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