Step Two

One day later and the scale has dropped 2 lbs. OMG! Could that 30-minute walk yesterday really have worked? It's obviously motivated me to do it again. That's right - I took a 31-minute walk today. I'm giving myself a pat on the back as it was cool, damp, and possibly going to rain and I still did it. Hooray for me!

This one's for you...

7:46 pm EST

West on Pi...
...South on Ba...
...West on Ha...
...North on Ce...
...East on Be...
...South on Ba...
...East on Pi.

8:16pm EST

Today's first step is dedicated to Haboo!

"Fill her up!" ... and it's not $4.00 a gallon that I'm talking about!

Not quite as painful as filling up my gas tank...but still a pinch. That's right - today was my first "fill" also known as "an adjustment." I met with the P.A. who sat with me and two other women for an Adjustment Class. It was here that we learned that this is going to be much harder than we had thought or hoped. It will take 2-3 fills before we have the Goldilocks syndrome under control. "This one's too empty, this one's too full, but this one's juuuuuust right!"

I think the cartoon above is a great visual to help understand the adjustment process.

My port is not under my bra line as I had thought. That's where the lap band is located. Yes, I too was surprised to realize your stomach begins so high in the body. Much higher than I thought. My port is located right above my belly button. This helps me to understand how the internal fat pad works together with the band.

The band goes around the stomach and the fat pad pushes against the stomach. As I lose weight, the pad thins out & stops putting any pressure on the actual band. That is why they have to periodically adjust the band and pump more saline into it. Eventually the band will work alone with my stomach. That is when I no longer have to go for fills. I'll have a perfect fit around my stomach pouch.

For today and tomorrow I'm back on liquids followed by two days of mushy foods. This is the procedure for eating after each fill.

So I'm sure you're wondering where I am wait-wise (no pun intended!) I was wondering too. Especially because after five weeks -- three pre and two post weeks -- I was down a whooping 35 lbs. It felt great! I got myself below the 300 mark. Kia! Well, that didn't last too long. I almost instantly or more like within two more weeks gained back 10 lbs. I was shocked. How could that be considering that I need 2,000 calories to maintain my weight?!? I was eating only about 600 calories a day. So I thought well it's probably some water coming back or I was getting my period or ... that's all I had.

According to their scale I lost 25 lbs total. Being a bit concerned I discussed this with the P.A. to see what he thought. He didn't think it was fat that I was gaining. Neither did I. He didn't think it was all water either. He hit me with this zinger...

"...the initial calorie per day reduction no longer continues to be effective for losing further weight as the body no longer recognizes that there is a calorie deficit. There will always be an adaption to match any lower calorie intake simply because the body needs to conserve energy for survival!"

Okay - he explained it to me simply as "you may have needed 2,000 to maintain the weight but now your body is satisfied with 800-1,000 calories to maintain the weight." [The quote from above is from a handout that he gave me.] Even simpler, again from the handout

"The body gradually adapts to match the new energy intake."

So what is the solution? You got it - EXERCISE!

P.A. Gabe [I may be talking a lot about him so let me give you his name] almost promised me a 2 lb. weight loss per week with adding 30 minutes of walking a day. Anything on top of that would be great but this minimum output of energy will psych out my body.

I'm in! And even more motivation was given to me by my extremely health/exercise conscious step dad. He suggested that I embrace this walk as a chance to appreciate my ability to walk. Giving the example of the person in a wheel chair who would give anything to be able to do this everyday-taken-for-granted exercise. Thanks Haboo!

My spirits are renewed and I am adjusting to the idea that 1-2 lbs. a week really is a good thing. That is really a hard concept for somebody like me to grasp. So it is exactly like Sensei Kadir said "A journey of a thousand miles (150 lbs.)begins with a single step (or pound)." Okay, okay - he didn't coin that phrase but he sure is a hell of a lot nicer to look at than Chinese philospher Lao-tzu.

Oh, did I forget to mention that I went straight from the doctor to a food presentation at Logan's school. The 5th graders had a grade-wide presentation called the State Fair. It was awesome! Logan did his presentation on Texas. I'll include photos soon. His special food was red and green jalapenos plus jalapenos salsa and tortilla chips. It was a hit! I knew that 10-year-old boys would love to challeng their friends to eat it. They did. It was all gone. It could have been worms and probably would have been as successful. Proving once again...boys really are gross!

