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Well it's been awhile since I've checked in so I thought I'd better at least announce that I'm still here! LOL

As of last week I am down another 25 pounds (that's 25 pounds in almost three months of getting back on track.). I've been eatting a low carb (no grains, no fruit, mostly just meat, veggies, greek yogurt, etc), high "good" fat (natural pb, avocados, eggs, raw nuts & seeds), high protein diet. In spite of SERIOUS stress, I have not been tempted to emotionally eat and the holidays have not taunted me either. I am shocked at that one. But I've also been really rigid about not putting myself in a position to be bitten by the munchy bug. I did (once) have a small piece of sugar free cake awhile back, and the scale was honest the next morning with a pound of weight gain. So that made my determination all the stronger!

I could not have done this without the support here, and of my best friend, who is chugging right along with me, and certainly not been able to do this without the strength, perseverance and support I gain from my faith in God. I encourage all to have a support group, a supportive friend, or someone who will help encourage and support you. And don't make a huge goal without breaking it into smaller goals or you might get overwhelmed. Celebrate the LITTLE victories!! After all, they are the mile posts that make up your journey!

I've not been great about exercise, and that really needs to change. So, that's my new goal...to get off my buns and get moving! I'll check in within the next few months and let you know how that's going! I hope anyone reading this is chugging along with us too, and if not that you know you can decide to make the moment now. There's no good reason to put it off, and the only thing you'll gain by waiting (in addition to weight) is lost time!

Until next time, may God give you...For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song, and an answer for each prayer. (Irish Blessing)

Well, I'm still working at it and I'm down all 13 pounds that I gained over the last year, in just two weeks!! That feels really good! I know when I went back to school I got really complacent with what and how much I put in my mouth and negected water and protein. So, after an initial week of cleansing, with just clear liquids (and sf jello/popsicles) and protein shakes (this allowed me to take a "time out" to refocus on the rules, focus on protein, and "reset" my pouch), now I have gone back to the basics with my solids. I am keeping protein high, carbs low, keeping an eye on calories/fat (having them, but not overdoing them) and focusing on better quality and smaller quantity. I am strictly sticking to the no drinking for 30 minutes before a meal, an hour after a meal (30 minutes after a shake), and focusing on getting 3+ liters a day of fluids along with my vitamins. This is really not hard, once you get the hang of it. I do have reminders on my phone and it goes off at various times throughout the day, which helps a lot.

The struggle has been to stop eating at my soft stop. I feel it, but I want to FILL my tummy up. So I am choosing to be present, enjoy my meal, pay attention and OBEY that soft stop, wether I feel like it or not. The times I don't feel like it, I stop anyway and try to address the "why". This has been hard, and dare I say, even emotional at times?!

I also struggle to "want" other things, things I am not supposed to have right now. The big bad carb monster tries to sneak in from time to time, but I know if I let him in, he will overtake me. So that is what is keeping him away right now.

My doc recommends protein shakes over snacks, and I am doing really good with this. In fact, after almost 3 1/2 years, I FINALLY found a protein I LIKE!! It's Isoflex by Allmax Nutrition . 1 scoop = 110 cals, 1 carb, 0 sugars, 27 protein! Awesome! And it tastes great! Not too sweet like some that try to cover up that whey taste. My doc also wants it blended in 4 oz liquid or less, which has been a huge problem with some other proteins. This one blends great. I'd bet I could even stir with a spoon and it would blend smooth. I've only tried two flavors, chocolate peanut butter, and chocolate. I thought the cpb was my fav, bc the choc was a tad too sweet. But then I realized that when I blend it with super warm water it tastes like a hot cocoa! bonus!

There have been a few (evenings in particular) times that I have been SUPER hungry, beyond a head hunger. Tea keeps my small hungries away, but when that doesn't work I trade 1 snack for 1 shake. I keep it high protein (usually Fage) and the stats are close to the shake, but my hungries go away. I have done this three times, and I feel like it's listening to my body more than my head.

