7 weeks, and 41 lbs.

That's right, today is 7 weeks post op and I have lost 41 lbs according to my scale here at home, which is pretty on with the Dr. scale. So much to update since last time. I finally got to go back to work yesterday! It was a pretty good first day back. Of course I was welcomed back with a bang. We had a Code called on one of the patients so we ended up moving them to the unit, but other then that it was a pretty good first day. I got tons of complements on how good I look. I've gotta say I'm not use to that, but it was kinda nice.

Sunday, was our annual BBQ cook off at church. I had so much fun cooking and being with everyone. My team took 1st in Chili and Brisket!! I'm so proud of them. My dad and brother worked really hard on everything they did. I really enjoyed myself even though I wasn't able to gorge myself with food. I'm finally getting the hang of "you don't have to eat to have a good time." Anyway, this morning, I got up and went to the gym. My mom and I went and did a Zumba class. It was awesome. It kicked our butts, but we're gonna go back and do it again and I can't wait!! Woo hoo!!  Well that's all for now, I will try and keep this updated weekly unless I get really busy or something.. Have a great day!

5 weeks an counting!

Wow it's hard to believe I'm already 5 weeks post op!!  I still have a pesky drain. I'm telling you I've had more issues with this one drain than any person should have to deal with. It feel out 2 weeks ago, and Dr. Bell decided to go ahead and put it back in because I was still draining a lot of gunk from my incision. Well at my appointment on Friday, he told me it looked like the suture was trying to pull out of my skin. Well wouldn't you know that it did Sunday night! So I called the office on Monday, and they told me that it should be fine just watch it closely. It hasn't fallen out. I thought I had lost it this morning, but it had gone completely inside my incision. It was right on the top, so I was able to push it back out, but it was kinda creepy... Hopefully I can get it out at my next appointment which isn't until the 29th of October. I was hoping to be back to work by now, but can't go back just yet.

So on a completely different subject, I think the hubby and I have decided to do a big vow renewal ceremony for our 10th wedding anniversary in 2014. We did have a very small vow renewal for our 5th anniversary in our church to say our vows in our house of worship since we got married in Vegas. I loved my wedding in Vegas, it was so much fun.. But there are a bunch of things I missed out on, and not to mention, it was a freaking disaster! The ceremony was like 5 minutes long, there are about 8 pictures of the wedding total. I have no pictures of me with my parents, attendants, siblings, or any of the family that was there. I forgot my flowers and the marriage license in the car, and had to have someone walk all the way out to the car to get them which was parked about as far as it could get from the casino we got married in. The most important thing was that I married the man of my dreams, but it could have been better. So for our 10th we're going to have a big blow out celebration with a vow renewal. I also missed having all of my friends and family there to celebrate with us. So I want them to enjoy a celebration with us. We also are refusing gifts of any kind. That's not what this is about. It's going to be about us celebrating our love with the people we love. We are also going to take our dream honeymoon we never got, because spending an extra 3 days in Vegas hanging out with everyone else, does not a honeymoon make. We are going to go to Hawaii. We enjoyed it so much whenever we went for my sister's wedding we've decided to go back. I've already found the dress I want to wear for our vow renewal.  That's it.  I'm going to have it altered to where it doesn't have a train, but other than that this is what I'm going with. It will be in the Ivory color because I don't need a white dress. And this dress is very inexpensive. I know it doesn't look like it, but it is.

Well I guess that's about it for now.  Until next time....

One month post op!

Today I sit here one month post op. I feel great! Today I took my measurements again. I just realized I never actually posted my starting measurements on here. So I'll start with those.

Presurgery
Waist- 51 inches
Hips- 62 1/2 inches
Abdomen- 54 1/2 inches
Bust- 56 inches
Arms- 19 inches
Neck- 17 1/2 inches
Thigh- 34 1/2 inches

One Month PostSurgery
Waist- 47 inches (-4 inches)
Hips- 60 inches (-2 1/2 inches)
Abdomen- 50 inches (-4 1/2 inches)
Bust- 50 inches (-6 inches)
Arms- 18 1/2 inches (-1/2 inch)
Neck- 15 1/2 inches (-2 inches)
Thigh- 30 inches (-4 1/2 inches)

Total inches lost 24 inches in one month!!! I know not all months will be this good, but 24 inches... wow!! I don't know what else to say but WOW!!! It's not enough of a change to drop clothing sizes yet, but soon!! Thanks everyone for the continued support and prayers!! I love each of you!

