Dr. Tim Ramirez | Pacifica Wellness Blog

I’ve recovered from my second hip replacement surgery this year. I now have two new hips and I can hardly believe how good it feels to be without pain. In fact, I almost don’t trust the good feeling because pain had become part of the fabric of my being. Again, surgery was a success and once again I exceeded expectations in physical therapy. As I mentioned in my previous blog, I credit Dr. Tim for helping me to keep as strong as possible.
I’ve been back at Pacifica Wellness for a couple of weeks now. The warm welcome that I received from Dr. T and everyone who sees me for the first time post-surgery touches me deeply. I am so glad to be back amongst this committed group.
I’d like to share some thoughts that I’ve been pondering throughout my journey. Despite its being a difficult year physically, it has been a year of growth as well. I’ve learned about patience. It takes time to get to the point of needing surgery, and it takes time to heal. My drive to be completely mobile far exceeded the schedule my body required to heal. I’ve experienced humility. It’s not easy to accept help even when it is absolutely necessary. I kept reminding myself of the adage to allow people to give the gift of help. I am more compassionate. I am an empathetic person by nature, but the experience of needing to walk with a walker and then a cane made me more aware of those with far more serious handicaps than my own. I am in awe of the surgeon and other medical professionals who assisted him in the operating room. If any one of them had not performed perfectly, I would not be walking today (or worse). Finally, I am deeply grateful to all who have helped me, from the strangers who opened doors, to Dr. Tim who regularly checked in and requested updates, to friends and family who called and sent cards to cheer me, to colleagues who went above and beyond the call of duty and mostly to my parents who gave up their leisure time to assist me in my recoveries. I could never have done this alone.
I shall end this post on a lighter note:
Another year is ending; the time has gone so fast.
Some of it was challenging; some of it was a blast.
Another year is nearly over and there’s so much I could say.
But I think I’ll just settle for HIP HIP Hooray!

I almost skipped a workout the other day because I was in a great deal of pain, but I decided to go anyway. I like being at Pacifica Wellness because of Dr. Tim and all the great people who are his clients. I don’t like being the center of attention due to my pronounced limp. I kept more to myself than usual so I could focus on the exercises rather than my pain. I also did not want to take away everyone else’s sense of well-being. Nothing goes unnoticed by Dr. Tim and he was being especially encouraging to me without making a big deal of it. I kept moving but the pain kept getting worse and I was getting more and more depressed. At one point we were changing weights on one of the machines when he looked me in the eye and said, “It’s just Tuesday, Romey.” Boink - those three words hit me right between the eyes. It’s just Tuesday—just a regular day—all is well at this moment in time. It’s just Tuesday—the day will be done in a few hours—this too shall pass. It’s just Tuesday—it’s all in your perspective.

I’ve been very grateful that my recent surgery was a success. I understand that it takes time - longer than we anticipate - to fully recover. I think our minds recover faster than our bodies. I’ve been working with Dr. Tim to regain the muscle tone that I lost. He’s been diligent in his care for me, always making sure that I’m not doing something that would hinder my progress while encouraging me to test the boundaries of my strength and balance. I’ve been unable to do any lower body workouts, so we’re concentrating solely on upper body. That’s great because I’m actually preparing for a second surgery for which I’ll need upper body strength in order to maneuver in and out of bed and get around with a walker. However, I can’t help but notice that the areas on which I’m unable to concentrate aren’t looking as good as I’d like. I’m impatient to get back to doing full body workouts so that said areas can get back in shape. Yes, I’m talking hips and thighs which have always been my biggest challenge, so to speak. Luckily I’m still wearing the same size as pre-surgery. I breathe a sigh of relief when trousers and skirts still fit. I never grow out of blouses or sweaters, but the strangest thing happened to me the other day. I put on a sweater with short sleeves and noticed that the arms felt a bit smaller when I moved. Lo and behold, I could see my biceps! Whaddayaknow—I actually got excited about seeing a larger body part. OK, then, if upper body responded to my recent efforts, I’ve no doubt that hips and thighs will eventually get back in shape when I’m able to get on the mat. Can’t wait to do those D-R-T’s and T-I-M’s!

