The Honeymoon is Over....

    So the initial pre-op 'honeymoon' phase is over. It's been two weeks since my surgery. The Hunger has returned, I have no restriction (first fill scheduled 8/23/12), and post-op swelling has definitely subsided. So I must rely on Pure Willpower to eat small portions of the right foods.
    But I can do this. Each day, each meal, each workout,  is a step in the right direction. I give myself a pat on the back for small successes ("Yay, you didn't touch any of that cheesecake in the breakroom!") and I don't beat myself up over the mistakes ("Hey, you are eating too fast!!")
     At 15.5 pounds down, I feel better and my clothes aren't as tight. My activity at the gym is paying off too-- I have less joint pain and more stamina. I am glad my arthritic pain is resolving, because I would normally take naproxen (Aleve) everyday, and I'm trying to avoid NSAIDs now due to possibility of stomach ulcers. The last thing I need with a band around my stomach is an ulcer or erosion of the lining!!
    I did splurge on movie popcorn last night while watching Total Recall. But hey, it's my 42nd birthday! And I deserve a little Colin Farrell and salty snack!