Seven Weeks Out

Yesterday I was 7 weeks out and to date I've lost 36lbs. I had my check up with Dr. Shram and he's pleased with my results. He said the aim is for 15% weight loss by 6 weeks and I'm at 17%.
My new scale seems to be right on with the weight in I had there. I'm happy about that so I don't have to do any calculating.
For the past 4 weeks or so, I've had a hard time getting in my protein and fluids in. Yesterday I bought a new protein powder that has 60g. I tried it today, but found it was to sweet. I think tomorrow I'll cut it down a scoop (40g) and eat the rest. That should be ok. Still have to work on the liquids.
I'm so ready to go shopping Sunday for some new clothes. I'm sick and tired of wearing black jeans. Some new blue ones would be nice.
Funny, I'v lost 90lbs about 2 years ago, and didn't find a big change in my clothes size. Now I've only lost 36lbs, and I'm noticing a big difference. Wonder if the surgery is making me lose it differently then I did before.
That's about all for this update.

Six Weeks Out Tomorrow.

Tomorrow makes it 6 weeks since my surgery. I'm doing great. I'm down 33lbs. I don't know if that's good or not, but it is what it is.
As a gift to myself, I bought a new digital scale. My old one was at least 10 years old, was accurate, and I had to add 5lbs to get me to what my surgeon's scale said. I've been calculating it that way all along. This one puts me exactly to where I calculated I should be. We'll see on Dec 29. The only problem is I weigh first thing in the morning, buck naked and before I've had anything to eat or drink. My appointment is almost at dinner time, and I'll be wearing my winter clothes, so I don't know how accurate it'll be. The best I can do is come right home and weigh again on my scale with my clothes on and see how close I come.
I've been trying to get all my protein in, but it sure isn't easy. I can't stand the shakes anymore. I'm actually trying to drink one now. The first one in about 10 days. Not going so well, but I'm gonna get it done.

Satuday, Dec. 13, 2008.

This morning's weigh in was a pretty good one. I'm down another 3 lbs today to make my running total since surgery, 29 lbs.

Have another busy day today. I'll be leaving soon for one hockey game, to the swimming pool, home to pick up the next kid for his hockey game.
I've made sure to bring myself a high protein lunch and a high protein snack. But I'm thinking I should also bring a dinner since I won't actually be home till 7:30 tonight then I'm off to bingo right after. Yep, I'm going to carry today's menu in my purse.
Lucky for me, I found these great tuna salads. Thai, Italian and Spanish. They have all different kinds of veggies, beans and rice in them. They have about 20g of protein in each. They come in a can with a pull of lid, a nice little spoon and a napkin. They're ideal for traveling.
I can also bring cheese string and an Atkins bar. Perfect. I'll bring my jug of water too.

I'm off to face this challenging day.

One Month Out And First Time Dumping.

Yesterday I was one month out. All seemed well till last night. I had a buger (the premade kind you fry up) and even though I was withing my sugar grams, after only 2 bites I started to feel like crap. I ended up brining it back up withing 2 mins. Once I did, I felt better and was able to eat just a salad.
I guess the burger just didn't agree with me.
The good thing is, it wasn't as bad to "be sick" as it use to. I would hold it in and suffer as long as possible because I hated the feeling of being sick. Now, even though I hate the idea of it, it wasn't that bad. Maybe because there's not stomach acid? Maybe cause it doesn't have as far to travel? I don't know, but next time I won't worry so much.

Meeting A New Friend.

I'm excited to meet a new friend tomorrow. I belong to a weight loss surgery site called Obesity Help (OH) where I met a woman named Janet. She's visiting her mother for the holidays, which happens to be in the next town. So, tomorrow I'm going to meet her for coffee at Tim Hortons.
I can't wait to meet her. I just know I'll learn a thing of two. Meeting other WLS folks always teaches me something.

On the weight loss front, there's nothing new. I'm still stuck at 24 lbs lost. (Not that I'm complaining.)

Three Week Stall

I've heard of people talking about the Three Week Stall. I think I've maintained this 24lb loss for all of my third week. I must be experiencing the famous stall. The other famous stall is the 3 month stall. I'm just happy to know I'll eventually kick it up again.

Two Days Shy Of 4 Weeks.

I'm feeling better, but I notice when I first start to eat or drink I get a pain like I'm trying to swollow a chicken bone. It doesn't matter what I eat or how well I chew since it even happens with liquids. Once I continue eating, it seems to get better. I'll have to mention it at my next appointment between Christmas and New Year.
I'm still at a 24lb loss and have been there for a few days. I'm hoping I drop again soon.... like tomorrow.

