Exercise is Good

Water aerobics on Wednesday was intense. We did steps in the water. I didn't think it was all that different but I am here to tell you that while it didn't seem all that rough, I have sore muscles that scream otherwise. Hope we start to step more regularly in the water. I enjoyed it and know that the soreness is good.

The weather here in Chicagoland has been beautiful this past week. I started walking with the girls at work about a mile every day, at least. On Thursday, I got out the bikes and we went for a bike ride. Now mind you, I had not been a bicycle in at least 25 years! I was wobbly but it is true: You never forget how to ride a bike once you've learned.

One of the girls and I set off. I started out on a girl's bicycle but my knees started to ache early on. I exchanged bikes with the girl because the one she was on was a bigger bike but it was also a boy's bike. No more knee pain. Cool! Then we were riding uphill and she called for me to stop. I did and put my feet down only to realize even not sitting on the seat I could barely reach the ground with my tippy toes. I leaned to the left to swing my leg off the bike and the bike slid. I fell on top of the bike and then down onto my elbow and knees. OUCH! I ended up with some small puncture wounds in the heel of one hand, road rash on my arm near my left elbow, and road rash with puncture wounds on my left knee. I sat there on the ground stunned for a couple minutes. The girl was mortified and came to see if I wanted help up. I managed to get up with a little bit of dignity. We walked (I more likely hobbled) back toward the home. Almost there and I decided to get back on and ride again. Made it back without incident but once again, fell getting off the bike. The girls tease me that before I can ride again I need knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, and a helmet. In spite of the falls, I had so much FUN! I want a bike to ride at home. Just need to make sure that I buy one that is the right size for me. I'm okay. Sore and scabbed over, but okay. I survived my first bike ride in over 25 years and it felt FANTASTIC!!!

I am loving that I do things now that I haven't been able to do for so long. I want to rollerskate again. I used to love rollerskating. Last time I went, I spent most of the night on my butt on the floor because my center of gravity was so off from all the weight. I had a hard enough time getting off the floor in the first place. Add the rollerskates and it was next to impossible to get up. I so want to try but am afraid. Maybe I'll do it in the gym at work, late at night when no one is there to witness the fall should it happen. I think that will be my next exercise challenge. Just got to work up the courage ...

Yea

I did find a new therapist/psychologist. He has over 35 years experience treating people with addictions and addictive behaviors including food addiction. He knows that I had gastric bypass surgery and have obsessive behavior when it comes to food. I am pretty excited to have found him and my first appointment is on Monday late afternoon.

Weight continues to remain steady for now. I know that in good time I can get off another 30 lbs. I just have to focus. This change in therapists gives me hope once again that I will be the success I know I can be!

18 Months Post Op

I cannot believe it's really been that long since I had my gastric bypass. I really need to post new photos as I haven't taken any or posted new ones since July of last year. I think I need them to get myself motivated and going once again.

Saw my surgeon and on his scale my weight was up 5 lbs since July. He was not amused; neither am I! I have honestly been having a LOT of issues with food. I have been stress eating and that means eating whatever I can get my hands on. Unfortunately, at work that means things like chips, cookies, chocolate (I don't even like chocolate, really), etc. I tried sticking gum in my mouth, it just makes me want to eat more. I am eating all day long and it has to stop. I need better coping skills, especially at work. This is why I need a need a new therapist. The one I have now is not addressing any of the food issues and that's why I started going to therapy in the first place. The nurse gave me a card for a doctor that they send people to for psych clearance prior to surgery. I will call today to find out if my insurance will pay for him. If so, I'm going to switch and see where it leads. This doctor is experienced in treating people pre and post op for bariatric issues.

As for the lump in my leg, the surgeon was surprised by the ortho doctor's assessment. He still totally disagrees and says it is a cyst that needs to be traced to the joint but he is not going to fight the ortho doc on it. He said there is no reason that it HAS to come out. I can watch it. If it seems to be getting larger, becames tender or painful, or there is any issue with it, I will let him know and he will go back in and remove it again. No guarantees that it will not continue to come back so ... I am opting to leave it in right now. It is not affecting my quality of life. He feels there is no danger of it becoming cancerous. It does not hurt and is barely noticeable most of the time. I'm okay with leaving it alone for now.

As for the tummy surgery, he suggested I sock away $500 a month to pay for it next year. His fee is $3500 and the hospital would be about $300 he claims. Yeah, right! He may have that kind of extra money, being a doctor and all, but I certainly don't. I'm going to have to try to get my PCP to help me prove it is medically necessary. That's the only way insurance will pick it up. I think this will be a hard battle to win. I don't have rashes, at least not any that are that bad. I do have back pain and the inability to stand up straight because of the stomach weight causing me to lean forward. It flops around and is really annoying, especially when I'm exercising and really irritating in my water aerobics class. Seriously, I need Dr. Phil, Oprah, or even Maury to become my best friend and pay for the surgery! Guess I'd better start looking for a really good girdle and learn how to roll and tuck. *sigh*

Went to my exercise class last night. It was good. My muscles ache a little bit. I like that. It means I worked hard. Water aerobics tonight. It's raining outside so no walk outside tonight. I'm not committed enough to walk in the rain. One day maybe I will buy rain gear so I can and will but not today. I am going to start walking as soon as I get home from work every night. The rain and gloom pretty much matches my mood right now.

That's about it for me. I try to focus on how far I've come and tell myself I will get where I am going. Like all things I want, I want it now! I have done well. I need to re-focus and get my head back where it belongs. My surgeon told me he knows I will be a complete success story keeping the weight off because one day I will be ticked at myself and just get it done! He's pretty much right on the money. That's how I started this whole process. I'm getting close to being there once again and maybe anger at myself is what I need to push me forward. No looking back. Get through each day without eating all day and eating the things I don't need and I'll be okay.

God bless you all. I read and post at Sparkpeople.com and it helps me to stay encouraged and does motivate me. Without all my friends, I would be hard pressed to keep going.