Progress Report - 6 weeks - ThinnerTimes

Emerald · 04-10-2005, 01:57 PM

I hit 6 weeks on Monday, so I thought I would post a little progress check. The good, the bad and the ugly.

First, the good. I did it! I bought that “comfort” bike I have been drooling over! I am so excited and I LOVE IT!

I have not been on a bike for over 20 years, my knees suck and I have no sense of balance since I… uh… developed. And it was an expensive bike so I went back and forth for 2-3 weeks and decided “screw it, I am so worth it!”. IT IS SO COOL!

Rode 4-5 miles last night and it was one of the most exhilarating things I have done in years! The feel of the wind in your hair, the whole works, it so rocked! I tried to ride this morning again, but I am embarrassed to say I am saddle sore.

I am hoping that it will kick start me. I have been a little down, feeling isolated from my girlfriends lately, just feeling like I am in a world they don’t understand. I don’t feel I am exercising enough and while the amounts are laughable, my food choices are “quick and easy” vs. “healthy”.

Where’s that big energy increase I keep hearing about? When does that normally occur? Also, I would be very interested in hearing about changes in your sleep patterns after surgery.

I feel tired, but I’m sure not sleeping like I used to. But when I get up I feel like I had enough sleep.

I am also starting to think the honeymoon is over already! I seem to go 8-10 days with no loss, then lose 3-4 lbs, and then back to the 8-10 days with no loss. The last 2 days the scale has gone UP 1.5 pounds! I try to remind myself that some fluctuation is normal, but DANG! Thank goodness I lost a big chunk in the very beginning or I would be feeling like a total failure...

Mike seems to think I could actually be eating too little, so my body thinks it's in starvation mode? Protein is a daily struggle. One good thing is that my capacity to drink water has increased dramatically the last 3-4 days, so I have been able to quench my thirst, finally!

I try to focus on the positive. I’m off my insulin, my sugars are normal, no high blood pressure and I have lost a lot of inches. I just need some energy, dangnabit.

I just re-read my post (aka my 1st novel

) and it sounds very negative, which I hate. I would do it all over again just for the benefits I have achieved so far. I guess I am just impatient! I am eager to hear what they say at my 6-week check up. That’s all for now, all your input is greatly appreciated!

JohnsWife4Life · 04-10-2005, 03:02 PM

Every one is different. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. Stay off the scale, a watched pot never boils. At this time forget the scale, and play.

I never had energy before, and I don't now. I have the ability to do anything I want, but it is always in an exhausted body.

You have lost 35 pounds already, quick and easy doesn't always mean it isn't healthy. I always do quick and easy, and have since the begining.

I love the can stuff. Denisons chili beans, man those are my favorite, I tolerate them, and they have loads of protein. I never could do the protein thing, so I did the milk for protein and calcium.

Don't beat yourself up over any of it. That bike ride sounded awesome. Do it for the enjoyment of it all, and don't look at it like exercise. I know dancing is great exercise, I just enjoy it so much it doesn't feel like it is. Saddle sore huh? You will need to work the stiffness out, lol, if ya get my drift.

The water increase is great, have never been able to quench my thirst since surgery.

Glad to see you posting, hope all is well,

Hugs,

Traci

watergirl · 04-10-2005, 03:34 PM

Stay off the scale!!!!! At the most - only once a week. It's a great story about the bike, good for you! You ARE so worth it!

You're doing just fine. Lost inches is just as good as weight - I hope you can find comfort with that.

If the honeymoon is over already for you, you'd be the first person that I have heard of it happening to at 6 weeks. Everyone looses at different rates, you're doing just fine.

You may want to mix it up a bit. Exercise more = eat more. Mike might be right, you may need to increase your caloric intake. Take a day off = eat less.

Great to hear of your health turn-around!

Jeanie · 04-10-2005, 06:11 PM

Don't worry about it. Everything is going to be fine. You will loose the weight, and be happy with the results that you get. I will see you guys Tuesadya at the gym!

Dara · 04-10-2005, 06:40 PM

Emmy, Emmy, Emmy, my dear:

My goodness, you're doing a GREAT job! Think about it:

1. You've lost 35 lbs. in 6 weeks.

OH MY GOSH!
2. You rode a bike for the first time IN OVER 20 YEARS.
3. You're OFF INSULIN.
4. Your sugars are NORMAL.
5. Your BP is NORMAL.
6. You've lost lots of INCHES.

What an awesome six-week report card!!!

Remember:

1. You just had MAJOR abdominal surgery six weeks ago! Your body went through a traumatic shock. It must take time to recover. Your energy WILL return with a vengeance. It will be remarkable how much energy you have.

2. Don't isolate yourself from your friends. Take this opportunity to develop your socialization skills with a new healthy regimen. Believe me, you CAN figure out what to eat with other people. Since they're your girlfriends, they should be very supportive and helpful. Also, don't forget that you have us too. We all know what you're going through!

3. Trust us...your honeymoon is NOT over. The weight will come off. If you're sticking to your program, it WILL come off--guaranteed. If you're one of those people who loses weight in spurts, put away your scale. Don't weigh too frequently--it will just depress you.

4. Mike might be right about too little calories. At one point, I found that I was eating too little calories. I upped mine and--guess what--it worked. Try it and see.

5. You're just developing your exercise program. Don't push yourself too hard because, most importantly, you might seriously injure yourself. Take it easy on yourself. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day, right?

6. You have a built-in support system and guide--Mike! Just don't make the mistake of thinking you have to keep up with him. He's at a very different place in his weight loss than you are. Keep your eye on the prize.

You're an awesome woman, Emmy. Don't sell yourself short. You are doing an absolutely wonderful job. Don't be a stranger!

Blueyz · 04-10-2005, 07:04 PM

Emmy~

Wow, you are doing a great job and I am so proud of you and your new bike. I am happy you bought it. You deserve it. Like everyone else said, kick that scale to the side and enjoy your honeymoon period.

pambragg · 04-11-2005, 07:19 AM

Emmy,
You are doing fantastic my dear. You might want to switch up what you are eating. Your body may be hanging onto the fat because it thinks its starving. Hope to see you guys Wed at E.C. support group. Big hugs to you my friend.

triciaknox · 04-11-2005, 08:19 AM

Emmy,

Yep, try to eat more, that might easily help. Too bad you live in Santee, I would have loved to get together to ride bikes!!! You are doing great though!!!

LizardQueen · 04-11-2005, 09:52 AM

You are doing great! Enjoy your bike. I wish I could do it, but I have no balance at all and never relly got the hang of bike riding. Keep up the good work!

Anne · 04-11-2005, 10:36 AM

Emmy,

It's sounds like you are doing wonderful. The bike ride sounds fantastic! Maybe I'll have to think about getting one. But I want that nice, plush sheepskin seat, cuz my butt always killed me riding!