Weekly weigh-in

Starting Weight
July 7,2013
266lbs

Current Weight
Jan 28, 2013
230lbs

-36lbs

At Home - Week 2 Post OP

I've been home for a week and at this point I can not really complain about how I'm feeling. This week sure has had a lot of ups and downs in just general life stuff. It started off Monday my oldest Aiden had a Dr.'s appt in Lindsay so since his brother got the whole week off school last week, I decided that he could stay home and come help me do some groceries and other stuff and then go to his appointment.  Well the first stop was at my work for my weekly weigh-in. I posted the results in my last blog entry.  We pulled up at my work I put the Van in park and then realized I shouldn't park there as the delivery truck would be coming soon. I went to back up and the van would not go in reverse so I tried to drive forward it would not go forward either.  SO at this point I called my Husband to come check it out.  I gets there adds transmission fluid and the thing starts to over heat.  The rad fluid is pouring out on the ground and is a reddish brown colour. Which I knowing nothing about cars knew that was not a good sign.  Needless to say the van ended up towed back to the house and it will have to wait until next week to go in for repairs.  This leaves us down to one Vehicle, which MAJOR SUCKS  when your used to two.  We where suppose to pick up hardwood flooring from my parents in Lindsay when we went there but I that didn't end up happening either.  Hubby and I switched Vehicles he went home with the town truck and Aiden and I went on about our day.

I discovered PRICE MATCHING THIS WEEK. I have now made it my mission while I am off work to only shop the sales and to completely stock my pantry and cupboards.   So far I have done pretty well. I've done 2 shops one Monday and one Saturday covering 2 different sets of flyers and I have gotten some amazing deals.  I have no idea why I didn't think of this before.

Tuesday I went to Cobourg to visit my Friend/Derby Wife Anita/Divine Nus.  She has just opened a New and Used Children's Store selling clothing and Toys called Kidz Villa.  It was great to spend some time with her and to see her new set up.  I have to say I was quite impressed and I am very proud of her!! On the way home Mike and I decided that we should stop for a bite to eat.  The only place that I knew for sure would have something that I could enjoy on my liquid diet was Tim Hortons. We stopped I got a Cauliflower & Cheese Soup.  I was not sure if I would like it or not.  I'm typically not a cauliflower person but I really enjoyed it.  I only had about 2ish oz and was able to have it for a snack later that day and again for super.

When we returned to Peterborough I wanted to check out Value Village. I'm looking for a dressing table for my room.  My friend and Weighloss Surgery Twin Brooke, gave me the idea that every women should have one.  We only have one bathroom in this house with 4-5 people depending on the week. SO bathroom space and time can be hard to come by.  Anyways. we stopped in to see if they had anything I could refinish as a dressing table.  I didn't find anything but I did find a black and while stripped sweater dress.  I didn't even try it on which is something that I never do.  But I figured it would fit eventually.  It was an XL from Suzy Shear with the tags still on.  I tried it on when I got home and it fit but was to tight. I figured it would be at least a few weeks until it fit.

On Wednesday I did some web searching for dressing tables, looking for something that would match the decor of my room. I have the Laura Bedroom set from JYSK.  I found that they do not have a dressing table with that set but they do have a small desk.  I decided that Thursday I would go to JYSK and check out the size.  I was able to get them to price match to the Web price so of course I bought it.  They loaded it in the car for me and I had to call my Brother  and see if he would come over and bring it in the house for me. My hubby has a back injury so he would not be able to carry it in on his own.  My brother is amazing and came over after work to do so.  I also stopped at the dollar store to pick up some stuff to make a Jewelry Tree. My Sister found a post on a jewelry tree on pinterest and made one for her room and I just love it.  Mine is more rustic than hers and I love how it turned out!! Aiden my wonderful helpful son helped me build the desk while Braidleigh and Daddy went to PALS literacy program at his school.  Check out the photos below of my finished DRESSING TABLE AND JEWELRY TREE!! My new favorite spot in my house!!

