Eight months out!

Tomorrow will be eight months since I had my WLS. I really can't believe how quickly time has flown right by. It seems like just yesterday that I was sipping those nasty protein shakes and trying desperately to get all my protein in so my hair wouldn't fall out. Wow, it's amazing how much things can change in eight months.

Officially, I am down 95 pounds and I've gone from a size 22/24 (or 26/28 in some tops) to a size 12 or 14 (depending on the style of clothing). I never would have imagined that my life could have changed so much. I am, for the first time since high school, comfortable with how I look. I feel great and my energy level, for the most part, is the best it's ever been.

Of course, I am the first one to admit that there are some things that I need to work on. With the new year right around the corner, I have taken some time to think about the changes that I need to make in the new year. After all, I was given this wonderful "tool" and this new lease on life, so now it's my turn to make it all worth it.

Here is my list of resolutions for the new year:

1. Drink more water. This is something that I've never been good at. No matter what diet I was on, I would start out strong, drinking all my water every day. But, that doesn't last long. I'm just not a big water drinker. Unless I have a water jug glued to my hands, it's something that I simply don't think about while at work or home. I vow to make this a priority as I need to drink water to feel healthier and help clean my body out.

2. Exercise, exercise, and more exercise. Again, not something that I enjoy or that comes naturally to me. After losing the 95 pounds, I can say that I'm starting to notice some more jiggle to my wiggle. I have a good 5-6 months before spring/summer is here, so I really need to get my ass in gear now rather than later. I have a membership to the YMCA, and rarely go because it's hard to fit into my schedule (full-time job and three kids at home). I do have a treadmill in my basement, so I need to start utilizing that more when I can't get to the YMCA.

3. Less carbs. Seems that I've fallen back into a bad habit of relying on carbs. I can honestly say that I am a carb addict - have always been and probably always will be. I need to better plan my menu and snacks so that I eat less carbs, and more healthy foods.

4. More veggies and fruits. Again, this is something that I need to plan better and more of. I'm not a huge veggie fan, but I do need to concentrate more on eating the veggies that I do like.

I've been sort of at a standstill for the past month or so, hovering between a 93-pound and a 97-pound weightloss. That 100-pound milestone is right around the corner, and I really would like to get there in January. What a wonderful way to start of 2010, wouldn't you think so?

Well, best wishes to you for a happy 2010. May the new year bring you whatever your little heart desires. Peace out!

Made it through turkey day without any problems...

I was, to say the least, really scared about Thanksgiving Dinner. After all, it was the first one with this new stomach of mine. I was afraid that I'd overeat and stuff myself to the gills and then regret it later in the day. Carbs, my downfall, would take over once again and I'd have to admit defeat. Or so I thought.

For the first time in 8 years, I was NOT cooking. My brother and his wife graciously offered to cook Thanksgiving dinner.

I will admit that I probably ate more carbs than I should have. Turkey. Stuffing. Mashed potatoes. Oh, and some of my homemade macaroni and cheese (my "big" contribution to the Thanksgiving feast). Should I have had green beans, maybe some peas, and less carbs? Sure. But this was Thanksgiving and I was sure as hell going to enjoy it with what I really wanted.

So, I fixed my plate with little helpings (probably half the size as last year's) of my favorites. I ate slowly and made sure that I chewed everything well. I am pleased to report that I had absolutely no problems. I felt full after dinner, but not busting at the seams like I have in years past.

I enjoyed the day, the company, and the good food (aka carbs) for just that one day. It just goes to show you that poor, unhealthy eating habits of the past don't always have to come back to bite you in the ass!

In the meantime, I was seaching my computer for something and came across this awful photo of me from April (right before my WLS). I posted a recent photo of me next to it just for comparison and holy crap. I almost didn't recognize myself. See for yourself.

BEFORE:



AFTER:



Wow, I really can't believe I ever let myself get to that point.

Anyway, that is the OLD me. I'm loving the NEW me and the healthy, normal lifestyle.

Until next time, peace out!

Slowly but surely...

It's been almost seven months since my WLS and I'm still trudging along strongly. I am down a total of 92 pounds and I've gone from a size 22/24 (or 26/28 in some shirts) down to a size 12/14. I've really slowed down a lot the last two months or so, which is to be expected of course.

My bloodwork at my six-month check-up was great -- no vitamin deficiencies or any issues to be concerned with. I've been really focusing on making sure I get all my vitamins in each and every day. Here is my typical vitamin schedule:

Morning

Flintstones Complete chewable vitamin
Vitamin D (1000 IU plus 117 mg calcium)
Citrical Calcium Citrate w/Vitamin D (500 IU vitamin D plus 400 mg calcium)
B12 sublingual dot (1-2 – 500 mcg each)
B-1 tablet (100 mg of B-1/thiamin and 80 mcg of calcium and 24 mg of phosphorus)

Dinnertime

Flintstones Complete chewable vitamin
Citrical Calcium Citrate w/Vitamin D (500 IU vitamin D plus 400 mg calcium)
B12 sublingual dot (1-2 – 500 mcg each)
Iron tablet (65 mg iron)
Biotin tablet (5,000 mcg of biotin w/ 132 mg calcium)
Fish oil softgel (1,200 mg)
Fiber Choice chewable tablet

I do need to talk to my nutritionist about the frequency and any vitamins that might counter each other, because a good friend told me that some of the vitamins that I'm taking might be negating each other. Have that on my "to do list."

Anyway, for the most part, I feel great. I've been getting back into my exercise routine (trying to get the YMCA 1-2 days/week for cardio and weightlifting) and doing the treadmill in my house 1-2 days/week. I'm really enjoying running on the treadmill, and who knows, maybe one of these days, I'll turn into a runner!

Here's a photo of my daughter and I that was taken recently:



Until next time, peace out and enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday!

Feeling Great Six Months Out!

It's been almost 6 months (actually next Friday, 10/30 will be) since my WLS. I have to say that I look and feel like a completely different person. During this journey, I have gone from a size 22/24 to a size 14 and I've lost a total of 88 pounds. I can't say it was easy. The first couple of weeks were very difficult and learning "how to eat" along the way has been a struggle.

Now that I'm almost six months out, I feel healthier than I ever have in my entire life. I'm very diligent with taking my vitamins each and every day, and I really think that has helped. I was never one (before WLS) to take vitamins on a regular basis. Now, it's just become part of my every day routine.

I'll be curious to see what my doctor says when I go for my six-month checkup at Barix next Tuesday. Hopefully, my bloodwork will come back all normal and there will be no concerns about anything. Like I said, I feel great and I'm having no issues with my food intake.

There are two things that I need to work on: water intake and exercise. I can see these two being a struggle for the rest of my life. They always have been for me. If I'm not thinking about it, I forget to drink my water. My hectic lifestyle (crazy busy full-time job and three young children) prevents me from getting in exercise on a regular basis. While I feel that I'm very active (much more than I was before WLS), I still feel that this is something I need to focus on. With the weather getting much colder and days shorter here on the East coast, it is very hard to do anything outdoors. I do have a treadmill in my rec room that I need to utilize, and I will try to focus on that throughout these winter months.

As for my food intake, I have found that I'm able to eat almost anything without any nasty issues. I am still very diligent in staying away from sugars and I check every single label still for the sugar content. I've found that I can splurge here and there on carbs (very rare) and I can treat myself to a piece of sugar-free candy -- and I'm very content. I really don't miss all the high-sugar foods and candies that I used to devour before WLS.

My weight is now 183 pounds (I'm 5'8", so I still have a few pounds that I'd like to lose). I haven't weighed this little since right before I got married 12 years ago. Other than the extra tire that I have around my mid-section (hey, what do you expect from three c-sections?), I am happy with my body. I love getting dressed each morning and I feel so much more active than ever before!

