To say 2011 was an eventful year is an understatement. It has been a very trying on too. But one thing thing I am glad I did was having my surgery. Its been almost a month and I am down 35 pounds. I have very little discomfort and I am already feeling more energetic.
The 2nd-6th week I believe are suppose to be the hardest for Lap Band patients. Since the first fill is not done until the 6th week. Usually weigh loss plateaus. I am very happy I am still losing weight, even through the holidays.
I am able to eat pretty much anything, but I am sticking to what the doctor advised. I don't really get hunger pains so that is good. But I have noticed that if I do not portion my meals, I am able to eat A LOT more then I am suppose to. So much for hoping not to have a fill.
Knowing I can eat larger portions and things I am not suppose to be able to eat, I need to have a fill because I do not want to "fall off the wagon". But with the diet restrictions I am also exercising a lot more. Actually using the elliptical and stationary bike we bought over a year ago. Having my Kindle Fire helps though, I can watch videos while exercising...hmmm season one of Buffy? I think so.
Tomorrow is the start of 2012 as well as the first 5k of 2012 that I will be in. Granted I will be walking and I am so lucky to have awesome friends who have also registered for the 5k.
Good-bye 2011 & Hello 2012 and my new life!
Taking it off!!
Him
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
One Week Post Op
One week since the procedure. Had some good and bad days, but I am getting better each day. I still have no desire to eat so pretty much have to force myself to drink my protein drink (takes about 2 hrs to drink it) and some cream of wheat and chicken broth. I am glad I don't have the nausea some patients get.
I am also down 20 pounds since leaving the hospital. This is taking into account the 11 or so pounds in fluid that I grain in my stay. According to the doctor's office I have lost only 5 since my last appointment. But I am happy to think I lost 20.
Now for my visit to the doctor, I had to go in sooner then my 10 day check-up. I am having extreme pain in the area a few inches away from the incision of where they placed my port. So much pain that I had to call yesterday and ask for more pain medication. Medication its seems that I am allergic to. Lovely rash all over my body. As if I was not feeling attractive enough lets add in some hives. Yep my life is a party. So the doctor told me to stop taking he medication and I could take liquid Benadryl, it knocked me out. At least I slept good.
The pain was a little less today but I had swelling. so I still went to the doctor.
It seems that by helping that patient last week get back in her bed, I strained the staples attached the muscle wall. So when ever I stand or sit the port pulls. Sounds fun huh? Well luckily nothing is torn and this is something that happens to some patients. I had to laugh when he told me to wear tighter cloths. Here I am wearing loose cloths thinking it would help things heal, nope tighter cloths to minimize movement...ooops.
So 20 pounds in a week, not so bad. I doubt the weight will still come off at this rat. But at least its coming off.
I am also down 20 pounds since leaving the hospital. This is taking into account the 11 or so pounds in fluid that I grain in my stay. According to the doctor's office I have lost only 5 since my last appointment. But I am happy to think I lost 20.
Now for my visit to the doctor, I had to go in sooner then my 10 day check-up. I am having extreme pain in the area a few inches away from the incision of where they placed my port. So much pain that I had to call yesterday and ask for more pain medication. Medication its seems that I am allergic to. Lovely rash all over my body. As if I was not feeling attractive enough lets add in some hives. Yep my life is a party. So the doctor told me to stop taking he medication and I could take liquid Benadryl, it knocked me out. At least I slept good.
The pain was a little less today but I had swelling. so I still went to the doctor.
It seems that by helping that patient last week get back in her bed, I strained the staples attached the muscle wall. So when ever I stand or sit the port pulls. Sounds fun huh? Well luckily nothing is torn and this is something that happens to some patients. I had to laugh when he told me to wear tighter cloths. Here I am wearing loose cloths thinking it would help things heal, nope tighter cloths to minimize movement...ooops.
So 20 pounds in a week, not so bad. I doubt the weight will still come off at this rat. But at least its coming off.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Good days and bad, this one not so good
Honestly felt better yesterday. Today has been rough. In a lot of pain and running out of medication. I am trying to go longer time between doses so I have it when it in order to sleep through the night. I am actually feeling hunger pains. Yeah me! Ugh.
So my daily diet has increased from having a protein shake mixed with Silk, 1/4 cup of cream of wheat mixed with 2 tablespoons of yogurt to now I am able to have a 1/2 cup of tomato soup. I need to talk to my doctor tomorrow about vitamins because I am sure my lack of energy is not only from the surgery but my serious lack of caloric intake.
I am suppose to go to work tomorrow, not sure if that is going to happen. Maybe getting out of the house is what I need.
I have finally lost the weight I put on during my stay at the hospital. I was up to 278 pounds, not too happy when I saw that on the scales. As of today I am down to 262. I just hope it keeps coming off this. Enough of the pity party. As my husband reminds me, I am the one who decided to go through with the surgery. I don't regret it. Guess its a little like childbirth. You need to have the pain before the joy, and I went through all those births with no pain medication so I think I can survive these minor discomforts.