Friday I got up and got the kids off to school. After that I decided it should be a me kinda day!! I ran a HOT BATH and spent the next 2 hours soaking and watching a movie! It was like HEAVEN! I have been wanting a bath since 3 days post op.  My incisions are healing very well so being a nurse I made a decision that it was safe to have a bath today.  After I pretty much turned in to a prune I decided to get beautiful.  I didn't really have any reason to but I got dressed up any ways! My first NSV for this journey was that I was able to wear my 1950's inspired black and white polka-dot dress! I love that dress. The last time I tried it on was about a week before I started the Optifast and it was all I could do to get it zipped up and my boobs where so squished I'm surprised they didn't come out my back! The Derby Girls came over for a Board of Directors Meeting so we could. Plan Plan Plan our 2013 season!!!  I see Dr. Smith on Feb 6th for my Follow Up appointment and I can't wait to find out when I can get back on my SKATES. I miss them and they miss me!!

Just a little inspiring post that I came across on line today! I thought it really fit the journey I am partaking at this moment. My body is changing everyday even tho I don't really see it yet.  

I also had my 2nd NSV ( non scale victory) this week.  Just for shits and giggle I decided to try on that shirt that I bought earlier in the week and DRUM ROLL PLEASE .............. IT FITS!!!! WHOOT WHOOT!!! I couldn't believe it!!!  I was not really seeing the changes in me, as my shape seems the same to me in the mirror.  I remembered that there was some pictures that I was tagged in on Facebook  where I was wearing a similar shirt to the one I was pretty ecstatic to be wearing!  I made a side by side photo on instragram and was pretty shocked at what I seen.  the pic on the right was taken when I ref'd a pride scrimmage for Derby in September and the one the the left was taken January 27. There is really a fantastic difference in these photos!! 

Feeling pretty fantastic all dressed up to go our with my family for a Movie.  I love those boots but my feet really don't. I'm hoping as I loose more weight I will be able to wear heels without feeling like I'm being tortured!!

As far as the eating part of my week had gone. I'm not feeling hungry much at all. I do find I'm thirsty a lot tho.  I'm getting in any where between 70-100 g of protein a day and 50-90 oz of fluids.  I'm finding it really easy to get in my protein by adding the unflavored to my soups.  I have not founds anything that my pouch does not agree with. I guess at this point I am one of the lucky ones!! People have said how hard the first few weeks are and I really don't find it that hard at all!!  I'm loving my tool and my new life!!  So excited to see the results over the next few weeks and months!!

Weigh in Week 1 post op

Starting Weight
July 7,2013
266lbs

Current Weight
Jan 21, 2013
234lbs

-32lbs

Discharged and spending the week at JENNY'S....

I was relieved to be discharged from the hospital.  Our first stop once we got to Oshawa was a the SUPERSTORE  to fill my prescription for Prevacid and Oxycodone for pain.  We pull in to the parking lot and who jumps out of the car behind us ... But Jenn! She yells hey!! I was so excited to see her!!  We made our way in to the store and I dropped off my prescriptions and picked up various yummy things that I could eat on the liquid diet such as Sugar free pudding, Skim Milk, Protein shake called Muscle Milk, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Tomato Soup and Sugar free whip topping for Jello.   Once we arrived at Jenn's house you would of thought we where moving in with the amount of stuff we had ... lol ... I got settled in the spare room. Unpacked all clothes, make up etc and set it all up so I would be quite comfortable for the week.  Jenn and I spend the rest of the day catching up while I  was quite cosy on her gigantic couch.

I felt quite good and seemed to have minimal discomfort. When I was in pain it was in my back and as the week went on the pain got lower and lower in my back.. Nothing that the Oyx woundn't fix tho.. I have been very  careful with taking them and there has only been one day that I had to take 3 I've been getting by on just 1 or 2 a day when the discomfort gets bad later in the day once I've been up and going all day.   It's been a very busy week. On Thursday I was able to shower and I think it was the best shower ever!  Jenn and I went out to walmart and did some shopping I purchased some athletic leggings that have become my new FAVORITE PANTS.  I also purchase various items useful in assisting with weightloss. Best new purchase was the MAGIC BULLET.  

