Went to the doc's office today to get weighed and talk to the dietitian. She took some notes, and gave me some advice on long term success. As of today, I am 2 1/2 months out from surgery. I currently weigh 451 lbs, down 77 from when I started this whole thing, and 17 down since last weigh-in. I've lost a couple inches in my neck, and at least four inches in my waist. I'm still a 6X in shirts, but she tells me that the abdomen is the last place to start shedding inches. I am not needing to lean so heavily on my walking stick, and I'm able to be up and moving for longer periods without back pain. Stairs still suck, though. As to feeling different, not really. The changes are so gradual that I haven't really noticed them. But, they are there and visible, as people around me frequently remark. Indeed, Unknown (derby ref) noticed some time ago that I was hefting my walking stick, as opposed to actually leaning on it as I walked from scrimmage one night.
Some may notice that this update's weight loss is markedly less than the first. That's totally normal, for a couple reasons. One, I'm back on solid food, which has a substantially higher caloric value than the liquid/whey protein shake diet I was on for much of the last update. Two, weight plateaus happen: they're just part of the process. The body will shed pounds, level off and stop shedding for a while, then start dropping again. I don't really know the science behind that particular part, but I'm assured by the doc and the dietitian it's normal.
Admittedly, I've been bad about sticking to the diet they wanted in the weeks since I got back on real food. I've drank sweet Cokes and had liquid during meals. Those are both things which will hinder my weight loss, but I had to get some of my "fixes" in after having been denied them for so long. So, in recent days, I've started working on getting back on the horse with regards to those particular rules. No liquids 10 minutes before or 30 minutes after a meal, and no sweetened beverages. The first part is just adjusting to a new habit. The second is going to take some work. But, I think I have found a viable substitute.
See, they tell you not to go for diet beverages, because artificial sweeteners are bad for you, give you cancer, etc. But, I went out on a limb and tried something, and it just might work: flavored seltzer. It's calorie free, like a diet soda, but it's also unsweetened, so no sugar or chemicals tricking the body into thinking there's calories incoming. Still gives the fizzy sensation that I desire, but nothing harmful to the body. Might need to look into adding that to my Amazon Prime Pantry orders, since carting those home from the store is a pain.
For meal size, I'm currently at about a half serving when it comes to restaurant food. Which is to say, I can eat half of what they give you in one sitting. So, half-a-burger and a couple onion rings is about right. I'm learning the early signals to keep me from getting sick, which happens when I eat too quickly. Drive throughs are not my friend, anymore. Takeout Boxes are. It's still a process of adjusting, and it takes time. But, I'm learning what the right speeds are, what I can handle and what I can't. On the bright side, I've been able to give up my acid-reflux medicine completely. I don't need it anymore for day-to-day. The doc still wants me to take it whenever I take any painkillers, though, simply because of ulcer risk. So, I'm hanging on to my supply.
Things are progressing, and it's a process. <feels>You all continue to be a source of determination for me, a wellspring from which I can draw strength, and I thank each and every one of you for it. Your support is helping to make me a better person. </feels>
Hayek
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