Check it out!!!!

Hey everyone my FAVORITE blogger is having a givaway and I want ya'll to check it out, she its truly amazing and I know you all know her Eggface, check out what shes doing today and giving away shes amazing and a blessing to the WLS community!! heres her sight www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com and www.bbvitamins.com check it out!!!

New Plan

The Injections plan is out and now I will be having "Brain Surgery" on 10-20-09 to cushion the nerves pressing on the arteries or whatever on my Brain,For the Trigeminal Neuralgia. Go Figure..Right couldn't be easy noooo hasta be something sooo major, but the neurosurgeon assured me that its like the gallbladder of neurosurgery...meaning "very routine" as far as Brain surgery being Routine. Sso I gues that made me feel better in a way. I just want to be pain free and get back to focusing on my WL. Which I have not been really able to do because I have been in so much dang pain, I'm gonna start lookin like a Sharpai soon seriously So thats my update, I have an MRI coming up in a week or two to check the blood flow and all that, so send all your prayers my way I can sure use them and pray for my kids they are just scared out of their mind. They try not to be and try to be brave but they are kids and well they dont understand. thank you friends I will keep you posted as I learn anything new, oh and pain meds are WAY over rated by the way!!!!

Neurosurgeon Appt

On wednesday I went and saw the neurosurgeon, he recommends Glycerol injections for my trigeminal neuralgia (OUCH)it's an inpatient procedure and it has to do with a needle being incerted into your Ganglion joint at the top of your jaw and then they incert the medication that lasts anywhere from 1-4 years, then after that it would be the surgery they drill into your skull, with a long recovery and I think I can wait on that one!!! I like my skull in one piece thank you! So now I meet with the new surgeon on friday (talk about BAM!)to schedule this procedure(UGH)So I'm hopeing to get it all done before I start my new job!!! Yes I got a job as a Medical Instructor at Everest College(YIPEEE.) So that is what is going on in my life I pray all is well with you my bloggies buddies!!! here is my new pic 3 months post op and 1 month post op

Where has the time GONE????

Well again it has been quite some time since I posted, this WLS thing really occupies a lot of your time as far as cooking, counting protein and just keeping up. I feel Good about the weight loss, I feel like crap about the trigeminal neuralgia I have been putting up with(UGGGHH)My birthday was yesterday and my DH took me and the kids out to Daphnes Greek restaurant, it was good I had 4 grilled shrimp that filled me for hours.....I don't think I have every been that satisfied for that long, it was weird. But then again this journey is weird. I never thought I'd weigh 54lbs less then I did back in May??? Needless to say I am learning every step of the way...Hoe to....Cook, shop, Buy groceries, shop and believe it or not there is a lot of emotional garbage that goes along with WLS. We did talk about this in our pre surgery class but I didn't realize the enormity of it then. Good thing I have a therapist!!!(LOL)I seem to have short term memory issues not sure why and not sure if this is a common issue with WLS? I 'll Have to ask my Dr. If I remember??? (LMAO) I have been reading this summer I think I have read at least 5 books and I just love reading, mostly Inspirational and self help books, and Books that inspire us to get closer to our Heavenly Father...I read at least 2 hrs a night. So that is what we have been up to and how the weight loss is going. Now we are just getting the kids ready to head back to school, I think I just might miss them :) Time does fly by when we are busy being together and having fun.

Been Awhile

Hi my bloggsters, yes its been awhile since I posted, I am down 42lbs, I am allowed to eat steamed veggies and melons and I would love to eat period. Unfortunately my jaw the Trigeminal neuralgia is making that difficult. I take tegretol for it but the Dr. thinks we may need to increase the dosage, he honestly feels this is stress induced and it will go away in a couple of months???? WHAT????? I can't bear one more second!! Well thank my Heavenly father for PERCOCET. I can eat when I take that I just need a bib cuz I drool everywhere J/K (LOL) Sorta anyway, We went to the farmers market last week nothing great since it was hot, we also went to the lake (Silverwood) the kids had a blast it was a wonderful Sunday and my parents came, it was so lovely until we were stuck on the launch ramp and the prop wouldn't go up. so we sat there for about oh I'd say 45 min to an hour. Finally we got home thanks to a borrowed tool box!And we will be going back this comming weekend, this is what memories are made of!!!! AMEN

Freedom Loved it while it lasted!!

