I had my 2 week post op visit this afternoon. I have lost 22 pounds since surgery : ) and close to 30 since the visit before that. I'm very happy with the amount of weight I've lost so far.
Physically, I'm feeling GREAT! I really am. I have so much more energy already. My doctor said that I can start any excercise program that I want, even Zumba : ) He just said that for the next week, I may still be a little sore. He said to just listen to my body. If it hurts, then I may not be ready for it but if not, Go for it! So, that is awesome news!!
One other thing that I should mention...I know I previously said that medicines affect me so much different now. Well, that is soooooo true. I used to take Wellbutrin for depression. I tried going back on it and the side effects of a headache was unbearable. It's like the side effects are really magnified. So, I talked to my doctor about it. I told him that I stopped the medicine. He said that a lot of people who have this surgery are able to stop a lot of the medications that they used to take. So, I may not need it. But, if I feel like I do, I will just go to my PCP and ask for a lower dose. Right now, Im off the medicine, just keeping an eye on things.
Emotionally, I'm doing really good. I'm feeling much better about myself. I was able to fit into a pair of jeans from many years ago that I thought I would never wear again. That was such a good feeling.
Earlier in the week, I got a call from the adoption/foster care agency that we are working with. We were approved back in October but hadn't heard anything. Well, one morning, the lady called and asked if I'd be willing to take a very young baby. (this is on the internet so I don't want to be more specific). Even though I had surgery only 10 days prior, at the time of the call, I said YES. It was an emergency placement so she needed me to take the baby in 24 hours. At first, I did not know what to think. But, then I got very excited about it, I felt like I was ready. Well, the next day, she called and said that they had found a family member that wanted the baby. So, I was disappointed. I was happy for the baby, ofcourse, if there's a family member, it's best that way. But at the same time, I've been waiting for a phone call for months now. I did pray about it and left it up to God. I'm currently at peace with everything because I know that it just wasn't the right time. It will happen, I know it because I feel so strongly called by God to do this. It just wasn't the right time.
So, that is my update for now. I am able to eat real foods now, even meats so I feel so much better now.
I don't want everyone to think that I'm promoting having surgery to lose weight. EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. For me, it has been a good decision. My headaches are 75% gone already. And, I feel better in every way. But there are things that have been very hard in this journey. Food is such a big part of everyones life. For me, surgery is a tool that has worked for me. And for me, this whole experience of weight loss is a lot of mental work. I'm learning what works and what doesn't. At my daughters birthday, there was cake. I actually had some. But, I had about 3 or 4 bites. I could have physically ate more, even now, but again, mentally, I know my goal is still to lose more weight so I was done after 4 bites. Some people have no cake during a time when they are trying to lose weight. So, everyone is different and everyday, I learn what works for me and what doesn't. I still say that the biggest key to losing weight is to DRINK WATER! I still notice that if I don't drink my water, I don't lose weight.
I will update again soon but for now, things are really going good : )
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Update
Today is Thursday, January 19th. My surgery was ten days ago.
Physically, I feel great. I have no more pain. I do still have some soreness on the main incision but that's it. I have felt like I have a lot more energy and Im ready to start exercising. I called my doctor and asked if I could start Zumba or other things like that. He said that I have to wait until I see him on the 24th and that there's still a lot of healing going on, on the inside. I don't know exactly how much weight Ive lost. I'll post exact numbers after my appointment on Tuesday. Scott was in a cleaning mood a few days ago and he scrubbed down our bathroom, including our scale..lol. He said it was dirty. Well, water was in it and it broke. Poor thing, I know he's trying : ) I went and bought another scale and it's off by a couple pounds compared to my other one. So, I don't know exactly how much weight Ive lost. I know it's slowed down compared to last week. I've also noticed that the secret to seeing the numbers go down on the scale is to DRINK WATER! If I don't drink my water, even if I've had 600 calories, I will barely lose any weight. So, water is so important for weight loss.
Emotionally, I've felt really good the past couple of days. Instead of everything feeling so different from how I used to be, my new way of life is becoming normal feeling for me. I've been able to go to Chick fil a with my family and I ordered the chicken noodle soup. I just didn't eat the chicken. I know I'm not ready for that just yet. So, even though they may have all had a CFA sandwich and fries, I was still able to go with them and have something.
My clothes fit better and maybe that boosted my self esteem. I just know that I feel good, in every way.
So, that's about it. I haven't hit anymore lows. Im really doing good right now.
