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Thursday, May 29, 2008

I Mowed the Lawn!


Tonight Alton and I did a bit of a trade-off. He needed to mow the lawns (ours and my Mom's) and I needed to cook dinner. He had been outside working all day, so he wasn't looking forward to mowing. And, I certainly wasn't looking forward to cooking another dinner that I could not eat. So, we swapped. I cannot tell you the last time I mowed a yard...it's been at least 15 years. But I did it...with a push mower I might add. It took me about an hour and a half and it was not easy, but I did it!

I cannot believe how much better my body feels. I already have more energy. And, I'm only 2 and a half weeks out of surgery and down by a little less than 20 pounds. I cannot imagine how wonderful I will feel a year from now. And, in just a few days (Monday) I can start adding regular food back into my diet. I am so excited!

On another note...the 5 small incisions from the surgery are completely closed up. I never had any external stitches, Fuzz closed everything with dermabond (glue). That stuff is amazing. No stitches, no wound care. And, the incisions look great. I'll bet in a years time they will barely be visible.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Whine, Cheese and Manna

Yesterday, I had a meltdown. I am smack dab in the middle of my post-op "full-liquid" diet. I hit a wall with it yesterday. The thought of another week and a half of nothing but protein shakes, yogurt, pudding and chicken broth became too much to bear. So, what did I do? I complained. Loudly. I griped to my husband, my kids and I even sent an email to my nutritionist asking her if there was something, anything, else that I could eat.

In the midst of my meltdown, I was gently reminded by a still, small voice that my grumbling was out of line. I was reminded of the Israelites in the desert who constantly murmered complaints even though God had rescued and sustained them in miraculous ways.

I believe that this surgery has rescued me from the slavery of obesity. And, there I was complaining about the manna! So, I prayed that God would forgive my lack of appreciation and that he would strengthen me so that I would gladly stick to this diet for the next 10 days. Then, I wrote this poem:

You let me go. You set me free.
You cleared the way and parted my sea.
Now I wonder in the desert,
"How much longer will it be
before I'm living in the land You promised me?"

Heavenly bread falls like rain
But milk and honey fill my brain.
Excuse me, Lord. I don't mean to complain
But, I'm gettin' kinda tired of this manna.

Egypt is getting further behind.
Memories fade as time goes by.
I've got food and drink and a place to lie
But, nothing seems to satisfy.
Why'd you bring me out here to die?

Rocks spew water, clouds drop bread.
But, milk and honey fill my head.
Not what I have, but what I want instead.
And I want something besides this manna.

Just as I start to melt the gold
and pour it in the idol's mold
Your love begins to take it's hold.
Distant memories, the story unfolds.
You freed this slave whose heart's grown cold.

So, I thank you for this bread today.
Please forgive my heart that strayed.
Milk and honey will have their day.
Right now, I'm quite satisfied with manna.

Walking

So, I've started my walking. Susan (Fuzz's Nurse) gave me a walking plan before I left the hospital. They really stress that excercise is essential to getting the most from your Lap-Band. I've read about lots of people's lap-band journeys on http://www.obesityhelp.com/, and it is true...the most successful people are the ones who regularly exercise. Eventaully, I will be exercising for 60 minutes a day, 6 days a week. But, I am starting out with 20 minutes per day of walking, which, at my slow pace is about a mile a day. So far this week I've done 3 miles. Not bad for someone a week out of surgery! I already feel healthier and stronger. Please pray that I'll have the discipline to stick with it.

I love having my mp3 player to listen to while I exercise. What are your favorite songs to work out to? You can leave a comment at the bottom of this post with your thoughts. Thanks!

Swimsuit Season Begins

Article on FoxNews.com

Healthy Foods That Might Make You Fat
Thursday , May 22, 2008

By Paula Rizzo

Sometimes the foods we think are the healthiest can be deceiving. Jackie Warner, star of the Bravo reality series Work Out, suggested really looking at the foods you are eating.

"I love fruits and you should be eating a lot of fruits, but for someone who is really trying to lose weight, you want to eat fruits that are low in sugar,” Warner said. “And a banana has a lot of sugar calories.”