Over the last 6 days I have had this ungodly, Horrific pain in my left jaw and upper and lower teeth, I can't eat, Drink, talk, brush my teeth really or even have a conversation with out pain. I went to the ER first and they gave me morphine, then dilauded and finally sent me home and told me to see my dentist(TMJ)So The next day I called my dentist and she referred me to a Maxofacial Dr. so I went saw him and he feels yes I have TMJ but that is not the primary problem. My Primary problem is Trigeminal Neuralgia. Basically nerves that cause such massive pain people would rather die, that have this pain. My PCP was filled in on my issue and called in tegretol for me and had ordered an MRI of my brain to make sure there is not brain tumor or MS causing this TN. So I really don't feel stressed, I just want it to go away. I just got done telling my dad on Sunday...that since my WLS I feel so alive and have done more in the last 3 weeks then I have done in the last 3 years. I feel so blessed to have this new found freedom and not being a slave to my body/blood sugar and anxiety is a true blessing from God. While I still am in pain, I praise god for the 5-6 weeks of life I got to live pain and fear free. I will see where this journey leads me but where ever it is...it's exactly where God wants me to be!!

Fish anyone?

I have started to get creative with what little I can eat, and since I have been eating mostly fish that's not easy. So tonight I had Parmesan Tilapia with bacon and Asiagio cheese with a side of FF refried beans ans fage. It was very good and I ate almost 1/4 of it. Soooo Here are the before and after pics and imagine the smile on my face.

Farewell to my Stache.........

OK today I decided to pamper myself a little and get a manicure. Then the nice ladies talked me into getting my eybrows waxed and that stinking hurt like heck....but not as bad as when she asked me if I wanted my upper lip done? I was like HUH? I know I have some peach fuzz there but she was looking at me like I had a full mustache! AHH. So as I tried to play it cool and was like well do you think I really need it? she was like um YEAH its black??? OMGosh I wanted to die. So I told her in defeat OK fine. You know what that hurt so much my eyes watered like I was crying. So even though my eyebrows look nice and I have nice nails... I think I miss my Stache!!! (LOL)
Sarah got her nails painted and she was happy...as any preteen would be in a Salon. I'm surprised they didn't want to wax her legs!!!!
not hungry much today felling Blah... my labs came back perfecto!!! A little lower on all accounts but my Cholesterol was like Amazing!!!
Yipee for WLS!!!and Dr. Tanaka!!

Another Special Day on my Journey

Today was a good day, I wasn't really hungry today to I ate the bare minimum. I have to say things are going very smooth so far, Yes I have had foamies and yes it is very disgusting. I do have a hard time getting all the fluids in but, Protein is not a problem. I was asked by my options class psychologist if I would like to speak to any of the new options classes since I have now graduated and I already had my surgery...she feels I would have a lot of info that could be of interest to many of class participants. I think I would love that, because after surgery you are on your own, there is no one there holding your hand and face it you can only call the Surgeon so many times in one day. I was Blessed to find many many wonderful resources and on and off line support groups and forums. It truly is a unique journey for each and every individual. If I can make it easier for one person to get through the rough stage (the first few weeks to a month) I will feel like my efforts post surgery and many online hours were not in vain, plus I love to talk about something I'm so passionate about. I feel so blessed!

Moving on....

Now that I have officially finished my Options class which is pre surgery, I will be starting the support group. It will be another wonderful resource I can utilize on my journey. I have notices that my clothes are getting looser and my daughter keeps commenting on how I look thinner. I feel good, I have great energy. I do still get a pinch tired in the afternoons but that is getting better. I can't wait to start my full weight training because I am definitely going to need it! I still just do my arms and walk the treadmill(My escape) Ive been staying on track and have loved this adventure so far and I cant wait to make it to ONEDERLAND. That will be a dream!!!

Protien Donuts

Ok here is my Protien Donuts 30 g protein , compliments of Eggface..she is so creative. These were good according to my family, but they were a bit dry. I think next time I may add more water or oil to eleviate this problem :) didn't take long to make at all.

