2/15/2011
I'm horrible for not posting!
It has been FOREVER...TOO LONG...since I last posted.
I started back to work on Monday, V-Day. Everyone was so glad to see me back. Made me feel really good to be missed...plus I kept busy. I was running out of things to do!
I have done really well on eating with exception of twice.
I decided to eat a few bites of crispy chicken (our KFC's don't have grilled) and it was like I had an elephant on my chest. I wanted to puke and poop at the same time for relief...but after a little bit the feeling surpassed. We were on our way out of town and this was the best place we came up with.
Then, the other time was after eating spaghetti...I think I ate just one bite too many. I felt too full.
Mainly the thing I have learned is that it is okay to leave the food on your plate...no matter the trouble or money put into it. I can usually make a normal serving 3 meals for myself.
Juice and Water are my best friends. I just have to drink a ton more water than I am...I just know I'm not drinking enough...but even the water is so filling...it's just hard to keep at it.
...and I don't like not being able to drink while eating or having to wait the 30 minutes after to drink...BUT I'm surviving it.
If I had this to do over...I would do it over in a heart beat.
Some of you have been asking...I have lost 40lbs! It's crazy! My pants are sagging terribly and I really only have a few pairs of pants that I don't have to keep hiking up. ...and I keep having to pull my panties up.
(So, if I walk over to you and ask you for cover don't look...just do it.)
I'm not noticing a shortage in the bra area...yet.
Lot's of people have said that they can tell in my face...that's usually the first place I lose...don't ask me why.
Thank you all for keeping up with me and leaving me comments! I feel the love!
Jana
I started back to work on Monday, V-Day. Everyone was so glad to see me back. Made me feel really good to be missed...plus I kept busy. I was running out of things to do!
I have done really well on eating with exception of twice.
I decided to eat a few bites of crispy chicken (our KFC's don't have grilled) and it was like I had an elephant on my chest. I wanted to puke and poop at the same time for relief...but after a little bit the feeling surpassed. We were on our way out of town and this was the best place we came up with.
Then, the other time was after eating spaghetti...I think I ate just one bite too many. I felt too full.
Mainly the thing I have learned is that it is okay to leave the food on your plate...no matter the trouble or money put into it. I can usually make a normal serving 3 meals for myself.
Juice and Water are my best friends. I just have to drink a ton more water than I am...I just know I'm not drinking enough...but even the water is so filling...it's just hard to keep at it.
...and I don't like not being able to drink while eating or having to wait the 30 minutes after to drink...BUT I'm surviving it.
If I had this to do over...I would do it over in a heart beat.
Some of you have been asking...I have lost 40lbs! It's crazy! My pants are sagging terribly and I really only have a few pairs of pants that I don't have to keep hiking up. ...and I keep having to pull my panties up.
(So, if I walk over to you and ask you for cover don't look...just do it.)
I'm not noticing a shortage in the bra area...yet.
Lot's of people have said that they can tell in my face...that's usually the first place I lose...don't ask me why.
Thank you all for keeping up with me and leaving me comments! I feel the love!
Jana
2/09/2011
Valentine's Day
So, I work at Teleflora...here's a special I'm offering to anyone that reads this that likes to order things for their special Valentine...or for themselves. :)
Go to http://www.teleflora.com/ and use code EMFVbUcJ
You will get 25% Off!
You can share this with any and everyone!
Go to http://www.teleflora.com/ and use code EMFVbUcJ
You will get 25% Off!
You can share this with any and everyone!
2/01/2011
Going Home with a Drain
Ladies and Gents I got home Wednesday the 26th. We went to Walgreens and got my prescription-Liquid Hydrocodone. I actually went inside...yeah I mostly sat. As soon as we got home Mom piled the pillows high so that my head would be elevated...oh it felt like a cloud. On Thursday I decided that I was going to take a shower without assistance. I cheated by having a shower chair!
For those of you that go home with a drain...the BEST advice I got. Keep your panties on and safety pin the drain to your panties. This makes sure that your drain isn't falling and you have 2 hands to wash yourself and your hair. It was the best feeling to do it on my own!
