As many of you are aware I had lapband surgery in January 2011.. I am not embarrassed that I had this surgery. I am very happy with my decision to have this procedure done.
I do have to tell you that I am not cheating by doing this. I still have to watch what I eat and exercise just like a normal person who is trying to lose weight. The band is only a tool.. I have heard some people saying that I am cheating and my comment to that is weight watchers, jenny craig and other diets are cheating too then.. For the individual who doesn’t have a clue about the band you really shouldn't give your two senses anyways. If you are going to comment please make sure that you have the facts before you open your mouth.. and diss it.. Sorry, I am being for REAL!!!
I have lost 43.5 pounds. I am only 6.5 pounds until I have LOST 50 pounds.. This is the most weight I have ever lost during any diet.. Have lost a total of 17 inches from neck to legs. I even measured my arms and calves.. Weird I know.. I am very proud of my accomplishments.
When having weight loss surgery you learn what is important for your body.. Protein first.. You will hear a weight loss surgery person say that if you know one you will notice when they are eating that they will eat protein first…
During this whole thing you learn what you can and cannot eat. The list tends to be different for each person… I have talked too..I have issues with pork, roast and breads.. I learned the hard way.. It’s not fun driving down the road with a trash bag in your lap because you are getting sick.. One day you might be able to eat them and another day you won't. It’s a learning experience every single day with the band. I don't know how bad I would love to have a Diet Mt. Dew or potatoes chips.. But that isn't going to happen.. Especially the soda.. For those who don't carbonation isn’t' good for the band it can cause your stomach pouch to stress which can cause you to overeat.. This defeats the whole purpose of the band... I have learned to accept not having sodas.. I do crystal light, juices and water instead.. However during this journey as I call it.. There are many times you would like to say hell with it and go back to the lazy life style. Because its comfortable or because it’s easier..
Another issue you will hear is “I am tight”.. If you are stressed, sick, mornings or even the temperature effects how the band works.. Stress and mornings have been major issues with me. During the last few months I have seen doctors more than I did when I was pregnant..
Another issue that has been discussed many times at the support group meetings is friendships are going to change.. I have realized that some people aren't going to be supportive of me.. Then makes you wonder if they are really your friends in the first place..I have doubt friendship in the past and now.. I have noticed that certain people who I am/was friends with don't comment or say a word about my success or what I am doing.. During this journey you are going to need friends that are supportive.. This isn't easy..
The main reason why I did this because I don't want health issues that come from being overweight..I have been lucky that I don’t have any health problems.. I am trying to do this before I have any concerns. I also don't want Kaitlynn to be embarrassed of me.. I also want to be able to going shopping any store not worrying if they are going to have my size or not.. A most important I want to be healthy and be here as long as possible.. When I started this journey I wore a size 22. I can now say that I wear 16.. That’s four freaking sizes in four months..
You realize who you can count on. I am very thankful for Lapbandtalk.com and my Surgeon’s Support Group mainly because they can relate to what I am going through. I have also started to use myfitnesspal on my phone and my compute this is another tool that can help you with counting your calories in case you are not on the weight loss path like myself. I haven’t change inside just outside..
On March 26, 2011, I went to have a routine eye exam. Well, it has turned into more than an damn eye exam. I was given a referral to a neurologist because my optic nerves are inflammed. My appointment was on April 5, 2011. Well, after meeting with Dr. Epperson in Montgomery, Alabama he decided that I needed to have a spinal tap and MRI done. WEll, the MRI was normal. The spinal tap was negative for what ever he tested it for who the hell knows.. Well, I have done those test now he is wanting to do a visual test. I have no clue what the hell that consists of or how much is going to cost. Either you know what the hell is wrong or you don't.
I have seasonal allergies just like the majority of the people who live in the south.. So, I assume that my headaches which are occassionally nothing that sends me to bed or the emergency room were normal. Well, I really just don't get whats going on.. I soo freaking aggervated, confused and to the point where I want to scream..
I am began my journey in July 2010. I attended the seminar in August 2010. I had my first consultation with surgeon in October 2010. I had my nutritionist visit at the end of September. Then I was medically cleared by the pulmonary in November 2010. Then I had my psychiatrist visit in November 2010. Here is December. They are needing my weight records from 2007-2009. I mean come on.. Its getting a little old having to wait on things. I mean I could have had this prior to meeting with the surgeon. So, now I am waiting on my ob gyn to send those records. However, I can't recall if I went to the doctors in 2007. Sad, I know..
Well, its been over a month since I did a blog.. I have gotten behind.. Oops..
Well, a lot has occured in my life the last month..
I was given a clear bill of health from the neurologist.. Everything was normal.. However during this scare I did have to get an attitude with the Doctor's office for not communicating with me as a patients.. I was being left in the dark about everything.. I am glad thats over with..
Well, this month I had to learn that my husband cheated on me with some stank.. I found this out on Mother's day weekend not to mention that my in laws were there.. excuse the expression.. We have been married 11 years this month.. I am still uncertain what I need to do about this. I am still in the grief process. I think that the biggest problem about all of this I don't know if I will ever going to be able to trust him again..
All of the stuff I had to deal with this made me fail my first college class since being in college. I am pissed about that.. Now, I had to retake the class not to mention I have to pay for it again.
Well, I have had some interesting issues occur during my last post. I can not eat roast, pork, and apple skins.. I know that this is still a learn experience but you would think that I would know things by now.. It gets really upsetting when have these episodes..
Well, I am offically twenty eight pounds lighter.
I lost ten on preop diet and 18 after being banded. I am feeling a lot better about myself just with that little bit of weight off. I also in a smaller sizes now. I started this journey in a 22s. I can wear 20s and they are lose.
After recovery I decided to cut off my hair and dye it brown with blonde highlights. I am thinking about going a little dark next time. I have gotten a lot of comments on my hair.. and the way I am looking.
I recieve a lot of support from my parents, coworkers and bosses. Then comes everyone in the chat room and those you meet in Lapbandtalk.com, whom has also been a great help answering questions and sharing their experience.
On a personal note: I have started to notice that my husband is becoming a little bit weird about the weight loss. However, he is also overweight. He thinks that if I am talking to a guy that I must be having an affair with him or anyone I talk to.. Its hilarious.. So, I just sit back and laugh.. I think I am becoming my a better person and I wonder what is he thinking..
This hasn't been the easiest thing that I have ever done thats for sure. During the first week or so of being banded.. I was sick but I finally overcame it when I able to have mushy foods or soups..
I have only taken one picture since being banded.. Sad, I know.. However it is my profile picture with my daughter. I have always hated pictures since I was a child so maybe this will change things.
This is a journey that I am very excited about.. I will be glad once I get to start working out.. I talked to my coordinator at the support group meeting last night about when will I be able to do more than walk. So, it looks like next week. I will start doing more. When talking to Tara, I asked could it have been from stilling be sore at my six week post op visit and she said yes.
At my week eight appointment I got my first fill. I had to 2 ccs added to my 1.8 cc that was placed in my band during surgery. Which I did not know that I had any fluid in my band.. but now I do. Which leads me to wonder could this have been my problem being sick after surgery who knows..
I feel as though I am rambling so if you are reading this I am sorry..
You sound like you areready for a fill. Many.doctors wait until now or later. You still need to be cautious of what you eat. Your stomach isn't the same size.
