First post-op appointment

I went to my first post-op appointment on Tuesday (9/27/11- almost 3 weeks after surgery).  I got to see my doctor, who is always a pleasure; and he had another doctor with him who is I guess interning to learn how to do lapband and what not...he was also a nice guy.

We looked at my weight, and talked about a plateau coming up, and I had mentioned that I had only lost 1 pound last week, and this week is looking like a 1/2 a pound.  The doctor then asked if I wanted a fill.  It caught me so off guard.  I thought fills were 6 weeks or so after surgery, and the doctor explained that if I thought I was ready, I could do it.

I didn't feel that I was ready.  I declined since I had to return to work that day, and wasn't sure how I would be feeling afterwards, or what my eating or drinking would be like, and my biggest concern- should I throw up.  I didn't want that to happen at work.

The doctor scheduled me to go in on October 22nd for my first fill, and now I'm concerned that I should have taken the fill on Tuesday, since that is four weeks away.  I'm trying not to get discouraged, and perhaps the fill would have helped me stay on track.  Either way, it's too late now, and I can't get my first fill until October 22nd.

In better news, I was approved to start working out.  Yes!  Along with that, I went to the gym for the first time in what seems like months, and got easily frustrated.  I was really sleepy yesterday, and cranky in general, so by the time I got to the gym my mood was not in sync with my mind's wanting to be there.  I walked on the treadmill, but not for long, before I decided to go home.  I am really bummed, more at myself than anything else, and hope that today will be better.

My husband recommended me trying to work out at home to see what I can do, if anything hurts, etc.  I may try that today, but I know he wants to go to the gym today when I get off work as well.  So we'll see how today goes.

I've been doing really well with my eating this week, up until today.  The new position I accepted, the lady I work with, she works through her lunch so that we can get out as early as possible (since she lives out of town).  That's fine, and kind of exciting to be able to get off early, but I'm on an eating schedule.  I tried to find snacks to take with me, and today learned we do have a microwave.  So I'm going to pack a lunch next week and when I'm hungry, just go heat up my lunch.

I was so happy to see new followers, and new people joining the lapband journey.  I hope that you all have as great of an experience as I have had.  I would do this journey again in a heartbeat.  I know I had a lot of emotions and questions when I was looking into things, and am free to answer anyone's questions should they have any.

- Until next time.

Cookies, Candies, Cakes- Surrounded by Sweets!

I love fall.  It's my all time favorite season.  I love the change in the air, the scenery, and even the more mellow of a mood people seem to get into.  One thing I didn't realize until now is how many sweets are involved in both fall and winter.  Insane.  It doesn't help that I am usually the one that makes them.

I've decided I'm not going to give up my baking, as I really enjoy it.  Some people like to run to clear their head; I like to bake. 

Lately it seems as if I have a lot of baking on request.  I make these pretty awesome cake pops, and the only other place in town charges a fortune for them and they taste like garbage.  So I'll make them, and I sell them for a buck each.  The Mister has friends at work that have been requesting them more and more. 

I just finished some dark chocolate raspberry ones, and tonight started making some orange dreamsicle ones.  I've been pretty surprised that I have no desire to eat them.  I also within the last few months, learned how to make oreo truffles.  They are decent.  I personally expected more, but people seem to like them.

I am not a chocolate fan, nor have I ever been; but, I do like oreos (usually the double stuffed ones or the mint, so that I can't taste the chocolate haha).  Those have been heavily requested lately too.

Other baking projects I have coming up include both of my nephew's birthday cakes, as well as 30 cake pops per party; and my Mom's 60th birthday.  My sister asked me to make mini cheesecake balls and roll them in a variety of things.  So that's on the agenda.  Thank goodness I acquired a job that will keep me pretty busy, then I won't have time to think about the baked goods in my house.

