Time Release Capsules

Found out last week that we with the "little pouch" for a stomach should not take the time released capsules because they go right through us. We need to take the medications for colds flu etc. that you have to take every 4 hours as an example. I keep learning things. LOL

TOPS weigh-in and Support Group Meeting 12/17/2009

Tonight at TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) I weighed under 230#'s for the first time in probably at least 20 years. I weighed 229.5#'s, that is 88 lbs since last winter and 64#'s since my surgery in June (just a little over 6 months ago, averaging over 10 lbs per month). I lost 4 lbs. over the last two weeks, which is really an ideal amount of weight to lose in that time. I would eventually like to get to about 200-206#'s by June 2010. I think that is realistic, and the doctors agree. Then the battle will be to keep it off.

Last night at our Weight Loss Surgery Support Group, I learned that I will have this tool to lose weight with me until I die. I learned that my stomach will not stretch back out to its original size, according to our discussion. If I am to gain my weight back, I will need eat the wrong foods and probably do a lot of snacking. So that is what I need to avoid, not to put it back on.

I haven't exercised much over the last couple of weeks, because I have been fighting a cold or allergies. A lot of coughing, sneezing and blowing my nose. Congestion sometimes too when I sleep. A lot of drainage at night. Didn't think people at the YMCA would appreciate me being there when I am like that, and really don't feel like doing the exercising when I have to have a tissue in my hand all the time. But I can't wait to get over this and back to the Y. Plus our grandchild is due to arrive in the near future, and I want to be healthy for him/her.

I learned that time release capsules don't work well for people with gastric bypass because it just washes through the system. Need to be aware of that when going to a dentist for dental work, or getting cold medicines.

Check out my pics at the bottom to see the change in me. It is amazing. I am no longer ashamed to have my picture taken, or want to hide behind other people or things to block my belly. It is funny, I still think of myself as that heavier person not as the skinnier one that I have become. Guess that is common and will always be like that to a certain degree.

Saturday December 12 2009 6 months out

This is six months out. I have lost close to 90 lbs since last winter, and over 60 since surgery. Slowly coming off, but it still is coming off. My current weight is 230 lbs.

4 Rules for Weight Loss Success after Surgery

from Kaye Bailey, Livingwellafterwls.com

1. Eat protein first (eat slowly, take 1/2 hour to eat a meal)
2. Drink plenty of water (but not with a meal)
3. No snacking.
4. Exercise daily.

5. Do not use drinks containing carbonation nor caffeine (although, many people I know still drink a limited amount of caffeine. it is a diaretic, so it does not count as water intake).

Makes sense. How many times do I need to be told, and by how many people. LOL

Slowing it down

Well I have been working on my new exercise program after meeting with my trainer, Holly, last week. I have slowed down my heart rate to be between 110-120 while riding the ellipitical. This is the range for "fat burn" and I maintain that for 30 minutes.

Holly was pleased with my progress on most other things, I have been faithful on my stretching and it paid off with an additional 2 inches on my flexibility.

She was also pleased that I have been pushing myself on the weights, but backing it off when I feel it is too much.

She said she also noticed more definition in my arms, and I am feeling more muscles in my thighs now too. Not going to be Arnold, but will be a little more fit.

She added some exercises, and did some variations on ones I was doing before. It mixed it up, and has been fun this week. Made it everyday this week.

Noticed a couple of more pounds off, so they are slowly melting off.

It is also time for me to do other things besides so much in the weight room. So I am only spending between an hour to 1.5 hours there. Not talking all that much. And I am only going to exercise on the elliptical/stationary bike for a total of about 1 hour a day. Won't do it too late in the evening because it made it hard for me to sleep.

Funny how hard it is for me to do pushups, even though I am doing it on my knees. Everything else is okay to do.

I added some websites to the left which I have either found useful, or will use in the future. Hope it may help you along your journey.

5 months out tomorrow

Today is Veterans Day, thank you for all who serve and have served. Well tomorrow it will be 5 months since my surgery. I weighed in today at 237, so that means I have lost 80 lbs since last winter and almost 60 lbs since the surgery.

