POST-OP Day 2

I made it through the op!  I am now a lap bandit!  I'm sooooo happy! A lot of exclaimation points but that's how it is.

I will post more soon, I'm still pretty tired and a bit sore, but feeling better all the time.  I aim to go to work tomorrow - first day of school for the year.  I figure I will be sitting around for most of it so why waste a sick day?

Best bit, I am not hungry at all!  I have to remember to have my liquids.  Unreal!   I'm on liquids for the first week, and am actually finding it hard to have enough as just don't want anything.

Allergy testing, and surgery day...take 2

The all important allergy testing finally arrived.  It suddenly sunk in that it was happening after arriving home from a fabulous mini break in Auckland with some awesome school friends who are both pregant at the moment.

I arrived at the hospital and I have to say the service was very prompt.  I got to see the specialist before the time I was due.  This is almost unheard of in the public system!

I was led down to the room for testing, walked through the door and saw this:

While I am not afraid of needles - this many and knowing they were going to be tested on me - just a little daunting.

Anyway after explaining what happened to cause the reaction and going through what would happen in the testing - it started.  The results were less than spectacular.  Below, you can see my back with each site circuled where a substance was tested - there were a lot!  The only one apparently showing a big reaction was the histamine control (which was meant to).  The suxamethonium only gave a small raise and a warm feeling, nothing else.  The tests were repeated twice more, and very little was seen.

So what did she get from that?  Well it confirmed what could be used, rather than what couldn't be used.  She also recommended instead of being injected through a line, the muscle relaxant should be put through an IV drip for more control. 

Result:  It is all go on Friday!   Got confirmation from the hospital, best wishes from the clinic, and all going well by about midday on Friday (today...just in NZ)  I will become a bandit!!!

I'm excited, a little nervous, but mainly over it and just want it down so I can get on with the post-op progress.  Thanks for all your support and comments, either here, facebook, texts, emails, or even in person.  All the support has made me feel very loved, and reading others blogs has been very insightful and inspiring.

I go into the op losing 25.2 kilos pre-op.  Apparently the surgeon is over the moon with the progress.  Yay!

So what weighs about 25 kilos?

 This rather large baby

This dog

This shark

The amount of weight Kelly Osbourne lost between these two pictures!

Next post should be brought to you POST OP  :)

About 3 years ago.....

I got married to my soul mate (26th January 2008).  While it doesn't seem 3 years - we have gone through a lot together already.  Through this time, I feel our marriage is stronger than ever, and I am more in love with Anthony every day.  Through this process (lapband) and its ups and downs, he has definitely been my rock.  Being married is cool.

Here's to many more years to come :)

On a final note - with my pre-op weight - Im smaller now than what I was at my wedding!  :)

7 sleeps until surgery

Just a quick update:

Just weighed in a lost another 2 kilos (4.4lbs) !  weeeeeeeee!!!  Im very excited :)

So in total - thats 24.3 kilos lost = 53.5lbs - made it over the 50lb mark!

This week has been a little up and down.  I think I may have over done the exercise, just because my body is not taking in enough to always keep me going.  Im alright though.  It's a good tired, not a I just cna't be bothered tired.

So this week: 

Monday:  2 walks
Tuesday:  1 PT session, 1 walk
Wednesday:  Energy slump - day off - slept a lot, and felt a lot better for it.  Did go TV shopping with Kate so not a complete vege day.
Thursday:  1 PT session, 1 walk
Friday: 1 PT session, 1 walk.

Tomorrow, I head to Auckland for a few days to see my friends with their growing pregnant bellies. Hope they are having good hormone days ;)  It will be great to see them - too long between visits between us.  I guess that is what happens you all live in different parts of the country.  I see that we are going on a 2 hr nature walk - hope the weather is good for it.  Hope my fitness is up to scratch.

So as I do with my weight loss, I like to see what it equates to - so what does 24.3kgs/53.5lbs look like?

 This cute dog!

 The shipping weight of this outdoor furniture set

This hovercraft



 This fish!

7 sleeps until surgery day - the excitement builds :)

Monday Movers and Progress Pics

Wow, the walking group was FUN!  5 people there last night, and all just lovely.  I even met my band twin (well she would have been if I had been banded on the 26th November).  She was the other op that day.  I think we were meant to meet!  Very interesting talking to her at 6 weeks on from the op.  She was not as big as me, and has lost 10 kilos so far, all since the banding - she didn't have to do the pre-op diet.  She is still learning everyday and struggling with portion sizes and chewing.  She has had a number of things stuck which has put her off some foods like steak, chicken breast and unmashed banana.  I am learning from what she says and working with it. I also learnt that recovery time is really individual from going back to solids after 4 weeks to one guy who was back on solids after a week...crazy!  Since we live near each other, we are also going to try and do extra walks as time allows.  This will be especially beneficial during those Winter months.

