Happy New Years Eve!!

Happy New Years Eve!! Here we are on the eve of a new year.  Looking back on this year I can see God's provision and love even in times when I was full of doubt and fear. God is good all the time. It has been a year full of changes for me. All though I did not make a big announcement about it I determined that 2014 would be a year of renewed faith and trust in Jesus my Lord and Savior. I am a child of the One True King. The following video was my theme song for 2014.

In my last post I said I would post again when I had past my 75 pound weight loss goal.  I passed that goal 12/27/14.  I am so excited.  This part of my journey has been most interesting.  To see how my thoughts and ideas have changed in the area of food is truly amazing to me.  Food is no longer an addiction. I still enjoy what I eat, however, food is now nourishment and provides nutrients my body needs to live a healthy life. I feel so much better. I have more energy and I am able to focus on areas that are way more enjoyable than worrying about what I can possibly eat next.  Again, God has been good to provide a way for me to become a healthier person. I am loving the new me I am becoming.  I thank you all for your support and encouragement in this journey.  Now I need to be more disciplined to exercise more frequently. Below is the latest before and after picture I have taken. And I just threw in an extra picture of Becky and myself. This is our Christmas 2014 picture together.

Well the only other major change this year was my return to school.  That is going very well. School will resume January 5, 2015.  It was a nice surprise to have a week off for the holidays.

So 2014 has been a year of Losing Myself in many ways. I thank you for all your prayers and support. God bless you all as we move into 2015 and discover new ways of becoming who God wants us to be'

Happy Christmas Eve Day!!!

Just Jumping in real quick to say Happy Christmas Eve Day!!! I weighed myself this morning and discovered I have lost 73.5 pounds. This is a great present for me this Christmas. I will post again when I break the 75 pound loss.  Blessings to all my friends and family during this Holiday Season.  I love you all!

Merry Christmas

Greetings everyone. I am taking a few minutes to update this blog. I thought I would do it while I had time. I know things will get busier and busier as the season progresses! So while I have a few minutes, here I am.

I want to wish all my friends and family a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. God has been good (as that is always the case. God is good all the time). It has been a very busy year for me.  I started going to college in March. I started going for an associates in Network Security. I have, however, switched to a Bachelors in Business Management. School is now progessing very well for me.

I had gastric sleeve surgery in August.  That is also progressing very well. As you all know this is the reason for this blog.  I will announce today that I have officially hit my weight loss of 70 pounds. I feel so much better. I feel lighter on my feet and one of the things I feel is I am not the necessarily the first person people notice because of my size.  I have more energy and even though I have always had a pretty high self esteem, my daughter tells me I have become even more self confident. I didn't know this was possible. So I am learning to bring myself down a notch or two.  LOL!!

One of the side effects of this surgery is hair loss.  I have noticed that I have been losing a lot of hair lately.  I am not to concerned, however, I am going to look into getting some vitamin suppliments for hair loss.  The funniest part of this whole hairloss thing is that my eyebrows are almost completely bald.  It's quite laughable. I am learning how to pencil them in.  I would like to get permanent eyebrows tattooed on at some point. They can make them look quite natural.

Once again I wish everyone a very Blessed Christmas and Merry Holiday season. Also a very Happy New Year.  I may not be on again before the first of the year.  I thank you all for your support in my health quest endeavors. It is very appreciated.

JESUS is the SEASON!

Well here it is the beginning of December.  This is my favorite time of year.  I love the sights, sounds and smell of Christmas.  I really love spending time with friends and family. Although presents are fun to receive, I would gladly go without presents if everyone of my family and friends that do not know Jesus Christ as their personal savior would come the Him and receive the benefits of eternal life.  There is a common phrase going around that says "Jesus is the reason for the season."  I think I would prefer to say "JESUS IS THE SEASON." 

Jesus, Wash me and I shall be whiter than Snow!

I frequently get teased because I am one of "those" people out there who would like to keep my Christmas decorations up all year round. Let me help you understand why.  I believe we should celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus dying on the cross all year round.  Jesus could not have made that sacrifice if were not born as a human.  SO...I like to celebrate Jesus all year round. Both His birth and Resurrection!

