Pre-op pictures

I keep reading on the blogs to take tons of "BEFORE" pictures so I have something to compare to once the band starts helping.  I really don't like getting my picture taken (who does when you are overweight?) and I find that I am rarely in pictures because the mom is the one always taking them.  I will take the standard shot the day before surgery, but here are some from 6-12 months ago....at my highest weight.

This amazing man has been with me through EVERY size imaginable!  

He says he loves me no matter what size I am.

One of the kiddos!  This picture was about a year ago.

December 2010

December 2010

I cringe while looking at the roll of belly fat--that is why I don't like to have my picture taken!

Here's to a better, healthier life. Four days to go!

5 days to go

I can't believe that this time next week I will be sitting on the couch recovering from my Lap Band surgery.  I am getting nervous....quite nervous actually.  I'm not worried about the surgery part, I am worried about the whole  life change.  What if this tool doesn't work for me?  What if I spent $13,000 (yes, American Express loves me this month!) on another failed attempt at weight loss?  What if I have a problem with the band years down the road?  Any words of advice or motivation would be appreciated.

Are shorts a good goal marker?

I have the best friends a girl could ask for.  They love me no matter what choices I make, size I am, or crazy new idea I have.  To illustrate this point, I have to share a story about them and the reason this post is titled what it is.

Two years ago we went on a girls' trip to Ojai.  Of course shopping at the outlet mall was a scheduled stop.  (Now for those of you who shop plus size, you can probably relate to how NOT FUN shopping in the regular stores can be-- knowing that you can't wear any of the clothes because they won't fit.)  Well we divided up into two groups at some point...those who wanted to continue to shop and those who were ready to go to the house.  Apparently, the girls who stayed to shop some more, came across these hot pink shorts and wanted to get them for the group.  (yes, we are dorky...matchy-matchy-- but only when we go to the gym or for a walk on the beach.)  Anyhoo, when they arrived at the hotel and gave out this little surprise, I found out they bought shorts in size medium......for all of us. 

Now, I am NOT a medium....NOT even a large.....XL or XXL..that's me.  I KNOW they probably struggled in the store with the notion that I would have gotten my feelings hurt if they bought me the appropriate size for my butt, but honestly, I wouldn't have.  The end result is that I know they got everyone the same size so I wouldn't feel weird or uncomfortable.  The shorts were really stretchy, yes, I could wear them....with a huge t-shirt over them so you couldn't see all of my rolls, but they didn't fit comfortably and still don't.  (think sausage casing...not pretty)

So, here is what I am asking you:  Is being able to wear those shorts with a tank top or t-shirt and feel good in them a good goal?  I have been asked at all my pre-op appointments "what  is your goal weight?"  I honestly don't know....I have an idea, but quite frankly, I just want to be smaller and STAY AT THAT WEIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I think I now may just answer the above question with "I want to feel good in my pink shorts...whatever number on the scale that is."

Need your opinion

I am now 14 days out until my Lap Band surgery.  I am completing checklists, taking care of payments, scheduling babysitting for the kiddos, & locking in help for me but I need some advice on a few other things.
Therefore, I am taking a poll:

1.  what is your favorite protein powder & why?
2.  what chewable vitamins do you take?
3.  post-op what could you take for pain or headaches?  (Is there even a chewable motrin/tylenol adult strength?)
4.  what was the hardest stage of the post-op process?  (clear liquids?  full?  soup?  pain?)

thanks for your help!

Counting the Days

I am 17 days away from surgery.  Doing pretty well on following the pre-op diet because I was already trying to up my protein.  I have my oh-so-fancy-binder for the pre-op / post-op info and foods to eat.  I have heard the first few weeks aren't that great....but trying to remind myself, that this is just the beginning.  I am hoping to be one of those patients who can eat most of the things they did pre-band but in small quantities and with some superhuman chewing.

Not drinking Diet Coke is gonna hurt for awhile...it's my go to item at work.  If I am bored or annoyed or evading a task...no calories--better than eating.  Oh and gum chewing....that has been my new thing to keep my mouth occupied.  The nutritionist said under "no circumstances" am I to chew gum.  Oh course I will follow the rules but come on.....I have really been trying to change things with my eating the last 6 months and now they are taking away sugar-free gum??  oh well, definitely not the end of the world. 

I think I'm just nervous.  Any words of wisdom as I get closer to my surgery date??

Who Knew?

As I wait around, counting the days until surgery, I have become a master researcher of blogs.  Blogs of those who had the Gastric Band, those who have the vertical sleeve, Gastric Bypass, waiting for approval, etc.  I have found out some interesting things.  I have been scouring the sites for recipes....stage 2, stage 3, etc.  (The liquid and pureed stages do not seem fun.)  I found out about the DaVinci and Torini Sugar Free syrups to perk up protein drinks and Greek yogurt.  And who knew there was "Peanut or Almond Flour or PB2? "  Apparently these are like nut dust that you can add to things for flavor and added protein.  Hmmmm.  A whole new world of things for me to explore. 

Do you have any favorite product to make "banded life" a little easier or more palatable?

Not to sound redundant but...

I went to my second support group meeting.  The meetings are hosted by the hospital where I will be having my surgery done.  Now, here is where it sounds redundant-- the meetings are interesting and I definitely feel that they listen & try and motivate each other.  (I know, I know....that is what a "support group" is supposed to do)  I stayed after the meeting with some lovely ladies (K, S, & N) and we are trying to hold each other accountable for exercise.  For me, I have no problem getting motivated to exercise but the food I put in my mouth is a whole challenge on it's own.  I hope that if I can help motivate them to exercise, they will help motivate me with what to eat.  One day at a time.

28 days until surgery.