The walk was good, went for about 50 minutes walking along the Petone foreshore.  The lady from the clinic mapped the distance and turned out to be approx 3.8 km walked.  I was pleased with that :).  The walks are going to go every Monday.  Ill miss the next couple due to being away in Auckland and then op recovery, but then the week after that - Im back in as walking is encouraged to aid recovery.  We've called the group Monday Movers, and were trying to suggest sponsorship deals from the clinic for t shirts, caps etc, basically any free stuff - The clinic lady was amused.

Dropped my admission forms off at the hospital today - strange sense of deja vu.

Have been a bit exercise crazy over the last few weeks - and while I still have the energy Im totally going with it!  Last week, managed 3 PT sessions, and quite a few walks.  This week, so far since Monday - 3 decent walks and 1 PT session with 2 more lined up this week.  Have definitely got my focus on, and better yet Im enjoying it.  Long may it last!

Now on the positive side - I have had some lovely comments over the last couple of days - these included:  Wow, your face looks a lot more skinny (x2), you look awesome, do you have any clothes that still fit?, You are doing so well, you should be really proud of yourself, and if you have lost this much on your own, imagine how much you are going to lose with the band - warm fuzzies - thanks guys and girls.

As said a couple of posts ago, here are some progress shots.  The yellow are from Week 1 pre-op, and the purple from Week 13, so just over 3 months progress.  I can't really see it in front of the mirror, but I do notice in the photos, and I guess in my clothes as well.

Unfortunately didnt get the same clothes for comparison this time, but you get the general trend.

10 sleeps to go :)

Another loss and general natter...

A few days later and a few less sleeps to go until surgery.  Today it marks 11 sleeps till surgery.  I am so fully ready for it.  I do have have a slight worry that something might come up in the allergy testing that cancels/postpones the surgery.  I really really really hope that doesn't happen - it would truly gut me.  I have come too far to have that sort of setback again.  I actually can't do anything about it though, so positive thinking.  I WILL be banded on the 28th!

Went into the clinic on Friday - such a feel good place.  Weighed myself on the scales there, and am a further 1.1 kilos down.  That brings me to 22.3 kilos lost :)

Have been pretty good with the exercise - went to the PT 3x last week. Hard core.  Ached a little, but must be getting fitter as Im doing higher speeds and inclines on the cross trainer.  It is really nice to be able to put extra effort into exercising.

Saturday went to the cricket for the afternoon - pretty chilled but mainly read my mag - which weirdly enough was full of weight loss stories and general body transformations (both good and bad).  I think I was meant to buy that mag.  When parking at the basin - parked up the hill in Mount Vic (free parking), didnt mind the hill and on return to the car was not even puffing when I reached the car - I was quietly chuffed :)
The only downer was the sunburn on my lower legs, and parts of my back where I either forgot to slip slop slap or thought wouldnt burn (my legs) - how I was wrong.  Two days later - still a bit of heat coming from the legs - I have learnt my lesson.  Very little ozone layer over NZ = sunburn in 10-20 minutes (Im not kidding!)

I have started looking through my clothes - there are a couple of items that are too big for me and many I have found that I either dont remember buying, or wonder what was I thinking.  Already two bags for the sallies, and a pile for Trade Me.  I did notice the following:

1)  I have a bad habit of buying things and never wearing them (found 2 items with tags still on them)

2)  I am a hoarder of clothes.....maybe this skirt will come back in fashion???

3)  I must love my 3/4 pants - I lost count of how many pairs I own (at least 5 pairs never worn)

4)  I also have many pairs of jeans which until Sunday must have barely ever thrown any out.  I threw 4 pairs.

5)  Black, black, black.

6)  There are also many clothes that need repairing (slight holes, hems etc)  - I just stopped wearing them, and then found them in the back of the wardrobe.

7)  I think my size at the moment is about a 26.  I think at the beginning of this journey I had got up to about a 30-32.  How did I let myself get so big like that?

8)  I own a lot of shoes - Im cool about that though  - shoes are awesome!

I look forward to when I can buy clothes in the 'normal' size section. 

Media

Found this article at http://www.stuff.co.nz/ - linking the junk food companies with being one of the causes of obesity and now taking partnership with weightloss companies to be the cure.

