Pnelson9
An Adjustment Needed
Oct 18, 2012
Been Gone Too Long....
Jun 08, 2012
I have been walking regularly with my best companion buddy (since 9/1/12), Taboo. He is a rescue that came into our lives this past fall. What a blessing he has been in my life! Tab is a 7# Chihuahua-Mini Pincher with a calm spirit. He started out bearly being able to handle two blocks of a walk, but now goes a couple of miles along side! I have begun to refocus portion size and evening munchies. Change is on the way! I recenty bought a pair of real running shoes from an athletic store...a first for me to buy athletic shoes for the sole purpose of athletics :) Positive change is happening and getting stronger. Forward....March! Hup 2, 3, 4
Adjustment Appt #4 Tomorrow
Aug 22, 2011
I actually got on my bike to practice and build up to be able to ride with friends. My son and I rode down the street to a church parking lot. I made it that far!!! It's the small things, you know :) Anyway, I asked him to ride my bike a little because the pedal felt funny to me. He agreed. Oh well, I wanted to get used to turning and braking. I get back on, take a couple of strides, and the pedal falls off...just my luck...had to walk the thing back home.
Started walking around the neighborhood, too. I put the pedometer on to clock the steps down to the park, around the block, and back again. A neighbor asked to walk with me when I came around from the second tour. We started out, but she was walking way too slow...wait, did I actually say that?? I really didn't want to 'stroll' and then she heard dogs barking in a fenced yard. She freaked out despite the fact the dogs were chiquaqua-types that you could put in your pocket! No way. This was not going well at all. I am better off going it alone for now :)
I go in tomorrow for an adjustment assessment. I didn't get to have a fill last time, so I am anxious and nervous. This time though I have some data that I've been tracking in my journal. Fingers crossed...til the morning. Smile.
3rd Doc Appt Post-AGB for Adjustment 7-18-11
Jul 19, 2011
My second adjustment was 6-20-11. I received a fill of 0.5 cc. I noticed a difference right away. I learned what an obstruction is..holy cow! My analogy is like when you try to pour shampoo or liquid soap from one bottle to the next. You know how you have to pour some in and then wait until the bubble thing reaches the top before anything can go down. Well, that's exactly what you are waiting for when you eat too fast or don't chew enough. Not to mention the severe discomfort you have to endure while you wait for that sloooow moving bubble! I do still feel like I eat more than 1/2 c to get the fullness feeling.
Lots of changes, stresses, and transitions this month which have lead me astray. I have been eating more emotionally, looking for ice cream or craving crunchy, salty snacks. Still trying to make good choices despite everything. I have been staying within the same weight range all month. Really looking forward to another fill to help get me over this hump.
Well, the day I've been waiting for... Only to get rejected for a fill :( WHAT??!!! Doc asked why I thought I have been lingering in the same weight and perhaps I should meet with the dietician to get focused. He didn't want to fill - maybe I'm at the right level and just need to get back to protein first, etc. I think the devastation on my face was more than evident. Oh well, perhaps that was a slap in the face that I needed. After meeting with the dietician, I learned some tricks and ideas that I can use. Afterall, I'm just learning this new lifestyle, right? The band is not going to do the work of losing this weight....I WILL DO THIS!!
Thanks for listening, supporting, and encouraging!
Three week post-band update
May 06, 2011
Three weeks post-surgery update:
I can’t even believe that it has been three weeks already. I am feeling so great with more energy. I went back to work at one week. Week two was still sore, back pain, and tired after working all day. Week three has been super! I am able to eat real food three times per day. The idea of not drinking during my meal is still challenging as I instinctively grab something to wash my mouth out…and then remember that I’m not supposed to do that. I guess some old habits are hard to break :) Being able to eat small portions and make smart food choices has been the easy part. I just wish that my lower gi track would get back on track, though.
Surgery 4 Days Ago
Apr 19, 2011
4 days ago! My surgery was conducted on Fri April 15, 2011. All went well and was able to sit up in a chair for about 30 min only 4 hours afterwards. Then I took a walk to the sun room to see the rising Mississippi River at 7:30PM and a longer walk around the halls to see the snow at 10:30 PM. Slept OK for short bursts between disturbances for vitals, bathroom, etc.
Saturday, April 16, 2011 released after a jaunt up to the 8th floor for the spectacular view and lunch with Max & Grammee. Hit the road home soon after that. Hooray! 24 hours in the hospital room was enough for me :) Can’t wait to jump...OK, slide, ouch...into the adjustable sleep number!!
Slow and steady is the name of the game right now. Up walking around the house, sitting on the couch, back to bed, take chunks of pain pills, sleep, and repeat. Finally, today I feel good enough to check email and blog a bit, too. So far, so good! I am SOOO thankful and grateful for my mom who has been staying with us to help with everything!
Final Weigh In - 7 days to go
Apr 09, 2011
I had my final weigh-in of my pre-surgery weight loss goal. Whew…I just squeaked by. It is that time of the month and maintaining my loss has been a struggle. Not to worry, though, I made it! After all of that, I had a class on getting ready for the surgery with a check in with my dietitian, Danielle. She went through the first two phases or weeks of eating program. I will be shopping for broth and sugar-free pudding.
Being this close is an awesome feeling…in the true sense of the word. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I have learned so much through my pre-surgery requirements that I know what to expect and know that I can do this. There have been so many great starts with new weight loss programs in the past that just dwindle; I am nervous that my motivation will also dwindle. Reading the forum posts to learn what others are going or have gone through is really a blessing. I know that with continued support and creating new, good habits for healthy living, I will be successful to meet my goals.
March 26, 2011
Mar 26, 2011
I saw my primary doc yesterday...She is the best! I am so fortunate to have such fantastic folks supporting my odyssey. I've been practicing drinking 30 min b4 my meal, eating for at least 20 min, and then waiting 30 min b4 drinking. My egg timer is definitely my friend for this process :) The most difficult has been waiting to drink after the meal. I am typically a 'sipper' of fluids throughout the day so this seems like mild torture especially since the total deprivation is almost 1 1/2 hours...yikes!
23 Days Left
Mar 23, 2011
March 23, 2011 - I had a phone session from my 'coach'. We discussed what the diet would be like after the surgery. Being the visual person that I am, I created a chart of the foods and supplies that I will need to stock up on. My chart contains list of edibles for each phase of the post-surgery diet. I also had to create a diagram of the drinking and meal schedule. This seems confusing to read about so I had to map it out. Practicing now will help me develop the new routine and master my food choices. Only one more phone call to complete the phone course requirement before surgery :)
