Good Morning All

I haven't been around lately because life has been moving really fast. I've done things in the last few months that I never thought I'd do prior to being banded. The "new me" was finally confident enough to leaev my job of 13 years for a better job with more opportunity at a new company. The change granted me a promotion, financial increase, and a whole new outlook on life. I also moved out of the suburbs into the city to further enhance my social life. Wish me luck as I am now a city girl open for new friends! I had my year out appointment and was disappointed by the numbers. the doctor said I'm good, but not great. At this rate it will take me 3 years to hit my goal instead of 2 and he said I've been at a plateau for the last 6 months so now I'm really watching my intake in attempts to break through the cycle. He said i probably could go for a fill but woudn't do it then becuase there was so much going on in my life that he didn't think it was a good idea. So now I'm back in the gym 4-5 days a week and walking on the weekends outside. I must say I enjoy walking on the lakefront so it doesn't seem like exercise.

While all that is good I relly want to talk today about heart health. 2 weeks ago today my mother went to the doctor to follow up on bronchitis. While there the doctors realized that her blood pressure was extremely high 225/160 even though she was medicated. The doctor couldn't get it down with a shot or pills so they took her to the hospital where it took three days to get her pressure to a normal range, then the test began. Thankfully the hospital wouldn't give up on figuring out what was causing her high readings. After several test they found she had a leaking heart valve and surgery was necessary to complete it. Once they were inside they found that a 2nd valve was 25% damaged as well. My mom's not a heavy woman and she doesn't drink, smoke or anything like that but the doctors said this occurred as a result of her having Rhuematc fever as a child. I'm sharing all this to say listen to your heart! When we reviewed my mom's symptoms the only thing we could say is she was often out of breathe after climbing stairs but we attributed it to the bronchitis. I thank God that they found it and was able to fix it. She has a long road of recovery before her but I'm certain she will make it. I asked my surgeon if this was heriditary and he said no and the best thing I could do for my heart was to lose the weight.

So in this weight loss journey keep moving its a win/win situation. Not only will you have a slimmer physiche but your heart will thank you!