The Stall

Being 22 days post op I have encountered my first stall which has lasted for 10 days now UGH!  Yesterday I increased my protein to 104 grams, an increase of 26 grams of protein hoping to make that scale jump.  I definitely feel like an old NAG in the horse STALL!  I'm trying to stay positive and just continue with my program.  It's not like I have any other choice but to stay with it anyway LOL.  I also, increased my exercise to 50 minutes of power walking.  Normally, I've been walking for 30 minutes every morning.

If that scale doesn't move in the morning this old NAG is gonna kick down some walls in that STALL!

YO YO NO MO

3 Weeks Post Op

We moved into our new home last weekend just 2 weeks after my surgery.  Thanks to my daughter's and son in-laws for helping my husband move us.  It was very difficult to sit and watch people do all the work.  But they got my kitchen all set up, bathrooms and my bed made (the most important).

I am feeling so much stronger now - such a huge transformation from last week.  I live across the street from Dos Lagos (which means 2 lakes in Spanish) and I have been enjoying walking around the lakes in the early morning with my dog Roxy.  She's so small that I carry her most of the way.  See the picture of  one of the lakes from the bridge at Dos Lagos below and then a picture of the tunnel bridge between both lakes.



The tunnel effect is made out of large bamboo.  They have benches along the way for those to rest and take in the view.

I'm feeling very proud of myself for feeling so much stronger that I'm able to power walk and enjoy the scenary along the way.  Tomorrow I will lengthen my walk up into the outdoor mall as well.  New tennis shoes and feeling GOOD!

YOYO NO MO

Home From Hospital

I'm 5 days RNY post op today and got dressed for the first time.  Not too much discomfort.  It's very difficult to drink the 30 oz. of water (clear liquids) in a day.  I'm not suppose to drink more that 1 oz. every 30 minutes.  I have a horrible taste in my mouth and my breath is so bad it wakes me up at night UGH!  I am walking and pacing as much as possible.  However, I feel so weak. I told my husband that my arms feel like an elephant's trunk, heavy and almost dragging the ground.  In 2 more days I will begin to have some protein which I know will give me a little more energy.

Down 10.5 lbs from day of surgery.

I made it through the surgery...now the hard stuff.

YO YO NO MO



Big Guns!

A lot of people have asked me, "Why don't you just lose weight on your own"?  Meaning lose weight without having the RNY surgery.

Losing weight by having the RNY surgery gives me a tool that many others that struggle with weight loss don't have. 

People that don't have surgery still have tools which might include; nutritionist, personal trainer, gym membership, Over Eaters Anonymous, Weight Watchers, Optifast Program and diet pills etc.  So are they losing weight on their own? 

Surgery is not a quick fix.  It is a major surgery to rearrange my guts for life.  I will still need to follow a healthy meal plan, make good food choices and exercise for the rest of my life.  I will be doing this on my own.

I refuse to let people discourage me from having this surgery.  I have used every tool but one in the tool shed.  I am pulling out the big guns and using the LAST tool in the shed, RNY surgery!

YoYo No Mo

Anxiety!

Anxiety #1:

Last week we found out that our new house closes escrow 2 days after my scheduled surgery on 9/20. My husband says not to worry that he will take care of the move.  I kind of like that part since just a couple of months ago we sold our house which was 3,400 sq. ft. and I packed it by myself  (except his closet of course). 

Anxiety #2:

My sister had planned on staying with me at the hospital for my surgery.  Unfortunately, on my date of surgery she had previous airline tickets for a London/Scotland vacation with her husband.  I so was looking forward to her being there with me.  She had RNY this past May.  It kind of felt like my mom would be there with me.  My husband will be there for me at the hospital.  I just hate to take him away from his work for 3-4 days.

Anxiety #3:

My dog Roxy, a 3 lb. Yorkie.  My plan was for my husband to visit me at the hospital and then come home and take care of Roxy.  I need to find another plan.

How Am I Handling The Anxiety?

