Husband is going under the knife

Today is my husband's gall bladder surgery. He is 2 1/2 yrs post-RNY and his gall bladder is causing problems. He has been fine up until 2 weeks ago when he has his first attack. We ended up in the ER for hours. The ER doc denied the gall bladder was the problem despite the stone that was discovered on the ultrasound and his symptoms. Instead sent him home with narcotics and acid reflux meds. This slightly helped but really just masked the problem. Finally he was referred to a surgeon by his regular doc who said it must come out! And here we are! We are sitting in the waiting room waiting for him to be called back.

theworldaccordingtoeggface: Facelift

theworldaccordingtoeggface: Facelift: "Not me, the blog. The World According to Eggface has gotten a face lift. There's a few more changes yet to come but I'm eggcited to share ..."

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2nd Annual Girls Campout 2010 HMB!

GeoTagged, [N37.45756, E122.44318]

I'm at Half Moon Bay State Beach (CA) enjoying a weekend of camping with some of my best girlfriends!!! It's fantastic! It's a little cold, misty and humid but it's still fantastic. Sitting on a log on the beach listening to and watching the waves crash onto the shore- so relaxing. Just what I needed! Enjoy your weekend whatever you are doing! Xoxo

2nd Annual Girls Campout 2010 HMB!

I'm at Half Moon Bay State Beach (CA) enjoying a weekend of camping with some of my best girlfriends!!! It's fantastic! It's a little cold, misty and humid but it's still fantastic. Sitting on a log on the beach listening to and watching the waves crash onto the shore- so relaxing. Just what I needed! Enjoy your weekend whatever you are doing! Xoxo

Voilà!

I'd like to point out that I have a little room in these womens 32" Mek jeans and could go down a size.

Miracles happen people!

Anyhow this was taken of me today at work!

4 Mos Post-Op!

It's been 4 months since my gastric bypass surgery. Sometimes I forget I had it, I feel so good and normal! It's strange though because besides going from 258 to 179 lbs and 40 bmi to 28, in my head the mental picture I have of me is 80 lbs heavier. It's strange to think that I am thin now. People call me skinny and I feel awkward because i haven't been skinny since I was about 12 (puberty wasn't kind to me and I blew up like a blowfish!). The majority of my family is overweight. It can be difficult for me to talk to them about my success because they are all still obese. I wish they would make changes and improve their health, it makes me sad that they talk about how they are tired of being big but then go out for pizza. I was the same way and it took me years to finally get the courage to make a permanent change. I am so happy with my decision to have bariatric surgery and would definitely recommend it to others who are considering it. It's not an "easy way out" and takes dedication and commitment. The first 3 months I never felt hungry and the hunger returned in month 4. I haven't been perfect, i've had a couple french fries and chips but I am very strict regularly. I make sure I get my protein in and still supplement with shakes sometimes. I have went from a size 18(tight!)/20 and xxl to a size 10/12 or juniors 11/13 and a m/l!!! I wear a medium in Victoria's Secret sweatpants. I haven't worn a medium in a lifetime!!! The small things are absolutely thrilling also, like being able to cross my legs effortlessly or under my desk at work. I can even cross them in the passenger seat of my car while my husband drives! I can shop in any store and in the junior's dept if I want, I don't have to go to Lane Bryant or Torrid or the plus section anymore... In fact, I can't- their smallest size runs too big for me!!! I am still stunned by how quickly the changes happened and proud of my progress. I can't imagine still being obese and in a lot of pain from arthritis etc- so many of my symptoms and medical issues have lessened with my weight loss. It feels like a miracle. I have never been so happy.

The NEW me and the OLD me

So that is me, just 2 days ago, at work. My friend/co-worker suggested we take a new pic for facebook and I was game for it, since I like pics now (so wierd). It is odd not to hide behind someone or something, or cringe when a camera comes out... BUT I don't do it anymore! I guess those days are behind me and I am really happy about that. I've lost 2 pants/dress sizes (ALMOST 3 sizes actually) and 2-3 sizes on shirts depending on the brand. I bought a large dress at Old Navy and it fit! I was in awe of myself, I usually get a xxl there. Today I am wearing size 14 shorts and could almost get comfortably into the 12. I started this journey (squeezing) in an 18 and really needing a 20. Shirts were xxl, 18/20. I HAVE come a long way and it's not over yet. It's been an amazing road, watching the changes in myself, especially in my health. I am still feeling pretty good and I have had a fibro/arthritis flare up and it wasn't as bad as it was before the weight loss. YAY! Goodbye 62 lbs...Hello 100's... I am currently at 198.8 and was 258 at my highest (at surgery approval). I am so happy. I will never stop saying this is the best decision I ever made.
Have a good 4th of July weekend, friends! We will be having some family over for a bbq and swimming at our house and will also be celebrating my niece, Allison's, 3rd birthday! I am looking forward to hanging out with the family. Hey, I might even allow a pic in my swimsuit...okay, that might be pushing it a bit! Stay safe everyone.

Jello Jiggler Thighs and The "Easy Way Out"...

