Lee Smith
11/28/2006
Nov 28, 2006
What the hell am I doing…!?!? I am down 107lbs now and I have been here for about 4 months. I have totally not followed any of the rules. I eat too much, I eat too much of the wrong food, I don’t take my vitamins regularly and I have not exercised at all. I suck.. HELP...! Work is totally in my way. All the traveling I was doing totally has thrown me off track.. I need to get back on track fast or I will screw it all up….!
Self Reflection: I SUCK..!
05/02/2006
May 02, 2006
WHAT'S UP YA’ll, I’m sorry, it has been a long time since I have posted. I have been and am a traveling fool. Right now I am in my hotel in Houston and last week I was in New York.
Lets get ya’ll up to date. I am now down to 223lbs. That’s rights, that’s a loss of 85lbs. 15 more and I can join the big losers club. I am doing great. Although I fit into a 36/32 from a 44/32, my self image has not changed. I think that is my biggest problem. I need to get that updated from Lee 1.0 to Lee 2.0. I know for me, I will not be successful with WLS until I can get that image swapped out. With all the travel I have been doing, I have not been eating right. I know I have been eating too much and I have not been following the diet. I find it difficult while on the road.
Last night it was nice seeing the gang at the support meeting and later at that coffee place that is too well known for me to plug on here. I was the most fun I have had yet..! Thanks Ya’ll. Too bad I had to leave early to get ready for my trip..
Well, for those interested, we are planning to go to Torii’s Japanese restaurant to have dinner and later, hit the karaoke stage. That’s right, KARAOKE..! If you can’t make dinner, try and make it out to get your sing on..! We are planning to do this on May 20th , having dinner around 6:00pm or 6:30pm. Please drop me a line so I can get a head count so. I need to make reservations. Click HERE for Directions.
Self Reflection : Well, I HAVE NO BUT…! Man, When I sit too long, my butt hurts. I can’t sit still anymore. They sure did not mention that in any of the meetings. Man..! Well, Justin mentioned last night that they are going to Great America on the 11th. I wish I could make that. I need to go back and ride those same rides again that gave me such trouble getting secured in the seats. It gives me such heartache when I think about how they had to push and pull on the restraints to secure me. Man, I need to get back over there so I can kick that monkey on my back “Square In The Nutz..!”
Lets get ya’ll up to date. I am now down to 223lbs. That’s rights, that’s a loss of 85lbs. 15 more and I can join the big losers club. I am doing great. Although I fit into a 36/32 from a 44/32, my self image has not changed. I think that is my biggest problem. I need to get that updated from Lee 1.0 to Lee 2.0. I know for me, I will not be successful with WLS until I can get that image swapped out. With all the travel I have been doing, I have not been eating right. I know I have been eating too much and I have not been following the diet. I find it difficult while on the road.
Last night it was nice seeing the gang at the support meeting and later at that coffee place that is too well known for me to plug on here. I was the most fun I have had yet..! Thanks Ya’ll. Too bad I had to leave early to get ready for my trip..
Well, for those interested, we are planning to go to Torii’s Japanese restaurant to have dinner and later, hit the karaoke stage. That’s right, KARAOKE..! If you can’t make dinner, try and make it out to get your sing on..! We are planning to do this on May 20th , having dinner around 6:00pm or 6:30pm. Please drop me a line so I can get a head count so. I need to make reservations. Click HERE for Directions.
Self Reflection : Well, I HAVE NO BUT…! Man, When I sit too long, my butt hurts. I can’t sit still anymore. They sure did not mention that in any of the meetings. Man..! Well, Justin mentioned last night that they are going to Great America on the 11th. I wish I could make that. I need to go back and ride those same rides again that gave me such trouble getting secured in the seats. It gives me such heartache when I think about how they had to push and pull on the restraints to secure me. Man, I need to get back over there so I can kick that monkey on my back “Square In The Nutz..!”
