Mine is NOT to Reason Why

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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.

Pay Day is Always Fun

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Yeah, right, like I have huge paydays any more!! LOLOL...ce la vie after retirement, folks! But, hey, life's good and I have a smile on my face, can't be all bad! My spirit is happy today...yesterday was a PAY DAY deluxe!

After being plateaued for many long, desparate weeks, I broke the barrier yesterday morning! I finally have hit my lowest number yet on the scale! And, in addition to the challenge in the past weeks, on the doc's scales, I was a couple of pounds heavier than here. However, following last fill three weeks ago, I have now dropped 6 BIG ONES!!!

Yep, go ahead...celebrate for me! I did. I danced and sang all over the house yesterday morning. I even called Michael at work to tell him the news...he chuckled because he knew I had really done what I said!!

It's been an interesting path since July, 2008. I've gone through so many changes, so many different perspectives and so many lifestyle/smart thinking paths! That's right. I find myself these days thinking long and hard prior to indulging in anything. Selective has become my key word and careful as I eat follows close behind!

Once you hit that third week after surgery, you are back to real food. Any food. All the food. You just have to be able to tolerate it without throwing up! Catching phrase, huh? Well, I've been through many dynamics in this process, but I've come to gigantic changes in my life.

I bring delicious foods that I used to inhale, home for Michael lately. I smile as he devours and I think to myself, should I have a Protein Bar or a fruit or something. You see, my miles of hard work have been life changing in so many ways.

The thought process has undergone severe re-construction, impulse eating has died (RIP) and common sense has finally stepped up to the plate (hahahah) Many folks have questioned me regarding the Lap Band and I've been honest in my replies. It's not a quick fix, magic bullet or otherwise. It's a gigantic HELP TOOL...they can't operate on your brain, but they can fix your tummy.

With the tummy the size of an egg now....I can ingest very small quantities of anything. That's okay. I stay full, I don't require constant intake like a garbage disposal and I have my health back! If you pause and study the diagram above, you'll see what Lap Band is and does. They rope off the top segment of the tummy and place a 'port' somewhere below the intial incision. Every month, I have gone in and my surgeon has input small amounts of saline into the port.

The saline travels up the tube connected to the ring around my tummy, increases that in size and reduces the size of my pouch. Does digestion occur there? Not really, it's like the Panama Canal...it holds the food in the pouch for a number of hours and slowly releases it through to the lower stomach portion.

Anyhow, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! This Lap Band experience has been the best thing I've ever done in my life! It gave me a new beginning, enriched living and has taught me new skills in the food department!

I no longer live to eat....I eat to live! No b/p meds, no blood sugar meds...and yesterday, my b/p was 120/60. What's yours?

Determination and Stealth

I planted a Crepe Myrtle in the backyard back in 198something. It was planted for my sweet mother. She loved colors, beautiful yard and all sounds of a Mockingbird. She used to say that a Mockingbird singing in the tree was a sign of good luck. Ever so often, here, at 2734, one sings loud and mimics all others. I always smile to myself and think of two things...mother and good luck!

Now, the Crepe Myrtle is living, not huge, but looking healthy. That small, baby tree sat in that ground all of these years with three small branches dancing on occasion. It didn't grow. It didn't die. It just sat. During the years of my health war, I ceased caring for my yards. I didn't water anything and I didn't care.

The small tree sat there. It never grew, but it never gave up. Back in the Fall, I told Michael, "just chop that little, stupid tree down. It doesn't do anything and I'm tired of looking at it". He turned his head my way and said, 'this little guy hasn't done anything but sit here. I'm not going to cut it down'. In my frustration, I replied, 'well, it's just stupid and I'm tired of looking at it'. Nevertheless, he moved on about his business, leaving the small tree to sit and cause me to wonder ... what the heck?

Last October, we sodded the backyard. We were both tired of looking at mostly hard dirt! The St. Augustine carpet looked so familiar and so enhanced the feel of the kitchen window view. I was exhilerated to see a yard coming back into 'shape'. Old habits die hard and I soon was back to late afternoon therapy! To take the garden hose with an excellent shower head and stand in the gentle late afternoon breeze as I water every inch of the plush green grass, plants and trees does good things for me!

That's my time to reflect, breathe fresh air and ponder life's daily business. It's my personal time and the rewards are exceptional. Each time I've watered, I've soaked the hard ground around the small tree. Suddenly, one day, it dawned on me that the stupid little tree was beginning to grow! Unbelievable!

When I told Michael it was growing, he said, 'see, it has waited all this time for you to show it you cared'. I was dumbfounded. That Crepe Myrtle is now about 4.5 feet tall with lush, heavily leafed branches bowing to and fro. I must say, I have learned heaping lessons from the small, insignificant tree.

