Kelly B.

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THE GOOD ---  Well it's been five days since my last post and a lot has happened.  Some good, some bad, and some just downright ugly!
Tuesday and Wednesday were great.  I was getting really bad cabin fever so I called up the parents and went loafing around town with them.  That was nice as we haven't really spent a lot of time together without it be some kind of "event".  Then on Tuesday, the hubby and I went to the day spa and did a mani/pedi deal!  I will never be able to go alone to the nail place again.  He loved it!  We went over to this artsy place called the Factory and walked around looking at art and neat specialty stores.  Came home and took a nap!  He starts his nursing training next week so this week he has been home with me.

Thursday was the day to move to the highly anticipated Stage 3!!  I have been poring over blogs, books, and my surgeons information on what to buy, what to eat, when to eat, how to eat, etc... all week long.  I had my measuring cup, my scale, my chopper, my blender --- I was ready!  In the morning I drink my water, I wait the required 30 mins., I measure 1/2 cup of egg substitute and scramble those suckers -- I put a piece of fat free cheese to melt on top.  It takes me 26 minutes to eat almost all of it.  It does taste funky.  Not the "good" eggs that I remember but then, everything tastes funky now.  I wait the next 30 minutes and then start to drink my water.  I have my vitamins -- I feel great!  So great, I get ready to go out on the town. 

THE BAD --- I pack my protein shake (EAS Carb Control) and multiple waters in my little cooler for the car and head out to get new tires for my car.  I then head over to Tuesday morning for a little after X-mas shopping and browse through the store.  By the time I get back in my car, I know I need to have my protein shake.  I had my eggs at 9 AM and it's now 1 PM.  (There is a point to this story, I promise)  I am drinking my shake while driving over to Target.  I finish at Target around 1:45 PM and start driving home drinking my water.  All of a sudden, my stomach starts to hurt.  I am thinking maybe my jeans are too restrictive or something --- It doesn't get better when I get home.  I have a hair appointment at 4:15 PM so I lay down on the couch at 2:00 PM hoping that the pain (not solid pain, but weird pain) will go away.  I lay down for two hours and still feel like crap. 

THE UGLY ---  Like the crazy person I am, I decide to keep my appointment.  I am on the way, talking to my Surgery Sista -- Cathy -- when I have to hang up --- while I am driving, I start to throw up.  I couldn't stop -- happened three times and I finally get to a gas station to clean up the car.  Most normal people would cancel their appointment and go home.  Well, I am not normal.  I figure since I was sick, I should be fine now.  I didn't get anything on my clothes and I cleaned up the car. 

I get my hair done and two hours later get in my car.  I feel like total crap.  My stomach is steadily hurting more and more.  I have only had two tiny sips of water since my driving episode.  I am barely out the parking lot and here I go again.  Worse than before.  I didn't even know that I had anything left!  I feel awful -- I call my husband to meet me in the garage.  I am so weak, and in so much pain.  I have no idea what could have happened.  The DH puts me in bed, gets my anti-nauseous medicine and gives me a trash can "just in case".   I sipped one bottle of water for the next 8 hours. 

Friday I woke up and decided not to test the pouch.  I only had water, Popsicles, and broth.  I didn't have protein, vitamins, or anything that may cause a reaction.  My only goal was to be hydrated.  Every time I drank something my stomach would cramp or tighten up.  I posted a message on the board but no one really knew what to tell me since there doesn't seem to be anything that I ate/drank that would cause a severe reaction like that.  The eggs went down fine and usually if there is a problem, it happens pretty soon after -- my shakes don't have sugar so it can't be dumping syndrome.  I have no idea what caused it but I never, never want it to happen again. 

If you have any ideas, shoot me an email and let me know.  So, now it's Saturday -- this is usually my day for lamenting on something "profound" --- Not today!  Instead, I am going to test the pouch.  I am going back to full liquids and vitamins today and see how we do.  I will let you know what happens. 

