rockysmom

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It seems as though I have finally turned the corner on this cold ( I hope )!!  I am feeling MUCH better this morning, and I am now determined to find a protein drink that I can tolerate better.  I'm only getting in about 8 ounces for the whole day --  I don't think it's because I'm filling up my pouch --  it seems like I can't stand the taste, and the texture, and neither can my pouch.  (Maybe it's in my head?)  Sugar free jello, chicken broth, sugar free popsicles  --  all go down just fine.  So, I'm off to GNC to see what else I can try out.

I called Dr. Lautz's office yesterday,and spoke to the PA.  She said it sounds like I have a big juicy cold, and said to take cold medicine but be careful about doubling up with the Roxicet, which has Tylenol in it also.  I did take some Tylenol cold yesterday, but it didn't help at all.  (I could only get down 1/2 a dose, it probably wasn't enough).  I haven't been running any fever at all, and I feel a little better each day.  It really sucks trying to drink the protein drinks, fluids, vitamins etc. while dealing with this cold.  I probably get a cold once every 10 years, and when I do, I try to just go to bed and sleep till it's over.  Can't do that, --  have to drink, use the bathroom, walk, etc. etc. 

OK, now that I'm done crybabying   --  I weighed myself this a.m.  --  184.4 --  I haven't lost weight this fast since I was a teenager.  I also found (with the help of my daughter) some protein powder that I can tolerate mixed with soy milk.  Much better than the glucerna.  She is joining me in drinking a protein drink in the morning.  She is very fit and goes to the gym early in the morning before work.  She has decided that she would like to build a little muscle definition to her arms, so the protein drink is a good breakfast for her.  She mixed it up for me in the blender with ice cubes, and it wasn't bad at all.  I also found that I may be able to use the Carnation Instant Breakfast Mix, as long as I use the soy milk.  I Actually drank 8 oz of protein drink this a.m.  (I'm experimenting with smileys.  )  Well, now it's time for lunch --  and it's a great day out (still cold, though)  Rocky and I have already been for a walk, but I think we'll go out again this afternoon. The walking does make you feel better!

Well, it has been pretty rough, I must say.  I woke up on Saturday morning with a terrible chest cold.  I coughed and coughed, and spit (sorry to be gross) and my throat and chest were very sore.  My energy level dwindled to nothing, and at one point yesterday I was running a low fever.  I am starting to feel better today -- not coughing too much.  I have also been terribly gassy - my stomach is bloated, and achy of course.  Today has been a much better day though --  I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I took a shower this morning and went outside to walk. Walking does seem to help with the gas, if you can find the energy to do it.  I spent the afternoon curled up on the couch with Rocky on my lap.  He IS the best comfort in the world.  He seems to know I'm not myself --  usually he won't sleep all day, he'll start pestering me to throw a ball for him or go outside to play -- but today he's content to sleep next to me.  I'm having a hard time tolerating the protein drinks -- they make me feel gassy and yucky, but I'm still trying to get as much down as I can.  On a brighter note, the Swanson's chicken broth is delicious --  and the warmth is very comforting.  It tastes and feels like I'm eating real food!  I also love the diet jello, I have no problem eating a whole container of it, and could probably eat 2 -  but I don't want to push it.  So I think I'm doing OK with staying hydrated.  Did anyone else get a bad cold after the surgery?  I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the horrible tube that was down my throat.
 

I got  home form the hospital yesterday afternoon. Everything went OK.  Waking up after the surgery was horrible, though.  My first memory was intense pain in my stomach and throat, and a feeling of nausea.  I told them I was in pain,and they gave me pain medicine immediately. I went back to sleep and woke up again in my hospital room, feeling a lot better.  The first day in the hospital was pretty rough.  They leave in the tube going through your nose into your throat.  It doesn't come out until after they do a procedure to check to see if all is working OK.  My mouth and throat were extremely dry, but no water was allowed - just swabs to wet my mouth.  I couldn't swallow without pain, and after a few hours of that, I lost my voice.  Finally around noon or so they took me to do the test.  The procedure consisted of drinking a little but of some nasty tasting fluid, then they Xray you, and watch it go down.  Once that was done, they pulled out the tube (that was pretty hideous also, but was over with in seconds).  Everything got better real quick after that.  My sore throat recovered, and they brought me water and clear liquids.  The pain came off and on,but I eventually learned to control it by giving myself a pump before it started hurting.  I was up and walking right away, and had absolutely no nausea except for when I first woke up in recovery.  The nurse I had was so good to me!  She spent a lot of time in my room, and was so patient and compassionate.  It is hard to get much liquids into me right now.  Yesterday I only managed to drink 1/2 of a protein drink.  Today, I was able to finish one this morning, and will drink another shortly.  Thanks so much to everyone who has sent their messages of well wishes.

Got everything done that I needed to do - washed clothes, straightened up, paid bills, packed my bag.  My surgery time was changed from 11:00 to 3:00 (I guess it's not unusual for the time to be changed).  I've gotten over my anxiety ( for now, anyway) -- and I feel very calm and very positive.  My daughter, however, was crying this morning.  I did my best to reassure her, but she won't be happy till she hears my voice after the surgery.  I'll be leaving for Boston around 11:30 --  I have to be at the hospital at 1:00.  It will be a long day of waiting, but by the end of today, the wait will be over!!

I went out Friday night and had sort of a last supper --  a margarita, chips and salsa and a fajita with sour cream,cheese & guacamole.  I had told myself I would not do this, but I had been feeling very anxious,and I just gave in.  I did not overeat, though --  split the fajitas with my boyfriend and only had 1 drink.  I got right back on the pre-surgery diet. I have been busy running errands, and am feeling much less stressed.   Yesterday, my sister and I took our dogs for a very long walk in woods (2 hours).  It was a nice day, and I got in plenty of exercise.  I went walking again today, also, --  I'm really trying to do everything right.  I bought the book "weight loss surgery for dummies"  and I like it. Very straight forward and easy to read.  I'll bring it to the hospital with me.  Only 2 nights and 1 1/2 days to go!!

It's getting really hard for me to concentrate on anything.  I worked today, and will also work on Monday, but I'm not getting much done  -- all I can think about is the surgery.  I weighed my self this morning, I've now lost 20 pounds since my first visit with Dr. Lautz in January -- 8 pounds since I started the pre-op diet.  It makes me wonder if I shouldn't be trying to lose the weight on my own yet one more time???  But, it's too late for second thoughts now -- the money's paid, the surgery's scheduled, and I don't really want to back out.  Getting the good wishes and messages here is helping to keep me sane!  Thanks to all!

This is my first time posting a message on the internet!  I'm scheduled for surgery on Tuesday and of course I'm nervous.  Is anyone else scheduled for next week also?