Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Weight: 134.0
Macros: Cals - 1,361, Carbs - 185, Fats - 23, Protein - 64, Fiber - 24
Sleep hours: 7.5
Vegetable/Fruit Servings: 8
Exercise: Walked 10.5K steps
Meditation: Yes

At yesterday's fourth annual post-sleeve follow-up visit I got an A+! On my surgeon's scales I weighed 0.8 pounds less than I did last year ... whoo hoo! :)

FYI, my doctor was in surgery yesterday, so I didn't get to see him. But I saw the Nurse Practitioner I've been seeing since before surgery who's incredibly knowledgeable about all things bariatric. BTW, I so appreciate the long tenure of this surgery practice's team members. It's so nice to see the same people year after year.

This year's blood panel results were great: Iron (which was barely normal last year) is now in mid-normal range (so I'll continue taking the iron supplement I started last fall); B12 is above normal (so I'll stop taking the extra B12 tablet I've been taking twice a week). Liver looks great, calcium and vitamin D were both great, good/bad cholesterol ratio is 79:78 (wow!), and everything else rocks, too.

We discussed my (milder lately) GERD and concerns about Barrett's Esophagus. The NP said they are seeing that condition only very rarely in bariatric patients), but nevertheless ordered an upper gastrointestinal series to check out my hiatal valve and esophagus. She also ordered a test to measure my current lean mass and body fat. I'll report on those results later.

FYI, at my past four annual follow-up appointments my weight on the doctor's scales have been:

Year 1 = 144.0
Year 2 = 138.4
Year 3 = 134.8
Year 4 = 134.0

I could not be prouder of myself and all I've accomplished on this front in the last five years. I say "five years" because it took me a year prior to WLS to make the tough decision to be sleeved and to start (anew) taking responsibility for my weight and health in ways I'd never done before.

Today's theme: Our actions really are powerful, and they can produce results.

Hello from RVing land !! Made it to our first official site with no major incidents except for DC driving past the entrance because " he didn't see it". I was following in our Chevy Trax, because we aren't ready to tow yet and he "didn't need to have a lead car". Beeping and emergency flashers didn't alert him. An over shoot in a 32" motor home is not just a matter of a U turn in the road. Once at the site, the set up was fairly straight forward, except for the fact that the air conditioning kept turning off. It is in the upper 90's, humid and there is a heat index of 106. Turns out we had a bad electrical box. We hope to use the paddle boats on the lake and the pool today.

Really swollen fingers and feet, so I'm glad I'm not weighing in until Friday ! Ann... you rock star, you !!! Your Dr. visit STATS are amazing !!! When you add in all of the "head work" you have done....talk about transformation !! Wishing you all mindful moments !

You have a new identity as an RVer! Very funny about you trying to get DC's attn!

I'm glad you are having shakeout runs. A bad electrical box wouldn't be good if you were far away. So wonderful that you are doing this. What adventures you will have!

Good morning,

Ann, I am reveling in your annual follow up numbers! If I was Buster, I would fling myself onto the whole pile of them, then soak them up with a long roll and wriggle. I'm proud of you, too....and so glad to have you here on the board, sharing your journey with us. What test are they using to measure body composition?

Cecily, I feel your pain regarding your dad and vacation invites. It is, of course, your aunt's fault. Your dad will understand that. Eventually, it will be a funny aunt story.

Liz, I agree with everyone that your European exercise portions will be large, and pastry portions small. And you, of all people, have navigated restaurant/social eating successfully! (And I don't want to hear...."but my extra 2 lbs...." so don't even go there!)

DianeS, I love the fair....all fairs. As a farm family, we fully participated in all of that. Loved the potato art on so many levels!!!!

BB, you are sunk if you use me as a role model. Truly. But, you brought me up so now you get my opinion :) I am exactly like you in that as full time working mom I want to SEE MY CHILD when I am not working. Also, just driving to the gym could have been time spent sleeping. (Time is a precious commodity)

I vote for figuring out something to do at home....I remember my mom doing Jack Lalanne when I was a kiddo. (Now I wonder why a farm wife thought she needed to do Jack Lalanne.) My own DD remembers hearing the whir of my rowing machine in the room next to her when she fell asleep at night. She said it helped her fall asleep.

Anyhoo, as you figure out activity (maybe a menu of activities) keep in mind it is ok for it to seem laughably minimal. And it can stay minimal for a long time. Maybe have a Bosu ball at home? (I'm looking at the "floor boob" right now. I did balance exercises (poorly) as I waited for coffee) Maybe an exercise app? Or maybe 7 minute workout which is also available in an app, too?

I'm appreciate all of you and your thoughts about living life fully.

Find your full (particularly if it involves an RV and/puppies/cruise Ideally all at once.)

Shel

Shel, I'll let you know what test(s) they use to measure body fat / lean mass. I'll talk to that medico in the next few days when she calls to schedule the appointment.

Shel, I almost punch myself when I see my complaints about 2 pounds. But I am petrified of regain!

I went to a talk on exercising after WLS in Florida, and the thing they recommended most was the floor boob. Sit on it as long as possible and as strength builds up wiggle around. It is supposed to be fantastic for your core. I bought one. It is in the box. Doesn't count for cardio but brisk walks or runs with the stroller will count for that.

I understand the angst about 2 lbs, don't get me wrong. I am trying to point out it doesn't negate your overwhelming awesomeness at social eating.

Ann-look at you! I think my year one number was around 164 (ha, about where I am now!), year 2 would've been closer to my low-around 151, and then probably up again every year thereafter. Looks like you've found your groove.

Diane O.-we need some pictures from your RV adventure!

Shel-thanks for the insight. I do think at some point I have to do something and cannot let my excuses become the answer. I have a treadmill, I have a jogging stroller, I have workout videos...I just need to DO IT! I also really want to work out with DH but for now we may have to do our own things. I've considered working out over the lunch hour, but the gym is at least 15 minutes away, and so it doesn't seem worthwhile. There is, however, an orange theory about 5 minutes away...but my concern is going backto my law practice all sweaty...probably not the greatest. I may just have to start small.

I did talk to my husband about staying home with becca. I'm very fortunate that it's an option. And that my husband is totally for whatever I want. He doesn't think I need to stay home to be a good mom, nor does he think I'd be lazy if I did. The hang up is with me. I would miss the experience of practicing with my parents, who are looking to retire in the next 5 years. And probably therefore any work they've built up would not go to me. ON the other hand, I'd miss Becca. I guess the thing I'm struggling with the most is rationalizing all I've done to further my career, and then stepping out. Grass is greener.

No weight today. Think I'm up a little. Yesterday went pretty well calorie wise until I had a strong craving for cereal in the evening. Luckily this is not too common.

You'll figure it out. As Shel said, time becomes a valuable commodity as a parent. So JFDI, but where you feel comfortable!

I love the relationship that you have with DH. Just recognize that it will be a bit different in the future than it was in the past. Over time I got so I did all exercising and shopping separate from DH. But I didn't go on trips with friends without him like some of my friends did. And as you may recall from past comments I worked 2 long days a week parttime while my younger set was growing up as it gave me the best balance of keeping my hand in but being almost a full time at home Mom. You just have to figure out what makes sense for you and your family.