losing all the weight!
Clothes
Oh yes! I have dropped enough weight to really start seeing changes in my clothes. Although, I am perplexed at how some people can lose 20 or 30 lbs and drop a few sizes and it took me 60 lbs to drop 1 size. I don't understand that. Before surgery, I was wearing 3x tops and size 18/20W pants. The pants were getting kind of tight. Now, right now, I am wearing jeans in a size 16M and they fit great. Very comfortable, I don't feel squeezed in and they don't look too tight (I keep asking others because I am self conscious about looking like I painted my pants on!).
Granted, as a lifelong habit, I have always worn my clothes loose. I have never liked "fitted" or "form fitting" clothing. I have always been overweight and I never liked to call attention to my fat rolls. This may be part of my issue now with thinking I am not dropping sizes as quickly as I am dropping pounds. But, I also don't look sloppy with what I do wear by wearing things that are simply TOO large. I don't wear clothes that sag off of my bum or tops that are so large two people could fit - no. I comfortably wear what I have had in my closet and felt was too tight to wear before. Some of my bigger items I have pulled out and given away. Some of the things I comfortably wear I have heard are actually looking too big now. But, I still wear what I have as long as it doesn't look too bad.
Donations
Prior to my surgery, my wonderful boss Angela emailed my entire office letting them know of my upcoming surgery. In the email, she said that I could use all the donated clothes anyone was willing to give because I obviously couldn't afford to keep buying new clothes in new sizes with the rapid weight loss I would be experiencing. I have to say I work with some wonderful people because I have received donations from 3 ladies here. I filled a dresser FULL of the clothes I was given! I can't thank them enough for their generosity. The jeans I am now in are those that were donated to me. Some of the tops I received are a little smaller than I am comfortable with right now, but I will get there!
October 27, 2008
Time Flies
Time flies when you are having fun, right? Well, as my journey progresses, I have stepped more and more away from the computer. That's a good thing though because that means I am doing other things. My latest diet phase was the soft solids phase. I can have anything (within guidelines of course) that is a soft consistency. Proteins are important and they have to be consumed first. I must admit, I haven't been good at getting in all the protein they tell me I need. I am working on that. Some days, I can't eat at all. I try to eat and if it doesn't agree with me, it comes back up. If I get "stuck" (the food won't go down), it comes back up. Just yesterday I was hugging the toilet for 2 hours. That wasn't fun. I think I had my first case of "the foamies" too. Yep, that's how I would describe what I experienced. Once the little bit of food that I did consume came out, all that was left was the consistency of dish soap suds. Ew.
The difficult part of this phase is finding what foods I can not only tolerate, but learning how to eat smaller bites and chew even more thoroughly. I pay when I don't play by the rules, and it isn't fun! There is nothing you can do once it starts to get it over with. If I eat sugar, I end up having dumping syndrome. If I eat too big a bite or don't chew well, it gets stuck and comes back up. What's done is done - you have to suffer the consequences.
The weightloss has been great. I am down 47lbs from my highest ever weight. My clothes are getting looser and I love it. I am trying on clothes I have had hanging in my closet for ages and they are fitting finally. It's like shopping in my own closet! I have always tried to follow a "classic" style when choosing my clothes throughout the years, so I don't have to worry about trends fading and having nothing to wear. I keep it simple. I keep it basic.
In a previous post, pre-surgery, I mentioned that my manager threw a "farewell" party for me in the office. Her invitation to the staff mentioned my need for clothes as I shrink. So far, two people have generously donated clothes to me and I so very much appreciate it! No one can afford a new wardrobe with rapid weightloss like this. So it is nice to be surrounded with supporting and generous people. I will pay it forward as I get to the stages where I no longer am able wear my bigger sizes.
Today's entry is short because not too much is happening to talk about at the moment other than what I have already mentioned above. Tomorrow is my next nutrition appointment. I will update with that information as soon as I can.
Until then, PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN!
The difficult part of this phase is finding what foods I can not only tolerate, but learning how to eat smaller bites and chew even more thoroughly. I pay when I don't play by the rules, and it isn't fun! There is nothing you can do once it starts to get it over with. If I eat sugar, I end up having dumping syndrome. If I eat too big a bite or don't chew well, it gets stuck and comes back up. What's done is done - you have to suffer the consequences.