I have been using Jenn's Bullet to add protein powder to my soup.  My favourite meals this week have been Cream of Mushroom Soup and protein powder and Tomato soup with protein powder, cottage cheese and an obseen amount of pepper .  I have been doing quite well with protein and fluids averaging 65g protein and 55 oz fluids.  I happy with that for my first week post op.

The protein powder above it what I have been adding to my soups. It makes the soup a lot thicker but does not really change the flavour.  What I love is I add 1 scoop to 3oz of soup and it's makes it so easy to get in all my daily protein.  

On Thursday Mike went to pick up my son Braidleigh from my parents house.  I called and talked to Dad in the morning at about 9am. Dad told him that my husband was coming to pick him up later today. Braidleigh jumped up and went to the bedroom, packed up all his belongings took them to the door. And started to put his coat on.   hahaha ... I guess he missed us!! Bless him!!   SO I guess it was a long morning for him and Dad.  Mike arrived at 1:00 ish and Braid had been sitting with his coat and hat on for an hour.  I was very happy to see my little man and get some snuggles!! 

Jenn had to take her kids to Cub camp on Friday night. So on Friday she spent most of the day getting everything together for that little adventure.   I needed to walk and I am not a fan of the cold so I decided to go out and do some more shopping. My first adventure out on my own was to the Superstore.  I had noticed a great sale on make-up when I was there on Wednesday so I wanted to check it out.  I got a lot of great make -up and the best part was everything I bought was $1.94 each and there was no tax!! Can't go wrong with that. Now I have lots of new tools to be beautiful!!!!

Friday Mike had to go home to go back to work. Jenn and the kids went to camp and that just left Me and Braidleigh with Jenn's husband Jason for the weekend.  Friday night was pretty uneventful   Saturday I was hoping to sleep in since everyone one else was gone. I kept Braid up late Friday night with hopes that he would sleep in ... NO SUCH LUCK IN MY LIFE ... hahaha.  We where up and ready for the day by 8:30 am.   I was bored outta my mind!! You don't realize how much you take for granted your car so you can go where you want until you have it taken away.  Mike took our van home so I was SOL.  In the afternoon Jason was kind enough to take Braid and I to the Mall.  I did some browsing and found  lot of clothes that I just can't wait to buy in my new skinny size!!  Braid got a Toy at Zellers.  I swear that place jacked up the prices and then said it's 30% off...What a rip off.  Since I'm not at the stage where I can purchase clothes I  went to the bath and body works for soap.  While in the line the cutest little air fresheners for your car caught my eye.  The Monkey is just the cutest   

Saturday Night mike came back after work so we could head home on Sunday.  I had a great time at Jenny's my only complaint is that she had to leave for the weekend and I would rather of spent more time with her.  But I totally understand that she had the boys camp thing!!  I was very happy to be heading home to the comfort of my house and to my own bed!! 

Thank you Jenny's and Jason for having me and my crazy family for the week!!! 

Surgery and my hospital stay!

