OK, so it has been almost a month since I updated my blog, I wanted to let everyone know what is going on. I went for my third fill on March 9 with Dr. Jay & received 1 more cc, so I now have 2.5cc in my 4cc band. The last time I was in his office I weighed 252, that day I was only 248. It has been a very frustrating couple months. The first 1 or 2 weeks I didn’t really notice much difference with my restriction, now is a different story. I am tight & I think I have reached a point of restriction that people talk about, I am really hoping that I start losing weight again. I wake up pretty early and make my coffee, I used to drink several cups with no problem. Now, I have to really sip and continually microwave 1 cup to get it down. I start loosening up (somewhat) about 9am and I move on to a morning protein shake. For lunch I also have a shake or soup. I tried eating food for lunch and I pb’d a couple times, it is just not worth it! So, general rule for me right now is no solids before 3pm. I am able to eat a nice dinner, but my bites have gotten very tiny and I really am eating super slow and chewing everything up very well. Since the begining of this process I have heard, sip, tiny bites, and chew chew. Well, I FINALLY really realize I MUST do that, or I end up in pain and can’t breathe or pb.

I also recently started working out at a place called Slo Fit. It is a heavy circut training workout with a trainer that is very intense. I am really enjoying it.

This may be TMI for some people so, but I don’t care, this blog is also to help folks who are thinking about lapband. I have gotten extremely constipated over the course of the past 5 months. I have done the benefiber & metamucial but still felt eeeky. Two weeks ago I started taking Garden of Life, Superfood (powder form). It has really helped me. Obviously, I do not eat as much fruits and raw veggies as I used to, so I believe this is doing the trick, I feel much better and this morning I was down a couple lbs.

So, here is to staying on track, eating the way I am supposed to and exercising. Even though it is not easy and I am still having to work at my weight loss, it is so worth it! I LOVE MY BAND!!!

So, here I am, my weight has stayed the same over the course of the past 6 weeks. I have gone through a lot of emotions and frustrations. But, last week I realized that I was not the only one facing a weight loss plateau. There were many of us on the OCC Forum who were stuck! So, a friend suggested that we try all liquids for a week. Currently I am drinking protein shakes and having broth, and creamy soup, drinking lots of water and trying to get in as much exercise as possible. I am also working out now 2 days a week at a place called Slo Fit it’s a High Intenisty weight training workout that lasts 30 minutes. In addition to that, I am trying to walk and do my elliptical at the house. I feel wonderful! Even though the scale is not moving right now, I see a difference in my body! My clothes fit differently and everyone that sees me compliments how I look. This just reminds me that your weight loss journey is not all about the scale!

I have decided to go to my fill doctor on Monday March 9th. I will let it be his decision whether or not I need more restriction. I personally feel that I do. But, he can look at everything under fluoro and tell me what he thinks. I will let you know how it goes next week.

I took this photo of my self this week. You can’t really see it, but I am wearing a pink and brown top. I bought it 2 years ago when it was on sale & it was 2 sizes too small. It was my hope that one day I would get into it. Well, I decided to drag it out of the closest this week. Viola! It fit perfect!

OK, I had my last fill on January 7th and since then, I have only lost about 5 lbs. I have restriction when I eat. For instance, I can only eat a half a bowl of soup or chili and I am full & for breakfast I usually have 1 egg and a couple pieces of bacon. So, I am definitely eating a lot less than what I ate before I was banded. Honestly, I have been battling on whether or not I should go for a third fill. I just don’t want to have too much or I won’t be able to eat much of anything. I am enjoying my life the way it is, I can eat most everything-just smaller portions. (Minus white bread) I have heard some of my friends go back for more and more fills and sometimes they get to a point where they are unhealthy. Hair falling out, etc. I am really confused on what to do. I know that 5lbs a month doesn’t seem like much, but in all reality that is 60 lbs in a year! So, I would totally be happy with where I would be in a year. Losing weight at that rate would put me at 85 lbs lost in October 09 which would be my one year anniversary. That would be within 20 lbs of my goal. I guess I am trying not to be to expect too much and I am also trying to really be patient. Of course, I want to be thin, NOW! But, I didn’t get fat overnight, so that is not a realistic goal. I do not think I will book a fill right now. I want to see how Feb. goes and continue to teach myself that portion control is best. I think I am going to really increase my exercise and see if that helps. I also keep remembering that Dr. Ortiz says a person only needs 3-4 fills in their lifetime with their band, this is a different opinion than some Doctors. Dr. Ortiz says this is only a “tool”, so I need to stop thinking about getting results really fast, afterall that is one reason I did not choose gastric by pass.