On a subject change, the hubby, youngest child and I are officially registered for the Resolution 5k on Jan 1 2012. Yeah I know I am crazy but my mental state has never really been up for debate. Like I said this one I will be walking.
If I am going to change my life, there are more then just one thing that needs to change. This is a step in the right direction.
So my daily diet has increased from having a protein shake mixed with Silk, 1/4 cup of cream of wheat mixed with 2 tablespoons of yogurt to now I am able to have a 1/2 cup of tomato soup. I need to talk to my doctor tomorrow about vitamins because I am sure my lack of energy is not only from the surgery but my serious lack of caloric intake.
I am suppose to go to work tomorrow, not sure if that is going to happen. Maybe getting out of the house is what I need.
I have finally lost the weight I put on during my stay at the hospital. I was up to 278 pounds, not too happy when I saw that on the scales. As of today I am down to 262. I just hope it keeps coming off this. Enough of the pity party. As my husband reminds me, I am the one who decided to go through with the surgery. I don't regret it. Guess its a little like childbirth. You need to have the pain before the joy, and I went through all those births with no pain medication so I think I can survive these minor discomforts.
On a subject change, the hubby, youngest child and I are officially registered for the Resolution 5k on Jan 1 2012. Yeah I know I am crazy but my mental state has never really been up for debate. Like I said this one I will be walking.
If I am going to change my life, there are more then just one thing that needs to change. This is a step in the right direction.
Friday, December 09, 2011
Day 3...or is it 4?
Well I am not up running marathons yet...OK that wont be for a while. I have my good hours and bad ones. Thankfully I have a medication induced "coma" every 4 hours. I try and stay up a few hours in between. Sometimes it works other times my body demands to go back into my nice warm blankets.
I guess I should consider myself lucky. I don't have all the bloating and gas pains others have complained about. Though I do have a horrible headache today. Which may be due to not drinking enough water.
Just thought I would be more mobile by now. Getting around OK, just not a lot of energy. Without a doubt I am catching up on sleep. But I just hope I am up to going back to work on Monday.
Hard to believe my surgery was only a few days ago. I am not hungry..at all. Have to force myself to eat, with my big meal being a 1/4 of Cream of Wheat mixed with yogurt. Woohoo. Takes about a half hour for me to eat it. And the protein shake? Well it takes a good hour or two to get that down. But I reach my quota for protein a day by drinking it.
It could be a lot worse I know. I feel like a baby complaining about the pain since others have gone through so much more. I had a friend ask me why I went through with the surgery. Really? I just couldn't say anything more then it was the right choice for me now.
I just want to be more mobile so I can focus on getting into shape and not focus on the pain or discomfort I am in.
On a positive note I am down 6 pounds from surgery so I am almost to my pre-surgery weight. I know most if not all of it was due to swelling from surgery and all the fluids from the IVs. But it was still heart wrenching to go from losing 16 pounds to gaining 11 pounds in less than 24 hrs.
Still no regrets on the decision to have surgery.
I guess I should consider myself lucky. I don't have all the bloating and gas pains others have complained about. Though I do have a horrible headache today. Which may be due to not drinking enough water.
Just thought I would be more mobile by now. Getting around OK, just not a lot of energy. Without a doubt I am catching up on sleep. But I just hope I am up to going back to work on Monday.
Hard to believe my surgery was only a few days ago. I am not hungry..at all. Have to force myself to eat, with my big meal being a 1/4 of Cream of Wheat mixed with yogurt. Woohoo. Takes about a half hour for me to eat it. And the protein shake? Well it takes a good hour or two to get that down. But I reach my quota for protein a day by drinking it.
It could be a lot worse I know. I feel like a baby complaining about the pain since others have gone through so much more. I had a friend ask me why I went through with the surgery. Really? I just couldn't say anything more then it was the right choice for me now.
I just want to be more mobile so I can focus on getting into shape and not focus on the pain or discomfort I am in.
On a positive note I am down 6 pounds from surgery so I am almost to my pre-surgery weight. I know most if not all of it was due to swelling from surgery and all the fluids from the IVs. But it was still heart wrenching to go from losing 16 pounds to gaining 11 pounds in less than 24 hrs.
Still no regrets on the decision to have surgery.
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
The Day After......Did Anyone See That Bus?
First things first I am alive or this blog would be really creepy to explain. Second, what I am about to say is just stating events as they happened. Not sugar coating, I don't regret the surgery.
Made it to registration with no problems and the pre-op staff was wonderful. The last thing I remember was being strapped, yes strapped, to the operating table. The next thing I know I am waking up in recovery. Where I stayed for the next 5 hours! It should have only been an hour. But due to my information being incorrectly entered into the computer system as an out patent, I could not be transferred to my room.