I finally feel comfortable in a swimsuit. I did notice however when I was sitting poolside at home that my thighs have WAY more jiggle than I like ( well come on, I'd rather not have any). It made me kind of miss my HARD fat...the jello fat is yuckier. I went inside the house and made my husband watch me sit with my leg up, knee bent and jiggle my thigh around and pinch it to show him that a ton of it needs to be chopped off. I told him a lower body lift is in my future (I don't know that I will ever really get it). I told him that no matter what anyone says about RNY being the "easy way out," it certainly isn't...in more ways than one...for example

-How many people (without bariatric surgery) throw up if they eat too fast ? Cuz I do
-How many people have to eat 2 tablespoons of food at a time but make it last 30 mins? Cuz I do
-How many people take a mile walk in the heat and can't chug their water? Cuz I can't
-How many people weigh their food before eating? All the time? Cuz I do

I could go on and on and on...

No matter how much weight I lose, I will never have that model thin, hard body, that I wish I had (hey who doesn't). I will be jiggly and flabby and have excess skin that I hate...but I will be healthy. It's important that I remember that...

Finally a hot day!

Today was finally hot enough to where I actually wanted to get into my 70 degree pool after a walk! My son and I went for a walk about 1130am and it was already 75 out. There was no breeze in the sun and we stopped along the way in the shade a couple times so I could take sips of my Powerade Zero (new find, quite good! it was strawberry) When we got home we decided it was pool time. Ahhhh, refreshing! As we sat out back and lounged and played in the water a bit, I was thinking about where I was this time last year. I had lost some weight (which of course lasted a short while before I gained it back and thensome). BUT I wasn't THIS "thin." I weighed in at 212 today... I have been losing slow for a couple weeks, but hey, 46 lbs isn't a small fete. I am happy, slow weight loss is better than NO weight loss. I am hoping that it will pick up a bit, I have been having a hard time eating again. I can't seem to get it into my head that I need to eat S L O W ... I am consistently eating fast, getting sick (queen of puking) and then I am done. Today I didn't eat ANYTHING till 3:30pm, and it was a string cheese stick. And I wonder why I am losing slow, hello Michelle, get your stinkin protein in! I am glad the weather is warming up around here, I love love love staying home and lounging in and by the pool. AND today I got into a bathing suit comfortably that I bought on clearance last summer and DID NOT FIT, but I kept anyways because it was dirt cheap (I think $15 for the top and bottom...tankini). I will never feel totally comfortable in a swimsuit, I am sure of that, but in my own backyard, I am just fine... Welcome Summer... You're a little late!

Little Stall but Feeling Fantastic!

So I have only lost ONE POUND since Monday... I tend to have these little stalls for 4-5 days then lose 4-6 lbs at once so I am staying positive and not getting discouraged. I know that it is IMPOSSIBLE not to lose weight at this point since I only eat 2oz at a time still and am probably only taking in about 400 calories at the most... Keeping my chin up. I am 214 lbs though right now, I have come a very very long way from 258! I feel great. People are complimenting me left and right and my arthritis has been behaving still! LIFE IS GREAT! I thank the Lord every day for giving me the courage to make this life changing decision. My husband deserves a lot of credit since I did it in part due to his own RNY success (he's an RNY super star!). When I reach my goal weight (160), him and I are going to speak at seminars for our surgeon as a couple who have had RNY and I think that will be inspiring and fantastic to those who are just beginning their own RNY journeys. We already look like a whole new couple from our wedding pictures to right now! Just a little under 4 yrs ago! We are going back to Maui for our 5 yr anniversary (woohoo 1 more yr) and plan to take pics on the beach, like new wedding pics, only not to replace our old ones, to mark how far we've come together and our new found health. can't wait for that!!
We booked a Disneyland trip for Sept 6 (our son's 3rd bday!). It will be the first trip (1 of tons) for our son, Hunter. I was online and booking the hotel and buying our park hopper tickets when I got to thinking...I will probably be at goal by September (per my doc's prediction). It will be so odd to be thin and not in pain from walking around a theme park all day (I am usually soooooo sore after day 1 and in the past have actually stared at the wheelchairs, then forced myself to grin and bear it!). It will be fabulous. I will be able to walk all day and night for 3 days, I know I will. And I will be able to keep up with my 3yr old love of my life and have the best time! AND if it's warm, I WILL wear shorts (I only wear bermudas, but I am determined to put these legs in REAL shorts lol). I can't wait to take him. He is going to be in shock when we walk in and he sees everything. And he is a total Toy Story fanatic,so when he sees Buzz Lightyear and Woody in the parade, his jaw is going to hit the cement!!!
Right now I am getting ready to go to my Aunt's 50th Birthday Luau Party! I put on a dress I wore last year, it fits ok (it was a little snug at the top last year) but the top is loose so I had to actually pin it to my bra to keep it up (elastic top, strapless dress). I feel so pretty today, I love that feeling. I am wearing a necklace I bought in Maui on our honeymoon that goes perfect and sandals (dress is long). I will have to post pics from the party, my Aunt has put me in charge of photography lol. I love this new found confidence and being comfortable in my skin. I am a firm believer in beauty coming from the inside out, so I know I have always been beautiful, but my inner beauty wasn't being properly reflected on the outside (ha ha ha). NOW it is!
Have I mentioned how I absolutely love my tool! RNY and I are best buds. WIthout it, I don't know where I'd be today... Love it!