This is my First "Healthy Meal" I made for the family. I can't eat it yet. But they all loved it. It's called Squash/Turkey cassarole :)

Went to Dr. today

Hello my Blog Buddies :)
Tomorrow I am officially 3 weeks post op and things are going great! Since surgery I have lost 21 lbs and total pre and post op 29.9 lbs lost. But that is just the bonus. My true Gift from this surgery is that my BP is 106/72 and my blood sugars range from 98-128, I have more energy and feel good exercising. I am so blessed to have had the surgery it has in such a short time changed my life, the way I think, Cook, Act. Its actually fun being healthy and I will not fall back into any old habit's...sure everyone slips now and then but that's a hiccup not a failure. I bought 2 wonderful after WLS cook books that I have been using on my family(until I am on full food) and it is so simple and easy to cook healthy and be full and feel great. I do my treadmill every night for 25 mins, I get tired sometimes but if I am not I keep adding 1-2 minutes daily to increase my time and I've been doing 10-15 min of arm weights. Dr. said no weight training for 2 more weeks:( that's ok I'll get my arms going then I'll work on the rest.
God Bless everyone and enjoy your Journey, I am......

Learning something new everyday

Hi my bloggie buddies, I have been learning so much about WLS, Diet, Exercises, Emotions and a lot about myself since surgery. It seems that this is an evolving journey...that I never really could comprehend. I know in our 6 month classes they talk about all the changes and lifestyle and BLAH BLAH BLAH, well it was the Blah Blah Blah we need to pay attention to. I didn't realize the emotions, moods and feelings could be so contrast, I am so eager and impatient to do things healthy, but am held back my early post surgery diet(frustrating). At the same time I am losing weight I only dreamed about just a few months ago. This is a never ending roller coaster it seams filled with so many highs so far and yes some lows but... in the end I realize that this IS the journey to the new and healthier me..........This is my METAMORPHOSIS.

I went Camping!!

This weekend we decided to go out to the desert with my parents and ride the quads.(Not me mind you) But I had a ball watching, my 3 y/o learned to ride his and was soo happy. I did well, I had my shake and did all my vities, I think maybe I should have waited a few more weeks, just cuz my stomach was sore from all the bouncing around on the 2 hr drive plus the lovely non flat desert. I did get sick from eating to fast I think, scrambled eggs(not fun)But all in all it went well and yes to my amazement my blood Sugar was perfect yet again: (PRAISE GOD!!!)I almost trust myself again to be free and not be afraid. Not check my BS every 20 mins for fear of a low, I am on a journey to freedom and the wight loss is just a bonus but much needed!

Post Op DONE!!

Well, We all went to San Diego for my Post op, I packed us a picnic lunch and we headed out. Dr. Tanaka was very happy with my progress. I am 14 days post op and have lost 17.6 lbs :) I am off liquids (FINALLY) and I am now on a soft kind of food diet. We are going camping this weekend to the desert and riding quads, (Not Me)at least not for now. I am pretty much back to my old self except a little lighter(YIPEE)Now we will take this journey one step at a time, one day at a time. I know there will be ups and downs but I am continually working on my inner and outer support to help me through these times. I think being prepared is half the battle and having support is the other half. So I consider myself very blessed to have the resources and support to see me through this journey.

My last Class..My new Beginning!

Hi blog buds,
I hope all is well. Tonight I attended my last options class with kaiser now I'm on to the support group :) This evening was nice, a lot of my classmates had questions about the whole process from my preop up to today. It was nice to share and let everyone know what they might expect. Of course there are always those few classmates that aren't interested in what you have to say so they talk over you, make faces and all that kind of stuff, but that's OK. They will be the ones who complained, "They never told us that"... " I never heard that". And complain when they don't get! Yeah you know they type I'm talking about! Anyway my energy seems to be soaring, my sugars are great, I still get a tad tired if I over exert myself(cleaning....NOT) :) I know I made the best decision for me and I think that is what has made the difference in my healing, I am not second guessing myself, I did it and I'm happy. Of course up until the day of surgery I was freaking out. But God blessed me with peace as I was being rolled thorough the double door leading to the OR and I was calm, Knowing the right choice had been maid :) AMEN So I only have pain at my drain site but its better, I'm will be happy to have some real pureed food! and we are going camping this weekend(dirt bike riding..Not me)So I will start posting my weight weekly just to keep track basically for my own enjoyment to see the progress.