So, I am 8 days away from this life changing event. I have to say that many thoughts and emotions are going through my mind and heart. But, mostly I am just so excited! My Dad and brother are with me, and we are driving from Texas to California. Sunday I celebrate my 36 birthday and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with weight loss surgery! This has been a very trying year,  losing our family business and all, but I have to say things are looking up! Not only with the surgery, but several personal family victories and I must thank God! Anyway, back to the band…..I constantly go to the lapband forum to talk with my bandster buddies who were recently banded and I am so encouraged with their progress. Then I read about their struggles and I think, Holy Moly, LOL! HAHA But, everyone of them tell me it is so worth it. So, of course I am feeling overwhelmed with all kinds of feelings. Like, will I ever be able to eat a Taco or Hamburger again? I could live with just having a bite! Or will I just have to live on grilled food for the rest of my life? After all, these are possibilites. This is a chance I am willing to take for my health. I don’t want to die with Diabetes or Heart Disease and with the way things are going, lets face it, that is where I am headed folks. So, in addition to that the bottom line is, I am willing to trade some of my favorite foods to live a great active healthy life and at the same time, get my sexy back! )

Downtown SAN DIEGO checking out all the ships!

I just love Cali. I am in the San Diego area and if you have ever visited here you know the weather is a a little piece of heaven (on earth).  Something about the drive and as you are getting closer and coming down those mountains, the temperatures actually drop right before your eyes! Today we watched it go from 90 to 76 in just a few minutes. When we got here and got out of the car, I was like AHHH! It is just so wonderful! ) I am blessed to be staying at my dear Uncle Leo and Aunt Jackie’s place. Normally this time of year they would be here, but instead they are in their home in Phoenix.  Anyway, when we got here we got the car unloaded rested for a few minutes and then off to the grocery store. We had to buy fruit and my Healthy Choice meals for the next week! Tomorrow we are going to visit my Aunt Norma Jean and my cousin Sandy, who lives just about a mile from here. Aunt Norma Jean was my Grandma Mary Faye’s (Dad’s Mom) sister. I haven’t seen them in years, looking forward to the visit. ) Other than that, not sure what we will do. I would like to go to the beach, and even do some walking everyday here in the neighborhood. But, really nothing big is on our agenda just taking it easy and enjoying this beautiful state! Oh, Van is coming here on the 8th and I can’t wait to see him. ) This will be my first birthday on this Sunday (5th) without him. Kinda bummed out about that, but it’s OK.

I will post pictures when I can, I am having trouble with the camera? I can’t figure out why it won’t hold a charge. I might have to go buy another one. Stay tuned….

So, I got to Tijuana today. The Lucerna Hotel is very nice for Tijuana. The pools and waterfall and everything is just lovely, I have to say I was impressed. We went over to the OCC today and I talked with Dr. Miranda. Since I contacted them for information about the Lapband procedure, I have lost a total of 13 lbs. 10 lbs of that has been over the last 2 weeks doing the pre-op diet. During this time I did 2 protein shakes a day and a small meal, and alot of the times it was a frozen Healthy Choice. Dr. Miranda went through all the do’s and don’ts over the next 21 days after surgery.  It is during this critical time that the band can be damaged. So, it is very important to follow the post op guidelines. After our visit my blood was taken and then I was told I could go until tomorrow. The driver will be here at 7AM in the morning to pick all of us up and take us to the OCC for our Surgeries. I think there are atleast 6 of us being banded tomorrow, so it will be a full day.  I have taken some pictures and will upload them when I can. Please continue to pray for me! )

