Thursday January 11, 2018

I've wondered this for myself too, Diane.

My dad suffers from migraines and is always taking medications (that have their own lovely side effects) and recently had surgery that looks like has done nothing for them. So I commented to him the other day "ya know, if I was suffering like you, I'd be willing to try ANYTHING--gluten free, essential oils, acupuncuture. I mean, what could it hurt?"

But then it occurred to me--is it that simple? I mean did I really exhaust my resources with losing weight prior to WLS? (I mean hey, at least I tried it and it has been a solution. But I'm sure many people would've said the same thing to me****rtainly did not exercise. And maybe eventually dieting would have worked (snort! okay but you see what I'm saying).

I'm a big believer in only eating food I like. That sounds obvious and yet how often do we not follow that rule. I'm a good eater so maybe I wouldn't extend that to kids like my nieces (who would interpret this directive as a way to only eat lucky charms and goldfish forever and ever). It's the reason I don't drink protein shakes any more. Sure they're good for me. But I hate them. Life's too short.

My sister has already applied this same logic to exercise. She hates going to the gym. But she really likes walking outdoors and keeping up her step count. Hey: it's all moving.

I don't think it's all that simple. Some things don't have instant gratification/you can't know if you like it or hate it until enduring some of that hard getting started stage. That's definitely how last year and getting a trainer went. I hated the gym. I feared it. I also loathed how weak my body seemed, and putting mirrors all around just added insult to injury. And those first few weeks sucked. BAD. I hurt in muscles I didn't know I had. I was way more exhausted than I had been before (where' that energy boost exercise is supposed to yield?!). But I stuck it out, mostly because we had paid for a personal trainer and their rates are obscenely high. And you know what? I really really liked going to the gym. I especially liked the sense of accomplishment I got out of it. I liked that for once in my life I had another metric by which to judge my body. And most of the time it was awe and not shame.

I think it's different for all of us. I think do something you like! Or if there is something challenging you want to try, try to commit to it for a given amount of time. (Don't take my lead on yoga haha. If I wanted to try it again I'd be sure to sign up for a beginners class and set a goal of going x times)

Hi everyone,

Liz, glad your good sleeping is continuing. Thanks for further sharing about your treatment.

Diane O, sorry about the leaky pipes. I hope there isn't too much damage.

Cecily - you did it. Good for you!!

Thanks to everyone for their shares, which serve to strengthen all of us.

Today has been much calmer, although both girls are sick. The younger one has strep throat and the older one woke up hacking and feeling gross. The dr. tested her for flu and strep, but both were negative, though it may be too early to tell about strep. The younger one has been drinking out of the mug of water I bring to bed, for the past two nights. Is this sore throat I have from that, or imagination since we got back from the doc's? Time will tell.

Food today has been good, but what a hectic day! After running around today - work, then pick up younger one at school, go to pediatrician, then to orthodontist to pay my bill and let them know the possible infection we thought was coming on from the screws they put into her jaw is strep, so she doesn't need to be seen, then to the other one's dr. to bring the insurance info, then to the pharmacy to get meds, the grocery store to get soup and juice, and waiting on them both, I'm pooped! They've both been watered, fed and medicated and this old lady is now relaxing and enjoying her afternoon decaf. LOL

I am feeling a bit sad, though, as our house guest for the past month, a six month old wild child kitten named Koda, is going home tonight. She and my younger daughter really bonded. Even though she was into absolutely everything, we all really enjoyed her and will miss her. I'm not sure Sammy, our 12 year old pup, will miss her, as she tended to try to swat him and dive bomb onto him, but even he tolerated her. We've decided to go to the shelter and let the younger one pick out a kitten or cat to take care of. It will be wonderful therapy for her. We mentioned it at the doc's today, and she thought it was a great idea too.

Well, I guess it's time to start dinner for hubby and me. I'm just throwing a quick chili together and will make a salad to go with it. Have a great evening all! Hugs, Mary