tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36918253329933196872024-02-21T11:07:47.115-06:00The Shrinking HousewifeDana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-77424938939717714902010-07-20T07:38:00.003-05:002010-07-20T08:25:25.428-05:00Still HereI know, it's been too long since I posted.<br />I haven't dropped off the face of the Earth.<br />I haven't stopped losing weight.<br />I haven't quit.<br /><br />I have, however, been BUSY!<br />Between the 5 kids,<br />countless critters,<br />a hubby who is working in Kazakhstan,<br /><br />I am officially over half way to my goal!<br />The weight is not coming off as quickly now as it did in the beginning of my journey,<br />But, I knew that would happen.<br /><br />I'm now losing approx 3lbs per week. <br />I sure do miss the 10lbs a week stage! ;)<br /><br />I'm feeling better.<br />I'm looking better.<br />People are noticing the change.<br />I am wearing size clothes that I haven't worn in over 20 years!<br /><br />I'll post more (including pictures) soon!Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-32291483942354528602010-02-24T19:45:00.003-06:002010-02-24T22:30:29.636-06:00My Sweet 16<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0_03PeEPFgAyyZFvsFqqFPtcDJx-nNOzBhlAYDfueB4X9rIc8_AwBKpkCBkbLKmVvVOEyUXAxB49jzHhPjXKmbFVEM2D7dq4J74qWgnJwYMvRpmH30YwBqqDcbgktuaQbtszRYY9TCI/s1600-h/16.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0_03PeEPFgAyyZFvsFqqFPtcDJx-nNOzBhlAYDfueB4X9rIc8_AwBKpkCBkbLKmVvVOEyUXAxB49jzHhPjXKmbFVEM2D7dq4J74qWgnJwYMvRpmH30YwBqqDcbgktuaQbtszRYY9TCI/s400/16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441992202549084290" border="0" /></a>Today, for the first time in over 16 years.<br /><br />My Butt is COMFORTABLY in size 16 jeans!!<br />A short 4 months ago I was lucky to be able to sit down wearing my size 24 jeans without having to unbutton them!<br /><br />When I say comfortably, I mean I didn't have to resort to my High School "tight jeans" routine.<br /><br />No wire hanger needed to push my pockets into place.<br />No fork needed to zip the zipper.<br />No jumping up and down while I zipped.<br />No laying down on the bed and sucking in.<br /><br />I stepped into a size 16,<br />pulled em up,<br />and easily buttoned the button and zipped them up!<br /><br />I am so happy I could cry!<br />I may never take them off!<br />Or remove the tag! ;)Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-45160946176514411332010-02-09T06:28:00.006-06:002010-02-09T06:55:47.315-06:00My First FillLast week, the Man-of-My-Dreams and I made the long drive to see my <strike>new boyfriend </strike> Doctor and his staff.<br /><br />It was finally time to get my first fill.<br /><br />The Lap-Band has been empty since it was put in place and it was time to tighten it by filling it w/ some saline.<br /><br />The thing is...<br />In order to reach the port that leads to my band, they needed to stuck a large needle into my tummy!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgKCkhnYwizgA94wQ-TLEeFW6fSyeSOWD_Oe1SBa5cja7aFrqysYsBp-tR5euB2ZcDB6x8uPQvhUt-q6bnyU_isH57u73obKnzLL729Gw6Eq-enC9tsX-8yEtq0xmNLVwW8cn2Ra6JFw/s1600-h/lap-band-port.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgKCkhnYwizgA94wQ-TLEeFW6fSyeSOWD_Oe1SBa5cja7aFrqysYsBp-tR5euB2ZcDB6x8uPQvhUt-q6bnyU_isH57u73obKnzLL729Gw6Eq-enC9tsX-8yEtq0xmNLVwW8cn2Ra6JFw/s400/lap-band-port.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436219942525641778" border="0" /></a><br />I was nervous not knowing what to expect.<br />Was it gonna be really painful?<br />Ugh! I almost canceled the appointment!<br /><br />But it was a breeze!<br />Here is the run-down on how it's done.<br /><br />They told me not to eat anything for 3 hours before my fill and not to drink anything 1 hour before.<br />We got to the office, and checked in.<br />They did the weight check etc...<br /><br />Then it was time...<br />They took me back to a little room and had me lie down on a table.<br />The nurse (who I LOVE by the way) felt around for my port, then marked the area she felt it.<br />They turned on this x-ray machine thingie so they could see the port on a TV screen to be sure it was where she thought it was.<br />Then came the needle.....<br />She gave me a small shot of numbing medication, it stung like a bee sting for a second.. but not bad at all!<br /><br />Then came the big needle, all the while, I was watching it on the TV screen.<br />She put the larger needle into my port. I was surprised at how hard she had to push to get the needle in! She was really straining! I felt the pressure of her pushing, but NO pain.<br /><br />She withdrew any fluid that was in my band so she could measure it.<br />Then added more saline.