sheila2050

felt elated last night at getting through the first day, managed to stay under the 800 cals, and when i woke up felt good but oh my goodness, this is real, 14 days to go.
Got weighed and dropped 4lb but i knew i would because i had many visits to the loo.
Keeping busy again today, sorted out the small dishes and cutlery i had bought ready for post op food.

i had a phone call today to tell me there is a problem with the clotting in my blood, i have to go for more blood tests on monday and then wait 2 weeks for them to be processed, then the surgeon will consult with the blood specialist to see if i can have my operation.
15 years ago i had my gall bladder out by keyhole and the day before the op they found my blood was too thin and had a problem with clotting, they did some calculations and i still had my op.
When i got home i saw my gp for another blood test and he said my results where fine.
I have waited 3 xs as long for this op and worked so hard to loose weight i feel really fed up.
I know it is better to wait and check out my blood, but it is just so dissapointing, and i will have to do another 2 weeks on the 800 cal a day diet, can i scream
I have had a tandori mixed grill and some chocolate, but will get straight back to healthy eating tomorrow, but 1200 cals and not 800. it will be luxury, :wub:
Everything will work together for my good, still trusting in God, one day soon i will be sleeved.

I paid $3.79 for that Muscle Milk; so, by golly, I choked that protein DOWN. lol
 
Shopping today I started making healthier choices for my family. Not rice cakes, exactly, but better quality food which I thought would be healthier than chips and cookies. Cost money to eat a little better, it does. But it's so worth it. I am so glad I am able to exert this gentle influence on their eating habits. This is what I bought for them for snacks: lightly salted, dry-roasted peanuts, honey-roasted peanuts, trail mix (yes, with m&m's), beef jerky, whole wheat muffins, ww bagels, 1% milk instead of 2%. Fruit & juice, but that's not new. I realize this isn't ringing the bell for best nutrition, but it's much better than what they have been eating.
 
I'm encouraging my 15-year-old to drink protein in the morning if he's going to skip breakfast. Both of my kids have been skipping breakfast, even though it is served at school and they have a charge account.
 
I've missed a couple of evening walking sessions because of exhaustion and taking naps. I realize that may sound lame (no pun intended) but it's true nonetheless. I am not going to "push through" any more than I have to. I don't want to make myself sick with overexertion; mostly, I feel this way because I can't handle the mental stress that goes with being soooo tired. If I get too tired, I will freak out. That is my experience.
 
Even so, I'm doing more than I have in recent years.
 
Good night, fellow sleevers!

My thoughts on this---> Here

Just had my first post surgery protein shake. A day or so ago, my husband and I went to GNC and stocked up on different types of protein powder. Different brands, flavors, some no-sugar-added, some fast release, some slow release, some "meal replacement" powders which include fiber.
 
The GNC guy said casein is a slow-release protein.
 
This particular brand I tried today makes a thick mixture with water. I like that. Pre-op I was drinking Amp Extreme 60 (very tasty!) which mixed thin with water and slightly thicker with water. I like the feel of more body in the drink.
 
So powders are different, and I'm glad I bought a variety to try.
 
Been faithful with my two 10-minute daily walks: one right after I wake up and one after dinner. I got the 10-min regular schedule idea from <The Expert's Guide to WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY by Garth Davis, MD.> Good Book.
 
I feel fortunate not to have any problems drinking. This would be a lot harder, otherwise. Prayers and thoughts to all those out there whose stomachs aren't as accommodating as mine. Hopefully, you'll get more tolerance with time.

Today I had kind of a large supper -- by recent standards -- of salad and fish. I've been reading about salad being disagreeable after WLS, so I wanted to eat it while I still could.
 
Seemed so slow while I've been waiting for my surgery; now, seems it's approaching quickly. Today is Thurs. I'll start liquids Sunday; fly to Tijuana Tuesday; have the surgery Weds.
 
A week from now, I'll have my sleeve. Excited. Scared.
 
