A-Weigh We Go

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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

If I'm Being Honest...

...I'm a bit disappointed.


I had my 3-week post-op appointment today.  I'm officially down 19 pounds.  (My Wii weighs me less.)  I was actually hoping for at least 21 pounds - a pound a day.  I don't know if that's unrealistic or not, but I really had hoped it was more.  I told the nurse that and she said, "everyone says that...but you're doing fine."


The MD said I was right on track and that I should start getting exercise in, but also noted that I need to increase my fluids.  My fluids are all over the board - some days nearly 80oz...others not quite 50oz.  I need to be getting at least 60oz and with the increased exercise probably more like 70+ oz.  The nurse took my BP twice because it was reading low...94/60.  Fluid increase might also help that, but it could also be why I'm still dragging some days.  Occasional light-headedness is happening which again can be attributed to the low blood pressure.  


I know I was warned that the emotional side of this surgery was possibly the hardest part and today, I understand that.  I'm a bit...weepy?  I haven't actually cried yet, but feel like I could at any moment.  I'm frustrated that I feel like I'm running in a circle.  I need to increase exercise but am still tired (though energy is finally getting a little better) and BP is low which can be an attributing factor...and I need to increase fluids...and exercise might help the BP too...


Yes, if I'm being honest...I'm really kind of bummed about it all.




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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

I Survived the First "Gathering"

Let me preface this by saying that for me, Memorial Day isn't a day of celebration.  It's a day of remembrance...of reflection.  Freedom isn't free and there are so many who sacrificed their lives for us to have the freedoms that we enjoy on a daily basis.  I am forever grateful.  It is also a day that I remember the One who gave His life for us to have eternal freedom - Jesus Christ.  A sacrifice for each and every one of us, no matter nationality, race, gender.  


All that being said, I did get to spend the majority of the day at my daughter's house.  I kind of invited myself - with the understanding that I'd provide the food.  Hey...whatever works, right?  I took brats and burgers and a few side dishes thanks to the deli at the grocery store.  And I packed my lunch with me. 


Of all the things that were there, the thing I was most tempted by were the Grippo's BBQ Chips.  The open box on the table was calling my name every time I walked by.  Seriously, this thought crossed my mind at least once:  One chip wouldn't hurt.  And then it was like the "omgosh! what on earth are you saying to yourself?!?!" light bulb went off.  If that's not temptation working at its best, I don't know what is.  These are the exact kind of thoughts that have sabotaged my weight loss efforts over the years.  These are the exact kind of thoughts that I must recognize and refuse.  And that's exactly what I did.


This process isn't easy.  But what I realize is that the most difficult part is changing the way I think.  I'm much more aware of portion sizes and the nutritional value of food (have to be right now!), but the little tempting lies about food seem to linger.  Regardless, I do feel victorious (silly as that may seem) about how I handled yesterday.  I successfully survived the first holiday gathering.  Thank you God for helping me hear the lie being whispered into my ear!
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Monday, May 28, 2012

I Have the Best Friends

Seriously.  I really do have the best friends a person could ask for!  I'm constantly amazed at how God has woven my life with such an incredible network of close (key word there) friends.  Ones who know how to encourage and help me when needed and ones who aren't afraid to tell me if they feel I may not be seeing things in the right light.


I got an email yesterday from one of these dear friends with a plethora of Scripture to help me remember where my strength comes from.  It's not from my physical body, it is from my Heavenly Father.  As I was reflecting through each verse this morning, I realized that once again I was trying to do this on my own.  My prayer-life has been full with all that's been going on lately, but being in the Word has been lacking.  I was just too tired.  (What a lame excuse!) 


Regardless, God is faithful and has provided me these wonderful friends to help keep me on track - even if they don't know that's how He's using them in my life.  So today as I focus on my Strength, I'll also say a prayer of thanksgiving for the people He has placed in my life.  I said this yesterday to a couple of friends - and even had tears in my eyes as I said it... I cannot imagine going through my life without the friends He has so lovingly placed in my path along the way!


You, my friends, are a blessing and an answer to prayer!  I love you so much!



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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Ramblings

I feel like I'm starting to get caught up on my rest little by little.  CME and I were talking last night and I realized that I've kind of been on the go since my surgery; year-end things for my boys, meetings at church, a new grandbaby.  It kind of makes a little more sense that I'm still feeling tired.  CME said, "I didn't have major surgery and I'm tired."  I'm still tired today...but I guess it's normal.