<br /><br />Then they had me drink a gulp of liquid, and we watched it go through my band...<br />She adjusted the amount of saline in my band so it didn't stop the liquid, but did slow it down.<br />Then we were done!<br /><br />I had to drink a glass of water before I left just to be certain I wasn't too tight, and we left.<br />The whole process took less than ten minutes... NOTHING to worry about!<br /><br />I had to do the liquid diet thing for 2 days, just in case I had some swelling. Then back to "normal".<br /><br />I have great restriction!<br />I'm back to eating 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup of food at a time and already have dropped 2 more pounds!<br />Whoo Hoo!<br /><br />So far so good!<br />I'll keep ya posted!<br /><br />Oh! By the way....<br />this makes 70 pounds I've lost in 4 months!<br />I couldn't be more pleased!Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-15236445983164110482010-01-28T17:59:00.003-06:002010-01-28T18:19:45.784-06:00I Don't See It...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuWiK9kwVNCud-Ypbcs2t3yphabOfVlfBrqycvz_TYLTsiZbpRcdT0V3u4qMKTyOy5oh5dUmncWhJOGP_XJDuKcPhsK-_XohhmcVxeX2on2QSC7ygAOULW50vc61IqvEjyyYP-vfsTbk/s1600-h/change-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 359px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuWiK9kwVNCud-Ypbcs2t3yphabOfVlfBrqycvz_TYLTsiZbpRcdT0V3u4qMKTyOy5oh5dUmncWhJOGP_XJDuKcPhsK-_XohhmcVxeX2on2QSC7ygAOULW50vc61IqvEjyyYP-vfsTbk/s400/change-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431949817928175090" border="0" /></a>Well, here I am....<br />Three months out from surgery.<br /><ul><li>I've got a few new scars.</li><li>I have totally new eating habits.<br /></li><li>I'm almost 70lbs lighter.</li><li>I'm wearing clothes in a smaller size.</li><li>Everybody says they see a big difference in my appearance.</li></ul>Everyone except....<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ME!</span><br /><br />Logically, I know my body is changing, my old clothes are falling off of me!<br />I've lost almost 70lbs! Thats a LOT of weight!<br /><br />But...<br />When I look in the mirror...<br />I don't see it.<br /><br />I guess I feel like I went through and changed so many things...<br />There should be some dramatic, and <span style="font-style: italic;">visible-to-me</span>, difference.<br /><br />I'm just not seeing it!<br />I have kinda been on a quest for change.<br />I've gotten nails. <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(as my reward for losing 65lbs)</span><br />I changed the color of my hair.<br />I've gotten some new clothes.<br /><br />But, it's just not working.<br />I'm still looking for that "WOW! I look different!!" feeling when I look in the mirror.<br /><br />I hope it comes soon...Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-77728574250122453732010-01-06T05:50:00.003-06:002010-01-06T05:58:12.081-06:00Bandsters Hell... Oh Joy!It's officially a new year.<br />And I am officially in, what they call, Bandsters Hell.<br />Bandsters Hell is when someone who has a Lap-Band in place, but they do not have enough of a fill to give them restriction. <br />In other words... I can eat as much as I want and the band does not stop it.<br />I was one of the few lucky ones that didn't enter this phase immediately after getting my band.<br />I had restriction for the first few months.<br /><br />But, I have lost 64lbs. <br />And you don't just lose a layer of fat from your thighs and butt.. but you also lose some of the fat thats around your internal organs...<br /><br />I lost some of the fat from around my stomach..<br />Thats a good thing...<br />But it also made my band looser without the fat to make it tight.<br /><br />So, here I find myself in The dreaded Bandters Hell.<br />And... They picked the right name for it!<br /><br />I'm doing ok so far...<br />But it's 100% willpower now, and we all know I don't do very well relying on willpower alone, or I wouldn't be this fat to start with!<br /><br />The Man-of-My-Dreams started a new job last week...<br />The first paycheck.... I'm Running, NOT walking to get my first fill!<br />Will keep you posted!Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-22804660090771578082009-12-13T15:49:00.003-06:002009-12-13T15:57:01.579-06:00NOT your average stumbling block.I have been working so hard and I am so proud of the 55lbs I've lost in the past few months!<br />I have been a good girl.<br />I have been getting my 40 grams of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">protien</span> each day.<br />I've been eating low fat and low calorie meals.<br />I've <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">takin</span> it light on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">carbs</span>.