Six Month Band-iversairy

Six months ago today I had surgery. It has been a great ride. I am so pleased with how things have gone thus far. As of today I am down 97 lbs. I feel better. I have more energy. Having lap-band surgery is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Many know that I am training to run a 5K race in December in Knoxville, TN. I have been on a walk/run training schedule increasing my run time weekly. Today I actually complete the distance of a 5K (3.2 miles). It took 45 minutes and I ran about 1/3 of it. In my opinion, this is a huge accomplishment. Six months ago I was the guy who had the philosophy that I only ran if someone larger than me was chasing me.

I'm pretty darn tired now in my after lunch daze, but I must say I am quite proud of how far I have come in six months. I am looking forward to the future.

It is a beautiful day,
Marc

My Secret...Stay Busy

People always ask me what my secret is for having such great success with lap-band. I always tell them I try to follow the band rules the majority of the time and I exercise regularly. There certainly is no secret in that.

If I had to say there was a secret to my success, it would be staying busy. Before surgery it was not uncommon to take a day off of work and sit in front of the TV all day long eating junk non stop. Part of it was that I had NO energy and that creates a cycle of lethargy...eat junk...feel tired...get depressed...eat junk...feel tired...get depressed...you see the pattern.

Thankfully that pattern can be reversed and another cycle created...eat healthy...feel better...have more energy.

What I find now is if I have time to sit and do nothing, I naturally want to eat. So, I try to stay busy. I have even picked up an additional part time job to earn a little extra cash, but it helps me stay focused on my weight loss goals by keeping me busy.

Hopefully I will be able to incorporate other kinds of down time into my life that don't lead to food. But for right now, I'm staying busy.

Peace,
Marc

Still losing

As of today, I am down 92 lbs. I have gone from 351 to 259. My pants have gone from a 48-50 inch waist, to a 38 inch waist. I have gone from 3XL shirts, to plain old XL shirts.

Feel good,
Marc

Exercise

You know, I never thought in a million years that I would look forward to exercise. Don't get me wrong, there are things I would rather do, but on the whole I am learning to enjoy it. There are even times that I get frustrated when I can't go to the gym. i guess I'm learning to like the endorphin rush that comes with exercise.

Typically I start out with a 5 minute cardio warm up on the treadmill or bike. Next I do light weights focusing on toning my upper body. I usually throw in some ab work of some sort. Then I get on the treadmill and go for 40-45 minutes. Currently I am running one minute out of every five. I'm going to up it to two minutes out of five next week. When I am done, I stretch some and then go to the pool and the hot tub to stretch some more and relax a bit.

A full workout takes me 1.5 to 2 hours. If I'm in a hurry I modify and cut out the weights and pool time. Then I can trim it down to an hour.

I knocked out my workout this morning and believe it or not we do not have soccer practice or any meetings tonight. So...a peaceful night at home is on my horizon.

Peace,
Marc

Bugs Me, Big Time

It is a mixed blessing...something I have looked forward to, but on the other hand frustrates me.

Almost every person I come in contact with comments on my weight loss. Usually I am pleasant and answer their questions, make small talk, etc.

However, lately I have noticed a feeling welling up inside me. So often people will say, "you look great, I'll bet you feel better, I'm so proud of you". Instead of hearing the compliment, I often hear, "you looked like crap a few months ago, you must have felt absolutely terrible, you were a huge disappointment to us all." I know this is extreme, but I want to make a point. I have lost a lot of weight, but who I am as a person hasn't changed. My accomplishments in life are still the same. I'd like to think that pre-WLS I was more than just the sum of all my weight on the scales. I'd like to think that my value and what people are proud of me for is who I am and the difference I have made for others along the way.

I know this may sound whiny. It's kind of like the movie star that craves notoriety and and then complains that they have no private life.

Can I have it both ways? Can I allow people to be proud of me for my weight loss accomplishments and expect that they also recognize me apart from WLS.

Just a few of my thoughts today,
Marc

Five Month Post-Op Before & After Photo

Busy

I've just been busy...that is why I haven't posted in while. I've picked up a part-time job. I'm helping custom paint motorcycles. Well, mostly I sand, and sand, and then sand some more. Anyway, I needed to make some extra cash...and so that's what I am doing.

I did make a BIG decision this week. I decided that I needed to take my exercise to the next level and begin training for the 5K Jingle Bell run, a local holiday fun run in my home town. I've never run a race in my life. Why not start now?

Hopefully I'll get some pictures put up this weekend. Sunday is my five month bandiversairy.

Until then,
Marc

Big Weekend

It was a BIG weekend for the Gamble family. First off, last Friday was the first day of school for my girls, and...it was also my youngest daughter's seventh birthday. That evening we had a rehearsal dinner to go to for a wedding of a close friend. Both of my daughter's were in the wedding. Thankfully the rehearsal dinner food was protein heavy and band friendly.

