TGIF - survived a rough week

I can't believe it's Friday already - and what a week it's been.


Last week started a train wreck and ended up with a total derailment of any kind of healthy eating. It lasted a good 3 days, but as always, come Sunday, I had to force myself to get back up.

Much thanks to a wonder Ms Shell who I absolutely love and really helped me out figuring out a Plan B. I cut out all bread/grains this week, and got almost all of my carbs from fruits/veggies.  I discovered I won't die without bread haha. I increased my fats as well and so far, my energy has been fine - no carb withdrawal and energy for my runs.

I was really really in a deep emotional hole after watching my scale skyrocket 11 lbs over the course of 2 weeks and put me back over 200. I didn't know if I'd be able to recover from that blow, but I decided if I continued to eat like crap, I'd certainly STAY over 200 and I can't have that. I dont want any extra lbs to carry around while I run. So, I came up with a plan and stuck with it. It's involved a lot of liquids/shakes  and veggies and some good runs.

I know I need to find some better ways to deal with the curve balls. But, all things considering, I've learned not to beat myself up over it - sooo  goal #1 for the week accomplished - learning to love myself.

AND the best part is - I've stayed off the scale all week. I have no idea where it's at, and I don't care. I dont plan on pulling it out of my closet for a while -

I don't know what I did to deserve so many great friends here, but sincerely - THANK YOU. Even if I can't pull myself up, I can always count on you.

Glad to hear that you are back on track. We all have good days/weeks and bad days/weeks, but the important thing is getting back on track, which you have been able to do. Kudos to you!! This is definitely a learning process and hopefully, you are building more self-confidence and trust for yourself to remain on track and learn how to effectively cope with those curve balls that hit us. Everyday can be a challenge, but a plan will get you to your goals and will help you to get back up, when you falter. This whole process is learning to take better care of yourself, which is learning to love oneself.

Congratulations for getting back on track.

gail

Thank you for all your support!!

When I first started this, i assumed by 15 mo out that I'd have all of this figured out, but I realized that I'm in for a long ride that's really just getting started.

I think every set back really is just a confidence builder that I'll be able to keep getting back up - there's always a lesson to be learned along the way.

Allison, I just hit my 2 year mark and have been maintaining within a 2-3 lb window for about 17 months, and I still don't have "all of this figured out." Yes, I am more aware, but I still have days that I do better than other days. I have to watch some of my behaviors that led to weight gain, such as grazing. I still track my food, because that helps me to remain mindful and accountable. I have to feel my feelings more now, since I don't numb them out, by eating food constantly and eating the wrong things. When I feel agitated, I have found that exercise is a wonderful release for me, and I ALWAYS feel better afterwards. Nothing like a Spin class to wear off agitation. I'm sure that running does the same thing for you.

I still have to throw things away, when they become problematic and I just don't bring problem foods into the house. Of course, the problem foods can change from week to week or month to month. I just tell myself that making unhealthy and unplanned food choices, are just not worth it any longer. I never, ever want to go back to that obese and unhealthy person that I used to be. This helps to keep me on track. I do have planned "splurges" but I track and plan for them in my daily intake. This is definitely a learning process and a learning curve, especially the further out that we get from surgery, when it becomes more about our choices than the surgery itself. ANY surgery, ANY sleeve size can be eaten around, if a person makes unhealthy choices. It is totally up to us, to be successful in the long term.

Yes, this journey is full of lessons for us to learn.

You are an inspiration for many of us.

Gail

You had the logic of an overachiever.  Me too. 
I like the "confidence builder" comment.  It is very true.

This is a terrific post from you!  Your sharing of your thoughts will be such a help to so many.  And phooey on that blasted situation you found yourself in with the scale last week. 

Thrilled for you!  Seriously.

Awww, you need a Jenn hug. I've got lots & lots for you!!!!

 ((hugs!!))

I won't add much since I know you know you.. but I read something recently, and was thinking on folks that struggled with energy blahs on low-carbs.. it was an article from a person previously on the 'need carbs to fuel before long runs' camp, who (and I forget all the details) for some reason decided or needed to go lower carb and discovered fats were all he needed for stamina for long runs. High protein, good fats for fuel and low carb. I'm sure google-fu with low carb running would pull it up somewhere.. It may provide some good info maybe?  

 I checked it out. I think I like carbs tooً much to do low carb hahah. But at least I'm learning alt methods for fueling my body. Ultimately I'll find my optimal balance. 

Allison, you are awesomesauce. I'm glad you met your loving yourself goal this week. You are doing such an amazing job, and inspire so many people here at OH.