The Big 5-0

Well I have officially lost 50 pounds. Amazing for me and I am extremely proud of this accomplishment.

Unfortunately, I am still in pain on my left side. I spent the whole day on Friday at the Cleveland Clinic with my surgeon because he thought I had a hernia, I was rushed downstairs for an emergency CT scan of my abdomen and stomach, the scan was negative (thank god, because the thought of another surgery - NO WAY). He did find that the abdominal wall is extremely inflamed and irritated from the surgery and the instruments that they used. I was able to get a prescription for a new medicine and also a pain patch for my stomach. They are not taking the pain away but they are helping. I just thought that after 4 weeks I would feel better and I don't. Thank you so much for my friend Denene, she took me to my 11:15 appointment and we did not leave the hospital till 6:00pm. She is an angel.

I return to work tomorrow, I am only going to work Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I think going back to work will help me get back into my routine. My lunch is packed and I am ready to go.

I went shopping on Saturday with Stacey and Isabella and purchased some work tops and a new pair of black pants. It was fun to shop in a new size. I will take a picture of me in my new outfit tomorrow and post it on the website.

I can not stress enough how wonderful my friends and family have been over the past 4 weeks. The phone calls, visits and cards have helped me so much. Thank you so much for everything!!

Home sweet home

Well I am finally back to my apartment. I made the emotional journey home. My time spent with my parents was irreplaceable. I can't thank them enough for all they did for me.

Yesterday was 3 weeks since my surgery and I am still very sore on the left side. I am trying to stretch the muscle out but it still hurts. Other than the pain on the left side I feel good. I have only had one issue with food but know what I did wrong and will not do it again.

It feels good to be back at my apartment and I love living here. The door is open anytime for visitors.

Desperate need of sleep

The past 3 weeks have been exciting, interesting, painful and wonderful. I don't know if what I have done in the past 3 weeks for myself has really set in. I know that my life has changed for the better but I don't think the whole circle has hit me yet, for that matter I know that it will take 1 year to really become full circle. I have lost 41lbs and feel great. My pain is almost gone, it more of a constant soreness on the left side.

I made my first journey to Target yesterday with Liz and was completely exhausted afterwards, I then went to my apartment with my Dad and took down all my Christmas decorations. I am planning on going home this week. My stay with my parents has been wonderful.

I can't personally thank everyone for the phone calls, comments, prayers and just "being" there that I have had over the past weeks. You know who you are and what you have done.

Can't believe it's been 2 weeks

As I sat in the waiting room yesterday waiting for my 2 week post-op appointment I was amazed that I could say that yes, I have had Gastric Bypass surgery and I am ok.

The waiting room is a large room with lots and I mean lots of patients who are waiting to see the surgeons, dietcians, therapist, etc. and everyone talks. There was a patient yesterday that had the surgery 5 years ago and is back because she got pregnant and gained 90lbs and just had surgery for a hernia repair. We introduced ourselves and started talking, her major advice to me was stay away from sugar!! She said the first time is awful, (your body can't break down sugar after surgery and dumping syndrome occurs) but it gets easier and easier to tolerate and after awhile, it's ok. I don't want that to happen.

My surgeon was thrilled with my progress and my stiches were removed, my stomach actually dosen't look to bad, all the bruises are gone, except for one near the drain site. The major burning pain that I am having is "normal". He said they were muscle spasms that needed to stretch, so now I stretch before laying down and while sitting down. He said that using a heating pad will help and it did, I slept for 6 hours last night which is a HUGE improvement, since I had not been sleeping at all. I am so jealous that I can't just crawl in bed and sleep.

I lost 14 lbs since the surgery for a total of 35 lbs. I am right on target and graduated to pureed foods. My first dinner last night was a scrambled egg with cheese and it was great.

I can't believe that I spent 4 weeks on liquids only. Amazing!!! That just goes to show that you can do anything you put your mind to!!

Pain, Pain and more pain

Well the pain is creeping it's little head out again. This weekend has been rough. The pain is more of a "Deep" pain. I am still with my mom and will be fore awhile. I have an appointment with my surgeon on Wednesday and hopefully he can give me some confort. I made my first trip out today to Aunt Fran's. I lasted about 2 hours and had to come home to rest.

I can't believe it's been 1 week already

I can't believe that it's been 1 week already. I am doing ok, the pain is still there but it's changed to a more "healing pain". I have lost some weight but I will know more next week when I meet with the doctor. The only thing that I am eating is Carnation Instant Breakfast with 1% milk. Jello. Broth. Diluted apple juice. That's it!! So I have to be losing weight. I am only getting in about 400-500 calories a day.

Today is my first day alone, it's weird. My mom has been awesome. She is my motivation each day.

This experience has been so good. Both mentally and physically. It's been hard, there have been many tears shead but hopefully those tears will become tears of joy!!

Thank you to everyone, you know who you are!!