Other than those struggles, I am plugging away. The scale is frustrating though. I lost almost twelve pounds the first week. The 1+ pound this week comes down, goes up, comes down, goes up. I think my body is protesting, so I try to be patient, not discouraged. I wait it out! And I drink more water lol.

I'm interested to talk to my doc and see what he has to say about everything too. What I'm doing right, what else I need to work on, what my labs look like.

I am learning a lot. I am learning to shut up and listen. I am sort of eavesdropping on the boards, unless I pop in a little here and there. I have a LONG way to go. I hate that I have this struggle. But I have found that struggles strengthen! And empower. And this is no exception.

Well I haven't been on this site for years. In that time, I went from new post op to post op flop. Well, I guess that's not entirely true, but it feels like it.

So in the first year I lost 136 pounds. Then I started slacking, stopped being in control of what went in my mouth and instead let my cravings control me. I put on 13 pounds since that time. It wasn't all at once, it was a bite here, a bite there, and then before I knew it I was right back into old habits again.

There are so many that say they aren't addicted to food. I was one of those people. "I just like to eat, and eat what tastes good." Well, abusing your body up to 360+ pounds isn't a matter of liking food. I can't speak for everyone, I know there are some with phsyical issues, but I've come out of my denial. If I didn't have food issues, use it for comfort, abuse my body with it, then I wouldn't have gotten as big as I did. And then lose so much with surgery, just to start gaining again. That's where I really had to face facts! Here I was given a great tool, and then I still went to gaining weight. I didn't follow the rules that came with the pouch. I ate carbs before I was done losing. I started eatting sugar too. I didn't excercise.

I recently decided to take back what I was giving away to temptation. I am starting with the basics. I went back on the liquid diet my surgeon gave me, along with the recommended 5 protein shakes he wants me taking. After a week of this (currently on day 3), I will go to pureed/soft foods. The purpose of liquids was to cleanse my body of the carb monster and sort of "reset" my pouch and metabolism. The purpose of the pureed/soft is to relearn the rules I was given: no drinking before and after meals and shakes, measure meals, chew well, avoid sugar and unfermented dairy and stay low carb, no snacking, learn and listen to your soft stop, etc. When I feel more confident with that stage and that I have grasped the rules I will move on to regular foods. It's more about discipline than anything else. I need to reset my pouch, yes, but I also need to reset my brain.

I am currently down 5.2 pounds and working toward not only losing the 13 I had regained, but the rest I needed to lose. Ideally I would like to weigh 175 (I'm pretty tall and have a good sized frame. I don't want to be super skinny. Just healthy!). But my first big goal is to weigh 199. I haven't been under 200 pounds since 7th grade!

Anyway, the weight isn't really the issue here. Those are just numbers. The issue is my relationship with food. It is disfunctional. I was talking to my best friend (on the same journey, and in fact joining me on this leg) and we realized that all the stuff we've been eating is poison to our redesigned systems. A lot of it is poison to everyone, but we are especially sensitive. So who would poison themselves intentionally? For a taste? For a stuff? I liken my poor relationship with food to someone who stays in an abusive relationship. You know that person is bad for and to you. But you stay. And it's the same here with food. I know those things are poison to me and yet I ate them. Because it was comforting somehow. I fooled myself that the relationship would change. It won't. It only gets worse. So...I'm leaving that relationship. It will try and woo me back, try to seduce me I'm sure. I'm walking on a tight rope, because unlike alcoholism or drug addiction, I can't just avoid food. I have to eat something. It is a little frustrating as I feel like an alcoholic trying to get sober in a bar! LOL

Anyway, I have NOT arrived anywhere. I'm just restarting my journey. And there is no end to this type of journey. You never arrive. You might meet a goal. But the struggle will always be there. The temptation. Eww. Hate it. Wonder why I have to be one of those who struggle in this area when there are so many who don't. But for whatever reason, I do.