The weightloss has been great. I am down 47lbs from my highest ever weight. My clothes are getting looser and I love it. I am trying on clothes I have had hanging in my closet for ages and they are fitting finally. It's like shopping in my own closet! I have always tried to follow a "classic" style when choosing my clothes throughout the years, so I don't have to worry about trends fading and having nothing to wear. I keep it simple. I keep it basic.
In a previous post, pre-surgery, I mentioned that my manager threw a "farewell" party for me in the office. Her invitation to the staff mentioned my need for clothes as I shrink. So far, two people have generously donated clothes to me and I so very much appreciate it! No one can afford a new wardrobe with rapid weightloss like this. So it is nice to be surrounded with supporting and generous people. I will pay it forward as I get to the stages where I no longer am able wear my bigger sizes.
Today's entry is short because not too much is happening to talk about at the moment other than what I have already mentioned above. Tomorrow is my next nutrition appointment. I will update with that information as soon as I can.
Until then, PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN!
September 30, 2008
Week 3 Post-Op - And a New Diet Phase!
It keeps getting better and better! I am now 3 weeks out and down another 3lbs! I hit a stall just after that first week and the scale didn't budge (which I was told by the nurse IS normal). But today, when I weighed in for my nutrition appointment, I lost another 3lbs. So exciting! And to add to that excitement, we got a new "menu". I am now on to the pureed foods stage. I have more variety now that I can add some veggies and fruit. Who knew I would be happy about adding veggies and fruit! I was like the "drive-thru queen" before surgery. There were days all I ate was fast foods and drank sodas - ALL DAY! Now, I am focused on healthier options and each new healthy option I am allowed to add is just great!
So, What's on The Menu?
I am allowed to have meats, veggies, fruits and starches - all in pureed form of course. I can have eggs, canned chicken, tuna (in water), low-fat mayo, fish, beef, pork, chicken - I am hungry just thinking about it! I can imagine pan frying a salmon steak with some olive oil and seasonings, throw it in the food processor to puree it and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Or even some egg, chicken or tuna salad.....oh my goodness, what will I decide for dinner tonight? It will be like a feast (although my portion size is still limited to a total of 3 oz each meal)! But variety is the spice of life as the saying goes. And luckily, spices are unlimited. Just fats are limited to 1 tsp per day. Yep - per day. But hey, eating too much fat was what got me here, right? So good RIDDANCE!
My next diet phase will begin on October 14th. That is the phase where I move on to soft solids. From here on out, I will be learning to deal with "real" foods. This is where I will have to learn even more control to last the rest of my life. This by far has not been easy. Anyone that thinks this is "the easy way out" is so very wrong. This is very difficult, but worth it. For those of us, like me, who can eat healthy but can never commit long term or can never combat portion control, this is the intervention needed.
Until next time - exercise, exercise, exercise!
So, What's on The Menu?
I am allowed to have meats, veggies, fruits and starches - all in pureed form of course. I can have eggs, canned chicken, tuna (in water), low-fat mayo, fish, beef, pork, chicken - I am hungry just thinking about it! I can imagine pan frying a salmon steak with some olive oil and seasonings, throw it in the food processor to puree it and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Or even some egg, chicken or tuna salad.....oh my goodness, what will I decide for dinner tonight? It will be like a feast (although my portion size is still limited to a total of 3 oz each meal)! But variety is the spice of life as the saying goes. And luckily, spices are unlimited. Just fats are limited to 1 tsp per day. Yep - per day. But hey, eating too much fat was what got me here, right? So good RIDDANCE!
My next diet phase will begin on October 14th. That is the phase where I move on to soft solids. From here on out, I will be learning to deal with "real" foods. This is where I will have to learn even more control to last the rest of my life. This by far has not been easy. Anyone that thinks this is "the easy way out" is so very wrong. This is very difficult, but worth it. For those of us, like me, who can eat healthy but can never commit long term or can never combat portion control, this is the intervention needed.
Until next time - exercise, exercise, exercise!
September 25, 2008
DRAIN OUT!
YES!! The drain is out! That pesky thing has been the source of any pain I have experienced since surgery. And now it is gone! I was so worried it was going to hurt taking it out but I didn't feel a thing! I felt the nurse tugging on the stitches as she was taking them out but there was no pain. I only felt the tugging, but I am apparently still numb in that area. I briefly felt the drain moving out of my abdomen, kind of like a butterfly feeling. Really weird...
Now, I am supposed to allow the incision to heal on it's own. The drain was stitched in to place but once removed, the incision remains open. I will keep gauze over it most of the time but at least twice per day I am supposed to leave it open to get some air. It will still drain some and eventually develop a scab. The nurse said it would look kind of like a hoof. Ewww.
