The Mid Point

It has been so long since I have updated on here..sorry for those of you that actually like to read this :) I started reboot which was a 6 week work out program with a trainer in a group session with other lap band patients. Gloria was an amazing woman and really taught me a lot about myself that I am trying to work through. I started training to run a 5k on Thanksgiving day. When I started I couldn't run 30 seconds without feeling like I was having a heart attack. Now I am 7 weeks in and I ran 2 miles last week without stopping or dying and I kinda felt I could of gone a little further. I have a little less than a month until the race and I actually have a good feeling that I might actually be able to run the entire thing which is the goal!!

My goal was to lose 50 lbs by my 6 month anniversary but I didn't hit that goal. I was pretty disappointed, but I still have made good strides! I just have to remember that although my ultimate goal is to lose weight and be healthy I still plan to live a "normal" life which means if I want to eat ice cream or mexican then I am and not feeling guilty. If that means that my weight loss is a little slower then I am learning to be ok with that. I certainly know I can't have it both ways :)

To date I have lost 46 lbs which is not far off of my goal, just a month behind :) Now my new goal is to lose another 20 lbs by Christmas ..

The most important part is that I feel really really good I can't tell you what a difference I feel. Not drinking soda has a huge part of it and I don't even miss it anymore. I have started trying things in the past couple weeks that I wasn't able to eat before and they are going down so far. I do miss some things, but I know that if I had the chance to eat something and not be restricted that I would get right back to where I was quickly.

I am so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life to support me. I know I have said it before, but it makes me feel so happy and loved to have so many people cheering me on and being just as happy with my weight loss as I am!

I will do my best to update this more often :) I will for sure update after my race to hopefully report that I RAN the entire thing!! Then I will update at Christmas so we can see if I have in fact hit my next goal :)

One last thought..this is the month of Thanksgiving...remember to be thankful every day for what the Lord has given you! Give Thanks don't just expect and take for granted!!

kv

The Journey

It has been awhile since I have updated this. Things in my life has just been a little hetic!! I am 4 months and 2 weeks post surgery and things have been interesting! I was always planning to do the work! I planned to eat healthy and work out I knew it wasn't going to be easy. I really didn't expect how hard it was going to be. I have had my band filled 3 times and after the 2nd fill I wasn't going very well. Food was getting stuck and things just really hurt! I went back in and decided not to get another fill. I talked with the doc and had a few of my questions answered. I went back the first of August and she pulled out all of the fluid to see how much was really in there. On paper I showed one number but in reality I had much more. Which explained the pain I was in!! She added just a little bit more. The past 3 weeks have been really really tough. Most days I can't eat more than 3 or 4 bites of my meal before I have to stop. Not because I am full but because it hurts. I can literally feel everything going through my band and it is painful. It doesn't matter what I am eating. I can generally get ice cream down but that is obviously not the best option! If I was dropping a bunch of weight because I wasn't eating I would be ok with it, but I am not really losing because my body is in starvation mode. I think I have lost a few lbs but not much. I go back to the doctor on Sept 2nd and will talk with them a little more and see what they suggest. I am starting tomorrow to train for running a 5k on Thanksgiving and I think eating is going to be important! I am also going to be starting with the personal trainer provided by Malley Surgical 3 nights per week.

I did buy a smaller pair of pants and shirts so that is a good feeling, but I only have 2 months left before I hit my 6 month point and I wanted to be down a lot more than I am by then!!

kv

The Second Fill

So I have had 2 fills now in my band. After the first fill, I needed to chew better and eat smaller bites but I was still able to eat a little more than I thought I should. When I went in to the doctor for my 2nd fill I had lost 8.5 lbs in 2 weeks. I was really happy with that!! I had gained 4 at my last visit so now I am down a total of 22 lbs!!

