Weigh-Ins are on MONDAYS - Updated July 3, 2017

Surgery Date: October 20, 2009:

Sunday, July 31, 2011

I Puffy Heart The Garden of Olives

Can you think of any other restaurant that has all of the chair legs installed with little wheels? I wonder if this is so the servers can just conveniently wheel me out to my car when I stuff myself with exactly 37 garlicky bread sticks dunked in buckets of Alfredo sauce? Probably.


The Garden of Olives was always my absolute favorite place to eat when I was a fatty.

It was my go-to choice for birthday dinners and pretty much any other occasion I could invent to make an excuse to eat there.

Do you know what my standard order used to be?

Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken.  But don't forget the soup (2 servings), salad, and the bread sticks....yes...the bread sticks (usually at least 4)...drool.  AND I would eat it ALL.  No doggie bag for me.  I just checked out the nutrition facts for this meal and it is 2450 calories.  YIKES. That's the calories that I usually eat in TWO DAYS.

So, fast forward to last night at the Olive Garden.  I probably haven't eaten there in over a year. I had:

  • 4-5 bites of Pasta Fagioli Soup: 60
  • 2 calamari pieces: 50
  • 1/3 of a Bread stick: 80
  • 1-2 cheese raviolis, small piece of chicken with sauce: 300
  • 2 Andes mints: 50
  • Total: 540 calories (approximately)  

And let me tell ya, my band was talking to me...saying "stop eating...NOW."  My band doesn't usually do that, but I was happy it was there to tell me to step away from the feed trough.

The amount of food that I eat now compared with the good ol' days is amazing.  I still get to enjoy the same foods, just a lot less.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

New Banded Blogger Alert!

Please stop by and say "hello" to Jackie over at Jazzing Up Jackie.  She could use some BOOBs love and support.
Her surgery is this week! How exciting!

Thanks!

Friday, July 29, 2011

"We are what we believe we are." ~ C.S. Lewis

The mental journey that has happened along with my massive weight loss still amazes me each and every day.  One aspect of this journey is my confidence and self-esteem.

I went from being a VERY, VERY confident fatty....to a rather insecure skinny girl...to just lately where I am experiencing my self-confidence coming back...FINALLY!

A lot of my original insecurities with being skinny was very much related to my INVISIBILITY CLOAK.  Remember this post

I do still wonder on occasion if there's a booger hanging out of my nose or if my fly is down when people look at me.  It's just that I'm not invisible anymore...that's all.

PS: I no longer am looking for my invisibility cloak. If you find it, please burn it.


Weigh-in Day...and the results are...

Goal weight: 145 lbs

Today's weight: 140.8 lbs

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!


- Posted from my iPhone

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Why I Chose the Band

Lately, people have been asking me why I chose to get a Lap Band and not the gastric bypass like their friend, cousin, coworker, neighbor, etc.

I try to explain to them that when someone chooses to get weight loss surgery, it is a very personal reason of why and which type surgery is chosen.  No matter what weight loss method, plan, or surgery we choose, ultimately we're all trying to get to the same destination of improved health and weight loss.

One of the primary reasons that I chose to get a band was that I felt that it was a much safer surgery than other choices that were available to me at that time.

During my own decision making process, I remember thinking....
  • Which surgery is right for me?
  • Which surgery potentially carries more risk?
  • Which procedure is permanent?
  • Which procedure can be adjusted?
  • What if medical science and technology change one day?
  • Which surgeries are reversible?
But at the end of the day, safety was and still is very important to me.  Here's what I've learned:
  • The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding procedure is less invasive than the sleeve or gastric bypass procedures because it involves no re-routing or partial removal of internal organs (1).
  • Banding has a favorable long-term safety profile compared to gastric bypass (2).
  • Banding has 3 times fewer total complications than the sleeve (3) procedure.
  • Banding has 5 times fewer serious complications than the gastric bypass procedure (4).
  • Banding has been shown to have a shorter operative time, shorter hospital stay and shorter time to return to work than gastric bypass (5).
I remember when I was pre-op, I was very overwhelmed trying to consider all the pros and cons of each surgery.