Well with the holiday season comes many parties and celebrations.  This will pose and interesting problem for me.  Holiday Eating.  What to do??? I do not want to skip the parties and fellowship. I have determined in myself to be strong and not make bad choices.  I will allow myself just an occasional indulgence but I will choose those indulgences wisely.  I have discovered I MUST stay away from sugar.  I don't like how it makes my stomach feel and I don't like spending long amounts of time in the bathroom.  I also am learning that I can have coffee and I can have creamer, however I need to learn to make the sugar free choices.  Fortunately the coffee shops that I like to go to offer coffees with a "Skinny" option.  I need to make a more concerted effort to get all my protein and water intake to the appropriate levels.. I did weigh my self this morning.  I am pleased to see that I have actually lost 2.6 pound this week.  So I am progressing just fine. That makes a total loss of 65.6 pounds.

This is a picture of three of the five Isum sisters.  Kaia Murnion, Signe Gee, Greta Cox.  Taken November 24, 2014 on Kaia's Birthday. It was taken on the front porch of her new home.  It was an awesome day. 

I am Truly Grateful

Hello, Its been a month since I posted to this blog. First let me say that I am truly thankful for all God has done for me. First and foremost that I am a child of the one true King. I am grateful for my salvation and God's gift of eternal life. I am thankful for all my family and friends that have been there for me during my weight loss lifestyle change journey.

It has been a very busy month. We have Halloween and Thanksgiving. As far as WLS (weight loss surgery) goes I have been in a plateau for 3-4 weeks. I was sitting at 314. Just sitting. Not gaining, not loosing.  I determined to not cheat and to just keep going forward and pressing on.  And I am glad I did. This morning I weighed myself and I believe I have broken my plateau.  I am down to 311. Determination and perseverance pays off. I am still in excellent health and am not having any negative side-affect from the sleeve surgery.

One further development in the past month has to do with Becky.  She has a boyfriend.  Becky and I went to his family's house for Thanksgiving Dinner last night.  Becky has expanded her limited menu.  She tried 6 different foods last night and liked some of them and tolerated all of them.  She is so funny. We haven't been able to get her to try new foods for quite sometime.  It took a boyfriend to get her to expand her tastes.

No I haven't disappeared of the face of the earth!

Happy Pictures of the day!

Greetings,  I have not disappeared off the face of the earth.  It has been over two weeks since i have posted anything.  

I have had quite an adventuresome two weeks.  I started back to school about 4 weeks ago so I have had lots and lots of homework.  I have decided that I needed to change my major. I had originally chosen Network Security.  Well...I have been struggling to wrap my mind around some of the basic principles and decided instead of stressing myself and my family out it would be better to change. So with prayer and speaking with my husband I decided to change to Business Management. That should be effective the next term.

I have been very pleased with my progress in weight loss.  I have had my 2 month post surgical appointment.  I've met with nutritionist, exercise specialist, and nurse. On the date of my appointment I had lost a total of 50 pounds. They said that was amazing.  I have also progressed to eating "normal" food.  I still must stay away from bread, rice, and pasta. But that is fine with me.  Although, I do miss my 12 grain bread.  I still need to eat very small meals. Total of no more than 4 oz of food. I need to eat protein first and then the fruits and vegetables.  Now I can experiment with different recipes. And I will be able to go back to cooking dinner for the family and only eat my correct portion. Hopefully I can teach the rest of the family what correct portions are. I have also been cleared to go back to exercising. I have been instructed to take it slow at first but build up to full exercise. So that will be my next project to find a gym that I am comfortable with.  I will probably end up at Planet Fitness.  Jim already has a membership there. I weighed myself this morning and have lost 55 pounds.

Two weeks ago I ended up in the emergency room. It seems I pulled a muscle in my right shoulder/back. The pain moved across my back to the left shoulder/lower back. It got too painful to bare. The Doctor gave me percocet and flexeril. Well it worked well to relieve the pain, however, the percocet made me terribly constipated. I have tried several methods to relieve the problem but continued to suffer through about 5 days.  Last night my husband had me go out and get a different remedy.  I purchased a generic version of Correctol. It is suppose to be gentle overnight relief. 6-12 hours.  Well without getting gross, I took the medicine at 10:30 pm and at midnight I was back in the bathroom.  That was somehow quite a bit less than 6-12 hours. Although it wasn't as painful as it could be, I don't consider it gentle. I do, however, feel so much better this morning.

