Briefly

I've slowly been approved to transition from soft to solid foods, with my first fill being October 20th. Although I do have some type of restriction, I've been told swelling from the surgery, I can't clean a plate. I'm eating more than I know I will be able to post-fill. The transition is adding more calories to my diet, in which during the liquid phase I wasn't getting near 1,000 per day. I got to thinking that the additional calories probably have added to the scale being up around 2 pounds. I am still below 1,400 per day but my body is hanging on to what I get for dear life. I'm not angry as I know post fill, [hopefully] restriction will begin and the weightloss will pick up. I've got to get my first goal that is now -2 days late and get a move on my 2nd goal, which is Halloween.

I heard my Dr. give's 1cc fills each appointment, every 4-6 weeks. That scares the heck out of me! Would that even do anything?

Guess what?

Today is my birthday. I can't believe I am 31. It seems just like yesterday, I was counting the seconds until my 18th birthday, ready to take on the world as an adult. I thought I knew everything, yet was so innocent, so ignorant, so not ready. I stumbled a few times before I got the whole adult thing down and since have had a pretty lovely, simple life. Turning 30 last year brought lots of change for me, personally speaking. I learnt to be strong, stay strong, and let go. I've learned who the true people are in my world and I've learned to love wholly, including myself. I've always struggled with confidence and up until this past year it effected so many areas of my life; nothing major but some struggles here and there. I have a few more things I need to tweak and get down pat; those are works in process. I'm looking forward to the future. Here's wishing for skinny and babies within my next year of life.

I am little over a week post-op and things are slowly falling into what I would assume to be bandster hell?The last several days, eating slow I can keep it all down. I'm eating more than I know I should be and what I'll be able to with restriction. I have had some restriction but not like it should be. I've had a stuck episode once; it was painful. Eating slowly and chewing, chewing, chewing is a work in progress but getting better each day and I should be totally in habit by my first fill, which will be October 20th. Question: How many cc's were your first fill? How many fills did you get before you felt restriction?


On a yucky note, my first goal was to be down to 235 today. I didn't make it. The culprit? Since the pre-op liquid diet, I am having terrible problems with bowel movements. I've been going once per week, with aid of a laxative. To much information, I know and I apologize, anyone else have this problem?


I'm loving the fall weather and am looking forward to the lovely events that will soon be popping up for the seasons ahead. I'm ready to bring out the fall decor, light some yummy candles and enjoy some cider.

And the survey says....

BOOB'S looked fabulous. All the girls looked Amazing. Yes, I am jealous. And yes, I cannot wait until the next event. I will be there! As kind of a "closet" bandster, I don't have more than a handful I can casually chat with about all the good, the bad, and the success with the band and with those, none have the band. I'm kind of all alone. I know I am a newbie around these parts but so far, the support is amazing and I look forward to each new update that shows it's pretty little face in my dashboard. I love getting to know everyone.

Tomorrow is my 1-week post op follow-up and my first official weigh-in. I've done perfect and I can't wait to hop on the scales. The liquid-diet phase of this entire journey has been the worst! Oy! I've only got a few hunger pains but nothing a sip or two of water hasn't controlled. I'm eating about 1-1 1/2 cups of food per day. Now, with that said, I feel comfortable but I'm not sure if my intake is a result of restriction or just my extreme willpower and the I am getting this right efforts. My fill is in 3 weeks. I can tell you I am craving seafood like a mother'.

Can I pick your brain? So, my birthday is coming up in 4 days. I am stuck on the gift I really, really want. A Polar Watch or a Bodybugg. What do you think? Do you have personal experience with either? Your feedback would rock!

Curious, any band ladies near or in Tennessee?

Loves.

I have a confession to make.....

protein shakes have become vile, discusting fluids that I am finding harder and harder to choke down. And, this morning was the first one I made myself drink in almost a week. slapping my hand. I just told my fellow band sister she has to drink her shakes, and here I am slaking royaly. I will do better this week. I will have two a day; moving on.

