During my last trip to the doctor's office, I remember the nutritionist saying the following: "Please eat your protein before eating any of the "extra" food on your plate". I have been trying this week to put that extra thing on my plate. I have gotten so used to eating one cheese stick, or 6 oz of yogurt, an egg, or a glass of milk for a meal that eating more than one thing seems a bit daunting.
Tonight I had a beautiful toddler size meal! I ate one ounce of rotisserie chicken first and then I had a tablespoon of broccoli, a tablespoon of squash/onion, and 2 tablespoons of mashed potatoes. And I ate the whole thing! Eating like this is an adjustment to say the least but it felt sooooo good to finally get in some veggies! Now I just need to make a more conscious decision to eat more things at a setting. I am starting slowly...I will continue with the toddler size dinner and will eventually add something more to lunch and breakfast. It really is baby steps!
I dropped a few more pounds this week. This is my 24th day after surgery and I have so far lost 24 pounds! I am happy with that. I don't have 200 pounds to lose like some people so I know that I will slow down at some point. 5 lbs a month sounds like a nice goal for a while!! But, who knows what is in store. It is just so great to diet and exercise and actually see good results!
I finished painting the master bedroom and bath. I will try to remember to post pictures when I find my camera. Make it a great day!
Blessings,
Heidi
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
A small snag
I am sorry that I haven't been writing very often. I am sure that my 7 faithful followers have noticed. Of course, only 2 of you comment.... :)
I am doing well. My sugar was 118 this morning which made me really happy. It has been a little high the last 2 weeks so I am hoping that it will keep trending down!
One week after the surgery, I hit a weight plateau. A plateau is defined by doctors as a period of 2-4 weeks when no weight loss occurs and no change in diet has happened. So, there I sat. Every morning I weighed the same amount. I was eating about 600 calories a day and was walking 2 miles and sometimes more.
It has been frustrating to say the least. And a little scarey because thoughts that I had "broken" something inside were crossing my mind. But today, I lost a pound. FINALLY. Now if tomorrow, I am back up a pound, you will probably not see good things in my next post. I am going to learn how to draw tear drops on the screen or something.
A lot of people think that when you get the surgery, you just lose weight. In reality, at least for me, I have to diet and exercise strictly. The difference of before and after is that you actually do lose pounds. So 2 weeks and one day is a long time to wait to lose one pound since the first 22 came off so easily!
Bit by bit, persevering. That is what I am called to do each day!
Stan is gone to a meeting for a few days so I am going to paint! (He doesn't like the smell so I try not to do it when he is here). Going with a nautical theme to our bedroom and bath. Will go get the paint tomorrow! I love projects that have beginnings and endings!
Make it a great day.
Blessings,
Heidi
I am doing well. My sugar was 118 this morning which made me really happy. It has been a little high the last 2 weeks so I am hoping that it will keep trending down!
One week after the surgery, I hit a weight plateau. A plateau is defined by doctors as a period of 2-4 weeks when no weight loss occurs and no change in diet has happened. So, there I sat. Every morning I weighed the same amount. I was eating about 600 calories a day and was walking 2 miles and sometimes more.
It has been frustrating to say the least. And a little scarey because thoughts that I had "broken" something inside were crossing my mind. But today, I lost a pound. FINALLY. Now if tomorrow, I am back up a pound, you will probably not see good things in my next post. I am going to learn how to draw tear drops on the screen or something.
A lot of people think that when you get the surgery, you just lose weight. In reality, at least for me, I have to diet and exercise strictly. The difference of before and after is that you actually do lose pounds. So 2 weeks and one day is a long time to wait to lose one pound since the first 22 came off so easily!
Bit by bit, persevering. That is what I am called to do each day!
Stan is gone to a meeting for a few days so I am going to paint! (He doesn't like the smell so I try not to do it when he is here). Going with a nautical theme to our bedroom and bath. Will go get the paint tomorrow! I love projects that have beginnings and endings!
Make it a great day.
Blessings,
Heidi
Friday, July 22, 2011
Eating into the 3rd and 4th week
On Wednesday last week, I went in for my 2 week check. I had two appointments that day~one with the Physician's Assistant and the other with the nutritionist.