As for my lack of desire to eat them- here's what I learned so far in my 2 week experience.  When it comes to eating, give me something that will keep me full.  Screw the junk food, the candy, the sweets, the crap basically.  I have had two times that I have "cheated" so to speak.  One was at the rodeo, and the other I'm not sure if it is a true cheat. Either way, both times I felt hungry way earlier than I was supposed to.

I've learned with the right foods in me, I can keep on my eating schedule that I'm trying so hard to follow.  I'm hoping that with enough routine, I will be able to  feel hungry and know it's noon and lunch time.  That at 3 pm I'm going to be looking forward to my protein shake, and that dinner will always include a protein and a vegetable.  I have been over this last week eating dinner mainly of either fish, turkey or chicken, and a vegetable.  I love it.  It's great.  No carbs, nothing heavy, I feel great, and before bed (when I'm going to bed on time) I can slip into a good night's sleep.

My other issue lately has been staying up WAY past my bed time...leading me to hunger at like 2 am (such as tonight).  I suppress it with water as much as I can, but usually end up with some chicken broth or something liquid to try and kill it.

My goals this week include- sticking to both my food and sleep schedule.  I need this routine.  I've noticed since I have broken it, I'm having a hell of a time getting back on.  I feel like the kid that fell off their bike, and needs the extra push to get on and try again.  I need to discipline myself that I shouldn't be going to bed after 11 pm/midnight.  There's no reason.  Especially now that I'll be working.

Things to work on.

- Until next time.

2 weeks post-op - where has the time gone?

Two weeks ago, I became a bandster.  Today, I have absolutely no regrets, and would do it again.

Life has been very busy and chaotic, which does send a sense of worry over me; since I am really trying to focus on my eating and health.  Believe it or not, the routine I have seems to have stuck.  Even when I'm swamped and busy, my stomach lets me know that it's lunch time and it's not waiting.  It's been nice utilizing my measuring cups; and now instead of them being a hassle we are all used to them.

At dinner I use my 1/4 cup to scoop my sides of veggies, and my daughter thinks it's so great she likes to as well.  My husband uses it because he doesn't want to dirty another dish, haha.  We've become quit fond of fish as a family, and I'm surprised how well Little Ms. is accepting of it.  Her favorite this far is salmon, but she doesn't mind talapia or mahi mahi. 

Tonight is my husband's grandmother's birthday, and we'll be going out to eat with the entire family.  I am a little worried about that, for a few reasons.  I know that my band is empty, so I don't want to be tempted to eat more than I should, for the fact that if any repercussions do occur, that would not only be embarrassing, but painful I'm sure.  Also, I have no idea what to eat.  My husband let me know the restaurant, and he recommends some fish and a veggie, or even mashed potatoes, since we know I can eat them fine.

Since I have been able to eat softer foods, I've been trying to stay away from mashed potatoes, because in reality they are really not good for you (but SUPER yummy...I've always said they were my favorite food lol).  I've been gearing away from anything with carbs lately, in hopes that it will aid me in my weight loss.

I am currently down one pound since my last post five days ago.  I have been told by many that I should expect to plateau.  That bums me out, but anything I can do (avoiding carbs) to help, I'm going to try.  Since I'm still not approved to start exercising, the only real control is what I shove in my mouth.  My goal is to be as close to 200 pounds (preferably under) by the time I'm approved to begin exercising.  I'm currently only 5 pounds away.  I know I can do that, and am hoping to instead of plateau, just slow down on the weight loss.  I know I'm not going to lose another 15 pounds (because I don't want to stick with liquids again).

I'm off, I have some work stuff to accomplish, and have been so excited.  I accepted a new position that is one day per week (since I'm a full time student, it fits well into my schedule), and they're already thinking of adding some hours for me.  I may be up to 3 days per week, which although it's part-time, is perfect for me.  The company is also very amazing, and I can't wait to help do great things for the community.

- Until next time.

9 days post-op

I'm so grateful that my body and mind are accepting this experience so well.  Reading some other blogs, I feel that I am very blessed to have it so "easy".  If it were a piece of cake everyone would do it; so my cake is more like the end result of a birthday cake for a one year old.  Kind of in tact, but a bit all over the place; with a mess that takes a little while to clean up.

