I went to my PCP yesterday to discuss medication changes and medical care from this point. Because my comorbidities are not typical, I was not able to let go of any of my medications. I am looking forward to geting lower dosages though. 

I learned that I have lost 33 lbs since November 14th, 20 lbs can be attributed to the liver shrink diet, and 13 can be contributed to surgery. It's a small amount, but, I'll take it! Can't say I would have lost this at this time of year if it weren't for this surgery and being in this process, so for that I am thankful!  The Nurse and Doctor were jumping up and down excited for me .... I was just a bump on the log ... I guess because I have been down this road so much before, it doesn't sound like a grandious achievement. However, again, I'll take it! Even though I haven't lost a size yet, My clothes are nice and loose, very comfortable!

I resumed my counseling sessions today ... I have been going to my counselor for years to deal with issues that encouraged an unhealthy relationship with food. So now my sessions are taking a turn. Now I am staying with counseling to manage the events that come as a result of my weight loss journey.  Not that I am expecting a fiasco at some point, but, that I prefer to have monthly sessions with my counselor to help keep me focused on my emotional health. I don't know about you guys, but, I fervently believe that without emotional health, everything else will fall apart, including my relationships and progress.

I'm happy about having the surgery, although I have to say even though I prepared, prepared, and prepared by going to support groups, asking questions, reading blogs, books, articles .... it is NOT easy, but, it is rewarding.  I am learning myself all over again ... learning to eat and drink appropriately for my new stoma, because i need to do this for myself. I appreciate the undesirable experiences because they let me know My limitations ...

as a result, My goals at this point are as follows:
* No eating after 1900 ct (if I missed my final snack, I just miss it)
* Protein shake or high protein at the start of each day
* Excercise by walking or floor excercises (no sit-ups) until my 6 week dr visit.
* Document food on www.myfitnesspal.com (you can customize your diary to calories/fat/protein/sodium/carbs, etc)

I'm finally looking forward to the success the future brings!

Rebecca

I had my surgery on Monday 11/28, and everything was laproscopic. i feel pretty good, except i feel like i have  cold on top of healing from the surgery. That's not cool. My goal is to have 2-3 ounces of protein each hour, i'm not getting that yet, so i have to set a schedule. I'm tempted to eat soft foods, just for some variety, but, i'm on liquids through the week.  

Aftersurgery, the first night was really painful. i couldn't take all the normal painkillers that most other people use, so i had to deal with it more. Day 2 was better, but, day 3 was awesome! minimal pain, and minimal nausea. i was discharged on wednesday morning!

 This time of year is so frustrating. everyone has potlucks, parties. I'm 8 days from surgery, and in liver shrink, but, struggling. I was really ill the first couple days, because i have hypoglycemia, but, now i feel like i am gaining weight. i'm not doing well. Is balsamic vinegar allowed on liver shrink? or vitamin e capsules? i wonder if they are contradicting my progress?? please help.

I had an “OMG! what have I done!” moment yesterday, and I got pretty sad about it.   At a church potluck I did really well, getting grilled chicken, and green beans to eat slowly, and saving non-sweet carbs for last, no water until I waited 15 + min. While I was eating, my family wore out the desert table. There were just as many deserts as there were meal options, and I had a moment of panic. I asked them to block their plates from my sight because it was too much to bear, and I avoided the table, but, got depressed because for some reason it hit me harder yesterday than before that I can’t have that anymore… I guess yesterday was a day that I would have really liked to have something. Usually I can see and smell things, and pass without much of a desire for them, but, yesterday I really wanted something … anything. It was a really tough reality check for me. Is it this hard after the surgery?   I think it was the mental thing that Dr's talk about. Feeling you can never have it is harder on you. Saying goodbye to them this time really hurt more than the other times.

It really bothered me, becasue I am trying to adapt to  this lifestyle now. I am 7 weeks prior to my surgery.  I met people who have stopped doing well on this lifestyle, and/or gave up entirely. I don't want to be one of those people. I am granted a 2nd chance through God's grace solely... I don't want to screw this up. i feel i owe it to myself, and to God to do right by my health.   How Do you handle desire for sweets before your gastric bypass surgery?   Rebecca