jem IS truly outrageous!

Monday, September 18, 2006

You had no idea what you unleashed when you begged me to start blogging again, did you?

Ha!

Who knew I had enough pent-up blogging stories for approximately 27,000 posts in one day? But here I am. And here you are, my phantom audience, reading away. You know, feel FREE to comment on any/all of these posts. I know there are plenty o' lurkers out there...so drop me a quick note of hello. Or ask me a question--that's one sure way to keep me blogging!

Anywho, my final (I think) post for today is a bit of a "State of the Surgery" Update.
It's been almost 16 months since I had surgery, and here's how I feel.

I'm normal (actually, I was going to say I'm "back to normal", but I wasn't ever normal before, so I'm just plain normal now). What does this mean? I'm not eating teeny-tiny portions, I'm not obsessed on a minute-to-minute basis about food and my bodies reaction to it. I'm normal.

Eating-wise, I eat smaller portions than I used to, especially of meat proteins, but other than that, I eat pretty "normally" as well. I don't have to avoid any certain types of proteins, carbs, fruits, or veggies. And, I can eat things with sugar or fat in them, at least in moderation (anything more than a bit and I'm guaranteed to spend some time in the near future on the commode, if you get my meaning). Overall, I'd say I make pretty healthy choices, although I do indulge a bit too much in my "ice cream" tooth (SF or LF ice cream bars, like Skinny Cows--delish!) and my snacky tooth (I can't tell if those 100 calorie packs are the most amazing thing ever or just an easier way for me to indulge in "just a few" chips or cookies or what have you).

Clothing-wise, it's been pretty awesome. I was in 28's and 30's at the start of this journey and even last fall, I was wearing 2X clothes. Now, I'm in size M/L/12/14 tops and size L/14/16 bottoms--even pants! I bought a pair of fall pants at teh Gap yesterday in a size 14, which was a new first for me! I know that if I can lose another 10-20 pounds, I'll be solidly in the "regular" clothing stores, as there are plenty of stores that don't carry above size 12 or 14. My ultimate goal would be to be a S/M wearing size 8 clothes (that way I could share some clothing with my very fashion foward best friend!).

Exercise-wise, I've been slacking. I peaked a while back when I was doing fit club 1.0 in february and march and then training for the marathon in the early summer. The heat, the cost of the gym, my increasing work schedule (not that this is anything new, so I shouldn't even mention it here), and my knee injury have all contributed to my utter lack of physical activity. But, having said that, I'm still WAY more active that I used to be...I walk to work every day, I routinely take the stairs instead of the elevator, and am not afraid to move it or shake it--I did a crazy karate chop jump around my classroom last week that I would never have done pre-surgery. (I still looked completely retarded, I'm sure...) I'm still committed to running the Marine Corps Marathon, but I'll probably run the 1/2 marathon course instead. I'm also starting fit club back up (see the last post for more info), which will definitely get my competative juices flowing re: exercise.

Socially, the surgery has made a big difference. While I was never a shrinking violet (just ask my dad), I was always aware of how I presented myself to others and avoided situations where I would not have the (at least mental) upper hand. Now, I think I'm much more confident and more willing to interact with strangers. I've even been on a couple of dates, which is a new and exciting adventure.* Overall, I'm a happier, healthier person than I was before.

Anything else you'd like to know? Now's your chance to ask!**


*I could probably start a whole separate blog about post-op dating, but my Dad is already such a stalker that I think I'll keep all those stories to myself (and, of course, my "real life" friends). But, Papi, I promise, it's no big whoop. I'll tell you if something serious happens on that front, I swear. And, yes, I'm being smart. And aware of the world around me. And, yes, I know you preemptively hate everyone I've ever considered dating. I know you'd like to kick their butts. Just keep reminding yourself that you raised an amazingly intelligent child who is now a GROWN ADULT and can handle herself. (Plus I have some great friends here who have my back). Ok? Love you first and best, Papi.

**No, Dad, you can't ask about the dates. Nope. Not gonna happen. :) But I still love you.

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