Saturday was the wedding. My girl's had appointments all day, hair, nails, pictures, etc. I on the other hand had very little to do. I went to the gym in the morning, lifted weights, did the stair climber, hopped on the treadmill and even ran for two whole minutes of the 20 I spent walking. Because of boredom, I switched to the bike and finished up my cardio exercise.

Late afternoon I got ready for the wedding. I found an old suit in my closet that I thought I try on. The last time I wore it was before my oldest daughter was born. She is 11 going on 12. I looked good even if I do say so myself.

At the wedding I got to dance with both of my girls and even danced with the bride for one song. It was a great evening.

Saturday we finally had Erin's birthday party at the pool. It was a great way to finish off a fun weekend.

Peace,
Marc

Trip to Disney

We just returned from a week at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. My wife, two daughters, and I went. We did all four parks with and extra day in the Magic Kingdom. It was FANTASTIC! We had a BLAST! I wouldn't trade the time with my girls for anything in the world.

I found WDW very friendly for large people. I'm not as large as I once was, but I'm still pretty big. I didn't have any problems on any ride at all. I was able to find appropriate food choices at most places. Although, I did enjoy several treats throughout the week (the Mickey ice cream bar is to die for). We walked and walked and walked, so I definitely got my exercise in.

The true test came today when I went to the gym to workout. I couldn't wait any longer so I went and jumped on the scales and believe it or not, I lost 10 lbs while at Disney. I LOVE MY BAND!!!!

2nd Adjustment

I had my second Lap-Band adjustment last Friday, and finally...I understand restriction. So far I, before 2nd fill, I noticed myself getting full and eating smaller meals, but it certainly wasn't what I would call food restriction.

Now I know. Every meal that I have had since Friday has been too much. I have either prepared a meal or ordered something in a restaurant that I thought was sensible. I have yet to be able to finish what is on my plate. This is what I have been waiting for. The place where my body helps me make good decisions, and I don't have to do it all on will power alone.

I'm pretty excited about what the future holds for me. It is a good place to be.

peace out,
Marc

Asian Salad Art

When you are tired of fast food...make art.

Plateaued

I'm at a stand still...for several reasons I imagine:

1. I need another adjustment. Luckily I am scheduled for one on Friday. Hopefully I will get better restriction than I did after the first fill.

2. I've been traveling a good bit and hanging out with teenagers. No matter how hard you try, when you are subjected to steady doses of fast foods and college cafeterias it is next to impossible to be 100% compliant with banster rules.

3. I have let my exercise regimen slip while I have been traveling. However, I am determined to get back on track. I'll start with a trip to the gym tonight after a healthy dinner cooked at home using the fresh veggies I grew in my own back yard.

So...all of these problems are correctable. Oh yea, in two weeks we leave for a week vacation with the family in Disney World - auggg.

Three Month Photos & Goal Updates...

Here are my newest before and after pics. I am three months post-op today. Also, back in January I posted the following goals, and I thought I'd update you on how I am doing accomplishing them.

1. Start off with the obvious. I'd like to lose weight. I currently weigh 350 lbs. I'd love to get down to 200 lbs. I would be content at 225 lbs. That's what I weighed when I got married 16 years ago. I am 5' 11" so that isn't unrealistic.

Currently I am at 285. I have lost 66 lbs. I'm about half way there.

2. I like to be forever ridded of my cpap machine. Boy would I ever.

I am not rid of my cpap machine, but they did lower the pressure and eventually put me on a self adjusting machine so that as I lose weight it will automatically adjust with me.

3. I'd love to have no hint of type II diabetes.

Diabetes...GONE

4. I'd love to have normal blood pressure and get off my meds.

Blood pressure is more normal than it has ever been (125/75 yesterday). However, I have not gone off my meds yet.

5. I'd love to be able to wear my original wedding band. I think it is a size 11. I currently have a cheap replacement that is a size 17 I think.

I am currently wearing my original wedding band and can easily take it on and off. I am also wearing my college ring on the other hand.

6. I'd love to see if being lighter might help lessen the chronic mild depression I have had for the past 6-7 years.

I still take my daily 40mg of Prozac, but I must admit I feel better emotionally than I have in some time.

7. I'd like to continue coaching my daughter's soccer team, but do so without gasping for breath during the easiest drills.

The season is over, thank goodness. I needed a break.

8. I'd like to take up mountain biking.

Haven't yet, but do ride at least 10 miles on the bike whenever I go to the gym.

9. I'd like to take some form of martial arts.

Not yet - but I have lots of time left.

10. I'd like to weight lift again, I did a good bit in high school.

I am lifting 2-3 times per week currently. I really need a partner to lift with me...it is just better that way.

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