As for the weight, I am down now to 238 from 260.  I can see a difference in my face and shoulders.  I don't have an regrets as I know this too shall pass and everything is a work in process.  Happy New Year to you all!  God Bless you and hope you have a wonderful 2011! 

Well, it's now 8 days since I have come home from the hospital -- the first time.    

I can officially say that I am totally and completely sick of protein shakes and broth.  I woke up this morning and all I could taste and smell was the protein.  It was really gross.  So, I started cooking and baking.  Not for me of course but for the family.  I made banana nut bread, chili, and sweet corn muffins.  My family was so very grateful.  Our pantry is the emptiest I have ever seen it.  Every time the kids go to look for something to eat, they just sigh.  Hubby is suppose to be doing the grocery shopping and finally he made it to the store today. 

I am doing good on all of my stuff --- I take my vitamins, I drink over a 100 oz of water, and I get in between 65-85 grams of protein per day with less than 350 calories.  I cannot exercise yet but I feel my energy wanting to kick in.  I am a slow loser.  I weigh 247 lbs.  Pouchie is handling things pretty well.  I rarely get nauseous or have any issues with dizziness.  I have stopped taking all pain meds.  I did miss them for a day or two.  Got some great rest for my brain.  My skin looks amazing!  I have never seen it look so smooth.  I am now going to use all those wonderful creams and lotions I got for Christmas and make it even better.  

As for getting my drain out, I went on Thursday.  I had heard from multiple sources that Dr. Dyer is quick and isn't the most gentle doc for taking out drains.  I have to say, the secret is taking off your own tape before he comes in the room, and make sure you have someone with you who is talking with Dr. Dyer.  By the time he asked my husband how his parents were and what were they doing for Christmas the drain was out and I didn't even notice!  That was awesome.  The office was a little disorganized but it was the holidays and they were slammed with appointments.  Met with the Nut and she seemed happy with my progress. 

My only complaint besides the limited choices in the stage 2 diet is how in the world does someone lose 11 lbs before surgery --- gain 11 lbs after surgery --- and then take 10 whole days to lose the same damn 11 pounds????    Oh well.....maybe it's inches......LOL!

I am looking forward to next Thursday when I can progress to stage 3.  OMG -- the thought of salmon, tuna, eggs, and any of those mushed up types of foods sounds better than sex or diamonds right now. 

I do not miss work at ALL.  I am so thankful to have a breather from all the stress and politics.  I love what I do but I have been burnt out for a couple of months and haven't felt a part of my team.  It is a sad situation for me since work is one of the most important aspects of my life.  I really value working for a good company, doing a good job, and learning all the way through the challenges presented.  These past few months have been difficult.  I know it's a lesson --- I know it's a part of growth and maturity.  But damn it's hard. 

My next doctors appointment is January 13th --- I start back to work on January 6th but cannot travel until January 28th.  I am looking forward to seeing what 2011 brings!  God bless you all and keep losing out there! 

I am doing so much better now.  Last night I was able to sleep 3 hours at a time and did it twice!   That was heaven!

So, the pain is better from both the surgery and the neck.  My Mom came over and helped me with Christmas presents and my daughter helped clean the house and made coffee while we worked.  It was neat having us three together and sharing the moment.  It was special all on it's own. 

I sent the darling hubby out with several hundred dollars to go Christmas shopping.  He is the only man I know that complains when he can't be out there shopping with the masses to get his own gifts for everyone.  It was good for him to get out and he came home in a much better mood. 

Ok, so here is whats happening on the weight loss side of the house:

I went through the 10 day liquid diet prior to surgery and went from 260 to 248 the day of surgery.  I was so excited -- thinking I would never see those pounds again.  Well, that is not exactly how that works --- I came home from the hospital 3 1/2 days after surgery and weighed on the same scale and it said 260.  So, now I am losing the same 11 pounds all over again.     I didn't let it bother me until today when I weighed in and it said 255 lbs.   I know, I know, it will work it self out but what a bummer.

