Hi Ya'lL!! Updates and Confessions....

Hey Everyone....
I don't get much time to hop on here anymore, and I miss each of you.  I thought I'd drop in to say hi, read up on folks and catch ya'll up on my post op festivities.....

Great Wow's and Hooray's

I'm down to 207 from 291 (hw) or 286 post op, so things are grand! I actually am a 16 bottom and L top.. weird... My hubby says my butt is lifiting... LOL... I'm more confident and much much happier.. I'd do this again in a heartbeat.  I'm running 3-5 times a week, I run a 12 mm now vs a 15 - 16 - 17 minuite mile before... Im getting stronger.  none of this would have been possible with out the choice to have the RNY surgery.

The reality....

As you all know you can eat a little more the more you get further out, I can probably eat around 4 or 5 oz depending on what it is, sometimes a little more.  I haven't really kept by the rules of waiting 30 min to drink etc, but am working on realing that in as I don't want to get into bad habits.  I definetly see the habits still hanging around and now because of the tool I have the choice. It's still a struggle.  I have come to accept that I AM IN CONTROL and it's me doing the work. I think this is great because for so long I kept it hidden or didn't tell a lot of people that I had surgery... so Ive become quite a proud pea**** :)

I still worry about weight regain as time goes on, but I know I'm in control.  I have learned to be a little less hard on myself and forgive myself for those choices that would take me down for the count for days, weeks etc and would take the gain of 20 pounds to get me out of it. 

I haven't been the best at writing things down, or measuring, and this too is a slippery place to be.  I've gone on learning the new sensation of "full" and stopping there, but that is dangerous.  I eat a little faster than I should and I worry about that too.

I guess I write all this to kind of confess and reboot ;-) To remind myself why I had the life altering surgery, to remember where I won't go back to and wow ... this is another part of the journey... It's been physically, mentally and emotionally the most challenging and rewarding choice I've ever made.

If you have any tips and tricks or the daily road... would love to know... one day at a time, one moment at a time...

XOXO

Amanda

Amanda - you sound like you are doing great.  If you don't mind my asking, what weight were you when you started running?  I'm 244 now, but think my knees need to wait at least another 20 or so lbs.  Let me know what you think, and keep up the good work to inspire us "newbies".  lys

Thansk LYS :)

I ran at 240... just jogged slowly.. start with walking or doing the couch 2 5K program it's the best! I ran at 220 as well.. and as I slim down, it's only getting easier and Im getting stronger and faster!

Amanda

Sounds like you are doing great Amanda!!!  And being strong enough to talk about the every day struggles is amazing.  This is a lifetime event and things we have to work on forever.

Our pouches do grow, one of the best ways to make sure you are not overeating is to continue to measure out your meals whenever possible.  I have the hardest time waiting 30 minutes to drink after I have eaten, my mouth is dry and I want something.  Usually what I do is pop in a piece of gum.  I know some surgeons don't allow it so I wouldn't recommend it if you aren't supposed to.  Perhaps a piece of sugar free candy instead.  Sometimes we do need those bad choices every once in awhile.  Not beating yourself up is the best strategy for that.  Each person has to find the best approach for them.  I don't measure or keep a food log on a daily basis.  Every once in awhile if I feel like I have been doing poorly for awhile I will do a food diary for a few days to see what I am doing.  By keeping yourself mentally there, watching your body & working hard you are on the right path.

Keep up the great work!!!!

Thanks Court! The non drinking thing is the HARDEST... I'll try your little tip....
Not beating ourselves up is KEY... i deal with that every day on every topic imaginable.  Im excited because our support group this month is with a Psychologist that works with Bariatric patienets and folks taht have emotional eating issues, which .. for some reason the Doc left the emotional issue eating key inside when he did my RNY (HA!)

Hope married life is treating you well...

Amanda

Amanda,

It sounds like you are really doing well.  Exercise is a key part.  Are you remembering to do your vitamins every day?  You are on a great path and "fessing up" is the hardest part to getting back on track.  It seems like you have done a wonderful job of getting this far and I know you will continue to do well!

Tammy

Thanks Tammy!!!

Yes, I take my vitamins daily.. that is one thing I won't slack from......

Thank you for the pat on the back and encouraging words...

This journey is like being on a balance beem!!! Maybe I'm the next Shawn Johnson

Come on Olympics!!! :)