This was absolutely the best decision I've ever made in my life (next to marrying my wonderful husband). I am completely satisfied with the results and the jumpstart this WLS has given me on the rest of my life. I feel (and look) like a completely different person and I'm so excited about living my life in this new body.

For anyone thinking about this surgery, I can tell you that it can be a lifesaver and will completely change your life! However, don't expect it to be a miracle -- you have to work hard to make it work! WLS is just a tool to get you to where you want -- it is not a miracle cure. It will fix you physically, but it will not change what's up in your head!!!

Until next time, peace out!

A wonderful first...

It's been almost 6 months (and 85 pounds) since my WLS and I'm still experiencing those "firsts" every once and a while. Last night was a perfect example. I went to the Flyers home opener -- my first hockey game since losing the weight. I have to say what a delight it was putting on that Mike Richards jersey and not feeling like the Pillsbury Dough Boy stuffed in it. It was also a real treat to sit in my seat at the game and not feel like a sardine shoved in a can. The game was great (Flyers won in OT) and it was an overall great night!! (I was even able to eat a few Chickie & Pete's crab fries and cheese dip!).

This makes me realize how many more "firsts" I will have as I continue down this journey. Here are a few of the firsts that I've experienced in the last six months:

1. Fitting in a size LARGE sweater -- I don't think I've been in that size since high school!

2. Being able to shop for clothing in normal department stores and not just plus-size stores like Lane Bryant and Avenue.

3. Walking into meetings at work with people that I haven't seen for months, and watching their faces as they stare at me in misbelief.

4. Being able to walk up a few flights of stairs and not being out of breath.

5. Looking in the mirror and actually liking the reflection of what is looking back.

I'm sure there will be many more "firsts" and I look forward to experiencing them!

Until next time, peace out!!

Turning 40 this year was somewhat fun...

Well, I suppose that I'm over the hill now. I turned 40 a few weeks ago, and I have to say that I honestly don't feel mature enough to be 40. I'm still that same immature kid who enjoys going to Metallica concerts with my friends (and family members), spending countless hours playing on facebook, and downloading the latest tunes on my iPod/iPhone. I guess the old adage must be true: YOU ARE ONLY AS YOUNG AS YOU ACT!

Turning 40 for me this year was a lot easier because of how I feel and how I look as a result of my WLS. I feel like a new person (and some people have told me that I look like a new person). I suppose that made it easier to swallow hitting this big milestone of my life.

Last night, my friends and family threw a surprise belated 40th birthday party for me (and, ironically enough, also a surprise for my best friend Lisa who turns 40 today). Even though it wasn't a huge surprise for me that something was going on, it was a surprise when I walked into my own house and saw tons of family and friends there. My father took a few photos of the evening's festivities and, as I looked at them this morning, I really couldn't believe my eyes.

Here is a picture of my best friend (Lisa) and I five months ago:



Now, here's a photo of us both five months later after having WLS:



Combined, we've lost more than 130 pounds in just five short months! What an amazing way to restart our lives!! I think we'd both agree that it has been (and still will be) a long, hard journey, but it's been worth it all along the way.

Here's to us both -- looking good and feeling healthy as we turn 40 years old and start the next chapter in our lives! Happy birthday Lisa!

Until next time, peace out!

Four months out!

Wow, the last four months have flown right by. I can't believe that summer is already over and school is back in session (my kids started back today).

All this has given me the opportunity to reflect on my weightloss over the summer. I had my surgery on April 30, 2009 and weighed in at a whopping 271 pounds!! I look back at the pictures now and all I see is something that resembles the Staypuff Marshmallow Man!!! Seriously.

Anyway, we were taking photos this morning of the kids on their first day back at school. My daughter wanted to take a photo of me. In the past, I would have easily dismissed the idea and run hiding from the camera. For some reason, she caught me at an "off" moment this morning (not to mention that it was 7 a.m.). She snapped the photo and I didn't think anything of it until I came home from work and uploaded the photos. I was blown away. For the first time, I was looking at someone that I didn't know. I barely recognized myself.

See for yourself the transformation of me:



In just four short months, I've somehow managed to lose 81 pounds. I never even thought that was possible. This WLS has most definitely been an incredible journey for me, and I'm so damn grateful that I undertook this. I feel great, have a little more confidence, and feel much healthier than I ever have!

It was tough, but I made it through vacation!

I will say that it was very, very tough being away on vacation in the Outer Banks for a week. Tough because I couldn't control what I eat as much as I do when I'm home. I was limited with my food choices, especially because we went out to eat several times. I KNOW that I didn't get all my water and protein in every day. That's a given.

But, now that I'm home, I need to get myself back into the grind and back on schedule! I will say that I ate A LOT LESS than I ever have before on vacation. It was really nice to experiment with a few things (cheese ravioli, white pizza, pulled pork) and actually have them stay down. I'm still a little nervous when it comes to trying new things, especially when you're away from home.

I did get on the scale this morning and I actually managed to lose a couple pounds on vacation!! I guess I sweated them off in the heat and humidity on the Nags Head beach!

Here is a picture of my hubby and I (looking like lobsters) at dinner one night:



We really had a wonderful, relaxing time on vacation. I only wish it didn't have to end. Reality truly sucks!!!

Until next time, peace out!

First true test of the new me!

I am on vacation in the Outer Banks, NC. I consider this my first true test of my new eating habits. Being away from home and away from the convenience of cooking in my own kitchen, I was a little worried about going on vacation. We all know that vacation usually means splurging on foods that you typically wouldn't eat -- ice cream, cotton candy, french fries (especially with vinegar), etc. I was a little worried about having to eat "my" foods while the rest of my family splurges on the typical "vacation" foods. Would I be able to get enough protein in? How would I feel with them eating all the "junk" food?

I've been out to eat several times at home, but I'm usually able to check ahead all the nutritional information of wherever it is that we're going. Down here in the Outer Banks, I don't have that option. It's a little overwhelming and frightening...

We just got here yesterday. After unpacking and getting ourselves settled in, we decided to go out to dinner at a pizza/Italian restaurant. I figured that I'd be able to find something there. Even though it probably wasn't the healthiest option, I ordered a white pizza with ricotta cheese. I haven't gone the pasta route or the salad route yet...and I knew that white pizza at least had some protein in it. Needless to say, it was an incredible slice of pizza that I had (everything stayed down) and I was able to have a leftover slice for lunch today.

The house that we are staying in is stocked with a wonderful kitchen, so I'm going to cook dinner tonight and tomorrow night. I'll at least be able to control what I eat and what I put into it. Hopefully, I'll have an incident-free and enjoyable week here in the Outer Banks!!

Until next time, peace out!

I did it -- I'm in one-derland!!!

I'm finally here!!! For the first time in 12 years, I have finally made it to one-derland. Got on the scale this morning...and I was astonished to see 199 pounds!!! What a wonderful way to start my day. I have an extra bounce in my step this morning.

Now to set a new goal. My original end goal was 170 pounds. That means, I have 29 more pounds to go. I know I can get there, and maybe even beyond.

I'd have to say that my new goal is a commitment goal. I've been on-and-off with my exercise. My family life (three young children) and busy work schedule (working in communications for a school district) sometimes does not allow me to get to the gym. I've been trying to supplement gym visits with my treadmill. My goal is to workout in some way, shape, or form AT LEAST 3 TIMES PER WEEK!! I know that will help to turn some of these rolls and flab into more toned muscle.

Anyway, I'm feeling really good and wish you all luck in your endeavors. Whether you're reading this as a fellow WLS patient or just reading it because you know me and the blog email is forwarded to you, I wish you luck in whatever it is that you are striving for. With a little work and hard effort, you'll get there!! Just keep your chin up and your spirits high!!!

Until next time, peace out!

Reached a milestone...and another one's right around the corner!

Milestone #1: I fit into a size 14 today!!

Milestone #2 (almost there): I'm only 1.4 pounds away from being 200 pounds!