215!

I am a little over a month out and had my 1 month checkup with my surgeon's PA yesterday. She reviewed my bloodwork and found that my potassium levels are a "little bit low." So she said to begin potassium supplements twice a day with meals and gave me a list of foods, high in potassium. Everything else, she said, was great. My kidneys and liver are great and my protein level is excellent! I was so pleased, I thought I wasn't getting enough protein, but apparently I AM doing something right after all (hehehe). I still don't eat very much, but I am trying to! I am just NEVER hungry and nothing really sounds good. Applesauce is still one of my staples and I know I am not getting much out of it protein wise. I haven't attempted to mix any protein powder in it, but I think I might... (maybe, maybe not). Cheese is still my very best friend and meat is still somewhat of an enemy, unless it's soaked in something!!! Marinades are great and necessary. Eggs are getting boring.
I beat the PA's goal of 25 lbs in the first month and have lost 33. I lost 10 lbs during the 2 week pre-op diet, essentially April 1st, so total I have lost...drumroll please...
FORTY THREE LBS!

I have gone from 258 (my highest weight ever and pre-2 wk diet) to 2 1 5 !!! I haven't seen 215 for at least 7 yrs. I am so proud of myself.

I have been cleared to start my stage 4 diet and my next goal is another 25 lbs by mid-July at my 3 month post op visit. She will be having my bloodwork done again prior to that appointment as well as my B vitamin levels checked. I asked about my energy level being so low and she said that it could be the potassium but it's hard to say what is causing it. I will be doubling on the B12 to see if it improves and I can have caffeine again, so that is a plus! I need caffeine. I can't believe I hadn't had any in 2 months! DANG! Coming off of it was miserable, I was almost afraid to even get into drinking it again... but not too afraid cuz I am sitting here sipping my coffee. I have a Keurig Coffee Maker so it uses the little K-cups and makes 1 cup servings! I love that coffee maker! I also use it for tea (they make tea k-cups, but I also just put a bag in the holder and it works perfect) and I can use it for hot water. I recommend this machine. Between my Keurig, my Magic Bullet and my scale, I have been all set.
Good luck to everyone.'

PS Made a trip to Victoria's Secret yesterday and for the first time in YEARS, I bought panties there and...they fit... A LARGE! WOOT WOOT! hahaha

Shopping...used to be my favorite...

I love shopping (as do most women, haha)... Today I went with my Aunt and played stylist/personal shopper for her. I picked out EVERYTHING for her and man, I did a damn good job! She bought almost everything I had picked out and loved it all and they all fit her perfectly. If only I could make a real career out of it! I think I have a knack for that...

However, I did not buy 1 piece of clothing. I would normally buy a couple of things, even at 258 lbs, but not today. I am waiting till I lose some more weight and absolutely have to get a few smaller things. Right now, I have a lot that I can still wear in my closet (I did pack an entire garbage bag of clothes up to pass along to my sis) and things are getting baggy, but wearable. The jeans that were too tight to get on before, now sag after an hour. BUT, I refuse to even try on anything right now because I know next week I could be in a smaller size OR a smaller size won't fit me right now and I will be so disappointed.

My Aunt wanted to buy me an outfit for Mother's Day (so sweet) but I told her I'd rather wait till I lose some more weight... I am hoping soon I will NEED new stuff!! We had a nice day, had some lunch and dinner together and walked around the mall. It was nice to get out. It was also nice to wear jeans and a tshirt and not cover up with a sweater or something. I am feeling pretty good with my weight loss and more comfortable in my own skin. I am less self-conscious and more self-confident. I love my tool!

As of yesterday morning, 36 lbs down.... Woohoo! 1 month has already passed! I have my one month check up next week...I have met my surgeon's one month goal already, actually I have even surpassed it by about 5 lbs. So they are going to be very pleased with my progress. I am sooooo damn happy I had this surgery...

Can't believe I am saying this!!.....

I HAVE NO INTEREST IN FOOD, WHATSOEVER... NOTHING SOUNDS GOOD...NOTHING TASTES GOOD...EVEN PLAIN WATER HAS A GROSS, METALLIC TASTE! HELP!

I am forcing myself to eat and drink. Nothing "hits the spot." Not even the bad stuff I can't eat sounds good. NOTHING. Never in my life did I think these words would come out of my mouth, but, I DONT WANT TO EAT!
The thing is, after RNY, you have to eat and get lots of protein or the weight will not come off as well and your health will go dramatically downhill. So the forcefeeding begins...

