Lapband Update:
Well on the 26th of April I had my first post op appointment with my surgeon - I was pleased to note that his and my scales (bar about 200grams) nearly measure exactly, so feel confident that what my scales say I am, I AM! (I can actually justify my purchase of a set of Tanita scales now *grins*)
My surgeon was impressed with my healing (my scars are starting to fade already) and I was told that my operation went really well. He commented that I didnt have a fatty liver at all (which made me feel really good) and that my whole op lasted around the 45 minute mark - was great to hear all these little comments, as I had actually no idea what went on apart from my recovery!
He also gave me my first fill, which I was quite shocked about as I thought I would have to wait around 6 weeks. However, because I was healing well he told me that he wanted to be quite aggressive to start so that I wouldnt lose the mindset that I was in and so that I wouldnt get discouraged. (I filled him in on all my personal plans that I wanted to start and achieve)
He actually tried to put 6ml in my band, however, 1ml came straight back into the syringe. So apparently my band is a little tight, which Im not surprised about as I was on just over 3 weeks banded.
So I went home, had liquids for 2 days and carefully rested my tummy by not consuming any solids. However by Sunday (when solids were once more allowed) the hunger pains started to kick in, and I was surprised to find that I had no restriction at all.
To my non banded readers - restriction is when you have to basically chew your food properly as the fill tightens the band around your stomach not allowing big parts of food to be processed. If you dont chew well - you know all about it and get a massive pain in your chest area, which feels like a golf ball in your oesophagus - as you can imagine, its something you want to avoid at all costs!
So I have my next adjustment - next Tuesday the 9th of May.
To be honest when I rang to see if I could get in sooner, I was very disappointed with how his receptionist spoke to me. I told her that I had no restriction at all, and that I was able to even eat bread and red meat (which apparently not alot of bandsters can, due to bread swelling in the stomach and red meat getting stuck) she then commented, that I had to have willpower! I was so upset, because even though I have been feeling hungry - I have not increased my meal sizes at all, and am actually being a stickler in regards to the rules. At no stage was I told that I couldnt eat these things, just that if I tried them to be very careful because of other patients experiences. So needless to say I was not a happer camper when getting off the phone.
In some more good news, even though my weight hasnt shifted in the past two weeks I have dropped down 1 size in my tops - from a size 20/22 to a size 18! as well as dropping a jean size to boot - 18 to a 16! Two weeks ago, when I tried on my pair of 16 jeans I had the dreaded muffin top happening - but its now gone for good!!! and I can do them up comfortably without them feeling like Im trying to cut off my circulation when I sit down *grins*
Starting Weight: 105kg
Todays Weight: 98kg
General LIfe:
Mentally alot of changes are happening within.... Im determined not to fail in regards to me living a healthier life and have taken steps in the right direction to allow me to be able to achieve this goal. One of course was the decision to get my lapband surgery done, the other was to join a gym and get a personal trainer.
After being given the all clear from my surgeon about exercise, I rang, made an appointment with Fernwood Womens Gym in Cannington, and from visiting there and speaking to the ladies - joined! I also opted for 20 personal training sessions, as lets face it - Im not the worlds biggest self motivator and Im not ashamed to admit it.
Monday evening I was back at the gym doing my first class of bellydance - which was unbelievable. I was so pleased and surprised to find out that my old employer and wonderful first bellydance teacher was in fact giving the classes - it felt like a sign you know, that yes I was meant to be here.
Tuesday I had my orientation and met my personal motivator (different from a Personal Trainer) We went through a circuit and were given weights that I should be using, and basically informed which exercise targeted the specific parts of the body. This circuit was specifically designed for toning and not building alot of muscle. It was great and informative - and after going through, I then did another course of the circuit before heading home :)
My first meeting with my new PT was on Wednesday morning, and let me tell you it was fantastic! I basically stated when signing up for a PT person that I wanted somebody who would have no hesitation in kicking my butt, if she could see my motivation was lacking and thats exactly what I got. Hayley and I just clicked and I felt comfortable with her from the first moment I met her. So the first half hour basically was setting goals, making sure that they werent unrealistic in regardless to weightloss and getting rid of body fat, and what was I prepared to do to achieve them.
