Friday, January 8, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Veteran Bandsters, What Can't You Eat?
As I mentally review the meals I routinely make for dinner, I'm wondering which ones I'll have to take out of the rotation. Salad? Risotto? Which meats do you have trouble with, or not?
I can't have regular solids till Feb. 1st, so I'm not entirely sure why I'm thinking about this now. Maybe it's because I can't have solids till Feb. 1st!
As far as recovery, I find that I'm tiring very easily. I did two errands today and needed an hour-long nap when I got home. My left-shoulder pain seems to come back anytime I'm active - showering and getting dressed, doing errands, carrying the baby. I'm hoping it dissipates soon, but I seem to remember Catherine saying her pain came back intermittently for a few months at least. And I only have three Toradol left! AHHH.
The nutritionist told me if clear liquids were driving me nuts I could go to full, thin liquids. So for lunch today I thinned out some potato leek soup with chicken stock and it was delicious! So far, I've had a cup of decaf tea in the morning, a protein shake, some water, about 1/2 c. of thinned soup and am now on my second (and final) protein shake of the day. Some kind of thinned soup for dinner tonight, I'm sure.
It's funny, even though I've lost 16.5 pounds since my surgery consult in October, my jeans aren't loose at my waist. In the legs and butt (hallelujah for that, my butt is ginormous) they're bigger but not the waist. I guess I'm still swollen in the abdomen from my surgery? Ah well, all in good time.
I haven't taken formal "before" pictures yet, so I'll be doing that tonight. Not sure when I'll have the courage to post them, though.
And I have 23 followers now! That just makes me grin. Thanks for joining me on this crazy journey.
I can't have regular solids till Feb. 1st, so I'm not entirely sure why I'm thinking about this now. Maybe it's because I can't have solids till Feb. 1st!
As far as recovery, I find that I'm tiring very easily. I did two errands today and needed an hour-long nap when I got home. My left-shoulder pain seems to come back anytime I'm active - showering and getting dressed, doing errands, carrying the baby. I'm hoping it dissipates soon, but I seem to remember Catherine saying her pain came back intermittently for a few months at least. And I only have three Toradol left! AHHH.
The nutritionist told me if clear liquids were driving me nuts I could go to full, thin liquids. So for lunch today I thinned out some potato leek soup with chicken stock and it was delicious! So far, I've had a cup of decaf tea in the morning, a protein shake, some water, about 1/2 c. of thinned soup and am now on my second (and final) protein shake of the day. Some kind of thinned soup for dinner tonight, I'm sure.
It's funny, even though I've lost 16.5 pounds since my surgery consult in October, my jeans aren't loose at my waist. In the legs and butt (hallelujah for that, my butt is ginormous) they're bigger but not the waist. I guess I'm still swollen in the abdomen from my surgery? Ah well, all in good time.
I haven't taken formal "before" pictures yet, so I'll be doing that tonight. Not sure when I'll have the courage to post them, though.
And I have 23 followers now! That just makes me grin. Thanks for joining me on this crazy journey.
Day 3 Post-Op: Feeling Better
GOOD MORNING, BLOGGERS!! And blog readers, of course. ;)
Things seem to be normalizing here; I slept pretty well without waking up for pain medication. My sons were up at 5.30 am (whaaa???) but I stayed in bed and let my husband handle that, bless him. I felt well enough to put my baby to bed last night, which is a milestone since she weighs 18 pounds and getting her into and out of the crib requires me to bend over the rail.
My mom is leaving in a couple days, which is sad because we've all so enjoyed having her here. I'm getting lots of rest and sleep now because next week I fly solo with the household and kids, school pickups and dropoffs and making dinners, etc. I'm desperately banking my sleep!
I ended up having a shake yesterday (with permission from my surgeon's nutritionist), which bumped my protein intake up and freed me from the dreaded Isopure drinks. Last night I strained a can of Campbell's French Onion soup and had about 1/3 c. for dinner (while everyone else at the table tucked into pasta, meatballs, garlic bread and salad).
Today I'm planning to go out and tackle some errands. Oh, but before that I'm going to weigh in. I'm trying to be all Zen about this, but frankly my dear if I don't lose some el-bees during this hellish clear liquids phase, someone's got some 'splaining to do.
