SmilingMom
One Year Out...Happy Surgiversary!
Apr 28, 2010
Well, one year ago today, I was just beginning my post-op journey. What's different now? Well, to begin with, I'm 145 pounds lighter. That is just mind blowing to me! As I've been losing weight, I've pretty much gotten rid of all of my "big" clothes. I had a true moment of clarity a couple of weeks ago. I had taken my clothes down to begin switching seasons. I decided to try on a pair of shorts that I still wore last August (4 months post-op). They are jean shorts with a little bit of stretch, size 26. Guess what? They were huge!! Truly, it was just hard to process. I have some size 16 pants that I can wear, but my mind didn't even think about how far I've come. It was an amazing moment.
The clothing moment was fantastic, but the biggest thing is how I feel. I definitely have more energy. Prior to the surgery, I was blessed to be in good health (no blood pressure issues, cholesterol, etc.). My two main issues were sleep apnea and joint pain. I have not used my c-pap machine since the night before my surgery. My knees and hips are so much better. I'm not saying I'm cured -- arthritis is arthritis --but, I'm profoundly better. And the emotional things are great, too. My 8 year old daughter can wrap her arms completely around me. That is a feeling that no words can truly describe.
Is it all good? I'll be honest...I can't say it is. Post-op brings its own challenges. Physically, I'm outstanding. I have no issues with food, I take my vitamins faithfully (including calcium), and I even get in 2 protein enhanced milks each day. Where am I struggling? Food. Because I have adapted so well, emotionally the ball is definitely in my court. I can eat anything (even having 14 Thin Mints one day...just over 4 hours, instead of in 10 minutes - like the old days!). It is a inner battle for willpower. And you know what? That was always the battle!! The difference this time is that failure is not an option. If I have a crappy day (which is usually doing old bad habits...like grazing in the evening), I make the next day a little better. Right now, I need to just focus on healthy choices since I still want to lose another 25 lbs. We'll see.....this period can be just considered a battle. I'm in for the entire war....and I will be victorious!
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The clothing moment was fantastic, but the biggest thing is how I feel. I definitely have more energy. Prior to the surgery, I was blessed to be in good health (no blood pressure issues, cholesterol, etc.). My two main issues were sleep apnea and joint pain. I have not used my c-pap machine since the night before my surgery. My knees and hips are so much better. I'm not saying I'm cured -- arthritis is arthritis --but, I'm profoundly better. And the emotional things are great, too. My 8 year old daughter can wrap her arms completely around me. That is a feeling that no words can truly describe.
Is it all good? I'll be honest...I can't say it is. Post-op brings its own challenges. Physically, I'm outstanding. I have no issues with food, I take my vitamins faithfully (including calcium), and I even get in 2 protein enhanced milks each day. Where am I struggling? Food. Because I have adapted so well, emotionally the ball is definitely in my court. I can eat anything (even having 14 Thin Mints one day...just over 4 hours, instead of in 10 minutes - like the old days!). It is a inner battle for willpower. And you know what? That was always the battle!! The difference this time is that failure is not an option. If I have a crappy day (which is usually doing old bad habits...like grazing in the evening), I make the next day a little better. Right now, I need to just focus on healthy choices since I still want to lose another 25 lbs. We'll see.....this period can be just considered a battle. I'm in for the entire war....and I will be victorious!
Over Seven Months Out...
Dec 07, 2009
Well, it's hard to believe that I've been post-op for over seven months now. Time has been certainly passing. As of today, I've lost a total of 125 lbs! It's hard to wrap my head around that sometimes. I have been overweight most of my life and in just seven short months I've dropped a substantial amount of weight. I've gone from a high of 361 to my current 236. I was just talking with my sister today. When I got married in 1990, I weighed 250. That means I haven't been this light in over 20 years....AMAZING....
So many things just cause me true wonder. I went to see a comedian on Saturday night. Fitting in the seat wasn't a problem at all. My husband saw a really big woman walk down the row to her seat and he asked how she was going to fit in her seat. I watched her and then said to my husband, "She got in the seat the way I used to. You just try to pour yourself in for the best fit possible." Then, after the show, I buttoned up my leather coat --- a coat I had bought five years ago when I had lost 100 lbs. on Atkins. I had never been able to button it, but now it buttons right up! It is overwhelming the changes I am experiencing.
