Monday, October 17, 2011

Let's Get Physical



I'm in a serious physical rut. Prior to my surgery, I was strength training, doing cardio, and yoga 3-4 times a week. In the past few months, I haven't been doing much of anything.

I'm not sure what happened. I was so gung-ho the first few weeks post-op. I was skerting and walking like a fool around my neighborhood. I was HAWT, all hunched over in my abdominal binder. Sexxah, I tell you. Since then, I've gone to the gym a few times and barely broke a sweat with my pathetic workouts. Then I leave and bust up in Baskin-Robbins on the way home.

I think part of the reason I've been so lax in my workouts is because physically AND mentally I have felt like a poop sandwich. I went to see my surgeon last month and told him that I just wasn't feeling "right". Let me re-phrase that...I broke down crying when he walked in the room and said "How are you?"

The poor guy probably said, "Oh hawl no. Let me get out of here." But thankfully he didn't. He came over and gave me a hug while I told him that I thought I'd feel SO much better by now.

He reassured me that it takes the body quite some time to recover from a major surgery. Top that off with hormone imbalances and how they affect mood and energy levels, and you have a "Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs" lady in your office snottin' on your lab coat.

Long story short...saliva tests determined my hormone levels were really low, so I'm now talking bio-identical hormones. I'm also taking a plethora of supplements-Vitamin D, adrenal support, iodine, Omega-3, melatonin, and Magnesium. "Woo-hoo" for swallowing horse pills.

It's been a week, and even though my energy level is increasing, I feel like I'm experiencing PMS x 1,000. Weepy and Short-tempered would describe me. I could totally be one of the Seven Dwarfs with my mood swings.

What to do? I'm going to give it some time. My doctor said that we would probably have to tweak my hormones to find my right dosage. Kinda like a sleep number bed, I suppose.

In the meantime, I'm going to summon up some motivation to get my butt back in the gym and resume my mainly Paleo diet. I KNOW I'll feel better, and I know y'all are tired of hearing about my hormones and such.

I found a little motivation over on Pinterest. 
SO TRUE. 
This is printed and put right next to my computer. 





Any tips on what motivates you to be healthy? 
I don't want to do things like put pics of models in bikinis on my refrigerator. 
I have 2 daughters that I need a role model (me), not the impossible (Victoria Secret's models). 

7 comments:

  1. I love that last thought - motivation only works for me when it's positive. Thinking of you and hoping you get your "sleep number" figured out quickly. Just thinking the way you do and being the mom you are already makes you a fab role model for your girls. They're blessed to have you and just as lucky to see you work through this - I know it must be so hard, but what lessons you're teaching them!!

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  2. You are basically describing me right now...without the explanation of a major surgery. My friend repeated back to me what I said so I heard it: "I would work out, but I just don't have the energy." I wish I had the answer, but I think that 2nd quote in says a ton. We just gotta move!

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  3. I felt like you did a few months back. I hit that rut and didn't know what to do. No energy, feeling out of shape and just lacking the motivation to do ANYTHING. My sister is a trainer and suggested Paleo, and immediately I felt like I had more GO. She then suggested Crossfit, and that really did it for me. I only go 2x a week ($$) but it's community-based and everyone is so supportive. Maybe you just need to do something you know is good, like Paleo and couple it with people who make you feel good?

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  4. Give those hormones some time. I'm taking progesterone and DHEA right now. Made a big difference, but took a few months to really realize I was smiling more and not freaking out at little things. I admire your bravery to talk openly about it. Other women need to hear others' issues sometimes. You go girl!

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  5. I'm kind of in the same slump right now but with no good surgery excuse. I think you'll get your mojo back. You've been through a lot. Maybe take it slow by getting out and walking with the girls? You're a great role model already hon. They'll see you get through this and come out even stronger.

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  6. Thanks for the wonderful suggestions! More than anything, I'm glad that you can sense my desire to be a good mother to my girls. Everything else in life can fail, but as long as I have my family....I'm all good:-)

    Stapriddy: I'm glad to hear that you've had luck with your hormone supplements. I wish I could try the "real deal" hormones. I can't because I have a clotting disorder. Hopefully, I'll have similar results with bio-identical ones.

    Jes-I'd love for you to send me a dm on Twitter about where you do Crossfit. There's a group of friends of mine in MS that look PHENOMENAL because of dedicating 6 months to Crossfit. Need to try it! Thanks!

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  7. I get motivated with good music... I'll spend forever on itunes hitting that button where you can see what song people also bought.

    Also, my mantra: Discipline is remembering what you want.

    Hope that helps!! :)

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