Temps today are going to be record-breaking (near 100).  Makes me just want to sit in the cool house.  However, CME and I went out for a bit to run a couple of errands, one of which was taking the dogs to get their nails trimmed.  For those of you that don't know about our dogs, one is a German Shepherd / Lab mix (~66#) and the other is a Beagle / Rottweiler mix (~88 lbs).  Walking them around the pet store for a while afterward tested my strength for sure.  You'd think I'd take the smaller of the two, but she's a total spaz on a leash which is a lot more work.  The bigger of the two is usually well behaved when out so it was easier...until she saw the kittens.  Then it took all the strength I had to keep her back from the cage.  The other dogs/puppies don't bother her, but when she sees a kitten/cat she is a wild beast!  Regardless, I was still able to control her for the most part.


I need to look at more recipes for the pureed stage.  Variety is going to be key for me...though I have come to really like the cottage cheese/marinara that I've been enjoying.  Have a crockpot meal I'm fixing for the family tomorrow.  I may try pureeing it as the ingredients aren't bad at all.  We'll see.


Needing some scripture about strength and rest...suggestions welcome! ________________________________________________
"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Thursday, May 24, 2012

I'm Tired

I think that's the best way to describe me right now.  Tired.  I have absolutely loved being at the hospital with my daughter, son-in-law and gbaby, but I think the long days/nights have finally caught up with me.  I even took about a two hour nap today and am still tired this evening.  I'm hoping this changes soon.  


Since starting the pureed phase, I've been able to have more variety and more flavorful things.  Tuesday night I had some tilapia, Wednesday I pureed some canned chicken with a little bit of light ranch dressing, garlic powder and pepper along side some laughing cow creamy swiss.  Maybe not the most appealing to look at, but good nonetheless.  Made pasta e fagioli soup for the family and pureed 3 oz for me (though I didn't know how to figure out the protein for that).    It was nice to be able to eat the food the family was eating.  Tonight I mixed 1/4 c. cottage cheese with 1 T marinara and heated it up.  Added a dash of parmesan cheese and had my own noodle-less cheese lasagna.  (Okay, not exactly but the taste was really good - and again the variety was nice.) 


I know this is a psychological issue, but there is a little bit of fear that now that I'm adding a variety (and another ounce of food per meal) that I won't lose weight.  While I know this is not the case, the thought is still there some times and it makes me get a bit teary-eyed if I think about it.  I'm guessing the years of failure are still lurking in the shadows.  The good thing is that I know God never fails and that if I will fully turn it over to Him, the fear of failure will be gone.  That's my goal - to turn it over and not take it back.


So that's where I am at the moment...tired and a bit apprehensive.  Praying some sleep will give me the much needed energy for tomorrow - hoping I can get to the Y to get in some exercise.  Exercise is needed, not only to be successful in this journey but for energy as well.


Pureed chicken / laughing cow cheese

 Pureed pasta e fagioli soup

 Cottage cheese + marinara


And since it's my blog and I can post about anything I want... this is me (Gigi) and my gbaby!  Isn't she precious???

Bella saying, "Hello world!"  (less than 48 hours old)


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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

A Good Reason I Didn't Post Yesterday!

Really, I can't think of a better reason not to update after my appointment with surgeon, RD, LCSW.  I'm a new Gigi!  (grandma!) I'll get to more of that later...


The appointment went well.  Surgeon is pleased at how I'm progressing.  Incisions look good, weight loss is good, pain is practically non-existent.  I did talk to him about the things I mentioned in my previous post.  He said the fatigue is normal at this stage and that sometimes when "young" (heh...he referred to me as young) people have this surgery we tend to think we will be up and running in a week, yet our bodies have gone through a traumatic major surgery.  He reminded me that our bodies truly need time to heal.  The whole thing with the raised hands didn't seem to concern him since I'm not experiencing chest pains or shortness of breath.  I was told to let him know at the next visit if it's not gotten any better and if not, then we can do a blood draw to check iron levels.  But basically he told me to be patient.