Today I had my 6 month post-op (a little late, but my first appointment had to be postponed due to a conflict with the nurse practioner). Things are going well. She was pleased with my weight loss and all of my lab numbers were great. The only thing that popped up (ha - literally!) is the possibility of a hernia. Of course, as a post-op RNY, I was thrilled. Not that I want a complication, but it can then be surgically corrected and my doctor will do an tummy tuck at the same time. Wahoo!! Seriously, she told me to just monitor things and told me to look for any complications (something sticking out that I can't press back in....YUCK! or pain), but I would be re-checked by her and my surgeon in six months.
Well, I guess that's it for now. Someday soon I will have to post some updated photos. Many days I don't think I look a whole lot different, but then I'll see the picture. Quite frankly, my transformation is pretty amazing. Unfortunately, many days my brain doesn't see me as different....weird....but, you know what? I'll take it all!!!
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So many things just cause me true wonder. I went to see a comedian on Saturday night. Fitting in the seat wasn't a problem at all. My husband saw a really big woman walk down the row to her seat and he asked how she was going to fit in her seat. I watched her and then said to my husband, "She got in the seat the way I used to. You just try to pour yourself in for the best fit possible." Then, after the show, I buttoned up my leather coat --- a coat I had bought five years ago when I had lost 100 lbs. on Atkins. I had never been able to button it, but now it buttons right up! It is overwhelming the changes I am experiencing.
Today I had my 6 month post-op (a little late, but my first appointment had to be postponed due to a conflict with the nurse practioner). Things are going well. She was pleased with my weight loss and all of my lab numbers were great. The only thing that popped up (ha - literally!) is the possibility of a hernia. Of course, as a post-op RNY, I was thrilled. Not that I want a complication, but it can then be surgically corrected and my doctor will do an tummy tuck at the same time. Wahoo!! Seriously, she told me to just monitor things and told me to look for any complications (something sticking out that I can't press back in....YUCK! or pain), but I would be re-checked by her and my surgeon in six months.
Well, I guess that's it for now. Someday soon I will have to post some updated photos. Many days I don't think I look a whole lot different, but then I'll see the picture. Quite frankly, my transformation is pretty amazing. Unfortunately, many days my brain doesn't see me as different....weird....but, you know what? I'll take it all!!!
5 Months Out....
Sep 29, 2009
Well, it's hard to believe that 5 months have gone by. I find some things are pretty easy and some things are quite difficult.
I am amazed on how little I can eat and feel really full. It's not intentional, but I'm also amazed how long I can go without feeling hungry. For example, most mornings I start with 8 oz. of Simply Smart milk. I add a scoop of Beneprotein for 16 grams of total protein. I must say, I truly hate milk (always have!) so I add something to flavor it -- a sugar free Davinci syrup (about a TBSP) or sugar free flavored Coffee Mate (about a TBSP) -- and some ice cubes. I drink it while I drive to work. Today, I was so busy at work that I did not eat anything until 11:15 (a piece of Cabot reduced fat cheese and some grapes). I wasn't even hungry! Up at 7:00 and over 4 hours before any solid food passed my lips! Weird.....amazing......
My weight loss continues, but it has slowed down. I am down 97.5 pounds. It's a fantastic number, but it's slowed down quite a bit in this last month. I am truly to blame. Prior to WLS, I was a huge sugar/carb eater. My brain has gotten the message that those types of food are off limits. Sadly, I now see myself gravitating towards salty foods. WLS only fixes your stomach, not your head!! I figure if I can see the problem, I can work towards fixing it. Heck, this is a work in progress...
I think a second factor with my slow-down is my reduction in exercise. When I am in my office, I walk twice a day (up to a total of 2 miles). For the last 2 weeks, I've been working off site. Needless to say, my exercise is practically non-existent. This, too, I can change.....
Enough beating myself up!! Want to hear a heart warming story?
My best friend's nephew recently saw me. Because our families are so integrated, I treat her relatives just like they are my own. I was asking him a question (kind of a "What are you doing back here? Did you see us pass your car?"). He began answering my inquisition, when he stopped mid sentence and said, "Hey, you look really great." Can you imagine that? An 18 year old young man taking time to compliment a 41 year old "aunt" on her weight loss? It was shocking -- almost emotional....very cool!