What I also have that is even more important to me than my tool (pouch), is a relationship with God. I firmly believe I can do this with His help. I am ending this post with some verses that will help me along this journey.

So after reading all of this, if you are in or have been in the same boat and want to join me on this journey I'd love to hear from you, or if you have been successful at getting and keeping your weight off, please offer some advice on how  you do it, etc. Thanks, I know the support we offer each other is a great tool as well!

1 Chronicles 28:20
..."Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you...

Mark 14:38
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

James 1:12-15
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (...so it starts in the mind, if left pondering...it leads to action! So don't dwell on the temptation!)

James 4:7-8
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.

Psalm 105:4
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Zechariah 4:6
"Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit" says the Lord God Almighty

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

I was talking to my best friend today (she's 5 years out, RNY). She is in the middle of the 5 day pouch test, and losing weight, and finding areas of her life she needs to fine tune in regards to her WLS tool. (Mostly she wasn't given nearly enough post op info and is learning and relearning it all over now) Anyway, in many ways we are in the same boat of learning how this works. In talking with her, I realized a few things about my own situation.

1) I have a very unhealthy relationship with food. Iknew I was fat for a reason, but just thought I ate bad and didn't exercise. After surgery, some real truths have slapped me in the face.
2) It's best to find a solution, not a substitution. For example, I find myself thinking of desserts I 'can have' because they aren't full of fat or sugar, but just because it's permissable doesn't make it acceptable. I shouldn't even be thinking about dessert at this stage in the game. Protein protein protein! Desserts aren't a bad thing once in awhile, but for me, it's the thought process. Just because I can get away with it, doesn't mean I should do it!
3) This unhealthy relationship will always be part of my make-up, but it doesn't have to continue to have the affect it's had until now on me. I can use the tool I've been given, and if I really USE it and all of the mini tools that come with it (such as soft stop, etc) and not take advantage of it, it will help me overcome. I need to focus more on the tool and the healthy lifestyle that follows and less on the unhealthy lifestyle of the past ("How's that workin' for you?" as Dr. Phil would day lol)
4) Food addiction is so much harder to get away from in many ways than drug or alcohol addiction. I can't just say, "Hey food and I have a problem so I'm just gonna quit eatting." Also, I don't have to go to the liquor store or a seedy street corner to find food. It's everywhere! And when was the last time you saw a crack commercial?? LOL
5) I realized that food 'helps' my anxiety. Whenever I have been in high anxiety mode, I eat food that feels good going down. Creamy, thick, filling (cheesecake, pizza, burgers, etc). One time in therapy, I realized I carry the anxious feelings in my throat. It gets tight and if it's really bad feels like I can't catch a good breath. Well, I would eat and that feeling would feel pushed down, stuffed if you will. Now that I'm post op, obviously I can't do that, but I need to get it in check before I reach a place that I can and blow this tool! Also while I can't do it to that extreme, I catch myself eatting too fast or too big of bites or not chewing enough just to calm that feeling. This is something I need to be aware of and really do something about. 

Ok, so that's my blurb for today. Just some thoughts about all of this. I am just realizing, this tool is an opportunity to make PERMANENT changes to more than just how much I can eat. I need to change what I eat, even how I eat, and more importantly, I need to change how I THINK! Without changes such as these, I will be back to square 1 (or square 361) eventually.

Well here I am 1 month post op. Man it's been a trying month. I will list my pros and cons:

Water: CONS Last week I was in the ER for 5 hours getting hydrated via IV. I am having the toughest time getting in fluids. I was so bad I was nearly passing out when I stood up, and my mind was getting dopey. PROS I did find an electrolyte enhanced water at Trader Joes, and for some reason it sits better in my pouch than regular water. So maybe this is the answer I've been waiting for? Tea has been good to me too, and as a fellow OHer recommended I got a commuter mug to keep the tea warm and so I can go out of the house and have my hot tea stay hot lol. 

