Mine is NOT to Reason Why

Image via Wikipedia

But, I have had many folks asking 'why I chose the Lap Band'. It's time to share thoughts on the matter. Why? Because it matters to those who are considering any type of bariatric surgery for health reasons.

It's not an 'easy fix'...it's a gigantic HELP TOOL. After five fills, my band is finally monitoring my impulses and intakes as it is designed to do. The minute my tummy's full, I cease eating. If you're wondering why...because one bite too many and I'll throw up. Not a pleasant experience.

Back to the why. In my opinion, the bypass goes in and rearranges everything in there. It's an involved surgery, 2-3 hours, under anesthesia, of course, and it differs from the band as related to foods, once healed. My understanding of the bypass is that certain foods may never be visited again and the metabolic process is altered; thus, vitamin intake is paramount following that surgery.

Lap band differs in a couple of ways. The surgery lasted one hour, less 'under' time, and I went home that afternoon. After rigorous pre-op liquids for two weeks, one week post-op liquid, one week post-op pureed and one week post-op soft foods...I arrived back to the real world. There are no foods a bander can't ingest. BUT...it depends on your band, how fast/slow you eat, how thoroughly you chew and you determination to continue losing weight.

I had several health issues that were life threatening and I happened upon a very intuitive PCP (primary care physician) at Baylor College of Med that immediately recognized the value of bariatric surgery and weight loss. My BMI (body mass index) that day in July, 08, was 47. Today, it's 36. Progress with revealing numbers.

The results were immediate for me. The morning after surgery my blood pressure and blood sugars were normal. I'm officially off those meds, all bloodwork excellent and losing weight steadily. Will there be challenges for any bander? Certainly. I was plateaued for many weeks. However, with focus and continued right choices, it is melting away again.

Bariatric surgery for me was life changing, life altering and life saving. Need I say more. If you are struggling with issues, unhappy with self image, tired of tight, huge sized clothing...move forward. Inquire. My insurance covered the procedure after their required six month food management under the watchful eye of my PCP.

Cast aside the fears and tears. Buck up, step up and 'git ur dun'. One of my allies is a website called http://www.lapbandtalk.com/
Check it out and read through folks' questions, concerns, advice and more.
Another excellent blog for inspiration is http://www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com/
If you want to see success and realize why she continues successful, check out her blog, pictures of her foods cooked and her recipes. She is an inspiration to folks like myself.

You can't do this alone. It's not a magic bullet. It's hard work. You must desire to make change happen. There is no room for self-pity or excuses. Food is an addiction and remember...they operate on your tummy, not your brain. The mind will still battle over old habits. You know, they die hard!!

My enthusiasm has regenerated in the past weeks. The morning routine at our house is for Mag-e (our English Bull Terrier) and me to take a 30 minute ride/run in the neighborhood. She has come to expect it and pushes me each morning until I am dressed and ready to MOVE with her!! When are done and she has collapsed in the kitchen floor, I go back out, alone and walk for 30 minutes.

When you have a zealous, 45 pound dog leaping eye level asking 'to go'...you get ready! Her zeal for the run, her bond with myself and her expectation of pleasing me drives her animal instinct. Now I realize why we bought her last November! Her purpose was greater than I would have imagined. Thank you, Shadow Clan's Mag-e Mae...keep me movin' girl.

I now have a brisk pace embellished by raw determination. It's not easy. It's not fun. IT'S MY JOB NOW. A cap goes down on my head, my sunglasses go on the face and away I go. Upon return...sweaty, but feeling so good!

Life is the reward for this major change. Energy is the positive factor. A second chance is the bottom line. Having weight troubles? Do something about it! Quit procrastinating!

Just a sec...I need to go walk.