We bought a lawn mower so I've been mowing for exercise. It's funny, I feel so tired just walking around; but when I'm doing something, I don't feel as fatigued.

I've decided to weigh only on Mondays. That way I can measure progress without tormenting myself over fluctuations.
 
Tomorrow I'll start all liquids. Looking forward to yogurt in the morning.
 
Made chicken stock tonight. Haven't done that in a while!
 
Got through the whole day without a nap. Really tired out, though, in early evening.
 
I'm taking Juven (wound healing powder) twice daily per my sister's instructions. She's a registered dietitian at a hospital. Taking these expensive vitamins she gave me: Juice Plus, which she says work better than regular vitamins. They're gummies and I love having something to chew. Even the yucky flavor tastes good; at least it's different for the palate. I'm taking regular multivitamin, per sister, twice daily. Continuing antibiotic for UI.
 
Haven't had any trouble taking my psych meds. Take them all at once without discomfort.
 
Reading Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength: Willpower. It's not a motivational type book in the cheerleader sense. It talks about -- so far -- practical things like impulse control being affected by glucose uptake. That made 6 small meals a day make more sense to me. It's been a very interesting read, and I glad I shelled out the 16 bucks for it. I believe there are things I can do, easy things, which will make lifestyle change less difficult. It's really everything you ever heard but it explains the why part, which makes the healthy habits more of a "will do" than a "should do."
 
I can't believe how quickly my incisions are healing. Except for one, they are all thin lines, the smaller ones even being a little hard to see.
 
Taking it day by day. Not going to compromise on shoes anymore. I had bought a pair of tennis shoes 1/2 size too small because they were on sale and I had a coupon; but they squished my toes together and now the thrift store is going to get a like new pair of tennies.
 
Kind of tired, but I really enjoy blogging.

Tuesday evening: Doctor's wife picked us up from airport. Gave the doctor his cashier's check. He answered my questions about surgery. Doctor's wife took us to hospital. Signed permission docs. Answered medical questionnaire with on-call doctor and then again with nurses.
 
Wednesday: Hooked up to IV. Visits and questions from various doctors: on-call hospital doctor, cardiologist, anesthesiologist. Pee in a cup. Blood draw. Chest x-ray. More doctor visits about the results and what to expect. Several hours later, I went to surgery, which took took 38 minutes. Woke up from anesthesia about one hour after return to room. Excruciating pain between my breasts; I didn't know there was an incision there. I jumped up and started walking, thinking it was gas pain. Asked for pain medicine but they thought it was too soon after surgery. Got a shot that lasted about an hour. Got a morphine shot that took the edge off the pain, but it still hurt too much too sleep. Got some sleeping medication and finally . . . relief.
 
Thursday: Continue on IV. Turned out I had a bladder infection and they were treating that as well. My stomach is bruised and swollen. Looks like someone stabbed me several times. Except for the chest pain, which was much lessened, there wasn't any pain. I was getting regular pain medication thru IV and also on request. No nausea ( I was getting nausea medicine, too.) Walking. Spirometer. Nurses coming and going, putting stuff in the IV. More doctor visits. Long visit with the surgeon. Last night at the hospital.
 
Friday: Checked out around noon Went to another facility to get "leak test." I could see the barium on the monitor passing through my tiny stomach. Pass. Now I can have clear liquids! Doctor's wife took us to hotel and gave us jellos, juices, waters, and Gatorades. Walked to restaurant and had fish soup broth. I couldn't believe how good I felt: not just physically but mentally. I wasn't hungry and I wasn't obsessing about food. My sister was afraid I was going to go manic on her because "it always starts" with my feeling good.
 
Patient coordinator picked us up from hotel around 5:30 pm and we went shopping, to Caesar's restaurant (home of the famous salad, which "smelled" good lol,) then casino. Lost ten dollars on slots I couldn't understand. Went to Walmart.
 
