12 Days Post Op

I had my two week post surgical checkup today.  When I get there, I find that the surgeon's LPN quit that morning and the only other person there to handle the appointments was the one that usually schedules them.  My surgeon was in surgery all day today.  She was very upfront and honest about her limited knowledge of post op.  I have to say she did a pretty good job.  I only came in with a couple of questions.  She will email me the answers when she sees the doctor.

I received my schedule for adding foods to my diet. I can officially add creamy soups to the list, but I added those about 5 days ago.  I can also add V8 juice, tomato juice, fat free sour cream, and  1/4 baked potato.  I can't wait until next week when I can add cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, and whole grain cereals.  Woohoo!

The head hunger gets better everyday.  I think at this point it is related to the monotony of the food choices.  One thing that concerns me is reading all these newly post op patients say they have no desire for food.  Hell, that is all I think about! 

I did go out to eat today.  I guess you could say I dove in the virtual frying pan, because we went out TWICE.  At lunch, Ian and I and some friends from out of town went to the Georgia Diner for lunch.  I had the cream of potato soup.  It was delicious!  Of course I avoided the chunks of potatoes.  I also made sure to eat only about 4 ounces while sitting there.  For dinner, our friends invited us to Dominick's in Historic Norcross.  The choices there were not all that great.  The only soups they had were Italian Sausage and Dom's Fagioli, both of which are full of meats and veggies I am not allowed to eat yet.  The only thing on the menu even close was the Roasted Potatoes.  That is what I went with, but when they came they were very crunchy.  I knew that would not do well with the new pouch.  So, I asked for a creamy sauce to put over the potatoes.  I had maybe 4 or 5 bites, chewed to death, and I was FULL.  Now that is what I was waiting for!

Here is my menu for the last 2 days.

Day 11 Post Op - Sip through day - decaf tea with splenda 32 oz
*Sip through morning - 16 oz of skim milk - 18g protein
*Breakfast - sugar free pudding
*Lunch - 3 oz sugar free yogurt (3g) with 1/2 packet of unjury(10 g) - 13g protein
*Dinner- 4 oz cream of chicken soup with skim milk - 6g protein
*Sip through the evening 16 oz skim milk (18g) with 2 scoops of unjury (40g) - 58g protein

*Exercise -not really

Daily Protein Total - 90g protein
Daily Water Total - 32oz
Daily Milk Total - 32oz
BG - 8am 138, Noon 128, Post Dinner 132

Day 12 Post Op - Sip through day - decaf tea with splenda 32 oz
*Sip through morning - 16 oz of skim milk (18g protein) - 18g protein
*Lunch  -4oz cream of potato soup at Georgia Diner
*Dinner- approximately 4 oz roasted potatoes with a cream sauce

*Exercise -not much today either

Daily Protein Total - 18g protein
Daily Water Total - 32oz
Daily Milk Total - 16oz
BG - 8am 150, PreDinner 134

10 Days Post Op

Things are a little better now.  The head hunger still has me wanting to eat my arm, but I know it wouldn't fit in my new pouch.  I kept very busy today taking down Christmas and trying to get my car back from Cottman.  They had it in their shop for 20 days.  Transmission problems are NOT any fun, but it keeps my mind busy.  I will also be keeping myself busy tomorrow working on grades that are due next Monday.  Since I will not be in school the first week back (home recovering), I need to complete them.  I soooo do not need the extra week for recovery, but I am taking it anyway.  Ian will be in daycare.  I am thinking manicure, pedicure, and a fresh new do! I may even go clothes shopping!  Or maybe get out and look at cars!

I also need a good book to read.  If anyone has any good recommendations, let me know. 

As of today, my scale says I have lost 6 pounds since surgery, that does not include the water weight from the IV fluid I had to reloose after coming home.  Six pounds in 10 days is pretty good.  I was expecting more, but when in my life have I EVER lost 6 pounds in 10 days and it not be water weight??  That means I am down 42 pounds from my highest non-pregnancy weight back in April when I started the surgery process.  Mark mentioned that he could tell that some changes were happening in my abdominal region.  :) 

Here is the menu from yesterday and today.  Just a little FYI - I am also getting in 2 chewable multivitamins (AM and PM) and 2 Calcium Citrate Chews (AM and PM), as well as a baby aspirin in the morning.  I was told the aspirin was only for the first 3 months after surgery to help deter any blood clots that may occur.  