Waiting to go in to surgery I was calmer than I anticipated.  I got dressed in the giant-est gown every I think I could of put 4 of me in it. I looked extremely cute with my booties and by lovely hat.  First they called my name and I went to see the nurse whom verified who I was allergies etc. etc.  Then back to the waiting room I go. Then after a short wait I was called to another smaller waiting area where several members of the surgical team came to speak to me. Don't ask me who they where cause I can't remember.  Then it was time to say good bye to Hubby and head through  the doors and down the long cold hallway.  Then the nerves started to kick in.  Once in the operating room it was very cold lots of people where buzzing about getting stuff prepared.  I  laid down on the operating table and they strapped my ankles and thighs.  At this point all I am thinking is please don't let me die!! PLEASE don't let me die in this room.  I put on a brave face and was chatting with the surgeon while someone put in my IV.  Then they added 2 medications by IV push. I remember someone saying this one will make you dizzy and then a second later I was asleep.   The next thing I know a nurse is waking me up telling me the surgery went well .,., ALL I CAN THINK IS THANK GOD I'M ALIVE!!!!   Then I became  extremely nauseous.  They gave me something to help with that and I went back to sleep ... I'm not sure for how long.  Next think I know it was time to be moved to my room.  They wheeled my bed down the hallway and in to my room. I again became nauseous from all the movement and brought up some blood.  They gave me something further for nausea in my IV. That was the last time I felt nausea since surgery.  Then hubby came in to the room. I was very happy to see him!  My surgery was at 8 am and I was in my room by 11 am.  The rest of the first day passed pretty great. I sipped on water 1 oz every 15 mins per instructions. I slept on and off.  I walked the hall down and back at total of 8 times.  I didn't have any gas pains.  For supper they brought me a clear fluid tray and I really enjoyed the JELLO. It was a nice change from the Optifast.  In the evening I started to have some pain and discomfort in my shoulders. which at the time I though was from the straps or whatever they used during surgery. I soon learned that I was was wrong.  I went to sleep for the night at about 11 pm. The nurse came in about 2 am to bring me Tylenol and asked if I was in any pain. At that point i had just a some discomfort to  my right shoulder. I then attempted to get up to the bathroom BAD IDEA ... I got pain so bad in my rt shoulder that I could not breath.  I woke Mike scared him to death. The nurse came and putt Oxygen on me. Once I was able to breath then I could breath through the pains. They didn't last long THANK GOD!!! (The Dr. in the morning explained what the pain was caused by.  While in surgery they put CO2 in to my body to make room to do the surgery it gets under the diaphragm and irritates the nerves. This pain was the gas passing over the nervous.  I could certainly do with out that ever again.)  I got up and walked the hall and it seemed to help with the pain.  Mike felt it necessary to document this moment with the attached photo.  I woke in the morning feeling much much better.  I've not had that pain since.

My friend and side kick for the last 24 hours my IV pole was disconnected this morning. 

I started on full liquids at Lunch time this meant I got TOMATO SOUP for lunch. That was the first real meal in over 2 weeks. It was fabulous, I don't think a a bowl of Tomato Soup with protein could taste so good.  I was very lucky during my hospital stay that my Hubbs was able to stay with me .. He was there with me the whole time and he really enjoyed the cafeteria food. I don;t think in the 7 years we have been together I have ever seen him eat so much. He must of been nervous or something.  I was extremely happy when the Dr came in Wed morning and told me I could go home. I was ready to BUST OUT of there. I was ready to go spend the week with my BFF Jenny's for the week!! 

Today is the day!!

Well it's finally here Surgery Day!!! No turning back now!!! How am I feeling? Let me see. I'm doing better than expected a few butterflies as we make our way down the 401 @ 5:08am. I'm keeping myself occupied updating this blog while hubby does the driving!!

I want to take a min to thank everyone for their support and well wishes!! I am feeling very loved!!! I am so lucky to have all the wonderful people in my life that I do!!!

An extra special thank you goes out to my Husband Mike. Whom is my biggest supporter! He has been at my side threw every step along the way! I love you to the moon and back!!! My boys Aiden and Braidleigh they are my cheering squad!! Although Braid is not quite sure what to expect! He things I'm going to come back immediately skinny and asks if I was still going to have the same face that he loves! Bless his little heart!! Aiden my helpful boy he is always their to help me out. He is going to make sure Mom is alway comfortable! I love you boys so much! You are the eat things in my life!!!

My Mom and Dad, Thank you for supporting me in my decission to take this step in myself. Even tho at first dad said "I would rather starve to death than do that" I'm glad to see he come on board. Also a huge thank you for having the little man this week. I'm sure he is going to keep life interesting and maybe even drive u guys a little nuts!! But he is beyond excited to be spending this time with you! Love you both xoxox

My best friend Jenny! You have been in my life for as long as I can remember! I have alway be able to count on you and now is no different!! Thanks for being you! Oh and for taking us in to your home! I can't wait to be discharged from the hospital so we can spend the week together!! Love you girl!!


