Life is good...

Really, it is.  The month of April, not so good.  But I have gotten through so much and I am feeling so much better now.  I have had every test done, and all negative, meaning I am in GREAT health.  My body has "settled down" now and I am able to eat again.  Dr says I must be in the 2 percentile of people that have an allergic reaction to the actual LapBand material.  Or, my body just rejected it.  Hmmm.  Maybe LapBands are not good for Italians, LOL.  Anyway, I am getting over the whole ordeal.  Only thing left to get over is the open wound in my tummy now.  I will be off work for a few more weeks...wounds take a long time to heal.  However, I am drinking alot of JP protein shakes, doubling my JuicePlus capsules, and I think I will heal a little faster that way. 
I feel very grateful that I am healthy, despite what happened with the band/surgeries.  I am also very grateful for my family and friends and the wealth of love and support I have received.  Once my wound is healed, it is back to the gym, my trainer, and new running shoes to start training for 5ks!  I can't wait!

Peace and Health,
Melissa

Surprise

I have not written in nearly 2 weeks.  On Wednesday, April 13th, I started having tremendous pain in my abdomen and chest that radiated all over and gave me a headache as well.  I tried to just suck it up, but ended up in the ER by late morning.  I was admitted to the hospital and many many tests were run to rule out cardiac, blood clots, kidney dysfunction, etc.  All tests were negative.  I spent Thursday in a drugged fog, and they did more tests.  Negative.  That is good, but, still in pain.  Was discharged from the hospital Friday.  At home, anytime I tried to eat something small/soft, I would feel like I had to throw up.  I would heave, but not actually throw up. This was VERY painful. Saturday, this continued, so I just stopped eating.  Called the exchange, and the nice doctor on call instructed me to "just get through it (like labor pains)" and call my doctor on Monday.  Okay...so, after taking pain meds and a little valium(to relax me, try to reduce spasms), I tried a little soup Sat night.  It felt good to eat.  I thought I was in the clear.  I even nibbled on some very small pieces of bread, thinking that would be okay since I am in phase 3 now and no longer on liquids.  Wrong.  Within 30 minutes, I had that feeling, you know, the waterworks in the back of your throat...got up, started heaving like never before, felt like that LapBand was going to come up my throat and choke me.  So much pain, I couldn't catch my breath.  Almost passed out, Lisa helped me to the bed.  I told her I felt like I was dying.  Sounds pretty dramatic, but I really DID feel like that because I couldn't breathe.  She called 911, and paramedics took me by ambulance back to the hospital.  Fortunately for me, the same ER nurse was there, and jumped into action immediately.  They moved me off the stretcher, and I started heaving all over again.  She got an IV into me and pain med right away.  I was concentrating on my breathing like I was having a baby.  The ER doc came in and had spoke with Dr. Minkin.  They were to admit me.  I had emergency surgery Sunday and he took the LapBand out.

Wow...I would have never expected this.  All of my excitement, hard work, liquid diet, mental anguish, etc...and now it is out?  Though everything I had gone through, I was okay with having it out.  I could not live like this.  I still had trouble after surgery.  Couldn't eat.  Could barely drink.  Many more swallow tests and an endoscopy done.  "Everything looks good."  Why did this happen then?  Why did my body reject the Band?  The only answers that make sense is that perhaps I had an allergic reaction to the Band.  For some reason, my body did not WANT that Band in.  Trouble is, I am still having issues.
 
I was finally released from the hospital Wednesday, the 20th.  Still on pain meds, and a med to reduce spasm of smooth muscle.  It helps, but it is going to be a while before I am in good shape.
I have come to my own conclusion...my body has been traumatized with 2 surgeries in less than 3 weeks time, not to mention that foreign object that was in there...my body is still reacting with spasms in my stomach and esophagus...I just have to give it time.  I am going for one more test next Tuesday, but not really expecting to get a diagnosis of any sort.   I am expecting to hear the same thing "everything looks good."  Which is GOOD by the way, I just hope that I get better soon, and don't have any long lasting problems.  I have to be patient...that is difficult.  I feel like I am in a holding pattern.  I want to get on with life. This has been quite an ordeal.

I have to remember that I am very blessed and fortunate though...to my partner, my mother, my sister Julie...and my family that has stood by me and helped and supported me.  Especially thankful to Lisa, as she has taken on EVERYTHING...her load is very heavy right now.