It Is Well With My Soul

When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll. What ever my lot thou hast taught me to say, "It is well, it is well with my soul."

It truly is well with my soul.  God is good. 

It has been a week since I have updated this blog.  I have been rather a busy bee. I have been kept busy with my homework in both my classes.  I am taking Programming Logic and Design, and Communications (public speaking). It is proving to be quite a challenge. I do however, enjoy it.

My weight loss journey is right on track.  I have lost a total of 45.6 pounds in the 9 weeks. I am doing pretty well with keeping up with my protein and water intake.  It is not perfect. I do well to keep up with my vitamins. I need to get out and walk more. That would help me a great deal.


This is my grandson Andrew.  He stopped what he was doing and took a dance break.  I think it would be wise if we all from time to time stopped and danced like nobody's watching. 

Verse of the Day:

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 (ESV)

All Is Well

Nothing new or drastic to report on my weight loss journey.  I have lost a total of 43.4 pounds since Augutst 6. I feel great.  I am sorry this is such a boring blog. I am generally a very positive person and not one to complain if I have a touch of discomfort or pain.  I have been doing very well. I do have one little problem.  I have a tendency to forget to drink enough water.  So I will work on improving that.

I did have my first cup of  Starbucks coffee yesterday. I did follow my doctors instruction and had decaf and no fat creamer.  It was so good.

I also found these cheese sticks at the grocery store that taste pretty good.  I can only handle one at a time though. My daughter loves them.

I've started back to school. The classes I am taking this term are.  Communications (public speaking) and Logic and Design. These are both going to be challanging.

Update

The pictures above were taken yesterday.  I can see so much difference in my face. It truly amazes me.   I have a neck and a defined chin.  The side of my face doesn't touch the side of my glasses. My glasses look so much bigger on my face. This is awesome. The comarison picture on the left was taken in July and the one on the right was yesterday. I also put on a ring this morning that I haven't been able to wear in years. It feels so good.

I am 0.9 pounds away from my 40 pound loss goal. I am feeling great.  GOD IS GOOD!!

I have been working on a new baby afghan for a friend of mine. I do enjoy working with yarn and other fibers. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment and it brings me great joy when I see others enjoying what I made.

I start back to ECPI University next Monday.  I am excited to be getting back to school. 

Here is my Bible verse of the day:

Just Keep Moving

Today I am happy to say that I have lost a total of 34 pounds since August 6, 2014.  I have been trying to put more effort into being active.  This morning I went outside and trimmed a couple of bushes in my front yard.  I have been going to the gym with my husband regularly and walking on a treadmill. I am able to do 20 mins on a treadmill at 1.5 mph. I am also going to start doing Leslie Sansone's Walk at Home program. I also have to remember hydrate hydrate hydrate.  I am pleased with my progress so far. 

I have also been working on my other hobby.  I love to knit and crochet.  I love to do baby blankets/hats and socks.  I also make blankets and hats for a local hospital's Labor and Delivery unit.  Below are pictures of a blanket I just completed and a sock I started.  The blanket and hat are crocheted and the sock is knit.  One of my pet peeves is people assume that they are one in the same.  They aren't.  I like to knit socks, and crochet blankets and hats.  

Update

Well, it's been a week since I have updated this blog.   I am doing very well.  I have been cleared to walk on a tread mill and have been doing 20 minute walks. I have transitioned from a liquid diet to a mushy diet. I am finding that as long as I follow the doctors instruction and pay attention to eating slower and listening to my body and stopping when I am satisfied that I feel great. I have been experimenting with different soft foods and with different seasonings and staying away from a lot of sodium and sugar. One of my favorites to eat is cottage cheese with peach sauce.  Yesterday I made some chicken breast, potatoes and carrots with ranch dressing seasoning mix.  I will be eating some of that for either lunch or dinner today.  I am now in search of the right protein mix. SO all in all I am doing very well. I have no pain or any other complications. I am now 23 days post op.

Walking

It's been several days since I have posted anything,  I had my post op doctors appointment September 3.  It went fantastically well. I have been moved from clear liquid diet to a full liquid diet.  That means foods like:  yogurt, cream of wheat, cream soups with no chunks, sugar free pudding and apple sauce.  I will be on this for only one week. Then I move on to mushy. 

