Day 1 of the D-1 experience

It's late. I am tired and sore- so this will be short and sweet.  Andrew was right! The experience was awesome. It was addicting.. The people are encouraging.. And boy howdy, do you feel the work-out.

Background info on D-1:
D1 is The Place for The Athlete.  They provide custom training programs, expert coaching and the latest in physical therapy, all in a motivating, high-energy environment. Every person who walks through the doors of this state-of-the-art facilities is trained and treated like an elite athlete.  D1's athletic-based, motivating atmosphere is designed for student-athletes and adults to receive the D1 Experience via their replication of top college/pro training environments and facilities.  D1 places a strong emphasis on developing positive character, core values and self-esteem, ingraining character building in every workout. Profanity, negativity and tardiness are prohibited at D1. Click here to check out Little Rock D-1.

My thoughts:

D-1 is serious, motivating, positive and hard work. They use everyday tools to help you be your best. This is

not dancing or movement class or walk around and get your heart rate up.. This is a fast paced training environment where you might or might not cry 30 minutes into because you physically can't go another step- they encourage you EVERY step of the way- even if when your only half done. They were so glad I just showed up. I will not lie.. I completed warm ups (jogging 4 laps, doing lunges and other activities I can't really describe then we did "mini station work outs".   There were 2 -5 exercises I could do. There were 2-5 exercises I couldn't do.. and 2-5 I just didn't do because of my tiredness. As my leader (Tish) says "listen to your body"- so I made it roughly 30 minutes. Tish said.. I would be tired tomorrow. She was wrong. I was tired 15 minutes after I left... I am pretty worn out.

Hey, I did waaay more today than I have done in years. Ladies and gentlemen we will call this success.  But, I am going back. Actually, I am joining a Burn it 2 Earn it weight loss challenge at D-1. So, it looks like I will be sticking around till the holidays. Come join me. If I can do it then so can YOU!!

The skinny on the pre opt diet

So, I wrote my bariatric nurse today and said:

Do you know the internet can be a scary place!!!  I am reading so much crap out there. 
Shakes-Calories (does it matter)-Carbs (lots of shakes are high)-Protien (I need 60+ a day/correct?)-Oatmeal (lower calorie?)-Fruit in shakes blended is a no?-Pudding mix to flavor shakes?-No diet sodas (this is not a biggie- I am off of them)

 She responded:

Yes the internet is VERY SCARY!  It’s not too complicated but it is easy to make it harder than it has to be. On the pre-op diet keep the total calories somewhere between 1000-1200/day. Most shakes are ~200 cal (or less) & you need at least 3/day so that is about ½ of your calories. You can add an extra shake if you like but 3 is the minimum 60gm of protein is a good goal. Mix & match other liquids off the list with your shakes but you cannot add additional foods (fruit) to the list. The diet is a sugar free diet – so that means no pre-packaged flavored oatmeal's they ALL have a TON of sugar. Use regular oatmeal & add Splenda or equal etc to sweeten. You could add pudding mix (sugar free instant) to a shake if you want or a fat free flavored yogurt (try Kroger Carbmaster yogurt). You could have a diet soda if you like but its best to go ahead & break the habit – those are no-no’s after surgery. 

I feel empowered by the challenged before me. Last night we measured ourselves.. I think it makes sense to post (before and after) photos as I meet goals. 

I have three short term goals. (Other than survive pre-opt and surgery)

• Lose 10% of my weight. 

• Wear a shirt I bought at Nordstorm's Rack on clearance over spring break.

•  I also have a pair of capri's I want to wear too!

• Implement a exercise plan that includes 30 minutes of exercise a day.  (After day 21 consider it successful)

Time to be honest.. I am still in the last meal saga. I can tell you about every bite of food I have had since getting the news. I think my therapist will have lots to say about that. It's okay though! I am grieving part of my life.. I get a whole new life on July 8th. I am sharing my day with another weight loss surgery survivor (whose anniversary is that day)! I am excited to meet up with my friend A and learn from her.  Every single person who has had weight loss surgery- can rattle off their date. It's a big deal. There you go folks-have a great weekend! 

You are taking the easy way out..

According to the CDC  did you know that 70% of america's adults are considered overweight?

I don't go around telling people I am weeks maybe days away from my first surgery. I am not telling everyone that I am preparing to say good bye to my fat. But, I want to. I have not shared my blog with Facebook  I feel like I am keeping a secret. But, I am not. It comes down to this. I like to have a solid plan. When I don't have a plan and it's not set in stone- I over think it. I BELIEVE this is going to happen.  Am I really going to post a blog about this? If I am going to post on Facebook  I need to address something before I tell Facebook  (My friends and supporters- I love you and thank you for your continued support). 

Believe it or not- this is my LEAST favorite thing to hear:  "You are taking the easy way out by having surgery." (I have heard it 3 times). And this is when I say this "I have been considered overweight since 1992. That is 21 years. Way over half of my life. I have tried dieting- I have exercised- I have taken supplements- I have taken pills- My last 50 pounds was gained while on birth control. 

Choosing to change my life is not most people's business and I assure you that nothing about being unhealthy is easy. This decision is right for me and my family. We welcome your support and prayers. While your approval is nice- it's not necessary. 

My therapist says if the disapproving folks mean something to me then you have to educate them. Tell them your journey- Share with them how they have improved complication rates and mortality rates when bariatric surgery is performed at a Center of Excellence. 

Pam Davis says this: We have to remember there are many environmental, societal, hormonal, physiological and genetic factors that come together to impact our weight. We as a society cannot be so naïve as to think behavior change alone will be a successful treatment. We have to be ready, willing and able to educate the naysayers regarding obesity prevention and treatment. We have to be willing to stand-up for ourselves and others. We have to be willing to educate those who think any treatment for obesity, including surgery, is an easy way out.

After being a “fat” kid, teen and adult, my physician and I determined that bariatric surgery is the best course of treatment for me. I am having bariatric surgery to treat a chronic, lifelong disease and I am not taking the easy way out. I assure you. Thanks Pam Davis for reminding me of this.