I always recommend that we, as patients, ask LOTS of questions during the pre-op process to determine the best surgery for each of us.  Each weight loss surgery is not "one size fits all" and we have to do our research.


References:
1. Needleman. Surg Clin N Am. 2008;88:991-1007. O’Brien. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg. 2003;13:265-270.
2. Parikh. J Am Coll Surg. 2006;202:252-261.
3. DeMaria EJ, Pate V, Warthen M, Winegar DA. Baseline data from American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery-designated Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence using the Bariatric Outcomes
4. DeMaria EJ, Pate V, Warthen M, Winegar DA. Baseline data from American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery-designated Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence using the Bariatric Outcomes
5. Chapman. Surgery. 2004;135:326-351, Fisher. Obes Surg. 2004;14:67-72, Parikh. J Am Coll Surg. 2006;202:252-261. HLTH/2947/11/APC61SC11

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Need Some Motivation?

I'm Still the Same Me

It seems that the only living being that treats me the same now that I am skinny is my cat, Pemberley.
However, I am sure that she does notice all the extra room on the couch during our cuddle/TV watching time.  She's a big fan of the "Bachelorette" by the way.

Monday, July 25, 2011

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

First of all, thank you all for your kind comments on my last "sad" post.  It seems that I may have the genetic cards stacked against me on this one.  Stay tuned.

Second, I think that I am FINALLY starting to see myself as "skinny."  FINALLY!  I've been a size 4/6 for over 7 months now...so it's taken awhile for my body image to catch up.

I may still feel like the fat girl on the inside, but I am happy to report that this photo from last night's Trailer Trash party has helped me see the light.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

I Has a Sad

I went into this journey with the Lap Band for the sole reason of improving my health and more specifically to resolve my high blood pressure.

So I was so happy in April of 2010 (6 months post op), my doctor took me off both of my high blood pressure meds.  Success!!  YAY!

Unfortunately, the blood pressure is starting to creep up again.  At my primary care doctor appointment yesterday, they took two readings and both times it was in the 150s over 90s.  Sigh.

I will continue to check it every day at home with my blood pressure cuff and go back to the doctor to reassess in three weeks.   The cuff at home is reporting high readings as well.  Double sigh.

Will I have to go back on medication?  I hope not.

I can't help but wonder if being obese for 20+ years already did some irreversible damage in regards to my blood pressure?

Friday, July 22, 2011

“I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.” ~Abe Lincoln



110% commitment is required to change yourself.

Thank you Bob* (coworker) for coming into my office this morning and writing this nugget of wisdom on my whiteboard. I love our impromptu chats about overcoming addictions.

Let me tell you a little bit about Bob.  He's conquered some serious addictions in his 50+ year life and can speak from experience.  You name it, he's been addicted to it.

Bob explained to me that until someone is completely and totally 110% committed to a change, it just won't happen.  Excuses, doubt, and reasons not to change will always get in the way of being successful.

Are you 110% committed to changing your life and body into a more healthy one?  Bob said that he knows that I am.  That's good to hear.

This is why I tell everyone and anyone who asks about my Lap Band.  It opens me up for some really great conversations and discussions that probably wouldn't happen otherwise.

*Not his real name

Weigh-in Day...and the Results Are...

Goal weight: 145 lbs

Today's weight: 140.2 lbs

That's the lowest Friday weigh-in EVER!

Happy Friday!


- Posted from my iPhone

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Playing in the Land of Maintenance

I realized something last night during my surgeon's support group. It was an epiphany.  Like a big brick hit me across my noggin.  Yeah, I said noggin.  Sometimes it takes the big bricks to get me to realize some pretty obvious things.

