cutepuppy
Sittin' on the corner watchin' all the girls go by....
May 31, 2009
Do you remember that old song? It's going around and around in my head. The girls are all going to the OR, and I'm watching them go by. Pretty soon it will be my turn, but I've got to say, the waiting for the authorization for my VSG surgery has been the longest, and most difficult, part of the journey thus far. This week I am going to the pre-op class where they tell you about all the stuff that is going to happen when you do go in for surgery. My surgeon has you inject Lovenox twice daily for two weeks following surgery, so that will be part of this class. I have in my hot little hand all of the pre-op information, the consent forms and surgical information. That, in and of itself, is some encouragement. I'm down almost 45 pounds. Incredible what you can do when you are accountable. All pre-surgery stuff is done, but got to ride the treadmill for my cardiologist this week and reassure everyone my heart is up for the task. So much to do to get ready, now I'm there..... I never was very good at waiting.
I had an absolutely wonderful day this last week with two OH'er friends. We met at a Starbucks and just chatted for a while. It was soooooo much fun to be with the people from here, and see them face to face. It was like we have always known one another. The common denominator, WLS, brought us together and it just got better from there. The big topic, "Chicken Soup." The 'proper' way to make chicken soup. We compared ingredients, and yes someone else uses parsnips too. After all that talk I decided to make a batch of Chicken soup and freeze it in ice cube trays for post-op enjoyment. I ordered some Unjury unflavored protein to add to my homemade soup. Hope it tastes as good as it sounds right now.
Now a moment for a commercial for my favorite food products thus far. I really like Diet Snapple Peach Ice Tea, but it has caffiene so its not for much longer. The Atkins products are so-so. The protein bars average 200 calories each and have about 20+ grams of protein. I eat them because they are a known quanity, not because they are great. With the exception of the chewy carmel and chocolate Indulge bar, mmmmm sooooo gooood. I really like the protein bars from Focus 28. I got several kinds and didn't find a 'klinker' in any of them. I also ordered protein samples from there. Then I ordered a bunch of protein samples from vitalady and Bariatric Advantage. I haven't tried them as yet, but have them on hand for post-op. What I have tried is from Chike. I got the protein that comes in a bottle all premeasured, just add water. Tried the orange smoothie today. Pretty darn good. Great meal replacement at 170 calories and a bizillion grams of protein. Love beef jerky, particularly the one from Costco. 70 calories per ounce and lots protein. The Premier protein drinks, premade, from Costco are very good too. I found Fage yogurt there recently, didn't know they sold it. My all time favorite, thank you Robin, is PB2. I love it. Two tablespoons of powder to one of water and whala, peanut butter. I've been enjoying peanut butter on wheat crackers, or toast. Boy do I feel like I'm getting away with something. I also like the frozen fudgesicles that are sf/ff, and Jello pudding that is ss/ff, made with skim milk, yum. Wow, look at this list. There's plenty to eat, and lots of choices. It's not as dismal as some would like to think. We are so fortunate to have all of this available to us.
I thank God for my DH, and my family. I thank God for my sisters from OH who enrich my days, comfort my rocky times, and who always seem to know just what to say. I love my one sister who says, "don't whine, just do it." There's wisdom in that. I love her for her strength and determination. That same friend, who is prophetic for sure, said I'd get that authorization this week. I'm encouraged. What an inspiration. So very much to be thankful for. Thank you God, to you be the glory on this journey.
