I had my two week checkup yesterday.  I am amazed at how wonderful I feel.  I was down 14 pounds since surgery and 31 pounds since the start of my liquid diet.  Dr. Boe asked if I had any problems with pain, gas, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or depression and the answer was "no".  I told him that if my stomach did not cramp when I drank cold water, I would have thought he really did not do the surgery.  He said sometimes it just works real well and that is what it is doing for me.  He also said a lot of success is determined by the person's motivation and I have been motivated since he met me.  He cleared me to go on to 1 week of pureed and 2 weeks of soft foods.  I am so happy I can finally eat something that is not sweet.  He also said I can lift light weights for my arms, play the Wii, and try crunches on the ball as tolerated.  I told him I wanted to try to avoid plastics if at all possible and he said that a plastic surgeon told him that a binder or girdle or something that is tight in the stomach helps with this since it pulls the ligaments and tissue tight when it wants to sag.  I will give it a try!!!!

I  brought a sandwich tray to the floor to say thanks, and they were all so happy to see me.  They said I was the patient that asked Dr. Boe to clone.  I am just so happy for all they have done for me.  I have my life back now and I am going to truly live it to the fullest!!!!!  Thank you God, Dr. Boe and Barix for this second lease on life!!!!!

Well I have experienced another snag in my road to weight loss surgery.  This time, 6 days into my liquid diet, and 5 days until surgery, I received a call from Eileen from Barix stating that they needed to postpone my surgery for one week.  Apparently surgeries at Barix were taking longer than usual and it pushes everyone back.  I was very bummed out, but what can I do.

I will go back to eating food for 1 1/2 days and then begin10 more days of liquid diet.  Initially when I went on liquid diet which consists of 3 clear protein shakes (Nectar brand) a day, and unlimited broth, sf jello, sf popsicles and non-caloric drinks, I thought I was going to die.  I was hungry all the time.  When I slept, I dreamed of chocolate cake, pizza and all kinds of food.  It felt like everywhere I turned there was either food, talk of food or those rotten TV commercials showing all kind of lucious food.  Even if you turn your head, you hear things like "I want to go to Friendly's yeah, yeah.....where icecream makes the meal."  After the first 3 days on the diet, it got easier.  I think my body realized I was going to starve it and it didn't have a choice.  The great thing about the liquid diet was that I had more energy and started to even take walks with my husband at night.  In addition, I lost 8 pounds in 5 days.  You can't beat that.

So Saturday, 4/19/08, I will start the liquid diet again for 10 more days and hopefully, barring no other problems and God willing, I will be on the loser's bench at some point on Tuesday, 4/29/08!!!!!  I am looking on the bright side.....things don't happen unless God allows them to.  So, for whatever reason, I was not meant to have surgery on the 22nd.  God gives us only what he knows we can handle, and he must think I am quite strong!!!!

I read a post last night which noted that Dr. Boe may have had emergency surgery this weekend himself.  Needless to say, I was quite upset since he is my surgeon.  I thought.....oh no......I am never going to have this surgery now.  

This afternoon, I received a message from my angel, co-pilot saying that this was true about Dr. Boe and directing me to call someone at Barix about my date.  She recommended that I explain the situation to them and say that my file is complete and I am just waiting for a date.  Since she had given me such wonderful advice throughout this whole process, I did what she said.  15 minutes later, I heard from Eileen, Barix's scheduler, who by the way is so nice.  When she told me who she was, I said I am so excited I could just hit the ceiling.  She then asked if I wanted her to wait (Ha-Ha).

I explained that I had heard about Dr. Boe and that I thought I would not have surgery until I was 70 years old.  She laughed and said it is not that bad.......and then told me my surgery would be scheduled for April 22nd and my PAT would be on April 2nd.  Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before the PAT and bring all medications I am taking with me.  She did tell me to take my blood pressure med with a sip of water that morning since she did not want my blood pressure to be high.

I am so excited.  Just to have a date makes you realize this is going to happen.  It will be here before I know it.  I am going to spend this time reading more, doing cardio and weights and watching somewhat what I eat so that surgery will be easier.  I also know I have the 10 day liquid diet facing me, and while that will be tough, I know it can be done because others have done it before me.  

YEAH FOR ME!!!!!  I AM GOING TO BE A LOSER SOON!!!!!  I am doing the happy dance.