Day 9 Post Op - Sip through day - decaf tea with splenda 16 oz
*Sip through morning - 13 oz of skim milk (18g protein) with 2 scoop chocolate unjury (40g protein) -48g protein
*Breakfast - sugar free pudding
Sugar free popsicle
*Lunch and Dinner- sip through the PM 16 oz strained broccoli and cheese soup (3g) made with skim milk (9g) 12g protein
*Sugar free pudding

*Exercise -30 minutes brisk walk in neighborhood

Daily Protein Total - 60g protein
Daily Water Total - 17oz
Daily Milk Total - 21oz
BG - 8am 140, Noon 116, Post Dinner 150

Day 10 Post Op - Sip through day - decaf tea with splenda 32 oz
*Sip through morning - 16 oz of skim milk (18g protein) - 18g protein
*Breakfast - 3oz cream of broccoli soup strained
*Lunch  -3oz strained cream of chicken soup made with water
*Dinner- sip through the PM 8 oz strained cream of chicken soup made with water
Sip through the late PM 16 oz skim milk - 18g protein

*Exercise -taking down Christmas decorations

Daily Protein Total - 36g protein
Daily Water Total - 32oz
Daily Milk Total - 32oz
BG - 8am 164, Noon 125, PreDinner 128

8 Days Post Op

I am feeling the edge today.  My poor husband can tell better than anyone.  He has actually made the comment a few times that I haven't smiled much since the surgery.  I am trying to make an effort.  I do not know what is going on with me.  I am VERY happy with the decision I made.  I guess the head hunger is pushing the limits to which I can stand.  The only comfort I have is browsing the internet for others that are in the same situation.  I always knew this would be difficult.  I was never looking for a walk in the park.  That would not allow me to relearn the right way to eat and exercise. 

 To try to take the edge off, I took a very brisk walk in the cold air tonight.  It was invigorating, physically.  And since the walk is downhill THEN uphill, I had the endorphins pumping when I returned home. 

I also have jumped the gun with creamy soups.  I cannot stand to drink anymore broth for a while.  I went to the store and found some low sodium, low fat cream of chicken soups and cream of broccoli and cheese soups.  They are not exactly on the surgeon's approved list, but I have read in a few books that the stage I am in allows creamy, strained soups.  Even though it took me over an hour to finish it, I know I had too much at one time at lunch and supper.  So here it is for today. 

Day 8 Post Op - Sip through day - decaf tea with splenda 36 oz
*Sip through morning - 16 oz of skim milk (18g protein) with 1 scoop chocolate unjury (20g protein) -38g protein
*Breakfast - sugar free pudding
*Lunch - 8 oz skim milk and strained broccoli and cheese soup 3g protein
*Sugar free jello
*Dinner - 16 oz low fat cream of chicken soup - strained and made with skim milk 18g protein
*Sugar free Popsicle

*Exercise -30 minutes brisk walk in neighborhood

Daily Protein Total - 55g protein
Daily Water Total - 36oz
Daily Milk Total - 32oz
BG - 8am 164, Noon 170, PreDinner 136

7 Days Post Op - Merry Christmas!

It has been one week since my surgery!!!  Woohoo!  I still feel great.  Three of my four wounds are healing greatly.  One doesn't look so good, but it itches like the devil. 

Today was a nice family day.  Mark, Ian and I went down for breakfast.  I "tried" some soupy oatmeal (yes it is on the approved foods list).  It was horrible.  I usually like oatmeal, but I couldn't stand the texture in my mouth.  We then went on to unwrapping gifts.

My friend Amy cooked for her family and invited us over.  Of course she had the usual Christmas spread.  It was sensational...to look at.  I just wanted to dive in.  I did deviate off of plan a small bit today.  I added one tablespoon of sweet potatoes to my broth/potato soup at lunch. It was delicious, but I am certainly glad that it is over.  No more holiday meals to deal with for a long time.  The next big hurdle I have is Ian's birthday, March 20.  I am bound and determined to make his cake, just as I have done the previous 2 years.  No store bought cake for my boy.  As I said in a previous post, I LOVE decorating cakes.  If I have to tape up my mouth, I want to decorate this one.

Water.  I LOVE water.  It now does not like me.  It is soooo hard to get water down.  It feels like a lead balloon siting in my new pouch.  After some research,  it looks as if that is a very common problem.  Those that have that problem have to "soften" the water with an additive like Crystal Lite, Propel, herbal tea, etc. I have found that decaf Luzianne tea with Splenda works just fine.  I can get plenty of liquids in that way.

Here is my menu from today.  As can be seen, I stayed away from the turkey, dressing, rolls, desserts...

Day 7 Post Op - Sip through day - decaf tea with splenda 40 oz
*Sip through morning - 16 oz of skim milk (18g protein) with 2 scoops chocolate unjury (40g protein) -58g protein
*Breakfast - Maybe 1oz of low sugar oatmeal
*Lunch - watery (chicken broth) instant potatoes - about 2oz potatoes, 2oz broth, one TBS sweet potatoes mixed in (sorry)
*Sugar free pudding
*Dinner - 4oz cream of chicken soup - strained and made with milk (That soup is not on the doctor's approved full liquid diet, but I needed something other than broth.) 3g protein
*Sugar free Popsicle

*Exercise -Not much today

Daily Protein Total - 61g protein
Daily Water Total - 40oz
Daily Milk Total - 16oz
BG - 8am 164, Noon 130

6 Days Post Op - Happy Holidays!

I am feeling really good today!  Ian and I walked (actually he road his tricycle) to the park which is downhill going but UPHILL all the way home.  I know the increased exercise will help my blood glucose readings, the progression of weight loss, and my ability to keep up with Ian playing and running.