I am not a big fan of nutritionists. I feel like I know a lot about the calories, fat, carb, fiber, etc. of most of the foods that I commonly eat. I know how to count calories, fat, protein, fiber or whatever else a diet would call for. I know the Weight Watcher point value of almost everything and I still look at something and think about the "points". I am hoping that I will begin to forget some of this.
When I met with the Nut(ritionist), I was pleasantly surprised. She didn't talk in the familiar jargon that I was so used to. Instead of telling me what NOT to eat, she began to tell me what and how to eat. My primary focus right now is protein. She told me I can eat fruit, veggies (not legumes yet) and crackers only AFTER I got my 60 plus grams of protein in. Foods that I can eat this week are cottage cheese, milk, greek yoghurt, refried beans, any soup made with milk, applesauce (unsweetened), mashed potatoes, non fat dry milk, puddings, oatmeal, oat bran, and tofu. I have eaten everything except tofu...and that probably won't happen. Next week I will add luncheon meat, regular chicken, turkey, all seafood, and any kind of cheese.
Things that I have discovered--You can add a fresh peach (no skin) to 3 oz. of plain greek yoghurt. It is the most delicious thing ever--10 grams of protein. I FINALLY get to have a peach this season!
I have already decided that I will have this again for breakfast tomorrow and the next and the next, etc.
You can also add dry milk to almost anything that calls for regular milk. I just made my pudding with the normal 2 cups of milk and then added dry milk to the milk to give me double protein. 1/2 cup of pudding-8 grams of protein. I plan to add more dry milk next time. Pistachio flavor--yum!
I can't just eat a piece of fruit yet. Too much sugar I guess. I hope to be able to have a peach by the time the red haven peaches arrive in MI. That will be some time in early August.
By the time I go on vacation to visit my inlaws, I will be eating mostly everything. My next appointment is August 12. I then will have three appointments~ Surgeon, Nut , and Exercise Person.
I exercised 30 minutes today. I walked 2 miles and did some weights. I will continue everyday because my weight loss has stalled and I want the least amount of sagging skin as possible!
My family has been such a support to me. Madison saw me eating a cracker today and said, "Mom, is that legal?" and gave me the evil eye. I told her that crackers are now "legal" and she smiled and forgave me. :) Then she worked on writing a story via computer on the couch as I exercised. Cheering me on...because that is how we roll!
It's been a good day today. The temps have stayed in the 80's which is so much of an improvement for the week! I felt so sorry for so many Michigander's who don't have air conditioning. I hope that the heat wave is over.
Well, that does it. Make it a great rest of the day.
Blessings,
Heidi
I am not a big fan of nutritionists. I feel like I know a lot about the calories, fat, carb, fiber, etc. of most of the foods that I commonly eat. I know how to count calories, fat, protein, fiber or whatever else a diet would call for. I know the Weight Watcher point value of almost everything and I still look at something and think about the "points". I am hoping that I will begin to forget some of this.
When I met with the Nut(ritionist), I was pleasantly surprised. She didn't talk in the familiar jargon that I was so used to. Instead of telling me what NOT to eat, she began to tell me what and how to eat. My primary focus right now is protein. She told me I can eat fruit, veggies (not legumes yet) and crackers only AFTER I got my 60 plus grams of protein in. Foods that I can eat this week are cottage cheese, milk, greek yoghurt, refried beans, any soup made with milk, applesauce (unsweetened), mashed potatoes, non fat dry milk, puddings, oatmeal, oat bran, and tofu. I have eaten everything except tofu...and that probably won't happen. Next week I will add luncheon meat, regular chicken, turkey, all seafood, and any kind of cheese.
Things that I have discovered--You can add a fresh peach (no skin) to 3 oz. of plain greek yoghurt. It is the most delicious thing ever--10 grams of protein. I FINALLY get to have a peach this season!
I have already decided that I will have this again for breakfast tomorrow and the next and the next, etc.
You can also add dry milk to almost anything that calls for regular milk. I just made my pudding with the normal 2 cups of milk and then added dry milk to the milk to give me double protein. 1/2 cup of pudding-8 grams of protein. I plan to add more dry milk next time. Pistachio flavor--yum!
I can't just eat a piece of fruit yet. Too much sugar I guess. I hope to be able to have a peach by the time the red haven peaches arrive in MI. That will be some time in early August.
