Thank you for TTT

I've been writing posts in my head for days. I must have been subconsciously waiting for TTT to share all that has been going on :o)

1. I had my follow-up appointment on Tuesday and have been upgraded to mushies....YAY!!!!! Still not cleared for exercise though (except for walking) which kind of sucks. Remember how I said I thought my surgeon was cute? Well, he was pretty flirty at the appointment. I am unsure if he was actually flirting or if that is just his personality. Robyn, maybe you can weigh in on this. It was definitely an eyebrow raiser.

2. I think I exaggerated about being in Bandster Hell. As soon as I progressed to mushie foods I began to feel absolutely fine. I still deal with a little grief when measuring out my bandster sized portion (it's hard adjusting) but I am always satisfied with my meal.... Thank you Jesus!

3. I had my first stuck episode this morning. I was eating a scrambled egg to fast while talking to my husband about the neighbors at the end of the block and BOOM! I felt like I could not breathe. By the way, I was eating this egg in the truck on the way to work. It was such a claustrophobic feeling. Ugh, it was horrible. It passed in about 30 seconds, but that was 29 seconds too long for me. Lesson learned, until next time.

4. Tomorrow is my last day at my current job. I start my new job on Tuesday.

5. I just read Tina's post about having a goal that involved shopping at particular stores. I can so totally relate. I feel like my personal style is not available at the stores where I have to shop. I am still on my self imposed shopping hiatus. I will admit that I have slipped up a few times, but I am mostly sticking to the plan. I am a shopaholic and cannot even window shop without buying something. I wonder how long I can hold out? I plan to keep my purse closed until Onderland.... that is 23 pounds away.

6. I have an exception to #5. Remember a few months ago I said my hubs 20 year high school reunion is at the end of June? This event will excuse me from my shopping ban for this event only. I do have a dress in my closet that is a possibility. However, it has been almost 3 years since I was able to get into it. Here is a pic. I was feeling pretty damn hot in this dress and would love to get back into it. I think I was about 210 in this photo. The dress was a 16 misses and TIGHT.

My aunt Sandy, me and my mom.

7. I have been trying my best to make good food choices. I think of how much I am allowed to have and do my best to get the most nutritional value out of my meal. I find I have the hardest time when I am out running errands. I used to always stop by a drive thru and grab a few things off the value menu. Now I drive by...... slowly. I am proud of my self for resisting that temptation. Let's hope I can keep it up.

8. I really really need to clean out my closet. I never properly put away my winter clothes and everything seems to be in piles. I hope to be able to devote some time to getting this in order.

9. I want some wine. Now.

10. Can't stop thinking about wine.

***** Editted to add *****

11. My first fill is on July 3rd. That seems really really far away.  

Do you smell that?

Do you?
It is brimstone. I think Bandster Hell is trying to rear its ugly head..... sigh.

I have my follow up appointment tomorrow and he will let me know if I can proceed onto mushies. I definitely need something more substantial.

In other news I am down 4lbs. Making that a total of 14! I have not seen 224 in quite a while. I can't wait to reach the 2-teens.

Have a good night all
Xoxoxoxo

Ten Things Thursday

YAY!!!!!! It's Thursday :o) Y'all know how I love me some 10 things Thursday. Thank you Laura Belle.

1. Have you seen that Betty White show, 0ff Their R0ckers? It is absolutely hilarious. I watched it for the first time last night and couldn't believe that I have been missing this televised slice of happiness. It is a prank show where all the pranks are performed by senior citizens. Please people, if you need a laugh, tune in!

2. I am still on liquids and still working on getting in all of my protien. I had my surgery last Monday and yesterday I finally had a BM. I know it is gross, but let me tell you, it was EPIC. Talk about relief :o)

3. Speaking of TMI, I was doing one of my wifely duties *wink*wink* and got to wondering if hairs could cause a PB. I know that this is a sensitive subject, but it was hard to concentrate on business when all I was thinking about  was whether or not it would scar my husband if I PBd at a moment such as this. I think I will ask him to trim.

4. Now back to some family friendly topics :o) I have missed cooking. My husband (who never ever cooks) has been preparing the meals for himself and Charli since my surgery. It has me feeling almost useless. Yesterday I told him that I wanted to cook dinner and I made a tasty looking dish of Pan-Seared Tilapia with Chili Lime Butter, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (used 2 slices of bacon cut in thirds and wrapped every third spear) and rice. My how I have missed it. As good as it looked, I was not tempted to cheat on my liquids only phase. I was satisfied with my butternut squash soup.

When I shared this with a friend of mine, she acted like I was going down a slippery slope of band failure. I was very offended. I just missed cooking for my family, geez! Can you guys understand where I am coming from, or am I truly setting myself up?

5. I am noticing that things are starting to fit better. Not enough to say I am in a smaller size or anything, but enough not to have to discreetly unbutton my pants to make it through the day :o)

6. I am anxious to be cleared for some exercise. I like walking, but I want to get my sweat on.

7. I am afraid of Bandster Hell. I am hoping I don't have it. I have been feeling satisfied and I never feel hungry. If anything I get thirsty so I have been working on getting in water so I dont shrivel up like a raisin.

