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!

Is This Real Life?!

In two days, I will be two weeks out from my surgery.  It seems like decades ago, but in the same breath, it is flying by so quickly!  I feel so great, both physically and emotionally.  My general state of mind is: giddy.  It feels so wonderful to be freed from the hold that food had on me.  Some days I just don't think it is even real.

Physically, I am probably feeling too good.  I spent my weekend out and about, grocery shopping, going to a concert in the park, taking a mile-long walk, and watching Shakespeare in the park, in addition to going to church.

Today it appears that I may have overdone it a bit.  My muscles are sore, and after spending five hours at school today, I think tomorrow is going to have to be a much more relaxing day.

It is amazing to me how quickly my clothes have outgrown me!  My friend was over last week, and we had to take pictures of my jeans.  I currently have jeans that fit better, however they don't agree with my sensitive midriff.

I am thankful every day that God provided me the strength and courage to follow through with this procedure.  I am confident He will continue to grant me the gift of strength as I travel a road that I am sure has hills up ahead.  I thank all of you, also, for caring enough to read my humble posts and encourage me.  I am truly blessed!

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!  

Who Would Have Thought?

I will begin by admitting that I am a little tired today. It is all catching up a little!  However, it was a big day! Showered, ATE breakfast, and went to see the nutritionist and the doctor!

Breakfast was exciting!  I had an ounce of cottage cheese and an ounce of homemade applesauce with no sugar.  It went down beautifully.  I was able to eat it all and in the 1/2 hour time period!  This was the feeling of major success!  I enjoyed it too! 

The doctor's office was all around amazing!  First thing was to step on the scale.  I have decided that I am going to try very hard to not weigh at home.  I want to only weight at my appointments, however my next one is in September.  I don't think I will be able to wait that long.  I would like to just judge things by how my clothes are fitting and taking measurements, but that is a LONG time to stay of the scale!  I don't want to get hung up on numbers though.  It isn't about that nearly as much as it is about being healthier.  

So.......the number on the scale.......I lost 14 pounds this last week!!!!!  I just cannot even believe it!  I was super excited.  What a boost!

Then I got to see Dr. Dreamy, I mean Dr. Benjamin Deschner .  Not only is he easy on the eyes, he is really funny.  He is my new best friend though, because he took the drainage tube out!  WHOOP! It didn't hurt it was just the weirdest feeling ever! Having a tube pulled across the entire cavity of your body and out of a hole is just plain bizarre!!!

Today I wore real clothes, jewelry, and did my hair.  I had a wonderful doctor's visit, and my liquids are going down nicely.  

I am continually amazed out how easily this has all been to adjust to.  Don't get me wrong, I have moments where I stress a little, but it is all working out, and this new tummy and I are getting to know each other better! 

Tonight, I can lay on my side!  Oh the glory!