2 Month Update

I finally feel like I have the time to sit down and write a proper update! The last month or so has been really busy for me and I have barely had time for me and doing the things I want to do, much less writing down an update.

So here are my current stats:

Total weight down - 39.1 pounds from my highest
Since surgery - 22.6 pounds since surgery
Percent body weight lost - 13.8%
Total inches lost - 20.825 inches!!!

I had a follow-up with my surgeon and his PA on 11/1. They are really happy with my progress and how I’m doing overall. They have no concerns that they can see. I’ve not had any issues with eating or nausea still. I don’t have to go back until the end of January. If I need them they are there though. I have been cleared to add beef and pork back into my diet as of 11/12. I have had some here and there, but not a lot. I’ve mostly been eating chicken, turkey, cheese, and eggs for my protein.

The one funny part of the appointment was when she checked my incisions. She had to double-check when I had my surgery. She said they were healing exceptionally well and looked like they were 12 weeks and not 8-week incisions! I’ve always been a fast healer, but that made me feel really good.

Overall I’m really pleased with how I’m doing. I’m having an easier time meeting my food and water goals. I struggled a lot for a few weeks getting my water in especially, but it has gotten a lot better.

I’ve also been cleared to start strength training again! I am so excited about getting back into a routine. It’s been so busy at work that I’ve been lucky to make it downstairs at lunch 1-2 times a week to workout. I will say I’m so over walking on the treadmill and biking at the moment. I am going to start looking for a new gym soon. I really want to find a gym where I can swim too.

I’ve had to start shopping in my closet too! I don’t know how long it will last that I can wear the clothes in my closet, but I’m not arguing with getting to wear clothes I haven’t been able to in a long time. I’ve gotten some good leads on some nice thrift stores in my area as well.

Things I’ve noticed:

My tastes are changing. There are foods I wasn’t fond of or hadn’t liked that much before surgery. The big ones so far are:

• Kale
• Tomatoes (i used to only eat them on sandwiches or cooked into things, never just eaten)
• Dill pickles

I’m having an easier time keeping up with my husband when we’re out walking around.

My back, hips, and knees are feeling better. I’m having less pain overall.

I’m finding bones I haven’t seen/felt in a while. My collar bones are the most noticeable, but I’m noticing it in my knees, ankles, and hips too.

I’ve been handling social situations fairly well. It’s not been too hard for me to stay on track overall. I do treat myself and indulge a little bit here and there. We were at a fancy dinner last night for a friend’s organization. I did have a tiny bit of the chocolate cake served. It was delicious but super-rich and sweet. It was nice to enjoy a bite or two and be done. It’s just hard to waste so much food that comes with most portions. If we eat out I usually try and order something off the appetizer menu if I can. Most times I can.

The bad (so far):

The one side effect I wasn’t looking forward to has started a month earlier than I thought it would. Typically at about 3-6 months after surgery, most patients lose some of their hair. I’ve been shedding a LOT more than normal the last week. I cleaned out my brush before I started styling my hair one morning and by the time I was done, it looked like I hadn’t cleaned my brush out at all. It looks worse than it probably is since my hair is fairly long right now. It’s still disconcerting though. This should only last a couple of months and then my hair will start growing back. It’s still just a pain. I lost my hair after the crappy diet I did before my wedding. It took me a while to figure out the reason why and it took years for my hair to get to where it felt healthy again. I just hope I don’t lose that much total.

With that, if you made it through here are some pics for your enjoyment.

Aug 2017

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November 2019

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Day before surgery

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Halloween as Velma (I did cheat with spanx on this one)

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Muddling through the week

I really don't have a whole lot to talk about tonight, but I wanted to update anyhow.

I made it to the gym this morning after I got off work. I walked on the treadmill for about 30 minutes and did about 1.2 miles. It doesn't seem like a whole lot to me, but I have to remind myself that I did one of the pre-programmed weight loss workouts. So I was alternating speeds and inclines and it generally kicked my butt. I will say it was kind of a cool treadmill. It is an iFit and uses the android interface. You can log in, track your workouts, set goals, and all that. Another thing that I find equal parts cool and annoying is that it is sponsored by Jillian Michaels and at random points in the workout (if you have headphones in) you hear her saying motivational things. Towards the end I wanted to reach in and strangle that little voice. Doesn't that voice know I would rather listen to Law and Order: SVU uninterrupted than have encouraging words in my ear???

I am hoping tonight is an easy night at work. I woke up after about 6 hours of sleep and wasn't able to get back to sleep. I have tried very hard to cut back on the soda during the week, and especially when I am at work. I have been drinking lots of tea (Xing tea is my current favorite) and black coffee with cinnamon in it for my caffeine boosts. I have already had one Mountain Dew tonight. :( Tonight is going to be a looooooong night. I love the third shift because there is only 7 or 8 of us there and we aren't fighting for bench space in the lab or getting each other's way. And we work 4 10hr. shifts so we have three day weekends. Granted one day of that is spent sleeping and recovering from the week. But it is still third shift, and third shift is not that fun to me. And any of my friends know I am really not a night owl. But you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

I am hoping this weekend to look at my calorie intake and work on a meal plan for the week. I rarely follow it to the letter, but having something of a plan helps me stay on track.

I think I might go try and take an hour nap anyhow. 'Nite