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

Update on My Journey to Become a Healthier Me

It’s been a while since I wrote an update on Becoming a Healthier Me.  This past month has been a whirlwind with various medical appointments, tests etc….  My journey towards gastric bypass began July 2012 then a little “hiccup” with my insurance stopped the process for a short time.  After my insurance “hiccup” was solved I was able to get back on track in January 2013 to continue with the six months process towards gastric bypass surgery.  

I have had many people ask why the process takes so long.  I can truly see why Geisinger Bariatric Program is six months long.  They want to make sure we receive all the “tools” we need to assist us in becoming a “healthier me” as well as stay healthier for our lifetime.  Some of the “tools” that Geisinger Bariatric Program provides are:

1)      One on one counseling with a registered nutritionist throughout the six months and for life. 

2)      Monthly support groups (for life)

3)      Bariatric Surgery Patient Education Classes (with education notebook and book):

a.       Personal Responsibility

b.      Changing Lifestyle

c.       Building Support

d.      Managing Stress

e.      Setting Goals

f.        Eating Styles

g.       Getting Active

h.      Body Image   ,.

4)       Full medical evaluation, tests, and psychological evaluation.   

5)       Each professional staff member you see is available through phone, emails or personal appointments. 

6)      Life time appoints anytime you need to recharge or regroup to keep you on track with your weight loss and maintain your new weight for life.  

Of course I have an extra added benefit as well.  I have wonderful prayer partners that will continue to encourage and lift me up in their prayers.  

After going through the above program, I have reached the final step prior to surgery – this Friday, May 17^th I will meet with the surgeon who will perform the surgery.  They have assigned the most experienced surgeon for my gastric bypass.  Please continue to pray for my progress and process.  Upon meeting the surgeon I will then receive the date for my surgery.  Two weeks prior to surgery I will be on a liquid protein diet that will continue for the next 2 plus weeks after surgery until certain foods will slowly be introduced to my “new” much smaller stomach.  To learn more about the bariatric program and the different types of procedures please visit:  http://www.geisinger.org/services/bariatrics/index.html

I have not come to the decision of gastric bypass lightly.  This journey for me has been 10 years in the making.  I am 100% ready for the surgery to assist me in becoming a healthier me.  I know that the surgery has its risks and that it is a helpful tool in aiding me to lose the unhealthy excess weight.  I say

it is a helpful  tool because I know that if I do not utilize the other “tools” they have provided me through the education class that I can easily put the weight back on.  So gastric bypass surgery is NOT an easy way to lose weight!  Just look at the surgery itself – it changes your organs/inside of body drastically!  But for me it is the only way to lose the amount of weight needed to help me to become a healthier me.  

I will update you once I receive the date for me surgery.  Please continue to pray for me as I continue my journey to Become a Healthier Me.