A medium sized banana has about 12 grams of sugar. Some alternatives include apples, berries and citrus fruits.

Click here to watch Jackie Warner discuss this on video.

Yogurt is another snack that can help sabotage your diet, Warner said.

"It’s got calcium, vitamin D and guess what else it has - 22 grams of sugar,” Warner said. (That's roughly the amount of sugar that is in a candy bar).

"Fat does not make you fat,” Warner said. “It's sugar and calories that make you fat. Period."

Warner also said to never eat any food that contains eight grams of sugar or more.

To really see results Warner warns that you must be a smart shopper and watch out for deceptive packaging. With a package of cookies in hand, Warner pointed out that you should look at how many servings are in there. The packaging says "only 100 calories" but that's for just one cookie — there are three in the pouch.

Alcohol could also be making you fat, she said. But Warner said you don't have to give it up all together.

"If you're drinking two glasses of wine per night, go down to one,” she said. “I'm not about deprivation.”

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Back at Work!

Yesterday was my first day back at work. It went very well! I'm feeling good and starting to get some of my strength back. My appetite is weird and I think my body & stomach are still trying to figure out what is going on. I go from being really hungry to feeling very full. I'm having to relearn what full feeels like. I am also really starting to want some real food. For the next 2 weeks I'm on "full liquids" like yogurt, pudding, protein shakes, etc. I am really craving some meat. I want something I can actually CHEW and SWALLOW!! Oh well, this too shall pass. I'm just praying it will pass quickly!

Pastor Pete came by the house last night to check on me, and that was really nice. It is great having a pastor who has also had weight loss surgery. He is able to realate to a lot of what I'm going through. He said the 2 week post-op diet was the hardest part for him, too. I am so thankful for the way my church family has supported me and prayed me through this. At church this Sunday, the message was about recovering from addictions and making changes in your life. It was such an affirming message for me and for this decision that I have made. It was a reminder that God does not want me bound by this weight and addiction to food...he wants me to be free to serve and glorify him!

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Pretty Flowers


Look at the pretty flowers that my WBFJ family sent on Friday! I am so blessed to work with such caring, loving folks!

Praise the Lord!

Just as he said he would, Fuzz called at 8:30 this morning. Good news, I tested negative for the c. Diff bacteria. He's not sure why my bowels have gone into overdrive, but we've ruled out c. diff, which can get really serious in some cases. I'm still having some issues, but feeling better today than I have all week. I even took Andrew and his friend to a party this morning and then went and got the oil changed in the van. I'm slowly but surely returning to life.

Friday, May 16, 2008

5 days out

Just a quick update. As I mentioned in the last post, I've had some problems with "The Big D" (some of the folks reading my blog apparently thought I was referring to some sort of football term. No, that's my nice way of saying diarrhea). Dr. Fuzz was a bit concerned so he had me come in so he could run some tests. Apparently, there is a bacteria called "C. Diff." (this is an abbreviation for a long, latin sounding name)that can cause some nasty bowel issues. It's caused either by antibiotics or by picking it up in the hospital, and since I've had exposure to both recently, he wanted to play it safe to make sure this isn't the cause of my issues. He is going to call me tomorrow morning with the results (mind you, he is calling me at home on a Saturday Morning, before he goes to his kids t-ball game...I am so impressed!). He's written me a prescription for an antibiotic that gets rid of c. diff, so if I do have it, I'll take that and hopefully it will clear up. So, please pray that I don't have C. Diff and if I do, that the antibiotics will work quickly. THANK YOU!

Other than those niceties, I'm doing pretty well. I'm feeling lots better today than I was yestarday. Now that I've started the "full-liquids" phase of my diet, I can finally have some things that contain protein. Plus, I'm now on my daily Multi-Vitamin. So, the extra nutrition should help me get some of my strength back. The really good news is that I've lost 17 pounds! Yippee!