Vitamins: PROS No more nasty Flintstones or other chewables. I got a great pill keeper that stores a week of vitamins in 4 a day sections (28 total) so I don't have to dig through piles of pills each day. I got a timer going on my cell phone to remind me when to take what bc I kept forgetting half of my vits each day. Tender Iron is treating my tummy MUCH better than the other stuff was. CONS It's really hard to get all of these (some days 25 pills) pills down each day. My pouch says enough after half of my multi/calcium times, so I have to go slower. It takes almost half hour some days to get it all in, but its better than the other options.

Protein: CONS I still HATE it all. I wonder if my tastebuds will ever come back to normal so I can enjoy them again. Because of this I have yet to get all 5 in a day. I always get at least 3 but really need to do better. I also seem pregnant in the aspect that the smallest things totally gross me out, texture, etc so that doesn't help. PROS I have found that adding a little peanut butter helps, also finding frozen berries helps too. I was able to at least quit the nasty mochacino flavor and go back to my original vanilla and chocolate flavors of IDS. 

Food: PROS Liking to have more taste options. Could not do any more broth lol. Good at finding high protein sources. CONS Not liking pureed much, kinda gross bc I'm a texture person. Soon softies will come and that will be better. 

Excercise: CONS Not been doing any. That's right ANY. Sure walking around and running errands, but not EXERCISE walking or anything. Have had lots of excuses, hernia repair still hurts, dehydrated and loopy, not feeling good, etc. But really? C'mon! PROS None, I need to now get off my lazy behind and do this!

Emotional: Oh man, it's been a rough month lol. First was understanding the head hunger. Then coming out of denial and realizing what a horrible relationship with food I have had. I mean, I knew I was fat for a reason, but didn't really want to be honest with myself about the reality of it. Also still having an unhealthy relationship with food. I can't tell you how much time I've spent looking for puree and soft food recipes and drooling at Eggface's place lol. I may not be eatting, but now that I'm not I've turned to obsessing about food. I didn't do that before, just ate bad. But now I've traded one bad food relationship for another. Ohhh sigh. I love food. I really need to break up with food. LOL Now I'm afraid I'll fail at this or something...oh I'm a mess lol. I also feel like a gump bc everyone else seems to be in their honeymoon phase and so happy and I feel crappy, my pouch hurts, I can't drink how and what I want, I miss eatting especially when hubby and kids are munching around me, I'm a hormonal mess, etc...good grief, good thing I have a great therapist huh?

BUT I'm also on the losers bench!! I refuse to weigh unless I'm at the docs office. So I don't know the exact amount. It's been 2 weeks since I was there. But I do know it's going down down down lol. I will post again when I know for sure.

Yes! I am finally starting to feel like part of the human race again! Although I am still alternating between fatigue spells and energy spells, I am overall feeling much better. No more nausea. I am getting the vitamins down, and the iron. I'm doing much better with fluids. Tea works best. Just yesterday I found I am sometimes able to get some room temp lemonade crystal light in. Still can't do water....hey what do you do when you are THIRSTY!! but can't drink like you want and need to?? I would give anything to be able to have a nice big glass of iced tea (even decaf!). Oh well, in time right? Anyway, I do need to work on the Calcium, the Upcal suddenly tastes sweet to me. Will have to find a solution to that. 

