2nd Month Post-op Pics

You can't tell much difference in the third photo, but I sure can.

Finally, perhaps?

I had a fill a week ago. For several days afterward I could not tell any difference at all. I was making good choices, but felt no restriction at all. I called my surgeon, he said I'd have to wait six weeks for another adjustment - and told me to be careful to follow the bandster rules.
Well over the past two days I have felt greater restriction. Even more today. I had some scrambled eggs for breakfast and a protein bar after my workout. I'm stuffed (I have been drinking lots of water, workouts do that for me.) So, maybe I'm one of those that it takes a week or so for and adjustment to kick in. I don't understand it, but I am glad to have the restriction none-the-less.

Peace out,
Marc

1st Band Adjustment

Last Friday, my birthday, I went in for my first band adjustment. It was pretty uneventful and painless. Dr. Boyce did indeed insert saline into my band. I took it easy for most of the weekend, but never really felt anything different from the day before. In fact, since then I still haven't felt anything. I have virtually NO additional restriction. I called Dr. Boyce's office this morning to check in and told Sarah, the nurse, that I have no restriction. She said she'd talk to Dr. Boyce and told me to call back Wednesday. So I will. I don't know what the plan will be, hopefully another fill.

None-the-less, I continue to lose weight. I am now below 300 lbs (298 to be exact). I haven't weighed less than 300 lbs in 10 years. I feel great. I continue to work out regularly and feel that the exercise is the key to rapid success. I can do various cardio exercises at my target heart rate for 45 minutes now. That is a huge increase over a few months ago.

More later,
Marc

Good news!

I think it is great news, I didn't gain any weight in France. In fact, I lost 2 lbs - a miracle if you ask me.

Also, my sleep apnea is improving. I went to my sleep MD a few weeks ago because I was having problems with severe dry mouth and belching during sleep. They decided the pressure was too high on my cpap machine. They lowered it. I went in again today and told them the problems were better but not resolved. So, the MD is putting me on a self adjusting cpap machine that will automatically adjust throughout the night and as my weight comes off.

One more thing. I bought a new pair of jeans yesterday. A SIZE 40 WAIST!!!! I started out at a 48" waist. You can buy 40's in any store, not just the "Big & Tall" places.

It's a beautiful day!
Marc

Home from France

It was a wonderful trip I saw Reims Cathedral, Sainte Sulpice, Sacra Cur, Sainte Chapelle's Notre Dame de Paris, Rouen, and Chartres, all amazing. I also visited Chalone sur Saone south east of Paris where we worshiped at the Taize community. The whole trip was very inspiring.
I ate well while in France. I ate sensible portions of whatever I wanted. I enjoyed croissants for breakfast, quiche and pannini's for lunch, and desserts and expresso after dinner each evening, it was all very tasty.
I don't think I gained any weight, my clothes all still fit the same. I did walk a lot in Paris. So I got my exercise in, I have blisters on my feet to show for it.

It was an experience I will never forget.

Au Revoir,
Marc

New Measurements

When I first took my measurements pre-op they were:

Stomach - 56"
Waist - 49"
Neck - 22.5"
Bicept - 18"

As of today they are:

Stomach - 49"
Waist - 44"
Neck - 20"
Bicept - 16"

Oh yeah, I was able to get my oringinal wedding band and college ring on today.

Cool huh?
Marc

Swelling virtually gone

Well, the post-op swelling must all be gone now, because I have very little if any restriction. I am having to make good food choices and really control my portion size. I am staying away from carbs and trying to focus on protein and veggies.

I am leaving for France on Wednesday. I'm sure that the temptations will be huge over there. I am not going to be a strict as I have been up to this point. However, that is a choice I am making. I am intending to watch portions and food choices, but I am going to have at least one French croissant.

I continue to work out regularly. I can tell that my heart and lungs are getting stronger. I am having to increase the intensity of my cardio workouts to maintain my target heart rate. I am also lifting weights 2-3 times per week. I know that more muscle mass mean higher metabolism and aids in burning fat.

I am doing well at getting my fluids in. I cannot lie though, I really miss diet coke in a fountain cup with lots of ice. Rest assured though, I would trade them in again over and over for the new person that I am becoming.

I am receiving lots of support from friends and family. There are still lots of folks who don't understand; however, I'm not sure they will ever understand. For the overwhelming part, people have been very supportive, complimentary, and sometimes inquisitive. I do not mind the questions at all. Hopefully what I have chosen to do might help someone else choose to take control of their lives in some way also.

I'll post again when I return from Paris, hopefully I won't gain any weight while there.

Peace,
Marc