03/21/2006
Mar 21, 2006
What’s up Ya’ll…? Well in just 1 day, I lost 2lbs..! Yesterday, a few of us went for a walk around San Francisco. We started on Battery street and Sacramento, up to Broadway uphill past all the adult entertainment venues to Powell street. We then walked uphill to California Street. On the way to California, I jogged up hill for a block, leaving those younger skinnier folks behind. We then walked down California. If you have been on California, you know how steep this hill is. We then turned down Grant through China Town back to Broadway. We went down Broadway past all the adult stuff again back onto Battery and stopped at my workplace on Battery and Sacramento. This was a 3 mile walk. All of those hills make a difference. My legs were like noodles when we were done. We did this in the rain too. I plan on making this my normal daily route. When I am able to bring it up to a jog, I will need to change the route a bit. It would be too difficult to run through China Town.
Today, I leave for San Diego again for work. I am going to hit that gym at the hotel while I am there. If it is not raining, I am going to get out and walk around the city. I am now at 240lbs. When I come back, I WILL BE IN THE 230LBS RANGE…!
Self Reflection : Man do I feel good. I still get a bit lightheaded when I stand up too fast. I think it is because I am not getting my 64 oz. per day. I need to get that corrected..! I also get very drained in the afternoon. After surgery when I made it back to work, I would take a 45min knap. I am not knapping anymore but I do get tired.
Today, I leave for San Diego again for work. I am going to hit that gym at the hotel while I am there. If it is not raining, I am going to get out and walk around the city. I am now at 240lbs. When I come back, I WILL BE IN THE 230LBS RANGE…!
Self Reflection : Man do I feel good. I still get a bit lightheaded when I stand up too fast. I think it is because I am not getting my 64 oz. per day. I need to get that corrected..! I also get very drained in the afternoon. After surgery when I made it back to work, I would take a 45min knap. I am not knapping anymore but I do get tired.
03/18/2006
Mar 18, 2006
Hey Ya’ll..! It has been a bit since I have updated. I am now going on 8 Weeks post op. My 1 month checkup went well. At that time, I had lost 58lbs. From my blood work, my potassium was elevated so I need to cut back on the melons. I am also a bit anemic. This could explain why I am still a bit cold. The PA said I am doing very well.
I am now down 66lbs (242lbs). YES..! I am 2lbs past my halfway mark. A few weeks ago, I flew to our Houston office on Continental Airlines. I tell ya, I felt very comfortable in the airline seat. These wide shoulders still can make it a bit tight but the rest was just fine. On this flight, they actually served us lunch. It was cheese pizza. I just ate the cheese and later had water. Note to self, BRING SOME FOOD on every flight..!
I noticed my weight loss came to a stop with all of the bad weather but as soon as I was able to get back out walking, it started coming off again. I am getting about 2 – 3 miles per day at lunch uphill and down hill. Boy when we are done, my legs are like noodles. There is so much to see in San Francisco. China Town is a very interesting place to walk through.
Today, I went flying for the first time post operation. Man, I can fit real well now and I felt very comfortable in the plane. I flew a Piper Seminole (PA44). It is a twin engine aircraft. Very fun to fly but today, we were doing touch and goes at the Byron airport. After touching down and reconfiguring the aircraft to take off, I went to full throttle, and moments later the plane pulled to the left. I had already rotated the aircraft and we were airborne without any runway to set it back down. Both engines were running very rough. We were able to get about 200 feet per min climb out of her but the plane was not happy. After running through the emergency checklist (memorized), we declared an emergency and made it back around to the runway. After going through a few ground checks including a high speed taxi down the runway, I decided it was not cool to attempt flight back to Livermore. We called the flight school and a mechanic drove out to look at the plane. They sent another plane to pick me up. Later, I was told that they could not find much wrong but the left engine was running rough. This was my first in-flight emergency. Although it gets old quick practicing all the emergency procedures, I am sure glad we do it. Just think what emergencies you should practice for the house, work and while driving. Are you ready..? Can you egress out of your house or work place with your eyes shut? How about the rest of your family? Do you know basic first aid incase you get in a car accident? I am very proud of myself for following procedures and remaining calm in a very stressful situation.
