Suzanne S.
December 2005
Nov 30, 2005
Wow It's been so long since I've updated my profile. Life got hectic once the kids went back to school. I do go the message boards often, I just haven't updated my profile.
I've met some new local WLS friends. Debra P (san ramon), Lisa D (Pleasanton), Terri N (Livermore), Joseanne (Livermore, Karen B (Castro Valley), Angie T (works across the street), Karen M (Livermore) and Dina H (livermore). Some of us got together for coffee not too long ago. It was nice to meet some of these new faces. I'm hoping that we can get together again in January. It seems that for the longest time there weren't many other WLS peeps in my area and now I'm finding more... or they are finding me. I've met some people through my hair dresser, some from my surgeon's OH page and a few others from the CA board.
Last month Carly and I went to Heidi's Christmas party. That was fun, I got to meet some more OH friends and see the old gang as well. I got to see Heidi, Terry, Margo, Kevin, Melanie, Gail, Michelle, Karen, Kristy, Diane, Chris and I'm sure there were others that I just can't remember right now.
I've volunteered for Angel Duty for Karen M who had surgery in Novermber and Pam D who is having surgery in January. My friend Joseanne is schedule to have her surgery with Dr. K. in January too!
OK, enough about others, I guess the point of this profile it to talk about me and what I've been going through. Things are still going good for me. My weight loss has really slowed down, but I'm still losing. I guess I could be doing more, like exercising, but that just hasn't happened yet. I've come to the realization that the only way I'm going to make a routine of exercising is to do it in the morining. There just isn't enough time in the evenings, and I'm not motivated enough to do it by myself. I am going to have to find an exercise buddy to meet me at the gym or get a trainer.... or I will never get my A$$ out of bed at 6 am to exercise. UGGH did I say 6am! I guess a person could get to like that ....yeah... I gotta keep telling myself that :-D
I am really trying to focus more on my protein and my fluids. Lynn has revived the water babies post and that has motivated me. I got in 100oz of fluids yesterday.. that was a first. I am also posting to the what did you eat thread. That always reminds me to take my vitamins in the afternoon. I am getting better at staying on track, so let's see how the new year goes.
My first Thanksgiving went OK. I came down with the stomach flu on Tuesday and still wasn't quite up to eating by Thursday. I guess that's not such a bad way to spend the my first "food" holiday post op. Over eating just wasn't an issue.
I've stocked up on things that I can eat, lots of SF treats, protein bars and such to help me through the holidays at my moms. I really don't feel deprived. I get a little taste of everything, so I think it will be OK. Let's see how I do with the tamales. I'll be making some tomorrow night with mom.
Merry Christmas to all. I hope the new year bring us lot so successes and much joy!
-Suzanne
I've met some new local WLS friends. Debra P (san ramon), Lisa D (Pleasanton), Terri N (Livermore), Joseanne (Livermore, Karen B (Castro Valley), Angie T (works across the street), Karen M (Livermore) and Dina H (livermore). Some of us got together for coffee not too long ago. It was nice to meet some of these new faces. I'm hoping that we can get together again in January. It seems that for the longest time there weren't many other WLS peeps in my area and now I'm finding more... or they are finding me. I've met some people through my hair dresser, some from my surgeon's OH page and a few others from the CA board.
Last month Carly and I went to Heidi's Christmas party. That was fun, I got to meet some more OH friends and see the old gang as well. I got to see Heidi, Terry, Margo, Kevin, Melanie, Gail, Michelle, Karen, Kristy, Diane, Chris and I'm sure there were others that I just can't remember right now.
I've volunteered for Angel Duty for Karen M who had surgery in Novermber and Pam D who is having surgery in January. My friend Joseanne is schedule to have her surgery with Dr. K. in January too!
OK, enough about others, I guess the point of this profile it to talk about me and what I've been going through. Things are still going good for me. My weight loss has really slowed down, but I'm still losing. I guess I could be doing more, like exercising, but that just hasn't happened yet. I've come to the realization that the only way I'm going to make a routine of exercising is to do it in the morining. There just isn't enough time in the evenings, and I'm not motivated enough to do it by myself. I am going to have to find an exercise buddy to meet me at the gym or get a trainer.... or I will never get my A$$ out of bed at 6 am to exercise. UGGH did I say 6am! I guess a person could get to like that ....yeah... I gotta keep telling myself that :-D
I am really trying to focus more on my protein and my fluids. Lynn has revived the water babies post and that has motivated me. I got in 100oz of fluids yesterday.. that was a first. I am also posting to the what did you eat thread. That always reminds me to take my vitamins in the afternoon. I am getting better at staying on track, so let's see how the new year goes.
