They say that inside every fat person is a thin person trying hard to escape. My poor thin woman is having a very hard time escaping for sure.

I'm having a few hiccups from my surgery. The first occurred a week after my surgery. Every time I got up and walked around a little I got very weak and felt like I might pass out. After two days of this "horrible feeling" we went to the ER to find out what was going on.

After 8 hours, many consultations and lab tests it was decided that my fluid pill was depleting my electrolytes. I was given an IV and some potassium and told to stop taking it. My white count was up and I suggested they do a urine sample since I felt like I might be getting a UTI. They did and told me every thing looked good.

Monday, was a horrible day.....lots of gas pain and still not feeling very well. By Monday night there was no question that I had a full blown UTI. I felt lousy, burned when passing urine and was having bladder spasms. Tuesday morning I made an appointment to see a local physician and guess what? I have a urinary tract infection! SURPRISE!

Now I'm on an antibiotic and am slowly beginning to feel like I might actually live. I'm telling you, my inner thin woman is having quite a battle. She's struggling just to be alright right now. I'm sure these are just a few hiccups along the way and certainly things could be much worse.

So here's a shout out to the woman I am becoming.....struggle and all.

Labels: hiccups along the way

To all my cheerleaders! I am doing really well since my surgery last Saturday.

I'm off all pain medication and am doing well with blended foods. I've discovered some new recipes and have finally had my first bowel movement. Who knew what a blessing that would be.

My sister assures me that the first two bites of anything is always the best and I should never put anything in my mouth that I don't really love. Some things I'm sure I will have to smell and remember vicariously. I will finally be able to eat solid foods in about 3 weeks.

So far I've lost 12 pounds and it is has been great not to always feel hungry. My biggest problem at the moment is getting in all my protein for the day.

Thanks for your prayers.

Labels: Lap-band

Labels: Before, before pictures, beginings

Today I'm having surgery for the lap band procedure. I've never had general anesthesia before so I'm really pretty nervous about the whole thing. I report in at 9:30 (which is about two hours before the actual surgery).

The surgery is laproscopic , a band is put around the upper part of the stomach forming a pouch that holds approximately a half a cup of food. The band gives you the feeling of fullness with much less food. Nothing is cut so the food is absorbed normally and goes through the small and large intestine and eliminated normally through the colon.

Today I was on clear liquids the entire day and went through a bowel prep. When I get home I will be on blended foods for the next 4 weeks.

Labels: Lap-band

Mr. Wonderful and I went to series of classes yesterday at UVA Medical Center. The classes were about the lap band procedure for weight loss. The nurse educator explained and demonstrated how the band works and described it as "a tool" to help you get to the weight you want to be. She went on to explain that you still had to do the work....make the right food choices, exercise and change your lifestyle.

After the classes we were given an opportunity that I truly believe came from the Lord. Apparently the hospital is changing to a newer brand of lap band and the surgeon has to be proctored by a certified surgeon that has done a number of these procedures with this particular brand. Saturday they are doing 3 lap band surgeries with this new product. I can have this procedure done on Saturday by their top bariatric surgeon (23 years experience) with the assistance of a certified Lap Band specialist. The UVA surgeon is booked up 9 months in advance so I feel like this is an opportunity I can't pass up.

I would appreciate your prayers, more than I can express. I'm not a brave person and can easily talk myself into a panic attack. I truly believe that God has provided the finances, the surgeon and the opportunity so now I just need you to "pray me up". Thanks in advance.

Labels: birds eye view, Lap-band