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It's hard to believe it's been four months already!  I've lost 36 pounds and recently noticed the morning aches and pains have disappeared.  It's a challenge every day to make sure I remain focused on my weight loss journey.  The weight loss seems really slow sometimes -- even non-existant some weeks, but here I am. 

I am certainly more active with an exercise class at the local Y, walking with my daugher, and with the Spring weather even tennis once a week with my husband.

I am participating in a 5k walk on Saturday to support the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) and I am looking forward to walking without gasping or wanting to quit 5 mins into it.

www.nami.org/walks/nme/rchacon

Today it has been two months since surgery -- I am 25 lbs lighter and understand that any weight I lose, it is all up to me.  I had my first fill on February 18 (3ccs).  I have a new membership to the YMCA and just started an exercise class this week.  I have had to change my behaviors not only with food, but activity level too.  The first week or two post surgery is great because the weight came off so fast.  Then when you start eating solid foods, the weight loss really slows down to 1-2lbs, if you are focused on doing everything right.  It can be discouraging, but I remind myself that any loss is better than gaining.  Even no loss in a week is better than gaining.  In the end, I know a lot of small victories will add up to big success!

I had my 1 week post-op visit today -- I have lost 15lbs!  Hurray!  I started feeling much better physically as of yesterday.  I still get tired if I am up and about too long, but I can do more each day.  I have had a hard time getting all of my liquids and protein in, but I bought some vials of Profect Protein today at the doctor's office.  One 3oz vial contains between 25g-50g of protein and can be added to water.  These will be great to take to work -- I've been very concerned about starting work again and keeping up with the protein goals and managing my meals.  These protein shots should help!

Next is the exercise -- no lifting or exercises that will strain the stomach muscles for two more weeks but everything else is good.  I'm looking forward to finding something that I can fit into my busy schedule.  I know I need to commit to putting ME FIRST and exercise is critical to maximize results!

Also -- I get my first fill in 5 weeks!

Wow...I have dreamed of my surgery for months -- It's hard to believe I am now on the other side and beginning the rest of my life.  Have no misconceptions, this is major surgery and you need support and to focus on recovery.  Not only did I have the lapband, but the dr. found a hiatal hurnea that needed repair (this is a hurnea at the base of the esophagus and top of the stomach).  Come to find out, this is what has been causing my acid reflux for the past two years!  Who knew!

Four days post surgery I have lost 9lbs!  It is hard to get in the 64oz of liquids a day + 3 protein shakes.  I really need to listen to my body to understand when I am full and what I can tolerate.  Yesterday I cooked for my family for the first time -- no longer can I "taste-test" as I cook.  A new behavior to learn.  I am excited and committed to my new life and I am now busy setting goals for myself. 

I can't wait to start exercising -- I have never liked it, but realize it is critical to making sure my body/skin changes to keep up with my weight loss. 

It's a new day, it's a new life!  I plan to make the most of it!

December 8, 2008 - YEA! I have a date!  January 8, 2009.  I can't think of a better way to start the new year!  Eight has always been my favorite number too.  I can't believe it's only a month away -- it's been quite a journey this year.

My pre-op physical is on December 18, after which I go to the hospital for the intake assessment and surgery day care orientation.

Here's to a new me!

December 1, 2008 - Last visit with the dietician and all is on track.  I have lost 4 pounds since my initial consult in July, but not gaining is good for me.  I just can't wait until I step on a scale and really start to see the weight come off!  The dietician checked to make sure I was practicing behaviors (chewing thoroughly, eating slowly, no drinks with meals).  All clear!  Next time I see Melanie and will be post surgery!

There is nothing standing in my way now -- oh, yeah, I need a date.  The time is passing slowly as I wait for the call.

November 30, 2008 - WOW!  Nate has a lot of confidence in me -- he gave me 10+ more exercises to weave into my strength training.  I thought I was doing well with 3 repititions of 10 ab crunches -- he said, "give me 15."  I really feel like I can do this now and not have to worry about loose skin when I lose the weight.

Nate said, "Surgery is such a major commitment, why not get the most out of it?"  Hmmmm....I think I will!!!!

November 18, 2008 - I met Nate today!  The Bariatric Center's trainer and he is fantastic!  The Center is very focused on assessing patient readiness to accept surgery as a tool to achieve weight loss.  The expectations are high and the process is intense, from the 3.5 hour psychological evaluation process, the dietician's requirements, and lastly the trainer's workout regiment.

There is a $500 program fee (not covered by insurance) that supports three sessions with a personal trainer and a set of exercise bands.  Nate customized a workout plan that fits to my schedule and physical abilities that will help me stick with it!  The key to weight loss is not just surgery, but the effort you put in to exercise.  KEEP MOVING!

November 10, 2008 - I received my insurance pre-approval letter!  It took only a week from when the Bariatric Center submitted the request!  After receiving the letter, I read it over and over.  Then I read it again later. 

It has made this journey that I have been on, finally seem real -- this will happen.  I think back now to where I was at the beginning of the year.  Discouraged with my weight and another session of Weight Watchers in front of me -- again.  My confidence in my ability to lose weight was at an all time low. 

Here I am closing out the year and feeling more confident than ever that I can do it!  I have found the tool that will help me finally lose the weight and keep it off!  Hurray!

October 6, 2008

I brought my food diary with me.  Have I made all of the right choices every day?  No -- I'm not perfect. 

Trying to understand why I was feeling so deflated, I realized the cause of my decreased motivation.  I actually had my confidence thrown for a loop when my insurance company only approved my initial consult at a "Self Referred" level of coverage vs. a "Physician Referred" level of coverage.  What did this mean for me?  A cost of $2800 for surgery vs. a cost of $700.  This was a huge blow to my confidence and enthusiasm -- it would but surgery that much further out of reach.

A month later, the Bariatric Center had sent an appeal and it was approved by my insurance to put me at the "Physician Referred" level of coverage. Whew! 

With that behind me, I went to see the dietician in a recommitted state of mind.  I got on the scale and had lost three lbs.  Not much but a total of 12lbs down since April.  That's a big deal for me since I usually gain 10lbs a year.  It has been quite a journey since April -- but nothing has made the possibility of surgery more real than the last five minutes of this visit.

She stated she did not need to see me again until "just before my surgery".   Then scheduled my next visit for December 8th!  Eight weeks from now!  That resonated with me the entire day.  By Christmas I will have my surgery and realize the beginning of a new stage in my life.  Although the journey will not be easy, I am so ready!