My first Thanksgiving went OK. I came down with the stomach flu on Tuesday and still wasn't quite up to eating by Thursday. I guess that's not such a bad way to spend the my first "food" holiday post op. Over eating just wasn't an issue.
I've stocked up on things that I can eat, lots of SF treats, protein bars and such to help me through the holidays at my moms. I really don't feel deprived. I get a little taste of everything, so I think it will be OK. Let's see how I do with the tamales. I'll be making some tomorrow night with mom.
Merry Christmas to all. I hope the new year bring us lot so successes and much joy!
-Suzanne
July 2005
Jul 28, 2005
7/29/2005
LiTtLeMiSsY ;o) nagged us to update our profiles, so here I am doing as she asked. I have my new board photo up, so I added it here as well.
I got to see everyone on vacation and they were all happy to see me and told me I was looking good. I've started to lose my hair! This is a big deal for me. I don't have much to begin with... you can actually see my scalp already. I knew I couldn't stand to lose any more, so I searched for someone who does hair extensions to see what types of options were open to me. I found a lady in San Ramon at the California Hair Co. They have all types of things available. Since I am actively losing hair, I decided to go with a hair piece. I wasn't sure I could actually wear this thing, but since she attached it... not just clipping it on, I feel very comfortable with it. It has highlights that I love. I wore it on vacation and people just kept saying that I look good and my hair looks good. I just couldn't help myself. I had to tell them! I only tell my closest friends about the hairpiece, the others, I just say, thanks... it's the hightlights. I figure that I have enough different things going on, weight loss, highlights, new clothes that fit... that they won't figure it out :-D. The pic of me in red at the top of my profile is WITH the hairpiece.
The funniest reaction I got. My friend at work was anxious to see how it looked, she knew I was getting it. So we agreed to meet in the cafeteria for lunch. We are sitting and eating and she hasn't said a word! I'm starting to get worried that I look dorky and she doesn't want to say anything... so I'm really paying attention to her and I notice that she's not looking at my hair when she talked to me. I figure she would be staring at it if it were bad. So I finally had to say "soooo... waddya think" She said that it looked so natural that she forgot all about it. If I hadn't of said something, she wouldn't have noticed. That made me feel good!
OK enough of the hair already. I now weigh 205lbs! I'm only 6 pounds away from Onderland. I think the last time I was there was when I got married in 1987. I am wearing and 18/20 now. I bought one pair of drawstring pants that actually are a size 16! I know, I know, they run big, BUT I DON'T CARE **** THEY SAY 16 ****. I can't remember the last time I was in a 16! I bought a t-shirt today and it was a 2x!
I was shopping the clearance racks at Target and I did something that I've never done before. I bought things too small without trying them on. I knew I would get there. What a weird feeling.
I'm not exercising. I just hate to exercise and haven't worked it into my daily schedule yet. I know that if I did this weight would be coming off faster. I'm trying to make a deal with myself. When I get under 200, I will definitely join the gym. I will be feeling better and it will be easier to exercise, so I'll go.
I finally got the constipation issue under control. My PCP prescribed me MIRALAX! It works for me YIPPEE!! Now I just have to fight with PacifiCare to get them to pay for it. They denied it, so I just paid the $43 for the prescription... Hey when you can't poop, you'll pay anything for some relief. Now that I know it works and I'll be on it indefinitely, it's worth the fight. I hope it won't be a problem.
I'm not doing good on my fluids and protein. I stopped writing it all down, I started back up, so hopefully I'll do better. Since I was having problems with constipation, my nurse kept changing my diet... get in more fluids.... get off the protein drinks and get in more food... get in some veggies.... I'm not sure what to focus on now, so I'm going back to focusing on protein any way I can get it in, even if it's via shakes and bars. Let's see how my weight loss goes now. I've also started snacking a little more. I found the world of sugar free treats.... bad bad place to be.
One side of my head says "they are sugar free, you can have them" The other side says "they are still cookies!" Guess which side has been winning??? Gotta get control of that one.
---Ta for now!
LiTtLeMiSsY ;o) nagged us to update our profiles, so here I am doing as she asked. I have my new board photo up, so I added it here as well.
