snowloft
Approaching my 2 year anniversary
Apr 16, 2009
April 16, 2008 - Well it appears I have neglected maintaining a presence here. The truth is, life is too busy for me at the moment. However, as my 2 year anniversary approaches, I thought it would be good to check in; if for no other reason then to assure everyone that I haven't walked through Heaven's gates yet. :)
Nearly 2 years after my Lap-Band installation, I am proud to report that I have lost 6 pounds. :) Yes, that is not a typo, I have only lost 6 pounds relative to my surgery date. As many of you know, initially I needed to lose about 106 pounds to even be eligible for the surgery. After the surgery, I slowly gained probably around 40 pounds, but now I'm back down to 6 pounds below my surgery weight.
Am I discouraged? Absolutely not. Since my commitment to this program, I have lost 112 pounds during the past 2 years. It doesn't matter how or why the weight loss occurred, it just did. And this is a 5 year program I am working on, so I have well over 3 more years of weight-loss ahead of me. So, no discouragement from me!
There were several contributing factors as to why I haven't lost more to date. First, is that I had a larger band installed. Afterall, I was once 524 pounds or more! During this time, we steadily added fills to the band. I tried very hard to find ways to convince me that something was working, but it really wasn't. The problem was adjustment level. The large band has more cc capacity, and steadily over the past 2 years Dr. Gens increased the fill. If you ask Nancy and Dr. Gens about my fills, they were never fun or short or pleasant, and needed to be done guided by X-Ray. We probably spent a total of 2-3 hours under X-Ray. Some days were easier than others, but the amount of patience demonstrated by Nancy and Dr. Gens even during those long procedures was comforting. In other words, despite the fact that their next patients were accumulating in the waiting room, not once did I feel pressured, rushed, or made to feel guilty because of the time it took. They were not looking at their watches every couple minutes ready to race to their next appointment, they stayed and performed the work that needed done, and with a smile.
A few months ago, I received a fill and after that I really started to feel the band working. My weight gain had slowed. I received another fill, and my weight levelled off and remained relatively level. I think we waited a little longer before the next fill because it was becoming apparent I was getting close to being adjusted properly. My last fill did the trick, and tipped me into a nice, steady weight-loss that was consistent. And for the first time, I knew I was adjusted properly. I am not even interested in another fill at this point, as the Lap-Band system is performing its function as advertised. For awhile, I became discouraged, and wondered whether or not I made the wrong decision on procedures, and should have gone with the full bypass.
But no more discouragement here. My hunger feels normal for the first time in 25 years or so. I no longer feel trapped or enslaved now towards food. When I'm hungry, a small healthy snack or meal does the trick. I often cannot finish my food, which is a good thing. I'm also countering my eating disorder tendencies, and am not freaking out if I eat less than healthy foods. I'm feeling better, and I'm looking forward to my transformation over the next 3 years. 112 down, approximately 200 left to go. :)
Other medical issues cropped up during this time. First was a tumor that developed on the palm of my hand. I had surgery to remove that, and it was benign. The surgeon was initially concerned about my weight for the procedure, and for their operating tables, but in the end he said I was a smooth case.
Next, I started having consistent and continual issues with atrial fibrillation and tachycardia. I became fairly sick, difficult to get out of bed and even walk to the bathroom, not to mention missing alot of work. I was referred to a cardiologist because things were not looking too good. I also landed in the hospital a few times. But some medication changes were made including the introduction of Bystolic, and the removal of Cartia. Also my potassium and magnesium were out of whack. With those change in medications, I improved almost immediately. Since September 2008, the heart issues have faded to virtual non-existance.
During all the diagnostics of my heart, they found a tumor in my left thyroid, roughly the size and shape of a small kiwi fruit, growing under my collarbone. I went to Boston and they removed the left thyroid and the isthmus. Since my left thyroid was nearly 100% tumor, I'm not expecting to need thyroid medication, but I'll find that out on May 14, 2009. This tumor was also benign.
And lastly I was having bleeding in my bowels, so I had a colonoscopy. I was in great condition with the exception of a polyp near my cecum, which he removed, and he made a note of diverticulosus. The polyp was considered pre-cancerous, and at age 42, had I waited until I was 50 for my first colonoscopy, the surgeon believes he would have found cancer there. But once again, benign.
Well, I'm exhausted. I hope you enjoyed the update. Take care.
