A Comment On Energy

If anyone out there has ever lost a significant amount of weight, you probably already know this. You end up with energy to spare. As someone who previously had minimal energy and trouble getting through the day, this was a huge surprise to me! Yeah, I had lost some weight in the past...20, 30, 40 lbs at a time..and promptly gained it plus 10 back ;) I never kept it off for more than a few months, and often didn't even notice any extra energy I had - I was too busy "white knuckling" it, hanging on for dear life as I starved myself silly or worked myself to the bone at the gym to force my body into submission. But now, that's all changed.

It started at about one month post-surgery, when I had lost about 30 lbs. I was shocked to find that I had bursts of restlessness (despite the doctor's warnings to take it easy for about 6 weeks), and I had this innate desire to get up and MOVE! I was limited to 15 minutes at a time on my exercycle and a few arm-toning weight exercises, but I was itching to go. After the 6-week embargo on exercise, I was cleared for takeoff and joined the YMCA for aquafit. It was just what I needed - classes with cheerful members, all the dance-beat versions of Britney and Lady Gaga a girl could handle, and a well-toned male instructor with a cute-as-a-button bum in a speedo (Hey! I go to the Metro Y in the gaybourhood, so I'm totally allowed to look, lol!). But as I continued on with my progress, I was very surprised to find that even regular exercise, noontime power walks around the office and walks on the weekend weren't enough. This week, I made the transition from my beloved aquafit classes (that no longer make me short of breath or even a little winded) to straight-up lap swimming. Wow! 30 minutes of intermediate laps and I'm spent, and it feels soooo good.

I think the most surprising thing for me is that I can get through my day and actually feel like doing something after work. For all of you out there who struggle with weight, you know what I mean. If your idea of "relaxing after work" involves collapsing on the couch or having a 3-hour "power nap", your energy is just like mine used to be. Take it from me, there's a whole life waiting to be lived once you move beyond the fatigue. I'm so happy I stumbled across it while on my epic journey!

As for me, it's 7:15 on a Wednesday night, and now that the rain has stopped, my feet are craving a powerwalk around the 'hood. And I'm so thankful for that!