Leslie L.

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15 more pounds gone for a total of 35!!  My total cholesterol is now in the normal range.

Dietitian is "concerned" about me.  I thought I had been doing really good.  She told me "it looks like you have been focusing on getting in your protein and that is what you are supposed to be doing, but I think you need to focus on getting in a few more carbs.  Your body can only stay in ketosis for so long."  Confused. 

Also, I had forgotten the rule about not drinking with meals or within 30 minutes of eating.  I had been sipping on a glass of milk with my breakfast. and one in the evening.  LOVE MILK!!   I thought it would be good because it has a fair amount of protein (9 grams/serving).  She said I have to count the milk as a snack and wait 30 minutes after eating to begin drinking it.  I find it difficult to eat a meal without even a sip of liquids, but I'm gonna try.   She said once I reach a cup of food at a meal, I have to cut out ALL of my snacks.  Easier said than done ??

Tomorrow will be 3 weeks since my surgery.  I can't believe how well I am doing.  No nausea, no vomiting.  I haven't weighed since my first post op appointment one week after surgery, but I definitely notice a difference in how my clothes fit.  I have also noticed:
1)  That seat belts are easier to put on.
2)  I can bend over in the tub and shave my legs without getting short of breath.
3)  I can bend over in the tub and turn off the water without getting short of breath. 
4)  I have lots of energy.
5)  I have no pitting edema in my legs.

My family has been really supportive.  My husband and daughter, who are still at home ,are making changes to their diets a well.  We went out to eat Sunday at Ruby Tuesday's.  I had a BOGOF coupon.  I didn't order myself anything; just shared with my husband and daughter and we ate for $17.00. ( We would have been only $14.00, but instead of ordering water, my husband ordered strawberry lemonade).  My husband took home half his meal!!   This new way of life is really gonna help the pocketbook, too!! 

I have old friends whom I haven't spoken with in a couple of years calling me to ask about my surgery as they are preparing for surgery themselves.  I am excited to tell them about my success!! 

LIFE IS GOOD!!!

Okay, I'm doing well except I fatigue easy.  I am SICK of the protein shakes.  They are sweet tasting and I want something spicy, salty but I am not supposed to start on soft, pureed foods for 2 more days.  I didn't think I was supposed to be hungry, but I am.  Well, not actually starving.  Like I said, I need some variety.  I got in touch with the dietitian and she said I could go ahead and start on soft foods since I was keeping the protein drinks down without a problem, but that I must continue the protein drinks a while longer in addition to the food.   Ate a few bites of grits and that was all I needed to satisfy the craving.  BUT, there were still grits in my bowl and I am not finished eating.!!!!   I really wanted to finish the bowl, but I didn't.  Don't want to be sick. Quickly got involved in doing something else and forgot about it.     I find myself thinking about the next time I can eat and what I'm going to eat.   This is going to be harder than I thought. 

Discharged from hospital today and actually drove myself home.  Slept the rest of the day, actually the next 2 or 3 days getting up to walk to the mailbox and back every few hours and drinking protein supplements.   Taking pain medicine regular, not because I'm in that much pain, but just don't want it to get too bad.  No nausea.  No vomiting.  Keeping the protein shakes down.  It takes an hour to drink them.  It feels like liquid goes down and air comes out.  Lots of belching. 

Surgery went well and that's about all I can tell you.  I lost pretty much the entire day to sleep except for going to radiology for the leak test.  Who could forget that awful taste? 

I drove 6 hours of the 8 hour trip yesterday and did fine.  I planned ahead and packed a cooler full of snacks that would fill me full of protein and bottled water.  It really helped.  There was tons of food at the wedding tonight.  They had nachos and all the fixings as one of many appetizers.  I was able to pick grilled chicken and cheese and by the time the main course got there (prime rib) I'd had enough and I didnt eat any, didn't eat any wedding cake and didn't feel deprived.  Had a great time.  Walked all over the mall in the afternoon today, too and did just fine. 

Going to Raleigh, NC for a wedding.  It'll be a long trip and it's just been 9 days since my surgery.  Just wondering how I'll do. 

First post-op visit.  Down 11 pounds in 1 week.  Feeling really good.  Already have a lot more energy.

I'm doing great.  My incisions are healing well.  I have had absolutely no nausea, no vomiting.  I walked 26 minutes tonight.  My back hurt the entire way, but I did it anyway.  GO ME!!! 

Well, I'm five days into my pre-op diet.  I am using Unjury (www.unjury.com) protein.  I ordered vanilla, chocolate, strawberry sorbet, and chicken flavor.  (I listed them in the order in which I prefer them, by the way.)  They taste good and don't have an awful after taste.; just a little on the sweet side for me.  I've had trouble drinking four of them a day; it's just a lot and it seems lke there is not enough time in the day.  By the time I finish one of them, it's time to mix another.  I seem to like them mixed in skim milk the best.  The strawberry sorbet is good in Crystal Light although I find I have to mix it with a whole bottle of Crystal Light and it takes a couple hours to drink.  I haven't eaten anything that wasn't on the list.  I am proud of myself. 
The first day was great; a person can do anything for one day.  Days 2 and 3 were the worst so far, but by day 4 I had settled into the routine and knew what to expect.  When I get tempted, I get involved in another activity (getting in the swimming pool, flower gardening, housework) and the urge passes quickly.  I will be leaving for Atlanta on Sunday and expect to come home on Thursday, barring any complications.   It's hard for others, I think.  My daughter asked me last night where I wanted to go for dinner on Sunday for Mother's Day.  I had to remind her that I couldn't eat.   She was disappointed.    My mom was a little disappointed when she realized that we wouldn't be able to really go out to eat while we are in Atlanta.   We will just have to find something else to do.  These are the things I was most concerned about; how surgery would change or alter my relationships, but I AM AN OVERCOMER.  Me and God will figure it out.   I am ready to get the show on the road!!