OK, now let me backtrack and tell the story. My mother and I went shopping tonight. Since this journey started for me, my clothes have been progressively getting bigger and bigger and I've had to "retire" many pairs of pants and tops. I went shopping earlier in the summer and picked up a few tops and pairs of capris for work, but that's it.

Right after my WLS, I was in size 22/24 pants and 26/28 tops. As soon as the weight started coming off, the sizes started going down. I seriously think I skipped over size 20 and went right into size 18. That's where I've been the past few weeks, until yesterday at work, someone pointed out that my capri pants were too big. I thought that my co-worker must be mistaken, because I had just bought the capris two months ago. When I really examined my legs, I thought "Yea, she's right." I was floating in the capris!

So, my mother and I went to Avenue and Ross tonight in search of some good finds. I didn't want to spend too much, since it's at the end of one season and I'll have to be buying long-sleeve tops and sweaters soon enough! I found a few bargains tonight...but the best news of all was that I was able to fit into a size 14 top and I bought this beautiful dress suit for work -- also in a size 14! I can honestly say that I haven't been in a size 14 since right after I got married -- 12 years ago!!! What an awesome feeling!!

OK, onto my second milestone. I had set a personal goal for myself to be under 200 pounds when I leave for vacation. Well, we leave for the Outer Banks next Sunday and when I got on the scale this morning, I was at 201.4. Only a pound and a half and I'll be in ONEDERLAND!!!! Again, that's a territory that I haven't ventured in since right after I got married 12 years ago.

Overall, I'm feeling really good right now. It's been more than 3 months since my WLS. The only problem that I'm having now is hair loss. Can't wait for that to stop. My only challenges now are making sure that I get enough protein and water each day. Some days, that is a challenge. Most days are alright, though.

Until next time, peace out!

Almost to Onederland!

OK, so I got on the scale this morning and had a big realization! Only 6 more pounds until "Onederland"! I will be under 200 pounds for the first time in over 12 years!!

I've set a small goal for myself -- to lose those 6 pounds before I leave for vacation on August 16th. That gives me three weeks -- two pounds a week. I think that's do-able, don't you?

I had an incident yesterday involving an orange, of all things. I am able to drink orange juice (50% reduced sugar from Tropicana) with no problem. For some reason, I was craving a real ice cold orange yesterday afternoon. So, I sliced it into four pieces and started sucking the juice out of them. I got through three quarters and then, all of a sudden, I got this shooting pain in my tummy. After about 10 minutes, I ended up having to force myself to throw up because I couldn't handle the pain anymore. I suppose that it was too much acid, but I certainly learned my lesson. No more oranges for me anytime soon!

I have my three-month checkup with my WLS doctor on Wednesday, so I'll see how things go. I do know that my potassium levels are still a little bit low, so I'm really trying to focus on eating more bananas and other foods high in potassium.

Here's a recipe that I'm going to try for dinner tomorrow night. The kids (and me) are looking forward to it:

Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie

1 lb. extra lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup Reduced Fat Bisquick®
1 cup skim milk
1/2 cup liquid egg substitute

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease 9” pie plate. Cook ground beef and onion in skillet until beef is brown; drain. Stir in salt. Spread in pie plate; sprinkle with cheese. Stir remaining ingredients in separate bowl until well mixed. Pour into pie plate. Bake for 25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Makes 6 servings.

NOTE: To reduce fat, use extra lean ground turkey in place of the ground beef.

Nutrition information per serving: 310 calories; 26 grams protein; 18 grams fat; 9 grams carbohydrate; 243 mg sodium; 205 mg calcium.

I will let you know how it comes out!

Have a great week!! Until next time, peace out!

This roller coaster is slowing down...

I can't believe that this Thursday will be 3 months since my weight loss surgery (WLS). Time has really flown by rather quickly. I will say that there were a few weeks where I wondered whether or not I did the right thing. But, once the stricture that I had was confirmed and Dr. Boe performed the endoscopy, things improved drastically and I once again KNEW that having this WLS was the right decision for me.

Weight isn't coming off as quickly as it was in the beginning, but that is to be expected. I can't say that I'm disappointed because I still feel great and I'm still losing about 1-2 pounds/week now. I think a lot of the slowdown is due to eating foods again (protein-rich foods) and also that I've been exercising and building muscle. It's a long process and I'm only 3 months out. It could take between 12-18 months to lose all my weight (still aiming for another 40-50 pounds).

I feel great and have been trying to exercise as regularly as I can (2-3 times/week is where I'm at now). I'd like to build upon that and make it 4-5 times/week. It's funny how much better a 30-minute workout goes on the treadmill when you are feeling good about yourself. Before surgery, it was such a chore walking/running on the treadmill. I had no motivation because that one 30-minute workout on the treadmill wasn't going to help me lose any weight. It was all so overwhelming to think about how much weight I really had to lose.

This WLS has given me a huge jumpstart -- not only on losing weight, but also on eating healthy and maintaining an active lifestyle. I think about what I'm putting in my mouth now. I try to eat foods that will give me the biggest bang for my buck: protein comes first always. Everything I put in my mouth has to have protein in it, or it's not worth it. I've gotten to love my protein-filled snacks of almonds, Greek yogurt, peanut butter crackers, etc.

Since things have been going well lately, I've been branching out and trying new things and new recipes. Cooking is fun once again, and so far, my family has enjoyed everything that I've cooked recently. Although I usually can only eat a bird's portion of dinner, it sure is nice being able to sit down with the family and enjoy dinner.

I've decided to post a new recipe that I try on each blog, so you can try it if interested. Here is a recipe for a yummy Chicken and Salsa dish that I've made twice for my family so far. It's so filling and goes perfect with some refried beans (extra protein!).

Chicken and Salsa

1 lb. Chicken breast, boneless, skinless
16 oz. salsa
2-15 oz. cans black beans, drained and rinsed
8 oz. cream cheese, fat free

Add chicken to a large frying pan. Add salsa, beans and cream cheese (cube cream cheese into small pieces). Heat on medium heat until warm and cream cheese has melted. You may need to add a little water (1-2 cups) if become too thick. Makes 6 small servings.

Nutrition Information Per Serving: 302 Calories; 29 grams Protein; 3 grams Fat; 28 grams Carbohydrate; 1291 mg Sodium.

So, if you try the recipe, let me know what you think by leaving a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

Until next time, peace out!

61 Pounds Down -- Photo

More than halfway there...

Today marks 11 weeks since my gastric bypass surgery. I really can't believe it's been that long. It seems like it was just last week that I was coming home from the hospital.

In those 11 weeks, I have lost a total of 61 pounds! I feel and look like a new person. I've gone down 4-5 sizes -- depending on the outfit.

Check out the pictures of my progress below:

I've been doing fine with my food intake and have had only two incidents of dumping (throwing up) since my endoscopy. I think both times were the result of eating too quickly and probably not chewing my food enough. Barix tells you to chew slowly and take three minutes in between each bite. That's a little unrealistic, but I do try to take my time.

I have also been focusing on my exercise. I joined the YMCA about a month and a half ago and I've been working out there as often as I can. Some weeks are more difficult than others, but I do try to do at least 30 minutes on my treadmill in the basement if I can't get to the YMCA. I'm starting to notice more definition in my arms and legs, but I still have a ways to go.

My biggest challenge right now is getting all of my protein in. I'm supposed to be getting 70 grams of protein/day. Unfortunately, I don't get it all in most days. Part of the problem is that I'm just not hungry in the afternoons and evenings. I eat a healthy breakfast (usually corn flakes, 1% milk, and sliced banana). But, come lunchtime, I just don't have an appetite. Dinner is worse. I try to supplement in between with snacks during the day (peanuts, crackers, fruit, etc.).