If any of you have been on optifast (product in NZ/Aust) - if you have looked at the back of the packet, you will notice that it is made by Nestle.

So not only do these companies contribute to rainforest destruction and global warming - they also have a part to play in obesity.  Are their weight loss products now a plan to redeem themselves for the latter? 

Article below: 16/1/11

Junk food companies are making customers fat, then selling them the cure, health experts claim. Deals between producers of junk foods and slimming groups and health charities are allowing the industry to cash in on both ends of the obesity epidemic, they argue.

Partnerships between Nestle and Jenny Craig, McDonald's and Weight Watchers, and Domino's Pizza and the weight-loss show The Biggest Loser have been criticised for trying to make brands famous for selling burgers, fries and lollies appear more healthy.

The companies reject the allegation, saying the associations are meant to offer more healthy choices and are a genuine attempt to be part of the obesity solution.

Jane Martin, of the Australia's Obesity Policy Coalition, called this ''weightwashing'' - a tactic to convince consumers the fast-food industry was responding to the obesity epidemic, in the same way ''greenwashing'' allowed polluting businesses to appear environmentally responsible.

''Junk food manufacturers are at the forefront of this strategy, which is similar to what we have already seen adopted by the tobacco and oil industries,'' Martin said.
''It gives them the veneer of corporate social responsibility.''

Nutritionist Rosemary Stanton said deals between the two kinds of companies toyed with the emotions of people who wanted to support a worthy cause.
''It's a very strange association when we know that certain types of breast cancer, particularly in post-menopausal women, are very strongly related to a high intake of fat, and obesity - both of which get a hefty contribution from fast foods,'' Dr Stanton said.

''These companies are not interested in health; they're interested in marketing and selling more product.''
Global food giant Nestle said it was ''cynical'' and ''a complete misrepresentation of our business'' to claim that its takeover of weight-loss firm Jenny Craig this month was an attempt to buy its way into health policy discussions.

Nestle had a long-term commitment to nutrition and health, corporate affairs manager Fran Hernon said.
Jenny Craig managing director Amy Smith also defended the deal.

''Nestle have made Lean Cuisine and low-fat yoghurts forever,'' Smith said.
''It's over simplifying it just to say there's a conspiracy going on.
''If you look at the reasons why people are gaining so much weight, it comes from a lot more than soft drink and chocolate.''

In March McDonald's New Zealand began selling three Weight Watchers-approved meals.



On another note, another blog I read Something, something fat chick (thanks :) ) - found this picture below:

This weight equates to 169.1 kilos - does anyone else see something wrong with that???  You could have a similar ad for alcoholics where people who drink more than 10 drinks a day drink free - imagine the uproar on that one.  Hmmmm

Second Date Announcement!!!!

Makes it sound like a rock concert - but not quite......

Finally after waiting for what seemed like forever (really only a week since I sent an email to the clinic), I got a date for my surgery, so the second attempt will go ahead on:

28th January 2011

That is the Friday before school goes back and is the date I had aimed for once I found out when my allergy testing was. Also now it is only 15 days away so 15 days left of the pre op diet.

I struggled today.  After my killer PT workout yesterday filled with weights, crosstraining, treadmill, lunges, squats and press ups and holds in multiple sets - I couldn't move much today. How good is a hot shower though - so good for the muscles.  Going to try and lose as much as I can before the op.  Today was hard though - got very hungry.  We opted for Chinese takeaway for dinner - I was somewhat careful eating only the vege and meat (with the sauces) was tempted by the wontons.  Could of had six - but had 4.  I actually think I needed something a bit extra today as I felt better afterwards with no effects.  Went dog walking with hubby afterwards in nicer cooler conditions.  Am back at the trainer tomorrow morning so will work off the extra food.  Have to keep focus (word of the year)

I have notice my denim 3/4 pants have become more like 7/8 pants - they are so much baggier and longer with now sitting on my hips.  Anthony could also fit his hand width in the gap at the waist.  Pretty good visual difference.  The 3/4 pants look dumb now, but yet I feel good wearing them as I know they used to be tight :)  Not quite falling off yet like this guy!

This also reminded me of this song:

Also in the plans is joining a walking group that the clinic runs.  Starts for the year next Monday for an hour.  Im quite excited.  Also hoping I will be better than some of the others.  I feel this could be a place where Im not last (unlike previous boot camps).  We shall see.  But fun, and get to meet fellow bandits!!!

21.2 KILOS GONE!!!!!!

Since my last weigh in which was Christmas Eve, I have lost 2.7 kilos.  I haven't had the clinic scale to weigh in on as they are still closed for the holidays until next week, but with the fairly accurate home scales and the trainers scales - I have come to this weight loss.  It may be slightly more, but for the moment I took the top weight.  Even with a little Christmas indulgence - weight was lost!

