Becoming a Healthier Me - My Weight Loss Journey

I still struggle with seeing myself as the person on the left.  I struggle with the 25 plus lbs the doctor says I have right now that is excess skin.  Especially what I call my over-hang abdominal/hip area.  The weight loss has become slower the past few months - but it is still coming off - which is good - I know. 

I truly appreciate your encouragement and prayers.  Keep them coming!  I can loose all this excess weight! 

I am Becoming a Healthier Me!

Weight Loss Update

I cannot believe it has been a month since I have last given an update on “Becoming A Healthier Me”. 

Have you ever had one of those months where you seem to be going in different directions and just cannot get your mind to concentrate on one thing for longer than 10 minutes?  Well that seems to be me on a regular basis!  That’s what happens when you have adult ADD….

The weight loss for 2 months since the gastric bypass surgery is 40 lbs.  Total weight loss since January 2013 is 90 lbs.  I am now on my permanent daily diet where I can eat not just protein but also some veggies, fruit and some starch/grains.  It’s still difficult trying to get my entire daily food intake, but I’m okay.  I take my children’s Flintstone’s Multi Vitamins with Iron 2 x a day, and Calcium Citrate, and Vitamin D every day.  Every two months I get a B-12 shot as well.  

I was hoping to begin Water Aerobics this week at our local High School’s indoor pool, but the instructor quit and now the school district has to find another instructor.  So pray they find one quick so I can get into the water and exercise.  I love the water! It is so forgiving on the joints. 

With the weight loss I am walking/standing more around the house.  But a catch 22 – since my knee is damaged (from 3 years ago) and needs surgery (when weight is off) I am in more pain because I am not supposed to bear weight on my knee.  So this is a bit discouraging because I know that walking is one of the best exercises I could do but I cannot due to my damaged knee.  I have been cleared to do abdominal exercises so hopefully I can firm up all this loose skin – With so much weight to loose and my age I suppose I will one day be a “skinny” saggy skin old lady!  HAHA!  

Unfortunately, fibromyalgia and arthritis is no respecter of persons so they continue to cause me difficulty as well.  But my stamina is better with the weight loss so that is good too.  

The average weight loss with gastric bypass is 20 lbs a month, so I am right on target – not bad for someone who cannot walk for exercise, but I know it will slow down if I do not increase my activity so please pray the school district will hire a new instructor for water aerobics.  The have a good group of people who participate twice a week so there is a need (each person pays $3.00 each class, so it would pay for the instructor).  

Of course I could not succeed without your continued prayers.  They are truly heartfelt and I appreciate each of my prayer warriors.  God Bless You All!  

Click chart below to view full photo chart

Weight Loss Photo Journal

My picture on the right looks a little funny.... 1) floors are not finished yet.... 2) hutch is empty due to waiting on floors to get done.  3)  I'm barefoot!  At least I'm not barefoot and pregnant!  lol!!! 

While I am in the Hospital this week, (gastric bypass surgery is Monday, June 17th @ 1:30 pm), our floors will get done as well.  So while my "insides" get a makeover - our living room will get a makeover as well. 

Thanks again for your continued prayers. 

Update on Becoming a Healthier Me

I cannot believe it has been a month since I last posted an update! Where has the time gone? Since my last post I have met twice with my surgeon and other medical professionals. My surgery is scheduled for Monday, June 17th! Yes, in just a few days! I have been on what is called Stage 2 Liquid Diet for two weeks which will continue for another two plus weeks. Stage 2 Liquid Diet consists of the following:

Liquids: Water, Crystal Light, Sugar Free Jell-O, decaf tea or coffee, broth or bouillon, and regular V8 Juice.
Protein Drinks: 60-80 grams a day – To replace my 3 “meals”.
Snacks: 2-4 a day – sugar free pudding, light yogurt with 8 grams or less of sugar and low fat, fat free or low fat cream soup.

I thought I would miss “eating” or chewing, but I don’t! I am doing quite well with this diet. Maybe it’s because I can still eat chocolate! My protein drinks are chocolate and my puddings are mostly chocolate! My taste buds are happy little campers! HA-HA!

Total weight loss from my heaviest weight is 50 lbs. I’m wearing some clothes that I wore 3 years ago! The other day Jim said, “That dress looks familiar.” I said, “It should - I wore it three years ago!” Jim tells me all the time how proud he is of me. He knows how hard I have worked - especially how hard I have worked to finally get the insurance to pay for my upcoming gastric bypass. It’s taken 10 years! So never give up people! Keep praying - If it is the Lord’s will it will happen – in His time. Just hang in there and persevere!