Self Reflection :
Do I want to look at my reflection? Heck no and heck yes. I am really shrinking. Everything is looking smaller (Stay focused, Not everything is shrinking…!!!!!!). In such a short time, I cant believe the weight loss I have had. We have had to go into my cloths archives to find clothes that fit. This is not an issue at all. The other day, I noticed my arms look longer. Things are looking good…!
I am now down 66lbs (242lbs). YES..! I am 2lbs past my halfway mark. A few weeks ago, I flew to our Houston office on Continental Airlines. I tell ya, I felt very comfortable in the airline seat. These wide shoulders still can make it a bit tight but the rest was just fine. On this flight, they actually served us lunch. It was cheese pizza. I just ate the cheese and later had water. Note to self, BRING SOME FOOD on every flight..!
I noticed my weight loss came to a stop with all of the bad weather but as soon as I was able to get back out walking, it started coming off again. I am getting about 2 – 3 miles per day at lunch uphill and down hill. Boy when we are done, my legs are like noodles. There is so much to see in San Francisco. China Town is a very interesting place to walk through.
Today, I went flying for the first time post operation. Man, I can fit real well now and I felt very comfortable in the plane. I flew a Piper Seminole (PA44). It is a twin engine aircraft. Very fun to fly but today, we were doing touch and goes at the Byron airport. After touching down and reconfiguring the aircraft to take off, I went to full throttle, and moments later the plane pulled to the left. I had already rotated the aircraft and we were airborne without any runway to set it back down. Both engines were running very rough. We were able to get about 200 feet per min climb out of her but the plane was not happy. After running through the emergency checklist (memorized), we declared an emergency and made it back around to the runway. After going through a few ground checks including a high speed taxi down the runway, I decided it was not cool to attempt flight back to Livermore. We called the flight school and a mechanic drove out to look at the plane. They sent another plane to pick me up. Later, I was told that they could not find much wrong but the left engine was running rough. This was my first in-flight emergency. Although it gets old quick practicing all the emergency procedures, I am sure glad we do it. Just think what emergencies you should practice for the house, work and while driving. Are you ready..? Can you egress out of your house or work place with your eyes shut? How about the rest of your family? Do you know basic first aid incase you get in a car accident? I am very proud of myself for following procedures and remaining calm in a very stressful situation.
Self Reflection :
Do I want to look at my reflection? Heck no and heck yes. I am really shrinking. Everything is looking smaller (Stay focused, Not everything is shrinking…!!!!!!). In such a short time, I cant believe the weight loss I have had. We have had to go into my cloths archives to find clothes that fit. This is not an issue at all. The other day, I noticed my arms look longer. Things are looking good…!
02/25/2006
Feb 25, 2006
Was Sup ya’ll..!?! Today it has been 1 month since my surgery..! Well it has been some time since I posted but here I go. In the last 16 days, I have been getting more acquainted with my new configuration, Lee 2.0. I am now down 57lbs. I am almost to the halfway point (64lbs). My weight loss has slowed down a bit. I think it maybe do to 2 things, going back to real food and getting back to work in the office. As some of you know, I work in San Francisco. It makes it a bit difficult to get in all I need to in the day. My water intake has dropped but I am working on getting it back where it was and then higher. One good thing is walking around San Francisco is kinda cool. I didn’t realize it until Justin made a comment about being able to see some nice sites. With the nice weather, I have been able to walk around the city and see the culture of the city. I have been working in San Francisco for about 8 years now but I have seen more in the past 2 weeks than I have in the many years. I tell ya, walking up and down those hills really works the legs.
Can you believe it..! In 1 month, I’m down 57lbs..! You know what that means? I can now carry 9.5 more gallons of fuel (about 1 hour depending on the plane) 57lbs more in baggage or heavier people when I go flying in a C182 with 3 passengers. Wow, when I hit goal, I will be able to carry 21gallons of fuel (about 2.4 hours depending on the plane). Man that will make a difference on a flight to Las Vegas. Yep, I am planning on another flight to Las Vegas. This time, we will go non stop. But if we get enough people, we’ll go commercially. The plan is to go in June sometime..