In the last several days I have been able to get my heart rate up on the elliptical to where it registers about 145-150 for 15 minutes at a time, several times. I think this pushing it really helps my metabolism, because it seems like I am finally starting to lose again. I think I have had to get here by stages, but I always need to try to push a little harder on the cardio to get the best benefit. I only have 30 more lbs to go to reach "my ideal weight" and I have 4 months to do that.

I had set a goal to be at 235 by this Friday, but it seems like my weight fluctuates. So hopefully I will be close. That would mean I am on track to meet my goal weight. I have set this shorter term goals to encourage me to meet them, to meet my long term goal.

End of October 2009 (4 months out)

Well here I am at the end of October about 242 pounds. They said that the surgery was just a tool, one part of the three part approach to weight loss (surgery - amount of food consumed - amount of exercise done). I had realized how the surgery helped restrict the amount of food consumed, but I didn't realize how it contributed toward exercizing. Today, I rode the elliptical for an hour, non-stop. Last winter, I was lucky to ride the bike for 10 or 15 minutes, and I usually warmed up on the hand cycle for only 5 minutes. I have been pretty faithful in working out daily for the last 4 weeks, and the payoff is additional strength as well as endurance. I have been working out for 1.5-2.5 hours daily. Wow, I would never have believed that I could have done that a year ago.

We had our monthly support for weight-loss surgery last Wednesday. A couple of things I took away from the specialists who spoke with us were we are on a vicious cycle of: trigger, emotional response, bad behavior. We need to recognize our emotional responses to our triggers, and replace the bad behavior with a good behavior. Or face our emotional responses and change our mental framework.

Another lady spoke with us about our body image. Although I think we all go through this to some degree, I think that the women are affected by it worse than most of us guys. I do realize that I won't have the body of a 20 year old, but I am not 20 either. I am pleased with what I see in the mirror, but I don't know that anyone else cares to know. LOL

The last thing that I realized was that I am not looking for people to say much about how good I look, as some others say they are hurt if someone does not notice. I could care less. Now don't get me wrong, I appreciate the compliments, thank people for them too. But I follow it up by saying that I still have work to do to get down to my goal weight. Actually, I want to lose about 35 more pounds in the next 5 months. That's doable, but I don't dare slack off on exercise or portion size.

I am 242, and want to be close to 235 by November 13, which is less than 3 weeks away. I should be close (I pray). I have gotten a new enthusiasm about what I eat and how much I exercise. I write down everything I eat, keeping track of the calories and the grams of protein. I write down how much exercise I am getting on each machine and the weights. This is helpful to see where I am and where I have been.

I also have written down my weight, blood pressure and sugar. I look at the weight I have lost and that helps if I get discouraged. The blood pressure is great, and I have cut my blood pressure medicine in half. And my sugar is down to around 100, so it is significantly lower too.

I meet with my personal trainer on November 13 to re-evaluate where I am at. November 12 will be my 5 month anniversary for the surgery and that is why I set the 235 goal for the 13th.

My biggest downfall is the protein bars. I think I have eaten them to often (140 calories, 10 grams of protein). I also have had trouble slowing down my eating to take a half-hour. I need to continue to work on that. I have taken my vitamins and supplements faithfully. I should drink more water than decaf coffee. Although since I sweat a lot more, I am drinking a lot more water in the morning.

My two thoughts to encourage people on this journey is to set short term goals and write what you do down. At least that is helping me right now. Will write again on November 13. Take care.

Reminder

I am reminded that all weight loss boils down to two tools: the amount of calories consumed and the amount of calories used. Portion size and exercise. I just have use of a third tool for the time being, and is the bariatric surgery to help with the total number of calories consumed. I have this opportunity for approximately the next 6 months to lose an additional 45 pounds (i.e. that averages out to be less than 8 lbs a month, and less than 2 lbs per week).

