Good Tuesday Morning Maryland!

Hi Everybody, I've been kinda missing in action the past few days. I briefly read the boards, but haven't had time to post. So how is everyone? I understand the trip to the dinner theatre was great on Sunday. I'm sorry I couldn't make it - maybe next time! Work has been busy, busy busy and time at home in the evenings has been scarce, so I'm sending this post out to anyone who may be reading it because I can't answer each of the posts individually. For those who have recently celebrated big weight loss milestones, YEAH for you!! That's terrific, keep up the great work! WLS rocks doesn't it!!?? For those that are new to the board/just beginning your WLS journey/somewhere pre-op, I say congrats to you for making a decision to improve your health. Keep us posted (no pun intended) regarding your status and how you're doing. For those that are post op and are used to my posts, this is just for you hehehe So how goes the eating, protein, fluids, supplements and exercise? I'm doing good on all counts except the exercise. My time is not my own anymore (for the time being). After the hoopla of Christmas, I'm going to settle down and get back to the gym. So what's up in your world? Have a Wonderful Day! Take Care, Terry

Howdy all! Had the last of the Christmas parties yesterday. Chose not to participate in the food or drink. Sipped my water and made the appropriate small talk. So glad that is over. Christmas itself should be okay this year. Having the mom-in-law being just a month out from the WLS herself will mean the family is going to be extra sensitive about eating. Mom seems to be doing well. She was feeling light headed for about a week after the surgery, but seems to have figured out that she needs to be drinking water pretty constantly at this point. Only a couple more gifts to buy before Monday. I think I'll be done a couple days ahead this year. Good for me. Eating, drinking, exercise all continues to go well for me. I'm at 6 months tomorrow. -Daniel

Congrats on your 6 mos. Also, bravo for avoiding the treats at the party. We will be having our holiday lunch on Thursday. Since it will be a working lunch, I guess I will work instead of eat. We are also doing a secret santa activity. Despite my repeated answers about what I can eat or not drink, my secret santa has given me things I will have to get rid of. Oh well... supposed to be the thought that counts. Happy Holidays, Aime

Hey Daniel -- Congradulations for avoiding the "food" thing. I haven't been so good--- although not horrible. Trying to maintain my weight over the holiday. It will be three full years out at the beginning of February. I lost another 35 lbs in 2006. I hope to get to my personal goal some time in 2007. However I am ok if I stay where I am at. Just means I have to work at it more -- if I want to meet my personal goal. I need to let you know that you encouraged me to get back to the gym with your comments at group last week. Nothing special other than looking at the excitement on your face. Oh to have such excitement after three years out. I remember the first year or two so very well. Now it is "old hat" --- normal living. But I guess that is what it is supposed to be --- I just wanted to be "normal" -- a normal weight--- a normal look -- normal eating---- Now I am here --- I sometimes don't know what to do with myself. Seems sooooo very strange to me. Keep up the good work. See you at next group. Debra

Debra. I'm trying hard to push this exercise thing as long as I can. I've been miserable at it most of my adult life. Part of the lifestyle change I'm trying to make. Really helps that I have a gym right across the street from my office and my co-workers are flexible with me taking time to workout. Don't think I could do it as easily without those assists. -Daniel

Hi Terry, It is a very busy time indeed. I was only on the site one time last week myself. My co-worker was out with a back injury so I had to take care of her peeps along with mine. I went non-stop the entire week and even had to take some work home. This week is a bit quieter. I plan to get some filing done and get myself reorganized after the past weeks hectic time. After the holidays the exercise will be a bit easier to fit back into our schedules. I managed to do 40 min of cardio last night at the gym but that is about all I will get to do this week. It's shaping up to be a busy week with all the running, baking, shopping and wrapping that I want to do. It's fun though and I am really looking forward to baking goodies for everyone. I used an Eliptical Crosstrainer machine last night for the first time. I have been on the regular eliptical before but this machine is different. You are doing the same kind of movements with your legs only you are sort of in a squat position (well, half squat). When I first got on I thought I might have to find something else but I was able to do 20 mins on that machine. I could really feel my leg muscles working and the cardio was good. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to not only stay on that long but I didn't feel like I was going to die doing it. Two years ago was the first time I tried an eliptical and I could only do 2 minutes to begin with. I haven't been on that macine in almost 18 months and got on there like an old pro yesterday! Those are the fun little wow's that WLS brings me. Doing good with eating and drinking and such. Even doing better with my vitamins! I have to stay on top of that. Otherwise I will feel sluggish and run down. Today is our holiday party here at work. All the new employees have to do a skit. I am a team captain and we have a pretty funny skit. It has been fun putting this together, I just hope that the crowd thinks its a funny as we do. Should be a lot of fun. And hey, we get paid to party for 2-4 ours! What could be better than that! Have a fab day y'all! Looks like rain for Christmas. Sadly no snow but at least it'll be colder for the holiday. I just believe that Christmas should be good and cold. Hugs, Robin

Hey Terry. I assumed you were busy as were most of the other forum posters. I wish I could manage to get to exercise. Other than the walking I do at work and the running around after work at home etc, I am not able to do much else. Just when I would expect work to settle down, my supervisor has added tons of last minute to dos. I will be working at home this evening. At least she approved comp time for me. I was supposed to go to dinner and maybe a movie with a "friend", but alas..... Hope the craziness slows for you also. Aime