Well, yesterday we finally got to the OCC about 8:30. (I could have slept a little longer hehe) When I got there she asked me to come to the back first. I was hoping this was good news, but I just had to meet with Dr. J (cardiologist) for him to do the EKG, and give me a lung test. Ofcourse I passed with flying colors. From there I was told to go back to the lobby. I watched all my other friends go back one at a time getting prepared for surgery and I continued to sit there. lol I was the last in surgery! I tell ya, I was getting a little nervous at this point, and then someone made a wise crack,” Oh Dana, he is just saving the best for last.” Then the door opened and it was my turn, they said “Donna” (none of them could say my name correctly, lol) Finally it was my turn! I was so excited and as I walked around the corner I saw my friends walking the hall. You have to walk as soon as possible after surgery so the gas from the CO2 will ease up. I sat down and put on the blue shoe covers, and then they proceeded to take me to my room. I was really impressed with my room. Much better than hospital rooms in Texas! Flat screen TV, love seat, art on the walls decorated in dark browns and even a comforter on the bed, and a small waterfall sitting next to me that just seemed to calm my nerves. Van and I were sitting there, then they came in and handed me my gown and “paper thongs.” LOL So, I got undressed and a few minutes later Dr. Ortiz knocks on my door. We exchanged laughs and a few minutes later another knock. One of the nurses said something in Spanish and he said with a smile, “Well, I am off to do another surgery, I will be back soon!” I was totally shocked at the surgeries were only lasting 20 minutes! Carmelita, my nurse came in a few minutes later and told me that It would be about 30-40 minutes until my surgery. So, they gave me a shot to thin the blood, and gave me my IV–I was on my way! ) DJ was camera happy (I wanted him to be) he was taking pictures of everything & before I knew it I was in a wheel chair going to the OR. BOY! It was all down hill from there. They gave me a shot and I remember fighting to stay awake. The next thing I knew the Anesthielogist was asking me, “Do you like the Jonas Brothers.” I said, Yes, “I have a cousin on tour with them.” I told them Demi Lovato! I guess they thought I was crazy and still drugged up because they came back to the room saying, She has been talking about having a cousin on tour with the Jonas Brothers! HAHA My Dad and brother said, it is true! ) Well, about 20 minutes later I got up, put on my PJ’s and walked the halls.  That night I stayed at the hospital and I got a good night sleep, Van and DJ came and got me the next morning at 9am. It was a great experience and I would recommend the OCC and Dr. Ortiz & Dr. Martinez to anyone and everyone!

When I was told I would have 21 days of clear liquids, I thought Lord Jesus you are seriously going to have to help me through this because, I KNOW, I don’t have the strength. However, when I was finished with surgery I felt this weight lifted from my chest. It was like, OK, the battle is done & it is all down hill from here. I have no doubt that God has been helping me, and I have so many wonderful friends and family who love me who have been praying. So, here I am 6 days since my surgery & I feel really good! I have lost a total of 6 lbs already. All I can have the first week is chicken or beef broth (YUCK), coffee, juices and water. I am amazed at how full I feel. I can only drink about 4 oz at a time and I am stuffed! But, I am having to drink like that every hour so I don’t dehydrate. I am looking forward to starting week 2 and expanding to creamy soups! lol OH BOY! I get to have cream of chicken, cream mushroom etc. and it all has to be strained! LOL This is so much fun! hehe I am so happy I did this, and the liquids are ok! Afterall, it is only 21 days of my life! )

Well, I thought I was going to have to wait till today to have my soup but last night I was talking to a bandster and found out I could have it yesterday! YEP! Your surgery day counts as your first day on liquids, so last night I decided to indulge! lol Here I was in the kitchen with so many choices! (Cream of Chicken, Mushroom, Broccoli, Celery, Onion, Cheddar Cheese, Creame of pototao, Tomatoe) I was totally confused on what to eat! For the last 6 days I have just heated up broth and now I can actually choose! lol So, after picking up each can and looking at the pictures I settled on Cream of Broccoli. Then I decided I didn’t want to cook it in the microwave because I wanted to smell it cooking! lol ) I got my lil sauce pan, opened my soup, added water and turned on the oven. As I was stirring I thought, I need to season this up. So, I reached for black pepper, garlic and herb and went to town. As it began heating up I got really excited! The aroma of my soup was getting better and better and my mouth started watering. lol I filled up my coffee cup half way and went to the couch. That first bite was like sinking my teeth into an Angus juciy steak! ) I savored each bite! Oh, boy….what kind of soup should I have today?

