just a little behind

The title has two meanings; 1. It's been too long since the last blog, and 2. My butt is much smaller!

I'm a little over 5 months out from surgery and I think I'm doing great. First of all some stats, my weight is 162.5, according to BMI (which both Dr. and Trainer said to ignore because it's an outdated measure) I'm still overweight....but I am getting close to normal.  I've lost 66.5 lbs and I'm wearing mostly size 12, M tops...and starting to get into 10's.  I've now had to go shopping which has been both fun and frustrating...fun because there are so many cuter styles in the smaller sizes, but frustrating because if I have a really cute outfit now...it won't be long until it is too big. I've said my size goal was size 8...no particular reason expect it is a single digit and that sounds amazing.

I think I finally have the hang of this eating thing, knock on wood, it's been awhile since I puked...there are a few times I have to rest after eating because I almost ate too much...but in 15 minutes or so...I'm just fine. I'm learning my limits and finding foods that work and I love; For instance when going to eat TexMex...I can do 1 to 1.5 enchiladas and some of the re-fried beans no problem.

I think I can safely say exercise is now part of my life....there have been a few times life got in the way...but I now get right back at it.  The FitBit challenges and personal Trainer both help.

Now for some pictures  

This is Alan, my trainer... the one who pushes me, even if I push back.

 I got some smaller workout clothes...but this shows all the flaws

 but sure if that helps keep it real, or gives me distorted body image?

 just a selfie

 a recent new outfit, size 12!

Walking and thinking

I went for a great walk this morning at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve.  This is becoming a bit of a Sunday tradition, even when it's hot....if I going early in the morning it's not too bad. Today while I was walking my brain was just racing away.  I was happy because of the scale, I'll talk about that later; but I was also happy because I was walking at a good pace...faster that normal and it felt good.

I want to do a color Run in April (don't know exact date yet)...but as I was walking today I felt like I'm ready to start doing the C25K (couch to 5 K)...I downloaded the free app last week.  There is a paid app, not sure if it's worth the .99....will ask around.  Last time I used C25K, it was just a podcast....that how long ago that was!  I do think I need some better running shoes before I start that though, current shoes are OK for walking cute Nike's that were are sale at Kohl's.  But with my foot and bone history; I think I should go to Run on and get the best one's for my needs.  There is also Kacy's run at the end of March...it's a fund raiser our district does for the special Olympics.  I've just done the 1 mile walk in the past...but this time I'm going for the 5 K.

I finally got to participate in a challenge for Fit-bit. A Facebook group I'm in is beta testing...I just got access this week...first few challenges fill up fast.  Am in a weekend warrior one now; it is fun and definitely adds some extra motivation.

I had a frustrating week in the weight loss department, I guess I hit a bit of a stall.  I was used to losing about a half a lb a day...then bam...I lost almost 3 lbs in a day...well I guess that was a fluke because the next day I gained 4...then down 1.5...up 1 all week.  This morning I was down to 181.3...which is were I was when I had that 3 lbs in one day lost.  My husband said don't weigh everyday if it is stressing me out...I feel like I need to to know where I'm at.

It's all about Balance

School started this week for the kids, so my job started to settle somewhat. The part I'm having the most trouble with is time management....when my time does not seem to be my own.  Friday we had a meeting that lasted longer than it should, then had to rush to help a teacher with orienting kindergartners to the computer lab, I was missing an Educational Services quarterly birthday luncheon to do this, but my eating choices would have been extremely limited so I had already planned on stopping at Chik fil a on my way back. The kids meal with grilled nuggets, then a diet lemon aide for later is a great fast food for me....well as luck has it, the drive through line was around the building and I just didn't have time for all that...I had another meeting/training starting at 2.  So I was ill prepared, I should always have a P3 or a protein bar on hand in case I don't get to eat.  I found a package of peanuts, so I survived. (But just barely ;-))