This "big brick" of a message was actually said by our support group leader (Hi Mark!)

Here's how it went down:

After showing the newbies my before photo of when I was a fatty and giving them my 30 second summary about how I lost 111+ lbs in 14 months....blah blah blah, I continued to carry on about how I love to on occasion enjoy a Dairy Queen Chocolate Brownie Blizzard or how last Saturday I inhaled half of a (big) bag of Maui onion potato chips.

The newbies in the room who haven't had surgery yet looked at me like I had just grown horns and was speaking in tongues.

Mark quickly interrupted me and said something like this (I'm paraphrasing) "she's in a different phase now...maintenance....she gets to play a little." 

That's the big brick.  I get to "play a little" now with my food choices.  And do you know what? I completely agree.  This is soooooo true! 

Sure, I still keep an eye on my food choices and make exercise a priority just like when I was losing, but there's no way I would I would eat the "extras" that I do now when I was losing.  I was a woman on a mission with some serious determination when I was losing.

So, when you see me talking about my occasional unhealthy food choices, please remember that I am in MAINTENANCE and eating foods that I NEVER ATE when I was losing.  Maintenance is a little different of a game than losing, similar yet different.

I am still learning about the craziness of maintenance...it sure is an interesting place to be. I can't wait for more of you to join me and "play a little" in the land of maintenance.

PS: I saw an all time low this morning on the scale...140.1...crazy!  We'll see what happens on Friday's official weigh-in.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

New Banded Blogger Alert!

Please stop by and say "hi" to Greenie over at Poke Me With a Fork, I'm Done (being FAT!).

She is pre-op and looking for some support.  Stop on by and offer up some BOOBs love.

My Deepest Darkest Fantasies....

....happen at Starbucks these days.


Did you know that while I wait in line to order my morning coffee, I have a staring match with that damn case of baked goods.  I usually start making deals with myself.  More like deals with the Devil. My internal dialogue of fantasies goes something like this:

"You could eat that croissant and then skip lunch. No biggie!"

OR

"You will totally burn off the calories in that chocolate donut at Zumba tonight. Go ahead, get it."

OR

"You could eat that muffin on the way to work in the car and it will be like it never happened."

Yep, these are the crazytown thoughts that go through my head.

But do you know what actually happens in reality? 

I order my Grande Skinny Caramel Latte and leave Starbucks with no donut, croissant, or muffin.  Sigh.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Hot Cabana Boys - My Lap Band Goes on Vacation

Sometimes I wonder if my lap band goes on vacation.  You know...to some tropical island where little umbrella drinks are served by hot cabana boys who have names like "Rico" and "Stephan".

When my band goes "on vacation" A.K.A I have reduced restriction (for whatever reason), I can eat all kinds of garbage.  A big ol' poppy seed muffin for breakfast? Absolutely!  An entire plate of nachos? Sure, why not.

But then when my band is on full time restriction duty, I can get the feeling like I might have my first stuck episode on Greek yogurt (this happened last night).

This band is tricky!

Therefore, I try to have visual and physical reminders of my healthy lifestyle that keep my food choices in check when my band is off on vacation or when I just need reminding of the HUGE decision that I made to get a Lap Band:
  • My medical alert bracelet that says I have a gastric band.  I always wear it if I am out of the house, which is pretty often. Anytime I pick up food with my left hand, that bracelet is there reminding me of the band inside me.  It also seems to be an occasional conversation starter, which causes me to talk about my band, which therefore reinforces the reminder:
  • My port. Do you ever feel your port when you wear tight jeans? I do on occasion.  It doesn't hurt, but just a quiet reminder of the band...I can imagine it's reminder would be "Seriously? I'm in here doing a job, so could you stop stuffing your pie hole with ice cream."
  • My key chain.  This is the Realize band key chain that we got at BOOBs last year. I love to fish it out of my purse when people ask me why I have to chew my food so much. It's fun to see an imaginary light bulb appear over their heads, like they finally "get it."  It also helps to remind me of the band inside me. FYI-the pink part is supposed to represent the stomach opening that we have to get food past...pretty tiny if you ask me!
What visual reminders do you have or use that help you in your journey to improved health?