Blogg ya'll soon
Laurie

Post op Day 11

Well hello all my bloggy buddies, I surely have missed you all. I have actually been moonlighting over at obesityhelp.com at the lightweights board and I love it, I love the quick response. Anyway day 11 wow, I feel good just a pinch sore on my left side where my drain was. I am down a total of 25.4 lbs as you can tell by my weight ticker. I am still on clear liquids though not sure why but I am per my DR. I finally got some sleep last night ...oh...and I got a hair cut. Just to get the old dry damaged scragglies out of the way. I have been walking and I plan on doing some weights as soon as my Dr. OKs it(HOPEFULLY NEXT WEEK) I think I will also make an appointment with the nutritionist to make sure I know what I need. Something in writing to look at as I move along in this process. I have had a lot mood swings lately(hormones I guess)so I'm trying to deal with those. I still tire easily and I really hate that it stinks. Oh I also ordered 2 good cookbooks for Gastric Bypass people of amazon one was called "Cooking after Gastric Bypass WLS" And I forget the other on. My beautiful, kind and as always supportive mother bought me a really cool food processor (I CANT WAIT TO USE IT). So that is the happs with me. Hope all is well with you and will be bloggin soon!!!

((HUGS))
Laurie

Post Op visit today

Today we head back to San Diego for our Last and Final time. Today is my post op visit with Dr. T. I feel better each day and basically the pain I have is where the drain was, some back pain? and I'm tired. I'm sure all normal for a week out. One week ago today I did the unthinkable......I had a surgery to save my life and I promised to live it, and I will!! I'll let you know how the preop goes

Laurie

WHO said This was the EASY way out??? Post op Day 4

Ok my bloggie buddies, I'm Home from San Diego and what a journey, I dont even know where to begin, I had some complications and severe nausea and vomiting, and at one point they were talking transfusion due to my Gall Bladder? Sooo Whoever on Gods green earth ever says this is the EASY way out, I Will punch their lights out and I am not a violent person! I thought I'd have less pain Post of day 4, but not so much maybe because of drain? not sure. But I have lost 6LBS whooot whooot. So I will post a more detailed oriented post when I can sit for more than 10 mins at a time. In the mean time I'm on Clear liquid diet for 2 weeks with protein drink as well, what did you guys love as a clear liquid??? Let me know:P

((HUGS))
Laurie

Tomorrow......San Diego!

Hi friends, I am getting excited.. tomorrow is the day we head down to San Diego for my 4 Hr pre op, then or may be before we will check into our hotel. We are staying at the Hotel by the hospital called Somerset suites, they give a discount if you are having surgery(Anything to make a buck)But it is close and actually right behind the hospital. So My in-laws just got here from AZ and are here to watch the kids til mike comes back on Saturday(Ryan has a Dentist Appt he cant miss)But I think they are staying until Monday or Tuesday not sure yet? well This will be my last post until tomorrow. I still have so much to do....See how hard it is to get packed with a 3 y/o :) HA!! That's my excuse

Here I am

Hello all, last friday I got the call my surgery will be Friday May 29th, wow sooo soon, So I have actually been very busy preparing, making arangements and tring to get things all in order. Not easy since I have 3 kid who don't want me to go, In-laws comming from AZ yo take care of my kiddos and hubby having to get time off work. I have been spending a lot of time on obesityhelp.com and making some friends who are post and pre WLS. It's great everyone should check it out. So We are heading to San Diego on thursday morning, and plan on possibly spending the nigh for surgery the next day. I'm not sure what time surgery is, wont know that until thursday afternoon. Well wish me luck and I'll post more later.


Laurie

Surgery is Scheduled!