Determination and the will to survive can carry us far. As with that small tree, my weight has resembled the stagnant, waiting results. I am pleased to say that my focus and continued hard work is finally working again. Had I given up and resolved it was just a waste of time, I would have completely defeated myself.

As it is, since my last fill, two weeks ago today, I have shed an additional five pounds! The tree is growing and I am shrinking! What a win-win at 2734 Kingfisher Dr.! Always remember that life has something good in store for you. If you're tempted to give up, give in or chop it down...hesitate. Where there's a will to survive and accomplish your goals, there will always be a way.

And, tune your ear to the trees in your yard. Listen. Is that a Mockingbird you hear?

Life's Road

I traveled to Ft. Worth/Dallas last Friday. Michael had a big job he was to finish up around Lake Livingston, so, we were both up and moving at 4 a.m. I've never been a 'morning' person all my life, so that was the first challenge!

A huge storm presented itself just the other side of Huntsville. We're talking 'could've been fish falling from the sky'...so much torrential downpour and no place to go, but straight ahead. To add to the intense experience, I was groggy! Too little sleep, too early in the day and too far to go.

Finally after almost an hour, I passed into the blue sky phase with sunbeams pouring down and drying the car off. Hallelujah, I thought! There were many cars that had pulled over on the side of the road and a couple in the median where they had lost control and slid!

Moving down the road, the rythm of country western music, the syncopated whine of the tires on the road and the bright sun (I had my Maui Jim's on) painted a warm, comfortable place within my Infiniti. Not good. I realized I was drifting ever so often, but assured myself I could do this successfully.

Just south of Corsicana I had the 'wake up call' of my life. I'm famous for sitting in my recliner and drifting, having short bursts of 'mini dreams' waft through my mind. They are brief, but most of the time, pleasant. One of those picturesque moments fell over my eyes and I was comfortable, thinking of past times. The smallest of change in the wheels of the car caused me to open my eyes! EUREEKA!

My black car was perhaps two big feet from contacting the concrete divider on the left, inside lane of I45! WHOOOSH....I rapidly steered right and came back into the center of my lane! With a lump in my throat, I quickly passed over the lanes and pulled off on the shoulder. I sat there in awe, that I had opened my eyes just in the 'knick of time'.

Pulling down to the next exit, I did so and pulled into a parking lot to sit and ponder what had just 'nearly' happened. From there on, I had no trouble staying awake and arrived at the American Airlines Training Facility for the iteach conference! I was grateful and again wondered, what is my purpose on this 'ol earth? They say everything happens for a reason! I could easily have been wiped out and never knew what hit me.

The conference was good, food fine (what little I ate), company fun and the Ganda Beads are a great conversation piece! Our prize this summer was Ganda Beads made by all the women in the village of Uganda. They sell them for $15 to raise money for education of the children. I was so smitten with them, when they announced we could purchase beads if we wished, on Saturday, I selected one more, very unique patterened piece.

I saw some very good friends we had met two years prior at the conference and we 'hooked' up for the formal dining Friday night. It made all the difference in the world, we talked, shared experiences and laughed because we were sharing 'so many things'. Marla laughed and said, 'I have no clue why I'm telling you this'! I replied, 'because we're friends! We met two years ago, this is our second encounter, thus FRIENDS'!!

Marla and Don are the kind of folks everyone needs to meet once in a while. They are down home, good 'ol country kinda folks and we fit like a glove! That was just an added, fun time during the brief conference.

As I drove south to come home, I detoured through Waco, Texas. It had been years since I visited the gravesite of my mom and dad. A few reflective moments there, and I was on the road to Humble. It was time to get home to 'children' and hubby! The children being Percy, Mag-e and Rojo, our dogs!

Amazingly, on the north side of Huntsville, a storm had moved far ahead of me. The pic of the rainbow above is what I captured as I approached the town. Of course, I'm thinking, finally, my pot of gold awaits me in Huntsville! Not to be.

Suddenly, the traffic came to a grinding HALT. Checking gas gauge, I was glad to see I had plenty. The traffic was that creepy, crawly Rita kind of moment. Finally, I could see flashing lights, EMT vehicles and tow trucks up on the rise of the highway. Sure enough, not just an accident, but a horrendous accident. Five cars were involved and I'm sure someone did not walk away from the tragedy. I thanked my lucky stars as I crept past and saw as much as I could.

Five miles down the highway, I was shocked. On the north lane side, not one, not two, but three separate accidents. The ambulances were screaming towards them and highway patrol had people standing out of the way. Humble wasn't too far off, and I was really ready to pull in my driveway!

I did. 8 p.m. Home safe and sound. As I think about the weekend, I'm pleased. Those who were seated with me at each meal were in wonder at how little I ate! Me? I was brim full. This created an entire new feeling for me. For the first time, I was the one eating the smallest amount, leaving huge helpings on my plate!

Since my fill 5 days ago, it seems to be working again! I have lost two pounds since last Wednesday! I can only eat minimal servings without question and I am exercising with Mag-e...brisk walks, daily!

