I survived Thanksgiving

Well. I did it. I survived Thanksgiving. I may not have followed my pureed food rule, but I was very careful and made sure everything was chewed very well. I ate mostly turkey breast which is what I am supposed to do - protein first. I literally had a cereal spoonful of mashed potatoes and also of stuffing. I also enjoyed a small spoonful of cranberry sauce. Nothing to drink. I was full afterwards.  I didn't make any dessert.  I had some sf/ff pudding. About an hour after dinner, my family and I went on a walk around the neighborhood and then I went around again on my own. I was booking it!  Felt very good.

Since it was just our little family today, we went to our zoo.  What is usually a short 45 minute drive turned into a 2 hour drive. Not even 7 miles from home traffic was dead stopped.  Two very nasty accidents. It took us almost an hour and a half to go 5 miles.  But we did get there eventually and basically had the place to ourselves.  I can't tell you how much easier it was to walk around the zoo from the last time I was there. No pain in my feet. I wasn't tired. I even raced my daughter up the ramp coming out of the sea lion exhibit.  I cant remember the last rine I ran like that. 30 lbs off my body really has made a difference.

I am at a standstill with my weight right now. I got the Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred and did that yesterday.   I am feeling it today. I am hoping that combined with the walking it will move things along and will help with toning.

I start post-op week 4 tomorrow and I will be sticking with eating my pureed foods instead of moving on to eating normal food. I see my doctor on Monday and we'll see what he says. I don't know if I will be getting my first fill then, so we'll see. 

The Clothes Speak for Themselves

Went to church today. Hadn't been in a couple weeks because of my recovery.  I put on a favorite skirt of mine and it barely stayed up. Success!  I also wore one of my favorite sweaters that I had been too tight before.  It looked good on me today. I am liking the way my body is looking as I drop this weight.

I have more energy. My feet don't hurt hardly at all anymore. I have to really start exercising this week. Kids are on Thanksgiving break so getting out on a good walk might be difficult.  I could get them all on their bikes and try that. I need to find something to start toning. I would love to joing a gym but that's not really feasible right now.

I made avocado hummus tonight for dinner. Delicious!  Very simple recipe:  2 avocados, 1 can white beans (drained and rinsed), 1Tb. plus 1 tsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp. Kosher sea salt, juice of 1 lime or lemon, and I added a few splashes of Cholula Hot Sauce cause I like a kick to it. Just put everything in a food processor and blend until smooth.

Phase 3!

I started phase 3 today. First thing I ate? Hummus!  I made hummus. It was delicious. I admit I missed dipping a pita chip into it. I stocked up on instant potatoes, sugar free/low fat pudding, yogurt. I also stopped by Costco and bought some protein drinks. I've been craving protein. These babies are going to give me 30 grams of protein and a lot of the iron, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals my body has been craving the past 4 weeks.  I'll drink one of these a day.  

I've been able to find quite a few Lap Band blogs and sites that have some great recipes for all the different phases.  I think having some variety and learning to cook in a new way is going to be my saving grace. I love to cook, so learning some new recipes will be fun.  A few recipes that I'm excited to try are:  avocado hummus, black bean hummus, "skinny" egg salad. 

Sick Day

It's been a couple days. I got really sick this morning.  Started with a headache and nausea. Today was the first day I really missed food. I just wanted something salty. But I was good. I did end up having cream of chicken soup for breakfast and a Popsicle a bit later. Had some light juice, too. But the rest if the day I didn't eat anything. I wasn't too hungry but I just wanted something comforting and something to settle my stomach. 

I am still losing weight. Down another pound today.  My incisions are looking better the rashes are almost completely gone. 

Hoping for a better day tomorrow. Can't wait to start puréed food on Friday. Looking forward to some hummus and mashed potatoes!

Post-op Day 11

Eventually I will stop putting the number of post op days as the title of these posts.  For now it's all I can come up with.  Maybe I should change this one to "Successful Day!"  I went on a really good walk.  The fall is finally hitting our little town.  It was beautiful outside.  Leaves are falling.  Trees are changing golden hues of orange and yellow and bright reds.  I loved hearing the leaves crunch under my feet as I strolled along.  I actually walked pretty briskly.  I went .8 of a mile.  Pretty good for my first real walk post surgery. 