A Rough Day

Yesterday was rough. I ran a low fever most of the day and had problems with "The Big D", so I was either in bed or in the bathroom all day. Today is a little better, my fever is gone and I've started Immodium. Hopefully that will help. If not, I have to go back to the doctor this afternoon. Thay don't want me getting dehydrated. I'll keep ya posted!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Liquid Vicodin, Sleep and Chicken Broth, These are a Few of My Favorite Things!

Day two post-op has been quiet and good. I slept really well last night which was great and even managed to get a few more hours in this morning. The pain meds are great to help me get comfortable and sleepy. I'm feeling pretty good and enjoying a quiet house. I'm starting to get a little hungry but chicken broth and other clear fluids are keeping me full. I am really looking forward to Friday when I can start having my protein shakes and some other full liquids, even pudding and yogurt! I think my body is craving the nutrition...especially protein.

Some thank you's before I sign off for the day:

-My absolutely wonderful family who have supported me through this. My very devoted husband, Alton, who has been right here by my side (even on a really uncomfortable chair overnight in the hospital) through this whole process, even though he wasn't crazy about the idea of surgery. My mom, who took care of the kids while I was gone and made dinner for the family and who has been, as always, very helpful. My kids, who keep me smiling.
-Thanks to everyone who came to pray with me at the hospital, including: Pastor Pete, Tim Bussey, Dean Tsiolkas, John Bussard (and his friend whose name I cannot remember)and Wayne Branch from First Christian Church, and also my sweet long-time friend Terrie and her husband Brett (The Minister at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church in W-S).
-My boss and co-workers at WBFJ who have also been so supportive.
-Thanks to my friend Jane for her visit and the beautiful roses.
-Thanks Dawn Creason for last night's dinner.
-Thanks to everyone who has emailed me or commented on my blog with your words of encouragement and support. They've meant more than you'll ever know.
-Again, to so many of the staff at Baptist Hospital who were so kind to me during my surgery and hospital stay. I didn't get everyones names, but here are some of the folks I want to thank:
-The nurse who held my hand in the OR as I waited for anesthesia
-The anesthesiologist who was so kind and warm
-Elizabeth Krings, who was also so caring as I was waiting for surgery
-Fuzz, of course, for doing such a wonmderful job, and for letting us call him Fuzz!
-Linda Waters, the director of the unit I stayed on and her wonderful staff.
-All the nurses from pre-op to recovery who took such good care of me, including: Sharon, Becky, Tammy, Margaret.
-Susan Butler, the Nurse from Dr. Fuzz's team who is such a sweet and helpful person with a real desire to help her patients make the most of their weight loss experience!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Home Again

Today at 11:30 AM I was released from the hospital and now I am home. Feels good to be here. The kids are home from school and it is good to see them. They feel better to see me too. I got to gross them out by showing them my incisions! Not too often does a mom get to gross out her 11 year old son, so that was nice. I told Carley that I was like Laura's caterpillar "Callie", now I am in my coccoon, but will slowly reveal the beautiful butterfly that is within. Carley, ever so sweetly, said, "Yes Mommy, but Callie was a skinny little worm and you are fat." Ya gotta love the honesty of a child!

Anyway, I am feeling a lot better now that I can drink liquids. I had some chicken broth today and that was wonderful.

Thank you again for all of your prayers and encouragement. It has made this journey so much easier and God has definitely been with me through it all. I think every nurse I had at the hospital was a WBFJ listener! How wonderful it was to have nurses not only taking care of me, but who were praying for me as well. It was like being surrounded by angels. Baptist Hospital RULES!

Alive and Well (Mostly)

It's Tuesday Morning and I am doing well. Surgery went well and only took about 45 minutes. Fuzz said everything looked good, although he did have to repair a small hiatal hernia...explains why I've had so much heartburn lately. Today, I am tired and a little weak. The gas pains are pretty bad. My throat is sore and my mouth is dry...I still haven't been given the green light to drink liquids. I did have an upper GI and everyhthing looks good, so shouldn't be too long now.

Alton's been great and I've had lots of wonderful prayer support. Keep those prayers coming!! Pray for a speedy recovery and for freedom from the anxiety that keeps creeping in!

