What's on your Tuesday Menu, RNYers?

your homemade yogurt/unsweetened coconut/coconut extract sounds yummy, I love all things coconut!

Good morning menu gang! Sorry I have been away. I have been way too busy with work and medical stuff and have taken very little time for myself to sit and catch up up here. I miss you all!

Update on me for those of you playing the home game... still waiting to talk to my RNY doctor to confirm but it looks like my liver test was "non revealing" (weird phrase right?) but that there is a partial blockage due to an internal hernia. I had an internal hernia last year already so this is frustrating news. I really really don't want any additional surgeries thank you very much. Laparoscopic never has bothered me in the past but now I rather like my tummy and really don't want it cut into again. We shall see. Awaiting his call.

The endoscope found ulcers in my esophagus and one marginal ulcer in my pouch. Overall not good news but not horrible. The gastro doctor thinks it will be healed with meds and no surgery will be needed but we shall see. I meet with him again in 2 weeks. I have lots of questions about diet and whatnot but for now I am working on taking the med he prescribed me four times a day on an empty stomach. That is proving challenging enough without adding more changes. For now...I am still drinking my coffee...I fear he will tell me that has to go so I am enjoying each sip right now.

My heart tests showed zero improvement. Nothing. Not one inch better. The meds they put me on 3 months ago have improved my function not one bit. But...it hasn't gotten any worse so that is good I suppose. I have to just keep taking the meds and hoping my heart holds out. Cardiologist said there is really nothing more to do but wait and monitor for changes. Genetics suck but I am giving myself my best chances for a long life with the healthy changes I have made. Quitting smoking, losing weight, and being active...these are things I have given my heart to make her happy. Hopefully she will keep on sticking with me.

In addition, one of my breast implants seems to be ruptured. Like...seriously...I need this in my life??? Not at all. But yeah... I went to get undressed Sunday night and there she was sagging like a weird rained on chalk drawing of a boob. The nipple is suddenly looking at the floor and there is a large fold of skin sagging that was not there when I got dressed Sunday morning. I had no impact or injury, no fall or accident. Nothing. I have no idea what is going on with it. I called and spoke to my plastic surgeon's nurse and she scheduled me to come in tomorrow. I will find out what the deal is then I guess. I just hope they can fix it. Is there a warranty? One would think there is. It has only been six months so surly they will fix it, right?

QOTD: I remember several. I was 210 when I was 18 and got pregnant with my oldest son. I gained 70 pounds with that pregnancy and never really lost it. I stayed in the 220 - 270 range most of the rest of my adult life to this point. I remember weighing at the doctor in 2003 and I was 289. That was the highest I ever saw on the scale. I went on WW after that and lost down to 203...I kept wishing I could get under 200 but never did. I used Optifast a few years ago and lost 52 pounds... made it down to 206. Again...couldn't cross that 200 mark and get to One-derland. I think that was why it was so awesome when I got under 200 this time. It felt like that was the wall I had never been able to climb before.

Menu: The Unusual... B: Homemade Greek yogurt with granola, banana; L: Frozen left over ricotta bake; S: Small apple; D: Shrimp with pico de gallo and avocado in ****tail sauce; ES: Laughing cow wedge and melba toast

Accountability: Still not smoking... honestly I think I am good in this front now. My Guy and I went out of town to camping weekend long event. We made it through the whole thing without one cigarette. That was a huge accomplishment. Also...the drive to Louisiana and back, not one smoke. Good stuff. My weight is good. I am still struggling with the swelling and abdominal pains but doing well and basically holding on the scale. This morning I was 126 which is in my happy zone.

Have a great day everyone!

~Elizabeth

Jeez, Elizabeth...that's a lot to process. Sorry you are dealing with all of this, but I'm happy you aren't ignoring it and you are taking care of yourself. And SO HAPPY you are handling it all without a smoke. Amazing job :)

I really hope you get some answers soon and rhat that you get to feeling better. One person should not have to have deal with so much. You're one tough cookie!!

Wow, I am sorry you have all of this going on! Sending lots of healing thoughts your way!

That is so much to deal with, Elizabeth. I truly pray your doctor gets you healed and doing better. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sorry for all the issues you are having to deal with at one time. Thoughts and prayers heading your way!

I'm so sorry you're going through so much, health wise. That is a lot to deal with. Sending warm thoughts and prayers.

Oh my goodness Elizabeth! I am saying prayer and hoping for good news on your boob (that sounds funny but you know what I mean!). That's very scary!

I am so sorry to hear that there is no improvement in your heart function and that the meds have not helped. But I do love your positive attitude that losing weight, quitting smoking and being active are certainly going to make a difference!

So much more to your post... hernias & ulcers, gee girl I am seriously worried about you!

I am so glad you are still out there living life with your guy and that both of you are smoke free is just amazing, makes me smile ear to ear! Keep up the great work!

Please keep us posted on your condition!!!!

Wow, you have really got a lot going on. I am sending positive energy and healing thoughts your way. You are doing awesome on the not smoking especially with everything that is going on. I just quit myself last May and I know how hard it is.

Tammy