I can't believe I forgot to mention this in my previous post - but here is a WOW moment for me:
I am no longer taking medication to control diabetes! That's right, my blood sugar is completely under control since surgery.
Other WOW moments:
I've also finished my writing class, which I made A's on all quizzes and the final, plus my short story piece got very nice reviews from collegues and the instructor.
Rosco and I walked today and it was the first time we have walked that route and I haven't come inside and needed to immediately sit down to catch my breath.
I wake up happy each day, knowing I am on the road to weight loss. Look out 200 pounds, I'll be crashing your door down soon enough!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Surgery is Done!
Well, it's now Friday night/Saturday morning and I am home from the hospital and recuperating. Surgery went very well. When I got on the scale the final time before surgery I had lost a total of 17 pounds since starting liquids. That's pretty good for 4 weeks I reckon.
The last thing I remember about the surgery room is them telling me they were going to give me the anesthesia. OK...boom...I was out. I remember waking up in recovery and felt like I was fighting to take a breath. I needed my glasses, finally they got them for me and I was good to go. Then the next thing I remember is feeling like someone had left a pile of bricks on my chest. And I couldn't say much because my mouth was so dry I couldn't form words. The old saying "cottonmouth" didn't seem to do it justice, I was sure there was enough "cotton" to keep a southern estate in business for at least another decade.
When I got to my room, my Aunt Becky and Uncle Mike were there along with my BF, Anne-Marie. I barely remember saying much because I was so out of it. Everyone let me sleep and sleep I did.
That evening I got up and walked the halls, two times, yeah! I had trouble sleeping in the bed between the sweating and my back so I ended up sleeping in the chair, which was wonderful. I never got more than an hour at a time since they came in all night to check blood pressure, temperature, blood sugar, and give me Heparin (a blood thinner) so I wouldn't get clots.
Friday I was feeling much better and able to move around. Still very sore and tired but the cottonmouth was improving long with the sore throat from having the breathing tube in during the surgery.
I'm going on back to sleep now, thanks to everyone for their support!
The last thing I remember about the surgery room is them telling me they were going to give me the anesthesia. OK...boom...I was out. I remember waking up in recovery and felt like I was fighting to take a breath. I needed my glasses, finally they got them for me and I was good to go. Then the next thing I remember is feeling like someone had left a pile of bricks on my chest. And I couldn't say much because my mouth was so dry I couldn't form words. The old saying "cottonmouth" didn't seem to do it justice, I was sure there was enough "cotton" to keep a southern estate in business for at least another decade.
When I got to my room, my Aunt Becky and Uncle Mike were there along with my BF, Anne-Marie. I barely remember saying much because I was so out of it. Everyone let me sleep and sleep I did.
That evening I got up and walked the halls, two times, yeah! I had trouble sleeping in the bed between the sweating and my back so I ended up sleeping in the chair, which was wonderful. I never got more than an hour at a time since they came in all night to check blood pressure, temperature, blood sugar, and give me Heparin (a blood thinner) so I wouldn't get clots.
Friday I was feeling much better and able to move around. Still very sore and tired but the cottonmouth was improving long with the sore throat from having the breathing tube in during the surgery.
I'm going on back to sleep now, thanks to everyone for their support!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tomorrow is the Day!
Well I have finally made it to the day before surgery. I am so excited I can barely stand it. Work was a bit rough trying to make sure I had everything covered before going out on leave. Plus, I have to do my lesson today for the on-line writing class I have been taking and make sure I have a nice clean house to come home too. So much to do.
Anyway, I am up to 16.5 pounds lost since starting the liquids. I was hoping for more but it is what it is. Hopefully there won't be any complications and they can maneuver around my liver.
Originally I was scheduled to be there at 7:45 but they changed it today and now I have to be there at 6:00 a.m. Anne-Marie wasn't very excited either cause that means a 5:30 a.m. pick up time to be sure I get there timely. Oh well, she can sleep there. Surgery starts at 7:30 and I hope to be in recovery by 9:00.
I've had great support from everyone including family, friends and co-workers. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people. Thank you everyone. I'll post updates on how I am doing as soon as I can.
