Update coming soon

Hi all,

I'm planning an update and regular posts coming soon.

Due to health issues, a 32% increase in rent in just the past 2 yrs (23% just last yr) and years of pay cuts, I'm moving again. Once things settle down, hopefully in late Feb, I'll give a band update, etc. update.

Hope everyone else out there is well.

Michael

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