Ok, I've realized that I haven't gotten back into my routine since returning from Niagara Falls, I have in terms of diet pretty much but exercise... not so much. I keep hoping that that great feeling that I hear people speak of will arrive... but I still hate it, alot. I think it's mostly because at my size the joints are overloaded even walking into the gym... and then there's the lack of muscle... Anyway, I love the water and swim as much as possible which makes me wish I had a pool in my backyard... even a ghetto above ground one, those are great for creating a manual whirlpool, a memory from my youth. Maybe, I'll get one at those after-summer sales. So, I have told you all that I was diagnosed with Diabetes last July... well, one year later my A1C is 5.5, which for you non-diabetics is Literally non-diabetic. I, through eating healthy and losing weight have put my diabetes in complete remission. I can't say I'm cured because It runs in my family, but it is a non-issue these days. I have been off all meds since my surgery but the diabetes was the last thing to jump into line. Blood pressure was in normal range even while I was still in the hospital. Well, my cholestrial is slightly elevated but I am cutting out pork and beef to see if that helps. I am thrilled with my overall health progress and very excited about losing the weight... which is a bonus. As for my diet... i have changed a few basics. I already use reduced sugar ketchup which tastes the same but with less carbs. I changed to light ranch since I decided to eat more salad and dressing is where all the calories are... and I finally gave in to light mayonaise... which I hate since it tastes sweeter like Miracle whip. Anyway, I figured I hardly use mayo anymore since I don't eat any bread so I will use less in Tuna and Chicken salad if I hate it. What do you all do with your tuna salad, chicken salad, or for tartar sauce for fish? I want to keep making strives toward a completely healthy diet but keeping it unhealthy enough to enjoy it. Does that make sense? I am liking alot of healthier foods that I never did before too, which is good. I now get excited about high protein content, especially in things I really love. I never liked Salmon before I went to Alaska last September. I had to try Alaskan Salmon in Alaska... It was delicious, but I assumed that it was because It was so fresh... I tried it again about a month ago to see if the new healthier me liked it... and she did. The new healthier me loves salmon. Also, I used to absolutely love bacon, like alot. I mean it is the candy of meats, but the new healthier me. Not so much, It tastes salty to me now and since I know the calories, and fat content... I don't enjoy it anymore. Weird, right? a little over 4 months ago, I was dipping bacon in chocolate at the strawberry festival, wondering if there was anything better on Earth and today, well... I still love the chocolate. What about you? Did your taste buds change after your surgery? Do you now love things you never did or do you now dislike things that you used to love? .......As for my psychological being, I have been reading through all of Geneen Roth's books on food addictions and emotional eating. I read "Women, Food, and God" first, since it was on Oprah, that's what made me look into her books. It was excellent and eye-opening... Then I read "When Food is Love..." and again, It was soul searching and incredibly interesting. Now I am just starting "Breaking free of Emotional Eating"(or "Breaking Free of Compulsive Eating")... I'll let you know where that goes. I usually don't go for self-help books, all that visualize your goals and you will reach them crap... But Geneen's books are not written overly wordy or technically. They are easy to read and relate to... She tells different people's stories and it is amazing at all the different issues that can cause addictions and prolong them. Anyway, anyone who is reading this, how likes to read, should give them a chance. It is helpful to hear other people's stories and successes... You already know that if you are reading these blogs. Fantastic books... I tried a lapband support group with people who've had surgery with my surgeon and it didn't go well. I didn't feel comfortable there like I do here with you. Most of them were just complaining about my doctor's strict diet restrictions and goals. He believes in us and wants us to succeed, but you don't have to follow the diet exactly, just find your own way to success. Anyway, I may go back another time but not regularly. I didn't find it supportive, but I am just a newbie not even 4 months post-band, maybe that will change. I hardly ever see my therapist and I love her. It is just hard to make time and justify another co-pay if I don't feel like I need it. I will probably go this week. I hope everyone kicked ass on their weigh-ins today, I look forward to reading all about it later. Your Bandaid, *Maria*