By the time I go on vacation to visit my inlaws, I will be eating mostly everything. My next appointment is August 12. I then will have three appointments~ Surgeon, Nut , and Exercise Person.
I exercised 30 minutes today. I walked 2 miles and did some weights. I will continue everyday because my weight loss has stalled and I want the least amount of sagging skin as possible!
My family has been such a support to me. Madison saw me eating a cracker today and said, "Mom, is that legal?" and gave me the evil eye. I told her that crackers are now "legal" and she smiled and forgave me. :) Then she worked on writing a story via computer on the couch as I exercised. Cheering me on...because that is how we roll!
It's been a good day today. The temps have stayed in the 80's which is so much of an improvement for the week! I felt so sorry for so many Michigander's who don't have air conditioning. I hope that the heat wave is over.
Well, that does it. Make it a great rest of the day.
Blessings,
Heidi
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wow, a week goes by quickly
I can't believe a week has gone by since my last post! Life got busy! My sister came to town, I had my 2 week checkup appointment, and we have been living in a sauna!! Wow, this heatwave can slow things down.
I feel great! I am not really losing any weight right now but I am bringing my eating and drinking back online, my sugars are improving, and my potassium was tested yesterday and is up to 3.9!! I don't remember ever being that high! Anyway, major goal accomplished.
This week, I am beginning the exercise routine. Lots of walking and a few weights right now are all I plan to start with. I refuse to go out in this heat so the basement will become the gym for a few more days!
I am exhausted but it is a good kind of exhausted because I am able to stay awake (except for a small cat nap in the afternoons) and get a good amount of stuff done. I got to see my nutritionist yesterday and I now get to eat all liquids AND things like cottage cheese, cream soups, mushy veggies, refried beans and puddings, crackers, and mashed potatoes. I am working on eating 6 small meals (2-3 hours apart) and getting in 60 or more grams of protein. It is a lot of eating! But I am doing it and managing to get my 64 ounces of water in too! Yay for surgery recovery.
Well, it's off to bed. Tomorrow Stan gets to sleep in so I will sneak out and do some grocery shopping before the stores get busy.
Make it a great day!
Blessings,
Heidi
I feel great! I am not really losing any weight right now but I am bringing my eating and drinking back online, my sugars are improving, and my potassium was tested yesterday and is up to 3.9!! I don't remember ever being that high! Anyway, major goal accomplished.
This week, I am beginning the exercise routine. Lots of walking and a few weights right now are all I plan to start with. I refuse to go out in this heat so the basement will become the gym for a few more days!
I am exhausted but it is a good kind of exhausted because I am able to stay awake (except for a small cat nap in the afternoons) and get a good amount of stuff done. I got to see my nutritionist yesterday and I now get to eat all liquids AND things like cottage cheese, cream soups, mushy veggies, refried beans and puddings, crackers, and mashed potatoes. I am working on eating 6 small meals (2-3 hours apart) and getting in 60 or more grams of protein. It is a lot of eating! But I am doing it and managing to get my 64 ounces of water in too! Yay for surgery recovery.
Well, it's off to bed. Tomorrow Stan gets to sleep in so I will sneak out and do some grocery shopping before the stores get busy.
Make it a great day!
Blessings,
Heidi
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Long Time, no Bloggin!
I have been without phone, internet, and cable for a few days so blogging ceased. Sadness... I enjoy processing my thoughts via writing. :)
These last few days have been somewhat frustrating because for those of you who know me, I am a do-er. And I couldn't do as much because my healing body wasn't letting me. Very frustrating. But today, I have turned the corner! My incisions don't hurt anymore, I have taken no Extra Strength Tylenol and my body has started to return to "normal". Without going into the details... my bottom half has always had issues with anesthetic. It likes to freeze up for a long time. Today the issues got all worked out :) and I feel like a new woman! Shaaaazam!