On another note...I feel guilty because I started pureed foods early. I was so hungry!! It's 'that time' so I'm sure that was part of it. It was different than the 'head hunger' of wanting to eat or missing food, but rather I was actually feeling hungry. I tried broth, tea, etc on top of my protein, but nothing was working. So while I did stick to what I'm allowed to have, I just couldn't wait for the full 4 week period and ate 6 days early. I have had one meal a day of mostly protein (2 tbs pureed beans+1 tbs lf cheese; 1 mashed hard boiled egg; 1 tsp lf cheese+2 tbs ricotta+1 tsp sf marinara, etc). I felt much better afterwards (and amazingly full!). In fact I wasn't hungry again for about 24 hours. I feel really guilty. Like I've cheated on a diet on one hand, but on the other hand, I think I really am trying to listen to my body and this felt right physically. Will stick to the just once a day for 3 more days until I'm supposed to be on three meals of pureed foods. Is it this confusing forever??? LOL

Energy is up, especially since adding the one meal. I was able to get my pre-weekend deep cleaning done, and made dinner for my family. This was a first since surgery. I've been doing a little more each day and today I was able to get almost my whole old routine done!! The funny part was I made a really nutritious dinner (low fat, whole grain lasagna with a fresh garden salad) and my family loved it. I have been making lots of little changes for about a year now, but they seemed to only occasionally go over well. Lately it seems they are more accepting. Maybe we're finally getting the hang of things? 

I was also blessed when I went to try on my jeans this week and they were too big (even though I still have swelling from my hernia repair)!! That's a first! They were always snug, especially fresh from the laundry. This time they were really loose. I think I could go a size smaller, but for now these still work (especially with healing incisions lol). It was just nice to 'see' something changing. 

Want to start doing more excercise. It has been so gross here, weather wise, rainy and overcast. Its supposed to be summer!! I'd love to go for nice walks outside!! I guess for now I'll hafta stay on the treadmill! I want to do water aerobics when doc clears me!

Alright closing for this week...chatterbox signing off!

Oh man felt really sick this week. Sick to my stomach every time something was supposed to go in. I dread my shakes, I dread my meds, my vits. The only thing I enjoy putting in is my tea. Sleepy Time and Madagascar Vanilla Red. Mmmm. 

This is the first week I've been freaking out food wise. I miss eatting. I do ok when the family eats breakfast (probably because it's just the kids in the am and since I'm not up for cooking yet, they've been eatting cereal), and lunch (harder but no biggy). But dinner has been ROUGH! Get this, my husband and I have been married 10 years, together even longer. So all that time the only thing he ever made when I asked him to cook was steak, and the occasional burger or hot dog. And now, that I can't eat, this man has been making peanut sate chicken, chicken cordon bleu, bacon cheddar burgers, lasagna, bacon lettuce and tomatoes on dill rye, shish kabobs, etc!! I would never do that to him. I'd be making things I knew he hated or that wouldn't be appealing. He says it's because he got a lot of those things already prepared at the butcher. 

Whatever reason, it feels cruel lol. It's gotten so bad that I have to go into the bedroom and close the door. A bible scripture, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." (Mth 4:4) keeps coming to mind. So I started reading my bible and getting spiritual nourishment in place of the physical nourishment I so desperately crave. It's not even a hunger thing. It's like addiction. I can't quit wanting it, even though I'm not hungry (most of the time). I just want to eat. I want to eat, and I want that to make everything feel better. I've even cried over it. It's not like giving up any other addiction. You can't just quit food. It's everywhere. It's necessary. And it's a human instinct to eat. But there must be a balance somewhere. I hope I can find it. I am so afraid I will fail. This is why I started seeing a counselor last year so that as these issues came up, I could deal with them instead of only deal with the physical aspect of losing weight. I know there are so many underlying issues here. I don't think you get to be over 350 by just loving to eat. I mean that probably got me half way lol. But to allow yourself to get into this condition, is not loving to eat, and it certainly isn't loving me! I have been dealing with a lot, and I have a lot more to deal with, but at least I'm on the road! Meanwhile, oh man I hope I can make it another 11 days with just tea and protein!!

