Rhonda Burkhart

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I weighed this morning and I'm down to 185!  I've lost 20 lbs since surgery in June 17, 2009.  I am so happy with this progress. I feel great just knowing the first 20 is lost and gone forever.  I love my band and thank God for this awesome opportunity.   

Ok, well I finally got my first fill.  I was so excited to get to this phase.  I know from ready forum posts that many people don't get any restrictions with the first couple of fills. So, I was just thrilled to start getting fills and didn't really expect too much restriction.  I followed my rules for the first 48 hours keeping it to full liquids and then mushies.  Well today I tried solid food and guess what ... I have awesome restrictions.  I chewed  slowly and cautiously because i wasn't sure what to expect when I swallowed.  After about 4 bites of grilled chicken I felt full.  I burped and that was it.  I was truly full.  I couldn't believe it.  I was a little sad because the chicken was really good and I was looking forward to eating it, but I was just amazed that four little bites filled me up.  I think I'm really gonna love this phase of the journey. 

I had such big expectations that I'd be down 20 lbs or so by the first month and everyone would be taking notice.  Not so!!! Oh everyone is taking notice ... noticing that I still don't seem to be losing weight.  Three weeks out and I'm down 11 lbs since surgery.  I'm pleased with that.  When I begin mushies, I begin my stall.  I've increased my exercise and began a new outlook on life.  I know this is gonna work and I know it's gonna take time.  I'm proud of my 11 lbs. I just thought it would happen quicker. 

The end of this week I'll be one month out and I will weigh again.  Lose or not, I know that I'm learning new healthy  habits and I am already having a better quality of life.  In a year from now I'll be looking back and thinking how silly I was to expect such great things in only a month's time.

Well I'm about to finish up my first week back to work.  I was banded on a Wednesday and went back to work on the next Monday.  Monday was tricky.  I was still a bit tender and very cautious.  Now, by Friday, I feel that I'm back to 100%.  I feel great.  Along with my great recovery comes the HUNGER!  I seem to be hungry all the time and these puddings and jellos just don't seem to cut it anymore. I really really really wanna eat something. 

I've made a pledge today ... I WILL FOLLOW THE BAND RULES

I've not struggled with insurance, pre-testing, and months of weightloss education to fail.  I read the boards and watch everyone celebrate their victories ... I will be victorious too. 

I finally got my band placed on June 17, 2009.  It felt like this day was never gonna happen.  I feel really good and feel so positive about the changes.  I look forward to being healthier and living life to the fullest.  I do want to record that it has been 4 days and I already  miss food and the social aspect of eating.  I hope that passes with time and a little work. 

Surgery went very well.  I've had no complications thus far.  I had one episode of nausea and threw up one time and then it went away.  I've been working so hard to get my fluids in, but I feel like all I'm doing is drinking.  My doctor and hospital staff were all great and very friendly. 

I am proud to start this journey!