So far protein shakes are not working for me. I have also become Lactose Intolerant. So milk, yogurt and cottage cheese are out. BUT other cheeses are ok. Protein sits heavy in my pouch and gives me a pouch-ache. No one likes the pouchie grouchies! I have been vomiting a lot from eating too quickly, once I really paid attention and committed to forcefeeding myself slowly...no vomiting. Amazing how much better it is when you FOLLOW the rules!! Be kind to the pouch!

I am hoping this is something that will go away with time and further healing. I will be a month out Tuesday and have an appointment with my surgeon's PA next week. I will definitely be bringing this up to her.I am also considering going on my own for another visit to the Registered Dietician, Arun. He is very informative. At the post op class last week I certainly (re)learned a lot! My husband bought a gastric bypass recipe 2 yrs ago after his surgery and I am looking at it as soon as I log off. Maybe some new foods will help. I DO NOT regret my RNY one bit. I have lost 33 lbs and that is terrific. There are so many pros to it that they way way outdo the cons. I'll keep ya'll posted...take care of yourselves!

One of the MOST important tips for RNY-ers

You learn this and you hear this more than once.... EAT SLOWLY...chew 20-30 times...take tiny bites....it should take you 20-30 mins to eat your (tiny) meal!!!

After vomiting after/during almost every meal (cuz I eat fast and dont pay attention to the time--even though I was taking small bites), I was reminded of these tips at a post-op class yesterday... So today I made a conscious effort to time myself for 20 mins during my meals... VOILA... I can eat without getting sick... Ugh, if only I paid attention to this sooner, instead of week 3, I wouldn't have gotten sick so many times and gotten so much "stuck"... It was miserable.

Don't forget this tip...it will mean the difference between a nice comfortable meal and a trip to the bathroom...

THIRTY pounds gone...as of today...omg! Hooray!

I am feeling TERRIFIC. Getting my energy back and back at my version of "normal" (which is probably abnormal by the rest of the world's standards).

I was pleasantly surprised to weigh myself this morning and find out that I had lost a couple more lbs and am now officially down THIRTY POUNDS! I lost a toddler! Seriously, my son is 30 lbs... hahahaha How wierd

My clothes are getting baggy, some I cannot wear cuz I look like I am swimming in them. My "tight" jeans pre-surgery are even getting loose! Amazing. I am so thrilled. The very best thing is that I have not had as many problems with my osteoarthritis in my knees and ankles etc as I did before my RNY. AMAZING. Some people don't even know how good it feels to be able to just walk without limping or pain or aches... My fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis have been good also, no flares... THANK YOU LORD!!! Maybe the weight loss is gonna send my autoimmune diseases into remission! That would be a god send for sure!

Good luck to everyone on their journeys.embrace your choice. We are on our way!

2 WEEKS OUT TODAY! WOOT WOOT!

I am still sore in the abdomen and today I woke up with the headache from hell!!! I thought I was ready to go back to work and went 1 day, then called in sick yesterday. After talking with my doc's office, we decided I would not go to work today either and rest up. I described what I was feeling...pressure, pain and general uncomfortableness...she said everything sounded normal and working for 12 hrs sitting in a chair was most likely way too much pressure, too soon, on my tummy and my surgery sites. I think she was right. I came home in terrible pain and still walked for a mile with my husband and son, then really didn't feel good. Ugh... I have been resting since and I am starting to feel a bit better but can't shake the headache. Doc's office also suggested upping my fluid intake and getting back on regular gas-x for now. Which I have done. I took 2 tylenol today to help with the headache, but not working so far. I am going to try to get a nap in soon (I slept AWFUL) if I can get my son down for a nap. I think I should've had my MIL come watch him today so I could sleep...But I told her I could watch him. I still can't lift him but he's a pretty self-sufficient 2 yr old, he doesn't require lifting at all and will climb up in my lap if he wants. He knows to be careful of Momm'y belly... he's still saying "your belly hurts, mommy? are you betters?" haha He's the sweetest kid ever, I'm sure of it.
I will be back at work on Sunday. I think I will be ok by then as long as I take it easy the next few days. I am supposed to attend a friend's bday party on Friday night, it's a Tacky Prom theme, which sounds like a lot of fun, and who couldn't use some fun. BUt I am still debating whether to go or not. I think it will be a last minute decision if I go. I am fun without alcohol so being the only sober one there doesn't bug me. I offered to drive a couple friends if I do go. My husband has no desire to go, so he'll be home with Hunter. I am going to try to find a thrift store tacky dress Thursday in case I decide to go. I love theme parties.
Today I am in the recliner, again. Just took a shower and put fresh jammies on. Planning on watching a few movies and just chilling out. Rain is coming (it was 80 and beautiful just 2 days ago) so I feel blah anyways...

I am still GLAD I did the surgery and have no regrets. I knew with my autoimmune diseases recovery might be a little tougher and I expected it. I am attributing some of this to those diseases. I am not taking all the meds I normally take because they make me oversleep and then I am comatose all day the next day--- I don't wanna be so groggy. I may have to take something tonight to have a good night's sleep though. Lack of sleep really makes me flare up...so does stress. So I am trying to stay calm, positive and hopeful!! I can't wait to feel my version of normal again. I'm sure it will be soon!!

