Lap-band Report Card: 6 months post surgery

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So here’s my little report card. It shows, at a glance, how I’m doing since having my lap-band surgery 6 months ago.

The biggest news here is my progress on the Epworth Sleepiness Index. This is a number that helps the doctor know the severity of daytime sleepiness. I leaped from a 14 to a 5… which is simply amazing… and much better than I’d hoped. I no longer require daytime naps… and I haven’t missed work due to tiredness.

Even though I didn’t meet my full goal for O2 desat levels, I’ve done really well! So exciting. I’d like to do a little better, but this is just awesome.

A new BiPAP mask (a full-face model that actually fits me, thank you!) has made a big difference for me as well. Hence the nearly perfect score for BiPAP leak rate.

My triglycerides and HDL have improved as well. As my friend Nick says, there’s only so much you can do about them. (Still, I’d like to improve my score a bit more.)

I wasn’t able to find numbers for blood pressure and neck size, but my blood pressure’s always been good. I think my neck size has gone from about 21-ish to 18-ish. (Reducing neck size is important because it correlates to a more open airway… allowing more oxygen to flow, and decreasing sleep apnea.)

I’ve taken all of my vitamins and supplements every day, and I have not had any caffeine or soda since the surgery. (At first I missed my Diet Pepsi, but I honestly don’t miss it anymore.)

My Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI) has improved significantly, which I’m happy about. The doctor says a number under 5 is considered normal… woah. But I want to do even better. I think that with a little work, and maybe some tweaking of my BiPAP settings, I can do it.

During all of this, I have not had a single complication. I’ve never vomited. I’ve had my lap-band filled twice without incident. I barely even know it’s in there.

Now comes the hard part… being persistent, and continuing to get at least 30 to 45 minutes of physical activity every day. (As you can see, my daily compliance was umm, pretty good, but not great. But I have plans up my sleeve!)

Overall, I’m VERY happy with my progress. I only wish I’d done it sooner!

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