I asked for a 2nd fill and he just put in a small amount this time. It has been a little rough this time. I have tried eating soft grilled chicken a few times and I get a few bites down and then something gets stuck. That is the most painful thing!! It feel like a combo of having a heart attack and suffocating. I can't breath and I can't drink it makes it feel worse, even swallowing is painful.

I tried eating pasta last night and that didn't work out at all. I ate some and then it got stuck and wouldn't pass. It hurt so bad and I was freaking out, I try to walk back and forth when something gets stuck to try to help it pass and this just wouldn't pass. Needless to say I threw it up. That was a little scary because there was no warning of it coming to even make it to the bathroom. Good thing I was at my mom's and not out in public somewhere.

So I am scared to eat much now, I am sticking to soft soft foods and still chewing really well.

I go back in Monday, but I don't think I am going to get another fill this time. I need to figure out what works with the amount I have in now I can't imagine adding more I am afraid I would be on an all liquid diet.

Fingers crossed for a big weight loss again when I go in. I am not letting myself weigh at home so I can be surprised :)

kv

The First Fill

Today was my first fill. I was happy to have it done, things have been a little to easy the past few weeks.

I have been a bit depressed lately which is a trigger for me to eat. My appetite has been full on recently and I have been able to eat just about anything and the portions have been getting larger too. So needless to say I was ready for today!!

I weighed in 4 lbs higher than my last visit, which brought me to tears in the office. Dr. Malley said that this was normal and good news because it means that I am healed. I think he was just being nice :)

The fill itself wasn't painful at all which was a relief because I am not a fan of needles!

What is a fill you ask? The plastic band has a "pillow" along the inside of it. The band also has a tube attached to a port. The doc injects saline into the port which "fills" the "pillow" to make the opening of the band tighter. This will allow less food to pass through and to make me feel more full more quickly. This also could mean that some foods may not be able to pass at all so I have to learn what will work for me and what won't. I am back on soft foods for 2 days after my fill and I go back to the doc in 2 weeks to see how things are going.

I hope to snap out of this funk soon :)

Keep sending happy thoughts my way!!

kv

Week 4

This is the end of week 4 and things have been pretty interesting. First of all I feel totally back to normal. I know that my doctor said that it would take a good 6 weeks or so to be totally healed but I do feel good. I have pretty much tried most all kinds of food just to see what would and wouldn't work. Sadly I haven't found anything that doesn't work. My band hasn't been "filled" yet so the passage way is larger than it will eventually be. So the things that I am able to eat now will probably not work after I get my band filled. I go in May 24th for my first fill. I have started walking this week and am going to start doing more in my work outs. I haven't lost any more weight so that is very sad, but it is my own fault. I just wanted to "test" the waters to see how I would do. I am seeing a difference in my portion sizes.

I will update after my first fill. I am sure it will be very different!

The 1 Week Check In

Today is a good day!! It has been one week since surgery and I feel great! The first few days I was pretty sore, pretty slow moving, and just able to drink liquids.

I felt good Thursday and started doing a little more around the house, and by that evening I was in a lot of pain. I went ahead and got up and went to work Friday but I didn't make it more than a couple hours and headed back home, back to my pain meds, and back to bed :)

Took it easy over the weekend and then back to work on Monday. Today I hardly have any pain at all!!

The first 4 days I was drinking protein shakes, tomato soup, and water. So needless to say the LBs were just dropping off! On Saturday I was able to "upgrade" to blended potato soup, mashed potatoes, and anything I don't have to chew. By Sunday night I was so hungry my appetite was back full on and I was so hungry. Monday I discovered chocolate peanut butter smoothie's and I felt full for the first time in weeks :)

Tonight my son and I went for a walk, I feel good and I am in no pain! I am so excited. To date I have lost 15 lbs!!! I had lost 3.5 lbs during the 2 week pre op diet, and now an additional 11.5 in a week. Those are Biggest Loser numbers ;) I haven't been able to work out yet so I know that this won't last as soon as I am able to eat real food again. I am excited that I could go for a walk tonight with out having any pain! I didn't walk far or long so I can got a little more each time.