Things to Remember when Advancing to Mushies

• Mushies are not necessarily blended or pureed food. Think soft moist and tender foods. Somewhere along the lines of a stew or something you'd cook in a crockpot--the foods are soft and moist, but not pureed.   Definitely DO NOT consume foods with seeds, hard vegetables, fruits, nuts, corn or tough cuts of meat. These can irritate your new stomach and make you sick.
• Take it slow. Chew thoroughly and eat your meal slow.  You will be learning new feelings and sensations that tell you "you're satisfied"  I want you to stop eating when your satisfied and no longer hungry. Don't wait until you feel full to stop.
• Measure your portions. Each meal should be 2 oz or 1/4 cup for the entire meal. Note:  1 egg is 2 oz and can be eaten as an entire meal.
• Each meal needs to be half protein and half produce (fruit or vegetable)  However, if you want an egg for breakfast, don't feel it's necessary to save half of it for later. Just eat the entire than and make sure you get in a fruit or vegetable with lunch and dinner.
• Use your protein dringks as "snacks" and continue to ensure that you consume 50-60 grams of protein daily from these supplements.

I really hope this isn't to hard for me to adjust to. I think I will be fine.  I am now in search of a good protein supplement. One that doesn't break the bank.

The Doctor also cleared me to walk on a tread mill. I have to take it easy and listen to my body.  Nothing even near to extreme. So today I went to the gym with my husband. I walked 20 mins on a treadmill at 1 mph or less with no incline.  It is a good day!!

Contemplation

The past couple of days I have been thinking about a statement that I have heard many people say. I have heard medical professionals say it and friends and family as well.

"This is not a diet, this is a lifestyle change."   

Now don't get me wrong, I am not here to disagree or disprove this statement. But, it has gotten me thinking a lot over the past several days.  First I had to figure out how I define DIET.  My definition is regularly consuming....  With this what you consume can vary. You can consume food, music, written word.  You can as well be consumed by attitude, feelings, thoughts and habits. (This is not an exclusive list...there are many more things that can be added) You can consume beauty, good, non-beauty, evil, love and hate.  All this is to say that you can consume what is good and nutritious as well as what is bad and destructive.  

So, back to the statement.  "This is not a diet, this is a lifestyle change."  To me this is definitely a lifestyle change, however diet is a part of lifestyle change.  The title of this blog is LOSING MYSELF. I want that title to reflect two things.  I want it to reflect my desire to lose my unhealthy self and become a healthy person.  I also want it to reflect my desire to lose my selfish, sinful soul.  I wish to lose myself in Christ.  I believe this second part is necessary to the success of the first part. These changes also need to be permanent changes. I cannot go back to former habits. So my new statement is

"This is a lifestyle and diet change."

I apologize for not being very eloquent of speech. 

Now to update you on the past couple days.  I have been doing well with sticking to the liquid diet, however, I do tire of it. I will be glad when I can change to pureed/mushy food. I have noticed a change in my taste for sugary things.  I really don't enjoy very sweet tasting things right now.  I think that's why I am having trouble with the liquid diet. The flavors I have are chocolate, vanilla and cafe latte. I have been drinking decafinated tea with very little sweetener. This would have been unheard of just a few weeks ago.

I have past the 25 pound weight loss mark.  I think as of today the loss in 27 pounds.  I am very attached to the scale. I do not rely on those numbers for anything except record keeping. I can judge how I feel, I can judge how my clothes fit. And I am happy with what is happening to my body.  The scale is simply a tool I can use to tell others my progress. And it makes it easier to post on the blog.

I have had two people donate clothes to me to have as I lose weight.  Today I was able to fit into a pair of jean capri pants that are one size smaller than my previous size.  This made me very happy.

Picture Of The Day

Just a Normal Day

Today has been just a normal day.  Becky drove me around for a couple errands.  I will be driving shortly. I am not taking pain meds on a consistent basis so I will be fine to drive soon.  I did take my walk this afternoon.  I walked the big loop through the neighborhood and not the half loop. My prayer today is for God's provision on finances.  And also my disability claim is up for review and I pray that all my doctors provide the necessary information for the insurance company.  