I found a really neat route tracker where I can log my workouts and even make walking maps of my neighborhood.  I made three routes:  the one I did today; a 1 mile route; and a 1.5 mile route.  This will be very helpful. 

Post-op Day 10

Started with a rash breaking out around each incision. They itch like crazy!  I've been taking Benadryl and putting Benadryl cream around the incisions. I was up most of last night because they itched so bad.  I don't think it's an infection. I believe I am allergic to the Derma-bond, the glue on the Steri Strips, and/or it's just part of the healing process.  I might just call my doctor tomorrow to see if there is something else I can do about it or something he can prescribe to make it go away faster. 

Food-wise I am doing well.  I am enjoying the cream soups. Still have broth, too.  Really haven't had that much juice. Sticking mainly with water.  Outshine popsicles are a lifesaver!  I am really supposed to eat sugar free popsicles but I was tired of the artificial sweetener and the Outshine popsicles are real fruit juice. Much healthier. 

I am quickly learning when I am full. I can feel it. You know when you go to the buffet and you eat and eat and eat until you have to lean back in your chair and unbutton your pants?  Yeah, it's like that but I am only eating less than 1/2 cup of soup and if I try to eat more I just feel awful. Sometimes I can't even eat 1/2 cup.  It's nice to not have a stuffed feeling and to just stop eating before that happens. I am also learning to eat when I feel hungry.  I feel my stomach rumbling and I  know it's time to eat.  I eat a little and I'm full. It's been great!

Post-op Day 8

When I weighed myself this morning I am officially down 20.4 pounds!  It could be a bit more since I didn't actually have my weigh in before I started Optifast. But from my last weigh in at my doctor's in July, I am down a bit over 20 pounds. 

Started phase 2 of my post op diet today. If I could jump up for joy, I would.  I can add creamed soups, skim milk, and "not clear" juice. For breakfast I had cream of potato soup. I had to blend down the chunks of potato and I added some pepper to it. It was so good to have some seasoning in something. Now I know what the people on Survivor feel like when they win a reward challenge and the reward is spices.  Yeah. It's been that bad. Three weeks with no salt or pepper has given me a new appreciation for food and what can be done with it to make it taste that much better. 

I still had some jello today. I also had cream of chicken soup that I puréed up in my Blendtec. Tasted really good. 

I find that I get full pretty fast. I had maybe less than 1/2 cup of soup at each meal I and I was full for a few hours. Then I would have a Popsicle or jello and I would be fine for a few more hours. My band is in place, but hasn't been filled yet. So this means that I am feeling full without my band even being tightened.  And that is good news.

I have 5 small incisions and they are all healing pretty well. The largest incision is where they put the port. It's giving me a little discomfort still.  When I move a certain way I can feel it pinch. I hope that goes away soon. I can't lay on my left side because of the port being there. It's killing me sleeping on my back and basically sitting up. I am a stomach sleeper so I've had a hard time sleeping. 

I have yet to really go on a good walk. That's my goal for next week. 

Post-op Day 6

I was very tired today. I haven't been resting like I should be. I would lay on the bed and fall asleep. 

I did go outside with the kids this afternoon. It was so beautiful today. Very warm for mid-November. I pushed my 2 year old around on his tricycle down the block and back. That was enough for me today. 

Speaking of the 2 year old, he actually turns 2 on the 18th. I'm obviously not going to have the energy to throw him a big party.  So it will just be small. Just our family. He's getting a strider bike for his   birthday so it might just be fun letting him try that out in the afternoon. I have to bake a cake. Not sure how I feel about this. I just have to do it. It's for him.

I get to start phase 2 on Friday. I'm looking forward to it. I get to add skim milk, cream soups and "not clear" juice.  I've already stocked up.  Phase 3 will start just in time for Thanksgiving. I will get to have some mashed potatoes, low fat gravy, pureed sweet potatoes and some puréed turkey. I'm sure it will be delicious after what I've had to eat the previous 4 weeks. 