Greetings, dear readers. I’m back at PW after a bit of a hiatus while I was preparing for and then recuperating from hip replacement surgery. All in all it was a positive experience, but what I want to share with you is how my working with Dr. Tim contributed in large part to my success thus far. Over the years, I tried various protocols to deal with the pain. I got to the point when the only option was surgery. Not surprisingly, Dr. T supported me wholeheartedly. It became nearly impossible for me to do lower body exercises, so with Dr. Tim’s guidance, I concentrated on upper body. I was ever so grateful for that, especially when I tried to maneuver in and out of bed after surgery, or when I had to support myself with a walker and then a cane. I was told that my recovery rate was remarkably fast. I called upon the discipline I’ve learned with Dr. Tim to get me through the times when I thought I was too tired to go to physical therapy. There are days when I feel too tired to work out, but I go to PW anyway. I feel better just walking through the door. Dr. Tim is helping me to regain my strength and stamina. I am not one person in a large class where everyone is doing the same thing. He ‘prescribes’ what I need to do for my particular situation, just as he does with everyone. When I feel defeated because I’m not at the level that I once was, he reminds me that just having walked through the door is a victory. Soon I will be undergoing surgery for the other side, at which point I’ll be able to say “Hip Hip Hooray.” With Dr. Tim’s help and encouragment, I look forward to being better than ever.

Touchdown, golf swing, bucking bronco. Are we at a sporting event? Nope. Charlie Chaplin, Saturday Night Fever. Perhaps we’re at a theater? Uh-uh. V-T-I, X-Y-Z. Of course—a classroom. Wrong again! Give up? We’re at Pacifica Wellness, and Dr. Tim is giving each of us our next exercise. The same way that language can separate people, it can also unite a group. We never know what new routine Dr. T is going to create, but we know it will have some snappy name. It’s always more fun to do your reps when the names make you smile than to think about the technical aspect (although he always makes sure that we’re doing them properly). In addition to the fancy names, Dr. T also adjusts the routines to everyone’s fitness level. It’s one of the things I love about being a student of Dr. Tim. He knows that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. Yet if you look a bit deeper, you can see that he’s very very serious about his vocation. Every single client is absolutely important to him, and he will do everything in his power to help us achieve our goals.
The next time I’m there, I’m sure someone will be doing the 110-10-3’s, or a few sets of M’s, or maybe even something on the inner circle. Interested in cracking the code? My lips are sealed. But if you check out Pacifica Wellness, you may become part of the Inner Circle and be able to talk the talk!

I recently had an appointment with my primary physician. I’m happy to report that everything is OK. However, more important is what he said to me on his way out the door. “I don’t know what you’re doing,” he said, “but you look great.” At the risk of sounding vain, I was pleasantly surprised by his comment, but I know exactly what I’ve been doing. I’ve been working out with Dr. Tim and following his suggestions for meal plans. It’s rather nice to know that my efforts are becoming noticeable. I’ve always known that I was making a difference to my strength and health, but knowing that it now shows is an added benefit, about as much fun as putting on a pair of jeans and finding that they’re too big. So thank you, Dr. Tim. Keep those V-T-I’s coming! (If you’re wondering about V-T-I’s, you’ll need to come to PW to find out!)

It’s been a while since I’ve checked in, but I’ve recently had a wonderful experience that I want to share. I was very fortunate to be able to spend two weeks with my entire family at a villa in Tuscany. There were thirteen of us and every moment was precious. I could go on and on about the sights, etc., but I’d like to speak about the health and wellness aspect of the trip.