Exercise is going pretty good, I've been going after dinner on Monday and Wednesday...get a good workout plus my 10,000 steps...then Friday rolls around and I'm whooped.  So today I'm going to try to go later this afternoon ....depending how the day goes...today is Bill's birthday and we are going to some some of warbird/car show....I have no idea what that is....and how long it will last.  Water and vitamins are OK....not where they are suppose to be; but better than I was before surgery so I'm counting that as good.  I would like to find time for more support, there are plenty of support groups locally, but if I go to a support group I miss my gym time (plus I pay $37 per session for a personal trainer).  I'm finding on line support somewhat lacking.  One FB group of local people is pretty good, the other that spinned off Bariatric Pal...I'm having some issues....there are some people who post nothing but personal drama...talk about eating pizza, then complain when they don't lose, post weight loss on My Fitness Pal...then get on FB and say they are in a stall...haven't lost a lbs in a month.....so I'm checking in there less and less...don't need all that drama!

I'm continuing to lose at a rate of about .5 lb per day, it seems like a continual process of trying on clothes that are going into the too big pile...and finding items that used to be too small and now fits....there has been a whole lot of shopping in my closet. I was noticing this morning I now have a waist, and my last roll is almost gone.

I wanted these pictures side by side, but gave up

just showing off my progress

Working Girl

Back to school time, so I'm once again a working girl.  It's one thing to eat right, drink water, take your supplements, exercise and track all of the above when you are home, your husband is self sufficient (mostly) and you are your #1 priority...I mean there is a little housework...but that doesn't take all day....anyway I've had a few disasters since I've been back to work.  One day I forgot my breakfast, another it was late in the afternoon before I realized I hadn't had any water, forgot to take vitamins more than once and on my non gym days...I was really disappointed in my steps...in fact I've fallen from #12 to # 19 or 20 on my Fitbit leader-board.  But even with all that monkey business, I've managed to continue to loose about a half a lb a day....it's slower but still good.  I've lost a little over 35 lbs and earned this badge from Fitbit.

 

5 more lbs and I get my next Pandora bead.  And I'm into all my size 16's now too....so I'm still making progress, and I'll get the hang of fitting all these pieces of my healthy life style into my work life.  

The best news since the last post is that I got the results of my blood work back.  My Cholesterol was 185; that is the first time in over 10 years that is has been below 200....in fact last check (before surgery) it was close to 285!  Hemoglobin A1C was 5.6, completely out of diabetic range....and all the other stuff was normal (except B12 was a little high)....

So my first goals of getting off medicines and getting healthy...are accomplished...and I have about 45 lbs to go to get to goal weight.  I feel great!

Winner, Winner, Chicken dinner

We are going to the casino up the road to play and spend the night.  This will be a great test to see if I can integrate back into life a little.  We have eaten out a few times, I've done OK....mainly because I was scared I was going to eat to fast, get the foamies and puke.  I'm cheap, so eating a few ounces at a buffet would normally really bug me, but we have comps for 2 free buffet meals so that should be OK, we also have some free play and our room is complimentary.....so all we have to do is our play money....the free play is usually not for our favorite machines.  It would be great to win some big money....although I'm usually OK to win enough to keep playing.

I'm officially down 32.8 lbs, I have my 3rd Pandora bead

 and wearing size 16.

A few if the 16's must run small because they a tight, and I don't have a lot in size 16, but I need to make them work.  When I get to 14 I'll have a lot to wear....then at 12 and below I will have to start doing a little shopping.

Now that I'm on regular food, I'm getting better at water, protein and vitamins, not perfect but better.  I figure this is such a huge lifestyle change, that it will just take time and it will be something I will have to work on my whole life.

I had a follow up with my Primary Care Dr. on Friday, he was really happy with my progress...called me skinny....which at 196 I'm not...but I'm much better that before.  He halfed my B/P med....and may take me off completely next visit...he did not want to take me off cold turkey...but if I get off that I will have accomplished first goal of getting off prescription meds.  Can't wait to see what my blood work is.