Hello all my friends, I got the phone call today from Pacific Bariatric and my pre op is Thursday the 28th, and my surgery is Friday the 29th down in San Diego at Scripps Hospital. I am filled to the max with all different types of emotions and new questions. I also have a list of things I need to buy for home and the hospital. I have to find a good protein mix with at least 55g of protein, they said to try Pro complex, or something equivalent. I have to start my vitamins B1 and 12 and 1000 of vit C. So I guess I'm off to do a little bit of shopping, plus I have to pick up some prescriptions they called in for me.If any of you can remember that far back after surgery and what you used PLEASE...PLEASE let me know.

Hugs to all
Laurie

Update

I just spoke with my Lovely Options Program Coordinator and she assured me that while Dr. Tanaka has a Dry sense of humor he is a great surgeon. This does make me feel better and I am very blessed to have such a careing woman on my side to make sure that I and all my class mates get the best care possible. Janet even made a phone call to the Dr.s office to make sure I was being put on the schedule right away and when she called me back she told me... the Dr. went to them and said to schedule me rite away. So I had a bad experience, but I know that it wasn't personal. I have no doubt that he is a great Dr. Ummmm he just needs help in the people skills department.

My LOVELY Surgeon !?!

Ok where do I begin.. Well I saw my Surgeon at 10:00 am (DR. Tanaka)I was kind of nervous, but my Hubby was with me. The 93 mile drive helped calm my nerves cuz I was to busy telling my Hubby to SLOW DOWN :) Anyway, Dr. came right in and didn't say a word? Hummm.. must be reading my chart.. He looks up at me and still nothing... So I said Hi he looked back and said said HELLLO, just like that? My husband and I looked at each other puzzled. Then he said soo Your with Kaiser Program, I replied yes, and that They had sent me early because of my Gall Bladder issues.. (NOW get ready for this and try not to yell out the first bad words you think of) He Looks at me over his glasses and says... AM I Suppose to care????? I just about died and wanted to run out of the room, my husband looked at me like are you serious??? I was horrified and I couldn't believe what I just heard. So as he started to question me, I was still in shock and I answered another question and he replied, Should I care? I was like what the hell, so I said to him you know this is a big surgery and I think you should care because if you don't, we have a problem. Then my husband chimed in "Nice Bedside manner" The Dr. Just Ignored him and proceeded to examine me. I was and still am so shocked, I didn't know what to say or do and this was the man who was going to do my surgery? He finished by telling me the risks and what to expect and asked if I had any questions? Still in shock I asked a few about blood sugar, he answered and left. OK WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED???? My Husband was like no way, are you serious, you better call the options nurse and straighten this out. I felt sick, Horrified and like I was just a piece of crap. Truly truly disappointed. I wanted to cry, but was so shocked I couldn't even speak or look at anyone as I walked out. My Hubby was very mad and was giving me the cell phone to call back home to talk to the options coordinator. So I called and She knew what I was gonna say before I even said it. I told her what happened and she said she had received many phone calls regarding this Dr. and that she can assure me its is just a case of Dry, Bad sense of humor, That he is an excellent surgeon and is just odd that way, what he thinks is funny some people don't and that he comes off as abrasive (YA THINK)But I had a choice she told me, to see it for what it was, poor sense of humor and not take it personally or be offended. I like to think I am the Bigger person and can get over a bad sense of humor, so I agreed with her that I wouldn't take it personally. So then we had 2 more appts with the internist and psychologist, but my day was pretty much ruined by the morning appt. I just wanted to go home! I try always to be the bigger person, (no pun intended),But I am just having such a hard time with this. Maybe I'm just being overly sensitive? I don't know I guess I could ask for another Dr. and see what happens. I just feel majorly disappointed!!

Going to San Diego

Well my friends... We are off to San Diego. To see the Dr.s at Pacific Bariatric. I pray things go well and I just stop feeling afraid... I need that peace and calm to get me through this... the kind that only God can provide. I'll update when I get home :)

The TIME HAS COME!!

