Working through the Challenges

I'm almost seven weeks post-op and I've lost about 26 lbs. I still feel like I am losing really slow to have had gastric bypass. I know that's a lot of pounds in a short period of time but I find myself comparing my weight loss to others who have dropped it faster. I've officially reached the stage that my doctor says I can begin to try foods to see how I tolerate them. As I mentioned earlier I was ready for a salad. I've had my share of salads now and have enjoyed eating them again. Actually I tried one before my soft food phase was finished and it didn't agree with me. However, I tried again after I passed that phase and had no problems. Again, follow the rules, I guess there are rules for a reason.   The dietician told me to eat a little lettuce with protein on top which is how I eat salad. Since lettuce has no protein, it's important to add it to the salad. I like protein on my salad so that works for me.  By the way Mellow Mushroom sells a lil chef, Greek and other salads. They are a really good size even though I still can't eat all of it. At least it's not gigantic like most restaurant salads.

I've returned to work and with that brings challenges for eating. During the first few days of meetings without the return of teachers, eating out went well for me. Actually everything was digesting well. I thought I was past the stage of feeling like food was stuck or feeling that pressure from certain foods. Overall, it is so much better than it was and it is improving each day. However the day the teachers returned and the pace of work picked up as well as the stress of getting things ready for school to open, everything I ate for a few days didn't agree with me. I would guess it is probably from being uptight while trying to digest food.   I still feel like I don't have my routine down for eating, taking my lunch, exercising, etc to begin the rat race again.   This week was so hectic and busy I only made it to the gym one day. The schedule I thought I had mapped out fell by the wayside because my hubby quit his part-time job. I had plans to go to the gym two times a week in the afternoons while he was working, knowing I didn't have to rush home. This week I realized, as it has been for the last year, planning afternoon trips to the gym don't always materialize. It seems the day I plan it something at work throws a kink in the plan. Jerry has offered to get up three days a week with me at 4:50 to make it to the gym by 5:15 a. m.  So many people tell me there is no way they could go to the gym that early. I agree with them. This is going to be a challenge. I am not a morning person and I hate the thoughts of doing it in the morning, but I feel like its the best option. I've done it in the past, but couldn't remain consistent. Maybe we can help each other by kicking one another out of the bed when one of us tries to skip it. One of the biggest problems for me is making myself go to bed earlier. I can't seem to make myself do it and then I'm exhausted in the morning. Let me interject here and say all this is so much harder as I get older. It's true, you just don't have the same level of stamina when you are crawling toward that half century mark.   Our goal is to go to the gym Monday, Wenesday and Friday mornings at 5:15 to 6:00, then home to jump in the shower and rush to work. The positive thing about exercising in the morning is the feeling you have in the afternoon when you leave work knowing you're done with the day and you don't have to wrestle with " I need to exercise". For those of you who tell me I'll feel great all day if I exercise in the mornings.  I say you are a liar. I've never felt that way when I exercise in the mornings.  Usually by 10:00 am I need a nap. Oh well, maybe consistency will change that. Say a prayer for us that we can do this long term. I admire people who develop great habits of exercise and stick with it. I can't ever seem to make these commitments a habit.

I am beginning to understand small portion sizes, but it is still difficult to comprehend filling my plate or bowl with a half cup to a cup of food. Last night Jerry cooked a pot of chili and as I begin to fill my bowl he had to remind me to stop. I wanted to fill it all the way up even though I wouldn't be able to eat it all.   It is frustrating at times because I still want more, but I believe that will get easier with time. I still feel confusion at times because I know this is not a diet and I can pretty much eat what I want as long as I eat protein first and limit sugar to less than 15 grams. I can eat french fries with my protein if I want because ultimately if I eat protein first I will only be able to hold a few fries. I do understand that eating healthy is important and honestly I've always enjoyed vegetables and include them in my diet, but I don't have to deprive myself of some of the junk foods I like.   One thing I do need to watch though are junk food snacks at night. I really like chips, crackers, etc and crave them especially after dinner. These snacks can prevent weight loss. They are easy to eat and digest so you can graze without thinking.   Some people can be annoying trying to tell me how and what healthy, diet type foods i should eat. I know they mean well, but eating after surgery isn't eating like most people diet.   So many people love to tell you what kind of vitamin supplements you should take or what kind of food is good for you. When I talk about food or vitamins I am not asking for advise. Some people feel the need to give it well meaning I know, but it gets a little tiring.   With that being said, I realize I need to limit my conversation about the surgery, my eating challenges, vitamins, etc. I know hearing that every time you are near me gets old as well.

Although I've lost weight and most people know to look for it, I still haven't lost enough that it stands out when I see someone who doesn't know about the surgery.  I'm anxious to get to the place that people really notice at first glance.  I know it will come, but I am ready now.  I think that is probably what sabotages many overweight people when they are trying to diet.  You work so hard, lose a significant amount of weight, but because of your large size it isn't noticeable for awhile.  Without the positive feedback, it's easy to give up the challenge.

Next week the students return so the daily routine continues and new challenges  begin for me.  I look forward to the distraction so I think of something besides food and weight loss, but I also worry about handling stress and maintaining right eating, taking vitamins and exercise.

5 Minute Nachos

Multigrain Scoops
Leftover chili (with meat and beans)
Salsa
Chopped cilantro and chives
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream