My Obstacles

I’ve been thinking about the obstacles I’m going to have to face in the coming months. Some are definitely going to be harder than others.

Regular Exercise – I think this one will be less of an issue once the weight starts coming off and I start getting more energy. Keeping chores available that make me feel productive -and- provide exercise will be key in addition to some weight training and cardio. There is a YWCA local to Gettysburg, but my cousin whom I can’t stand goes there. There’s also a Curves not too far away I could check out. Really I want to just start walking in the woods out back, bicycling into Gettysburg, and just being more active at home.

Dad’s Diet – Dad has very poor eating habits. He doesn’t think they are as bad as they really are. He eats either sausage, pancakes/waffles, eggs, or bacon every morning. Snacks on popcorn, cheez-its, cheese curls, or potato chips during the day. If he buys sugar-free wafers or icecream he eats the whole thing (and then deals with subsequent diarrhea that comes from all sugar-free sweets.). And dinners range from lasagna to fried potatoes to chicken + mayo sandwiches.

Another thing he doesn’t realize is fat is just as bad as sugar. He thinks because something is sugar-free it must be good for you right? No. Fat and Calorie intake are just as important.

Temptations – I want to eat organic, whole-grain, basic food. More fruits and veggies, yogurts with crushed almonds and flax seeds, feta cheese with tomatoes and olive oil, etc. I don’t know how bad the temptations are going to be for these things while on the protein shake only diet. And I have to center my diet around protein as much as possible. I suppose I am going to be trained for this by the nutritionist, but it’s still going to be very hard.

Defeat – If anything is going to prevent me from getting this surgery, it’s the feeling of defeat. I should be able to do this on my own, I shouldn’t need surgery. The next 6 months are going to be key if I’m going to try and beat this on my own first. I don’t really want the surgery, but at the same time I just turned 30 and change is now or never. It feels like a cop-out and I am too strong and too stubborn to not do things the right way instead of -this- way.

After affects – What are the after affects going to be? What complications am I going to end up having after surgery? Will permanent body modification be something I can live with the rest of my life? Will I still be happy with myself when all is said and done? Will it cause more problems than not?