This will pass.  I will get better.  I will still lose the weight.  Damn, I got through so much of the mental stuff already.  I can't wait to feel better, start working out again...get back to work, life goes on.  So, I won't have the LapBand to help me.  I will do it on my own.  I know what to do.  Might take me a little longer, but maybe not.  I am already down nearly 40 lbs from the beginning of this year.  That is a good start. Not that it was pleasant at all losing most of that the way I did...haha...but I am ready.  In my heart and in my mind, I am ready.  I have a great support system, and we are all going to help each other reach our goals.

I wish the best of health and happiness to everyone out there reading this.  Even through the tough times, know that you can get through it with the right mental attitude.  Oh, and a little patience :)

Peace and Health,
Melissa.

Monday

Monday, Monday, rainy Monday.  We should see a lot of green grass and flowers with all of the rain and the snow we have had this year.  I had a good weekend with Lisa, Grace and Lily...yesterday was the best I have felt since this all started 2 weeks ago.  My pain has gone down and little by little I am feeling better, physically.  Mentally, well, feeling better...trying to take things slow and really think.  I see Dr. Minkin later this morning, and I will suggest that he recommends a little more attention be paid to the mental aspect of this life changing tool, and perhaps potential surgery patients could see a therapist a few times prior to surgery, and after.  I went in to this with a very positive attitude, and if I am struggling, I cannot imagine what it might be like for someone who did not have a positive attitude, nor know much about health and nutrition...I feel like I had an advantage with my general healthcare knowledge, and my wellness and nutrition background.  Even with that, there has definitely been some unforeseen challenges.  And I am not the only one involved.  This affects my partner Lisa, and the kids too, when they want to go out for pizza, for example, and we can't because mom can only have soup.  Kids don't understand.  As much as I try to explain, they forget 5 minutes later :)  So, it was an adjustment this weekend.  But only temporary.  Lisa has been very thoughtful and understanding, and supportive.  The kids managed and we all compromised this weekend.  Each week that goes by, I will be able to gradually expand my variety of food intake.  By the end of May, I will be able to eat pretty much what I want, in small amounts of course, but will not be so limited if the kids want to go for pizza...I will just eat very little.  Gee, I would be a cheap date huh?  It is funny to think about, but really, what I used to eat in one sitting can now provide many meals for me.  That is quite an eye opener.  Well, our food budget should go down LOL.  I am down 15.5 lbs in 2 weeks.  I know that will slow down now, but should get going again as I am able to add exercise.  I miss exercising.  Never thought I would!  I can't wait to start working with my trainer again.  And get out walking and running.  I look forward to buying new running shoes.  That makes me feel happy.

Peace and health,
Melissa

Need a boost

Ok, so I gave myself permission to rest for 2 days, Wed and Thurs...thinking that by Friday, I should be feeling pretty good and can get some things done.  Wrong.  I am so tired, so weak, and so unmotivated it is scary.  I have no "umphh" to do anything.  I feel like a slug.  I want to clean the house, naahhh.  I want to organize my office, naahhh.  I am forcing myself to blog right now, in hopes that something will click with me and tada, I will be motivated.  I usually go go go go, this is so unlike me.  I have not taken any pain med since Wed night, trying to stay off of it, fearful that if I took it now, I would just stay in bed all day.  I have been reading the last 2 days, but not even motivated to do that.  It is a beautiful day outside, hmmm...what the hell is wrong with me?  Do I just give in and lay around like a lazy slug?  Or do I force myself to get up and do something?  Certainly do not like this feeling.  I want to feel better, feel positive, have energy...I guess that will come, but when?  I am actually having a hard time taking in enough liquids, ironically, it is easier to just not eat.  It makes me feel depressed.  Is this normal?  Do I just need to be patient?  I think I am going to take a nap and try to start over.  Only thing I can think of to do right now.  This sucks.  Hopefully I will barely remember it someday.  Feel like Debbie Downer...

Peace and Health,
Melissa

Over the hump?

