Week 16 post-op

Here's a short video update. Hopefully I'll have more news next week.

Take care.


Michael

Week 15 post-op

Hey all,

I didn't realize how long it's been. Things have been somewhat crazy around here.
Anyway, here's the week 15 video.

Michael

Week 10 post-op

Week 9 post-op

Hi all,


Here is my week 9 video. Hit a new low weight this week! 233.8 lbs.

catching up

Hi all,

Sorry for not posting on Sunday. I've been having some bronchitis/asthma issues for about a week and the video wasn't coming out too well.

As of today (Wednesday, 2/16/11) I am at 237.6 lbs which is a loss of 27.2 lbs since I began my journey on 12/21/10. Not bad for only about 7 weeks. That's 32.1% of the way to my goal weight of 180; only 57.6 more lbs to go!

Tomorrow I go in to see the surgeon again and expect to have my first fill. Right now, I'm at 2cc's. I think we'll probably add 2 more this time. I've been pretty careful with what I eat but have noticed that I don't have any issues when I go above my meager 12 oz per meal/1000 calories per day.

I'll see you all on Sunday!

Michael

Week 7 post-op

Hi all,

It's week 7 and here is my weekly update.

I've been trying new foods while maintaining my approx. 1,000 calorie per day eating.
Although I haven't lost a lot of weight in the past couple of weeks I did just take my measurements and I have lost quite a bit there.

I'm trying to add in more Omega-3's and other stuff to enhance my concentration and memory.  I figure as long as I'm learning to eat again this would be a good time to work on some stuff.  If you have any tips on food, etc to help with this it would be much appreciated.  BTW, anyone have any experience with Ginkgo Biloba?

Later!

Michael

Revised weight loss tracker and menu for 1/31-2/5

Hi all,

Here are a couple of new links.   The first is a link to my revised weight loss tracker and the second is my menu for 1/31-2/5.  Both are Excel 2007 files.  Please let me know if you can't read them or need a lower version of Excel.

Enjoy!

Michael


Revised weight loss tracking spreadsheet

Menu 1/31/11 - 2/5/11

Week 6 post-op

Hi all,

Well, it's week 6 post-op and I've had a slight increase in my weight. 1.4 lbs isn't a lot, but there shouldn't be any. Several factors contributed to this. Not eating "right" which is important. I haven't had pizza or burgers or anything but even the "healthy" food when not eaten in the correct portions can be harmful and not enough water has been consumed. Insomnia also had a hand in this. It's been really bad; especially this weekend. All is not lost however. I know I will get back on track. I am going to begin uploading my diet plan. It shouldn't be too difficult to stick with it. My landlord has seen fit to increase my rent 23%. In this economy, that's pretty low and equates to almost $200 per month more. That will result in my monthly food budget to be reduced to $70 per month. That's not much given the price of food, especially the healthy stuff a lap-bander should be eating. Hopefully I'll find a second job pretty soon (and be healthy enough to work it).

Anyway, here is the week 6 post-op video.
Enjoy!

Michael

Weight loss LOL Cats from icanhascheezburger.com

Welcome to The Banded Libraran's Blog

Hi everyone,

Welcome to my new home. If you came here from Michael's Mind: What Thoughts I Think, don't worry. That site is not going away. I wanted to make a special place to post all of my lap-band information.

I also have my new book blog -- Michael's Book Shelf: What I read and Write.

I also still have my YouTube channel -- LibrarianMichael/The Banded Librarian.

I know that's a lot to take in however, if you subscribe to my YouTube channel and "follow" my blogs. You'll know every time there is a new video or blog posted. It's easier for you and good for me.

See you all in the internet!

Michael

Michael's video blog #14 - lap-band and life update

Hi all,

Well, the big push is on to both get published and try to make some extra money.   I've submitted a book and poem to publishers and had both rejected.  I'm a real author now!   :)

I currently have my first picture book submitted to a literary agency and hope to hear back soon.  I've also signed up with a couple of online sites (eLance and ChaCha) to try to earn some extra money.  These of course are just supplemental sources.  I may need to find a second regular job soon as well.

So, anyway, here is my new video blog.   Please remember to subscribe/follow this blog so I know you're out there.

Bye for now!

Michael

Video Blog #13 - lap-band update, new weight-tracking spreadsheet, etc.

Hi all,

Here is video blog #13.

In this video I talk about my weight loss progress after the lap-band surgery, show you the new weight loss tracking Excel file I created (link below), and give some feedback on a couple of websites I've been using for support pre-surgery.

So, enjoy the video and feel free to download and use the weight-loss tracker spreadsheet.