I have posted some pics from the day of my surgery. I can't believe it's almost been a week. Wednesday will be my weigh-in day and I am excited to post official numbers and lost since surgery. Recovery has been pretty smooth and I am back at the office today. I love my career and the people I work with; I missed it while I was out.

Waiting to go to surgery; the hat was no fashion statement!

cuties :)

When my husband first came back in recovery; I was sleeeeeping like a baby.

still sleeeeeeping.

2 of my 3 incisions; the other is in the belly button. ewee.

As for a NSV, this morning I fit into pants I outgrew about 5 - 6 months ago. They are my favorite Old Navy pants in the world and also a corporate work shirt I was never able to fit into! Can't wait to weigh-in this week for official numbers.

loving this!

One more thing, someone said I was loosing weight already this morning. That made my day! 

psst...I'm Banded!

Sorry I am just now updating; I spent Wednesday and yesterday resting and wasn't online.

The surgery went perfect! I arrived at 6:30 for registration. They called me back around 6:50 to put my gown on and start my IV. Around 7:20 they gave me a dose of "i don't care" medicine via my IV, that Jay said worked instantly. I don't remember much after that except rolling into surgery and changing beds. The next thing I know, I woke up in recovery! Surgery lasted about 2 hours; they removed my gallbladder first. I was in recovery phase I for about an hour and a half; I'm very sensitive to medicine so it took a bit longer for me to wake up. Once I was coherent enough to move to a chair, I was moved to my main recovery room where my family came back. I was home around 1:00.

Since, I've mostly slept. I've not had much gas at all; what I've had hasn't been painful. My abdomen and incisions have been sore, but only when moving or trying to readjust. I only have 2 incisions outside the one through my belly button; I was surprised. I took a shower today; which was nice! Over all, it's been an easy process. Since Wednesday, I've had a few popsicles and a few sips of beef broth. I've had no appetite and have been comfortable.

I'll update more soon as well as a few pics my husband took. Miss reading everyone's blogs; have fun in Chicago!

Holy Rockstar!

In less than 21 hours, I will be an official member of lovely band'divas. Finally, finally, finally, finally; after this crazy and incredibly long journey [silly insurance companies] I will be banded. Yes, my stomach is in knots. Yes, my eyes are filled with tears. Yes, I am so incredibly anxious and happy and can't wait to officially [and finally] have control.

I realized last night that I have never not been fat. I've been smaller than I am now, but still fat. Even as a child, I was the chubby one. Maybe I am a bit nervous about not being fat. It's all I have really ever known. Once when I was smaller, I got a glimpse of how differently life is as a thinner person. Believe it or not, it's true. I kind of explained it once as my world is great, but black and white. The smaller I got, color started to appear. What if my face changes? What if I look older? What if my personality changes? My life is about to totally change; am I prepared for how deep the change will go? I think I am. In no way do I doubt my decision or if this is right for me. I know it is. I can't wait to run again. I can't wait to look in the mirror and smile at what I see. To feel beautiful, from the inside. To let my husband touch me, and feel sexy. To look someone in the eye and feel as confident as my hand shake.

goodbye unhappiness. goodbye unhealthiness. goodbye unattractiveness. hello beautiful life.

Drum roll please............

I was going to wait until Wednesday too post my official pre-op loss but being the impatient person I am, I couldn't wait. Since August 4, which was my Nutrition Consultation and the day my file was complete for insurance submission, I have lost -18.1.  Holy cheese that's exciting!! 11 of those I dropped in the past 2 weeks on the liquid diet. I've went from 258.8 to 240.7. I am so happy. Like, a little extra bounce in my step happy.

Sweetness


A little NSV to report. These are one of my favorite pairs of pants. They are not true jeans,  little dressier but look like jean material. Sadly I had out grown them a few months ago; this morning, they zipped, button and belted right up.

fitting back into one of my favorite pairs of pants makes me so happy!