Getting to Know Me

My name: Michelle... but most of my friends call me Chelle! To my nieces, it's Auntie Chelle and to my husband, it's usually Babe, if not Pain in the Ass (PITA) or Drama Queen...lol

My bday: 10/30/80... this year I turn THIRTY! Vegas, baby!

My kids: 1 terrific, intelligent and handsome as heck son, Hunter. 2 1/2 yrs old...no plans for another baby, but considering adoption later

My husband: Jody...who had RNY 2 yrs ago and it a great success story. Right now he's probably running 3-7 miles...lol

My job: Wife and MOM first! 911 Emergency Dispatcher and Communications Training Officer, second.

Fav color: PINK PINK PINK, I am the most girlie tomboy you'll ever meet!

Fav food: Pre-op Mexican and bring on the chips and salsa please!... these days cheese cheese cheese

Fav RNY-friendy beverage: Snapple Noni Berry yummmmmy! and Vitamin Water Zero Natural Lemonade..tastyness!

Hobbies: I LOVE to sing...one day I'd love to be in a band! It would be amazing! I love movies, travel, swimming (I live in my pool in the summer with my son!) and shopping till I drop (or spend too much!)

Something most people don't know about me: I am an avid nail biter, you wouldn't notice until you see my shooooort nails...stubs really
AND I am addicted to reality shows...AND I have a secret dream (ok not so secret) of being in a production of GREASE, on SNL and win a grammy... I'm not asking for much am I?? Oh and I would love love love to be a model, a Plus-sized Model, not a toothpick. Is that enough "secrets"?? haha

Pets: 2 beagles...Rex (11) and Chloe (9)

WHO AM I?

I am the person you can always count on. I am someone that gives good advice but can also listen. I am fair. I am loving and loyal. I am traditional and modern. I am a daughter,mother, sister, niece, friend, wife, lover, co-worker... I am ME. I am responsible, mature and dependable but I am also silly, immature and nerdy at times! I am fun to be with and the life of the party. I love attention but I hide from it. I am a dreamer. I am a believer. I am spiritual and full of faith. I owe the world nothing, but I give it everything. I am motivated and ambitious. I am stronger than anyone knows. I am a trooper! I am brave but scared, loud but quiet. I am outgoing and make new friends all the time. I am not shy. I am funny and witty and sarcastic. I would never intentionally hurt your feelings and I am not afraid to be wrong and apologize. I am ME.

Lasagna Voila! RNY-friendly! AND delish!!!

Tonight I made something delicious, that went down well and was totally satisfying, so I MUST share !!!

(Thanks to Rose (mommyosarose on O.H.) for the dish name!!

Ingredients: (amounts depend on how much u want to make!)
1 small can tomato sauce (not paste-- small can, store brand is fine)
1 packet Spaghetti Seasoning
Ground Beef
Cottage Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese (i used string cheese since I had tons on hand!)

Mix about 1/3 of the seasoning packet into the sauce
Layer everything in a microwave safe dish- cottage cheese, sauce, meat, sauce, mozzarella
Zap it in the microwave about 2 mins... and voila!

SoOOOOOOOOoooooOOOO good!!!! ENJOY!

Back in the recliner, wish I was back in the saddle!

Today was 12 days post-RNY for me...and first day back to work after 18 days off. BAD IDEA. Although I have a desk job, it is a 12 hr shift and despite standing for some of it (my console lowers and raises!) I am in pain tonight and very uncomfortable. I resorted to trying to sleep in the recliner again. Took the vicodin (Hadn't for a few days, wasn't needing it) and also my fibromyalgia and arthritis meds, that I only typically take when I am sick with a flare of those autoimmune diseases. I think I have a flare coming on, on top of the overdoing it only 12 days out. I have been bending more than I should and doing more than I should, I know that. But it's not in my nature to sit on my butt for weeks, even when I should. (did the same thing when I had my son via c-section 2 1/2 yrs ago). SO time to slowwww down. Called in sick for tomorrow's shift and will probably have the doc take me off on Tues as well (I work 12 hr shifts, 3 on and 3 off as a 911 Dispatcher!). Then I am not due back to work till Sunday because I had already been approved for Saturday off for my friend's baby shower, months ago, as a vacation day. I am NOT missing her shower! I may not move, but I can't miss it! We've been friends for half our lives now!!
I wish I felt back to normal, I started to, and here I am again..Complaining! I had a girls night with my girlfriends at my best friends house a few days ago and laughed my ass off which felt so good! I was feeling great that day. Then the next not so much and then after work today...blech... It's going to take awhile to get back to 90% me, let alone 100% me. It's tough to deal with and I still have no regrets but I am ready to get back to me and back into life.

Tomorrow I will be 1 week out!