Also, I ran out of what ended up being my favorite source of protein, Unjury Chicken Broth.  This is unfortunate because now I try to put the unflavored into all the things I thought I would like, and it tastes gross.  I am truly having to choke down the protein drinks and am barely getting in 60 grams.  

The other issue is all the medication/vitamins that I am on now.  Since I am now taking pain pills and Valium and liquid antibiotics several times a day, it has been interfering with my vitamin schedule.  I feel like I am a mad scientist concocting all these weird things in my laboratory.  

One good thing that I am able to do is drink over 100 ounces of water per day. 

I am sooooo looking forward to Thursday.  That is the day that will make some of these pesky things go away!  

1.  I get my drain out!!!
2.  I go to phase 2 of the diet -- YEAH!!!  Chocolate shake protein, here I come!
3.  I will get out of the house and actually feel like a human again without the drain.  I may even fix my hair and put on some make up.  

Then Christmas is coming --- I LOVE CHRISTMAS!  All of my favorite things --- God, Family, winter weather, giving to people who you love and some that you don't even know.  LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas!

 The week is getting better.  No regrets, not even a shadow of one so far.  I can say that it is not easy at all.  I would love to crunch on something -- I do miss chewing but I know that will come shortly.  I do not crave cigs anymore.  I haven't smoked in over two weeks and will continue to not smoke.  It is extremely important to quit before this surgery.  If you smoke, you have to do something prior to going under the knife.  I can have coffee but it doesn't taste the same  right now.  All in all it is good.  More advice, BE PREPARED and KNOWLEDGE is power. 

If you are like me, and wonder why in the world you have to be on a six month diet, don't.  Take that time to truly prepare yourself.  Read, read, read, question, question, question.  I could have done much more to be prepared and I have been looking into this for five years. God bless you all!  Take care, k

Yesterday I started to have a spasms in my neck.  I thought it was all due to sleeping wrong but as the day wore on, the spasms just got worse.  I couldn't sit, lay down, walk, or move my head in the slightest degree without agony.  Compound that with the soreness and pulling of the drain, stitches, etc... and I was miserable.  I took a shower, sent my mom to get a heating pad and neck pillow, did pain pills every four hours and found the pain pills didn't touch it. 

I could not sleep at all last night and by 4:45 AM I called my surgeons office to see what I needed to do.  By this time, I was in tears, exhausted, and terrified.  The surgeon on call was not my doctor and thank God he wasn't -  He was very upset that I called him so early even though he was on CALL --- he said he had three cases this morning and couldn't I just wait to call Dr. Dyer in three more hours?  If not, go to the emergency room and hung up.   

You know, if you have a crying patient who just had gastric bypass call, in tears due to pain, you would at least think to be a bit patient.  All I wanted to know was if this was something they knew about as a possible issue, or if going to emergency, do I go to the one where I had the surgery, or the one close by? 

I was so mad and crying so hard.    Here's the thing about me, I hate being weak.  And when I feel weak, I get mad, when I get mad, I cry.  It really is unfortunate because it only makes things worse.   So, I ended up taking my pain pills and walking around my house until 8 AM where I called Dr. Dyer's office back to see if they were open.  They were not.  The answering service said they would leave a message for me and I told them that was fine but only leave the message with my doctor as their ON CALL doctor was extremely unhelpful. 
 
Within 15 mins. Dr. Dyer called me himself.  I have to say, I love that man.    He is a real  DOCTOR.  I was still crying but trying not to -- he walked me through several questions, made me feel a lot better, and said come down to Centennial where I had the surgery and go to the emergency room.  He even called ahead to have a room waiting for me.  I didn't even have to go through check in.  How wonderful is that?    

I ended up with a chest xray, CT scan, lots of blood tests, and IV's for fluids.  End result, I have a virus and my lymph nodes are swollen, I have a cyst on my thyroid that they want to look at some more later with my primary care doctor, and extremely low sugar.  They sent me home with antibiotics and Valium.   

