Pre Op vs Post Op Dancing

Yesterday I completed my silver street Latin meringue routine. Rocked it. Had a fab time and got honours for it too. Only my second honours ever in 18 routines. So I'm pretty happy with that. 

But I'm even happier about some of the differences I've noticed in my dancing. 

Before surgery I was able to dance one 2-3minute song of a progressive routine before needing to sit down to catch my breath. Also on achievement day, knowing I would be dancing in heels, I would need to load up on Gatorade and neurofen 2 hours before and after dancing (achievement routine is lucky to be 60 seconds) to manage the cramping that would happen in my feet and calves. If I forgot to do this, my legs would be so painfully cramped that I couldn't drive home without crying. Even with this Gatorade/neurofen routine, I would limp and be uncomfortable for at least 2-3 days afterwards. 

During my private lessons, my teacher had pointed out that I wasn't as puffed out and that I didn't seem to be experiencing foot pain like before. 

I was unsure if I was able to take neurofen post surgery (must find out just in case) so figured I would just have to suck it up and see what happened. 

I danced in heels, drug free. I wasn't sweating and short of breath after my routine. Later that night at the presentation, I danced 2 songs of my favourite progressive routine (Mayfair for anyone who is interested) and *shock* wasn't even puffed! There was no cramping at all. Yesterday, last night or today. 

Cannot believe the difference already. 

Achievement Day

For those not in my dance world, this won't mean much. But achievement day is essentially the one day each term that we perform the routine we've been learning in front of adjudicators and are marked. They are usually very kind in their feedback making note of things you did well and suggesting a focus for next time. They use a grading system a bit like Uni, commended pass, highly commended pass, high distinction an honours. (So far I've always got high distinctions with one honours on a silver rumba). 

It's kind of nerve racking, some people get insanely stressed about it, some have a quick drink before hitting the floor, but as long as I manage to stay on my feet I know I've passed and I'm happy. Rumour has it that even if you do fall and get back up to try again, you'll still pass...I'm not willing to test that out though. 

There are different levels of each dance style. So you start at bronze, bronze bar, silver, silver bar then gold. (There is more above gold but I'm so far from that I haven't really paid much attention). Generally you can complete 2 bronze/bar routines a term, but silver/bar is usually one a term and most people spend 2 terms working in one gold routine. 

Today I'm completing a silver street Latin meringue routine, that I've only spent 4x 30min private lessons learning. It's evidence you really do 'get' stuff faster one on one. 

I was planning on taking this entire term off to recover, but was feeling so good and missing dancing that I've eased back in with private lessons instead. 

The weight loss is so noticeable on the dance floor. My teacher is so complimentary about how good I'm looking and dance friends haven't recognized me. But the really big stuff, my feet no longer ache (in dance runners, will see how they hold up in heels today), I'm not out of breath after a single rotation of the routine, spins are easier, my teachers arms fit around me (with a gap). Just last week my teacher yelled at me (we yell and swear at each other a lot, it's how I roll) 'STOP DANCING LIKE A FAT GIRL. YOU'RE NOT THAT FAT GIRL ANYMORE SO JUST STOP IT!'  

I'm not nervous about today, yet, but I am struggling with deciding what to wear. In the past I've only had one dress that fits, in a size 22. Funnily that dress still fits and sits much nicer, but is a bit of a knicker flasher during spins (which this routine has a heap of). I have discovered I have a size 18 dress that fits and looks good, or several size 20 skirts that work and even a size 16 skirt. (Women's clothing sizes are fucked for the record). Nice to have options, but was certainly easier when there was no choice ;-) 

Q & A

Barb asked:
Are you finding any foods easier or harder to eat?
Now that I'm 8 weeks post op I am technically able to eat anything. Which is pretty much how it is going. I was always a little bit dairy intolerant before surgery, which seems to have increased post surgery. It kind of sucks as I do love flavoured milk, but its good because its something I really shouldn't be having anyway.

I've eaten chicken, steak, lamb, wraps, salad, bread, and its all been fine. I know others have issues with certain foods, but I seem to have been really lucky where this is concerned. Despite hating the liquid and puree stages, I have heard that sticking to those strictly can make a big difference to how you go afterwards. Who knows how true this is though.

