Three month check up

I went to the surgeon today for my three month check up. I am down to 285 lbs. (my last post said I was 283, wrong...I was dehydrated). That means I am down 66 lbs. That is pretty darn amazing if I do say so myself.

After I return from Mississippi in July, I will have another fill. I hope that will help me continue with the steady weight loss I am experiencing.

I believe with all my heart that 1. Eating protein first, 2. Not drinking with meals, 3. Drinking at least 64 oz of water a day, & 4. Exercising at least 3-4 times per week all add up to success. Of course there are varying degrees of success; increased energy, inches lost, new clothes, actual pounds lost, etc.

All in all, lap-band is the best decision I have made in years. Over the long haul, it saved my life.

Peace,
Marc

Down Some More

I had not weighed in a week or so until last night. The scales at the gym say that I am down to 283 lbs. WOW!

I'm not sure that is accurate though. I spent most of the weekend out in the sun - sweating a lot. I probably was a little dehydrated. I think I will go by my surgeon's office and get an official weight after I work out this afternoon.

Slowing Down

Well...the weightloss has slowed down. I knew it would. It is still a bummer though. I continue to lose 1-2 lbs. per week, which is great. It is certainly more than I was losing prior to surgery.

I am still exercising regularly. I really have to make it a priority or a busy day will slip up on me and get by without any exercise. I find I am more likely to follow through if I go in the morning, especially if we have any night activities at all.

The kids are gone this weekend. So I am finally following through with the Christmas gift I gave Darla. I am putting new closet organizer in our walk in closet. I tore everything out and am starting from scratch. Hopefully we will be much more organized when I am done. If nothing else, it is a great chance to weed out all those clothes that are out of style or that we cannot wear anymore.

Until next time - Peace out,
Marc

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

One Month Post-op

My first before and after pics:

Great Weekend - Even Better Monday

I turned out to be a beautiful weekend. Friday night it stormed all night, causing our soccer games to be cancelled on Saturday, which meant...FREE DAY! We were lazy for most of the day, and then I went to the gym late Saturday afternoon. I actually enjoyed being on the treadmill. I did 2 miles in 40 minutes. That's pretty dang fast for an out of shape fat guy.

Sunday was High School Senior Sunday at our church. I'm in charge of coordinating this. I was pretty excited because the suit I haven't worn in years, fit nicely; and the shirt I used to love to wear didn't strangle me at the collar. I got lots of comments on how nice I looked. I felt good.

Then today, Monday, I went in for my 2nd post-op appointment. I got on the scales first thing, drum roll please.........I am down 41 lbs since I started all of this. I was and am pretty amazed. Then to top it all off they moved me to phase III of the bariatric diet, so for lunch today I had a grilled chicken breast with onion, mushrooms, & green peppers sauted on top, finished with a little mozzarella cheese. It was very good.

My band is working. Not that I didn't think it would - I just don't have lots of positive weight loss experiences to look back on.

Onward,
Marc

Rebirth of my lawn mower

So...I'm not very mechanically inclined. Frankly, that is an understatement. I have always been intimidated my any car, mower, appliance, etc. repair. I'm great with computers, but engines give me the willies.

All of my life I have wanted a motorcycle, but on principle I believe that if you can't do your own basic repairs, you don't have any business owning a bike.

My push mower...I bought a cheap push mower a few years ago to do trim work around the yard. Last summer it wouldn't start, so I didn't use it at all. This spring I called a small engine repair shop and asked how much it would cost to fix it. They said it would be cheaper to buy a new one.

With new resolve I went to the used bookstore and bought an old book on small engine repair. I read most of it and grasped about 1/2 of it theoretically. Last evening came the time to try my new knowledge out practically. I pulled the spark plug, the air filter, cleaned out the carburetor, inspected and cleaned other parts as necessary. I dumped all the old oil and gas; then refilled both. I put everything back together and gave the pull chord a good yank. Believe it or not, it started up. It blew gray smoke for a few minutes, but then settled down and ran like a champ.

My first engine repair. I'm quite proud of my accomplishment. Then, because I'm feeling so much better due to weightloss I mowed all the areas that I can't get to with my riding lawn mower. My daily exercise must be paying off, because I didn't huff and puff like I thought I would. It was a good evening all the way around.