The doctor said we should be consuming between 1,000-1,200 calories in a day, but it was important to get in the 60 grams of protein. My diet is now primarily grilled / microwaved chicken breast, pork loin, turkey sausage and some hamburgers. Also protein bars, cottage cheese, chili and yogurt. I am slowing down or stopping the use of the protein shakes, because I don't think they are staying in my stomach long enough to get the entire 20 grams of protein because each shake is 11 ounces. They were great before the surgery, probably not so great afterwards. Eating the South Beach Diet 10 grams of protein, protein bars because they taste better than the meal replacement bars. Decided not to use the protein bullets some others are taking (they are $3 a pop).

They also gave us another website to check out www.bariatriceating.com and I found it interesting to see recipes for all stages in this process. You may want to check it out.

Groups at Cleveland Clinic last week

I attended two small groups last week at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland. I discovered that I was getting along a lot better than most of the others. So I am very fortunate and blessed.

I discovered that the phenomenom of throwing up that I experienced is called foaming, which basically described what I have spit up. Thus not nasty taste afterwards, and gaining relief from overeating.

I am pretty much on track with my weight loss for 3 months, maybe a couple of pounds behind of where I should be at, but close. I was told that my weight loss will slow down by 9 months and pretty much stop at a year from surgery. So that means I need to work hard at what I eat and keep up with my exercise. Speaking of which, my trainer Holly, has stepped up my routine to be more challenging for me. She will keep an eye on my progress, and we will meet in approximately 6 weeks and re-evaluate. Today when I tried my aquatic and talked with Holly. We decided that I am going to focus my time in the gym, and use the aquatic if I want a change of pace or my feet are hurting too much.

Another thing I discovered is that I probably should get my blood work done, so I can adjust my meds accordingly. The doctor said I should cut my BP in half, since my blood pressure is low. I am checking my blood sugar also. Sugar is lower than it has ever been, but am just controlling it with diet anyways. The one I am concerned about is Lipitor for cholesteral. Don't want to have too strong a dose and possibly have liver damage.

The doctor also said that we should get flu shots. And if I cut out coffee all together, I may not need the water pill I am taking.

All of us noticed that we have a difference in our sleep habits, and the doctor suggested that we be re-evaluated on our cpap machines. Said it was important that we continue using them, to keep improving.

The worst case I have found from people having the surgery done about my time is a lady who blew out her staples and had to stay in the hospital for 6 weeks.

During the fair, I met a fellow who had it done over 18 years again. His advice to me was make sure you get your proteins and don't drink carbonated drinks.

Everybody I have talked with tell me they are glad they had the operation, and would do it again.

Again, it has to be a personal choice. But for those of us who have tried everything else recently that did not work, it is an invaluable tool to regain our health and enjoy life. May God bless you on your quest for life.

I have posted my 3 month pictures below, and will post some again around Christmas (my 6 months out from my operation).

250 Milestone Passed

Last night at TOPS I passed the 250 lbs. milestone. I weighed in at 249, after losing 2.5 lbs from last week. So that brings my total weight loss from last winter's high of over 317 lbs. to over 67 lbs. and since my surgery to over 43 lbs. My goal of losing a total of 70 lbs. by the 3rd month anniversary of my surgery is within sight. So that means I want to lose an additional 45 lbs by next June. I think I can do that. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can,... I know I can.

I had a relative say he didn't see any change in me since a week after my surgery, but I know that I am progressing towards my goal. I am logging my weight at our weekly weigh-ins at TOPS, and I can see the progress that I have made. I think I lost a lot of my first weight in my face and neck, and that does look the same. And I know that my weight loss is going to be more gradual now, because they say it takes a year to a year and a half to lose all the weight. It is better to lose it a little more gradually anyways, so the skin tightens up some through exercise.

More later. Will post a recent picture after the County Fair and my 3rd month anniversary of my surgery (September 12th)

Monthly Support Group Meeting

Still not losing like I had expected. Working out everyday.

At this month's support group meeting, I learned that you can expect plateaus like I am experiencing. I should not let the scales dictate my feelings about my progress. Clothes are getting loser on me all the time. Feel like I am toning up some muscles.