Saw Vicki (doc was out of town) for my doctor's appt. First of all, drum roll please, I lost 18 pounds since surgery, 32 pounds total!! Down to 329! Haven't been under 340 in 6-8 years! I discussed the flavor issues, the gravel water, the iron vitamins, etc. She said to try Tender Iron (Vitalady), agreed with the Vita4Life, and said to throw away the chart (where I had all of the ounces the doc recommended to drink) and just do the best I can. She said tea was fine if it was all that would go, as long as I'm getting protein in. She also said this taste bud thing will resolve itself as time goes on and soon I'd be doing all of this like it was nothing. She said to cut myself some slack as I'm only 2 weeks out -- Im probably doing more harm than good stressing myself out over the details. 

Once I took her advice, I've been getting about 2 quarts a day which is twice as much as I'd been getting the last few days. It goes in good as long as I drink while it's warm. Also off of pain meds for almost a week. Ice swollen areas occasionally but not needed as much as before. Hernia area still hurts, but I can get into and out of bed alone and only have to be half sitting up when I sleep. Also able to load top rack of dishwasher, wipe counters in kitchen and bathroom, and do some other minor housework. I can't wait to do it all (am I crazy??). I miss taking care of my family. My husband has been doing it ALL for a week (on top of his own job) and he's tired!

I can't wait for the next few months to be over, the pain to be gone, a routine to be set with all of this stuff we gotta get in (protien, water, supplements, etc), and for me to finally be cruisin in the new life!

What an eventful week!

This week my mom was here to help. She did pretty good at first. But after a few days you could tell the poor woman was tired lol. It's been awhile since she had to take care of a family or a house that doesn't stay clean lol. She ended up leaving early after we had words (long story I'll save for another blog but my mom and I don't have the best relationship due to childhood issues). It got ugly, which was sad and hard to deal with at this time especially. But honestly, I was surprised it went so well for 4 days. Probably thanks to my being doped up still roflol. 

Anyway, the pain is starting to heal. The hernia repair area is still really sore, and the muscles next to it too. But I think I can start weaning off the pain meds. Still will keep icing to help swelling go down it feels good.

Taste buds getting worse. So much so that I cannot take chewable vitamins any more. I've tried several brands and all make me sick. Then I got the bright idea to try the Flintstones gummy vits. I read somewhere on here that others were taking them. So I tried them. Ha, they got stuck in my pouch and I was totally freaked out! I didn't think it would pass out because they have me taking prevacid to prevent acid, so I didn't know how it would desolve. I was scared I'd have to go to the hospital and have them removed roflol. Then it dawned on me to drink hot tea to melt them. Worked like a champ!! Two cups and down they went eventually.

So finally, I had to order the Vita4Life ones, but about died at the price ($56!). For now it will have to work until either my taste buds resolve or I can swallow regular pills.

Had to go to doctor on Monday the 19th. Area under hernia was starting to turn red and felt warmer than the rest. He said he didn't think it was an infection, but has me taking an antibiotic (oh man talk about taste bud issues this stuff tastes like mint, banana and medicine altogether) and fladgil. I can make it through 5 days lol. Oh and I weighed while I was there, already lost 5 pounds in 5 days! Down to 342.

I had to stop taking the iron on Wednesday, because it felt like I drank battery acid every time I took them. That was a sort of sudden development. But I'll go over all of this at my doc appt next week. 

Started my shakes this week. Big surprise....HATE them! I was taking IDS multi pro whey, belgian chocolate. I loved it before surgery. Looked forward to it even. It tasted like Wendy's frosty to me when I blended it with ice and water. However now it tastes like salty sugary blech. So went to vitalady and tried a bunch more kinds. Found one I can stomach, but still not one I like. Also, sliming just with a protein shake. It's gross and makes me want to barf. (sorry)

Oh! and now water doesn't go in either! Tastes ok, but once it's in my stomach it feels like gravel is in there. Tea goes mostly ok. Warm liquids definately go better. I quit eatting ice chips bc they hurt my pouch. Tried jello a few times but made me feel too full. Broth is no longer appealing. So It's mostly tea and yucky protein shakes.

