LiteraryMinded
Pretty Busy Time of the Year
Sep 11, 2008
This is a really busy time for me. At school, I have 135 students this year, which means a lot of grading. Add to that that this year's group has very low skills, and I have more to do than I can begin to say!
Allergies have been a kicker, which affects the way I feel as I am tired quite a bit more. I have been exercising every day, usually aerobics/yoga on Wii Fit, and I absolutely love it. I find that it helps with my stress level and my overall health. I still hit the gym, but maybe 2X a week instead of 6. With the Wii, I can exercise at home AND I don't have to take my daughter to my mom's. My mom is a heavy smoker and Catie doesn't do well with the smoke; the least amount of time that she has to spend there, the better for her health.
I'm down to about 205#. I would like to get below 200# by next month when it will be a year since I had surgery. My weight loss has slowed, but I'm stronger and so much healthier. Also, I've been snacking a bit more than usual -- nothing bad, just too much -- like too many Quaker Rice Cakes, that sort of thing. My restriction level is okay -- I can tell that I'm getting full quicker and not eating much at meals. I avoid some foods like the plague, both for health and/or fear of getting stuck.
I'm loving not having to have insulin shots at night. Funny, but it didn't take me long to adjust to that one! My blood sugars run a bit higher than I'm used to, but they are more consistent.
All-in-all, life is good.
Allergies have been a kicker, which affects the way I feel as I am tired quite a bit more. I have been exercising every day, usually aerobics/yoga on Wii Fit, and I absolutely love it. I find that it helps with my stress level and my overall health. I still hit the gym, but maybe 2X a week instead of 6. With the Wii, I can exercise at home AND I don't have to take my daughter to my mom's. My mom is a heavy smoker and Catie doesn't do well with the smoke; the least amount of time that she has to spend there, the better for her health.
I'm down to about 205#. I would like to get below 200# by next month when it will be a year since I had surgery. My weight loss has slowed, but I'm stronger and so much healthier. Also, I've been snacking a bit more than usual -- nothing bad, just too much -- like too many Quaker Rice Cakes, that sort of thing. My restriction level is okay -- I can tell that I'm getting full quicker and not eating much at meals. I avoid some foods like the plague, both for health and/or fear of getting stuck.
I'm loving not having to have insulin shots at night. Funny, but it didn't take me long to adjust to that one! My blood sugars run a bit higher than I'm used to, but they are more consistent.
All-in-all, life is good.
Changing ...
Aug 16, 2008
It's been a while since I've written a thing, but sometimes life takes over. School started back again and I'm really busy. I've got huge classes this year, 2 of them have 30 kids in them, for a total of 135 -- lots of grading!! I've finally hooked up the Wii Fit and I just love it!! What a wonderful "tool." I've been using it for two days now, step aerobics, running, hula hooping, and a few other things. My injured back continues to protest and it's healing slowly. I'm still running at the gym, on the treadmill, about three - four days a week. The scale is moving downward again -- finally some restriction. I have found myself eating less and less, which is mostly good. I bought new school clothes as I had nothing that I could wear. I bought 18s, which is a great feeling. Many people have noticed and commented about my weight loss and that's gratifying. Most of the staff seem to be on a diet, and/or watching what they eat, so that makes the total work environment easier for us all. My loose skin doesn't look as bad -- the exercise DOES help. I'll never look like I'm 18 again, but that's okay! A healthy 48 will work! I'm doing well without insulin -- blood sugar is a bit higher than I'm used to, 94 - 95, but I feel good and LOVE not having to remember my insulin shot at night. Life is good.
Good-bye Insulin Shots ... Crossing My Fingers!
Jul 21, 2008
I saw my primary care physician yesterday for a physical, review of blood work, etc., and it was GREAT news! She was thrilled with my weight loss; she said that many of her patients have had WLS, but they still do not want to adjust their eating habits and either don't lose or gain weight. My blood work looked wonderful -- A1c of 5.6 (higher than it has been but I've been using less insulin), creatanine was 1.4 (normal is 0.5 - 1.2), that is the lowest it's EVER been, hemoglobin is great (no more iron pills for me, haven't had them since surgery), and everything else was good except sodium, which I can't figure out, so I'll be careful about reading labels.
Anyway, I explained that I would love to get off of insulin shots. We are decreasing my Lantus 2 units per night and adding Actos and Januvia in moderating doses. I am so excited about this! I hope it works. The question is whether or not my pancreas is producing any of its own insulin by now. We'll find out!
I haven't had much of a routine the last few weeks because of the seminar last week plus Danny was in Houston for a seminar of his own. This week, doctor's appointments and my sister and nephew are coming in from Oregon for a week. I'll grab exercise where I can and really pay attention to food choices.
My primary reason for having WLS was my health and getting off of insulin shots, so this is a great incentive for me.
Anyway, I explained that I would love to get off of insulin shots. We are decreasing my Lantus 2 units per night and adding Actos and Januvia in moderating doses. I am so excited about this! I hope it works. The question is whether or not my pancreas is producing any of its own insulin by now. We'll find out!
