Last Day of August! Zooooom....went the summer

Wow. Where has the summer gone? It passed quickly and "I've only just begun"!! This was a tad different season, however. I loved it. With my new beginning and lap band...an entirely different complexion on each new day!

Our summer was quiet, but I loved it all due to the fact that I can move, exercise, play with the dogs or work in the yard anytime I get a whim to do so! Way different from past days, absolutely.

The top I dawned for this particular pic is a top I had purchased about three summers ago (at Dillard's)!! It had hung in my closet all this time with the price tag still attached. Yes, I was tickled to put it on for a pic!

Many of you have wondered why I haven't been showing me a lot. Well, perhaps, to me, I'm still me. I look at me everyday...but, I hope you are seeing some changes.

Each day I see a little more neck, more shoulder and less lower half! Yipes! I've been told throughout life I suffer from a particular disease...it's called 'noassatall'!! Hey, not my fault!

After puttering through Facebook daily, farming on Farmville, pimping my pad on Yoville, cleaning my FishWorld tank and playing Texas Hold 'em to the tune of a million and a half, I have been busy girl! For those of you on Facebook...salute! I love keeping in touch and seeing what all everyone's involved in. And, I love your vacation pics!

As for outstanding things ahead...nadda. Just the routine of going out and observing my teacher interns all over the Houston area. I have several and have organized files, made contacts and am in the process of preparing for first visits next week! I love it though, keeps me in touch with the educational world out there. And, sometimes, I even have some good ideas to share with the new 'kids on the block'...least, that's what they tell me!

Each night at this house, a different cuisine lately. Last night was of the Asian flair...oooolala! It was so dadgum terrific. Little, tiny meatballs made from ground chicken. And, all of the various flavors of Oriental sauces...oyster juice, fish juice, and on and on. May not sound exciting, but you oughta taste it! BAM...as my buddy Emeril would say!

I guess that's about the 'size of it' here today! Wishing everyone a great day, tremendous evening and happy thoughts! Take care and smile! Someone's always watching!

They Say A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

Well, they say, I'm not so sure...here's the before and the today. Several friends have asked where is your pic....here they are!

Today's pic (August 26, 2009) shows me in my first new, regular ladies sized outfit! Yep, I'm back and shopping at Dillard's again! Skippee Yippee!!

The close up actually shows that I'm beginning to discover a face under there! This has been a phenominal journey which began with all the requirements, testing, etc. back in July, 2008. March 12, 2009, I was banded at St. Luke's Hospital in Houston, Tx. My surgeon is Dr. Vadim Sherman, head of the DeBakey Bariatric Team there.

I'm looped into one of the latest and greatest medical establishments and complete team of professionals than I would ever have imagined! They are on 'top of it' constantly, keep a keen on me and my progress and always ask the right questions

Finally, I have myself into a routine of exercising five days a week...20 minutes with the English Bull Terrier and then 30 minutes back on the road, just me and the bike! I come in hot, sweaty and feeling like I had a workout. But, thanks to Mag-e, I get dressed first thing and we hit the road. Yeah for unconditional lovers!

For anyone reading this blog and thinking about weight issues and the possibility of doing it, all I can say is...go for it! It's constant, hard work...but the reward is life...and, life full of zest and desire to shake, rattle and roll! Don't sit and wonder if you can...go for it.

We all have one shot at life, best you give it your best shot today. Do I suffer for foods I used to live on? Nope. This is more than banding the tummy. It is a process and by the time you have worked through the weeks of liquids, pureed and soft foods...your mind has begun to shift gears! The major change is eating to live instead of living to eat and devour everything you think you want!

What do I eat? Well, today at noon, I dropped into Luby's and enjoyed a half portion of baked fish, some mashed tators and a little okra. I was full, happy and on my way. I don't drink with meals. As in the past where your liquid would wash food down, with the band, it will force it up and out. Long story...another time!

But, I've adjusted to that, I'm fine with it and continue to remain focused and dedicated to completing my goal. It's never going to be finished!! Weight and food intake is something we will deal with for the rest of our lives. No magic bullets, no easy way around it....but, normal blood sugars and blood pressure and all the rest....YOUR REWARD FOR A JOB WELL DONE!

Please, leave a comment if you wish. I often wonder what goes through all those great minds that read through this epistle!

Oh, drop by tonight, Michael's cooking Oriental flair! Yummmmm. Yes, I can eat anything, I just must choose the appropriate foods and amounts. It's a WIN-WIN...come on in, the water's fine!

Every Day, A New Day

It's Monday morning, ninish, I've just finished watching Danyl Johnson audition for American Idol judges! Watching that young teacher perform with the natural talent he possesses absolutely caused my arms to tingle. How exhilerating, to see someone step on the stage to pursue a dream.

I have several special cousins and friends who did that as well in life. They had a dream of doing something great, dug just enough coins from their pockets to get them to the first step and over the years, they have made it! And, yes, a couple, made it very big.

Dreams. That's something I never did a lot, even as a child. I'm not sure why...it was just that element missing within perhaps. Even today when someone says, "if you could travel anywhere in the world...or live anywhere in the world...or see anything in the world...what/where would it be"? My answer, I have no clue. Clueless and remarkably unexcited each time I'm confronted with such a question.

Life deals all sorts of hands on a regular basis. Sometimes, you get the best hand possible and for some reason, fold it without a second thought. I'm guilty of doing that over the years as well. Choices come in all different shapes and sizes, colors and hues and ultimate end results.

For whatever reasons, my journey has been a mixed bag. A few steps very rugged, some as smooth as silk, but always challenging in my mind. In past years, I delivered various 'workshops', sometimes to audiences of 1500. Regardless of their response throughout, their comments following, or their zestful 'thank you's' that was tremendous, I always walked away thinking, 'I missed the mark'!

I'm not sure why we do that to ourselves. But that small, inner voice sometimes commands our mind and our feelings and we give in far too easily. At 11 a.m. this morning, I see my PCP. It's time for bloodwork, face to face and general thoughts on this and that.

Following that appointment, I'll fill the day with oddities and return home to farm on FarmVille and shop on YoVille. Funny, we grow older and find interesting ways to 'fill time' and capture our 'fancy'. Excitement going on? No. Revelations coming to fruition? No. Just another day in the life and moving forward to see tomorrow arrive.

Yep, sometimes it's boring. Other times it's just status quo. But, our days are what we make them. Watching that young man on the stage this morning filled me with happiness. Yes, for him, knowing he has a complete new life ahead. How marvelous that we are all capable of stepping out and changing our life in some way.

My change is not as riveting as Danyl Johnsons's voice and natural body rythm in presentation...but, it's significant. I guess my one wish would be that I had done this years ago. Who knows, the new look, new attitude and new demeanor might have carried me miles further than I've traveled. I may have reached deep into my pockets to gather a few coins to have carried me to new places. Who knows?

Perhaps I would have been capable of 'dreaming' of things beyond belief and captured one more brass ring. As it is, I'm just very happy with myself, my hard work and my determination in this life changing process for me.

I hope all of you have captured or will attempt to capture marvelous things. Step out, choose door 1, 2 or 3 and go for it! Got any change in your pocket? It might carry you miles beyond belief.

Someone stated on the last blog, 'cute dog, but where's your picture'? We are going to take new pics soon, Michael says I look nothing like the last pics anyone has seen. So, say CHEESE!!!!!

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.

Pay Day is Always Fun

Image via Wikipedia

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?