Well, it could be that I am over the biggest hump so far...this is the last day of the clear liquid diet, get to add yogurt and oatmeal tomorrow for a week, as I will be on full liquids(as opposed to just clear).  Somehow, my attitude is changing.  For the better.  I am feeling better today.  Yesterday, not a good day.  Had a lot of pain and just felt lethargic all day.  Today, I gave myself permission to rest.  I did something totally out of character...after dropping off the girls, I came home, took some pain med, laid on the couch and did not move for hours.  I have this problem where I think I should ALWAYS be doing something.  Gee, I am off work for a reason~to recover from surgery.  NOT to fill myself up with other work.  I don't know why I do that to myself, other than I just like for things to be done, organized, etc.  One thing is true though, no matter how much I do, I will still ALWAYS have stuff to do.  Wow, it hit me today...it is OK to take care of yourself, do NOTHING, so that you can heal.  I am sure I would tell a family member that, or a friend, or a patient...but somehow, have difficulty telling myself that.  And, it is also ok to delegate...Grace and Lily did a great job helping momma this morning, Grace even vacuumed~it was a beautiful thing.  Of course she is at the age where it is exciting to help, she asked me if she could start doing the dishes :)  Soon then the excitement will wear off...and she will not be happy about it...oh well, that's where bribery comes in to play LOL  The joys of parenting!  I love my girls sooo much.  So, I am off.  Going to the bookstore to get Jillian Michaels new book "Limitless"  Maybe I will sit outside and read, take in the fresh air, and feel the gratitude flowing through me for everything God has blessed me with.

Peace and Health,
Melissa 

Dr. Oz

Wow, the LapBand is being discussed on the Dr. Oz show today.  Interesting take on the surgery and the guidelines being lowered by the FDA which makes it easier to qualify for the surgery.  Dr Shawn Garber talks about an 85% success rate, but emphasizes that the LapBand is not an easy fix.  Two women in the audience talk about that the benefits outweigh the risks.  I agree with that.
Looking forward to watching the rest of the show.

Meanwhile, I continue to be hungry...have 3 more days of liquids...down another 1.8  lbs.  All part of the journey.  I kept dreaming about food last night.  I vividly remember being at a party and fixed myself a little plate and half way through, realized that I still had one more day of liquids...I was horrified.  Did not know what to do.  Then I kept dreaming of being in different places and eating, then being angry that no one reminded me that I was not supposed to.  Explains why I woke up feeling a little anxious :)

During my recovery time, I have spent some time watching TV...boy, what an eye opener that so MUCH of our world is surrounded by food, and exorbitant amounts of it!  Cannot get through 3 commercials without 1 being about food.

For more info on the show, I posted Dr. Oz's link on my blog site.

Peace and Health,
Melissa

DAY 7

I don't really know what to say today.  Unfortunately, I feel an overwhelming state of sadness around me.  I can't put my finger on just one thing, but will say that coping is extremely difficult.  I want to eat so bad.  I want the comfort that comes with food.  Something cheesy, buttery, soft...this has got to be the most difficult.  I can cry just thinking about it.  On one hand I feel ashamed by telling this, but on the other, maybe I need to.  I knew going into this that there was a huge MENTAL aspect, but had no idea to what level.  It is a harsh realization that I turned to food so much in my life.  A temporary comfort, but long lasting detriment.  There really are NO vices for me to turn to...alcohol is a no no too, and I am not going to smoke, nor do I have a desire.  I can't exercise to get my mind off of food.  I am bored watching TV, and when I head for the fridge, all I can get is Jello or a popsicle.  Ugghhhh....I have to persevere through this.  My life depends on it.  My quality of life depends on it too.  I have to remind myself that these are hurdles for me to jump over.  On a positive note, I am down 10 lbs from Monday.  I am hopeful that keeps steadily dropping.  I am trying to think of anything positive right now to keep me from feeling depressed.  I could be doing this alone, and I am not.  I have fantastic support from my family and friends.  When you feel bad though, it is so much easier to see all of the negative.  So, I will keep my chin up, and keep going.  I will try to be patient.  I WILL get through this.