Hello my friends, I am posting on this beautiful Sunday God has given us. I feel peaceful and calm and ready to tackle the world!! OK BIG Lie. I was told on Friday that my surgery is being FASTRACKED because of my Gall Bladder. Soooo I'm Skipping my last 6 classes and moving into surgery prep mode. I got the Authorization # on Friday and I call on Monday to get my Pre op and surgery date! (YIKES)I feel excited, terrified and all the sudden I have a bazillion more questions than before! I do have a peace about the surgery though, if that makes sense? So It looks like surgery may be next week I think. I will know Monday afternoon and I'll post then all the details!!I have also decided to blog the entire process of my preop, surgery and the recovery period, just to help any preWLSers. I found a blog like that and it was Awesome!! So I will do the same. I haven't been eating much, but its OK. I think I've been taking in around 700 calories give or take. Soooo wish me luck and I'll post soon!!!

Laurie

So much to say!!!

Hi my Bloggie Buddies, Where do I begin? Well losing weight has been easy with my Gall Bladder issue, not hungry, nauseated and stomach pains, so cool, (I Guess) Now my 3 y/o is sick with a fever of 103.1 since last night and we didn't sleep much. Unfortunately I'm unable to exercises at this point, I tried to do my treadmill but the walking made my side pain worse... so I didn't complete my 30 day challenge(BUMMER) I think I will try again though when it is not hurting and see how that goes(MAYBE). I am a little curious... When you have the RNY and they remove your Gall Bladder is the recovery time longer? Are you more SORE? UgHHh I have so many questions that I need answered besides that, I also heard that you lose Hair during the weight loss? I'm feeling confused and I definitely don't like it. It seems you all have had good experiences and no problems.. If you have had any can you share with me(if you feel comfortable.. Of course)


Laurie

Question of the day???

Hello Friends, Hope everyone had a Wonderful Mothers Day!!! Now I always try to ask at least 1-2 questions per week to gage and enhance my knowledge. Since my surgery is being moved up due to my Gall Stone...I feel a welling up of fear and a bazillion questions burning a hole in my brain. So help me out here, I know the medical and technical side for the most part but, I want to here from you who did it and got through it! Sooo y question is......Were you afraid or totally calm when it came to your surgery(RNY or Lap)? How and what did you use to get your fears (If Any)resolved? Please let me know, I'm very curious about the coping mechanisms you may have used. Thanks for your input :)

Guess What?

Hello all my bloggie friends, I went and had my ultrasound today and GUESS WHAT??? I have 1 stone in my Gall Bladder. Hard to believe that 1 little calcified rock can cause such massive pain. I have to have another test done called a HIDA scan done and they inject you with RADIOACTVE Iodine(WATCH OUT SPIDERMAN)not my idea of fun. So I called my RN at the options program and she said that they will have to do my surgery right away (THE BYPASS)because they remove, if you need it, your Gall Bladder at the same time. I thought she ment to have my Gall bladder surgery right away, not the bypass. I still have 6 classes left. I am excited and terrified all at the same time. I planned on my surgery being in july(late july). So we will see what develops over the next week or so. I'm still having pain constant consistant right upper quadrant pain, but my surgeon (DR.FORMICHELLA... friend)is giving me some pain meds and prilosec to try until, I guess until I have a surgery :)

Laurie

Here we go

Ok my bloggie friends, I went to the Dr. today and i have lost 4lbs this week. Thats the Good News... It appears that losing weight, eating right after eating like crap for several years... and a crabby Gall bladder don't mix. I have had this pain for about 3 weeks off and on and now yesterday and today It has been constant :( Just a pinching squeezing bloated right side near my ribs. long story short.. The surgeon I worked with for many years at kaiser is a very good friend who just in february fixed my umbilical hernia, thinks I may need my Gall Bladder removed, even as early as tomorrow. I have a STAT ultrasound in the morning first thing, If I can make it through the night with this AWFUL PAIN. So Say a prayer and wish me luck. Im not sure what to hope for gall stones or just a very bad pain in my right side? You all are great and are becoming the back bone for me on my journey to WLS and possibly a Gall Bladder removal (UUGGHHH)

Laurie

Finally!! WOOOO WHOOOOO :)

Good morning all my inspirational bloggies, I am so happy! this morning I weighed in and I went down a few more pounds. I felt like I was just going nowhere, but you all kept telling me that it would come off and start losing again, and I have(YIPEE)I have been working so hard and feel like I have made progress and taken a few steps forward.Tell me this why is it sooo easy to gain weight but losing it is so dang hard, just down right painfully hard. I gained weight rapidly due to my Blood Sugar. I gained 60 lbs in a 5 month period, Now that my Blood Sugar is stable I thought that the weight might fall off just as quickly (NOT)! Lets just say I am completely satisfied with my progress as of today, but tomorrow I might feel different(I'm a Scale addict) I know... I know... you should weigh yourself 1 time a week but I'm to impatient for that, I want to know my progress even if it fluctuates daily.(I need to stop this habit no doubt!)But as I said I'm Happy today!!