Well I went the whole hog, and told her that I wanted to train vigoursly in regards to intensity and that I wanted to set a permanent twice a week training with her kind self every week for at least 10 weeks to give myself a great kickstart to this journey. I also told her I wanted to learn how to run! which is something I have never been able to do confidently and without looking like Im trying to wash windows!
From there we then went through about four exercises to see what weight I could lift right now, to be able to give her some idea of what I could achieve and attain.
I was so surprised - my big self managed to bench press 50kgs with my puny arms and then 100kgs in the leg presses!!!
She reassured me by letting me know, that I wouldnt be lifting these weights to start because she knew that there was no way I would be able to do 3 lots of 15 reps without everything turning to jelly, I had to laugh because after doing 5 reps that was exactly what I was like.
Anyhow it was great and I went home feeling that I was on my way to success.
Thursday was rest day for me in regards to going to the gym - as I had a prior committment in visiting my sister-in-law. She has a new baby so I volunteered to give her some me time, whilst I cleaned house for her - so in a way I did get my work out as I did everything from mopping to vacumming to scrubbing the floors on my hands and knees.
Friday morning I started running. Yep thats right, I started running!!! I walked the kiddies to school, in which I must have been doing an ok pace as my littlest said "Mum, slow down my legs are hurting!" *grins* and on the way home, I walked 2 driveways, ran 2 driveways and could feel my face turning bright red with exertion, but none the less I did it and felt so great afterwards, even if I was puffling like a steam engine.
I came home, showered, ate a small refined carb breakfast and took myself off to Fernwood for my first proper PT session with Hayley. Oh My God! I am so unfit! and today I am so sore!!!! I did leg presses, bench presses, rowing, bicep curls, lunges and pushups - all the while working my abs with my breathing!! Did I mention pushups!!! I mean come on! Heres me pushing up my 98kilo frame and I accomplished 45 of them!!
I am just so proud of myself. I came home, was feeling great and thought, I will just have a little lay down on the couch - I couldnt move for 45 minutes and Mum even had to make me a coffee and bring it over so I could reach it LOL!
We had previously decided that Mum and I would head off to the casino that night, which was great... but it was coming around 3pm and everything was starting to freeze up. I still managed to go with Mum doing all the driving and thank goodness we only play the pokies so I had a chair to sit on all night :)
Today in muscle soreness - its much worse... however I know that its because I am actually using them, and I have just only realized that I have muscles in places I didnt know were supposed to be there!
Anyone got a pillow for my hiny?
Rava, good on you for joining the gym and starting running!
Glad to hear you are healing well and your doctor is happy with your progress.
Posted by: cathymk | May 06, 2007 at 08:59 AM
Hey Rava! Thanks for the comments on my blog. I really needed that boost. On wednesday I am gonna take another pic and post it as it will be my three month bandiversary. Welldone on the gym thing. I wish I had the guts... maybe one day soon.
Keep up the good work.
Bunny
xx
Posted by: Bunny | May 08, 2007 at 05:58 AM
All I can say is WOW! You are doing so great!!! I am loving your attitude at the moment and your motivation is sky high. Looks like you're in complete control of things and with what you're doing with your exercise you can't fail! Just be careful to rest when you feel like you're doing too much.. when you rest your muscle is repairing and building new muscle as well!
Take care! :)
Erica xx
Posted by: Erica (aka Lapbandgirl) | May 09, 2007 at 06:49 AM
Hi Rava... You are doing SO great.I feel so jealous I WANT A PERSONAL TRAINER !!!! I can't wait to start exercising. I loved your comment about wanting to learn how to run... thats exactly how I feel. Can I be your copycat lapband stalker.... hehehe
Cheers Tarn xx
Posted by: Tarnya (hainzy69) | May 14, 2007 at 06:57 AM
What a stupid receptionist.. She's not paid for her opinion so therefore she has no right to make one!
Congratulations on how far you've come! No muffin top would be like paradise to me! Although, i have more of a cake top then a muffin top...heheheh...
Good luck with it all. i look forward to reading more of how you are going. I'm being banded on 12 June 07 (APRA Approving still to come)...
xx Anna xx
Posted by: Anna (NoRollsBarred) | May 25, 2007 at 08:54 AM
You are on fire girl! What an inspiration, I love how motivated you are... I want a PT to kick MY ass!
Posted by: Dark Princess | May 27, 2007 at 04:06 PM