**UPDATE**
Scale says I've lost 3.5 pounds since morning of the surgery, for a total of 16.5 pounds down since my surgery consult in early October. Still a long way to go, but ... YAYYYYY!
Things seem to be normalizing here; I slept pretty well without waking up for pain medication. My sons were up at 5.30 am (whaaa???) but I stayed in bed and let my husband handle that, bless him. I felt well enough to put my baby to bed last night, which is a milestone since she weighs 18 pounds and getting her into and out of the crib requires me to bend over the rail.
My mom is leaving in a couple days, which is sad because we've all so enjoyed having her here. I'm getting lots of rest and sleep now because next week I fly solo with the household and kids, school pickups and dropoffs and making dinners, etc. I'm desperately banking my sleep!
I ended up having a shake yesterday (with permission from my surgeon's nutritionist), which bumped my protein intake up and freed me from the dreaded Isopure drinks. Last night I strained a can of Campbell's French Onion soup and had about 1/3 c. for dinner (while everyone else at the table tucked into pasta, meatballs, garlic bread and salad).
Today I'm planning to go out and tackle some errands. Oh, but before that I'm going to weigh in. I'm trying to be all Zen about this, but frankly my dear if I don't lose some el-bees during this hellish clear liquids phase, someone's got some 'splaining to do.
**UPDATE**
Scale says I've lost 3.5 pounds since morning of the surgery, for a total of 16.5 pounds down since my surgery consult in early October. Still a long way to go, but ... YAYYYYY!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
A Reprieve!
The nutritionist tells me I can add protein shakes and milk to the clear liquid diet, which makes me feel a lot better. Now I can get some protein in from something other than the super-sweet Isopure drinks. I bought a shake mix that has 24 grams of protein in one scoop, plus the 8 grams in the cup of skim milk I mixed it with. That will make getting enough protein much easier.
I walked at the mall (too cold and icy to walk outside here) for about an hour this morning. It was nice to be out and about again, and I think getting back to my usual routine will help put the dietary restrictions out of my mind a bit.
My husband is going to be out of town all next week, so I am hiring a high school student to come help out for the crazed dinner/homework/cleanup/bedtime/fussy baby part of the day. It's a relief to know I won't be flying solo for that.
I hope you're all staying warm!
I walked at the mall (too cold and icy to walk outside here) for about an hour this morning. It was nice to be out and about again, and I think getting back to my usual routine will help put the dietary restrictions out of my mind a bit.
My husband is going to be out of town all next week, so I am hiring a high school student to come help out for the crazed dinner/homework/cleanup/bedtime/fussy baby part of the day. It's a relief to know I won't be flying solo for that.
I hope you're all staying warm!
Clear Liquids for a Week?
Greetings from the land of hunger headaches and growling tummies!
I really did resolve not to whine about this surgery, since I'm the one who got myself into this mess. I never thought this would be a piece of cake (ha), but my doctor requires a week of clear liquids after the surgery, which seems like cruel and unusual punishment. According to his schedule, no full liquids for me until Monday, Jan. 11th.
On Tuesday I took in three low-carb Isopure drinks (total 45g protein, 180 calories), some sugar-free Jell-O, about 1/4 c. of broth from miso soup, sips of water and pain medication. I have a horrendous hunger headache that the medicine isn't touching and can't sleep because of it.
Is this normal?
I really did resolve not to whine about this surgery, since I'm the one who got myself into this mess. I never thought this would be a piece of cake (ha), but my doctor requires a week of clear liquids after the surgery, which seems like cruel and unusual punishment. According to his schedule, no full liquids for me until Monday, Jan. 11th.
On Tuesday I took in three low-carb Isopure drinks (total 45g protein, 180 calories), some sugar-free Jell-O, about 1/4 c. of broth from miso soup, sips of water and pain medication. I have a horrendous hunger headache that the medicine isn't touching and can't sleep because of it.
Is this normal?
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Free Food!
