sheila2050

For me, right away, with light walking. I am going to wait 4 weeks out to do any strength training.

"Released" 7, almost 7 1/2, pounds in the last week. WOW. So happy. Same size clothes but they aren't binding. Odwalla "Superfood" single serving . . . NASTY. And it is mostly carbs. Oh well, I tried it, I bought it (on sale, thank goodness), and I am going to DRINK it! Maybe not first thing in the morning though, lol. I find myself getting HUNGRY. I panic when I'm hungry, always have, not sure why. We went to Chili's last night and I asked for a cup of potato soup to be served as appetizer. No soup. Finally, I said, I need my soup [underline] now! I tolerated the soup well although it was rich and had some solid toppings. About 6 oz I'd guess. I was comfortably full. I like that feeling. Right now I am drinking Lean Shake 25, a GNC product, banana. It's good. Light, almost watery. I'm beginning to appreciate the watery taste more as I'm learning I can tolerate more of it at one time. When I'm trying for liquids and proteins, that's a very good thing. I am grateful I can get my drinks down. My heart goes out to all of you who are transitioning and hurting in the process. I find myself talking about overeating, food addiction, etc. in the past tense. It's a good feeling, like I've closed the chapter on that part of my life. I feel stronger when I think of it as "over." My first week of full liquids ends this Wednesday, then one more week of full liquids, then purees. ( I really did kind of lapse last night with the soup but I had to. I squished the potato chunks up before eating them.) It feels like a long time ahead of me on liquids and semi-solids, but I'm going to try not to think of it. Counting pre-op, it's been 21 days on liquids (who'd a thunk I'd ever do that); so, I am 2/3 through it. That makes the ten days remaining seem shorter. Still getting out more and still needing lots of sleep. Not 100% on my walking, but doing pretty good. I'm going to look online at some of the aps for monitoring self-behavior. For some people, for instance, getting a pedometer is a big incentive for taking more steps. Not sure how that could work psychologically; but apparently, for some people seeing the higher number of steps motivates them, especially if they're part of a group comparing numbers. No harm in trying it myself, I guess, if I ever get [another] pedometer. Maybe I'll head to eBay now . . . lol. Have a great day, Sleevers. I'm so glad you're here for me. It is amazing how helpful it is to be with people who understand.

I did $5500 one cashier's check. You should text Omar for an explanation. He's really good about getting right back to you.

Good Luck Joji! Some people come through it with no pain at all. I'll be thinking about you!

You look ah...mazing! Congratulations. Thanks for the pics & inspiration. I love the middle pic -- what a gorgeous profile and smile. You can really see your joy!!

You go, girl!

Wonderful news! I can't wait for something like that to happen to me. I love the way you've posted your weekly weight. I hope you don't mind if I copycat.

You are an inspiration! I can't believe how well you're holding up through all these trials. Good for you.

you're doing great!!

Hang in there. My thoughts are with you.

Casein Protein? It's slow release. Also, during PMS your body needs extra calories (I read this in Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Strength) As much as possible I would try to take everything in stride. Use a different type protein. They're supposed to stick with you longer; or are you still on clear liquids? Slipping and sliding and getting back on track is going to be part of the journey, I guess. If you will accept that you are not superhuman and that being forgiving to yourself is going to be important, maybe you could shift your mental effort into self-forgiveness. I think that would be more productive than feeling terrible. I'm not speaking from experience so possibly none of this will help. I haven't been to my cycle yet. But do be kind to yourself. About that part, I am sure.

I am not feeling euphoric anymore. In fact, I've experienced some tiredness that can only be relieved by long naps. I know I'm still better mentally, however, because I WANT to do things; but I'm just having to rest in between. It feels like now I am settling in for the long-term effort of making this surgery part of a successful lifestyle change. My incisions look great and the itching is subsiding. I've not had a problem with liquid intake; I judge this by light urine color. Getting the protein is a little harder because it fills me up quicker. I tend to want to drink 10 oz and then lay down; and when I do that . . . sharp pain, then Pepcid AC & Tylenol. I guess this is going to cure my habit of napping after eating. Well, today I tried Isopure Zero Carb strawberries and cream. It is light without being watery; and tasty without being overly strong. It has 50 g protein for 210 calories. I am anticipating that when I begin trying to lose weight in earnest, this product is going to be a lifesaver. Right now I am just considering myself in the process of healing, staying on liquids, and not considering weight loss a current goal. Of course, I can't wait to weigh on Monday and I hope to see a loss. I think I will because my bra (which usually is overly tight) feels comfortable now. Something I found interesting: Starbucks Doubleshot Energy White Chocolate 15 oz "fortified energy coffee drink" has 11 g protein and (only) 210 calories. I thought that was pretty cool. Who knew?

