"Progress Report"

I couldn't think of a title for this one, but I was sitting around reflecting and I thought I'd give some sort of progress report. I should consider taking a new picture as I am 11 lbs. less than this picture. (Man, I loved that costume, I had so much fun!

I can't believe that I am 4.5 years out. (And, I always seem to say that - HA - no matter how long it is. My goal range has been 138-142 lbs, but recently I saw a significant drop down to 134 lbs.

Updating my "yearly" questions. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask. Nothing is off limits.

Official weigh in stats:

• Height: 5'8"
• Starting weight: 234 lbs
• Current weight: 134 lbs
• Overall loss: 100 lbs
• Lbs to goal: (doc had said 149. I felt "chunky" at that weight after staying at it for a while.
• Current goal: Maintain between 138 lbs - 142 lbs. I am seeing how it goes with bootcamp this round and deciding whether or not to adjust my range.
• BMI: 20.4 - (Normal weight = 18.5-24.9)
• Clothing size: 4-6 (mainly a FOUR!)
• Shirt: S

How many fills have you had?

• 1st fill – 1.2cc
• 2nd fill – 1.8cc
• 3rd unfill - was just too tight - went to 1.4cc
•  4th unfill - dilated pouch - complete unfill
•  5th fill - .6cc
•  I think I went up some from here to about .8cc; then unfill to about .4 cc; then another to .2 cc - that's where I remain. There is .2 cc in my band. It's pretty much empty

Are you going to stay at your current fill level?
Yes.

What are you going to do next?
Complete round 2 of bootcamp with the asskicker. Decide whether or not to adjust my weight range and see if I can adjust to my size B boobies. (waaaa)

What size clothes are you wearing?

• 4 pants/dress (sometimes have to go up to a 6).
• Shirt - Small

What do you eat in a typical day?
I always start with weight control quaker instant oatmeal with 1/2 oz of dried blueberries or cherries for breakfast. (Good source of fiber.) For lunch, pretty much whatever - there really isn't a typical meal. I pretty much stay away from pasta and bread entirely. When I do eat some, it might be a bit of pasta or crackers---pasta always has a lot of sauce. Dry meat has to have sauce. Chicken breast is tricky some days. Dry meat of any kind is a problem, but as long as what I eat is chewed well and within the amount I am supposed to have - I don't have any issues. (Update: Same answer as last time, but I have added more fruit to my diet.)

Was it worth it?

Yes, it was. I stress though that I would only recommend it as a last resort. I felt I was there. I could get the weight off, but just couldn't keep it out without exercising and watching what I ate ALL the time. Now, I live a life of moderation on everything and the weight stays off. Other than the gain of 15lbs that was totally MY FAULT and choice (via bad choices and not working out) I have remained the same weight or lost a bit. It was worth every penny and I was self-pay. (Update: Keeping this one the same as well. I need to go back and read that post about the 15 lbs.)

Have you had any problems?
Yes. You'll see in the beginning of my blog that shortly after my surgery I swore my stitches in my port popped. Everybody told me no way and not to worry about it. When I went in for my fill, it had. So it is on it's side. I still have not had it fixed, but you can now see a lump from it when my shirt is off and FEEL it. Feeling it is the grossest. I am considering getting it fixed. I have also had some problems with pouch dilation. People being too tight is BAD. The other thing is that your portion size is also very important. It can also lead to stretching of your pouch. Signs? Eating more than you used to and getting heartburn (aka - reflux). (Update: I haven't gotten my port fixed and it is pretty noticeable (I do have the low-profile port already). If I were to look into boobies, I'd see if it would be possible to get that fixed at the same time.)

Have you pb'd?
FOR SURE. When I was too tight, a lot. Now, I pretty much know how and what to eat depending on the tightness of my band. When/if I have problems, it is around my fake period (I swear since my hysterectomy (post band) that I still have periods!). I have learned sometimes it is best not to fight it and let it happen. This seems to work for me and then does not lead to repeated pb's or irritation. Be sure to follow your surgeon's instructions for when this occurs. I find that I get very tight (swollen and irritated) and need to follow the instructions. I'll stay on fluids for a number of hours and then depending on how bad it is (believe me you get to where you know) I'll put myself on self-imposed soft foods for a day or two. Usually within a day I am totally back to normal. (Update: I'm not sure, but I'd guess that I've have 2 episodes in the past year.)

What rules do you follow?

Eat slowly (but not too slow!). Take small bites. Eat the right portion sizes. When I feel full - stop. Don't drink with meals. No soda. That pretty much sums it up. There aren't a lot of them. These are pretty much the standard bandster rules. Since my band is essentially empty, I focus on good choices and eating the *right* amount. If I eat hard foods like I am supposed to, guess what - full. If not, I have a little snack.)

Do you have loose skin?

Surprisingly, I'd have to say "no" (do my boobs count?). I wear a bikini and look pretty damn good for my age. Over time since I hit goal and continued to workout, I'd say that I even look better. My motto is: "Who says that I can't be in as good a shape as my 20's?"

Do you 'diet'?

I guess most people would say yes. I'd say no. The bottom line whether you have a lapband or not is you have to make good food choices. I roughly follow Weight Watchers that my friend gave me all the scoop on. The daily points with the flex keeps everything in check. I have journaled my food and exercise since I was banded - except for the time that I put on the 15lbs. This is very successful for me. Conscious eating is critical. (I eat very strictly during the week and less so on the weekend - it works for me!)

So what is all this about this 15lbs you gained?

Well, for about 5 or 6 months, I didn't work out, log my food, or make good choices. The good news is that I only gained 15 lbs. In the past, this would have been much worse. I also avoided the scale, so it was my clothes screaming at me that they were tight that woke me up. There were a whole lot of factors that contributed to my not caring - work stress, break up, just not caring - in fact, I think I was in a bit of a depression. Well, I kicked myself in the ass and got things under control. I dedicated 12 weeks and a lot of dedication and effort - and following all the rules - I lost 15.5 lbs.