I got to see everyone on vacation and they were all happy to see me and told me I was looking good. I've started to lose my hair! This is a big deal for me. I don't have much to begin with... you can actually see my scalp already. I knew I couldn't stand to lose any more, so I searched for someone who does hair extensions to see what types of options were open to me. I found a lady in San Ramon at the California Hair Co. They have all types of things available. Since I am actively losing hair, I decided to go with a hair piece. I wasn't sure I could actually wear this thing, but since she attached it... not just clipping it on, I feel very comfortable with it. It has highlights that I love. I wore it on vacation and people just kept saying that I look good and my hair looks good. I just couldn't help myself. I had to tell them! I only tell my closest friends about the hairpiece, the others, I just say, thanks... it's the hightlights. I figure that I have enough different things going on, weight loss, highlights, new clothes that fit... that they won't figure it out :-D. The pic of me in red at the top of my profile is WITH the hairpiece.
The funniest reaction I got. My friend at work was anxious to see how it looked, she knew I was getting it. So we agreed to meet in the cafeteria for lunch. We are sitting and eating and she hasn't said a word! I'm starting to get worried that I look dorky and she doesn't want to say anything... so I'm really paying attention to her and I notice that she's not looking at my hair when she talked to me. I figure she would be staring at it if it were bad. So I finally had to say "soooo... waddya think" She said that it looked so natural that she forgot all about it. If I hadn't of said something, she wouldn't have noticed. That made me feel good!
OK enough of the hair already. I now weigh 205lbs! I'm only 6 pounds away from Onderland. I think the last time I was there was when I got married in 1987. I am wearing and 18/20 now. I bought one pair of drawstring pants that actually are a size 16! I know, I know, they run big, BUT I DON'T CARE **** THEY SAY 16 ****. I can't remember the last time I was in a 16! I bought a t-shirt today and it was a 2x!
I was shopping the clearance racks at Target and I did something that I've never done before. I bought things too small without trying them on. I knew I would get there. What a weird feeling.
I'm not exercising. I just hate to exercise and haven't worked it into my daily schedule yet. I know that if I did this weight would be coming off faster. I'm trying to make a deal with myself. When I get under 200, I will definitely join the gym. I will be feeling better and it will be easier to exercise, so I'll go.
I finally got the constipation issue under control. My PCP prescribed me MIRALAX! It works for me YIPPEE!! Now I just have to fight with PacifiCare to get them to pay for it. They denied it, so I just paid the $43 for the prescription... Hey when you can't poop, you'll pay anything for some relief. Now that I know it works and I'll be on it indefinitely, it's worth the fight. I hope it won't be a problem.
I'm not doing good on my fluids and protein. I stopped writing it all down, I started back up, so hopefully I'll do better. Since I was having problems with constipation, my nurse kept changing my diet... get in more fluids.... get off the protein drinks and get in more food... get in some veggies.... I'm not sure what to focus on now, so I'm going back to focusing on protein any way I can get it in, even if it's via shakes and bars. Let's see how my weight loss goes now. I've also started snacking a little more. I found the world of sugar free treats.... bad bad place to be.
One side of my head says "they are sugar free, you can have them" The other side says "they are still cookies!" Guess which side has been winning??? Gotta get control of that one.
---Ta for now!
June 2005
May 31, 2005
6/14/2005 285 pre-op, 261 surgery day, 219 today.
Boy it's been a month since I last posted. where does the time go? Things are going along just fine for me. I'm not having as much problems with constipation now that I have been taking ducolax when needed. I'm still not getting in enough protein or enough fluids on a daily basis. I get busy at work on the computer and I forget to drink. I'm just not that hungry so I'm not eating as much as I should. I'm working on it. I'm able to eat a lot of different things now. The only time I have problems is when I eat too fast and the food gets stuck.
I really need to start exercising more. The occasional walk that I'm doing, just isn't enough. The other day, I was walking around in shorts and sandals and I could hear my sandals make that flip flop sound. I then realized that I was barefoot and it was my thighs making that slap slap sound HAHAHA (I crack myself up). It's funny, my legs have always rubbed together, but I really never made that slap sound before. I guess my upper thighs are getting smaller and the area above my knees is getting flabbier. I gotta do something about that. I really need to start going to the gym. I haven't been worked out since before my daughter was born and she's 13 now.... wonder how I got to be this way :-)
It's kind of scary thinking about going to the gym. I think I need to find a trainer, I don't think I have the dicipline to do it on my own, not to mention, I don't really know what to do when I get there.
The kids finished school last week... let the games begin. Keep track of my daughter's schedule this summer is a job in itself. Both kids are going to visit Nana & Papa next week. Since I don't have to be home at a specific time, I'm making plans to have dinner one night with my angel Lillian.
I recently realized that I'm quickly approaching 3 months post-op. In the back of my head, I had wanted to lose 50 lbs by then. I'm down 42 pounds, but I don't think I'll lose another 8 in 8 days, but I'll be close. I guess If I worked harder at this, it would come. I'm not really complaining. I've never lost this much, I feel good and the scale keeps moving down. I'll get there soon.