Believe it or not, It is nice getting back to work. I am not a workaholic but I do enjoy it. I am addicted to my “CrackBerry” though. Cloths seem to be an issue still, they don’t fit..! Everything I have seems to be to large now, darn it..! Well I will just need to look frumpy for awhile. I am not going to spend the cash now for cloths that won’t fit in a month…!
Tuesday, I go in for my 1 month post op checkup. A week ago I had the blood work done. We shall see how I am doing.
Self Reflection : I am still searching for that meaning of life thing. It sure is elusive.. It has been about 11-12 years since I weighed in the 250lbs range. I can’t believe I am down so much. When I entered the Navy I was at 220lbs and after boot camp and a broken jaw, I was down to 175lbs. In high school, I was between 220lbs-230lbs. This is GREAT..! All of my main health issues are gone (not sure about gout yet) and I feel great. I can touch my toes..! Yes without bending my legs, dang..! I still seem to start dragging around 14:00 (2pm) each day. I hope this ends soon. I find it hard sometimes to find something to eat. I just don’t feel like cooking and it seems I must to eat the way I should per the diet. What a pain..! But still loving it..!
Can you believe it..! In 1 month, I’m down 57lbs..! You know what that means? I can now carry 9.5 more gallons of fuel (about 1 hour depending on the plane) 57lbs more in baggage or heavier people when I go flying in a C182 with 3 passengers. Wow, when I hit goal, I will be able to carry 21gallons of fuel (about 2.4 hours depending on the plane). Man that will make a difference on a flight to Las Vegas. Yep, I am planning on another flight to Las Vegas. This time, we will go non stop. But if we get enough people, we’ll go commercially. The plan is to go in June sometime..
Believe it or not, It is nice getting back to work. I am not a workaholic but I do enjoy it. I am addicted to my “CrackBerry” though. Cloths seem to be an issue still, they don’t fit..! Everything I have seems to be to large now, darn it..! Well I will just need to look frumpy for awhile. I am not going to spend the cash now for cloths that won’t fit in a month…!
Tuesday, I go in for my 1 month post op checkup. A week ago I had the blood work done. We shall see how I am doing.
Self Reflection : I am still searching for that meaning of life thing. It sure is elusive.. It has been about 11-12 years since I weighed in the 250lbs range. I can’t believe I am down so much. When I entered the Navy I was at 220lbs and after boot camp and a broken jaw, I was down to 175lbs. In high school, I was between 220lbs-230lbs. This is GREAT..! All of my main health issues are gone (not sure about gout yet) and I feel great. I can touch my toes..! Yes without bending my legs, dang..! I still seem to start dragging around 14:00 (2pm) each day. I hope this ends soon. I find it hard sometimes to find something to eat. I just don’t feel like cooking and it seems I must to eat the way I should per the diet. What a pain..! But still loving it..!
02/09/2006
Feb 09, 2006
Was sup? Well this week I went to my 2 week post op class. It was very informative. I am now on Phase 3. I can eat food other than pureed. I tell ya, pureed food, um, SUCKS..! Devilled eggs seem to be the best thing. To tell you the truth, I must force myself to think about food. It is just not in me to eat. After 34 years of eating. I have been taking my vitamins but I learned in class that I am not taking enough, so I have increased my intake ad prescribed.
It seems my gout is almost totally gone. It is still there a bit, but I can hide the limp with my "Pimp Walk." That's right..! Even Lee 2.0 can get down with the best with my "Pimp Walk." If you have not seen it, you don't know what your missing..
While in class, I recognized a few people from the halls of the hospital. It was nice to see them and to hear all is going well for them.
Oh yea, I forgot to add a while ago, While I was in the hospital, we told A9 and H7 about the operation. They took it well. After I was past all the catheter (EVIL) and no longer connected to the IV, they cam to visit with me and even ran a few laps with me down the hallway of my executive stateroom, Haaaa.. I am glad we waited to tell them. I could see them worrying and crying in school.