Because of the lack of protein and as a result of the surgery, I have started to lose my hair. This started about two weeks ago, and it has gotten really bad. I have noticed that my hair is really thin now. Even my husband noticed it last night. Nobody else has, but I fear that if it continues much longer, it will be REALLY noticeable. Hair loss is a common side effect after gastric bypass surgery, but I think my hair loss is heightened because of the problems I was having before my endoscopy. I'll hang in there, and hopefully it won't get much worse!

All in all, things are going well and I feel good. Hopefully, each day will get better and better...

Until next time, peace out!

Feeling human again...

After last week's episode with dehydration and then the endoscopy to fix my not-nearly-wide-enough pouch opening, I finally feel like I'm getting there. I literally feel like I have done a 180-degree turnaround. After weeks and weeks of feeling like crap, vomiting, not being able to tolerate much of anything, I am finally able to eat normal food again!!!

Let me tell you some of the wonderful foods that I have been able to partake in over the past three days: a sandwich of wheat toast and Healthy Choice oven roasted turkey; a scrumptuous beef and bean burrito; a homemade dinner of chicken made with salsa/cream cheese/black beans (great recipe, by the way); a delicious grilled cheese sandwich (along with a couple of french fries on the side); Kellogg's Corn Flakes; and the list goes on! Although I can't eat nearly as much as I used to be able to, it is such a delight to eat real food once again! I feel redeemed -- it was all worth it!!

It took me four days to lose that 5 pounds that I put on being in the hospital overnight last week (from dehydration). Wow, I never imagined that an IV could put that much into you in only 12 short hours! But, everything happens for a reason. I know what to expect if something like that ever happens again -- and if there is a next time, I won't wait as long as I did to call my doctor!

The hardest part for me now is to make sure that I get my 70 grams of protein in each day. This is especially important now as I've started to lose some hair. Hair loss is a side effect of weightloss surgery, but I just didn't expect it this early. Most patients don't start losing hair until between 3 and 4 months out -- I'm only 2 months out!!! I think it's intensified with me since I was having so many problems with getting my protein (and anything) in over the last few weeks.

Anyhow, I called my nutritionist today and she said I can take the GNC "Hair, Skin & Nail Formula" vitamins. I picked up two bottles tonight at GNC (they were buy one, get one free -- how nice!). The pill was a little hard to get down because it's larger than I'm supposed to be taking (after weightloss surgery, you are not supposed to eat anything bigger than an M&M). I might see if I can cut one in half tomorrow and see if that works!!!

OK, off to bed now -- long day ahead of me at work (at least a 14-hour work day as we have principal interviews tomorrow -- ugh!!). I'll post later in the week and hopefull things will still be going well!!!

It's been a strange 24 hours...

In my last blog entry, I think I talked about some of the problems that I've been having with keeping food and liquids down.

Well, I just got back from Barix/Langhorne. I had my first (and hopefully only) endoscopy with dilation. I'm 8 weeks out today, and my hole opening to my pouch had strunk down to only 4 mm (should have been 12 mm).

It started a few weeks ago when I'd eat something and occasionally throw up. It progressively got worse until this weekend when I was even having problems keeping water down. I finally called Barix on Monday and Dr. Boe had me come in for chest x-rays on Tuesday. The x-rays did reveal a blockage, and I was scheduled for an endoscopy next Tuesday.

Well, I threw up all night on Monday night (all I drank was a few sips of water) and I feared I was dehydrated. One call to Barix, and they had me come in yesterday for observation and a planned endoscopy. (The staff at Barix/Langhorne is so wonderful --- a huge "shout out" to all of them!).

Anyway, before the endoscopy yesterday, they drew blood and it turns out that my potassium and sodium levels were critically low -- Dr. Boe wouldn't do the endoscopy yesterday because of it. I was severly dehydrated. Seriously, I had no idea it was that bad. I was a little tired and feeling a little cranky, but wasn't lightheaded or dizzy or anything. I guess never having experienced dehydration, you don't know what to look for!!!

So, they admitted me last night and put me on double time on the IV (they poked me 5 times before finding a vein that would work -- that came from the severe dehydration). I slept on and off last night and woke up feeling like a new woman this morning!

Dr. Boe did the endoscopy this morning and I feel much better. Clear liquids for a day or two until everything heals, and then I can gradually reintroduce foods. All in all, this was a huge lesson for me: call your doctor the minute you feel like something's not right. And don't be afraid to speak up if you're feeling like things aren't happening fast enough for you. (I dread thinking how badly dehydrated I would have been if I would have waited until next Tuesday to go in for this endoscopy).

So, hopefully this pothole in my road to success has been fixed. There is a chance that I'd need another endoscopy if the hole shrinks again, but I'll be keeping my fingers crossed (cross your's for me too!).

If you want to see photos of what a stricture looks like (and you have a tough stomach), go to this website. This is another gastric bypass patient who seems to have had it much worse than me:

http://www.immafooker.com/blog/_archives/2005/12/18/1454873.html

Take care!

Another bump (or pothole) in the road...

OK, so I will be 8 weeks out on Thursday. By now, I should be able to eat many regular foods and have no problems drinking. HOWEVER, I've been having problems the last two weeks which have progressively gotten worse. This weekend was the worst and was my breaking point.

Even though I'm on a Pepcid prescription for acid reflux/heartburn, I started having severe acid reflux whenever I would eat anything. It wasn't that I was eating spicy foods. It was anything. The acid reflux would get so bad most times, that I'd end up throwing up.

Anyway, Sunday into Monday, it became the worst. I started getting acid reflux and vomiting after I'd drink even a few sips of water!!! Ridiculous, I know. I knew something was more than just wrong, so I finally called Barix yesterday.

I had to go in today for some chest x-rays and the barium test. The tests revealed that the opening to my pouch is too small -- the barium wasn't draining out of my pouch as quickly as it should have. Dr. Boe is having me come in next Tuesday for a scope. They will knock me out and then he will put a scope down my throat. If he can't get it through the opening to my pouch, then it has overhealed and that is the problem: the opening is too small and nothing can get down it! If that's the case, he will use a balloon-like device to enlarge the opening.

Officially, it's called a stricture and I've heard that 1 out of 10 gastric bypass patients get this. So, it's not very uncommon. Just very inconvenient and frustrating for me. Many people have to go back more than once to have this done, so I'm not sure that will be the end of it.

I'll say that I'm feeling a bout of depression all over again. I thought I was through the "rough times" and that I'd finally be able to sit down with family and eat a dinner. I guess that will all happen in time. I'll just try to hang in there until then...

6 weeks and counting...

It's been a while since I've blogged. Last week was just a crazy busy week at work and I really had no spare time. My diet really suffered for that. I didn't eat anywhere near what I should have been eating (protein-wise). That is my biggest hurdle right now...making sure I eat enough and enough of the right stuff. Honestly, I could go the entire day without eating anything...and not even realize it. It is a really weird feeling to NOT be hungry. I went so many years where all I did was think about what I was going to eat next. It's very different now.

I had my 6-week check-up last Tuesday. Everything went well. I met with Dr. Boe and the nutritionist. I do have to go in early July for some blood work (I can go to Quest or any local lab for that). They will check everything and send the results to my doctor. They'll be able to tell what kind of vitamins I'm deficient in, how my cholesterol is, etc.

The good news is that I'm down a total of 48 pounds! It's amazing how it just keeps falling off...a lot slower now, but that's a good thing! I can definitely tell in my face and my mid-section. I'm down now 4 sizes! What a great feeling that is!!! I'm also more active now. My family joined the local YMCA and we've gone to the pool now the past two Sundays. I actually got in and swam a few laps yesterday...how refreshing that was. I think even my kids were surprised to see me in the water. They got used to me being an inactive slug for the past few years. It was a great feeling to be in the pool with them!!

I'm looking forward to starting a regular fitness regime...tomorrow night, I'm heading into the Y's fitness center to try some light weights and maybe the elliptical. I also am looking forward to the large indoor track that they have at the Y. I can't wait!

