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