I have steadily went down on my drainage. From home the first few days each time I drained in a day I had at least 40cc to flush. The last 2 days, however, I'm proud to say that I've only had 20cc for the entire day.
I also will tell you that I hate my drain the most out of every little opening. When I lay down or pull a certain way the drain is what is uncomfortable. As much as I hate it though, it is necessary to keep my body healing making sure I get no infection or that I swell up.
I am so looking forward to my post-op appointment tomorrow. I am hoping that the drain comes out and if not I want my bandages changed. With as many showers as I've taken I still feel yucky. I don't know why I wasn't told to NOT change the bandage on my drain...especially since every place I looked mentioned changing bandages daily on the jp drain. BUT...I'm ready.
Ummm yesterday I went to the eye dr. I figure since I have time off from work that I may as well get to the eye dr too so I don't have to ask off to go. I got my papers from Prudential regarding my disability from work. So all is well in that dept. I sat down at the table in the kitchen yesterday with my Bill Organizer I got this past October and got all of that organized like I've wanted. I've caught up on The Bachelor. I've watched Dexter episodes with the family. I've reached what feels like the end of the Internet. ...and I'm not allowed to drive. What else can one do?
I have to tell you that a few days ago I was hankering for Pintos and Cheese from Taco Bell. (I read on someone's blog before I had surgery that this was one of the foods that they liked. ) It was AWESOME. For days on end this was all I wanted. A bowl of it contains about 3oz. So I can make a meal and a half out of it. My hubby was so sweet and bought me more than 1 bowl and measured them out for me. He's so sweet.
One of the things I bought for my birthday was a food processor. I've never had one. ...and I love it. I went to Casa Brava today and was going to use it but found that the food could be chewed to the consistency I needed. I've gotten good on reading my body and I knew when I was full. There was so much food left but I am so excited...I can eat on it for at least a few days before I have to pitch it. I had shredded steak with cheese and beans. It was right up there with the Pintos and Cheese.
Nausea?
I've had 0. Zip. Nadda! That was one thing that impressed the dr at the hospital.
Yesterday the family was having a leftover night. We made chili a few days ago. ...so chili dogs were made. I don't know why but I wanted a hot dog so bad. I've read too many blogs or posts from people post gastric though vomiting on that...and let's face it...it wasn't too healthy. Basically, both of those were great deterrants.
Face it, why on earth would I be willing to do all of the pre-op stuff and even moreso than what was asked of me, pay money, risk my life, ask my family for help, take time off from work to fail? That's right- I just wouldn't. Let's face it people. I want to be healthy and have energy, not just for me, but for my husband, kids, and family!
Yesterday, I weighed. I've lost a total of 27lbs!
I'm having a London Tipton moment! YAY GO ME!
For those of you that go home with a drain...the BEST advice I got. Keep your panties on and safety pin the drain to your panties. This makes sure that your drain isn't falling and you have 2 hands to wash yourself and your hair. It was the best feeling to do it on my own!
I have steadily went down on my drainage. From home the first few days each time I drained in a day I had at least 40cc to flush. The last 2 days, however, I'm proud to say that I've only had 20cc for the entire day.
I also will tell you that I hate my drain the most out of every little opening. When I lay down or pull a certain way the drain is what is uncomfortable. As much as I hate it though, it is necessary to keep my body healing making sure I get no infection or that I swell up.
I am so looking forward to my post-op appointment tomorrow. I am hoping that the drain comes out and if not I want my bandages changed. With as many showers as I've taken I still feel yucky. I don't know why I wasn't told to NOT change the bandage on my drain...especially since every place I looked mentioned changing bandages daily on the jp drain. BUT...I'm ready.
Ummm yesterday I went to the eye dr. I figure since I have time off from work that I may as well get to the eye dr too so I don't have to ask off to go. I got my papers from Prudential regarding my disability from work. So all is well in that dept. I sat down at the table in the kitchen yesterday with my Bill Organizer I got this past October and got all of that organized like I've wanted. I've caught up on The Bachelor. I've watched Dexter episodes with the family. I've reached what feels like the end of the Internet. ...and I'm not allowed to drive. What else can one do?