As for my food intake, I'm still having problems finding what I can and cannot eat. I was massively craving a slice of pizza last week, so I tried eating a 1/2 slice. I got really bad acid reflux afterwards and ended up throwing up. This happens more often than not, and I really think that I'm just making poor choices. It's hard when you haven't eaten "real" food in so long (2 months now). It's like you have to learn to eat all over again!! I'm slowly but surely making progress.

Thankfully, my husband is a very patient man...he's put up with me all along the way without any complaints!!! It will all be worth it in the end, I'm sure of that!

Until next time, peace out!

On the up-swing of the roller coaster...

It's been a pretty good week. I've really not eaten as much as I should have (or tried to compensate with protein shakes). I think for the most part, it was the fear of food getting stuck again and then getting sick. That's a feeling I hope I never have to experience again. Oh, I'm sure that I will, but I will do whatever it takes to try to prevent it.

I've been able to eat a few soft foods this week: a meatball, baked ricotta (great recipe, by the way), oatmeal, chicken and cheese (from the inside of a chicken quesadilla), and mashed potatoes (my staple). Each day, I'm trying to experiment with something new. I'm really being conservative, I know, but I think that's for the best right now.

I go back to Barix on Tuesday morning for my 6-week check-up. They will draw blood and do other tests to make sure that everything is in order. I'm sure that I'll have some kind of vitamin and protein deficiency, but that is something that I will have to work on. I'm supposed to be taking my chewable multi-vitamins twice a day, but I rarely take the evening one. I know that's bad, but it's hard enough remembering to take the one in the morning. It's something I have to work on. There's a lot I have to work on, but I know that this is a work in progress. I can't expect everything to change overnight.

I'm over the depression part of things (I hope). I'm feeling pretty good actually. People are starting to compliment me and tell me how good I like. That's a great feeling. Most importantly, I feel good about myself. I'm really considering joining the YMCA or another local gym and starting an exercise program. I still get on my treadmill (not as much as I should, I know), but I would like to start supplementing with some light weight lifting. It will be hard to fit into my awfully busy schedule, but with summer coming and the kids activities dying down a bit, maybe I can do it. We'll see.

Anyway, we'll see what this weekend brings. So far, so good. Gotta work on that protein, though!

Living on the taters...

Well, I made it through a week of pureed foods...after my minor setup earlier this week. I basically lived off mashed potatoes because they go down easily and the thought of pureeing my dinner just doesn't sit well with me. Meatloaf of spaghetti through a blender just doesn't sound appetizing. I'd rather continue eating my mashed potatoes and getting additional protein in through my protein bullets.

I am so scared of the pain that I had last weekend and earlier this week. It was awful, and I really don't want to experience that again (if I can help it!).

It's getting very hard thinking about food these days. What I wouldn't give for a slice of sicilian pizza (just one slice, that's all!) or a couple of bites out of a chicken cheesesteak. They are the two foods that I'm craving...salivating over...lusting for!!! Hopefully, eventually, some day, I'll be able to enjoy those again...but the waiting is hard! Very hard.

That said, I'm overjoyed that I'm down 38 pounds. I can see and feel a difference in how my clothes feel and look. A few people at work have complimented me and said I look great! I definitely see a change in my face...I'm not so "puffy" anymore!

Two things I have to work one:

1. Getting my protein in. I'm supposed to be eating 70 grams of protein per day. I can honestly tell you that most days, I'm nowhere even close to that. I'm lucky some days if I get in 30-40 grams of protein. My nutritionist said not to worry about it, especially while I'm still on the pureed phase. I'm just worried that it will increase my hair loss in a few months. From what I understand, the lack of protein is what assists in your hair falling out!

2. Getting enough exercise. Since I went back to work a week after surgery, finding time for myself has become few and far between. I do walk on my treadmill a few times a week, but I really should be walking every day for at least 30 minutes. I know this will help increase my weightloss. I vow to make more of an effort starting this weekend. Seriously, I will.

OK, that's enough for now. I hope you all have a great weekend! Take care and peace out!

Taking a step backwards...

Well, as of tomorrow, I am 4-weeks out from gastric bypass surgery. It's been a fairly normal recovery (at least the surgery part of it). I went back to work after only one week. Not too many problems with that. However, the diet part of things is not going too well.

As of last Friday, Dr. Boe gave me to green light to move onto soft foods. I thought this was a little early, but was drooling for some real food, so I tried.

I've had a few successful meals (refried beans with ground beef, soups, etc.), but this weekend it all started getting bad. I've had four episodes where I've either had to make myself throw up or I've just thrown up. A few times, I think the food was actually stuck and the other times, I think it was severe acid reflux (I had a few small bites of strawberries covered in Splenda and another time had three bites of Wendy's chili).

Anyway, after a call to Dr. Boe and my nutritionist, I am back on pureed foods right now. My nutritionist said that Dr. Boe moves his patients along a little faster than other doctors, and that it would be best for me to go back to pureed foods.

I'm a little disappointed, frustrated, sad, irritable, depressed...you name the emotion, and I'm feeling it. I thought I was finally moving forward to soft foods...and hopefully back to some normalcy. This just totally sucks --even though I know it's the best thing to do. Gotta allow my body to heal before moving forward. It still sucks, though.

Sorry for complaining, but thanks for allowing me to get it all out! Peace out!

Some photos...

More than 25% there...

I'm slightly over 3 weeks post-surgery, and I'm down an incredible 35 pounds already! That's 25% of my weightloss goal! I feel really good about that, but not so good about how I got here!

I'm on soft foods right now, and to be quite honest, I'm having a hard time eating anything. I'm supposed to be eating 6 times/day and getting 64 ounces of fluids/day. I'm nowhere even close either of those. I'm constantly full and have been having issues lately when I do eat something. Sometimes, the food gets "stuck". The opening to my stomach is right now the size of an M&M. I don't know if I'm eating too quickly or not chewing enough. Once the food gets "stuck," anything I eat or drink for hours afterwards just gets "backed up". It's an awful feeling.

Because of this, I'm really scared to eat anything. I know I'm not getting enough protein in. I've been trying to supplement with those protein bullets, but again, I can't drink very much without my new stomach getting full. It's really, really hard.

I'm told that things will get better, and I really hope they do soon! I dream of the day when I can eat normally again...and partake in the picnics, celebrations, and birthday parties. It's rather depressing being left out of all these life celebrations!

On a positive note, I can't say that I've dropped a size, but all of my clothes now fit again...and they're a bit loose. I think before surgery, I was packing myself into clothes that really didn't fit. I probably looked like a cow!!!! It's nice to fit into clothes once again!!! I will continue to try to shrink my clothes in a dryer -- I really want to limit myself from buying new clothes for as long as possible.

I'm heading to a Memorial Day picnic today at my brother and sister-in-law's house. They're making Mexican food. She's going to make some ground beef with some cheese for me. Hopefully, that will go down well! It will be nice to partake in the celebration, but not having any of those yummy margaritas will be hard!!!!

Happy Memorial Day to everyone. Enjoy your celebrations and picnics!!

Until next time, peace out!

No more Egg Beaters for me...

I had my two-week checkup with Dr. Boe on Friday. Everything went well. I'm down 30 pounds since my pre-admission weigh-in. Of course, most of that is water weight and it's expected considering that I was on the liquid diet for almost four weeks!

I have to admit...it's hard remembering to eat. I could go almost an entire day without eating anything. I know it's not healthy, and I'm really NOT trying to do it. It's just that I'm so limited with what I can eat/drink now. My life is just as hectic now as it was before surgery. I was used to being able to just grab a sandwich on the go. Can't do that anymore. I have to actually plan ahead and figure out what I'm going to eat/drink.

Now that I'm on pureed foods, I can have oatmeal, cream of wheat, and any food (for the most part) as long as it's pureed through a blender. Of course, I still have to watch my sugar intake (less than 2 grams) and my fat intake. I'll be on the pureed foods until this Friday, when I'm able to move onto soft foods (ground meats, thicker soups, etc.).