Anyway, I am up to 16.5 pounds lost since starting the liquids. I was hoping for more but it is what it is. Hopefully there won't be any complications and they can maneuver around my liver.
Originally I was scheduled to be there at 7:45 but they changed it today and now I have to be there at 6:00 a.m. Anne-Marie wasn't very excited either cause that means a 5:30 a.m. pick up time to be sure I get there timely. Oh well, she can sleep there. Surgery starts at 7:30 and I hope to be in recovery by 9:00.
I've had great support from everyone including family, friends and co-workers. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people. Thank you everyone. I'll post updates on how I am doing as soon as I can.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Pre-Op Appointment
It's only 10 more days until my surgery, which means today I saw the doctor and the surgery team for my pre-op visit/clearance. First up, what else height and weight. I knew I had lost some weight just from all the liquids but I wasn't prepared for the 12.2 pounds I had lost. How exciting is that?!? Even better, I grew an inch coming in at 5'7" now.
I was elated to get this news and just knew I was going to have a great day. So after meeting with the doctor, getting my picture made and signing all the consents I went to have lunch with my Aunt Margaret, who also there for her appointment. It was a nice surprise to see her. We had Chinese so she could eat normal and I could have a broth soup.
Then back to the hospital for the surgical interview portion of the program. This is where you get poked and prodded. Apparently I was going to get poked and prodded more than the normal folks. I had to fill up 5 vials of blood, pee in a cup, and talk with the anesthesiologist. Hoping I was done I learned I then had to go over to the outpatient center for a chest x-ray and ABG (blood gas). Goodness, it was 4:00 when I got over there.
They decided to do the blood gas first and so started with my left wrist. After poking around it for 5 minutes and not hitting the artery she moved to my right wrist. When that still didn't work she moved back to the inside of my left elbow. OUCH is the word of the day. These sticks hurt cause they are deep. Finally she got it and then sent me on for my chest x-ray which took less time to snap than it did for me to change into the gown.
I finally finished at 5:30 with everything done and ready to go. Plus, I lost 12.2 pounds!!!
I was elated to get this news and just knew I was going to have a great day. So after meeting with the doctor, getting my picture made and signing all the consents I went to have lunch with my Aunt Margaret, who also there for her appointment. It was a nice surprise to see her. We had Chinese so she could eat normal and I could have a broth soup.
Then back to the hospital for the surgical interview portion of the program. This is where you get poked and prodded. Apparently I was going to get poked and prodded more than the normal folks. I had to fill up 5 vials of blood, pee in a cup, and talk with the anesthesiologist. Hoping I was done I learned I then had to go over to the outpatient center for a chest x-ray and ABG (blood gas). Goodness, it was 4:00 when I got over there.
They decided to do the blood gas first and so started with my left wrist. After poking around it for 5 minutes and not hitting the artery she moved to my right wrist. When that still didn't work she moved back to the inside of my left elbow. OUCH is the word of the day. These sticks hurt cause they are deep. Finally she got it and then sent me on for my chest x-ray which took less time to snap than it did for me to change into the gown.
I finally finished at 5:30 with everything done and ready to go. Plus, I lost 12.2 pounds!!!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Liquid Only - Day 3
OK, day three and I haven't died yet. Maybe I can do this. I even passed a true test today. I went to Sam's Club.
Andrew had originally said he would do the liquid only with me at dinner, but he has balked on that every day opting for peanut butter sandwiches instead. Fine, at least there is no cooking in the house and he isn't asking me to go get him a burger. But he is out of peanut butter now and we needed more bread and I wanted some more of those Fuze drinks. So off I went.
I told myself all the way there, no matter what was on sale, stick to the list. Avoid the urge to buy whatever you see, because after all I am hungry. Don't browse, get in and get out. No taste testing whatever they are heating up. I repeated this to myself all the way into the store.
I got the bread, the White Cheddar Cheeze-Its, and some cashews for Andrew, all while practicing my "no thank-you" to all the offers of those wanting me to try whatever they had made. Of course all the candy was on sale for Halloween so I bought what I don't like and therefore won't eat, while quietly avoiding the apple and caramel dipping station. I got my Fuze water and found some muffins Andrew likes, skating by the Red Baron pizza table, which smelled delicious. Then I threw a 12 pack of sugar-free gum in my cart and raced to the check-out.