Peace and Health,
Melissa

RECUPERATING

Today is April 2nd.  Two days post op.  Had my LapBand surgery done at Des Peres Hospital, by Darin Minkin, MD on March 31st.  Dr. Minkin said he couldn't have asked for a more perfect surgery.  Everything went well, no complications. I have 5 incisions total, I think most are "holes" from where the laparoscopic camera went in...the care at the hospital was good.  Felicia was my nurse during the day, she was outstanding.  Great personality, and really cares about her patients.  My evening nurse Lori was very good as well, and my aides Carly and Jimi were very sweet.  No complaints at all about my care.  That is saying something, since I am in the healthcare field, I see all types of care, good and bad. I stayed in the hospital overnight(protocol), and got to come home yesterday afternoon.  Staff at the hospital, including dietary wished me a Happy Birthday, and Felicia even did a little "Birthday Dance" haha, she is so silly, so much fun! Everyone should have that much fun at work, ya know?    I actually had a wonderful birthday...got flowers, balloons, cards, an outpouring of love and support from my family and friends...I feel very loved and supported, and that will play a HUGE part in my success.  I am managing my pain well, and learning how to take very small sips of liquids to not increase pain.  Have to stay on liquid diet for 5 more days, have been on for 5, so I am half way there~that sounds good to me.  Don't feel like I will be as cranky as before :)  Hope not.  I get to start week 2 next Thursday and start introducing yogurt, pudding, thin oatmeal...I will be off work for a few weeks because of the lifting restriction they put you on after surgery.  Can't lift >10 lbs, so working as a PTA, most of you know that doesn't fly with that line of work.  So I will take this time to heal, get strong, do some continuing ed courses, and possibly get caught up in my home office work with ChefMel Sauces and JuicePlus.  Best laid plans, LOL, we will see...most importantly, I will do exactly what I need to do to heal properly to be able to return to full activity and life as "normal."  I am looking forward to this time to have time for me, which I don't often get. 
Lisa is taking good care of me, so is my mom and my aunt, my sister...I am very blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.  Couldn't possibly say THANK YOU enough to everyone.  It gives me great comfort on this new journey I am on. 
Feel free to post comments, ask questions...

Day 3

Well, it is official...I am cranky.  I went into this with a great positive attitude, but not feeling very positive at the moment.  My sister told me about the slogan H.A.L.T. that she learned from a friend.  It stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.  You are supposed to stop and think about why you are having a hard time...gee, I am all of the above.  I had no clue just how difficult this was going to be...the liquid diet.  And I have 7 more days of this?  I am crabby, emotional, pissed off one minute~crying the next...I am like a starving menopausal woman.  It just occurred to me that I really did not know what being hungry really was like until now.  When you can hear your stomach growling loudly yelling at you to put something in it.  As terrible as this is, I have to think this must be what it would be like for poor and homeless people.  If I was hungry like this that often I would hurt somebody.  I am not a violent person...but this sucks.  I am normally a positive person, but did I say, this sucks?
I am not nervous about the surgery at all...I am however nervous about the duration of this damn liquid diet.
Hmmm, 3 down, 7 to go.  Keep charging ahead.  I will do this, I can do this, I am a strong woman...I am a bitch right now though ;)

Tomorrow is the big day...btw, lost 3 more lbs~that is 6.5 in 2 days.

Peace and Health,
Melissa

Day 2

Yay! I survived the first day of the liquid diet!  Got on the scale, lost 3 1/2 lbs already...I know I will not lose that every day, and my friend Connie would be lecturing me right now about my obsession with the scale :)
I will probably weigh daily just while I am on the liquids, and then just once a week.  I think the hardest part is that I feel tired.  I need to work out, but don't feel like I have the energy.  We bought a workout gym (all in 1) last night, so after I recover from the surgery, I can get going and Lisa can too.  It will be nice to be able to work out at home and for us to do it together.  I am slowly building piece by piece so I can continue on at home what I am learning from my trainer, who is AWESOME by the way.  I am also thinking about setting a goal to accomplish a 5K run by maybe next St. Patty's day?  So, St. Patrick's day 2012, then Komen 2012...why not set a goal for the half marathon in St. Louis by October 2012?  Anyone want to join me?
I would have never dreamed I would want to run...LOL...my first partner was a marathon runner, and I had NO desire whatsoever to run.  Thought runners were a little nuts.  Ha ha, now I have the desire?  That amazes me, totally.  It makes me happy too.  It is like I am going through a metamorphosis...

Just had a thought..My grandma and my mom always said it gets harder and harder to lose weight the older you get.  So very true.  I have tried so many things, that is why I am doing something drastic.  But safe.  I am thankful that I finally "got it" and I am doing something about it.  I don't want to be heavy anymore.  I don't want to get diabetes, which I am a prime candidate for with my weight and family history.  I am thankful for my partner who is supporting me every step of the way, and we are BOTH going to be healthy and fit.
I am thankful for my mom, my family, and my friends for their encouragement and support.  I am a very lucky girl :)

I am very thankful too, that I decided to do something for me and started taking JuicePlus last summer.  That is truly where the seed was planted for what I am growing into now.  And it is that plant based whole food supplement that will get me through this healing process with good nutrition.  I am pretty much living on the JP Complete protein shakes now with my liquid diet, and I feel better after I drink them.  Living on broth, jello, water, juice etc just isn't healthy, but a necessary evil for pre-op.  At least I know I am getting my nutrition through the shakes, thank God that was approved by my surgeon and dietician!  I can't imagine how much more fatigued and weak I would feel without the shakes.