Physically, I feel great. I have no more pain. I do still have some soreness on the main incision but that's it. I have felt like I have a lot more energy and Im ready to start exercising. I called my doctor and asked if I could start Zumba or other things like that. He said that I have to wait until I see him on the 24th and that there's still a lot of healing going on, on the inside. I don't know exactly how much weight Ive lost. I'll post exact numbers after my appointment on Tuesday. Scott was in a cleaning mood a few days ago and he scrubbed down our bathroom, including our scale..lol. He said it was dirty. Well, water was in it and it broke. Poor thing, I know he's trying : ) I went and bought another scale and it's off by a couple pounds compared to my other one. So, I don't know exactly how much weight Ive lost. I know it's slowed down compared to last week. I've also noticed that the secret to seeing the numbers go down on the scale is to DRINK WATER! If I don't drink my water, even if I've had 600 calories, I will barely lose any weight. So, water is so important for weight loss.
Emotionally, I've felt really good the past couple of days. Instead of everything feeling so different from how I used to be, my new way of life is becoming normal feeling for me. I've been able to go to Chick fil a with my family and I ordered the chicken noodle soup. I just didn't eat the chicken. I know I'm not ready for that just yet. So, even though they may have all had a CFA sandwich and fries, I was still able to go with them and have something.
My clothes fit better and maybe that boosted my self esteem. I just know that I feel good, in every way.
So, that's about it. I haven't hit anymore lows. Im really doing good right now.
Monday, January 16, 2012
1 week update
It's been one week since surgery. I've lost 13 pounds. I really didn't expect to lose quite that much. I've heard, for the first month, one pound a day would be the maximum amount of weight that I'd lose. I know that as I add more calories, it will slow down. For the past two days, I've tried to have some sort of food at a normal meal time. For example, for breakfast, I had a pack of grits, for lunch, a little soup. And dinner , cream of wheat. I've noticed that I do feel slightly hungry or maybe a better word is empty around meal times. But, it only takes a very small amount, something as simple as a 4oz yogurt cup, to fill me up.
Physically, I feel pretty good. I still have some pain around that one area of my stomach. But I feel better and better everyday. I thought my headaches were getting much better but Ive noticed that I do still have headaches. Im starting to think those past few days, when I thought my headaches were better, it may have actually felt better because of the stronger pain medicine I was on. I haven't taken the pain medicine this weekend and the headaches are back. It's not quite as bad as before surgery so maybe the weight loss is helping. Time will tell.
Emotionally, I've been having a hard time. I know a lot of people will hear that and say " didn't you prepare for this emotionally"?. Well, yes, I did. But, no amount of researching or preparing can 100% prepare you for this. Like I previously said, I am very honest so, whether things are great , or really bad, I will say it like it is. With that said, this weekend was my hardest time yet. I went to the moives with my kids Saturday evening. We actually went to Cinema Cafe. It's really hard in situations like that where everyone is ordering all this food and I sit back and see everyone eating, like there's no thought process to it. I guess I never thought about what I was eating before either. When I was hungry , I ate. So, I just felt like the odd ball out. Then, I used to go out to eat a lot with my husband on the weekends. We went to BJs to get him a haircut yesterday. I knew in my head that we usually go to Chili's or Outback.He is very good about all of this. After his haircut, he just asked me to go to Starbucks. Yes, I can go to Starbucks and I feel "normal" there. I can sip on a coffee, just like everyone else. But, when I pulled in the parking lot, I just broke down. Chili's is right beside Starbucks. I briefly saw people of all different sizes walk into Chili's. And, again, I had this feeling of being soooo different, like I'm the only one. At that moment, I honestly didn't care if I lost another pound, I just wanted to go back to how I used to be and go into that restaurant like I used to. I know that as time goes on, I will be able to go into a restarant and order food and eat, just like normal people do. But, can I go order the 2 for $20 with my husband , and eat a "normal" size meal. No, probably never. I may be able to eat a kids meal or order a regular meal and take the rest home. YES, I KNOW that is amount of food , even normal people should eat, but still, it's just hard for me. Everyone is different and this has been one of my biggest struggles. Anyway, Im even cheating a bit, having grits and soup. I am really supposed to be on liquids for two weeks. But, I'm at a point of gagging on liquids only. I went really slow with the yogurt and grits and seem to be fine with it. I know the biggest risk with this surgery is a leak so I need to be very careful. I go back to my doctor on the 24th, and at that point, I should be able to have shredded cheese and very very finely cut meats, veggies, etc. So, it's my goal to make it to the 24th, emotionally.