Not too good!  Today I've managed to pick 3 dry areas on my FACE and caused them to bleed (something I've never done before).  I didn't wash the dishes until 5pm (yesterday's dishes) and I just brushed my teeth at 5:30pm (disgusting, huh?).  Wondering how my husband will react to the 3 Sponge Bob Square Pants Band-Aids on my face when he gets home from work.

YoYo No Mo

ZUMBA!

This morning  I was talking to a friend on the phone and telling her how much I want to try ZUMBA but I'm afraid of not knowing how to do it and basically keeping up with everyone.  She said that LA Fitness has a class and that I should look at the schedule.  Still on the phone, I walked over to look at the schedule (that I never use) and noticed there was a class in 10 minutes!  My friend said, "GO"!  I hung up the phone, brushed my teeth and ran out the door with a bottle of water.  I didn't have time to get nervous because I had to rush to the gym, which is across the street.

What is Zumba?  Zumba is a fitness class that combines dance and fitness moves.  Inspired by Latin dance and music, Zumba uses a variety of styles in its routines, including cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, mambo, rumba, flamenco, and hip hop. Music selections include both fast and slow rhythms to help tone and sculpt the body. You could burn between 350 to 900 calories PER class, BUT it all depends on how you exert yourself.

Physically burning between 300-900 calories in one hour is totally a win for me.  Mentally it helped relieve stress, and stimulated my brain by learning coordination and new steps.  Plus it makes me smile and sweat at the same time.  After one class I'm hooked and can't wait to attend another class.  Looks like I'm adding another compulsive behavior to my list. 

Out with the old (Diet Coke Addict) in with the new (Zumba Addict).

If you haven't tried this class I highly recommend it.  There's no time like NOW. 

That's what friends are for - ENCOURAGEMENT!

YOYO NO MO

Talking In My Sleep

Last night I awoke my husband at 2am while we were both sound asleep saying, "Here they are I found the keys over here".  I thought he was going to jump right out of his skin.  I don't know why I said it SO loud, but I did.  Today I decided to look up why people talk in their sleep.  What I found was that some people with sleeping disorders ie. sleep apnea and stress may burst out and talk in their sleep.  Sure enough that's me.  The stress came from the phone call about my surgery date and also earlier in the day both my husband and I were discussing where the keys are to the POD that has all of our furniture.  We will be moving in a couple of weeks - thus my concern about finding the keys and talking about it in my sleep.  Yes, I suffer from sleep apnea and I am one of those people that refuse to wear the CPAP machine.  I can't bear the thought of that mask covering my mouth.  Therefore, I suffer the consequences of lack of sleep.  I get up on the average of 6 times a night, get a drink, use the bathroom, turn the air up and then back to bed.  I'm overweight but I also have a large tongue which as you know when you sleep everything relaxes and it closes off my air passage way.  I get my "big" tongue from my dad, which makes me smile. He too was embarrassed of his tongue.  Dentists always bring their associates to see it and my doctor has brought other doctors to see it.  Geez, if I were a man and it was not my tongue but another body part (down there) maybe I'd be proud to show it off.  But it's just my tongue. I dread going to sleep at night worrying about the position I have to get in to be able to breath comfortably.  I am so looking forward to a good night sleep.  I am in hopes that this RNY surgery will help my sleep apnea.

YOYO NO MO

Sugery Date!

I retired over a year ago.  The girl that replaced me (Jone), sent me an email saying that the surgeon's office called and you've been scheduled for surgery on September 20, 2011.  Can't believe they still have that old  number on file at the doctor's office.  Jone was concerned and asked if I had gotten the message at home.  I am one of those people that has chosen to only tell my best friend and my family.  Working in the same place for 31 years, all the woman have seen me at my lowest weight and highest weight.  They've seen me try every gimmick possible to lose weight.  I am just so ashamed that I cannot do this on my own and I am not willing to once again expose myself to their judgement.  It doesn't mean I won't tell them one day - but for now I'm keeping it between me and my family.

