Let's review...when I started this process In May of 2014 I had a BMI of 40. I had a hard time tying my shoes. I couldn't wear heels. I was out of breath crossing a parking lot. I was always hungry. My feet and ankles hurt all the time. I was morbidly obese.
fast forward to today.
My BMI is 25. I can and often do walk several miles at a time. I take the stairs. I can wear heels! My blood work levels are perfect! In fact, my iron was so high I don't have to take the multi vitamin any more if I don't want to! Dr. Trieu and his PA said the best part was my skin! My elasticity is so good that no one would be able to tell I had bariatric surgery...except...of course I tell everyone!! I love my sleeve!
Ok, complete honesty time.
People always want to know. How am I really? What is my energy level? Do I have to wait 30 minutes to drink after I eat forever? Can I still drink wine? What can/can't I eat? What do I do at a restaurant?
I am fantastic. No, really. I haven't had bronchitis in two years. If you know me, you know that's a big deal. Two winters without even a bad cold. I still have lazy days. But now I spontaneously plank. I always feel better after I go for a long walk. Yes, I will always have to wait to drink after I eat. (it keeps my drink bill down when I go out to eat because I order a drink and by the time the food comes it's gone and I don't order another) I order an appetizer for my entree. OF COURSE I can drink wine! :) I can eat anything. Really! I did have trouble with chicken for about a year but now I can eat anything I want (just small amounts of it).
Things I've learned? Well, I still use a small dish and probably always will. If I don't I sometimes will not realize how much I have and it still does not feel good to eat too much. Can you believe I just said that? I can recognize when I'm full now!! *happy dance!* I probably do not drink as much water as I should, and I probably drink too much coffee but I'm ok with that. I can go all night without getting up to pee!! I can walk 8 miles without having to stop to pee!! I *almost* enjoy shopping for clothes at times!
I can't drink much milk (not that I ever did) but even chocolate milk, that I like, is a bit thick and heavy so I can only drink about 1/4 of a cup and I'm full. I can do a sip or two of soda without it turning to acid but not much more than that and I'm completely fine with that too. I drink more juice now (no, I mean real juice not wine). ;) I do snack some. I like ice cream and pretzels. I eat beet chips (they're really good honest!) and I do indulge in doritos once in awhile. As Dr. Trieu says everything in moderation. If I tried to give up all the yummy stuff I'd drive myself crazy. One of the biggest reasons I went with the sleeve was so I could still eat anything I wanted just not very much of it.
My typical breakfast is 3/4 of a breakfast sandwich. ( you have to be ok with waste!)
Morning snack? apple slices with peanut butter or a handful of almonds
Lunch might be 3/4 of a lean cuisine.
Dinner is usually 2-3 ounces of meat and a bite or two of a side.
Evening snack is 1/2 cup ice cream or some other yummy treat.
I can go without eating but try not to. My blood sugar doesn't spike and drop like it used to. My cholesterol was so good I don't even have to have it measured any more. My blood pressure today was 117/59. My vitamin D was 38 which isn't bad for Maine in March ;) and my iron was 170! which is actually on the high side! I go back in 6 months for my two year check. Today he said I was a "model patient" so I guess I'm good....BUT....
this has all been in the honeymoon phase. What does that mean? Well, from everything I've read people generally start to struggle about 18 months out. This is maintenance. This gets tougher. I hope that I am strong enough to have learned lesson. I need to keep moving. I need to pay attention to my portions. I need to be healthy.
We'll be going on the road sometime in the next year. My time at Evergreen Dental will be done in July. I'll be going on hikes and learning to plank in the RV and out doors. I've thought about blogging this continued journey...I'm wondering if there would be interest? Let me know what you think.
How is your journey going? I know I stepped off walking this winter...it's really hard to do in the cold...but I'm back at it now...how about you? Getting some steps in? How about your water? For those of you in the south I hear it's warming up! Be sure to keep hydrated! Spring is almost here!! Keep smiling!
Thanks for coming with me on this wonderful jouney! :)
~Mikki