First of all, when I saw pictures of our accommodations, I was awestruck by the beauty; but what really excited me was the fact that there was an in-ground pool and an outdoor gym. I was delighted to know that I would be able to work out even though I’d be halfway around the world from Pacifica Wellness and Dr. Tim. My plan was to exercise a bit every day. How was I going to accomplish this, however, without workout clothes? I was so exhausted when I packed for the trip that I actually forgot to include them. I realized my oversight while en route to Chicago where I was going to spend the night before flying to Italy. With very little time to spare before the overseas flight, I made my brother take me shopping so I could purchase what I needed. Disaster averted. My sister-in-law was so impressed by my goal that she was inspired to exercise on vacation, too.

We spent a great portion of every day walking through the magnificent hill towns. These were not gently rolling hills; they were steep and winding. These excursions were workouts in themselves. We watched as the towns’ inhabitants lithely made their way to and fro. We watched little old women walking or biking with their groceries in tow. Back home we’d never think to walk to the grocery store.

Speaking of groceries, we shopped every few days for what we’d need. In the produce department of the grocery store, one is required to put on a plastic disposable glove before touching anything. In the mercato or open-air market, customers are not allowed to touch the produce. Instead, one tells the owner what and how much is needed, and the owner fills the bag. In both instances, the produce is touched the least amount of times before it’s sold.

I am lucky to have had a mother who focused on a balanced diet. Because of her, I’d been following the Meditteranean diet before even knowing that one existed. This trip was a great opportunity to actually be where it’s followed as a way of life. We noticed that everything tasted so fresh. We also noticed the portion control. Nothing was super-sized, but we never left a table feeling hungry.

Because there were six nieces and nephews, we must have stopped at every gelateria that we passed. I admit to indulging a few times, but what I noticed was this: Even if you ordered two ‘palline’ (scoops), it was still less than one scoop of ice cream that we’d get here at home; yet the amount was satisfying.

I’m happy to report that I ate and drank what I wanted when I was hungry, but I did not gain any weight. All of our walking plus the laps in the pool plus the workouts in the outdoor gym equaled no additional weight. What was most remarkable to me, though, was when my brother-in-law mentioned that he did not experience indigestion for the two weeks that we were in Italy. This may not sound like a big deal, but it spoke volumes to me. When we give our bodies what they need—fresh food, simply prepared, in sufficient quantity—we reap the benefits of feeling good and being healthy. Hopefully we’ll continue to do so now that we’re back home again.

Italy was great and I miss it terribly, but I’m glad to be back—there’s no Dr. T in Italy!

As I was losing weight, my skin was looking more wrinkled and this was upsetting.  Dr. Tim suggested I start the lemon cleanse protocol, but I didn’t like the idea of ‘cleansing’ without food.  He then explained that his lemon cleanse was taken with food and there was no need to fast.  I asked him what results I could expect and he was purposely vague, wanting to let me see if I recognized any changes or improvements after about 6 weeks of taking it twice a day.

The first thing I noticed was my fingernails were growing much stronger than ever–not breaking or peeling! Then I went to get my hair trimmed and my hairdresser was shocked.  He asked me what I was doing differently because rather than cutting off maybe 1/4 inch after 6 weeks of growth, he was cutting almost an inch because it had grown so much.  Then I started noticing the age spots on my hands were fading and my wrinkly under-the-chin and neck areas looked better!  Hooray!!!!  This was in addition to an overall sense of feeling better and all I was doing was drinking it twice a day while maintaining my nutritional program with Dr. Tim. 

That was over a year ago and I have continued using it every day, even when traveling, because the tinctures are so easy to use and carry.  My skin has continued to improve, my nails are strong and healthy and I feel great!  My hair is also getting a little thicker which is a very welcome change.  Dr. Tim was not surprised to hear my story, stating he hears it all the time from people who take his lemon cleanse.  Just another way Dr. Tim helps us get healthier!! 