I'm hungry now, and don't know what I want to eat, but i'd better think of something soon.

People are starting ot notice my loss. Mostly in my face. It'll be hard for most to tell much else since it's winter and we're all wearing big bulky winter coats. Come spring it'll be a nice surprise.

Day 23 And I'm Not Feeling So Well.

It all started last night. I didn't eat anything in particular, but I just can't seem to stomach the thought of eating. My stomach is doing flip flops and I know I just want to be sick. I have no idea what this is all about. I know it can't be food related, cause I've barely had anything at all.
I'm going to take a children's chewable gravol and hope I feel better fast. I have to go out tonight and the kids are depending on me.

Three Weeks Out.

As of yesterday I was 3 weeks out and down 23 lbs.
I feel fantastic.
I went power shopping in the States for 15 hours and if it wasnt for my feet hurting, I could have shopped some more.

Looks like I'm losing about a pound a day. I can't complain about that.

I think it's going to be a whole different kind of summer in 09.

Two Week Post Op Appointment.

Yesterday I went for my first post op appointment and to my surprise I'm down 13 lbs.

They were quite pleased with my loss, with meeting my fluid and protein requirements and with going dancing already.

They've given me the go ahead to go back to the gym, so I"m looking forwards to that.

Next appointment is Dec 29.

12 Days Post Op.

Well, it's only been 12 days, but it might as well be 12 months. Besides still being on liquids, I feel great.
I'm driving again since I'm off the pain meds. Nice to have my independence back.
This morning I drove to town for my daughter's hockey game, and soon I'll be off to my son's game.
Tonight I'm going out to a benefit. Nobody is expecting me but I'm gonna shock them all right. I haven't seen these people since before my surgery. It's just to bad I don't have a noticable weight loss yet, cause that would be nice.

Two days ago I got my medic alert bracelet in the mail. I ordered it a week before surgery. It looks cute and I feel better knowing I have it on.

Yesterday I went out and treated myself to a manicure. I'm a nail biter and I haven't chomped down on them for 6 weeks. I felt I deserved a little pampering.

Monday morning I have to bring my vehicle in for an emission's test. After that, I'm off to the States to shop then to my first post op appointment. I'm excited to see if I've lost any weight and to see if I can get off these liquids and on to purees.

One Week Out.

Well, I'm doing really well. I still feel pulling when I stand up and I lose my breath easily.
I'm not really in any pain and everything is moving now.
I still have a problem sleeping. For some reason I just don't feel tire... the kind of tire that makes you sleep, not to be confused with tiring easily LOL. I still do tire easily when I stand in one spot. I'd actually rather keep moving.

The nutritionist from the clinic called this afternoon to see how I was doing. I'm pretty much getting all my fluids and I'm really close to reaching my protein goals. She's pretty happy with that. I'll tell ya thought, drinking all that is a full time job.
She said purees are easier but I still need 64oz of fluids. Ha, how can that be easier.

I'm Home

I've been trying to write this post all day. Seems every time I start, I get distracted then get to tired.
So here we go one more time.
I had my RNY on Monday, November 10 at about 1pm. I returned to my room about 4. I remember whining my belly hurt, and it did, but I was so out of it that I just don't remember.
My friend Kim was there with me, and I had a special visitor, our very own Sheila, or MaTrix.
I was awake about every half hour. I just couldn't sleep... Not that I was in pain, but every half hour I slept felt like 4 hours. The nurses came in about every 2 hours to work with me on my breathing exercises. That was a pain in the butt. I would get up as often as I could and walk around the floor. They wanted me to walk, but I did it often enough on my own that they never asked me to walk.
On Tuesday, I went down and had an xray to see if I had a leak. They told me they didn't think I did even before the xray because I'd be in so much pain if I had. I had to wait 5 hours for the doctor to read the results. Then I was given a prevacid which made me feel nauseous and my first food try which didn't sit well either.
My blood pressure rose quite high and I needed meds to bring it down. My face was beet red and bloated. I gained 14 pounds overnight from all the liquid they pumped in me.
Yesterday I was doing good. I was up, they took out my IV and I was able to shower and dress in my own clothes. I waited for my ride then I was off to home.
Last night I was good, glad to be home.
Yesterday I was feeling even better although my muscles feel a bit tender. After all they did cut into them so it's to be expected. Today, I'm able to lay on my side and get up out of bed much easier. Muscles don't feel quite so tender. I'm trying to do some laundry, but I'm finding that's taking a lot out of me. (I'm not lifting the baskets of clothes)

Everything turned out good., The pain wasn't as bad as what I'd had imagined and if the results are what I expect, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Tomorrow Is The Big Day.