Anesthesiologist Consult

My Anesthesiologist appointment was this morning. I had to have a few labs drawn as well as a chest x-ray. They went over what to expect on Wednesday, what time to be there, where the family would wait, etc. From the moment I walked in prior to registration up until the time I left, I cried I think 3 times. I really didn't get nervous until today. I'm nervous over the IV, the actual surgery, waking up, blood clots, etc... not the band or if I am making the right decision, etc. I know the band will be a success. I worry about getting there. I've only had one other operation; I was 10 and it was my tonsils. So, I'm stressing a little bit. They will call tomorrow between 3:00-5:00 to confirm my 6:30a appointment on Wednesday; surgery will be at 7:30a. The gallbladder will take about 45 minutes and the banding 30-45. I should be in around 2 hours. I'm going to stop on my way home and get some super cute knee socks to wear with my adorable PJ's my mom bought me. Yes, even in surgery I'll be representing cuteness.

waiting to get my chest x-ray; 2 more days til surgery!!!!!!

thank you's

Thank you for all your support and comments. I always try my best to get back around to your pages but sometimes it takes a day or two; I never want you to think they aren't important to me. This is such a fabulous support group.

Moving right along.

I can't believe it is almost Friday. This week as moved right along; honestly, so much quicker than I thought. This time next week, I'll officially be waking up as one of the cool kids; an official bandster club member. Sometimes I can't beleive this is finally really happening. If you haven't saw, I'm so, so thankful for this blessing! I'm astonished at the menal transformation I've went through this past week. I've read so many variances that physician's use for the pre-op diet; mine as we know has been liquid's. Although I wasn't too happy about it last week, I wouldn't have wanted it to be any other way; it has prepared me for life after banding. I couldn't imagine just having to quit food cold turkey 2 days before surgery and waking up just having to do right. I've re-learned what will power is; I needed this lesson.

We toured the Wellness Center as I talked about on Tuesday. It was so nice and perfect. The fitness floor (1st floor) has all the cardio, weights and weight machines, etc. Across the hall are the locker rooms, which are nice. Through the back door of the locker rooms is the Aqautic Center. The Aquatic Center has a hot tub, therapy pool and lap pool. Love it! Personally, I see myself in the water alot this fall/winter. The upstairs of the facility is where all the classrooms are for fitness classes, which are all also included in the free 6-month membership. There are so many awesome classes offered; I picked up the class schedules for fitness and aqautics and have already coordinated in my schedule for the week after surgery. The Nutritonists offices are also up stairs in which we can meet up with through appointment. Massage Therapists are by appointment only also. My first day, I get a fitness evaluation. They will walk with me, evaluate where I am weight wise and what fitness level I feel I am at and write a workout program for me, to be evaluated at my first Personal Trainer appointment. How great is this!

I started my pre-op meds last night; a nose cream (to kill staph) twice daily and then my tummy scrub. I tried to take pictures of my pink tummy, but it was so comical with my husband putting it on, all I could do was laugh. It ended up everywhere! I'm hoping tonight want be as messy!

Leaving with this, I weighed in this morning, I am down -12 lbs.  I am so happy. I'm now weighing in at 246.8. Only 6.9 away from the 230's.

Leaving you with a bit of a glow today.

Loves.

little successes.

Aaah, head hunger. I had never heard of this little concept, until a few short weeks ago.Thankfully, I now know how to and am so far doing well in conquering this little rascal. We went over for a quick visit to my in-laws last night. We walk in and she is serving up homemade kraut w/ weenies, beans, mashed potatoes and cornbread. Before my mouth floods with desire for this unbelievably delicious southern cooked meal, I catch myself studying my stomach; nope - not hungry. nope - not good for me. nope - not liquids. As hard, hard, so incredibly hard to have an hour visit and walk out with out even a nibble, was a huge victory for me.

