Feeling good inside

So, this is actually my second post of the day.  Some issue Blogger.com is experiencing caused my last blog to disappear.  I'm going to go in a different direction in case my "lost" post magically reappears at some point.  Ugh, that's maddening.

Three weeks ago I was struck down with the flu.  The flu symptoms ebbed, but I was left feeling not myself.  I went to my Surgical Center and they took FIFTEEN vials of blood; I had missed my 6 month checkup since I was also post hernia surgery, so feeling badly also incorporated their need to ensure my nutritional levels were being met at this 9 month juncture.  Also, current symptoms were in line with GB levels out of whack.  Thrilled to see all of my nutritional work paying off with perfect vitamin blood values and cholesterol is stellar!  There is something to be said when you look at yourself in the mirror and know you look good; then find that your insides are just as good.  I finally feel I can with all conviction say, I am a Gastric Bypass success and you can listen to me lol!

That being said, let's discuss how You Can Do It!  First, and foremost:  I take two Centrum Chewables every single day.  I chose to stay on chewables even after my doc said I could change to tablets; they are too large for my stomach and make me feel like I swallowed a brick.  Also, if your stomach can't break it down properly, you won't get good absorption in the intestine.  My only iffy test result was Vitamin D...slightly low.  On the flip side my calcium was perfect.  So I added a daily calcium citrate chewable with Vitamin D added (I chose chocolate to get a little hit of choco and none of the guilt).  GP says this should bring up D values just fine.  Also, I'm a sun goddess, so au natural in moderation is great for Vitamin D as well.  Take your calcium with the multi-vitamin as they've seen better absorption with Vitamin C.  I was pleasantly surprised to see my perfect iron levels since I'm not a big red meat eater.  But as I've read, iron levels are more of an issue for menstrating women; I am not after a total hysterectomy in 2004 so that might have something to do with it.  If you're anemic even after taking your multi-vitamin (like I said I take 2, and 1 has 100% of my daily requirement), do liquid iron.  I'm a big proponent on making things as simple on your stomach pouch as possible.  This follows through for anyone, not just GBers.  There are many people on acid reflux meds nowadays, which of course reduce your stomach acid.  My belief is if you reduce the acid, you reduce the ability to get the full effect intestinally.  So you're wasting time, money and belief you are helping yourself. 

Another huge component to this factor is food.  The old adage "you get out what you put in" is totally spot on.  I'm not an organic shopper or eater.  I'm not knocking anyone who does, I just don't.  But I do abstain from fast food and overly processed foods.  I cook most of what I eat, which gives me a lot of control over knowing exactly what I'm eating.  I encourage everyone to do the same; you don't have to be a gourmet cook to take a package of meat out of the fridge, season it and grill or bake it until no longer raw.  As I've said before, the internet is an awesome tool to find recipes that range from braindead easy to incredibly sofisticated.  Also, it only takes a little extra time to shop bi-weekly so try to buy fresh when possible.  Figure out what you are capable of doing time management wise and just do it.  This is the only body you will EVER have, be kind to it.  And I find a lot of personal satisfaction in cooking well for my family, knowing I'm not just helping myself be healthy, but them as well.

Fluids are crucial.  Get your water, period.  But I also drink two servings of soy milk every day.  I either get it from a decaf latte or just straight up.  I choose soy because of my milk allergy, and because it's so rich in protein.  I must say, I indulge in light vanilla flavored...I've tried plain and it's just not for me.  Also, having the hysterectomy put me in line for hormone replacement therapy.  I didn't like the way the meds made me feel and found the soy gives me enough estrogen to be able to get through the lack of ovaries medication free.  Understandably, not every woman may be able to get what they need from a few glasses of Silk so I'm thankful I do.  For those with a soy allergy, rice and almond milk are great alternatives.

Exercise!  I was at the gym the other day trying to not watch the timer on the elliptical machine.  My way of doing this is putting a magazine over the display lol.  Well, they had a good article about moving your feet during the day.  Everyone puts so much stock in getting to the gym and doing some monster hour/hour and half long session to fulfill the guilt of the "Exercise Demon."  That just sets you up for NOT going.  But the article noted several things to do throughout your day that overall are incredibly beneficial: 
1.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator
2.  Use the restroom on a different floor
3.  Don't park near the entrance, further away and walk it out (I need to do this I am a Princess Parker)
4.  While on a call, don't sit and talk.  Walk around while talking
5.  Download a program on your computer to pop up a timer to remind you to get out of your chair every 2 hours minimum...more often if you can allow with your work schedule.

So, that's a good start.  Changing your entire life is a monumentous undertaking.  Don't get discouraged if it takes a while; find one thing you can change and embrace that one change.  Then find one thing and so on.  Soon, change will be natural and you'll think "why did I think that wasn't possible."  I forced changed by deciding to accept the tool of GB.  But I had to prioritize the pieces of the puzzle and not be discouraged over slips.  Inventory of daily small victories is a huge motivator.