Saturday: Weather was fine. Sunny. Spent time by the pool! Coordinator picked us up and took us to restaurant that served excellent broth. Yum. Went to pharmacy to buy stuff I can't get without a Rx in the States. Got our legs waxed (Sister and me, not the coordinator!) More shopping, this time in a strip mall. People watching. Last night at the hotel. Had dinner in hotel with coordinator.
 
Sunday: Check out. Doctor's wife picked us up. On US side we stopped at outlet mall where I found some good deals at Old Navy. Then to airport where I spent MONEY on some liquids. I didn't want to take a chance on not having nourishment. Long flight home. Husband and daughter picked us up at airport. So glad to be home!!
 
Post-trip: feel great, no pain, only restrictions are no lifting & shower only. Wounds are already closed. Using triple antibiotic to keep them soft to lessen scarring.
 
Walking ten minutes morning and evening. Looking forward to Wednesday when I can have a protein shake!

Tuesday evening: Doctor's wife picked us up from airport. Gave the doctor his cashier's check. He answered my questions about surgery. Doctor's wife took us to hospital. Signed permission docs. Answered medical questionnaire with on-call doctor and then again with nurses.
 
Wednesday: Hooked up to IV. Visits and questions from various doctors: on-call hospital doctor, cardiologist, anesthesiologist. Pee in a cup. Blood draw. Chest x-ray. More doctor visits about the results and what to expect. Several hours later, I went to surgery, which took took 38 minutes. Woke up from anesthesia about one hour after return to room. Excruciating pain between my breasts; I didn't know there was an incision there. I jumped up and started walking, thinking it was gas pain. Asked for pain medicine but they thought it was too soon after surgery. Got a shot that lasted about an hour. Got a morphine shot that took the edge off the pain, but it still hurt too much too sleep. Got some sleeping medication and finally . . . relief.
 
Thursday: Continue on IV. Turned out I had a bladder infection and they were treating that as well. My stomach is bruised and swollen. Looks like someone stabbed me several times. Except for the chest pain, which was much lessened, there wasn't any pain. I was getting regular pain medication thru IV and also on request. No nausea ( I was getting nausea medicine, too.) Walking. Spirometer. Nurses coming and going, putting stuff in the IV. More doctor visits. Long visit with the surgeon. Last night at the hospital.
 
Friday: Checked out around noon Went to another facility to get "leak test." I could see the barium on the monitor passing through my tiny stomach. Pass. Now I can have clear liquids! Doctor's wife took us to hotel and gave us jellos, juices, waters, and Gatorades. Walked to restaurant and had fish soup broth. I couldn't believe how good I felt: not just physically but mentally. I wasn't hungry and I wasn't obsessing about food. My sister was afraid I was going to go manic on her because "it always starts" with my feeling good.
 
Patient coordinator picked us up from hotel around 5:30 pm and we went shopping, to Caesar's restaurant (home of the famous salad, which "smelled" good lol,) then casino. Lost ten dollars on slots I couldn't understand. Went to Walmart.
 
Saturday: Weather was fine. Sunny. Spent time by the pool! Coordinator picked us up and took us to restaurant that served excellent broth. Yum. Went to pharmacy to buy stuff I can't get without a Rx in the States. Got our legs waxed (Sister and me, not the coordinator!) More shopping, this time in a strip mall. People watching. Last night at the hotel. Had dinner in hotel with coordinator.
 
Sunday: Check out. Doctor's wife picked us up. On US side we stopped at outlet mall where I found some good deals at Old Navy. Then to airport where I spent MONEY on some liquids. I didn't want to take a chance on not having nourishment. Long flight home. Husband and daughter picked us up at airport. So glad to be home!!
 
Post-trip: feel great, no pain, only restrictions are no lifting & shower only. Wounds are already closed. Using triple antibiotic to keep them soft to lessen scarring.
 
Walking ten minutes morning and evening. Looking forward to Wednesday when I can have a protein shake!

I am so glad it's done!! I can't believe how good I feel. I love not being hungry. Loooovvvvvve it.
 
I had a pretty easy time of it except the night after surgery I had some terrible pain right between my breasts, kind of at the top of my abdomen.
 