<br /><br />Until this week-end.....<br />this week-end I was invited on an all expense paid trip to New Orleans.<br />This wasn't your average sight-seeing trip either.<br />This was a gathering of some top-food <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">bloggers</span> and foodies from the Houston area.<br /><br />Yep... for some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">un</span>-known reason, they invited me!<br />Oh the food we have eaten!<br />The prosciutto wrapped figs, the rabbit crepes, the cheesecake, the steaks that melt like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">buttah</span>.....<br />The Po-boys,seafood , gumbo, pastries, the FOOD!<br />the drinks, red wine, white wine, cocktails... the drinks!<br /><br />needless to say, I think I may have gained 56lbs back this week-end alone!<br />but I have had the most wonderful time eating my way through the culture of New Orleans!<br /><br />Tonight, I go back to the real world...<br />Back to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">protein</span> shakes,<br />Back to the dreaded <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Treadmill</span>,<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahh</span> it was nice while it lasted!<br /><br />more soon...Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-84601125048965254522009-12-09T17:06:00.002-06:002009-12-09T17:17:47.298-06:00It's Working!!The Man-of-My-Dreams decided that he was sick of watching me walk around in jeans that were falling off and flapping around.<br />So... I went to buy a new pair of jeans.<br /><br />Shopping for clothes has never been something I enjoy very much, I can't stand the "Plus Size" clothes... for some reason the designers have decided that just because I have a big butt, I must want a big red flower across my chest, or horizontal stripes!! (((shudder))<br />Or... better yet!<br />Baby Doll shirts that make me look pregnant.<br />Don't forget the designers that think I should wear teenie-bopper-show-your-middrift-shirts.<br />Oh Yes.... THAT would look great on a fat chick!<br /><br />It's frustrating to say the least!<br /><br />When I entered the store to buy jeans, I was lost.<br />I mean.. I just lost 55lbs.. I didn't even know what size I was now.<br /><br />Shhhhh! don't tell anyone, but thenlast jeans I bought (the ones I was wearing) were a size 24.<br />I grabbed a 22 and tried em on.<br />They were too big!<br />I went back and grabbed a 20.<br />Still too big!!<br />So I went back for a size 18.<br />Oh My Goodness!!! They fit perfectly!!!<br />If anything, They are a smidgen big!<br />I was in shock!!<br />The sales lady tried to get me to try on a 16, but I didn't dare!<br />I was thrilled with my 18's!<br /><br />I am only buying one pair because soon, They will be too big too.<br />Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would have THAT problem!<br /><br />Things are movin right along!<br />and I still haven't had my first fill yet!<br />Lucky Lucky me!<br /><br />I wouldn't say it's been easy.<br />But it is definitely doable.<br />and it's GREAT!Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-32682972498215924122009-12-01T08:06:00.006-06:002009-12-01T08:23:09.821-06:00What does "Full" feel like? the Cup v's the BalloonOne of the most frequent questions I get asked about my life after Lap-Band surgery is<br />"How does "full" feel to you now?"<br /><br />When I have eaten enough to be "full" it is a totally different feeling than it was pre-band.<br />Before my band, when I would eat and get "stuffed" it felt like a balloon that was over-filled....<br />It made me want to un-button my pants.<br />It was uncomfortable.<br />But it was all in my stomach.<br /><br />Now...<br />After my band, when I eat enough to be full (<span style="font-size:85%;">about 3/4 a cup of food</span>) I don't feel "stuffed", I feel "full".<br /><br />Instead of a balloon that is ready to burst if I eat any more food...<br />I feel like a cup that is too full of water and fixing to run over if I add any more to it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You feel full to<br />"Here"<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj874LPLo7mlBIwl7cFEjVbGSnx7L0bjYiU8TkFwM_dY0DRCZ-g7HLE60INLWTkLXH5KeRB9-lpL1Xmsshl9vJxVLIALzq_qsRRLkCgJ4-J0slc3rOw6Kf0M2VcG2w3ct03lLLy5bBLnZI/s1600/017.NPP08+neck+pin+pearl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj874LPLo7mlBIwl7cFEjVbGSnx7L0bjYiU8TkFwM_dY0DRCZ-g7HLE60INLWTkLXH5KeRB9-lpL1Xmsshl9vJxVLIALzq_qsRRLkCgJ4-J0slc3rOw6Kf0M2VcG2w3ct03lLLy5bBLnZI/s400/017.NPP08+neck+pin+pearl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410272087535237298" border="0" /></a><br />My stomach, feels fine, but I literally feel like I cannot swallow another bite, or it just won't go down.