Update on Becoming a Healthier Me

I cannot believe it has been a month since I last posted an update! Where has the time gone? Since my last post I have met twice with my surgeon and other medical professionals. My surgery is scheduled for Monday, June 17th! Yes, in just a few days! I have been on what is called Stage 2 Liquid Diet for two weeks which will continue for another two plus weeks. Stage 2 Liquid Diet consists of the following:

Liquids: Water, Crystal Light, Sugar Free Jell-O, decaf tea or coffee, broth or bouillon, and regular V8 Juice.
Protein Drinks: 60-80 grams a day – To replace my 3 “meals”.
Snacks: 2-4 a day – sugar free pudding, light yogurt with 8 grams or less of sugar and low fat, fat free or low fat cream soup.

I thought I would miss “eating” or chewing, but I don’t! I am doing quite well with this diet. Maybe it’s because I can still eat chocolate! My protein drinks are chocolate and my puddings are mostly chocolate! My taste buds are happy little campers! HA-HA!

Total weight loss from my heaviest weight is 50 lbs. I’m wearing some clothes that I wore 3 years ago! The other day Jim said, “That dress looks familiar.” I said, “It should - I wore it three years ago!” Jim tells me all the time how proud he is of me. He knows how hard I have worked - especially how hard I have worked to finally get the insurance to pay for my upcoming gastric bypass. It’s taken 10 years! So never give up people! Keep praying - If it is the Lord’s will it will happen – in His time. Just hang in there and persevere!

I should be in the Hospital about 3 days then transferred to a nursing facility close to home until I can get up or out of chairs and the bed by myself. I will be cut open from the sternum to the belly button and will not be able to use my stomach muscles for a while. I also will have to give myself injections of blood thinner for about 10 days after surgery to help prevent blood clots. This will certainly be a new experience for me in more ways than one.

Someone asked me the other day if I am looking forward to the surgery. I told them like an expectant mother – Not really looking forward to the pain of delivering a baby but looking forward to the life altering experience that motherhood brings. I’m not looking forward to the pain of surgery and recovery, but I am looking forward to the life changing experience that will occur due to the surgery. I’m looking forward to becoming a healthier me!

Yes, each day I am closer to my main goaol – Becoming a Healthier Me!

Thank you so much for your continued prayers. They truly are greatly appreciated!