Riley1
Five month update:
-Lost 40 pounds. Having second fill this week. Like many things, the band experience is not better or worse than I expected, just entirely different. For example, I've lost an average of 1 pound per week post op, and though the IDEA of becoming "instantly" thin is appealling, I'm glad it's going the way it is. It gives me time to get used to being in my body, and it's gradual enough that people aren't constantly commenting on it (like when you suddenly go blonde, you know). The best surprise has nothing to do with weight, but a sense of freedom and creativity I have now that I don't think about food every waking moment. I'm amazed many times throughout a day that I am able to focus on my work, relationship, studying, etc. and not just go through the motions while fantacizing about what I might eat next!
Only a month after getting banded, I met a man on E-harmony. He's excited for me in this journey and very supportive. We're talking about getting serious...I met his family over Thanksgiving and he met mine over Christmas. In reading over my last blog entry, I have to smile about the airplane seats. I fit in them now. And can cross my legs...EASILY.
Another "side effect"...by having more mental clarity, I studied and sat for a professional certification in my field (HR) and passed! I'm now one of 14 "Global Professionals in HR" in Oregon. The process was great for my self esteem and I'm now applying for better jobs and studying for MBA entrance exams. Life is very, very good.
Getting banded:
I was banded on July 27th, 2006 by Dr. Rumbaut.
I have a lot to say about Mexico, self-paying, and knowing what it's like to be a skinny sane person walking around in a big girl's body!
7/26/06 - Two days into liquid diet and flew to Mexico. Full flight and the usual nightmare of sardine packed seats. It was SO uncomfortable but I found solice in knowing it will be the second to last time I ever have to sit in my plane-o-shame! Pre ops were easy and my doctor ROCKS. His office and staff were amazing. He is quite possibly the nicest, kindest, funniest person I ever met. He has a band himself and has done 4000 surgeries so I know I'm in good hands!
7/29/06 - The pain was worse than I had anticipated. I thought it wouldn't hurt much but boy...it did! Only the first 24 hours though. Made friends with other new bandsters in Mexico - it's so nice to be around people who can relate to what life in an oversized me has been like! I just remembered the last moment before I went under anesthesia...the anesthesiologist said, "Okay...we are going to take you to a dream land now. What is your dream?". At which point I remember bursting into tears and the next thing I new, I was getting my blood pressure taken and in the recovery room. It may sound strange, but my dream was to be free from the bonds of fat and overeating, and also with my dog who passed away a few years ago. I've come to think of him as my angel and I could swear he appeared in the operating room as soon as that doctor asked my dream.
Some of the other bandsters who had surgery with me and I just took a van ride up to the top of the Sierra Madre mountains to look out over the city of Monterrey. All I can say is "Wow. Perspective." Losing a hundred pounds and getting my life back doesn't seem that ominous now.
Ever since I set my surgery date, I've been wishing someone could bonk me out and wake me up when I'm skinny, but now I don't want to miss out on the journey...this forum, learning to be a gourmet cook, enjoying exercise, making new friends, and discovering who I really am.
8/1/06 - I've been home from Mexico for two days. I'm taking a full week off work to stay home and recover. It's hard to take a full breath and I start to freak out, but if I relax, breathe through my nose and put my arms over my head, it's okay. This is from my diaphram having stiches in it to secure the band. I just got an email from the nutritionist reminding me to drink water. Which I have NOT been doing enough of. Well it hurts. Causes pressure in my chest. Wahhh....
I've lost ten pounds and already feel better about my body.
Two weeks of liquids. Hot soups for Safeway deli (strained) are my lifesaver these days!
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