6 weeks post-op

Today marks 6 weeks post-op. I'm down 38.6 pounds from my highest last summer, more than 22 pounds since surgery. My clothes fit differently; I'm down one size in pants and expect to slide down another size soon. 

I've reached out to a personal trainer, who said she needs a doctor's note since my surgery was recent. I emailed my surgeon yesterday and, now that I'm back in my work schedule, will get started at the gym in the next week.

By the time I go back for my next nutrition visit on March 12, I'm supposed to be able to eat 2-3 ounces at a time. I'm slowly increasing my portion sizes; last night I ate 1.5 ounces of supper, up from 1 ounce. Yesterday I ate 48 g of protein in food — my record so far — and then had a protein shake to finish up my requirement (65-70 g). I find I can take slightly bigger sips, now, too. 

A diet of almost 100% protein doesn't encourage my GI system to work very smoothly. It's a common problem after surgery, and the support groups have been really helpful with tips. I've started taking fiber gummies and probiotics every day. 

As I close in on 40 pounds lost, I started thinking about ways to reward myself for different milestones. Last night, I brainstormed with a friend. For 50 pounds lost, I'm going to treat myself to a bracelet I've admired for a few years. For 75 and 100, I'm thinking of having my car (a furry, cluttered, dirty mess) detailed, which would tie in nicely with adventures this summer, and some time at a spa — maybe really splurge and have a facial and massage. It turns out rewarding myself with something other than food comes pretty naturally. Hooray for me!