The burping/belching/gas thing.  Again, normal.  I was told that some patients are more sensitive to it and that could be the case, but if the Gas-X strips are working to continue using them.  Surgeon and RD both say it should subside over time.  Communion - it's an okay thing.  That made me feel a lot better.  I know I probably freaked out about it before, but I didn't want to have a problem in the middle of church!


They told me I can advance to the "pureed" food stage.  That opens up new foods like canned chicken / canned tuna, fresh or canned fruit in natural juices, soft cooked vegetables, etc.  The possibilities excite me!


All of that said, my potential return to work date is June 6 - which is 4 weeks after surgery.  It feels like the right date.  I have another appointment with surgeon on 5/30 so if anything changes, he can modify that date if need be.


After my appointment, I came home and packed all the stuff I would need and spent the next 12 hours at the hospital with my daughter and son-in-law.  After many hours of non-progressive labor, little miss Bella Dawn was delivered by c-section at 8:47pm.  Gigi was holding her by 10:15 or so!  She is absolutely precious and truly a gift from God!  This scripture comes to mind when I think of her...


Psalm 139:13-16
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.


Welcome to the world, precious little miracle!  Gigi loves you!



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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Sunday, May 20, 2012

The Heat is On

The calendar may not officially say summer, but the 90+ temps do!  It's for sure that I'm feeling it.  I realize that I become queasy, light headed and not in a good place at all when I get hot.  I've noticed it when I've been in the kitchen helping with dinner...or yesterday I met one of the International students by the river (he wanted to see how I was doing since surgery).  We did nothing but sit and within 30 minutes I was physically feeling horrible.  As soon as I got back in my car and turned on the A/C all was well.


I don't know how long this might last, but with summer here and all the outside activities that go with it, I sure hope it's just a fleeting moment!
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Weekend Recap

It's been a good weekend.  Yesterday morning my youngest and I were out walking by 8am.  I walked 3/4 mile again and he walked 1.25 miles.  I'm hoping to get up to that this week.  


Getting the required fluids/protein intake is better.  Having a 4oz protein shake with 26g protein helps in that.  I've also been adding Special K protein water mix to my water which seems to be working well.  It adds 5g protein and 5g fiber and some flavor.  It's definitely do-able.


Two things I've noticed that I will discuss during my appointment tomorrow:

  1. Belching/burping/gurgling is constant.  I don't think I've burped this much in my entire life.  While the Gas-X strips help, it's still excessive and very noticeable.  It also seems like it happens more when I drink while sitting down.  I'm sure it has something to do with the "compression" aspect of my body, but it really is annoying.
  2. Any thing that requires me to raise my hands above my head (especially for a prolonged period of time) leaves me feeling completely fatigued.  As if there is no strength whatsoever.  I'm not short of breath and I don't have any chest pains, but simple things like washing my hair, drying it,  searching through a cabinet looking for a spice, etc. take the wind out of my sails.  Why?
I was sooooooooooo excited to be able to be among my closest friends at church today.  I missed those hugs last week!  I had two separate meetings before church and packed a protein shake to consume during one of them.  It's nice that church has a refrigerator that I could store my shake!  Made it much easier to get in the required stuff when I needed it.  


The message and worship time were fantastic (as always) and I was overjoyed just to be able to share in this corporate worship time.  I miss all of that when I can't get to church.  The one thing I did not do was take communion.  It felt so odd, to be honest.  I initially took the bread and juice as I normally do and as I was praying a thought hit me, "Oh wait!  Can I have this?"  So, weird as it may be, I grabbed my phone and Googled it.  There were mixed responses, but the majority I saw said that it's not good to partake this close to surgery.  One person even commented that they had taken communion and immediately experienced dumping syndrome.  I really feel like I missed out on a very special part of worship today.  It may seem minor to some, but to me it was the first "I missed out" that I have felt since surgery - even with the family eating what smell like REALLY good food.  I think it's another thing I'm going to ask about at my appointment tomorrow.  When can I partake in communion again?!


All-in-all it's been a good weekend.  Looking forward to my appt tomorrow to see where things stand and get any new information they may have my way.