Today, I had my first incident with food not "agreeing" with me. I scrambled some Egg Beaters and added some chopped ham and low-fat cheddar cheese. I was only able to get three bites in, when all of a sudden this sharp pain started in my stomach. It was like heartburn, only 10 times as painful. I couldn't eat anymore. I got up and walked around to try to alleviate the pain. It did subside after about 15 minutes, but it was hell for those 15 minutes. I think it was the ham that I put in the eggs. Although I made sure that it was under 2 grams of sugar, I think the fat content must have been too much. I confirmed it with one of the nurse's at Barix. However, it put such a bad "taste in my mouth" that I'm afraid to eat anything for a while. I think I'll just stick to my liquids tomorrow.

I will say that I think I'm a little depressed. Food was something that I used to (and hopefully still will someday) take pleasure in. I used to look forward to ordering pizza with the family on Friday nights and getting Dairy Queen every once and a while with the kids. Now, I feel like that pleasure has been taken away and replaced with this fear that anything I eat will make me sick.

I know I'm not even three weeks out from surgery, but I expected it to be a little better by now. Maybe today's egg incident put me in this mental state. Maybe the crazy busy weekend is making me feel this way. Either way, I'll head back to the drawing board tomorrow and try my hardest to get some protein in -- the liquid way. Maybe some soup at lunch. I'm just really feeling down right now...and missing all the foods that I used to enjoy. I know it will get better...I just hope it starts soon!

Until next time, peace out! :)

Things are going well...

OK, so this weekend was a really bad weekend. Had a ton of stuff to do with the kids and family. Mother's Day was the worst. We went to my brother and sister-in-law's house for a Mother's Day cookout. Let me tell you that the smell of those hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill was almost enough to make me crazy. Since I'm still on the liquid diet phase, I cannot eat anything. I get to indulge in sugar-free pudding/jello and soup (the broth only). It's been three weeks now, and it's getting kind of old. I'm definitely looking forward to my two-week checkup on Friday when I will be put on pureed foods (a slight step up).

It's all worth it though...as of yesterday, I was down 27 pounds. No complaints here. My only problem is that I'm still not getting all of the walking and proteins in. I know that this will be an ongoing problem for me with the crazed, busy life I lead. I need to make me a priority (that is the reason why I am in the situation I'm in - I never made ME a priority).

Today was my first full day back at the office. By full, I mean FULL. Nine hours in the office and then another three hours at a school board meeting. I am beat right now. Tomorrow will be better, but then Wednesday night is another repeat of tonight (another nighttime meeting in the office). Once I get through this week, things will be much better, I'm sure.

I feel great. No pain at all on my incisions (there never really was). No problems drinking anything. Like I said, just having problems getting in the protein and walking. I will work on that.

Anyway, off to bed now. I'm sleepy...peace out!

Back to the grind...

Well, I went back to work yesterday for a half-day and again today for a half-day. I went in during the morning, so I was able to come home in the afternoon and relax. It wasn't as bad as I expected. At least I know have the weekend.

I'm doing very well...surprisingly well for only 8 days post-op. I would have thought that I would have had more pain following surgery, but I stopped my pain meds on Monday night and haven't needed anything but a Tylenol only once since.

I go back next Friday for my two-week checkup. I should be given the green-light then to move up to pureed foods...whoopie! At least I can eat applesauce and cream of wheat. Anything that I'll be able to chew or at least feel like I'm eating something instead of just drinking. Including the 10-day pre-op liquid diet that my doctor put me on, it's been three whole weeks since I've actually been able to eat anything...three weeks!!!

As of yesterday morning, I was down 22 pounds since my pre-surgery weight on April 15th (the day of my pre-admission testing). Not bad for three weeks (knowing most of this was water weight).

Anyway, all's well right now...will post more later!! Peace out...

This rainy weather is adding to the depressed state...

Not that I'm depressed or anything. But, we've had rain here in Pennsylvania for a week straight. Right about the time I went in for surgery, it started raining. Is that Mother Nature's way of letting me off the hook so I can heal at home without feeling like I need to be outside doing something? LOL!

Anyway, each day is getting better. I can't wait until I can finally have some food with consistency. I've been on a liquid diet (both pre-surgery and post-surgery) since April 20th. I'm wondering if the muscles inside my mouth are going to know what to do when I can finally chew something again!

I've been walking on my treadmill (since the rain is keeping me locked indoors) for about 10-20 minutes a day. I know it's not a lot, but it's a start. I am really looking forward to when I can head outside for a nice, brisk walk in the beautiful springtime weather.

I'm doing rather well at getting in my fluids in, I think. My tummy gets full very quickly, but I am constantly sipping. One weird phenomenon is when I go to bed at night. When I lay flat in bed, it seems that some of the leftover fluid in my tummy backs out into my esophagus. It doesn't hurt or anything, just feels strange. Almost as if my esophagus is constricting or something.

Anyway, I'm pretty much living off of sugar-free popsicles, sugar-free jello and pudding, chicken broth, decaffeinated tea (peppermint is my new found favorite), and an occasional protein drink. I'm pretty sure I'm getting in my required 64 ounces of liquids, but I know that I'm not getting in the required 70 grams of protein a day. That's something I will work on for the rest of the week.

Speaking of the rest of the week, I am going to try to go back to work for a half-day on Thursday. I've been doing a few hours of work a day on the computer. It keeps me busy since I'm cooped up in the house because of the rainy weather. I also re-organized my pantry today and sorted all of my canned goods. Hopefully, I can get another project done tomorrow before heading back into the grind. I'm not going to rush it, but I'm not in any pain so I figured I'd try to go back for a few hours a day.

Until next time...

Feeling human again...

Today was my first day home all by myself. Hubby was at work. Kids were at school. I have to say -- it was nice! I took a 3-hour nap, got a load of wash done, and did 6 minutes on the treadmill (very slow, mind you). It was a rainy, dreary Monday here in Pennsylvania. Just perfect for lounging around and doing nothing.

My incisions don't hurt at all (unless I bend in an odd way). My stomach makes all sorts of weird rumblings throughout the day. Not really hunger pains. Probably just re-adjusting itself to what I drink.

Speaking of drink, I'm on a 2-week liquid diet to allow my stomach to heal. I'm having a really hard time getting my protein in. It's hard enough getting the water in. I bought some of the Special K protein water and I'm going to try that. I've tried adding the no-flavor protein mix into soup, but it ruins the soup. Right now, I don't have much to look forward to with regards to what I eat/drink, so I don't want to spoil everything. I'm going to try another protein shake tonight and hope that I can tolerate that.

I'm hoping to go back to work on Thursday (maybe even Wednesday for a half-day). I really feel good. I know myself too well -- this boredom will slowly eat away at me. I don't want to rush back into the grind, but figure I can do a half-day to start off and then see how it goes!

Until next time...

Back in the land of the living...

Well, I came home from the hospital today...two days after gastric bypass surgery. I feel OK - have a low-grade fever probably from the shock to my system. I basically feel run-down. Not too much pain in the incisions (it was done laporoscopically, so I have six small incisions on my abdomen).

I have to walk a lot to prevent the blod clots and to encourage my body to heal. Since I'm not up yet for going outside, I find myself doing a loop inside my house - through the kitchen, living room, and dining room. My son looks at me like I'm crazy. I just chuckle.

I know it's important to get the water and liquids in, but I am not hungry at all. I figure that today was an exception...I know I won't get the full 64 ounces in . Tomorrow, I will try my hardest. It's such a weird feeling NOT being hungry.

As for the surgery itself, I have to give a huge shout-out to the staff at Barix Clinics in Langhorne. The nurses were incredibly wonderful and accommodating. They made me feel right at home.