I paid $3.79 for that Muscle Milk; so, by golly, I choked that protein DOWN. lol Shopping today I started making healthier choices for my family. Not rice cakes, exactly, but better quality food which I thought would be healthier than chips and cookies. Cost money to eat a little better, it does. But it's so worth it. I am so glad I am able to exert this gentle influence on their eating habits. This is what I bought for them for snacks: lightly salted, dry-roasted peanuts, honey-roasted peanuts, trail mix (yes, with m&m's), beef jerky, whole wheat muffins, ww bagels, 1% milk instead of 2%. Fruit & juice, but that's not new. I realize this isn't ringing the bell for best nutrition, but it's much better than what they have been eating. I'm encouraging my 15-year-old to drink protein in the morning if he's going to skip breakfast. Both of my kids have been skipping breakfast, even though it is served at school and they have a charge account. I've missed a couple of evening walking sessions because of exhaustion and taking naps. I realize that may sound lame (no pun intended) but it's true nonetheless. I am not going to "push through" any more than I have to. I don't want to make myself sick with overexertion; mostly, I feel this way because I can't handle the mental stress that goes with being soooo tired. If I get too tired, I will freak out. That is my experience. Even so, I'm doing more than I have in recent years. Good night, fellow sleevers!

The ironic part is, the anchor woman is a fantastic role model while the self-righteous, fit lawyer is setting an awful example of intolerance born of ignorance. Thanks for the posts. Enjoyed your blog on it. You would make a good spokesperson for the challenges of the obese and how other people can offer support.

I am a great sleeper. Only occasionally do I have trouble. I do progressive relaxation: start by scrunching toes for 10 seconds, then release for ten seconds, consciously feeling what it feels like relaxed. You go all the way up you body: calves, then thighs, buttocks, etc. Once you've all tensed/relaxed the individual parts of your body -- don't forget your shoulders and face -- you scrunch everything for ten seconds and release for ten seconds. It's a sure cure for me. Being unable to sleep is torturous. I hope it passes soon.

God Bless & Good Luck! five days!!

Just had my first post surgery protein shake. A day or so ago, my husband and I went to GNC and stocked up on different types of protein powder. Different brands, flavors, some no-sugar-added, some fast release, some slow release, some "meal replacement" powders which include fiber. The GNC guy said casein is a slow-release protein. This particular brand I tried today makes a thick mixture with water. I like that. Pre-op I was drinking Amp Extreme 60 (very tasty!) which mixed thin with water and slightly thicker with water. I like the feel of more body in the drink. So powders are different, and I'm glad I bought a variety to try. Been faithful with my two 10-minute daily walks: one right after I wake up and one after dinner. I got the 10-min regular schedule idea from <The Expert's Guide to WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY by Garth Davis, MD.> Good Book. I feel fortunate not to have any problems drinking. This would be a lot harder, otherwise. Prayers and thoughts to all those out there whose stomachs aren't as accommodating as mine. Hopefully, you'll get more tolerance with time.

I've decided to weigh only on Mondays. That way I can measure progress without tormenting myself over fluctuations. Tomorrow I'll start all liquids. Looking forward to yogurt in the morning. Made chicken stock tonight. Haven't done that in a while! Got through the whole day without a nap. Really tired out, though, in early evening. I'm taking Juven (wound healing powder) twice daily per my sister's instructions. She's a registered dietitian at a hospital. Taking these expensive vitamins she gave me: Juice Plus, which she says work better than regular vitamins. They're gummies and I love having something to chew. Even the yucky flavor tastes good; at least it's different for the palate. I'm taking regular multivitamin, per sister, twice daily. Continuing antibiotic for UI. Haven't had any trouble taking my psych meds. Take them all at once without discomfort. Reading Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength: Willpower. It's not a motivational type book in the cheerleader sense. It talks about -- so far -- practical things like impulse control being affected by glucose uptake. That made 6 small meals a day make more sense to me. It's been a very interesting read, and I glad I shelled out the 16 bucks for it. I believe there are things I can do, easy things, which will make lifestyle change less difficult. It's really everything you ever heard but it explains the why part, which makes the healthy habits more of a "will do" than a "should do." I can't believe how quickly my incisions are healing. Except for one, they are all thin lines, the smaller ones even being a little hard to see. Taking it day by day. Not going to compromise on shoes anymore. I had bought a pair of tennis shoes 1/2 size too small because they were on sale and I had a coupon; but they squished my toes together and now the thrift store is going to get a like new pair of tennies. Kind of tired, but I really enjoy blogging.

