Today's Pic...March 6, 2010

I went to Kirkland's to browse...they had a great mirror. I was fascinated when I stopped....

You can see a change in my face from my last two week's work!

Yahooooooooooooooooooo....

That, my friends, is what it's all about!!!

Left pic at Kirkland's

Right pic in the bedroom mirror....oh well...ya duz tha best ya can when ya can!!

The First Year has Gone

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.

Changing Seasons in Life

It's been a tremendous run thus far with lap band happening last March 12, 2009. Weight loss, life changes, no serious health complications today, tremendous energy level...back into life living and loving.

For all of us, we face various challenges and move forward. My challenge this winter, the cold. I find me wearing flannel jammy bottoms, a t-shirt and my Harvard sweeatshirt over it all. The cold this season is (for the first time in years) challenging me! I can handle it! As far as me, life is good, gooder and goodest. Hey, easier to handle than Tiger Wood's new world!!

You can see by my crinkled face above, I'm having fun just being a crazy 'bander'. It's hard to believe that one small tool can totally change lives, reinstate self concept, increase health benefits and allow one to live an energetic, full and happy life.

Through this journey, my friends have been so supportive. Love, concern, wishes for well-being and more. These are friends from old high school days, friends from a lifetime of work and experience. "Also, family has been wonderful in 'keeping tabs' on me and the progress. They all saw me when I was at my lowest back in 2004 and now they're celebrating the new me.

In the meantime, I have a special BFF that has been such a tremendous supporter for me. Always checking this blog, sending an email sometimes, 'you haven't posted in a while, are you ok'? Today I want to send her a bouqet of beautiful flowers, red roses and baby's breath and say, 'you were here for me ... now, I'm here for you.' She was diagnosed with breast cancer on Monday.

Suddenly, her world has changed and she is in a free fall of life challenging decisions and more. Let's not forget that sometimes, our small life issues are simply that. Celebrate life every moment for it's a one shot game. Enjoy the good things that come your way and reville in the friends and family you love. My challenge was suddenly diminished this week with her news.

She called today and we shared long moments on the phone through tears and brief periods of silence. I will be available for this bff. I will be a strength, a best friend, a great listener and a comforter. There is an old saying, "A friend in need..". I will be sitting in the waiting room with a couple of other friends when she has surgery.

My thoughts today for those reading this blog...if you're a bander, thinking about banding or other surgery...go for it. Do not let the grass grow under your feet. Live it, learn it and celebrate the life change you will/or/are experiencing. It makes me proud to know that I have friends and family who have taken the first step and are going to have some type of bariatric surgery to help them get back on track!

It makes me sad that I have friends in far deeper water than myself. It is the season...be kind and pass along some Random Acts of Kindness. Tis the season...PAY IT FORWARD. Life did not come with a written guarantee. It came as a blessing, an opportunity and a roadmap. We make our choices and set our course. Just because we sometimes took/take a wrong turn doesn't mean we can't correct our sights!

Be someone's blessing this season. And, as for my BFF...add her to your prayer list. Lift her up and pray for her strength and courage as we remember the many stages we go through in the face of challenge. As for me, thanks for always being there/here. You make all the difference in the world!

I hope you see less of me next year at this time!!!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a big hug!

Payoffs are Fun

Today is another dreary day in Humble Town...that's okay. Matters not to me for I have conquered the challenge to this point. Having broken the weight barrier this week has pumped me, stoked me and filled me with happy.

Hard work, tenacity and determination have become my 'side kicks'. Knowing that the reward is somewhere out there has kept me on target, waiting to see the numbers change again. This week, I have lost two pounds, broken the plateau and enjoyed delicious foods...but, with reason.

How does the band work, you ask. It's tight enough now that the first four or five bites, I sit and wait for the food to work it's way beyond the very small closure. Yes, I can feel it, and, yes, sometimes it's very painful. Just a gentle (sometimes harsh) reminder of why I'm doing what I'm doing.

It seems if I thinkkkkk I need to eat after 8 pm...it will always come back on me. Bottom line, enjoy a refreshing glass of Dole's Orange, Banana, Pineapple Juice and be happy! Habits have changed and each day brings a new enlightment to me. I reflect daily and ponder what I did...how I did it...what will/should I change? For the moment, staying on task and continuing the excellent habits day to day is the premium choice for me.

I find it amusing that an outlet such as Facebook has provided a tremendous avenue for spare time and boredom. Involved in games, friends, old high school classmates and family...I entertain myself without conflict. It's a great way to wile away the endless hours of a long day some days. I've met people from all over the US...common interest are games such as Age of Castles, Mafia War (yes, I kill people), Farmville, etc. It's neat to connect with folks and once in a while say hello other than sending just a gift from the game.

There are a few Baylor folks in the area I've connected with as well. They're cool because they attend the games and send updates via Facebook. What a hoot!! Ya neva know what it may be used for. But, regardless, it's a connection and a fun place to kill time. I believe it's been noticed that senior adults are taking advantage of the site and living it up!! Too funny.