I'm thinking of putting up some photos of my progress, but I also want to kind of do an "unveiling" to family and friends this summer who I haven't seen for a while. In July we are going on our annual camping trip with friends and family. I will see my brother then and another friend who had this surgery over 10 years ago. I kind of want to surprise them and not give them a preview. This is the fun part.
Boy it's been a month since I last posted. where does the time go? Things are going along just fine for me. I'm not having as much problems with constipation now that I have been taking ducolax when needed. I'm still not getting in enough protein or enough fluids on a daily basis. I get busy at work on the computer and I forget to drink. I'm just not that hungry so I'm not eating as much as I should. I'm working on it. I'm able to eat a lot of different things now. The only time I have problems is when I eat too fast and the food gets stuck.
I really need to start exercising more. The occasional walk that I'm doing, just isn't enough. The other day, I was walking around in shorts and sandals and I could hear my sandals make that flip flop sound. I then realized that I was barefoot and it was my thighs making that slap slap sound HAHAHA (I crack myself up). It's funny, my legs have always rubbed together, but I really never made that slap sound before. I guess my upper thighs are getting smaller and the area above my knees is getting flabbier. I gotta do something about that. I really need to start going to the gym. I haven't been worked out since before my daughter was born and she's 13 now.... wonder how I got to be this way :-)
It's kind of scary thinking about going to the gym. I think I need to find a trainer, I don't think I have the dicipline to do it on my own, not to mention, I don't really know what to do when I get there.
The kids finished school last week... let the games begin. Keep track of my daughter's schedule this summer is a job in itself. Both kids are going to visit Nana & Papa next week. Since I don't have to be home at a specific time, I'm making plans to have dinner one night with my angel Lillian.
I recently realized that I'm quickly approaching 3 months post-op. In the back of my head, I had wanted to lose 50 lbs by then. I'm down 42 pounds, but I don't think I'll lose another 8 in 8 days, but I'll be close. I guess If I worked harder at this, it would come. I'm not really complaining. I've never lost this much, I feel good and the scale keeps moving down. I'll get there soon.
I'm thinking of putting up some photos of my progress, but I also want to kind of do an "unveiling" to family and friends this summer who I haven't seen for a while. In July we are going on our annual camping trip with friends and family. I will see my brother then and another friend who had this surgery over 10 years ago. I kind of want to surprise them and not give them a preview. This is the fun part.
May 2005
Apr 30, 2005
5/13/05
Well a couple of weeks ago, I stalled a little with my weight loss. I was holding steady at -24 pounds. I went out the March message board and saw all these people posting that they had lost 40-50 pounds in the same time frame. I know that we are all differnt, but it's kind of hard not to get discouraged. I whined a little and did post to the board. I recieved a bunch of responses from others that we also in the same position and I recieved a lot of support and encouragement from other on the board (aint this place great). Well it seems that was the kick in the A$$ that I needed! I realized that since I started on soft foods, I wasn't eating as much because I was getting so full. So I started drinking 1 ISOPURE drink everyday to ensure that I make it to my goal of 75g of protein daily. What a difference that has made. In the last 6 days, I've lost 5 pounds!
You know what is sad about this, is that I already knew that my body reacted this way to a lack of protein, but did I learn my lesson before surgery.... Nooooo.... I guess you gotta hit me with a 2x4 before I learn :-D. Well I'm back on track and I'm doing good. Well, I don't know if I'm really on track. I'm getting in my protein, but I'm not really eating normally. I'm drinking 1 ISOPURE daily, and I might have a protein bar for lunch and then a little dinner. I know this is not a normal diet, but for right now, this works for me, especially while I'm at work. I move onto a full diet next week, so I might get a little adventurous and try some meats other than the soft meats that I've been eating: Ground beef, ground chicken and tuna.
I'm feeling great! So far I haven't eaten anything that doesn't agree with me. The only trouble I have is sometimes I eat too fast, but I'm working on it.
Including my pre-op weight loss, I'm down 54 pounds! I don't see the change in my face like others do, but I can definitely feel the difference in my clothes. I'm wearing things I haven't worn in years and they are started to get big. Once I go through these clothes, I have nothing left in my reserves. Oh darn, I'm gonna have to go shopping.
This weekend, I'm going to teach archery at our Junior Girl Scout Camporee, I'm looking forward to that, it should be fun. Next week Mom and Dad are coming for a visit, My dad hasn't seen me since right after my surgery, so I think they'll notice a difference. I'm going to see my sister at the end of the month for my birthday (I'm taking the girls scout to spend the weekend at Pismo) She hasn't seen me since before my surgery, so she's going to be infor a surprise. I wish I was losing faster, but I'm so happy with what I have lost. I feel so blessed. I have never lost this much weight before and would never have been able to do this on my own. The weight is coming off and it's not hard!