I should be in the Hospital about 3 days then transferred to a nursing facility close to home until I can get up or out of chairs and the bed by myself. I will be cut open from the sternum to the belly button and will not be able to use my stomach muscles for a while. I also will have to give myself injections of blood thinner for about 10 days after surgery to help prevent blood clots. This will certainly be a new experience for me in more ways than one.

Someone asked me the other day if I am looking forward to the surgery. I told them like an expectant mother – Not really looking forward to the pain of delivering a baby but looking forward to the life altering experience that motherhood brings. I’m not looking forward to the pain of surgery and recovery, but I am looking forward to the life changing experience that will occur due to the surgery. I’m looking forward to becoming a healthier me!

Yes, each day I am closer to my main goaol – Becoming a Healthier Me!

Thank you so much for your continued prayers. They truly are greatly appreciated!

So many blessings – I’m doing the “happy dance”!

 

First, an update on my weight loss journey:

On Friday, March 29^th I had a 5 ½ hour medical evaluation at the Geisinger Medical Center Bariatric Program.  Together with the medical evaluation, Jim and I are also participating in a research study on how bariatric surgery affects family members.   I am also participating in a research program regarding genetics and liver/metabolic diseases.  So many tests, procedures, surveys etc….   Jim and I had to fast for 12 hours then we had to drink “special” water then continue not to eat or drink for 5 more hours!  Yes people – that is 17 hours!!  Needless to say we were extremely tired and a bit weak.  But we did it! 

Now here is a prayer request:  If I lose another 10 lbs by April 19^th I should be right on schedule to have surgery in June! 

I had been on a stand still for about 6 weeks in regards to my weight loss so the dietitian suggested I substitute a protein drink for 2 meals.  Oh, thank you!  The scale is finally moving once again!  So breakfast and lunch are protein drinks and then a healthy meal for dinner (mostly a protein and salad). 

Now for some awesome and exciting answer to prayers! 

Jehovah-Jireh - God has provided:

1)      Prayer Request: I had mentioned on facebook that our living room floors have needed to be replaced ever since we moved into our mobile home.  The company we purchased the mobile home said they would fix the floors when spring came around; well two years later and the floor is still not fixed and worse than before.  I mean floors caving in and having to cover the floors with thick plywood so we don’t fall through!  The company will not do the work – partly our fault we did not have it put in writing before we purchased the home.

Answer:  A group of men from our church will fix and replace our floor!  They will also fix and secure our ramp coming into our home and hopefully connect an outside faucet so we can water our outdoor plants.  For 2 years we have had to fill up jugs from the bathtub and go in and out of the house to water our plants. 

2)      Prayer Request:  Our 1995 car gave up the ghost. 

Answer:  Through generous donations the Lord has provided Jim and I a 2002 Mercury Villager Minivan (under 73,000 miles).  

So praise the Lord for his gracious blessings!

JEHOVAH RAPHA - The Lord our Healer

1) Jim - Surgery hopefully 3rd or 4th week of April: pray it WILL help him and not get worse.  Surgeon said that if Jim does not have the surgery that he will be in a wheelchair in 3 to 4 years - if he has the surgery he has a 50 % chance of being worse.  So it's either 100% of getting worse or 50 % - So Jim will have the surgery.   He will wear a back brace for quite a while after surgery and have physical therapy too.  Will NEVER be able to take stairs again.  A few steps but no more stairs.   Life for Jim has changed completely since last year.  Pray for Jim as he continues to learn to ask for assistance as well as learn to live with his various challenges. 

2) Me -  My psychiatric evaluation for surgery is today, Wed, April 3rd.  Then on April 19th I meet again with nutritionist. I am to be 10 lbs down by then to get the green light for surgery.  Then in May I meet with the surgeon (which they-Geisinger Hospital will give me the most experienced surgeon). Surgery hopefully scheduled for June.  May 3rd I have 3 more appts too.   All appointments are and tests are for the surgery.

Our God is good... all the time.  We are humbled and blessed by His marvelous grace, mercy and love each day.  Thank you for your continued prayers.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”   Psalm 28:7

My Journey To a Healthier Me - Month 3

This week I felt a bit overwhelmed.  On Monday, Jim and I went to my monthly (this was my 3rd month) Bariatric Surgery appointments at the Geisinger Hospital in Danville, PA.  To save us time and money they try to combine all my monthly appointments on one day each month.  So on Monday I participated in the Behavior Class, medical appointment and bariatric support group.  I was given so much information that my head is still spinning.  They gave each of us a book to read, “Weight Loss Surgery, Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You”, by Barbara Thompson along with our Patient Education Binder.  The education binder covers the following: 

·         Personal Responsibility

·         Changing Lifestyle

·         Building Support

·         Managing Stress

·         Setting Goals

·         Eating Styles

·         Getting Active

·         Body Image

As you can see I have much to read and learn before and after surgery.  The support group meeting was interesting because they have people who have had the surgery share their experiences and then we can ask questions and address any concerns we may have regarding before and after surgery.  It was a very informative and candid meeting to say the least.  But I have to say that it was also encouraging to see and hear from individuals from all stages of life share their weight loss journey and each one losing an incredible amount of weight in such a short amount of time.  I think I enjoyed most of all their candidness as they shared some of the difficulties and yet all said if they had it to do it all over again they would still do it again.  So that is encouraging as well. 