Why not? Well apparently if they had tried to transfer me they could not have administered any medication. Sure that is what I wanted right after surgery no pain meds or anything. But here lies another problem. The recovery staff is only allowed to administer a certain amount. So when they finally got me transferred to my room I was 2 hour behind on getting medication, and it was another hour before they were able to finally administer it. By then I was pretty much overwhelmed with pain and nausea.
Now that I was in my room I got to enjoy my husband's side of the story. An hour after he sees me go in for surgery the surgeon came out and informed him that the surgery went well and I was in recovery for a short time before going up to my room. That was the last thing my husband was told. No one came out to update him on my progress or what the delay was.
Yes this issue was addressed since I was third patient on the bariatric ward that this happened too. You would think nothing could top that right? I wish.
So as I said I was almost 3 hour behind on my pain meds. I actually tried to get up to walk around and got very nauseated and told the nurse I was still in a lot of pain. So she dosed me up and it was the most comfortable I had been all day. I woke a few hours later went a fellow bariatric patient came by my room. She was having issues with the current shift (which was soon leaving) of nurses and techs but I wont go into details about them.
I woke up and walked every few hours through the night, my nurse kept me pretty balanced with medication so it was not a very painful night. So I figured I would get my upper GI checked by 9 and and be home by noon. At least that is what the nurses and the doctors were telling me.
Of course I would not be that lucky. Apparently Radiology got really busy today. They were able to see a few of the bariatric patients before 9 am. I was not one of the, and I was also the only one that was due to leave the hospital today so why I got picked for last who knows. Finally at 11:40 am I was transported via wheel chair down to Radiology where I sat in the hallway for an hour and a half! Apparently when I got down there the tech had to go attend someone in the ER. Which I understand, really I do. My upper GI took maybe 15 minutes. They called transportation to take me back to my room. They finally came to get me and wheeled me back to my room after I sat in the hall for yet another hour!
So recap I sat in a wheel chair in a very uncomfortable position after having surgery on my gut, for almost 3 hours. Saying I was in pain is just a mild understatement. Needless to say my nurse and doctor were not too happy. Once again another issue to have addressed. Thankfully my nurse hooked me up with meds and told me to order some thing from the kitchen. f I kept it down I got to go home. So I enjoyed my first meal in what has been at least 48 hours. Cream of Wheat and plain yogurt. Yep kept it down.
Left the hospital by 5 and got home by 630pm thanks to the wonderful rain induced stop and go traffic. Yep felt great. But we made it home. I am alive and even though there was chaos after my surgery at least my surgery itself went well. Thank you for all the well wishes and thank you to all of those who were texting me and keeping me sane.
Never said this was going to be easy, but after the hell I have been through in the last 48 hours I have no desire to fail.
I have gained 10 pounds from all the swelling and fluids they have been pumping into me. I just hope it comes off as quickly as it went back on.
With that being said, I going to take my meds and say good night. By the way where did that bus come from?
Made it to registration with no problems and the pre-op staff was wonderful. The last thing I remember was being strapped, yes strapped, to the operating table. The next thing I know I am waking up in recovery. Where I stayed for the next 5 hours! It should have only been an hour. But due to my information being incorrectly entered into the computer system as an out patent, I could not be transferred to my room.
Why not? Well apparently if they had tried to transfer me they could not have administered any medication. Sure that is what I wanted right after surgery no pain meds or anything. But here lies another problem. The recovery staff is only allowed to administer a certain amount. So when they finally got me transferred to my room I was 2 hour behind on getting medication, and it was another hour before they were able to finally administer it. By then I was pretty much overwhelmed with pain and nausea.
Now that I was in my room I got to enjoy my husband's side of the story. An hour after he sees me go in for surgery the surgeon came out and informed him that the surgery went well and I was in recovery for a short time before going up to my room. That was the last thing my husband was told. No one came out to update him on my progress or what the delay was.
Yes this issue was addressed since I was third patient on the bariatric ward that this happened too. You would think nothing could top that right? I wish.
So as I said I was almost 3 hour behind on my pain meds. I actually tried to get up to walk around and got very nauseated and told the nurse I was still in a lot of pain. So she dosed me up and it was the most comfortable I had been all day. I woke a few hours later went a fellow bariatric patient came by my room. She was having issues with the current shift (which was soon leaving) of nurses and techs but I wont go into details about them.
I woke up and walked every few hours through the night, my nurse kept me pretty balanced with medication so it was not a very painful night. So I figured I would get my upper GI checked by 9 and and be home by noon. At least that is what the nurses and the doctors were telling me.
Of course I would not be that lucky. Apparently Radiology got really busy today. They were able to see a few of the bariatric patients before 9 am. I was not one of the, and I was also the only one that was due to leave the hospital today so why I got picked for last who knows. Finally at 11:40 am I was transported via wheel chair down to Radiology where I sat in the hallway for an hour and a half! Apparently when I got down there the tech had to go attend someone in the ER. Which I understand, really I do. My upper GI took maybe 15 minutes. They called transportation to take me back to my room. They finally came to get me and wheeled me back to my room after I sat in the hall for yet another hour!