All else in Karen-World is doing great.

My cabinets come in next week & the counter within the following week. So hopefully I will have a completed kitchen in time for Logan's return from his cruise. Oh yeah Lucky Logan & his dad are doing a four-dayer to Canada soon.

At work I'm getting a new office. Okay - not an office but a cube with 3 1/2 walls over my current 3 walls cube. It's away from my partners in crime [Shout out to Lindsey & Sonja!] but back near my original partner Irene-y and new silent-partner Joe.

I was surprised with a gift of a beautiful flatscreen TV from a loved one. Pretty nice considering Logan & I were starting to think that wavy lines in & out of the tube were normal. I can see how the 60's were good times for all! Good times!

And lastly...Dad's almost down to allergy shots bi-weekly. I'll let you know when that is official.

This was a big post but I am a big girl so NAH!

See ya on the losing side!

~~Karen~~

PS - Ugh...caterpillars all over the place. I have to remind myself even ugly, furry creatures have beauty within. But not all over my car! Double-ugh!

K-ia! K-ia!

"K-ia!" Logan's new word. Not too sure what it means but this is a word that he yells out (as do all other Karate students) as he's striking out or kicking. Say it yourself a few times really loud - it really does release something from your soul. I'm trying to figure out how I can utilize this great sound.

K-ia...I'm ready for my new kitchen!
K-ia...It cost $64 to fill my gas tank!
K-ia...will Shadow have to have such an expensive operation?!?
K-ia...K-ia...K-ia!!!

I like it.

Poor Shadow! K-ia! We finally took him to have x-rays. You might remember that a week after Easter Shadow took a plop-slip off of the couch onto the wooden floors. I think one leg (back left) slipped in a direction it shouldn't have. Per our great vet we waited to see if leg would repair itself. Not so. X-rays show torn ligament. We'll be seeing an orthopedic surgeon soon. Sniff! It was even sadder seeing my big lug -- who lost 17.5 lbs since last August -- lay there and whimper throughout the night. Between the anesthesia wearing off and the discomfort from the manipulation while he was under, Shadow was a sad little puppy. He's doing a bit better today. Keep your paws crossed that it's not as expensive as they say it could be. (We're talking big bucks!)

We're beginning our Memorial Day long weekend. Not too much planned - a Pokemon' Tournament, a couple of errands, and I think a bit of spring cleaning. Work is as always great. Fantastic group of people to work with and loving my job! In fact in a week and a half the girls of the department are going out for a true Girls' Nite Out. We're going to go across the street for a drink...maybe Cosmopolitans...and then on to enjoy the movie "Sex and The City." What could be more on target than seeing it with the city girls.

Nothing new on the weight front but my pants are falling off my hips. Okay, okay - one particular pair of cotton trousers are slipping off my hips. I'll take a photo tomorrow and post the "gap" between hip and pants. Loving that! So even if scale is not reflecting what I'd like to see, I think it's more important to see the gap of the pants.

Be on the lookout for future booty-shot photo! K-ia!

~~Karen~~

Harper Valley PTA...NOT!!!

Now some of you may remember the Harper Valley PTA...well our school is anything but that. In fact I just had to share a quick entry about this evening's PTA Thank You Celebration. This is an evening of teachers, parents, administration, and staff getting together for a hot buffet, recognition for the many volunteers as well as the celebration of next year's PTA Executive Committee.

In my role as a PTA member over the past six years I dabbled a bit here and there. The earlier years I had more time to invest and did as much as I could to get involved. In more recent years I was involved with fewer committees but took on a larger role with one in particular - The PTAs Council Winter Blood Drive . The blood drive has now become a passion to me and I hope to be very involved in the Middle School next year. I'm already trying to set up an appointment with the Superintendent to start a special program for the 6th Graders.

Now back to the celebration...I was very touched to receive a special recognition by the PTA President Pete. I was among three giants in the PTA - Joanne, Katie, and Rich - to be recognized for six years of PTA service. I almost forgot all the committees I was involved with and know that I have my dear friend Joanne to thank for working on this for me.

I received a beautiful large hanging plant which Logan and I already hung outside by the front door.