I feel that I am adjusting really well.  I was finally able to go potty, the day after my post; and it hurt.  I didn't get the runs as I was told and read about, it was hard and actually hurt.  It didn't help that it was the first day I tried with zero pain medicine, so the outside of my belly was actually hurting to where I could feel it.  Oh well, it's done, and was able to go again tonight.  I am not expecting to be regular again by no means, but it's nice to see my system gaining a new routine.

Although my doctor instructed me to wait for one week to begin eating mushy foods; I decided on Thursday that I would try some fish.  It went down great, and I've been eating fish since.  My diet has consisted of soup at least once a day though; there's something comforting about the broth that makes me feel better during the day.  The fish has been great, and my husband loves that I can sit and eat something with him and Little Ms. during dinner time.

I have been sticking to my measuring cups lately, and making notes when I feel full.  I'm taking my time eating, even though I don't feel like I have to.  I know that my band is open, but just because it's open, I don't want to be a bulldozer pushing food in.  The hardest part for my family to adjust to is not drinking with our meals.  We've adjusted pretty well though.  My brother in law came over for dinner the other night for some fish and commented that it was weird that he was the only one with a drink, and Little Ms. told him that we need to fill our bellies with food, and then we can drink after dinner.

She doesn't completely get it, but it's nice that even though she doesn't get it, I feel like she supports our decision to not drink with our meals.  She is also loving breakfast in the morning.  The Mister and her have always been big cereal buffs in the morning, but I started eating scrambled eggs, so now they do as well; and she loves it.  Her teacher mentioned how nice it is to hear her stories about how we sit together as a family for both breakfast and dinner.  My favorite comment so far from Little Ms. is in the morning when we sit down to eat breakfast she always says "So what's on the agenda for today?"  haha, I love it.

Today I experimented with different foods, and I don't think some of them went over well.  My stomach got a bit upset, and I just make a note on the fridge of foods that don't sit well with me, so myself and The Mister know not to cook them for a while.  So far Salmon and Talapia are home runs, so I've been sticking with them.

I've decided I want to start weighing myself on either Friday's or Saturday's (not sure which one), and also take a picture.  I want to see if I can do a photo journal.  I think seeing the pictures will be extra motivation for me to continue my healthy eating journey.  Not to mention that since we've all started eating what I've been eating, the entire family feels healthier and we all seem to have more energy.

I'm down two more pounds as of this morning, which is great.  I worry that adding in real food is going to hurt me.  I won't be going in for my first fill until October 11th I think they said, and I don't know when I'll be cleared to begin exercising.  I know that watching my portions has been amazing, and I think that is going to help me continue to lose weight.

Thanks to all of the supporters and readers out there, it's always nice to read an encouraging comment.

- Until next time.

5 days- Already?

I can't believe it's almost been a week since I went in for surgery.

Things are going well.  I weighed myself for the first time since before surgery.  Since I've started the lap band journey, I am down 13 pounds.  Since surgery, I am down 6 pounds.  The doctor told me the first few weeks after surgery I can lose nothing, or anywhere from 10-12 pounds.  I expected nothing, but so far am down 6 more pounds.

My days have been altering on how I'm feeling.  If I feel great one day, the next I'm always exhausted and sore.  My husband thinks that I am doing too much on the days I feel great, making me more tired and sore.  Today I feel great, but am taking it easy.

My doctor's office called and set up my first follow up visit for September 27th; which is 19 days after surgery.  I didn't know if that was normal, since I thought he wanted to see me the first week after surgery.  Oh well.  The lady said that I will see him then, and schedule to go down two weeks later for my first fill.  So basically a month after surgery.

I've been doing alright with my eating.  Mashed potatoes have been good, but I've been leaning back to the broths and stuff, it tastes better lol.  I bought some Activia Vanilla yogurt, and although I'm not a plain or vanilla yogurt lover, I really like theirs.  The protein amount is good, and it tastes good.  It has a sweet and tart flavor, and I really like it.