I learned this week, that often the next sudden drop of weight begins happening around the 3 month post operation. And if you are on a regular exercise program, the weight loss is that much more dramatic.

I also learned that during the first year, the weight loss is 70% surgery and 30% me. The second year it is 30% surgery and 70% me. And the third year is 100% me. So it is important to face and deal with the demons that got me the point where I do not want to return. Unthinking grazing and overeating. My biggest sin was to eat when I was not hungry and often. For instance, I used to stop in a gas station if I wanted something to eat, buy then wolf down two Honey Buns (and usually more). I just bought one for Gloria while travelling, and she told me when she read that it was 400 calories for each honey bun according to the label. Wow, no wonder I was putting it on. I am going to try to get in the habit of journalling my eating too. Don't need to eat a lot of smaller meals. Going to stick with breakfast, lunch and supper. Going to try to eat about the same time also. Suggestions from the Support Group.

My biggest fear is that during that third year, I will fall back into bad habits and gain all the weight back. Planning on getting rid of most of my fat clothes here in the near future, so I don't have anything to fall back on. Met a man at the support group, who is going through the struggle of falling back into old bad habits. My challenge is to replace them with good new habits.

Stayed the same

Well, this was the first week in a long time that I didn't lose weight. Still not eating much, so I don't think that is it. I have exercised more this past week than I have for quite a while, and that could be part of it. Muscle weighs more than fat. Don't know, we will see. Won't be concerned unless I don't lose for a while.

My next appointment is the week after fair, so that will be interesting. Two different groups on two different days in a row up at Cleveland Clinic. Oh well, things like this happen don't they.

We will see how I do this week.

Need to go work out again. Slipped at the end of last week, but still committed.

8 weeks, 2 months out from surgery

Went to the doctor this past Thursday. Lost over 60 pounds altogether, 40 pounds since surgery. That is about half-way to my goal. I weighed in at 255.5 # at the doctors and TOPS.

More people who don't know about the surgery are noticing the weight loss.

Have started to work out on a regular basis at the YMCA, with 2 days in weight room, 2 days in pool, and 3 focused on cardio workout.

Things are going good as far as eating, and digestion.

Will post a picture at 3 months out, when I should be about 70 pounds lost and 50 since surgery. That should be 2/3 to the goal.

My brother is recovering well. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

First Support Group Meeting

Gloria and I went to our first support group meeting since my surgery. It was a convenient location for us at John Knox Presbyterian Church, just west of Stark Tech Campus in Canton.

They had guest speakers from St. Vincent's Hospital talking about surprises after surgery.

It was a good group and a good discussion.

One thing that I learned was the importance of eating enough so the metabolism does not begin to shut down. In that case you stop losing the weight, because your body adjusts thinking it does not need it. So I am trying to make sure that I eat at least 800-1200 calories per day as well as making sure I eat 60 grams of protein. A lot of things were similiar between hospital plans, but there are some differences also.

I was able to reassure a lady who is going to have the surgery that she will do fine with it.

The last thing that I discovered is that there is a network of these support groups and a magazine that covers the entire country. You can find out more about it from http://www.obesityhelp.com/ or call 1-866-297-4964. This is a peer support community, with over 400,000 members nationwide. Many have lost over 100 pounds. Supportive peers who understand: Discrimination, Weight Loss Surgery, Relationship Issues; Fashion & Shopping, Recipes, Exercise and Diets and Life Transformation. Check it out if interested.

This group meets once a month, and there is no membership fee. We are also going to check out Cleveland Clinic's group and possibly Akron General's group too (we attended one of their meetings before).

4 weeks or 1 month ago from surgery

Well it has been 4 weeks since my surgery, and I have lost over 30 pounds. Although it seems like my rapid weight loss has started to slow down some.

Went to the Clinic at the beginning of the week and they said that I was doing very well. The psychiatrist calculated that at the rate I am going, I could possibly get down to 206 or even in the 190s. I can not imagine. My goal has been 210 or 220.