Peace and Health,
Melissa

 

Day 1

Started the liquid diet today.  It is honestly a challenge, but trying real hard to keep myself distracted from food and the kitchen.  So far, I am doing okay.  I feel better after I drink my JuicePlus Complete protein drinks.  At least those fill me up a little and I am some getting good nutrition.  I am trying some juices, POM for one...VERY expensive, but good.  I am on a liquid diet for 10 days.  That in itself should get the weight loss rolling shouldn't it?  I have made it 11 hours so far  LOL.  I want to work out, but feel really tired.  Guess it makes sense since I am not getting alot of calories.  I am going to at least go for a walk though.  I have not worked out with my trainer for almost 2 weeks now, due to a shoulder/chest injury.  That has set me back a little bit, never thought I would miss working out so bad.  Can't wait to get going again.  We are getting some workout equipment so we can work out at home.  Have done that many times in the past, all with good intention of course, but REALLY plan to use it this time!

Peace and Health,
Melissa

End of one, beginning of another

So, today is the last day of eating as I have known it all my life.  This weekend I have had ample opportunities to "go crazy" and eat whatever I want.  Amazingly, I have not.  Even going out to dinner last night, I ate healthy, and not too much.  Today, I am almost afraid to eat...tomorrow I start the 10 day liquid diet.  I am very emotional today.  Have been crying quite a bit.  Why?  Not really sure why.  I am nervous, scared...not about the procedure at all...I guess about shutting one door and going through another.  It still amazes me how "mental" eating was for me.  Sure, we need it for survival...not in the quantities I consumed though.  Eating felt good.  Eating was a band aid.  Eating was an addiction.  Okay, I said it.  Addiction.  I am not addicted to drugs or alcohol, or anything else that I know of, except, for food.  So, my fear?  Is that food is going to be my enemy, that food is going to make me fail. Like so many times in my life, I failed at diets. That really sucks, because we need food to survive.  So how does one control their addiction to something that is necessary for survival?  I guess the answer for me is restriction.  I cannot trust myself to restrict myself...hence the decision for LapBand.  I need this tool, this assistive device, to help me get over my addiction~or at least control it.  The end result?  My health.  I want to be as healthy as I can be, and want to keep up with my kids.  I don't want to be a "fat mom"~I want to teach my kids so that they don't have a weight problem like me.  Gosh, there are SO many reasons to do this...I just have to buck up and do it.  For ME!!!  And for them...and for anyone else that has this problem, if I can do it, anyone can!  So, I am gonna do it!
Thank you to my many friends and family that loves me and supports me~that will definitely help me to get through the door and on my way on this new journey.

Peace and health,
Melissa

Getting Ready

This week several people have asked "are you ready" when discussing the upcoming LapBand procedure.  I have answered yes, and felt very honest with that reply.  Until today.  First time I have felt ANY anxiety about having this done.  I was grocery shopping with my kids, and suddenly I felt like, wow...I can't eat this, and that, and that, and OMG...I start my liquid diet on Monday..."am I going to make it ok?" I asked myself.  My stomach started turning and I felt nervous.  I still feel that way, that is what prompted me to blog.  I have been pretty darn confident up until this point.  Life is going to change, BIG time.  Maybe I should be a little nervous.  I know I need to do this...I just want my brain to cooperate with my body.  My mind has won most battles, overriding my fleeting thoughts of "this isn't good for you Mis" or "stop shoveling it in" or "do you really need to eat that?"  SOMETHING in my brain has the power to override these thoughts and go on "auto-pilot" and do what I call brainless eating.  I have not done that in a while, but I guess it is like an addiction...I am fearful of losing control again.  Maybe that is the reason for the anxiety today.  Fearful of failing.  Like so many times in the past.  I have conquered so many things in my life~but the battle with food, well, need I say...I haven't conquered that one?  I am doing better, doing pretty good actually...but the fear is always there.  I have to be strong.  I have to do this.  I will not let food defeat me.  I have to do this for ME.
Part of me wants to go crazy and eat whatever I want this weekend.  Have a last "hurrah."  But then I think it will be too easy to want to continue that and then this life change will be even more difficult.  Hmmm, I am struggling...guess it is normal.  I feel like I will be mourning...the love affair with food is coming to an end.  Or is it just a new beginning?  To live my life and not be this overweight?  Now that is a nicer thought.  Need to be positive :)

Peace and Health,
Melissa

Life Change

So, I wanted to start a BLOG to chronicle my journey.  Currently I am living with my partner Lisa, and have shared custody of 2 beautiful daughters Grace and Lily.  I work full time, I own ChefMel Sauces, Inc and I am a JuicePlus+ distributor.  To say that I am an entrepreneur and try to get the most out of life is truth.  I have accomplished alot in my almost 42 years, but my newest adventure will be the most life changing.
I am preparing to have the LapBand procedure on March 31st.  One day before I turn 42.  I am giving myself the ultimate birthday present. 