It's things like that, and more importantly - how great I feel, that make this WLS journey one of the greatest things I have done for myself in my lifetime.
The journey continues....
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I am amazed on how little I can eat and feel really full. It's not intentional, but I'm also amazed how long I can go without feeling hungry. For example, most mornings I start with 8 oz. of Simply Smart milk. I add a scoop of Beneprotein for 16 grams of total protein. I must say, I truly hate milk (always have!) so I add something to flavor it -- a sugar free Davinci syrup (about a TBSP) or sugar free flavored Coffee Mate (about a TBSP) -- and some ice cubes. I drink it while I drive to work. Today, I was so busy at work that I did not eat anything until 11:15 (a piece of Cabot reduced fat cheese and some grapes). I wasn't even hungry! Up at 7:00 and over 4 hours before any solid food passed my lips! Weird.....amazing......
My weight loss continues, but it has slowed down. I am down 97.5 pounds. It's a fantastic number, but it's slowed down quite a bit in this last month. I am truly to blame. Prior to WLS, I was a huge sugar/carb eater. My brain has gotten the message that those types of food are off limits. Sadly, I now see myself gravitating towards salty foods. WLS only fixes your stomach, not your head!! I figure if I can see the problem, I can work towards fixing it. Heck, this is a work in progress...
I think a second factor with my slow-down is my reduction in exercise. When I am in my office, I walk twice a day (up to a total of 2 miles). For the last 2 weeks, I've been working off site. Needless to say, my exercise is practically non-existent. This, too, I can change.....
Enough beating myself up!! Want to hear a heart warming story?
My best friend's nephew recently saw me. Because our families are so integrated, I treat her relatives just like they are my own. I was asking him a question (kind of a "What are you doing back here? Did you see us pass your car?"). He began answering my inquisition, when he stopped mid sentence and said, "Hey, you look really great." Can you imagine that? An 18 year old young man taking time to compliment a 41 year old "aunt" on her weight loss? It was shocking -- almost emotional....very cool!
It's things like that, and more importantly - how great I feel, that make this WLS journey one of the greatest things I have done for myself in my lifetime.
The journey continues....
3 Months Out...
Jul 29, 2009
Well, three months have just flown by! Today I had my check-up. Things are going well. I'm now down a total of 74 pounds. Fantastic!! Even better, my bloodwork was good. I was right in the target range for protein and calcium. I even had too much B12! This was very reassuring. There are days when I miss some of my vitamins, days when I don't get my target of 60 grams of protein. Now, I know I'm on the right track, internally as well as externally.
I've been doing pretty good with my exercise. From a very sedentary lifestyle, I've been walking three times a week for (on average) 1.5 miles a day. I actually enjoy getting out and taking a walk -- imagine that! I even went walking in this high humidity! Now, I have to "up" my activity. I want to do everything I can to maximize my weight loss in the first 6 - 8 months.
And now I'm off to bed....a good night's sleep is also part of the new me (believe it or not, that is probably the hardest thing to change!).
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I've been doing pretty good with my exercise. From a very sedentary lifestyle, I've been walking three times a week for (on average) 1.5 miles a day. I actually enjoy getting out and taking a walk -- imagine that! I even went walking in this high humidity! Now, I have to "up" my activity. I want to do everything I can to maximize my weight loss in the first 6 - 8 months.
And now I'm off to bed....a good night's sleep is also part of the new me (believe it or not, that is probably the hardest thing to change!).
A Momentous Day!
Jun 30, 2009
This morning was an amazing moment....I actually saw 299.6 on my scale!! To the average person that would be cause for despair, but to me, it's a moment of triumph! Never again will I see 300 on my scale! I'm now down 62 pounds. It's truly amazing how much losing this weight has changed my life.
First, there are the medical things. Thankfully, I've always been pretty healthy (good cholesterol, low triglycerides, normal blood pressure, and no diabetes). My big issue was joint pain - knees and hips. My hips aren't bothering me anymore and my knees feel better (although they will never be the knees of a 20 year old!). Also, last fall I began using an apnea machine. While in the hospital, I didn't use it since my doctor isn't comfortable with pushing extra air into the pouch. You know what? I haven't used it since I've come home, either! I no longer even snore. My husband is a little freaked out - he says that he almost wants to put a mirror under my nose to make sure I'm breathing!
