Well I went back to work on the 10th and I must say I was nervous. I wasn't sure how I could get my routine to work plus there had been some changes, and I was unsure of how it would change my job.

As it turns out, I feel much better and more comfortable in my job than before and I seem to be getting more liquids in. I work as a secretary at a Rehab Center in the local hospital . So I am at a desk all day and I'm always sipping on water, or tea or something. I'm still working on getting in my proteins. I don't eat a lot most of the time and I am not having good luck with some new foods. I'm a very fussy eater and I don't often try new things. So I've got to make a list of my favorite foods and draw up a plan to get my nutrition daily.

 

On a different note, I've lost 37 pounds and 20.5 inches all over plus I've dropped my BMI  from 45 to 39.9. I've gone from a size 22-24 to a size 18. Also my sugar is down to the low 100's. It was always in the 150-170's range. It's even been below 100 a few times. My blood pressure is slowly coming down as well. So I'm moving in the right direction.

 

Now I have to start exercising. I've been putting it off, but I need to get back to it.

I have to go back for another scope on Nov 4, to see how my ulcer is healing.

 

to be continued

 

         Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do.

Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou Holtz

Well, I gave up on the day to day blogs because I just kept putting them off and then I would have to try and remember each day, so I'll just blog when I get the time or have something to share.
When I last left I had just attended a support group meeting. My Dr gave me the go ahead to fly, so I went to see my Mom and family in Nova Scotia. My Mom isn't in the best health but she's one tough cookie. I was afraid to travel not knowing what to expect from my body. I'm still confused as to how to fit everything in, liquids and protein and of how much and what to eat. Everyone tells me to listen to my body, but my body gives me different signs all the time. It seems my stomach is always making noises, whether it be gas, hunger, or thirst. I'm told I shouldn't feel hunger, if so then I'm not eating enough, but I don't want to "graze" either.
I'm somewhat dehydrated, I can't seem to get all of the liquids in.
When I was in Nova Scotia, I started to experience difficulty in swallowing. I called my Dr and he suspected a stricture, which is not uncommon at around the 30 day  mark. He scheduled an endoscopy on Friday, Sept. 30.
The endoscopy revealed a bleeding ulcer. So he gave me medication and put me back on a liquid diet for a few days.
The medication seems to be helping. I'm back on pureed food and will progress to normal food any day now. I'm going to have to plan everything so I can get my nutrition, liquids and proteins in so I can get stronger and get back to  "normal".
I start back to work on Monday, can't say I'm thrilled. I'm actually nervous because some things have changed while I was off. I sure hope I can handle it.
I think I know why I have an ulcer. I've been stressed the last few months and now my father-in-law is in the hospital with a broken hip. Since he fell, he's been different. He seems confused and I'm afraid he is in the early stages of dementia. I'm hoping it's just the pain meds he was on. His wife depends on my husband and I a lot and I don't know if I can take any additional responsibilities right now and my husband is going to school and working full time, it's a lot on our plate.
Hopefully next week when I get back to work, things will fall into place.
It's been quite an adjustment, but I'm feeling better. My morning sugar has been in the 160's-170's for the last number of years. Since surgery, it has come down to the low 100's and actually last week it was 98. My blood pressure is taking a bit longer to stay low, but it's coming along.
I've lost 17.5 inches and 35 pounds since surgery. That's a good thing. Plus my husband has lost 41 pounds just by not eating out and not eating junk like we used to. Plus our bank account is a little healthier as well.

I went to the support meeting tonight. I'm so glad I went. The dietitian took one look at me and said I was dehydrated. She reinforced to me that I HAVE to get those liquids in and the protein. She wants me to eat 5 times a day. So tonight I made up a sheet to keep track of my protein and liquids. I'm leaving for Nova Scotia Friday so I don't want to be sick while I'm away.


to be continued

Tonight is Tops night. I'm down on my scale but I'm not sure if I've lost or not. I got my passport today. I can't wait to go home and see Mom and the family.I need this trip.

Well I lost 3 pounds this week. That's a total of 22 pounds in 4 weeks. A total of 28.2 since my heaviest weight in July. I'm happy.

to be continued

All of the days run together when I'm at home. Once I get back to work, I'll get into a routine again.
I'm spending my time resting and healing and sitting down petting my cat. Every time I sit down, he comes over and cuddles on my lap. He's a 25 pound lap cat. He's a lovable boy.
I'm trying to get my protein and liquids in. I don't think I'm getting enough to eat. I feel hungry and I shouldn't. I have to create a time plan to eat at certain times.I'm planning on going to the support group meeting on Wednesday. I think they are very important.Not much happening these days.

to be continued