Bariatric Buddy
Amazing Update! Link to pictures!
Hi guys!
It's been way too long since I've posted but you all are always in my heart. When I'm down, I take comfort in knowing that you all are here for me. In the beginning of my weight loss, I've ventured here often and it was a great place of solace and comfort for me. For that and more, I thank you.
I'm 6 months post op from my Verticle Sleeve Gastrectomy. I was considered a light weight at 213 but with my co-morbidities, I had no problem with getting my surgery paid for by insurance. I had Diabetes Type II for many many years, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. At 43, I was a heart attack waiting to happen.
I walked into surgery at 213 pounds (not my highest) and now, 6 months later I am at 156! My personal goal is to get to 140 but my doctor even believes that my body would be more comfortable at a lighter weight. But he agrees, that 140 is a good target for me.
I do everything the doctor orders. Everything. If he tells me to stop the Zumba and stop the Bicycling... I stop. He did ask that of me but said that I must replace it with strength training. I did. Although this slowed by weight loss (from 10 pounds a month to 5 a month) I noticed a drastic difference in my body. I'm creating a beautiful body. It's amazing. And, although I went into this surgery with the intention of getting healthy, I am absolutely loving the way I look. I feel young, beautiful and yes... even sexy!
I walked into my doctor's office last week and the shock registered on his face and he said, "Wow, you look so pretty!" Well, mister doctor man, I was pretty when I was fat too! Now, it's just a socially acceptable kind of pretty. But I didn't say that. I replied, "You shouldn't be so shocked." LOL!
So, the last 6 months have been rocky. Yes, they have. I've had several stalls and each time I wondered if I would break through. In the beginning the stalls were devestating. I would often come here - to you - for support. Thank you. Afterwards, when my stalls would come again, my body was slimmer and I took the stalls in stride. If I never lost another pound, I am emmensly content to be 156. I mean really, I am only one point away from having a normal BMI! How cool is that?
I have about 16 pounds to go to reach my personal goal. I know I will achieve it. My body is just ready for the changes. As for my eating, I eat a minimum of 60 grams of protein a day, I do eat carbs, but not many. And, yes, I do eat sweets in moderation. Afterall, I'm only human!
Basically, I listen to my doctor. I want to please him the way he has pleased me in being there for me and in believing in me. In a visit to him months ago, he pushed me hard to leave the arobics and do strength training. I was so mad at him because I thought he would be impressed with me. Instead, he was frustrated. You see, he wants me to KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF. Strength training is the only way to do that. Increased muscle mass burns more calories even when we're in a relaxed state. Therefore, when I'm at goal and my eating habits are more relaxed, I will continue to burn calories even when I'm not pushing myself in vigorous exercise! Wow! I hadn't known that! But I put him to the test during a recent vacation where I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted. I enjoyed myself immensly. Thankfully, my Sleeve didn't allow me to over-induldge. But I still didn't gain any weight! My doctor attributes that to my increased muscle mass.
It's amazing, but I'm finally listening to my doctor.
Now, he expects me to be "ripped" by the time he sees me in 4 months time. Now, I love this man to pieces but what an expectation! And you know what, if he believes in me then why can't I believe in me too. I see the changes in my body already and I like them.
I can't seem to upload any photos to this post. I don't know why. But I posted a Before and After (at least as of now!) folder to my OH pictures. It's a huge change! Please go look! This is a link to my OH page, then look for the Before and After Photos folder.
www.obesityhelp.com/member/ruthieny/
Love you all and THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE FOR ME!
It's been way too long since I've posted but you all are always in my heart. When I'm down, I take comfort in knowing that you all are here for me. In the beginning of my weight loss, I've ventured here often and it was a great place of solace and comfort for me. For that and more, I thank you.
I'm 6 months post op from my Verticle Sleeve Gastrectomy. I was considered a light weight at 213 but with my co-morbidities, I had no problem with getting my surgery paid for by insurance. I had Diabetes Type II for many many years, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. At 43, I was a heart attack waiting to happen.
I walked into surgery at 213 pounds (not my highest) and now, 6 months later I am at 156! My personal goal is to get to 140 but my doctor even believes that my body would be more comfortable at a lighter weight. But he agrees, that 140 is a good target for me.