I am using liquid vitamins as well as a liquid calcium (I used to take both as pills, but they told me no pills for a while).  The multi-vitamin is brown and tastes so tart it makes my jaws pucker.  I hate it.  The calcium tastes like a milk of magnesia, and it also sucks.  After I take them, I drink some apple juice; it usually takes away the funk taste in my mouth from them.

Last night my husband and daughter wanted some spaghetti, so I made some, and we all sat down to dinner, and it was the first night that was an eye opener for me.  I didn't like the fact that they got to eat noodles and sauce while I got some yogurt and a protein shake.  It bummed me out that I just scooped their meal in a bowl, and got out the measuring spoons for mine.  It's something I definitely need to adjust to.

On another note, I have become concern that I have yet to have a bowel movement.  Reading all these blogs about never trusting a fart, and when you do poop it'll be more like the runs...I have this like fear of using the bathroom.  Anytime I feel gas coming out the bottom end, I go straight to the bathroom.  The Mister finds this extremely amusing, but it's like a real fear I have.  I'm concerned that I haven't gone since last Wednesday....so, I called my Mom.  lol.

My Mom (just like the doctor) said it's normal, that it'll happen when it happens, not to panic.  I was told (by both) to drink lots of water and liquids, and it'll just happen.  That there is nothing I can eat or drink to make it happen.  For whatever reason, I only half listened.  I'm lactose intolerant, and last night ate some vanilla soft served ice cream.  Not very much, but what I considered enough (less than 1/4 cup).

I waited, waited, finally went to sleep.  Got up this morning, and no luck.  This is the first time ever that ice cream hasn't just gone right through me.  I don't understand.  On a negative note, it made my stomach super upset, so now I know, don't do that. 

- Until next time.

3 days post op-

Three days after surgery, and I am pretty sore.  I feel like someone has just continuously kicked me in the stomach; over and over and over...

Yesterday went pretty well.  The day after surgery, I felt pretty good.  Yesterday, I was more tired, and my stomach had more soreness to it.  It was really hard for me to get comfortable yesterday, it just felt like no matter how I sat or laid down it just hurt. 

I also got to shower yesterday, which was...different.  I had to pull off my bandages (which hurt), and see what things are looking like, and the cuts seem to be super tiny.  The part where my port was placed is bigger than the others, and next to my belly button is pretty long, but still seem kind of small. 

Last night my stomach was rumbling super loud, so I decided instead of broth, I would test drive some mashed potatoes.  They were the best mashed potatoes I have ever had in my life, lol.  I didn't eat much, and it went down pretty easy, but my stomach felt good just having something heavier than liquid in it.

This morning I woke up feeling ok.  I am really sore, and kind of cranky today.  I had 4 oz of protein powder in water.  I got some Isopure protein powder, and it tastes pretty good.  I got the banana pineapple orange flavor, and with really ice cold water, it's pretty good.  I try to drink only 2-4 ounces at a time (even before surgery).  It's easier to drink a small amount than it is to drink a cup; plus the colder it is, the better it tastes (in my opinion).

My stomach felt fine after that, and there's 25 grams of protein in 4 ounces, woo-hoo!  I've been keeping up with my nutritionists eating plan, and this week's goal is to get in between 60 and 80 grams of protein a day.  Also get in 64 ounces of fluids.  I think the fluids is going to be harder than  the protein.

I keep a water bottle with me at all times, and it just seems like it takes forever to finish one.  Oh well.  We'll see what we can accomplish.  Tomorrow I have to call and make a follow up appointment.  Everything looks and feels good to me, so hopefully the doctor says the same thing.

- Until next time.

Awake, Alert, Ready...Day after Operation

Day one, here we are.  I am actually feeling great.  Things went great, and yesterday I was pretty groggy, but today (although sore) I am feeling good.

