One Month Post Update WITH PICS

You are doing great and look fantastic!!!

What a great example for me! I'm so happy to have found this post!! Our starting stats are almost identical. I'm looking at a potential surgery date in early to mid April. Going to try and add you as my first friend. also, did u look at fitbit? I've heard it's really great, but you have me considering map instead! One more question.... How long did u wait before starting cardio after surgery?

Hi there!  I just accepted your friend request, thanks so much!  I'm incredibly flattered that you see me as an inspiration, thank you so so much!  As far as fitbit, I did look into it pre-op, but I really didn't an actual fitbit at the time, and MFP is soooo user friendly.  Plus I have access to the app n my phone, so I can edit my menu at any time.  Plus I love having my MFP friends.  They stalk my food diary and it really helps me stay accountable.  They always celebrate my victories with me too, it is awesome.

I also didn't worry about the fit bit too much because I knew I was going to invest in a good heart rate monitor.  I actually just purchased the polar H7 which is the Bluetooth monitor that will connect with my iPhone.   I have a two year old and simply cannot keep track of a ton of gadgets...so I really love how my iPhone can be everything I need (food tracker, fitness tracker, music playlist!). 

 

I started cardio at 2 full weeks out, and I kept it pretty low intensity for that first week.  I started with a treadmill warm up (15 minutes only walking at 3.4) and then 15-20 minutes on the arc trainer, which is similar to an elliptical.  If I felt overly tired or queezy or anything weird I stopped and took a break.  The last two weeks I have felt well enough to continue increasing my cardio. I'm now doing 45 minutes on the arc trainer and am up to level 2.  Working out was NEVER one of my problems though, I love the gym,I was in the Army for 7 years....but I was a chronic over eater and most likely a food addict.  I actually ran a 5k last summer at 220lbs..  One of the biggest reasons I turned to surgery was because I felt like my body just didn't represent who I was...which is an aspiring athlete :). I plan to restart my race training in march (I have an AMAZING workout buddy who had a baby in January, so she is cleared to restart training in march too).   I'm also joining an adult soccer league this summer (fun!) and signed up to try the ballet barre classes at my gym as well.

What is your MyFitnessPal user name?  I would love to follow you!

Hey Sara!  I am on MFP as Lbraunstein.  At one month out I still have not gone above 600 calls in a day.  I just physically can't...although I feel like I eat a lot of food, and often (although in reality I only eat 3 meals and 2 snacks a day.). Looking at my intake now makes my pre-op intake even harder to believe!  OMG, I actually felt physically nauseous the other day watching this couple eating at Chilis, it was just an incredible amount of food that they consumed in the time it took me to eat about 4 small bites of tilapia.

WOW!  What a difference!

Love this!!! Thank you for sharing- you are about a week ahead of me and this helps give me perspective. I really wish I had taken pictures like you did. You look great. I look forward to following your success.

Definitely take pictures NOW!  It's not too late!  I knew I was losing...obviously the number on the scale was getting smaller, but it was hard for me to SEE until we took the update photos today.  As soon as I put on the outfit my husband was like "oh man, this going to be good! I can see a huge difference!". So that felt really good.  The biggest shock was having him re measure me...4.5 inches off my waist!  OMG!  And over 3 inches off just one arm.  I couldn't believe it!  Again, I knew my clothes were getting looser...but seeing the hard numbers was so motivating to me.  

Amazing. You must feel amazing. Inspiring as well! 

My name is Kathy, I am scheduled for surgery 3/6. I have a supportive husband and two boys ages 1 and 3.  I would love to keep in touch so I will send you a friend request.  I had not heard of MFP, what exactly is it and how do I get it?

I am after reading your post going to take pics and measurements for sure. And now I am feeling excited not scared. 

THANK YOU

Hi Kat!  MFP stands for my fitness pal.  You can sign up and check it out at MyFitnessPal.com. You can also download the free app to your phone and iPad.  Definitely add me as a friend!  I'd love to keep in touch.  It's okay to be nervous about surgery...it is surgery after all :). But definitely be excited too.  I really feel like I was given a second chance at life, and I'm going to do everything in my power not to screw it up.  My favorite thing about my fitness pal (besides my friends on there) is the fact that each day when I complete my food diary it tells me what I should weigh in 5 weeks if I keep eating like I am.  So so so motivating!