Can't wait to talk to doc next week!

Have I mentioned what a blessing Julie was?? My home never looked so great, my kids never behaved so well, meals were never healthier, and I was never so doted on! I loved it. Of course, since she's my best friend, I'd have loved having her in town anyway, but man, I cannot convey what a huge support and blessing she was to me. 

Anyhoo, I am really tired. I've been napping every day with my 2 year old. I NEVER nap! I have also been getting at least 8 hours of sleep at night. I usually only get 7 or less. So for me to be doing all this sleeping is probably very healing. I am so NOT hungry. I have my little 'ounce' cups from the hospital and measure my water with them, as well as some ice chips. That's about all I really want right now. I do have a little broth from time to time, but it's not all that important to me. I can not even think about eatting Jello right now. I am still in great pain from the hernia repair. I am able to finally use the bathroom and shower unassisted, which is nice lol. I get up every 2-3 hours and walk laps around my living, dining, and kitchen area. In the middle of the night I get up once, when I get my pain meds, and walk then. I still need help getting in and out of bed, and I have to sleep sitting up, but I'm on so much pain meds that I'm out cold anyway lol. 

Vitamins are a big challenge. I have to take 12 total daily (3 four times a day). Somehow my tastebuds are really (I mean REALLY) messed up. I didn't care much for them before, but I HATE them now. I almost get sick every time I eat them. Iron goes ok, if I break it in half. Fluids are still going good too. Next week I start protein shakes. 

I made a little chart to help me, hubby and Jules remember what I'm supposed to take when. It's helpful so far. I'm getting everything down. 

Gas pains are gone, incision pain is minimal, but hernia pain is still rediculous! I hope it heals soon!!

Wow, I wasn't prepared for all of this lol. My 4.5 hour surgery turned into a 8.5 hour surgery. Apparently the umbillical hernia we thought was going to be ok to leave alone until my tummy tuck in a few years, was far worse than expected. In addition to the GBP, they ended up doing a 5 hour hernia repair and my surgeon was pretty surprised at the huge size and complexity of the hernia. It was a doozy. lol Soooo needless to say, after being out for that long I had a really hard time coming out of the anesthesia and I am in a TON of pain. The pain, I'm told, is mostly from my hernia repair. 

My poor husband was worried sick. For some reason, after being told he'd see me in 4.5 hours, no one thought to go out and tell him what was going on. The poor guy sat there for several hours thinking the worst. I don't know why they did that to him. 

The good thing is that Dr. Srikanth stayed the laproscopic road. He could have easily opened me up and done it the fastest, easiest way. But he was up for the challenge! 

My hospital stay was not what I expected, my room was the size of my bathroom, the nurses didn't seem to want to be there (except for my wonderful night nurse), and my IV infiltrated (came out of the vein but stayed in my arm) so I ended up ringing the nurse at 2 am asking her if it was normal to have a lobster claw/popeye arm in place of a regular hand and arm lol. I wish I'd taken pictures, it was so strange! LOL 

I did get a nice little visit from the only other patient on the floor that night, also Dr. Srikanth's patient. He had the lap band and probably wondered what my problem was lol. He was walking the halls cheerfully doing laps around what I was able to do. It was nice to see a friendly face. 

My best friend came by around 10pm and God bless her. She wiped my face with a cool cloth and made sure I was comfortable. I wasn't until she came. She stayed and walked a bit with me too. She also was the one taking over for me at home. She is doing such a fantastic job, I know my family and home are in great hands! I am home now and so very impressed with her care of everyone, and of me. She is in nursing school, and this has proven to me beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is called to be a nurse! 

I am able to get water, ice chips, vits and meds down ok. No neausea so far. Just feel gassy and bloated. But I hear this will pass soon. It's from the air they fill you with to do the lap. procedure. It has to come out sometime I suppose, lol, but right now I feel like a balloon! :)