Two Weeks Later

I'm so glad I went back to work in the middle of last week. I couldn't believe how much it took out of me - getting back into the early morning routine, morning rush hour, and just the general day-to-day stuff. As I near the end of my first full week, I find I'm much more acclimated to everything and I'm actually enjoying myself. I thought I was getting stale but being away has given me a new appreciation and focus.

The really good news is that I'm now eating regular foods and found that beef and fish don't bother me. Chicken and pork are still on the watch list, but the fact that I can get some basic protein in is encouraging.

Next week is my birthday and I'm so glad I'm facing it almost 40 pounds lighter! I can't wait to see where I'll be this time next year. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but it seems more possible somehow. As if the losing a significant amount of weight in a short time has given me the incentive to do more - eat better, workout, and try to be more healthy in my habits.

Been a long time . . .

Yes, I've been able to eat real food, but after a few days (and with the cottage cheese gone), I was sick of the stuff. I've tried eating real food and have been able to tolerate it well - as long as it's thoroughly chopped and shredded to a very fine consistency. I don't know if this is strictly legal, but I was unable to stomach any more protein powders or shots. It's more the smell than the taste, but the plain fact is that I got nauseous at the thought of downing any of it.

I've tried drinking more water, which seems to help. Plus, I've been getting my exercise, so I hope that's helping. The only bad news is that I haven't lost any more weight in the past week. I've got my fingers crossed that this plateau is only temporary. I'm still taking my vitamins and supplements, so hopefully, it's just a stage.

I can't believe I go back to work next week (the 16th). It's hard to believe it's been a month already. Ah, well. The time off was nice while it lasted!

FALL IS IN THE AIR!

Finally - Some Real Food!

I just had my two week checkup and everything is going great! I'm down to 257.5 and I can finally eat some real food! The first thing I had was some cottage cheese and it tasted great! Tomorrow it's mashed potatoes and applesauce! I'm really excited about how well I'm sticking to the new food regimen and my vitamins. Those were two areas where I thought I'd fail.

I go back to the doctor's on October 7th for my 6 week check up and I hope to have lost even more! After that it will be one week of soft food and then I'm free to eat regular food (providing I can tolerate it).

I'm really glad I got the surgery done because it's given me a totally new outlook!

So Far, So Good

I'm really ready for real food. By that, I mean I'm ready to be off this liquid diet and actually have something to chew. I have my first follow-up appointment on Monday, so I want to see what the doctor has to say. I can definitely tell that my digestive system has changed, but what I really like is that whenever I think of food, I'm craving healthy choices. Like a nice broiled fillet of salmon with a side of spinach or a grilled chicken breast with green beans. I hope that's a good sign.

However, I still tire easily, so I know I'm not ready to return to work yet. Just running around on errands this morning with my son knocked me out for a four hour nap as soon as I got home. But at least I got my walking exercise in for the day!

Speaking of exercising, I'm finding it pretty easy to stick it, which I find surprising. I've never been one for working out, but I know I'll look and feel better if I keep it up. Now that I can actually tell that I've lost some weight, I'm getting excited. I can't wait to see how much I've lost since the day of surgery. One of my friends (who had the same surgery about five years ago) told me that she wouldn't be surprised if I've lost 15 pounds already. If true, I would be down to 257!

Back to the shakes and soups for now. Can't wait until I get clearance for cottage cheese! Mmm!

I can't believe it's been a week!

A week ago Tuesday I had my surgery and so far, I feel fine. I'm hungry for real food again, but I take that as a good sign.

I worked out on the treadmill again today. Two 15 minute sessions instead of three 10 minute sessions. It was a bit tougher, but I did it - and kept my heart rate in the fat burning range.

Right now, I'm finding it hard to keep drinking liquids - since I don't feel dehydrated. Don't get me wrong - I have been drinking water (okay, sipping), but it seems as if my stomach gets full after a few sips. Wonder what that's all about? I'll probably call the nutritionist tomorrow. I want to know when I can start soft foods. I know it's only been a week, but I really can't take this sweet stuff. I'd rather drink a couple of ounces of stuff with 25 grams of protein, than eat pudding and shakes. I know I've mentioned this before, but I'll be glad when I can have mashed potatoes and cottage cheese!

I tried doing some light chores today and it really took it out of me. At least I know not to push myself. Plus, I can rest whenever I want, which is a luxury I won't have once I get back to work.

Overall, I'm feeling pretty good but I haven't tried weighing myself. I don't want to be a scale watcher. I'd rather let me clothes tell me the weight is coming off!

5 Days Post-Surgery . . .

. . . and I really don't like eating a lot of sweet stuff. I'm trying to eat more broths, but it's a slow go to get all the protein I need. Bleah. I can't wait until I can have soft food because I love cottage cheese and mashed potatoes. Plus, I can mix in my protein powder and kill two birds with one stone!

So far, so good. I've been taking my vitamin supplements, doing my breathing exercises, and I've made it to the gym every day for 30 minutes on the treadmill. Not 30 minutes all at once, but three-10 minute shifts do quite nicely.

I'm hoping I'm able to shed the water weight I gained in the hospital, but I'm trying to focus on how much weight I've lost. Instead, I'm trying to concentrate on new eating patterns and habits.

My Aunt Madelene sent me a gorgeous bouquet of roses and eucalyptus which really brightened my day! My best friend, Cindi, has also sent me the cutest card (kitten in a tissue box with tissue on its head). So cute! It's nice to know I have the support of my family and friends. It really helps to stay on track!

Post-Surgery - 3 Days Later

I made it through surgery with no complications. Unfortunately, nobody told me that you actually gain weight after surgery - from the I.V. fluids. It was a shock to step on the scale and find an additional 14 pounds! The morning of surgery, I weighed 272 and was encouraged that I had lost 12 pounds since the beginning of July. Luckily, though, I was promised by the nurses that I would lose that extra weight since it was just excess fluids.

The only problem I've really been having is a fever. Low grade, for now, but I'm keeping an eye on it. Also, the pain meds they released me on don't seem to be working. The stuff they gave me in the hospital had Tylenol added but my scrip doesn't. So, while the pain may be down, my fever is up, which makes it hard to sleep.

But overall - I'm lucky. No nausea, which I was afraid of. I've also been able to keep broth down and my protein shake, so I know I can stick to this. I get to have sugar free pudding, too. My son is going to make it for me with skim milk and protein powder. Mmmmm - chocolate pudding to eat and I still meet my protein quota! Doesn't sound like a bad diet to me!

I have a couple of questions for the hospital, but I'll check with them tomorrow.