? re: this awesome journey...

Hi Everyone, I logged in today for the first time in weeks to find out about Roberta's cookout and I realized how much I miss everyone and loved reading updates. Congrats to everyone on their progress and good luck to everyone playing the waiting game...I know it's tough! I started off with a bang getting all vitamins/protien/water/exercise and still do well, but I've relaxed a bit after talking to my doctor...yes I'm anal and was stressing myself out wanting to do everything perfect. I think I went through a stage to see how I would do w/out quite as much water and protein. This is what I've learned...my body is happy with about 50 ounces of liquid versus 64 where I'm miserable...my pcp agreed and told me to listen to my body...I also found that I feel so much better when I get my 60 ounces of protein versus the 30 to 45 that I was getting without the supplements. So now I've settled into 50 ounces of liquid and I drink an Isopure 40 gram drink or 1/2 of one depending on how much protein I get through regular food. I still manage to stay within the 600 to 800 calorie range and I eat 3 meals and rarely snack....All of this is trial and error and I'm not advising anyone...I think the journey is somewhat personal as you try to find your way and what your body is comfortable with. So far I'm doing well and have lost a total of 74 pounds in 15 weeks. Though it averages to be almost 5 pounds per week, it is more like 5 pounds and a stall, another 5 and a stall. I weigh everyday and would not do it any other way because I enjoy documenting the changes I'm going through and seeing it daily is fascinating. The one thing I've noticed going through that I don't remember reading very much about before surgery is the exaggerated emotions I feel....I attribute it to the enormous change in such a short period of time both physically and socially. I notice that I'm happier, yet my expectations have grown of myself and where I think I should be...I don't allow myself to hide behind weight anymore and I don't tend to use it as an excuse not to do things, so I put more pressure on myself to be outgoing and to get out and meet people...this is the most exhausting and yet uplifting part of the journey that I have experienced yet...I feel like I'm slowly growing into myself again and into the person that I was before I allowed weight gain to limit me. Therefore my confidence has increased and people feel more comfortable being around me. I have bad days...really bad days where things bother me more than they normally would, but I'm allowing that to happen...realizing it is part of the change and I feel like I'm a a catepillar in a cocoon fighting to becoming a butterfly. Does anyone else feel the same way???? Jamey

Hello Jamey, It is so nice to see you post today , we have missed you on here I know I do not get enough protein, I try I really do , but often fall short . I feel great, I have more engery than I have had in years, I can work for hours in my yard after working a 8 hour day and a 0ne hour work out... I sometimes feel like shouting my joy , I am so thankful for this surgery. Hope everyone makes it to the cookout tomorrow I can't wait to see you all . p.s. Jamey, my girl Pug ( The Cheese ) wanted me to tell you , she would love to see you All my best Allison

Hello buddy...one observation...WE BOTH NEED NEW PROFILE PICTURES!!! YEA!!!! I'll see "Naco" tonight for a little while

Hi Jamey, This is an awesome journey isn't it. You said it very well. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. Have a good evening!! Pat

Yep...all that and all "teenage" with DH. Funny thing is....we've laughed about the fact that I'm coming on to him and thinking Im all hot and still weigh as much as a grown man but no letters to the complaint department. Men, gotta love em. see you tomorrow. Gail

Hey Jamey, I think you are doing wonderful..and its funny that you bring this topic up. I've been having all kinds of emotions here lately. From really hi HI's to bottom of the barrel lows. Its hard to understand them. But here lately I've been feeling lost. I mean everything I want is within my grasp, the body I want, a good job, family, health a great guy, but sometimes I don't feel like its me, or that I'm not worthy or its just weird.. Hopefully I'll come to terms with all this good stuff and just learn to be happy. What do you think? Take care of youself.. Sandi