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Well, tomorrow, December 10, 2013, marks the one year mark for my surgery.  This time last year, I was hoping and praying for the best in the midst of depression and anxiety about a new environment, new job, new geographic location and hopes of a new and better body.  Today I stand satisfied with my decision.  Back then, I felt like a quitter, like I had cheated.  Today, I am happy and healthier.  I have lost exactly 100 lbs to the day!  I do not take any arthritis meds for my knees.  I went from size 22/24 down to a current size 12.  WOW!!

This year started off rocky.  But, by the grace and mercy of my Lord and Savior and the support of my amazing husband and my loving sister, I MADE IT!!!  It hasn't been easy but it has been worth it.

My goal going into 2014 is to tone up and to still conquer my goal of running a 5K.  I have every intention of doing so before June 2014!  I find that I am struggling more to avoid going back to eating too many sweets.  I can get my protein in much better and I am better at getting in my fluids on a daily basis.  However, I still sometimes have no desire to eat much.  But, I love how I feel.  I love how I look and I am willing and able to put the work in to maintain it.

One year from tomorrow, I hope to have a few 5K's under my belt and be a size 8 or size 10.  I am confident that I can and will do it!  If I can now only change my geographical location outside of NC, life would be golden !!!!

Well, I am really at about the 15 week mark.  Woo Hoo!!!  I am down 66 lbs and I couldn't be happier about that.  I still don't have much desire to eat.  And, I have not hit my goals for protein and fluid.  I am at about 50 grams protein and 50 ounces of fluid per day.  I eat broiled tilapia every night for dinner and it works out just fine for me,  I'm not tired of it yet and it is just enough for me.  No veggies or sides yet.

Recently I've started having what I believe to be acid issues.  I get foamies and/or feel nauseous come early afternoon.  So, I am going to try to take 2 acid blockers per day rather than 1 that I have been taking every morning.  I'll take the 2nd one around noon before lunch and see if that helps.

I am trying to increase my exercise and activity levels, too.  However, it makes me VERY tired for a few days afterwards.  I'll have to learn to build myself up to more in the near future.

So far, so good!!  I know that I can do this now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, its been a few weeks since I have logged on here.  In the last few weeks, I have had ups and downs.  As of today, I am feeling much, much better.

A few weeks ago, I suffered from a very nasty taste in my mouth which was likely ketosis breathe.  Also, I wasn't doing too good with fluids and protein.  One day, I woke up and decided that it just didn't make sense to end up back in the hospital for fluids!  So, I immediately started on Gatorade (G2 - Grape) and it got much better afterwards.  Now, I have switched to Propel Zero (Grape).  I don't know what it is but blue stuff (ie grape, blueberry, etc.) sits better on my pouch than others like strawberry or anything red.

I have become to tolerate Greek yogurt now too!  I love the Chobani blueberry and that is what I have been having every morning for breakfast.  I'm not feeling eggs right now but will try going back to them soon.  I've also been eating alot of seafood soups like lobster bisque and they go down well.  I just feel a bit hungry soon thereafter - not much though.

Of course, I am still working.  So, I am pretty tired come the end of the day.  Last weekend, hubby and I went to the gym 3 days but we got into the pool.  Afterwards, we did the steam room and whirlpool.  Let me tell you, that steam room really, really helped!  It got some of that nasty taste out of my mouth and probably out of my pores, too!  I felt so good afterwards that I am going again tonite!  Next week, I am going to try to start incorporating more physical stuff like the elliptical machine and some light weights until my surgeon clears me for full workouts.  I see him again next Wednesday.

Now, the only thing that I am still concerned about is my iron and water intake.  Before surgery, I had iron deficiency and was prescribed iron.  The last time I took that pill (Jan 1), I was nauseated and stayed in bed all day!  What a way to begin the year, right?  Anyway, I didn't have any calcium either but I finally ordered the chews from Bariatric Advantage.  I have lemon and raspberry and they are great!!!  I have to see my endocrinologist at the end of the month.  So, I'll have blood work done with him to check my Vitamin D, Iron and thyroid.  We'll see where we are then.  I hope that I won't have to take iron pills still.  Then, I'll be all set with my vitamin regimen. 

As for water/fluids, I have been trying and trying to get in 64 oz of water but I doubt that I have hit that number yet.  I can usually tell which days are worse than others by the smell and color of my urine.  Sorry, TMI!  On the other hand, it is a bit easier to swallow and get fluids down.  I just find that when I get involved in something, I forget to sip.  The next thing I know, it is 3pm in the day!  I'll keep working on that!

I am 5 weeks out and down 30+ lbs!!  WOO HOO!!  Although I am trying very hard not to weigh daily, it is hard.  I have noticed that I haven't lost much this week but I'm not concerned since I know I am not exercising fully yet.  I have had my buyers remorse moment already but it only lasted a day or 2.  Otherwise, I am pleased thus far and I am eager to stay on this journey to completion!!

I had surgery on Monday, December 10th and left the hospital on Wednesday morning, 12/12/12.

Everything went as it should.  Now that I am  home, I am somewhat struggling with getting protein and fluids down.  Each day is a new day though and I am not discouraged.  Everything tastes nasty.  My mouth has an awful taste.  I have frequent gas.

On the good side, I have tolerated everything that I have had pretty well.  The only thing that I didn't tolerate was pudding.  It gave me diarrhea. 