Since I started on this "diet" a few weeks ago and had to give up real food, my potassium levels have plummeted. I have always had issues with this (I have a syndrome called "Gittelman's") since about the age of 15. It is hereditary and I am asymptomatic. Normal potassium levels are between 3.5 and 5.0. My highest reading ever has been 3.4 and that is with very strict ingestion of lethal amounts of potassium each day. When I had my pre surgery bloods checked my potassium was 2.9 which is in the critical level. On my discharge day, my levels had fallen to 1.9 which is critically low. Every single operation that I have ever had has ended up with me getting IV liquid potassium. It is very painful because it burns when it goes in. That day, they gave me 3 bags of it and my levels didn't change at all! Frustrating for them and very typical for me. Today I had my bloods checked and I am up to 2.2. Hopefully, I can continue the upward climb.
I had a chance to talk to the doctor tonight on the phone. I LOVE when doctors call you! :) I told her that drinking the protein shakes were starting to really nauseate me. She assured me that this happens to many patients. That made me feel better. She asked me if I liked Milk. I about fell over in excitement and anticipation! I LOVE MILK! It is the one food that I miss the most. She told me that instead of a shake, I can have a glass of skim milk and a packet of carnation sugar free instant breakfast. And then she said, "Do you like yogurt?". To which I replied, "Not as much as milk but a whole bunch more than those protein shakes". She told me I could have yogurt without chunks. I am elated! This is a major win for me! OH, and did I mention that those carnation instant breakfast packets taste a whole lot like Nesquik??? YUM.
Today I mowed the backyard. Don't tell anyone but during the last week of June when I was taking a class in Lansing, Stan mowed the front lawn and then the lawn mower broke. Instead of taking it to the shop, he waited 4 days until I got home. Then I had surgery, then I had recovery....So the backyard was like a jungle! But with the cool temperatures I had to do it! Tonight I will sleep well!
My sugars are a bit high again...pray about that one. But there is still time to kick the diabetes out. My body is just being a little stubborn. All in His time.
Ok. Off to bed so I can mow the front yard!
Blessings,
Heidi
These last few days have been somewhat frustrating because for those of you who know me, I am a do-er. And I couldn't do as much because my healing body wasn't letting me. Very frustrating. But today, I have turned the corner! My incisions don't hurt anymore, I have taken no Extra Strength Tylenol and my body has started to return to "normal". Without going into the details... my bottom half has always had issues with anesthetic. It likes to freeze up for a long time. Today the issues got all worked out :) and I feel like a new woman! Shaaaazam!
Since I started on this "diet" a few weeks ago and had to give up real food, my potassium levels have plummeted. I have always had issues with this (I have a syndrome called "Gittelman's") since about the age of 15. It is hereditary and I am asymptomatic. Normal potassium levels are between 3.5 and 5.0. My highest reading ever has been 3.4 and that is with very strict ingestion of lethal amounts of potassium each day. When I had my pre surgery bloods checked my potassium was 2.9 which is in the critical level. On my discharge day, my levels had fallen to 1.9 which is critically low. Every single operation that I have ever had has ended up with me getting IV liquid potassium. It is very painful because it burns when it goes in. That day, they gave me 3 bags of it and my levels didn't change at all! Frustrating for them and very typical for me. Today I had my bloods checked and I am up to 2.2. Hopefully, I can continue the upward climb.
I had a chance to talk to the doctor tonight on the phone. I LOVE when doctors call you! :) I told her that drinking the protein shakes were starting to really nauseate me. She assured me that this happens to many patients. That made me feel better. She asked me if I liked Milk. I about fell over in excitement and anticipation! I LOVE MILK! It is the one food that I miss the most. She told me that instead of a shake, I can have a glass of skim milk and a packet of carnation sugar free instant breakfast. And then she said, "Do you like yogurt?". To which I replied, "Not as much as milk but a whole bunch more than those protein shakes". She told me I could have yogurt without chunks. I am elated! This is a major win for me! OH, and did I mention that those carnation instant breakfast packets taste a whole lot like Nesquik??? YUM.
Today I mowed the backyard. Don't tell anyone but during the last week of June when I was taking a class in Lansing, Stan mowed the front lawn and then the lawn mower broke. Instead of taking it to the shop, he waited 4 days until I got home. Then I had surgery, then I had recovery....So the backyard was like a jungle! But with the cool temperatures I had to do it! Tonight I will sleep well!
My sugars are a bit high again...pray about that one. But there is still time to kick the diabetes out. My body is just being a little stubborn. All in His time.
Ok. Off to bed so I can mow the front yard!
