Words of encouragement from an "old-timer"

OK, this is my first time to visit this forum. As I read several posts where people were discouraged (plateaus, lack of energy, etc), I thought I would post a word of ENCOURAGEMENT!!! I'm probably one of the "oldest" post-ops in the 1/2005 forum since my surgery was on 1/3/05, the first work day of the new year. Like many post-ops, I was down 27 pounds at my 10-day appointment. Then, NOTHING...for weeks!! I traded the same 3 pounds back and forth for almost a month. But when my dietary restrictions eased up some and I started adding back a few more calories/carbs, the scale began moving again. Then, I started water aerobics last week and, zowee!! -- recorded a 52 pound loss yesterday on my two month anniversary!!! So, I guess this post has two messages (neither of which are too original, we read the same things on OH all the time). 1) Hang in there. For these first weeks, we really are recovering from major surgery. Every component of our post-op instructions (diet progression from liquids to puree to full foods, incision care, etc.) are because our guts have been traumatized and must heal. I count those early, "easy" pounds that melted off as gifts - I certainly didn't do anything purposeful to make them go away. The real work is just beginning... 2) This surgery is not magic. We knew going into it that it would require major changes in our lifestyle, including serious exercise. Believe me, I have not suddenly fallen in love with putting on a swimming suit in public or going to the gym, but I have started doing it faithfully because I must!! The surgeons worked on our bodies, but only we can work on our heads. The biggest obstacle to starting an exercise program (especially if you've never done one or haven't been able to for a long time) is our own excuse-making. Once you hit 2 months out, being post-op is no longer a valid excuse. For me, adding exercise to my daily schedule has required declining other requests for my time. I don't have much practice at saying "No", but I decided BEFORE surgery that I needed to be higher up on my own priority list for however long it takes to reclaim a healthy life. I am not going to turn this post into a deep, psychological one, but thinking differently about myself as a personal priority has not come very easily. As each of us passes the 2 month mark, I would just encourage everybody to really reflect on this component of your climb toward health. Recovery from your surgical procedure will be fading into the past -- are you ready to step back into the rest of your life?? I feel like I finally took that step last week and I am convinced the surgery is going to do exactly what it is supposed to do for me - now and for the long-term. ((((Hugs)))) to all!!

Great post! So many people freak out when they don't lose weight from the day before. I know I am a scale ***** but I don't freak out when I don't see a loss. I am getting my final clearances today and have already signed up for the gym. I love swimming and nothing short of the pool closing will keep me out of it. I also get a little "high" from weight lifting, so that will be getting added soon. Heidi -35 since surgery -69.5 from all time high

I too appreciate the words of wisdom. It came at a good time. I've experienced my first crying "jag" of the last 6 weeks. My hubby isn't Mr. Sensitive, so this email, full of "calm, simple, facts," turned my day around. I will NOT be the only one to reach plateau's or feel weak. I am not the only slow loser, and I MUST exercise to reap the best possible results, or all of this will be for naught! Thanks for helping me get out of the dumps. Dianne

THANKS for such an awesome post! I totally agree with you. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of this stuff! Brightest Blessings for a Wonderful Day~ Jamie M. aka Lady Autumn Weight- 257/217/146 BMI- 44.1/37.2/25 Height- 5' 4" lbs lost: -40 Surgery Date: 1/19/05 My WLS Journey Site: home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-LadyAutumnsWLSjourney No matter what size, we are all Goddesses inside!