I can't believe it's been almost a week since my gastric bypass surgery. It really has been a long bumpy road and it hasn't been easy! BUT it has been worth it!! I am getting really sick of the liquid diet and looking forward to Wednesday when I can have pureed food. I know, who would look forward to puree??? I am just dying to chew something!!!
One thing that is making it a little tough for me is the fact that I can't have sugar substitutes. No splenda, equal or sweet n low. They make me sick; stomach cramps, vomiting, gas (tmi sorry). I couldn't tolerate them before surgery and it was ridiculous to think that I could after surgery, but I did give it a try. I thought that maybe the change in anatomy and digestion would make a difference. WRONG! I spent last night sleeping in a recliner because I felt so bloated and uncomfortable from the sugar free jello and sugar free popsicles I had, that I couldn't lay down. I had to sleep semi propped up. It was awful!
Today has been much much better. I think that I will go take a walk!

Update: Surgery Day and Today I go home!

Had my surgery 4/13. I dont remember much about that day except intense gas pain and soreness. The morphine kept me pretty comfortable, but also makes me sleep. THe nurses tried to get me up to walk, the first time I felt like I was going to pass out so she laid me back down. About 445 the next morning ,I walked a short distance. After that, I walked more and more. I had one time when the gas pain was so severe right under my ribs on my left side, that I started bawling. It was the worst pain ever. They gave me some ativan to calm me down and more loritab (I was already off the morphine pump). Also, when I drank the first couple of times, I thought I was doing sips but apparently ir was too much and it HURT, BAD, REALLY BAD and felt like it was stuck in my chest. Laying flat helps a lot.
I am still walking and right now waiting to be discharged. I get to go home today and I cant wait! I just want some real sleep in my bed, not this hospital bed. Last night I felt really homesick, I wanted to go awol! haha Gas pain is still there and soreness of course. now I am nervous for the staple removal. I noticed some of my incisions have as many as 5 staples! YIKES!

THE BIG DAY IS ...TOMORROW! YIKES!

I just had my last meal for the next week. Today was a small meal (hamburger patty with cheese is what I ate) and a cup of nonfat milk. That is besides liquids for the rest of the day. Noontime is my bowel prep time, with a bottle of Citrate of Magnesia to drink (yuck!) So I will probably be a little too occupied and unable to post anymore today. I am soooo looking forward to my new life and it begins TOMORROW! YAY!! I am not nervous at all right now, I am ready to go!

Pre-Op Completed...next...SURGERY!

Today I had my pre-op appointment, which included a little physical, a lot of questions, a weigh in, blood draw, urinalysis and EKG. Everything went ok as far as I know, we'll see what the results say. I've never had heart trouble so I'm not too worried about that. I am ONE WEEK away from surgery and I couldn't be more excited. I am ready for my new life to begin. I am still down 10 lbs from my consult/approval weight and my bmi is below 40 (40 is the approval minimum). I am proud of myself for at least losing a little pre-surgery. I am doing my best to follow the pre-op diet, which is pretty much eating next to nothing, but I am determined to keep my liver small so nothing gets in the way of my surgery next Tuesday. That's about it for now. I am going to a Mani/Pedi night tonight with some girls from my shift at work at a local salon. Looking really forward to getting pampered! I can't wait!

I fell off the wagon, but I got back on! I swear!

Happy Easter one and all!!! Got home a couple of hours ago from an overnight trip to Pacific Grove (CA). My Aunt Wanda, sister, my nieces and Hunter (my son) and I went to stay at my Aunt's friend's vacation home and enjoy the beach for Easter. We had a blast just hanging out at the house and strolling down Cannery Row. We enjoyed lunch at Bubba Gump's too. I love the fun atmosphere there. However, Bubba Gump's is where I slightly fell off the wagon. We ordered two of the sampler appetizer platters to share between us 3 adults and 2 kids meals for the 3 kids to share (chicken strips, pizza and fries), since the kids can't eat a whole meal by themselves and we couldn't decide what sounded good. The sampler had hush puppies, peel and eat cold shrimp, artichoke/cheese/onion hot dip with tortilla trips, some crispy buffalo style chicken pieces and fried shrimp. I ate a little bit of everything and washed it down with 2, not just 1, iced teas with equal (I am paying for my use of equal with hellacious heartburn! I can't tolerate fake sugars AT ALL!). Doesn't sound that I was too bad, until I add that the tea was caffeinated and I had been off caffeine for 6 days. I also had a carmel apple with peanuts tonight that I bought at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (I ALWAYS get one when I'm on Cannery Row, its sort of a tradition!) and I had 2 bean burritos with extra cheese for dinner on the ride home. OH and half a donut for breakfast. I WAS HORRIBLE TODAY! HORRIBLE! But I am sitting here sipping sugar free, decaf suisse mocha International Foods "coffee" (it's alright tasting) and I resisted my urge for a Java Chip Frappucino from Starbucks today and man, it sounded awesome. I had planned to have a last supper at El Rosal (mexican restaurant) this week with Jody (my husband)...but I am now not going to do that since I was so awful today! At least I resisted it the last 6 days. I am pretty proud of myself. Tomorrow morning, I will be putting the protein powder in the Magic Bullet again and getting back on track. I am ready to be a good healthy eater again. I feel so damn guilty!