Jo asked:
How have the kids reacted/found the process?
The kids have been fantastic. It helps that despite being little, one is a nerd and the other is a born nurse. I explained it to them like this;
'You can see that mummy has a big tummy, which is on the outside. Our stomach is on the inside and that holds our food. The Dr is going to do an operation on mummy to make her stomach smaller and over time that will help make my tummy smaller too. When I have a smaller tummy, I will be able to do more things with you like run around, go swimming, on swings and slides, etc. I will have a sore tummy for a little while so you will have to be gentle and I will have to eat special food so my stomach can get better.'

X loved the science behind it all and had lots of questions about the actual surgery and how that would happen. S was more concerned about checking my wounds each day and making sure my pain was under control.

They both often tell me that my tummy is smaller and that I am beautiful.

Kershel asked:
What are your energy levels like do you feel better energy/health wise?
My energy levels are still kind of low. Its hard to continue with real life on such limited calorie intake. It is getting better each day though as I can eat more and more. I also find that I feel much worse if I forget to take my multi vitamins. I don't think I would say that I feel 'better' just yet.

Liz asked:
Do you have to keep seeing dietitian and psych for x amount of time?I had an appointment with the dietitian 2 weeks post surgery and 6 weeks post surgery. I have one more appointment around 3 months out. I can go back and see her if I feel that I need to, but I have enough other people in my life who know about that kind of thing that I don't think I will need to see her more.

The psychologist is a one off optional visit. Many people find they have real trouble dealing with the 'head hunger' but there is no suggestion that I need to see her again unless I feel the need to. At this point, I don't feel like I need to see her again.

What will your eating plan be like once you can eat "normal" food again? Can you eat whatever you like and not put on weight?
I'm not sure its quite that simple. Because of the smaller portion sizes I need to make sure that what I am eating is the best options. So the main priority will be eating protein, then other stuff. It doesn't mean that treats are out, but because of the size, they wont be big. I have found I don't want sweet stuff like I used to, and if I do, a bite is enough.

Sharon asked:
Have you had moments of regret?Not one. Yes I have hated certain stages, but never a moment of regret.

Would you recommend it to others struggling with their weight?
If someone felt that they had tried all other avenues, then yes. This isn't cheating, it isn't the easy way out, it is serious surgery, but it is life changing. In only a few short weeks, I am learning just how life changing it is.

Liz asked: (another Liz)
Have you noticed any changes in ease of movement so far? Eg. Dressing, showering etc.
Not a heap. Oh shaving legs is easier. And I did catch myself skip up the first bit of the stairs at school the other day. Oh and dancing is so different already. My teacher keeps telling me to stop dancing like a fat girl.

Jen asked:
With such rapid weight loss, do you know the effects it will have on your skin? Do you need to have a tummy tuck surgery? Will that be just as expensive to you as the initial surgery?
Oh the skin situation is not going to be pretty. I will have masses of lose skin after this, and the only thing for it will be more surgery. I am hoping that I can get away with just a tummy tuck, but need to be prepared for a possible full body lift, arms done and thighs done. It's going to be more expensive than the initial surgery.

Michelle asked:
What about exercise? Eg: if you walk how do you replace the fuel in your body?
I haven't done anything more than dancing as yet. I'm not sure about replacing the fuel. Considering my calorie intake is lucky to hit 600 calories a day, that's probably something I need to consider.

Liz asked: (the first Liz again)
Have people begun to notice changes in you?
Yes. Long before I started to notice. A few friends have said they are freaked out by my skinny face, work colleagues have asked if I have lost weigh, even a few students have said something. My dance teacher has noticed in both how I look and move.

India asked:
How are you *feeling* this many weeks in? Have you noticed any changes in your clarity of mind? Your moods? Aches and pains? You're eating differently now - have you noticed the impact different foods are having on your physical, mental and emotional bodies?
Not feeling clearer, still battling tired a bit too much to feel really clear. Moods are possibly slightly more stable. Feeling less homicidal around period time. Only thing I have really noticed is my skin is a lot clearer. Possibly feeling more positive about what is coming in my future.