If you knew me at all, you'd know that my life is pretty much an open book. I've always been that way, don't really know why, but it's actually easier to just tell things like they are than to try to keep any big secrets. Hey - if it's all out there, no one can blackmail you, right?!
My husband got used to this a long time ago. We struggled with infertility for years, and everyone knew about it. I'm a singer at church, and many of the lessons I learned during that struggle (and others!) over the years were shared with the entire congregation when I was getting ready to share a song. I feel that God gave me a voice, both for singing and for sharing, so I do both. I know that everything I go through makes me stronger, and helps me to minister to someone else who will be dealing with the same thing. So, no secrets.
Now, as a lifelong member of the Fat Girl Club, I can tell you that I tried diet after diet. I did Weight Watchers, TOPS, the Mayo Clinic Diet, the Modified Protein Sparing Diet, Richard Simmons Deal a Meal, my own "Drink, Smoke and Dance Diet", grapefruit and hardboiled eggs, Vegetable Soup, Atkins, South Beach, diet pills, diet shakes, you name it. And with each diet I would lose some weight; sometimes a little, sometimes a lot.
People were always so sweet, telling me how great I looked, how did I do it? Most people want to hear one of two things; a miracle that will work for them, or the fact that you have starved yourself to death and exercised until you could no longer stand up. Usually it was the latter that I would answer, as I had never come across the actual "Miracle Diet" that worked. If I had done really well on a diet, the next question would be to know exactly what I was eating, what exercise plan, all of that. I know why they asked, I asked the same questions whenever someone I knew lost weight. And of course I would receive kudos on my hard work and dedication. Thank you. Now turn around while I put the weight back on! It'll only take a minute.
Now comes my Mini Gastric Bypass surgery. I know some people are open with others about having the surgery, and some are not. I have chosen to be open about it. I am finding it humorous to watch folk's reactions when I tell them I had weightloss surgery. It's like their faces are all lit up, telling me how great I look and I just have to tell them what I'm doing so they can do it too. When I answer, it's like watching a balloon deflate. I know it's because they wanted me to tell them I just ate a little less and exercised a little more, and BOOM! the weight just fell off. Once they know I've had surgery (oh! the Band...they say. And I say No, and explain the MGB.) Then they have to decide whether to tell me I'm doing a great job, because now they pretty much feel that I took the easy way out. It's okay. I felt the same way when I saw my friend who had lost 80 lbs after her MGB.
I guess what it gets down to is that this IS the Miracle Diet for me. Yes, it was drastic, and expensive. In case you're wondering, it's $17K. But it's worth it. I can say that for the first time in my life I feel that I will actually reach my goal, and will be able to maintain my weight loss. I'm committed to this, I exercise, I plan what I eat, I avoid the things my surgeon says will hurt me....and it's not the easy way out. It is a way out. Other diets were a way out, but somehow I always ran into a roadblock that keep me in the maze. This way out is actually leading me out without the roadblocks. Thinville is within sight!
So my MGB is not a secret. If my sharing about my journey allows someone to find the right path for them, YEAH! Life is all about being there for each other, to direct, inspire and encourage as we make our way through this journey.
Journey On!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
I'm in ONEderland!
I hit a big milestone Sunday 2/17/08....I have officially lost 100 lbs!!! My goal is only 20lbs away! It's a great feeling indeed!
I also had the fun of shopping on Saturday. I could hardly believe it when the size 10 jeans I tried on were too big...so on down to size 8! I was a Women's 22 prior to surgery, and I have never worn a size 8 in my entire life. Too cool!
I continue to eat healthy foods, and to exercise. I just got one of those big balls to work on my core muscles and abs. It looks like fun - I'll let you know!
Having 100 lbs gone is a wonderful thing. I can sit on my hubby's lap - never did that in the 19 years we've been married. And of course there are the obvious benefits of being able to move more freely, up and down off the floor, up and down the stairs - walking in general. It's even easier to clean the house.
This is a blessing - if you're thinking about your own mgb - do the research and make your decision. It will change your life!
I also had the fun of shopping on Saturday. I could hardly believe it when the size 10 jeans I tried on were too big...so on down to size 8! I was a Women's 22 prior to surgery, and I have never worn a size 8 in my entire life. Too cool!
I continue to eat healthy foods, and to exercise. I just got one of those big balls to work on my core muscles and abs. It looks like fun - I'll let you know!