Thank you!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

This is GOOD News??

Here's an article I recently found.

Good News For Weight Watchers
PRAGUE, Czech Republic, May 28, 2004

(AP) Half of all dieters who reached their goal weight through Weight Watchers were still at least 5 percent lighter after five years, according to a study released Friday.

It may not sound like much, but obesity experts meeting in Prague were impressed. Nearly all dieters eventually return to their old weight, and maintaining a 5 percent loss is considered a health benefit.

The study is the most rigorous investigation yet of a commercial weight loss program. Experts say that although dieters would probably hope for better results, a 5 percent reduction is enough to reduce the risks of developing such diseases as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Experts said the study indicated the value of programs that are well-rounded, promote gradual weight loss and include a strong support system.

Studies conducted on obese people enrolled in hospital-based experiments have indicated that within a year, dieters regain one-third to one-half of the weight they lost. Within five years, most of them gain almost all of it back.

Studies on commercial programs are rare. The latest study, paid for by Weight Watchers, involved a random sample of 870 lifetime members of Weight Watchers in the United States — those who reached their goal weight and maintained it for six weeks.

The dieters, most of whom were married, middle-aged, affluent women, were followed for five years. A total of 649 were interviewed by telephone about their starting weight when they entered Weight Watchers, their goal weight and their current weight. Another 226 were brought in to be weighed, as a way of seeing how accurate the weights reported over the telephone were. The average weights reported over the telephone were 3 percent lower than the weights confirmed by scales, so all the self-reported weights were adjusted upward by 3 percent.

The average starting weight was 75 kilograms (165 pounds) — overweight, but not obese. The dieters lost about 10 kilograms (22 pounds), or 13.3 percent, on the program.

Weight Watchers is a method that restricts calories using a point system so that dieters lose a maximum of 1 kilogram (2 pounds) a week. Daily points are spent by eating and earned through exercise. Dieters are weighed during regular support group meetings, where tips and experiences are shared.

Five years later, most of the dieters had regained 5 kilograms (11 pounds), or half their original weight loss. Half of them still weighed 5 percent less than they had when they had entered Weight Watchers. Only a small fraction of dieters in studies based at universities or hospitals achieve that.

"This is impressive," said Dr. Pierre Lefebvre, emeritus professor of medicine at Liege University in Belgium, who was not connected to the study nor to Weight Watchers. "Treating overweight and obesity is a very difficult task and every means to achieve the goal is good," he said. "Drugs do not work regularly; drugs have side effects. Exercise is not easy." "Motivation is very important. Weight Watchers is part of behavioral management of a serious condition and they do it very very well," said Lefebvre, president of the International Diabetes Federation. "It has a place."

Andrew Prentice, an obesity expert from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in London, agreed that the results shown in the study are enough to seriously improve health. "Most of these patients would have gained weight in those five years," said Prentice, who was not connected with the research. "Even if we just stop them gaining weight, that would be success."

Though the success rate seemed better in the Weight Watchers study than in studies run by hospitals or universities, the results cannot be directly compared. Only successful dieters were included in the Weight Watchers study. Hospital-based studies also usually involve people who are much fatter and who have more severe eating and emotional problems, said lead investigator Dr. Michael Lowe, a clinical psychologist at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Lowe suggested his findings indicate it may be harder for obese people to maintain weight loss than it is for people who are merely overweight.

Ready...Set...

Yesterday (Friday) was a full day of appointments at Baptist. First stop...pre-op evaluation. Lots of questions about health history, medications, etc. I was given my surgery time: 12:30 PM, Monday (although my Doc said it will probably happen later than that).

God Moment #1: The Anesthesia Nurse who did my evaluation and I got into a discussion about adoption. She has one biological child and one adopted child. She and her husband are now preparing to adopt their second child. They adopted the first domestically as an infant and would like to do the same thing this time. Here's the really cool thing...I told her about Caroline's Promise and the mission trip I took to Guatemala last year. Come to find out she lived in San Pedro, Guatemala for a year, just a few miles from where I was!!!

