New month...new challenge! (Before&After pictures included)

I am almost four months out from my surgery and I feel really really ready to get focused on exercise but find I am struggling with too much on my plate and not enough time/energy left for it. I am challenging myself to get in at least 30 minute of physical exercise each day for the month of February. I may not make it to the gym each day but I can at least walk my dog for 30 minutes, right?

Since surgery I have so much more energy and am feeling motivated but I keep filling my plate with things for other people- my kids, my friends, my community, my work. I am starting to see that my tendency to count myself as last in line is not improved just because I am losing weight. Anyone else experience this?

Are you doing anything new or special this month? 

Three months after surgery, down about 70 pounds. January 2016

 A few months before surgery, 265 pounds.

Many of us find that we are caregivers to everyone but ourselves. Try to carve out some time that is just for you. I know that is easier said than done. also just getting out and walking the dog is exercise. It does not have to always be a big workout at the gym.

I have found that the surgery has given me the confidence to say no to some things so I can do more for me

Just occurred to me... my signature line quote is "Meaning of life? Other people." I guess I really can't be surprised right? Thanks for the encouragement.  Saying 'no' has always been tough for me.

~Elizabeth

A) I looooooove that dress. I love me a peplum! 

B) That's an awesome goal! When I let myself get out of the gym habit I did a 2 week streak - going every single day for 14 days and it really helped refocus my energy.

One thing that I've learned that I HAVE to do is plan my workouts in advance and put them in my calendar. On Sunday evenings I sit down and plan out my exercise for the week - I look at what meetings I have and decide if I'm doing am or pm workouts and I even pick specific classes to attend and if the workout will be on my own I write down what I'm going to do like "Bike/Elliptical/Run" or "5-10-15 Circuit." I'm MUCH less likely to let something get in the way of my plan when I've actually put it on the calendar. 

Oh! And if you're an app kind of person I have downloaded the FitStar and FitStar Yoga apps, which are great for an at home workout when you can't get to the gym/need a lighter rest day. 

Thank you! 

A) Totally bought the dress and it is really awesome. 

B) I am hopeful this will be a good kick start

PLanning!  That sounds good.  Writing it into my planner now. 

Thanks,

~E

You look great. You have to make yourself the priority. I totally understand. I used to fix everyone else's plates. Now I fix my own first.

Putting yourself can be a challenge. I now say I am first. You have to almost put it in your head on a daily basis. 

I have to say I was on a high right after surgery. I still love that I can actually walk without having to stop and lie and say I am not feeling well. 

Coming here and asking questions is a good thing. People who have never been obese can be supportive but they never would know what it is like to be obese. 

Keep up the good work. And take care of yourself. 

Think activity, not exercise. Walking the dog for 30 minutes is great. Lots of folks here get to their goal weight without formal exercise. But increasing activity as much as you can is a great thing.

It seems like being people pleasers is a common theme among the obese. You don't have to try to put yourself first in everything, but try to make your eating, at least, the number 1 overall priority.

Thank you for the encouragement.  I was feeling like "just walking" wasn't 'real exercise'. Feels good to know it counts. :)

Thanks for sharing your pics. You're doing great and you can do it-like others have said plan what you want to do as far as exercise and we all need reminders that we are important too :)

Elizabeth,

Thanks for the photo and your post. You look amazing! Just so you know I have lost 100 pounds with fast walking everyday. So walking your dog is perfect. Also if you can make yourself first then all will fall into place. For me anyway I had to decide to put myself first above all else to make this surgery work for me. It's not a selfish thing, just some of the reason I was morbidly obese was because I didn't take care of myself. Do what works for you. You have done so well and I am so happy for you. Good luck and keep us posted.

Robin