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About this blog

Welcome to my blog and thanks for taking the time to share in my weight loss journey. My surgery was performed on August 27, 2008, and my life is fun and exciting again! I first sta

Entries in this blog

 

Surgery tomorrow!!!

Well, the day has finally arrived and I am so calm it's almost surreal. God is so good! This time tomorrow I will officially be a bandster and I say, "Bring It On!" I am sooo ready to no longer be the pig at the table! I'm truly ready to eat SMALL portions and become the type of heath conscious person that I admire. I'm going to be sooo proud of myself once I win this battle. And win I will!!!   Mom & Dad flew in from KY to be with me during this time and I am sooo grateful. We went out for my birthday dinner last night and I left feeling so stuffed and miserable. I am so ready for those days to be over with. I am going to truly embrace eating like a 150 lb. person and by this time next year, I am confident I will be a 150 lb. person.   I check-in at 6:00 a.m. and will have the procedure at 7:30 a.m. I fully anticipate being home from the hospital before noon. We're going to take "BEFORE" photos and measurements soon. Gotta document this amazing journey! Whoo-hooo! I'm ready to get started! TOMORROW IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY HEALTHY LIFE! :tt2:   I have debated on whether or not to be open about WLS at work and originally decided not to talk about it. Over the past few weeks I have questioned that decision, however, and told a few people recently with no regrets. I could tell that one person was biting their tongue, but that's a good thing! I just realized that I'm not ashamed of having WLS, so why hide it? I think that was the best decision for me. Well, it's time now to get started. Next time I write, my new life will be officially underway. HOW VERY EXCITING!!!
Carly

Carly

2
 

Surgery day

Well, my life as a Bandster has just begun! I arrived at the hospital at 6 a.m. yesterday with my amazing folks (who flew in from KY to be with me - what a blessing!) By 6:45 a.m. I was being prepped for surgery. After doing lots of paperwork, the nurse gave me a shot in the belly to prevent blood clots and then started the I.V. Shortly after, the anesthesiologist and Dr. Simpson stopped by to say hell. Next thing I knew, the oxygen mask was on and I was out. This was around 7:35 a.m. Things were really moving fast, and that pace continued!   I woke up about 8:15 a.m. in Recovery. I remember saying, "Is it over?" and being asked how I felt. I responded, "Pretty good I think." I was given a cup of hot tea and a few minutes later, the nurse asked if I could get up and walk. I pushed a wheelchair around the room for a minute or so, and started to feel a little nauseous, so he quickly gave me some medication in the IV. I was fine in no time and up walking again.   About 9 a.m. the nurse asked if I needed any help getting dressed, that I was doing exceptionally well and was free to go home whenever I felt able! I dressed myself and then he wheeled me out to the waiting room where I greeted my folks with a huge smile.   We were on our way home at 9:15 a.m.! I felt sore, but nothing unbearable. I was awake all day and walked around the house every hour on the hour (almost) with minimal discomfort. I drank a couple of cups of chicken broth, served up by my very loving mother, with an extra dose of TLC. I also feasted on some 7-Up and water. I had no desire for anthing else and was deliriously happy all day long, and sang praises in my head all day to the Good Lord above! I am incredibly blessed and grateful for how smooth things went and how great I feel.   The "First Day After" has been similarly blessed. I woke up many times throughout the night, but always went back to sleep. Took a little while to get use to laying on my back, but I did get a great night's sleep! While I woke up feeling much more sore that I was yesterday, that passed as soon as I got up and moving. I had a protein shake and two cups of tomato soup today, and that was PLENTY! I had no desire for anything else. :w00t:   So far, this experience has exceeded my wildest imagination, and I have no doubt that will continue. PTL! The pain has been VERY minimal. I took a few pain pills yesterday, but only had to take 2 Advil today. Tomorrow I will work on increasing my activity level. I'm soooo ready to begin this amazing journey of a healthy lifestyle. :party:
Carly

Carly

6
 

Psych Eval and Nutrition Class - DONE!