So lots to look forward to, mainly my baby boy's 2nd birthday!

Post-op Day 5

Three big accomplishments for me today:

1. I got out of the house with my husband tonight and took a quick trip to Target where I...

2.  I bought a scale and while coming out of the store...

3.  I ran into a friend of mine and told her I had lap band surgery. 

That's the first person I have told outside of my family.  It felt good. It was a release and a weight lifted off my shoulders. It felt freeing. And she was supportive and loving about it. But I wouldn't expect anything less from this friend.  I knew she wouldn't judge me. She was the perfect person to tell first about my Lap Band procedure.

I haven't owned a scale since...since...um... okay, i don't remember the last time I owned a scale. I was actually excited to get the scale out of the box and see how much weight I have lost since surgery. I am down 8 pounds since last Wednesday. That was the last time I was weighed at my doctor's office before my surgery last Friday. 

So 8 pounds down according to my doctor's scale and my scale at home.  I don't see my doctor until December 2nd so I won't know how accurate my scale is compared to my doctor's scale. So we'll see how it compares then. But I am pleased with the results and seeing that I have lost 8 pounds motivates me.  Soon, I hope to be brave enough to post my starting weight and my weight as I start losing it. But not today. 

On Friday I get to add skim milk, and cream soups to my list of foods. I can't wait. 

Post-op Day 4

Woke up feeling pretty good and really hungry around 5am. I had a small bowl of Jello and went back to sleep. 

I took the bandages covering the steri strips off today. Wounds are looking pretty good.  I showered and put on some comfy clothes. Already my clothes are bigger. 

I did little things around the house. Kids had a holiday from school so they were home all day.

The most significant thing that happened was that I felt too full after drinking some broth. I just had that very uncomfortable feeling when you eat too much. All I had was about 6 ounces if broth and I should have had half that much. So I felt uncomfortable and almost to the point if vomiting for quite a while after.  I was glad I felt this fullness so I know what to do next time. 

I sneezed for the first time tonight since surgery. Ouch! I tried to hold it in but it still hurt. 

Post-op Day 3

I've had nausea all day today. I have some pills for that and they help a bit but still feel it. Also light headed. 

I got a shower today. Yay!  I changed the band aids. There is one incision that hurts most. If I move the wrong way it pinches and burns. Hoping its just from healing and not getting infected. 

I slept most of the day. More than I have since my surgery. In the evening I walked around and was able to put away the boys' laundry that had been displaced from moving the room around when the bunkbeds went in. I also put away a laundry basket full of books, toys and other items that was found on the floor and behind the crib. I was very careful not to stretch or reach. But afterwards I felt really nauseated and light headed. So  I probably overdid a bit. 

I am wondering if I could take some vitamins. I feel like my iron could be low. I feel undernourished. Going to call my doctor on Tuesday ( tomorrow is a holiday) about it. I'm also not sure how long I need to keep the bandages over the steri strips. I'm thinking that since the incisions aren't bleeding I should air them out but I will probably look it up to be sure and will also ask my doctor about that on Tuesday as well. 

So far I don't regret my decision to get the Lap Band.  Even with all the pain and inconvenience of the surgery I know it will be worth it. I look in my closet and see a whole new wardrobe. I will not fit into those clothes very much longer and I get excited thinking about that. 

Post-op Day 2: an unusual anniversary

It's my 11th wedding anniversary today. I can honestly say this is the weirdest way I've ever spent an anniversary. 

Surgery was yesterday. I woke up feeling good. As long as I stay on top of my pain medication I feel good. I got up and walked around today. I sat out in the recliner in the family room for a bit. 

My husband went out and got bunkbeds for our boys.  We've been planning on doing this for a while since the almost 2 year old refuses to nap in his crib anymore and just wants to sleep in his older brother's bed.  So he spent most of the day building those. They live their new beds. 

My husband surprised me with red roses.  I got him a try scuba class. He's always wanted to do this and I found a great deal on the class. He'll go to his class next Saturday. 

I don't feel hungry. I am on clear liquids only:  Popsicles, broth, jello, and I can have diet clear juice now.