Friday I go in for my post op appointment and I should be upgraded to food, "soft" food like fish, eggs, oatmeal, sweet potatoes.....My parents are coming over on Sunday and I am going to cook Talipa, Sweet Potatoes, and Salad for the first time...well I have made salad before haha.

I have never really wanted "healthy" food and now I crave it. I hope that doesn't go away!!

I am so grateful to everyone for looking out for my. I work for the best man in the world and he has been so supportive and fantastic through all of this. Thank you J you are the best !!!!! Everyone I work with have been just great, and all of my friends and family! I am truly blessed and I thank God for all of you every day!

Thank you Lord for this gift, and I promise to appreciate it and use it for your glory!

kv

The Procedure

I think the 13th will start to be a lucky day for me :)

Today was the BIG day...no pun intended ;) It really started yesterday with the all clear liquid diet. Surprisingly it wasn't so bad! I was certain I wouldn't sleep but I really did, I prayed for sleep and peace and the Lord laid his hands on me and allowed me to rest!

Up at 4:30 am...got ready and put together and my mom got here to get me at 5:15. I had her take some "before" pictures but I will post those a little later when I have a good "after" to show..because now they are just sad!

Got to the facility a little before 6am and they took me back to my room got me all hooked up and started my IV then had my mom come in to sit with me. I was glad that she was able to be there to help me not worry. It kinda reminded me when I had Griffen, I was being induced sitting there hooked up to all this stuff with just my mom and was scared to death!!

Dr. Malley got there about 7:15 and came to talk with me and let me know again what to expect and then back I went. I was out of surgery and waking up by 8:20 so it didn't take long at all. I did have a Hiatal Hernia (Hiatal hernia is a condition in which a portion of the stomach protrudes upward into the chest, through an opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the sheet of muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. It is used in breathing.) that he discovered when he got in there so he repaired that for me. It caused me to have chest pains and heart burn but I had no idea!

When I first woke up I was in a lot of pain and felt like I couldn't take a deep breath with is normal. They gave me pain meds but I was so uncomfortable that I couldn't fall asleep. Around 11 am the nurse asked if I wanted to get up and said "nope" but she told me if I got up she would take everything off of me so I agreed. It actually wasn't as bad as I thought I was walking like I was 99 but I was up! After that I finally was able to fall asleep for a little bit but not for to long.

Around 12ish I did the Barium Swallow, which was allowed them to watch, in the xray machine, my stomach and band and the Barium passing through without any problems.

Dr. Malley came in and talked with me at a little before 1pm and then i FINALLY got to drink some water! My mouth was so so so dry!!

I then got to get dressed and go home! Mom took me to CVS so I could get my pain meds filled, got some fruit ice cream bars, and soup. I was so dry and hungry I opened the fruit bars right there at CVS waiting for my script :)

We got home and sat outside for a bit but I just couldn't get comfortable. I tried laying down but that didn't help either. I did take a Gas-X Strip because my shoulder hurt so bad and got up and moved around because lying back and drinking is just not a good combo! Mom and I sat on the couch watching TV and dozed off and on, both of us. The Obama came on and interrupted Dr. OZ so we were both a sleep then no problem :) haha

Thank you to my mom for being with me today!!!

I am laying on the couch now waiting to eat my soup for dinner. I am holding off on the paid meds until right before bed so I can get some sleep!

I am excited about this next step in my life! I so appreciate all of my friends and family for all of your kind words, thoughts, and prayers! I am truly blessed to have you all in my life!

Mostly I have to Praise God for allowing this to happen for me, for giving me this 2nd chance in life and for getting me through today healthy!

kv

The Pre Op Appointment

I went in today for pre op appointment. Had blood drawn and all that fun stuff. I also got to ask a few more questions and was given a lot of information about what to expect right after surgery. So surgery is set for 7:30 am Tuesday April 13th. I have to arrive at 6 am and should be home by early afternoon. I am so ready and excited to start this next chapter of my life.