Blessings,
Heidi
Monday, July 11, 2011
Dumping
"Dumping" is a type of syndrome that occurs naturally with up to 50% of patients who have gone through bariatric surgery. I researched it today on the Mayo Clinic website and it was very interesting. Yesterday, I think I had my first round of dumping. It is not pleasant at all and manifests itself differently in everyone. Symptoms can start immediately during eating or sometimes they creep up about 1-3 hours after a meal. It basically is your bodies reaction to having too much "food" quickly go into your small intestine without enough stomach enzymes...you can read more about it by clicking here.
Yesterday I was on my way to church and I needed to get my protein in before the service so I was sipping my hot chocolate all the way to church. When I got there, I had about 2 ounces left and instead of just leaving it, I guzzled it because without thinking, I fell back on the old way of drinking. So, about an hour later, I was hit with a major wave of dumping syndrome. I was lightheaded, dizzy, felt like my sugar was about 40, and had a major hot flash. And then I sang in the Praise Band and pretended I was fine. It lasted a good hour--most of the service--but I learned an important lesson from this.... I NEVER WANT TO HAVE THAT HAPPEN AGAIN.
Today, I have been very careful to take upwards of 2 hours to drink my hot chocolate. And I feel full and much better. So far, no down in the dumps feeling! And I hope to keep it that way!
The weight is falling off of me. 23 lbs today. I can't remember the last time I lost that much. My plan was to go back to school in September with my same old clothes...that plan may have to be modified. I think the consignment shops will be my new best friend for a while!!
Have a great day. I am going to!
Blessings,
Heidi
Yesterday I was on my way to church and I needed to get my protein in before the service so I was sipping my hot chocolate all the way to church. When I got there, I had about 2 ounces left and instead of just leaving it, I guzzled it because without thinking, I fell back on the old way of drinking. So, about an hour later, I was hit with a major wave of dumping syndrome. I was lightheaded, dizzy, felt like my sugar was about 40, and had a major hot flash. And then I sang in the Praise Band and pretended I was fine. It lasted a good hour--most of the service--but I learned an important lesson from this.... I NEVER WANT TO HAVE THAT HAPPEN AGAIN.
Today, I have been very careful to take upwards of 2 hours to drink my hot chocolate. And I feel full and much better. So far, no down in the dumps feeling! And I hope to keep it that way!
The weight is falling off of me. 23 lbs today. I can't remember the last time I lost that much. My plan was to go back to school in September with my same old clothes...that plan may have to be modified. I think the consignment shops will be my new best friend for a while!!
Have a great day. I am going to!
Blessings,
Heidi
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Cooking.
Today was a pretty good day. I did succumb to a dose of pain killers last night and the pain subsided but the sleep was very sporadic. I spent much of the day in a comatose state on the couch watching the Tiger's move into first place.
I did cook some food for the family. Tonight they had meatloaf or baked chicken, mashed potatoes/gravy, pull apart rolls, squash, corn, and spinach. They will now have leftovers to take them through the first part of this week! I love to cook and during this journey, I have noticed that cooking is way more important than the actual consumption of food! I sat at the table with them and drank my protein shake and tried to fit in. It worked. My family is so supportive of my decisions. This really helps.
Today my stomach has felt much better. The gurgling sound when water is swallowed is starting to become much less and the tummy is much less tender to touch. Everyday is getting better.
Today was 20lbs down. I have moved from a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 42 to 38. I am proud. Today I wore a shirt to church that I haven't worn since two Springs ago. No one, except my family has really "noticed" a change but that is ok. I will be ready when that starts to happen!
I am going to work up in my closet tonight. I need to sort big clothes and smaller clothes. And maybe even crack open a crate of clothes that I have kept for at least 10 years...because I liked them. We'll see about the styles!
Make it a great Sunday.
Blessings,
Heidi
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Painkillers and Me.
We are not the best of friends... painkillers and me. We have been on semi speaking terms for a few days now but I really like to drive "heavy machinery" like a car, so I have broken up this friendship as of 2 nights ago. After moving around quite a bit this morning, it may have been a tad bit too early to end the relationship. Extra Strength Tylenol doesn't quite give you the same jolt!
