Spring update from the Bear - ThinnerTimes

bigbearjeff · 03-25-2008, 11:22 AM

Hi gang!

I had posted a recent picture of me alongside of a picture of me prior to surgery this summer. It really is a drastic difference so far, but I am still not “satisfied” yet. I want to reach my goal and let things even out.
Lynda had asked how I was doing, so I thought I would respond to that.

I have been BUSY, and I mean really busy. You know that because I do not post on here as much as I had in the past. Where did the time go? I honestly do not know, but it seems the more weight I lose the busier I get. That is not a bad thing I guess. So don’t think I am neglecting you all, I just am in a busy place in my life. I have lots of funny things to share, but that will have to wait till the next time I post.

How do I feel?
Well honestly I feel great. I went through a period of dizziness and lightheadedness that drove me nuts. Mike (from TT) had similar issues as well. I attribute it to mostly low blood pressure and sugar.
The only downside to all of this is I am still cold often and dealing with dress clothes has sucked, but I have had some recent breakthroughs with clothes as well.
Spring is almost here and summer is right around the corner, and honestly I can HARDLY wait. I love to be outdoors, and though the temperatures here this winter were typical, they felt 20 degrees cooler to me.
I am at the point where I get this question a lot, “How is your diet coming?” Diet? I laugh so hard inside and think Diet? You mean survival? Haha Like I am dieting.. Well I guess in some sense of the term I am monitoring what I eat, but honestly.. I eat so little I just still focus on protein and liquids. I just ate a small bowl of chili.. I am so full… oh well… you all know the deal.
So many people keep insinuating that I am probably going through remorse because they are all eating large quantities of whatever in front of me.. I just laugh.. How can you explain the truth to someone? It’s like trying to tell someone from a distant planet that has no trees what a tree is.. they just will never fully get it.

I am down around 86lbs now. Not sure where the heck this strange plateau came from, but it is here. I lose 3 go up 2, lose one go up 2. What is amazing is I eat pretty much the same thing.. all the time. GO figure? I am not stressed about it though, because I have noticed (as some of you have too) that it seems that during this time my body and metabolism seem to be adjusting. I know that might sound strange, but I can tell. You can sort of feel yourself going through this change.

Energy levels are not what they were, but that is not too surprising. At least I do not ache and pain from walking around.. which I do a lot now.

Hair Loss…
Okay.. I know it seems to happen to mostly everyone, but man it upset me a lot more than I expected LOL. I am over it.. well sorta.. well… poop. I hope it grows back soon. I look too much like my dad. I am taking additional Biotin now. Haha

Let’s see what else.. Oh so I was originally told my out of pocket expense for the surgery was going to be around $3,200.00. So the bill finally came and it was only $2,200. Unfortunately, we got hit with other expenses along the way that forced me into a payment plan.. Then last week I got an updated bill, and the doctor’s office wrote off a significant amount of the bill. So, now I owe $500.. Can I get a HELL YEAH? Thank you!

Let’s see what else.. Symptoms, feelings, thoughts..

I notice once in a great while I get this feeling like I had heartburn, but well that is impossible, and well it is the feeling like I had burped up something acidy, but well.. I didn’t. That might sound familiar to some of you. It does not happen much, but it noticeable.
I was blessed in that I am not the gas machine that I hear some of you are.. or maybe I am in denial? It would not be the first time hehe
Hanging skin.. Well I want to share some encouragement with you all. I had it.. then it went away, then I had it, then it went away… honestly… it seems to be this way for me. So be encouraged.. it seems to re-absorb back to some degree. I continued to do resistance training, but I feel as if I lost some muscle along the way.
Feelings.. I am going through a withdrawn period.. sort of a “me” period. I am not in the mood for company or to be bothered with people.. You all know what I mean. I think it is the winter blahs. I am not depressed, just don’t feel like bothering with people… excluding my kids and Dave. Haha

Would I do it again?
Absolutely. It’s th smartest thing I have ever done. I thank God CONTINUALLY for this opportunity.
Did it change me?
Besides the weight loss, no I am still me. Sadly, I see how much better people treat me and it has made me lose some respect for those people, but I will get over it.