So recap I sat in a wheel chair in a very uncomfortable position after having surgery on my gut, for almost 3 hours. Saying I was in pain is just a mild understatement. Needless to say my nurse and doctor were not too happy. Once again another issue to have addressed. Thankfully my nurse hooked me up with meds and told me to order some thing from the kitchen. f I kept it down I got to go home. So I enjoyed my first meal in what has been at least 48 hours. Cream of Wheat and plain yogurt. Yep kept it down.
Left the hospital by 5 and got home by 630pm thanks to the wonderful rain induced stop and go traffic. Yep felt great. But we made it home. I am alive and even though there was chaos after my surgery at least my surgery itself went well. Thank you for all the well wishes and thank you to all of those who were texting me and keeping me sane.
Never said this was going to be easy, but after the hell I have been through in the last 48 hours I have no desire to fail.
I have gained 10 pounds from all the swelling and fluids they have been pumping into me. I just hope it comes off as quickly as it went back on.
With that being said, I going to take my meds and say good night. By the way where did that bus come from?
Monday, December 05, 2011
On The Eve Of Surgery
Twelve hours from now will be in a room prepping for my surgery. Its amazing how fast this day has come. I am a mixture of fear and excitement. Its reality, I am am actually going through with it. It may be a surprise to some since it seems I have felt short in the past. Hence why I have opted for this surgery.
So many things are going through my mind. What if I don't lose anything? I will let down not only myself but everyone who is supporting me. Sure it seems like a silly fear, but it' still there. This surgery is just a start, a push in the right direction. The rest is up to me.
I just need to remind my self over the next few weeks that really losing weight will be a bonus. Its a time for healing. I have already lost 16 pounds with the pre-surgery diet so that is a start right? Since I am having a lap band my weight lost will be slower then the to other surgeries.
With the weight loss being slower am hoping it will be healthier. One step at a time, this is the first one.
Thank you to all my wonder friends and family who are supporting me.
So many things are going through my mind. What if I don't lose anything? I will let down not only myself but everyone who is supporting me. Sure it seems like a silly fear, but it' still there. This surgery is just a start, a push in the right direction. The rest is up to me.
I just need to remind my self over the next few weeks that really losing weight will be a bonus. Its a time for healing. I have already lost 16 pounds with the pre-surgery diet so that is a start right? Since I am having a lap band my weight lost will be slower then the to other surgeries.
With the weight loss being slower am hoping it will be healthier. One step at a time, this is the first one.
Thank you to all my wonder friends and family who are supporting me.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
9 days Pre-Op
I would like to say I am not nervous about my surgery, I would like to say that. But honestly I am very nervous. It is a mixture of excitement and fear. I am changing my life, in a drastic way. Granted the LapBand is not as invasive as gastric bypass or the sleeve, but it is still a drastic measure to take to lose weight. But I keep reminding myself I made the right choice for me.
Being on Optifast the for the last 5 days has also been a boost. The hardest day was day 3...Thanksgiving. Yeah I nibbled, and I had two glasses of wine. But it was enough. After not having much for the two days prior I really didn't want anything but a taste. Apparently my little nibbles didn't hurt me much. If I am to believe my scale, I have lost 14 pounds already. Not even a week on it, wow.
Ok so I do have a little headache, but not sure if that is from the Optifast or from the aspartame in the sugar-free Jell-O that is allowed.
So at least I will lose some weight pre-surgery and hopefully I wont get discouraged if I don't lose a great amount of weight my first few weeks. Since I am doing the LapBand I know my weight loss rate is significantly lower then the other weight loss surgeries. But my recovery time is as well.
Its down to the wire with only two appointments left. One on Dec 1st and my EGD on Dec 2nd. I will have the weekend to get really really nervous. Hopefully time will pass quickly and Dec 6th will come and go with no major problems.
Let the fun begin.....
Being on Optifast the for the last 5 days has also been a boost. The hardest day was day 3...Thanksgiving. Yeah I nibbled, and I had two glasses of wine. But it was enough. After not having much for the two days prior I really didn't want anything but a taste. Apparently my little nibbles didn't hurt me much. If I am to believe my scale, I have lost 14 pounds already. Not even a week on it, wow.
Ok so I do have a little headache, but not sure if that is from the Optifast or from the aspartame in the sugar-free Jell-O that is allowed.
So at least I will lose some weight pre-surgery and hopefully I wont get discouraged if I don't lose a great amount of weight my first few weeks. Since I am doing the LapBand I know my weight loss rate is significantly lower then the other weight loss surgeries. But my recovery time is as well.
Its down to the wire with only two appointments left. One on Dec 1st and my EGD on Dec 2nd. I will have the weekend to get really really nervous. Hopefully time will pass quickly and Dec 6th will come and go with no major problems.
