One Month Surgiversary

I'll begin by saying that, if you've considered the surgery at all, don't put it off.  Start going through the process.  I feel like six months of waiting while learning, however beneficial it was, was the hardest part so far.  I know I'm only one month out, but I can tell you that this is the best gift I've ever given myself in my life.  And my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.  For the first time in my life, I feel in control.

The Negatives
I thought I would get the negatives out of the way first.  But I can't really think of any!  Maybe next month that will be easier, but at the moment, I don't feel there are any negatives -- except, of course, I would kill for a salad.  But it won't be long now.

Yeah.  Having the scale not move for two weeks wasn't the easiest thing in the world, but I took heart in my nutritionist's advice.  And I knew my clothes were feeling bigger, anyway.

Are there people who have lost more than me in the first month?  Probably.  But I have been able to keep food down, my energy level is great, and that is worth a ton!  I suppose I should be honest and say I did have one "bad" day, but it was all my own fault.  I went several hours without eating or drinking, and when I finally ate, I ate too much too fast.  It was not fun, but it was a good learning experience.  And if I stick by the rules, everything will be fine.

The Positives
1.   I'm in control.
2.   I've lost 23 pounds!
3.   I've lost 15 1/2 inches.
4.   I LOOK FORWARD to exercising!
5.   I have the energy to deal with 24 four-year-olds.
6.   I'm happier than I've been in a long time.
7.   I'm off almost all of my meds, and my blood sugars are still improving!
8.   The grocery bill is down. 
9.   I'm eating to live, not living to eat, and filling my body with good things.
10. Do I really need a number 10?  But if I must have one, shopping for smaller sizes has already become more fun!

I want to thank each and every one of you for reading, supporting, praying, and commenting.  You'll never know what an impact you have had on this journey so far!  I can't wrap this post up without thanking my two incredible boys for their constant support and encouragement.  I love you with all  my heart, and cannot wait for the adventures to come!

Oh My Goodness, I Found My Ankles!

If you don't see me often, you may not know about my ankles.  They are often quite swollen.  It is hereditary, or that is what I always tell myself.  No, my mom's ankles swell terribly as did my grandmother's.  However, I know my weight did not help the situation.  I tell Rich all the time that I would like to have a foot transplant!  In my opinion, my feet look like hippo feet!  

This morning when I woke up, they looked so small!  So much better!  So less hippoish!  If this makes me have feet that look halfway normal, then that makes everything worth it in itself.  Please though, when you see me next, don't look right at my feet, just sneak a glance.  It will be an issue for me for quite some time :0) 

Another victory is that I talked to my ever so pleasant doctor.  You know the one.  Anyway, prior to surgery I was on 5 pills a day and 36 units of insulin to combat my diabetes.  As of yesterday, the only thing I am taking is 8 units of insulin!  That won't last forever!  This was my major reason for the surgery, and it is already happening!  Praise God! 

Finally, the joys of the last two days include eating mushy food.  I had cheddar cheese and green beans for supper last night, and I am having refried black beans with cheese and also green beans for dinner tonight!  It has all gone down quite well.  I am also getting MORE than the 64 oz. of liquid in, and almost all of my protein.  By next week I think I will have that kicked too. 

My only whine is that I am BORED!  I am just not good at sitting at home.  I know....craft, draw, plan for school, read a book, watch a movie..... that is all fine.  I have plenty to do, I just want to be out and about!  I did do my walk in Target today and it felt great!  So far I am not exhausted.  We will see how late I am up tonight!  

Thank you for all of your kind words and comments.  You will never know how encouraging it is!  I am blessed beyond belief!  I feel like the blind man when Jesus gave him back his sight!  I feel unstoppable!