I'm doing really good with my exercise, having a personal trainer is really helping, and on my off gym days I'm walking and starting to get to my 10,000 steps...I've done that twice now.

So all in all things are going well, I go back to work on Thursday, so that is my next challenge...figuring out how to make this new lifestyle work with work!

Weight Loss Journey- Taking the surgery route: I made it

Weight Loss Journey- Taking the surgery route: I made it: I weighed in at 198.8 this morning after being 200 for 2 days in a row....yes, I weigh everyday, I feel I need to so I know what is goi...

I made it

I weighed in at 198.8 this morning after being 200 for 2 days in a row....yes, I weigh everyday, I feel I need to so I know what is going on. But I promise I don't get weird or freak out every time I do not have a loss.  I have not stalled like some of my online friends (knock on wood), but the rate of loss has slowed since the first few weeks.  I am still losing .5 to 1 lbs every other day or two....so I'm good with that.  I even understand if there is a stall, that it will pass and what makes me feel really good about having made this decision is I won't repeat past mistakes.  In the past when I hit a stall, I would get discouraged and fall off the wagon, now I know my little tiny stomach will not let me do that.

I'm still working on getting enough protein in,  I've been really close to 80 gms but not quite.  I'm starting to feel a little hungry at meal times...so maybe I'll be able to get that protein snack in ....but for the past month it's been like "oh it's time to eat, I guess I'll force myself"...and I never get to the snack.  Still trying to figure out what works for me....I've lost more than a few meals...but we won't go into detail about that.

Appointment Update.

I had my follow up yesterday, I'm officially down 27 lbs....Onderland and that new Pandora bead are so close I can taste them!

Found out the occasional hard lump and mild pain I feel on my left side, is hard poop moving through my colon....lovely....need to drink more water!

Learned about some chips made out of egg whites....protein snack....whoo hoo...I ordered some from Amazon. 

Learned some good nutritional information, learned about the importance of vitamin B1 also known as Thiamine...making sure we get enough...I'm taking Centrum Silver chewables...and I'm getting enough...but there has been a study about giving high doses of B1 to people with early dementia...and symptoms were actually reversed....Dr. also talked a lot about the protein .....I'm feel like I'm really starting to get all of this.

Joined a new local Gym and hired a personal trainer...had my first session today....he said I was going to hate him tomorrow....now I'm just a little nervous....and he seemed like such a nice young man.  I'm going to start with 3 x week for a month, then 2x week for a month...working on strength one day a week my self, then 1 time a week for a month....by that time I should be good enough to solo...and hope I can push myself.

I also walked a little over 30 minutes on the treadmill....I don't really like treadmills...I find them boring...but we are back to our normal hot Texas summer...so it's just too dang hot outside....unless I go super early.  Anyway I'm hoping this fitness really helps my results.

Motivation

Monday was our 7 year anniversary, it was a little sad that we didn't take a trip, have a all out fancy steak dinner....but at this stage of recovery there was just no way. What I did get is this Pandora bracelet... I've been wanting one for awhile...so the two color beads indicate 10 lbs each gone forever, the heart beat says Happy Anniversary.  I will get a color bead for each 10 lbs (I'm about 4.5 lbs from my next bead)...then there is an easy gift idea (bead) for other occasions. I think these beads will be a great visual to keep me motivated.

I'm really doing good with my walking, I've been over 7,000 steps the last 2 days.  The key has been to get out early before it gets hot. I've also added an upper arm toning with weights (5 lbs) that I saw on Pinterest ...I do that every other day.  I found a Ab routine, not sure if I'm ready for that yet.  I have a follow up on Monday and I will check.  I know I've lost some in my tummy, but it still appears big, and it's super sensitive, it does not like anything tight across it, and seems to "swell or bloat" throughout the day.