I have now decided that I want to be a runner.  I have been doing some research on the topic.  One website/program I have found interesting for anyone wanting to run is the Couch to 5k program.  It starts out very basic, alternating walking and running.  It is basic enough that even those excessively large can still start the program.  Which brings me to my next point.   I know this sounds crazy, but I want to run the Peachtree Road Race in July.  If I am not able to run, I will be satisfied with walking or biking.  This is one of my exercise/fitness goals. 

Today, I found myself fighting the head hunger.  I think it is more about the amount of texture I am getting with my limited selection of foods.  I find my head wanting something crunchy.  Regardless, I pushed forward only eating from my doctor's recommended foods list.  Here is today's menu and blood glucose readings. 

Day 6 Post Op - Sip through day - decaf tea with splenda 34 oz
*Sip through morning - 16 oz of skim milk (18g protein) with 2 scoops choclate unjury (40g protein) -58g protein
*Breakfast - 2.5oz sugar-free yogurt (2.5g protein)  - 2.5g protein
*Lunch - watery (chicken broth) instant potatoes - about 1oz potatoes, 1oz broth
*Dinner - watery (chicken broth) instant potatoes - about 1oz potatoes, 2oz broth
*Sugar free popsicle
*Sugar free pudding
*Sip through evening - 16 oz of skim milk (18g protein) with 1 scoop choclate unjury (20g protein) - 38g protein

*Exercise -Walked to the park with Ian - downhill and uphill - about 45 minutes total

Daily Protein Total - 98.5g protein
Daily Water Total - 34oz
Daily Milk Total - 32oz
BG - 8am 171, Noon 126, Post Dinner 177

5 Days Post Op

I am going to be using this blog to post daily musings, my daily food log, exercise, etc.  It will be my way of keeping myself accountable for what I have to do to make my tool work.

I am happy to report that I have officially lost the IV fluid weight that surgery patients have.  Most gain between 5 and 10 lbs.  I gained 6 and as of this morning have lost that 6 lbs, and I am back to my pre-surgery weight.  

I am feeling wonderful physically. 

Here is my food log for the last 3 days.  The first 2 days post op were in the hospital.  The protein is important to tract.  It is the one thing I need in order to heal the fastest and prevent muscle and hair loss.  I will tract the other important things (sugar, kcal, carbs) at a later date.  I will also include my water and milk intake and my blood glucose reading. 

Day 3 Post Op - Sip through day - water with Propel - 16 oz
Sip through morning - 6 oz of skim milk (6g protein)  with 1 scoop vanilla unjury (20g protein) -26 g protein
Breakfast - 3oz sugar-free yogurt (3g protein) with 1/4 packet of unflavored unjury (5 g protein) - 8g protein
Lunch - 2oz chicken broth
Dinner - watery (chicken broth) instant potatoes - about 1.5 oz potatoes, 1.5 oz broth with 1/4 packet of unflavored unjury - 5g protein
sugar free Popsicle
Sip through evening - 8 oz of skim milk (9g protein)  with 1 scoop chocolate unjury (20g protein) - 29g protein

Daily Protein Total - 68g protein - Goal 60-80g
Daily Water Total - 16 oz - Goal 32 oz
Daily Milk Total - 14 oz - Goal 32 oz

Day 4 Post Op - Sip through day - water 18oz
Sip through morning - 16 oz of skim milk (18g protein)  with 2 scoops vanilla unjury (40g protein) -58g protein
Breakfast - 3oz sugar-free yogurt (3g protein) with 1/4 packet of unflavored unjury (5 g protein) - 8g protein
Lunch - 3 oz sugar fee pudding
Dinner - watery (chicken broth) instant potatoes - about 1.5 oz potatoes, 1.5 oz broth with 1/4 packet of unflavored unjury - 5g protein
Sip through evening - 16 oz of skim milk (18g protein)  with 1 scoop vanilla unjury (20g protein) - 38g protein

Exercise - Christmas shopping walking around Toys R Us and Target


Daily Protein Total - 109g protein
Daily Water Total - 18oz
Daily Milk Total - 32oz
BG - 8am 194, Noon 189, Bedtime 170