<br />It is strange, but I'm learning.<br />This is just another one of the changes that I am learning about from my body and the Band.<br /><br />In case you were wondering...Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-20824901523304447712009-11-22T09:34:00.000-06:002009-11-22T10:06:47.900-06:00A Month Out.... with a side of whine.It's been a month that I've been banded now.<br />Things are going well, as a matter of fact, we postponed my first fill because I, luckily, have decent restriction now even with nothing in my band.<br /><br />I can eat between 1/2 cup and 3/4 cup of food before I'm full.<br />Thats great!<br /><br />This learning process has been more difficult that I expected.<br />I have learned that there are some things that my band does NOT like.<br /><ul><li>Bread (gets stuck and makes me slime every time!)</li><li>chicken (even when it's tender and juicy gets stuck)</li><li>taking big bites. (even when I don't think they are big)</li><li>eating too fast. (it should take about 30 min for me to eat my 4-6 oz of food)</li></ul>Now for the unpleasant stuff...<br /><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Getting stuck</span>.... This is not fun. I know as soon as I swallow if it's gonna be a problem. It is painful. Kinda like your having a heart attack... pain in your chest and it's difficult to take a deep breath. This lasts about 20-30 min. Once you've been stuck, you are 100% convinced that it is something you NEVER want to let happen again!</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Sliming</span>... Yeah... This is as gross as it sounds! When I get stuck or eat too fast, I slime... You know right before you throw up and you start to salivate like crazy? Well.. thats what happens. I guess it's my body's response to thinking something is stuck... when you swallow the (what seems like) gallons of saliva it gets really REALLY thick... kinda snotty and stringy... and if you burp it up or throw up, it's just nasty! (I warned you it was the unpleasant part!) </li></ol>It's all part of the learning curve.<br />I do NOT regret getting my band.<br /><br />I do, however, wonder if I will ever really "enjoy" food again.<br /><br />Right now, I have to be so totally aware of every aspect... <br />- did I chew it well enough?<br />- did I take a small enough bite?<br />- Am I eating show enough?<br />- is this a band-friendly food?<br /><br />I miss just enjoying the food...<br />But, I guess thats part of the reason I needed to get my band in the first place...<br />I enjoyed food TOO much!<br /><br />I am down 46lbs this morning...<br />I'm wearing clothes that haven't fit in years!<br />so I ain't complaining!<br /><br />...well, maybe just a little bit...<br />But it's all gonna be worth it!<br /><br /><br />More soon.....<br />Thanksgiving should be interesting....Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-22576224794199868892009-11-03T05:26:00.000-06:002009-11-03T05:34:48.976-06:00Two week Update.It's been two weeks since my band was put in place.<br />I feel great!<br /><br />I was surprised at how long it took me to feel "normal" again.<br />I got tired really quickly, But that makes sense...<br />My body was working on healing and I wasn't getting a ton of nourishment during the liquid phase of the diet.<br /><br />I started "Mushy" foods yesterday, (one day early)<br />You have no idea how wonderful it was to eat real food!<br />I had oatmeal for breakfast, half a cup and I was stuffed.<br />Blended tuna salad for lunch, half a cup.<br />and for dinner....<br />Homemade meatloaf and mashed potatoes! 1/3 cup potatoes and 1/4 a slice of meatloaf....<br />I was in heaven!! and I was stuffed!<br /><br />Everyone is telling me to prepare for my weight loss to slow, stop or for me to even gain a pound or two while my body adjusts to food again and I get to go for my first fill.<br />We'll see.<br />I have been losing and gaining the same 1lb over the past three days and that is not much fun!<br />But I expected it, I'm excited for the weight loss to begin in earnest again after my first fill.<br /><br />so far I'm down 40lbs in a little over a month!<br />I can't complain about that!<br /><br />More soon....Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-60355779107500661382009-10-25T06:35:00.000-05:002009-10-25T07:01:04.400-05:00Healing.I'm 5 days post-band.<br /><br />Healing is going well, except I really wish they would figure out a way to remove more of the gas that they pump you up with when they preform abdominal surgery.<br /><br />I feel like I'm 8 months pregnant and pumped up like a beach ball.