I woke up at 5:30 this morning and everything was spinning. This is the time I usually have my first cup of broth. Until now I never really knew what an empty feeling was in my stomach, now I DO! It kinda of hurts, and when you have been asleep all night and wake up, you are really empty. Anyway, I got out of bed and almost fell down I was so dizzy. All I can think of is maybe I didn’t get enough protein yesterday, UH OH! So, I have a call in to Dr. Miranda and maybe she can shed some light on this for me. So far I have had gatorade, coffee, a liquid yogurt and now I am having a 30 gram protein shake. I am still dizzy. So, if you would, say a prayer for me today. YUCK. This is definitely my first negative experience, but I am not worried, it will go away. I think I learned, I just didn’t have enough yesterday. I got busy focused on some work and I think I under drank! NOT GOOD!

Well, Today marks 2 weeks since my surgery, I really can’t believe it has been this long, time has really flown by. This week has been diffifult, I have experienced dizzyness and nausea for 4 days. I have increased my protein and calories, so I have not even gotten on the scales for the past few days. Finally today, things are looking up and I am beginning to feel better. So, one week from today and I get to begin eating solids! I won’t lie, I am looking forward to it! )

I had every intention of blogging yesterday about my experience with food after 21 days of liquid. But, I have a confession to make. I love Halloween, just as much as the kids in our neighborhood! Yep, that is right! I am not one that has to plan a big party, I simply get a chair and sit on the front lawn and enjoy all the children. I think Chldren are just one of God’s precious gifts and that is one day of the year that we get to see them in “FULL COLOR” and…..I LOVE IT. Anyway, after my busy day, I came straight home and got my candy, and plah-doah ready to pass out. They didn’t stop coming till 9:30. It was fun. Oh, and the play-doah was a HUGE hit!

Backtrack…..So, yesterday morning I wake up around 6:30 am and boy was I ready to eat some scrambled eggs. But, I got a call from my Dad inviting me to Cracker Barrell. He said this day was a mark in History, so we went out for breakfast. Normally, I would have ordered the whole menu….LOL. I decided to go slow, so I ordered oatmeal, then Dad said, I think you need an egg too. So, I ordered 1 scrambled egg. We waited for what seemed to be hours (they do take their time there) and finally, here she comes with our food. She sat down my oatmeal first, Wow, did she know I was starving? LOL A bowl of oatmeal never looked so good! I put some brown sugar and a little butter in it and took a bite, it was fabulous. Dad then said, try a bite of sausage, and put it on the plate with my egg. So, I nibbled on my egg, and then a tiny pinch of sausage.

Just so you know, you have to chew, chew, chew, sip, sip, sip. And if you don’t chew properly, your food could get stuck and you could get sick. Also, you can not drink while you are eating, you have to wait 1 hour after you eat.

So, I continued to eat morsel by morsel & Dad and DJ were long finished with their breakfast. I really enjoyed it! But, when you are full, your body lets you know. I suddenly had this, “POW” in my chest. So, I quit and I was satisfied having only 4 tiny spoons of oatmeal, 3/4  of a scrambled egg, and half of a patty of sausage. The funny thing, the waitress kept thinking something was wrong with me or the food. She wanted to bring me something else. She didn’t understand why I was eating so little. I wanted to scream, “This is the new me.”

How cool is this?! I love my lapband already!

So, for a couple weeks my port has been very sore. Yes, it has been sore since surgery & they say it will be sensitive for up to 8 or 9 weeks post op. I am now 6 weeks post op and it seems to hurt more now than it has. I am officially worried. I am not one to be inactive. I have not lifted heavy things, but I have done house chores, garage sale etc. that has had me moving around, bending and stooping some. I am hoping that the soreness is just from stretching, and not that I have injured myself. Please say a prayer. I go for my Fill on Dec. 1st. At this time they will see everything under Fluro and will know exactly how everything is.

My weightloss is at a stand still & I can definitely tell it is time for that Fill so I will start eating less & the weight will start dropping! I am counting the days to Dec. 1st!

