Are you feeling blue? alone? stalled? Spring into shape!

Hi all, I've been noticing too many people with seasonal doldrums, relationship blues, and overall hitting speed bumps along our journeys.  This is my second spring, at nineteen months post RNY WLS, and I'm determined to shed the final ten pounds for attaining my personal goal (which is below the surgeon's goal.) 

Therefore, I began the five-day pouch test yesterday, and it's surprisingly easy, even considering my WLS program did not require any liquid diet prior to surgery.  The key here is to keep getting in the protein powder added to your liquids. At GNC I purchased three huge 2.1 lb.  containers of America's #1 Protein DEGIGNER PROTEIN WHEY (on sale @$29.99 each) in the French Vanilla at 18 g protein per scoop.  I put two to three scoops in 16 oz water (no milk at this time to cut carbs) and add two packets of Splenda.  I also add  either French Vanilla extract, Raspberry extract, Lemon extract, or Almond extract to provide full flavor.  Today and tomorrow (bonus third day of liquids) am also having strained cream of celery or chicken soup with poultry seasoning added, s/f jello  (black cherrry, strawberry-kiwi, mixing peach and raspberry), and  s/f jello pudding (mixed together the chocolate fudge and banana are awesome!, and to cut carbs, I used plain soy milk).  I've found it easier to prepare my choices the day prior to starting the regimen, so there's no second-guessing what I'm actually going to eat (drink) the first day.  Very satiable, very pleasant, and am feeling both optimistic and successful! And definitely not hungry--remember to follow instructions of allowing just fifteen minutes at each 'meal'.

My Valentine gift to myself, having very recently breaking up (MY choice!, not easy) with S/O of twenty months, bought the Wai Lana Pilates Yoga exercise ball kit wih instructional DVD  having tropical sounds background for strengthening and toning muscles, increased flexibility and balance, improved coordination, loosening stiff joints, and stretching the back. (Available at Marshall's for $12.99 and includes pump and instructional DVD) Have been utilizing this every morning and evening.  I'd taken a Yoga Pilates class a year ago and lost track of keeping that up, so have now documented my exercise plan whi*****ludes an interesting variety of aerobic, modified resistance strength training, stair-stepping on the two top stairs, and several previously-purchased Pilates DVDs.  I'm so motivated, and feeling very positive doing this for myself.  Hence, when external obstacles strike our psyche, we are individually responsible for our own progress, happiness, and success, yet receiving unconditional love and suport here on the boards! Best of the best to each and everyone of you!  WE control our destinies, our destinies do not control us!  Take care all, and hugs galore!  Patti

Good message Patti... I was kinda glad to read that others have been done too and its not just me. Thanks for taking the time to give us all a pep-talk!  I needed it! Hugs hugs Linda

Way to go Patti - way to start anew for yourself!  Your enthusaism is contagious and I agree many need to hear your message right now - winter is getting old and so are the clouds.  I hate that we have to sacrifice sun for cold, but we all will get through this season with the help and encouragement of each other.  Thanks for starting this support for everyone on this board. I wish you great success as you pursue olosing those last ten pounds.  If you put your mind to it, you CAN do it! Love ya!

Patti- Thanks so much for your ideas and words of wisdom!  I too have been in a rut.  What you said in your post about us being "individually responsible" is so true.  I know I can tend to make excuses and blame my rut on other things when in the end it is up to me.   Thank you so much.  Keep us updated!! 

Patti...thanks for the post. We are the ones in charge of ourselves and we have to make things better. No one else can do it for us. However, living in this cold, damp, dark area doesn't help any of our moods. I need springtime. I need to feel the warmth and the energy from the sun. I do workout almost daily. I do all I am supposed to but it isn't helping get me out of the rut I am in. Hope you can find the answer you need. Hugs, connie d

Hey Patti, Thanks so much for the great post. Best of luck with those last 10 pounds. I did the 5DPT a week ago........it was very empowering and eye opening. It was amazing how doing something different could perk me up!! Keep us posted, Pat