Day 6

ZERO energy today!!!  How will I make it another day?

Liquid Diet day 4 & 5

Day 4 and 5 went well.  I catch myself thinking about food and wondering about when I will be able to eat again.  However, I have zero desire to eat anything of solid food right now.  Actually, my tummy and intestines have been super growly today.  Not sure why that has happened all of a sudden.

I am looking forward to clear liquid diet tomorrow.  I bought some flavored popsicles and a package of banana popsicles-- YUM!!  can't wait.  A little nervous to not have the protein drink 4 times a day since it really does keep me full.  Oh well, no more of those till after surgery.

I did find a nightgown and capris/tee shirt today to take to the hospital.  I hated the gowns when I had both kids so I am hoping I am allowed to wear the capris/tees.  I also got clean underwear since my mom always says make sure you have clean underwear for the hospital... it was also just nice to treat myself to some clothes.  When I tried on the pjs I took in my normal 3x and a 2x.  I was surprised to see that the 2x fit well and the 1x did too!!  I don't notice a difference but my clothes sure do!!!  Yippee :)  P.S.  I love how women's clothing sizes are not consistent from store to store... kind of frustrating!

So tomorrow I will continue to prepare the house and family for my absence.  I will miss them all, but I am also excited to get away.  I am telling myself I am headed to the spa..... wonder if I can trick myself into that thought once I come out of surgery?!?!?!?

Liquid Diet--Day 1, 2 & 3

I started the liquid protein diet Wednesday, Sept. 5th.  I have learned a lot about myself and my obsession with food.  YES, obsessed with food, I am overweight after all ;) 

Day 1--
I had prepared ahead of time and made a check off sheet so I made sure I drank enough of the right fluids and not too much of others.  I knew I would conveniently forget drinking something.

I need to drink 4 protein drinks each day and at least 48oz. of drinks containing less than 20 calories.  I started out the morning with my pre-mixed EAS-lite protein drink.  I really don't mind these drinks.  The powder on the other hand is disgusting.  No matter what kind of shaker or blender you use, it still turns out gritty.  So the first drink was down the hatch... now what??  I caught myself timing out my drinks.   I WANTED another protein drink.... but chose water.  Again, I don't mind water but knowing that it was all I could have was frustrating to me.

Thank goodness the day went by fairly fast.  I was able to get all fluid in and felt good.

Day 2--
Woke up and weighed myself.  Down 3 lbs!!!  WOW-- should have been on this diet forever..... oh wait, like I said before, I am obsessed with food!

Day 2 started out well.  I noticed I had a slight headache that would come and go.  hmmm!  Today was an interesting day.  I made three meals to freeze for the boys and Chris to enjoy while I was in the hospital.  1--Ranch Pork Chops (crockpot), 2--Golden Mushroom Chicken (oven), 3--Taco meat for nachos (stove) and 4--Porcupines (electric frying pan).  I turned the porcupines off and let them sit in the pan--- they burnt on the bottom :(  so I will have to re-make these this weekend.  I also used the waffle maker to make cinnamon bun waffles and regular waffles.  I then got out the mini muffin maker and made two small batches of muffins-- blueberry and cinnamon apple.  All meals were cooled slightly and placed in the freezer.  Hopefully they will warm up okay for the boys!  If not, there will also be frozen pizza available.

While cooking, I learned another thing about myself.  I taste food to see if noodles are done, enough seasonings and if it is mixed well enough.  Hmmmm, can't taste right now.  Considering having a taste--- what would it really hurt anyways--- GOLLY, my brain just doesn't want to work with me on losing weight!  Well I am proud to say-- I didn't taste ANYTHING!!!

The rest of the day went well.  Sat with the family as they enjoyed spaghetti and meatballs.... and had zero desire to have any.  Was proud of myself!!!

Day 3--Weighed myself again and down another 2.2lbs total of 5.2 now!!!!   Feeling a little tired today.  Struggling to get fluid in.  Just not thinking about it today.  Every time I get one of the kiddos something I make myself go to the fridge and look at the checkoff sheet and pick something to cross off. 

I am also freezing today.  The temperature outside is cooler, but I am freezing even inside of the house.  Hoping to grab a sweatshirt from upstairs when nap time is over. Brrrrrr

So far so good.  I am willing to do anything to help surgery go better!  I am also enjoying learning things about myself. 

Sept 12, 2012

Sept. 12 is the date of my surgery.  Before this date I will need to see the doctor once, dietitian once and have lab work done.

I am very thankful for my husband Chris' support and my moms.  Without them cheering me on and taking time off from their own work to watch the kiddos I would never be where I am today.  I will never be able to tell them thank you enough.

Thank you!!!

Actually looking forward to Monday... can that be right?!?!

Received a call from nurse Lynn today.  She said they also were faxed the letter saying I am a go for surgery!!  She said she would fill out my orders and pass a note onto the person who schedules surgeries.  One down side--- this scheduler is not in until Monday.  Lynn also asked if I wanted surgery as soon as possible.  YIPPEE!!!!! 

Happy Dancing

This afternoon we did the "Happy Dance".  I received a letter from my insurance company stating that I was ACCEPTED and able to have surgery.  NEVER thought those words would mean so much to me. 

Next step-- contact Bariatric Institute to see what happens next.  I am excited to be at a new stage of the game.  The unknown is scary and thrilling all in one.

I will update when I know more.

Screaming in the Car

Do you ever scream in the car?  It is the perfect place to let it all out.  I am sure cars passing me wonder what it is I am doing, but I have found screaming to relax and focus myself.

I found myself screaming after I left the dietitian yesterday.  I am in a wonderful place in my life.  I have completed EVERYTHING that I need to complete to have surgery.  I lost the required weight, gave blood, met a dietitian, went to monthly support meetings, had MANY tests done, and saw many doctors all who have given there OK to have weight loss surgery.  Believe it or not the process had MANY ups and downs, but yet I wouldn't take back any of it.  YES I was upset when I found out I had another hoop to jump through, but now I can say I am glad for the process.  I have succeeded and proud to say I DID IT!!!  So why was I screaming??  I was overwhelmed that I have completed the process and scared about surgery, but yet excited to change my life permanently. 

Surgery is not the END to this process, just the middle point.  I am excited to begin the second phase. 

Sooooooo----- HERE WE GO!!!

P.S.  Try screaming in the car... I highly suggest it!!  :)