In total:  21.2 kilos lost = 46.6lbs - yeah!!!!


How do I feel?? 

All day I have felt like nothing can stop me now. It is the most weight I have lost consistently, and I got over the magic 20kilo hump I have always struggled with - and I am not even banded yet!!!

Personal Trainer Response:   "Fark Yeah!" (Excitement)

I can still wear my clothes, although some of my tops are quite baggy now and slip off the shoulder.  I'm cool with that.  It's Summer here so not so bad.  I will post a couple of progress shots soon to show differences.  I find it hard to see for myself, but others have noticed :)  I just feel better!

So weighs around the 21.2 kilo mark??

This fish!

This giant mineral rock!

This fridge!

The largest cat recorded!

And this TV!

On another note - After my PT session today, I went into Contours to cancel my membership - a wee rant - has to be the worse gym I have ever belonged to!  When I went in, there was no -"Oh why?" . There was just a huge sigh (like she had to do some work) then Oooookkkk.   This particular branch of Contours - machines are in less than ideal condition, no one is on the gym floor to supervise (DANGEROUS!), equipment is missing, the posters are very dated, and the staff - do not motivate, and make it seem like they do you a favour to talk to you, and don't ask them to do anything!  And the Personal trainers - no personality and may have worked out a little too much in her life - not the best advertisement.

There!  Rant done.

I have registered with Les Mill for their free month (until end of January).  Easy as - register and download voucher from the website - no talking to any sales consultants.  I figure that will get me through until my op, and then will look at options after that as my long time PT is moving cities.

A good day indeed!

Word of 2011

Arggghhhh the detox - week 1 of pre-op diet 2.  How soon one forgets the effects of it.

Within 2 days, my energy levels plummetted!   But due to heat - sleep still hard.  By Friday, I was sporting some pretty decent panda eyes.   Have been trying to keep up the exercise, but Fridays PT session was swapped for a sleep in.  I love sleep when I can get it.

Day 7 now, as long as I eat when I am meant to - things are getting better, and the energy levels are on the up!  In the week ahead, exercise every day no matter what.  Still on holiday for another 3 weeks so no excuse!

In a few blogs I have been reading, I noticed that people are chosing a:

Word Of The Year

I thought I would try this, actually harder than I thought.  So many words, but which one will drive me for the year?  Well this is it -



I thought about success, goal, determination, achievement etc but focus is what I need to get all of these.  Keep my eye on the prize as they would say and success will be mine.  That will be my 2011 :)

Back on the pre op diet wagon! Week 12 pre op

First week of January 2011 - Week 12 of the pre-op diet.  Tomorrow it is 6 weeks since the first op attempt.  This also means my cells are fully recharged and ready to react and deal with allergy testing.  Another small milestone.

Been back on the pre-op diet wagon since the second.  In the last couple of days, I have noticed the energy waning.  It does help immensely not being at work.  Im still gyming it - hope to lose at least a total of 20kilos by op time.  Still waiting to hear when that will be, hoping I will find out next week sometime.

So no carbs or any of the crap I ate over the festive period.  Good time for detoxing!

Trying the lemon mousse opti fast as something different.  Its ok - kind of like a cheesecake flavouring.  Still prefer the coffee and strawberry shakes and the bars though.  Also to note - in future be more organised and buy them from the clinic.  There is serious inflation when buying it from the chemist!

Holidays are full of events and social time - it does make the eating thing a bit harder.  Coffee's are fine - a trim mocha is fine as long as I give away the marshmellows/chocolate fish.  Today I felt victorious at Maranui Cafe in Lyall Bay when after looking in the food cabinet and menu - there were no meals without carbs.  Even the cabinet salads were potato or pasta based.  However, I noticed a green salad, mushrooms and spinach on the side order menu.  So I combined them for my lunch - success!!!!

 Success!!  Green salad had sunflower seeds on it to - nice touch!

Trim mocha at Diamond Deli - Lyall Bay 

On the weight loss,  I have gained a little during Christmas.  I decided to delay weighing myself for at least a week so hopefully will see a good loss.  Hopefully, next week some energy will return :)

Obesity Ad Campaign

Doctors want graphic ads, similar to pictures on cigarette packets, to be used n the fight against obesity.