I still hurt but I am way relaxed.      I still cannot sleep more than an hour but then I get up to drink, walk, breathe, and have protein.  And, protein is hard.  I really liked the Unjury Chicken Broth packets for my protein but used them all up so had to go to the unflavored Unjury.  VERY hard to get that down in any broth or sweet concoction.  I should have bought more of the chicken broth.  Oh well, lessons learned.

Hopefully this pain will go away in a few days.  In the meantime, the DH is alternating between being a complete angel to a complete ass.  He loves to be the savior and is good at it but if it goes on too long, he gets pissed off and feels sorry for himself.    Then he wants to start a fight by pushing my buttons.  Then he is Mr. Wonderful again......URGHHHHHHH........THIS IS WHY I HATE BEING WEAK!

On the other hand, my daughter has been so wonderful -- she has cleaned every day, washed my favorite blankets, and pillow covers, asks me if I need anything --- my little son has been sweet too -- he wants to kiss my "boo boos" on my stomach.  And, my eldest son has just left the house.  He's sweet but I just dont think he wants to "deal" with it.  Oh well.....

My mom has been very helpful too.  She has come over everyday to babysit me so that Jason can work or run errand's.  She is coming tomorrow --- Maybe the DH can go out and get a breather.  All in all, I am blessed with wonderful family and I do feel good about this process.  I just needed to vent.  

God Bless You!  Keep losing.  kmb

Now I know why it takes people forever to update their surgery experience.  You are tired and it is hard to sit in one place with the drain, stitches, and water to get down.

Wednesday -- 12/15
7:00 arrived at the hospital with my darling hubby and checked in.
7:10 met and spoke with Dr. Dyer in the waiting room
7:20 put back in holding -- changed clothes into gown, went over procedure, allergies, etc...
7:30 DH came back to sit with me.
7:45 Moved to OR holding -- DH back to waiting room.
8:00 Met with anesthesiologist, nurse, nutritionist -- got my IV and pain meds -- went over history again.
9:00 On the table in la la land.
3:00 In my room -- do not remember recovery room at all
Pain level was probably a 4 or 5 and I hit the morphine pump pretty often and would go to sleep.
6:45  First walk down the hall and more -- ok just really slow b/c IV and monitors attached
11:00 Walk down the hall -- was able to have sponge stick that absorbs water and you roll it over your mouth and teeth.  Absolute wonderful invention.

Thursday -- 12/16
4:00 AM -- walk down the hall and more.  Bed is very hard to get out of and spikes the pain level to 6 or 7.   The morphine made me woozy but had to have it to not feel all the pain.
6:00 -- met with Dr. Dyer and he said wouldn't go home until Saturday.
7:00 -- Leak test with liquid dye -- had to drink a glass of blue dye - better in lemonade than just water -- you then will pee later to see if the dye is in the urine.
8:00 -- breakfast tray -- consisted of jello, chicken broth, fruit punch, lemonade, 1 packet of Unjury.  Only "ate" the chicken broth with a couple of spoonfuls of Unjury and drank the punch and lemonade over time.
9:00 Brother came to visit -- how sweet!
11:00 Walk
12:00 Lunch -- same as breakfast
1:00 -- DH and MIL came to room with flowers! 
3:00 -- walk
5:00 -- dinner - same as lunch
 and so on....... Big items that happened -- the catheter came out and I found out that i have a lot of apnea spells during sleep as my oxygen and saturation machine would go off all the time during my sleep.  I also talked in my sleep and if I got tired and was talking with someone, then I could close my eyes and immediately be in dream sleep and would start talking about what I was dreaming.  Met with Dr. Dyer again before bed time.