In 13 Days EVERYTHING will change...

13 days till surgery. So ready. So excited. And my nerves have calmed down. I just want to get it done already and get on with my HEALTHY life!

"Let's Get Ready to Weighhhh lesssss" (said in the "Let's get ready to rumble" voice)

TOMORROW I start the 2 week pre-op diet... I am so ready to do it. It's wierd. For some reason, knowing that my surgery is getting closer, my appetite is diminishing. THIS IS A GREAT THING! It's just kind of odd. I thought I would be wanting to eat all these things I am saying "goodbye" too. But not so much... There have been a few things, like 2 donuts, that I ate knowing this may be the last time to eat them and saying "goodbye" wasn't that hard! I know what donuts taste like and I know how I feel after I eat them, like SHIT, like a COW, like a sluggish ball of lard. I hate the way I feel when I eat junk. I have NO energy. I am tired and I just generally feel like crap. If I eat healthy, believe it or not I have eaten healthy in my lifetime, I feel energized. I wake up rested. I feel comfortable and my clothes feel comfortable. I don't feel bloated and disgusting and I have less "fat days." (Girls, you know about the Fat Days...ugh). What does that tell me? Eating healthy has way more benefits than eating like shit. What do I do? Eat like shit. What does that tell me? I am a nutcase. Just kidding.
I boiled 8 eggs tonight to eat for breakfast this week. Here is a sample of what my meals will be like each day for the next 2 weeks:

Breakfast- 1 hard boiled egg, 2 oz apple slices

Mid-morning snack- 8oz nonfat milk with 1 scoop protein powder

Lunch- 1 1/2 oz baked chicken, 2 oz steamed broccoli

Afternoon snack- 8oz water or milk with 1 scoop protein powder

Dinner- 1 1/2 oz fish, 2 oz green beans, 2 oz strawberries




I can do this. 2 oz is not a very large amount, but it's not starvation (damn near, but let's be positive). It comes out to be like an 800 calorie diet. In addition to these meals, I need to also have 64-100 oz of fluid (non-carbonated, caffeine, sugar free, calorie free). I bought a 99cent app on my iPhone that tracks how much fluid I drink, to help me keep track. I also bought an app that tracks how much protein I eat. I need to make sure in addition to these meals, that I have 35-40g of protein...I should have about 60-80g of protein a day total. AND very very very little to no carbohydrates! It's like the Atkins diet, high protein, no carbs. I can so do this! I am excited to lose weight, gain health and see the new me. The last time I was skinny, was probably about 12 yrs old, which is 17 years ago. Puberty was not kind to Michelle, not a bit. So as I sip my LAST (gasp) Blue Moon in a frosty mug with an orange wedge, I think to myself, "this is it. this is the beginning." TOMORROW the rest of my life begins. Here I come!

Oh Em Gee

OMG! Found out yesterday that my surgery was APPROVED by my insurance!! All scheduled to have surgery 4/13...I couldn't be happier. Life is going to change... yessss!!!

(Humming the "Jeopardy" Theme Song!)

So, as you may have guessed by the title of this entry...I am waiting still...I am scheduled for the 4 hour Pre-Op Class on March 23rd. That is just a couple of weeks away! I just hope that I will know something before then regarding my approval. I am DESPERATELY hoping it get's approved. I feel in my heart that this is the best choice for me and my health. I want this to happen for me.
That's it for now... Back to work!

Chocolate Poptarts, Hamburger Buns, Tempura and Rice

Those are among the foods that I will be giving up for the sake of good health and post-surgical requirements. Eventually I think the tempura will be ok, but the rest should be a no-no. To be honest, as of this moment in time, I am NOT feeling like I am going to be missing out. I am more excited about the positive lifestyle changes I will be making, rather than worrying about the loss of junk food. I know that the road to health will not be easy. I know that there will be challenges and I may not be completely happy with the way things turn out (i.e. extra skin), but the pros definitely outweigh the cons for me. I have thought about it long and hard, and this is FOR SURE, what I want.

Waiting for APPROVAL!