So, for those of you that don’t know my family has a ministry to the homeless. Yes, if you haven’t heard me say, My Dad rocks. He founded BIGHEART Ministries in 1980 and not only does he help a lot of people with food, jobs and places to live, but he ministers to them and gives them hope through Christ. I through the years have grown to love it, and have grasped the vision myself! This past Sunday we had our Annual Thanksgiving Banquet for the homeless. You ask, Why Sunday? Well, because this is the One Holiday that others are involved in. So, because others will be out on Thanksgiving Day, we are out the Sunday before. Every year it is my job to cook up the Cornbread dressing, gravy & a few turkeys. I have to say, I love doing it! I am not sure what the people think about my cooking, I hope they enjoy it! Anyway, my day started bright and early Sunday. Van put the turkeys in the oven at 4:30 am and I began cooking dressing at 6:00 am. Have you ever seen those massive alluminum throw away pans at Sams? Well, I made 18 pans of dressing:o) I have learned to cook for an army! Also, with the stock from the turkeys, I made 7 gallons of gravy. We ended up serving 600 people, it was a blessed day.

Now, I know you are wondering, how does this tie in to Dana’s lap band blog. hehe Well, you know cooks have to try their cookin! ) So, When it was all said and done, I wanted to taste my handywork. I ate 3 heaping spoonfuls of the dressing (I should of had gravy). I chewed and chewed and I thought everything was fine, it tasted great. I thought, “this is pretty cool, I can eat dressing, not much of it, but wow, if I can eat dressing, this is cool.” LOL Well, a few hours later, I felt like there was a massive rock in my stomach. I had this ache that I didn’t like very much. :/ By the way, had liquids all day yesterday because I still had that rock feeling in my stomach. It was really yucky! But, this was a lesson learned!

In the last few weeks, I have made a new best friend. His name is “Mr. Bandeloro”. Yes, my lapband is my new best friend! You see, Bandeloro is with me all the time & If I do something wrong he gets aggravated & he lets me know it! LOL So, sticking closely to him and listening closely will prevent these kinds of episodes. ) Like my friend Denise told me yesterday, she tried cornbread one time, and it got moved to the,”No, No List”.

I have now started a No, No, List! ) LOL

For Thanksgiving, I plan to have a little protein, and veggies. I want to feel great Thursday hanging out with family, so I will definitely eat foods I can enjoy.

Thanks Bandeloro for kicking my tail and teaching me the way to eat! I don’t need that crap anyway!

I think if most people are honest they will admit they love food. Especially certain foods. Thanksiving has always been a time of cooking and baking our favorites and literally stuffing myself (like the turkey). lol

When I made the decision of having lapband surgery I chose to do it ASAP. So, I sheduled the surgery the next month. I did not want to go through 1 more Holiday Season eating a wheelbarrow of food, gaining weight, dealing with guilt and being miserable. I also didn’t want to wait to make a New Year’s Resolution. Ya know, ‘This year, I will lose the weight’….& it never happened! So, I decided to make that New Years Resolution in October and to get a head start! No Holiday Binge eating, no feeling guilty for eating! Why put off to tomorrow what you can do today? Now, with the help of my band, I KNOW that I will finally kick this weight and for the first time, my New Years Resolution (made in October) will come to fruition.

Thanksgiving Day was fabulous! I had a little dab of this, a little dab of that. (no cornbread dressing,lol) I ate slowly, I savored each bite. I was satisfied but not overly stuffed and I did not eat any dessert. This was the first Thanksgiving that I pushed away from the table not needing to unbutton my pants or wanting to crawl on the couch to take a nap! lol Instead, I walked away with energy wishing stores were open to go shopping! lol

So, I am extremely happy with my band! It is allowing me to enjoy food in a way that I never have. I am still eating the foods I love, just in a controlled portion. I am blessed to have this gift!

I went to Dr. Jay, he is in Medical City Hospital in Dallas Texas, if anyone needs a Fill Doc here. http://www.texaslapbandcenter.com/jay.html

Before surgery I did my research, spoke to my primary care Dr. and Dr. Jay was my choice. For this region, he is the most sought after Dr. When I got to the OCC and met Dr. Ortiz I asked him about Dr. Jay, he knew exactly who he was & said he had met him and he was great! He told me I would be in good hands when I got home. I was relieved.