My Happy Picture of the Day

Extending Boundaries (Correctly)

Just returned from my daily neighborhood walk.  I pushed the boundaries just a bit today.  I usually walk a half loop around the neighborhood.  Today I did the whole loop.  I had a walking buddy so I would have assistance if needed.  I feel pretty good..  I do have a small issue... if I stay outside for any length of time I start to get itchy. Now my back itches.  Oh well, I guess i will have to deal with that.. So I guess all in all it was a success. I am being mobile and helping prevent blood clots in my legs and getting a bit more exercise.

Today's smile is this adorable puppy enjoying a fabulous roll on comfy spot.

Thanks to Lynn Wright for allowing me to post this picture.

Happy Dance!!!

Its been a couple days since I posted.  I am very excited this morning. I weighed myself (as I do every morning.) I just felt different, so I knew something had changed.  To my delight my scale said 352.2. Thats almost 22 pounds less than my starting weight on August 6, when I started the liquid diet.  I have continued with the liquid diet after surgery.  I have a post op appointment with Dr. Halmi September 3.  

I had the opportunity (which I snapped up quickly) to gross out Becky.  I had and On-Q medicine pump after surgery.  I was given instructions as to when and how to remove the pump.  Well I decided to do it in front of Becky.  She was just sooooooo grossed out.  It was very hilarious!!

Well I am feeling very little pain.  I am taking daily walks outside my home everyday and am keeping up with my protein and liquid intake, as well as my vitamins every day.

My happy picture for the day!

Awesome Song!

Great Song!

5 Days Since Surgery

Well, it's 8/25/14. Five days since having surgery.  I feel awesome. Minimal pain and I have minimal nausea. I have been taking nausea medication once a day and taking pain reliever only at night. I also take daily Lovenox injections.  I went to church yesterday but only attended Sunday School. Next week I will be able to go to all services.  I am hoping to get back into the choir in the next two weeks.  I want to ask the doctor if singing affects the abdominal muscles enough to be harmful. 

I like to include a picture in my posts.  Pictures do not necessarily have anything to do with my post except that they make me smile.

Violette discovers a friend!!

Day 2

Ok...so this is day 2 home from the hospital.  I have been experiencing alot of gas.  Both belching and well....the other. I have been trying to get all the liquids I need. I find myself feeling full so I stop for a few minutes and try sipping liquids again. I have continued with my protein drinks as well as water. The pain and nausea haven't been too bad today.  I will take some pain meds before I go to bed tonight. Other than that it has been just a normal day.  Christine brought the grandkids over and that was nice. I love seeing them.

Violette tackled Andrew who had his head in a cooler...

Home from the Hospital

Well I am home from the hospital.  I have 6 holes in my abdomen.  The surgery went very well. No complications. So now I have had 2/3rds of my stomach removed.  It's  quite odd to me to know that my stomach is so much smaller. I have had some nausea and pain the past couple days.  I have been given meds for them in the hospital as well as some to bring home. All is well.  I will be staying home for most of the next week.  I have a portable pain med that is IV attached to my abdomen. I have to wear it until Tuesday. I have to continue my liquid diet for the next two weeks.I haven't felt hungry in the past couple of days either.

A cartoon for your viewing pleasure.

Just a Few More Hours.

It is 9:15 pm.  Tomorrow morning will bring an extremely early rise. I will need to shower with the surgical cleanser. We need to be out the door at 5:15 to arrive at the hospital by 6 am. Surgery is scheduled to begin at 8 am. Becky will be in charge of making notifications to people who are interested in my progress.  She will have my cell phone and will be making Facebook entries. I am ready.  I am feeling a little bit nervous but positive. So I will see you all in a few days.

Ever So Close!

So it is now August 18, 2014.  Two more days until the life changing surgery.  I am very excited.  I am a bit nervous. Today I had to shower using the surgical antibacterial scrub. I also have to use it tomorrow and Wednesday morning. 

This is the only solid part of the liquid diet I have been able to eat.  It was to be eaten at lunch time. Only one more lunch left. Tomorrow is the last day.  These were rather tasty.  Peanut butter and chocolate flavor. They will not ve allowed after surgery.  Two weeks of liquid diet after surgery then several weeks of mushy diet. I will also have to have protein shakes every for several months after surgery.

Just a Normal Day

Today has been just a normal sort of day.  I slept in (on purpose) so my eating (or rather drinking) schedule is just a touch off.  Although I am on target with my intake.  It just moved about 2 hours.  I have had less stomach rumbling/hunger today. I feel real good.