Other than those things I've mentioned, I'm seeing teacher interns all over the area and loving it better than ever. To sail into a building, up the stairs and back down is exhilerating to me...I am no longer challenged by those things or oxygen deprived. Thank you dear Lord! Life's better than it's been in a long time, healthwise. It's wonderful to feel so great!

I hope life is bringing joy into sight everyday for everyone. If not, pull back the drape and seek some new ventures. If you have your health, you've got everything. It remains imperative, for anyone needing any kind of bariatric surgery, to move on it. You're burnin' daylight as John Wayne would say, if you're just sitting around wondering about it.

New life, new energy, new habits, new challenges. Go for the gusto and git er dun!! I did!

Just A Note

October 4, 2009...I have begun the descent, again! Since last visit to doc, -5 and...the barrier remains broken.

How good is this? I am pleased.

Settled into The New Lifestyle

Greetings to everyone! I felt it was time to write and talk about new discoveries. This entire experience has been completely life changing for me. I've lost weight, I've finally corralled my mind and old habits, I feel tremendous every day and I have not one regret. Surgery was the best thing that could have happened to me.

At age 61, I'm back to running errands, walking dogs, biking with a dog and walking a foot race in any department store or Walmart! Knowing that I can move and breathe again without having to hesitate due to lack of oxygen if a wonderful gift for this girl.

I've had so many individuals talk to me about my experience and, even the sweet lady behind the deli counter at Kroger is completely fascinated with the changes in me. She told me the other day that all people should get to hear what I say 'cause it's more than just weight loss!

A cousin or two have talked to me about the life changing decision and they are deciding what direction to take. For any who suffer with diabetes, meds, high blood pressure, etc...run, don't walk to the best PCP you can muster and ask for help with your health!

Remember, you only get one shot at life...make it your best shot!

Our dinner last evening was panko crusted chicken thighs (with lemon) pounded thin, greens with potatoes, onions and small hamhock for flavor and the most delicious gravy that was Morrocan flavored with the taste of cinnamon. Yum and yum again! All of that had all the marvelous flavors in the world, but cooked and designed for ME.

There are days, as I head home from observing teacher interns, that I'll pull through Whataburger, Popeye's or Kentucky Fried and bring something home to Michael for a treat! He loves it, I have no desire to eat anything from those places as I come home to eat my stuff here. It's a win-win these days and I feel proud to have come this far down the road.

Filling my time is no problem lately. I have beautiful hanging baskets, large pots of plants and a green, plush backyard again. Many times throughout a day I will go out and simply stroll around listening to the birds, the sound of the gentle breeze and perhaps the yapping of a dog clear across the community. That's life, for that moment.

I've hung a brightly colored basket by the kitchen window and there are some gorgeous, painted butterflies that come and visit. As I stand and watch them flutter, I admire their brilliance in color and the tenacity of their behavior over a bright flower. The hummingbird feeder is hung, waiting in silence for the first signs of that hovering little wonder. Intrigue is all around if you simply take time to stop, look and listen carefully.

I saw my surgeon two and half weeks ago. The next visit with him will be three months from that date. I'm swimming in the blue ocean now. Nope, not alone...my medical staff is only an email via MY CHART at BCM or a phone call. I have a private number to Dr. Sherman's lead nurse if I should ever need them. It makes me feel great to know that I'm in the center of a large, medical circle now.

As I grew up, I had this tremendous fear of doctors. Anxiety blood pressure plagued me, deep seated fear of them finding something wrong illuminated my imagination and the thought of them looking for whatever scared the 'bajeebers' outta me.

Not these days. Those individuals have become my knights in shining armor and good friends. You see, for anyone going through this procedure, assuming they have chosen excellent doctors, they will have such an improved quality of life from here on.

I encourage everyone, fat, thin, short, tall, gorgeous, not so gorgeous, go get the most out of life. It's not about how far you travel, how much gold you possess or who's the most famous person you know. It's about you, deep inside, fulfilling your life with the simple things when the more complicated things will leave you alone. If you have your health, you have everything!

My weight is coming off slowly now. That's alright. The purpose of my surgery was to rid me of all the complex issues I was dealt! It worked. I'm energized, healthy, happy and on the right track. This is a never ending challenge in a obese person's life. The game never ends, it just improves over the years. This began in July, 2008...today is October 03, 2009 -- I've been a million miles today!

14.5 months of learning, re-educating me, moving away from the danger foods, controlling the urges to eat junk and beginning to exercise regularly. My inner drive keeps me moving...I never wish to return to those issues that were life-threatening for me.

Anyone who wishes to contact me...
txspatter@aol.com
I don't know it all, no one does, but sometimes, ya just need a friend who'll listen...someone who's walked that mile in those shoes. Just a sec, I'm going to check my email! Wait, is that a hummingbird?