Javajodster

My journey starts with wanting to be healthy.  What really hit home for me was seeing my basket of meds overflow.  Then there was the scale.  I had hit a number that truly set my world in turbulence.  I had been thinking & contemplating” for many years how I needed to lose weight but when you are looking at a 100+ weight loss – it seemed hopeless. Then there are the pictures.  Pictures speak volumes.  For some people they have this internal mental picture of a ‘fat person’ inside.  It wasn’t like that for me – I’ve had a visual picture in my mind of a ‘thin person’.  The young girl from so many years ago that looks back at me from pictures is truly the girl that lives inside of me.  The exterior me was not who I am.  But the pictures don’t lie – it was a slap of reality in my face; it was time to change. I have had a weight loss yo-yo experience over the years & I knew it was either make a change or look at a shortened life expectancy.  I choose life.  I have a wonderful son & I knew – then – I wanted to be here for him – with him.  After many many months of contemplating this change that was needed – I took a huge step.  I went to my doctor – saw that number on the scale once again sky rocket to the highest number ever & knew right then – change was happening at that moment; I was not looking back.  My doctor (new to me with new insurance) said the one thing that I knew – “Obesity” – you need to get a handle on it.  Right then I knew – she would be on board for me.  I said YES – I know; I cannot continue on like this.  I brought up the topic of weight loss surgery and she agreed I would be a good candidate after hearing how I knew this was the time for me to stop this uphill battle and make a change towards good health. She made a referral to Unity Hospital Bariatrics & that is when big change happened for me.  I had done lots of research over the years – wanting to do this but so afraid.  What would other people think.  I had always thought of WLS (weight loss surgery) as an easy way out.  People go get their stomach made smaller & the weight falls off.  Not the case! I went to my first information meeting just 3 days after receiving a referral & I found out at that time – it was not the easy way out.  Its all about making healthy choices & making a life long change.  The lap band is a tool which helps control hunger but ultimately what I put in my mouth is in my control. For me – if you tell me this is what you need to do (1.2.3.4.5.) – I will do it.   The meeting was so informative.  What I loved was hearing from other people how this all worked & the surgeons.  I learned so much.  Before I left that session – I went out & made an appointment. I never told anyone in my family what I was doing until I knew it was going to happen for me.  So many times I had done weight watchers, stopped weight watchers, done the Mayo diet – on/off again & even a couple group-run weight loss journeys only to put back on pounds and even more.  I was still apprehensive about the ‘easy way out’ label I had put on this program so I was kind of afraid of what people might think. When I did tell my family I found I could not be more wrong.  They all blew me away with their love, support & excitement that I was making this change.  I am SO lucky because I hear about many people that don’t have that unconditional love & support.   I knew my fears were false; was once again reminded – I have the best family & support system a person could ever ask for.  That has not changed at all either. What I learned about this program has been phenomenal.  I was weighed, measured, had my ‘before’ picture – WOW – pictures don’t lie and my beginning weight.  There was no turning back.  I am so fortunate to have Health Partners because they are behind you 100% and have their own program to help you be successful. In a nutshell – this is what I have done to prepare for surgery. 1.  I have learned to eat just 3 meals a day.  No snacks in between. 2.  I have quit drinking pop 100%.  I had no head aches thankfully & the change was so painless.  I had been a 3-4 a day diet coke drinker & this change was something I was apprehensive about. 3.  I have cut out sweets to just an occasional ‘treat’ when available.  Another huge change for me because I have one big sweet tooth. 4.  I am taking vitamins every day: mtv, Vit D, B-50 complex and calcium.  It is all in preparation for surgery &  beyond. 5.  Eating healthy – good choices. 6.  Drink water.  That is what I’ve replaced diet pop with.  Now instead of panicking when I run low on Diet Coke – I keep my fridge well stocked (work and home) with water and crystal light. 7.  God loves me.  This journey has been ultra-painless for me & I give ALL the credit to God.  I prayed about this before I started and He has been there for me every step of the way.
8.  I belong to 2 support groups which is a phenomenal way to meet friends & receive support from others that have gone through this.
Through these changes I have reduced my weight by 22 pounds.  I first weighed in on May 24th.  Today – August 28th – I am down 22 pounds.  They wanted me to lose 16 pounds & I went beyond that. My date for surgery has been set.  It will be Thursday September 15, 2011 at 7:30am.  I will have one over night stay and will discharge home on Friday September 16th in the afternoon. I decided to create this blog because I want to document & share the journey for myself with writings and pictures as I move towards a more healthy state.  It is NOT about a number or how much I weigh.  For me its about being more healthy.  I look forward to coming off my some of my meds, but only time will tell if that can happen. What I look forward to most is better health.  Change is inevitable & oh so needed.  I am ready. 
I had surgery Thursday 9/16/11.  It went well & I am now putting in to action everything I learned.  I am learning to listen to my band.  When I am full/satisfied.  Food is no longer my best friend - I AM MY NEW BEST FRIEND.  I look forward to the journey - talking to others that are experiencing the band and also offering support to to others as they work towards their own journey.