Kelly C.

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I can't believe that I am two months out already!  It has been the coolest thing ever and I get little reminders every day about how my life is becoming better and better.  Today I saw someone I hadn't seen for 2 weeks and she commented on how much I have changed in that time.  

I sometimes have strange emotions that maybe only other bariatric patients will understand.  Now, I love the fact that I had this surgery and wouldn't change a thing but am getting agitated at my clothes fitting too loose.  My rings are too big, I can't nap anymore, I miss "pigging" out for the fun of it - so does my eating buddy.  I am getting tired of telling my story and answering the same 20 questions over and over again.  It came up a bunch this week at my new job - since I had some lunches with different managers and coworkers.  Maybe I will have to bring that stuff up at support group.  I shouldn't be agitated.  These are actually good things.  Maybe I just am against change, regardless of if it is good or bad.  

I am really trying to hold off on clothes shopping.  I can still get away with most of my "big" shirts but have dropped two pant sizes, almost three if my belly were more proportionate with my soon to be chicken legs.

I feel great, though.  Last week, on my second day at work, I was taken on a walking tour of the entire Universal property.  2 parking garages, Citywalk, Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and the backlot.  It was easily 15 miles in the sun.  My trainer, coworker and I were dying at the end of the day with sore feet and legs.  I am sure I would have not been standing on two feet if I didn't lose the weight I have.  It is a miracle that I was the only one without blisters!

Anyhow, that's where I am at right now.  Feeling good, eating good and getting used to being on my feet again.

~ My nails grew at a crazy rate in the hospital and are stronger than ever.  Without Biotin.  Weird.
~ I love the fact that my BMI is low enough now so that if I tried to have surgery, I wouldn't qualify.
~ I have not cheated on my eating plan except for the three accidents.  First one was that I asked for a water at a restraunt and I got soda water.  I took a sip and was sure I ruined the whole surgery and that my stoma was streched - I am such a drama queen.  The second time I grazed on pizza and that bit me in the ass.  The third time was at my nieces birthday party.  I was passing out cake and got some icing on my hand.  What did I do?  Without even thinking, I licked it.  It was just a habit.  I then used a napkin to wipe it off my tongue.  Again, probably a bit dramatic but I haven't dumped yet and don't plan on it.
~ My favorite shirt doesn't fit anymore.  I am going to miss that shirt.
~ The scale at work is off by 5 lbs. and it reads 5 lbs. lighter.  I love that scale!
~ I ran a 1/4 mile the other day.  I can barely even believe that for myself and I was there!

Well, I knew it would happen and it did!  We had a sales blitz at work and pizza was ordered in.  I thought, "OK, this shouldn't be a problem.  I made myself some red sauce and cheese on a tostada and didn't have a problem.  I should try the pizza."  Now, I usually am a pretty smart person, in fact I pride myself on common sense.  However, I took 2 slices of Pizza Hut pizza - gag - and ate them both (aside from the crust - cutting carbs, you know).  Now, had I stopped after the first slice, I would have been fine.  Had I stopped after just eating the cheese off the top of the second slice, I probably still would have been OK.  But, no.  I sat around talking and while I did I picked and ate my way through the second slice.  

The pain didn't hit me immediately.  It was a good 20 minutes before I thought my chest would explode.  Then came the burping.  I must have burped every 5 seconds for about 2 hours.  My co-workers were sweet about it, though.  A time or two, I thought I would vomit - but luckily I didn't.  I went to the restroom to be close to the toilet but there were a lot of people in there and I didn't want to deal with them so I thought my way out of the nausea.  

So...what have I learned from this?  First, pay attention to my portions.  Then, when I am finished, get up from the table and throw everything away.  Next, stop eating shit.  And finally, remember to bring my lunch and stick to it.

Thankfully, I feel better now.  I think, though, I will have a nice gentle sugar free popsicle for dinner.

OK, so at the begining of this year I wanted to do two things.  Have surgery and then find a new job.  I have now done both and am so happy!  When I return to work on Monday, I will also resign.  This is so great!  The Orlando Sentinel has not been all that great to the employees lately and I am looking forward to being a Guest Service Supervisor at Universal's CitiWalk!  The hours aren't the cushy 9-5 anymore but with all my new energy, I don't think I will mind very much.  I may miss out on a few family events but am fortunate that my family live close by and I can drop in when I have time off.

I feel a bit crummy leaving the day I go back to work because my bosses and teammates have been so great but, since I have been gone (5 weeks) the publisher, the department chair and 10 co-workers bhave been let go - PLUS our commission plan has been changed.  I think it will be a totally different environment.  I am ready for the new adventure and now, I can work on all of my post-WLS goals.  Yay!

The tube is gone!  Hooray!  I was expecting it to hurt but I barely felt a thing.  The weight hasn't changed in 10 days.  I was told to up my calories and the slump will work itself out.  I can't wait until my body figures out to get energy out of my fat ass.  :)

The first 25 lbs. went so fast and now I am waiting.  I should have expected this since every other diet I have been on has had similar beginings.  At least I can't go back to drive-through and takeout land, again.  

I am just past my first "monthiversary" and rarely have hunger.  And hunger feels a lot different than it used to.  My tummy used to growl like a tiger but now it just says,  Excuse me, can we please eat now? Hahaha.  I am looking forward to Easter - it has always been my favorite holiday.  I don't think the feast will be a problem at all and love thinking about, "this time next year".  