And the second best part of the evening is that I only had a bottle of water and was able to pass on the hot buffet & dessert even the caffeinated coffee. These little victories are going to be the path to my success.

~~Karen~~

Five Weeks Old

My baby belly just turned 5-weeks old today. It's been that long since I went "under the knife." Unfortunately I am not seeing any weight loss and it is becoming quite discouraging. BUT I did speak with the doctor's office and found out that the first eight weeks are the toughest week for just that reason.

When I went to the required support seminars before surgery they had said that but I thought it wouldn't apply to me. After all if I need 2200 calories a day to sustain my current weight if I drop to 800 calories that is 1400 less a day. Since a pound is 3500 calories, I'd be dropping at least 2-3 lbs a week. [1400 x 7 = 9800 / 3500 = 2.5ish lbs. Well nobody told me that my body would fight to hold on to the weight. So I guess Hurley from LOST is in the same predicament which explains his living on a deserted island and not losing weight. Oh well time will tell.

The good news is that I had my "first fill" appointment moved up a week to Friday, May 30. Supposedly that will boost my weight loss - though that too can take some time.

And one last note about the weight situation, people tell me they can see a difference so maybe I did loss water weight & now it's the fat weight that is staying off. If that's the case...I'm thrilled!

How did I make out with the commute to NJ on Saturday? I did fine. I'm still intimidated by the bottle neck traffic going into tolls, out of tolls, and on & off the bridges. But I did it! Another victory for the woman in me.

Little Oliver was adorable and what a great time we had. I made some new friends and enjoyed some old ones too. Best of all I was able to eat like an normal person (grilled chicken, grilled pears, little tune taken out of a wrap, and a plateful of fruit for dessert.)

I'm off to the last PTA event of Logan's elementary career - the Thank You Tea. This is always a nice celebration for all the volunteers. I am passing on the year-end dinner. It's not exactly lapband-friendly so I'll enjoy tonight even more.

~~Karen~~

Cafe' Symposio

Tonight I went out with Kelly & Kerry to celebrate Kerry's birthday. Once again we hit our favorite restaurant - Cafe' Symposio. It's a neat little Italian restaurant with a grand piano, fun artwork, and a laid back atmosphere where we normally are the last to leave.

As tradition goes we share two dishes and enjoy some great company. this was the first real dinner I had at a restaurant. To tell you the truth...this meal didn't seem as memorable as meals of the past. Maybe I'm really turning a leaf here realizing that food comes in second when it comes to a social event.

I love the fact that I can enjoy my friends without eating bread or scooping up some creme brulee'. This makes it easier to plan events without that fearing the food portion of the nights.

Tomorrow I'm off to NJ to enjoy a garden party for little Oliver who's turning one. Let's see how I handle that. Looking forward to spending time with my favorite work-buddies: Robyn, Irene, and Jen-the-hostess.

Weight wise I'm finally getting closer to the number I was just two weeks after surgery. I won't say numbers until I'm there. Trying hard to not get caught up in numbers.

Kitchen is still non-existence. Cabinets were finally ordered today and supposedly will take 2-3 weeks bringing us to the first or second week of June. Thankfully I'll have the stove connected so we can at least have some home-cooked meals.

And finally for my moment of pride - Logan agreed to read 17 books for a Battle of the Books challenge for the 5th graders. They had to take a test at the end of, I think, six weeks. He did awesome and is was the first person called on in his class to join the team of five to compete with either other classes or the other three elementary schools. It's nice to see him receive recognition for a job well done.

Off to bed now - I have a little road trip to NJ and I'm already nervous about driving over two bridges. Ugh! Much harder to close your eyes over a bridge when you're the driver.

Wish me luck!

~Karen~

Trapped in My Cocoon

Today is my four week anniversary since surgery and I am not losing any more weight. This is quite frustrating but I was warned the first eight weeks are the hardest. Funny thing is that I was so positive there would be a consistent weight loss - at least a pound or two. Forget about the 3.5 lbs I had expected to lose, at least one pound would be something. Nada!

The good news is that I know I'm not doing anything to gain weight. I am getting tired of the limited foods I can have. The peanut butter and crackers have lost their thrill. The tuna at lunch is starting to get smelly. The powdered water drinks are getting boring. So I'll have to figure out how to jazz up my meals with a bit of variety.