Now, I have a total of 6 incision sites on my abdomen and nothing weird sticking out of me!
Now, I am supposed to allow the incision to heal on it's own. The drain was stitched in to place but once removed, the incision remains open. I will keep gauze over it most of the time but at least twice per day I am supposed to leave it open to get some air. It will still drain some and eventually develop a scab. The nurse said it would look kind of like a hoof. Ewww.
Now, I have a total of 6 incision sites on my abdomen and nothing weird sticking out of me!
September 23, 2008
2 Weeks Post Op
Today is officially 2 weeks since my surgery. How am I feeling? GREAT!! I felt so good yesterday I actually WANTED to go for a walk. I couldn't believe it. My energy is definitely up from where it used to be and the drain isn't hurting me anymore. THANKFULLY this thing comes out tomorrow!
I really surprised myself at the actual desire to go exercise. And it wasn't just a little stroll - no. I actually walked on the treadmill a solid 20 minutes at 3 mph. Now, I know this sounds like nothing to most, but to consider I went from nothing to this, that is a small accomplishment and I will take it!
I wanted to keep the momentum going so I made the effort to go for another walk today. I bumped it up a notch! The treadmills at the fitness center I go to are the programmable kind. I put in my age and weight (well, not the "real" number :)) and chose the interval setting. I have learned that interval training is best because it keeps your body "guessing" basically. The interval setting I used was programmed at 3mph on level "ground" and then 2.6mph on a 3% incline. I actually walked a total of 1.5 miles in 35 minutes! I really want to start weights to keep my upper body in shape as I lose. Hopefully I will be allowed to do so soon. I don't do body building type weights that add bulk. I just like to tone. I like the feeling of strength that it gives me. And defined muscles are hot! :)
As I mentioned in the last post, this week's diet has been much better. It feels like I am eating more "real" foods. Those first week supplements were bad! But you know what I am going to say to that - it is all a part of the process! Not everything is easy. This definitely takes work but it gets better and better. The supplements now are much better too. The fact that everything I eat is sugar free and fat free doesn't even register in my brain like it used to. I used to turn my nose up at anything sugar free or fat free because I knew it tasted terrible. As I was growing up, anything like that just wasn't worth eating to me. I had the mentality that I would rather be big and happy than to eat that stuff and try to be thin. But all that has changed now. Things have definitely improved. Everything I have had sugar free / fat free has tasted just as good as the regular stuff.
For now, that is all. I am just taking it a day at a time and working on the small victories.
I really surprised myself at the actual desire to go exercise. And it wasn't just a little stroll - no. I actually walked on the treadmill a solid 20 minutes at 3 mph. Now, I know this sounds like nothing to most, but to consider I went from nothing to this, that is a small accomplishment and I will take it!
I wanted to keep the momentum going so I made the effort to go for another walk today. I bumped it up a notch! The treadmills at the fitness center I go to are the programmable kind. I put in my age and weight (well, not the "real" number :)) and chose the interval setting. I have learned that interval training is best because it keeps your body "guessing" basically. The interval setting I used was programmed at 3mph on level "ground" and then 2.6mph on a 3% incline. I actually walked a total of 1.5 miles in 35 minutes! I really want to start weights to keep my upper body in shape as I lose. Hopefully I will be allowed to do so soon. I don't do body building type weights that add bulk. I just like to tone. I like the feeling of strength that it gives me. And defined muscles are hot! :)
As I mentioned in the last post, this week's diet has been much better. It feels like I am eating more "real" foods. Those first week supplements were bad! But you know what I am going to say to that - it is all a part of the process! Not everything is easy. This definitely takes work but it gets better and better. The supplements now are much better too. The fact that everything I eat is sugar free and fat free doesn't even register in my brain like it used to. I used to turn my nose up at anything sugar free or fat free because I knew it tasted terrible. As I was growing up, anything like that just wasn't worth eating to me. I had the mentality that I would rather be big and happy than to eat that stuff and try to be thin. But all that has changed now. Things have definitely improved. Everything I have had sugar free / fat free has tasted just as good as the regular stuff.
For now, that is all. I am just taking it a day at a time and working on the small victories.
September 18, 2008
Phase 2 Diet - YUM!