My daughter, Kelsey, also has headaches everyday. She is a perfect weight. So, Im starting to wonder if the doctors were really right about telling me that these headache will go away when Im a healthy weight. Either way, being a healthy weight is better for anyone's health.
I'm feeling a little better, emotionally, today. To be honest, I think I sound pretty selfish, talking about being depressed because Im not going into Chili's. What is wrong with me? There's lots of people in this world who won't have dinner tonight. There's famies who don't know where next weeks dinner will come from. So, yes, I'm giving myself a reality check.
I think that I've taken food away and I haven't replaced it with anything. Im going to try and replace it with something else.I'd like to do some sort of service project with my kids, something with helping people in need. So, that is my project this week, to figure out a service project. And, I can't wait until I get the green light to start exercising! We are members of the Y and I can't wait to be able to start exercising. That happens at the 2 week point also.
I know I need to wrap this up, but I wanted to mention one more thing.. I've made a point to talk about my bad times emotionally, but I haven't talked about the good ones. Yesterday, I had the honor of teaching the 9th grade girls at Liberty Baptist. I really enjoy being able to teach them on Sundays. They have been one of my biggest encouragers through all of this. I love them!
Today is a new day......
Jan
Physically, I feel pretty good. I still have some pain around that one area of my stomach. But I feel better and better everyday. I thought my headaches were getting much better but Ive noticed that I do still have headaches. Im starting to think those past few days, when I thought my headaches were better, it may have actually felt better because of the stronger pain medicine I was on. I haven't taken the pain medicine this weekend and the headaches are back. It's not quite as bad as before surgery so maybe the weight loss is helping. Time will tell.
Emotionally, I've been having a hard time. I know a lot of people will hear that and say " didn't you prepare for this emotionally"?. Well, yes, I did. But, no amount of researching or preparing can 100% prepare you for this. Like I previously said, I am very honest so, whether things are great , or really bad, I will say it like it is. With that said, this weekend was my hardest time yet. I went to the moives with my kids Saturday evening. We actually went to Cinema Cafe. It's really hard in situations like that where everyone is ordering all this food and I sit back and see everyone eating, like there's no thought process to it. I guess I never thought about what I was eating before either. When I was hungry , I ate. So, I just felt like the odd ball out. Then, I used to go out to eat a lot with my husband on the weekends. We went to BJs to get him a haircut yesterday. I knew in my head that we usually go to Chili's or Outback.He is very good about all of this. After his haircut, he just asked me to go to Starbucks. Yes, I can go to Starbucks and I feel "normal" there. I can sip on a coffee, just like everyone else. But, when I pulled in the parking lot, I just broke down. Chili's is right beside Starbucks. I briefly saw people of all different sizes walk into Chili's. And, again, I had this feeling of being soooo different, like I'm the only one. At that moment, I honestly didn't care if I lost another pound, I just wanted to go back to how I used to be and go into that restaurant like I used to. I know that as time goes on, I will be able to go into a restarant and order food and eat, just like normal people do. But, can I go order the 2 for $20 with my husband , and eat a "normal" size meal. No, probably never. I may be able to eat a kids meal or order a regular meal and take the rest home. YES, I KNOW that is amount of food , even normal people should eat, but still, it's just hard for me. Everyone is different and this has been one of my biggest struggles. Anyway, Im even cheating a bit, having grits and soup. I am really supposed to be on liquids for two weeks. But, I'm at a point of gagging on liquids only. I went really slow with the yogurt and grits and seem to be fine with it. I know the biggest risk with this surgery is a leak so I need to be very careful. I go back to my doctor on the 24th, and at that point, I should be able to have shredded cheese and very very finely cut meats, veggies, etc. So, it's my goal to make it to the 24th, emotionally.
My daughter, Kelsey, also has headaches everyday. She is a perfect weight. So, Im starting to wonder if the doctors were really right about telling me that these headache will go away when Im a healthy weight. Either way, being a healthy weight is better for anyone's health.
I'm feeling a little better, emotionally, today. To be honest, I think I sound pretty selfish, talking about being depressed because Im not going into Chili's. What is wrong with me? There's lots of people in this world who won't have dinner tonight. There's famies who don't know where next weeks dinner will come from. So, yes, I'm giving myself a reality check.