Then I was off to the lab to have about a gallon of blood collected for testing. OK...maybe an exaggeration...more like 5 vials. The lady who took my blood was a trip. She was late 40's/early 50's...a heavy-set African American woman who had no problem speaking her mind. I love that! As she was drawing my blood she said, "Girl...you ain't that big." She thought I wasn't overweight enough to have surgery. I thanked her! Then I told her that I met the qualifications for surgery and that I have struggled with my weight for most of my life. She said, "Did you ever try going on a diet, or exercising or something?" I told her that I had lost a lot of weight on diets, but gained it all back and then some. She said, "I just eat whatever I want, I don't worry about it. I'm bigger now than I've ever been!" Then we got to talking about the tornadoes that came through the area the night before. She said her husband tried to get her to go down in the basement when the storms neared their home. She told him, "I'm not getting out of bed and going down there. If it's my time to go, He'll take me!" I told her I was envious of her care-free spirit.

Then I got on the elevator to go to the next appointment...God Moment # 2...
A faithful WBFJ listener was on the elevator with me. She recognized me and told me that she heard me talking about the surgery and had been meaning to call me to talk about it. She said that she had requested the info packet about Weight Loss Surgery several times before but had never been able to follow through. I told her to email me...I hope I can be an encouragement for her. But, seriously, that hospital is MASSIVE and tens of thousands of people are there each day. What are the odds that we would have ended up on the elevator together??

The next stop was my final visit with Dr. Fuzz before surgery. First I saw Elizabeth the PA, and then met w/ Fuzz. He was unable to adjust his schedule to come in and be on the Morning Show last week, but he really wanted to make good on his offer to do so. So, he is going to be on the show with us Monday morning at 6:30AM before he goes into surgery for the day. What a guy! We'll record it and re-air it later in the morning so more folks can hear it. He said, "You know, going public about this puts a lot more pressure on you." He meant that since so many people will be following me, I'll be under alot more pressure to work with my Lap-band the right way so that I can maximize my results. I agreed and told him I was ready for it and that I welcome the extra accountability. I told him that my going public puts him under a lot more pressure too! He agreed that he is putting his reputation on the line by going public with me. He said (jokingly) that I may have to take a few extra beatings to keep me in line . :)

I asked him if I could have one "last supper" since Mother's day was this Sunday. He graciously agreed. I cannot wait!

The final stop was for my class with Amber the Nutritionist (i.e. The Food Nazi). She explained the post-surgery diet:

Days 1-4 (Thru Thursday):
Clear Liquids Only: Broth, Water, Low-Sugar Juice

Days 5-21 (Friday, May 16 thru Monday June 2):
Full Liquids: (This is also the 2 day post-fill diet)
Protein Shakes (2-3 per day)
Water, Crystal Light, Decaf Coffee/Tea, Broth.
No Sugar Added Yogurt (6 oz per day),
Sugar Free Pudding (6 oz per day)
V-8 juice or tomato soup (8 oz per day)
Sugar Free Popsicles
Sugar Free Jello
Start Vitamins

Week 3 until 1 Month Follow Up Appt (June 3 on):
Pureed/Soft Foods:
1 cup of food TOTAL at each meal, 3 meals per day:

Skinless Chicken or Fish (Must be Moist and Mushy)
Lean Ground Beef or Ground Turkey Breast (Moist and Mushy)
Light/No Sugar Added Yogurt
Scrambled Eggs
Low Fat Cottage Cheese
1oz 2% Cheese
Soft Cooked Veggies
Mashed Potatoes
Fat Free refried beans
Unsweetened Apple Sauce or Canned Fruit
Fresh Fruit (seedless)
Sugar Free Popsicles
1 Protein Shake (if needed)


Amber also talked to me about the diet/eating habits I will have to follow with the Lap-band. Eat slow, chew well, small bites. She gave me a baby spoon to eat with until I am used to small bites. That ought to be cute when I'm eating out! From now on, I am restricted to 3 small (saucer sized) meals per day. I am to eat the protein on my plate first, then the veggies, then the starch. I cannot drink 10 minutes before or until at least 30 minutes after my meal, because fluids will wash the food right through the the opening and into the larger part of the stomach, defeating the purpose of the band. I will also be unable to drink carbonated beverages, because the carbonation could cause the band to slip or my stomach pouch to enlarge.