Was it easy? Do you crave food?
It has been easy for me. I don’t crave food or anything like that, but my body lets me know when it needs sustenance.

Coffee?
I miss you my old mistress. I cherished you. My mouth watered at the thought of tasting you, but now you are a disgusting hag.. a dust pile.. you repulse me… but.. I will never forget my love for you and the joy you brought me.. Why did this change? I do not know, but Man.. talk about making me sick to my stomach?

Tea?
Oh baby. You are so good to me. I like you so much better than your cousin Coffee. Though coffee was hot, she lacks the never ending pleasure you give me now. Hot or Cold… you are always welcome at my place.

Broccoli?
Secretly, I want you constantly. You are a craving that can not be quenched. May you always be there for me. Though so many would have you raw, I only want you steamed or boiled with a little butter and salt.

Steak?
You were hot, and I loved putting your meat in my mouth(haha made you laugh!), but alas, you are too much trouble to chew. I still love to taste, but I believe I can not eat you as I did in the past.

Pears? Grapes? Apples?
Oh you three are such nice friends. Pear, you are so juicy, but are almost too much for me to eat, and Apple, I love you, but your skin gets annoying, now Grapes you are divine. Eight of you with some sliced cheese is so … wonderful. Let’s get together again soon and sit out in the sun talking about old times.

Water?
I was really never fond of you. I knew I would die without you, but now I appreciate you so much more. You are my companion and I will take you anyway I can get you. Thanks for being there for me.

Eggs?
I like to spend my weekend with you. You are much better poached, and I can hardly stand you any longer hard boiled, but I will try again. You were delicious in quiche, and I will find new things to do with you.

Chicken?
I really do enjoy you. Thanks for being there for me.

Protein Bars?
You will be my good friend for many years to come. I owe you!

Bread? Pasta?
Sorry, but I don’t miss you all. I have not seen you for 6 months, and to be honest I don’t know where I would put you after I indulge in my many other pleasures.

Well I could go on and on, but even the bear has to work. Love and miss you all. I hope I made you smile!

Jeff

soon2bthin · 03-25-2008, 11:36 AM

This was such a pleasure to read. Thanks for posting.

Cassie

Andie · 03-25-2008, 11:42 AM

Always a pleasure to read!! Miss you around here! Hugs!

OsoDelDesierto · 03-25-2008, 12:05 PM

Jeff, I always enjoy your posts - you are a treasure, my WLS brother!

pebitpeb · 03-25-2008, 01:00 PM

Thanks for the update, sounds as though life is going forward and you are experiencing the life after the surgery. It was good reading all your thoughts about skin, clothes, being cold, foods, drinks etc........So many things I could relate too. Hope to hear from you again soon and stay positive as like you said the Spring and warmer weather is just about here and that always tends to help the soul.
All the best to you and yours Jeff.
pebitpeb
Paul

Toony · 03-25-2008, 01:06 PM

Yeah Baby!

Great post, as always!

BBJ's No.1 Fan,

Katie

Corrine · 03-25-2008, 01:32 PM

I miss your posts Jeff - don't leave it so long next time. hugs.

CeeCee · 03-25-2008, 01:54 PM

Thank you for the update! (And well-written, as usual! Very enjoyable to read!)

Toony · 03-25-2008, 02:40 PM

Guess maybe our Big Bear Jeff has been hibernating... and look at all that weight he lost over this long, cold winter!

WhooOooOo HOooOoOOo!

katie

LyndasRoom · 03-25-2008, 05:21 PM

Jeff,
I always appreciate your thoughtful and insightful posts. I think a lot of us go into a phase where we just want to be left alone to do our losing in peace, lol. I was sincere when I asked how you're doing, and am very happy to read that you are just out living your (now very busy) life. Isn't this journey amazing? My body doesn't surprise me so much as it did during the losing phase these days...I'm just trying really, really hard not to gain any of it back! Thanks again for updating us...please try to not be a stranger.