I assumed it was gas but it wasn't. I felt better after a morphine shot and med to sleep.
 
And now no pain at all! Yay
 
Dr Kelly's having a special in Oct. $5200.
 
After that new bookings will be 5700.
 
If anyone's interested their coordinator's (Omar Acosta) number is 619-395-5347.
 
I want to write a detailed summary of everything that's happened but I'm too tired tonight.
 
Goodnight Sleevers!

I am so glad it's done!! I can't believe how good I feel. I love not being hungry. Loooovvvvvve it.
 
I had a pretty easy time of it except the night after surgery I had some terrible pain right between my breasts, kind of at the top of my abdomen.
 
I assumed it was gas but it wasn't. I felt better after a morphine shot and med to sleep.
 
And now no pain at all! Yay
 
Dr Kelly's having a special in Oct. $5200.
 
After that new bookings will be 5700.
 
If anyone's interested their coordinator's (Omar Acosta) number is 619-395-5347.
 
I want to write a detailed summary of everything that's happened but I'm too tired tonight.
 
Goodnight Sleevers!

Hi Everybody,
 
Well I had a very relaxing and refreshing holiday. I came back feeling very good indeed (apart from the jet lag which luckily doesn't last long).
 
I had been having little treats while I was away including ice cream, and once a small half slice of chocolate fudge cake mmmmmmmmmmmmm! I also had not been able to weigh myself once during the whole three weeks. So of course as soon as I got home I jumped on the scales! I couldn't believe my eyes, I had lost ten pounds!!! OMG, how wonderful, as you all know I lose very slowly so to lose ten pounds in one go was just amazing, fantastic, wonderful...(you get the picture).
 
So, after I came down off the ceiling and stopped dancing around like a mad thing I tried to work out what I had done differently. The only difference I could think of was that I hadn't been doing quite so much exercise, and had had a few treats. Is this the answer, well no I don't really think so. Perhaps just relaxing and not concentrating on the scales all the time had something to do with it too.
 
I go back to my doctor in just over a weeks time and will be interested to hear what he thinks happened. But whatever the cause I am thrilled as I am just one stone (14lbs) away from my husbands weight, and with time I know I will weigh the same and eventually go under his weight. For so long I thought I would never get there and was sure I was the one, you know, the one person destined not to lose weight (or much weight) with the sleeve. This has stopped me thinking like that now. I really do believe that I will get to my target weight no matter how long it takes. (It has taken me six months to lose 35lbs) but with the weight that I lost before surgery and this weight I have now lost over 5 stone (70 lbs) Whoopee!
 
So for all those who are losing as slowing as I was, and probably will continue to do, take heart it will happen, you just have to keep on doing what you know you should be doing and eventually it will happen. I have now lost a total of 41 and a half inches all over my body, and 13 and a half of those were off my hips!!!!! :wub: (yes I am thrilled and also a little embarrassed at the size I was!)
 
My husband says I have lost a small person in inches and weight, that is just mind boggling. I am so so thankful that I found this board and read about the incredible weightlosses with the sleeve. It has made such a difference to my life, while on holiday I could walk easily and had no trouble on the airplane. I actually sat in comfort (in the cheap seats) was able to get my table down without it touching my stomach, and was only two inches away from not having to use the extension belt. (so, still quite a way to go, but not an impossibility.)
 
I hope that everyone is doing as well if not better than I am as we continue this journey to our new selves.(like our old selves only wiser and hopefully kinder to ourselves too)
Regards
Phoenix

I just realized that I have lost 49lbs altogether, and that I have 99 to go to reach my goal! That's less than 100lbs! Yay for me! Good thing I can't go eat to celebrate that...because I want to party and celebrate. I'll just have to enjoy that I'm getting better and that the sun is shining, and soon I'll be back outside walkin in it!...maybe even jogging a little!
 