Post-op Day 1: Surgery

Friday, November 8, 2013. The day I start my journey. The band is in. 

Up at 4:00am to arrive at the hospital at 5:30. We had to drive 45 minutes to the approved "Center of Excellence" nearest me. It was worth the drive since my surgery was covered 100% and no out of pocket expenses. We arrived right on time. 

Went through the admission and medical history process. Got changed into my gown.  Had some more blood drawn, another EKG, paperwork,  blah, blah, blah. 

Then came the I.V. nightmare. I have really deep veins. They poked me not once, not twice, but three times. The last one into my left wrist which hurts like a...well, let's just say it about threw me to the roof. And that one didn't work either. They finally decided to let the anesthesiologist give it a go. She found a vein on the top of my right hand and got it in on the first try. 

Doctor came in to just go over everything. Anesthesiologist came back on and sent me to happy land. Got into the O.R. And then went to sleep. Next thing I remember is waking up in recovery with another I.V. in my left wrist just below my thumb. I guess during surgery the I.V. On my right hand came out and they had to put n another one. I am just grateful I was asleep when they did it.  They said I was pretty dehydrated because they had to give me 3 liters of saline and my blood pressure dropped critically low. My husband's not saying it, but I think it was more serious than he's saying. They said that probably wasn't handling the anesthesia too well and that could also be why it dropped. 

I was somewhat lucid in recovery and I threw up from the anesthesia, even though they gave me some medicine that was supposed to prevent that.  I had that taste on my mouth for the next hour or so.

I don't know how long I was in recovery but it seemed like a short time and,  before I knew it, I was being wheeled into a room to fully wake up and feel good enough to go home.  I think I got three doses of morphine in all. The only thing that was painful was the port site and the pain in my left shoulder and neck. I always get this pain there, though. It's from the anesthesia. Initially they had some trouble getting my blood pressure back up and, out if the corner of my eye, I could see Mike watching the numbers everytime they took my blood pressure. My oxygen was also low and they had to put a nasal oxygen thing up my nose to help that level come up. Lesson learned: surgery is a serious thing. 

I was given ice chips, which was a welcome relief to my cotton mouth and helped get the yucky taste out of my mouth from when I threw up. My blood pressure finally came up to a normal level. I even walked down to the bathroom!  

I sat in a really nice recliner for about the next two hours. It was more comfortable than the bed. It was a power one so I could adjust it back or up to get comfortable. I think I spent a total of 3 hours in recovery. 

After I was ready to head home, they took out both I.V.s and I got dressed.  I slept most of the 45 minute ride home. Mike had to stop at the drive through to get something to eat because we were there longer than both of us expected. I didn't even think twice about that fast food burger. 

So I spent post-op day 1 in bed only to take trips to the bathroom, which was frequent because if that 3 liters of saline from the operation.  I was very glad to see my kiddos when they got home from school. Sean, my 2 year old, wanted to see me but knew something was going on and didn't get too close. Katie, my almost 6 year old, came right in to see me and gave me a kiss. She was the one I worried about most because she's very sensitive and empathetic. But she was fine and loving with me. She brought me water and Popsicles throughout the afternoon and evening. I gave her "warm fuzzies" to help fill up the kids' reward jar. They are working toward earning the new Monster's University movie. Colin, my 9 year old, was his typical Aspie self and I had to call him in to see me and say hi. I only saw him once or twice the whole afternoon and evening. 

So my pain levels weren't too high. Maybe no more than a 5. I kept on top of my pain medicine and took one nausea pill to be on the safe side because I wasn't sure how I would react to the pain medicine. I just didn't want to throw up. I never did so I am happy about that. 

I had chicken broth and Popsicles and lots of water. I don't feel hungry at all. My band is not filled yet. That doesn't happen until my 3 week post-op appointment. I will be on liquids this week but I can now add low-calorie and clear fruit juice.  Right now it's 2:30am and I woke up because I was in pain and just had a dose of medicine. 

