A productive day

Watch how losing weight, improving my health and increasing energy can make a difference in a typical day.



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by Pam Herman

Importance of getting ready before surgery

Planning is important in any big event in people’s lives. When getting married or having a baby we spend months preparing for these life changing events. The same should be true for bariatric surgery.

In this video, I talk about the importance of preparation, both physically and psychologically, for surgery.



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by Pam Herman

Bariatric Do’s & and Don’ts

Lori was the assistant on my surgery and she does my adjustments. I have total faith and confidence in her and her ability to manage band patients. Does this mean I am the perfect patient and do everything 100% right? No, as you can see from our conversation. Lori is also a Facebook friend and weekly kicks my rear in Bejeweled Blitz.



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by Pam Herman

My first bariatric video blog

This is my first video entry. Brian had just given me the camera and as you can see I have a lot of learning to do, especially about sound interference. This is going to fun, but a little scary. Before surgery, I never would have considered myself as someone who would do a video blog.



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by Pam Herman

Emotional Eating Community Health Network Bariatric Services

I have to daily work on making good food choices. When I am stressed food has always been what I have turned to for comfort. I never realized how much until my band. I have had two adjustments and currently have about 4ml in my band. I feel the restriction when I am making good healthy food choices, but as you know, when emotionally eating, it is not the healthy food we crave.

There are so many thoughts and books about emotional eating. But usually about a third of the way through the book, I am even more emotional or stressed. I think the philosophy I am going to work with is alternative releases of emotions. Obviously crying is not the best one, which I find myself doing more of. I am going to focus on quilting which I love and may even try to throw in a little exercise. You know they say that these activities can release some of the good hormones that make you feel good. I am going to give it a try.

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by Pam Herman

Bariatric Eating Community Health NetworkBariatric Services

I have been a wild woman out of control and my weight is up. Friday, Saturday and Sunday it felt as if I had no band in place. I could eat anything I wanted and I did. I also grazed on jelly beans and chocolate. It was hard this weekend. I really wasn’t hungry, but I wanted food.

This was the first time a lot of my family had seen me since my surgery so I was receiving all kinds of compliments. I am not sure what I was thinking. Part of me thinks I got overconfident and thought I wouldn’t have to work so hard and the band would do the work. Boy did I find out in a hurry that is not the case. I have been here before. This seems like the point where I always get stuck when I am trying to change my eating behavior.

I am so controlled for about 6-8 weeks then it all breaks loose. I totally lose all control. Not just in my eating, but in other areas of my life as well. I am frustrated and disappointed in myself for letting this happen.

Goals to help regain control:
1. pray
2. journal
3. exercise
4. drink the water
5. plan meals
6. eat solid food



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by Pam Herman

Meet Pam Herman Community Health Network Bariatric Services

Pam Herman, bariatric nurse coordinator for Community Health Network Bariatric Services, underwent gastric banding surgery on March 6, 2009. In this blog, Pam shares her feelings and experiences before the procedure, and as she continues to lose weight.

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by Pam Herman