I think that I've taken food away and I haven't replaced it with anything. Im going to try and replace it with something else.I'd like to do some sort of service project with my kids, something with helping people in need. So, that is my project this week, to figure out a service project. And, I can't wait until I get the green light to start exercising! We are members of the Y and I can't wait to be able to start exercising. That happens at the 2 week point also.
I know I need to wrap this up, but I wanted to mention one more thing.. I've made a point to talk about my bad times emotionally, but I haven't talked about the good ones. Yesterday, I had the honor of teaching the 9th grade girls at Liberty Baptist. I really enjoy being able to teach them on Sundays. They have been one of my biggest encouragers through all of this. I love them!
Today is a new day......
Jan
Saturday, January 14, 2012
quick update
Hello Everyone, I just wanted to update you all on my hunt for protein drinks. Earlier today, I posted that I was going to go buy the "Protein Blitz" drink. I did go to GNC and couldn't find it. I came home and went on their website. At first, the website made me a little uncomfortable. Then I realized why and I felt God tugging at my heart. There is cussing in big bold letters, right on the home page. And, then I noticed that one of the drinks are actually called "WTF orange". Even though this drink may have given me the protein I needed, I can't buy it. Why?? Because I would be financially supporting this. And it's not right. So, I will work with my chocolate drinks or wait until I can add real food with real protein.....
Saturday update
I'll probably update this blog every other day since there's not too many daily changes...
Im feeling better everyday. I have about 6 pain pills left. I broke them in half, to start to taper off of the pain medicine. I tried just cold turkey stopping but it just hurt too bad. I have 6 incisions on my stomach. 5 are laproscopic and 1 isn't. So, that 1 incision, where they removed my stomach hurts. Mainly if I've been sitting down and I go to stand up, that's when it really hurts. But I have noticed how medicine effects me so different now. Prior to surgery, I could take just about anything and "keep going". I barely knew I took anything. Medicines like adivan or phenergan for nausea. Well, twice now, I've taken a phenergan for nausea and I only took ONE. WOW, I could not "keep going". It completely knocked me out. I was sooooo tired and just had to go to sleep. So, as far as my pain medicine goes, even if I have pain, I will not refil that medicine. Addiction runs in my family and Im aware of that and that is why Im so funny about pain medicine.
Yesterday, again, I seemed to be so busy. I went and opened a checking account for Charlie. She works at Chick fil a and she now has a checking account with a debit card. So, that took some time, then I had to run home, get the kids, have charlie sign for the account. Then, meet Scott at the eye doctor for the girls to get their glasses. So, bottom line, lots of running around and being busy. I know I did NOT get the right amount of water or protein. Im supposed to get around 100 grams of protein a day and I may have had 10 grams yesterday. Something happened to my taste buds or well, I don't know. I just don't want a chocolate or vanilla protein drink. The taste will make me gag. I went and bought some Cream of Wheat and grits. I have tried both of them and it was nice to have something "real".
I went on youtube this morning and was looking for ideas of how to get the protein in other ways. I am feeling really encouraged about something I saw. There was a lady who found a protein drink. They sell it at GNC. Its called "Protein Blitz". It's fruit punch or other fruit flavors, kindof like gatorade. It has 30 grams of protein and 1 carb.. So, I will most definitely be going to get some of that to try. I sure hope it works. I know when I am able to eat chicken and beans, I will be able to get some protein in but until then, this may just work.
Yesterday was friday and at my house, it's pizza night. Im trying to keep life as normal as possible for my kids. So, they ordered pizza. Well, when I smelled the pizza and just saw my family eating normal, it hit me again. At that moment, I just wanted to be normal. Scotty just happened to get the mail and hand me a card that my sweet 9th grade girls at church sent me. Awww, it just made my day! It was just what I needed. I just had to remind myself that in a couple months, I WILL be able to have a slice of pizza..not the thick pizza hut type but a very thin slice, sure. I will get there in time.
I do not regret having this surgery. It's not the easy way out like some people think. It's still a lot of work, both physically and mentally.
I'm really looking forward to going to church tomorrow : ) And, life will get a little more normal feeling everyday.