Yesterday morning, I planned to sleep in; up and at 'em at the bright early 7 am.  I was so peeved.  The Mister went downstairs for breakfast, and I took a shower.  I got ready, and had planned well.  I wore some really baggy yoga pants, a tank top, and over shirt.  Socks and sneakers (none of that flip flop nonsense I went through during my Endoscopy).  The Mister and I watched tv, hung out, then 10:10 came about, and we were off.

We got to the center, and did some paperwork, watched some tv, then The Mister was back off to the hotel.  I went in, and had to meet with the office manager and just broke down in her office.  All my anxieties caught up to me.  I just...lost it.  The office manager understood, she herself has had the lapband surgery, and has seen patients who have cried all the way into surgery.  I did not want to be that patient.

I went into my room, got into my gown, and then to pee in a cup.  Handled all of that, and they sat me in a waiting room with a tv and a remote.  I watched tv.  Watched some more tv.  Then some more tv.  I was getting frustrated, because my check in was at 10:30, and it was already going on 1:30 in the afternoon.  Not to mention my stomach was growling ridiculously loud, and I really just wanted to leave and get something to eat.  But, I didn't.

They came in, got me, and we headed back.  I got back there at about 1:45, and they took my vitals, did my IV, and told me to be a little more patient, as the person before me was having complications.  That freaked me out.  I told my nurse that if she wanted I could come back on a different day when the doctor's were on their "A" game, and she just giggled.  She told me it was alright to freak out a little bit, but everything was fine.

We watched some tv, and the lady next to me was coming out of her anesthesia.  She was pretty humorous to listen to, and her questions were so off the wall regarding dishes, and socks, and it was just funny.

I got to see my anesthesiologist at about 2:15, and we went over everything.  He was my anesthesiologist before, and I loved him and his sense of humor, so it was nice to see him again.  I got to see my doctor a few times throughout the day, and he was a bit upset that I had to wait so long.  Right at about 2:20/2:25 the anesthesiologist gave me some relaxing stuff in my IV, and then my doctor walked in with my husband, who looked pissed.

The doctor said he found him getting upset with the front desk people, and the doctor intervened.  As he brought him back, my relaxation drugs were totally making me loopy, but I remember kissing my husband and they said let's do this.  So we did.  I went into the room, my eyes were so heavy I couldn't really keep them open.  They asked me to switch beds, which I did, and then they had my arms laying down away from my sides strapped in and that's all I remember.

I woke up in a really good mood.  Saw my nurse (who was amazing), and smiled and said "Good Morning Judy".  She just laughed and said that I seemed to be in a good mood.  They brought my husband back, and I was still a little loopy, but was so happy to be done and to see him, it was great.  The doctor and the anesthesiologist came to see how I was doing, and said I did great.

According to them, my surgery went very quickly, it only took about a half hour, and zero complications at all.  They said I had great anatomy for surgery, which just made me laugh.

I woke up having to go to the bathroom, and very thirsty at the same time.  As they were having me sit up a little, I got extremely nauseous, and my amazing nurse came in and slipped something in my IV, and I was fine.  It was like nothing happened.  They had me stand up briefly, and then decided I was ready to be taken off my IV since I was sipping water just fine.  They walked me to the bathroom, were the nurse helped me change, and everything was fine until they sat me in the wheel chair and started to wheel me away, I got extremely nauseous again, and it was gnarly.

The nurse ran out with a shot, gave me one int he arm, handed me a bag, and told my husband that the shot should keep me fine for our drive home.  We left, went to a pharmacy, got my antibiotics and pain medicine, and started our drive home.

I had water almost the entire day yesterday, and slept off and on the entire drive home.  As my husband stopped for gas and some food, I went on a search for a Popsicle, and couldn't fine one.  So I got an icee, which wasn't that good.  Then we came home, went to the market, got some chicken broth, Popsicles, and sugar free jello.

By the time we were home I felt empty.  So I got some chicken broth, and loved it.  I also split a jello cup with my husband, as we caught up on Big Brother, and fell asleep.