Please comment or email me if you have any suggestions or would like me to personalize the spreadsheet for you or would just like to chat.

Michael

Link to spreadsheet on Google Docs --->          Weight loss tracking spreadsheet

Video blog # 12 - Lapband update

Hi all,

Enjoy this new video blog! I welcome all comments!

Michael

Video blog #11 - 11 days post-surgery

Hi all,

Well, I'm now 11 days post-surgery.  I actually started the lap-band diet a few weeks before surgery so I was able to lose about 8 lbs for I went in and have lost about 5 more lbs since my surgery 11 days ago.

Current weight - 248.2
Goal weight - 180

Video blog #10 - Surgery day!

Hi all,

Well, today is the big day; lap-band surgery day!  Currently I weigh in at 252.8 lbs with a BMI of 38.1.

See you all later.

Michael

Video blog #9: Lap-band surgery next week!

Eight days and counting.

Surgery approved! - 12/2/10

Hi all,

I just got the call that insurance has approved my surgery!   My surgery date should be December 22nd, 2010.

I'll have a new video blog coming soon.

Michael

The "how and why" lap-band post

The lap-band is not the end-all solution to weight loss however; it is a tool that will help you get to your goal of a healthier and longer life. 

How does it work?  The lap-band is surgically inserted around the opening to the stomach.  It will act as a funnel and sends a signal to the brain telling you that you are full.  This means that you will not be hungry for about four to five hours after eating.  If you feel hungry before then, it is not “real” hunger; you are more likely feeling a desire for food.

In most cases, the band is inserted laproscopically, with several small incisions.  Most people can return to work 3-5 days after surgery.  For people who live alone or do not have someone to stay with them the day of surgery, patients will stay overnight in the hospital for observation.  

Even though the lap-band is safer than other surgeries such as gastric bypass, there are risks involved.  The risks include band slippage, blockage and absorption into the stomach lining.

The post surgery diet consists of liquids for a week or two, then soft foods and finally solids.  It is important to follow the plan and move on to solids.  If there is ever a feeling of something being stuck, make an appointment right away.  If, after a fill, the water does not stay down, return to the office immediately.

Fills and un-fills are done through a port under the skin, where a saline solution is added or removed from the band.

Most solid meals after the band will consist of 3-4 ounces or protein and 6 ounces of vegetables (always eat the protein first).  Do not drink anything until at least one half hour after eating.  If food is moist, drinking during the meal will not be needed.  Meat should be moist; nothing microwaved.

After the band I expect to feel a better sense of healthiness.  I expect to feel and look better.  This will improve my overall outlook on life.  Financially, when I use the band correctly, my food and medication expenses should decrease.  Of course, this will not happen unless I use the lap-band, my weight loss “tool” correctly.

 

Essentially, after surgery, the ball is in my court.  It’s up to me to follow through with the band.  Food passes through in about one minute.  Eating slowly and in small portions as well as chewing thoroughly is very important.  To help me on my journey is Southwest Weight Loss’s after care program.  The after-care program consists of support group meeting, podcasts, recipes, etc.  Most of these are hosted or created by Dr. Simpson.  In addition to the after-care I will make monthly visits in the first year for fills/un-fills as needed along with follow-ups with my primary care doctor.

These people give me the tools and support I need, the rest is up to me.

Video blog #8 - lap band update

Hi all!

Here it is....  Video #8.   I have jumped through the final hoop for insurance.  My weight is over and I expect to be having the surgery the 3rd week of December.   Enjoy the video.

Michael

Video blog #7 - 10/29/10

Hi all.   Sorry it's been a while.  I was sort of demoralized after my September lap-band surgeon consult.  It's partially my own fault since I didn't try hard enough to continue losing weight.  I just thought "I'm having surgery, I might as well eat all the stuff I won't be able to eat after surgery."   Wrong.  I put on a couple pounds and got in trouble for it.  However, this month I really tried and lost 11 pounds so things are back on track.

Enjoy video blog #7.

Michael

Video Blog #6 - lap-band update, car woes and Library life

Hi all,

Here is video blog #6. 

No book reviews this time but there will be another update later in the week after my Lap-band surgery consultation.

Enjoy!

Michael

Video Blog #5: Lap-band surgery update and book reviews

Hi all,

I finally have some new on the lap-bad surgery.  I don't have financing yet but, I was starting get depressed and procrastinate so I have decided to move forward.  My consultation with Dr. Terry Simpson is on 8/26.

In this video blog I also review the books, "Eclipse", "Breaking Dawn", "Pilgrims of Rayne", "Brains: A Zombie Memoir" and the UK TV series "Life on Mars".