Self Reflection : As of today, I am down to 262lbs, WOW. The last time I was this size was about 5 years ago. Nothing I have seems to fit me anymore. I did not have a butt before but dang, now it is obsolete at least in the jeans I have (I did have one after boot camp though..!). It feels like a wearing a fireman's pants with the suspenders and I am just floating in side. The only time I touch any fabric is when I move. This is so odd. My pants keep falling when I walk. Yea yea, I was using a belt but I need to add holes. Yes that's right..! Add some holes and cut the extra belt off. You heard me, I didn't stutter..!
Although I enjoyed being at home, picking the girls up from school a few times and helping with homework, I miss working. What..? The Hell you say..! That's right.. I am not the type that can sit idle. Even a few hours after surgery, I was on my Blackberry "Crackberry" sending emails. I am a hard worker that needs to complete tasks. Yea, I know that sounds odd but that Is who I am. Even if I was Oprah's man Stedman, I would still work hard. Imagine if I did field service work while being chauffeured in a limo, Haaaaa..!
I am doing better now than I did in the past few years. If you ask if I would do this again, I would say, HELL YEA..!
It seems my gout is almost totally gone. It is still there a bit, but I can hide the limp with my "Pimp Walk." That's right..! Even Lee 2.0 can get down with the best with my "Pimp Walk." If you have not seen it, you don't know what your missing..
While in class, I recognized a few people from the halls of the hospital. It was nice to see them and to hear all is going well for them.
Oh yea, I forgot to add a while ago, While I was in the hospital, we told A9 and H7 about the operation. They took it well. After I was past all the catheter (EVIL) and no longer connected to the IV, they cam to visit with me and even ran a few laps with me down the hallway of my executive stateroom, Haaaa.. I am glad we waited to tell them. I could see them worrying and crying in school.
Self Reflection : As of today, I am down to 262lbs, WOW. The last time I was this size was about 5 years ago. Nothing I have seems to fit me anymore. I did not have a butt before but dang, now it is obsolete at least in the jeans I have (I did have one after boot camp though..!). It feels like a wearing a fireman's pants with the suspenders and I am just floating in side. The only time I touch any fabric is when I move. This is so odd. My pants keep falling when I walk. Yea yea, I was using a belt but I need to add holes. Yes that's right..! Add some holes and cut the extra belt off. You heard me, I didn't stutter..!
Although I enjoyed being at home, picking the girls up from school a few times and helping with homework, I miss working. What..? The Hell you say..! That's right.. I am not the type that can sit idle. Even a few hours after surgery, I was on my Blackberry "Crackberry" sending emails. I am a hard worker that needs to complete tasks. Yea, I know that sounds odd but that Is who I am. Even if I was Oprah's man Stedman, I would still work hard. Imagine if I did field service work while being chauffeured in a limo, Haaaaa..!
I am doing better now than I did in the past few years. If you ask if I would do this again, I would say, HELL YEA..!
02/03/2006
Feb 03, 2006
Hello Ya'll, I must say, soft food sucks..! My elusive friend, Gout, decided to visit me. After doing all that time on just basically water, you would think I would not get it, but nooo.. Man it hurts. I have it in both feet. I went to my primary care Doc and they hooked me up with some pills and a shot. The shot was to help with the inflammation. Man does that work.. I hope by the am, I will be back out walking again. Lets say it together now,
DUMPING…!! It was all my fault too. I am still learning my new configuration, Lee 2.0 (Sorry, the geek in me). Lee 2.0, does not give me much indication when he is full. He sure does let me know when dumping is about to happen. All the classic signs of prepukeage.. Ya know folks, I hidden benefit is, when we do get sick, one round of pukeage would do it for us.. Things that make you go hmmm.
Self Reflection : I seem to be dropping the pounds real fast. I am dropping about 2-3 pounds a day. Today at the Dr., I found my blood sugar was within the normal range, My blood pressure was 106 over ?? and my blood count was up to 10.6. Things are looking good. My naked weight this morning was 269lbs. I just cant believe the health improvements in such a short time. Now that my health is looking good, when cleared to do so, I will find a gym, I will workout, I will walk during lunch time and when I am away for business, I will use the hotel’s gym. Lee 2.0 is a new man with the focus of staying healthy. Lee 2.0 will use this tool in the right way. Lee 2.0 is going to look good toooooo….!
