Two Week Check-In

HW: 254 SW: 243 CW: 225

So I hit a big of a stall. Tomorrow will be the fifth day if I am still stuck at 225. A lot has played into the past two weeks, though. I started back at work, which was tough at first, but I survived. Each day I felt as though I was gaining stamina.

Problem came with the protein shakes. Everyone is different. Everyone will have some things that are harder for them than others. Some people breeze right through the diet. Some people struggle significantly. My main issue was that, being a picky eater, the only flavor of protein shake that I like is chocolate. Now I'm not sure if it was the powder, the milk, or a combination thereof, but my chocolate shakes were making me very ill. I tried to buy different brands and even bought vanilla to mix it up, but nothing was working. I got sick from both ends, and it resulted in a lot of physical exhaustion.

I sought help from my support group message board, I doctor, and friends and family. However, I think everybody thought I was just being picky and having a tough time dealing with the strictness of the diet. It finally got to where I knew I had to do something, though. So I took one day and just stopped drinking the shakes. I still made sure that I was getting lots of protein through other means, but did not drink the protein shakes. That day was yesterday. I felt like a huge illness had just been cared. I still don't know what it was about the shakes that did not sit right with me, but I know that they were making me very sick.

Now that I have figured it out, though, I went to GNC nutrition stores today and bought myself some unflavored protein. I mixed some with a tomato bisque soup and some reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese on top and it was amazing. It is good to know that I have figured out some methods that are working a little better for me. I would encourage anyone having an issue with the diet or anything related to talk to your doctor, but don't let your self give up just because somebody thinks you might be over embellishing. There's no reason you should have tofeel lethargic, exhausted and so sick that you have no energy. You are on a path to getting healthy.

So, I am about 10 days out from my next phase. I'm very excited to get to introduce fish and most other soft foods into my diet. I am definitely seeing a physical difference. My face has lost so much weight, every time I look in the mirror I am almost a little bit startled.

Made it!

Sorry for not posting from the hospital. I was so whooped from all the meds that I didn't want to deal with anything but what was going on in the moment. 

The surgery went well, without any complications! On the downside, I got severe nausea. Since there was no food in my body, I kept dry heaving, which made for an even more painful stomach. Due to the nausea, I was kept an extra day in the hospital for observation.

As the hours passed, though, I began to do better and keep more fluids down. So, finally, they let me go home. My incision points for the laparoscopy were bandaged up nicely. I was told to sip fluids frequently, and get up & walk to promote healing. 

Tomorrow will be exciting as I go from the  liquid diet to the puréed food diet. Soups and cottage cheese and all of the yummiest I haven't had in awhile. Of course, I still have to get down 3 protein shakes per day, but it's worth it.

From this point on, any posts will be updated with HW & CW. In Bariatrics land, these stand for Highest Weight and Current Weight. We use these to celebrate our progress. Currently...

HW = 254.0

CW = 236.7

Will update more soon! If you ever have questions, leave a comment and I'll reply as soon as I'm able.

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! It's only a day away...

Tomorrow is the big day! I'm pretty nervous, but stoked all the same. I know that the first few weeks will be very challenging both physically and emotionally as I am in pain, returning to work, only drinking liquids and eating puréed food - but what's three weeks for a lifetime of health and happiness?

Today I had to have clear liquids only, which seems pretty standard for any major surgery. So I'm indulging in decaf green tea, crystal light, chicken broth and lime jello. So far, it's actually not so bad. It helps to have such a huge motivator to get through it. I'm sure tonight I'll be trying to justify how steak juices are clear liquids, too. lol

I have to be at the hospital at 6:00 am, so I will post updates as I can! Keep me in your prayers and I'll see you from the Losers Bench!

Motivation!

There are so many motivators for the surgery. 

Things I won't miss?

1. Clothing stores that don't have a section for women my size.

2. The sheer terror of swimsuits.

3. Backaches!

4. Seeing how my sisters belt fits my thigh, not my waist.

5. Having to grab my sock to hoist my foot up to tie my shoe.

6. Feeling invisible.

7. Getting fat sweat. Yes, it's as traumatic as it sounds.

8. Not being able to keep up with my kids.

9. Hindrance to intimacy with my husband.

10. Seat-belt extenders.

11. Feeling extra squished at movie theaters or concert halls.

12. Not being able to see my feet.

13. Having no trendy clothes in my shopping section.

14. Exceeding the weight limit for certain activities.

15. Not being able to enroll in the military or police academy.

16. Having to 'shove the chub' in bed to get comfy.

17. Not pursuing acting or theater opportunities due to exclusion from good roles.

18. Getting asked how far along I am in my pregnancy.

19. Knowing that if zombies invade, I'm toast.

20. Feeling so ugly.

Things I look forward to?

1. Belts!

2. Dresses!

3. My back feeling better.

4. Running my first 5K.

5. Increased energy!

6. Not being limited in my career and hobbies due to my body shape.

7. Not being depressed.

8. Getting to shop for cute clothes!

9. Knowing I've added years onto my life.

10. Playing football with my son.

11. Not being afraid of swimsuits.

12. Having my husband teach me to scuba dive.

13. Being a healthy example for my children!

14. Confidence.

15. Being able to walk without so much pain.

16. Being an example to others suffering from the obesity disease and considering surgery.

17. No longer being the fat sibling.

18. Running with my youngest child.

19. Having boots fit over my calves again.

20. Feeling beautiful for my husband and self.