Support Group

Monday night I went out to Grand Health Partners for a support group meeting. There were 3 other recent weight loss surgery patients and 3 or 4 people who had surgery more than a year ago. One of the behavorists led the group. It was helpful to hear others' stories.

I found out that a common "side effect" is being chilled! Good to know! I have noticed this and wondered if our house is a lot colder this year than in past winters! I have never been cold. We don't keep heat on in our bedroom at all. But, about 3 weeks ago I asked Brian to open one of the registers in our bedroom a bit because I have been so cold at night! There are those certain times when I still get hot, but women of my age understand what that's all about!

I seem to have hit my first plateau! I weighed myself while there and have only lost 6 pounds since my last appointment! Maybe I won't lose 20 by Feb. 15! I have to admit to a bit of disappointment but I quickly told myself to stop being greedy! My goodness, I've lost 48 pounds since Nov. 9!!! I've never lost 48 pounds in my entire life! And, I know I'm still doing all the right things so I will lose more.

I keep walking! I've had a few more days when I've walked over 1-3/4 miles. I've gotten up to 4 miles per hour a few times, too. I'm gradually increasing the speed I walk, but keeping it at 30 minutes, 6 days a week!

Walking

I have to thank Karla, Janet, and Nancy, who have walked with me in the past few days. It sure makes the time go faster when walking with someone. I walked twice at Rivertown and once at Centerpointe. I've also had Bri's company while on the treadmill. We have been watching movies while I walk. Tonight the whole family watched a movie while I walked!

I think I'm on track to lose another 20 pounds by Feb. 15 (since my last doctor's appointment on Dec. 23). It should be close! I don't think I will be disappointed if it's not 20 because I know it will be in the right direction! I don't need a scale to know I have been losing weight and following the program!

I think I did better with the fiber this week. I felt a lot better. I'm doing good with the protein and calories. Most days I am really close to 64 oz. of water, too. One thing I continue to notice is that I can feel a bit "yucky" after I take my vitamins! I've been spreading them out over the course of the morning and afternoon to avoid that feeling.

I actually wore pj's to school yesterday for pajama day! That is something I never have done before losing this weight! I'm looking forward to more of those kind of things!

2 Months Post Op!

I continue to feel good and my energy level is much better. I walked 30 minutes or more every day this past week. I'm trying to find the right balance of fiber in my diet! That is a little tricky and my digestive system isn't cooperating the best!

I'm so thankful that I had the surgery. I know others experience complications and side effects, but I have been so blessed! I have tried many different foods and haven't had any adverse reactions. My body tells me when to stop eating (although I do measure everything so I know how much protein and how many calories I'm getting). I've been out to restaurants with my family and friends. It feels a little silly to order a cup of soup and ask for a take home container because I can't finish it all!

In the two weeks since my last appointment, my scale says I'm down! The pants I bought at the beginning of December are feeling loose! I have until February 15 (my next appointment) before I'll report an "official" weight loss again! I'm praying for 20 more pounds gone! That would bring me very close to my first goal of 66 pounds (the lowest I've been since the twins were born). Pray with me!

Past the Holidays!

I wonder if I've ever gone through the holiday season without gaining weight!?! And this year, I actually LOST weight over the holidays! I'm excited! I've got a long way to go, but I'm headed in the right direction.

Happy New Year!