OK, 19 days post surgery and I am doing fairly well.  Last night, my family went to the movies and then out to eat.  I had a few teaspoons of clam chowder and about a tablespoon of tuna fish, all was good.  I am happy, grateful and 28 lbs., from surgery weight and 32 from when I started my liquid fasting.

I must share that I did have a traumatizing set back after surgery.  The second day after surgery my right knee filled up with fluid….it was drained two days later and pseudogout was found.  Before it was drained I could not move my leg and it was soooo painful.  Then the next day the same thing happened to my left knee, it was dreadful.  They (docs at the Cleveland Clinic) never got it together to get someone to look at the second knee; as a result I couldn’t walk and had to go to a nursing home.  My second day at the ‘home’ (which was a nightmare) I went to my own ortho…who drained the knee and three days later I went home (walking).  The truth is, if the knee was drained at the hospital I could have went straight home.  Being in the hospital 5 days longer and then more days at the ‘home’ put me behind the scheduled food plan…..I basically had water juice and cream soup every day.  

So, I am going for the above is the past…and the future is bright…..!

Fifty two years and I am here?  Fourteen days until I have a gastric bypass.   How the hell did I get here, am I a looser or what?  I tell students at my alternative school, ‘this is the last stop on the train’…..and here I am - at the last stop.  That’s the down side.  I can answer the how I got here and I’m sure as hell, no looser.  I am one tough cookie and I am ready to cease this opportunity to get it right.  I am ready for the work and pain, and I am ready for better health.

My mixed emotions are vast….what people say is effecting me deeply, which is usually not the case.  I have told very few people about this and to date I am glad.  Everyday, I feel stronger and more ready for a true life change.  I am a bit sorry for myself, sad that surgery is a reality and glad at the same time; happy that my two friends from work are so supportive…one bought me a Magic Bullet and one said, ‘I’m proud of you.’  So I march on…..