Let me just say that I could not have done this without my support system. I have had some very kind words from family members. My parents are supportive and encouraging and I am so glad that they were able to come see me a few days before my surgery. My mother-in-law flew up from Arizona to take care if me and my kids and she is doing an excellent job. I am so lucky to have her and she is a great mother-in-law. Most of all I am so lucky and blessed to have my husband who has been nothing but supportive throughout this process. You can't do this without a support system. I can't imagine doing this on my own. No way. 

So that was my surgery day. Tomorrow is my 11th wedding anniversary.  We celebrated before I started my liquid fast and I wrote about that in my very first blog post. 

My goal for tomorrow is to get out of bed and walk around the house. I've had enough of lying in bed so I will try the recliner tomorrow.  I think I can have fruit juice so I am looking forward to that. 

One day at a time now. I'm on my way to becoming a more healthier me and unleashing that skinny girl I know is inside me. 

Oh, I can't end this post without mentioning the very wonderful staff at the   Delano Regional Medical Center. They took great care if me and was constantly monitored and attended to. 

Pre-op Day 14

Well, this is it. Countdown to surgery has begun. I've had a heck of a day. I was at the point that I just wanted to go to the drive thru and order a cheeseburger. But I didn't.  

Tomorrow morning I wake up at 4am and  surgery is scheduled for 7:30. I will be a banded woman after that. 

I am ready to start my journey. I know it's going to be hard work but I am ready. 

Pre-op Day 13

Went to my pre-op appointment today. I lost 10 pounds on the Optifast. Well, 10  pounds from the last time I was weighed in that office back in July. It could have been more. I wasn't weighed right before I started the Optifast. My clothes sure are looser. 

I got some blood drawn and met with my doctor. So I'm all set. Not thrilled about having to be at the surgery center at 5:30am and it's a 45 minute drive.  

My mother-in-law arrives tomorrow night.  Today I've got 3 piano lessons, scouts, and the usual fixing dinner, kids' homework. Tomorrow I've got some picking up around the house, a bit of grocery shopping, filling my post-op pain medications, one tutoring appointment and getting ready for my mother-in-law to come here.  My doctor told me to rest up and not worry before Friday. Um. Impossible. 

Breakfast:  chocolate Optifast

Jello

Lunch:  Creamsicle shake

Dinner:  Neopolitan shake

Jello

Evening shake:  Neopolitan shake

Tomorrow is my last day "unbanded."  

Pre-op Day 12

Parents were still in town today and they headed home later this afternoon. Always great to see them and my kids always have a great time with them. 

Breakfast:  creamsicle shake

Lunch:  chocolate

Dinner:  chocolate

Beef broth, Popsicles, jello. 

 

I only have 2 packets of Vanilla Optifast left. Time to get creative with the chocolate. Only 3 shakes today, again.  I made some dairy free, basically fat free butternut squash soup for post op. puréed it up and it's sitting in the freezer for when I can eat puréed food.  

Trying to prep as much as I can before the big day on Friday. 

Pre-op tomorrow morning. It's getting real now. Can't wait to start a new chapter in my life. I mentioned to my husband tonight that I'd like to take up tennis again. I played some while I was in college (just recreationally) and loved it so much. I also can't wait to get in the pool with my kids next summer. Lots to look forward to. 

Pre-op Day 11

Parents were in town so I was super busy. Only had 3 shakes today. Just a few cups of broth and a Popsicle. I wasn't too hungry. 

Pre-op Day 10

I went to church this morning and the three hours were tough. I am so used to having a snack between the shakes. You wouldn't think broth and Jello is filling, but it is!  Very hard to pay attention and focus during the three hour block.

I had a huge dilemma because when the sacrament bread came around I took a piece by habit. Then I just held it in my hand and wasn't sure what to do with it. It's solid and carbs. But it was just the small piece of bread. I ate it.  If that small piece of bread affects my liver and my surgery I will be surprised. It's still 5 days before my surgery so I doubt it will. 

Breakfast:  strawberry Powerade Zero with vanilla Optifast. Very yummy. Surprisingly not as strawberry tasting as the fruit punch Powrade. 

