On Thursday, September 4 at approximately 7:45 a.m. I entered an operating room where I had a Lap Band inserted into my body.
Many of you probably know what this is, but for those who don't, the brief explanation is that a Lap Band is placed around the upper portion of your stomach, creating a smaller stomach pouch, with an access port wherein saline can be inserted or withdrawn. The smaller stomach pouch pretty much restricts your food intake, therefore the Lap Band is considered a dieting tool.
This is a picture of how the band is inserted. Sorry if it grosses you out.
I have been thinking about getting this surgery off and on for the past 2 years and the pieces finally fell together in August(meaning insurance will pay for it, and the personal timing was right).
Some people may consider a LapBand an easier road than just plain ole dieting and exercise. They may be right. But, I am here to report that undergoing surgery to help lose weight was not an easy decision and I am pretty sure I have a rough road to hoe ahead. The band will not do any of the work for me. If I want to eat chocolate and ice cream all day, I can sure do that because pretty much having liquid calories is completely possible and will allow me never to lose weight. I still have to make choices about getting the RIGHT kinds of food into my body, as well as stay on track with exercise.
Basically, my new band will signal me when I've had enough. My body has probably been trying for years to give me the signal and I would ignore it. I can't do that with the band. Ignoring the signal will cause problems that I won't go into just yet.
I decided to come clean, as it were, because I feel I have an ultra supportive group of family and friends who will understand and appreciate this decision and why I made it....
And will help me go shopping for skinny girl clothes in the next 1 to 2 years. Yes, it is going to take that long. The band isn't the bypass, the weight loss is way less dramatic and is more like a regular diet. I just needed a boost, a very important, vital boost.
The possibilities of weight loss are endless. I can lose 0 pounds, I can lose all my excess weight, but most people lose 60% of their excess. Only time, and responsible choices will tell.
11 comments:
I was wondering if you were going to post about this on your blog. Mom said if was hard for you to sleep the other night. I sure you hope you feel better soon! BTW.. I will TOTALLY go shopping with you for new skinny girl clothes! :)I haven't been shopping with my sis. in FOREVER!
I'm glad to read the explanation of what really takes place with the surgery. I'm glad you're sharing because Bill has been telling me about two people he works with that had this surgery and I've wanted to tell him so many times that you were doing it too. Now we have three people we can follow their progress. Continued good luck. I'm so happy for you.
GO FOR IT JEANNA! I am sure it took a lot to make a decision like this, let alone post it on your blog. I am really glad you did, because it really is true how important it is to have your close family and friends act as your support group. I am proud of you and support you 100% of the way.
Wow Jeanna. I'm so proud of you too. I'm sure it was difficult to make a choice like that as well as posting it on your blog. Just want you to know though that you are one of the most beautiful people I know and I'm not just saying that. I hope this lap band will help you feel as beautiful outside as I know you are inside and out.
Good for you...I'm sure it was a hard decision. I'm excited for you and your new road ahead. You've always been beautiful both inside and out - but, you will be grateful to have the healthy body you need too. Good luck in the days ahead...
Jeanna,
Admittedly I am not a frequent visitor anymore, but I'm glad I came across it today. I'm excited for you and glad that you are confident for the futre. Good luck!
Very cool. I think you've made a wise choice. Good for you. i can't wait to see how it all turns out.
I think it was very brave of you to share so openly about this experience. I think it shows a positive attitude and gumption. I know that you are going to be successful this time around. I love you and I'm so pleased for you. I can't wait to see your "After" pictures. Look out world here comes the incomparable Jeanna Nichols!
Well, you can send your big-girl clothes my way.
Congradutations! I am sure that was a difficult decision to make. You made it though school and now you will be a success at this.This will be an adventure.
Also - don't forget to get a new bathing suit. A cute one for sitting on the sore at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe. I think we would also need to rent a boat and ride around the lake that day. I am so excited now. I will start planning!
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