I've been drinking only clear fluids all day. I didn't really think about how my eating is now all done and over. We went to Dairy Queen on our way home from Reilly's hockey tournament, and that's where it hit me. It's over. No more.
So I've been living off of chicken broth and jello. I want to eat so bad, but I just keep reminding myself one bite and my surgery is put off and that's just not acceptable.

I'm actually not to nervous. I'm doing ok. Tomorrow will be a killer though.

I'm bringing a journal with me so I can log everything that happens. I can then retype it onto my blog later when I get home.

So now it's time to say Goodbye To the Fat Lady once and for all.

Got My Arrival Time For Surgery.

I got the call this morning and I have to be at Barix for 11am on Monday. I'm so excited. It is sort of seeming more real, but not quit there yet. I still can't believe it's really happening.

I finished day 3 on my liquid diet. Today begins day 4 and I find I'm getting hungry faster. I don't hesitate to have a shake or a bowl of soup. I may be on liquids, but I'm not going to starve.

When Holly from Barix called, I told her I couldn't find Dolcolax so I bought a different suppository, she said I needed the Dolcolax. So I need to call the pharmacy and see if they have it behind the counter. Maybe I'll take a trip into town instead. I still need to buy my travel insurance anyway.

I ordered my medic alert bracelet yesterday, but I need to call them back because they have a membership I want to register for. It will allow EMS to call a number and access all my medical files.

Must get back to the laundry now. It's going to be a big weekend and an even bigger week next week.

Day 3 On a Liquid Diet.

So far I've gone 2 days without solid food. I'm doing well today too. I'm eating protein shakes and soup. I'm making sure I'm also take my vitamins.

It's Wednesday Already, and Surgery Monday Will Soon Be Here.

Well, first of all, I have been so busy posting in different forums and replying to messages, that the time is really flying. I can't believe I go in on Monday.

Yesterday I got to talk to my wonderful angel on the phone. She gave me some great advice and tips to make my surgery and recovery easier. I now know a bit more about what to expect.

Last night I went to a support group in the city. There were about 40-50 people there. We went around the room and said our name, where we were on the journey and how much weight we lost. Together the group has lost over 3700lbs. It was amazing.
Learned a lot there too. I'm going to try to find a medic alert bracelet that says gastric bypass, caution, no blind (&^%$&%) tubes. (don't remember what those breathing tubes are called)
I also met up with a lady I went to high school with. She looks fantastic.

Well, I have so much to do today, cleaning, laundry, bring the gym my letter to hold my membership and groceries.

Tonight I'll be calling another new friend of mine that I've met on OH. I'm so excited to talk to her. She is a blast and I know I'm going to work my belly muscles laughing with her LOL.

One Week From Tomorrow.

Well, time is really flying. In one week from tomorrow I'll be going for my surgery. I think I'm almost ready. I still want to buy a sippy cup and a few baby spoons.

This week should really fly by. During each day, I'll be cleaning and doing laundry trying to get my house in order. I will even try to make some food for my family and for myself post-op if, I can.

Tomorrow after school I have to take Bry-Anne to hockey practice. Tuesday, I'm sending Reilly with a friend to his practice so I can go to a Weight Loss Surgery Support Group. It'll be the only meeting I can get to before my surgery and I made arrangements for my mom to be here for Bry-Anne. Wednesday I have nothing going on after school. Thursday Reilly has off ice training, but not sure if he'll be going to that due to his injured knee from last night's hockey game. (The only reason he's going to Tuesday's practice is because it's picture day). Friday we leave for Grand Bend for a hockey tournament. Hopefully Reilly is better by then.
We come back from the tournament on Sunday. I'll be on clear fluids all day. As soon as we get home I'll have to take a suppository to clean out my system. At midnight, I'll stop eating.

Thursday I should be getting a call from the clinic with my surgery time. I'm hoping it's in the morning.

My mom will be coming Sunday night so she can be with the kids Monday morning. She can get them off to school while Dan takes me over to MI.

Yep, it's going to be an action packed week. My nerves are terrible right now. I want to puke! My heart starts racing and I start breathing faster. Not a good feeling.

The ladies from Obesity Help have been fabulous helping me get organized and keeping me calm.

Well, I have to get back to my scrubbing and cleaning.

Today Was My PATs Day

I went for my PATs this morning. I learned that getting there early would pay off, and it did. I was able to get right in and sign my forms, have my blood work done, my BP, temp and oxygen levels taken then right into the nutrition class. (That class was for the early group and I was actually in the later group) After class I went for my chest x-ray and gallbladder ultrasound.
I met with a doctor who gave me a physical then I had my EKG. Last but not least I seen the respetologist.
The results? lungs clear, blood normal, oxygen 100%, EKG, x-ray and ultrasound perfect and my lung capacity is 120% (20% above the predicted level)
The doctor said my liver feels small and not enlarged at all, even though I'VE GAINED 12LBS! since my consult in June.