Im feeling better everyday. I have about 6 pain pills left. I broke them in half, to start to taper off of the pain medicine. I tried just cold turkey stopping but it just hurt too bad. I have 6 incisions on my stomach. 5 are laproscopic and 1 isn't. So, that 1 incision, where they removed my stomach hurts. Mainly if I've been sitting down and I go to stand up, that's when it really hurts. But I have noticed how medicine effects me so different now. Prior to surgery, I could take just about anything and "keep going". I barely knew I took anything. Medicines like adivan or phenergan for nausea. Well, twice now, I've taken a phenergan for nausea and I only took ONE. WOW, I could not "keep going". It completely knocked me out. I was sooooo tired and just had to go to sleep. So, as far as my pain medicine goes, even if I have pain, I will not refil that medicine. Addiction runs in my family and Im aware of that and that is why Im so funny about pain medicine.
Yesterday, again, I seemed to be so busy. I went and opened a checking account for Charlie. She works at Chick fil a and she now has a checking account with a debit card. So, that took some time, then I had to run home, get the kids, have charlie sign for the account. Then, meet Scott at the eye doctor for the girls to get their glasses. So, bottom line, lots of running around and being busy. I know I did NOT get the right amount of water or protein. Im supposed to get around 100 grams of protein a day and I may have had 10 grams yesterday. Something happened to my taste buds or well, I don't know. I just don't want a chocolate or vanilla protein drink. The taste will make me gag. I went and bought some Cream of Wheat and grits. I have tried both of them and it was nice to have something "real".
I went on youtube this morning and was looking for ideas of how to get the protein in other ways. I am feeling really encouraged about something I saw. There was a lady who found a protein drink. They sell it at GNC. Its called "Protein Blitz". It's fruit punch or other fruit flavors, kindof like gatorade. It has 30 grams of protein and 1 carb.. So, I will most definitely be going to get some of that to try. I sure hope it works. I know when I am able to eat chicken and beans, I will be able to get some protein in but until then, this may just work.
Yesterday was friday and at my house, it's pizza night. Im trying to keep life as normal as possible for my kids. So, they ordered pizza. Well, when I smelled the pizza and just saw my family eating normal, it hit me again. At that moment, I just wanted to be normal. Scotty just happened to get the mail and hand me a card that my sweet 9th grade girls at church sent me. Awww, it just made my day! It was just what I needed. I just had to remind myself that in a couple months, I WILL be able to have a slice of pizza..not the thick pizza hut type but a very thin slice, sure. I will get there in time.
I do not regret having this surgery. It's not the easy way out like some people think. It's still a lot of work, both physically and mentally.
I'm really looking forward to going to church tomorrow : ) And, life will get a little more normal feeling everyday.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Day 3 Post op (thursday)
Well, my doctor said that it's not good to sit around . He wants me to move and walk around. So, I went to church last night. I had started taking a class last Wednesday night called "Balancing Life's Demands" and I didn't want to miss class because it's such a good class and Im learning a lot so, me and the kids went to church. The bad part was that I feel so busy with the kids that I don't think to keep sipping on fluids all day. And, I don't really get hungry or thirsty. It's kindof like I have to remind myself to eat/drink. By the time we got to church, I knew I needed something. The kids ate dinner there at church. I wanted something. I ordered a pudding cup and a slurpee. No, it wasn't sugar free but guess what? It was one of the best tasting slurpees ever : ) See, my body won't let me have but so much. So, I probably didn't even have a half a cup of the slurpee, maybe a few bites of pudding.
I started to get a sore throat and this morning, I realized I had thrush. I knew what it was because my mom has gotten it a few times. The nurse told me at the hospital that there was a chance of me getting it . I called my doctor today and he called in the medicine for me. Anyway, it's not too much fun because I can't force fluids like you would usually with thrush.
Ive lost about 8 pounds since Monday. Im having a hard time getting enough calories in and finding something that actually tastes decent. I can handle some of the protein drinks but I just can't live off of them. I went to the Center for Weight Loss store and bought a tomato soup, and strawberry smoothie drinks, hot chocolate. Well, the soup was sooooo Nasty!.. Yuck! and the strawberry smoothie drink is super strong tasting and just plain gross. So, after realizing that Ive had about 200 calories yesterday, I knew I had to find something that I can eat that I halfway like. So, I bought some delicious Campbells Tomato soup. For lunch today, I had a half a can of soup, mixed with skim milk and it was yummy! I've had a little nutrients so my brain is working again..It did take atleast 30 minutes to eat because I have to go so so slow. So, Im realizing what works for me and what doesn't. I guess everyone is different. I seem to not be sensitive to anything, which is great. I just have to go really really slow. If I can make it to the 24th, Ill be able to start adding some things.