DUMPING…!! It was all my fault too. I am still learning my new configuration, Lee 2.0 (Sorry, the geek in me). Lee 2.0, does not give me much indication when he is full. He sure does let me know when dumping is about to happen. All the classic signs of prepukeage.. Ya know folks, I hidden benefit is, when we do get sick, one round of pukeage would do it for us.. Things that make you go hmmm.
Self Reflection : I seem to be dropping the pounds real fast. I am dropping about 2-3 pounds a day. Today at the Dr., I found my blood sugar was within the normal range, My blood pressure was 106 over ?? and my blood count was up to 10.6. Things are looking good. My naked weight this morning was 269lbs. I just cant believe the health improvements in such a short time. Now that my health is looking good, when cleared to do so, I will find a gym, I will workout, I will walk during lunch time and when I am away for business, I will use the hotel’s gym. Lee 2.0 is a new man with the focus of staying healthy. Lee 2.0 will use this tool in the right way. Lee 2.0 is going to look good toooooo….!
02/01/2006
Feb 01, 2006
WOW, I went in for my first post op office visit. I weighed in at a low 277lbs..!
That's right..! The lady in the office said I was 29lbs lost and I was happy but when I got home to setup the
TickerFactory.com thing, it said 31lbs. WOW 31lbs in 9 days...! Needless to say I was shocked.
Wow.. In the past few days I have been walking around the block.
Driving 2 laps equals 1 mile. I have down 2.5 miles in the past 3
days. During my extended stay in the hospital, I walked the floor
but I did many laps. I was told that the hall equals 500 feet.
At most, I did 7 laps at one time.
Today, I was okayed to eat soft foods and to begin my vitamins. well I will need to
experiment on that cause the chicken I tried, SUCKED..! The funny
thing is, I am not hungry. The thought is in my head but that's from
34 yeas of eating. Its a habit to eat.
Self Reflection : Not much to say on this self reflection. I am still
wowed by the 31lbss. and I am very tired. I am not sleeping well but take a few cat
naps through the day.
That's right..! The lady in the office said I was 29lbs lost and I was happy but when I got home to setup the
TickerFactory.com thing, it said 31lbs. WOW 31lbs in 9 days...! Needless to say I was shocked.
Wow.. In the past few days I have been walking around the block.
Driving 2 laps equals 1 mile. I have down 2.5 miles in the past 3
days. During my extended stay in the hospital, I walked the floor
but I did many laps. I was told that the hall equals 500 feet.
At most, I did 7 laps at one time.
Today, I was okayed to eat soft foods and to begin my vitamins. well I will need to
experiment on that cause the chicken I tried, SUCKED..! The funny
thing is, I am not hungry. The thought is in my head but that's from
34 yeas of eating. Its a habit to eat.
Self Reflection : Not much to say on this self reflection. I am still
wowed by the 31lbss. and I am very tired. I am not sleeping well but take a few cat
naps through the day.
01/28/2006
Jan 28, 2006
Well, I am back from the hospital. I had a few issues I count the first day since I had to be there at 5:30 am. Man, 4 days..! I had some issues with my blood. For some reason, I lost about 900CC's of blood all out of my backside.. Yes my backside. I was thinking I had the wrong surgery and I started my menstrual cycle. Man I was worried. I stayed strong while I had my family there but wow.. To break it down a bit, they monitor 2 things in the blood. My Hemoglobin dropped to 8.3 and my Hematocrit dropped down to 24. If my Hemoglobin dropped to 8.0, they were going to give me a blood transfusion. When they released me tonight, I was back up to 9.7. A few days ago, they stopped the blood thinners and the cycle ended. Dr. Coirin (Not my Doctor) explained the possible causes
Besides the issue with my menstrual cycle, everything else was fine. I was up walking a lot. I was even up to normal pace. For those who know the 3rd floor surgical section you know the floor layout. I at most did 7 laps up there at one time. I do feel more tired and I think it is due to the blood loss. As soon as this body kicks it into gear, I am sure I will perk up.