Two important lessons for me in the past days....never pull over and stop during the tumultuous storm, there's a clear sky and sunshine on the other side. Life's the same way for all of us. We must keep moving forward with our goal in sight rather than be sidelined with doubt or fear. And, I am the keeper of me. My common sense and judgement are two important tools I must utilize daily to survive the challenges, struggles and changes in my life.

There were several weeks with my 'band' that would have made it simple for me to throw my hands up and pull over the shoulder and be defeated. However, I kept going. Now, it's payday! I hope for each of you that you find or have found that important 'piece' in life. If you're still searching, keep moving and keep looking. When you reach that destination, you can look back at friends or acquaintances who took the easy way out!

Best wishes for a tremendous week!

What I've Been Waiting For

I saw the surgeon on Wednesday, I was same weight as last month. Two things have happened since that day...

He filled me with another whole cc, which he said was a lot! I'm now at 8 cc...and, the band is marching! The difference is the restriction is finally there. For example, I've been on liquids until this morning (Wednesday night and yesterday) because the tummy has to have healing time after each fill. I made a piece of cheesetoast because that's a fave food of mine.

I ate three fourths of it and suddenly, the stop sign went up from the band! Had I eaten another bite, it would have been my regret! So, it's finally coaching and doing it very well.

Mag-e and I started Obedience Training last Monday night. I work her at least 20 minutes each late afternoon. We walk at very brisk pace and are both dripping with sweat and heated to furnace level at the end of it.

Since Wednesday at 2:15, the scales are down 4.2 pounds. Me thinks we're back in the game, I'll keep ya posted!!

Happy Friday and good huntin'!

A Brighter Monday

Beautiful Bouganvillia hanging in my backyard. This was two weeks ago as it began to really bloom. Today, kapow! It's kickin' and growin' and lookin' gorgeous. Gotta luv it.

Following the death of my sweet mother, I faded into some dark shadows for a couple of years. Percy, my shuga man, was a little light in my life, and he worked hard to turn me around.

It finally happened. Life was re-ordered, smile back in place and moved ahead. But, during those times of shadows, I neglected everything (except Percy) that had been important to me. My yards had been a priority and the beauty of the plush yard was like my own park. For three to four years however, I neglected it all. No water, no love, no talk, no grass!

After Michael came into my life, we both finally decided it was TIME to get the green back in view. The backyard was sodded last October, I've tended it well and it has flourished beyond belief. It's similar to life. We must nourish what's of value and allow it to thrive and grow, being enriched on daily basis.

Hard work and determination over the past years...through health issues...have brought me to this place today. Yesterday, "A Rough Night in Jericho"...today, all's better. I will have those valleys and watch some clouds gather. The important aspect of it all is to recognize the time to act and move forward.

Saturday's post was a small piece of past memories coupled with today's life stressors. There are several folks reading this blog, and one of those 'special friends' posted a comment on the last post. One illuminous, glaring piece of 'go get 'em and keep your chin up' rang true. For that, I thank her a multitude of times.

Today, I have a brighter me 'in place'. It makes all the difference in the world, don't we all know. The yard's are tended, the plants are fed, I managed to get a delicious piece of 'cheese toast' (one of my faves) down without any rebellion from tummy and my happy is returning.

Who knows why we ebb and flow? Who knows how we all handle life stressors? Who knows how challenging each day will be? Who knows if they're job will be secure tomorrow? Who knows some of the grief our family and friends deal with daily? Not me. I only know that life's on a new course, new destination and a heck of turn around.

In no way will I allow me to falter in this quest. Yep, there have been various challenging events in the past months. And no, not all related to being banded. It's just the rythm of life's synchronized patterns. Crescendo's go wild and suddenly the soft, playful side kicks in. Through each day, it's a must that folks recognize and zone in on the truly significant portions and fill 'er up.

Yep, I had some clouds on my horizon last week. They had been gathering in the distance for a while. Today, it's like partly cloudy, but a really nice day to begin this week. And, btw, a special cousin sent an email after last Saturday's post. I thank him for that. A comical 'run in' with a DETECTIVE over a stop sign in his neighborhood prompted a hilarious description from him.

We must always remember that we have family and friends standing in the wings, ready to charge and stand with us if we need it. Life moves in many concentric circles. Many of those overlap and some stand alone. For me, life is made of many islands. Church is one, home is one, the mall is one, etc. My island(s) generate a zest for life.

Let go and experience some of the better parts of each day. I'm 'on the road again'. I see my surgeon Wednesday at 2:45 and get the fourth fill. Who knows what's ahead after that? Success, for certain; hard work, of course; new clothes, always!

Have a marvelous Monday, a tremendous week and coke, with a smile!

See ya round the corner.

Family is a given, but good, good friends are a luxury. I appreciate you all!