As always, comments are welcome.

Enjoy,

Michael

Video Blog #4a - 7/20/10

Hello all,
This blog post (4a) is basically the same as the one from yesterday (blog post 4).  One of the reasons I'm doing these video blogs is so that I can see myself talk and learn from my mistakes.  By "mistakes" I mean, talking too fast, rambling, etc.  I usually don't edit myself because I feel that takes away from the fun and spontaneity of the video blog, however, I'm doing this for the Leadership Academy so that I can show the before and after as I see it.

I was able to shave the video down from 5min30sec to 2min55sec just by focusing myself and reduce the repetition and not going off on tangents.  I even talked slower and was still able to give the same basic info in about half the time.

Thanks.
Michael

video blog #4 - 7/19/10

Hello all,

Here is video blog #4:

Enjoy!

Michael

Video blog #3 - 7/13/10

Hi all,

Here is another video blog for your enjoyment.  I'm lonely.  Please comment  :)

Video blog 2, part 3 or 3

Here's the last part! Video blog 2, part 3 or 3. I'll have to watch the timer next time :)

Video blog #2, part 2 of 3.

Video blog #2, part 2 of 3.

Video blog#2, part 1 of 3

Hi All,

Since the carpal tunnel is getting a bit worse in my main writing/typing hand, I think I'll start importing video blogs, reviews, etc except for my running list posts (DVDs, books and facts) which all need updating.

Here is video blog #2, part 1 of 3.

Enjoy!

Remember me? Well, I'm back and have big news.

Hi everyone.  Sorry I've been gone for a while.  I've been having some health issues; shoulder, knees, back, breathing, etc.,  but most significantly with my writing hand an carpal tunnel syndrome.  I've been able to keep it together during the work days but after that my hand goes into the brace which doesn't allow for much typing. I'm trying to re-learn lefty typing but it's going slow. 

The other issue I've been dealing with is the weight.  For years now I've been avoiding a particular option.  I've been determined to try other things first, however, after years of trying diets (not all fads, some real ones too) and exercise I am barely holding my own and not losing anything.  I've got too much extra poundage and other health conditions, primarily the diabetes, has pushed me to this decision and it's not one I take lightly.  Surgery is definitely NOT the easy way out.  This is a major life changing event and it will be a long and difficult road.  As the body gets older it becomes more difficult to recover from  any procedure.  With my underlying conditions, it's even more difficult.  So, it's now or never (never meaning I'll probably be gone in a few years).  I also feel I'm setting a bad example for the kids. This is just me and my feelings, not a judgement on other overweight people who work with children. 

I have decided to go with the Lap Band Surgery.  This is the least invasive of the procedures and has the least amount of complications as well as being reversible if need be.  As I said, it's a major life changing event; not just the reduced amount and type of food I eat but also financially.   In order to get this covered I will need to switch to my employer's most expensive health insurance plan; that will cost an additional $75/month.  Plus there is a $500 deductible and they cover 90% which leaves me with 10% out of pocket just for the surgery.  Add in followup appointments with the specialist for fills and unfills on the band and Primary Care doctor check-ins, new clothes as needed, etc.  I'm looking at year one costs of approximately $5,175.  That doesn't include interest on the credit card I'll need to charge this to.  Since I am currently only about $60 ahead of my bills every month this is going to be tricky.

My time to have this done is early August (after the Library's Summer Reading Program but before Fall programming begins). 

I've begun taking step to come up with some creative financing.  You'll notice my blog has an Amazon.com link now.  I am part of their Affiliates program.  If you begin your Amazon.com search from my blog it will take you directly to the Amazon website.  You will not notice any difference.  It's the same website you have always used in the past.  Also, I don't have any tracking info so I have no idea who is buying the item.  The difference for me is that, for the referral, I will get 4% if the sale.  4 cents on the dollar is a lot, neither is 40 cents for every $10 but, hopefully it will add up in the long run.  I also have several links on the sides of my blog that relate to what I'm blogging about.  These are links to other sites with related info (I don't get to choose them) and I get a few cents for each click.

I'm working out some other creative financing ideas now and keep you all up to date on how things are going.  Also, as I get closer to the main surgery dates, I will begin to Vlog (video blog) about the experience both before and after the surgery.

Well, my wrist is really hurting now so I'm going to leave it here.  Please post comments or questions I'll get back to you ASAP.  I also plan, later in the week, to update my lists of 2010 movies, books and facts.  I have a lot of additions.

Until then faithful readers, [insert quippy farewell line here].