Here's a brief recap of my surgery for those of you reading this who are scheduled for surgery. Maybe this will help.

Thursday, 4/30

8:15 a.m. - My husband and I arrive at Barix and sign in. I had to wait almost an hour and a half in the waiting room before they came and took me back to pre-op. I will say that was a bit frustrating. Never keep a patient about to have surgery waiting. As if I wasn't nervous already!

9:50 a.m. - Melissa (wonderful nurse in pre-op) preps me for surgery: has me dress in the wonderful robe and hair bonnet, puts in the IV, gives me something to drink to reduce the acid in my tummy, and tells me funny stories to keep me in good spirits. The anesthesia guys come in, I sign some papers, and they put something into my IV. That is all I remember.

Sometime around 1 p.m. - The nurses are trying to wake me up in recovery. I remember them yelling my name and trying to shake my shoulders gently. My body didn't want to come out of the anesthesia, but it finally did.

Sometime later (no idea what time) - I gradually wake up in my room. My hubby is standing there with a nurse or two. They try to get me to do the breathing machine, but I'm still out of it.

Later that afternoon - I am suffering from some pretty severe pain below my breast plate - didn't know if it was gas already or what. Found out later it was my stomach spasming. It was awful. I felt like I was going through labor in childbirth all over again. I cried...and I cried...and I moaned...nothing was helping. I think they got me up to walk and I recall doing a 1/2 lap around the floor. That took so much energy! The pain hurt so bad...none of the medicine was helping.

4:30 p.m. - I remember sitting in the chair in my room (they wouldn't let me back in bed at this point) and crying from the pain. My hubby was standing there, and all I remember is crying for my mother (how silly, I know). It's amazing that at 39 years old, all I wanted was my mother!

5:30 p.m. (or so) - My mom and dad arrived and that made me feel so much better. The pain was still there. I remember walking the floor with them a few times, and then coming back to my room and they let me get back into bed again. I think about 7:30 p.m., I dozed off. Before going to la-la land, I told my hubby and parents that they should leave and go get some dinner!

Somewhere about 8:00 p.m. - One of the nurses came in and gave me a shot of dilaudid in my leg (I think). That was what was in my machine, but it was such a small dose, that every time I hit the button, it didn't really help. I couldn't have morphine or demerol like most patients because both of those made me throw up after my c-sections. Within 20 minutes of getting that shot of dilaudid, the stomach spasms felt a little better and I was able to go to sleep. That was wonderful. I slept like a baby for a few hours.

The nurses woke me through the night every 2-3 hours to check my vitals and to help me walk a few laps. I didn't get much sleep on Thursday night...it was all intermittent.

Friday, 5/1

6:30 a.m. - After doing a few laps, I called my mom and woke her up to tell her I was feeling much better. I knew she'd be worried after all the pain I was in on Thursday night.

For the rest of my stay at Barix, I walked and sipped water, tea, and chicken broth. Like I said, the nurses were incredible! I had a beautiful private room all to myself, so it was so quiet!

I'm off from work this week, so I will get plenty of rest, do lots of walking, and start getting all my fluids in. I'll write more later in the week...

Day ten...now onto the hard stuff!

Wednesday - Day Ten of Pre-Surgery Liquid Diet:

I made it...whew!!! I can't believe I made it through 10 days of this liquid diet. I had visions of a chicken cheesesteak and french fries dancing through my head today at work. Seriously. It was pathetic.

Tomorrow is surgery. I can't believe it's here. It's been a long and short journey all at the same time! I have to be at Barix at 8:15 a.m., so my hubby and I are leaving here about 7:00 a.m. It will probably a long and restless night.

This time tomorrow, I'll be either sleeping or walking around the hospital. I've been told that the nurses get you up about four hours after surgery and get you walking. This helps to prevent blood clots and also helps your body recover from the anesthesia. It will be fun, I'm sure!

Here's a disgusting photo of me last weekend. It will be fun to look back on this later.

(Wow, did I really look THAT bad?)

OK, I'm off to finish packing my last couple of items. I will write again when I'm able...hopefully in a few days!!! Peace out!

Nine down...one to go...

Tuesday - Day Nine of Pre-Surgery Liquid Diet:

So, you'd figure that after nine days on this liquid diet, that I would be used to not eating food. I can assure you that is NOT the case. The last couple of days, I have found that food is all I think about. I feel like a ravenous lion anxiously waiting for its next meal.

As I type this, my kids are sitting next to me at the dinner table eating cheeseburgers for dinner. I tried a vegetarian diet last summer, which eventually turned into a no-beef diet. So, I haven't really had any beef in about a year. Let me tell you...those cheeseburgers that they're eating look as heavenly as anything I've ever seen before. I must look so pitiful to them as I watch them eat.

OK, off the food kick and onto some good news! I go my time for surgery today. I have to be at Barix at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday morning. At least it's not too early. It's still an hour away, but not before the cows wake up. I have lots of help from my family and friends while I'm in the hospital. I'm so grateful to have such a wonderful support system.

I'm ready for this...both mentally and physically. A couple of people at work asked me today if I was getting nervous, and I said "no." I really don't feel any trepidation over this. The thing that scares me the most is being able to adjust to the dietary changes that I have in store. I know I'll be able to adjust, but it's like the fear of the unknown. Not knowing what foods my body won't be able to tolerate. Not knowing if I'll experience dumping syndrome. Not knowing if I'll have any complications.

I guess this will be another one of life's lessons. Live and learn.

Until next time...

Day eight...made it through, but barely!

Monday - Day Eight of Pre-Surgery Liquid Diet:

First, let me start off with a brief recap of yesterday. I attended a surprise birthday party for my brother and the place was filled with food! Everything I crave...but mostly my mom's pulled pork sandwiches. Oh, it was really (and I mean really) tough. I had thoughts of sneaking a little fork-full while nobody was looking, but I held back the beast within. I suffered through the day on just water...and a protein drink earlier on to help subside the hunger.

Now, onto today. Just a routine day at work. Kept myself busy so that the hunger wouldn't bother me as much. Now that I'm on day eight, I have to admit that the protein shakes are getting old. I mean, really old. To the point that I don't want to bother with them anymore. I know that this is wrong because I know that I'm not getting enough protein in. But, I just don't care anymore. I'm making dinner for my family right now and evil thoughts keep running through my head...one little french fry won't hurt, right?...just a little bite of chicken...it can't be that bad for me, right???

I know, I know...I have to stay strong. To make it through eight days of this liquid diet and then blow it now would be awful! I'll just suffer through dinner with my sugar-free hot chocolate and try to mix some protein powder in. Blach.

I'm so glad that I won't be hungry right after the surgery because this is killing me!

OK, off to feed my family...and drown my sorrows in my mug of sugar-free hot chocolate.

Until next time...

Day 7...still surviving!

Sunday - Day Seven of Pre-Surgery Liquid Diet:

OK, so I made it through the banquet last night. I purposely showed up late (hoping to time it so that the dinner part would be over - they were serving roast beef and turkey and I knew that would be hard!). Unfortunately, I got there just as they were serving dessert -- apple pie with vanilla ice creeam. Surprisingly, that wasn't too difficult. I didn't crave the sweets at all. I had no problem making it through the banquet with only chugging my water.

Now, this afternoon will be a real challenge. I have to go to a birthday party where there will be tons of food. My weakness will be my mom's homemade pulled pork with fresh bakery rolls. I don't know if I've told you that I'm a complete carb addict. That will drive me crazy. I'll have to hang out outside for the whole day just to stay away from the smell.

After today, I'll have three more days of work and then surgery! They are three busy days in the office, so I'm sure that time will fly! Before I know it, I'll be lying in that recovery room on the way to a new life.

I'm not really nervous (yet) about the surgery. Just nervous about what life will be like afterwards. What food will I be able to tolerate? Will I experience dumping syndrome? How quickly or slowly will the weight drop? Lots to think about, but let me get through Thursday first!

