Results of My Ninth Month on CALP

December 3rd was weigh in and measurement day. I had plans to leave the house first thing that morning, so I decided to weigh in and measure one day early.

I had varicose vein surgery on October 30, and everything I read said I would be back to my normal self in no time. The surgery that was performed on me was the Vnus Closure and it was supposed to be a less invasive, easier surgery than stripping the vein. One week after having the surgery, I drove myself to the surgeon for my follow-up appointment. I discovered that he had inserted the catheter fourteen separate times into my leg. I had ten holes below my knee and four holes on my inner thigh. I am not a fan of pain and actually thought the Vicodin that I was given, was not working. I had pain all the time and sat with my leg wrapped in ace bandages and elevated like I was supposed to. I showed the surgeon a sensitive area right below my knee. He said it was old blood that had pooled, and for me to use a hot compress on it. I asked the surgeon when I could resume my exercises, informing him I was not quite ready to begin. He told me that it sounded as if I could make that determination, but to begin slowly.

I followed the surgeons' instructions of keeping my leg wrapped in ace bandages, elevating my leg, and using a hot compress. Two days later, ten days after my surgery, I was in so much pain that I called the advice nurse to see what I could do about it. Since I only take medication when needed, I still had some Vicodin left from my surgery, so I took a couple. The advice nurse made me an Urgent Care appointment for that evening and my husband took me to see the doctor.

The doctor that I saw decided I didn't need an antibiotic, but gave me another prescription for Vicodin plus a new prescription for Motrin, to help with the inflammation. I took the Motrin the second I got it from the pharmacy and then my husband and I headed home.

My biggest fear of having the surgery was the thought of not getting right back on my exercise plan. I was actually anxious to get right back on track, and exactly fourteen days later, I was able to resume my exercise program. I had to leave my leg bandaged since it felt much better with the pressure of the ace bandage, but at least I was able to get back to my routine. It took me 49 years to begin exercising on a regular basis and the results are fantastic. I have made exercise a priority in my life and have no intentions of making any excuses not to get it done.

I still believe that CALP was made especially for me, since I am not having any problems following the program. My Complementary Meals are very satisfying to me and I do not get hungry for hours. When I do get hungry, it is usually time to eat dinner. I do not feel deprived, because I know that I can have anything I want, as long as it is balanced and eaten within my one hour Reward Meal.

The holidays are upon us and Thanksgiving was simple for me to stay on plan. I ate what I wanted to, making sure my Reward Meals were balanced. I was able to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers for several days, and was still able to remain on plan.

My enthusiasm with this program remains at an all time high. My progress continues to be steady and moving in the right direction. I know that everyday that I remain on plan, is getting me closer to my goal of becoming an active, healthier me!

12.02.08
Weight: 188
Chest: 44-1/2” for a total of 5-1/2" lost
Waist: 37" for a total of 9" lost
Hips: 43-1/4” for a total of 6-1/4" lost
Arm: 14" for a total of 2" lost
Leg: 23-1/4" for a total of 4-1/4" lost

To be continued...