This was a really big week for Project Restore—and for me
I have officially been working on Project Restore for three months, and this month I had appointments with both my pain doctor and gastroenterologist.
Doctor appointments can be frustrating for me. From my experience, I sometimes feel like the number on the scale—or my BMI—enters the room before I do. It can feel as though assumptions are made before there is a chance to look at everything else I am doing.
This time, I walked in differently.
I had a report in my hand.
Before the doctor ever stepped into the room, I handed the nurse a summary of what I had been doing and the progress I had made over the previous months.
For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had something besides the scale telling my story.
The Scale Wasn’t Telling the Whole Story
Did the scale move much?
Nope.
But apparently my body didn’t get the memo that the scale was supposed to be in charge.
Over roughly three months, I lost six inches combined from my waist and stomach/abdomen. My physical function improved. I can handle more normal daily activity, and my exercise tolerance has gotten better.
Physical therapy has been paying off, too. I have continued working on my neck, pelvic-floor/core exercises and strength. My hip has generally been doing well, and my neck problems have become more about stiffness than significant pain.
And then came one of my biggest wins.
My pain doctor moved me to a six-month follow-up.
Considering where I started, I’ll take that victory.
Both doctor appointments went well, and I don’t go back for six months. One doctor even looked at my report and said, “This is pretty good.”
Of course, that was followed by a reminder that I’d better be smaller the next time I came in.
Some things apparently never change.
But this time, I knew—and he could see—that there was much more happening than a number on the scale.
What Three Months of Tracking Has Taught Me
Project Restore has never been only about losing weight.
I’ve been paying attention to protein, calories, exercise, pain, digestion, sleep and how my body responds to stress.
I’ve had some great protein days, reaching 110–113 grams, but I’ve also discovered that eating too little can be a problem for me. When I’m under emotional stress, I don’t necessarily overeat. Sometimes I lose my appetite completely, which can leave me under-fueled.
My digestion has been relatively stable, and I’m now using my Fitbit to get actual sleep and activity information instead of relying entirely on how I think I slept or how active I think I’ve been.
But probably the biggest lesson from these first three months is simple:
My body can be making progress even when the scale isn’t rewarding me for it.
I’m stronger. I’m moving better. I’m learning more about my body. And I’m getting better at walking into my medical appointments with useful information instead of trying to remember three months’ worth of details while sitting on an exam table.
I thought that was a pretty good three-month review.
Then Buck submitted his.
Buck’s Official Project Restore Review
Apparently, Project Restore has been under independent review this entire time.
I was unaware of this.
Buck’s Project Restore Report:
Mom says she’s doing squats with a 15-pound kettlebell.
I don’t understand why.
I have provided her with a perfectly good bowl that she could repeatedly bend down and fill with food. Same basic exercise. Much more productive outcome.
She also rides a bicycle that goes nowhere.
We have an entire outside.
I remain concerned about her decision-making.
Overall, I give Project Restore two paws down until snack portions improve.
Apparently I Have a Personal Trainer Now
Buck also feels the need to supervise my kettlebell squats.
Closely.
Very closely.
The 15-pound kettlebell apparently requires a complete sniff inspection before use. Then he needs to stand directly in my workout area to make sure I’m using proper form—or possibly to determine whether the kettlebell contains snacks.
I’m still investigating his qualifications.
But maybe that’s part of what I like about Project Restore.
I’m not spending a few months following a miserable routine while waiting for a scale to give me permission to feel successful. I’m trying to build something I can actually live with.
Some days that means physical therapy. Some days it’s riding my exercise bike, doing strength training or paying more attention to what I’m eating. Other days it’s simply recognizing that my body needs rest.
And sometimes it means trying to do squats while a dog sticks his nose into the middle of my workout.
Three months in, the scale may not have given me the big number I once would have wanted.
But I’ve lost inches. I’ve gotten stronger. My doctors are seeing progress. I’m learning more about my body.
And I have apparently acquired a four-legged personal trainer with absolutely no credentials.
Project Restore continues.
Buck’s performance review is pending.