Martha, it's too much to ask for me to e-mail you off-site. I'm sorry. You never know when you're going to get a bug from an unfamiliar online encounter.

You can call Omar, too, at 619-395-5347. They're doing surgeries (all-inclusive without travel) for $5200 in October because they have openings. After that new bookings are going up to $5700, I think. He's real nice.

Thanks LadyK and Candyman!

Tuesday evening: Doctor's wife picked us up from airport. Gave the doctor his cashier's check. He answered my questions about surgery. Doctor's wife took us to hospital. Signed permission docs. Answered medical questionnaire with on-call doctor and then again with nurses. Wednesday: Hooked up to IV. Visits and questions from various doctors: on-call hospital doctor, cardiologist, anesthesiologist. Pee in a cup. Blood draw. Chest x-ray. More doctor visits about the results and what to expect. Several hours later, I went to surgery, which took took 38 minutes. Woke up from anesthesia about one hour after return to room. Excruciating pain between my breasts; I didn't know there was an incision there. I jumped up and started walking, thinking it was gas pain. Asked for pain medicine but they thought it was too soon after surgery. Got a shot that lasted about an hour. Got a morphine shot that took the edge off the pain, but it still hurt too much too sleep. Got some sleeping medication and finally . . . relief. Thursday: Continue on IV. Turned out I had a bladder infection and they were treating that as well. My stomach is bruised and swollen. Looks like someone stabbed me several times. Except for the chest pain, which was much lessened, there wasn't any pain. I was getting regular pain medication thru IV and also on request. No nausea ( I was getting nausea medicine, too.) Walking. Spirometer. Nurses coming and going, putting stuff in the IV. More doctor visits. Long visit with the surgeon. Last night at the hospital. Friday: Checked out around noon Went to another facility to get "leak test." I could see the barium on the monitor passing through my tiny stomach. Pass. Now I can have clear liquids! Doctor's wife took us to hotel and gave us jellos, juices, waters, and Gatorades. Walked to restaurant and had fish soup broth. I couldn't believe how good I felt: not just physically but mentally. I wasn't hungry and I wasn't obsessing about food. My sister was afraid I was going to go manic on her because "it always starts" with my feeling good. Patient coordinator picked us up from hotel around 5:30 pm and we went shopping, to Caesar's restaurant (home of the famous salad, which "smelled" good lol,) then casino. Lost ten dollars on slots I couldn't understand. Went to Walmart. Saturday: Weather was fine. Sunny. Spent time by the pool! Coordinator picked us up and took us to restaurant that served excellent broth. Yum. Went to pharmacy to buy stuff I can't get without a Rx in the States. Got our legs waxed (Sister and me, not the coordinator!) More shopping, this time in a strip mall. People watching. Last night at the hotel. Had dinner in hotel with coordinator. Sunday: Check out. Doctor's wife picked us up. On US side we stopped at outlet mall where I found some good deals at Old Navy. Then to airport where I spent MONEY on some liquids. I didn't want to take a chance on not having nourishment. Long flight home. Husband and daughter picked us up at airport. So glad to be home!! Post-trip: feel great, no pain, only restrictions are no lifting & shower only. Wounds are already closed. Using triple antibiotic to keep them soft to lessen scarring. Walking ten minutes morning and evening. Looking forward to Wednesday when I can have a protein shake!

Thank you, anayortiz. <i wish <i had known ahead of time about the terrible sharp pain. But que sera... <i appreciate your support. <i really feel like this is going to be the turning point for me.

I am so glad it's done!! I can't believe how good I feel. I love not being hungry. Loooovvvvvve it. I had a pretty easy time of it except the night after surgery I had some terrible pain right between my breasts, kind of at the top of my abdomen. I assumed it was gas but it wasn't. I felt better after a morphine shot and med to sleep. And now no pain at all! Yay Dr Kelly's having a special in Oct. $5200. After that new bookings will be 5700. If anyone's interested their coordinator's (Omar Acosta) number is 619-395-5347. I want to write a detailed summary of everything that's happened but I'm too tired tonight. Goodnight Sleevers!

I see the hallmarks you were talking about, the contours in your shoulder and neck area. Your face looks much younger too. Great job!