I do everything the doctor orders. Everything. If he tells me to stop the Zumba and stop the Bicycling... I stop. He did ask that of me but said that I must replace it with strength training. I did. Although this slowed by weight loss (from 10 pounds a month to 5 a month) I noticed a drastic difference in my body. I'm creating a beautiful body. It's amazing. And, although I went into this surgery with the intention of getting healthy, I am absolutely loving the way I look. I feel young, beautiful and yes... even sexy!
I walked into my doctor's office last week and the shock registered on his face and he said, "Wow, you look so pretty!" Well, mister doctor man, I was pretty when I was fat too! Now, it's just a socially acceptable kind of pretty. But I didn't say that. I replied, "You shouldn't be so shocked." LOL!
So, the last 6 months have been rocky. Yes, they have. I've had several stalls and each time I wondered if I would break through. In the beginning the stalls were devestating. I would often come here - to you - for support. Thank you. Afterwards, when my stalls would come again, my body was slimmer and I took the stalls in stride. If I never lost another pound, I am emmensly content to be 156. I mean really, I am only one point away from having a normal BMI! How cool is that?
I have about 16 pounds to go to reach my personal goal. I know I will achieve it. My body is just ready for the changes. As for my eating, I eat a minimum of 60 grams of protein a day, I do eat carbs, but not many. And, yes, I do eat sweets in moderation. Afterall, I'm only human!
Basically, I listen to my doctor. I want to please him the way he has pleased me in being there for me and in believing in me. In a visit to him months ago, he pushed me hard to leave the arobics and do strength training. I was so mad at him because I thought he would be impressed with me. Instead, he was frustrated. You see, he wants me to KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF. Strength training is the only way to do that. Increased muscle mass burns more calories even when we're in a relaxed state. Therefore, when I'm at goal and my eating habits are more relaxed, I will continue to burn calories even when I'm not pushing myself in vigorous exercise! Wow! I hadn't known that! But I put him to the test during a recent vacation where I ate whatever I wanted when I wanted. I enjoyed myself immensly. Thankfully, my Sleeve didn't allow me to over-induldge. But I still didn't gain any weight! My doctor attributes that to my increased muscle mass.
It's amazing, but I'm finally listening to my doctor.
Now, he expects me to be "ripped" by the time he sees me in 4 months time. Now, I love this man to pieces but what an expectation! And you know what, if he believes in me then why can't I believe in me too. I see the changes in my body already and I like them.
I can't seem to upload any photos to this post. I don't know why. But I posted a Before and After (at least as of now!) folder to my OH pictures. It's a huge change! Please go look! This is a link to my OH page, then look for the Before and After Photos folder.
www.obesityhelp.com/member/ruthieny/
Love you all and THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE FOR ME!
~Ruthie
Thank you for the update Ruthie. Your smile in the pic says it all, you are happy with yourself and your success. Congratulations. Go strength training.
OH Support Group Leader
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome
A strongly agree with Kathy - your smile says it all.
Congrats many times over!
Also, I would not have guessed 43? really? even before surgery you did not look like you were in your 40's.
Thanks for sharing and you are an inspiration to the rest of us, who still have a long way to go.
Finally I loved your line about "socially acceptable kind of pretty". Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. It is too bad that society doesn't see it that way.
God Bless.
Jeannine
Congrats many times over!
Also, I would not have guessed 43? really? even before surgery you did not look like you were in your 40's.
Thanks for sharing and you are an inspiration to the rest of us, who still have a long way to go.
Finally I loved your line about "socially acceptable kind of pretty". Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. It is too bad that society doesn't see it that way.
God Bless.
Jeannine
You are doing awesome lady! It is amazing the changes we go through isn't it!?! Keep up the awesome work and weight training and you will be where you want to be in no time at all. I am so happy for and proud of you! beautiful!
Patrece
JUST DO THE NEXT RIGHT THING!
Obesity Help Support Group Leader & Coach
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy
Lost 114 lbs. working on getting rid of a recent 10 lb regain...and WILL succeed!
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Patrece S.
Group Leader
Kathy B.
Co- Leader