Friday 12/17  - Pretty much the same.  Still had my IV, my morphine pump, and my oxygen.  Walking and breathing exercises very important.  I made the effort to walk every time I had to go to the bathroom which was every two hours.  Took a shower and that felt fantastic.  Morphine and I became good friends and I was sad when they took him away at the end of the day.  I did not have a lot of visitors and that was ok.  I worked it like a schedule with sleeping in between each walking, drinking, breathing event. At this point, I had not passed gas or had a bowel movement so the doctor ordered a suppository.  Yuck!  Did not like that experience but after a couple of hours, it seemed as if my stomach actually "woke" up and it was rumbly in my tumbly. 

Saturday 12/18 --
Discharge day -- not more IV, compression socks, oxygen, etc... Walked and drank as much fluids.  

Pieces of advice/opinion based on my experience:

1)  Pain level is there but use the morphine pump to keep ahead of it.
2)  Always make a mental check list of what the nurse is suppose to do during their visit  and give them reminders if they forget something.  For example:  compression socks, sometimes they wouldn't put them back on after a trip to the bathroom or down the hall or if you see them hanging the new IV bag but not plugging it in before they leave.  It happens.
3)  Bring baby powder for the compression socks.  My hospital stopped providing baby powder and those socks chafe the legs after a day of using them.
4)  Take this time to use the antibacterial hand lotion, regular hand lotion, and chap stick throughout the day as your skin and lips get chapped.  It also makes you smell better :-) 
5)  Walk more than what they say -- drink more than what they say
6)  Do have someone there the first day and night just to make sure you have an advocate
7)  if you have the "blue" dye test, it tastes better in lemonade.
8)  Unjury packet tastes good in fruit punch and chicken broth.  Save any unused packets so that by the end of the hospital visit you may have 1 or 2 to take home.
9)  I brought books but couldn't read as my eyesight up close was blurry.
10) Bring your own PJ's -- two pieces so they can check your incisions and loose fitting but I was able to change out of the hospital gown once I had my shower.
11)  Robe -- for walking down the hall.  That way you don't flash people with the lovely hospital gown on.
12) if you have a fever, ask the nurse to let you do your breathing exercises and take the temp again.

Going Home -- 
Have a pillow for over your tummy on ride home
Coordinate pain meds right before departure with the nurse
Drop off the pain meds prescription to be filled and have someone go back after you are settled to pick them up
Wear loose fitting clothes
Make sure the nurse went over the drain and wound cleaning with you and someone who can help you 
Have someone stay with you for the first night in case the couch, chair, or bed is not comfy and you have to keep moving
Make your schedule out for the next day of when to take meds, vitamins, drink liquids, protein, etc.... so you have a plan

Pain going home is more than in the hospital -- walking in the house is harder -- do your breathing exercises.

Good luck -- Take care -- and, God Bless you all --- I AM ON THE OTHER SIDE NOW!!! WHO HOO!!!
 

Doing well -- will go into detail tomorrow.

Ok, I took this off of someones old post and have been saving it for this special occasion:

'Twas the night before bypass, when all through my gut
not a morsel was stirring, not even a nut.
The suitcase was packed by the back door with care,
in hopes that a new me would soon return there.
I lay nestled, sung in my bed
while visions of calories danced in my head;
and me in my plus size pajamas and wrap,
had just settled in for a long, restless nap.
When deep in my mind there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my dreams to see what was the matter.
Away to my fridge I flew like a flash,
ripped open the door and drooled at the stash.
The moonlight reflecting off the beautiful snacks
gave a luster of radiance to all on the racks.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but an array of the comfort foods I hold so dear.
With a familiar feeling of all those I'd pick,
I thought in a moment I just might be sick.
More lovely than angels their voices they came,
and they whistled and shouted and called me by name;
"Now pizza, now French fries, now chocolate galore
on cheesecake, on ice cream, on donuts and more!"
From the tip of my tongue, to the bottom of my toe,
I will miss you all more than ever you'll know.
As an addict that shakes and stirs as he sits,
I'll mourn the loss of my delectable hits.
So back to my bed I went with great haste,
and settled back down with nary a taste.
And then in an instant, in pre-op I sat,
nervously waiting to no longer be fat.
As I sat deep in thought and adjusted my gown,
In came my surgeon in one single bound.
He was dressed all in scrubs, from his head to his feet
and he seemed very calm as he eyed me like meat.
He looked at my chart, with his scope gave a listen,
I don't think he noticed my eyes starting to glisten.
He was chubby and plump -- he could lose some himself,
and I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke barely a word as he prepped for his work,
he paused for a moment, then turned with a jerk.
And laying a finger aside of his face,
and giving a nod, out of the room he did race.
He checked in the next day, to his students gave a whistle,
and away they all flew like a down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim as he walked out of sight,
"speedy thinness to you and a healthier life!"