3 weeks post op!

Today I am 3 weeks post op. I can't believe it's already been 3 weeks. I'm feeling great! I feel more like myself again. I still have one drain left from surgery, but will hopefully have it removed on Friday at my Dr. appointment. I'm now on pureed foods. So think baby food. Yea it's not very appetizing, but the fact that I'm progressing along with very little trouble is awesome. We went to Drug Emporium today to pick up some new protein shakes. I found a couple I'm very excited to try. One is a Mint Chocolate. I hope it's as good as it sounds. Everyone I've talked to says they taste pretty good. I think that's what I'll have for lunch today is one of my protein shakes after it gets nice and cold in the refrigerator. According to the scale at the Dr. office I am at 283. A total lost of 22 lbs. 8 more lbs and I'm back to the weight I was right after I had Sara 5 1/2 years ago. 13 more lbs and I'll be back to the smallest I've been since right after the twins were born. I'm getting excited looking at where I'm going.

I can see a difference in my face when I look in the mirror. Others tell me they can already tell a difference in my abdomen. I can't really see it there, but some of my pants are fitting loser, so that's a good sign. I've decided I'm going to take my measurements once a month, on the anniversary of my surgery. So on Oct 11, I will be taking my measurements again. I'm very excited to do so just to see how far I've come in just one month. :) I will be sure to post the update when I do it.

I guess that's about it for now. I'll update you again soon! Thanks for reading!

Almost 2 weeks...

So here I sit, almost 2 weeks post surgery and I'm almost back to normal! I do still have occasional pain, but I also still have 3 drains sticking out of my abdomen. They should come out Wednesday at the Dr. Appointment.  Also on Wednesday, I will be posting my first official weigh in. I figure the Dr. scale is the better one to use, since I didn't actually weigh myself on mine before going in. I will weigh myself when I get home on Wednesday, just to see how far off my scale is from the Dr's.

I'm actually feeling really really good. I am almost at normal capacity on being up walking around. I'm still a little slow getting around, but it's getting better.

The hardest part so far, is getting in all my liquid for the day. I have no problem with the protein, but I have a really hard time getting 64 oz in. I'm trying very hard to get it all in every day. I know some days I fall short, but I don't beat myself up over it. I just do my best, and start over the next day. I know once I'm completely healed and can drink a little more at a time, it will be better.

My kids have been great! They have all 3 been helping me out when they can. It still hurts to bend over, so if I drop something, all 3 run to pick it up so I don't have to bend. They are helping keep the house in order and being really great kids!

My husband has been amazing. I know this has not been easy on him, because not only is he having to drive the kids everywhere, he has to drive me around too. So when I need med refills, or have meetings, he has to be available to take me and pick me up. He has been so wonderful! He hasn't complained at all..(at least not to me.) He has taken this whole thing really really well, and I couldn't ask for a better husband to stand by me and help me the way he does. I hope he knows just how much appreciate and love him. I wouldn't be where I am without him.

I guess that's about it for now... I'll update again soon!

Until next time!

Just a short quick update..

Well I am 6 days post op, and doing pretty well... I'm still sore, and so I'm still taking my pain meds pretty regularly. I've cut down though, and most times I can get away with just 1 instead of 2. I've not need the nausea medicine in a few days which is a good thing. I'm very surprised at the lack of nausea. The hardest part is getting all of my liquids in. I feel like I'm consistently taking sips, and yet it's still not quiet enough. I hit my protein goal almost every day, and that's the part I thought would be the hardest. But overall I've doing very well. I'm glad I decided to take 4 weeks off instead of just 2. Anyway, that's about it for now... I will try and post a longer update later! Thanks for reading!

Home from the hospital...

Today is Thursday September 13, 2012 and I've made it home from the hospital. It's crazy how the smallest things can wear me out. I've done nothing but sleep all afternoon, with the occasional trip to the bathroom, and of course getting my liquids in. So I thought while I was feeling up to it I would post a quick update on here.