I could never imagine thinking how WONDERFUL it would be to have low fat cottage cheese or yogurt, fat-free cream soups and puddings - but MAN! After a week of liquid proteins and nothing BUT liquid proteins and water, this is heaven!
Today was my one week post-op nutrition class. We were given a new menu! The protein shakes are now the ones fairly similar to those I had pre-op (compared to this past week, those were divine). The protein supplements I get now are shakes, not just liquid (the liquid supplements were like the consistency of watered down fruit juice, with a "funky" taste, unexplainable really). This week's supplements are thicker and taste good. They are still sweet yes, but I now have the variety of creamy soups and cottage cheese so that not everything I eat is sweet.
Is The Hunger Back Already???
I was surprised to feel what I thought was hunger last week. So soon after surgery I didn't understand why I could feel hungry. I feared that I was unfortunate because so many people say they have no appetite at all, sometimes as long as a year. I feel something, which I would describe as hunger because I feel it in my stomach. A very familiar feeling. Is it head hunger? Not really sure, but either way, I have to stick to the plan.
With this week's options I can positively say I am not feeling that constant hunger as I did last week. I actually feel satisfied. I have begun to cue in to my feeling in my stomach which reminds me to eat every 2-3 hours now. So far, I am handling it quite well. The thicker consistency helps me feel full sooner and longer. With only 2-3 ounces of a meal choice at a time (for example, 2-3 ounces of low fat cream soup, and nothing else with it), it is a wonder a person could feel full at all, but I do. And I have learned to take it slowly eating. I made a mistake being too excited about having yogurt yesterday. I ate it a little too fast and suffered for HOURS. Yep, negative reinforcement. I did it wrong and I paid for it.
Vitamins
In addition to continued protein supplements and a new menu, this week begins the vitamins that are a requirement for the rest of my life. To hear those words sounds almost negative, a life sentence - "for the rest of your life". But, it is such a good thing. These vitamins (I chose Optisource because they have everything a bariatric patient needs) are meant to keep your body in shape internally since the new anatomy lessens the absorption of vitamins and minerals from foods we eat. I think a vitamin for the rest of my life isn't such a bad thing when you consider how healthy it is going to keep you. We should be taking vitamins everyday anyway, bariatric patients or not. It seems no one eats exactly what they are supposed to nutritionally every day, therefore vitamin supplementation is still a good thing.
Next, upping the exercise......
Today was my one week post-op nutrition class. We were given a new menu! The protein shakes are now the ones fairly similar to those I had pre-op (compared to this past week, those were divine). The protein supplements I get now are shakes, not just liquid (the liquid supplements were like the consistency of watered down fruit juice, with a "funky" taste, unexplainable really). This week's supplements are thicker and taste good. They are still sweet yes, but I now have the variety of creamy soups and cottage cheese so that not everything I eat is sweet.
Is The Hunger Back Already???
I was surprised to feel what I thought was hunger last week. So soon after surgery I didn't understand why I could feel hungry. I feared that I was unfortunate because so many people say they have no appetite at all, sometimes as long as a year. I feel something, which I would describe as hunger because I feel it in my stomach. A very familiar feeling. Is it head hunger? Not really sure, but either way, I have to stick to the plan.
With this week's options I can positively say I am not feeling that constant hunger as I did last week. I actually feel satisfied. I have begun to cue in to my feeling in my stomach which reminds me to eat every 2-3 hours now. So far, I am handling it quite well. The thicker consistency helps me feel full sooner and longer. With only 2-3 ounces of a meal choice at a time (for example, 2-3 ounces of low fat cream soup, and nothing else with it), it is a wonder a person could feel full at all, but I do. And I have learned to take it slowly eating. I made a mistake being too excited about having yogurt yesterday. I ate it a little too fast and suffered for HOURS. Yep, negative reinforcement. I did it wrong and I paid for it.
Vitamins
In addition to continued protein supplements and a new menu, this week begins the vitamins that are a requirement for the rest of my life. To hear those words sounds almost negative, a life sentence - "for the rest of your life". But, it is such a good thing. These vitamins (I chose Optisource because they have everything a bariatric patient needs) are meant to keep your body in shape internally since the new anatomy lessens the absorption of vitamins and minerals from foods we eat. I think a vitamin for the rest of my life isn't such a bad thing when you consider how healthy it is going to keep you. We should be taking vitamins everyday anyway, bariatric patients or not. It seems no one eats exactly what they are supposed to nutritionally every day, therefore vitamin supplementation is still a good thing.
Next, upping the exercise......
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