Well, this is kind of funny. I didn't fully appreciate it at the time, but last night we had groceries delivered. It wasn't until we were unloading everything that my husband asked me why I ordered so much meat and we realized we'd gotten an extra couple of grocery bags. I guess the delivery guy got confused. I called Peapod and the customer service rep said we should keep it - a pot roast, chicken, hamburger meat, roast beef deli meat and American cheese, tortillas, organic eggs and organic milk.
How's that for ironic? I'm sitting here sipping protein drinks and Jell-O as our fridge is bursting with food.
My mom is using the chicken tonight for a stir fry and we are distributing the rest of the meat among family and friends.
Timing is everything.
How's that for ironic? I'm sitting here sipping protein drinks and Jell-O as our fridge is bursting with food.
My mom is using the chicken tonight for a stir fry and we are distributing the rest of the meat among family and friends.
Timing is everything.
Big Gulps
I set my alarm for 1.45 am to take my pain medicine overnight, and without thinking took a big gulp of water with it. As soon as I swallowed I realized what I had done, and oh my goodness was I nervous everything including the pill would come shooting back out.
It didn't, but I could hear and feel the glug-glug-glug of it gradually going through the pouch. And then I thought oh my god, what the hell have I done? I can't even take a big sip of water! This is crazy.
I know this feeling is fairly normal and I'm trying to stay positive and remember that I will feel normal again and I will be able to eat meals with my family and drink a whole glass of water at one sitting at some point. But for now it feels so strange. And I'm not loving it.
I also am a lot more sore today, which is to be expected since I don't have the benefit of the anesthesia and IV morphine that I had yesterday. The second day after surgery is usually the worst for me, so I will stay on top of the meds today, make sure I get as much of that godawful Isopure as I need to keep protein levels up, walk and take a nap later. And hope the day passes as quickly as possible.
I'll also try to remember all the positives: My mom and sister are here handling the household and children, my husband has been in and out whenever I need him and I got a good night's sleep last night. Oh, and I am finally banded! So the journey begins toward a healthier life.
It didn't, but I could hear and feel the glug-glug-glug of it gradually going through the pouch. And then I thought oh my god, what the hell have I done? I can't even take a big sip of water! This is crazy.
I know this feeling is fairly normal and I'm trying to stay positive and remember that I will feel normal again and I will be able to eat meals with my family and drink a whole glass of water at one sitting at some point. But for now it feels so strange. And I'm not loving it.
I also am a lot more sore today, which is to be expected since I don't have the benefit of the anesthesia and IV morphine that I had yesterday. The second day after surgery is usually the worst for me, so I will stay on top of the meds today, make sure I get as much of that godawful Isopure as I need to keep protein levels up, walk and take a nap later. And hope the day passes as quickly as possible.
I'll also try to remember all the positives: My mom and sister are here handling the household and children, my husband has been in and out whenever I need him and I got a good night's sleep last night. Oh, and I am finally banded! So the journey begins toward a healthier life.
Monday, January 4, 2010
B-b-b-b-BANDED!
I'm officially in the cool-kids club now, with my very own Allergan band (as is my band-buddy Vanessa )! Everything went well with my surgery this morning, I have the notorious shoulder pain and a very sore abdomen and a crazy dry throat and mouth but otherwise I can't complain much.
I had some nausea after the surgery, so they added more meds for that in my IV (in addition to what they gave me during surgery) and it helped a bit. I was so scared to throw up, but so far, so good.
When my surgeon came in to wheel me to the OR, I asked how he was feeling and he said, "Ah, pretty shaky but I'm sure I'll be fine in an hour or so." Har har. I had a small hiatal hernia that he fixed, which will help in explaining the surgery to the nursery school moms. ;)
I came home around 1.30 pm and took a two-hour nap, so I'm a little behind on the fluids. My doctor told me 2 oz every hour, which is agonizingly slow when you're so thirsty. I've had mostly ice chips and water, but I had an ounce of IsoPure as well.
My husband is getting some miso soup for me to have for "dinner." He set the table. Guess which place is mine?
Now I need to get up and walk around for a few minutes.
I can't tell you how much all your good wishes mean to me. Thank you thank you thank you!