I have been receiving a lot of good support from everyone.  I am so grateful to have such a  great family and friends.

This is  my daughter Becky and I about 1 1/2 years ago.

Something Beautiful

Bariatric Review Class

Today I attended the final class before my surgery.  It was a Bariatric Review class. Now I am all set to go Wednesday August 20. I am very excited.

So I have this breathing device that I have to practice breathing in.  And the sterilizing body wash to make sure the surgical site is bacteria free.  So in the words of Sponge Bob..."I'm Ready, I'm Ready"

Being A Christian

A good part of losing myself is to lose myself in Christ.  This is my devotional for today

Romans 12

This in my opinion pretty much sums it up... How to be a Christian.

http://bible.com/59/ROM12

.1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 Bible.com/app

Additional Benefits

I have (for as long as I can remember) had a problem with edema/swelling in my left leg and foot.  Since I have started the liquid diet that has come down significantly

The picture on the left was taken Tuesday August 8. The 3rd day after I started my liquid diet. The picture on the right was taken this morning. This makes me very happy.

Today I have also been having conversations with my long term disability people.  But all is well. It was just an update on my medical appointments and whether or not I had the bariatric surgery.  I informed them it was coming up next week.  So they are satisfied with my answers and will be contacting all my doctors for the information they need.

A Little Humor

So it was 11:00 am and it was time for my mid morning snack.  Today I choose to have a latte protein shake with milk. I located the appropriate shaker cup ( I have several.  not all are suitable for every shake).  It was one with the metal whisk ball in it. I poured in the 8 oz of cold milk (1%), I put it the 2 scoops of protein shake mix and picked it up ready to shake (I love even getting a little exercise while making my snacks).  Well.... I thought I had completely snapped the lid shut so I gave it a hard shake.   Ha ha ha ha ha... it all came spouting out the drink opening in the cup.  It was a pasty nasty mess.  None if it had mixed. I was covered all down the front of my shirt and skirt, it also got down the back of Becky's leg.  Ok... clean up and start over. Sigh!!! at least I got a double arm shake exercise.   LOL. Well the clothes are now in the laundry. I have had the snack and lunch as well.  It is almost time for my mid afternoon snack. I think I shall have a vanilla protein shake. Sorry I wasn't fast thinking enough to get a picture, but I am sure you can use your imagination.

Pre-op Surgical Consultation

I had my pre-op surgical consultation today. The surgeon has all my paperwork and it's all in order. He is aware of my ultrasound results. They showed a stone in the gallbladder. However, since there is no inflamation or any symptoms of any kind he is just going to leave it alone.  So I am going to a Bariatric Review Class this Thursday. Then August 20 is the day. It seems like it took forever for it to get here and at the same time it seems like it has gone by so fast.  God is good, all the time.

Happy Dance!!

Today I celebrate!

Today I was a little bit lazy waking up.  I just felt like taking my time. I didn't actually make it downstairs until 10:00 am.  I wasn't being unproductive, however, I took the time to read my devotions upstairs before coming downstairs.  Today's scripture is pictured below.

I had my morning latte flavored protein drink and a large water bottle. I then received a phone call from my parents.  I had an excellent visit with my mom for 1 1/2 hours. It was so good and very much needed.  Love you mom! I had my mid-morning snack protein drink at the same time as I had my lunch protein bar (the only solid allowed during this liquid diet) I also had another large water bottle. I am finding it easier to drink water this time than I had on any other diet I have been on.  I am not quite sure why.

I also felt a bit different when I got up this morning.  So I decided to weigh my self.  And (much to my surprise) I have lost 5.2 pounds since I started the liquid diet on Wednesday. I was told that it is possible that day 4 of the liquid diet will be the hardest.  I think that came a day early on day 3.  But I powered through it. I am determined to make this adventure work.

I didn't post anything yesterday. I was with Becky yesterday. She had purchased a fish pedicure for me for Mothers Day and yesterday was the first day available for us to have it done. It was a very unique experience. I think I will repeat it again in about a year.  

It was a very relaxing day.  Took my mind of how hungry I was feeling.

Testing Finally Over

Well here it is 3:45 pm and I am home from all my testing appointments.  I had an endoscopy at 9 this morning. I had an appointment with my primary care doctor so she could give medical clearance for my gastric sleeve surgery.  

