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.....
Taking it off!!
Him
Sunday, November 27, 2011
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.
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