I had some nausea after the surgery, so they added more meds for that in my IV (in addition to what they gave me during surgery) and it helped a bit. I was so scared to throw up, but so far, so good.
When my surgeon came in to wheel me to the OR, I asked how he was feeling and he said, "Ah, pretty shaky but I'm sure I'll be fine in an hour or so." Har har. I had a small hiatal hernia that he fixed, which will help in explaining the surgery to the nursery school moms. ;)
I came home around 1.30 pm and took a two-hour nap, so I'm a little behind on the fluids. My doctor told me 2 oz every hour, which is agonizingly slow when you're so thirsty. I've had mostly ice chips and water, but I had an ounce of IsoPure as well.
My husband is getting some miso soup for me to have for "dinner." He set the table. Guess which place is mine?
Now I need to get up and walk around for a few minutes.
I can't tell you how much all your good wishes mean to me. Thank you thank you thank you!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Clear Liquids All Day
Today is THE LAST DAY (dunh dunh dunh). I'm on clear liquids all day, which I've never had to do before. Better get used to it, though. I just pulled out the case of Isopure I ordered a few weeks ago, and I'll be cracking one of those open in a few minutes. I may take my baby to the mall so we can walk around and not be home near the kitchen, if there's time.
My goals for the day: Stick to the clear liquids (which won't be too hard, as the surgery is first thing tomorrow and I really don't want to mess anything up); get the kids and house ready for my absence tomorrow and recovery next week; make sure I'm really hydrated and, um, going into the surgery with a clear digestive system. I shaved my legs this morning to make sure I don't have any open nicks when I'm at the germ-filled hospital. I'm picking out something comfy to wear, and making a list of previous surgeries for the anesthesiologist.
THANK YOU to everyone for your kindness and encouragement. My family has been very supportive but I think they're kind of nervous and not sure about this. Reading your blogs and hearing about your successes has given me a lot to think about and look forward to. Best to all of you as everyone goes back to work, school and regular routines tomorrow.
My goals for the day: Stick to the clear liquids (which won't be too hard, as the surgery is first thing tomorrow and I really don't want to mess anything up); get the kids and house ready for my absence tomorrow and recovery next week; make sure I'm really hydrated and, um, going into the surgery with a clear digestive system. I shaved my legs this morning to make sure I don't have any open nicks when I'm at the germ-filled hospital. I'm picking out something comfy to wear, and making a list of previous surgeries for the anesthesiologist.
THANK YOU to everyone for your kindness and encouragement. My family has been very supportive but I think they're kind of nervous and not sure about this. Reading your blogs and hearing about your successes has given me a lot to think about and look forward to. Best to all of you as everyone goes back to work, school and regular routines tomorrow.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Dreaming Dreams
I had a vivid, vivid dream last night that I was saying goodbye to an old friend, someone I really cared about and would miss terribly. (I swear I'm not making this up.) I was incredibly sad during the whole dream, trying to stay a little longer. I felt a heavy sadness in my chest.
Jeesh, I wonder what that's all about?
{I was going to link to Susan Boyle's "I Dreamed a Dream" here - so clever! - but couldn't figure out how to do it.}
In other news, I got a Cuisinart hand blender for Christmas. Very handy, easy to clean, even blends ice well. I can recommend it as a good bandster tool. In fact, I'm enjoying a frothy chocolate shake right now.
Just today and tomorrow, then on to surgery. I mentioned last night to the boys that I was going to the hospital Monday so the doctor could fix something in my tummy that would help me be healthier. They couldn't have been less interested, which was a relief. I didn't want to get into great detail with them about it.
Jeesh, I wonder what that's all about?
{I was going to link to Susan Boyle's "I Dreamed a Dream" here - so clever! - but couldn't figure out how to do it.}
In other news, I got a Cuisinart hand blender for Christmas. Very handy, easy to clean, even blends ice well. I can recommend it as a good bandster tool. In fact, I'm enjoying a frothy chocolate shake right now.
Just today and tomorrow, then on to surgery. I mentioned last night to the boys that I was going to the hospital Monday so the doctor could fix something in my tummy that would help me be healthier. They couldn't have been less interested, which was a relief. I didn't want to get into great detail with them about it.
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