I am trying to relax this afternoon. I am headed upstairs for a little nap and then I am making my men some seafood alfredo for dinner tonight. Madison is at a friend's house so the boys are the only ones here. Can't wait for the Tiger's game on TV tonight...I made it one inning with out falling asleep last night--tonight I will try for 2!
Today I got a few lovely get well cards in the mail. It is such a nice feeling to know that people are thinking of you! I also received a card from my hospital signed by all of the different nurses and units that worked on me. I remember exactly 2 names (out of 12)....this is also why I like to say goodbye to painkillers sooner rather than later!
Make it a good day.
Blessings,
I am trying to relax this afternoon. I am headed upstairs for a little nap and then I am making my men some seafood alfredo for dinner tonight. Madison is at a friend's house so the boys are the only ones here. Can't wait for the Tiger's game on TV tonight...I made it one inning with out falling asleep last night--tonight I will try for 2!
Today I got a few lovely get well cards in the mail. It is such a nice feeling to know that people are thinking of you! I also received a card from my hospital signed by all of the different nurses and units that worked on me. I remember exactly 2 names (out of 12)....this is also why I like to say goodbye to painkillers sooner rather than later!
Make it a good day.
Blessings,
Friday, July 8, 2011
Eating
Many of you have asked what I eat these days. I have been told by several bariatric patients to follow the doctor's orders exactly and I won't have problems. So, that is what I am attempting to do! My goal is to drink 64 ounces of water and consume 4 8 ounce protein drinks daily. Today I had 20 ounces of water and so far have had 2 protein drinks. These drinks aren't just the "shakes" that people think about but they come in a variety of ways. Hot chocolate, chicken and beef broth, gelatin, fruit drinks, etc. so it really doesn't taste all that bad!
My first day after surgery I was drinking about 1 ounce every waking hour. 1 ounce is the size of a children's medicine cup. It isn't very much. After drinking the ounce, I felt incredibly full and couldn't put down any more liquid. My liquids are slowly increasing but it is still very small sips, no gulping, no multiple sips, etc. It is a slow go but I am resolved to get this done!
In two weeks, I will have a followup appointment with my doctor and nutritionist. I have heard that I get to introduce some high protein soft foods (like cottage cheese, eggs, etc) to my diet. And then 2 weeks later, I will add more things to the diet. They are kind of secretive about what you get to add next...probably don't want to tempt you to eat it early!
The hard part of all of this are the pills...you can take up to two an hour...but when you take them, it fills you up! So, I don't quite have this part down yet.
Today I gave up the heavy pain meds and haven't had any tylenol since 1:30 this afternoon. I want to drive tomorrow so I need to stay off the big meds....but I will take them if I can't sleep tonight!
I also went with Stan to pick up the kids at Spring Hill this morning. It was a bit much for the walking but I slept most of the afternoon and am relaxing now! Little baby steps.
And finally, I lost 12 pounds before the surgery. The doctor likes your stomach and liver to shrink beforehand. When I got home, I weighed myself and had gained 9 pounds. My mom says the nurses put in a ton of fluid into my IV bags. So, today I weighed myself again and I was not only the 9 lbs down, but I also have lost one additional pound. HERE WE GO!!
Make it a great weekend.
Blessings,
My first day after surgery I was drinking about 1 ounce every waking hour. 1 ounce is the size of a children's medicine cup. It isn't very much. After drinking the ounce, I felt incredibly full and couldn't put down any more liquid. My liquids are slowly increasing but it is still very small sips, no gulping, no multiple sips, etc. It is a slow go but I am resolved to get this done!
In two weeks, I will have a followup appointment with my doctor and nutritionist. I have heard that I get to introduce some high protein soft foods (like cottage cheese, eggs, etc) to my diet. And then 2 weeks later, I will add more things to the diet. They are kind of secretive about what you get to add next...probably don't want to tempt you to eat it early!
The hard part of all of this are the pills...you can take up to two an hour...but when you take them, it fills you up! So, I don't quite have this part down yet.
Today I gave up the heavy pain meds and haven't had any tylenol since 1:30 this afternoon. I want to drive tomorrow so I need to stay off the big meds....but I will take them if I can't sleep tonight!
I also went with Stan to pick up the kids at Spring Hill this morning. It was a bit much for the walking but I slept most of the afternoon and am relaxing now! Little baby steps.