Been doing well with what I am eating. Feeling like I want to exercise more. Have ridden the bike for 30 minutes for the past three days. Before I could hardly go for 5 minutes or 10 if I was lucky. So as long as I am willing to just exercise, it should be a little easier for me. My current weight is about 264 pounds.

Had sausage and eggs this morning and it tasted good. Egg beaters and ground up turkey sausage. And yes, only approximately a 1/4 cup that was enriched with 2 tablespoons of dry milk.

My brother is improving and looking forward to going back to Pennsylvania. Again thank you for your thoughts and prayers for his health.

Got sick today

Got sick for the first time today. Too much mushroom soup too fast. So I experienced that from both ends. (Sorry.) I know for sure my stomach is still pretty small.

Another encouragement.

I talked with the daughter of friends of mine, who had this surgery done 6 years ago. She said she did not regret having it done. She reminded me that once I get to my goal weight, I am likely to gain some back.

She encouraged me though at anytime I wanted to loose weight, to go back to the 30-30-30 method. Don't drink anything 30 minutes before my meal, make my meal stretch for 1/2 hour with no drinking, and don't drink for 30 minutes after I had finished my meal.

17 days after surgery - 270#s

270#'s, 17 days after the suregery is not bad. That is over 22 lbs, since I weighed in just before surgery and 46 from my highest weight. I know I have a ways to go, but I am heading in the right direction. The 260's and 250's will be territory I haven't seen for over 10 years.

Went to a family reunion this weekend and did well. Cottage cheese and ground turkey with some barbeque sauce. Both filling and tasting good.

Was encouraged by a family member who had this done to make sure I attend the support group meetings. She felt that it was important not to fall back into the food addiction habits.

Saw my brother Mark, he is still in Critical Care Unit, was slightly responsive with eyes and grip. Please keep him in your prayers.

Overate today

I have been miserable this afternoon after eating a Boca Burger. Boca Burger is a vegitarian hamburger. High in protein. I just ate one whole patty, and probably too fast.

Not quite ready to eat that kind of thing yet. Definitely need to keep in mind portion size.

Fortunately I did not throw up, just feel like I am stuffed all afternoon. Starting to ease and hopefully won't have trouble through my intestinal system.

Have a great weekend.

Two weeks after surgery 278#'s

Tonight at T.O.P.S., I weighed in at 278, which was a 14 lb. weight loss from the last time I weighted in there.

Rode the stationary bike for 15 minutes this morning.

Rainy here today.

Less later.

12 days since surgery.

Have recently noticed some big changes.

Doesn't hurt to cough or to stand any more. I am less tender around the incision areas.

I am eating some pureed foods. Still working on eating slower and the exercise.

I have been able to lay on my side better, even on my stomach without discomfort.

My brother Mark is in the hospital in Ft. Wayne. Please pray for him and his family.

Father's Day 2009 = 9 days after surgery

We celebrated Father's Day with Gloria's family, the Brickers, at Pleasant Hill State Park. My picnic lunch consisted of 1/4 cup of cottage cheese and 32 ounces of water.

Gloria took my picture with her dad, so if some want to see if I have changed yet can. The white legs in the picture are not a result of the gastric bypass surgery. Her dad is over 85 years old, and is doing fairly well. Her parents have been like a second set of parents to me over the years. I truly appreciate them and love them. Gloria's mom passed away in February.

Had a good time. Was not tempted at all by the picnic food, or others eating in front of me.

I did notice that I sat too long, and my abdominal muscles were sore when we got home. Especially around the incision areas. Was better today when I woke up though.

It has been a struggle to follow my schedule, as I had planned. But has not caused me problems yet. Everything is working fine, and am losing weight.

Have been walking much more and starting to feel I have more strength than last week.

More later.

One Week After Surgery

My one week appointment with Dr. Brethaur and Dr. Johnson went well. They said I was right where they were expecting me to be. They removed the last drainage tube on Thursday, so now all I need to do is heal up. When they weighed me they warned me that I may have gained some weight, so I was pleased to find out that I had lost a couple of pounds.