This morning I woke up feeling really good.  I was surprised.  I've been walking around a lot, which has helped.  Reading everyone's stories really helped me prep for what could happen, and I expected to feel much worse than I did both yesterday and today.

The gas everyone talks about, is no joke.  It's like you need to burp so bad, but you can't, and it has to come out on its own.  Walking around totally helps with that, and it just kind of slips out as it wants to.  I've also learned that the hiccups are the devil.  They hurt so bad, especially when you're full of gas.  Ugh!

Things are good though.  I have four incisions, they told my husband and I that I could have anywhere from 5-6, so it was nice to see four.  Although I can't take the bandages off until tomorrow, so I'm not sure how big they are.  They look pretty petite.  As soon as I was awake I wanted to see my stomach, which made the nurses and the doctor's laugh.  I just want to see what's going on down there, haha.

I'm going to start adding photos to my blogging journey, and am mapping out when I can start exercising (one month from now), and I'm just ready to do this.  The clear liquids are good, on Sunday/Monday I can start the pureed for a week, then to the mushies.

All anxieties aside, and I am truly glad I went through this.  It was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be in my head, and I'm ready to start the new life.

- Until next time.

I'm alive- and doiing better than expected.

blogging from my phone again. things went well. i'll post about my day when i feel up to it.  right now i am just exhausted and we have a three hour drive ahead of us.  boo.

We made it to LA....

we finally made it to la, and got checked into our hotel.  i am trying to blog from my smart phone, but it has decided not to let me capitalize or use punctuation except a period.  tomorrow morning is the big day and they called to tell me i was moved up to ten thirty am.  i will try and at least blog that i am alive.  thanks for all the support.

I can't believe it's 2 days away...

Life has been extremely busy and chaotic.  Today is my last day at my sub position, and my supervisor explained to me that although she enjoys me work ethic, she needs someone full-time (basically available 24/7).  I am accepting this as a blessing in disguise.  I have grad school to focus on (my final paper is due a week from Friday), and with my surgery, I would really like to be able to take it easy and work at my own pace to get back into the swing of things.

In better news, also the reason my supervisor mentioned wanting someone full time, I accepted a position that is only one day per week.  It will work out great for my school schedule, I can still get the housework done, and participate in my daughter's school this year (I wanted to all of last year but couldn't).  So blessing in disguise it is.

In other news, in two days I go in for surgery.  I went to my doctor's office today, and he got all my paperwork, and was going to clear me for surgery.  A few things I don't like, and will probably assist me in finding a new doctor- my appointment today was at 9:45 am...I was not even seen until 11:30.  The doctor told his girls he needed paperwork and what not, and the three of them were talking (not even a whisper, full on talking to where I could hear in the waiting room) about how they can't believe the doctor is approving someone for a lapband.  It is completely unnatural, and if the person would just exercise and eat right, they could do it without this ridiculous lap band.  I was fuming.  It made me so upset.

To think that you are in a confidential field, what do you not understand about that?  Also, no one asked for your opinion, and you don't know my story; so mind your business.  Overly frustrated with that.

My surgery is scheduled for Thursday, September 8th at 11:30 am.  Why it's so late, I'm not sure.  I have to talk to The Mister about when we should head down there.  We live about 3 hours away, so I'm not sure if he would like to drive down there that morning, or leave the night before.  I can't eat or drink anything after midnight the night before (I expected that)...just bummed that it's almost twelve hours between my cut off and surgery.  Maybe I'll try and talk to The Mister about heading down the night before and trying to sleep in as long as I can lol.

I'm off, time to finish some work for my last day here.  Gave me a pretty hefty to-do list.

- Until next time.

Tests, tests, and more tests...

I am that much closer to having my pre-op clearance.

This morning I went to the hospital, checked in (and for those who read my rant yesterday, no, they did not charge me anything out of pocket), and went about three different departments for testing.

