The summer feels like it is flying by. we have already been to visit our family in New York, and had good friends visit from Florida. Those are two huge events we look forward to every year. We still have a few adventures planned for the rest of the summer.
This past month or so I have been eating a solid 90 g of protein every day. It is getting easier, and easier. I also notice I have so much more energy, and feel strong in my body when I make sure I get enough protein. It still is tricky to get all of my liquid in, especially now that the summer heat is continuing to rise. Luckily, I always have my trusty ice from sonic available in my freezer.
Some victories that have occurred so far this summer, include riding on the plane without a seatbelt extender, walking the entire airport without assistance from a cane or wheelchair, walking the entire point defiance zoo with a great family friends. Last year, while visiting the zoo, I had to use a motorized scooter. I was doubtful of this year, if I would be able to visit the whole zoo and depend on my very own pair of legs. But before I knew it, our trip was over and I not only had I walked up and down several sets of stairs, I only took two breaks the entire time. Some other fun things have included fitting into old clothes that I’ve been hanging onto for a while. I’ve enjoyed the summer in dresses and shorts! I have had to purchase some new undergarments, and that was pretty exciting.
My body is changing a lot, and I don’t notice it as much as I notice my activity level increasing. I’ve even been climbing on the big-toys when we go to play with Aubrey at the park. I’m so excited to start hiking, and had my first hiking experience with Aubrey‘s class during a field trip at the end of the school year. Not only did we hike up and down a huge set of stairs, we also walked up and down a rocky beach.
One of my favorite things every year has been to swim on the inlet located by my parents home. Unfortunately the last year or two my legs have not given me enough stability to do this. I couldn’t depend on them to keep solid and stable against the current. This year, I was able to swim, fit in an old bathing suit, and even go searching for their dog amongst very uneven, rocky beach.
I am finding it harder to resist temptation when it comes to “treats,” as my stomach romper area more variety of food. One “treat” in particular that I missed and can now enjoy are the chicken quesadillas at Taco Bell. I have always had it in my mind that I want to sustain this weight loss. To do that, I believe that not only do I need to focus on my protein, and well balanced nutrition. I also can allow myself to have these food treats periodically. Something else that isn’t bothering my stomach, are sugary treats. Particularly Oreos. So these are things that I am not as diligent of avoiding as I would prefer. And, every day is a new day. Just because one day I may slip up, or go a little overboard doesn’t mean that I will do that every day.
Frankly, all foods fit. That is one of the greatest phrases I have ever heard. In the past I have been so obsessed and focused on food, what food goes into my body, what food doesn’t go into my body, and I have not allowed myself the freedom to try things once in a while. I focus more on how food makes me feel, rather than what it taste like. Now initiallyI choose a treat based on how it tastes, or how I anticipate it to taste. In my stronger moments, I focus on what it actually tastes like, and how my body feels afterward. This usually helps me get back on track and filling my body with the foods that make me feel the best.
I don’t want to focus on good or bad, I want to focus on feeling energized, or not feeling energized. All foods truly do fit, and I want to live that lifestyle.
I love my tool and I don’t take it for granted. I will slip up, I will make choices sometimes they aren’t the best for my body. That doesn’t mean that is lasting. I can still turn around and make the choices that fuel my body. I wanted to be honest with my journey, because there might be people out there who are struggling too. Whether you had a surgery or not, the relationship with food can be complicated. So it’s important to not be too hard on ourselves, and it’s still OK to hold ourselves accountable.
I was valuable before my surgery, and I’m valuable now. My size doesn’t give me value, it has however given me freedom. Thank you again all for your continued support and prayers.
Love you ❤️
