Shopping!

It was fun to go shopping today! My pants size has dropped 2 sizes and sweaters are smaller, too. I was able to get some really good deals at the "After Christmas" sales. I didn't want to spend too much because I don't think I'll be in this size too long! I have piles of clothes to give away (and some are already spoken for!!!).

It has been great to add things to my diet! Christmas dinner tasted so good! I tried a little sweet potatoes and a little cauliflower, and I couldn't pass up a taste of stuffing and pumpkin pie! But a taste was all I could manage. The turkey (protein) pretty much filled me up and I didn't want to be uncomfortable.

I've started the arm exercises. I'm using the bands Lena got when she was in physical therapy for her shoulder. It adds a few minutes to my "workout" time. I'm still walking a mile and a half in 30 minutes. I tried adding a bit of an incline one day. I'll try that again some day, but not right away!

I'm feeling great and excited heading into 2011! Happy New Year!

Six Weeks' Post Op Appointment!

Two things to celebrate: first, I've lost 42 pounds! second, I have no restrictions on food! Merry Christmas!!! I'm so excited!

I've continued to walk 5-6 times a week on our treadmill. I've gone over 1 and 1/2 miles about 5 times now, so my speed is increasing. The exercise therapist wants me to start adding some upper body strength training, too.

The dietician said I can eat anything but MUST be sure to get at least 60 grams of protein a day. I can have salads and fresh fruit (as long as I get my protein from other sources without being too full).

The PA was very pleased with my progress. He said everything is at least 95% healed!

I was so thankful, once again, for your prayers! God is good. I sat in a room with 5 other weight loss surgery patients and 4 of them have had trouble with nausea and vomitting. I'm grateful that's not my case. That was one of my biggest fears!

I have my next appointment on February 15, 2011. My goal is to lose another 20 pounds by then. Please continue to pray for me as I adjust to eating "normal" food again. I feel like I really am "On my Way"!

Remember to Take it Easy!

I stayed home from work yesterday to "catch up". I didn't get up until after 11 a.m.! I guess I really needed the rest! I did walk for 30 minutes and went to the store with Brian, but I took it easy the rest of the day. My body must still be healing.

I am 4 weeks post op, as of yesterday. I am able to start adding eggs, cheese, and some meat to my diet. I can also have protein bars. I had an ounce of deli ham with a slice of lowfat swiss cheese for lunch today, but I ate it too fast! I didn't feel good at all! I walked around for about 20 minutes and had my co-teacher lead the next social studies lesson and by that time I was feeling better! I need to remember to eat slowly....a hard lesson to learn after 25 years of scarfing down our food at lunch time (we used to have 25 minutes to eat!!). At least we have 45 minutes most days now!

This week is a little less hectic! No late night rehearsals or programs like last week! Thanks for your continuing interest, prayers and support. You all have been a blessing to me.

Busy Week!

I'm so glad it's Saturday! No alarm, no rushing around, it's after noon and I'm still in my pj's! This has been a long, busy week. I'm thankful so many friends and family have been praying for me and encouraging me as I went back to work and the routine that goes with it! I'm so thankful we had a couple half days and no students on Friday. Not only was I able to be off my feet on those days, I was also able to catch up with my co-workers and get lesson plans in for next week! Thanks to the third grade team for your support this week!

Hark Up has kept me busy this week. I've slept well because I'm exhausted by the time my head hits the pillow. I'm glad for a day to relax!

I did well with the protein! I was able to get 60 grams in per day! Most of it is coming from milk and milk products (pudding, shakes and soup made with milk!). It still takes me a long time to eat. I was able to go out to lunch with my colleagues on Friday and I ordered cottage cheese! At least I could go and socialize with them!

I also walked 30 minutes on the treadmill every day except Thursday. I've been watching movies while I walk.

I can't report a weight loss because I'm afraid to get on my scale at home! The one time I did, it showed very little additional weight loss and it was discouraging. It must be a lot different from the doctor scale! I know it's going down and I'll probably wait to report how much when I go back for my 6 week post op check up on December 23 and I have an "official" and accurate report.

I continue to feel good most of the time. Being around food doesn't bother me. What I get to eat, I enjoy. Food still tastes good! But, I'm really never hungry! That is amazing to me.

I know many of you are watching what you eat and are trying to lose weight, too. I'm praying for you! This is a difficult time of year to "scale" back.