stoski68
Journey into unchartered waters...
Apr 26, 2011
The weight loss appears to be slowing down somewhat. I'm coming up on 4 months post-op, and I'm stuck at 64 pounds down! I have to admit that things are definitely not going according to plan. I have yet to start any kind of workout; I vomit when I eat too much too fast; I still can't tolerate meats; and I'm pretty much "OD-ing" off of the foods I can tolerate (particularly mozzarella sticks).
On the other hand, I no longer take any diabetes medications, and my blood glucose level is hanging steady at 110! Life is pretty good on the whole. Our 4-month old son is such a blessing! I never considered being a father again in my mid-forties, but I suppose that God keeps us on our toes with life's little surprises, lol!
As far as the unfair termination goes, I hired an attorney and we reached an agreement that if I waived my appeal rights, the agency would rescind the termination and allow me to resign, thereby clearing my record of any alleged misconduct. (Talk about a deal with the devil--but oh well, at least it's over!) I am having the grand opening of my Christian counseling practice next month--I'm really excited, and also very nervous. It is definitely easier to just go to work, do your job, and collect a check. Hopefully, this will prove to be much more fulfilling for me. 
Til next time...
Wow! What a month!
Mar 17, 2011
On a personal note, March has been quite a month for me and it's not even over yet. I was terminated fom my job of 4 years on March 8th (Thank God I already had my surgery!). The termination was unwarranted and I will be appealing the adverse action. On March 14th my younger brother lost his battle with cancer. Today (March 17th) I started a private Christian Psychotherapy and Counseling agency. My last day of employment is tomorrow (March 18th), and my birthday is on Saturday (March 19th). The only thing left to do, is get my workout game straight. I'll keep you posted on future developments.
Til next time...
12 Days Post-Op.
Feb 05, 2011
I completed the first 5 days post-op on a clear liquid diet. After 5 days, I graduated to a full liquid / pureed food diet. I think the biggest thing for me has been making sure to take the supplements (Vitamin B12 sub-lingual, Tums), as well as the blood thinner, Wafarin (to prevent blood clots). Another thing that is crucial for healing and maintaining muscle mass is ensuring that I get at least 65 grams of protein each day.
I went back to work 9 days after the surgery. So far I have lost 30 pounds. I am feeling about 90 percent, and I am very excited and looking forward to this new phase of my life:)
Til next time...
Started "Pre-op" Diet (Surgery date is 10 days away!)
Jan 13, 2011
This morning, I started my pre-op diet...I definitely want to do this, but today, things got MIGHTY real! My surgery is in 10 days. My ending (after) weight was targeted to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 174-190 lbs (numbers I haven't seen since high school:)
The meal replacement shakes are "do-able" for 10 days, but I was caught off guard when the nurse told me that my days of eating cereal and milk (together) are over:(
…but, if that's the cost to healthy living...I'm willing to pay.
I'm very excited, (a little nervous) and very much looking forward to a second chance at a revitalized life. I have to say in closing, if I had a dime for every person who has NEVER had a weight issue, who has approached me with the advice, "why don't you just eat a little less, and exercise more," I'd be rich. I hope that even after the weight loss, I never look at someone heavier than I am with such a condescending view. I always say that EVERYONE struggles with SOMETHING. Most of us here either are currently or have struggled with weight in the past. One particular person who gave me such "good-intentioned" advice, has struggled with cigarettes most of her adult life. My advice to her...look at the issues I've had with keeping weight off in the same way you look at you struggle to stop smoking…THEN, you'll begin to appreciate the situation that a lot of heavier people endure.
Peace and blessing to all,
See ya on the other side :)
Til next time...
Surgery date is fast approaching!
Dec 10, 2010
Merry Christmas and God's blessings to all!
Til next time...
I was finally approved for RNY (Gastric Bypass) Surgery.
Nov 04, 2010
I am anxious, and a little worried. I have never had surgery before and to be honest, I am VERY in touch with my mortality right now. My wife and I will be blessed with a new son around Christmas. I pray that I make it throught the surgery with no complications (life-threatening or otherwise). It concerns me because (let's be real) everybody doesn't survive the surgery. I will continue praying that God will allow the surgery to be successful. My surgery is scheduled for January 24, 2010. I'm hoping for a happy new year.
Til next time...