Lifestyle

Hello all, I am feeling better today, and yes I did do my treadmill yesterday(despite feeling like crap) Sometimes I feel like being health is going to knock me out! I think my body is in shock that I have keep eating healthy and have changed my lifestyle. When usually it's just a short lived whaky new diet(LOL)I(my body) just need to get over the fact that I am choosing a healthier lifestyle if my body doesnt like it it can just leave!!! (if only it were that simple)So my weight is going down just very slow, it is fighting me every step of the way, but I'm determined to do it and be a new me!!!

Day 3 and 4 of 30 Day Challenge

Hello all, I hope all of us are doing well on our 30 day challenge! On day 3 and 4 I did my treadmill as usual but on day 3 my MP3 player decided to take a dump :( Sooo I realized that without my music it is a veeerrry Looonng 25 minutes. My eating has been excellent (if I do say so myself.) We went to Trader Joes and bought, Whole wheat mini and regular Pita bread(yummy), fresh salads, and fruit, Almond butter and a whole bunch of healthy stuff. While I don't normally shop there, it was an experience and I will go back for certain things, like Pita chips. I drink a High Protein shake per my Kaiser Program and its not bad once you add the Banana. This coming weekend we are planting our own veggie garden(Eggplant, Cucumbers, Squash, Leeks, Green Onions, Green Beans, Garlic and Red Bell Peppers)Plus I have my window planter filled with Herbs. I LOVE COOKING HEALTHY! But I must admit I have been feeling hungry the last 2 days, not sure why?I seem to still be stuck or on a plateau at the moment, and its really making me mad! I have been working harder the last 2 weeks then ever before and Nothin, Nada, Zilch. At least as of today, I am perplexed. we have to lose the 10% the Dr. wants and I'm about 16 lbs away from that(UGH) well I'll keep at it somethings gotta give :) Keep up the good work and enjoy the challenge!!

On my mind..." SKIN"

Her is something that is on my mind.... After all the weight loss since it is rapid(mostly)what happens to your skin? Have you heard this expression... Butt in the front and Boobs in the back? well does it just hang there or does it shrink with exercise? Will I have a stomach that hangs to my knees? The thought bothers me. Hey I lost 120lbs but I'm still caring around all my flabby skin, I can't afford plastic surgery(FOR SURE) but the though of my skin sagging is just as embarrassing as being OBESE. What are your thoughts and what have you done about this or have had too? I know genetics play a roll, but I'm the only Abundant person in my family! So my blogger friends male or female let me know!

Thanks
Laurie

30 minutes for 30 Days Challenge

Hello friends, I decided to jump on board a 30 day challenge from another blogger(hope I'm not intruding)and this is day 2, I did my 22 min treadmill and 10 min toning/stretching(not bad). I always feel good when I exercises....So why does it take soooo much motivation to get going? I know I need to build it into a routine and just stick with it, I MUST find time between cooking, cleaning, laundry, driving kids here and there, chasing my 3 y/o around, reading my Bible, Potty training and spending quality time with the kids and Hubby:) I'm sure I left something out....OH yeah time for me(LOL) I truly enjoy doing the treadmill, I put my ear buds in and start my music(praise and worship)and I am in my own world and could just stay there! (My HAPPY place)could actually be on a treadmill. So back to the challenge, I think it is good because I feel like if I get it in everyday, In 30 days it will be part of a routine. I like to do things at the same time everyday(I have a High Function Autistic Son)so things at a specific time get done period, almost like I have autism now actually the whole family. Dinner is always at the same time usually + or - 30 mins and so on you get the picture, so I just need to find a time and no matter what stick to that time, that get health, lose weight, burn fat, just me alone time!! What works for you guys? Let me know I'm a blank slate and your Ideas fill the pages, so send it all my way.

