Reflections of the BEGINNING

In the Fall of 2008, my life really began to change. I was still miles from the actual surgery, but appointments, advice, workshops and more began to fill my calendar. Change was in the wind and on the horizon. My thoughts began to meld into 'We've got trouble, right here in River City...' life had dealt me a tricky hand, but the MUSIC MAN was going to bale me out!

As I met with each individual on my diverse TEAM of BCM professionals, new thoughts began to infiltrate my mind. It was coming clear that major changes in attitude, choices and old habits had to made a complete 360 in order to facilitate success over the coming months.

Although a challenging process, a very rewarding process as well. Many people struggle with habits daily, no, they're not having surgery for their weight issues, but, still age and habits strongly affect us as we grow older.

A few tips given me in the early stages were:

Do not eat while you're doing something else. Eat at a certain place -- your special place! My special place is at the dining room table. Forget the television...you are EATING.

Knock out poor habits. I was in the teaching profession for 30 years. We had 20 minute lunches and had to be back in class on the bell!! Can you say SCARF? Slow down and take a long time to chew, think about texture and flavor and get some pleasure out of your food.

Do not keep high calorie foods available! Plan your meals, create your list before you walk through the door and stick to it! Low caloried snacks such as pretzels, graham crackers and fresh veggies and fruits work!

Increase your activity! Make 10,000 steps a day your goal! Sneak in exercise by parking at the end of the big lot...walk, walk, walk! Walk at a faster pace and use the stairs instead of the elevator!

8 cups of water a day is a MUST! Drinking water, refreshes, creates a healthier you and will drecrease your capacity for snacks!

Be honest with yourself.

Those things initiated change in my life. At first, I flirted with them. Then, I became interested in it all. Finally, I put most of it into action! Becoming healthy is hard work and it's 24/7. If you can't engage your mind, body and spirit in the essentials, you will suffer defeat!

Fuel was added to my fire with the letter from Aetna to my Primary Care Physician, Dr. Rogers. My BMI was 47.71 which is greater than 35 compatible with the medically significant obesity and 40 or greater indicating morbid obesity. Well, if that wasn't enough of an insult and eye-opener...try more from the letter...

"This patitnet has tried numerous methods to lose weight in the past without lasting success including Atkins, Jenny Craig, Sugar Busters, T.O.P.S. and Weight Watchers. She has always lost weight but has been unable to sustain the loss always gaining more than was lost".

Here's a list of my co-morbidities:

1. Diabetes Type II

2. Hypertension

3. Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension

4. Congestive Heart Failure

5. Sleep Apnea on bipap machine nightly

6. Hyperlipidemia

7. Restless Leg Syndrome

I had all qualifying co-morbidities that insurance companies consider. Insulting to myself! To see my history in print was SHOCKING in more ways than anyone will ever know. I am proud to say today, my BMI is down to 37.2! Thank you for your applause!

My weight is down 46 pounds and smiling.

My blood pressure has been normal since the day after...no more meds...per my PCP.

My blood sugar has been normal since the day after...no more meds...per my PCP.

My lungs are functioning normally these days...can do a flight of stairs and keep sailing.

Cholesterol is down to 179.

All of the above should enlighten you and perhaps offer some insight to your personal journey with weight. Significant changes in your lifestyle today can afford you an enriched life in the coming future. Think of your children and grandchildren. Now you know they're all going to do some fantastic things in life. Stick around, get a healthy snack and watch their lives unfold. Hey, without you, they wouldn't be able to entertain ya!!!

Change, Challenge, Choice

Seasons mean change. We deal with marvelous cool days, sweltering hot days and very few ice cold days in the great city of Houston, Texas. But, change is inevitable and we must go with the flow. In the long, blistering days of summer in Texas, I must be brave! Honestly, the heat can almost take your breath away.

Over the course of time, however, we find a happy place and make it through a better person, perhaps. This is a new season in my life. For those folks who've been following since July, 2008, you've had perspective and insight on some of my thoughts and challenges. However, here's the new change that has taken place since surgery.

My personality. That's right. My husband, Michael and I have had very lively discussions regarding the 'new me'. It's all good, but, according to him, "you are not the same person I married"! That's right, I've lost half a person...getting close to one, real new one. Attitude's affected with all of this as well. I've always been assertive and I guess...IT'S BAAAAaaaccckk!

So what has brought that discussion into focus? I've always been a mover and a shaker. But for the past three years, each day had incarcerated me as a 'prisoner of my recliner'. When you don't have adequate oxygen saturation, you're hesitant to take too many steps. And, when you do, you pause frequently to allow the lungs to CATCH UP!

Well, folks, that's a tremendous difference in me today. I do have oxygen supply. I do have energy. I do have a desire to run and gun! Much of this causes 'stress' in the living of each day. To sit in front of the television for a long period of time now is a challenge to me. And, so, in the past...if I had excess energy or needed to burn any 'anxious' moments -- I IRONED!! These days, I clean, I do laundry, I reorganize closets, I take 'junk' out of rooms and store it and the list goes on!!!

You read that one right as well. It was just a 'thang' I did. Back then, the ironing was connected to stressful moments over a parent struggling to live. Those were tough days and they had to be dealt with in order to stay on track!

A major change for me today is food. Appearance. Taste. Nutritional qualities. Amount. Does it sound good or not necessary. These things are hard for you to understand. However, food has become a means to live. My role's reversed and I no longer live to eat. It does, though, affect the one(s) you live with!!! And, at times, it's very aggravating to Michael.

Remember, I'm filling a 4 ounce pouch. Doesn't take much. Needs to be protein rich and little or no carbs! Aggravating? Perhaps. Essential? Absolutely.

And, so, I will work on my new attitude daily, but I will remain constant in my personal needs and desires at the dining table! I don't wish to waste time. Junk food is in days gone by. Hello new life. Hello new body. Hello new attitude (can't hep it). And, hello WORLD! Pat's here to stay!

One final note for today. I've come to the 'fork in the road' where I settle into slow weight loss. Hopefully, 5 pounds a month, according to Dr. Sherman. And, so, that's very acceptable. I had a whirlwind beginning. Surpassed all others 'coming out of the gate' and left them in my tracks! It's been a mind changing battle...but, it takes time and thanks to the great Baylor College of Med Team...I THANK I HAVE SUM TIME!!!