And finally, I lost 12 pounds before the surgery. The doctor likes your stomach and liver to shrink beforehand. When I got home, I weighed myself and had gained 9 pounds. My mom says the nurses put in a ton of fluid into my IV bags. So, today I weighed myself again and I was not only the 9 lbs down, but I also have lost one additional pound. HERE WE GO!!
Make it a great weekend.
Blessings,
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Recovery Day 3
I wanted to blog again yesterday but somehow I got pretty hopped up on painkillers and making a sentence, let alone a blog post, was somewhat difficult!
I was discharged from the hospital late yesterday afternoon. It was probably a day too early but I was just exhausted from the constant door opening and vital checking all night long. I loved my nurses, the hospital was lovely and I appreciated all of the good care that I was receiving but I was so glad to say goodbye.
Yesterday they weaned me off of the IV pain medicine and got me to do liquid vicodin. I have decided that I am not a fan of this drug as it upset my stomach a lot. They then tried Altram and that was a winner! Last night I took a dose, laid down on the bed and 4 hours later woke up and realized that I was in the exact same position that I was in when I went to bed. Sort of funny...sort of disconcerting at the same time!
Today I have tried to do a moderate amount of walking along with some light housework. I have also taken lots of cat naps. The anesthesia seems to take forever to get out of my system.
My goal for this week is to gradually increase my appetite. Yesterday I managed to get down 8 ounces of protein drinks and about 4 ounces of water. Today I have had 12 ounces of protein drinks and about 6 ounces of water. I am never hungry so it is hard to remember to sip, sip, sip all day long. The goal is to get 64 ounces of water and 32 ounces of protein everyday!
I also am doing a lot of deep breathing to keep clearing out my lungs because there is a small threat of pneumonia if you don't keep things moving.
I am to walk to prevent blood clots. Gracie and I have done 2 good walks around the neighborhood and I will hope to get one or two more in tonight.
And finally, the best gift of all...my blood sugars have been in the low 90's all day today. NO oral diabetes pills anymore and I have a feeling I will wean off of the 26 units of nightly insulin.
So, things are well. Very well. Slowly getting back to a new normal each day. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers!
Blessings,
Heidi
I was discharged from the hospital late yesterday afternoon. It was probably a day too early but I was just exhausted from the constant door opening and vital checking all night long. I loved my nurses, the hospital was lovely and I appreciated all of the good care that I was receiving but I was so glad to say goodbye.
Yesterday they weaned me off of the IV pain medicine and got me to do liquid vicodin. I have decided that I am not a fan of this drug as it upset my stomach a lot. They then tried Altram and that was a winner! Last night I took a dose, laid down on the bed and 4 hours later woke up and realized that I was in the exact same position that I was in when I went to bed. Sort of funny...sort of disconcerting at the same time!
Today I have tried to do a moderate amount of walking along with some light housework. I have also taken lots of cat naps. The anesthesia seems to take forever to get out of my system.
My goal for this week is to gradually increase my appetite. Yesterday I managed to get down 8 ounces of protein drinks and about 4 ounces of water. Today I have had 12 ounces of protein drinks and about 6 ounces of water. I am never hungry so it is hard to remember to sip, sip, sip all day long. The goal is to get 64 ounces of water and 32 ounces of protein everyday!
I also am doing a lot of deep breathing to keep clearing out my lungs because there is a small threat of pneumonia if you don't keep things moving.
I am to walk to prevent blood clots. Gracie and I have done 2 good walks around the neighborhood and I will hope to get one or two more in tonight.
And finally, the best gift of all...my blood sugars have been in the low 90's all day today. NO oral diabetes pills anymore and I have a feeling I will wean off of the 26 units of nightly insulin.
So, things are well. Very well. Slowly getting back to a new normal each day. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers!
Blessings,
Heidi
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Recovery Day 2
Surgery went very well yesterday. The gastric bypass took about 1.5 hours to complete and was all done laproscopicly which means that I will have a much shorter hospital stay. It looked like I might have even been released later today but an "event" happened that may get me an extra day in the slammer. :(
I slept the anesthesia off for most of yesterday. It always takes my system a long time to clear it all out but this morning, I am feeling much better. It always makes me smile when I look at a hospital and notice that they are just on a time schedule that is foreign to me...basically what I call baby time! You sleep for a couple of hours, you get up and they poke you with a needle or change an iv bag, or ask you to take a walk and then you can go back to sleep! Oh, and you eventually get lucky and start eating!
