TODAY is my 1-year bandiversary and honestly I cannot believe the
journey that I have experienced. I have learned so much about myself
this past year that I thought it necessary to share. There are many
of you that see the long road and wonder when will you make it to the
end (goal)? I too have wondered every week when will I get there,
when will I be the size 10 that I so desperately see, but can't
touch? I will tell you though, that if I had to do the entire
journey from July 19, 2003 to July 19, 2004, I would do it again and
exactly the samechallenges and all.
I have "only" lost 57 lb but that 57 lbs. has changed my life. At
the beginning, my goal was to get healthyok, really my goal was to
get into size 10 and being healthy would just follow. I had other
goals, like running a 5k and doing gymnastics again and I can tell
you that I have accomplished both of these goals, plus many more.
In addition to goals, I've faced challenges too. My biggest
challenge thus far has been recently. On June 16th I had to have all
the fill removed from my band because I wasn't able to eat
anything....nothing would stay down. I was having horrible reflux
and pain in my stomach, side and back. When I would run, like I had
every day for the past 11 months, my side would get a cramp that
would get worse the harder I breathed. I was so worried that my band
had slipped because of my symptoms so I went to Dr. Snow in Decatur,
TX who is my follow-up doctor and he immediately saidGALLBLADDER!!!
Well, once he removed all of my 2.5cc's I felt instantly better, but
I still had pain when I exercised and when I ate certain foods like
chocolate or anything fried. So, on June 28th I had my sonogram to
see if I had stones and then a test for gallbladder function.
Happily, I did not have stones, but sadly my gallbladder was
functioning at much less than 50%. So, w/ my symptoms and my
percentage of functionality, we decided to remove it. On Thursday,
July 8thit came out. Dr. Snow performed the surgery and used the
same big incision from my band insertion. While he was in there, he
said my band was perfectly positioned and in great shape. He even
complimented Dr. Rodriguez who did my surgery. It's now over a week
later and I'm back at work and feeling great. Today, I even got back
on the treadmill and walked, I wasn't on it to break a sweat, but
after 10 days of sitting around, I needed to move. This Wednesday I
go back for my follow-up visit and a fill and I can't wait because
this gallbladder thing really put me back, but it was necessary.
I didn't reach my 1-year goal of being at goal (150 lbs.), but I'm
only 15 lbs away and I know that I can reach that goal by October
23rd (my next chosen goal date). I still have some issues to work on
like snacking at night in front of the TVand boy this is the hardest
habit to break. But, at least I recognize my downfalls and am
working at fixing them.
For all you newbies, I just have a few things I need to point out:
1.The "last" meal before your surgery is not your "last" meal. I was
pleasantly surprised that I would be able to eat "normal" after
surgery, just not as muchso try not to go crazy before your surgery.
2.Please read the archives, you will find many answers there that
will help you on your journey.
3.Don't compare yourselves to othersit's not worth it, you'll just
sabotage your own goals.
4.Be happy with your band journey you'll experience ups and downs,
but it's all part of life lessons. This is an exciting journey and
you'll enjoy the ride.
Lastly, I want to thank my husband, Renato, my parents and Dr. Snow
for all of their support. I have read so many posts describing the
lack of support from spouses, family members and doctors, and I feel
so sad for those people because you need support from home and great
follow-up care to succeed.
Blessings,
Coleen
Keller, TX
Dr. Rod 7/19/03
222/165/150