I have to tell you that a few days ago I was hankering for Pintos and Cheese from Taco Bell. (I read on someone's blog before I had surgery that this was one of the foods that they liked. ) It was AWESOME. For days on end this was all I wanted. A bowl of it contains about 3oz. So I can make a meal and a half out of it. My hubby was so sweet and bought me more than 1 bowl and measured them out for me. He's so sweet.
One of the things I bought for my birthday was a food processor. I've never had one. ...and I love it. I went to Casa Brava today and was going to use it but found that the food could be chewed to the consistency I needed. I've gotten good on reading my body and I knew when I was full. There was so much food left but I am so excited...I can eat on it for at least a few days before I have to pitch it. I had shredded steak with cheese and beans. It was right up there with the Pintos and Cheese.
Nausea?
I've had 0. Zip. Nadda! That was one thing that impressed the dr at the hospital.
Yesterday the family was having a leftover night. We made chili a few days ago. ...so chili dogs were made. I don't know why but I wanted a hot dog so bad. I've read too many blogs or posts from people post gastric though vomiting on that...and let's face it...it wasn't too healthy. Basically, both of those were great deterrants.
Face it, why on earth would I be willing to do all of the pre-op stuff and even moreso than what was asked of me, pay money, risk my life, ask my family for help, take time off from work to fail? That's right- I just wouldn't. Let's face it people. I want to be healthy and have energy, not just for me, but for my husband, kids, and family!
Yesterday, I weighed. I've lost a total of 27lbs!
I'm having a London Tipton moment! YAY GO ME!
1/28/2011
Surgery Day
Well, Sunday morning around 2:30 AM Mom made it to our house. I then woke up on Sunday morning and went to Church and worshipped for 3 services. I loved every minute of it. I always feel that when I sit through more than one I get much more out of it. Let's face it, sometimes my mind does wonder to the load of laundry waiting on the bed to fold when I get home...I'm only human.
Monday morning came early. Mom and I both awoke at 4AM. I had taken that wonderful shower with my special wash from the RN on Friday. It smelled like rubbing alcohol. I thought I would be smartalec and Nair my legs Sunday because I absolutely didn't want to be hairy! ...Stupid. It burned a little after I used the wash from the hospital. Maybe that was why they tell you not to shave. Oh what a goof!
So from what I remember. We were escorted again from pre-admissions to outpatient surgery prep. I was able to have a last chance at the bathroom before stepping behind the curtain to lose my clothes to a wonderfully beautiful and drafty purple Bair-Paw gown. I would like to add that these gowns were super awesome. ...Had velcro in places that the nurses could access if need be and had a place to connect a house that would allow warm or cold air to blow into it. Anyways, after the gown I laid down, Mom covered me up and things began. A nurse took a warm wipe and cleaned my belly and chest area again. I had an IV started. Blood pressure checked. Listened to my heart. (Shhh...I know I'm using fragments...this is MY BLOG.) Another nurse asked me clarifying questions. Before my hubby even made it I was getting taken away to another area. Said my goodbye to Mom...I think if it would have been longer she would have really started to cry. Had an elevator ride. Then got put into another room...it was EXTREMELY cold in there. I wanna' say it was the sterile holding room before the actual surgery. There were other patients that were being asked questions and talking to their Dr about the surgery they were having...Anesthesiologist talking about the medicine that would be administered and the effects...and nurses explaining time frames and such and again clarifying more information. I knew my turn was coming. It was there. I went through the same. Hearing that it would be about 2-3 hours for surgery time. Recovery would be an hour. Then from recovery I'd be taken to a room. Everyone was so sweet and friendly. I was told I would have a catheter but the nice staff was waiting for me to be under before putting it in. It was the best service I could have asked for. I remember that the anesthesiologist assistant told me that I was to be taken back at 7:10 but that there was a lot of prep tools that had to be unwrapped so he was going to wait closer to 7:15. He then came back and told me that he could go ahead and give me a muscle relaxer...and told me that it was all that it was. A relaxer. I remember asking him about how long it would be until I felt it and he told me about 45 seconds. I thought...ah-ha I'm going to be a smartalec and see if it's gonna' kick my butt in that time frame...I never got to 45. The next thing I remember is waking up in my room with Larry on the phone and Mom making over me. Mom was taking all kinds of pictures. Surgery was over. The next little bit was a blur. I remember that I got switched to a bariatric room...(much bigger bathroom and nicer room). I had a morphine pump that I could press the button on every 5 minutes. I could have ice chips and I kept asking for ice chips until I could actually have food the following day. I had to use my breathing device.