Day 5 Post Op - Sip through day - water 10oz, decaf tea with splenda 26 oz
Sip through morning - 16 oz of skim milk (18g protein)  with 2 scoops vanilla unjury (40g protein) -58g protein
Breakfast - 3oz sugar-free yogurt (3g protein)  - 3g protein
Lunch - watery (chicken broth) instant potatoes - about 1.5 oz potatoes, 1.5 oz broth with 1/4 packet of unflavored unjury - 5g protein
Dinner -
Sip through evening - 16 oz of skim milk (18g protein)  with 1 scoop vanilla unjury (20g protein) - 38g protein


Exercise - 2 walks with Ian in the neighborhood - about 45 minutes total


Daily Protein Total - 107g protein
Daily Water Total - 36oz
Daily Milk Total - 32oz
BG - 8am 170, Noon 250, Bedtime 171

My Journey Begins

This will be the beginning of my journals on my journey after weight loss surgery.  Below I have brought over my blog posts that I created on ObesityHelp.   I will no longer keep my journals there.  I prefer to publish them here.


If you are looking for pictures of Ian, I have created a blogspot just for him.  It has everything that EntirelyBrenda had, thanks to bloggers import and export functions.  He can be found at www.entirelyian.com.


Home and Great!
on December 20, 2009
Published

I am now home from surgery.  Everything went well.  Dr. Macik said he had no complications.  I was in the hospital the typical 48 hours.  I have a lot of soreness, but very little pain at this point.  I am still swollen and unable to take in more than an ounce of fluid before feeling restriction. 

I cannot complain too much about anything at this point.  It is all going as expected!

The Day Before
on December 17, 2009
Published

I sit here this evening pondering.  Why am I doing this?  Is it for the right reasons?  I am doing this to improve my health, which will lead to enjoying my family, friends, and life more.  Yes, these are the right reasons. 

It still does not take away the anxiety that looms.  Will the surgery go well?  Did I do the right things preop?  Will I be able to make this tool work?  It has all come down this evening. 

As I prepare for the surgery tonight, I just need to keep focused and the eye on the ball. 

Concerns

on December 12, 2009 7:14 am
Published

No, not concerns about the surgery.  Concerns about life.  One of my main concerns is my love of cake decorating.  I starting taking classes when my son was about 9 months old.  I have always loved the arts and crafts.  So much so that I wanted to be an Art Teacher.  However, in Georgia, you never knew if you would have a job or not in art. So I became an elementary school teacher. Right after having Ian, I started losing myself.  I was only defining myself as a mother.  It wasn't something others were doing. It was something I was doing.  Taking the cake decorating classes became my outlet for the arts and redefining myself as an individual. 

I started out with the simple Wilton classes at out local Joann's store.  I had such wonderful instructors and really enjoyed learning the different techniques of the trade.  The WIlton Method of things is great for starting out (for me), but I wanted to do more.   I started searching different websites online, purchasing books, experimenting.  I am definitely self taught on some levels of the trade.

I would not call myself a professional, but I had hoped one day to be, until my insurance changed and decided to cover WLS. 

I have been doing cakes for friends and family the last few years.  Many have turned out quite nice and always taste good.  I have come up with my own icing recipes, ways to spiffy up a cake box mix, and I LOVE molding fondant and gumpaste into things to put on a cakes and cupcakes.  The temptation will not be the icing.  Since my husband and myself have been the taste testers for my icing recipes, we do not enjoy the icing as much.  My temptations will always be the cake and the fillings.

It is something I will have to deal with personally.  I will need to take into account how strong I am and if temptation will get the best of me.   If I decide not to ever decorate again, I will need to mourn the loss of a part of my previous life I thoroughly enjoyed. 

PreOp Appointments

on December 10, 2009 4:11 pm
Published

I had my Preop with Dr. Macik and Emory Johns Creek Hospital today.  It was pretty straight forward and uneventful.  They went over pre and post op instructions, when and what medications to stop, took blood, took measurements, etc. 

So far everything is on track for December 18.  That is the day I move to the losing side! 

About to be Reborn

on December 10, 2009 6:00 am
Published
I am Brenda.  I have struggled with my weight my entire life.  I was 100 lbs at 6 years old.  I was one of the lucky ones though.  My family never gave me any grief about my weight.  I know people talked behind my back, but those were not the people that I surrounded myself with.  My mother has always been my biggest fan, supporting me in all the decisions I have made in life.  She continues to do so today as I prepare for surgery.  I have a wonderful husband that supports me and a wonderful little boy that I hope never has to deal with the problems that come with morbid obesity.

Being obese never stopped me from doing things I wanted to do.  I was drum major in highschool, marched in parades, rode rollercoasters, went out dancing, partying with friends, etc.  The problems come with the comorbidities.  I am now a Type 2 diabetic with high blood pressure.  Just this year I started having problems with my feet and knees.  And just in the last few months I have been having a terrible problem with reflux.  I am hoping the surgery was timed right to solve all of these problems. 

This is my journey.  It is the path I have chosen to take.  I will follow it with pride.