Sunday, July 17, 2011

It's Time to Harness My Inner Britney Spears (pics!)

I have a "Trailer Trash & Cheap Wine" theme party to go to next weekend.  Costumes are required.

There will be crazy food choices there like cheese whiz, saltine crackers (one of my ultimate crack foods), twinkies, Slim Jims, etc....potluck style.

Anyways, it's time for this girl to trade in her sweater twin sets and pearls for something...ahem...more trashy?

So I need your help, I have decided on the following for sure, but I am still struggling with the top:

  • Short denim frayed mini skirt (in the pics below).  I wonder if I'll be able to sit down in it? Hah.
  • Fake tattoos
  • Zebra print bra that shows (gasp!)
  • Trucker hat being held together with duct tape
  • Cigarettes in the back pocket
  • Wal-Mart crappy house slippers
  • Any other ideas?

Here are the two tops that I'm struggling with...which one? Or do you have a better top idea?

#1: I feel skinnier in this but perhaps not quite trashy enough?

#2: Neck cut out of a thin t-shirt....Sooooo see-through that I wonder if I'll be able to pull it off...but totally trashy

This is a major Non-Scale Victory (NSV) because I would never EVER would have worn these clothes when I was a fatty.  I can't wait for Halloween!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

"Half-Assing" it in the Back of the Room

I sometimes know myself a little too well.  When it comes to exercise, I will always take the simplest and "cheater" way out....perhaps even the "easy way out".

Therefore, I try to build in accountability whenever and wherever I can.

One example?  I make myself stand front and center in my Jazzercise and Zumba classes.  Yeah, I would totally rather hide in the back of the room.

Here is a photo that I took just before Jazzercise that shows where I stand in class. Pretty much as close as I can get to the instructor.  No hiding from her! 
She is a high school P.E. teacher during the day...so I bet you can imagine her level of enthusiasm to make us work our tails off in class.  She is always telling us to jump higher, squat lower, and she generally kicks our asses.  It's great.

In Zumba class, due to the location and space limitations, I stand even closer to the instructor!  With in a few feet.  Sometimes, if I'm not careful, I could accidentally hit her when I get groovin' to the music and shakin' my bon-bon.

I know that if I choose a spot in the back of the class, I will do what I refer to as "Half-ASS Zumba" or "Half-ASS Jazzercise".  You know, not lift my arms and legs as high...or just not put as much oomph into it.  Therefore, less sweat, less calories burned, and less overall exercise.  

Also in the back of the room, not only am I far from the instructor, but there are no people behind me to see what I'm doing.  In the front, everyone sees me....from all angles. Talk about ACCOUNTABILITY!

So here's today's question for you: 

Where do you find accountability in your daily journey to improved health?  A workout buddy? or perhaps a weigh-in buddy? or maybe your own internal accountability?

Friday, July 15, 2011

Weigh-in Day...and the results are...

Goal weight: 145 lbs

Today's weight: 141.2 lbs

HAPPY FRIDAY!

- Posted from my iPhone

Thursday, July 14, 2011

If It Isn’t Any Fun, Then Why Bother?

For me, exercise has to be fun, otherwise I just won't stick with it.  I'll do it for a few days and then stop.

I hate those exercise machines at the gym. They are so BORING. The DREADmill.  The elliptical.  Ick.

In my entire weight loss journey of losing 111+ lbs, I have NEVER used any of those machines at the gym. NEVER.
That's why I love Zumba and Jazzercise. They make my brain work and it's FUN too.

Here's a video that proves that if you make exercise fun, people are more likely to participate.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

The Outdoors are Weird (Hiking Photos!)