Until tomorrow...

Start of day six...have to share!!!

Saturday - Day Six of Pre-Surgery Liquid Diet:

Good morning! I know it's still morning and I haven't really made it through the full day yet, but I just had to share!! I got on the scale this morning when I got up and was blown away. Since starting this liquid diet only five days ago, I've lost a total of...get this...you won't believe it...
10 POUNDS!!!!!

That's 10 pounds in only five days!!! I know most of it is water weight, but I was tickled pink when I saw it! What an incredible way to start my weekened!!!

I'll write more later...especially after tonight's banquet that I have to attend. I'm sure it will be hard, but I've got fuel to light my fire now! Woohoo!!!!

Day five...halfway there!

Friday - Day Five of Pre-Surgery Liquid Diet:

Well, I've made it through five days of this liquid diet. I've found that as long as I keep myself busy, I'm fine. I've lost 6-7 pounds so far, so I know I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.

Surprisingly enough, my energy levels are pretty high and I've been sleeping rather well (except for the middle-of-the-night bathroom trips). I've been waking up somewhat cheery (which is not normal for me). I'm usually pretty grumpy in the morning and have a hard time dragging my sorry ass out of bed. Maybe it's getting easier because I have something to look forward to?

I've found that the protein bullets - liquid whey (https://barixclinicsstore.3dcartstores.com/New-Whey-42-Single-Serving_p_19.html) are helping me the most. They are fast and convenient. However, I have heard that I might not be able to tolerate them after surgery. They are like drinking coke syrup - very sweet and the real thick consistency. However, they've worked for me during this pre-surgery liquid diet, so I'm grateful. I cannot tolerate the protein powder drinks. I've tried several -- I'd rather not drink anything than drink those. I'm trying very hard to get my 70 grams of protein in each day, but some days I know I fall short.

Now, onto this weekend. This will be very challenging for me. I have a banquet tomorrow night and a birthday party on Sunday. I've made an excuse for the banquet and will be showing up late (conveniently right after everyone is done eating dinner). The birthday party on Sunday will be a little more difficult. There will be tons of food there, and hard to stay away from. I guess I will just have to hang out on the deck all day (and maybe leave a little early).

I'm halfway there and not willing to give in now. It will be worth it in the end. All of my friends on the Barix boards have told me that this pre-surgery liquid diet pays off in the end. It makes it easier for the surgeon to get to your liver (since it will have shrunk over the ten days due to the limited fat intake). Also, I know what to expect now after surgery. Everyone tells me that I won't WANT to eat after surgery and that I'll have to force myself to get the protein in. It's hard to believe, but I guess we'll see!

OK, off to start dinner for my family. I'm going to head out when they sit down to eat. I have some shopping to do, so I'll make the most of my time!

Peace out! :)

Day four...going strong!

Thursday - Day Four of Pre-Surgery Liquid Diet:

Things have gone pretty well today. I've been extremely busy at work. I was running this morning to a few of my school buildings, so that helped to keep my mind off of things.

I've had some stomach grumblings, but nothing too serious that a sugar-free jello or sugar-free pudding can't help subside. I've been drinking all my water (and hitting the ladies room every couple of hours -- including the regular 4:30 a.m. trip in the middle of the night).

I have to say it is still hard being around food. For instance, someone put out meatballs and hot roast beef for sandwiches today at lunchtime. Making dinner tonight for the family was also hard. Just the smell bothers me!

But, I have to say that I think I'm over the psychological addiction to food. Maybe I'm kidding myself, but I don't feel the need to graze on food when I'm stressed or bored. I feel very energetic, which surprises me with the limited liquid diet.

I was very, very tired the first two days - mostly from the caffeine and sugar withdrawal, I'd imagine. The third and fourth days, I've had lots of energy. Surprising. I'm not sure where it's coming from. Maybe my body is applauding the cleansing of all the bad stuff. Maybe?

Anyway, this weekend will surely be difficult as I have a banquet on Saturday and a birthday party on Sunday. Both events, of course, are planned around food. I will have to respectfully excuse myself from being around food, and take plenty of protein drinks and water with me!

One week to go...by this time next week, I'll hopefully be resting in my hospital room (or walking the halls).

Goodnight, all!

Working on day three...not bad so far!!!

Wednesday - Day Three of Pre-Surgery Liquid Diet:

Well, hump day is here and I think I may be over that hump! The caffeine and sugar withdrawal hump, I mean!

The headache has subsided and I actually feel pretty good. Not as good as after eating a chicken cheesesteak, mind you, but I'm definitely feeling energetic. I don't know how. A diet of chicken broth, water, sugar-free jello, water, and sugar-free pudding isn't that energizing. I'm trying protein shakes and protein shots here and there, but they're not the greatest!

I went to the grocery store at lunch today for the first time this week. I have to say that it was a little hard around the bread and deli aisles, but I survived! I had to pick up some sugar-free hot chocolate and more sugar-free pudding. They are my treats. Oh, and the sugar-free popsicles are a nice treat at night (as long as my kids don't eat them all!).

I was thinking today about how for the most of my life, food has been the center of pretty much everything I do. I usually start thinking about lunch by 9:15 a.m. Dinner plans usually start right after lunch. Food has always been on my mind. I'm looking forward to being able to live a life where food IS NOT always on my mind. Where food is not always the center of events. Hopefully, the new "me" will adjust to this new lifestyle!

Anyway, I'm just glad that I made it through another day (well, almost) on this liquid diet. Three down, seven to go.

Peace out!

Two down...I'm on a roll...

Tuesday - Day Two of Pre-Surgery Liquid Diet:

Two days down on this ten-day liquid diet. That's two days that I will try hard to forget. The headache from caffeine and sugar withdrawal is still there, but I feel a tad better than I did yesterday. That first day was a big blur. I felt horrible all day long and was home in bed early last night.

Today was a busy day at work, so I didn't really think about eating. The sugar-free jello and sugar-free pudding are a nice pick-me-up.

It's absolutely amazing when you can't eat...it's then that you realize how much of our lives surround food. Everything from lunch at the office to birthday parties with the family. I know that will be part of this whole process is to learn that food does not have to be the center of everything I do.

Anyway, tomorrow is another day. I'm like a little kid when I drink the protein drinks...I haven't found one that I can tolerate, so I hold my nose or chug it down and then chase it with a glass of water.

I have been drinking all of my water, which is very not like me. It's getting annoying with a trip to the bathroom every single hour at work. Oh well, it's all part of the bigger plan! It will all be worth it in the end.

I am really looking forward to after surgery when I'm able to be up and around, getting my walking in, and just get back to being normal. The weather is starting to turn nicer, so I'm really looking forward to walking with my kids.

Until next time...

One down, nine to go...

Monday - Day One of Pre-Surgery Liquid Diet:

Today was my first day of the 10-day pre-surgery liquid diet. This is required by my doctor to lose a few pounds before surgery and also to help shrink your liver before surgery (since it's done laproscopically, they want your liver smaller to make things easier to move around inside).

I have to say that the hunger part of this liquid diet is OK after the first day. It's the caffeine withdrawal that I'm fighting. I've had a massive headache all day long. My body is used to the cup of coffee in the morning and the Coke at lunch - every day! I really hadn't anticipated this to be a problem. If I would have thought of it, I would have stopped caffeine last week and dealt with it then.

I can't tell you how horrible I feel right now with this headache. I just want to crawl under the covers, close my eyes, and go to sleep. Tylenol has subsided it briefly, but it comes right back.

Anyway, I've tried two protein shakes so far (Matrix Roadside Lemonade and Fuzzy Navel). Can't say I loved them. I couldn't even finish the lemonade one. The consistency made me gag. And the aftertaste is awful!

It's going to be a long 9 days until surgery. I know I'll make it, but I'm sure I'll be a miserable basket case until then!

More to come...stay tuned!