8. My sister told me she had a family of possums living under her sink. What the Hell!?!?!? I don't know long they have been there or if they are paying rent, but I won't be visiting anytime soon. What is the difference between a possum and an opossum?
                                                      

9. That picture scares me

10. TOMORROW IS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New blogger alert!!!!

Hello, this is unprecedented for me.....two blogs in one day!!!!!! I am back because I need you all to show Jordan K some love. She is a new blogger, banded last October and needs our support to help her reach her goals.

Thanks!

Bandsters to the rescue!!!!

Happy Monday everybody!!!!!
Thank you all for coming to the rescue last week as I struggled to adjust to this new lifestyle. I really appreciate it. You guys are the bestest.

I am back at work and feeling kinda good. Sitting in my chair is uncomfortable, but tolerable and I am getting in 50g of protein thanks to mdlapband's excellent suggestion of adding a scoop of powder to my ready made drink. I also handed in my notice. It felt relay really good :o)

What is not so good is my hair. This humidity made it IMPOSSIBLE to style my hair today. This is what I came to work looking like, and yes, I do have Eddie's eddie.


I will try to fix it before group tonight so I don't scare Cat and Robyn. I am not promising this ladies. I can only do so much :o)

I am looking forward to my bean gravy lunch. I know it does not sound appetizing, but Andrea suggested it and it is divine.

Have any of you found yourself clenching your teeth soon in your liquids phase. I don't know why I keep doing this and it is make my jaw sore.

I went to a cookout yesterday. One of my husband's friends invited us for Mother's day. There was so much food and it ALL looked amazing. I will not tempt you with the menu, but let me tell you that I held onto my protein shake for dear life as everyone around me stuffed their faces. I wasn't even hungry, but I do you remember the Super B0wl D0rit0s commercial where the guy licked the other guy's fingers? I was almost not above that. I begged hubs to take us home after 2 hours of enduring.

Oh, I almost forgot to add that I am down 10 pounds!!! It is very unreal. I can't see it, but I'll take it.

The Good the Bad and the Ugly

I need a hug.....probably a couple of them. Maybe we could just cuddle in one big soft pile. FYI, I am not a touchy feely person, so when I say I need a hug, I REALLY need a hug. Aunt Flo came today, the gas ninja karate chopped me in the neck and I am struggling to be a good Bandster.

The GOOD
I got the job!!!!!!! They called to make an offer today and I will be putting in my notice on Monday. I hate giving resignations. I know it is not supposed to be personal, but it makes me feel like I am jumping ship. Oh well, I gotta shake that off cuz I earned this baby!

The BAD
I am still having a serious issue getting in my protein and liquids. I might get down 30 grams and 32 oz per day. That is pretty bad. I hate protein shakes and I have been trying to have a variety, but Geez Louise it is hard to get it all in. I mentioned before that I enjoyed my Atkins shakes, but 15 grams ain't doing it for me when it takes 2 hours to drink (Note to self; try 2 Atkins shakes tomorrow.) As far as liquids in general go I can't tolerate much. I keep getting a stitch in my side. It slows down my daily intake drastically. I have only been getting in about 350 calories a day.
I very much prefer the hot and savory broths versus the sweetness of the shakes. I have been experimenting with with broths and unflavored protein to find something palatable. Adding too much protein powder to the Lipton Cream of Chicken packet makes it almost pasty. I love the soup packet, but I need to be able add more that 1/2 scoop of protein (6.5g) so that I can meet my target.
I went a different route tonight and used 1 Knorr  chicken cube, 1 scoop of protein (13g), hot sauce, pepper and 1 cup of water and I like the results. I only had a tablespoon or two because I was already stuffed, but I put it up for tomorrow. I might even be able to sneak a little more protein in it. My unflavored protein powder has 120 cals, 0 carbs and 26g of protein in 2 scoops.

Writing this out is already making me feel so much better..... thanks guys. I am going to work on a meal plan for tomorrow.

The UGLY
Remember in my banded post that I said I could remove my bandages in 3-4 days? Well, the nurse told me that when we were going over my discharge orders. I distinctly remember her saying that and looking forward to seeing what was underneath (even though they are clear.) I tried to remove one of the bandages today. It was the one on the right that always itches around the edge. I began removing it before I got in the shower today, but it hurt so I finished getting it off in the shower.
Underneath was a very tiny incision and there was irritation around the edges of where the bandage was placed.  I decided to wait on the other ones because I didn't like the pain of removal.

Later today I was going through my surgeon's Band book and pulled out his orders which said DO NOT REMOVE BANDAGES UNTIL FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENT. Oops.

However, my non medical degree having, hypochondriac, mad-cow diagnosing self now believes that this particular bandage needed to be removed to to the rash that developed around the edges and the incision looks to have scabbed over nicely. So there :o/


The other incisions did not have a rash at the bandage edge. Please excuse the gut.

Ten Things Thursday

Happy Thursday all!!! It has been a few weeks since I participated in TTT and I am excited to do so today.