Next month (month 4)will be my 2 hour Bariatric Medical Evaluation, metabolic assessment and schedule appointments for labs and ultrasound and any other tests the doctors feel I should have for a proper evaluation.  Then two weeks later I will have my psych eval for bariatric surgery.  Month 5 will be the Surgery Education Class with a member of the surgery team and another support group meeting.  Then the 6^th month I am to have achieved and maintained my before surgery weight loss goal and hopefully receive the “green light” from both Behavioral Medicine and Registered Dietician along with complete a written test and have all my testing, labs and referrals completed.  When all is completed,  I will meet with the surgeon for his evaluation and together we will set the surgery date. Two weeks prior to surgery I will be on what is called Stage 2 Diet (High Protein liquids primarily). 

In the mean time I will continue dieting, journal my foods and feelings etc., study all the materials and get myself ready mentally, physically and spiritually for the biggest challenge and change of my life  - but a journey that will help me to become a healthier me. 

So please continue to pray for me and my lifelong journey to become a healthier me.  So far I am more than halfway to my pre-surgery weight loss goal.  I have lost 25 lbs so far.  It’s going slow, but I can do it!!!  Yes, I do Beeleive I Can! 

"In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall." Psalm 18:29

Becoming a Healthier Me – Journal Entry 1/22/13

“So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”  1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Wow, those scriptures hit me on the head like a ton of bricks!  How can I be an example to others if I am not discipline enough in my own life?

As I begin my journey to a Healthier Me, I have been undertaking a great amount of soul searching- introspection - and I have to be honest with myself, “I have a lot of splainin to do!” (To coin a phrase from Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy). 

I have restarted – jumped started – my battle of the bulge.  I am reading the book Winning the Battle of the Bulge It’s NOT About the Weight, along with the study guide, by Mary Englund Murphy.  She compares the battle of dieting or the battle of bulge to that of being a soldier in the Army.  Actually she says that “Losing weight is not just a battle; it’s a war – a lifelong war made up of daily battles.  Battles fought not at the refrigerator, the dinner table, or the cookie jar, but in our minds and spirits.  Battles fought against an enemy we seldom recognize and with weapons we are disinclined to use.  You may feel ready to surrender, but don’t give up yet.  Together we will enlist in God’s army, work our way through boot camp and special training, recognize our true enemy, and allow God to arm us with weapons to win the war.” 

One of the questions she asks is: “List attitude adjustments you need to make.”  You mean I need an attitude adjustment?  Not me?  I can just see my husband and sister rolling their eyes right now!  Of course I need an attitude adjustment.  So here I go – I am opening myself up to everyone to help me become more accountable. 

1.       I need to commit to the battle as a life-long battle.  Losing weight is not about dieting and reaching your goal.  It is a life-long commitment to be and stay healthy.  Healthy physically, mentally and spiritually. 

2.       Be honest.  When I record in my food diary I must be honest and record every bite.  I must be honest with myself and most of all with my Lord – the Commander in Chief of His army. 

3.       Be positive.  I cannot tell you how many times I look into the mirror and say, “You are ugly, You are fat, You are worthless, You are pathetic, You are….”  Well you get the idea.  I say and think a lot of negatives when it comes to how I see myself – inside and out. 

4.       Food is not my enemy – but my thoughts and feelings towards food are my enemy.

5.       When I reach a plateau or even not lose as fast I think I should lose, I am not to get discouraged and give up as I usually do.  I didn’t get this way overnight and I cannot expect it to come off overnight either.  There are lessons to learn at every step forward and every plateau.  Instead of giving up – seek guidance – from the Lord and nutritionist. 

6.       The life long battle will get difficult, challenging, and road blocks from the deceiver himself but I must remember that the Lord is in the battle with me; He will and can help me through and around each battle – each challenge the enemy sets out for me. 

Yes, I am in a lifelong battle, but I must remember that I am on the Winner’s side – God – The Battle is already won – the prize is there at the finish line just waiting for me to run my course and cross that finish line to claim my prize!    

I hope that one day I can say as the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”

Dear Heavenly Father, You have armed me with strength for the battle of bulge.  Everything I need to fight this battle you have already provided.  It’s mine for the taking – I must use the weapons you provide to fight the battles that will come my way.  "In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall." Psalm 18:29.  And all God’s people say, “Amen!”