This morning the nurse came in at 5 a.m. to draw some labs and about 30 minutes later, another nurse arrived with 3 bags of liquid potassium. I have a rare syndrome that causes my potassium to sit at a very low level and stay there with asymptomatic effects to me. Today it fell into the very critical level (1.9) and so they are opting for the liquid potassium method. On a normal person this would raise the potassium up a considerable amount. But my track record has always been a tenth of a point per bag...not really all that impressive. The terrible side effect is that it burns my arm as it goes in. So, I am dealing with that nuisance until about noon today. Oh well, at least I can still type!!
I am looking forward to seeing the doctor this morning in about 15 minutes so I better rest up. Sometimes my words get very slurred when I talk with not enough sleep!
Make it a great day. I will try to update later in the day!
Blessings,
I slept the anesthesia off for most of yesterday. It always takes my system a long time to clear it all out but this morning, I am feeling much better. It always makes me smile when I look at a hospital and notice that they are just on a time schedule that is foreign to me...basically what I call baby time! You sleep for a couple of hours, you get up and they poke you with a needle or change an iv bag, or ask you to take a walk and then you can go back to sleep! Oh, and you eventually get lucky and start eating!
This morning the nurse came in at 5 a.m. to draw some labs and about 30 minutes later, another nurse arrived with 3 bags of liquid potassium. I have a rare syndrome that causes my potassium to sit at a very low level and stay there with asymptomatic effects to me. Today it fell into the very critical level (1.9) and so they are opting for the liquid potassium method. On a normal person this would raise the potassium up a considerable amount. But my track record has always been a tenth of a point per bag...not really all that impressive. The terrible side effect is that it burns my arm as it goes in. So, I am dealing with that nuisance until about noon today. Oh well, at least I can still type!!
I am looking forward to seeing the doctor this morning in about 15 minutes so I better rest up. Sometimes my words get very slurred when I talk with not enough sleep!
Make it a great day. I will try to update later in the day!
Blessings,
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Nerves
I am nervous. I know things will be okay but I am still nervous. My parents will be with me on Tuesday since Stan has his first day of teaching summer school class on that day. I am okay with that.
The kids are at Spring Hill this week. Madison will get to ride a horse 2 hours a day and Nate will shoot lots of paintballs! Each child was looking forward to a great week of spiritual renewal and FUN. They couldn't wait to say good bye to me this afternoon!
I will keep myself busy by cleaning house and getting things ready for the week. I don't think there is much recovery with this surgery since it is laproscopic but I want to be prepared for a slow end to the week. Stan and I will pick the kids up from camp on Friday--it will be lovely to share a 2 hour car ride up to Evart together!
I'll check back in after the surgery! Woot. Here's to the beginning of a healthier life ahead!
Blessings,
The kids are at Spring Hill this week. Madison will get to ride a horse 2 hours a day and Nate will shoot lots of paintballs! Each child was looking forward to a great week of spiritual renewal and FUN. They couldn't wait to say good bye to me this afternoon!
I will keep myself busy by cleaning house and getting things ready for the week. I don't think there is much recovery with this surgery since it is laproscopic but I want to be prepared for a slow end to the week. Stan and I will pick the kids up from camp on Friday--it will be lovely to share a 2 hour car ride up to Evart together!
I'll check back in after the surgery! Woot. Here's to the beginning of a healthier life ahead!
Blessings,
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Surgery Confirmed!
I got a surgery date of July 6th a few weeks ago. Before I left the office, it got changed to the 5th. A few days later my surgery went from 1:30p.m. to 9:30 a.m. via a phone call. When I was in the office for my last appointment, I asked for a confirmation of time and it was now at 7:30 a.m. Last night I got a phone call from the hospital that my surgery was indeed scheduled for 7:30 a.m. and that I should report to the hospital no later than 5:00 a.m. And that would be 5:00 a.m. in Grand Rapids which is about an hour from my house. Hmmm...looks like my 4th of July night will be incredibly short! That is okay though...less time to get hungry in the morning!!
Blessings,
Blessings,
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