So, as I write this, I am T-minus 51 hours until surgery. I have to say that God has been so faithful in answering my prayers for peace. I have had very little anxiety. Thank you for your prayers and please keep them coming! God is anserwing them!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Sunday at 5

Verne Hill was nice enough to choose me as a guest for Sunday at 5 this weekend! He interviewed me about my choice to have weight loss surgery. To hear our conversation, tune in to WBFJ (89.3-Winston-Salem/103.5-Greensboro) this Sunday, May 11, at 5:00 PM.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Pre-Op Life

I'm having surgery on Monday, May 12. Two weeks before surgery, I was required to go on a very strict diet. Here is my daily allotment:

2 Protein Shakes made with Skim Milk
2-3 Servings Raw or Cooked Vegetables
1 small piece of fruit or 3 oz. apple sauce
Sugar Free Jello
1 Serving of Low Fat Light Yogurt
1 Serving of Sugar Free Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat
(1) 4 oz. serving of very lean meat

I'm not gonna lie, it's been tough. It gets very boring eating the same 7 things every single day. The hardest time was last week during "Sharathon" at the radio station. There was delicious food everywhere, all day long! But, thank GOD, I did not cheat even ONCE! I really am addicted to food. I've even had dreams of eating a McDonalds Cheeseburger and French Fries!

I got lucky, though. I was supposed to be on the pre-surgery diet for 3 weeks, but due to a scheduling issue my Doctor had to move the surgery up a week. What an answered prayer that was! The good news is that I've already lost about 8 pounds after being on the diet for 10 days, that's 8 pounds closer to my goal. Yipee!

FAQ's

For my first post, I thought it would be helpful to answer some FAQ's about my decision to have weight loss surgery. So, here goes. If you have any other questions, leave them in the comment section below and I'll do my best to answer as soon as possible.

Q: Why on earth would you even consider having Weight Loss Surgery?

A: For over a year I have been extensively researching and intensively praying about the possibility of having Weight Loss Surgery. Several factors have led me to this decision. I have tried, unsuccessfully, to control my weight for over 25 years. Despite many efforts at weight loss, my weight has climbed steadily throughout my life. I am now at my highest weight, with a BMI of over 40 which places me in the “Morbidly Obese” category. While I have not developed any weight related health issues (co-morbidities) yet, the odds that I will are very high. Here are a few of the possible health risks associated with obesity according to the Surgeon General.

  • PREMATURE DEATH: An estimated 300,000 deaths per year may be attributable to obesity. The risk of death rises with increasing weight. Individuals who are obese (BMI > 30)* have a 50 to 100% increased risk of premature death from all causes, compared to individuals with a healthy weight.
  • HEART DISEASE: The incidence of heart disease (heart attack, congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death, angina or chest pain, and abnormal heart rhythm) is increased in persons who are overweight or obese (BMI > 25).* High blood pressure is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those who are at a healthy weight.
  • DIABETES: A weight gain of 11 to 18 pounds increases a person's risk of developing type 2 diabetes to twice that of individuals who have not gained weight.
    Over 80% of people with diabetes are overweight or obese.

  • CANCER: Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk for some types of cancer including endometrial (cancer of the lining of the uterus), colon, gall bladder, prostate, kidney, and postmenopausal breast cancer. Women gaining more than 20 pounds from age 18 to midlife double their risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, compared to women whose weight remains stable.


So, to sum it up…since I have been unable to maintain weight loss using traditional methods and since I realize that my weight puts me at risk for serious health problems, I have made the decision to have surgery so I can make a positive, permanent change to my health.

Q: But what about the risks of surgery?