So, I’ve been having my own, private pity party for the past 5 weeks, but it ended today!  Enough already!  Here’s the deal.  Since last October, we have been traveling a lot, mostly international with horrid, long flights, etc..  We were gone 8 out of roughly 17 weeks and over that period of time, needless to say, the food choices were mostly NOT Dr. Tim approved.  Now, you throw in a couple of cruises with endless food choices and you have the reason my husband and I gained some weight.  As you may recall, I had lost ~60 lbs over the past year and a half, so gaining weight was a real bummer.  If that wasn’t bad enough, I somehow screwed up my back and found I couldn’t do my usual 8 mile walks and my workouts with Dr. Tim had to lighten up dramatically while he intensified my therapy.  So now, I’m 10 lbs heavier and I can’t even exercise like crazy to help get it off.  So what do I do?  I sulk…how pathetic is that?!  I try eating my healthy diet but I’m easily distracted by a cookie or larger than life portions.  That just makes me more depressed and feeling like I’m on a slow, downward spiral back to my old ‘fat girl’ habits.

Recently, my sister told me her doctor told her that he doubted if my new lifestyle changes were sustainable, even though it has been close to 2 years.  It’s funny how those kinds of comments work on you in a negative way, almost causing self doubt for no reason!!!  BUGGERS!!!  What the hell does he know anyway!!??  It’s like when well meaning friends tell you that you are getting too thin and gaunt, as I have mentioned in a previous blog.  You begin to question yourself and start seeing a different person in the mirror, with an eventual subconscious increase in food intake and/or making poor food choices.

I decided to talk to Dr. Tim and Rose about how frustrated and discouraged I was getting (as if he didn’t know when I kept referring to my less difficult workouts as my “weeny” exercises), feeling the immediate need to go and buy chocolate under the guise of Easter!   They were, as usual, more than helpful, reminding me that it was admirable that I am going in to see him regularly and working on and through the pain, rather than sitting on the couch eating bon bons all day.  He is an interesting man.  He NEVER chastises you or criticizes anything, always chosing a positive comment over a negative one.  I didn’t need to tell him I was struggling…he always knows.  The only time he will comment is if you bring it up and ask for help, then he is all over it in a reassuring, positive way, helping you understand why you are feeling this way.  The encouragement just pours out of his body and you can’t help but feel better and empowered to take charge of your life.  A man of few words, yes, but the few words are always amazingly insightful.  After speaking to them, I left with lots to think about and sort out in my head.  I decided I will NEVER be the little fat girl again, that this is my new life and I love feeling healthy.  There is no going back.  I also learned to space out our travel plans so my body has more time to recover from our long trips.  It’s either that, or start taking Dr. Tim with us when we travel!

I’m writing this because it is not only helpful to me to talk about it, but I hope it may help some other “foodie” out there who may have faced similar challenges in their lives.  I also want Dr. Tim to be reminded of how much we benefit from his guidance and graceful teaching style.  And I also want Rose to know how much I appreciate her support and knowledge which we celebrate through a lot of laughter, often at Dr. Tim’s good natured expense!

Dr. Tim is a very private man.  Working with him for over two years now, I consider him not only the Master of my Wellness, but a friend with whom I can safely share my thoughts and feelings.  Now and then, he lets me into his life for a peek at some of his personal passions and feelings.  Yesterday, I was there and he called me over to the computer to show me something that was making him smile.  He had pulled up the statistics for his website and it showed that over 1.5 MILLION people had visited his site and it had a map of the world showing all the countries from which these visits had come.  WOW!!  Can you imagine having the ability to touch all of those lives with your knowledge and expertise?  I could see how proud and amazed he was and I was too.  He has such a positive message to share, it is wonderful to see the results and feedback for all of his hard work.  It’s no wonder that all of us who have discovered Dr. Tim can’t seem to say enough about how much he has helped us!  Keep up the amazing work Dr. Tim!!!!!!