Well a couple of weeks ago, I stalled a little with my weight loss. I was holding steady at -24 pounds. I went out the March message board and saw all these people posting that they had lost 40-50 pounds in the same time frame. I know that we are all differnt, but it's kind of hard not to get discouraged. I whined a little and did post to the board. I recieved a bunch of responses from others that we also in the same position and I recieved a lot of support and encouragement from other on the board (aint this place great). Well it seems that was the kick in the A$$ that I needed! I realized that since I started on soft foods, I wasn't eating as much because I was getting so full. So I started drinking 1 ISOPURE drink everyday to ensure that I make it to my goal of 75g of protein daily. What a difference that has made. In the last 6 days, I've lost 5 pounds!
You know what is sad about this, is that I already knew that my body reacted this way to a lack of protein, but did I learn my lesson before surgery.... Nooooo.... I guess you gotta hit me with a 2x4 before I learn :-D. Well I'm back on track and I'm doing good. Well, I don't know if I'm really on track. I'm getting in my protein, but I'm not really eating normally. I'm drinking 1 ISOPURE daily, and I might have a protein bar for lunch and then a little dinner. I know this is not a normal diet, but for right now, this works for me, especially while I'm at work. I move onto a full diet next week, so I might get a little adventurous and try some meats other than the soft meats that I've been eating: Ground beef, ground chicken and tuna.
I'm feeling great! So far I haven't eaten anything that doesn't agree with me. The only trouble I have is sometimes I eat too fast, but I'm working on it.
Including my pre-op weight loss, I'm down 54 pounds! I don't see the change in my face like others do, but I can definitely feel the difference in my clothes. I'm wearing things I haven't worn in years and they are started to get big. Once I go through these clothes, I have nothing left in my reserves. Oh darn, I'm gonna have to go shopping.
This weekend, I'm going to teach archery at our Junior Girl Scout Camporee, I'm looking forward to that, it should be fun. Next week Mom and Dad are coming for a visit, My dad hasn't seen me since right after my surgery, so I think they'll notice a difference. I'm going to see my sister at the end of the month for my birthday (I'm taking the girls scout to spend the weekend at Pismo) She hasn't seen me since before my surgery, so she's going to be infor a surprise. I wish I was losing faster, but I'm so happy with what I have lost. I feel so blessed. I have never lost this much weight before and would never have been able to do this on my own. The weight is coming off and it's not hard!
April 2005
Mar 31, 2005
4/02/05 - Well today is my son's 8th birthday. We are having the party here at the house and we're expecting 7 kids, so it should be OK. I had to make a real conscience effort not to lick my fingers with ANYTHING. I had out chips and nacho dip, apples and carmel dip, cake, ice cream, etc. all things that could really hurt me. I did fine and didn't put anything in my mouth other than my protein drinks. I was really tired the next day. I didn't think that I was doing too much, but I guess it was more than I was used too.
4/17/05 - I don't even feel like I've had surgery. Things are going well for me. I'm down 20 pounds! The only thing that I have been struggling with is constipation. I'm trying to stay on top of things now, but I don't think I've found a winning combination of things that can keep me regular. I'll keep working on it.
I start back to work tommorrow. I don't want to go, I've been having fun at home. I've been busy with some projects at home and also volunteering at school. Things I can't do that often when I'm working.
The problem with being busy is that I'm running around and I don't get in enough fluids and protein. I'm making my minimums, but I think I need to do more. I was at softball games all day yesterday, but I made sure I had something to drink at all times. Throw in a couple of protein drinks and I did good yesterday. Now I've got to kick up the exercise. I think that will be a little easier when I go back to work. I work in a huge building and people walk around the building and inside the building all the time. I'm going to try and make that a new habit.
So far everything that I have tried to eat has agreed with me. This is what I've been eating
Full Liquids 3/22/05 - 4/6/05
Safeway Soups from the deli - I love these. I can eat any of these as long as they are blended and strained. They gave me the variety that I needed. This stage was fairly easy for me. Doing the protein drinks prior to surgery really helped me out. I didn't have a problem with just liquids.
I also had protein drinks from smart for me. I love the hot drinks for breakfast. I also have cream of wheat, pudding and jello. I found that I need things with strong flavors. Like chocolate pudding even though I'm not normally a big chocolate fan. I add a little protein powder to this too. I made blackcherry jello wiht 2C of hot water and a can of diet 7-up. This was yummy!