I eat lunch with 2-3 other people, daily. I've stayed strong to my shakes, sugar free Jello-o's, applesauces and teas and broths. Having to sit and watch them eat the fattening goodness has been so terribly hard for me; when we've done it since day 1. Today was chinese takeout; another success. It's the hardest to sit through the agonizing i want to eat that's but once I make it through, I'm sure like so many others it's such a victory and a tremendous sense of accomplishment. Through this short journey, I've sadly realized that I was officially addicted to food. Like an old nasty drug, I couldn't wait to get my next fix. It makes me sad that I consumed so much time eating and thinking about eating and to go even further, not holding myself accountable for what I was eating. Oy! 

The new me is coming together nicely. I can say shedding all the bad decisions over the last week, I've found some new energy! We are going to tour the Hospital's Wellness Center this afternoon; I get a free 6-month membership post-op and a hubby pass ($27/mo), as well as a nutritional plan/evaluation and 3-free personal training sessions. Jay has lost -14lbs. since we began this journey; he is a trooper and the best support person a girl could ask for!

I think for my birthday, which is coming up in 19 days, I may ask for a bicycle. Wow! Me? a bicylce? never thunk it.

Wonderful weekend [and Post-Op Education Consult] - ✔

Fall weekends rock! If you haven't figured it out by now, i.love.fall. 

After church yesterday we took a ride around Cades Cove, an 11-mile scenic route through the Smoky Mountains. We live just about 25-30 minutes away, but it's a favorite place for the locals. The weather was perfect, the leaves falling, lots of people out and about; so lovely. My dad left yesterday for a business trip, so when we got back home I threw a bag together and went and stayed with my mom for the night. We always have so, so much fun! So very blessed with such wonderful, God-loving parents!

My Post-Op Education consult was this morning. I've officially been given the in's and out's of banding, all the do's and don'ts and my post-op diet advancement. I'm sure all advancement diets are the same, but just in-case mine vary from the rest [and for the newbies], it includes: Continue liquids through next Tuesday [9/21], 9/22 - 9/24: Clear liquids only. 9/25-10/9: Liquids only. 10/10 - 10/24: Soft Creamed Foods (soup broths, cream broths, yogurt, etc.) Week 4: Fill No.1 - back clear liquids, advance to liquids/softs, as tolerated.  Week 5: Advance to solids, as tolerated. So, for dramatic purposes, I [should] be able to eat in [drum roll please; rump, pa, rump, pa, rump, pa], 49 days. What will my first meal be post banding [also to be known as my belated birthday dinner], you ask? Grilled ground turkey breast w/ fresh lemon and snap peas. Just sayin'. I did give kudos to all your wonderful blogs when talking to the nurse today! Thank you for providing your journey; I've learned so much.

Real quick, you know I've been debating on "who to tell?". I've decided to only tell who I've told so far. I know these people will be the most supportive during this journey; and that's all I need. 

Looking forward to catching up on your weekend! 

the leaves are changing! eek!

what i see, everyday. 

Primitive Cades Cove Baptist Church

J inside the sanctuary. 

loves him.

gorgeous.

me & J.

Dusty loves going on his rides.

i'm a wanna-be photographer. 

lots of lasts

With the liquid diet lurking eagerly around the corner, the last few days have have been filled with several "last" meals. The biggest "goodbye" was the trip to the chinese buffet; it's my favorite food and has been a staple in my life for so many years. But that's in the past. Come Wednesday, it's game on. I am ready. Bring it!

I went this morning and picked up my Unjury and Pre-op diet list; this will be life as I know it for the next 4-6 weeks. Being honest, the next 2 weeks will be a challenge. And anyone who believes differently; well, feel free to share me your ideas on how to not be stressing over this. I am very happy that the pre-op diet also includes 6 small daily servings of sugar-free jello, pudding and yogurt and I think also some raw vegi's. A quick trip to the grocery store is on my to-do list for later today.

I just had my last "full" lunch with my co-workers. I told the girl I work with about my surgery, I assumed one person knowing would provide a little support here at the office; the thought of no one knowing was unsettling. She seemed happy and said she would be very supportive. I've changed my vacation week (Oct. 4-8) to coincide with my surgery and pre-op appointments. What are your thoughts? Have you told co-workers? If so, what were thier response?