How Do You Priorities?

[AshleyIrene 8]

I'm having a hard time trying to fit everything in. I'm about a month post op & I'm trying to add exercise into my life, three times a week, along with trying to plan out my meals each day so I can take them with me. More often then not I just end up taking Protein Shakes which would be fine but I work 6+ days a week & some days 12+ hours. So honestly the Protein shakes and Water aren't really filling me, nor giving me much energy. I also really need this energy so I'm able to exercise.

I'm twenty-three, a owner of two businesses, a mother to three very cute dogs and I'm also trying to keep a relationship with my boyfriend of three years afloat. Along with trying to keep famly and friends intact. So how do you fit it all in? Before I was sleeved it was so easy for me to order out or go pick up food eat in my car while driving but now I just want nothing to do with that food. & exercise was never been a problem because I never did it, lol. Any tips or suggestions?

[hope2Bfitand40 37]

I struggle with some of the same things, but I am coming to realize (at age 40), that if I take care of myself these other things all fall into place.

After the investment of time, energy and money we have put into VSG, it makes sense to protect that investment by taking the time to eat right and keep our strength up.

I may be flamed by this comment, but start by getting the nutrition right, you can add exercise later.

[Liberated Sleeve 148]

Atkins Advantage Meal Replacement bars plus your Protein Shake spaced out are good energy providers. Hard boiled eggs, cheese sticks, almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc. Also you can still stop and grab fast food, just grab a grilled chicken sandwich dry and eat only the chicken from it. Just a couple of suggestions.

[Lilee84 648]

I may be flamed by this comment, but start by getting the nutrition right, you can add exercise later.

No flames here! I 100% agree! Work on getting the nutrition right, getting your Protein and fluids in, and then worry about exercise later. Maybe you and your boyfriend can exercise together? I know many relationships that were saved when the couples started getting physically healthy together, because once they started getting physically healthy, everything else fell into place.

Good luck!

[Shalon 10]

I am seven months post op and couldnt fit in exercise until month five. It took time for me to adjust to everything physically, emotionally, nutritionally, etc. Give yourself time, you have the rest of your life!

[CaliKat 153]

I echo what was said above... YOU need to come first.

My advice for getting food/water on the go is find a RTD Protein shake you actually like and will drink and put a small cooler with the gel ice packs in your backseat. You can grab one when you need it. If you are far enough along, try beef Jerky if you need something to chew on.

Exercise can be small at first. I bought a cheap elliptical off Craigslist and now ONLY watch TV when I'm working out.... Even if it's only 10 minute increments- its better than none. Also keep in mind that if you play with your kids/go to the park... That counts as exercise!

It's hard being wonder women- and the truth is we are offen much harder on ourselves than we should be!

I know that if you were strong enough to be a double duty working mother, a girlfriend and a VSG patient.... I have no doubt in my mind that you can rock through it!!!

[AshleyIrene 8]

Thanks ladies for all your suggestions and encouraging words! I guess I do just have to take it a little slower and focus on myself. I only mention the excerise thing because where I have gotten my surgery at, they have a two year after program which involves nutrition and fitness updates monthly. I just had my first appointment with both and they wanted me to add atleast three days of excerise. I thought I could do it because it's just one hour out of the day but one hour is a lot in this busy world. But I will just have to learn how to slowly fit it into my life. Thanks again