Tag Archives: bariatric surgery

Simple Escapes

Posted in Living Well Wednesdays by

Today I took the time to walk for 30 minutes during lunch, and I am so glad that I did!

Two years ago when I made a job change, I worked in the basement of the hospital that connected three buildings, so essentially I had access to an indoor walking track about a half mile in two directions. Several other people had the same idea, and I would pass them sometimes on my walks. Of course, the basement is also where a lot of other behind-the-scenes work goes on, like transportation of supplies, food, linens and such, so I was never alone during my walks in the somewhat creepy basement.

However busy it might have been in the basement, I was still alone in my thoughts. This became my quiet time to reflect on whatever it was on my mind. I walked 4 days a week for 30 minutes during lunch, as well as two other times a day during my breaks for 10 minutes each. The routine certainly helped me lose the weight that I lost during that time.

About a year later my office moved, and I no longer had the convenience of my indoor walking track. My walking fell by the wayside, and so did my quiet times. I kept saying that I was going to find an alternative and never did.

Now another year later, and I find myself wanting to exercise more…or dare I say NEED to exercise more as I am on my post-op gastric bypass journey. My office (and job) has changed once more, and while I’m not working in the basement, I am working in a nearby building.

I find all kinds of excuses NOT to walk, but today I found an excuse TO walk. My goal is to find more of these times to walk when my work load isn’t too terribly crazy, and I can get out for 30 minutes. Another goal is to once again use this time to reflect on the blessings in my life and enjoy the quiet time. Maybe putting that positive spin on it will make me want to do it instead of it feeling like it’s torture.

What do you do for your simple escape or quiet time? 


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Today I Become A Butterfly

Posted in Just For Today by

At this moment, this caterpillar is turning into a butterfly. I am writing this in advance to post when I go into surgery. I’ve kept my surgery quiet to most people, with the exception of close friends and family because of the judgments and opinions of others, most who don’t know me well.

I’ve battled weight issues for as long as my memory takes me. I’ve been on countless food programs in hopes of big changes. A few times I have been successful but the weight usually comes back eventually…and then some. I first looked into having weight loss surgery in 2002, but the insurance I had at the time wouldn’t cover it. I looked into it again last November and went through the process. This time I was approved!

I have been involved in support groups and done my research. I know what I am getting myself into. Everyone knows someone who knows someone who has heard that someone has died from this surgery or had complications or ended up back in the hospital and so on. I know the risks. There are also risks involved in living the kind of life that I’ve been living up until this point, too.

For those who might be interested, I am having Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery. I will be in surgery for about 2 hours (starting at 7:30am Central Time) and released the next day if all goes well. I’ll be out of work for about 2 weeks.

And so my secret is revealed. I’ve wanted to post about this for as long as I’ve had this blog, but I’ve been afraid. I realize that photos of me will soon reveal that SOMETHING has happened, so it’s not like I can keep this a secret forever.

If you’re reading this, please pray for me. I’m going to need a lot of encouragement. So far, I’ve received kind words from most everyone, but of course the few negative words always seem to outweigh the positive ones.

“In you, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in your righteousness.” – Psalm 31:1

Note: If you have had any weight loss surgery or contemplating surgery, please feel free to contact me directly. I am an Admin on a Closed Facebook Support Group for women where we post positive thoughts, encouraging words and healthy ideas to share with each other.