I haven't had much of a routine the last few weeks because of the seminar last week plus Danny was in Houston for a seminar of his own. This week, doctor's appointments and my sister and nephew are coming in from Oregon for a week. I'll grab exercise where I can and really pay attention to food choices.
My primary reason for having WLS was my health and getting off of insulin shots, so this is a great incentive for me.
Varying My Routine ...
Jul 05, 2008
It seems as though summer is slipping away. School begins so early here -- August 13 -- and I'll have to go back days before that. In the mean time, I've been varying my exercise routine. I bought a used bicycle yesterday, and Catie and I plan on riding more often. I haven't ridden a bike in about 20 years, so it was "different" at first, but I think that it will be fun. Catie and I are walking to her science class this week. It's not far, and it seems stupid to start up the car for such a short distance -- another reason for the bike! I am able to eat much more than I have been, so I think that I will call Dr. B's office and make an appt. I was hesitant to call, but I'll call to get in before school starts. I've had three fills, but the last was only 1/2cc, and Dr. B said to call if it wasn't enough. I don't want to throw up or get stuck, but I would like more restriction. I had some "unhealthy" carbs over the 4th -- potato salad and herb bread -- and they were darned good! I've gotten my "fix" and I'm back to normal again. As I have appointments with my PCP and nephrologist on July 21, I'm going to go in next week to have my fasting blood sugar taken ahead of time. My goal is to be off of insulin shots, and I need the bloodwork done ahead of time. My blood sugar has been very consistent -- lower 70s to 120s -- all of the time. I was getting light headed, especially when bending over, so I stopped taking 1/2 of my blood pressure pill, but I'm worried about that. I've been monitoring my BP at home, but I'll talk to the nephrologist about that, too. Anyway, things are good. I like the increased exercise opportunities available during the summer. I used to hate sweating, but now I feel "healthier" when I do sweat. I look at myself in the gym's mirrors and I like myself sweaty and red -- I CAN do it.
Lightening Up a Bit
Jun 23, 2008
I'm not going to the gym 2X a day mainly because I have been so busy with eBay and life. EBay takes a lot of time! I have sold many things, and I know that the buyers are getting great deals. Mom has been helping me, so my afternoons are tied up. I've cut back on the gym to 1X a day, but I'll increase it again in the next week or so. I have been swimming, when time allows, which is fun for me and/or my daughters. As for food, some days are good, some days not so good, but none are just awful. Even if I eat a bit more than I should, I never eat what I ate before surgery and my choices are much better. I find that I have more self-control than I've had before. Another strange aspect of losing weight, is my daughter, Lindsay, who is 17. Lindsay is overweight and always has been. I run a fine line between forbidding her from eating something, which makes it all the more enticing, and encouraging her to make better choices. As I get smaller, it seems to bother her more. The other day, she told me that I looked fine now and didn't need to lose more weight. Well, I do. I weigh 217#, which is too much by anyone's standards. Lindsay said that I am "melting" before her eyes. I have tried to impress on her that it wasn't the WLS alone that caused the change; I have literally walked my butt off AND I don't eat a lot. Also, what I eat is generally good for me and my body. I don't want Lindsay to think that WLS is the "answer," when so many other things come into play. Lindsay's dad's side of the family is huge -- a "super" gene, if you will -- and her dad weighed well over 300# and was 6'2", his sister is 6'4" and weighs over 425#, his mother is 5'10" and weighs about 350# -- all have major health problems. Lindsay has the same body type that they do -- smaller shoulders, heavier bottoms and thighs -- but she is only 5'6", and that makes a difference. I do know that she is working a lot of hours, taking a college class, and playing in a community band, but I am trying to relate to her in a way that food isn't the answer and taking control of herself is. That's my challenge right now.
Pedaling, But Not Moving ...
Jun 17, 2008
I feel like I am making poor food choices, so I am making a conscious effort to watch what passes through these lips! I got back from my sister's house on Sunday and, while we spent a lot of time going up and down stairs and carrying heavy items, I didn't have much exercise. My husband dragged me to the gym last night. While I walked two miles, and varied the speed and incline, I usually do 45 minutes and did 36 instead. I did finish the weight circuit 2X, but I was worn out. Maybe jet lag, and the time difference, has affected me more than I thought it would. I also find that being home this summer has given me the luxury of free time -- something I have so little of during the school year. I am enjoying watching TV -- boy is there purile stuff on during the day, but it's mindless. I'm spending time cleaning the house well, again mindless but necessary, and will start photographing clothes to sell on eBay this afternoon. I would like to lose another 25# by Labor Day. My greatest fear is that I will piddle the summer away and not have anything to show for it. My goal is to get my act together and aim for a goal. It is easy to become complacent when I can do so much more than I could before, and I feel so much better in my clothes and without. I need to focus on the long-term goal and realize that I still have a long way to go.
Cleaning up and moving on ...