As a self-declared "indoor girl" that is now branching out into outdoor activities, I gotta tell you, the outdoors sometimes confuse me.

Here are some photos from my hike this weekend.

Sure, there are beautiful scenes of VOLCANOES:

But there are also weird fruit that hang on freaky Willy Wonka trees (bonus points if you can tell me what kind of fruit/trees these are):
The deer eat rocks and gravel:

Here I am at the peak/summit!

 I guess the deer eat grass too:

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the Band

A really good question was just posted on the Facebook page.

Arlene says: "I go to a meeting on Thursday night to learn about this (the band). Can anybody give me the good, bad, and the ugly about this? Why would I NOT want to do it?"

I responded directly to Arlene on the FB page that she should go to the seminar/meeting and learn all that she can about the band and ask questions.  I also told her that the band isn't a quick fix and that a lot of work would still be needed on her part (exercise, good food choices, etc).

Here's what I would add, in my opinion:
  • Good: I stay full longer with less food. I have resolved all of my health issues (high blood pressure, etc) with the 111 lbs weight loss!  I wear size 6 jeans and size small tops! I'm not so tired anymore. My back doesn't hurt in the morning.  My feet aren't in pain and swollen at the end of the day. I could go on and on about the "good."
  • Bad: the band doesn't control my head hunger...when are they going to come out with a surgery that fixes our brain.  Seriously.  Also, that I can eat and eat and eat slider foods (ice cream, cookies, chips, etc).  The band does not limit my intake of those foods.
  • Ugly: Perhaps the dreaded PB (productive burp) or being stuck? Not sure, as I have not yet experienced this, yet.
What would you say in response to Arlene's question?  What are the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of having a band?

Why would she NOT want to get a band?

Bandsters, please comment here or stop on over at the Facebook page and comment.  Thanks.

Monday, July 11, 2011

"Knowledge Does Not Yield Behavior"

This is my new favorite quote. 

You likey? 

A very wise woman said this quote to me on the night 4th of July. 

While we waited patiently for the ferry to take us back across the San Francisco Bay after the fireworks show, she shared with me how this is a common quote in her field of health education.  I love how me just losing weight encourages others to speak up and have conversations with me about health.  That never would have happened when I was obese.  They now tell me quotes and stories of others who have been successful with their weight loss and health journeys.

I did a quick Google search and there's no information on who originally said this quote.

My interpretation of this quote: just because we know what we should be doing, doesn't mean we are going to do it and change our behaviors. 

In regards to my own weight loss and being healthy: just because I have some book-smarts, street-smarts, and a college-degreed brain, doesn't mean I'm going to always make good behavior choices to maintain my 111 pound weight loss.

I know that I should exercise at least 30+ minutes each day, but putting that thought into action and going to Jazzercise after work is the challenge.

I know that I should make good high protein/low-calorie food choices each day, but putting that thought into action and choosing a Greek yogurt for breakfast and not PB&J on toast is the struggle.

I know that I should not eat an entire Dairy Queen Chocolate Brownie Lovers Blizzard, but putting that thought into a behavior of NOT hitting up the drve-thru tonight is the real test for me.

Question for you: How do you overcome your occassional unhealthy food choices or lack of exercise behaviors?  How do you get your brain in the right place to be successful?  I want to know.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

What Happens in the Biergarten, Stays in the Biergarten

I had a great time last night at dinner with a group of friends at a local German restaurant called "Frau Kemmling Schoolhaus Brewhaus."

There were big silver platters of bready doughy pretzels the size of my head. (had a few bites)

There were numerous bowls of German potato salad passed around. (again, had only a few bites)

There was a HUGE piece of German chocolate cake, which I ate about 3/4 of...yikes!

Yeah, this band is definitely all about "shouldn'ts" and not "cant's"  I shouldn't have eaten all that cake, but I did.  Sweets will always be my weakness.