<br />Without the uncomfortable bloating from this excess gas, I'd feel great!<br />And it's absorbing a little more every day.<br /><br />I'm still on a full-liquid diet for the next week or so, thats the hard part!<br /><br />I'm getting really sick of sweet things.<br />Almost everything I can eat is sweet.<br />protein shakes<br />drinks<br />sugar-free Jello<br />Sugar free pudding<br />sugar free ice-pops<br /><br />you can only drink so much broth!<br /><br />There are times I feel really hungry and my stomach is growling wanting some real food.<br />But most of the time, it's "head hunger".<br /><br />I mean, I became this fat for a reason....<br />NOT because I only ate what my body needed to survive and be healthy...<br /><br />I ate because I like it!<br />I enjoy food!<br />I enjoy cooking and eating with friends and family.<br />I ate when I was upset,<br />I ate when I was bored.<br />I ate when I was happy and celebrating.<br />I ate out of habit.<br /><br />This is where my band will come into play.<br />These bad habits of mine won't go away....<br />But now I have the tool to help me keep the amount of food I consume under control when I <span style="font-style: italic;">DO</span> eat.<br /><br />I've been pretty grumpy about the liquid diet stage,<br />Until I hopped onto the scale this morning and saw I've lost almost 40lbs since I started my pre-op diet!<br /><br />I'm on my way!!!Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-71294047883672457842009-10-21T13:07:00.002-05:002009-10-22T15:26:20.716-05:00Banded!My band was put in place Tuesday.<br />The surgery went off without a hitch.<br /><br />When the Man-of-My-Dreams and I got to the hospital my nerves kicked in big time.<br />Waiting in the waiting room before they called me back didn't help much.<br /><br />Then I got to put on my oh-so-very-stylish hospital gown and got ready.<br />The anesthesiologist came in to talk to me and he made me feel so much better.<br />It didn't hurt that he was a cutie pie!<br />I told him he could give me whatever he wanted and I'd be fine with it.<br /><br />After a quick hug and kiss from the Man-of-My-Dreams, I was off to the OR.<br />The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the recovery room.<br />I had a wonderful nurse there with me who kept saying what I great attitude I had, I think it was just because I kept making jokes tho...<br /><br />After I was more awake they walked me over to a cool x-ray thingie and had me do a swallow test, you could actually see the liquid go through your system and band, they don't want to send you home until they are sure your not too swollen to allow liquid past your band.<br /><br />They went and got the-Man-of-My-Dreams, he helped me get dressed and we were outta there!<br />Once we got back to the hotel, I spent most of the day sleeping off the good drugs Dr. Cutie gave me in the OR.<br /><br />I felt better than I thought I would.<br />Yes, there is pain. But nothing like I expected!<br />It's amazing how much holding a small pillow over your tummy helps after surgery!<br /><br />I have 5 small incisions.<br />The largest one (<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">maybe an inch and a half long</span></span>) is where they placed my port. It is the most painful, which is understandable, because they stuck something in there and left it in there!<br /><br />Wednesday I had more pain.<br />It's amazing how much you use your abdominal muscles!<br />Once they have been cut, you realize it!<br /><br />We are back home and I'm recovering well.<br />I feel like I've been hit by a Mac Truck, but it's tolerable.<br /><br />This is the beginning of my new life!<br />Every change, even for the better, hurts.. right?Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-17072621554326085212009-10-18T19:28:00.000-05:002009-10-18T20:00:12.668-05:00There is no turning back now....I'm sitting here in a hotel in Decater Texas. <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(right outside Dallas/Fort Worth)</span></span><br /><br />Tomorrow...<br /><ul><li> I meet my new boyfriend, <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://www.mybariatricsolutions.com/video/player/19091-meet-dr-scott-stowers">Dr. Stowers</a> , in person.</li><li>Attend a 4 hour Lap-Band education class.</li><li>Register at the hospital.</li></ul>Tuesday morning I'll be Banded!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oh.... My..... Goodness!!!</span></span><br /><br />This is really gonna happen!<br /></div><br />The Man-of-My-Dreams is here with me, thank goodness.<br />Between he and Dr. Stowers, I'm in great hands.<br /><br />Now....<br />How to calm my nerves.<br />I'm excited, nervous, and scared all at once.