Yes as you all can tell I am a survivor..! I survived many near death experiences while serving onboard the flight deck USS Kitty Hawk during the Gulf War and action in Somalia, but most of all, I survived the CATHETER..! Yes I did it..! Although they made me walk the halls so all can see my juice and straw (Tube & bucket), I did not get entangled in any of the traps before me. I floated past the wheelchairs, I skipped by the IV Stands and I hurdled over the beds blocking my way. I was on a mission. My mission was to walk that hall as safe as I could following the general order of the day, protect my tube with my life..! In retrospect, I may have been over zealous when I closed lined that kid running by me,,,, my bad.. No running in the halls..! (Haa, kidding) If I was forced to compare the extraction of this tube versus my last encounter 15 years ago, I must say, this one was much better. I did not feel the carpet burn. It's all about the lubrication and the right size tube for the job..!
The staff at the hospital were great..! I will need the help of my wife to recall all of their names..
I had many visitors which made my stay much more bearable. I also met a few people walking the floors that also had the surgery. Thanks to all that stopped by to see me. It is very much appreciated..!
Self Reflection : I was never one to be attached to food. After surgery, I was watching TV in my private room, I noticed the commercials and all the scenes in the movies and sitcoms. I can't believe all the references to food I was seeing. Each time would make me think about what I have done. It is like when you buy a new car. Before you buy a new car, you see a few of them out there of the same make, model and color but after you buy, they come out of know where..! As I said previously, I thought I was never attached to food. The only real time I want a particular item is around the holidays. Can you guess what that is? That's right, Chitterlings…! I love those things. I only have them when my mom makes them and that's once a year. I have also noticed when members of my family say they are hungry or as they say it, "Starving..!" I know things will get better. It does suck being restricted to clear liquids I must say.. I plan on hitting the group meetings to hear others and to let it all out (Stay focused)..! I am still very happy I have made this change in my life and I look forward to the next phases..!
- There were many cuts made and with the blood thinners, my body was not able to stop the bleeding.
- Blood was in my stomach from the surgery and it made it's way out of my system
Besides the issue with my menstrual cycle, everything else was fine. I was up walking a lot. I was even up to normal pace. For those who know the 3rd floor surgical section you know the floor layout. I at most did 7 laps up there at one time. I do feel more tired and I think it is due to the blood loss. As soon as this body kicks it into gear, I am sure I will perk up.
Yes as you all can tell I am a survivor..! I survived many near death experiences while serving onboard the flight deck USS Kitty Hawk during the Gulf War and action in Somalia, but most of all, I survived the CATHETER..! Yes I did it..! Although they made me walk the halls so all can see my juice and straw (Tube & bucket), I did not get entangled in any of the traps before me. I floated past the wheelchairs, I skipped by the IV Stands and I hurdled over the beds blocking my way. I was on a mission. My mission was to walk that hall as safe as I could following the general order of the day, protect my tube with my life..! In retrospect, I may have been over zealous when I closed lined that kid running by me,,,, my bad.. No running in the halls..! (Haa, kidding) If I was forced to compare the extraction of this tube versus my last encounter 15 years ago, I must say, this one was much better. I did not feel the carpet burn. It's all about the lubrication and the right size tube for the job..!
The staff at the hospital were great..! I will need the help of my wife to recall all of their names..
I had many visitors which made my stay much more bearable. I also met a few people walking the floors that also had the surgery. Thanks to all that stopped by to see me. It is very much appreciated..!
Self Reflection : I was never one to be attached to food. After surgery, I was watching TV in my private room, I noticed the commercials and all the scenes in the movies and sitcoms. I can't believe all the references to food I was seeing. Each time would make me think about what I have done. It is like when you buy a new car. Before you buy a new car, you see a few of them out there of the same make, model and color but after you buy, they come out of know where..! As I said previously, I thought I was never attached to food. The only real time I want a particular item is around the holidays. Can you guess what that is? That's right, Chitterlings…! I love those things. I only have them when my mom makes them and that's once a year. I have also noticed when members of my family say they are hungry or as they say it, "Starving..!" I know things will get better. It does suck being restricted to clear liquids I must say.. I plan on hitting the group meetings to hear others and to let it all out (Stay focused)..! I am still very happy I have made this change in my life and I look forward to the next phases..!
