Meeting #1

So, last night I had my first Lifestyle meeting and way in for the GB surgery over at Magee Hospital. After some initial confusion on where I had to go, I got to the center and checked in with one of the Nutritionists, Noelle. I was given an accordion style folder and she instructed to take a seat, read through the packet, complete Module 1 and someone would be with me shortly to take my stats.

I settled in and started working on my packet which contained a weight log and goal sheet that I am to bring back monthly, a food log. a food guide, a pedometer (which is quite nice, I must admit), a few other informational sheets with the meeting schedule and contact information on them, and the infamous Module 1. I no sooner get these out of the packet and stacked in the empty chair next to me when Melinda, the other nutritionist, calls my name for weigh-in.

I walk back and I'm nervous. I don't know why. I know how much I weigh, I weighed myself the night before. She deals with people my size and much larger on a daily basis. Nevertheless that sinking feeling of confirmation that I truly am a fat person never goes away. Melinda is quick and efficient. She cracks a couple jokes with me as we finish up the rest of my information and we head back to the waiting area where I can delve into Module 1.

Module 1 is all about planning a balanced diet. Making sure you get the proper portions of food, and also the right ratios of Vegetable, Fruits, Lean Meats, Starches and Fats. My activity is to plan an ideal daily meal plan that is between 1400-1800 calories and encompasses the rules. Being a veteran of Weight Watchers, this is hardly a challenge for me. I KNOW THE RULES -- I just don't follow them!! However, I was shocked to see how many people would bring up their meal plans and they were scrutinized and corrected. I kept thinking -- am I missing something here? I must have looked over mine 10 times before I got the courage to bring it up. I just knew Noelle would take one look at it and start picking it apart. Nope, she looked at it declared it was very good and that was it. I felt a little justified - I DO know the rules. Now I need to get myself to follow them.

Another part of our meetings is that we need to create three goals -- Nutritional, Physical, and Behavioral. These goals should be specific and realistic and will be reviewed for progress at my next meeting.

My goals are as follows:

Nutritional: I will bring a balanced healthy lunch from home at least 4 days a week.
Physical: I will work out (walking, exercise tape, dancing, swimming or using the gym) at least 3 times a week for at least 1/2 an hour each time.
Behavioral: I will plan at least one physical activity with the kids every weekend - hiking, walking, dancing, yoga, swimming, playing ball, playing - instead of being sedentary.

So, all in all not a lot of drastic changes -- I need to:

• Be mindful of what I am eating and take in between 1200 and 1500 calories a day.
• Keep a food log
• Wear my pedometer and track my steps working up to 10k a week
• Work to achieve my monthly goals.

So far so good -- I brought my lunch and having a Fiber One Apple Strusel bar (soooo good) for breakfast. Now my plan is to make a list of the healthy foods and snacks that I enjoy. I'll be heading to the grocery store tomorrow and I want to be prepared. I let the kids know that we are going to be eating differently and Tori's only request was to not make her eat Raw Carrots -- only cooked! What are some of your favorite healthy snacks?
Also -- with the winter upon us what kind of things do you like to do for physical activity? Some of the things I enjoy and have planned are tossing on some good music and dancing, Wii Fit, Exercise DVDs and OnDemand, actually using my Elliptical that's hanging out in my basement, Mall Walking, swimming at the indoor Oliver bath house, maybe taking an exercise class through CCAC, and using the exercise room here at work (so lucky to have that!!). Any other ideas for cheap/easy/indoor exercise?