Before and the aftermath....
There were also lots of good conversations and fun catching up with friends. That's what I try to focus on now when "eating out" is the planned entertainment of the evening.  It's about the company, not the food.

Here is a photo of me from last night in the Biergarten.  I am starting to see that my arms are getting more tone and shape...finally.  All that Jazzercise and Zumba Toning is starting to pay off. 

Friday, July 8, 2011

Prejudice and Obesity - Watch This Video!

I'm not sure who this guy is, but he seems to be popular on Youtube.
Interesting comment at the 5 minute mark (approximately) how only 18% of doctors will talk to their patients about obesity/weightloss.

A really great message overall about prejudice and obesity. Me likey.

Weigh-in Day...and the results are...

Goal Weight: 145 lbs

Today's Weight: 141.1 lbs

Happy Friday!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner (rant alert)

This rant is for some of the men that now cross my path in my everyday skinny life.  You know who you are....baristas at Starbucks, the guy standing in line behind me at the pharmacy, the bartender the other night...etc

Please take note:

I am NOT your "SWEETIE."

I am NOT your "HONEY."

I am NOT your "CUTIE."

I am NOT your "BABY."

I don't understand why you NEVER called me these nausea-inducing names when I was a fatty.  But you can stop now.

The End.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Comparison Photos - Then & Now

Here is my friend A. and I in 2007 and this past Fourth of July weekend.  And, yes, she never opens her eyes for photos...

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

What Zone Are You In? A Message from Allergan (Lap-Band® Manufacturer)


So, what’s the “green zone” and how do you get there from here?

The green zone is an expression that’s often used to describe where a LAP-BAND® patient is in regards to his/her hunger and eating regime. Certainly, just because a patient has had surgery doesn’t mean they can eat whatever they want or that they can maintain the same food choices they’ve made in the past. Far from it.

In order for a tool like the LAP-BAND® System to work effectively, it needs to be fine tuned. That requires multiple visits to a care provider that has the ability to adjust the band, whether that’s putting more fluid in or taking some out which as you likely already know adjusts the “fit” (or restriction) of the band. Just know that it’s a process to get there and requires assessments from a healthcare provider to get you to the “green zone”.  

Many bariatric practices require frequent “office visits” post surgery so as to monitor a patient’s progress, offer encouragement and perhaps to perform an adjustment. Many people say that a key advantage of the LAP-BAND® System over the other procedural alternatives is that it’s adjustable. And reversible too for that matter. Every LAP-BAND® System has the ability to be customized for fit, so as to bring about a sense of satisfaction (lack of hunger) to the patient after a modest and healthy meal.

Comparisons from one patient to the next in regards to who has what amount of fluid in their specific band is futile. We’re all different people inside and out. And even two people of similar size (on the outside) may not require the same amount of fluid in order to both feel satiated. So, stop asking your fellow band patients how much fluid they have in their band. Their answer won’t matter to your LAP-BAND®.

What does matter – is your hunger and getting you to your “green zone”.

Imagine a color spectrum moving from yellow to green to red. I know, the colors are not in the order we were all taught in school – but bear with me. Think of it as the colors of a stop light. Yellow means caution. Green means go, while red indicates it’s time to stop. Some would say that yellow represents “not quite there” while red indicates you may be over filled. And that leaves us with green. The best zone of the 3. It’s the “go zone”. Fully satisfied after modest meals, eating the right kinds of foods and losing weight.


Here are a few questions to help you identify within which zone you’re currently residing.