01/22/2006
Jan 22, 2006
What's up Ya'll..? Can I get a Woo Woo…! I am back from Las Vegas…! Can you believe it snowed while we were there? It was a fun trip and a very successful project. I met a bunch of really great people in that office. My wife and I gambled for the first time. It was okay and felt great when you win but I would still rather play video games. The enjoyment factor for me would be better. The smoke in the casinos is very bad…! It is very odd to be asked smoking or none smoking when you get seated at a restaurant. Unless they put up a wall with separate ventilation, that smoke just goes everywhere. Oh well. What can you do..
Monday, I go in to see my doctor for the final visit. I also go in to the hospital for my preop poking and prodding. I have been taking all the recommended vitamins prior to surgery and drinking a bunch of water. I have never gone to the bathroom so much in one day…! I can hardly make it 2 hours before I need to go again. Now that's hard with my 98 mile commute to San Francisco daily.
Self Reflection : We, my wife and I, are regulars at one of our local Karaoke Bar's (Torii's). Last night I did a few songs. Normally my buddy John would be there but he had another commitment. John and I would sing Ebony and Ivory and a few others together. Well I did Brick House last night and the entire place was up dancing, singing and was very loud. IT WAS GREAT….!!!!! People were up on the stage with me it was so jammed with dancers. The ladies seem to like that song, they were the loudest and everywhere dancing. I was surprised not to see any table dancing. Haaa..! I wish I could have gotten a picture of that. Then later, picture a 5' 11" 308lbs "Honey-Chestnut-Brown" man singing "Like A Virgin," yep, by Madonna. Haa that was fun. The crowed loved it..! I always get a big cheer when I slappppp my but on queue. I am a bit of a clown when I am up there and I was wearing one of my Big Daddy shirts. Will I still have the same affect on the crowed after I drop a ton? Was my size a "Large" factor in the entertainment value of my rendition of the song? Things that make you go hmmmm…!?!?!? Well, I don't give a crapppp. After surgery when I dropppp a TON, I will still be up there gyrating to like a virgin slapping my narrow @ss..!
I am still excited about the surgery…! 2 days and a wake up…!
Monday, I go in to see my doctor for the final visit. I also go in to the hospital for my preop poking and prodding. I have been taking all the recommended vitamins prior to surgery and drinking a bunch of water. I have never gone to the bathroom so much in one day…! I can hardly make it 2 hours before I need to go again. Now that's hard with my 98 mile commute to San Francisco daily.
Self Reflection : We, my wife and I, are regulars at one of our local Karaoke Bar's (Torii's). Last night I did a few songs. Normally my buddy John would be there but he had another commitment. John and I would sing Ebony and Ivory and a few others together. Well I did Brick House last night and the entire place was up dancing, singing and was very loud. IT WAS GREAT….!!!!! People were up on the stage with me it was so jammed with dancers. The ladies seem to like that song, they were the loudest and everywhere dancing. I was surprised not to see any table dancing. Haaa..! I wish I could have gotten a picture of that. Then later, picture a 5' 11" 308lbs "Honey-Chestnut-Brown" man singing "Like A Virgin," yep, by Madonna. Haa that was fun. The crowed loved it..! I always get a big cheer when I slappppp my but on queue. I am a bit of a clown when I am up there and I was wearing one of my Big Daddy shirts. Will I still have the same affect on the crowed after I drop a ton? Was my size a "Large" factor in the entertainment value of my rendition of the song? Things that make you go hmmmm…!?!?!? Well, I don't give a crapppp. After surgery when I dropppp a TON, I will still be up there gyrating to like a virgin slapping my narrow @ss..!
I am still excited about the surgery…! 2 days and a wake up…!