My surgeon's office called today! I was at work, but my husband (who is 2 yrs out from his GB with the same surgeon) was my advocate! They asked if I had made an appointment for the Sleep Study, which I hadn't, because when I met the BMI requirement of 40.0, we decided that I'd rather wait and see if insurance denied me to find out if I have sleep apnea to try to then get approval. For the record, I do NOT think I have sleep apnea and snore only when I'm congested/stuffy or extremely exhausted...so pretty rare and not very loud (or so I've been told). The office just wanted to cross our fingers and hope I had it, in the event I didn't meet the BMI. My BMI is 40.0 exactly... So my husband reminded them that I met the BMI etc etc etc. SOOOOOO they said they would submit a request for surgery approval for Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass!! WOOHOO!!!
I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo happy and excited!
I thought that maybe I would hear from them next Monday, but not already today. I just had my psych evaluation on Monday, he said the surgeon would have it Friday, that's tomorrow.So it's all going so fast so far and so smooth. I feel like it's almost too good to be true. Like I am going to get a call saying "Sorry your insurance denied it," or something. However, I am trying to be optimistic and hopeful. But the pessimist in me won't shut up sometimes. I keep repeating to myself "keep your eye on the prize, keep your eye on the prize."... and keep in mind that the first month I should lose about 30-40 lbs... The most weight I have ever lost consistently and consecutively was after my son, Hunter, was born...I lost about 40 lbs, with the help of phentermine (prescription diet pills), over the period of about 6 months. So 1 month and the same result, AMAZING. Don't get me wrong, I totally know that this is not the MAGIC CURE for my weight "problem." I have seen my husband weigh every meal, take lots of vitamins and do all the things it takes to make this surgery a success. As it has been said a million times in this process (however short) this surgery is a TOOL not a CURE. I need this tool to help me, once and for all, get HEALTHY and stay HEALTHY. It's 90% about health and 10% looks for me. I know I am going to have some saggy excess skin (eew!) , might lose some hair (wah!), can't binge on ice cream or Chili's Molten Lava Cake (so sad!) but every good thing usually results from some kind of sacrifice. If I want to live in a house (good thing), I have to work (sacrifice). So this is it...
Now it's the waiting game... Hopefully next Monday will be one of the happiest day of my life and I will get the APPROVAL I've been waiting for... Cross your fingers with me!

More Rolls Than a Bakery

I am so uncomfortable. If I've said it once, I've said it a million times... I want to lose weight! I want to "diet!" I want to get healthy. Tonight my husband and I went to see "Avenue Q." I, of course, could not find anything to wear that I felt comfortable in. I settled for a long, oversized, thin black coat, jeans and black boots. I was well hidden under all of that, but caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and well, wasn't so well hidden. I looked like a big, giant, Nun, Priest, Judge...something large wearing a black coat. Ugh...

All I can think about is surgery... That's it. I just cannot wait to start the rest of my life. I pray that Monday when I call the surgeon's office, they tell me they are waiting for approval and I get the good news by next friday. There IS a chance this could happen and I'm trying to be optimistic. They've told me NOT to lose weight (for the first time in a LONG time, doctor told me NOT to lose any weight...so strange!)...so here I am uncomfortable and depressed with my looks and having an auto-immune flare... rash city all over my chest and back that burns, lightheaded, nauseaous, AND still getting over this killer cold I've been battling since the strep throat I caught Dec 1st!... ugh.... It's realllllly hard to be positive when I feel soooo crappy!!! But I am trying to keep my eye on the prize.
Oh and as for "Avenue Q"...highly recommend it! Great puppet show that is totally adult oriented. Loved it! Hilarious! Go see it!

Ahhhhem! Is this thing on?? Tough crowd tonight!

Inspired by another blog documenting a weight loss journey, here I am. I LOVE to blog, love to write and love to share....so this should be fun and somewhat therapeutic. Hopefully someone will read this blog and find some hope and help!

Some of my loved ones know that I am going through the process of getting approved for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery. It is not something that I am extremely comfortable with sharing with EVERYONE right now, but I guess in a way, that's what I am doing! I have a great support system in my husband, who is a year out from his own GB surgery, and a few friends who have had sucessful bariatric surgeries... and friends who haven't but are just always extremely supportive as good friends should be! I do have some people in my life who are NOT a big fan of bariatric (weight loss) surgeries... and to that I say, everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, I will not be discussing my decision with them anymore because I only want positive support in regards to this decision.
Having said that....

Most of us are overweight to some degree. For me, weight is an extremely sensitive subject and always has been. Since Aunt Flo first visited at 14, my weight has been climbing. At times I have lost small amounts, up to almost 40 lbs just a couple yrs ago... But here I am, at the most I have EVER weighed in my 29 yrs and uncomfortable and unhappy. It's time to get serious and get healthy. It's time to make permanent lifestyle changes for myself and my family.
My mom passed away almost 10 years ago. She was only 39 years old. She had battled high blood pressure since she was young and spent her latter years overweight. She had a stroke with a hemorrhage in her brain so severe, emergency brain surgery did not help. She was pronounced as brain dead in a matter of 2 days. There has been no single greater loss than the loss of my mother. Without going into detail of my younger years, I did not have a lot of "good" time with my mom, but I can honestly say I had a few years with her before her death that gave me great memories to last a lifetime! And the day she had her stroke, I did tell her that I loved her...that is something I am eternally grateful for! I will be 30 in October. yes, the big 3-0. I do not have high blood pressure, I do not have high cholesterol, I am not diabetic... but I do have osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. I do have weight bearing joint pain as a result of my arthritis and my knees can no longer handle carrying around this extra weight. I am tired of being uncomfortable and I REFUSE to go up a size in clothing and I am quickly finding my clothes being way too tight! It's time to lose the weight and keep it off.I want to be around for my son and someday, my grandchildren... my mom never got to meet her 3 grandbabies.
So, 2010, this is MY year....and I cannot wait to see what happens next....