Later daze,
Marc

Pumping Iron

Well not really...However I am quite proud of myself and my level of commitment both to making good food choices and to exercising regularly.

Easter Sunday we joined my wife's family at the lake for a day of fun. There was lots of good food there, but I brought my own and stuck with it. I must say, my tuna salad was very good. I decided to stay away from the food table as much as possible, the strategy worked well for me. It was a good day.

I've been going to the gym almost every day. I am up to walking 35 minutes while increasing the speed and incline. Yesterday I met with the trainer and he took me through some simple strength training exercises that I can start when I get the go ahead from the MD's office. I enjoy going to the gym. It makes me feel good and boosts my confidence level.

Until next time...

The best thing about Easter

The best thing about Easter for a lap-bander, other than the amazing gift from God in Jesus Christ, is boiled eggs. Especially for someone still on mushies. I love egg salad. I've got about a dozen eggs to use creatively over the next few days.

Yum.

Update

I continue to do very well post-op. I am beginning to have some hunger issues. Usually late afternoon and late evening are the hardest. However, I am making good choices and sticking to the plan prescribed my Dr. Boyce.

I joined a gym, Courtsouth, this week. I've enjoyed walking there. It makes me feel like I am doing something proactive to gain control of my health. All the diet stuff seems like I am always saying "no" I can't have this or that, but I get to say "yes" to light exercise.

I'm confused right now as to where my port actually is. I have two possible incision sites with hard masses under them. I've e-mailed the nurse to see if she can tell me which is my port. If not, I'll wait until I go in for my next check-up on the 24th. It is not a problem, I'd just like to know.

Later daze,
Marc

Made it through the weekend

I think I did very well this weekend. I stuck to the "mushies" phase of the plan quite well. Saturday night we had a big party downtown with lots of fun finger foods. I ate about 6 cheese cubes over a three hour span and had two little sandwich wrap slices, very small. That's it. I didn't eat the chocolate covered strawberry or white macadamian nut cookies, or chips and salsa. I'm pretty darn proud of myself.

However, I did sing karaoke and it was BAD...and not in a good way.

I do find myself getting more hungry faster, especially in the evening. I'm making good snack choices though and trying to convince myself that slight hunger pains are your body's sign that fat is being burned.

Over and out,
Marc

1st Post-Op Check Up

Well I almost goofed. I thought my 1st post-op appointment was Friday, tomorrow, but the office called, yesterday, to remind me that my appointment was today. Whew!

I went in, got on the scales (emptied my pockets of wallet, check-book, keys, etc.) Drum roll please.... I have lost 17 lbs since surgery for a total of 27 lbs. Yahoo!

And, I get to move to phase II, mushy foods, one day earlier than I thought.

Oh what a beautiful morning...

1st NSV

I haven't weighed since surgery, by choice.

I also haven't worn pants that need a belt since surgery. I've been comfy in shorts etc.

Yesterday I put on my jeans with my belt and had to pull my belt two notches tighter.

And then today I reached in my closet and pulled out some pants that last summer I could NOT button. They went on easily and look a little big on me.

Can you hear me doing the happy dance?

One Week Post-op

One week ago today at this time I was begging the nurse to remove the catheter. He told me that if I could walk to the nurses station and back he would remove it. I practically jogged there and back. Thankfully - he kept his end of the bargain.

It has been a good week. I am healing nicely. I have just a little soreness remaining, especially around my port incision. I have been walking, and today walked down the hill in front of my house so that I would have to walk back up it. It felt good.

I am WAY over the liquid phase of this new lifestyle. I've always enjoyed soup, but I'm ready to move on. On Saturday I stopped by P.F. Changs and got some hot & sour soup. I had to puree it, but it tasted so good.

I also stopped at Smoothy King and got a strawberry, low-carb, protein smoothy. It was HORRIBLE. I love Smoothy King, but I will NEVER have another one of their low-carb drinks. Yuck.

I haven't weighed myself. First of all our home scales are broken, but second I think I might have the tendency to become obsessive about the number on the scales. So, for now I am only going to weight at my MD's office. My next appointment is Friday. I know I have lost a little weight because my wedding ring isn't as tight. Also, my pants bunch up at the sides when I pull my belt tight. Feels good.

Until next time - peace out,
Marc