God bless you all --- hopefully tomorrow I'll be on the other side safe and sound.  Keep me in your prayers.  Luv, k

It is 6 AM in the morning -- tomorrow at this time, I will be on my way to the hospital God willing.  It is suppose to snow and ice over tomorrow too!  I went ahead and booked a hotel room next to the hospital for tonight just in case --- it is going to be a crazy day today.  So much to do, cleaning, working, packing, laundry, etc...  I could not get anything done yesterday as it was a snow day and I had a full house with hubby, teenagers/their friends, the three year old, all underfoot and I had to work all day.  I ended up working until 9:30 PM and finally crashed on the couch about 11.  Too much sitting -- i am going to have to make myself walk and move during the day.

I am excited though.  Next week at this time I will be one week out.  Weird to think about.....I finally lost another pound.  I had a stall (on the pre-surgery diet!) mid week where I didn't lose then I gained and now I am down 7.5 lbs.  ---- I cannot wait to see what the hospital scale says. 

Today is my clear liquid day with the wonderful "stuff" to drink tonight to clear my insides out.  YUK!  I think I will wait to start that part for when I am in my hotel room.  I am going to have the hubby drop me off there and then he can go take care of the kiddo's for a couple of hours while I spend some quality time in the bathroom.   <---- I've been waiting to use this guy! 

Talked with my surgery sista, Cathy, yesterday.  She came through like a champ!  She had to be at the hospital mid morning and was doing great as of last night.  She had great advice:

1)  Make sure they order the morphine pump as well as the morphine prior to surgery (she had to wait for 3 hours to get hers)
2)  Bring Burt Bees chap stick as she said that is what to use (the other kind you're not suppose to?)
3)  Make sure the drips/fluids are hooked up after surgery --- hers wasn't so she almost dehydrated
4)  Order crushed ice to swish in mouth and spit out so you aren't so dry
5)  Make sure the hubby is waiting on you in your room in order for 1-4 to be remembered, checked, and done

Thank you Cathy!!!  I have already instructed Jason on his "to do" list

Gotta go!  Time to work -- God bless.  k
 

Dear Friends,
 
We are gathered here today to mourn the loss of our beloved partner in life, Food…
Food will be remembered for the good times & bad…
We will never forget how Food comforted us when we were sad…
Or helped us celebrate the happy times in life…
Food was a great pillar in all of our lives…  

However, while Food helped nourish the starving children in Africa and the emaciated sick…
Food also helped kill many of those who went before us…
And so, Dear Friends, we must remember Food not only as the supplement to our joys and as the comforter of sorrows, But also remembered as the accomplice to Heart Attack (that sneaky assassin!) and Diabetes (that diabolical menace!)… along with many other murderous, diseased-ridden fiends…  

As we lift our cups of protein, we must leave Food behind…
Knowing that the kingdom of Thintopia waits for us beyond the horizon of Surgery…
Where once again we will be reunited with Food…
But not as Food once was…We will see a better version of Food…
One where Food will no longer be desired in such a big capacity in our lives…
But used in proportion to our needs…
Let us now pray for the Soul of Food, and the Italian, Asian, French, and Greek as well…
That we may stand in the Light of Thintopia forever with Food’s demise… AMEN