*WOW* Feeling Much Better About Things...

So I just got back from the OH conference in Houston. I felt that content-wise it was one of the better ones I have been to, but then again it could be because I am in a place in my "journey."

Jeremy,  fitness guy, gave me an hour of his time one on one to talk about my exercise and nutrition. There could be several things going on, so he made some suggestions.

First I'm going to lower my protein intake (I was getting up to 180 g's per day.  He suggested between 120 and 130 is plenty, and that at 2 years out absorption  is not as much of an issue. In lieu of the protein I'm cutting, I'm going to add some carbs. Of course, this scares me!  In addition,  I'm going to cut my cardio down to 2 HIGH intensity interval sessions a week, plus a 30 mile bike ride. Weight training will remain, but it will be a consistent 4 times a week.

The caloric breakdown will be:

125-130 grams of protein/ 520 cal
150 grams of Carbs /600 cal
30 grams of fat/ 270 cal

I'm pretty comfortable getting in about 1300 to 1400 calories and with the suggested changes in my workout, it might help.

But... I also found out, and I can't believe I didn't realize this: In spite of my 212 lb. body, I sit at 34% body fat. For a 41 year old woman I am actually in  the "healthy" body fat category!  Jeremy suggested focusing on that fact and forget about BMI. I told him what I'm most worried about is my hip to waist measurement, as I am apple-shaped and carry my weight in the middle. I told him I want to lose 6" on my waist. And truly, I don't care what the scale says I'm at if I get to that point.  I'm at 38" right now... 32" is my goal.

Then I did the most unexpected thing. While watching a plastic surgeon's presentation I saw pictures of bodies that looked like mine... you know, that double cottage cheese stomach that looks like someone hung it from a coat hook. I saw a few more pictures, and it got me thinking..."Could that really be my stomach?" It sure looked like it. I was brave. I signed up for a free consult. I felt kind of stupid because I figured he'd think I was nuts coming in with my 212 bls., but  but he didn't.

What he did say was " You did an excellent job with your weight loss. Your back looks great!" I told him I thought I needed the body lift and he said, "I don't recommend a circumferential body lift, but instead an extended tummy tuck." "Huh?" I thought?  I was stunned... still am.

As he's got my pannus in his hands, he says "...all this will be gone." I was stunned. I asked, "About how many inches would that take off my waist?" He said "4" easily, possibly 5" or 6." Of course he had to qualify that because it wasn't a detailed consult, but he "felt very good about it" and said again that I definitely don't need a full body lift.

So, in the end there's really not a whole lot I can do about my pannus. I never ever thought I'd be a candidate for plastics, nor did I ever think I would consider it.  But as I understand it at the moment, for my body this will be the way to bring me closer to my desired result.  Now I understand why plastics are so important to post-ops. It kind of wraps everything up in a bow; it help complete the journey for you. 

Knowing that, coupled with the fact I'm already in a healthy body fat % range really makes me feel better about where I am. Add to that no longer being Diabetic and no longer experiencing sleep apnea and it's a pretty good deal. :)

So unlike my previous post, although I'm not yet a member of the "Centruy Club" (post-op), I'm feeling much better about what I've achieved in losing 135 lbs. . :) 

Does this mean I'm going to stop?  Heck no!  It just helps me maintain focus and continue forward feeling good about my effort.
 

Hey Donna!

Sounds like you had a GREAT time at the conference and received valuable information. Wonderful.

By the way ... you are a member of the CENTURY CLUB you lost over 100 pounds!! Right???


I can't wait to welcome you into ONEderland ...only 12.5 pounds to go - right?

With YOUR DETERMINATION .... I'm sure it won't be long before I see your
ONEderland post!

hugs,
Britt

Thanks Britt...

Technically I've only lost 95 lbs. since my surgery.  The other 45 were on my own, pre-op. 

Thanks for the encouragement, however it will be a long road... I've been 12 lbs. away since Last April, training for he MS150 and then training and completing a tri in June. 

I'm hoping that the info helps me.  Kinda scared about more carbs, but I"m giving it the old college try. :)

Donna

Girl CLAIM those 45 pounds - you LOST them PRE-OP  (brava!) Claim each one of them!

Why wouldn't you? (If I lost any pre-op I would have claimed them)

I hope the new changes allow you the RESLTS you are striving for :)

have a great day,
Britt

I would love to spend time with Jeremy!  I love his logic.  He seems like a lot of fun too. His advice for you sounds good.  Let us know how it works.


Wanda