Monday I got to his office and one of the young assistants took me to the back, weighed me and started asking me questions about all my experiences since surgery. (I really didn’t know what to expect, so many have said they were treated like they were from Third World countries when they say they were banded in Mexico) She asked me if I was eating larger portions as the days go by (yes!), she then asked about my meds & told me that if I start taking Advil or other Ibuprofen on a regular basis to let them know so they could put me on something to help combat erosion of the band.

She then takes me to the back and says Dr. Jay will be there soon. I was very impressed that Dr. Jay does the fills himself, I didn’t expect that! He only does Flouro fills. For those who don’t know, this just means, you can see everything under x-ray. I laid on the table and here he comes and says, “Hi, who are you, who did your surgery?” I said, “Dr. Ortiz in TJ Mexico, I had it done Oct. 10.” He said, “Oh cool, I really like Dr. Ortiz! But, he is more Hollywood and I am just a big Nerd.” I laughed and then he came over closer and looked me over. He said,”Everything looks great, your band is in perfect place, lets do this.” I drank the berry barium stuff and he was poking around, lol & before I knew it, I was done! He put in 1 cc of saline in my port! He told me that basically I would feel restriction like I did when I first came home(because I was swolen then) & that he recommends straight liquids for 2 days, and then creamy soups and protein shakes for 5 more days. So, liquids for a week. That didn’t phase me! 1 week is nothing when you have done it for 3!! lol Maybe it will just give me a Kick Start to losing more now!

He also provides a monthly support group at the hospital and it is this Thursday. ALL of his patients who attend get a free fill coupon! So, needless to say, I am going! That’s a $250.00 fill for free, you betcha I will be there! I scheduled my next fill for Jan. 7th!

I am excited that my port was OK. I have been getting really sore when I do alot of moving around, cleaning, lifting things and he said this was normal. Thank goodness nothing was wrong! WOOHOO!

I started eating solids yesterday evening. It went really well. I was able to eat about half of an enchilada, rice beans and some chips at a local Mexican restaurant. It was so great to not gorge on the chips and salsa, and tortillas (before the meal even came). Instead, I ate what would be equivalent to a childs plate plus some chips.

This morning I wanted to see if what I have heard was true. ‘That the band seems tighter in the mornings.’ While I have noticed that hot liquids go down easier, I had not experienced a really tight band in the morning. Many of my friends just stick with a protein shake or liquid yogurt because their bands do not permit them to eat until the afternoon. So far I have been able to eat pretty much anything (except white bread).

This morning I decided I wanted to test my band. I got a small chicken breast with cheese and took a bite, chewed it like crazy, then a second bite. Upon the second bite I felt the tightness take over in my chest. It is almost like you can’t breathe. It took about 15 minutes before I could eat anything else & I didn’t dare eat the chicken. So, for me I guess I will be tighter in the mornings. Or maybe just after a fill. I guess you just have to play around and test things out. I am glad that I fill restriction this soon though. I hope it stays awhile.

I have learned alot in the last couple of weeks. Dealing with family sickness definitely leads to stress. When you are stressed it affects how you eat. Sometimes and with your band, you can feel tighter and some days feel like you can not eat solid foods at all. I had to resort to soups for about 5 days or so.

Sorry that I haven’t posted lately, but it was imperative that my focus be elsewhere. However, I am proud to report, that through it all my weight continued to drop. I am very pleased with where I am today and without a shadow of a doubt, I know that this success would not have been possible without my band.

I experienced my first PB (productive burp-means you spit up your last bite of food) episode last week, this was during the time when I was facing the tightness and I thought I would try a piece of chicken. The first bite went down just fine, the second, not so much! I immediately became short of breath, it is almost like your wind pipe is cut off and my chest was hurting. It lasted about 4 minutes and then up came my last bite! I have to tell you that I was totally relieved that the food came up because there is no telling how long it would have been stuck there. When something is stuck, your first reaction is to drink something & fluids only make it worse. Anyway, I hope that I don’t experience that again for a long while.

Things are better now, stress is down and I am back to eating solids normally!