Let the fun begin.....
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
And the Journey begins.......
Yesterday (November 22, 2011) was the official start to my pre-op preparation. I started my Optifast. The timing is not so great, two days before Thanksgiving. Believe me it was not planned that way. I had even verified prior to confirming to the surgery date that it would not be started before Thanksgiving. I was misinformed....oh well. Need to start at some point.
What is Optifact and why am I on it?
Optifast is a pre-packaged meal plan. For the next two weeks my daily meals consist of:
1 Protein bar (chocolate peanut butter)
4 shakes (chocolate or Strawberry)
1 soup (chicken or tomato)
The purpose of the this two week diet is the need to shrink my liver so the surgeon can access my stomach easier. It is expected for me to lost 10-20 pounds in the next two weeks....OK. That will be a good start! The only current side effect I am feeling is the onset of a bad headache (but that has only started a few minutes ago). Hopefully I will be able to sleep it off.
For more information go to: OPTIFAST
But this is only the start of my restricted diet The first 10 days after my surgery I will be on a liquid diet which will consist of and according to my booklet form Bluepoint Surgical Group:
Liquid Diet
After my 10 day liquid diet ( so around December 17th) I will be on a "Mushy" diet for about 4 weeks:
Mushy Diet
No No Foods
After about 4-6 weeks I should be able to start gradually eating solid foods (so around March). My diet is not as vigorous after surgery as patience having the Sleeve or Gastric Bypass. But it will be enough for me to be well on my way to a life style change.
Granted having the LapBand is not as invasive as the sleeve or bypass. But its still a huge change. I can appreciate the courage it takes for patience to undergo the other types of surgery but I know the band was the right choice for me.
I am very thankful for the great support network I have. I am reminded almost daily that is was the right choice. And I will keep saying it to myself tomorrow as my family and friends are enjoying their Turkey Day Feast.
What is Optifact and why am I on it?
Optifast is a pre-packaged meal plan. For the next two weeks my daily meals consist of:
1 Protein bar (chocolate peanut butter)
4 shakes (chocolate or Strawberry)
1 soup (chicken or tomato)
The purpose of the this two week diet is the need to shrink my liver so the surgeon can access my stomach easier. It is expected for me to lost 10-20 pounds in the next two weeks....OK. That will be a good start! The only current side effect I am feeling is the onset of a bad headache (but that has only started a few minutes ago). Hopefully I will be able to sleep it off.
For more information go to: OPTIFAST
But this is only the start of my restricted diet The first 10 days after my surgery I will be on a liquid diet which will consist of and according to my booklet form Bluepoint Surgical Group:
Liquid Diet
- Clear liquids (water, crystal lite, decaff coffee/tea, broth)
- Fat free or 1% milk
- Protein Drinks
- Sugar Free pudding
- Fat free yogurt
- low-fat creamed soup
- Vegetable Juice
- Sugar Free Jell-O
After my 10 day liquid diet ( so around December 17th) I will be on a "Mushy" diet for about 4 weeks:
Mushy Diet
- Meals will be the consistency of being pureed
- Three meals and two protein supplements per day
- The meals will be about 2 oz= 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons
No No Foods
- Nuts, popcorn and corn
- Seeds in foods like cucumbers, tomatoes, raspberries and blackberries....
- Raw veggies and raw hard fruit (such as apples)
- Bread, rice and pasta
- Greasy foods
- Any food that has more then 6 grams of sugar
After about 4-6 weeks I should be able to start gradually eating solid foods (so around March). My diet is not as vigorous after surgery as patience having the Sleeve or Gastric Bypass. But it will be enough for me to be well on my way to a life style change.
Granted having the LapBand is not as invasive as the sleeve or bypass. But its still a huge change. I can appreciate the courage it takes for patience to undergo the other types of surgery but I know the band was the right choice for me.
I am very thankful for the great support network I have. I am reminded almost daily that is was the right choice. And I will keep saying it to myself tomorrow as my family and friends are enjoying their Turkey Day Feast.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Ready....Set.....G....not until Jan then 12 in 2012
I figure if I focus on 2012 I can distract myself from realizing how very nervous I am for my Surgery in 2 weeks. Really it is only two weeks away......
So I am starting to research and register for my 12 5k races for 2012. Plus I thought, How cool would it be if I have a design on a shirt that states something like "12 in 2012" or something around those lines? I think it would be very motivational for me. I asked a co-worker/friend who is awesome graphic design artist if he could hook me up. I am a little excited to see the design. With that being said if anyone wants to join me and would like a shirt let me know. All I ask is if you either provide the shirt for the design, or the funds for me to get it . Buying one or two I am OK with doing but not sure how many people will actually be with me on this journey.
Now as far as the 5K races, I found my first two:
1 of 12: Resolution 5K Jan 1st at 11am in Fredericksburg VA.