Thank you to all my friends and family for being so supportive during this process. Please keep me in your prayers on Tuesday!

I can't wait to post updates after surgery!!!

XO

kv

The Diet - Pre Op -

I went to the store today to purchase my pre op diet items. Low sodium broth isn't as easy to find as I thought. I start tomorrow and I am nervous that I am going to fail. I won't have my tool in place yet and will be required to eat less than 100o calories....that just isn't normal!

I will however get a jump start on my weight loss so that excites me. I just need to try and keep focused and stay really busy so I won't be tempted to eat.

Lots or work and exercise!

I do get a break on Easter in order to spend time with my family and celebrate Our RISEN LORD!!!! Also, Griffen's birthday!

Please keep me in your prayers over the next couple weeks. I will need all of the prayers, support, and love I can get!

kv

The Consult

Today was my consultation with Dr. Malley. I wasn't really sure what to expect but I was nervous and excited!! There were several of us there so Dr. Malley brought us into a room and talked about the risks of surgery and a few details about surgery and what to expect after. I then went in for a one on one consult with him. We talked about my medical history then I was able to ask my few questions and talk about concerns I have. He made me feel very comfortable and even more sure of my decision!!

So I went to the front desk and scheduled it. Monday April 19th!!! There is a 2 week pre op diet that consists of ONLY 2 protein shakes and a small low calorie dinner...lean cuisine or smart one. There are a few other things I can eat sugar free jello, low sodium broth, and sugar free drinks. This might be the hardest part of the entire thing :) My stomach won't be small yet and I have to eat basically nothing for 2 weeks. UGH!! I can do it...I can do it..I CAN DO IT!!!

I do still feel very good about my decision! I am ready for this next step and can't wait to see what I can make happen!

My son is my light and my world I love him more than I can put into words! I am doing this for him more than anything! I want to be here to dance with him at his wedding and to see his through his school years as a mom that he can be proud of and not embarrassed of!!!

Getting The Info

Well tomorrow is my consultation with Dr. Malley. I am looking forward to getting my questions answered and to hear what he has to say. I am also ready to get my surgery scheduled and to start on this journey. I was watching some video blogs on the Malley website and I am a little nervous about how it is going to effect me!!

I will post the answers tomorrow after my appointment.

Still, mainly just excited!!

kv

The Decision

So after much research, soul searching, and mostly praying I have decided to have Lap Band surgery. My weight has just gotten more and more out of control with each passing year. I have tried dieting and working out and I never seem to see results. I have not always been over weight in high school I was a size 7/9 and as an adult my food addiction began. I do truly love food! I have an extremely low to no metabolism and I have tried doing the work and after 3-4 works with no results I get frustrated and would give up.

I am a single mom and my unhealthy lifestyle is killing me slowly which scares me. I am not looking for an easy fix I want to be healthy and I understand that a huge part of that is what I eat and working out. I don't mind putting in the work, in fact I welcome it I just need something to help give me a jump to actually seeing results!!

I have thought about this for a little over a year and I just didn't know if it was right for me. Turning 35 this year sort of felt like a mile stone year that required me to start making some serious changes to allow myself to start living my life and stop watching it pass me by.

I signed up for a seminar with Malley Surgical Center on my 35th birthday and attended it the following Saturday. I went in to listen to what they had to say and at the end I just knew that this was the option for me. The Lord put this in my path and I truly believe that it is what I need to help me on this journey.

I go in Monday the 22nd for my one on one consultation with Dr. Malley and will schedule my surgery then. I am hoping to have in mid April, but we will see what he thinks would be best.

I am scared but excited to begin this journey and I have decided to blog about it as a journal for myself to track my ups, downs, and progress throughout it.

kv