I picked 160 as a midpoint of where I'd really like to be and where I was once before. At 189, the last time I had lost 63lbs....I was happy...then I gained it and more back. I was 165 or so when I got home from the Army, years ago, and that was ok...but when I was my thinnest, and felt the healthiest...I was 145-150. I had starved myself down to 138 one time, when I was going in the Marines...but honestly, I was sick as a dog and if I ate anything, I could not maintain that weight. I remember thinking I wanted to eat a houseplant that was in one of the offices I was in at that time, because I could not maintain that horribly small weight and eat. So, anyway, about 160 would be sweet.

So had my sleeve done on 9/19/12 and the first day post surgery getting out of the recovery room was very hard, lots of pain on my neck, my mouth was very dry and my throat was hurting from the tube that was inserted, plus i think since i had a hiatal hernia and they did some work via my esophocus it felt worse :-(
 
Overall though i have to say it was all worth it, now just have to get used the sipping and drinking lots of water all the day to avoid getting dehydrated as per Dr. Nish.
 
 
8/31/12 i weight in at 239 at Dr. Nish's office
when i went in for surgery on Wed. 9/19/12 i was 228 lbs.
this morning 9/23/12 i was 223 lbs.
 
I'm very excited to go have gone through this, wished it would have been approved 10 yrs. prior. Very thankful with God family and friends, that everything went well.

So not a whole bunch has happenend since my last blog, just hungry still. I thought it would become easier but it hasn't. Day 3 was the worst so far; I had headaches and was even nauseous for most of the day. However I'm still trying to stay posistive. I finally told my family about my surgery and they gave me some much needed encouragement. Most everyone in my family is small, like sizes 4 thru 8. So I'm excited about looking like I too am part of the skinny jeans family.
 
We had a yard sale on Saturday and I went ahead and got rid of a whole bunch of clothes. We made over $400, so now I have some funding for a new wardrobe when the time comes. I never really knew how dedicated you must be in order to do this. I knew it would be hard, but I guess food is a bigger krutch for me than I realized. I do feel great about getting rid of everyting though. I keep trying to focus on the payoff. No health problems and no uncomfortable rolls of fat. However like most people I'm so ready to get back to normal, and I haven't even really started. I have so far to go. 4 months before regular food.
 
I think we forget how much food is not only for nourishment, but also how socially it affects things too. Get togethers, BBQ's, social gatherings, dinner time with famiy, date night, all of these and a million more not mentioned all involve or revolve around food. So before I end this entry, a little advice... don't sit around like I am. STAY BUSY during your diet and try not to dwell on not eating. Try not to plan anything that has food involve. Wishing all good luck and would love to hear from those who got thru this that were weak like me.

Today I had kind of a large supper -- by recent standards -- of salad and fish. I've been reading about salad being disagreeable after WLS, so I wanted to eat it while I still could.
 
Seemed so slow while I've been waiting for my surgery; now, seems it's approaching quickly. Today is Thurs. I'll start liquids Sunday; fly to Tijuana Tuesday; have the surgery Weds.
 
A week from now, I'll have my sleeve. Excited. Scared.
 
We bought a lawn mower so I've been mowing for exercise. It's funny, I feel so tired just walking around; but when I'm doing something, I don't feel as fatigued.

Today I had kind of a large supper -- by recent standards -- of salad and fish. I've been reading about salad being disagreeable after WLS, so I wanted to eat it while I still could.
 
Seemed so slow while I've been waiting for my surgery; now, seems it's approaching quickly. Today is Thurs. I'll start liquids Sunday; fly to Tijuana Tuesday; have the surgery Weds.
 
A week from now, I'll have my sleeve. Excited. Scared.
 
We bought a lawn mower so I've been mowing for exercise. It's funny, I feel so tired just walking around; but when I'm doing something, I don't feel as fatigued.

This is my first blog entry. I will be using this blog as a place to log my journey. I will post updates, future appointment dates, my surgery date and so forth. After my operation, I will use this as a tool to post about successes, set backs, and my day-to-day well being.
 