I'm still wearing size 18 clothes and a few 16's....Now I really should have gone up to a 20 before surgery, but I refused to buy bigger sizes, especially once I made the decision.  The 18's were tight and looked horrible, now they are lose...a few are too lose and I've started a give away pile, but many of the 16's (that I've tried on) are tight across my belly and not comfortable....I'm thinking that 4.5 lbs...it will be a bead, size 16 and Onederland...the Trifecta!

Progress

First a disclaimer....I don't quite have the hang of this selfie thing; but wow can I already see a difference in my face.  I took some pictures in yoga pants and sports bra early on...won't be ready to do a side by side comparison with those for a little while.
The transition to pureed foods has been a bit of a challenge, part because I'm really not hungry and part because I eat too fast, I got an app called eat slower to help with that...and it does as long as I use it; but every time I forget.....it is not a good feeling.
The walking is so-so too....it has gotten very hot....duh..I  live in Texas....it's still 90 at 9 o'clock at night, of course I could get up early and walk when it's still in the 80's...but I'm so not a morning person.  I have an Elliptical...but I huff and puff after 5 minutes...I'm thinking I just need to suck it buttercup and do the Elliptical...even if it is just 5 minutes...do it several times a day to get to my goal steps...then maybe work on increasing my endurance to 10 minutes and so on?

Almost 3 weeks out

And it looks like I'm headed to the dreaded 3 week stall; I have lost 20 lbs though so i decided to treat myself to a pedicure.

 had the whole deal...hot wax and all....I believe I have not had a pedi since last summer.  I don't usually do it during the winter, and in the spring I knew I could not have painted nails for surgery so this was long over due.  This color is way outside of my comfort zone, I usually go for some form of orange.

Now about this evil 3 week stall, it appears it's really common and it seems to last about 2 weeks...the good news is my new little stomach is not going to let me fall off the bandwagon like I have every other time I've hit a stall, it will force me to stay in the and fight, fight, fight.  I don't plan on taking it lying down though, I think this will be a good time to focus on increasing my exercise.  I've been hitting at least 3k since the 25th of June, fairly regular.  I think it is now hit to add the Elliptical to the mix, since the fitbit is on my arm...as long as I'm doing the arm things and not just hanging on...those steps will count....maybe my goal for this first week of adding it will be 4k, then 5k the week after?  Not sure....sometimes my goals evolve as I go.

Speaking of goals....I did some research into a local color run...it was in DFW in April 2014...so I got on the list to be notified when it will be scheduled again....something good to work towards.   

plugging along

 Felt a little intimidated this week, comparing myself to others.  They have lost more, less pain, seem to have more energy.  I've lost 12 lbs....and that's amazing, I'm doing the best I can....and when I try to do too much it backfires...as in more pain...or a day where I can barely get off the sofa.  So I'm going to quit comparing myself to others, just do as my body and my Dr. tells me and it will all be good in the end.

Progress

I think Friday was the lowest numbers ever registered on my fitbit...52 steps...I know in reality it was more, but I was walking bent over holding my abdomen.  But after seeing that number I decided to take action, on Saturday and Sunday I took a walk around the block, it hurt to bend over to put my sneakers on the my walk was in my slippers...but still I registered slightly over 1000 steps each day.

Today I actually got my sneakers on, still hurt to mash my belly while bending over, but it was bearable. I've been on my first walk around the block and getting ready to go again.  My goal is to be up to 3000 steps by 1 week post op.

I took some pictures in a sports bra and yoga pants....I don't think I'm ready to share those with the world, but they will be nice to compare to as I progress on this journey.

My follow up is Wednesday, I'm looking forward to not having to given myself a shot everyday and looking forward to getting the dressings off and staples out...it's starting to itch.

My weight was 219 , so officially that is down 8.

Surgery done, now to recover

I got to see Kaylee for a quick trip to NC 2 days before surgery......I will get to see her for about a week later in July....