Oh...and tomorrow, our oldest daughter is being induced so hopefully by tomorrow night I'll be holding my first grandchild!  
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Friday, May 18, 2012

Lesson Learned

CME fixed a yummy-looking meal tonight for the rest of the family...beef rolls (thin steak stuffed with a mixture of feta cheese, olive oil, bread crumbs, spinach, garlic and onion then rolled and baked) accompanied by a ceasar salad I made for them.  I decided to try something new too.  My Turkish daughter had some dry soup mixes and had told me that one of them was Lentil.  So, being the oh-so-smart person I am (ha!) I used Google Translate and found one that translated perfectly as "Lentil Soup".  I used the translator to figure out the directions and was so proud of myself!


Turkish daughter came out and said, "Mom...this isn't Lentil soup."  She showed me the package that was the actual Lentil Soup.  Still, what I ate was yummy...though there were some VERY tiny pieces of bulgur wheat.  I noticed them and did chew them the best I possibly could.  I'm not totally freaking out about it...I made sure it was very well chewed before swallowing and in all honesty, there wasn't much at all.  Still...I worry how it will "sit" in my pouch.  Time will tell, I suppose.


Lesson learned:  I can't read Turkish and can't trust Google Translate!




My Turkish daughter with her hair in curlers for her night out.  :)


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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Afraid of the Scales

There have been so many failed attempts at weight loss in my life that I really have become afraid of the scales.  I'm sure there's some clinical phobia name for it, but for me it always represented failure.


One mindset that I need to continue to work through is the thought "What makes you think this will work for you?  Nothing else has."  It's one of the lies that Satan wants to feed me so I can worry about things that I know God has under his control.  And though I know it, I still take a deep breath every time I step on the scales.  I know that right now the weight loss will be quick...and I know that the weight will stall at some point.  (Heard it from MD, Surgeon, LCSW, RD and many many forums that I've stalked.)  But I feel like if I avoid the scales I might wind up where I was before...avoiding the scales and adding weight.  As of today (according to my Wii) I'm down 11.2 pounds since day of surgery.  I don't feel encouraged or disappointed either way because I don't want to set myself up for those feelings later.  I'm just glad to see a continual decrease at this point.  


I praise God that He is faithful even when I am sometimes doubtful.  He is good.  Always.
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Thursday, May 17, 2012

3/4 Mile

That's the distance CME and I walked tonight.  Nice, cool, dusk 3/4 of a mile walk.  It's not much, but it's progress!
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

One week yesterday...

It was one week yesterday that the surgical portion of this journey started!  One week down!  WooHoo!!


Thank you to CME, family and my friends who have weighed-in (I'm not sure I like that term anymore! ha!) on my last post.  The common theme was, "take it slow and take the time YOU need to heal."  And "Ummm...you do realize you had major surgery where they basically rearranged your guts, don't you?" 


I did get to talk with my boss yesterday (who has been fantastic throughout this process as well as the whole down-sizing thing) and he even said to do what I need to do that work is minor compared to health.  I'm going to miss having him as a boss!!!!!!!  I'm still not sure that the full 6-weeks will be needed, but I feel a little more at ease knowing that it's an option.


Slow moving was the theme all day yesterday.  Took a nap even.  Though it wasn't a long nap, it still felt good to be able to rest when I needed it.  Oldest son had a lead role in the church middle-school play last night.  It was so good to get out and to see so many of my friends that I missed on Sunday!  I'm a hugger by nature and as part of my own self-prescribed therapy, hugs are a must!  I am so blessed to have these people in my life.  I love how God puts people in your life that you probably wouldn't have met otherwise.  (Son did awesome, btw.)  From the play we went to the boys' Court of Honor for Scouts, and then a real quick trip to Target to get a swimsuit for oldest's trip to Holiday World on Saturday.  By the end of the night, I was spent.  I didn't feel bad - just really tired.


As each day progresses, I'm finding new combinations of foods that are working well for me.  Not having to consume all sweets is good.  It's odd for me to say that because as a category, sweets is one of my many weakness.  I've also found some things that I don't care for...like today I mixed plain greek yogurt with PB2.  Though it's PACKED with protein, the sourness of the greek yogurt didn't mix well with the PB2.  There's a Chocolate PB2 that might work, but just the peanut butter?  Not again.  I ate it today (because it's packed with protein!), but yeah - I'll skip that combination next time.  Cottage cheese last night and hummus were a treat as well as the time I had the instant mashed potatoes thinned with the beefy mushroom soup.  


