7 Weeks Post-Op - Check in with Exercise Phys.

Part of this journey included 6+ months of pre-op appointments.  I met with a Nutritionist monthly and an Exercise Physiologist twice.  Of course, the Nutritionist focused on nutrition (duh) and losing weight pre-op as well as setting myself up to maintain good eating habits post-op.  The Exercise Phys appointments were to pave the way for good habits for exercising - including cardio and resistance training to maintain as much muscle mass as possible during weight loss.  This is important because muscle burns fat...and if you lose muscle, you lose your fat burning at it's optimal level.  

Fast forward to today.  I had a follow-up appointment with Exercise Phys to see how I'm progressing after surgery.  I'm proud to say I got a gold star on my progress!!  I've lost 4.5 inches in my waist.  I've lost 2 inches in my hips.  However, most importantly, I have lost only a half a pound of muscle.  This is huge...because it's quite normal for there to be quite a dramatic drop in muscle mass after this kind of surgery and weight loss.  In my case, I've lost almost 100% fat.  No muscle.  And this is amazing news.  Like - super encouraging, confidence boosting, self-esteem stroking good news.  I'm doing great...my body is reacting the exact way they want it to following a RNY...and I got the "just keep doing what you're doing" pep talk.  Not a whole laundry list of things to do - just keep doing what I'm doing.  THANK YOU!!!!

Yes, I'm in a stall.  Officially.  And guess what?  Last month around this time I was in a stall too...  And guess what?  It was about the time I was rabid with PMS too.  Hmmmmm...connection??  Absolutely!!!  Another thing I learned today - don't freak about the monthly stall.  It's normal and just ride it out.  As long as I'm not in menopause, it's just part of life and just keep plowing thru it.  Another sigh of relief.  It's not me.  It's Normal.  

So yeah...week 7 Post-Op is a good one...stall and all.