The biggest change, though, is my lifestyle. I've been the poster child for sedentary living. In 2003/2004, I lost over 100 lbs. with Atkins with barely any exercise (perhaps that was a contributing factor to my regaining the weight...). Now, I'm really beginning to change my lifestyle. So far, this week is an excellent example of the new me. On Sunday, I weeded my flower garden for an hour in the morning. In the afternoon, I used our push mower to mow a large portion of our backyard. On Monday, I took two walks during work that totaled 1.6 miles. Today, I was working at a different location, but a friend and I walked for a total of 45 minutes throughout the day. Who is this new Cheryl??? Amazing!
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First, there are the medical things. Thankfully, I've always been pretty healthy (good cholesterol, low triglycerides, normal blood pressure, and no diabetes). My big issue was joint pain - knees and hips. My hips aren't bothering me anymore and my knees feel better (although they will never be the knees of a 20 year old!). Also, last fall I began using an apnea machine. While in the hospital, I didn't use it since my doctor isn't comfortable with pushing extra air into the pouch. You know what? I haven't used it since I've come home, either! I no longer even snore. My husband is a little freaked out - he says that he almost wants to put a mirror under my nose to make sure I'm breathing!
The biggest change, though, is my lifestyle. I've been the poster child for sedentary living. In 2003/2004, I lost over 100 lbs. with Atkins with barely any exercise (perhaps that was a contributing factor to my regaining the weight...). Now, I'm really beginning to change my lifestyle. So far, this week is an excellent example of the new me. On Sunday, I weeded my flower garden for an hour in the morning. In the afternoon, I used our push mower to mow a large portion of our backyard. On Monday, I took two walks during work that totaled 1.6 miles. Today, I was working at a different location, but a friend and I walked for a total of 45 minutes throughout the day. Who is this new Cheryl??? Amazing!
4 Weeks Out - Happy Memorial Day!
May 25, 2009
Hello and Happy Memorial Day! What a difference a month makes! Including my liquid pre-op, I'm now down a total of 42 pounds....amazing.....The changes are profound. Take today, for instance. My husband has a fishing boat that he slips each year. Every Spring, there's a lot of work to get the boat ready. I've never been a part of any of that. Today, I actually waxed the boat! Then, while he was tinkering around, I decided to spread lime around the yard by pushing the walk behind spreader. Who is this new woman? 
How do I feel? That is also amazing. I have to say that I truly feel like I've turned a corner. I feel practically back to my old self. Bending isn't a problem, my scar is healing nicely, and I just feel good!
I'm doing well with the food, too. I pretty much hit my 60 grams of protein each day and I've been striving to get in all of my liquids. Today I went back to milk. I had been using Lactaid since the nutritionist had said some people experience lactose intolerance after the surgery. I bought Over The Moon Milk (10 grams of protein per glass!) and I didn't have any problem at all. Knock on wood, I haven't had any intolerance with anything, thus far. The only problem I have been having is a bit of stuck syndrome. I thought that was more of a Lap Band issue, but I've experienced incredible breast bone pain on several occasions now. Of course, either I was talking, my food was too dry, or I didn't chew enough. I've been more careful these last few days.
Anyway, I'm off to make dinner for my family. Tonight, I'm going to try some steak on the grill (little bites with lots of chewing!!).
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How do I feel? That is also amazing. I have to say that I truly feel like I've turned a corner. I feel practically back to my old self. Bending isn't a problem, my scar is healing nicely, and I just feel good!
I'm doing well with the food, too. I pretty much hit my 60 grams of protein each day and I've been striving to get in all of my liquids. Today I went back to milk. I had been using Lactaid since the nutritionist had said some people experience lactose intolerance after the surgery. I bought Over The Moon Milk (10 grams of protein per glass!) and I didn't have any problem at all. Knock on wood, I haven't had any intolerance with anything, thus far. The only problem I have been having is a bit of stuck syndrome. I thought that was more of a Lap Band issue, but I've experienced incredible breast bone pain on several occasions now. Of course, either I was talking, my food was too dry, or I didn't chew enough. I've been more careful these last few days.
Anyway, I'm off to make dinner for my family. Tonight, I'm going to try some steak on the grill (little bites with lots of chewing!!).
3 weeks out!