Surgery went just as expected. We got to the hospital at 5:30 am, checked in, and shortly after were taken back for final blood work, and then put into a bed. Not even really a room, because I had a room on the floor after surgery. I just had a curtain that gave us some privacy. So then they came in started my IV, asked me why I was in, and if I had any questions. After the IV was started, it wasn't too long until they rolled me into surgery holding. I was the first one in there. I had a nurse come over, and give me all my preop medications. While she was working on those, Dr. Bell came in and spoke with me made sure I was good to go, then he went and spoke to my husband. After Dr. Bell, the anesthesiologist came in to go over paper work and make sure I didn't have any questions on their end. Shortly after that, they wheeled me into the OR. They transfered me to the operating table, they were strapping me to it, and that's the last thing I remember until I woke up in recovery in excruciating pain. They had not given me pain meds yet. Nor had they given me anything for the nausea. So I spent a little longer in recovery while they got everything under control. Then I was wheeled to my room, where I slept off the meds most of Tuesday. I was only up to use the bathroom, and that night I walked in the halls just a little. Yesterday was a better day, my pain was well under control. I walked in the halls several times. But Dr. Bell just wanted to make sure I was ready to go home before he sent me. So then this morning, my potassium was low, so he gave me a bolus, and oral k+ before he sent me home. I was out of the hospital by 11:00 am. Besides getting my scripts filled first thing, I've pretty much just been veggin on the couch. And now that this update is done, that's where I'm headed back too! Hopefully I will get some of my energy back soon! Thanks for all the prayers you guys! I love you!

The last night...

Well tonight is my last night as the person I have always been. Tomorrow, I will become the new me. And I'm not talking about personality or behavior. I mean the old me that was resigned to being fat her whole life. Who would never wear cute clothes again. Who would never shop in a "normal" store again. Tomorrow, I won't wake up skinny, but I will wake up and take a huge step towards getting myself there. Tomorrow, I get the tool that I need to help me achieve my goal of being able to shop in normal stores, having more of a selection of clothing. I know what my hubby is thinking as he reads this. He's thinking we're gonna go broke buying clothes and shoes when the weight is gone.. lol Not quiet babe. I promise to be reasonable with my shopping. ;)

I've had several people ask me today if I was nervous. I don't think nervous really describes what I'm feeling. I'm excited, scared, happy, and fearful. I think I'm just scared and fearful of the unknown. The unknown being surgery. I've never had surgery like this before, where I've been completely under sedation.  But I have faith that God will be watching over me while I'm in the OR, just as he will be watching over the doctor, and my family as they wait for word everything is fine.  So for my friends who pray, I would appreciate all the prayers I can get tomorrow. I will update with a blog, when I'm feeling up to it.. Hopefully I can post a short note tomorrow after surgery some time. My hubby will be keeping everyone updated on Facebook! See you guys on the flip side!

Friday, Friday...

So here it is the Friday before my surgery. I still feel like I have so much to accomplish between now and then. I'm trying to make sure my kids have everything they need for school done, and that they are taken care of while I'm in the hospital, and my husband is with me. Also trying to make sure when I come home from the hospital, I don't have to worry about much, except resting. I have washed every uniform piece my girls own so they have about 2 weeks worth of school clothes. I still have to decide what I am taking to the hospital. It won't be much. Probably just my tablet, phone, some pj bottoms, house shoes and socks. I plan to wear very comfy clothes to the hospital on Tuesday morning, and then wearing them home again Thursday.

My house for the most part is fairly clean. I have all the dirty dishes washed, all my clothes washed, most of my kids stuff washed, and my husband has to fin for himself on clothes for a while. LOL but he'll be fine.

Tomorrow each of my kids has a birthday party to go to. So we'll be pretty busy tomorrow, and then I work Sunday and Monday. So really, I only have tomorrow to finish getting everything ready. AHHHHH I can't believe it's almost here. Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Preop, preadmit, and 6 days. Oh my!

So today was my pre op appointment with Dr. Bell. It was about half an hour. Most of that was with the nurse going over what meds to take the morning of surgery and what to expect while in the hospital. Dr. Bell came in for about 10 minutes went over all my paper work, and asked if I had any questions. I didn't. So he said see ya Tuesday. I got my paperwork I needed for my appointment at the hospital and was on my way.
Next was my preadmit appointment at the hospital. They warn you it can take up to 2 hours to complete, depending on what tests the ordering Dr is asking for. In my case i needed an EKG, cbc, and chem-12. They will do a type and screen on the morning of surgery because they are only good for 72 hours. I signed all my consents for the procedure. I will also have an EGD after surgery so Dr. Bell can make sure everything looks good. The pre admit nurse went over what to expect, and again what meds to take and not to take before surgery. She also gave me some great recommendations about protein powders. After all the the paperwork was complete, she handed me the cleanser i needed to use the night before and the morning of surgery. Then i waz done. It did take the full 2 hours in my case, but i had to sign a bunch of paperwork before i even got to the preadmit area. I was done by 2 pm.