So, physically, Im feeling better. And, as I see myself losing weight, Im feeling better emotionally too. Im starting to have different outlooks on my life and truly feel better about things. Right now, Im glad that Ive had the surgery. There are times in my day that I just want to eat the same things my family is eating and I can feel depressed. But, I know in a few months, I will be able to, just in much smaller amounts.
So, that's my update for today : )
I started to get a sore throat and this morning, I realized I had thrush. I knew what it was because my mom has gotten it a few times. The nurse told me at the hospital that there was a chance of me getting it . I called my doctor today and he called in the medicine for me. Anyway, it's not too much fun because I can't force fluids like you would usually with thrush.
Ive lost about 8 pounds since Monday. Im having a hard time getting enough calories in and finding something that actually tastes decent. I can handle some of the protein drinks but I just can't live off of them. I went to the Center for Weight Loss store and bought a tomato soup, and strawberry smoothie drinks, hot chocolate. Well, the soup was sooooo Nasty!.. Yuck! and the strawberry smoothie drink is super strong tasting and just plain gross. So, after realizing that Ive had about 200 calories yesterday, I knew I had to find something that I can eat that I halfway like. So, I bought some delicious Campbells Tomato soup. For lunch today, I had a half a can of soup, mixed with skim milk and it was yummy! I've had a little nutrients so my brain is working again..It did take atleast 30 minutes to eat because I have to go so so slow. So, Im realizing what works for me and what doesn't. I guess everyone is different. I seem to not be sensitive to anything, which is great. I just have to go really really slow. If I can make it to the 24th, Ill be able to start adding some things.
So, physically, Im feeling better. And, as I see myself losing weight, Im feeling better emotionally too. Im starting to have different outlooks on my life and truly feel better about things. Right now, Im glad that Ive had the surgery. There are times in my day that I just want to eat the same things my family is eating and I can feel depressed. But, I know in a few months, I will be able to, just in much smaller amounts.
So, that's my update for today : )
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Day 2
I wanted to give an earlier update today.... I am doing better. Yesterday evening, I took the dogs on a small walk outside and tried to clear my head. I also went to Kroger to get the right kind of yogurt. Poor Scott, he really tries. But when I sent him to the store for strawberry yogurt, he came home with "strawberry colada" yogurt.. Yuck! I needed to feel like I could have something besides a Protein powder shake...
Prior to surgery, I didn't realize how much food was a comfort thing for me. If I had a bad day, Id go get a coke from Chickfila or go out to lunch. I bet I went out to lunch every other day. So, when I was having a hard time with all of this mentally, but realized that I couldn't go out to eat, it was overwhelming.
I have this book that my doctor gave me and it explains EVERYTHING from before surgery, through your first year after surgery. I went back and was reading it. It clearly says that the first two weeks are VERY overwhelming so I guess what Im feeling is somewhat normal.
One other mistake I made was ... a couple days before surgery, I stopped taking my depression medicine. Only because I had lost some hair due to that medicine and I had heard that sometimes with this surgery, you can lose a lot of hair. I was so afraid of that. But, I sure that by stopping that medicine, it made this whole exnerience much worse. So, Ive gone back on it and intend to stay on it. Im taking my mulitvitamins twice a day and will do all I can to get the right nutrition in.
I have a better outlook today. I have lost six pounds since Monday. And, my headache is already slightly better. I think I was slightly dehydrated. Ive managed to finish a whole protein drink. That's a big deal.. lol I have to drink very very slowly and it takes about a hour to drink eight ounces.
Anyway, I am really trying to look at everything more positive. But anyone who knows me, knows Im like an open book. If I feel a certain way, I say it , Im very honest. I wanted this blog to be me, the real me and all of my feelings through this experience, good or bad.
I think Im going to go to the Center for Weight Loss Success store today and get a couple soups that Im able to have, and they even have protein. See, they say Im supposed to have 100 grams of protein a day. Thats not easy to get in when I can only take in about four to six cups of liquid a day right now. I am looking forward to the 24th, when I am able to have a little more in my diet. So, that's where Im at today....: )
And, this Saturday, my family is all going to a program at the YMCA.. its called Y change. So, we are making it a family thing to learn to eat right and exercise.
Prior to surgery, I didn't realize how much food was a comfort thing for me. If I had a bad day, Id go get a coke from Chickfila or go out to lunch. I bet I went out to lunch every other day. So, when I was having a hard time with all of this mentally, but realized that I couldn't go out to eat, it was overwhelming.