This was a very productive week! On Wednesday, I went for a psych eval, and yesterday I went to a very lengthy nutrition class. The class was very informative, but thank goodness we were given most of the info in writing. I was so excited that it was difficult to take it all in.     It's hard to believe this is really happening sometimes. It all happened so fast, once I finally decided I was ready to pursue this avenue. And now, all requirements are met! All I have to do now is patiently wait for August 27th to arrive, and try to prepare myself for life after surgery!
Carly

Carly

1
 

Lap-Band Journey in Phoenix, AZ

My new life begins tomorrow (at least phase one). I meet with my Lap-Band surgeon for the first time and hope to schedule surgery in August. I look forward to capturing the entire experience here, from start to finish (as I have been helped by others who did the same).   Here's a little bit of information about me. I'm 45 and have fought the battle of the bulge (to some degree) most of my life. Over the ten years, it's become intolerable. I now weigh 255 lbs. and have a BMI of 40. (Wow, it's painful to even type it!) I've lost 50-60 lbs. several times, but always gained it back, with interest (nothing unique here).   However, I'm excited about my future now in a whole new way, and that feels amazing! I'm filled with hope again, and even welcome the liquid diet. After years of compulsive eating, I certainly won't miss that "morning after" feeling of regret and loathing. I know it won't always be easy, but it really is an easy choice for me. Good-bye 40 BMI, hello health, self-control and self-confidence!   I'm believing for a surgery date of August 27th, the good Lord willing! :biggrin2: Tomorrow I should know. To be continued.....
Carly

Carly

1
 

FOUR DAYS POST-OP & IN BANDSTER HEAVEN

Well, I'm amazed to write that the first 4 days post-op have been WONDERFUL! I have had virtually NO pain (I can't even feel the incisions or port site), the liquid diet has been VERY manageable, and I already have restriction! Plus, I've dropped 7 lbs. since Wednesday! Gone forever!   I've been having a protein shake for breakfast and 1/2 C. of soup several times a day, plus lots of water with protein powder. Even these very small meals leave me full for hours!   I never imagined that I'd have restriction at this point. I feel like I'm at that elusive "sweet" spot I've read so much about, where you're completely satisifed with a very small amount of food. (Just one of many reasons that I chose the Lap-Band!) Maybe it's because my stomach is still swollen from surgery (although it's not sore in the least). Or perhaps I'm just one incredibly blessed Bandster! :party:
Carly

Carly

1
 

First Office Visit 7-7-08

I saw Dr. Simpson today and was overall very impressed. He reviewed my medical info and said I am a good candidate for surgery. HURRAY!   I need to attend a couple of classes (nutrition, post-op diet, etc.), have a psych eval, etc., and then can schedule the surgery.   Yes!!!!
Carly

Carly

1
 

Down 60 lbs. & HELLO "Onederland!" (both on 6 mo. anniversary)!

Well, it finally happened! I entered into ONEDERLAND & and hit the -60 lbs. milestone today, which happens to be my 6-month anniversary! How amazingly fitting!   I've been on the cusp for the past 2 weeks, hitting the scale w/great anticipation (if that's possible), thinking, "OK, today may be the day." It wasn't meant to culminate until today, and I think that's pretty cool.   I can tell the weight loss is beginning to slow somewhat, and I realize that's to be expected (though it is hard to embrace the idea!). However, I'm extremely excited about just being able to wear blue jeans again (size 13-14 even!). I went for YEARS w/o going outside of the house in jeans b/c they looked so hideous. Not any more! For me, that was an incrdible NSV. And, of course, feeling my confidence grow daily is absolutely an amazing thing. Thank you God! PTL
Carly