After i finished all my appointments, i went and picked up my paperwork for my leave. I have all of it to complete. But its nothing to major.

I can't believe i am down to 6 days!  That is just around the corner! I guess thats all of my update for today.

7 days!

I have one week until my surgery! I am sooooo excited.. I just can't explain to you the emotions that are running through me. Tomorrow, I have my preop appointment at Dr. Bell's office, and right after I have my pre registration directly after that. Then I have to work tomorrow night. Thursday night, Sara is modeling at the mall, Friday I have a photo shoot with an amazing lady, and afterwards, we are going to the hockey game. Saturday we actually have nothing planned so far. Sunday and Monday I work, and then we are at Tuesday! This week is going to fly by!! I will write an update tomorrow after my appointments. I've been trying to keep all of my appointments and everything here, so others can know what to expect. Have a wonderful Tuesday night!

2 WEEEKS!!!

Today, I am officially 2 weeks out from surgery. At this time on the 11th, I should be getting settled into my hospital room. I feel like I have so much to do between now and then. I'm still looking for a good protein powder I like. I don't want to buy anything in bulk right now, because everyone says my tastes with change after the surgery. So does anyone have and recommendations for good protein powders? Flavored and non? I plan to add a little protein to everything.

One of Marty's customer's mom just had the surgery on Thursday. She was so sweet. She sent me a facebook message to let me know everything went well, and her recovery was going well. Later in the day, her son called (Marty's customer) to let him know that everything was good with her surgery as well, and to kind of give Marty a heads up on what to expect. They have changed the diet plan for after surgery now. Day 1 (day of surgery) nothing at all, day 2 (day after surgery) ice chips only, and even then they are very spread out, and very strict on how much you consume per hour. Day 3- soft foods (mashed potatoes, pudding, well cooked veggies etc etc). She also said it's very hard to get in all the fluids each day. I knew going into this it was going to be difficult. After surgery we have to drink 64oz of fluids a day (mostly water, but we can use crystal light as well). So if you see me carrying around a bottle, don't worry, its just so I always have it handy. :)

On another note, my girls started school yesterday. They really enjoyed their first day back. I think Sara is going to really enjoy kindergarten. She has an excellent teacher.

Well I guess that's it for today. Next week I will be packed with posts because I have my preop appointment, and preregistration at the hospital.

3 weeks and counting....

Well, here we are, 3 weeks out from surgery and so much to do! Next Monday, my girls go back to school, and my baby girl starts kindergarten. Where has the time gone? At least they will be in school when I have my surgery so that is one less thing I have to worry about. In two weeks, I have my preop appointment and my preadmission appointment at the hospital. I can't believe it's this close! So many emotions, some of which I'm not sure how to describe. I guess that's about it for today.

It's been a while...

So here we are, the middle of August, and I haven't updated in quiet some time. Things have been very hectic this summer, with all three of my girls being home. The last time I wrote, I had a set back with my surgery. Well I am happy to announce that my surgery is scheduled for September 11th! I'm very excited. I have been working towards this for over a year. I knew if I set my mind to it I could accomplish it.

I want to say thank you to some very special people. First and foremost, my loving husband Marty. Without his love and support, I wouldn't be where I am. I would have given up after the first go round, and probably put on more weight, and been more unhealthy. To my parents, thank you for being supportive. Having you back my decision to have this surgery means the world to me. Without your support and encouragement, I don't think I would have gone through with it. Knowing you believe in me, that I can make this work, is priceless. And to my many many many wonderful friends, and other family, your support is very important to me as well. This isn't just about me. And having everyone support me, and let me know they are routing for me, makes going into this surgery so much easier.

I will be updating again soon! I plan to stay on top of my blog, from here until forever.

Setbacks...

Setbacks suck! I was not expecting to have to pay $3500 up front. I knew I would have to pay some, but what ever I didn't have available I figured I could just payroll deduct right? Just as long as they get their money... Nope.. They don't allow you to payroll deduct for this type of surgery. So now I have to come up with $2500. I have $1000... So if anyone has any ideas on how to make some extra cash I'm open for suggestions.. We are already planning a garage sale. And I'm going to start working a couple extra shifts to get some extra money. If we can get some more computers in the shop that will help too... So if you need your computer fixed please bring it to us!! :) 25 computers will give us the money to pay for the surgery! lol or if my facebook friends are so inclined, if each of them gave $10 to my cause  I would have enough to pay for it.. lol Ok sorry, I just have to have a little humour to keep from having a mental breakdown...