I was back in my car barely 20 minutes after entering the store and most of that time was spent in the checkout. I felt great for avoiding temptation and my wallet was relieved as well when I left the store. Not sure I have ever spent less than $100 in Sam's but today I did and it was fabulous! Sadly I forgot the peanut butter so I have to go to the regular grocery tomorrow. Dammit!
Andrew had originally said he would do the liquid only with me at dinner, but he has balked on that every day opting for peanut butter sandwiches instead. Fine, at least there is no cooking in the house and he isn't asking me to go get him a burger. But he is out of peanut butter now and we needed more bread and I wanted some more of those Fuze drinks. So off I went.
I told myself all the way there, no matter what was on sale, stick to the list. Avoid the urge to buy whatever you see, because after all I am hungry. Don't browse, get in and get out. No taste testing whatever they are heating up. I repeated this to myself all the way into the store.
I got the bread, the White Cheddar Cheeze-Its, and some cashews for Andrew, all while practicing my "no thank-you" to all the offers of those wanting me to try whatever they had made. Of course all the candy was on sale for Halloween so I bought what I don't like and therefore won't eat, while quietly avoiding the apple and caramel dipping station. I got my Fuze water and found some muffins Andrew likes, skating by the Red Baron pizza table, which smelled delicious. Then I threw a 12 pack of sugar-free gum in my cart and raced to the check-out.
I was back in my car barely 20 minutes after entering the store and most of that time was spent in the checkout. I felt great for avoiding temptation and my wallet was relieved as well when I left the store. Not sure I have ever spent less than $100 in Sam's but today I did and it was fabulous! Sadly I forgot the peanut butter so I have to go to the regular grocery tomorrow. Dammit!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Liquid Only - Day 1
So today marks two weeks until my surgery which is great, but it also means I start the all liquid diet, which is not so great. Here's how the day went...
Breakfast- mix up a shake, no problem, been doing this for two weeks already, got breakfast down pat.
Get to the office and about noon Anne-Marie says she is ready for lunch. She brought hers and of course I had my shake but neither of us wanted to go in the break room and it was raining outside. So we sat at my desk and chit chatted. She had a deviled ham sandwich, it smelled amazing. I was tempted, guess that's the devil in the ham. She also had a Pringles - ugh a trigger food for me - but I keep it under control. Then for dessert not only did she have nutter butters, she also had Reese's pieces. At this point, I really think she is trying to kill me. Not her fault really, the boyfriend packed her lunch. I drink my shake, all happy like that, and then chase it with my sugar free crystal light peach tea. Funny, neither of those taste like a deviled ham sandwich and Pringles.
By 2:30 my head is pounding and my blood sugar is dropping. I'm not gonna make it. This sucks. I make a call and learn I can have a handful of crackers. Thank goodness Monica has some wheat thins. I get those, 16 crackers = 140 calories. I eat them slowly, pretending they are Fillet Mignon, but they still tasted like wheat thins. Oh well, soon the headache subsides.
I work until 6:30 and as I am leaving I spy the Taco Bell in our parking lot. Ugh, why am I always thinking about food...oh yeah cause I can't have any! I think, I could grab a couple of soft tacos, eat them in the car and tell no one. But then I remember how hard it was to quit smoking and that I had to do it one day at a time. So I manage to steer my car past Taco Bell without stopping. I pop a piece of gum in my mouth thinking maybe I just want to chew. That does the trick for a bit.
I'm home now and just mixed up my evening shake. It's chocolate flavored and I'm hoping that when I am done with these two weeks, I'll never want chocolate again.
Maybe tomorrow will be easier.
Breakfast- mix up a shake, no problem, been doing this for two weeks already, got breakfast down pat.
Get to the office and about noon Anne-Marie says she is ready for lunch. She brought hers and of course I had my shake but neither of us wanted to go in the break room and it was raining outside. So we sat at my desk and chit chatted. She had a deviled ham sandwich, it smelled amazing. I was tempted, guess that's the devil in the ham. She also had a Pringles - ugh a trigger food for me - but I keep it under control. Then for dessert not only did she have nutter butters, she also had Reese's pieces. At this point, I really think she is trying to kill me. Not her fault really, the boyfriend packed her lunch. I drink my shake, all happy like that, and then chase it with my sugar free crystal light peach tea. Funny, neither of those taste like a deviled ham sandwich and Pringles.