May 18, 2009
Wow - three weeks already. My grand total on weight is now 40 lbs. lost (13 on liquid pre-diet, 27 post-op)! Life is moving along. I'm eating food now, but just protein. I still feel better each and every day (for example, bending to pick things off of the floor is now practically painless!). I did have my first food problem today, though. I had made an egg white omelette yesterday morning with lowfat cheddar cheese (love Cabot lowfat cheddar!). It was too much so I saved it for today. I reheated it at work for an entire minute. Then I was eating it in a somewhat distracted fashion because I had a co-worker in my office. Luckily, she is also a nearly 4 year post RNY person! I think my food was too dry and overcooked and I may not have been chewing enough, but whamo!! Amazing pain in my breast bone. Thank God my friend was there. The first thing she said was to take a small sip of water (to add a small amount of fluid to the pouch to aid in digestion). Then we went out for a fifteen minute walk. It took awhile, but the food passed through in the end! Yucky....but at least no vomitting or anything! I've also developed a small skin problem around the streri-strips. Since I had open RNY, I have a good 4" scar. The doctor likes to keep the steri-strips on for the entire first month. I was just at the office on Friday and everything was fine. Come Sunday morning, I have red, irritated skin with some skin breakdown. Another yuck!! I'm going back tomorrow to have the APRN take a look. Even with my small "bumps" in the road, I'm still feeling great and very happily progressing along!! 
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2 Weeks Post Surgery
May 11, 2009
Hello! I've made it through my first two weeks. I went back to work today, but only for three hours. Tomorrow I'll go to 4 and Wednesday I'll go to 5. I only work a 7 hour day so I'll be back full time on Thursday. How am I feeling? Pretty great! I'm not saying that I don't experience some pain, but it is minimal (I haven't taken any medicine for discomfort since day 5 out of surgery.
Today was good for another reason -- I was able to stop wearing the abdomen belt and the compression hose.....Yeah!!! I'm thrilled to have them gone.
What's my biggest complaint? The food...or the lack thereof....I'm still doing the liquid diet. I generally shoot for 48 oz. of water, along with 2 Bariatric Advantage shakes and 1 cup of Healthy Select soup made with Lactaid. I'm so tired of shakes and soup!! I've discussed other options with my friend, but it seems this is the best way to hit the 60 grams of protein each day. I can hardly wait to reintroduce some protein!
How's my weight? Well, I lost 13 pounds on the pre-op liquid diet and I've added another 18 pounds since the surgery. I can't believe I've already dropped 31 pounds. I can feel the difference in my clothes and some people are telling my they can see a difference in my face. On with the journey....
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Today was good for another reason -- I was able to stop wearing the abdomen belt and the compression hose.....Yeah!!! I'm thrilled to have them gone.
What's my biggest complaint? The food...or the lack thereof....I'm still doing the liquid diet. I generally shoot for 48 oz. of water, along with 2 Bariatric Advantage shakes and 1 cup of Healthy Select soup made with Lactaid. I'm so tired of shakes and soup!! I've discussed other options with my friend, but it seems this is the best way to hit the 60 grams of protein each day. I can hardly wait to reintroduce some protein!
How's my weight? Well, I lost 13 pounds on the pre-op liquid diet and I've added another 18 pounds since the surgery. I can't believe I've already dropped 31 pounds. I can feel the difference in my clothes and some people are telling my they can see a difference in my face. On with the journey....
I've Made It To The Other Side!
May 02, 2009
Hello from Post Surgery Land!
Well, I had my surgery on Monday, the 27th. It actually went really well. I was second on the surgical rotation and my doctor was running a little late from the first procedure. I wasn't nervous, which was great. Boy, when I walked in to that operating room, I was surprised at the size of the table (very narrow!). I said to the OR staff, "This table is very small." They replied it was the only one they used. I then said that I was pretty big and I barely fit, what did they do with a 700 lb. person? They said they had extensions. Then, boom - I was gone! The power of anesthesia!
I woke up on the 4th floor, in my room. I remember practically nothing about my two hours in recovery. I have heard that I was combative while coming out of the anesthesia. The only thing I recall is thrashing around a bit and using my ab muscles (I believe I was doing a sit-up type move to sit up!). I can recall thinking if I didn't stop that my ab would really hurt....HA, that's an understatement! On that first day, I was quite groggy. I do remember that I was swearing like a sailor....lovely......I was also in a lot of pain. It turns out there was a bend in my hose of the PCA machine and there was a point when I wasn't getting my morphine.....followed soon by a surge of morphine once the hose was straightened!
