Everything has changed

Everything has changed. In the span of a mere two weeks, as of today, my appearance has changed, my clothes are drooping, my energy level seems through the roof and old patterns of using food as my drug-of-choice to escape (just as surely as an alcoholic or drug addict does) is rapidly fading. I had my post-op follow-up exam yesterday: In 13 days, 31 pounds lost. I'm now at a weight I have not seen for five years or more. I realize this is just the beginning of this journey -- but I am already enjoying the scenery. The doc has given his clearance for me to return to work as long as I take it easy. He had suggested Monday would be better, but since I'm doing so well he acquiesced and OK'd a Wednesday (tomorrow) return. I'll be on a strict schedule for getting up regularly, moving around, eating my two-ounce meals at the right times (8 a.m. breakfast, noon lunch) and I plan on walking during the lunch break as well, keeping up the routine I've had daily since March 26, the day after I was released from the hospital. But I feel better about this decision to return to work -- and I feel great physically, too -- because it will spell some relief from supportive colleagues at the Trib who have acted more like friends than mere co-workers. Onward!

(If interested, other blogs on WLS:  remims.blogspot.com)

And so it begins! Welcome to the loosers side of life and a much better way of living! The first year or so is easy, enjoy the ride! Don't buy more than one change of clothes or so for a while and buy them a little smaller than what you are at the time of purchase. I would let my clothes get loose by a size or so before I would buy the next go around.  Goodwill stores can be a good place to pickup "new" clothes, for as long as you are going to wear the sizes inbetween and then donate them back, you win twice, once for the lower pirce of the clothes in the first place then the donation for taxes after you can't use them anymore! ENJOY THE RIDE!!!!

It happens very quickly, doesn't it Remins? Congratulations on your success to date.....it only gets better so hang on to your hat, brother. Boner

Congratulations Bob and welcome the loser’s bench!  Losing 31 pounds in 13 days feels terrific doesn’t it.  It only gets better. I stayed off of work for 3 weeks but I felt like I could have gone back in two as I started going stir-crazy sitting around the house.  Be a little careful tomorrow and don’t be afraid to call it a short day.  When I went back to work I found that I didn’t have as much energy as I thought. I was totally exhausted by the end of the day, but my energy levels improved rather quickly. Good Luck to you tomorrow. 

Don't be afraid to do half days (4 hours) the first week or so.  You'll know right away where you are on the energy level with work.  Brian

Half-days would have been better. Three full days of work have kicked my butt. Didn't help that the day I came back, the boss went through a mental health crisis and had to take indefinite leave. I feel awful for him . . . but it has meant double duty for me. I walk on what used to be my "lunch" break (eating my 2-ounce meal slowly before), and the exercise restores my energy and equilibrium remarkably.

Hey congratulations! You're doing really well for yourself. I'm down exactly 40 pounds today since surgery and it is my 5 week surgiversary. Pretty excited because I hit 250 flat which was one of my goals. I can't wait to be welcomed into the sub-250's and see a four after the first number!

WO . . . errrr, I mean Whew! What a big ol' stinkin' FART! Congrats to ya my man!!! Keep up the good work!

WO . . . errrr, I mean Holy Smokes!  What a big ol" stinking FART! Congrats to ya my man! Keep up the good work!

That is awesome man, congratulations and keep it up.  Taz