A quick update on my progress thus far:
1. Met with my PCP to get a referral to the BS Department (8/24/12)
2. Attended mandatory orientation for gastric sleeve (8/26/12)
3. Met with Surgeon for GSV (8/31/12)
4. Had EKG, Upper GI X-Ray, Ultrasound, and necessary lab work (9/4/12)
 
Still TO DO:
5. Meet with NUT (Mandatory for clearance) 9/17/12
6. Have Psych/Mental Health Eval (Mandatory for clearance) 9/24/12
7. SCHEDULE SURGERY DATE (TBD)
 
I am almost there. Luckily I have already been pre-approved by my health insurance, so this process has been running like a well oiled machine (knock on wood & fingers crossed). I hope to have my surgery date scheduled sometime in October. I am very pro-active in my care, so I made sure to contact my insurance company first, prior to starting the process, to see what I would need to get this done. I also went ahead and scheduled all my appointments directly, rather than waiting for the various departments to contact me, which I have past experienced in the past, could be delayed up to 2 weeks, before someone finally gets around to contacting me. By being proactive, I am making sure all my t's are crossed and i's are dotted so to speak.
 
I am nervous, as I am sure everyone is. BUT - I am also ready. SO ready. I am prepared, mentally, emotionally and physically for this. I have my own reasons for this surgery, as I am sure everyone has. This could literally help save my life and make the time I do have better. It's about quality of life for me at this point. And I am prepared to do whatever it takes.

So I was hungry at lunch time and had to run some errands so I went to my fave chinese lunch place to get an order to go. I ordered their chicken salad lunch which also comes with 3 potstickers. The salad is big so I usually end up eating only about 1/2 and saving the rest for dinner or the next day. The chicken is also shredded white meat so it's not breaded and fried and the dressing is really light. Overall it's not bad at all and heck - Lord knows I could do worse. So I order it to go and they put my order inside a container inside a bag tied up so that it doesn't spill.
 
Anyway - I get back to work and I open it and ta da... it is some oily stir fried noodle dish with beef. A huge container of it. I took about 3 bites (literally) and gave the rest to a co-worker. No potstickers either. Sigh. I took it as a sign not to deviate from my diet! Ha! On a positive note, I called the restaurant and they refunded my purchase (turned out they swapped my order with another customer). The downside is I have no lunch.
 
Maybe the GVS gods are trying to tell me something... STAY ON TRACK
 
For the first time, I feel antsy today. I feel so close, but still things left to do before I can schedule my surgery date. Next Monday I have my first NUT appt. and the following Monday I have my psych eval. I keep telling myself I did get the first available appt. when I called. And it was only 3 weeks later (now 2 weeks away) so things are still moving really fast. I will have done everything necessary start to finish within only 30 days. BUT - it's hard not to be anxious. I want this so badly. I hate hurry up and wait mode. 14 days until I can schedule my 2nd appt. with the surgeon to get my surgery date.

Ha... now I have that song stuck in my head. I am referring to one more medical appointment down and only 1 more to go before I can schedule my surgery!!! Woot woot!. Met with the NUT today and it was totally different than the scenario I had pictured in my head.
 
First off, she was a lovely woman. Really friendly and nice. Very much like my surgeon. So supportive of my decision and my choice. She went over the diet with me and seemed really surprised about how much I already knew and was doing ahead of time to prepare. (A big thank you to you folks here on the board with all your advice and tips on pre-op dieting and such). She gave me lots of little samples of different proteins, calcium chews, chewable and liquid vitamins, etc. I got a little bag with me. We talked for about 40 minutes and then she ended the visit by letting me know she was sending her approval for surgery over to my surgeon. Once my surgery date is set, I need to schedule one more pre-op visit with her, just to go over the information again (probably only 20-30min) and that's it! No 3 month or 6 month supervised diet, no 6-8 series of visits, etc. like I was envisioning. I really thought I was going to be derailed and have a major crash and burn, but no... it was just really positive. So I'm happy. Happy, happy, happy.
 