I am getting up and walking around with little or no pain. Still am lacking energy. Got to get more exercise.

I started sleeping in bed again after sleeping several nights in the recliner.

I feel one of my main jobs this next week is be very aware of my eating and drinking, logging it and keeping track of my protein intake. Every hour on the hour, I am taking something into my mouth, from 8 am to 6 pm. On the even number hours, I have a half hour to eat 4 ounces of either liquid of very soft food. Believe it or not, it is a challenge sometimes.

On odd hours, I need to sip some water or non-caffienated non-carbonated drink.

From the bottom of the hour to the top of the hour, I am trying not to consume anything. The idea is that I want my stomach to be completely empty before I eat my protein and I don't want to wash it through my system before it has a chance to be taken in through my small stomach.

This is all according to Doctor's orders, but I had to process it in my small brain to understand how I could eat and drink all they were asking me too. I have this fear of eating too much, which they say will cause either throwing up or dumping. I want neither, and have had neither since I have been home.

We will take pictures within my first month. Right now I am weighing about 285 on our scale at home. So it is working.

Please keep praying for our kids; Jeremy and Erin for the baby that is developing, they are also travelling to Kansas for some family celebrations. Pray for Jeremy as he continues his job search. Pray for Jason as he transitions from NYC to Minneapolis. Pray for Jennifer as she adjusts to living in NYC without Jason. Gloria and I thank you for your thoughts and prayers as we continue on this new adjustment, they are much appreciated. Hope you have a great weekend.

48 Hours after getting home

Doing remakably well I think. I was overly optimistic before, but I think I am doing better than expected. We will see when we go to the doctor's appointment tomorrow.

I can stand straighter and walk farther for a longer time. Still have only taken one dose of pain medicine, so the pain have been very minimal. I am very tender in the tummy area. Can't hug anyone right now. Missed sleeping on my stomach last night.

I am still sleeping in the recliner in our family room. Have walked upstairs, which was no big problem, to get cleaned up and change of clothes.

Still not ready to talk business or do business yet. I need to rest. Will have to see if I can clerk the Village Council Meeting next Monday night. Right now, I think I am going to find someone to take the minutes.

But I am anxious to get into a normal routine for life. Still getting used to sipping a lot of water, which is probably my biggest challenge. They want 60 ounces a day, and I get so full so fast.

More later...

Home from surgery

Got home today about 2:30 from Cleveland Clinic Hospital. Quite an experience. I am more sore than I thought I would be, and I can see where they say you won't want to do much for two weeks.

Got along well with the surgery. No complications at all. All went as planned, as far as the surgery went. They didn't have a room for me un Saturday at 6:30 pm, so I spent well over 24 hours in an uncomfortable bed in small spaces. When I got to my room though it was spacious.

Jeremy and Erin kept Gloria company on Friday through Saturday, for which I am grateful. Gloria called a number of people to report my progress. Randy Moomaw from church stopped in today and prayed with us. Gloria said Pastor Ivanueldo stopped in on the day of surgery to pray also.

I was anxious to get out of the hospital, but didn't take any extra pain medication. Finally got up and walking on Sunday afternoon, because of the delay in getting a room.

The biggest surprise is how much fluid I will have to be drinking, by little sips. I get full after 2 ounces, so that is a lot of little sips. They say that I will be thirsty about all the time, so I need to carry water with me.

Although I have said that I was crazy for being a man who felt pretty good to go into surgery and feel like a man who has gotten beat up. Oh by the way, I forgot just how much it can hurt to get beat up. LOL

Well I hope all of your weekends were better than mine, and mine wasn't that bad. Praise the LORD!

By the way, if you use a CPAP machine and have this surgery you may want to take it and leave it in the car. We almost had a scare that they couldn't find a CPAP machine for me to use, but they finally located one.

Surgery today

Having surgery today at 12:30.

Appointments went well yesterday. They said I was low risk for complications.