Monday morning came early. Mom and I both awoke at 4AM. I had taken that wonderful shower with my special wash from the RN on Friday. It smelled like rubbing alcohol. I thought I would be smartalec and Nair my legs Sunday because I absolutely didn't want to be hairy! ...Stupid. It burned a little after I used the wash from the hospital. Maybe that was why they tell you not to shave. Oh what a goof!
So from what I remember. We were escorted again from pre-admissions to outpatient surgery prep. I was able to have a last chance at the bathroom before stepping behind the curtain to lose my clothes to a wonderfully beautiful and drafty purple Bair-Paw gown. I would like to add that these gowns were super awesome. ...Had velcro in places that the nurses could access if need be and had a place to connect a house that would allow warm or cold air to blow into it. Anyways, after the gown I laid down, Mom covered me up and things began. A nurse took a warm wipe and cleaned my belly and chest area again. I had an IV started. Blood pressure checked. Listened to my heart. (Shhh...I know I'm using fragments...this is MY BLOG.) Another nurse asked me clarifying questions. Before my hubby even made it I was getting taken away to another area. Said my goodbye to Mom...I think if it would have been longer she would have really started to cry. Had an elevator ride. Then got put into another room...it was EXTREMELY cold in there. I wanna' say it was the sterile holding room before the actual surgery. There were other patients that were being asked questions and talking to their Dr about the surgery they were having...Anesthesiologist talking about the medicine that would be administered and the effects...and nurses explaining time frames and such and again clarifying more information. I knew my turn was coming. It was there. I went through the same. Hearing that it would be about 2-3 hours for surgery time. Recovery would be an hour. Then from recovery I'd be taken to a room. Everyone was so sweet and friendly. I was told I would have a catheter but the nice staff was waiting for me to be under before putting it in. It was the best service I could have asked for. I remember that the anesthesiologist assistant told me that I was to be taken back at 7:10 but that there was a lot of prep tools that had to be unwrapped so he was going to wait closer to 7:15. He then came back and told me that he could go ahead and give me a muscle relaxer...and told me that it was all that it was. A relaxer. I remember asking him about how long it would be until I felt it and he told me about 45 seconds. I thought...ah-ha I'm going to be a smartalec and see if it's gonna' kick my butt in that time frame...I never got to 45. The next thing I remember is waking up in my room with Larry on the phone and Mom making over me. Mom was taking all kinds of pictures. Surgery was over. The next little bit was a blur. I remember that I got switched to a bariatric room...(much bigger bathroom and nicer room). I had a morphine pump that I could press the button on every 5 minutes. I could have ice chips and I kept asking for ice chips until I could actually have food the following day. I had to use my breathing device.
My First Meal After Surgery
Jello, Apple Juice, Peach Juice, Coffee, Chicken Broth
Back in The Room After Surgery
Hospital Booties
The Hose That Attaches To Gown
Morphine Pump
Leg Wrap To Prevent Blood Clotting
IV
1/22/2011
A Saturday At Home
Well, I have felt quite the energy. Yesterday I went for my pre-admission screening. They took 4 tubes of blood and made me sign a statement so that I would wear a bracelet all weekend. At first, I thought it was a joke, until they gave me the piece of paper to sign that said if I took it off I'd have to have more blood drawn the day of my surgery.
All the laundry is pretty much done...except the stuff that people took off last night and bath towels.
