vsmith080808

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It's been a long time since my last post.  I've had 3 total fills and am down 40 pounds from my pre-op weight.   I fully understand those who have stated that WLS is only a tool, as I have learned I still have to deal with my emotional food triggers and to stop eating when my stomach is full.  The band, certainly lets us know when we are full and I am beginning to realize that I have to be constantly aware of my head hunger and desire to continue to taste.  As they say, awareness is key, then we must take action to change. 

On Halloween, I sort of short circuited after I was let go from my job after 17 years in the same company and 28 years in my profession.  I was having a different kind of emotional crisis and  my emotions spiraled through the Holidays where I did not choose well and was lucky to have maintained my weight and not gain. 

When I went for my 3rd Fill on January 27th, I snapped.  I had major life changing WLS in August and I'm not going to continue this pity party to put another failure under my belt!  I am going to change my life and I will walk through the new door that God provides me, in his time.  In the meantime, I will prepare myself, take care of myself and continue to have a positive attitude about my future.   So,  I am back to making wise choices - more protein & veggies, less carbs.  I'm also going to set three new goals for myself to help me stay focused:
1.  Stay connected by using my OH tools by reading about other successful people and their WLS journey.
2.  Blog about my experience.
3.  Start exercising.

Like anything in life, you have to use it or lose it.  When I was preparing for surgery, I read everything, weighed everything and was so conscious of what I ate and how I felt.  I was excited and driven towards my goal.  Well, here I am again,  ready to get myself back on track, using my tools, staying aware and focused to achieve my WLS goal of good  health and better self esteem.  The information and friends on OH will be my guide.

Although I detest exercise, I have begun to visualize myself working out at the gym.  I finally joined the local Community Center and have made a committment to begin a cardio and circuit training program.  I will keep you posted as I progress.

Until my next blog, be well dear friends!

I'm anxiously awaiting my first fill on Sept. 9th.  This last month has been challenging going from having weight loss surgery, eating soft/mushy food, being hungry and not losing as much as I expected.  Then, I am naturally an impatient person, especially as it relates to my making changes and not seeing instant results.  So, I've recognized I have to be patient and realize the end result, one pound at a time.  I will be thinner, this weight IS going away and I WILL be a healthier person, mentally and physically.

My husband has been my biggest champion, supporting me every step of the way.  Although he doesn't have to lose weight, he mainly eats what I do and walks with me all the time.  He is encouraging during the times I want to feel sorry for myself and helps me stay on course.  He is my champion and dear friend.

As I enter the next phase, the fill.  I'm sure I will face new challenges and will have to alter my expectations so as to not set myself up for failure.  This is a constant work in progress and I have learned so much about myself and know I will continually grow in ways that I couldn't have imagined without this experience. 

Thank you all for your part in the process.  I read your questions and posts and have learned many things that I can apply in my life and you have asked and answered many of my same questions.  We are fortunate in so many ways....having been able to have the surgery, having wonderful family and friends and an awesome web site for support and information.  Gratitude is what I will leave with today.

Today is August 5th, just a few more days until LB surgery.  Had a meltdown last Thursday after being on liquids for a week and not losing a pound.  Then I realized the Slimfast Optima shakes contain so many grams of carbs and sugar, so I switched to EAS shakes with only 2 grams of sugar and carbs and have lost 8 pounds.  Feel much better now that I am seeing results.  I still get hungry and fidgety, but manage through them better.

I contacted a few folks in my area with the same surgery dates and look forward to living this journey along with them.

I'm anxious and ready for my new life to begin.  There's no turning back.  Cheers to my health and well being!

I began my all liquid phase of the pre-op diet on Friday, July 25th.  Wow, so glad I transitioned myself.  Had a killer headache and some feeling sorry for myself thoughts all day.  The very next day, I rec'd an email from Eric Klein to wish me success on my choice to have surgery and providing some information on getting ready.  What a timely message.  The email brought tears to my eyes and an ache in my heart.

My journey is not alone and it is so good to read emails from folks with similar questions, fears and advice.  Thank you to those who have been through this journey and continue to make the right decisions every day.  For those like me....good luck and rely on your friends on ObesityHelp.  We are all in it together!  I'll report back soon.

Today, Monday, July 21, 2008, I begin my preparation for the Realize Lap Band surgery.  To phase in to the mandatory 2 weeks of liquids pre-op, I've decided to drink Slim Fast all day and eat one meal and one desert.  Hopefully, the transition to complete liquids on Friday, the 25th, will not be as drastic a change.

My dear husband, who is my biggest supporter, has told me that he will only drink liquids at night with me beginning Friday.  I told him, he is probably better off moving out for a few weeks...LOL.

I am excited about my upcoming surgery and my new way of life.  I know I will have ups and downs, but I have them anyway.  Plus, I have new friends that are taking this journey or have taken this journey with me.  We will all be a great support!

Ready set, let's go!