First, I haven't lost anything in the past few days. I've lost approximately 24 pound since Jan 1 and then I have hit a "stall." Not unexpected - perfectly normal, but slightly discouraging. I'm continuing on with the program and I know something will have to give eventually. I understand that the process MUST have stalls and plateaus. From what I understand, the lipids (fats) leave the fat cells, but there is still cellular structure left behind. That cellular structure is filled with lymph and "water" - but not all the way. Water weighs more than fat, therefore I weigh the same amount, although I am smaller. Eventually the cellular structure gets redistributed and I will lose weight again. But as with all waiting, the anticipation gets to me. The tape in my head says things like, "See, this isn't going to work either."
I also need to change it up a bit. Maybe bump up the protein. Maybe more exercise. I need to get on the exercise bike today because it's just too cold outside to walk. But I think the main thing is to NOT FREAK OUT because I'm not losing weight like I think I should.
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This surgery had been a consideration for me for a long long time. I think the first time I considered WLS (Weight Loss Surgery) was 1994 after my first child. At that time, I was maybe 40 to 50 pounds overweight. It took a few months to lose that "baby fat" but I eventually did it and was able to wear a size 12 in between kids. After my second child, I encountered some medical issues unrelated to weight and gained. I wasn't too concerned at the time with the weight and put that worry on the back burner.
After the second child, I became an At Home Mommy. It just made sense at the time. However, I really went through a grieving process at the lost of my identity as a career-woman. There was also additional stress in my extended family that caused me more anxiety. Stress + Anxiety = Weight Gain. Simple equation. I still didn't consider surgery an option, but did some research.
In fact, I didn't really consider surgery as an option until we moved to Rome and I began to gain more weight. By this time, I think I had tried every diet known to man (OK, an exaggeration). I figured out that I have spent more than half my life on a diet, losing weight and then the other half gaining weight. I have spent literally thousands of dollars on the pursuit of losing weight. I know this because my loving husband, Bill, keeps meticulous records of our spending and one day I added it all up. Thousands of dollars, and for what? In 2012, I weighed more than I have ever weighed before.
So in November 2012, I attended a WLS seminar given by Harbins Clinic and the office of Dr. Ryland Scott. I filled out preliminary paperwork to see what kind of coverage I had with my insurance companies. Then I waited. I was interested, but I wasn't ready. When did I become ready? Next installment....
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