I know, I know what the hell am I thinking planning a 5K the morning after New Years Eve. Well lets not forget I am crazy enough to go through a life changing surgery during the Holidays. So why not a 5K on January 1, 2012?
Mind you I will be walking this one NOT running. Yeah it will be cold, so layer layer layer. I wont be alone already have some awesome friends who have agreed to join me and start the New Year on the right foot..or the left if they prefer.
Resolution 5K
2 of 12 : 2012 Polar Plunge 5K Feb. 4th 8:30 am in Virginia Beach, VA
OK honestly was not thrilled about this one at first but a little sprite of a friend talked me into it. A whole weekend festival and it benefits the Special Olympics. It will be from Feb 3rd-5th. And most importantly...we don't have to do the Plunge if we don't want to. And yes this one is beyond crazy. For those who know me well, this is may be down right hilarious. I HATE BEING COLD. But it is for a good cause.
Not only that, I think doing the 5Ks in one year is a big deal why not do runs that are not only beneficial to good causes but memorable. Might as well have some " I can't believe I actually did that" moments.
2012 Polar Plunge
I will post more later. As I said if anyone wants a shirt let me know. I will post the design as soon as its finished.
So I am starting to research and register for my 12 5k races for 2012. Plus I thought, How cool would it be if I have a design on a shirt that states something like "12 in 2012" or something around those lines? I think it would be very motivational for me. I asked a co-worker/friend who is awesome graphic design artist if he could hook me up. I am a little excited to see the design. With that being said if anyone wants to join me and would like a shirt let me know. All I ask is if you either provide the shirt for the design, or the funds for me to get it . Buying one or two I am OK with doing but not sure how many people will actually be with me on this journey.
Now as far as the 5K races, I found my first two:
1 of 12: Resolution 5K Jan 1st at 11am in Fredericksburg VA.
I know, I know what the hell am I thinking planning a 5K the morning after New Years Eve. Well lets not forget I am crazy enough to go through a life changing surgery during the Holidays. So why not a 5K on January 1, 2012?
Mind you I will be walking this one NOT running. Yeah it will be cold, so layer layer layer. I wont be alone already have some awesome friends who have agreed to join me and start the New Year on the right foot..or the left if they prefer.
Resolution 5K
2 of 12 : 2012 Polar Plunge 5K Feb. 4th 8:30 am in Virginia Beach, VA
OK honestly was not thrilled about this one at first but a little sprite of a friend talked me into it. A whole weekend festival and it benefits the Special Olympics. It will be from Feb 3rd-5th. And most importantly...we don't have to do the Plunge if we don't want to. And yes this one is beyond crazy. For those who know me well, this is may be down right hilarious. I HATE BEING COLD. But it is for a good cause.
Not only that, I think doing the 5Ks in one year is a big deal why not do runs that are not only beneficial to good causes but memorable. Might as well have some " I can't believe I actually did that" moments.
2012 Polar Plunge
I will post more later. As I said if anyone wants a shirt let me know. I will post the design as soon as its finished.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Twelve 5Ks in a year
I am not bothering with a New Years resolution, yes I know its mid-November and we still have a month and a half left. But I am ending 2011 and starting 2012 with a drastic change in my life. I know the Lap Band is not a miracle surgery. Its just a big push in the right direction. My life will be changing. I know this.
I have tried to figure out what exercise plan I should follow. Even though I never really cared for running (there's a shock....) But I need to have a goal beyond focusing on weigh loss.
I have decided to do a 5K a month in 2012.
Now I know its sounds bit crazy. But I think I can do it. The first couple I may not run but walk, but by Dec 2012 I hope to have worked up to being willing to do a few 10K.
I mentioned this to my younger daughter and she just may be one of my running partners. I will be looking at 5ks in VA, DC and MD so I shouldn't have a problem filling up the calender. I am looking into the "Couch to 5K" plan and will start the first few weeks prior to my surgery and granted I may have to start the program all over again a few weeks after my surgery.
Walking a 5K by the end of January should be very feasible. After all that will be a month and a half after my surgery and its walking not running.
I have tried to figure out what exercise plan I should follow. Even though I never really cared for running (there's a shock....) But I need to have a goal beyond focusing on weigh loss.
I have decided to do a 5K a month in 2012.
Now I know its sounds bit crazy. But I think I can do it. The first couple I may not run but walk, but by Dec 2012 I hope to have worked up to being willing to do a few 10K.
I mentioned this to my younger daughter and she just may be one of my running partners. I will be looking at 5ks in VA, DC and MD so I shouldn't have a problem filling up the calender. I am looking into the "Couch to 5K" plan and will start the first few weeks prior to my surgery and granted I may have to start the program all over again a few weeks after my surgery.
Walking a 5K by the end of January should be very feasible. After all that will be a month and a half after my surgery and its walking not running.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Not how I want to celebrate 11/11/11
An ER visit was not how I intended to spend 11/11/11. What got me there? Server chest pains, felt like someone was shoving an icepick through my sternum and splitting my shoulder blade apart. Sounds like fun huh? NOT.