One thing that came to my mind this morning is that as part of my behavior modification is to try to stop obsessing about food.  And though I do know what they mean, food is still an obsession at this point.  Watching a clock...measuring, eating slowly, protein, low sugar, hydration, protein, fat grams, measuring, eating slowly... and so on.  I feel MORE obsessed at this point than ever before.  I don't think I was necessarily obsessed with food previously - I just didn't think about it much.  It's something I plan on discussing with RD and LCSW.


All-in-all the week has gone by rather quickly.  Each day seems to be a little better (though the exhaustion is still about the same).  I'm not out walking laps around the neighborhood, but I am up doing small chores around the house.  It's "moving" and not just sitting sedentary.


Again, I need to acknowledge how wonderful CME has been through this all.  We share tasks, generally, but he's had to pick up the extra stuff that I can't do (or have been too tired to do) right now.  I couldn't do this without his help.  143, CME. 
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Slow Starting This Morning

I had every intention of getting up early to get my boys off to school.  I woke the first one for his shower and crawled back into bed.  I didn't wake up until over 2 hours later - after CME had gotten up and made sure they got where they needed to be.  I am so incredibly blessed to have him!


I must have needed the extra sleep.  I didn't sleep well the night before.  A lot of tossing and turning and up and down.  Took a jaunt out to Lowe's with CME to get a few things for around the house.  We parked in the back of the parking lot and walked around quite a bit.  No, it wasn't a fast-paced walk, but any walking is better than none.  I'm still finding myself getting weak after what I consider little things.  The heat in the kitchen while I was trying to help make the family dinner made me almost queasy.  I feel like my heart beats extra hard after even some of the smallest activities.  I found a few gastric bypass forums and it looks like it's normal, but I guess I wasn't expecting it.


Food/fluid intake was much better yesterday.  Partly because I listened to CME and took some Gas-X strips which relieved a lot of the "pressure" I was feeling. [He's so smart.]  I think the other part of it was that I had more time over the day.  I'm a bit worried about today because of already getting a late start.  We'll see how it goes.


I received a call from the company that manages our short term disability.  I was shocked to hear the representative say that I've been approved to be out 4-6 weeks which puts me on STD through June 24!  It got my mind swirling.  Seriously.  I can't be out that long.  The final changes for my department happen June 1.  After that time, it's just down to 2 of us and my co-worker has already planned (and paid for) a Florida vacation the second week of June.  Plus, I have my own "vacation" planned for July...  Though emotionally and physically I think it would be nice to have the extra time off to be able to heal in both those ways,  I just don't see how I can do that.  I want to call my boss because I know that as soon as I was notified, so was he.  I'm not sure I have the energy to do that today or not.  I've got a follow-up appt with surgeon on Monday. I guess I can discuss more with him at that time.  


I'm going to go shower and get things moving today.  Some good quiet time for prayer is needed!
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Monday, May 14, 2012

I'm drowning.

That's how I feel right now.  It's not work or stress or any of that.  It's FLUID/FOOD consumption.  The good thing is that I've already gotten in all the required protein for the day, but here it is 8:30 at night and I've not had dinner yet.  I just don't feel like I can put another bite/sip into my mouth.  My fluid intake today (not counting the 8 oz of protein shakes I've had) is only at 38 oz.  I'm suppose to get 50-60 oz/day.  I have sipped on liquids all. day. long.  I seriously cannot put anything else in my body.  I may break down and call RD tomorrow just to make sure I'm doing this right.  Is it normal to not be able to get in everything at this point?????  


I'm thinking it's time for a flotation device!
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Mother's Day aka Post Op Day 4

Yesterday was my best day yet.  I made it through the entire day without napping - though by 9pm last night I was pretty exhausted.  Plus - no Lortab!  I got in all of my protein with this menu:



  • Breakfast - 1 egg
  • mid-morning snack - 4 oz 15 calorie peach juice + fuzzy navel Nectar protein supplement
  • Lunch - 1/4 c sf/ff banana pudding made with skim milk + 1T PB2 (YUMMY!)
  • mid-afternoon snack - 4 oz skim soy milk + 1/2 scoop cappuccino Nectar protein supplement
  • Dinner - 3.5 oz tomato soup + 1 packet unflavored Unjury protein supplement
  • evening snack - 4 oz skim soy milk + 1/2 scoop cappuccino Nectar protein supplement



CME being silly trying the yummy banana pudding/PB2 mixture.