Having 100 lbs gone is a wonderful thing. I can sit on my hubby's lap - never did that in the 19 years we've been married. And of course there are the obvious benefits of being able to move more freely, up and down off the floor, up and down the stairs - walking in general. It's even easier to clean the house.
This is a blessing - if you're thinking about your own mgb - do the research and make your decision. It will change your life!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Eat, Drink and be Merry!
One subject that comes up often in discussions about MGB surgery is how your actual eating is affected by the surgery. In our culture, much of our social life revolves around eating. Think about it; you celebrate-you eat! Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, holidays; you name it and we will eat to celebrate it.
How well I know this! I have always loved to eat, and I love to cook. I am the friend who will cook for your birthday - whatever you want, even if I don't normally cook it. Paella is your favorite? I'll learn to make it and it will be great! You want a special dessert? Just let me know your desire and I will fulfill it! I cook for you, it shows that I love you. You eat what I cook, it shows that you love me! It's just like when your mom gave you a cookie when you skinned your knee, food makes everything better.
If you were genetically blessed, you could take all this eating, enjoy it, go play a game of hoops, and voila! No pounds gained. Unfortunately, many of us are not so blessed. So we end up morbidly obese, and the food that was our friend and fellow celebrator becomes the enemy with a knife to our throat, ready to cut our lives short. So we find our way to lose weight. For my friend Rob, that means watching every morsel he eats, and running, running, running. He's lost 140 lbs, "the hard way" as his wife puts it. I am very proud of him, and he has been an inspiration to me in finding a way to get thin. I just hate running.
So, I chose my MGB route, (hey! it's a "hard way" too!) and have found that my social life still exists, and I have learned to accomodate myself, while still making my friends and family fat and happy. Well, I'm trying to help them with the fat part.... But let's look at a typical American festivity - the SuperBowl Party.
Ah the SuperBowl. Chicken wings are our specialty. My hubby and I can fry them up and compete with the best of them. So, needless to say, our friends expected chicken wings for SuperBowl Sunday. And they were not let down. We had chicken wings, french fries, celery (yeah veggies!) blue cheese dressing, tortilla chips and cheese dip, and a delicious cranberry jello salad. So, you're asking, what did you eat? I ate 2 chicken wings, 2 tortilla chips with cheese sauce, about a 1/4 cup of the jello salad, and some celery. Oh, and blue cheese dressing of course. Now it took me about 30 minutes to consume this huge feast, maybe even 45. I was just watching the game. (Not drinking a Bud - more on that later!) An hour later, we had 'make your own' ice cream sundaes. Good idea, as I had total control on my dessert. I had about 2-3 spoonfuls of icecream, some nuts, a cherry, some whipped cream, delicious! (Now don't get me wrong, I rarely have dessert as I try to avoid sugar, but once in a while, and just a small bit, makes me happy, and doesn't hurt me.)
Did I feel deprived? No. Did my friends worry about what I was eating? No. I ate what they ate, just a lot less of it. But when it takes a long time to eat, no one really notices how little you are eating. I just talk, and laugh, and have a good time....and so does everyone else.
This is the same scenario, regardless of what the celebration is. I can eat pretty much whatever. I just don't eat much of it. I try to avoid fried foods. As a matter of fact, SuperBowl Monday was a day of much gas and Agent Orange. This is when your post MGB body shoots that greasy stuff right on through your body and it is not pleasant. Shows you why I normally avoid fried stuff. There are still chicken wings in the frig, but I have no desire for them after yesterday's bloat!
Going out to dinner is still fun. I just eat a little of whatever my husband or son are having. Most restaurants portions are huge anyway, so there is always plenty for them, and plenty for me. I have other friends and family who've also had the MGB. When we've been out with them, I notice that sometimes they share, or if not, they just eat a portion of their meal, and take the leftovers home for another time. I like sharing, 'cause it saves money!
Another thing that goes with celebrating is alcohol. Our surgeons recommend no alcohol after MGB surgery. I follow their recommendations. It may or may not be an issue for you, depending on how much you drink pre MGB. I did my crazy drinking in my 20's and 30's...so this has not really been that big of a deal for me. I did like the occasional margarita or glass of wine, but nothing on a regular basis. If I was going to a function where everyone was drinking, I don't think I would stress over it. Many people don't drink anyway. Some of my fellow MGB'ers opt to order cranberry juice with a wedge of lime. Looks like a cocktail. I like water myself, whether the drink of the day is beer, wine or just soft drinks. You will find something that works for you, and that is good for you!