Pureed foods 4/6/05 - 4/27/05
This has been a little harder for me to finding variety. I have not gotten sick on anything so far.
Remember... everthing in blended, this is what I'm eating.
* Cottage cheese with canned peaches (packed in their own juice) and a 1 pkg of equal.
* yogurt
* protein drinks. My favorite right now is a chocolate powder made with 4 oz of milk, 1/2 banana and 1 Tbsp of peanut butter. If you add stuff to the shake you can drink almost any brand :-D
* Egg beaters
* Soup and I add a little protein powder
* Refried beans with a little cheese and a dab of sour cream
* protein coffee
* protein pudding
* tuna with mayo
* canned chicken with mayo
* ground beef with gravy over mashed potatos
* I plan on trying trying corned beef hash soon too.
4/17/05 - I don't even feel like I've had surgery. Things are going well for me. I'm down 20 pounds! The only thing that I have been struggling with is constipation. I'm trying to stay on top of things now, but I don't think I've found a winning combination of things that can keep me regular. I'll keep working on it.
I start back to work tommorrow. I don't want to go, I've been having fun at home. I've been busy with some projects at home and also volunteering at school. Things I can't do that often when I'm working.
The problem with being busy is that I'm running around and I don't get in enough fluids and protein. I'm making my minimums, but I think I need to do more. I was at softball games all day yesterday, but I made sure I had something to drink at all times. Throw in a couple of protein drinks and I did good yesterday. Now I've got to kick up the exercise. I think that will be a little easier when I go back to work. I work in a huge building and people walk around the building and inside the building all the time. I'm going to try and make that a new habit.
So far everything that I have tried to eat has agreed with me. This is what I've been eating
Full Liquids 3/22/05 - 4/6/05
Safeway Soups from the deli - I love these. I can eat any of these as long as they are blended and strained. They gave me the variety that I needed. This stage was fairly easy for me. Doing the protein drinks prior to surgery really helped me out. I didn't have a problem with just liquids.
I also had protein drinks from smart for me. I love the hot drinks for breakfast. I also have cream of wheat, pudding and jello. I found that I need things with strong flavors. Like chocolate pudding even though I'm not normally a big chocolate fan. I add a little protein powder to this too. I made blackcherry jello wiht 2C of hot water and a can of diet 7-up. This was yummy!
Pureed foods 4/6/05 - 4/27/05
This has been a little harder for me to finding variety. I have not gotten sick on anything so far.
Remember... everthing in blended, this is what I'm eating.
* Cottage cheese with canned peaches (packed in their own juice) and a 1 pkg of equal.
* yogurt
* protein drinks. My favorite right now is a chocolate powder made with 4 oz of milk, 1/2 banana and 1 Tbsp of peanut butter. If you add stuff to the shake you can drink almost any brand :-D
* Egg beaters
* Soup and I add a little protein powder
* Refried beans with a little cheese and a dab of sour cream
* protein coffee
* protein pudding
* tuna with mayo
* canned chicken with mayo
* ground beef with gravy over mashed potatos
* I plan on trying trying corned beef hash soon too.
March 22 2005 - Surgery Day
Mar 21, 2005
* * * * Post Surgery * * * *
3/22/05 - My Surgery date
I just haven't gotten around to posting to my profile for a while, so I'll recap. My surgery went extremely well. Before my surgery, I spent some time talking the anesthesiologist and told him many times that I get sick with anesthesia. He assured me that he would take care of me... gotta trust a young guy with a snoopy print hat :-D Well he kept his word and I want not sick from the anesthesia when I woke up from surgery. They had me walk into the surgery room. I thought that was funny, but they explained that people had said that it would be easier to walk in and climb up on the table than to be wheeled in and then have to scoot from one table to the other... I have to agree, but it was still kind of odd. Boy was that room cold, but once I got on the table the covered me with warm blankets and then it was lights out for me.
I was told that my surgery was only 2 hours long which is good. My Nurse, Helen (from my Doc's office) said that my 24 lbs pre-op wieght loss helped shrink my liver and make things go easier.
I never had any pain after surgery, I felt great.
The next day on 3/23/05 I finally when in for my leak test, they made me drink a little of the icky contrast medicine. After my testing, I felt nauseated and got sick. Helen said that it could be from the anesthesia that was still in me. They had to give me a shots of nausea medicine through out the day, when I would drink, I would feel a wave of nausea, but I didn't get sick.