<br /><br />This is something I've worked so hard for...<br />I guess I just can't believe It is finally really happening!<br /><br />I'll keep you posted on how things are progressing...Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-49521137893217340532009-10-16T09:31:00.000-05:002009-10-16T09:38:36.430-05:00Liquid Diets Kinda Suck and Kinda ROCK!Well, I'm on day 4 of my total liquid diet.<br />And let me tell ya.... It STINKS!!<br /><br />Cooking food for your family and not even being able to taste it to check the seasoning, then sitting down with a glass of protein drink Sucks!<br /><br />Walking through the kitchen and finding yourself grabbing a handfull of nuts only to have to put them back Sucks!<br /><br />Getting to the bottom of your drink from Sonic then throwing away the cherry Sucks!<br /><br />The anger I surprisingly felt towards everyone around me Sucks!<br /><br />The fact that most everything I am aloud to <strike>eat</strike> drink is sweet and I'd really like something savory instead of chicken broth Sucks!<br /><br />Cutting cheesecake and serving it to my family and not even licking the knife Sucks!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BUT!...</span><br /><br />The 19lbs I've Lost in the past three weeks <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ROCKS!!!</span></span><br />Ha!<br /><br />4 more days to go!Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-31987996919685162892009-10-14T09:43:00.001-05:002009-10-14T10:03:37.763-05:00I miss chewing!Well, my first week or so of the pre-op diet went well.<br /><br />I was actually really proud of myself!<br />Even on vacation with my sister and mother, I did well and stuck to low-fat/low calorie meals.<br /><br />Yesterday, I started the liquid only portion of the diet.<br />This part is not so fun.<br />I never realized how much I'd miss food.<br />Note.. I did NOT say I missed something in my stomach, I miss food!<br />I miss chewing, and the act of eating.<br />The taste.<br />The texture.<br />The family dinner ritual.<br /><br />Cooking yummy meals for my family then sitting down to eat watery broth doesn't bring joy to my soul.<br /><br />But... I <span style="font-weight: bold;">am</span> doing this.<br />And... I <span style="font-weight: bold;">will keep</span> doing this.<br />And... I will continue to bitch to you about it.<br />So... I'm thinkin we all have something unpleasant to deal with don't we?Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-4777532574187155272009-10-06T11:32:00.001-05:002009-10-06T11:39:50.608-05:00Two Weeks From Today.....Two weeks from today...<br />I will be on my way to a healthier me.<br /><br />Two weeks from today...<br />I'll have no more excuses.<br /><br />Two weeks from today...<br />I'll lose one of my biggest (and favorite) coping mechanisms.<br /><br />Two weeks from today...<br />Will be the start of my last chance.<br /><br />Two weeks from today...<br />I will have back up.<br /><br />Two weeks from today...<br />I will start eating to live.... NOT living to eat.<br /><br />Two weeks from today...<br />I will be on my way to feeling better about myself.<br /><br />Two weeks from today...<br />I will need to start saving for SMALLER clothes instead of bigger ones.<br /><br />Two weeks from today...<br />I will have the tool to help me change my body, my self esteem, my energy level...<br /> My life!<br /><br />Two Weeks From Today...<br />My new life starts.Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-74090599962191159642009-09-30T07:26:00.000-05:002009-09-30T07:42:37.507-05:0020 days and counting!20 days from today I'll be banded.<br /><br />I have been working so long towards this goal, and now that it's actually going to happen, I'm getting nervous.<br /><br />I'm not scared of the surgery.<br />I'm not scared of the process.<br />I'm not scared of the work it's going to take.<br /><br />I'm scared that this is my last chance.<br />I mean... I've tried everything else and it didn't last...<br />What if this doesn't work either?<br />What will I do then?<br /><br />I've always knew surgery was an option...I always knew I could always resort to it if I couldn't do it on my own.<br />If this doesn't work..... I'm out of options.<br /><br />I guess I could always be the Jolly Fat Lady of our town.<br />I could play Mrs. Clause at the Christmas fair.<br />I suppose I could make the lovely fat people clothes with horizontal stripes and BIG RED flowers on the front work for me.<br />I would find an assortment of Moo Moo's to wear.<br /><br />But that isn't really what I had in mind for myself.<br /><br />I'm sure this will work.<br />No... really! kinda.Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-66504534856646790332009-09-29T06:20:00.000-05:002009-09-29T06:31:40.729-05:00One Step Closer (pre-op Diet)<span style="font-size:100%;">As my surgery approaches, there are things I need to do to get ready.<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Travel arrangements.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Find and stock-up on protein drinks that actually taste good.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Arrange people to help with the farm & kids while I'm gone.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">Start my pre-op diet.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:100%;">When you get surgery on or around your stomach, they have to hold up your liver because it sits on top of your stomach and hides it.<br /><br />Your liver doesn't really like being "messed" with.<br />The fattier or thicker your liver is, the more they have to move it and hold it up to get to where they need to work.<br />So... you gotta try to de-fat or shrink your liver.<br /><br />Every Dr. is different, some require a full 2 week liquid low fat diet.<br />Some require nothing at all before surgery.<br /><br />Yesterday I got the specifics of my pre-op diet.<br />I was very nervous about it, but I think it'll be totally do-able!<br /><br />Just try to remember I said that when I'm a raging animal during a week of liquids! ;)<br /><br />After receiving many questions about my pre-op diet, I decided to show you exactly what I gotta do.<br /><br />Wish me luck!<br />I CAN do this!<br /><br />Here is what My Dr. requires before the Band is put in place.<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />1. Starting now: Go ahead and start a 1200calorie/day diet. Most of your food choices should come from lean protein (lean red meat, grilled/baked fish, grilled/baked chicken breast, low fat cottage cheese, low fat string cheese, turkey breast, etc…), at least 1 cup of non-starchy vegetables every meal (ex. Broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, zucchini, etc..), complex carbohydrates (beans, oatmeal, whole fruit, sweet potatoes, light popcorn), a small amount of healthy fats (olive oil, all natural peanut butter, plain almonds)…make sure and avoid any liquid calories and any foods high in sugar!<br /><br /> 2.One week prior to surgery switch to the full liquid diet which consists of:<br /><br /> 1. 2-3 high protein/low carbohydrate/high fiber meal replacement shakes per day (example…slim fast low carb or Myoplex Light)<br /><br /> 2. One meal that consists of any liquid type food such as:<br /> Cream Soup (i.e. cream of chicken, cream of potato, cream of broccoli, etc…) that has been starined<br /> Hot Cereal (cream of wheat, oatmeal, grits) that has had extra skim milk added to it and been blended until it is pourable<br /> Yogurt (sugar free and no chunks of fruit) that has had extra skim milk added to it and thinned out<br /> Tomato soup<br /> Any Clear Liquid (see below)<br /><br /> And obviously plenty of water<br /><br /> 3. 2 days prior to surgery switch to clear liquids which consist of:<br /><br /> On Sunday morning switch to a Clear liquid diet which consists of:<br /> White Grape Juice (no pulp)<br /> White Apple Juice (no pulp)<br /> Broth (beef, vegetable,chicken)<br /> Plenty of Water<br /> Crystal Liqht<br /> Gatorade (the G2 version)<br /> Coffee<br /> Tea<br /> High protein clear liquid supplement such as (Isopure or Designer Whey Protein Blitz) *can get both at GNC<br /><br /> ***MAKE SURE AND AVOID ANYTHING RED OR PURPLE ON THE CLEAR LIQUID DIET<br /><br />***NOTHING BY MOUTH AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY. THIS INCLUDES: BREATH MINTS, GUM, HARD CANDY. YOU CAN BRUSH YOUR TEETH BUT ONLY USE A SMALL AMOUNT OF WATER AND A TINY SPECK OF TOOTHPASTE AND MAKE SURE AND SPIT EVERYTHING OUT! </span>Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-13742831166060025222009-09-25T13:17:00.000-05:002009-09-25T13:50:40.702-05:00Got a Date!!!Finally got a date for my surgery!<br />I'll be on my way to a healthier & lighter life on October 20th!<br /><br />I start my pre-op diet next week. <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(gotta shrink my liver because they have to move it to get the band in place)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday Oct 18th </span>= <span style="font-style: italic;">Fly to Dallas.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday Oct 19th</span> = <span style="font-style: italic;">4-hour education class, pre-op Dr visit, Hospital registratio</span>n.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday Oct 20th</span> = <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">BANDED!