My hospital stay was uneventful. Pain, sleep, walking.....
I came home on Wednesday around dinner time. Things have been going pretty well. On Friday, I believe I drank too much in an hour's time and I was very uncomfortable...actual pain and stomach upset! I find it very hard to get in all of my fluid. Pre-surgery I was the water queen, but I was always a gulper. Now, it's very hard to sip consistently. I haven't gotten all 48 ounces, yet. I can't imagine what it will be like when I have to go up to 64 ounces in the next stage! I have been better with the protein. Two shakes and a cup of cream soup (Healthy Select) made with fat-free Lactaid. Let me tell you, Cream of Chicken (bleh!), Cream of Tomato (not bad!). Two more weeks on this level!
Pain: Well, my stomach hurts, but it does get better each day. This morning, I feel my best yet.
Exercise: I've been walking each day. Last night, my husband and I took a walk up our road. We haven't done that actual walk since I was in labor with my son in 1996!
Weight: On Thursday morning, I was up two pounds!!! My husband had wisely said it was most likely due to the IV fluids in the hospital. Understandable, but not a great thing to see! From Thursday to Sunday, I've now dropped ten pounds....CRAZY!!!
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Well, I had my surgery on Monday, the 27th. It actually went really well. I was second on the surgical rotation and my doctor was running a little late from the first procedure. I wasn't nervous, which was great. Boy, when I walked in to that operating room, I was surprised at the size of the table (very narrow!). I said to the OR staff, "This table is very small." They replied it was the only one they used. I then said that I was pretty big and I barely fit, what did they do with a 700 lb. person? They said they had extensions. Then, boom - I was gone! The power of anesthesia!
I woke up on the 4th floor, in my room. I remember practically nothing about my two hours in recovery. I have heard that I was combative while coming out of the anesthesia. The only thing I recall is thrashing around a bit and using my ab muscles (I believe I was doing a sit-up type move to sit up!). I can recall thinking if I didn't stop that my ab would really hurt....HA, that's an understatement! On that first day, I was quite groggy. I do remember that I was swearing like a sailor....lovely......I was also in a lot of pain. It turns out there was a bend in my hose of the PCA machine and there was a point when I wasn't getting my morphine.....followed soon by a surge of morphine once the hose was straightened!
My hospital stay was uneventful. Pain, sleep, walking.....
I came home on Wednesday around dinner time. Things have been going pretty well. On Friday, I believe I drank too much in an hour's time and I was very uncomfortable...actual pain and stomach upset! I find it very hard to get in all of my fluid. Pre-surgery I was the water queen, but I was always a gulper. Now, it's very hard to sip consistently. I haven't gotten all 48 ounces, yet. I can't imagine what it will be like when I have to go up to 64 ounces in the next stage! I have been better with the protein. Two shakes and a cup of cream soup (Healthy Select) made with fat-free Lactaid. Let me tell you, Cream of Chicken (bleh!), Cream of Tomato (not bad!). Two more weeks on this level!
Pain: Well, my stomach hurts, but it does get better each day. This morning, I feel my best yet.
Exercise: I've been walking each day. Last night, my husband and I took a walk up our road. We haven't done that actual walk since I was in labor with my son in 1996!
Weight: On Thursday morning, I was up two pounds!!! My husband had wisely said it was most likely due to the IV fluids in the hospital. Understandable, but not a great thing to see! From Thursday to Sunday, I've now dropped ten pounds....CRAZY!!!
12 Hours Away!!!
Apr 26, 2009
Just a quick update....I'm all set for surgery tomorrow at Middlesex. I'm second on the rotation, which means I should be entering the operating room around 10:00am. I can't believe the day has fianlly come. I'm oddly not nervous. I had a super busy day today and maybe that helped. Whatever is was, I'm glad. The day just zipped by and now it's time for bed (11:20pm). I know that things will go just great tomorrow.
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About Me
Location
49.7
BMI
Surgery
04/27/2009
Surgery Date
Surgeon
Oct 30, 2008
Member Since