Te next day 3/24/05 they told me to take things slowly and try not to take the nausea medicine today. They wanted to make sure that I could keep things down on my own. Things went fine and I was able to drink my soup and tea and and I Loved the Jello! By the end of the day they weren't sure if they were going to let me go home, because I wasn't eating that much. Well make up my mind... take it slow, or get it all in. So at my next meal and I made an effort to drink and eat everything they wanted me to and TA DA! I was parolled! They let me out. I got home on 3/24/05 in the evening.
I have to say that they nursing staff at Alta Bates/Summit in Oakland are excellent. The nurses have to attend a barriatric training before they can work with the patients. It was great having my mom there with me, after a while she was expert and unhooking me and hooking back up to everything so that I could go to the bathroom or take my walks.
My Dr's office is right across the street from the hospital and his nurse, Helen, stopped by at least once a day to check on me. She knew what I needed and would take care of me. It was a great experience.
I did find out that my mouthguard that I use for sleep apnea does work well. When I didn't have it on in the recovery room, they keep saying that my "sat" levels (oxygen saturation levels) would drop really low and then pop back up again. When I was finally coehrent enough, I told them about my sleep apnea and my mouth piece. Once I put that in, I didn't have any more problems.
3/22/05 - My Surgery date
I just haven't gotten around to posting to my profile for a while, so I'll recap. My surgery went extremely well. Before my surgery, I spent some time talking the anesthesiologist and told him many times that I get sick with anesthesia. He assured me that he would take care of me... gotta trust a young guy with a snoopy print hat :-D Well he kept his word and I want not sick from the anesthesia when I woke up from surgery. They had me walk into the surgery room. I thought that was funny, but they explained that people had said that it would be easier to walk in and climb up on the table than to be wheeled in and then have to scoot from one table to the other... I have to agree, but it was still kind of odd. Boy was that room cold, but once I got on the table the covered me with warm blankets and then it was lights out for me.
I was told that my surgery was only 2 hours long which is good. My Nurse, Helen (from my Doc's office) said that my 24 lbs pre-op wieght loss helped shrink my liver and make things go easier.
I never had any pain after surgery, I felt great.
The next day on 3/23/05 I finally when in for my leak test, they made me drink a little of the icky contrast medicine. After my testing, I felt nauseated and got sick. Helen said that it could be from the anesthesia that was still in me. They had to give me a shots of nausea medicine through out the day, when I would drink, I would feel a wave of nausea, but I didn't get sick.
Te next day 3/24/05 they told me to take things slowly and try not to take the nausea medicine today. They wanted to make sure that I could keep things down on my own. Things went fine and I was able to drink my soup and tea and and I Loved the Jello! By the end of the day they weren't sure if they were going to let me go home, because I wasn't eating that much. Well make up my mind... take it slow, or get it all in. So at my next meal and I made an effort to drink and eat everything they wanted me to and TA DA! I was parolled! They let me out. I got home on 3/24/05 in the evening.
I have to say that they nursing staff at Alta Bates/Summit in Oakland are excellent. The nurses have to attend a barriatric training before they can work with the patients. It was great having my mom there with me, after a while she was expert and unhooking me and hooking back up to everything so that I could go to the bathroom or take my walks.
My Dr's office is right across the street from the hospital and his nurse, Helen, stopped by at least once a day to check on me. She knew what I needed and would take care of me. It was a great experience.
I did find out that my mouthguard that I use for sleep apnea does work well. When I didn't have it on in the recovery room, they keep saying that my "sat" levels (oxygen saturation levels) would drop really low and then pop back up again. When I was finally coehrent enough, I told them about my sleep apnea and my mouth piece. Once I put that in, I didn't have any more problems.
March 2005
Mar 12, 2005
3/13/2005
Boy this has been a bad week, on March 9th. My cousin passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday. Most of our family lives in the central valley and I am nearest relative. I have had family in and out of my house the last few days and have driven 45 minutes to his apartment nearly everyday to get something for his mom. He was a great guy, friendly funny and full of life, I'm going to miss you Paul! Paul was an only child and his father passed away before he was born. It's just him and his mom. She is just devastated! My mom is staying with my Aunt (my cousin's mom) right now. My mom and aunt and sister-in-laws, But my mom is the strong one in the family and she is the one everyone turns to in a crisis. Our family has had almost 1 death per year in the last 10 years, enough is enough!
Things have been so hectic, I'm not following my eating plan, but then again I'm not really over eating either. I haven't been drinking much water either. My surgery is 9 days! I was hoping to be in good shape and ready for surgery. Now I feel like I'm going to be in a rush like I've just run the bases and I'm sliding into home. I'm took of 2 days from work last week and I'm taking another 2 this week, I'm feeling the time pressure there as well.