1. I just came back from a wonderful walk with my mother. It is beautiful outside and even though I still feel like a little old lady, I was able to get a few blocks in.
2. I go back to work tomorrow. I am a little nervous about it, but I think I will be ok. I pretty much sit at my desk all day and I don't expect it to be more than I can handle.
3. I am still not hungry. It is an odd feeling not to want to eat. My unflavored protein powder is gross but I do like the Atkins shakes. I don't know how long my indifference to food will last, but I am afraid that Bandster Hell will arrive with a vengeance.
4. My baby girl is having a hard time with me not picking her up. She still goes to my Aunt's during the day while I am recovering, but she wants to cuddle when she comes home. I have been trying to get her to use the step stool to get up on the couch so that I can get some sweet baby lovin', but she would rather turn it upside down and drag around her toys in it.
5. Haven't heard anything on the job front yet.
6. My husband started a diet the day I was banded. He has gained about 30 pounds since the beginning of the year Most of that was in pop tarts and it was beginning to be an issue in fitting in his uniform. He is doing great and has been waking up early to get his p9ox in. I am very proud of him.
7. I need to get a new battery for my laptop. I cannot use it without the powercord.
8. I have gotten on the scale a few times, but I am not stressing over it... at least not yet. I was 238 on surgery day and the scale said 234 today. I do not have any expectations of major weight loss anytime soon, but I was happy to see a lower number. Lord, please don't let me lose my sanity over the scale!
9. My mom has been watching food reality show marathons everyday that she has been here this week. She does not have cable and she is taking care of me, so I will not complain.
10. I am at a loss for #10. I think I will be taking a little catnap.

Take Care!

Banded

I made it to the other side! Thank you for all the well wishes :o)

I wanted to blog yesterday before I went in, but a poop explosion caused a delay. The explosion was not mine.... my daughter gets the credit for that nasty tidbit of information.

I did manage to have my husband take before pics and measurements though. Man, I really hate these pictures. Why is it so hard to align pictures on Blogger? Grrrrr!

                                    

The surgery was ROUGH!!!!! I went in around 2:00 yesterday, but I do not remember making it to the OR. The last thing I remember is the anethesiologist telling me he was going to give me something to relax before he took me back. I was out in 3.92 seconds. That was some good stuff!

The surgery took a lot longer than normal. I woke up in recovery around 6:00. My surgeon said that they repaired a "massive" hietal hernia. He showed the pics to my husband, but I have yet to see them. He must have been impressed because he told me this morning that he was carrying them around in his car and would show them to me at the follow-up visit. Due to the hernia, I am required to be on full liquids for an extra week so that my stomach can properly heal from being "pulled out of my chest and banded" (his words.) So, that is 3 days of clear liquids, 17 days of full liquids and 14 days of mushies.

I am having a hard time getting in my liquids. I just don't want anything. I set a timer to remind myself to sip, sip, sip,but I would rather sleep, sleep, sleep. I took a shower before I left the hospital today at noon that was divine and have clear bandages over my incisions that I can remove in 3-4 days. They prescribed vicodin pills for pain and I have been able to get them down easily after breaking them in half. I do not know the size of my band yet. Cannot believe that I forgot to ask!!!!

Anyway, I cannot think of anything else to write about.

Take Care!



Prepped and Not Quite Ready (TTT)

Good morning folks!!!

Did you know that it is Wednesday Thursday and I only have a few more days left until my surgery on Monday? I.AM.FREAKING.OUT!

I had my blood work, EKG, and pregnancy test done on Tuesday. The nurse who checked me in had her Band put in 2 years ago. I told her that I was very worried about being stuck in public. She said not to stress about it because it is going to happen. She then told me that she has her boyfriend punch her in the chest when she gets stuck....... I am still not sure if she was serious or not. Regardless of that strange tidbit of information, she was very nice and went on and on about how nice the surgeons were. Then she told me how she had gotten stuck on chewing gum and needed medical attention. Eeek!

I keep looking at measuring cups and thinking, who the freak eats only 1/2 cup of food at a time? Regardless, I am committed to making this work for me. Please send me all your good juju. 

I yelled at my husband last night for eating all the pierogies. Then I thought that I will not have to worry about getting enough pierogies anymore.

I keep standing in front of my closet looking at the stack of jeans that have always been to tight to wear or the dresses and skirts that are hoochie mama tight. One day my pretties, one day :o)

I have been making a massive list of what I need to get. I have NOTHING prepared..... No broth, no protein powders, no GasX, no NOTHING!

I have been hovering between 235-240. I think that my goal weight is 175, but the moment I see 199.9 on the scale I might do a vlog in a bikini :o) [maybe, I have to see what 199.9 looks like on me first]

I have been thinking about a name for my band. I have been considering naming her Naomi (my inner skinny bitch), but I will hold off until I get it.

I am excited about my time off. I know that I will be recovering, but I will still be off :o)

I made a tuna and cannelini bean salad today that is SLAMMING!


Well that all I have. Take Care xoxoxoxo