 I definitely don't take good selfies....but surgery went without a hitch and I was home the next afternoon.  I'm fighting my husband hovering over me and trying to baby me...he thinks he is being helpful but really it's annoying me....don't get me wrong...I do not think I could of done this with him....but I'm just getting annoyed....probably just need to get out a bit.

I did go for a walk around the block this morning...it was already hot and humid at 9am.....I was happy to see my front door when I made it around the block.  My fitbit ad not been registering hardly any steps...even though I was walking around the house so I thought I would go on a real walk and get this healing going.  I really need to poop....did Miralax yesterday the only results I got was passing gas...which was OK but not what I really think I needed.  Did some more Miralax today...if nothing happens by this evening I'm going to add MoM (milk of magnesia ) to this mix....just hope that doesn't backfire (literally :-))

This is it

This is actually it in about 12 hours....but I'm pretty sure I won't have time to blog in the morning ....leaving the house at about 5:30 am.

After the first 2 days, the liquids were surprisingly easy.....I'm really hoping the next 2 weeks of post op liquids go as well.  I am feeling pretty anxious....I hope I can sleep.  After the thinking, researching, planning and preparing I feel like I'm ready....so when I wake up...this will be it.  I will have a good report on the other side.....and something to blog about.

Have a time to show up at the Hospital

Got my phone call from the hospital a little while ago, I have to be there by 6:30 am Tuesday morning June 17.  5 days from today....EEEK! and Yay!

The call was a little weird....asked me some questions I found a little strange...if I felt safe at home...if I've been abused....then of course all the medical history....that was expected.

So this is 4th day of my pre-op liquid diet, first 2 days were pretty rough but I'm doing fine now.  This weekend might be a little crazy, I leave Dallas at 7:20 to take my grandson to his Dad in NC...arrive in Raleigh Durham around 11 something...drive for a few hours to outside of Ft Bragg.....I plan on mostly holding my grand-daughter once I get there....because I will have to leave around 4 am to drive to Charlotte to fly back to Dallas.....the reason the flight arrangements are so crazy is because my husband works for American and it is a benefit....so when we fly for (almost) free...we go when there are empty seat...not when it works for us.....but schedule being out of whack....traveling...not having total control of my environment, not being able to bring the liquids I'm drinking with me is ....a little nerve whacking. 

9 days

But who is counting?....I AM!  Two days to start the liquid pre-op diet.  Am I ready?...I think so, although I think anxiety is starting to get to me...I've never had anxiety issues, so I'm not really sure, but I'm having trouble sleeping even though I take melatonin.  And if I have idle times, I feel like my heart is going 100mph.

  Next time I feel this way, I hope that it is weight that I'm losing!

I found this motivational picture....I like the message, so I'm posting it too.

I'm thinking that having a positive attitude will help with this whole journey.  

In the month of June my life will change

I can't believe this is the month for my surgery, the 17th day to be exact!  I've been doing research, preparing the best I can, I've let everyone know (I think).  I start my liquid diet June 10...that will be good because I've just been eating myself into complete misery.  My clothes are tight and look and feel terrible..but no since getting new ones.

So here is my new toy:

 It's the Aria scale (WiFi) by FitBit.  Before I was approved for the surgery there was no way in H-E double L that I would have wanted that number traveling through the WiFi.  The scale is still in the entryway and that is the reflection of the entryway light....but I'm getting in the habit of weighing regularly and the number goes directly to my FitBit dash board.  I need to move it to the bathroom....but I want my husband to be added as a user...right now he is resisting a bit.

I don't remember if I posted about this, but I also replaced my FitBit....I've been wearing it, but not really making an extra effort for more steps....just want to know what my average steps per week are now.  I want to be at that number by 1 week post op, then increase by maybe 1000 steps a day/week to get to the short term goal of 10,000 steps a day on most days.  In the past time and energy have kept me from my goals....not sure about time but I know energy will be much better.....I'm thinking time will be better too...hopefully I won't be spending time laying around being lazy because I have no energy that catch 22 that has plagued me for years.