A: Of course, this is something that I have very carefully considered. I have 3 young kids, a husband and a widowed mother, all to whom I feel a great sense of responsibility. I want to be here for them as long as possible. Which, when I consider the risks of obesity, is the main reason that I’m having surgery.

The surgery I have chosen, laparoscopic gastric banding (A.K.A. Lap-Band) , is by far the safest of all weight loss surgery options. In fact, there is less operative risk with this surgery than with gall bladder removal. The risk of death as a complication from LAP-Band surgery is less than 1 in 2000 (the actual mortality rate is likely much lower than that…those numbers are out-dated and don’t consider the advancements that have been made). My risk is even lower because I am relatively young and relatively healthy and I’m having the procedure done by Dr. Fernandez at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center which has been certified by The American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.

The most common complications with the Lap Band include: nausea/vomiting, reflux and food getting temporarily stuck. Less common problems include band erosion, band slippage, trouble swallowing, constipation, diarrhea, poor esophageal function and problems with the access port (the part of the band where the doctor injects the saline). Again, by having the procedure done at WFUBMC by a skilled an experienced doctor, my risks of complications are greatly reduced.
When considering any medical treatment, one has to do a risk/benefit analysis. After looking at all the statistics related to the Lap-band and comparing them to the statistics for obesity, I believe (along with my Surgeon, Psychologist and insurance company) that the risks of having this procedure are far outweighed (no pun intended)by the benefits.

Q: What's a LAP-band?

A: The LAP-Band is a device that is placed around the upper part of the stomach, and is designed to create a small stomach pouch and restriction so that the patient feels full after less food. The surgery is minimally invasive because it is done laparoscopically , so only 4-5 small incisions are made when placing the band. The band is made of a silicone tube that can be "inflated" by the addition of saline solution. These "fills" adjust the size of the band and the amount of restriction. Fills are done at the doctors office using a port that is placed under the skin. Saline is injected into the port which is connected to the band by a thin tube. Fills are usually relatively quick and painless. Here is a diagram:


I chose the LAP-Band because the surgery is quicker, less complicated and safer than other forms of Weight Loss Surgery. It is also reversible and does not alter the anatomy like gastric bypass does.

For more information about the LAP band, visit http://www.lapband.com/ .

Q: All you have to do is eat sensibly and get more exercise and you'll lose weight...why don't you just go on a diet?

A: True...if one consumes less calories than one burns, one will lose weight. That is a simple fact. However, very, very few people ( less than 5%) are actually able to do this successfully long term. I have tried just about every diet there is with some short term success. But, the weight never stays off. I always end up putting the pounds back on and then some.

Q: Isn't the real problem just a lack of self-control, will-power?

A: Maybe. But, with a lot of help from the good Lord, I've climbed some pretty big mountains in other areas of my life and overcome other obstacles (like quitting a 10-year addiction to smoking) that would have stopped a weak willed person dead in thier tracks. So, I think there's probably a lot more to it than self control. And, the latest research on weight loss confirms that there's a whole lot more involved in long term weight loss than simply eating less and moving more.

Q: Maybe you should go on "The Biggest Loser".

A: Trust me, I seriously considered submitting an audition tape to try to be on the show. But, then I did a little research on the winners from the first two season's shows...and guess what? Sadly, they've gained most/all of the ir weight back.

Q: You're a Christian. If you had enough faith God would heal you of your obesity, right?

A: I cannot tell you how often I have prayed that God would take this burden from me. I believe that this surgery is His way of doing just that. He has opened every door that had been previously closed in order for me to have this done, incuding my husband's workplace switching insurance companies to one that covers weight loss surgery. Everything has just fallen into place in order for this surgery to happen. I belive that God wants me to be healthy and joyful and better equipped to serve and glorify Him with my life. I see this surgery is a gift from my Father so that He can better accomplish His purpose in my life.

Q: How much will this cost?

A: It ain't cheap, that's for sure! The total bill comes to a bit over $20,000. Thankfully, my insurance will cover most of the procedure. Even so, my total out of pocket costs will be close to $4,000. However, to me that seems like a small price to pay compared to the costs associated with life-long obesity.