And, so, the first year came and went (on the 12th). My life has completely changed, my personality is totally different and I can out walk most commn folk these days if they dilly dally!
I was on the brink of self destruction in July, 2008 when I happened upon a Baylor College of Med PPO for the first time. He instantly recommended me for Lap Band surgery, knowing that my health issues would fade with the weight gone.
And, thus, the journey began. The pic on the left was the day before surgery. The middle pic was about two months after and the right pic is today. This has been a journey and so it continues. Nothing worth having in life, comes easy or without focus. I have gone through mental, social, emotional and physical changes by the week.
I dropped weight instantly during the first three months and then struggled on a plateau. I finally sorted through the necessities of the band and reminded me...
the tummy is the size of a large egg
if you wait for it to allow, you can eat the wrong high caloric foods]
the band did not take care of my mental hang ups
snacks are not a part of a banders life
going to bed on a full tummy, doesn't cut it
minimal intake during the day is the key
no one can do this for me
how can I change my status quo to more success
Understand, I'm extremely pleased with my band. To have normal b/p and blood sugar, etc. is the most rewarding thing in the world. Also, I didn't do this to be skinny like today's models...however, I am ready to drop another 50 or so. So, read on and discover how I have effectively come to a self understanding in the last two weeks.
To see the scale go up one pound, two pounds or more...is the most frightening thing in my life today. Didn't affect me like that in the old days, but, hey, after surgery, financial input, recovery and meeting with my surgeon every month for the first six months...somehow has left a strong imprint on my brain.
Two weeks ago, I announced to Michael...I am having oatmeal for breakfast, my main meal of the day no later than 2 pm and a can of Healthy Request Campbell's soup or another oatmeal at night. I have allowed my self to enjoy one protein bar a day and I consume iced tea, tons of water and few favortie juices now and then.
Since I changed my routine, lowered my intake to a small amount every 24/7, I have come down five magic pounds. You see, without work, personal changes and more...nothing is a magic bullet.
Some of the rewards these days....
fitting in a booth at a restaurant
ordering an appetizer or eating a couple bite's off M's platter
wearing smaller sizes
fitting in the theatre seat and not hanging over
crossing my legs
sitting 'Indian style' at night in my recliner, if I choose
able to tie shoes without fainting
going down a couple sizes in the 'over the shoulder boulder holder' category
going down to regular size 18 from a woman's size 24 (a couple of 16's in there as well)
walking in a teacher's classroom and having no 'oh, my gosh, look at her stares from students)
fitting in a student's desk to observe the teacher
fitting in tight stalls in the restroom
able to ride my bike at top speed for exercise
bowling like a maniac, throwing a 12 pound ball
no edema of any kind any place for the past twelve months
sleeping and resting on an empty tummy
and, the list goes on
I have some ups and downs in life in the past six months. Some things have taken my focus and caused me to waiver in my journey. However, the bottom line for anyone in this situation is SELF. If you don't do it yourself, for yourself, and like it, WHY DO IT AT ALL???
Do I have occasion to excuse myself from the dinner table at holidays to go and empty my too fast amounts I threw down. Yep. Does it make a difference? Yep. Does it slow me down? Yep. Does it make me remember what I must do? Yep. Do I have regrets? Nope.
There's no room for self pity, self destruction or 'oh, woe is me'...it's a job and like Nike, JUST DO IT. Do I have a goal weight in mind? Yes...but this is a never ending thing in my life now. I will never gain my weight back...I love living life with a smile on my face.
Rather that living to eat...I now eat to live and lose more pounds.
Many of you have supported me, listened to me, loved me and been there throughout this entire time. Please, hang around another year and wait to see 'less of me'...okay?
The song says "Life's A Dance, You Learn as You Go"....I'm dancin' as fast as I can! And, I've even learned to dance in the rain! I find ways to make my own sunshine...and, for many of you...you completely understand where I'm coming from!
Wishing you a great spring and summer! Yep, would love for you share comments here and be honest!! Nope, I won't pout.