Carly

5
 

73 Days Out - Still Nothing but Grateful!

Hard to believe it's been over 10 weeks since surgery. Before surgery, it saddened me how fast time flies by. Now, my whole outlook on life has changed. I have nothing but excitment over what the future holds, and it's an incredibly peaceful feeling to finally have that joy back. I look forward to the coming months and years with great expectation...at long last.   Obesity is a true joy stealer. The dispair and embarrassment of being overweight has permeated the last 10+ years of my life, consciously and subconsciously. It affected where I went (and IF I went), what I wore (usually black), my confidence level and social interaction (or lack thereof), and virtually every other aspect of my life.   Before I got (really) fat, I was always very confident, optimistic, and happy. I finally feel those traits re-emerging, slowly, but growing stronger daily. God is faithful if we'll just ask and believe!   I'm now 73 days post-op and have lost 35 lbs. I had my 2nd fill on 11/3/08 (1.5 ccs). I no longer have the insidious cravings (and haven't since surgery!). I'm actually right on track to lose 50 lbs. by Christmas. I have no doubt that I will reach my goal early in mid-2009...and maintain it.   As I was saying above, I now look forward to the future with great expection! Amen to that.
Carly

Carly

3
 

50 LBS GONE & RESTRICTION IS OVER-RATED (NOT)!

Wow, I got my 3rd fill this week and what a difference it has made! Previously, I could eat virtually anything, although I have done a surprisingly good job of following the rules. While I enjoyed not having to worry about how fast I ate, foods getting stuck, etc., the potential for reverting back to old habits concerned me. I decided to trade-in the "so-called comfort" for some "sagotage insurance", and am so glad I did.   With Fill #3, I got the restriction needed to help ensure that the scale keeps moving in the right direction. It's a great feeling, although I was pretty scared initially because I was having trouble keeping down liquids. That subsided after 3 days (relief galore!), and I can now tolerable approx. 4 oz. of food and stay satiated for hours. It's wonderful!   I also hit a major milestone on 1/13/08, with a -50 lbs. loss in < 5 months...and I anticipate entering ONEDERLAND by month-end. It's mind-boggling, really. Praise the Lord!   I'm wearing tight blue jeans again (well, granted, they have always been tight, they're just not so hideous looking now)! My self-confidence is back and I can't wait for the shopping spree when I hit the -100 mark! I have no WLS regrets (obviously!) and am filled with gratitude. To be continued...
Carly

Carly

3
 

50 LBS GONE & RESTRICTION IS OVER-RATED (NOT)!

Wow, I got my 3rd fill this week and what a difference it has made! Previously, I could eat virtually anything, although I have done a surprisingly good job of following the rules. While I enjoyed not having to worry about how fast I ate, foods getting stuck, etc., the potential for reverting back to old habits concerned me. I decided to trade-in the "so-called comfort" for some "sagotage insurance", and am so glad I did.   With Fill #3, I got the restriction needed to help ensure that the scale keeps moving in the right direction. It's a great feeling, although I was pretty scared initially because I was having trouble keeping down liquids. That subsided after 3 days (relief galore!), and I can now tolerate approx. 4 oz. of food and stay satiated for hours. It's wonderful!   I also hit a major milestone on 1/13/09, with a -50 lbs. loss in < 5 months...and I anticipate entering ONEDERLAND by month-end. It's mind-boggling, really. Praise the Lord!   I'm wearing tight blue jeans again (well, granted, they have always been tight, they're just not so hideous looking now)! My self-confidence is back and I can't wait for the shopping spree when I hit the -100 mark! I have no WLS regrets and am filled with gratitude. To be continued...
Carly

Carly

6
 

42 LBS & COUNTING!

Well, I hit my first major milestone this week. 40 lbs. in 12 weeks! And I was down an additional 2 lbs. this morning, just from yesterday! I had to pinch myself. (I know weighing daily doesn't work for most people, but it helps me guard against night-time eating. It's working for me but I know it's not for everyone!) My next goal is to lose 8 more (for a total of 50!) by the time I go home for X-mas. The excitement of watching this become a reality is difficult to put into words.   I got into a pair of killer jeans this week that I bought about 9 months ago, hoping to someday get into them. I actually felt sexxy when I wore them out Thursday night! Wow, it feels GREAT to feel that again. Has been awhile (over 10 years)! To say I'm overdue is an understatement. I can't wait to wear sexxy, cute clothes. My age is not going to stop me. Heck, I'm still young! (Well, sorta.) Everyone is just going to cut me some slack here (or not!), because it is my time! Thanks be to God! :confused:
Carly