Life goes on, and it is good! Celebrations are all about fellowship and love between family and friends. That works whether you are eating a little or a lot. Focus on the time together, and enjoy!
How well I know this! I have always loved to eat, and I love to cook. I am the friend who will cook for your birthday - whatever you want, even if I don't normally cook it. Paella is your favorite? I'll learn to make it and it will be great! You want a special dessert? Just let me know your desire and I will fulfill it! I cook for you, it shows that I love you. You eat what I cook, it shows that you love me! It's just like when your mom gave you a cookie when you skinned your knee, food makes everything better.
If you were genetically blessed, you could take all this eating, enjoy it, go play a game of hoops, and voila! No pounds gained. Unfortunately, many of us are not so blessed. So we end up morbidly obese, and the food that was our friend and fellow celebrator becomes the enemy with a knife to our throat, ready to cut our lives short. So we find our way to lose weight. For my friend Rob, that means watching every morsel he eats, and running, running, running. He's lost 140 lbs, "the hard way" as his wife puts it. I am very proud of him, and he has been an inspiration to me in finding a way to get thin. I just hate running.
So, I chose my MGB route, (hey! it's a "hard way" too!) and have found that my social life still exists, and I have learned to accomodate myself, while still making my friends and family fat and happy. Well, I'm trying to help them with the fat part.... But let's look at a typical American festivity - the SuperBowl Party.
Ah the SuperBowl. Chicken wings are our specialty. My hubby and I can fry them up and compete with the best of them. So, needless to say, our friends expected chicken wings for SuperBowl Sunday. And they were not let down. We had chicken wings, french fries, celery (yeah veggies!) blue cheese dressing, tortilla chips and cheese dip, and a delicious cranberry jello salad. So, you're asking, what did you eat? I ate 2 chicken wings, 2 tortilla chips with cheese sauce, about a 1/4 cup of the jello salad, and some celery. Oh, and blue cheese dressing of course. Now it took me about 30 minutes to consume this huge feast, maybe even 45. I was just watching the game. (Not drinking a Bud - more on that later!) An hour later, we had 'make your own' ice cream sundaes. Good idea, as I had total control on my dessert. I had about 2-3 spoonfuls of icecream, some nuts, a cherry, some whipped cream, delicious! (Now don't get me wrong, I rarely have dessert as I try to avoid sugar, but once in a while, and just a small bit, makes me happy, and doesn't hurt me.)
Did I feel deprived? No. Did my friends worry about what I was eating? No. I ate what they ate, just a lot less of it. But when it takes a long time to eat, no one really notices how little you are eating. I just talk, and laugh, and have a good time....and so does everyone else.
This is the same scenario, regardless of what the celebration is. I can eat pretty much whatever. I just don't eat much of it. I try to avoid fried foods. As a matter of fact, SuperBowl Monday was a day of much gas and Agent Orange. This is when your post MGB body shoots that greasy stuff right on through your body and it is not pleasant. Shows you why I normally avoid fried stuff. There are still chicken wings in the frig, but I have no desire for them after yesterday's bloat!
Going out to dinner is still fun. I just eat a little of whatever my husband or son are having. Most restaurants portions are huge anyway, so there is always plenty for them, and plenty for me. I have other friends and family who've also had the MGB. When we've been out with them, I notice that sometimes they share, or if not, they just eat a portion of their meal, and take the leftovers home for another time. I like sharing, 'cause it saves money!
Another thing that goes with celebrating is alcohol. Our surgeons recommend no alcohol after MGB surgery. I follow their recommendations. It may or may not be an issue for you, depending on how much you drink pre MGB. I did my crazy drinking in my 20's and 30's...so this has not really been that big of a deal for me. I did like the occasional margarita or glass of wine, but nothing on a regular basis. If I was going to a function where everyone was drinking, I don't think I would stress over it. Many people don't drink anyway. Some of my fellow MGB'ers opt to order cranberry juice with a wedge of lime. Looks like a cocktail. I like water myself, whether the drink of the day is beer, wine or just soft drinks. You will find something that works for you, and that is good for you!
Life goes on, and it is good! Celebrations are all about fellowship and love between family and friends. That works whether you are eating a little or a lot. Focus on the time together, and enjoy!
Friday, February 1, 2008
My Mini Gastric Bypass
So, you may be wondering just what a Mini Gastric Bypass is. You've heard of a Gastric Bypass, but not the Mini. An MGB is similar in overall effects to the traditional Roux en Y Gastric Bypass, however it is a different surgery.
The Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) is a short, simple, successful and inexpensive laparoscopic gastric bypass weight loss surgery. The operation usually takes only 30 min., hospitalization less than 24 hours. The Mini Gastric Bypass is low risk, has excellent long term weight loss, minimal pain and can be easily reversed or revised. Over 4,000 people from all across America and around the world are choosing the MGB as the Best in Bariatric Surgery, more effective than the LapBand and safer than the RNY Gastric Bypass. The big difference is in the way the stomach is divided. In the RNY, the stomach is cut across, and the top portion becomes your new 'pouch' and then they bypass some of your intestines and reconnect your new stomach. In the MGB, the stomach is divided vertically, so that your new 'pouch' is straight down from your esophagus. Then some of your intestine is bypassed, and your new stomach is reconnected to your intestines down the line.
If you want some indepth info, you can go to www.clos.net and you will find plenty! I decided on this surgery after having some friends and my daughter-in-law undergo their own MGB's. The surgery itself for me was painless - I didn't even get sick after waking up from anesthesia, which is unusual for me! I was the first patient of the day, the surgery was short, I was in my room in no time, and walking around by that afternoon. I was released the next day before noon. This surgery is done laparoscopically, so all I have are 5 little port scars in my middrift area.
For the first 2 weeks, I was limited to yogurt, crackers or pretzels, clear soups, fruit juice and green tea. Oh, and I did eat popsicles! That 2 weeks is called Stage I. It allows your new little tummy to heal. After that, you move on to Stage II. In this stage, you can add mushy foods, like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, finely mashed tuna or chicken - soft stuff. You also begin taking your vitamins 3 times daily, something you will do forever!
Of course you'd think that finally being able to eat something other than soup would be a big deal, and you'd be right. What you find out though, is that "eating" has become totally different than what you've known it to be. I was really looking forward to that first scrambled egg!! What I didn't realize is that it would take me about 30 minutes to eat it! Oh, and those mashed potatoes...2 bites and I was done. This was so unlike me, as I loved to eat before my surgery. I slowly chewed my way through the next 2 weeks, and then I was ready for Stage III.
Stage III is really where you just eat healthily. This is where you will stay as you lose the weight over the next 2 year period. The best advice I would have for anyone is to take it slow, and find out what works for you. I'm almost 7 months post op now, and have found what works for me. Everyone is different. Some can't tolerate beef, some love it. Some can eat more than others. I have found that I can't eat much at a time, so I try to eat 5 or 6 times during the day.
I usually have yogurt for breakfast, or maybe an egg. Even though I loved scrambled eggs in Stage II, at some point they made me sick after I would eat them, so now I fry them medium hard, and usually eat the yolk and a little of the white, and I'm full. I've also started adding some Grapenuts cereal to my yogurt, and maybe some raisins, and that's good. I drink some oj or grapefruit juice too. After MGB, we are supposed to avoid coffee and tea, but can have green tea. I miss my coffee, but not nearly as much as I thought I would. If I want a hot beverage, I usually have an herbal peppermint "tea" and find it to be very good.
I still like soups for lunch, but find that I don't care for canned soups, and usually make my own. Or I might have tuna or a hamburger patty (smallllll) and some salad, or whatever is leftover from the night before. Dinner is our biggest meal, but I sometimes can't eat too much at that time, so I do try to get a good lunch in. My husband and son are trying to be carb conscious, so that works well for me in preparing our dinner. I don't eat bread, and very little rice or pasta - maybe a couple of bites. Or a little potato, either mashed, baked or roasted. These types of food fill me quickly, and I really need protein, so I eat it first. I do especially well with beef, but also eat chicken or pork. I either roast the meat, or bake it or use the rotisserie. Simple is best. I also like fish or a little shrimp. In addition, I have some veggies either cooked or in a salad.
My inbetween meals are my fruit and maybe a protein bar or shake, or a couple of pretzels or crackers with some cheese. I don't drink carbonated beverages, but drink water, green tea, maybe a little lemonade. I don't have the sweet tooth I had before, and what a blessing that is. I have also become somewhat lactose intolerant, and have been substituting Soymilk for my beloved regular skim milk! That I do miss! Funny, you'd think it would be the goodies, but it is the milk.
So there you have a little about the surgery, and what my eating habits are at this point. I've been told by veteran gastric bypassers that this is the honeymoon period in which you can take it or leave it when it comes to food. So, I'll enjoy the honeymoon, and work to change my habits for good when this honeymoon journeys on into regular life.
The Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) is a short, simple, successful and inexpensive laparoscopic gastric bypass weight loss surgery. The operation usually takes only 30 min., hospitalization less than 24 hours. The Mini Gastric Bypass is low risk, has excellent long term weight loss, minimal pain and can be easily reversed or revised. Over 4,000 people from all across America and around the world are choosing the MGB as the Best in Bariatric Surgery, more effective than the LapBand and safer than the RNY Gastric Bypass. The big difference is in the way the stomach is divided. In the RNY, the stomach is cut across, and the top portion becomes your new 'pouch' and then they bypass some of your intestines and reconnect your new stomach. In the MGB, the stomach is divided vertically, so that your new 'pouch' is straight down from your esophagus. Then some of your intestine is bypassed, and your new stomach is reconnected to your intestines down the line.
If you want some indepth info, you can go to www.clos.net and you will find plenty! I decided on this surgery after having some friends and my daughter-in-law undergo their own MGB's. The surgery itself for me was painless - I didn't even get sick after waking up from anesthesia, which is unusual for me! I was the first patient of the day, the surgery was short, I was in my room in no time, and walking around by that afternoon. I was released the next day before noon. This surgery is done laparoscopically, so all I have are 5 little port scars in my middrift area.
For the first 2 weeks, I was limited to yogurt, crackers or pretzels, clear soups, fruit juice and green tea. Oh, and I did eat popsicles! That 2 weeks is called Stage I. It allows your new little tummy to heal. After that, you move on to Stage II. In this stage, you can add mushy foods, like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, finely mashed tuna or chicken - soft stuff. You also begin taking your vitamins 3 times daily, something you will do forever!
Of course you'd think that finally being able to eat something other than soup would be a big deal, and you'd be right. What you find out though, is that "eating" has become totally different than what you've known it to be. I was really looking forward to that first scrambled egg!! What I didn't realize is that it would take me about 30 minutes to eat it! Oh, and those mashed potatoes...2 bites and I was done. This was so unlike me, as I loved to eat before my surgery. I slowly chewed my way through the next 2 weeks, and then I was ready for Stage III.
Stage III is really where you just eat healthily. This is where you will stay as you lose the weight over the next 2 year period. The best advice I would have for anyone is to take it slow, and find out what works for you. I'm almost 7 months post op now, and have found what works for me. Everyone is different. Some can't tolerate beef, some love it. Some can eat more than others. I have found that I can't eat much at a time, so I try to eat 5 or 6 times during the day.
I usually have yogurt for breakfast, or maybe an egg. Even though I loved scrambled eggs in Stage II, at some point they made me sick after I would eat them, so now I fry them medium hard, and usually eat the yolk and a little of the white, and I'm full. I've also started adding some Grapenuts cereal to my yogurt, and maybe some raisins, and that's good. I drink some oj or grapefruit juice too. After MGB, we are supposed to avoid coffee and tea, but can have green tea. I miss my coffee, but not nearly as much as I thought I would. If I want a hot beverage, I usually have an herbal peppermint "tea" and find it to be very good.
I still like soups for lunch, but find that I don't care for canned soups, and usually make my own. Or I might have tuna or a hamburger patty (smallllll) and some salad, or whatever is leftover from the night before. Dinner is our biggest meal, but I sometimes can't eat too much at that time, so I do try to get a good lunch in. My husband and son are trying to be carb conscious, so that works well for me in preparing our dinner. I don't eat bread, and very little rice or pasta - maybe a couple of bites. Or a little potato, either mashed, baked or roasted. These types of food fill me quickly, and I really need protein, so I eat it first. I do especially well with beef, but also eat chicken or pork. I either roast the meat, or bake it or use the rotisserie. Simple is best. I also like fish or a little shrimp. In addition, I have some veggies either cooked or in a salad.
My inbetween meals are my fruit and maybe a protein bar or shake, or a couple of pretzels or crackers with some cheese. I don't drink carbonated beverages, but drink water, green tea, maybe a little lemonade. I don't have the sweet tooth I had before, and what a blessing that is. I have also become somewhat lactose intolerant, and have been substituting Soymilk for my beloved regular skim milk! That I do miss! Funny, you'd think it would be the goodies, but it is the milk.
So there you have a little about the surgery, and what my eating habits are at this point. I've been told by veteran gastric bypassers that this is the honeymoon period in which you can take it or leave it when it comes to food. So, I'll enjoy the honeymoon, and work to change my habits for good when this honeymoon journeys on into regular life.
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