Just waiting to go in to the operating rm all dressed up in my giant gown, booties and hairnet!!! Eeeekkkk. Here we go!!!

The last few days of Opti before surgery

Hard to believe that my surgery is in just 3 days 6 hours 5 minutes 13 seconds. WOW WOW WOW.  I don`t know what else to say! This new life is about to begin.  I can`t help but feel like I should feel more scared.  I guess the fact that I`m not means I`m confident in my decision.  I have however been spending alot of time with my kids.  If anything bad should happen to me I what them to know how very much I love them and how proud I am to be their MOM!! They are one of the main reasons I have chosen to have this surgery. I want to be able to play with them and be active with them. I no longer want to be the mom that sits and watches. I also want to be health and be apart of their lives as they grow up and start families of their own.  Their are other reasons too ... of course I want to be healthy, but I also want to fit in regular sized clothes and go shopping in regular stores! There is so much fashion that I would love to wear. Dresses, high boots, skinny jeans, the possibities are endless.  I know deep down there is a fear that something bad could happen, but I`m not letting it take hold. I want everything about this to be a positive experience. But yet I suppose I should not be nieve and say that can`t happen to me because I do understand the risks.

I have a a few ppl who wanted to know what this surgery consists off. There is a really cute cartoon of the surgery that I found online and showed my boys. Check out the link if you are interested http://www.surgerysquad.com/surgeries/rny-gastric-bypass-surgery/.

When it comes to the Optifast ... I have been averaging 2 to 3 shakes a day.  I`m not finding it particularly hard anymore I think I have gotten used to the taste.  The last 2 days I have been drinking the Vanilla with Raspberry Crystal Light for a bit of a change and I have been enjoying them.

Tonight I spent some time with my boys and tried to relax.  I gave myself a pedicure for the first time in forever. It was great to do something for me. I don`t do that often enough. But all that is going to change in 2013. I need to be happier and if I`m happier it will be better for my family all around!!

The last few days of kinda been a blur. I had 2 days where I was just sick to death of the opti and only drank 2 each day and that was hard to do. I was talking to Brooke my wls partner in crime!! (Here surgery is the day after mine) she set me straight on how important drinking them and getting the protein in is. So my last day I was a good little girl and chocked down 3 shakes!!! I was so happy to take that last sip and be done with it!!

I don't have an official weight loss total for opti as I had to weigh myself on the work scale on Saturday morning. At that time my total was 19lbs. 19lbs in 12 days. All I can say is Wow wow wow!!! There is already a noticeable difference as seen in the pic I'm posting! Also see me not so enjoying my LAST OPTIFAST!!!!!

Weekly weigh-in

Starting weight
First appt with my Surgeon
July 7, 2012
266lbs

Start of Optifast
December 31, 2012
261lbs
-5lbs

After 7 days on Optifast
Jan 7, 2013
246lbs
-20lbs

Jan 13, 2012

Optifast week 2

242lbs

-24lbs

Jan 21, 2013
1 week post op
234lbs
-32lbs

Day 7 to 9

Day 7

Today we celebrated my Son Braidleigh's 5th Birthday Party. He turned 5 December 10th but we waited till after the holiday's to celebrate.  I woke up wondering how hard it was going to go be surrounded by fast food.  I surprised  myself it and it was not really that hard. Sure the smell of the fries when I was helping the kids get their meals set up made me want a bite, but I want this more than I want any food.  I think the hardest part about this not eating part is remembering not to taste the when I'm cooking for the kids. I ate one macaroni noodle today by accident and it stuck in my throat, it felt weird to have something solid in my throat. I can't describe the feeling it was just weird.  It makes me wonder how weird it will be to have solid food in a month from now.  Yes I know i just said weird 3 times now 4 times in the last 3 sentences.  I'm doing fabulous with the shakes now that I'm adding PEPPERMINT EXTRACT, its my new best friend!! ALL AND ALL DAY 7 EASIEST BY FAR!!!

