Summer Reflections

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June, it's never been this hot this early before! The days are sizzlin' and so am I! Yesterday presented an opportunity for some self reflection in this journey. When I put the calculator to the figures, I'm really on course with all of this.

To date, I've actually lost .44 pounds per day. That's taking the 46 divided by number of days, etc. And, inches have dropped...30+. Size is still changing and so am I.

I have made an important change backwards. With bariatric surgery of any kind, many folks get consumed with protein, protein, protein. In short, that can be highly detrimental. Following some in-depth research on this topic, I've concluded that 50 grams of protein per day is very adequate for banded people. Previously I was working to consume 70-90 per day. That's a lot!

Thus, I've reintroduced fruits into my daily diet and have diverted my attention from the Protein bars. I will have one ever so, depending on daily schedule and what's going on, but, I am in the MENTAL WAR and striving to break habits again. Three meals a day and one interesting snack is a must for me. I've kicked up my coffee and some other drinks with Torani Sugar Free Syrups. Great flavors and fun tastes. For those dealing with Starbucks habits, try some of these...you can copy what you order at the counter!

As I shopped in Randall's yesterday, I hesitated at the blood pressure machine. The person before me had a nice reading, left open to see, and I pumped me up! It was kina good...111/60!! Need I say more?

These little things are the driving forces in my life change today. That b/p is without any scripts for over three months now. My BMI has dropped by 11 points and my walkig abitlity is normal. Anytime Michael says, "man, you're flyin', I'm havin' to really walk fast to keep up with you"...you know you've improved drastically. And that's just shopping the grocery stores and Walmart!!

The past several days I've been opening the http://www.lapbandertalk.com/ site. There are so many curious people, experienced people, lost in the dark people and the list goes on. A positive part of that for me today is the simple goodness in seeing what others are struggling to overcome or accomplish in their battles. My other support site is http://www.obesithelp.org/. When I go through before and after pics of fat folks, I get pumped! I'm on my way!

Since the last fill, my eating has improved greatly, meaning, 99% goes down and stays down! I'm not sure what's changed, but something's different. I return on the 15th for fill number 4 and that should be a real winner. If I'm not right at the 'spot', I'm within inches of it. We'll see what comes from next fill.

As I reflect over the past many years in this battle of the bulge, I always return to age 10/11. That was a summer of very hard work, not only on my part, but my mother's as well. We left Hillcrest hospital that spring with a 1000 calorie, very strict diet. And, I do mean diet! But, by the Fall of my Jr. High beginning, I was a skinny minny.

It's always important to realize what our good health means to those who love us. Michael is excited over this trek. He has seen the 'other' me, locked in a recliner. Yes, he's the nephew of the world reknown chef, James Beard and yes, the food is superb in this house. If you google James Beard, you will see an older version of my husband, Michael!!

In his twenties, Michael attended Paul Prudhomme's Cooking School in New Orleans. Can you say 'cajun flavors'? Can you say blackened anything? Can you say gumbo to lay down and die for? Sauces are a specialty of my husband. Prior to banding, yum and more yum. He still does sauces, but minus the butter...shucky dern!

He cooks now with all the flavors, seasonings, fresh basil, etc and the taste is to die for. Dinner last evening was tender, juicy, Delmonico steak, seared romaine (off the grill) and baked potato. We split one steak, we split one potato and we each had a serving of the romaine. The steak was topped with mushrooms prepared with salt, pepper, sauteed onions, soy and balsamic vinegar (for acidity)!! If you need a superb sauce for your steak, get the skillet down and do it!!

Our meals are free of heavy fat, butter, oil, etc. Clean cooking and something to look forward to each evening. The only problem with me these days....some days I have no desire to even speak of food. On those days, we do our 'own thing' and graze. However, there is a danger in grazing. If you're not careful, you can get way off track.

For my sweet tooth, I eat Teddy Grahams, sugar free fudgecicles, sugar free popsicles, sugar free jello and sometimes, Graham cracker. Lately, bananas and apples are back in and I found a Marzetti's 100 calorie fruit dip. I use about a half of one of those for fruits. So, now, you have some insight on banded Pat!

Do I suffer frustration with all of this? YES AND YES, AGAIN. Do I sometimes withdraw from the world with this? Yep. But, I always refocus and jump back on track. This is a journey for a bander, not a destination. This is not a magic fix...the conciensious part of this journey must stay in tact until "death do us part". This will go on the REST OF MY LIFE. Now you understand the importance of strong mental attitude and self control.

Cheer for those you know who are battling weight. Offer words of encouragement. Develop a bit of empathy for those folks because...until you've walked a mile in their shoes, you KNOW NOTHING!

Pay it forward this week and smile at a stranger! And, if you see a sweet little senior adult struggling in the aisle of the supermarket, offer a kind gesture. You know not what they're going home to face.