Carly

1
 

3 weeks post-op

It's hard to believe it's been 3 weeks since surgery. Still no pain. Zip, zilch, nada, NONE! In fact, I feel wonderful. The incisions are completely healed and barely visible. The port site has never been even remotely sore!   I lost 16 lbs. in the first 2 weeks, but the scale has been MUCH less active in week #3. Only down -1 this week, for a total of -17. Doesn't make sense, because I've stuck w/the program COMPLETELY and have been exercising regularly, so I'm sure the scale will move agaon soon.   I've been logging every morsel I eat on fitday.com and have averaged about 800 calories/day. I get hungry in the late afternoon, but after dinner I'm completely satiated until morning. (This is no small miracle, as bedtime has historically been my "danger period," so that's a major breakthrough!)   I had great restriction for the first 2 weeks, but that has dissipated. Looking forward to my 1st fill on 10/4 (hopefully!); I wanna get that scale moving again!   This weekend I'm going out of town for 4 days and will be surrounded by top of the line food the whole time, and I'm so glad I have RUBY (aka lap band) to help me stay in line. It's SO reassuring knowing that I no longer have to fight this battle all on my own. PTL.   It's amazing how the cravings have already dissipated. I haven't had a single piece of chocolate in over 3 weeks (no small miracle there!) :cursing: And the best thing? It's going to just get better and better as the days roll on. Halleleujah!   I'm shooting for a 50 lb. weight loss for X-mas and I'm VERY confident in my ability to achieve it. YES!
Carly

Carly

2
 

1st Fill 5-Weeks Post-op

Well, it's been 5 weeks since my surgery and I'm down 22 lbs. I went in for my 1st adjustment (aka "fill") today. (That means my band was inflated to further restrict the amount I can consume.) It was a breeze. Doc found my port immediately and the entire process took a whopping 45 seconds. Pain was very minimal pain.   I was given 1/2 C. of water immediately to ensure that the band wasn't too tight. I could actually feel my hunger dissipate. (I couldn't eat anything prior to the fill, so I was a bit hungry when I arrived.) Pretty amazing that 1/2 C. of anything could fill me up, let alone water! Woo-hoo! This is why I got the band!!!   Over the past 2 weeks, I've noticed an increase in my appetite, so I'm relieved that I got a fill today (3 cc's). I'm on all liquids for 24-hours, so I'm hoping this is good for another -2 lb. drop this week. I think this WLS decision could very possibly be the best decision I've EVER made. Hallelejah!!!
Carly

Carly

2
 

10 Days Out - Better Every Day!

Well, I returned to work on Wednesday (six days post-op) and that went fine. I was very tired by the end of the day, but my stamina was much better on Thursday and Friday.   I had my 1 week check-up with Dr. Simpson on Wednesday and he said everything looks great, and I could start back slowly on regular food. He gave me a list of foods to avoid (chicken, sausage, hot dogs, rubbery eggs, sticky rice, breads, flour tortilla, pasta, and ALL nuts). My mother made some chili (which has always been one of my favorites), but after all the liquids it was really a treat. And the best thing about it??? I'm satisifed after eating only 1/2 of a cup! Unbelievable! I go back on 10/2/08 for my first fill. :smile:   I've been doing very good with exercising. I'm not able to go for very long spurts (only up to 10 minutes at a time on the Gazella), but I work it hard during those 10 minutes. Plus, I'm having a treadmill delivered on Monday, so that should really help me increase my endurance. I need it!   I ordered some powdered peanut butter (PB2) that I read about on the boards and have been making some WONDERFUL protein shakes. It's 85% less calories & fat. I love it with Almond Breeze, Body Fortress Vanilla Protein Powder. It really satisfies the sweet tooth and is sooo healthy.   Last night I decided to name my new best friend (well, 2nd BF, as Mom will always be my BFF!) I settled on: RUBY! It's perfect because I bought a beautiful ruby ring about a month ago to commemorate this wonderful, life-changing event, plus she is a gem. :tongue2:   Last, but not last, I'm estatic to report that I have yet to experience ANY pain! I think I'm home safe now. PTL! More soon!!!
Carly

Carly

1
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