I have this book that my doctor gave me and it explains EVERYTHING from before surgery, through your first year after surgery. I went back and was reading it. It clearly says that the first two weeks are VERY overwhelming so I guess what Im feeling is somewhat normal.
One other mistake I made was ... a couple days before surgery, I stopped taking my depression medicine. Only because I had lost some hair due to that medicine and I had heard that sometimes with this surgery, you can lose a lot of hair. I was so afraid of that. But, I sure that by stopping that medicine, it made this whole exnerience much worse. So, Ive gone back on it and intend to stay on it. Im taking my mulitvitamins twice a day and will do all I can to get the right nutrition in.
I have a better outlook today. I have lost six pounds since Monday. And, my headache is already slightly better. I think I was slightly dehydrated. Ive managed to finish a whole protein drink. That's a big deal.. lol I have to drink very very slowly and it takes about a hour to drink eight ounces.
Anyway, I am really trying to look at everything more positive. But anyone who knows me, knows Im like an open book. If I feel a certain way, I say it , Im very honest. I wanted this blog to be me, the real me and all of my feelings through this experience, good or bad.
I think Im going to go to the Center for Weight Loss Success store today and get a couple soups that Im able to have, and they even have protein. See, they say Im supposed to have 100 grams of protein a day. Thats not easy to get in when I can only take in about four to six cups of liquid a day right now. I am looking forward to the 24th, when I am able to have a little more in my diet. So, that's where Im at today....: )
And, this Saturday, my family is all going to a program at the YMCA.. its called Y change. So, we are making it a family thing to learn to eat right and exercise.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Day 1
Last night was rough. I was in a lot of pain, couldn't sleep in the bed so I was up and down all night on the couch.
This morning started out good. I took my pain medicine and was able to take Charlie to her friends house, because we carpool to homeschool plus. I was even able to go through the chickfila drive thru and get Charlie and my other kids breakfast. I just kept trying to think positive. After that , I went and paid a bill.
Shortly after that, my sister, Tiffany took Kelsey and Taylor which was a big help because I really needed to rest.. Thank you Tiffany!
Then... it hit me! I just got really down! I realize just how little I can't have. I really feel like I can't have anything.
So, I wish I had a better update but sadly, Im going through a very hard time emotionally with all of this.
Hopefully, I will have a better update soon....
This morning started out good. I took my pain medicine and was able to take Charlie to her friends house, because we carpool to homeschool plus. I was even able to go through the chickfila drive thru and get Charlie and my other kids breakfast. I just kept trying to think positive. After that , I went and paid a bill.
Shortly after that, my sister, Tiffany took Kelsey and Taylor which was a big help because I really needed to rest.. Thank you Tiffany!
Then... it hit me! I just got really down! I realize just how little I can't have. I really feel like I can't have anything.
So, I wish I had a better update but sadly, Im going through a very hard time emotionally with all of this.
Hopefully, I will have a better update soon....
Monday, January 9, 2012
Surgery Day
I made it through surgery! Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers!! My brother, Troy , took me this morning. He was such a trooper and did all he could to calm my nerves.
We got to the hospital at 7am, they directed us to go right upstairs . We didn't even have to wait, right to the room I went. I got changed into a hospital gown and had to answer all kinds of questions. Then, for about a hour, we just waited . Troy distracted my mind by talking to me and it helped a lot.
Around 9am, they gave me a medicine that made me completely calm and off to surgery I went. I woke up in the recovery room around 11am. I was shocked at how fast everything went. Soon, after, I went to another post op room and twenty minutes later, went and had a xray to be sure there were no leaks. Then, I came back to the post op room for about thirty minutes, and then I was discharged... WOW..
Troy drove me home. I felt bad, he had been up early and stayed with me at the hospital. I tried to make him go home and he would not listen to me. He stayed with me until Scott got home.
So, the surgery went well and there's no leaks. I won't lie, Im in A LOT of pain. Im hoping to get the pain under control with the pain medicine that they sent me home with. Im amazed at how an ounce or two can make me feel full. Im trying to sip on liquids, often.
Im on a two week diet of liquids. That has been hard emotionally. I looked in my surgery book and read that I can have fat free frozen yogurt. So, I asked Scott to go get a few things so I feel like I am having something.
Over the next couple days, my goal is to stay hydrated and get my pain under control.
Im trying to get closer to God. With God, I will get through this. Thank you Troy for everything. And thank you Scott for being supportive and going to get things from the store for me.
