Time for some change...

It's time for some change around here.  Not only on the blog do you like the new background?, but in general.  I have a secret that only a select few people know about right now.  However, pretty soon everyone will find out anyway so, in the spirit of change, I thought I would just share it with everyone.  (I'll get to the spilling of the guts in a minute)

Let me just say that I understand that not everyone approves of what I am about to say and that's o.k.  It's my life, not yours.  It's also my decision, not yours.  I also understand that some people might have questions.  Great!  The more you ask me, the more I can explain to you so that you can understand where I am coming from.

O.k., on with the gut spilling.  In the very near future, a week from tomorrow, I am going to be having Lap-Band surgery.  It is something that I have thought very seriously about and have decided that it is the best option for me and my health.  I know that a lot of people view this as an easy way out, but let me assure you it is not.  This is actually going to be a very long and difficult road with very strict lifestyle changes.  I am going to try to start blogging again because I want to chronicle this journey I am about to take so that others understand the risks, benefits, and daily struggles of this type of choice.  This is a tool, not a fix all.  I am going to have to exercise for at least 30 minutes 4-5 days a week, watch what I eat extremely well, measure out everything that goes into my mouth, and make better choices about what I put on my plate.  

There are also certain things that I will have to give up indefinitely.  One of those items is anything carbonated.  This includes Soda, Beer - no big loss for me Yick!, Champagne, sparkling water, sparkling ciders, etc.  Sweets and other sugary items also have to go.  Just because you have this surgery, does not mean that you can't continue to gain weight.  I am also going to have to limit my caffeine intake to 1 cup of coffee or tea per day.  Also, no more straws.  They can cause gas intake which can lead to extreme discomfort.  This is the same reason I can't have carbonation any more.  I am going to need to take a multivitamin and a calcium chew for the rest of my life.  Honestly, this is probably something I should be doing anyway, but now it is more important to make sure I get all of the nutrients I need in a day.

I have learned a few things through this journey already.  I have learned that this is something I am committed to.  I know what I have to give up and what I am going to put myself through and I am alright with that.  I have also learned that apparently when you take a calcium supplement, only 500mg of calcium will absorb into your system at a time.  I am a science geek so I thought this was really interesting.  So, if you are taking a calcium supplement that is over 500mg, you are missing out on the full benefits.  

So, starting this Sunday, I will be on a liquid diet.  It will consist of Three protein shakes a day (bfast, lunch, and dinner), sugar free drinks, sugar free Jello, sugar free Popsicles, ice, sports drinks diluted in water, etc.  This is to help shrink the liver as well as empty out the stomach.  I will be on this diet for three days before and 1 week after my surgery.  I will get into the rest of the diet as that time gets closer.

So, I have hopeful that this is the tool that I need to help me discover the me I should be.  The me I want to be.  Only time will tell.  I hope this is a good journey for us all.