The results of the endoscopy are: normal EGD, healed gastric ulcer... God is good! My primary doctor has cleared me to have the surgery.  Now I have only two more appointments before surgery.  I have a surgical consult with Dr. Halmi and I have a Bariatric Review class.  Surgery still set for August 20. I am feeling much better today than I was yesterday.

Now I am back on track with my liquid diet.  I found if I make the protien shakes with water and add ice to them after mixing they taste pretty good.  The vegetable soup flavored hot protien mix is also very palatable.

Frustration has peaked!!!

Oh my goodness!!! I am not one who usually gets frustrated and upset.  I am more than willing to give people 2nd, 3rd, 4th... chances.  I am so frustrated with my primary care doctor.  I am ready to change doctors.  As soon as this surgery is over and I no longer need to return to my primary care doctor I will be walking out of her office and never going back.  So I guess it's time to investigate new primary care doctors that are on my insurance.   ok breathe breathe breathe... I need to find a doctor who has competent staff,  whose equipment is certified and up to date.

Rant is over.

Today is the Day!

This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

I started my liquid diet today.  I have made myself a daily schedule and am really determined to keep it.  I could use a lot of prayer.  One of the hardest thing is going to be keeping up with my water intake.  

I am going to apply the following two verses to my life daily.

Finally , brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  (Phil 4:8 ESV)

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Phil 4:13 ESV)

Pre-op Done

I completed the pre-op testing today.  All went well. I am excited that surgery will be soon.  The rest of my day was sort of on the boring side.  So I am sorry I have nothing exciting to say.

Tomorrow will start my liquid diet.

Finally Reached Pre-op

Finally after several calls to Fair Oaks Hospital I have my pre-op exams scheduled for tomorrow morning.
I have to be at the hospital at 10 am. I will be getting a lot of blood work, ekg, chest x-ray and gall bladder ultrasound done.

I spent a good part of the day today cleaning my kitchen.  I am trying to get rid of some of the things that may be bad triggers for me.

Today was kind of a boring day.  I am looking forward to Wednesday and being able to get this liquid diet going.

Ok, So Call Me Crazy...

Here it is 10:25 pm Sunday night.  I wasn't going to post anything today, however I just did something I thought I would never do. I went on You Tube and looked up Gastric Sleeve surgery and watched a video of an actual surgery.  All I can say is WOW!!! I am even more convinced that this is the right decision for me. At first I thought I would be grossed out by it, but it was quite the opposite. I found it very fascinating.  I know now exactly what it going to be happening when the procedure is performed. I have actually been put quite at ease.  I wasn't anxious anyway but I am even less nervous than I was before. 

Today Jim took me out for Sunday Dinner.  I feel I did a great job of controlling what and how much I ate.  I did want to go out with Jim one last time before I jump into the liquid diet.  Now I am ready to hit this head on.  

I am ready to take control of food instead of food controlling me.  Too all my friends and family out there if I ever turn down any social time please do not be offended.  I may turn down some social times if I know there is food involved.  This will only be for a short time while I learn to take control.  

Ok, good night everyone.  Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite.

New Beginnings

August 2, 2014

This is the start of a new me.  I am undertaking a new life changing goal.  As you can tell by the date of my last entry in the blog my last weight loss attempt was an epic fail. Life has determined  that I NEED to make drastic changes in my lifestyle.  Since September 17, 2013 I have been on disability due to an injury on my right foot. I have been to an orthopedic doctor and it has been determined that with in the next ten years I will need surgery on my right foot and both knees. I am also diagnosed as morbidly obese. (this was not a surprise) so I was referred to a weight loss surgeon and am now scheduled for Gastric Sleeve surgery. My surgery date is August 20, 2014.The success of the surgery needed on my foot and knees is dependent on some extreme weight loss.  So I have a new determination to do whatever it takes to accomplish this goal and make my quality of life so much better as well.

I have completed the following required tests.  I have had the six month dr supervised diet, sleep study, endoscopy, and psyche evaluation.  Yesterday I went to the surgeons office and picked up the liquid diet that I have to take for two weeks prior and two weeks after surgery.  My life will never be the same past this point.  I have taken on this lifestyle change with much prayer and support from all my friends and family. I ask for your prayers and support.  

Here is my diet for the next four weeks.  I will start August 6, 2014