I've been looking for cookbooks for Weight Loss Surgery....most specifically liquids and pureed/soft stages...I got three....but this is the one that will get me through those first stages.

  so I'm feeling ready now.

The chef has gone through weight loss surgery himself....and he really explains the difference between pureed, smooth, soft....the stage that last a month and I was not looking forward to at all.  I can't say I'm really looking forward to it now....but I feel like I'm more prepared.  According to the pre op meeting I went to...eating solid food before you are ready can really jack you up.

The count down begins...T minus 16 days

EGD today

I had my EGD today, last thing to do before I start my liquid Pre-Op.  Dr. Hodges eased my my mind bit, I was worried if my esophagus was too big of a mess, they would not do the surgery....she assured me that gastric by-pass was actually the treatment of choice for severe acid reflex in someone with a BMI over 30....I then said That I must be the perfect patient!.....then they knocked me out.  Propofol....which is what Michael Jackson OD'd on, when I woke up I was dreaming about technology....how nerdy is that? Anyway, they did take a biopsy, and I should hear about that in about 4 days.

I also got a hair cut this weekend, I've been thinking of a shorter style for a while....thought it would look cuter and easier to look good with the surgery and all.  When I mentioned it to husband and my daughter, who is also my fashion adviser...they weren't too thrilled....but I did it anyway.  My hair was too the point all I was doing was slapping it back in a pony tail.....so here is a picture (with my fashion adviser).

Goals

I've been thinking about goals this week, I didn't really have a number in mind for weight, but to be in the "healthy" range for BMI will be good.  Of course mini milestones like getting out of the 200's and into "onederland" will be cause for celebration.  Going from obese to overweight in the BMI category will be great too....but the ultimate goal is health, so I think in the healthy zone for BMI is a good goal.  I'm thinking of getting an Aria....scale that records your weight wifi...

I need to also have some fitness goals, so 10,000 steps a day (not sure if every day or 5 days a week) will be a good goal.  I understand I will need to start getting some strength training at some point post op...but I'm not really sure when.  Right now I'm exhausted when I just get 3,000 steps...so 10,000 steps consistently will be huge.  I got a new fitbit (my old one would not charge), if you don't have one of these it is a great way to track your steps...it's fun and extremely motivating.  I also have an Eliptical, right now it's a struggle to go 5 minutes without feeling like I'm going to puke....so working up to 20 minutes, then 30 minutes....then doing some of the full courses will definitely help me get more healthy and fit... I'm just not sure if doing the arm movements will help with strength....or if I will need to look into something with weights or resistance.  I would love to be able to get a personal trainer once I'm ready....that might be a good reward.

I'm not sure I will be able to get off all my prescription meds, but that is my goal.  My high Cholesterol may be a gift from my dad.....but if I can get it controled with diet and exercise....and get off B/P meds and not go on Diabetes type 2 meds.....then that is really the #1 reason for surgery.....looking and feeling better are just great by-products.

I wonder

Yesterday I was in Brenham Texas for the Texas Google Summit...that has to do with Google for Education which has nothing to do with a weight loss surgery blog....but the event really got me thinking about my future (in between thinking about all the cool technology I was learning about.  So the event starts with coffee, doughnuts, and Kolaches ....then for lunch it was a Bar-b-que sandwich, sweet tea, and Blue Bell Ice Cream...(if you are not from Texas you probably don't know that Brenham is the home of Blue Bell Ice Cream)...it was all good since I'm pre op (23 days to start liquid pre-op diet and 30 days from surgery)...But what I'm wondering is: How am I going to handle this sort of situation after I have my surgery?  Do you always have some protein shake supplies around just in case? Do you just eat the meat and leave the bread?  There was un-sweet tea...so I need to always have Truvia with me.  How do you handle events in general where you don't have control of the food and may not know what is in them, or you do know what is in them and know there are no good choices for you?  Will a bottle of water and quest protein bar need to be with me at all times (Just in case)

and the preparations continue

I took 2 before pictures today, one of me:

  The background is the master suite that we've been remodeling for years, don't even get me started.

