6 week post op

Jul 25, 2013

Yesterday, my 6 week surgiversary, was a bit of a disaster. I had made an appointment with a therapist a week prior and she mentioned that she wanted me to stay off the scale. So I tried. I managed to stay off of the scale from last Thursday through yesterday.    

Yesterday morning, I woke up and hopped on the scale. I was UP almost a 1/2 pound over last week, at 219.8.

WTeverlovingH?

I was MAD. I hollered at hubby, "I did NOT go through all this to stay stuck at fucking 220!!!!!" Then I apologized.

It wasn't his fault.  

Nevermind all the NSV's like fitting into a pair of 16w's the day before (they were tight, but they zipped and I could sit in them), or losing 2.5" from my hips from last week to this week. I was still mad.  

Then I started looking for reasons: For the week before, my water intake had been ok, but not great. Calories had been hovering around 550. Carbs had been 40g per day or less. I had walked the track 1x during that week, but had also had a lot of other walking and activity over the weekend.   

The therapist who told me I need to focus on treating my body with respect. Interesting topic! She also said that as I got better at trusting myself and operating with respect for my body, I will decrease my reliance on external stuff like scales and measuring tape. That therapist is wise, I think. I look forward to continuing with her.   The rest of the day was ok.  

This morning I woke up and I threw caution to the wind and got on the scale. 219.8 yesterday. 218.1 today. WTH? At least I wasn't mad today.  

I had my 6 week post op appt this morning and they were very complimentary of my progress. They said my next checkup will be in 6 weeks and by then, I only need to lose 10 lbs to meet their goal, so I continue to be ahead of schedule. Hearing this was good for me. It won't help me take my OWN pressure off, but knowing what the doc is expecting makes it easier.  

I asked the doc about water = loss and what scientific basis there was behind it. Is there science or is it an old wives' tale? He said a little of both, but the thinking is that by having the body well-hydrated, it is less likely to try to absorb all calories in food that comes in. OK, I will buy that.  

Speaking of water, I have found an unexpected benefit of my commute. I got in my shake with 16 oz of water on the way in and another 16 oz on the way home. So, I have had a great water day. They want me to not worry about calories until I get my protein in, and work to eliminate shakes as I can. They said this would likely equal up to about 800 calories per day.   

I'm cleared to start exercising, and I already have an appt with the trainer for next week. I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.   

Lessons learned: for now, I need to keep weighing. Exercise and water, for me, are key. I wonder how many times I need to say that before I actually believe it and do it.

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