My journey took a turn when last summer, I decided to start taking better care of myself.  I am really good at taking care of others, but kinda sucked at taking care of myself.  So I took a leap, and started taking a whole food supplement called Juice Plus+.  I wanted to be healthy, but really just wanted to feel better as I had a tendency to "burn the candle at both ends" like my grandma used to tell me.  I would get run down, and then get sick~it was the only way my body got a "break."  Little did I know, that once I started taking Juice Plus+ that I would then not only start feeling better, but started craving more fruits and veggies, and additionally began feeling like I really needed to get healthier.

My bloodwork had been looking great, until I was told I have a mild case of fatty liver disease.  What??  Gee, made sense though, since I have plenty of fat around it LOL.  But it scared me, and I thought, well...I have been pretty darn healthy despite being overweight, but that is probably going to change as I age.  So I started eating healthier.  I started "trying" to exercise, though with my schedule, I had every excuse or justification needed to NOT exercise.  I had looked in to the LapBand procedure about 3 years ago, and just didn't do it.  I started thinking about it again, approached Lisa about it, and she was very supportive.  She wants me to be healthy too.  She does not have an issue with me being overweight from a vanity standpoint, only wants me to be around as long as possible for her and for our kids.

So, in December '10, Lisa and I and my mom went to a seminar presented by Darin Minkin, MD.  He specializes in bariatric surgery.  I filled out the paperwork, went for a few prerequisite tests, and much to my dismay, was approved by my insurance company by mid February.  I have been working out the details, ie time off work, ever since.

I met with the dietician last week, and actually got the idea for a BLOG from her.  I felt very good after talking with her, and finding out about support groups and just the general staff support.  I feel confident in the program and plan to be very successful.  I plan to BLOG as much as possible to chronicle my journey, and to be accountable.  This is for me, this is for anyone that wants to or is doing any bariatric procedure, this is for anyone interested in weight loss, for anyone interested in health and wellness as a big part of my recovery and success will be due to my intake which relies heavily on Juice Plus+ capsules AND  Juice Plus+ Complete Protein powder as I will be on liquids for about 2 weeks. I will need to continue to supplement with Protein shakes throughout even once on solids to avoid losing muscle or suffering hair loss.

I started working out with my personal trainer Chet about 6 weeks ago. Since December, I have lost 17 pounds to date.  I don't really have a goal weight as of yet, however I definitely want to be in the "1 Club" meaning I want to weigh in the 100's, NOT 200's.  When I work with Chet, I am weight training combined with cardio, ie squats, lunges, etc.  I train with him 2 days a week.  At least 3 more days out of the week, I do my own cardio, which is usually a 2-3 mile walk.  I have now gotten myself to walk/run...I never thought I would run, not since high school soccer when coach made us run a mile at the end of practice.  I always came in last...the only time I felt ahead was when the other girls were lapping me LOL. But then they would pass me and oh crap, now I am really behind.  I actually like running now.  I am only doing short spurts to increase my heart rate, but I think I may actually end up running regularly once I get this weight off.  I will be much lighter after all!

This is my last week of eating as I have known it all of my life.  Next Monday, March 28, I start my liquid diet. Then, 3 days later I have the procedure, and continue on liquids for another week.  There is a slow progression from there, incorporating soft foods, for about 8 weeks until you can eat a regular diet.  Of course, my portions will be much much smaller.  About 1/2 cup of food 3-4 times a day.
No more soda, and no more beer.  I will miss the beer, especially when golfing...but I will deal with it.  I have already given up bread, pasta and rice...which I NEVER thought possible!  The thing I will miss the most in the first 8 weeks is fresh fruit and veggies.  Thank goodness I will have the Juice Plus+ though, for my nutrition!!

Life is going to change, alot...but I have the support I need, and the right mental attitude.  I will do this.  I will be changed forever.  I am so excited to be on this journey!  I am so happy to share this with you.

Peace and Health,
Melissa