After my PATs I did some shopping for my post op needs. I bought 4 more jars of protein powders in great flavours, I picked up more Crystal Lite, Atkins bars and oatmeal. I even found some SF freezys. Now I just need to pick up some soups.
I also bought some new PJs, a robe and some toiletries.

Now it's time to wait until Nov 10.

16 Days Till Surgery.

Yep, just 16 days left. My PATs day will soon be here.
I'm meeting some nice people on Obesity Help. I've been chatting back and forth with a few ladies. It's really nice to have someone to talk to who's going through the same thing, the same emotions. It's really helping me stay sane.
Nobody around here really understands the feelings I'm going through. I know it's not their fault, but I think it's like most things, unless you're going through it, you don't really understand it.
Dan's been better about things. I know he's trying and God love him for it. He's scared and he's really just as emotional as I am. He goes from anger which is really his fear masked, to kindness and understanding.
I think we just all need to hang tight. Soon it'll all be over.

18 Days Till My Surgery

Didn't do so hot with my liquid diet again today. I guess I have to have to doctor tell me that I have to do it or I won't be able to stick to it.
I'll bet I'll have to have my surgery open and it'll be my own fault.

Not much else new around here.

Tomorrow the kids are off school and I plan to take them to get a hair cut. I also plan on getting groceries and going to the gym.

19 Days Till Surgery

I tried talking to Dan about my surgery today, but the phone kept ringing and he had to answer. One time he did listen, but about 90 seconds later his hand was reaching for the phone and he was dialing. I guess must not really have been listening, but thinking of other things. That seems to be the way it goes around here.

He did tell me he's bringing me over the border for my surgery. I didn't think he would because he always has so much to do and he's worried about crossing over. I just assumed my friend would take me. I really don't have a problem with it, I'm use to it. I make plans and actually forget to ask him to come along since he never can. The few times he's mentioned it, I've felt bad for forgetting.

Anyway, he's going to come. Again I feel bad for him coming though. I know he's so busy, and I'll probably be in surgery for 3 hours or so. He's not the "waiting guy". I really do feel bad. He should be running his business not sitting around waiting for me.
I wish I could tell him, but there never seems to be a good time to talk to him anymore. When he's not on the phone or thinking about business, I'm just to tired to engage in that kind of discussion. So things get left unsaid.

So, there's 19 days left.
I wrote out a schedule for my mom to follow. The kids are always on the move. I figure she can go home on the 13th. That should be the day I get out, but I did mention for her to get confirmation just in case they keep me. She'll need to stay the extra day.
Once I'm home, I can get back to my normal routine. I'll just be a little sore and a bit slower.
I'm sure I'll manage.
Dan mentioned for me to postpone the surgery because I have nobody to help me afterward. The truth is, I have nobody afterward even if I did wait. Who would I get? My mom is already staying for 3 days and is coming back on the weekend to drive the kids to hockey. I wouldn't ask her to stay. So, pretty much there is nobody else. Only me. Now, or later, just me. So, I'm going to have to suck it up and just do what has to be done.

My liquid diet isn't so good today. I did have a shake, but I also had a piece of cake I know I shouldn't have. Well, tomorrow is another day.

20 Days Till Surgery.

Hello and welcome to my blog.

Well, after jumping through a few hoops, I was approved for my RNY. Now, I have only 20 days left until surgery.
I've been trying different protein shakes and doing lots of research to get myself ready.

I'm getting pretty nervous, excited and a bit scared.
I worry about my family. I worry about the what ifs, like what if something happens to me?

I feel my husband really doesn't want me to have this surgery. I don't know if it's because it's something I decided to do for myself and I didn't consult him, or if he thinks it's to dangerous. He says he supports me, but when he get a chance, he says things like I'm "running out to get surgery and who cares about anything else". That refers to my house being clean or who will keep it clean post op.
Well, I'm going to do it. I guess if I have choose the surgery, I have to choose the consequences too. One of the consequences is getting right back to work and keeping my house clean and doing laundry. So be it.
I feel like it's a punishment. Might as well say " Well, you want to speed, you have to pay the ticket"
I could be way off, but that's the vibe I get from him. Other then saying things like this, or telling me I lied to him because I didn't tell him about possibly becoming addicted to something else instead of food, or not looking into the plastic surgery that would come afterward, he doesn't talk about it at all.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to a new, slim life.