Question:
Talk to me! You could be the reason I don't get a Costco sized box of Nutty Bars and eat until my jaw hurts!!!
I am 10 weeks out and mortified that I am so "bulky" compared to 2-3 weeks. I just started back to the gym, but did not gain since surgery but my thighs and hips look worse now than my belly did on 9/29!!! Honestly, was it really 9 months? How did you stay motivated at the gym and near food?!? How soon we forget how gross the hanging gut was! I know I look a bazillion times better with that "apron" gone, but I don't look as impressive as I did. I feel like I should be able to shop by now....
Answer:
First, sorry I'm late in responding here. I just saw your message now.
I know exactly how you feel, trust me. When I saw my tummy at 5 days, even 2 weeks, I was thrilled. Then swell hell kicked in, lol. NOT so happy anymore.
Believe me when I tell you that "bulk" you're talking about is swelling, especially if you haven't hit Costco yet I will be exactly 9 1/2 months this Friday and yes, I'm sad to say in my case, it did take this long. Doesn't mean you'll take as long though, so try not to panic. I think what kept me motivated was the fact that I had worked so hard to lose 80 lbs and keep it off that I wasn't about to mess it up after cutitng myself in half, lol. Sounds, stupid, but I'm serious. There were times during those months of healing (and I still am healing) that I cried, regretted this doing this, freaked out in general, lol. You name the emotion, I had it. I constantly tried on my size 8 jeans I had worn b4 surgery and would cry every time I couldn't pull them over my swollen thighs, hips and butt. I think my being stubborn in general is what got me through, lol. There was a point after surgery that ALL of me was swollen. My face, arms, I mean everything. Thats when I started getting lymoh massages and saved my sanity.
Just remember, what's happening to you is normal (albiet REALLY annoying) and 10 weeks post op in what could be a year recovery is not so long out yet. I know it sucks to wait as I am not the queen of patience, lol, but it will come and if you keep eating well and exercise lightly for now when you can, you'll see what you saw at 2-3 weeks again....and even better
Now step away from the Nutty Bars and talk to me, lol.
Answer:
Girl, you really are a hero!
I just read your story for the first time and looke dat all your s. What a doll you are! You don't need anyone to tell you how amazing a story about your MI during round 1! OMG!!!! But what really struck be about your "before" photos (clothed) is how in every single one you either have your hand over your belly or a sweater tied around....aren't we all alike?!?!?
It makes a point about tolerating all of this swelling, though. On our worst swell hell days we are awesome compared to the pre-surgery droop!! I think it's just that so many of us put som much time and emotion agonizing over the decision to have surgery, and then the initial weeks seem to drag on. Once we are feeling back to normal and resuming our daily lives, we want our bods to catch up!!!
Because of you, I put the last Nutty Bars in my kids' lunch boxes this morning. I ate a salad for lunch and did pilates/and treadmill. You are so right. We worked so hard to get this far. I am keeping my s on the prize; summer should be a great time for me. You are the bomb. Thanks for the pep talk. And wear that black bikini, girl!! Hell, wear it to the grocery store!!!!!
Answer:
Ok now.. I rest my case, using the nutty bars as evidence - you really are GoNuts - not noguts!!
Answer:
ok Swebby,
Just because you're looking like ya got a 19 year old belly, don't be talking about my donuts! I mean Nutty Bars, I mean GoNUTS!!!! LOL
You look fabulous! I have ab envy!!!