Oh wow!

Ok here I am it's Wednesday March 28, 2012. I just found out yesterday that surgery has been scheduled for April 10, 2012! That is in just 13 days! Holy Crow! So since I have two weeks I have decided to start being more diligent with my vitamins. I have moved all my vitamins to gummys, liquids, or sublingual. I have a pill case that I pull all the vitamins in with the exception of the liquids so I have them ready to go at any time. I'm very excited that surgery is in just a few short days. I am starting to get ready to come home. I have lots of clears ready. No sugar added Apple juice, white grape juice, light cranberry juice, broth (beef, chicken and veggie). I will get some popcicles and jello at the end of next week. I have 4 more days of work and then it's surgery time. I am so excited!

Nervous, Excited, Scared, Anxious...

Who knew that you could feel all of these emotions at once. I think it has been a long time coming for me. I just got word from my insurance company that ,pending a h. pylori breath test, I am approved for my surgery!! Holy cow I got approved on the first try! I wasn't really expecting it because I had heard from the office they were having problems getting BSA employees approved for it. But that didn't stop my process, it just made me work that much harder, and pray that much more that there would be no issues!

About the breath test, they are checking to see if this is really essential because I did have the blood test that came back negative. So the insurance nurse is talking to her director about if its really needed or not. I'm willing to do one last test before my surgery if that's what it takes! Now to just wait for my date...It's so close I can feel it now! It's actually becoming real!

Some Goals....

So sitting here reading through Pinterest I have thought of some goals I would like to accomplish after my weight loss surgery. Which by the way I have now completed my 6 month diet and all my required testing. The insurance company has 30 days to make their decision but hopefully it will not take that long. I am praying for a quick decision and one that is in my favour. Anyway back to my goals. Some of you might think I am crazy, and others might think I will never do it but these are a few of the things I would like to accomplish sometime in my life.

1. I want to do a color run. for those of you who have never heard of this, there is one in Dallas. Here is a description of what it is:
             The Color Run is a one of a kind experience that is less about speed and more about enjoying a color crazy day with your friends and family. Our events, are all about people of all different speeds, ages, shapes, and sizes toeing the start line. Whether you are a casual morning mall walker or an Olympic athlete, the 3 miles of the Color Run course will be the most enjoyable real estate you’ve traveled in a VERY long time.  You will love this Color Dash of fun!
         What is the Color?
Each kilometer of the event is associated with a designated color.  1k is yellow, 2k is blue, 3k is green, 4k is pink, and the 5k finish is a “Color Extravaganza.”  As the runners/walkers hit the Kilometer COLOR ME RAD™ Zones, they will be blitzed by our volunteers, sponsors, and staff with COLOR.  The color is a special “elf made” recipe of magical color dust.  All products are 100% natural and safe.  You can eat the stuff if you’d like (we have tried it and don’t suggest it, it is surprisingly high in calories and leaves a chalky aftertaste).

      This to me just looks like so much fun! But I want to actually be able to run it. So it may be 2 or 3 years before I actually go to one, but this is one of my goals.

2. I want to do a Warrior Dash. This one is also in Dallas as well..I don't know if I just like punishing myself or what but I think this would be fun as well. Here is a website for the warrior dash:  http://warriordash.com/register2012_north_texas.php#
         this one I think will require more training than the color run. But I think I just want to be able to say I did it.

3. I want to do the Disney Princess half marathon, because lets face it.. I'm only half crazy. 

I know all of these goals have to do with running, but I've never been a runner. I actually think I would enjoy running if I didn't tire out so quickly or it wasn't so painful which is why I can't wait to start losing my weight and start training. Who knows, maybe one day I will actually run a full marathon.




this picture right here is my thinspiration. I love that she is not skinny. She is fit and that's where I want to be. I know I won't look like her when I lose my weight, I will have excess skin. but just to be fit like here would be awesome which is why I've started my cardio and my strength training now. I love the definition of her muscles. Depending on how much excess skin I end up with after I lose my weight, I might eventually have some of the excess skin removed. Then again maybe I won't. I will be a good reminder of where I've been and where I don't want to go back to.

I guess I'm going to wrap this post up. If you stuck with me through out thanks for listening to my ramble on about running. And anyone who is so inclined is more than welcome to join me in my training for the races when I start. Is anyone out there up for the challenge? :) Hope everyone has a blessed evening!