This morning as I was doling out all my pills for the day, I realized… Gone are the days of fancy free living. I remember when I was younger, I didn’t need to take vitamins, medications, supplements, protein shakes or bars… Hey! I had never even heard of a protein bar! I lived life just as carefree as I wanted! But now, I must take very good care of myself. I have learned that no one else will take care of me. I have to do that. And if I fail to meet my vitamin, supplement and nutritional needs, I will be met with exhaustion, depression, and outright unhappiness.
I’ve been reading some post-ops who admit they are several years out of surgery and have yet to taste a protein shake. Better yet, they don’t take vitamins every day. The thought that comes to mind is a question my friend asks: “How’s that working for ya?” Evidently its not working too well because their hair is falling out, they are depressed, exhausted, at wit’s end, and are suffering with vitamin deficiencies. I’m not judging them because it is much easier to do nothing than it is to do something! I use this as an example of what can happen when we as wls patients do not listen to our surgeons’ rules. I can only speak for myself, but I take my vitamins, medications, supplements every day. I do not begrudge doing so, because taking control and caring for my health somehow empowers me, causes me to feel like I have a part in my outcome. I’m not left to fall into the hands of fate, “Whatever will be, will be.”
I just started exercising again after about a year’s worth of exercise regime sabbatical. Oh is it ever tough! Now, how did I get away with not working out? I didn’t get away with it. I am starting to see the signs in my body. I have muscle weakness as my muscles haven’t been working as much as they need to. I have seen flabby skin where there used to be muscle definition. And, these past few weeks of getting back into the swing of exercise has really kicked my butt! I realize that this is not only a lifetime worth of changing eating habits, it is a lifetime worth of changing my routine and habits. For example, no longer can I just sit on the couch each evening working on the internet or watching television. I must get up, get active, and move!
I feel empowered today. I feel as if I have been given strength to change my circumstances. Yes, in the past I was foot loose and fancy free, without health issues. But today, I have the proper tools in my hands to get healthy and stay healthy. I implore you today, take control of your life. Be empowered. Take the strength that God gave you and change your circumstances TODAY! Have a great one!
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