</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wed Oct 21st</span> =<span style="font-style: italic;"> fly home!</span><br /><br />I'm SO excited!<br />Now the nerves will start.<br />EEEK! It's really gonna happen!!Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-31887712134464573032009-09-22T19:10:00.000-05:002009-09-25T14:11:01.070-05:00APPROVED!!!!WOW! it only took 4 days and my insurance company approved my surgery!<br />I can't thank Kristina Marie and Angie at<a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://www.lapbandsolutions.com/?gclid=CO3khI-5hp0CFRaenAodZCCLaw"> Lap-Band Solutions</a> enough!<br /><br />Tomorrow, I hope to have the date I'll meet my new boyfriend....<br /><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://www.mybariatricsolutions.com/video/player/19091-meet-dr-scott-stowers"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Dr. Scott Stowers</span></a> in Dallas.<br /><br />I'm SO excited!Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-85669638631746301012009-09-21T07:39:00.000-05:002009-09-21T07:44:46.216-05:00Now I wait.My journey to a healthier me is beginning.<br />My insurance (Aetna) company requires a 3-4 month pre-approval Diet/Dr visit/jumping though hoops thing.<br /><ul><li>4 visits to the Diet Dr.</li><li>2 visits with a nutritionist.</li><li>Psych evaluation.</li><li>and some various medical tests<br /></li></ul>I finished last week.<br />All of my paper work has been submitted to Aetna.<br /><br />Now I wait....<br /><br />Cross your fingers for a speedy approval!Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3691825332993319687.post-33434362718631322182009-05-26T12:40:00.000-05:002009-09-23T08:28:24.310-05:00Why I'm Here. (a rambling explanation from a fat chick)Hi! My name is Dana, and I'm fat.<br />Not phat... but FAT.<br /><br />This is my journal of what I hope will be my permanent weight-loss journey.<br /><br />I have lost hundreds of pounds over my lifetime, always to gain them right back.<br />I have tried every diet known to man.<br />I have tried every pill.<br />I have eaten less & moved more.<br />etc etc etc...<br /><br />After years of research and prayer and thought, I have decided that I want to get the Lap-Band.<br />Not as an "easy fix" because, if you have actually researched the Lap-Band, you know there is nothing easy about it.<br /><br />I have let my weight have way too much control over my life.<br /><br />I have lost the happy, perky, energetic, confidant Dana and become depressed and withdrawn.<br />I hide it well, but it's true.<br /><br />When I walk into a room, I quickly scan the crowd hoping to see someone fatter than me. <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(like that will make me feel better)</span><br /></span><br />I have made up excuses to get out of going to functions with life-long friends and even family members, because I am so ashamed of my weight.<br /><br />I have disappointed my children because I have not attended school functions and ceremonies, because I don't want to risk them being ridiculed because they have such a fat mommy.<br />I am no longer the "fun" mom.<br />I'm the fat mom who has no energy to get out and run and play with them...<br />They deserve so much more.<br /><br />I have even let it affect my marriage. I don't let my very loving and supportive husband see me without my clothes, I push his hand away when it lands on a fat roll.<br />I don't know how long he can stay supportive when it does no good...<br />He deserves so much more.<br /><br />I am miserable.<br />I often have to force myself to get anything done.<br />I don't bother with make-up often, why bother?<br />Cute clothes? Please! Give me a super-sized T-shirt and jeans to try to hide my body...<br />I deserve so much more!<br /><br />I could lose the weight, again, then what?<br />I guess I just want a way to make my weight a less defining part of my life.<br />It is always in front.<br />It's always whats seen first.<br />It's always the first thing on my mind.<br /><br />I just do not want this to become my life-long struggle.<br />I want to do the work and actually have it last for longer than a month!<br /><br />I am not scared of working towards my goal.<br />Thats not the problem...<br />I just wish I could bust my butt reaching that goal and have some glimmer of hope that it might last.<br />It's just so discouraging to have a tiny piece of victory to have it fade away as soon as I relax a little bit.<br /><br />more soon...<br /><br />UPDATE <a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);" href="http://shrinkinghousewife.blogspot.com/2009/09/approved.html">here</a>Dana Cloverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174384230013782992noreply@blogger.com11