It’s been an interesting month. The big news is that I’ve lost 105 lbs! This means I’m no longer obese, just overweight. I need to get to 147 lbs or below to be considered at a healthy weight.
I actually hit the 100 lb mark several weeks ago, but delayed making it official until I was done traveling. I wanted to be sure I had lost it for good! This was the goal my surgeon set for me to reach by the one-year anniversary of my surgery. It’s been eight months, and I’m still going!
The first trip was rough, because I had a hard time completely sticking to my diet, especially the drinking water part. The low point was grabbing some cheese sticks while running to catch my plane on a layover home. We had a 10 hour travel day, and zero time between flights. I can’t take protein shakes (my constant back-up plan) on airplanes because of the whole 3 ounce liquid rule. We didn’t have time to search for a better place, so I made the best decision I could. Cheese is something I can have, but it’s not supposed to be fried. I only ate three, but it still felt so gross.
When I got home, I felt very dehydrated and drank a ton of water, which I’m fairly confident is related to the 2 lb weight gain I had. Not working out for a week and eating dinner out every night did not help anything either. Even if I eat items I’m allowed, I can’t weigh the proper portions or control everything that goes into preparing my food. Restaurants tend to use a ton of salt, and that’s not good when I’m not drinking enough water.
I spent the next week getting back into my workout and eating routine, only to leave again the following week. I was able to shed the 2 lbs I had gained and was back at 100 lbs lost before my second trip. This trip went much better. I stuck to my diet, except for a half a piece of carrot cake, which was my March treat. If you don’t remember, I allow myself one dessert a month. I was able to work out on this trip and drink lots of water. Fortunately, I was able to maintain my weight.
So, here we are a week later, and I’ve lost another 5 lbs. It’s been a rough week, though. I had an adjustment to make my band smaller on Monday. The reason they made it smaller, was because while traveling, I noticed I was able to eat more than I should be able to. I only eat out about once a week normally, so it’s not that big of a deal that I can’t weigh out the right portion. The point of the band is to stop you from eating too much.
When you have adjustments you have to go on liquids for two days, then mushy food for two days. After that you start adding in meat. I was fine on Monday, but started noticing a problem before my workout on Tuesday morning. I usually chug a protein shake before my boot camp class, but it wasn’t going down too easily. I thought I was going to throw up my shake. I’ve never had a problem with liquids before, but know how much your stomach can swell after an adjustment. After all, they are tightening a band around my stomach.
By Thursday, I was still having problems with liquids for a couple of hours after I got up. Usually by the time I get to work, I’ve had 50 ounces of water and a protein shake, so this was really strange. I called my doctor and they told me to come in immediately.
Apparently, I’m normal. My band is now exactly where it was supposed to be all along. When I asked how this went unnoticed and I was still able to be successful, I was told, “It’s because you’re just so disciplined.” Because I don’t eat out, I stick to my diet and weigh out the right portions, I was doing just fine. Usually, people rely completely on the band to stop them from eating too much, which isn’t the right way. You are supposed to weigh your food and not let yourself get too full. The point of eating is to feel satisfied, not stuffed. The reason I’m having so much trouble in the morning is because when I sleep my stomach swells a lot, and it takes a couple of hours for the swelling to go down. I also have a sinus infection right now, and drainage makes my stomach swell, too.
Don’t get me wrong, my band has been working this whole time, just not to its fullest potential.
So now, I have to go back to the basics … making sure I chew everything really well and eating tiny bites. I’m not supposed to be able to gulp my water, only take tiny sips. The doctor offered to take some fluid out of my band to make it looser, but I am dead set on adjusting to my band. I paid $12,000 for it, so I’m going to get everything I can out of it. Plus, my weight loss has slowed so much; I need all the help I can get.
The doctor assured me my two-month plateau is not really even a plateau. Technically, a true plateau is when you do exactly everything right and don’t lose an ounce. I’ve been losing weight here and there … about 17 lbs in the last two months. I know that sounds like a lot to you, but it’s been a struggle for me.
Eli won a free trip to San Diego in two weeks. We plan on going snorkeling, so I have to get a bathing suit. That should be great for my self-esteem. Is any woman ever comfortable shopping for a bathing suit? I remember being self conscious about bathing suits when I was like 12. Oh well. If I can buy a size 24 surely I can handle buying a large or 14 or whatever I require.
Its easy to feel frustrated by When weight isnt coming off as quickly as it has in the past. It's important to keep in mind that by adding Niki G Bootcamp to your workout routine you are not only burning fat but also building muscle. Muscle not only weighs more than fat, but it also requires that your muscles retain more glycogen (fuel) and therefore water which adds to the number on the scale. Especially in the first few months of a more rigorous exercise schedule. So just remember, it's not all about the number on the scale, it's about body measurements and body fat. Keep up the great work and stay motivated. Believe in and be the change you want to see!
ReplyDelete~ Whitney