Day 8

I worked a 12 hour shift today and the day started out great I jumped on the scale when I got there and I have lost 15 lbs in one week while on opitfast. If I was not in the nursing station full of ppl I would probably of done a happy dance. lol ... I did have to take a picture tho so I could share it with all of you (that is if anyone is actually reading this) on my weigh in post.  I drank a shake for Breakfast and then again at lunch it took about 2 hours to drink my lunch shake.  I'm not gonna lie today breakfast at work smelled really good.  I never thought toast and bacon smelt so good.  On the other hand I was not hungry at the time so it didn't really bother me not to have some.  After work when I got home was a different situation When I walked in to the house it smelled like optifast and that made my stomach turn.  Idk it might all just be in my head.  I think I'm getting a bit sick of mint. I think I need to come up with something to mix it up a bit. 6 more days to go and I'm not sure I can do 3 mint shakes 3 times a day. Don't get me wrong like I said yesterday they are pretty yummy but 3 times a day is a lot.  Other wise I am feeling pretty good.  I'm a bit emotional I seem to tear up easily, but I'm actually surprised that I'm not more of a basket case this close to surgery.  Only 6 days and a few hours left, till I start my new life.   This is my year to Shine Baby!!! 

Day 9

Today I thought  I would give another flavour of extract in my shake! Bad idea!!! Really bad idea. I made an almond shake and it was terrible  I think I may of put to much in but it was so strong I couldn`t have  more than one sip. I didn`t end up having a shake until about 11 am and it took me about 2 hours to get it down.. That almond just turned my stomach.   I did drink a lot of H20 today which kept me pretty full.  However my stomach sounded like an orchestra pretty much all day.  I also found that all food smelled amazing today. Even the food they serve at work which is does not usually appeal to me.  I jumped on the scale first thing when I got to work and I was down another 2lbs bringing my total to 17lbs.  I`m still so amazed to see this weight coming off to fast.  I can not wait to see my results after surgery. 

Day 4 to 6

Day 4

I spent the day at the Hospital with my 5 year old son Braidleigh, as he swallowed a Button Battery. super scary situation.  I was pretty freaked out as I had seen a video on youtube with a small boy whom had a button battery burn through his esophagus causing all sorts of damage some 30 surgeries later he lives with a trachesotomy and a feeding tube.  We are very lucky and the x-ray shows that the battery had passed the diaphragm and was in the stomach.  We now have to wait until he passes the battery on his own. We go back to the hospital in 1 week to ensure he has passed the battery.   Because of all this excitement I was only able to manage 2 Optifast shakes today.  I'm finding the the smell makes me nauseous. The taste is not bad but I walk in to the kitchen and that is all I can smell and my stomach starts to roll just thinking about making another shake.

Day 5

Well Day 5 started a whole other ball of fun.  The shakes went down ok, but not great. I spend the day getting a bunch of stuff done around the house. I spent the evening out shopping with my son Aiden. We had a great time, it's really fun to hang out with him one on one. If it was not for him I would not of discovered that Mac's has crystal light frosters, it was the highlight of my day. We didn't get home till pretty late but I'm glad we got home when we did.  They tell you in the optifast info that you may become constipated because the shakes contain no fibre, what they don't tell you is that you may have the exact opposite ... I know I know TMI, but this has to be said for anyone else planning on this surgery, it gave me the Shits big time.

 Day 6

Today has been the best day shake wise. I'm not having any cravings for food, I'm completely satisfied with the shakes and good old H20 .. with maybe a little Crystal Light or Mio.  I discovered a new recipe today to, and it's going to make the drinking these damn shakes so much more enjoyable.  

Chocolate Optifast

Ice

H20

Decafe coffee granulas 

Pepermint Extract

Blend in Blender

Yummy, it tastes fantastic ... I really didn't think anything would make these shakes enjoyable to drink.  Clearly I was wrong!!!  The next 8 days are not going to be so bad after all .... Well expect for the one small negative I mentioned above.