C. Davis

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So the journey so far has been interesting. I am down almost 70lbs from my program start weight. Feels good. I take the steps more at work every day. I work on the 6th floor and my goal is to take all 6 flights by June. Right now I can go from the 3rd to the 6th without feeling my lungs explode and try to do it 3x every day .  

Throught all of this time I haven't looked at my self in a mirror in just the bare minimum until the other day shopping for some pants because my 26/28 fall off when I walk and the 22/24 are just about to do the same thing. I was in Dots because it makes no sense to spend more than a few bucks on anything at this point and put on a size 22 pants, my sister (self proclaimed fashionista) told me they were too baggy in the legs, so I got the next size down which fit fine and decided it was time to see what this really looks like..and there it was..the jelly roll/skin.  I thought I was going to be mortified and was shocked -no doubt about it-but after a few come to Jesus moments in the dressing room mirror to really take it all in I realized that I am grown woman with 2 kids and anyone who knew me before would realize that Barbies are dolls and real women come with dimples,dents,stretch marks and whatever else life can toss our way. I purchased my ever shrinking pants with a smile on my face and walked out the store happy as can be.  The skin thing was a concern for me while deciding on having the surgery. Everyone has their own issues, but when I thought about what I was gaining, longer life span, energy, more confidence..its worth a little extra pudge here and there compared to the whole lot of pudge I carried around for years.

I went back to work finally after my surgery.  It wasn't bad, overall. I was a little sad to find out a position I was shooting for was given to a temporary while I was away. But it got me to really thinking about things and I've decided I am going to go back to school. Call me a liberal bleeding heart, but I want to work with girls who are missing support systems in life and losing their way. Back to work-  It was really interesting to hear the theories regarding my leave for the past month

1- I  was in an accident that resulted in my spleen getting mangled
2- I was overwhelmed by work and had to take a "mental health" break (my favorite!)
3- Physical therapy due to a fall at work down a flight of steps

I've decided to let them think what they want until they ask and then my response will be "for personal reasons". The hardest part of the return was trying to get comfortable sitting all day. The "over the should boulder holders" were killing my back. Its actually been easier to get in my protein now that I can eat regular food. I never thought that day would come. I just need to work in getting in my fluids.  I am sure I'll get that figured out.  How is everyone else?
 

This is the last day of the full liquid portion of the recovery. While I am excited I am a little worried about each new step. Don't get me wrong, I  am also excited, but I spend more time trying to figure out how I am going to get in all 64 oz of water and 65-75 grams of protein. This site is becoming quite the life saver because I find I am not the only person going thru any particular phase at any particular time. My nutritionist didn't mention that I should be limiting calories or carbs at this point but I have been trying to be very careful about what I am drinking/eating/slurping. I am also trying to avoid my scale like the plague, but its pretty hard not to hop on it once a week or so. I figure the current stall is due to the change from clear liquids to calorie carrying foods, body adjustment, etc.I go back for my one month check up on 1/12 and am looking forward to going back to work soon. I am running out of things to tweak, tinker with, fix, and clean.


**Thanks to theworldaccordingtoeggface http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/
and Bariatric Foodie http://bariatricfoodie.blogspot.com/ for providing some hope on this dietary journey

Well I am officially one week out from surgery. I feel better than I did a few days ago, but I think I may have hurt something. I reached up to pull the chain on my ceiling fan and got a really sharp pain in my right side. It was sharp enough to take my breath away and make me drop. Lesson learned- Don't do that move again. I know get that pain if I twist or do much of anything requiring exertion on that side. I talked to the nurse and she said the same thing "Don't do that move again". On a good note I go for my one week check up and look forward to getting this tube/drain removed. I hope I lost a few pounds, but I must admit it doesn't really feel like it. I know I didn't gain it over night and won't lose it over night. Looking forward to something more than clear liquids and broths soon.

I had my surgery on Tuesday morning and all went well. I was on the table by 7:30am and in my room by 3:30. There were no complications and I lucked out on the post surgery gas pain (i didn't have alot). I was able to walk 3 times the same evening (and yes that was too much). I was released on Thursday. The hardest part so far is trying to get in all of the required fluids. I am supposed to get in 64oz daily now. Its a struggle. A very big struggle. I don't know how some of you have managed and am open to suggestions. But hooray for me and everyone else that shares the new birthday with me! Let the journey begin.

Clothes are washed, linen changed, dishes put away. I've packed what I think i'll need and packed my little one's bag. Now all there is to do is wait patiently. I can't imagine sitting at home right now, I would probably read too many horror stories about surgeries gone bad and freak out. My cold is pretty much gone away, just a little runny nose and occasional cough (
thanks to benadry cold!) I am open to any last words of advice..and really curious as to how bad  the gas pain can get after surgery (guess I'll know tomorrow). Good luck to the others getting surgery tomorrow.

Soooo..I've had my pre-op training, which was informative, but I have a feeling that I am going to think of some obsurdly crucial question right before the anesthesia hits. Or I'll have some weird fear of falling off of operating room tables develop. Now that would be something worth recording!  My surgeon, Dr Adrian "The Man" Dan, said I should only be in the hospital 2 days and then home shopping by the 16th. I am pretty sure that was a mild exaggeration, but works for me. My family (with the exception of my 20yr old son) are very supportive. I wonder has anyone with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis had this done? I'd love to pick your brain about a few things. I haven't had an episode or relapse this year which is amazing considering the stress involved with trying to get insurance approval, making all of my appointments, keeping my employer happy and at the same time wearing my "super mama" cape. Next appointment is my pre op testing on Tuesday and then that following week is surgery. Time  is really flying!

Oh yeah- and I am getting a little burned out on optifast..

Ok..Day 2 of Optifast- The soups and shakes aren't that bad...but...the peanut butter and the yogurt bars are like eating cardboard with a sprinkle of sugar. I forced down 1 of each on the first day and as expensive as they are- I just can't do those anymore. The chocolate is like a thick brownie and not too bad. 7 supplements..every 2 hours..and fluids. All for the greater good. That's what I keep telling myself. 28 days to go. They mentioned the chance of getting a headache, but I didn't realize how intense it would be or how long it would last. I really hope I adjust to the liquids soon and the headaches stop. My youngest son keeps saying how luck I am to get milkshakes all day. I am still trying to figure out the best way to explain the surgery to him without freaking him out.

When I started that 6 months of monitored weight loss it seemed like it would never end. Monthly visits, multiple test, and crazy co-pays that never seem to end. I finally got my date- December 13, 2011. I started my Optifast today and will remain on it until the day before surgery. Lets see how today goes.