First it was off to Respiratory for an EKG.  That went fine.  Then to Lab for blood work and a urine test, took under ten minute.  Then to X-ray for a chest x-ray...that took forever.  I would have never thought in my head that the Radiology department would have been the most busy in the hospital (or sections I had to visit today).

Overall it was a pretty good morning, didn't take very long; about an hour.  I used to work at our local hospital, so it was nice to see some old faces, and hear how much I'm missed.  All of the required tests are done, and on they should be faxed to my doctor either today or tomorrow.

Tuesday morning I go to meet with my doctor, and I should be cleared.  I also got word that I will get a call on Tuesday morning from my lap-band surgeon, and get all the information about next Thursday.  I called today to see what time it would be scheduled, since I will have to travel 2 1/2-3 hours to get the surgery.  Their phone cut off, and for whatever reason it wouldn't ring back.  So I gave up.  I think The Mister and I will go down the night before (like we planned), and get a hotel.  Then after surgery, drive back home.  Oh the drive.  LA traffic is horrible at that, no matter what time you are driving, there's all kinds of people out.

I'm pretty excited today went so smoothly, especially since yesterday was so frustrating for me.  So far so good on my liquids today.  I've had protein shakes, some soup, and some crystal light.  I'm no sure how I feel about crystal light...it's not my favorite taste...we'll see.

- Until next time.

Pre-Op Clearance...turning into a hassle

Today I had a doctor's appointment for my pre-op clearance.  Which also included blood work, ekg, and chest x-ray.  I got to my appointment which was at 2:45, and wasn't seen until almost 3:45.  I don't understand the point of making appointments if you still have to wait around anyway.

Oh well.  I was seen, but got frustrated because my doctor's office couldn't do any of the tests.  So they wrote me a prescription/note to go to the hospital to go have it all done tomorrow.  They told me to expect to be there from 8 am until about noon.  That's half a day!  Crazy.

Then, I have to go back to my doctor for a follow up appointment on Tuesday so that he can write the clearance letter based on my test results.  He is very optimistic, but I was just getting frustrated.  I felt that since I called and made an appointment, and told you what it was for, it would have been nice to have a heads up that it would be a multiple day process.

I'm not sure if the hospital is going to charge me anything, but I have a copay for each doctor's visit.  The Mister and I are pretty frugal and diligent with our money since I stopped working to go to school full time; so these are unexpected expenses.  Kind of worried there, but as The Mister said, it will all work out.

I recently picked up a subbing job, and started on Monday.  They are aware that I need a time of absence, but I didn't tell them why.  Living in a small town, people talk, and I would rather not deal with the judgement that comes with the talking; especially in the workplace.  So now, I have to request more time off so that I can complete my testing, and go back to the doctor on Tuesday.  Oh well.  My small vent about that.

I can't believe how fast time is flying by.  A week from tomorrow I'll be under the knife, so to speak.  I'm pretty excited.  Working has made it difficult to keep on my liquid diet, especially since I work in an active environment that does promoting; and the easiest way to get people to come is luring them in with food.  I've been keeping my protein shake handy, and that's helped.

I won't say I've been 100% great, because I haven't; but when they're chowing down on cinnamon rolls, pizza, and every pastry you can think of, I'm slurping a protein shake, or finding fruit or a salad. 

I've heard from many people that they were required to do a low cal/high protein diet, that I shouldn't worry too much about not being all liquid.  The only reason I worry about it, is because I was told to do so.  My biggest battle has been not giving into temptation.  I read in a blog recently that the food channel was like food porn...and they are completely right.  The Mister and I watch many shows on the food channel, and it's amazing that my mind tries to tell me I want or need something when I don't even want to eat.  So weird.

I've picked up a pack of sugar free gum, and boy I tell ya, that is so helpful.  Especially while working.  It's like a mind game that I realize I'm chewing, so the snacking doesn't become an issue.  I'm glad I got my supervisor to give me more out of office work for the next few days; that way I don't have to see the pizza parties, or today's coffee and pastry gathering. 

- Until next time.