Lunch:  okay. So I am down to one box (7) packets of vanilla Optifast. I almost cried. Almost. I've been able to find so many things to mix it with to make it yummy. Two boxes of chocolate left. So far I've only been able to mix it with water. So I tried Strawberry Powerade Zero with the chocolate Optifast. OMG. Delicious. It tasted like neopolitan ice cream. So I'm calling this the "Neopolitan Shake."

Dinner:  hot cinnamon apple tea with vanilla Optifast. 

Fourth Shake:  Neopolitan shake

Chicken and beef broth, Popsicles for inbetween. 

My parents came down to visit today and staying through tomorrow, maybe Tuesday. It's really nice to have them here. I made a delicious (I assume) Cuban Mojo Pork tenderloin, and roasted  potatoes and carrots. It sure smelled good. Everyone loved it, even my two oldest who are picky eaters. Of course the two year old loved it. He loves everything I make. And, I will admit, I ate a piece from the baby's plate. A very small, little cube. I just wanted to taste it. It was good. No, it was delicious. I'll be making that again once I can eat real food again. 

Day 10 down. 5 days until surgery. 

Pre-op Day 9

Mornings are getting better. But yesterday and this morning I woke up with terrible pain in my feet. I think it was all the walking we did trick or treating. I have horrible fasciitis in my feet and it flared up.  It got a little better throughout the day but I was still hobbling around. 

Spent the day fixing up the house. My husband and I finally put up a gallery wall in our front room. Don't know why it's taking me so long to do this. I am very happy with the results. I really didn't sit down all day. I had such motivation to do things. Haven't had that in a very long time. I am not worn out or sleepy in the afternoons. 

I made cheeseburgers for the family. They smelled great but I wasn't too bothered by it. I cut one up for my 2 year old and there was some left over. I didn't even try to swipe a bite.  

Made popcorn for the kids for snack and I was fine. I think I am unlearning all the bad habits I have picked up over the years. I don't need that cheeseburger. I don't need that handful of popcorn. I've even stayed away from the Halloween candy!

My mom and dad (hopefully) will be coming down tomorrow to visit for a few days before I have my surgery. My kids are really excited to see them. 

Breakfast:  very berry Powerade Zero and vanilla Optifast

Lunch:  chocolate Optifast

Mid-afternoon:  my "happy accident" shake. I was going to mix some Powerade with the vanilla Optifast but my daughter took my attention away from what I was doing. I measured out water instead of Powerade and put it in the blender and then poured in the powder. Too late!  Then I remembered on another blog that they put in Jello in with the Optifast, water and some ice. So I had done line Jello made up and threw in about a 1/2 cup. It was DELICIOUS!  So I can't wait to have another one and in a different flavor. 

Dinner:  creamsicle shake. Always delicious. 

Another day down. Double digits tomorrow - day 10!

Pre-op Day 8

Half way there!  Surgery is 8 days away. Just want up get this over with. 

Breakfast:  Berry Powerade Zero with vanilla Optifast. 

Lunch:  chocolate Optifast. 

Dinner:  orange Fanta zero with vanilla Optifast. 

Only got three shakes in today. 

Worked in my daughter's classroom this morning. I had my shake this morning and wasn't hungry all morning. I kept busy helping in the class so that kept my mind occupied.   

Had some vegetable broth around 11. 

Put the Halloween decorations away and put the Thanksgiving ones up. 

I had to test two new tutoring students today at 3:30 and should have had some broth before I went. I hadn't eaten since noon and by the time I got home at 5:30 (after a frustrating time at two different gas stations) I was famished and very irritated and grumpy. I made a creamsicle shake and all was better

I had some beef broth a short time later and made some more SF Jello to be set for tomorrow. 

I need to hit the store tomorrow and restock my supplies. I also need to plan some meals for the family but find it so hard to plan meals I'm never going to eat and shop in the store with food that is just so tempting. Then when I cook it up the smell sends me over. 

I find it hard to sit at the table with my family while they sit there and eat the delicious meal I prepared, while I sip on my shake. I don't want to withdraw myself, but its just so hard to sit there with the delicious smell. I will have to get past this. 

Onto day 9 tomorrow!