Now, my only major complaint - the vitamins!  They are nothing but nastiness and more nastiness!!  YUCK!!!!  All of my chewables are disgusting.  My sister bought me a liquid multivitamin and that is only tolerable mixed with water and diet cranberry juice with LOTS of ice!

Also, I have yet to sleep in the bed yet.  I have a severe pain on my left side when moving certain ways.  So, I am perched on a very comfortable recliner.  I'm sure I would sleep a little better in bed but for now, I'm good.  In fact, the pain is going away more and more each day!

I went outside for a walk today and it was awesome!   I also rode the stationary bike for a few minutes.  Yes, significantly short of the 45 minutes that the nurse recommended.  But, I am tryiing not to stress myself out and to be patient with myself.  Today was a very good day and I didn't feel as nauseous as I have in the last few days.  So, I'll definitely get there!!!

Tomorrow is my birthday!  And, so I expect tomorrow to be an even better day!!

Well, in less than 12 hours, I will have my surgery and will begin my new life.  I am excited and anxious!

Today I went shopping for protein and liquids that I can eat when I return home - soup, jello, pudding, etc.  Afterwards, I went to Red Robin with my hubby and sister and I didn't eat a morsel!  So proud of me!!!  I have washed my hair and washed with the anti-bacterial soap that the hospital gave me, too.  My bag is packed and I have everything set up for hubby at home.  I am ready!!!

Tomorrow morning I will wake up and take my before pictures. and head on to the hospital.  I have to report in at 7:45 am and the surgery is scheduled for 9:45 am.  I should be home by Wednesday afternoon.

God is sooooo good!  I never thought I'd make it to this day.  The past 6 months have been a hard journey and I am glad that it is over.  Persistence and Determination are my friends now.  I am committed to this lifestyle change and I plan to do great things with this tool - start running again, continue working out, etc.  This journey was a one day at a time kind of journey and, to me, proof of the "Footprints in the Sand."

Well, it is the end of Day #1 of my preop diet.  Not too bad!  I made it through the day with only one cheat - sugarfree creamer in my coffee.  I had a large bowl of the cabbage soup.  I can't say that I like it.  Since I only had one bowl, I drank 2 protein shakes rather than eating anything else.  I had 2 cups of coffee and 5 cups of water.

Tomorrow I hope to increase my water intake and continue with the protein shakes if I can't get the protein shakes down.

Well, tomorrow I whip up my first batch of Cabbage Soup to begin my prep for surgery next week.  This has been an awesome journey - not so much in a good way but I've learned alot about myself and life.  I have certainly gained strength and have surpassed whatever I felt that I was capable of.  And, after this surgery, I plan to keep it going!

I am still excited yet anxious.  But, it was 6 months ago that I never thought I'd make it through the 6 month supervised program for the surgery.  However, I am making it!!!

This week will be a challenge though.  I've got my ingredients for the soup and a bottle of Beano.  This week I will also be moving so that should keep me busy.

I'm ready!  Let's go!

Well, today is my last supper - my last Thanksgiving of pigging out and overeating.  For some reason, I am not that excited as I thought I'd be about eating.  I prepared all of my favorites - turkey, ham, chitterlings, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, dr bird cake, pecan pie, cranberry sauce, stuffing and gravy!  WOW!!  That seems like overkill now!!  Anyway, I will enjoy at least some.

I have had my last surgeon visit and paid my deposit.  I have presurgery registration on 12/5 and I begin the cabbage soup diet on 12/3.  In the meantime, me and hubby are moving to a new apartment before the surgery.  The move will help us cut costs and also cut our commute.  However, I am not happy about leaving my local area right now. 

I am researaching vitamins and protein powders, etc. to get ready for the first week post-op,  My sister is coming for the surgery so at least I'll have someone with experience to rely on for that advice.  She had the surgery almost 3 years ago.

Well, almost time to eat! 

Wishing everyone a very HAPPY & BLESSED THANKSGIVING!!!

Today's appointment went very well and I GOT A DATE ...... December 10, 2012!!!  WOO HOO

Hubby even surprised me and came along with me to the appointment.  He was very happy for me because I've been stressing about this date for quite a while!  I really wanted to get this done before the end of the year and before my birthday. 
 

Thank you Lord for answering my prayers!!!

Well, tomorrow I have my pre-op appointment with my surgeon and I will hopefully get a date!  My 6 month supervised exercise program was completed and all the paperwork is in order.  I think the insurance submission will occur tomorrow and we are then just waiting for approval (or denial but that shouldn't happen). 

I am excited yet anxious.  But, either way, I am so looking forward to being on the other side of this surgery.  I can't wait to set THE date!  I want to schedule my pre-Thanksgiving meal ASAP and start getting ready.  I think my surgeon requires the cabbage soup diet before surgery rather than the liquid only.  But, I should find out tomorrow.

I have only told a few people - 1 coworker, my sister, hubby, and a dear close friend.  Otherwise, I have been staying away from family and friends that I don't have to see because of the weight I've gained within the last 6 months.  The good thing is that this is the time of year when people tend to start diets and new year's resolutions.  So, my significant weight loss won't be so suspect to anyone. 

I have a feeling that 2013 is going to be one of my best years yet!!!  I'm so ready!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!