By 2:30 my head is pounding and my blood sugar is dropping. I'm not gonna make it. This sucks. I make a call and learn I can have a handful of crackers. Thank goodness Monica has some wheat thins. I get those, 16 crackers = 140 calories. I eat them slowly, pretending they are Fillet Mignon, but they still tasted like wheat thins. Oh well, soon the headache subsides.
I work until 6:30 and as I am leaving I spy the Taco Bell in our parking lot. Ugh, why am I always thinking about food...oh yeah cause I can't have any! I think, I could grab a couple of soft tacos, eat them in the car and tell no one. But then I remember how hard it was to quit smoking and that I had to do it one day at a time. So I manage to steer my car past Taco Bell without stopping. I pop a piece of gum in my mouth thinking maybe I just want to chew. That does the trick for a bit.
I'm home now and just mixed up my evening shake. It's chocolate flavored and I'm hoping that when I am done with these two weeks, I'll never want chocolate again.
Maybe tomorrow will be easier.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Let There Be Liquid
Well, I'm 5 days into my modified liquid diet now and I'm still alive. Despite my prediction I would die without diet coke every day of my life, I've managed NOT to have one for 4 of the last 5 days. That's a significant accomplishment. I also have another small victory I would like to report.
This past weekend was the Cotton Pickin' Fair in Gay, Georgia. Yes, Georgia natives, and those who are transplants, there is a city in Georgia called Gay and yes, most of the folks are happy and heterosexual. I used to call it the Gay Fair but whenever I'd ask a friend to go with me, I'd get strange looks. Even stranger looks from my kids. When I asked Andrew about going to the Cotton Pickin' Fair he said he "didn't want to pick any cotton". Duh, it's a craft fair. That was a stupid comment from me, because that was the same as calling it a gay fair, he wasn't interested. Fortunately AMS was interested and we met there.
As I approached the fair I sat in traffic for 1.5 hours and went 2 miles. Good grief. After parking (which was at least free) I walked and met AMS and her boyfriend (our pack mule) at the gate. I could already smell the food. This was going to be hard. Bloomin' Onions, cotton candy, grilled corn, BBQ, corn dogs, well you get the picture. Then there were even vendors selling fudge, nuts, spices, etc. and of course they all had "free samples". I am happy to report I resisted all the temptation and had NONE of the samples, no corn dog and for my meal that day I had the BBQ plate which was a scoop of delicious smokey pulled pork and some Brunswick stew. I even drank water - no diet coke.
So yes, I can do this. I don't have to eat everything available and I can survive on water. If it's cold enough, I can even drink it happily.
This past weekend was the Cotton Pickin' Fair in Gay, Georgia. Yes, Georgia natives, and those who are transplants, there is a city in Georgia called Gay and yes, most of the folks are happy and heterosexual. I used to call it the Gay Fair but whenever I'd ask a friend to go with me, I'd get strange looks. Even stranger looks from my kids. When I asked Andrew about going to the Cotton Pickin' Fair he said he "didn't want to pick any cotton". Duh, it's a craft fair. That was a stupid comment from me, because that was the same as calling it a gay fair, he wasn't interested. Fortunately AMS was interested and we met there.
As I approached the fair I sat in traffic for 1.5 hours and went 2 miles. Good grief. After parking (which was at least free) I walked and met AMS and her boyfriend (our pack mule) at the gate. I could already smell the food. This was going to be hard. Bloomin' Onions, cotton candy, grilled corn, BBQ, corn dogs, well you get the picture. Then there were even vendors selling fudge, nuts, spices, etc. and of course they all had "free samples". I am happy to report I resisted all the temptation and had NONE of the samples, no corn dog and for my meal that day I had the BBQ plate which was a scoop of delicious smokey pulled pork and some Brunswick stew. I even drank water - no diet coke.
So yes, I can do this. I don't have to eat everything available and I can survive on water. If it's cold enough, I can even drink it happily.
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