I do not want to go back to work!  Several people in my department have been laid off in the last month and I feel like I could soon be a gonner.  Hopefully, I can beat them to it and get a new job before I go back.  Here's hoping!

So I am starting to notice a change in the way my clothes fit and am feeling better every day.  I can't believe I lost 30 lbs. already!  I am thinking about all those things I now want to do and here is the begining of the list!

Find a new job - Done! 3/21/08 starting 4/7/08!

Ride in the regular rollercoaster seat - Better than that, I didn't have to turn sideways  to go through the turnstile at the gate!  4/6/08

Weigh less than 200 lbs. - This happened a few weeks ago.  The original goal was to be under 200 by my birthday and as of today, my birthday, I am at 195.  Hooray!  07/07/08

Shop at Victoria's Secret - I got my "free panty" card and didn't give it to a skinny friend.  I used it for myself! 4/13/08

Sit in a Airplane seat comfortably - I went to NYC from 6/11 - 6/15 and the plane ride was not completely miserable!  I didn't max out the seatbelt length and could put the tray table down without it touching me.  I don't think anyone in coach can ever be comfortable, though - lol. 6/11/08 and 6/15/08

So a lot has changed in the last 10 days.  First of all, the pain was pretty rough on me.  I have been staying at my parents house since I left the hospital and at first walking to my room on the second floor was both exhausting and a bit scary.  Also, in the begining, it was damn near impossible to get out of the bed.  Fortunately, I have been sleeping in a Murphy Bed and there is a door handle on the cabinet that has been my saving grace to getting up.  Anyhow, I am getting a bit off track.  

My first night was hell because after I managed to get out of bed, I had the idea to go down to the recliner in the living room.  Although many recommed the recliner, it was torture for me.  I got stuck!  The handle was too far down for me to reach and I was all the way back so I couldn't sit up.  I was like an upended turtle.  I had to scream for help and after about 45 minutes, my mom heard me.  

It was all downhill from there, though.  I think around day 5, I felt good enough to go out and walked around Publix for a little while.  I am lucky that I have a friend who made a lot of her own baby food so I am becoming a puree queen.  I think I am progressing a little to quick but I am taking all the food well.  I drink protein for breakfast.  Have soup for lunch with either jello or yogurt.  For dinner, I have been eating my homemade babyfood.  So far, baked beans have been my favorite.  B&M make a no sugar added variety and once I got over the idea that it looks like something I have thrown out in a diaper, it tastes pretty good.  I usually have a few bottles of water and either a gatorade or koolade for a treat at some point in the day.  I have 2 oz. of water in the tube 3x per day and feel pretty hydrated.  I am nearly getting enough protein (about 55 g. per day) and aside from forgetting my iron last night have been good with the vitamins.  I have barely touched the nausea meds and still have the $75 suppositories in the fridge.  What a waste there.

The g-tube isn't so bad but the tape around the gauze is doing a number on my skin.  First of all, I still have a little ooze so I am stuck with the gauze and secondly, the second peice of tape that I change 3x per day that holds the end of the tube close to me, will never stick right.  I guess I need better tape.

My 1 week appointment was quick and easy.  The staples coming out felt like plucking hair and the 20lb. weight loss announcement made me giggle.  the tube comes out on March 17 - St. Patrick's day.  I have therefore named my tube Paddy.  Silly and childish, yes!  I really don't care, though.  I feel bursts of energy and fatigue.  Hopefully it will all be energy soon.  I plan on going home tomorrow and as a reward for losing 20 lbs, I hired a maid to come and do a once-over.  Can't wait for that!  My roommate is out of town for a few weeks so I will have to house to myself.  I go back to work on March 31 and should be at 100% by then, I'm sure!  

this hurts! 

The last week has flown by in slow motion.  Every get that feeling?  I am happy that my job is giving me 6 weeks off fully paid and I intend to take every single minute!  My boss and work friends have been wonderful.  It is good to know that I have people rooting for me!  Last week, at pre-op, I sat for about 6 hours listening to information about the surgery.  I have prepared myself so I believe I could have taught the class but clearly I doesn't hurt to hear it again.  

After my surgery on Wednesday, I will be staying at my mom and dad's house for a few days.  We were suppossed to bring our caregiver to the pre-op meeting but she was having surgery herself (piched nerve) so I brought along my brother, instead.  I am happy he got the information because he has been the most skeptical but wish that he would have come out of it more positive.  I had some pre-op testing (x-ray, boodwork, pee-pee cup) and learned that I need to be blood typed prior to surgery.  This means coming in an hour earlier.  I was given some soap to wash with and then a very funny nurse who gave me my ekg pulled out an extra long cotton swab.  Fortunately, it was just for my nose.  :)

I went shopping and spent about $200 getting ready.  I bought a new robe, some exercise bands, a scale, sippy cup and small "laughing pillow".  I also stocked up on my new foods.  Broth, sf jello, popsicles, gatorade, etc. 

Yesterday, I saw a show and had dinner at Outback.  I don't know if I was excited or disappointed that I couldn't finish my steak.  Today I am going easy on the food at dinner and then liquids tomorrow.

I am off today to clean the house and make some final preparations.  I guess I should get moving and finish my laundry and scrub the house.  :) 

I am so excited!  I am having surgery on February 13 and my pre-op is on February 7 - less than 2 weeks away!  Hooray!