Laurie

Monday Meeting Night

On Mondays I have my Options Class through Kaiser and in the beginning I didn't want to have to take these classes... I just wanted to get the surgery over and done with. Well now at least for me.. The classes have been very valuable, even if I dislike weighing in LOL.Though I did lose 1 pound(yipee.) We were learning last night about what emotion or emotions is food taking the place of? Many of my class mates said they just love food, end of story! Well I like food.. but I do use it too. When I feel Stress, Bored, Angry, Sad, and always as a reward or a celebration. Thought this journey has been slow at times it seems I know that Quitting things COLD TURKEY, not my style. I have slowly very slowly replaced my BAD behaviors with a Healthier lifestyle. The transition is slow and that way I know it will stick. Even though we still have our "Triggers" I at this point do handle them better. I am just wondering about all the vitamins and supplements post surgery. Is it easy to get into the routine of taking them daily for the rest of your life, Do any of you struggle with this. I find this is another thing that brings me concern. I forget to take my ONE A DAY as it is!!

Let me know how you do it :)

Lazy Sunday

Hello all. I decided today to use Lyn or Kim's chicken soup recipe for our Sunday dinner, its a little cool today, low 60's and it just sounded soooo good. I love finding healthy, low calorie and low fat meals. Today we went grocery shopping and let me tell you, the healthier I get the bigger my grocery bill gets. NO JOKE :( My husband almost needed CPR for the 213.25 bill(YIKES) Why is Good, Wholesome, Health, Fresh food so darn expensive? Hey but I can buy 2 boxes of 8 Twinkies each for $5.00? No wonder I am so large, I was saving on grocery money (Ahem)J/K But seriously, I need to Find some sites that are Healthy meals and tried recipes, nothings worse than trying a new meal and it's horrible. So If ya'll know of any good sites or recipes let me know :)

Question and The Real Me

Hello all, I have a question? I have two blog spots and I thought 2 different site meters but the are getting the same hits? Any Ideas how to separate? Well anyway... as I was looking at my other blog I realized that I am never in any pictures, I am behind the camera. I know I do this on purpose due to my "Over Abundantness"(that's what I like to call it, sounds nicer :])Anywho...I know I need to face my first issue of being photographed so I can place the picture on my blog. I need to have a before picture and see myself(cringing at the thought)and so you can see me...the real me. The real me that has kept me from really having a real social life, the real me that is embarrassed of my appearance,the real me that dresses mostly in dark colors PRAYING to hide a few inches or pounds, the real me who tries not to think people are staring at me(Paranoid, like I'm that important)The real me that feels I have failed and disappointed myself and finally the real me that needs surgery to lose weight. This is only 1/2 of what I feel on a daily basis. No I'm not depressed... I'm just well...MORBIDLY OBESE!(I don't like that word) Now... Hows that for therapy :)

Rough week!

This week has been rough, My class has us on a 900 calorie diet and I do ok (most of the time) But... this week, I was weak. I find myself less hungary but I crave sweets lately, and I indulge? Why you might ask? I'm not sure. I am not trying to sabatoge my progress or lack thereof. I have been stuck, plateau mounted and I have been to the Dr. twice and no reasons or explanations. I have swelling in my ankles and hands, the Dr.s won't give me any antidieretics to help so I'm puffy as well. I try but with little victory and it its getting to me. I feel frustraited and mad and disappointed in myself. I don't want to fail, I'm just stuck. Have any of you post or even pre WLSers experienced this and if so... How did you get over this hurdle? Let me know advice is very much needed!!

met⋅a⋅mor⋅pho⋅sis [met-uh-mawr-fuh-sis]

Any one of these could be the definition of our transition and journey to WLS and beyond!.

–noun, plural
1. A profound change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of an organism, as from the caterpillar to the pupa and from the pupa to the adult butterfly. Compare complete metamorphosis.

2. any complete change in appearance, character, circumstances, etc.
3. a form resulting from any such change.