Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Weight: 141
Veggies/Fruits: 9
Macronutrients: 1,350 cals, 126 carbs, 45 fats, 80 proteins, 33 fiber
Sleep: 7 hours last night plus a 3-hour nap yesterday afternoon
Exercise: Yoga class (90 minutes)

Yoga class yesterday morning was brutal, but mostly in a good way. Our regular teacher was out, so a class member who has major yoga skilz led the group in a longer-than-usual session. I'm so glad I went, although there were times during class when I felt like a sullen teenager who hated her mean old teacher. Then after lunch I passed out in my easy chair for a three-hour nap, something I never do. Thank goodness my body is finally demanding sleep. Interesting that it took some serious exercise to finally flip that switch.

Since I am totally ignorant about hypoglycemia and related topics, I did some reading this morning about blood glucose levels and variations for folks who don't have diabetes or hypoglycemia. I learned that normal pre-meal blood glucose levels are roughly 80-110 (milligrams/deciliter) and typically rise 30-40 points after eating a full meal. That's not much, but it's more than I knew before.

On the topic of "What's working well?", before my trip I was trying to eat more intuitively, more cleanly, and foods I was really hungry for. I'm happy to say I can see some real change. I can now consider for a little longer and with less anxiety whether the food I'm considering eating will really satisfy me. It's been surprising to realize sometimes that I don't want what I was about to eat or that I'm satisfied with how much I've already eaten of a specific food. Sometimes (not always, but sometimes) that information influences what and how much I eat. I'm often shocked at how little food really does satisfy me, even at mealtimes. This is part of my "Be Thankful, Go Slow, Observe, Sit, Be" intentions on which I've been focusing for some time.

So to lighten our burdens of too-long to-do lists and responsibilities caring for others, here's something to remind us to care for ourselves first.

Today's Theme: Relaxing Jazz

Weight: 161.2

I'm really in shock over my weight. Please remind me, when I come back here kicking and screaming about a sudden 4lb. gain, that I never thought the 161 was deserved anyway!

In all honesty I've been eating quite a bit--and not the greatest foods either (thank you, Halloween candy). I mean I've been physically hungry. And that scares me.

But Halloween candy aside, this pushes me to wonder how I can trust my body. Can I? Should I? Like Ann, I try to practice a bit more intuitive eating. For me that's the ultimate goal in life! But I always doubt whether it's possible for me (physically, emotionally?) or if it's all a big TRAP! Can I be trusted in this manner? Jury still out.

And my weight will go down again as I'm having a EGD and colonoscopy tomorrow. First one. I've had plenty of procedures, elective even, so the anesthesia doesn't concern me. But I did recently remember that a friend's dad nearly died from a perforated colon when he went septic. Geez I'm a worrier.

But I really hope they get to the bottom (pun intended?!) of my stomach issues. Actually when I combine recent hunger and weightloss with everything else, it does concern me a bit.

But I'm not hopeful. I'm afraid these tests will return nothing and I'll be left with a very vague "IBS" diagnosis. Shoot.

Liz-I'm hoping I can have a decent anesthesia experience! I think I do ok with anesthesia, it's the pain medicine (after real surgery) that makes me kind of a "mean drunk."

Peps-go you for getting to the root of everything!

Shirl-16 pies? How does one even do such a thing?!

LOL on the amazement at Shirl's pie production. I was wowed by that as well!!!

I have a vague diagnosis of IBS too. My mother also had it. It's annoying not to be able to fix something.

"Can I be trusted in this manner?"

Bonnie, your question inspired me to think about my own answer:

First, for the record, when I'm home I use My Fitness Pal most of the time. So my intuitive eating efforts often occur within that framework.

I guess I think about this issue of self-trust similarly to how some people describe their democratic freedoms: "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." ;)

Fortunately, I don't grapple with all or nothing, nirvana expectations. Given my long eating and weight history, I can't imagine it's possible that I will ever NOT have to "watch what I eat." So yes, I trust myself sometimes. And other times I benefit greatly from the guardrails I've established. And sometimes I sorta suck at all of it, which is where New Beginnings come in handy.

Bottom line: At 74, it's high time I stopped hating myself for not being perfect. Fortunately, nobody else has busted that curve. :)

Nirvana is the word I was looking for this morning!!

I like what you say. Slowly learn to trust with checkpoints along the way.

For me, weighing daily is a very good checkpoint. No, weight doesn't tell the whole story. But it's about the best measure I have to keep me accountable and soon enough. Although I don't use MFP every day (probably should, especially in a weightloss phase!), it is helpful to at least do a refresh and go back to tracking every so often.

Hey BB

I have a small pie maker - just pop the pastry in and then whatever fillings you want and add a pastry top and lock the lid - the machine does the rest for me. I often use up leftovers by making them into pies and freezing them. 8 were leftover corned beef, Potato Mash and Cheese/Mustard Sauce. Four pies are ready in around 10 mins.

https://www.kmart.com.au/product/pie-maker/912042?&gclid=Cj0 KCQiA-4nuBRCnARIsAHwyuPr8DbPBBHegLDT6uRDYaQGk1t9HqqlFslJ_ZPY byOlTSpUxmyymyLkaAtbJEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I don't know if it would be called intuitive eating, but lately I have felt better about my eating. I'm not tracking or weighing, but I feel like I am eating mostly the right types of foods and quantities. Most importantly I haven't done any binge type eating in a few weeks. Binging with a VSG is different than it used to be, but still was not good behavior and would leave me feeling emotionally and sometimes physically upset. Regardless, I feel like I am definitely on a better track maybe because my life feels a bit more in control.

DS is still doing well and can almost stand upright though he keeps complaining about the pain. Normal for him.

Yesterday I took Justice to visit with DH and we walked him around the courtyard several times. DH is looking much neater these days. I think he is working better with the personal care people.

As I replied to DD yesterday, I live on the former lands of the Wampanoag Indians. I have yoga today in the tribal center which is a lovely and very active community building. Later today I have a support group meeting, then dinner out with a friend. DS is well enough to either heat up leftovers or call for delivered food.

Have a well Wednesday!

Liz, I am really happy for you and the direction(s) things are moving for you.

I also love the way you said this, because it describes my own binging weaknesses post-op: "Binging with a VSG is different than it used to be, but still was not good behavior and would leave me feeling emotionally and sometimes physically upset."

Good Morning All,

Up and having a cup of tea. Not a great nights sleep. My knee was giving me jip and I just wasnt feeling 100%. Think the last month is finally catching up with me. I went to bed at 7.15pm! Not a lot planned for today. Time to be kind to myself I think

Not a lot to add to discussions this morning but will pop back later

Love to you all

S

I'm relieved to hear that you are making some time to slow it all down. There's a lot of healing to be done, and your body needs some good quality rest to get started on that. Take care of yourself.