Things you learn as you go along...

So, as you go through the journey of weight loss surgery - you are told a lot of things about food.. Most sleeve patients say "with time, I can eat any foods I choose"...

But, I was told these examples by lots of non sleeve patients..

- Chicken is too dry and hard to eat.
(All in moderation for me- I can eat 1 oz/hour)
-Steak is too tough to eat..
(I will take 1-2 bites.. But, I don't enjoy it like before.. Also, people tend to overcook steak. I am with Alton Brown - Check out this video on you tube by clicking here..
-Bread will get stuck.. 3-4 bites and I am done. I feel full!
-Pasta and rice is a no-no  (I am not a rice fan- but if I eat rice it will be brown rice. Pasta- I eat whole wheat only.)
-Soda is a big no (Not a fan of carbonation- I dream of drinking Dr. Pepper one day- but, not anytime soon! I have no desire to diet drink soda again!)
-no drinking alcohol (alcohol is rarity for me - because there is no enjoyment.)
-Salad and raw veggies can be difficult to digest.. (I am eating salad but, since there is no protein - I skip it)
No drinking while eating  (This is true for me and most patients! Causes much pain! Plus it is not healthy for you.)
Chew your food 30 times! (This is pretty important for proper digestion since my stomach is smaller.)

I think folks get the different surgeries confused. There are definitely more restrictions with lap-band and gastric bypass. I had the sleeve surgery. All that means is they took out 85% of my stomach. 

I have not had a "reaction" since the beginning of August. A reaction is when I food disagrees with me. It's a lot like "dumping" with bypass patients (Sweating,  Fatigue,  Dizziness,  lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, Nausea, Vomiting, Abdominal cramps, Diarrhea)  My food triggers continue to be pork (not deli meat or bacon) and sugar alcohols (Splenda and Estevia not a problem). 

From my research the sleeve does not "stop working."  People stop being diligent.  People start making poor food choices. At this point- I feel like I now use food as nutrition - there is no enjoyment- the moment I eat for enjoyment- my brain signals.. I get up and walk away.

Yes, I have made major improvements- still have a lot to learn.. Always, learning!

Physical Therapy at D-1

I am suffering today.. My arms are very sore from PT yesterday..  

Little Rock D-1 offers Physical Therapy through St. Vincent's.. My insurance covers it!! I am working on my balance (it's really off since surgery and weight loss) and learning about exercises that will help make my knees and back problems stronger.  I spent one hour doing a variety of things.. 

Including riding a bike, doing leg lifts, balancing on 1 foot while 

holding a pipe filled with water, working my obliques with the weight machine, using "shackles" on my feet while doing lunges, a big rubber band that I held with my feet and lifted over my head (that killed my arms!!).. We also did some exercises on the yoga ball.
          

I never thought of Physical Therapy as a work out. Not to worry-- I now give Josh (D1 PT) complete respect. It's no walk in the park or "day off from working out"..

Challenges along the way..

I know without a doubt my biggest challenge is mental- Mind over Matter..  

I am realizing that it's so challenging to drink enough water- to feel hydrated- especially working out. It's so important but, first off there is no more gulping- just sipping water... 

Then I know I need to eat more but, a few bites and I am full. Something salty like cheap pizza- I would rather drink water.. And something really sweet- is just too much.. I am just a real piece of work at this point. 

And then I start thinking - what if this weight loss is not working.. I know how stupid is it to let negativity creep back-- I should wear a shirt saying I am proud of me-- I have lost 47 pound in 2 months  that is a major accomplishment yet, when I look in the mirror I don't see it. Yes, yes this is something for the therapist. Sometimes I need to be reminded this is my journey to be healthy. That's it.

I also really want to empower people to take back control of their health. Just one step one day.. I know stop laughing - it's a whole lot contradictory. 

And I get people being embarrassed about being overweight.. One of my friends says yesterday- I could never go to D-1- I mean I can barely run 4 miles. I wanted to say without using lots of expletives "Shut up- I have never ran 4 miles- wait I can't run at all! If you can run 4 freaking miles- you can go work out." Negativity hits everyone and sound absolutely ridiculous to the others who are hearing it. 

I have friends who encourage me everyday- one friend who I have not spoken to since my wedding - sent me a card. I have a huge team of folks (probably you) who keeping me going.. Thank you, Jesus. I am thankful- for you- for those of you who encourage me daily- and for Jesus.  

A Place to Belong

I made a decision on my way to workout today- If I don't finish- I will stay for the whole workout. D-1 is a supportive team environment-and I am a part of this team.  

So, I walked back into D-1 today and felt at home.  I am just going to say what I shouldn't say- Yes, yes I am a 290  something pound obese working mother who drives 40 minutes to work out with a group of people in the middle of the day! Yes, the workouts have to mostly be modified for me. But, that's okay. I

showed up and gave it my all. That's what counts, right?  Today, I kept seeing the words perseverance, dedication, integrity, focus and finally pain is weakness leaving the body..  Todays warms up were like last time (Click here to read about my first time at D-1).. But the majority of the workout was very different.. It involved a weight bar lifting, disc weights, sprints and some fancy footwork. I am dead serious when I say" I had to modify it all. I actually made it 45 minutes (maybe 50 minutes) without my body screaming stoooop. You know what's really cool is that your teammates want you to succeed- everyone is very encouraging! It also feels really fun. There are all sorts of athletic levels at my workout.. 

So, if I can do (modified and all)  this YOU can too..  Stop making excuses and start taking care of yourself!!!  The decision to be healthy- is never easy. Working out is part of the decision. It's not easy.. Nothing about being overweight is easy. I believe in you! 

We all have excuses of why we don't work out. But, my friend Andrew says I am going to get the workout bug or fitness training bug and then I will be unstoppable... I can't wait.