Surgery Date:  September 20, 2011

YOYO NO MO



Strands Beach, Dana Point (Funicular/Tram)

Yesterday my DD1 invited me to go the the beach with their entire family.  Each grandchild got to bring a friend.  Not sure who's friend I was LOL.  I'm terrified of heights so when they told me I was going to ride a funicular/tram down to the beach I was nervous to say the least.  It was fun - maybe that's why they call it the funicular.  I could have opted to walk down the stairs but because I hurt my knee last Saturday I didn't want to take any chances with the stairs.  The beach was beautiful and not wall to wall people.  There were 20 million dollar homes above our heads as we lounge on the beach.  I walked the beach for an hour and enjoyed the sunshine.  The waves were magnificent and the boys had fun boogie boarding.  I had such a great time and was so grateful I was invited to share a new adventure with my DD1 and family.

Today is my first day without caffeine YIKES!  I had dinner out with my DH.  Note* I have never quit drinking soda OR caffeine in my entire life!  So I'm a bit on edge seeing others ordering iced tea and sodas.  I've been married to my DH for 39 years and out of those 39 years he drinks water ALL of the time.  If he drinks anything with caffeine he won't sleep for days.  But what did he order tonight for dinner?  A black cherry SODA!  I almost fell off my chair.  I told him how hard it was for me and he said, "I won't do it again".  He better sleep with one eye open tonight. 

YOYO NO MO

Caffiene Headache

For the past 2 days I have limited myself to only a couple of iced teas a day.  It's 1:30pm and I have a splitting headache!  I'm not sure how to get off  this "drug" they call caffiene.  That's what it feels like to me anyway, a drug.  So I decided to do a little research to find out WHY I have to quit the caffiene prior to surgery.  Just incase there was a loop hole.  Omitting caffiene pre surgery is to get you as healthy as you can be and to start learning new habits you will follow post surgery.  Caffiene causes dehydration and doctors do not want it to interfer with getting your fluids in after surgery.  No loop holes.

I went to the Farmer's Market today to buy some fresh fruites and vegetables.  It felt so European to me, like vacation.  I loved it.  They close off the entire street every Tuesday morning to sell fresh local grown vegetables, fruits, homemade breads, nuts, fish etc.  I brought a couple of bags to carry home my purchases but next time I will bring a little rolling cart because it was a long walk back to the car.  I sampled avocado/cilantro hummus for my first time on wheat greek pita bread and it was delicious.  I actually came home and had some for breakfast along with a white nectarine. YUMMY.  I will definately visit the Farmer's Market again soon.

YoYo No Mo

Protein Samples

I spent most of my morning on the computer and telephone ordering sample packets of protein powders, bars, vitamins and supplements.  I need to test some of these out before surgery.  Some are free and others I had to pay the shipping cost. They should be in my mailbox within 5 days.

Below is a list of items I ordered today:

PROTEIN DRINKS

CLICK - 5 free packets of protein - $6.95 for shipping
Nectar protein sample box $13.00 
Unjury protein samples
4 Ever Fit protein samples
Designer Whey protein samples
Bell Plantation - out of protein samples $3.99, I should call back in 3 days  229-387-7238

VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS - FREE

Bariatric Advantage - sub lingual and chewable samples

Celebrate Bariatric Supplements - vitamin samples

Building Blocks - vitamin samples

I hope I find something that I like.  I feel pretty good about shopping for samples before buying a big container of something I don't like. ie Isopure (hairy tongue drink).



YOYO NO MO





Last Diet Coke

24 Hours without a Diet Coke - my addiction.  I feel sad leaving it behind but I know I must look forward to what is in store for me in the future.  This is the first of many "old habits" that I will say goodbye to, with tears in my eyes.

Last night I was bragging to my husband about my victory with Diet Coke and told him that my next step is to get totally off of caffeine.  I love my iced tea as well.  He said to let him know when I was going to do that because he would go to a hotel for a week. LOL

I tried my first protein drink Isopure, Tropical flavored that I bought from GNC.   I took one sip and immediately I felt like hairs were growing on my tongue and lips.  I waited for the feeling to pass and gave it one more try.  This protein drink is NOT for me.  Tastes okay but who wants hair growing on your tongue?

