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!!  :)

One more thing....

I found out that my doctor still wanted me to see a pulmonologist since I had marked down asthma on my original visit sheet.  I have an inhaler but haven't used it since 1996!!!  I passed my pulmonary function test with flying colors, but he still wanted me to have clearance.  Understandable but frustrating.  I thought I was done with everything, but I guess what is one more month at this point.  I have the rest of my life in front of me, so no worries.

Scheduled an appointment for this last Friday.  Met with the doctor all of five minutes.  Explained how I haven't had any issues in 16 years, listened to me breath and check my test scores.  He replied that he had zero fears of me having issues with surgery.  He gave me clearance and was going to fax his statement to my doctor. 

So again...... I wait.  Fingers crossed this was the LAST step :)  I am ready to move forward. 

Waiting!

Waiting............................waiting...................................waiting!!!!

The Waiting Game

Had my last pre-surgery appointment yesterday.  I met with a very nice physiatrist.  He asked me many questions ranging from my height & weight, family medical history, who my support people are and how many stairs do we have from our first floor to our second.  Yes, I knew the answer--- 13!!!  Good thing I count them as I go up and down:)

Overall, it was a laid back discussion about why I am choosing sugery and what to expect afterwards.  He ended our 40 minute chat by saying he would turn in his results and send them to Dr. Wu's office by end of next week. 

The waiting game begins now.  Wait for all of my information to be turned in to insurance.  Insurance has to put the final OK on it.  Then we set-up the surgery date.  2 weeks prior to surgery I meet with the dietition at Elmbrook one last time.  I have to continue to meet with the quad dietitian too, which is probably a good thing.

The end is in sight!!!!  I can't wait for the next adventure around the corner :)

Elmbrook Group Dietitian Meeting #1

My meeting on Monday was a group meeting to learn the basic info about what kind of diet to expect before and after surgery.  This was the meeting I have been waiting for. 

What I learned:
* I will have to schedule another appointment once I learn my surgery date to learn the liquid diet directions
* I need to be taking a children's chewable vitamin in the morning and evening
* I will be on a liquid diet for one week before surgery
* 2 days before surgery I will be on a clear liquid diet
* First 3 days after surgery-- clear liquids
* 2 1/2 weeks after surgery--liquid diet
* 1 week of puree (oh yuck!)
* then onto low fat, high protien foods for life :)

Like I said in my last post--- I CAN DO IT!!!

I tried the protien powder yesterday and found it to be grainy... not sure if I didn't mix it well enough or that is just the texture.  I will try it again later and see if I can mix it up better..... fingers crossed otherwise I will need to buy a different brand.

Now I just have one more appointment tomorrow at 2pm.  Fingers crossed the Phsyc evaluation goes well.  And NO I WON'T CRY!!!!  I am such a wimp when it comes to anything emtional.... but I will keep it together. 

I am excited to be nearing the end :)

Final Two!!!

This week marks my final appointments before submitting info to insurance.  There is an end to the tunnel :)

Today I meet with a dietitian for a group class.  I am interested to see what we will be learning.  I have been seeing a dietitian through Quad since Halloween of 2011.  I have grown fond of her and look forward to our meetings every other week.  I have learned so much from her.

I hope I come away with helpful information. 

Doctor Appointment Update

The Bariatric Center wanted me to see a pulmonologist to confirm that I was okay to have surgery.  I wrote on my initial form that I have asthma.  Way back in high school I was prescribed an inhaler for sports related asthma. My last attack was in 1996. So.... why did I write that I have asthma on the form originally you ask??  Well, it said previous condition and in my mind it was a previous condition.... not realizing it was over 16 years ago--- where did that time go???

This meant seeing another doctor out of the Quad network-- ugh.  This also means more out of pocket money.  I called the Bariatric Center and got the okay to have my doctor write a letter saying I haven't had an attack since high school and was safe for surgery.  Thank goodness I have a wonderful Quad doctor.  She called Elmbrook Hospital and got my Pulmonary Function test scores and decided that YES she would write me a letter saying I am not a concern!!  What a relief :)

I have two last appointments this next week.  Monday, I have a group dietitian class at Elmbrook and Thursday is my psych evaluation.  After these two doctors send in their reports a letter will be sent to the insurance company saying I have completed all of the steps.  I am so excited and yet nervous to be this close to the end.  We are looking to having surgery in July..... which is closer than I thought.

It has been a long process, but I am grateful there is a process to follow.  If I would have been able to have surgery back in November when I started, I don't think I would have been very successful.  I have learned so much about myself and my eating habits.  I loved food and have learned that food is not my entire life, but part of my life that helps me survive.  I don't live for meals and snacks anymore and feel good about who I am.  This is my life and I will succeed in living healthier for myself and my family!!!

I CAN DO IT!!!

They Fit!!!!

This morning I tried on a pair of capris that I purchased back in April.  They fit at the time, but just felt a little too snug to be comfortable all day.  I have worn them around the house, but never out and about.  So I decided to pull them out of the drawer to check the status.  I was quite surprised to see that THEY FIT!!!  And fit nice and comfortable.  This may be one of my new favorite outfits.

These are the days that help me to keep moving forward.  I am glad to see a change in my body finally.  When one is very overweight it takes quite some time to have others and yourself notice it.  Well, I noticed it today :)  June 23rd is a happy day!!!

Waterpark Fun for Ben's 3rd Birthday!!!

We spent the past weekend at Three Bears Lodge in Warrens, Wisconsin.  I was a little nervous about going to a water park for an entire weekend, after all, I haven't enjoyed wearing a swimsuit the past several years. 