Though I sipped on water all day long, I'm still falling short there.  (Side note...my youngest son is the comedian of the house.  I probably would have had a bit more water if he hadn't poked small holes around the entire top of the bottle so I wore as much as a I drank!  The humor way outweighed the irritation that it could have caused!)  After forcing myself to eat/drink basically every two hours, I am really having a difficult time getting it all down.  Truly the times I "feel" best is when I've not had anything to drink/eat for a while.  Like when I first wake up.  I know that will change, and I know that I must eat.  I'm just letting you know what feels best right now.  

As I was logging all my food intake yesterday and going back over some of the information in my education manual, someone said, "You just want to be their little overachiever that they refer to in meetings, huh?"  Though I know it was said with a supportive and positive meaning, that's not what I'm trying to do at all.  I want to do the very best I can at this process because I want others to see that God has equipped me and that He is the one who deserves the glory in this.  

Other happenings on Mother's Day... my oldest daughter and her hubby stopped by for a while.  My gift was cute...it was "Gigi" things.  She's due to deliver our first grandchild soon so she decided to bring me things like bibs about grandma and such.  :)  My boys got me a license plate that says "#1 Mom" for my car and my youngest made me a homemade card filled with love.  My youngest daughter called (since she lives a couple hours away) and my parents came in for a while when they dropped off the boys after church.  (I wasn't sure I was up to going to church yesterday - but seriously I miss those times!)  CME made me cry with one of the sweetest cards ever.  He and I also took a nice stroll down the street.  Not sure of the exact distance, but much more than I've walked post-op.  Yes, yesterday was my best day yet.  


I've been up since about 6:45 this morning to try to start the routine.  In the past hour, I've had my morning vitamins and about 6 ounces of diet cran-apple juice.  (It counts toward my "water" intake.)  At about 8:30 I'll fix breakfast (have to wait 30 minutes after drinking anything) and be off on another day...

I want to leave this one thought with you.  As we (regardless of weight) struggle with the thoughts of being worthy or charming or beautiful, listen to God's words.  One of my best friends sent me this yesterday as my Mother's Day greeting:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.  Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Honor her for all that her hands have done and let her works bring her praise at the city gate"  ~ Proverbs 31:29
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Sunday, May 13, 2012

A Picture Journey

This is a look into what the hospital stay looked like.  To be honest, I'm not thrilled about putting these out here - but CME took them and if I go back to the total transparancy so God can work in me through this process, I suppose it's part of it.  Trust me...you may want to skip this entry!


My sweet friend Lori praying with me before surgery.

Waiting in the pre-op room.

Reading my Emotional First Aid Book


The lovely ted hose and foot pumps to help keep blood clots away.

CME being a paramedic ... likes to get all the details.

Patiently waiting to go back to the OR

Equipment

Addition of the liquid tylenol...could you see the difference?

               Watching the clock....     The time I was being wheeled to the OR

After they had pumped me full of tons of IV fluids, blood, etc.

Right before I left the hospital

IV

The staff that I have absolutely NO memory of...none. 

Post-surgery.  After one of my vomiting episodes.

A few of the angels looking into my room from the nurses' station

Breathing apparatus (standard) and my "clear liquid" diet

Pouting and not thrilled CME is taking pictures at this point!

Yes...I've already become a fall risk.  

Some time on Thursday.  Still not feeling the best.



Not a fan of the camera at all right now.

CME's foot rest...my embarrassing bedside toilet.  :(

I'm not sure why they have smiley faces... really???

Updating my blog!

A wonderful reminder on the wall in the hallway of the hospital.  It was one of many.

Still not thrilled.  And oy!  The hair!

Jello!  (Liquid diet)

Trying to be pleasant with all the pics.

Wonderful flowers from some very dear friends!  

1 of 6 incisions.

2 of 6

3 of 6

4 and 5 of 6 (we seemed to miss #6).  The phone added for size comparison.  The one above the phone is the one that is causing me the most pain!

Oldest about as thrilled with the camera as I was.

Waiting to go home - updating my blog.

Battle wounds from the multiple times they drew blood.  After so many times, they had to figure out new places to try.  I'm sure the blood thinners didn't help with the bruising.


There you have it.  It ain't pretty, but its part of the reality. 
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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14