Had to drink "Go Lightly" to clean out my system before surgery. This is the third time I have taken it in the last month or so, previously I had two colonoscopies done. Had to be repeated because the first they could not make sure of all the results.

Realized that I am going to be in more pain than I originally thought, but they will help me manage it.

Hope to feel a lot better by my one week check-up.

Still very positive that this is the right thing for me at this time of my life.

Jason

Gloria and I think and pray for all of our kids everyday. But today, I am especially thinking of Jason as he is interviewing in Minneapolis, MN. A similar job to what he has done, better benefits and an avenue for his creativity. Please pray that the Lord will bless him this day.

Last full day at home.

This is my last full day at home. Tomorrow, I have appointments all afternoon at the Clinic to prepare for the next day's surgery. I still have a positive attitude about the surgery. The liquid diet and the exercise is still a challenge for me. Hopefully, when I have a lot smaller stomach, and the threat of getting sick everytime I eat something I am not supposed to is enough to keep me on my nutritional plan. I haven't lost as much this past week, which I credit to not exercising like I should have. Got to work on developing that habit much better after the surgery.

Busy today trying to take care of all the loose ends that may require lifting especially. Cannot drive for two weeks.

We are expecting company, so need to clean up my areas of the house and office. I feel like an expectant mother, who is "nesting" getting ready for her return from the hospital. I may not be too far off on that. Nobody wants to come home to a lot of work, if you can avoid it, after being in the hospital. =)

One week to go.

One week to go before surgery. Have let more people know about this blog. Still several things not certain of, whether they will keep me overnight next Thursday or if I go home and come back the next day. We will see.

Still have questions about some billings that insurance didn't cover even though that are related to the appointments leading up to the surgery.

I know I will not have much energy, may feel like I have been punched hard in the stomach but I am anticipating a fairly speedy recovery. I think I will be moving around doing things, and at least keeping up on this blog. Then when I can drive, I am back to my "normal." That includes mowing the lawn.

I will work with a trainer over at the Orrville YMCA after I learn what I can and can not do and for how long. She has been very patient with me so far.

Hope everyone has a good weekend, and don't forget to go the house of worship of your choice.

Allrrrrrrrrrrighty then!

Well I weighed in tonight at our T.O.P.S. (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) meeting in Orrville. I lost 8 1/2 pounds in a week, and that is a total of 22 1/2 pounds since I weighed in at Cleveland Clinic in December. My pre-op goal weight was 299#'s and I am now 294 1/2 #'s. I know that is not much weight loss for 6 months, but I am a yo-yo dieter. Or is that a Yoh-Yoh Dieter? Anyways, up to this point I lose some and I gain some.

That's not to bad for a week of protein shakes, jello and a lot of sugar-free popsicles. I have one more week of this before the surgery, so I am hoping to be under 290. My goal weight is to be about 210#'s within a year and maybe go back up to 215-220. And to realize that I cheated several times during this week and have not exercised quite as much as I should have. I am anxious to see what I can do for another week. But I forgive myself, not forgetting my shortcomings and striving to better tomorrow and in the week to come.

For those who are considering this surgery, let me tell you that I keep focusing on how much more energy I will have, how much better I will feel with a better back and lighter on my feet as well as being around hopefully a little longer for the people that care for me. If you are overweight, I would suggest you find something equivalent to the amount and try caring it for just 5 minutes. Think how much better you will feel by losing it (putting the weight down), and how much better it will be on your heart, joints and everything else. I know that is what is driving me now.

I know I am not purfect, but I am encouraged by knowing so many people for which this has worked. And I know this is not for every one, but I believe this is what will help me.

I go to Cleveland Clinic on Thursday for tests, consultations and admitting process. My surgery is scheduled for sometime on Friday, 7 years to the day when I was hit head-on south of Wooster. I am NOT nervous at all about this. I just hope and pray that I can perservere with the resisting temptations afterwards about eating and not exercising. Keep Gloria and I both in your prayers. Thank you.

Cheating!

