The Continuing Saga

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. --Ralph Waldo Emerson

So the struggle continues on. I have been having some bad days. I was supposed to go back to work last week, but was only able to work two days. In some ways, I am very excited about my results, but the process after this surgery can be very frustrating. Friday I had my first experience with "dumping syndrome." I ate my lunch too quickly, and, therefore, I ate too much. I was very ill. Plus, I have managed to somehow pinch my Sciatic Nerve in my back so I have been in some pain. But this morning I am reminded that I should be trusting in God to help me and spending more time in prayer. I rely too much on my own strength, and it gets me in trouble (especially with my mouth). I have to admit lately that I have not been very good at censoring my comments. I have not necessarily said things that were not true, but maybe just not my place to say. Not to mention I could have been a bit more diplomatic when saying what I have had to say lately. And it's kind of been across the board. Oy vey! Anyway, the point is that I need to refocus on God and stop dwelling on myself and my petty complaints.

Update on Weight Loss

Since starting the pre-op diet and having the surgery, I have lost 36 pounds. Last night, I went through some clothes given to me by a family member. Before the surgery, I could not get most of them on. They are about 2 to 4 sizes smaller than the rest of my wardrobe. Last night, I found I could wear about half of the clothes. I was very excited. It made the weight loss more real for me. I've had a lot of people tell me they can see the difference, but it's hard to see it in yourself. The clothes, however, made it apparent to me that 36 pounds is a lot of weight. And I am still dropping. I should really try to stop whining about not being able to eat what I want and be happy that I am on my way to a healthier body.

Headed Home

I have spent the last week at my mom's house at the beach, but today I have to head home. I am sad to go home in a way, though it will be good to sleep in my own bed. I have really enjoyed spending time with my mom, stepdad, siblings, and nephew. When I first arrived, my niece was here as well, and that was great too. Being here kept me focused on other things besides all the food I cannot eat. We went to the beach and had a good time last Sunday, and I got burnt to a crisp, but it was still a lot of fun.

In a way, I am nervous about going home and getting depressed with nothing to take up my time, but I have a lot I need to do around the house, so hopefully that will keep me pretty busy.

Oh, and FYI - the WiFi card on my laptop is dead so I have to send it in the have the manufacturer replace it under the warranty. That is part of why I have not been posting more. I normally use my laptop for that.

Anyway, Monday I go back to work and while I know that will be good for my paycheck and helping keep me on a routine, I also dread it too. But I like my job, so it should be fine.

Making Progress

So it's been a couple of days. I'm still hanging out at home. I'm thinking of getting brave and trying to go to a movie. The only kicker, I still can't drive. And if I could, I'm not sure I could walk the parking lot. But sitting in the theater would be okay. Maybe I will try to get out a little this weekend. I did some walking today. I should have already been doing it, but I've felt so tired and weak... No matter. Doing it now. I am going to try to walk again this evening. I go to the doctor this Thursday and probably get my staples out. I will be glad when my incisions are healed more, and I am not so sore. And tomorrow I can start eating sugar free pudding. Woohoo! I am tired of the drinks, but that is just part of the process. At least they do help give me the nutrition I need. Anyway, since I had the surgery, I have lost 15 lbs. I am losing about 1 lb a day. Whew!

Home Day Two

Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer. -Ed Cunningham

My second day at home has been mainly uneventful. I have been able to drink 2 protein drinks. And I've been sipping on water all day to try to keep hydrated. The incision where I had my JP drain is very sore today, and I am still weak and tired. In some ways this has been better than I expected and worse. The urge to want to eat real food has been stronger than I would have imagined, but I'm hanging in there. I also keep reminding myself that by next week, I can have a little bit of thin food like oatmeal and applesauce. By the end of 6 weeks, I will be eating regular food, though not like I did before. Yet, I will still be able to have good things. Things that are good for me for the most part. I might feel like poop now, but it will get better. And I have already lost 11 lbs since the surgery. Coupled with the pre-op diet weight loss, I have lost a total of 21 lbs. So, it is happening. We'll see what happens!

Welcome Home

Just a quick note that I just got home. I am sore and had to stay a day longer than planned, but I am doing well. I could not make myself drink the protein stuff at the hospital, but I am much more able to tolerate the stuff I bought for home use. Thanks for the prayers. Please continue to pray.