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Good morning!
It's a little past nine in the morning, and I'm in the waiting room at the hospital. Just checked in, and I'm now waiting for the nurse to get me settled in.
I just overheard the welcome speech for the patient next to me, and it sounds like there will be quite some time waiting. I am glad I brought my tablet and some entertainment.
Weigh-in today went somewhat as expected, but with a few surprises too.
The weight is "only" down by 100 grams. The fluid and muscle weight is - but surprisingly - Up, by two full kilos. This, I did not expect. It's not too bad, it just brings me a little back up on fluid, but not as high as when I started my fluid loss mission.
And MUCH to my surprise, my body fat is down to 8.5 percent!
This is the lowest body fat i have had in a long time, and the last times would typically be from fluctuations from Indulgence Days. It's impressive what this little diet kick in the rear is doing.
I did great yesterday. I had about 1300 calories, mostly meat, and on 11g of carbs. I drank about ten liters(!) of water. Phew. The water part of this is rough. I'm glad this is done.
Today, I'm going in the directly opposite direction. No water at all. The idea is to shed as much fluid as possible to get better results from the surgery.
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I gotta say I'm surprised - in a good way - with the weight in. I was just gonna leave it at that and tell myself that I am happy with my result, but this truly piqued my interest, so I decided to bring my Über Smart Smartscale to make a proper Weigh-in tomorrow, a few hours before surgery. It will be interesting to see the final numbers. I know. Nerd. :-)
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I am in no way nervous about the surgery. It was hard for me to get over the last surgery, it was very draining to do. I had zero energy for months. This time, however, I am told that it is much less of a correction than it was the first time. To begin with, it's not a 360 degree surgery, but only the front that they're gonna work on.
Also, I'm in WAY better shape. Last time, I was thin. This time, I'm am strong and fit. I am in a way better state physically, and much better prepared for what's coming. I'll be fine.
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So, essentially, it everything is going as planned, today is my last day in "weight loss mode". Tomorrow is the day for the surgery, and I'm not gonna be allowed breakfast (I'd decline it regardless, I don't eat before 11am), and I won't have much appetite after, I'm sure.
So Friday, depending how much of a beating I get from the anesthetics, will be my first day in maintenance mode. It will be the first time doing 3000+ calories per day for a longer time, to maintain muscle mass while healing. Protein and fat is essential, and it's still a full-focus on calories and nutrition ride.
It terrifies me, but it is the best chance I'll ever have to test it out. I want to learn how many calories are needed to maintain my weight, also if I am not inactive. Well, now I am being FORCED to be inactive, so I might as well use it. What I will get for it is learning about maintenance mode, along with significantly lowering the risk of losing muscle. I will get to know a new little corner of the big puzzle.
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I learned something interesting the other day, while reading stories about bodybuilders that we're unable to train for longer time, and had to find out how to not lose muscle.
I learned, that we, as most of us know, have cells in out bodies that are dedicated to hold body fat. When we gain weight, these cells fill up. When we lose weight, they empty. Trouble is, out body REALLY likes to fill them up, which is why we risk regaining fat so damn easy after losing weight.
And here is the kicker:
If we get too overweight, and there is no more room in the fat cells, we just build more cells, to make room for more fat. And to make it worse, when we then empty them by losing weight (well, losing fat), they too sit empty and wait for fat to be put in.
So, in essence, the bigger you have been, the harder it is to maintain your goal weight.
Unless, of course, the excess cells are physically removed.
This is something that big time relates to me. I think the surgery has the effect to I will not have as much trouble staying at my current weight, as long as I do right. I should be able to eat what I burn, and maintain weight and fat proportions, when I eat right.
This is another theory I am dying to try out.
I have so many things I want to test. So many things to try. As some of you know, I love to experiment. I love to try new weight loss (and now muscle building) experiments, and see how I react to them.
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I'm hoping that they finish with the tests in not TOO many hours. I'm hoping that they'll let me out and that they'll allow me to have dinner with Wife. She's gonna be here a 3 PM, and I'd like to take her to our favorite steakhouse, which is just a stone throw away from here.
If so, I have already planned my meal. I'm gonna pass on the ribs and have a nice steak. No BBQ sauce, no veggies. I might have half a small baked potato, but will make damn sure to not get more than super few carbs in. The plan is set, and I won't stray. Not now. Not a chance. I want to see what numbers I can get tomorrow.
This is one of the rare times when it just needs to be done right. Fortunately, it CAN be done right AND include a steak. :-)
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I also want to say THANK YOU for all the well wishes in the comments to yesterday's journal. It means so much to know of your support. I truly appreciate it. This journey has been so much easier because of you guys. Thank you.
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Today, I'm thankful for:
- Ending a huge part of the journey.
- Finally at the hospital
- ONE day until surgery.
- Body fat 8.5%
- Wife!
I'll write my next journal when I can. Not sure if this is tomorrow.
Life is good!
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