I have gone off my liquid diet on purpose a couple of times over the weekend when we went out to eat. (I only had a small bowl of soup each time.) And I felt that was acceptable.

Yesterday though I ate some small round pretzels and a small ice cream cone. I think part because of some boredom with the liquid diet and the thought that I would feel more full. There was also the opportunity to cheat, and I took it. Lord, help me resist temptation.

Today is a new day though, so I need to forget what I did wrong yesterday and strive to do my best today. Besides Gloria and I got 3 bags of 12 better tasting sugar-free popsicles last night at Save-a-lot. We always need to forgive ourselves of our past, remembering only to help us not repeat the past and always strive to do our best. I will do better today on exercising and not cheating on the liquid diet.

Liquid Diet

From my visits since last December, I learned that I needed to be on a strict 800 calorie liquid diet for two weeks prior to surgery. So I have come up with drinking 6 protein shakes a day, eating sugar-free popsicles and sugar-free jello. I can do that for two weeks. I get the protein shakes from Walmart, they are Body for Life Products. One is call Myoplex Lite and the other is AdvantEDGE. Myoplex Lite is my meal replacement with 20 g of high quality protein and only 170 calories, 20 calories from fat. AdvantEDGE is 17 g of protein 110 calories, 25 calories from fat. I take the AdvantEDGE for my snacks, mid-morning, mid-afternoon and evening. I know it is not exactly 800 calories, but it is close. Protein gives me more energy.

They suggest you do this in order to lose some of the fatty tissue around the liver, so it is more easily to move around when they do the stapling of the stomach. The benefit for me, is that hopefully I will not be quite as sore after the surgery from the having to wrestle more with my liver.

Everyone who I have talked to that has had this surgery does not regret having it done. I know there are some out there where it has not been successful, but it is because they fell back into old habits of not exercising and not eating properly. They literally have stretched their stomachs back to the size of a football from the size of an egg. Wow. I am committed not to be counted among them. Keep praying for us (Gloria and I) as I start out on this new life.

Getting Ready For a New Adventure

This is the first day of my blog about my weight loss surgery. It was suggested that I do this, when Gloria and I had supper with our son, Jeremy, daughter-in-law, Erin, and niece, Lori last night near Mansfield. Thanks. Hopefully there is some interest in what I may have to say occasionally about this.

12 more days until my scheduled surgery. How did I get here? Well a lot of mindless eating and overeating, starting in childhood and continuing until just a few days ago. Looking back, I ate because I wanted comfort food, was bored or to quote Bill Clinton "I could." When I was hungry, I didn't stop to think what I was eating or how much. I looked for "opportunities" to go through the fast-food drive through to just get a sandwich, a sweet tea or a breakfast meal. Even though I may have already eaten, and didn't need it. I have become much less active since my accident in 2002, and consequently it has been even more difficult to take it off.

I have taken the weight off to a certain degree before, when I got serious about it. And now I am at one of those points again. The surgery will reduce my stomach to the size of an egg, and I know that I will need to be diligent about nutrition and exercise after that so I don't gain it back. I have at least two great allies in this, one is my wife Gloria and the other is that I am trusting God for the strength to make this change reminding me when I face temptations.

I am over 100 pounds overweight with a BMI in the 40's, so I am described as Morbidly Obese. Morbid of course, means deadly. Although I have high blood pressure, high cholesteral and am borderline diabetic, the doctors say that once I lose the weight they will improve or maybe even disappear. I have sleep apnea, and they said I will probably be able to sleep without the CPAP machine. Most importantly though I will get relief for an aching back and my sore feet (source of my being handicapped) which all the doctors have said the only relief is losing weight.

I am not afraid of this surgery and I am prepared for the change in my life style. I believe this is the best thing that I can do, before I have some major health complication in my life or possibly a premature death. I don't think God is done with me yet, and I am hoping to be around for a few more years to enjoy our kids, grandkids and some of the Golden Years that we have been looking forward to. But I am ready if the Lord calls me home at any time, and I pray that all of you have that peace of mind also. Keep on keeping on... Maynard