I have discovered sugar free Popsicles but keep looking over at my husband eating Rocky Road ice cream.  This is going to be a long hard battle.  I must win this war with obesity. 



YoYo No Mo



Psychiatrist, Internist & Surgeon All In One (My First Post)

I left my house at 7:30 this morning and picked my sister up (she wanted to go with me).  I got home after we had dinner at Anthony's Fish Grotto looking out over the ocean at 8:15 last night - long day and drive.  However, everything went great.

I met with the psychiatrist first for about 45 minutes to go over my life history etc.  Then I met with the internist.  I have a story about his appointment.  When I walked down the hall going to the room to wait and see the doctor I noticed a guitar in his office, so when he walked in to see me I asked him if he played guitar.  He said, "yes, do you"?  I told him that I come from a very musical family and that growing up we only watched the news and music/variety shows like Ed Sullivan, Hee Haw, Donnie and Marie Osmond, Smother's Brothers and Glen Campbell.  Everyday of my life we played guitar and sang songs.  My dad taught me to first play the ukulele at 9 years old because my fingers were too short to learn the guitar.  Then when I was 11 he taught me how to play guitar.  After telling him this story he said, "I want you to do something for me".  I said, "what"?  He said, "When you leave here and see Dr. Rumsey (surgeon) I want you to tell him that I am not releasing you for surgery because this surgery may damage your vocal chords and that he's not willing to take the chance of damaging my singing voice".  I told him that I would play his little joke on Dr. Rumsey.  Then he said, "okay, let's practise".  He left the room and entered again saying, "Hi, I'm Dr. Rumsey".  I played along (while still lying on the table) and he loved that I played the part like a pro.  The doctor high fived me and began to laugh.  Then said, "get dressed and we'll sing a couple of songs.  I said, "okay".  When I came out he had brought his guitar and we both began to sing down the hallway.  He opened a door to another patient having a test with another doctor, a nurse opened the door and let my sister in and we all sang to that patient and other doctor - in fact we sang 2 songs.  He was such a kick in the pants.  I'll never forget that doctor appointment.  Thanks Dr. Bressler for the chuckle.

Then we walked to another building to see the surgeon, Dr. Rumsey.  When he came in I shook his hand and he began to go over my records with me and I said, "before we start I have some concerns about something Dr. Bressler just said about this surgery damaging my vocal chords and I love to sing (told him the whole story etc.)"  I kept a very serious face and the doctor was looking at me like I was crazy!!!!  He had a very concerned look on his face.  I couldn't hold in my laughter any longer and said, "Dr. Bressler MADE ME PLAY THIS JOKE ON YOU"!  He almost rolled on the floor with laughter.  He said, "he has patients play jokes on me all of the time and I never expect them".  I said, "why don't you play a joke back on him and have someone go in with a clipboard saying that's he's in violation of Code AB5769 for having a dog in his office (which he does) and leave him a letter saying that he has to appear in court etc.  Dr. Rumsey thought that was a great idea and said he will definitely do that.

Dr. Rumsey examined me and looked over my chart and said that I was an ideal patient for this surgery (RNY).  I was given a CD to watch on my computer to tell me what to do before and after surgery as well as a list of vitamins etc.  He said it will take 21 days for me to hear from his office about my surgery date which should be the end of September.  But I'm going to do what my sister did and get on a cancellation list to hopefully have it sooner because she is going on vacation the end of September - October and she wants to stay with me in the hospital etc.  My husband is okay with that because his work is VERY busy during the summer months and he hates hospitals.  Of course he will be there for the surgery and visit me but Kaiser pays for someone to stay with you (hotel) for 3 days and pays for their food, gas expenses.  My sister has offered to stay with me to make sure everything is taken care of properly (Dr. Rumsey did her RNY

8 weeks ago).  I'm thankful to have such a loving and caring sister.  Also, I have a little 3lb. yorkie that  I'm worried about leaving alone and I want to have my husband come home to her every night.

Needless, to say I WORRIED so much about these appointments and it was a breeze.  I'm so glad to have this behind me.  Now I have to wein myself from the diet coke - that's my addiction. 

YOYO NO MO