Bliss

I'm coming up on my One Year Anniversary of my Gastric Bypass.  This is forcing me to view myself, and my life in general, in a different way.  I am not the person I was a year ago.  I'm thankful for the gift of this surgery and what it's brought to my life.  And I think I'll focus some effort into trying to articulate these feelings:

It's easy to say my life has changed because of what I eat.  It has changed, but not because of what I eat.  It's changed because of why I eat; instead of eating because I was bored, or stuffing food in my face because I was busy, I now eat with purpose.  I chose very carefully exactly what I'm willing to endure after eating, if I choose badly.  I chose carefully because I'm very aware every bite counts towards daily protein intake.  But I choose carefully because I wanted to ensure that eating still remained a joy, not a chore.  GBPers have two paths after surgery:  lose weight from happiness or frustration.  You will lose weight, you have no choice.  Your choice remains in how happy you will be here on.

For many months, I ate with purpose:  to not lose my hair nor muscle mass.  I was terrified of the stories I'd heard regarding these issues due to lack of protein intake.  Undoubtedly, many folks who qualify for surgery have achieved weight gain from being carb lovers (me included).  It becomes natural to eat the yummy carbs first, proteins take the backseat.  I was never an Adkins supporter thinking "how can you lose weight eating steak and bacon?"  But I see the overall premise of the program now...proteins are important in filling you up and  keeping your hunger staved.  Carbs in fruits (not many for me, too much sugar) and veggies are second on the list of eats...but simple carbs are in my past.  I don't miss them, surprisingly.  So I guess that could have something to do with my outlook for my future.  But I have to wonder how many GBP patients have deep regret over never being able to eat the things that truly bring them joy.

I suggest if you are in this category, look for alternatives.  I felt a tad silly going into Barnes&Noble to buy Bethenny Frankel's books Naturally Thin and Skinnygirl Dish.  But Bethenny's Claim To Fame is not dieting; it's changing HOW you cook to just be naturally a thin person without making a huge change in your everyday food prep and eating process.  Her mantras can hold true for anyone, but it was particularly interesting to me in that, she's created a menu that is balanced, low in sugar and fat and delicious.  So, by using these recipes and the changes she's made to every foods I thought I could no longer eat, I can eat and feel very satisfied with food choices.  I love cookies:  now I can eat ONE cookie, but no longer feel even slight desire to eat six.  That's the difference.  I cannot eat semolina pasta, but whole wheat or rice pasta in small amounts is fine.  So I urge you, if you are feeling unhappy because of the choice you made to have this surgery, what are you missing?  And can you make a substitution to at least feel as though you are going to miss this for the rest of your life?

I don't want to feel as though I'm a lucky one.  I am blessed because before my one year anniversary I have reached my target weight and am so healthy I am running 3 miles a day (soon to be 4!).  I had goals when I went into this life changing decision, one, being able to run again!  And nothing feels more free that taking off your shoes and just running.  You have to find your inner bliss and hang onto that.  If you're not blissful, bless yourself with a quiet moment alone, pen and paper if necessary and really dig deep to realize what make YOU happy.  Because no matter how many people you have close to you, that depend on you, or just love you for who you are; you cannot love them fully until you learn to love everything about yourself.  This starts with finding your bliss. Happy hunting :)

Barefoot running

So, I think I'm so wise when I discovered barefoot runnning.  I start talking to family and friends thinking I've found this new amazing thing.  Um, much to my dismay, it's been around for a while :)  So I'm learning and discovering on my own what so many other smarty pants already knew!

I love to run.  There's nothing more freeing than to not be tethered by a piece of equipment, a room, or groups.  The thing with me is, in all the times I'd gone to every sports store known to man, I could not find a shoe that ever felt normal.  They would evaluate my feet, my gait, my foot strike.  So many shoes, so many.  Then I read this entry regarding barefoot running.  The author talked about how natural it is to NOT wear shoes, which made me think of what I wear on my feet all day, every day when I'm not running:  nothing.  I am barefoot constantly; epitome of the Barefoot Princess.  So I gave it a whirl!

I was running last week on the treadmill, feeling so lethargic.  I pressed the PAUSE button, got off, and took off my shoes and socks. Got back on, and knocked out 25 minutes in a breeze.  I felt great!  I started reading more about the techniques and got some great advice from friends.  LOTS of stretching and am forcing myself to take it slow (which is not easy when you finally feel so great all's you want to do is RUN!).  But, it's going well and is so liberating just to go out and run!  Lessen another tether...no shoes!

Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running

Great book and easy to follow.  It's been easier for me to transform to barefoot, because I was getting back into exercise after being off for so long.  I think it would be much more difficult if I were running every day and had to totally transition.  But, if you decide to do this, take the start-up VERY seriously:  ankle and Achilles tendon injuries are common to those that don't heed the warnings.  But, if you're inclined and ready for fun, go for it!

Breakfast Muffins

I made these a few days ago...recipe is a little misleading in that they do take a little time; you have to make the sweet potatoes, then make the batter.  I made extra potatoes and had some for dinner ;)  I also substituted honey for the sugar.   I froze about 2/3 of the muffins thinking I'd only eat one a day.  And next time I will add more cinnamon and nutmeg...but they are pretty good and a nice way to kick off the day.  I just ate one and will head out the gym in about 30 minutes to see if I can get another minute of my run!

http://marcussamuelsson.com/recipes/the-best-breakfast-before-exercising-whole-wheat-sweet-potato-coconut-muffins-recipe

Yoga

So I'm SO excited to have found a really good program on Time Warner Cable's OnDemand Sports Channel...yoga at home.  I considered getting a yoga DVD because every time I think I'll join a class, I don't.  I think about getting back into yoga, and think, and think.  So today, no excuses!  Started up the program, laid out the mat and boom, 45 minutes later a decent workout!  So, you don't have to pay for a class, buy a DVD, figure in when and where the class will be in your schedule.  Your time, your way.  You can even use a large towel and not even get a mat!  Just do it.  Whatever "it" is...no excuses.

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.

Yoga!

Exercise is key in any human.  You need to move around and get that heart a pumpin!  It also naturally floods your body with feel good endorphins, which is a great after surgery.  Here's a link for some yoga poses you can do without much risk of torquing yourself into a pretzel:

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20359611,00.html

Yoga is not only an excellent, non-invasive way to exercise...it is an excellent way to learn controlled breathing which can benefit you in so many ways including managing stress and blood pressure.  You don't need to pay for a class or worry about making a fool of yourself.  Do it at home and let your dog laugh at you!