And below is the before of my part of the closet, the plan is to put my clothes is size order...get rid of as stuff getting too big...take pictures of both a shrinking me and shrinking closet....and once I have almost nothing left to wear....then I get to do some shopping.

My last picture is some of the products I've purchased as I'm preparing.....I'm a month out from starting my pre-op liquids!

I have a date!

      Insurance approved the procedure and I had a long part 2 consultation on Thursday.  My surgery date is June 17, I start my pre-op liquid diet on June 10.  Last (contract) day of work is June 13....I hope no one notices I'm on a liquid diet...most of my team has such negative views of WLS; that I'm just not quite ready to share outside of my family.
     I got a bunch of paperwork and our out of pocket expense to the Dr. will be $810...I don't think that is too bad.  Not sure what the anesthesia and hospital cost will be.
   Although the classes took a lot longer than expected; they were informative, interesting and even a little funny.  There is a medical Dr. with this group that does the follow-up care....he asked everyone if they were on their "eat around the world tour".....there was silence for a for seconds...then guilty chuckles all around the room.  I know I've been enjoying everything I think I'm not going to be able to eat again....or at least enjoy for a long time...enjoying to the point that I'm miserable....even my biggest clothes are getting even tighter. We learned a ton of good information about the nutrition and protein post-op....I'm glad because I was a little bewildered reading labels.  We got some great resources, so I'm feeling more prepared for that big change in my life.  There will be 4 weeks of soft and pureed food (after one week clear liquid and 1 week full liquid) ...we heard a few horror stories of what can happened if you try to eat solids to soon....made a believer out of me.
     I have a plan for my closet, I'm going to organize from my biggest to smallest...so at first I'll be "shopping my closet". I have clothes all the way down to size 10....so it will be awhile before I need to shop.  I also have a plan for getting this protein down,  I have a journal to track my grams of protein....I need 100-120 grams a day since I'm having the by-pass....and if I've learned nothing else it is that the protein is critical.

After fighting this battle for years

I made the decision to have weight loss surgery.  The classic bypass is the procedure I'm going for.  I like the data associated with it.  I had my first consultation on April 4,2014....let me back up just a little....during my physical last year I asked my Dr about it...his solution for all my health problems is lose weight and exercise (like it's that easy)...he said you know it's not the magic pill...you still have to do your part...I knew this...but he said, think seriously, research and if you still think that is the route you want to take, I'll give you the name of the Dr. we work with next year....which is this year.  So had my physical late March, ...long story short...if I weren't going for the surgery, we would be increasing my cholesterol and I'd be starting on meds for type 2 diabetes.
Before the Bariatric surgeon could send in paperwork for insurance, I had to have a psych eval and see a nutritionist...did both of those right away. Got notified today that I was approved, now I have part 2 of my consultation....which I understand they will cover exactly what my out of pocket/ co -pay costs will be and scheduling.  That appt is scheduled for May 1.  Today I had a stress test and later in May I have a EGD....they wanted those done before surgery.  In my perfect world I would like to have this surgery during the 3rd week of June.  That gives me time to take my oldest grandson to NC to see his dad for the summer, then enough time to recover before I do some curriculum writing.
I thought blogging would be good for me to document this adventure, plus I'm looking for other weight loss blogs to follow as well as started a private pinterest board for recipes, tips and such.  I will un-private that board once I'm ready to share this decision with everyone, right now it is basically family that knows.
This picture was taken about a year ago, I tend to try to keep away from the front of the camera...but this is probably a good reference to start.