Weigh Day

Good Thursday Morning! I'm actually a day late in reporting this, but as of yesterday I am down more than 45 lbs. (20.41 Kg.) since my pre-op weigh-in on 2/5/10! That will be 14 weeks tomorrow for a weekly average of 3.21 lbs. (1.46 Kg.).

This is the first time that I've thought, wow, that's a lot of weight gone! I'm nearly down 50 lbs. which is half way to my first goal. A few people who don't know about the surgery have commented on the weight loss and I feel loads better about myself and my appearance. I've gone from a size 24 to a size 20 in pants and from a 3X to a 1X in shirts.

I think that there a several things that are working really well for me. In no particular order, they are:

1) Blogging - I cannot say enough about what a wonderful support the blogging community is through this. I have learned so much from your experiences and feel like I always have people willing to listen, offer advice, and share their own struggles and achievements.

2) Logging - Yes, I am one of those people who write down my food and the calorie and protein counts. I know several bandsters do not do this and yes, it does feel a bit like a diet, but I know myself well enough to know that I can easily underestimate what I've eaten if I don't keep track of it.

3) Protein - As a lacto/ovo vegetarian since the age of 19, I haven't really eaten a protein rich diet over the years. I'm sure I got enough protein before, but I did so be eating way more calories and carbs than my body needed. Now I am eating at least 50 grams of protein a day and trying to keep the calories under 1,300 a day.

4) Exercise - I have always been a fairly active person. Mostly I prefer to get my activity outdoors by riding my bike and walking. I have a large dog and I walk him every morning, rain or shine for at least 30 minutes. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I try to ride my bike to work - about six miles round trip. I also ride my bike to church on Sundays (two miles) and I walk again in the evenings a couple times a week. Although I have worked out in a gym regularly at times in the past, I don't really have the time or money for that right now. For the last couple weeks, I've been lifting free weights in the evening while watching TV. I usually just do a couple of sets.

5) Eating in Moderation - I do not restrict any foods from my diet. I eat chocolate, chips, pizza, butter, cream, regular cheese and sour cream. I do not eat SF foods or low fat foods. I don't eat these things everyday or all the time, of course, but nothing is off limits. My only pet-peeve about Blogland is that so many people will post about being "bad" and eating something they feel they shouldn't. IMHO that is a sure-fire way to set oneself up for a binge. I have done this enough times myself and I know that if I punish myself for choosing the "wrong" food, I will end up feeling deprived. I do have to be careful when I eat sugar because it leaves me craving other carbs, but as long as I am aware of it, it doesn't cause an issue.

I'm wondering if anyone experiences increased band tightness in the evenings? I have read that several of you are tight in the morning, but I am finding that I am tightest in the evening. I can eat the most easily at lunch time, but by dinner, I am practically choking on my own spit. Hopefully this will settle down now that TOM has left town so I can eat a proper dinner.

Well...I hope you are all having the beautiful weather that we are having in the PAC NW today! Enjoy your Thursday!