Its Been A While

Looking Less FAT!! FINALLY!!
Well things have certinly been busy... I am working a lot and The kids are on summer break, we have been going to the river to see my inlaws every month since my mother inlaw was diagnosed with melanoma. But other than that When we are in town/Home we go to Church, enjoy our fellowship and really appreciate all the prayers and love they send to us daily. As for me I'm chugging along with my weight loss its slow but progressive...Annoyingly slow FOR SURE!!! but I really cant exercise my Blood sugar just drops like crazy so I think my max on the treadmill is 17 mins if im lucky. my eating is still very small portions I know I could eat better and I will I just have had a slip since we have been in and out of town but I need to be better diligent I KNOW this! so here is a recent pic at my daughters 13th birthday party! I will be a better poster from now on I promise!! miss you all mucho!

Laurie

Picture Progress

Me at my Heaviest Not a very pretty sight :(


1 month post op

2 1/2 month post op


Not pretty, just woke up, no make up what do ya want??

Most recent mothers day camping trip to Lake Skinner!

Its been almost a year Since my RNY and I have to say it hasn't been horrible. I do have to say I wish I could exercise more... but due to low blood suger(my only issue) I really have no complaints its been a great year. I do have saggy skin and boobs that droop and my butt hangs but all in all im healthier, happier and I look a lot better than befor so here are some progression pics for you to see.

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