After a number of hours of testing, I was admitted overnight for "observations" and scheduled for a Echo and stress test in the morning. Why the big deal? Well having past issues with my heart it was their "Lets play it safe move". Which I get really. But so didn't want to spend my night there.
Laying in my lonely hospital bed I came to realize a few things:
1) I really need to get healthy
2) I have great friends who kept texting me until wee hours of the morning, since they couldn't come see me.
3)There are a lot misconceptions about obese people and I still hate being lumped in (no pun intended) with those stereotypes.
4) I am doing the right thing by having the Lap Band, which ties into my first statement.
I know I am obese, I see it in the mirror and the scales. But I didn't get this way by food alone, so it pisses me off when its just assumed I have food addiction issues. What set me off on this? Well it was a fairly harmless jesture by one of the aides when I was admitted.
It was a little before 6 pm when they decided to admit me, I had already been there for over 4 hours. I had a late start to my morning. Drank a cup of tea and few crackers around 1 or so when I left to pick up a few things. So really had not eaten when I went into the ER. So at 6pm I was very hungry and I didn't think of asking the hubby to bring me food when he was dropping off stuff for me for the night,
I commented to the aide when I got into the room that I had not eaten and would like a menu. He said he had to talk the Nurse and Dr first since they have been down as being diabetic (I am not, well not officially). which I was ok with. He had to do his job. An hour later, no Dr or Nurse. Still very hungry and the headache from the cat scan dye really was not helping.
Hubby said to ring the nurse, but I didn't want to. I had already got the vibe "Oh what a shock the fat chick is hungry". Honestly there are more important things to buzz about. So hubby went to find the aide, he came back and said he was just putting in my order.
Not five minutes later the aide shows up with two containers with sandwich, chips and soda. Really? I could have sent the hubby out to get something healthier. What happened to the big deal about ensuring I followed a diabetic menu.
He tells me the kitchen was closed. I graciously thanked him as he was also ending his shift. Did I voice my irritation? NO I was gratefully he got me something to eat and really could not help the timing of when it was decided to admit me. But before I even got a chance to consume any of the food, my nurse shows up.
She went over my chart gave me a low down on what they were going to do the next day and so on. She notices the sandwiches and made the comment about the kitchen being closed and that with my diabetic diet the aid should not have brought me something with so much white wheat and sugar.
Like I didn't feel bad enough as it was, but you know, I was damn hunger. I had already sent my daughter to get me a bottle of water since I had not intention of drinking the sodas. After the nurse left I had just taken one or two bites of the tuna sandwich, and another aid showed up with hospital food dinner of chicken breast, corn and coffee. My daughter ate the rest of my tuna sandwich. I had not problem eating a chicken breast.
I do not have a food addiction. I have a "get off your ass" problem. Yes food and portion sizes helped me get to where I am. But that is not the only reason I am obese. Other factors contributing to my weight:
1) The wonderful lottery called genetics
2) I might get an average of 4 hrs sleep a night during the work week
3) I have an office job and a long crappy commute that keeps me in my car 2-4hrs daily
4) The lack of true exercise
If I was addicted to food, why would I schedule my Lap Band surgery for Dec 6th knowing that I have to start my Optifast meals on Nov 22nd, two days before Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong I like Turkey Day or as my middle child calls it "The Holiday of Food" . To me the day is more about getting together with friends, besides I enjoy baking and cooking more then the consumption of the food.
Guess is just hit a nerve.
Oh and the verdict from the hospital: Blood work ok, chest x-ray clear, cat scan clear, echo clear. Possible gall bladder issue, gastric track need to be checked but since I am already scheduled for an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) on Dec 2nd as a pre-op procedure for my lap band. I was released and instructed to have follow ups with my primary doctor.
Like I said, not the way I wanted to spend 11/11/11.
After a number of hours of testing, I was admitted overnight for "observations" and scheduled for a Echo and stress test in the morning. Why the big deal? Well having past issues with my heart it was their "Lets play it safe move". Which I get really. But so didn't want to spend my night there.
Laying in my lonely hospital bed I came to realize a few things:
1) I really need to get healthy
2) I have great friends who kept texting me until wee hours of the morning, since they couldn't come see me.
3)There are a lot misconceptions about obese people and I still hate being lumped in (no pun intended) with those stereotypes.
4) I am doing the right thing by having the Lap Band, which ties into my first statement.
I know I am obese, I see it in the mirror and the scales. But I didn't get this way by food alone, so it pisses me off when its just assumed I have food addiction issues. What set me off on this? Well it was a fairly harmless jesture by one of the aides when I was admitted.
