lady-go-diver

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I'm almost two years out and my journey has not been all about weight loss. I had RNY to loose the weight to have reconstructive surgery to correct damage done by radiation and cancer surgeries. 

That process is now coming up on 1.5 years.  In that time I've had 6 surgeries that have changed my life dramatically.  The weight loss has been a 'bonus", but was never the top priority for me outside of getting to the point of having the other surgery done.  

So the other surgeries were massive. I had four surgeons involved in the first one, two involved in the second one, and finally now only have one surgeon that I work with.  She is beyond wonderful, amazing, awesome, caring.  she literally has saved my life.  

But low and behold, had a PET scan done (Google it) and they found..... yup, cancer. So now I'm on taking chemo and dealing with that.  Do you know how hard it is to gain weight aft RNY surgery!!! But I'm finally stable at a decent weight. This is not the journey I had planned, but is my journey for now.  I have a rock solid boat filled with people who support me and this to shall pass.

No matter where you are on your path, remember, look forward on the path and see what can be.  Looking back will only strain your neck and remind you of what was.  That is not the purpose of good health, and a happy body.  Choose a simple goal, put out in front of you and reach it.  Take the time to remember that there are others walking the way, and struggling, and celebrating and living life like they have never lived before.  Choose happy.  Choose joy.  Whenever possible give the gift of a smile and sweet hello to someone, they may need that gift that day more than your realize.  

My goals now are to get back on my motorcycle, or at least ride with the hubby on his. To get back into the ocean and SCUBA dive with the sea turtles again.  To wake up each day and know that the Universe has purpose for me here.  To give my husband all the loving support he needs and all that I have in my heart for him.  See my mom and tell her I love her each day.

Be well, be strong, be healthy.  

Been a while since I posted. Reached my first goal of losing enough weight to have my reconstructive surgery done. That was Jan 30, 2013 and am still "recovering". Thanks to the RNY surgery I was able to get the surgery done to remove the cancer, radiation damaged skin and get put back together.  It was a very difficult surgery, 9 hours, but it is done and the healing is still progressing. Am cancer free and ready for my next goal.  By the end of 2013 I want to walk in a 5k event. Considering that right now just getting around the house and to the mail box is a challenge, I'm looking at a long road. But I'm looking, and I'm moving and that's a HUGE part of the progress for reaching that goal. 

The eating has been difficult.  They want me to get a lot more protein since I'm in a healing process.  Considering I didn't want to eat at all after the surgery it is tough.  I've been supplementing with protein shakes and working to get in the protein.  Each day is a new opportunity to move forward and for now, that's enough. 

Oh, I finally cleaned out my closet of oversized clothes.  Was left with 2 blouses, 2 sweaters, four skirts that at least don't fall off my hips.  I have hips now, and a waist, but unfortunately, I have have lost my butt.  If you find it, please return it. Ended up going shopping for a few things and was stunned with the person in the mirror.  It was weird to see this person that clothing actually fit on and looked......dare I say it..... good. I will probably need some professional help getting my head wrapped around the new me. still have weight to lose, but am down roughly 120 pounds.

I would love to be one of those people who says "I'm running and doing and being all active now that I lost the weight". Eventually I will get there, for now, it is about healing from the surgery and celebrating being cancer free.   

 

i went for my three month check up with my surgeon. Blood work looked good with one exception.  My iron level is a little low. So will be picking up some iron to add to my daily intake. I've learned a lot about what I do like to eat and what I don't.  Seems eggs and I no longer have a good thing going.  Scrambled, fried, poached, hard boiled, doesn't matter, they are now on the official yucky list. On the bright side, I have gotten to the point that I can eat a cheese stick without getting ill.  Yeah!! Latest love affair is with big juicy white seedless grapes.  I know, no protein, but they are so yummy.  Haven't had any dumping, no more saliva waterfall moments from eating too much either.  Greek yogurt is a great thing and helps me make my protein counts everyday.

I keep a standard of items in the frig for lunches and that helps a great deal.  I make a great chili that is perfect for lunch or dinner and is loaded with protein and flavor.  Make mini meat loafs as well and they help me get a good meal in quickly.

According to the Dr.'s scale I'm down 60 pounds.  This is great news and will help with my next surgery to fix the cancer crap.

That has been moved up, and we are working on getting that scheduled now.  Seems my body is just not doing well.  I'll have a lot of choices ot have to make and some more major changes in the future. 

For now, life is great on the weight loss front. 

 

So I've been salivating over recipes on a site for WLS patients.
One of the things that is used a lot is sugar free flavoring syrup.
Wondered why for a while and realized it's so much easier than trying to add flavoring and sweetner to get it just right.
So I decided to start looking for it locally after looking at what shipping cost would be.
Surprise, surprise, guess what I found at TJ Maxx of all places.
Yup, sugar free syrups. Picked up four bottles.
Vanilla
French Vanilla
Raspberry
Tarimaso
OMG, so good for just a little bit being added to something.
Will continue to keep my eyes open and pick up bottles at stores.
Oh, so the price. I was going to order some online for about $7.50 to $9.00 a bottle.
Price paid, $3.99 & $4.99 a bottle.
Plus, no shipping cost.

Fisrt day back at the office today.
LONG day, way longer then planned. Lunch was okay, but learned a valuable lesson.
SLOW DOWN, no really , SLOW DOWN. 
Ended up in the bathroom with saliva production at full force waiting for the heave to happen.
Thankfully, it didn't happen.

The first week is over and I'm moving on to the next phase of the recovery process.
Pureed foods, yum.  I know it sounds weird, but after a week of shakes, it taste so good.
My blood pressure has finally settled down and no more meds for that.
I'm walking and walking and walking. 
The best advice I got for getting through this next week is ......
"beware the fart, some of them still can't be trusted"
I'm back to work on Monday.
Let's see how my stamina is.
 

The best pre-op advice I received was from my dear friend who had sleeve surgery.
She said, and I quote, "never trust a fart". 
Oh, she was so right.
Not so bad today, each day is a little better than the last.