Jun 07, 2008
I cleaned out my closet on Friday and have removed tons of clothes. I stood there in my underwear and made myself try things on. I've taken a huge bag to Goodwill and will auction off the rest on eBay in the next couple of weeks. I think that I was afraid to let go of the clothes instead I might "need" them again. However, I realize that I will not be that person who struggled to wear loose 26/28s again. I kept a few things that can be adjusted, but I wear an 18/20 now and baggier clothes just look like I'm trying to play dress-up. It was very liberating for me.
I'm leaving to go to my sister's in Dallas, Oregon, on Tuesday. I have mixed feelings about the trip. My sister's ex-husband died last month -- he was a total jerk and the whole family was glad when they divorced. In his typical narcissistic manner, he ingratiated himself to his neighbors in three years, and they considered him a saint. We, family, know the abuse that he tossed out to all of us and my sister, so we weren't exactly mourning his death. However, they do have an 11-year-old son and he's taking it all badly. I'm going up to help my sister sort through the stuff in her ex's house. I wish that she would come and live closer to my mom and me, but I can't see it happening. We'll see. It'll be much colder in Oregon and I'm not looking forward to being gone from home and the long flights to and from. I'll watch my eating and exercising and hope that I am some help to my sister.
I'm leaving to go to my sister's in Dallas, Oregon, on Tuesday. I have mixed feelings about the trip. My sister's ex-husband died last month -- he was a total jerk and the whole family was glad when they divorced. In his typical narcissistic manner, he ingratiated himself to his neighbors in three years, and they considered him a saint. We, family, know the abuse that he tossed out to all of us and my sister, so we weren't exactly mourning his death. However, they do have an 11-year-old son and he's taking it all badly. I'm going up to help my sister sort through the stuff in her ex's house. I wish that she would come and live closer to my mom and me, but I can't see it happening. We'll see. It'll be much colder in Oregon and I'm not looking forward to being gone from home and the long flights to and from. I'll watch my eating and exercising and hope that I am some help to my sister.
Great vacation without extra baggage...
May 31, 2008
We got back from South Carolina yesterday. We were gone nine days and covered eight states in that time. We had a great time! We used the exercise facility a few times, swam in the pool, walked on the beach, and climbed stairs whenever possible. It was the most healthy, and relaxing, vacation that I've had in years. I was sure that I had gained weight because of all of the sitting and driving. I've actually lost two pounds! My legs are sore and crampy -- I'm sure that that is because of all of the sitting and lack of exercise (like I usually do). I'll hit the gym today, and I have an appt. for a fill on Tuesday. I have great hopes for this summer!
Overcoming Itch & Other Major Problems...
May 22, 2008
I apparently contracted either poison ivy or poison oak when we took the 8th graders to the park for their fun day. Not so fun for me. I had been applying everything known to man to the rash -- it's on my inner thighs only -- but nothing helped. I finally went to the doctor, had to get a steroid shot, am on steroids for another week, and I have anti-itch pills. The good news is that the itch is going away; the bad news is that the steroids give a false blood sugar reading, make me feel tired and bloated, and, worst of all, hungry. I went to the gym this morning and worked my rear end off, but then came home and ate too much. Sugar Free Cool Whip is great stuff, but not if you eat half a tub at one sitting!
We are leaving tomorrow for vacation -- driving to Myrtle Beach, SC. It should be fun. I'm bringing my exercise clothes and shoes with me as the place we are staying in has a gym and lots of walking trails. I'll have to really watch my eating, especially while on the steroids.
My weight continues to fluctuate by a few pounds every few days. I'm trying not to weight but maybe once or twice a week so that I don't obsess about the stupid scale. Right now, my focus needs to be on family and getting rid of this awful scaly stuff on my thighs.
We are leaving tomorrow for vacation -- driving to Myrtle Beach, SC. It should be fun. I'm bringing my exercise clothes and shoes with me as the place we are staying in has a gym and lots of walking trails. I'll have to really watch my eating, especially while on the steroids.
My weight continues to fluctuate by a few pounds every few days. I'm trying not to weight but maybe once or twice a week so that I don't obsess about the stupid scale. Right now, my focus needs to be on family and getting rid of this awful scaly stuff on my thighs.
The Exercise Challenge
Apr 22, 2008
I have discovered the joys of the treadmill! My allergies have been particularly bad so walking outside on a regular basis has been a kicker. We have an excellent treadmill that we bought last year that has been virtually unused. I finally decided to give it a try, but it was so hard! My husband, in his infinite wisdom, informed me that I was trying to walk too slowly. Once I upped my speed from 2.8 - 3.2 my world became much better! If I can't go for a full 45 minutes, I go for 30 minutes, make dinner, and then come back for another 20 -25. I've found that this works. My weight is coming off slowly, but I can definitely feel a difference in my body and the way that my clothes fit. If I can just hold on for another 3 1/2 weeks until school gets out, I think my stress level will ease up and I'll be able to concentrate on both eating and exercising. For now, I can walk on the treadmill and either watch TV or listen to my iPod, enjoy getting wet and sweaty, walk 2.5 miles, and know that I am a healthier person. It could be worse!
About Me
OK
Location
41.0
BMI
Surgery
10/18/2007
Surgery Date
Oct 28, 2007
Member Since