We got to the hospital at 7am, they directed us to go right upstairs . We didn't even have to wait, right to the room I went. I got changed into a hospital gown and had to answer all kinds of questions. Then, for about a hour, we just waited . Troy distracted my mind by talking to me and it helped a lot.
Around 9am, they gave me a medicine that made me completely calm and off to surgery I went. I woke up in the recovery room around 11am. I was shocked at how fast everything went. Soon, after, I went to another post op room and twenty minutes later, went and had a xray to be sure there were no leaks. Then, I came back to the post op room for about thirty minutes, and then I was discharged... WOW..
Troy drove me home. I felt bad, he had been up early and stayed with me at the hospital. I tried to make him go home and he would not listen to me. He stayed with me until Scott got home.
So, the surgery went well and there's no leaks. I won't lie, Im in A LOT of pain. Im hoping to get the pain under control with the pain medicine that they sent me home with. Im amazed at how an ounce or two can make me feel full. Im trying to sip on liquids, often.
Im on a two week diet of liquids. That has been hard emotionally. I looked in my surgery book and read that I can have fat free frozen yogurt. So, I asked Scott to go get a few things so I feel like I am having something.
Over the next couple days, my goal is to stay hydrated and get my pain under control.
Im trying to get closer to God. With God, I will get through this. Thank you Troy for everything. And thank you Scott for being supportive and going to get things from the store for me.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Day before surgery
Day before surgery:
Wow, there's so many feelings/emotions going on today. Im scared, nervous, excited, happy, and sad. I've been mentally going over why I decided to have this weight loss surgery. Mainly , because I'm really tired of having a headache. I have Psuedotumor Cerebri or Intracranial hypertention. It usually effects women of child bearing age , who are overweight. I haven't been back to my neurologist or my orthopedic doctor since they both told me to lose weight. I think I finally reached a point that I was done being overweight, ready to find out of it really will cure my headaches, and to be able to have a ACL surgery on my knees and it work, and I can play with my kids. Im 33, I want to ride my bike, to exercise, and to live an active life. Theres also a second reason that I'm having this surgery. I want to feel better about myself. I want to enjoy shopping, know I can fit in cute clothes and be a happier person.
So, here goes. I have to be at the hospital tomorrow at 7am, surgery is at 9am. They say the surgery may take two hours. But, it's outpatient so I will be coming home the same day. Its a good thing because Im just like my momma when it comes to a hospital stay... LOL.
Today, I've had to be on a liquid diet. It's no fun at all. They say that the part of my stomach that they are removing is the part that produces the hormone that makes you feel hungry. So, Im not supposed to feel hungry for a few months. I won't lie, Im dreading the next couple months. I try and focus on what I'll be able to eat and drink about six months post op because it's basically a "small plate". But, getting there will be HARD. Ill be on a liquid diet for the next two weeks.
I want to keep a record of this journey and will try and update my blog often : )
Wow, there's so many feelings/emotions going on today. Im scared, nervous, excited, happy, and sad. I've been mentally going over why I decided to have this weight loss surgery. Mainly , because I'm really tired of having a headache. I have Psuedotumor Cerebri or Intracranial hypertention. It usually effects women of child bearing age , who are overweight. I haven't been back to my neurologist or my orthopedic doctor since they both told me to lose weight. I think I finally reached a point that I was done being overweight, ready to find out of it really will cure my headaches, and to be able to have a ACL surgery on my knees and it work, and I can play with my kids. Im 33, I want to ride my bike, to exercise, and to live an active life. Theres also a second reason that I'm having this surgery. I want to feel better about myself. I want to enjoy shopping, know I can fit in cute clothes and be a happier person.
So, here goes. I have to be at the hospital tomorrow at 7am, surgery is at 9am. They say the surgery may take two hours. But, it's outpatient so I will be coming home the same day. Its a good thing because Im just like my momma when it comes to a hospital stay... LOL.
Today, I've had to be on a liquid diet. It's no fun at all. They say that the part of my stomach that they are removing is the part that produces the hormone that makes you feel hungry. So, Im not supposed to feel hungry for a few months. I won't lie, Im dreading the next couple months. I try and focus on what I'll be able to eat and drink about six months post op because it's basically a "small plate". But, getting there will be HARD. Ill be on a liquid diet for the next two weeks.
I want to keep a record of this journey and will try and update my blog often : )
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)