I got my son's clothes gone through. Now his clothes drawers are in order and he has no excuse to let it get out of hand again. I got money for my birthday so I went to Trees and Trends in Jonesboro. I was going to get a metal music wall art that I've had my eye on since before Christmas, BUT they were out of them. I'm not going to pout because I also found the same thing online. I did purchase a very pretty canvas painting for 10.00! I was very excited about that. I also went to Dollar General and bought two lamps for the bedroom. SCORE!
Wow...I got off track. Back to Friday.
So I had to have my blood drawn. Then, I talked to the dietician and got my diet for the rest of my life...
She's supposed to come and see me at the hospital also, but so far I don't have any questions. I also talked to a Physical Therapist. He was a really nice guy and basically told me that I needed to make sure I was mobile after my surgery...duh! I know, same drill when I had my c-section. Fluff (aka Fart), wallk, burp and poop. :) Yeah, pleasant thought I'm bringing to you, eh?!?
I also talked to a Respiratory Therapist. She gave me a little plastic thing that I can do breathing exercises with. Then I also spoke with the Surgery RN. She gave me 2 things of Hibiclens soap. I will have to wash before I go to bed and when I wake up on Monday for surgery. I have to change my bed sheets and sleep on clean sheets Sunday night. I can't put any lotions or perfume or even deodorant on. Good thing it's cold outside. I can't shave either. I think back to Glen having heart surgery and they told the same thing to him. They didn't want any little hair follicles to accidentally make it into the surgical opening. Makes sense. Maybe the hair on my legs will make me warmer...I mean there is snow on the ground. :) LOL!
So all the bedrooms and kitchen are orderly. Gotta scrub the bathrooms today. Pick up and sweep the living room. I still need to clean out the Escape. Mom will be driving it since she is coming via train. We get to go and pick her up after midnight tonight. We are all excited!
I can't wait! I'm so anxious!
Pretty Wristband
All the laundry is pretty much done...except the stuff that people took off last night and bath towels.
I got my son's clothes gone through. Now his clothes drawers are in order and he has no excuse to let it get out of hand again. I got money for my birthday so I went to Trees and Trends in Jonesboro. I was going to get a metal music wall art that I've had my eye on since before Christmas, BUT they were out of them. I'm not going to pout because I also found the same thing online. I did purchase a very pretty canvas painting for 10.00! I was very excited about that. I also went to Dollar General and bought two lamps for the bedroom. SCORE!
Wow...I got off track. Back to Friday.
So I had to have my blood drawn. Then, I talked to the dietician and got my diet for the rest of my life...
She's supposed to come and see me at the hospital also, but so far I don't have any questions. I also talked to a Physical Therapist. He was a really nice guy and basically told me that I needed to make sure I was mobile after my surgery...duh! I know, same drill when I had my c-section. Fluff (aka Fart), wallk, burp and poop. :) Yeah, pleasant thought I'm bringing to you, eh?!?
I also talked to a Respiratory Therapist. She gave me a little plastic thing that I can do breathing exercises with. Then I also spoke with the Surgery RN. She gave me 2 things of Hibiclens soap. I will have to wash before I go to bed and when I wake up on Monday for surgery. I have to change my bed sheets and sleep on clean sheets Sunday night. I can't put any lotions or perfume or even deodorant on. Good thing it's cold outside. I can't shave either. I think back to Glen having heart surgery and they told the same thing to him. They didn't want any little hair follicles to accidentally make it into the surgical opening. Makes sense. Maybe the hair on my legs will make me warmer...I mean there is snow on the ground. :) LOL!
So all the bedrooms and kitchen are orderly. Gotta scrub the bathrooms today. Pick up and sweep the living room. I still need to clean out the Escape. Mom will be driving it since she is coming via train. We get to go and pick her up after midnight tonight. We are all excited!
I can't wait! I'm so anxious!
1/20/2011
Wednesday Fodd
Cinnamon Crisp Cereal
Bar
A few pieces of chicken (smallllllllllll pieces, and still under calories)
I have now lost 19 lbs!
Bar
A few pieces of chicken (smallllllllllll pieces, and still under calories)
I have now lost 19 lbs!
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