When you think about the pictures on the cigarette packets - how effective are they?  Who is more offended by the pictures - Smokers or non - smokers??   While I am all for trying to reduce the obesity epidemic that is spreading throughout the western world - is this tactic really the answer???  How about prevention, education, compulsory PE and guidance in diets and lifestyle.  I mean if an alcoholic watched an ad with someone drinking a bottle of wine - would that put them off drinking??

I think the obesity problem is complex.  Just overeating and having a sedentary lifestyle is not all that can lead to obesity.  I would like to see some more 'positive' campaigns to deal with this growing problem.

While searching for the above report, I also found the following ad campaigns and posters:

 Thought this placement was ironic

 Back in the Stone Age this would have been useful

 Soft drink packs on the pounds

 Butter suicide bomb

The effect of processed foods 

Are parents part of the cause?

Happy New Year!

The festive season is almost behind us, and as from today I'm back on the Optifast wagon until the next surgery attempt.  I'm hoping that it will be on the 28th January.  Why you may ask?  Well I found out that my allergy testing is on January 26th (co-insiding with my wedding anniversary).  According to the specialist, it will take approximately 2 hours to establish if I am allergic to what they think I am.  She did point out that there is a chance that they may not find out either.  When talking to the people at the clinic, late January has been talked about as the date, and the 28th is the Friday.  Ill see in a week or two I guess when the clinic reopens for the year.  Stupid time of year for it all to happen - more waiting time.

So week 8- 11 pre op was like an intermission.  A week after the no-op Anthony and I went to Bon Jovi.  LOVED IT!!!!  Ol' Jon Bon Jovi is looking very good for his age I must say.  Loved the music, and have been playing their greatest hits records for the last month (still not tired of it either)

The end of year party season started.  My diet became looser.  I still managed to lose another 3 kilos or so.  Stoked with that.  Still using optifast, but allowing some carbs in.   My booze drinking came back with the festive season, starting witht he last day of school.  Man, I loved been drunk and had the best time.  However, many drinks = no will power and cravings for carbs in the form of chips and bread.  And the hangover the next day - no so fun.  The partier in me is still strong :)

 Me and Julia - her last day at UHC

 The alcohol starts to take affect

 Secret Santa pressie - treats for my dogs

Partying like its 1999

I allowed myself to buy a new top.  Love it - has an apron like over top.  Many compliments :)

So - the holidays at long last began!  No marking this year, awesome!  A few of us went over to Martinborough for a couple of days to chill out and explore what it has to offer.  Wineries, cafes, gift shops - sweeeeet!!!!

 Me and Kate

 Tried to make meals reasonably healthy

 Group shot - I like this pic - I look smaller :)

The girls had cake- I had fruit salad

The Christmas season hit and my diet basically went out the window.  I appreciated how good a lot of food I had not had for a long time tasted.  I did stay predominantly away from cheese and bread.  Cheese seems to now not agree with me much - a great way of deterring me from it now.  But I did enjoy potato in the form of my bro's potato salad at Christmas - yum!

Me and my bro - Christmas Day 2010

Christmas was in Welly this year - a complete day off, although I was proud I didn't over indulge.  In previous years, I have eaten until my stomach ached, so a good positive.  It is amazing though just how much food is around at Christmas.  Truly a hard time to have any self control.  Loving the sparkling wine this year!

Anthony's birthday a couple of days later, more food, more booze.  I did fit in a couple of walks and personal training sessions during the week between Christmas and New Years.  Exercise really does make you feel a lot better when you are being so glutonous.

Visitors, brunches, road trips, iced coffees, more wine, bbq's, sweets, chocolate summed up that week.

Last brunch for the year was with Miss Hitchings and Jamie on their visit to Welly with Judge, bro, and hubby.

Yummy and my last full brunch!  A beef thai salad with shared belgian fries....mmmmm  mmmmm



New Years Eve no boundaries.  We went to a morrocan restaurant, and I had my first tagine.  A king tagine with sausage, lamb shank, and chicken served over couscous.  The flavours were amazing.  And truly filling not being able to finish it.  I have discovered that I can't eat as much as I used to.  My stomach capacity must have shrunk a little in the pre-op diet.  BIG YAY!

 Tagine!!!!!

 Me and Kate

 A sweet tagine :)

 Free pita and dips - nice!

 BYO - lots of wine!

 Cheers!

Happy New Year!!



So, I summed up to Kate as 2010 being 'arse'.  Things did not really go my way - 2011 will be a better year!  No real resolutions to be made.  Just goals which the main two are to have my lap band surgery and make it into the adoption pool once we have completed the courses.   We have two wonderful referees so I would pick us if I had read their statements!  Once the surgery happens - the goal is big weight loss!  It will be done :)