Easy Way Out

One of my most favorite numbers is the number 22.  So random because I don't really know why. I am so Type A that maybe it gives me comfort with it's even-ness, repetition, divisibility, etc.  It was one of the 500 numbers my high school sweetheart had throughout his sports career, my big time hockey player crush was #22 too. Those things are long lost in the past.  Today I love the number 22 because that is how much weight I have lost since surgery.  I am officially down 22 pounds since June 2nd.

I know I post a lot about the weight coming off but want to make sure everyone knows how important it was for me to get healthy too.  MY surgery was about kick starting a new healthier me. A friend of mine who had  a different surgery (Lapband) told me that people told her she "cheated" to lose weight.  I knew that wasn't true but really couldn't  understand how "not true" that statement was until now. 

For those who feel surgery is the easy way out, cheating to lose weight, or just too lazy to lose the weight let me break it down for ya!!!  

1. All WLSs are quite risky.  All three (Lapband, Sleeve and Bypass) are invasive. Like any surgery there are risks.  Serious risks. It is a CHOICE to take the risk.  Pain, discomfort, scars, sacrifice, expense, etc etc.  Not so glamorous! But being overweight, the constant lose/gain, lose/gain and fad diets are also really bad for the body too. I'd rather take the risk of surgery than live a lifetime of a slow health demise. 

2.  The sacrifice and dedication you make to have a healthier lifestyle postop are very serious!!  Not optional. For me with the sleeve diet, there is no turning back.  80% of my stomach is gone forever. I am on a very strict diet.  Liquids for 2-3 weeks.  VERY slowing introduce foods back into my little walnut.  Sips not gulps. Tiny bites and chewing chewing before I swallow.  I cannot eat and drink at the same time right now. I cannot overfill my walnut.  I need to make sure I am getting my proteins, daily vitamins,  fluids etc.  I need to plan to take something with me to eat/drink when I leave the house.  It takes A LOT of planning.  

3. As time goes by I will get back to normal. Sure I can eat hamburger, fries etc.  BUT if I want to stay healthy then I need to live healthy forever.  Eat right, exercise, get sleep, have healthy social outlets, minimize stress etc.  

4.  Being healthy isn't about weight.  It is all on the inside! Mental, physical, emotional! 

Not sure how any of this is easy, lazy or cheating but all I know is I made the decision to have a better life......period!!