My mom is planning on staying with me after my surgery and I'm going to need her for a while, I kind of feel guilty taking her away from my aunt because my mom is really needed over there right now.
People have asked me if I am more nervous about my surgery in-light on my cousin's death. It actually affected me the opposite way. It shows everyone that death can happen at any time. I'm hoping to extend my life by having this surgery. I am in pretty good shape, other than my weight, so I think I am in good shape for surgery. It's better to have it now, than later when maybe I'm not in such good shape.
Gotta run now, tomorrow is my Husband's birthday and we haven't done anything to prepare for it.
Boy this has been a bad week, on March 9th. My cousin passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday. Most of our family lives in the central valley and I am nearest relative. I have had family in and out of my house the last few days and have driven 45 minutes to his apartment nearly everyday to get something for his mom. He was a great guy, friendly funny and full of life, I'm going to miss you Paul! Paul was an only child and his father passed away before he was born. It's just him and his mom. She is just devastated! My mom is staying with my Aunt (my cousin's mom) right now. My mom and aunt and sister-in-laws, But my mom is the strong one in the family and she is the one everyone turns to in a crisis. Our family has had almost 1 death per year in the last 10 years, enough is enough!
Things have been so hectic, I'm not following my eating plan, but then again I'm not really over eating either. I haven't been drinking much water either. My surgery is 9 days! I was hoping to be in good shape and ready for surgery. Now I feel like I'm going to be in a rush like I've just run the bases and I'm sliding into home. I'm took of 2 days from work last week and I'm taking another 2 this week, I'm feeling the time pressure there as well.
My mom is planning on staying with me after my surgery and I'm going to need her for a while, I kind of feel guilty taking her away from my aunt because my mom is really needed over there right now.
People have asked me if I am more nervous about my surgery in-light on my cousin's death. It actually affected me the opposite way. It shows everyone that death can happen at any time. I'm hoping to extend my life by having this surgery. I am in pretty good shape, other than my weight, so I think I am in good shape for surgery. It's better to have it now, than later when maybe I'm not in such good shape.
Gotta run now, tomorrow is my Husband's birthday and we haven't done anything to prepare for it.
February 2005
Jan 31, 2005
2/2/05
I've been on a protein drink diet for a few weeks tryings to lose weight before surgery. I've lost 11 lbs. I get on the scale everyday, even though I know I shouldn't. I think the scale affects me oppositely from most other folks. If I happen to lose weight after a day of eating bad things, I think I can get away with it. It just encourages bad behavior on my part. I really have to stay off the scale, but I can't help myself!
I've been on a protein drink diet for a few weeks tryings to lose weight before surgery. I've lost 11 lbs. I get on the scale everyday, even though I know I shouldn't. I think the scale affects me oppositely from most other folks. If I happen to lose weight after a day of eating bad things, I think I can get away with it. It just encourages bad behavior on my part. I really have to stay off the scale, but I can't help myself!
January 2005
Dec 31, 2004
1/27/05
I met with the Nutrionist today, It was a very informative meeting. I'll meet with her again 1 month post-op. This was the last prerequisite prior to my approval, now my paperwork can be submitted approval. I hope I get a surgery date soon.
1/28/05
The paperwork has been sent in to my medical group. I'm told that there is usually a 3 day turnaround! YIPPEE!!. I have a tentative date of 3/22/05. Oh boy is this really happening? It's kind of frightening!
1/30/05
I've told most of my friends and family that I will be having this surgery. It's taken me a while to decide to tell people. I'm not making a big announcement out of it, I'm telling people that I think should know, when I see them. I told my Boss last week so that we could start planning on me being off for a while.
I've been contimplating whether I should send out a broadcast e-mail to friends and relatives that I don't see often. I don't think I will. The next time that they see me, they won't recognize me. I do like surprises and that would be a big surprise.
I met with the Nutrionist today, It was a very informative meeting. I'll meet with her again 1 month post-op. This was the last prerequisite prior to my approval, now my paperwork can be submitted approval. I hope I get a surgery date soon.
1/28/05
The paperwork has been sent in to my medical group. I'm told that there is usually a 3 day turnaround! YIPPEE!!. I have a tentative date of 3/22/05. Oh boy is this really happening? It's kind of frightening!
1/30/05
I've told most of my friends and family that I will be having this surgery. It's taken me a while to decide to tell people. I'm not making a big announcement out of it, I'm telling people that I think should know, when I see them. I told my Boss last week so that we could start planning on me being off for a while.
I've been contimplating whether I should send out a broadcast e-mail to friends and relatives that I don't see often. I don't think I will. The next time that they see me, they won't recognize me. I do like surprises and that would be a big surprise.