I called to schedule my follow-up visit with my surgeon to schedule my surgery date, but unfortunately, he is on vacation next week. Which means he was fully booked this week. Then I am on vacation the following week (10/01 - 10/08). But I got an appointment right when I get back on 10/09. I will have my psych eval on 09/24 (next monday) so he should have everything he needs by 10/09. I really want to schedule this surgery in October. Fingers crossed!
 
And another one gone, and another one gone... another one bites the dust.

Seminar July 5th
 
Surgeons office visit August 24th
 
Nutrition class August 27th
 
Psych Evaluation August 30th
 
Insurance request submitted September 10th
 
Approved September 17th!
 
I really didn't think this day would come. So many personal hurtles and worries about insurance. Im estatic! I really look forward to starting my new life which won't revolve around food. It's going to be hard, so hard, but it will be so worth it. I just hope and pray I make it through surgery <3.
 

Today and tomorrow are the last days I will be able to eat whatever I want. My surgery is 9/26 and I should have started pre-op on the 12th, but I mistakenly had my mind set on ten days' pre-op so I am sticking with that. The psychological willingness to do this seems very fragile to me; i.e., not the surgery itself, but my part in changing my lifestyle.
 
I am a compulsive overeater, addicted to food, seeking comfort. I don't see how surgery is going to change that; yet it is a last ditch effort. I quit drinking; I quit smoking; I don't want to die addicted to food. I don't like being a slave to it. I want to get out from under this addiction, and that is the hopeful goal of my surgery.
 
I know that once established healthy habits become the norm and preference; at least that's my past experience with it.
 
So, there's all that. I am counting on prayer to pick up the difference between what I can do and what I must do. That's how I got through drinking and smoking withdrawal, which can be and were for me lengthy and torturous. Or, you could just say, I was a mess, felt like I was losing my mind. God got me through it ODAAT.
 
But I have a family . . . and spending this money on sleeve surgery instead of having my son's tonsils removed or a down payment on a new truck my husband truly needs for work seems terribly selfish.
 
We are hoping that once I have the surgery I will lead the family into better eating habits. No junk for me, none for you. My son has issues with his weight and while he's too old for me to dictate, we hope that healthier foods at home will help him.
 
So, it;s all about me. Of course, I look forward to the hoped for personal evolution weight loss can bring--new energy, ambition, freedom of movement, clothing, desire to go out, dress up, etc. I particularly miss yoga and hope that I will find joy in that again.
 
If you read this and want to comment, please do. I wouldn't write it here if I didn't want to share how I feel.

I had a very nice supper last night with family. Everyone prayed for me when the meal was blessed.
 
It was a grand finale of the old days and my dad outdid himself.
 
Today I had my first protein shake. I'm so relieved it quenched my hunger. I am going to make it through this day, and beyond that, I'm not going to wonder.
 
Caffeine hasn't been the huge withdrawal I expected. I don't know yet if that's God's grace or just a delayed onset.
 
I am eager for the surgery to be done and over with. Still 10 days away.

I had a very nice supper last night with family. Everyone prayed for me when the meal was blessed.
 
It was a grand finale of the old days and my dad outdid himself.
 
Today I had my first protein shake. I'm so relieved it quenched my hunger. I am going to make it through this day, and beyond that, I'm not going to wonder.
 
Caffeine hasn't been the huge withdrawal I expected. I don't know yet if that's God's grace or just a delayed onset.
 
I am eager for the surgery to be done and over with. Still 10 days away.

Well this is day 2 of my quest to not only not gain weight before surgery (or my doc will not schedule) but to also follow a low cal, low carb eating
plan. I have done really well so far today, just had a great scoop of chicken salad which I ate with slices of cucumber. I used the cucumber just as if
it were crackers....yum! Today seems easier than yesterday was.
I also went to my pcp today and I completed all required pre-op testing except for the ultrasound. Soonest appt is the end of the month but at least I will end Sept knowing everything is done and just waiting to be submitted for authorization.