First job was finding a new suit.  Mine was worn out.  I spent two evenings trying on various suits.  I was excited to find one at sears that fit super well.  I tried on a two piece--- no not a bikini!  That is not a sight ANYONE should have to see!!!  Thank goodness Chris and the boys were along, because I would have gone with the large sized suit.  I have had a hard time realizing I have lost weight and that I can wear a size smaller and look good in it.  So after trying on the smaller top and realizing, yeah it does look good, I purchased a new suit.

Friday night we put on our suits and headed to the pool.  I felt self conscious and was wishing I could hide under my cover up all night.  To my surprise, I took off my cover-up and felt great.  I felt great all weekend.  I went on slides and enjoyed playing in the water with both boys.  I am glad my love of water has rubbed off on both of them.

I am excited to say, I will not dread the next time I have to put on my swim suit, but will be excited to be able to put it on and feel good about myself. 

Work-out Schedule and New Swimsuit

I am still excited to work out again tonight.  Pandora has really increased my interest again.  To stay on schedule I will have to work-out Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday nights.  Max has his first baseball game on Thursday so that will be a day of rest, so to speak.  We are also leaving Friday afternoon for a weekend away at the Three Bears Lodge in Warrens.  Ben is so excited to celebrate his birthday at the water park as am I.

Tonight I will begin the hunt for a new swimsuit.  A task I dread.  Fingers crossed that Fashion Bug will have the perfect suit at the perfect price!  Hears to hoping :)

Pandora Radio

Chris introduced me to Pandora.  For those of you that aren't computer savvy (myself included), Pandora is a music station that you can listen to on your computer or in my case on my phone.


Tonight I headed to the Quad fitness center with my phone fully charged and a set of earbuds in my hand.  I was amazed at how easy the program was to use.  However, you are allowed to skip 6 songs in an hour and I maxed that!!!  You are able to set-up your own music channels with music you like.  I will be looking into this :)


Working out was actually fun again tonight.  This is just what I needed.  Thank you Chris!!!  I can't wait to go back tomorrow night.  Haven't felt like that in a LONG time :)

Soda

Over the past several years I have willing admitted that I am addicted to Diet Coke.  Over the past three months I have really tried to cut back and at points give up soda.  I know I won't be able to drink it after surgery.  However, I feel like I crave it some days. My problem is that it causes me to make bad choices.  I feel I need a snack with it. 


So knowing this information should make me want it less, yet I wish I was sipping on a cold Diet Coke right now!!!  How will I get past this desire???  Wish I knew that answer!

When will the coughing end???

I am still fighting this darn cold or virus.  I feel fine except I can't take a deep breath, well actually any kind of breath can throw me into a coughing fit.  My cough is very tight even though it feels loose at the base of my throat. 


I have tried the antibiotic that they perscribed for Chris-- I know, I know!!!  and I tried Mucinex, both have done NOTHING!!!  Hopefully tomorrow will be better.


Since I don't feel sick I decided to cut the front and back yard tonight.  I also attempted to do the trimming.  I don't think I did that bad of a job for my first time.  Actually I think it looks quite nice.  Wanted to get out the edger, but just ran out of time.


Tomorrow is Max's first concert at Heyer.  He is very excited.  They are to dress as if they are walking the red carpet.  I got him a new tie and he is very excited to dress up tomorrow.  Fingers crossed that the excitement continues into the morning!


I also was able to call Elmbrook today to schedule all of my final appointments.  I have a pulmonary test on June 1st, group dietician class on June 25th and the Psych evaluation on the 28th.  Looks like surgery will be in July sometime!  I am nervous and excited all in one, is that possible?

Sunday Fun!!!

This morning we decided to take the boys to Imagination Station playground in Oconomowoc.  It is a very neat playground.  I had fun watching the boys enjoy themselves.  I too had fun, but was super hot-- the temp was in the 90's!!!  We stayed for an hour and decided to head out since both boys were as red as lobsters.

We weren't ready to head home so we headed over to Lapham Peak.  Not sure if you know this about me, but I am terrified of heights.  So why did I suggest this park?  Because I know Chris and the boys would love to climb the tower.  And they did... right up the stairs they went leaving mommy behind, per my request.

So why am I so afraid to climb this tower you ask--- well there are two reasons.  I hate feeling things sway.  It isn't so much that I am up high, I can handle that.  I can't handle swaying!  I also HATE open back stairs.  I just know I am going to miss the step and slide through the back and be hanging there.  Yes.... in my mind I fit through that tiny hole! 


So I am up two flights of stairs and I hear the boys having fun looking out into the distance.  I tell myself to get my big butt moving so I don't miss out on their experience.  I yell up to them-- How much further do I have to go?  Max being the sweetheart  that he is cheers me on and I get to the top!  I was so dang proud of myself, yet I couldn't let go of that railing.  Chris took our picture and we all enjoyed the view for several minutes.

We decided to head out on one of the trails.  Good thing I came prepared with my trusty flip-flop shoes ;)  We head down a million steps and we were at the bottom of the Kettle Moraine Forest.  Simply beautiful!  We walked around on the trail for about 30 minutes and decided to head back up the dreaded steps.

Overall we all had a blast today.  I am excited to go back and try more trails.  Good thing we bought our State Park pass today.  I plan to get out with the boys more often.  We all enjoy it, so we need to do more of it.

The Journey Begins!

My Journey really began October of 2011.  I had enough.  Enough being overweight, enough not being able to keep up with my boys, enough being tired all the time, ENOUGH!!! 


So what do I do now was my first thought.  I have been on many diets and with every one I lost weight only to regain it plus a little extra.  Frustrating to say the least.  I was at my all time highest weight and wasn't so proud of myself. 


I decided I was ready for a change and called our insurance company to see what type of weight loss surgeries they covered.  I received my packet of info and scheduled a ton of appointments at Quad/Med on Halloween.  I was meeting a new doctor, dietitian and fitness trainer.


Here we go...... My Journey!