It was a little before 6 pm when they decided to admit me, I had already been there for over 4 hours. I had a late start to my morning. Drank a cup of tea and few crackers around 1 or so when I left to pick up a few things. So really had not eaten when I went into the ER. So at 6pm I was very hungry and I didn't think of asking the hubby to bring me food when he was dropping off stuff for me for the night,
I commented to the aide when I got into the room that I had not eaten and would like a menu. He said he had to talk the Nurse and Dr first since they have been down as being diabetic (I am not, well not officially). which I was ok with. He had to do his job. An hour later, no Dr or Nurse. Still very hungry and the headache from the cat scan dye really was not helping.
Hubby said to ring the nurse, but I didn't want to. I had already got the vibe "Oh what a shock the fat chick is hungry". Honestly there are more important things to buzz about. So hubby went to find the aide, he came back and said he was just putting in my order.
Not five minutes later the aide shows up with two containers with sandwich, chips and soda. Really? I could have sent the hubby out to get something healthier. What happened to the big deal about ensuring I followed a diabetic menu.
He tells me the kitchen was closed. I graciously thanked him as he was also ending his shift. Did I voice my irritation? NO I was gratefully he got me something to eat and really could not help the timing of when it was decided to admit me. But before I even got a chance to consume any of the food, my nurse shows up.
She went over my chart gave me a low down on what they were going to do the next day and so on. She notices the sandwiches and made the comment about the kitchen being closed and that with my diabetic diet the aid should not have brought me something with so much white wheat and sugar.
Like I didn't feel bad enough as it was, but you know, I was damn hunger. I had already sent my daughter to get me a bottle of water since I had not intention of drinking the sodas. After the nurse left I had just taken one or two bites of the tuna sandwich, and another aid showed up with hospital food dinner of chicken breast, corn and coffee. My daughter ate the rest of my tuna sandwich. I had not problem eating a chicken breast.
I do not have a food addiction. I have a "get off your ass" problem. Yes food and portion sizes helped me get to where I am. But that is not the only reason I am obese. Other factors contributing to my weight:
1) The wonderful lottery called genetics
2) I might get an average of 4 hrs sleep a night during the work week
3) I have an office job and a long crappy commute that keeps me in my car 2-4hrs daily
4) The lack of true exercise
If I was addicted to food, why would I schedule my Lap Band surgery for Dec 6th knowing that I have to start my Optifast meals on Nov 22nd, two days before Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong I like Turkey Day or as my middle child calls it "The Holiday of Food" . To me the day is more about getting together with friends, besides I enjoy baking and cooking more then the consumption of the food.
Guess is just hit a nerve.
Oh and the verdict from the hospital: Blood work ok, chest x-ray clear, cat scan clear, echo clear. Possible gall bladder issue, gastric track need to be checked but since I am already scheduled for an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) on Dec 2nd as a pre-op procedure for my lap band. I was released and instructed to have follow ups with my primary doctor.
Like I said, not the way I wanted to spend 11/11/11.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Yes, Bariatric Surgery
After years of struggling with my weight I have made the very difficult decision of going through bariatric surgery. This was not an easy decision for me, I don't see it as an easy way out for a lazy life style. There are so many contributing factors to my weight problems. No matter the judgment I may have for taking this weight loss option, it was my decision. I need help, in the right direction.
If you are a drug addict or an alcoholic your addictions can almost be hidden. I can't tell you how many times I hear the phrase "functional alcoholic". When you are obese, its not something that can hide judgment. No I am not addicted to food, I have no problem modifying my diet. Even was a pescatarianfor most of the summer with my daughter (and have seriously considered going back to being one).
I know surgery is not a "quick fix" I know my lifestyle will change drastically. OK I am ready for that. I NEED that change. This is just the huge push in the right direction. I have lived with my weight issues for too long. I am very thankful to have very supportive friends and family to proved me the emotional support I need while I go through this change in my life.
I researched the options of sleeve gastrectomy, biliopancreatic diversion (gastro-bypass) and gastric banding.
Taking in the considerations of:
- My heart condition
- Being borderline diabetic
- Varicose veins
- Slight hypertension
- Recovery time
- Family obligations
- Work obligations
I also know/met various people who have gone through each of these procedures. The final decision came down to gastric banding. With it being a reversible procedure and the shorter recovery time, plus having a heart condition makes the other two procedures too dangerous, gastric banding was truly the only option.
The process of going through with this surgery started in early June. There were a number of requirements I had to fulfil for Tricare, and I was almost completed with them when I enrolled into my employer's insurance as of Oct 1. So I played the waiting game for approval. As of today I have been approved for surgery: December 6th.
I will post more as details of the surgery as they arise.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Heart Update
So I didn't realize that I didn't make any updates about my heart. As most of you know in July of 2010 I did have a heart cath done. It was all clear. Dr verdic, I am fat and need to loose weight. Well actually there is more to it but right now I have other things on my mind to post. Needless to say I have no desire to ever go back to that cardiologist.
This post will be edited later, so those that dont know the rest of the story will.....
This post will be edited later, so those that dont know the rest of the story will.....
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