Weather has been icky and schedule working not to great for walking but thank God for "Walk Away The Pounds" DVD. I wonder what the people living behind me think when they see me staring at my computer as I walk in place. I know Lefty the Cat is bewildered.

On to the home renovations...

New kitchen floor is down. I love it. Logan hates it. It's so clean looking. The cabinets have been ordered and should be installed within three weeks. The next step is to have my stove installed (even just temporary)so that Logan and I can cook.

On to little man...

Loving his Gung-Fu! Today Nu Papa took him to his second Karate lesson and Logan is learning so much. Even he's surprised at how much he's learned in two lessons. He was very impressed watching a classmate break a board with his head. I see good times are ahead of him.

All else is fine by us!

~~Karen~~

Waiting for Weight Loss

Wait...weight...wait - I've gained weight?!? I don't understand. I was doing so great and dropping the weight so fast. Well now I know why - our bodies have more water weight than I ever realized. It was exactly one week after I began eating about 600 calories a day that I gained 6 lbs. I was shocked. My dad had told me to stop weighing my self daily; so when I made the 35 lb goal I decided to do just that. One week later I was kicking myself asking when did the weight come back. The next question was how can I be gaining weight if I'm not consuming the needed 3,500 calories.

1 pound = 3,500 calories

~ or ~

Drink some liquids after not drinking for weeks = 6 pounds

I'm no longer discouraged realizing it will all catch up. Have to admit that I'm not so encouraged at the moment. But time will tell.

So what's a girl to do? I'll tell you. "Hello Exercise! My name is Karen and I've never really gotten to know you...nor ever wanted to. But now I'd like to make you my new best friend."

My wait for the new kitchen is almost over. Plumber came yesterday, new floor goes in on Saturday, and next week (hopefully!)comes the rest of the kitchen. Logan and I are looking forward to christening the new kitchen. I cannot wait to cook our first meal and even more looking forward to Logan's first meal for us.

Speaking of Logan - he had his first Shaolin Kempo Karate class today. He looked great - though a little quiet and reserved. The children are younger than him and have been doing it for years so he will need some time to develop a natural style or stance. I expect him to bypass them quick enough with his agility, confidence, and perseverance. He came home and immediately put on his Gi (uniform to me ;o)

Looking forward to a lovely spring. Going to go take a walk now.

~Karen~

Three Weeks Coming Up

It's soon going to be three weeks (on Monday) since I had surgery. What a change I already have in my eating habits. Thankfully I was able to finally have some real food. This past Monday I began having three meals and a snack for my new way of living. I began with a few salt-free/low-fat saltines and peanut butter. Mmmmmm! It was great to just crunch something. That day was my first day back to work. A great way to start a week!

It's now nearly five days later and I have a routine that works for me. I have breakfast of crackers & peanut butter with some melon in the a.m. At noon I have saltines (only bread source) with either tuna or hummus. Come 3:00pm I enjoy a wedge of low-fat Laughing Cow and fruit. Dinner has been either eggs w/cheese or chicken.

As you may know I am without a kitchen as I wait for renovations to be completed. So the lack of stove and water make and counter space make it difficult to prepare meals but that's okay. I can't have real meals for a bit more.

I understand from friends that they see the loss of 35lbs already in my face. Me...I see the face but first noticed my breasts. I looked down one evening & peeked in my shirt to see if I had a bra on. Unfortunately - I did! Meaning they are disappearing but the thighs are holding on strong.

The most important thing is that my appetite is small but I am able to eat like a "normal" person. I'm not having any obstruction -- nor should I -- but I'm able to swallow water and liquids with no problem. I know of some people who still can't drink down 3-4oz at a time.

Another first - this morning I enjoyed a cup of decaf coffee with fat-free half & half, Sentra, and a touch of decaf french vanilla coffee. It wasn't the best cup I've ever had but it was the best I've had in a log while.

And lastly my skin. It is not better than it was. Meaning not good. So for all those times I was told "it's your diet" blllllllllllpppppppp! It's my hormones!!! So the next doctor adventure will be the dermatologist.

This was a rather boring post but I wanted to keep you up on where I am. Next time I'll share my restaurant adventures as a witness not participant.