Question

Yellow
Green
Red

Are you mostly eating

Any amount of bread, pasta, rice along with proteins and vegetables


Chicken, eggs, fish, fruit, vegetables

Candy, chips, ice cream, pastries, pies, soda, soups, protein drinks

The size of your meals are

Large, full plate (10-12 inch plate)

Small/medium
(half plate) with a protein and a vegetable or fruit


Small/medium
(half plate of soft food)

Most meals take you

10 minutes, (you are able to eat fairly fast without paying too much attention)  


15-30 minutes

60 minutes  

You stop eating when



My plate is empty, but I could eat more

I feel satisfied

The band stops me and I feel uncomfortable

Your appetite is

Always hungry

Great, small meals satisfy and it lasts until it’s almost time for my next meal


Never too sure, it varies based on what I was able to eat during the previous meal  

You eat this many times/day

Always, meals don’t hit the spot, and I snack no matter how hard I try not to


2-3 times/day

Unpredictable, but very hungry at times

Swallowing food for you is

Very easy, I can eat anything

Ok, if I take small bites, take my time and chew properly


Unpredictable and difficult

You regurgitate/vomit

Rarely or never, only if I swallow a large piece or fail to chew properly


Rarely or never, only if I eat too quickly, or take too big of a bite

More than 2x per week, unpredictable

At night you cough or wheeze



Never

Never

Often


Your healthcare professional may also ask you:
  • ·       How often are you hungry?
  • ·       What foods have you eaten recently?
  • ·       What foods give you trouble?
  • ·       What are your portion sizes?
  • ·       What time is your first meal of the day?
  • ·       What time of day is your last meal?
  • ·       Do you drink liquids with your meals?
  • ·       And how often do you exercise?

All of these are good questions for self reflection as well – but you’ll only get “a fill” (if needed of course) by seeing and being evaluated by a qualified professional from your bariatric surgeon’s office.

Allergan’s Executive Council of top LAP-BAND® surgeons from across the country recommends 11 visits within the first year of your surgery in order to optimize your excess weight loss results. Read that again. 11 visits within year 1. Let’s be clear though, success is not just EWL or # of pounds lost – it’s about feeling good and being healthy. And getting back to doing the things you enjoy.
The aftercare algorithm that Allergan’s experts came up with are only their recommendations. They are only for others to consider as each healthcare professional is responsible for his/her own medical decisions.  But with that said, here’s what they came up with: Follow up visits should occur at week 1, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 and then again at 24 months.

That’s 11 visits within 12 months of your surgery date. So with that said, if you’re a year out and you aren’t seeing the results you anticipated and also haven’t seen your support team several times over the course of the last 12 months, you need to ask yourself why?

And if you’re not in the “green zone”, call your bariatric surgeon’s office and ask for an appointment to discuss your options.

Important LAP-BAND® System Safety Information
Indications: The LAP-BAND® System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity related co-morbid conditions.
It is indicated for use in adult patients who have failed more conservative weight reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives.
Contraindications: The LAP-BAND® System is not recommended for non-adult patients, patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results (e.g., inflammatory or cardiopulmonary diseases, GI conditions, symptoms or family history of autoimmune disease, cirrhosis), who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, who have alcohol or drug addictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.
Warnings: The LAP-BAND® System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.
Adverse Events:  Placement of the LAP-BAND® System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Band slippage, erosion and deflation, reflux, obstruction of the stomach, dilation of the esophagus, infection, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.
Important: For full safety information please visit www.lapband.com, talk with your doctor, or call Allergan Product Support at 1-800-624-4261.
CAUTION: Rx only.
© 2011 Allergan, Inc., Irvine CA 92612, U.S.A. ® and ™ Marks Owned by Allergan, Inc. All rights reserved.
References
1.               2009 CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) annual data.
2.               Data on file, Allergan, Inc. January 2011, Irvine, CA.                                                                                                                                                APC41PD11

The Photo Where I Didn't Recognize Myself

We went for a run/walk this weekend and here I am posing with a wolf statue in Jack London Square in Oakland, CA.

When I first looked at it, I didn't think it was me. Come on brain, time to catch up!


- Posted from my iPhone

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Headed Out For an Evening in San Francisco!

Forever 21 dress, size medium! Non-scale victory!


- Posted from my iPhone