Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Cut, Color and.....

I noticed today that I seem to have 1 less chin!!!! Yipppee!!! Had my hair done because my highlights were desperately outgrown, LOL! Love the color and love the slimmer highlights of my face, oh yeah!!!!


Sunday, July 27, 2008

Comparison Pics...

From This, May 24th, 2008





TO THIS!!! July 24th, 2008

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Back to Exercising and.....

Ahhhh, I feel GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nothing hurts anymore, yippeee and I walked and did some light jogging this morning to the tune of 1 mile, alright!

It's the first time since surgery that I put a concentrated effort into exercising which I have been missing dearly. My Brother and SIL live 2 doors down from my parents and when I was on my cool down walk past their house apparently Holly (their Yorkshire Terrier) was going beserk.

My SIL called me and asked if she could walk with me tomorrow morning, alright!!! We have to get it in early because the heat is consuming here right now, in fact I got a light sunburn today just from my walk/jog.

Going to be a busy week! Today Mom and I looked at new furniture for my house once we PCS to Whiteman ~ it's a BEAUTIFUL dark leather sectional with recliners and a sofa pull out bed for $1799, not a bad price at all! Can't wait to get it!!!

Dad wants me help him have a yard sale this week to get rid of all his work tools at the old house but I think we are going to rent a U-Haul and bring the stuff up here to Collinsville b/c there is no limit on what day you can have a yard sale and such. I think there is some major $$$ in what he accumulated in the last 40 years!

Doing okay on the weight loss front. I lost 19 pounds in 13 days and now my body is playing catch up, I haven't lost any weight in the last few days due to the adjustment so I am putting extra effort into watching my sodium intake and also picked up some yummy organic SF snack items at Green Earth yesterday including a got-to-have Organic Vegan Hummas Dip that is extra spicy, oh yeah!

Going back to the Troy Homecoming tonight, we missed the parade last night but there is another one tonight at 6pm and I think we will try and catch the ferris wheel, missed it last night because it wasn't working, boo-hoo since it's the only thing I can safely ride.

Need to post some new pics of myself! Went out with some friends at Applebee's Thursday night (ordered the Weight Watchers French Onion Soup w/o cheese and only ate a few bites!) Felt good that people could see that I've lost weight, yeah, baby can't get better than that!

Might go the boat tonight with my SIL Lori and my Bill's cousin Shawnery who is a dear friend of mine (she introduced Bill and I ~ hard to believe that we will be married 10 YEARS next month, wow!!!!)

Well, he is calling me on the phone, gotta scoot!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

This Thing Called Food...

What I once loved and looked forward to is now becoming a dark force to me, it challenges me everyday and I am beginning to hate it ~ I *think* that is a good thing?

I do love my RNY but eating right now ~ I am on vacation here in St. Louis, is proving to be a challenge b/c I do not have the correct foods here (which is my fault) and I need to get out and get the foods that will aid in my proper nutrition.

I want to make a trip to Trader Joe's while I am here in St. Louis, it is the closest one to me here and in Nebraska. I've gotten a few leads on good food there and I becoming weary of being tempted by normal everyday food that my family is eating.

I did this to become a stronger woman and right now I don't feel that strong ~ I need to find my place back there, get the right foods and turn my brain off to temptation and on to salvation.

Monday, July 21, 2008

40 Pounds!

I'm having a WOW moment! As of today, I have lost 40 pounds since June 1st! 22 of those pounds I lost on my own and the other 18 lost since surgery 13 days ago.

Amazing, I've never lost so much weight before! It feels good, well, let me say that it feels DAMN good! I am starting to see the muscle in my legs and arms again and I am aching to get back into the gym but I need to heal for about another 2 weeks before that happens, hmmm, maybe I will be in the 220's?

Another big breakthrough (TMI ahead) is that I broke down and drank some prune juice to get "going" since it's been 5 miserable days since that happened. I'm amazed that it only took about an hour, yay!

Wanted to go swimming with some friends today but found out yesterday that I am not ready for the pool, at my Aunt's house last night I got in and to my surprise my incisions sites which are all but healed started itching like the dickens so no pool until the scabs are completely gone.

Loving vacation time with the folks, miss Hubby though. He flies in on August 1st and then we drive home to Nebraska, oh drudge.

Well, someone is at the door.....

Friday, July 18, 2008

Comparsion Slideshow

http://www.slide.com/r/sbnTl-xg7z_hNDQsM0xtXK6tDICFLy_t?previous_view=lt_embedded_url

35 Pounds!

Wow, amazing! I need to post a new pic of me, hope to get around to that in the morning!!!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Struggles....

It's been a week ago since my surgery and I have been feeling just okay ~ today has been the best day of them all since surgery however I noticed that I was developing a yeast infection and also thought I had thrush on my tongue.

Made an appointment today to be seen and what was discovered shocked my world! My Doctor found out I was severely dehydrated ~ so bad that a day or two more they would have begun shutting down. I knew things didn't look so hot when I turned my urine in and it was dark brown, yuck!

So immediately they started an IV (after 2 sticks, ouch) and gave me one bag after another for a total of 3 bags which equals almost 8 pounds of fluid. I was at the Hospital for about 3.5 hours which seemed to drag and I was already quite tired so that didn't help.

I think I have been so focused on getting the proper amount of protein in me (60 grams a day) that my fluid intake wasn't monitored as closely which is my fault and a costly lesson.

So, starting today I am measuring all my fluids and noting every bathroom trip to make sure that I am keeping myself properly hydrated, I don't want to the be in the hospital again!!!!

Also, my Doctor explained that it was my kidneys that have been causing the back pain all this time ~ the drain tube added to my misery as well but my poor kidneys were drying out and I've been miserable because of it...and I still am.

Tomorrow is a new day, I have to jump back on my horse and start all over again with a new found respect for my fluid intake. On a positive note my Nutritionist told me I may begin SugarFee yogurts, puddings, cream of wheat which seems like caviar, lobster and steak at this moment since I haven't had food in 9 days. Tolerated my Key Lime Yogurt just great and can't wait to start adding other foods!

Thank you GOD for taking care of me, thank you for loving me, thank you for another day!!!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

New Comparison Pics

Tell me what you think! Thanks!!!!


Final Pre-Surgery Pics












First Week Post Surgery Pics









Friday, July 11, 2008

5 Pounds!!!

I've lost 5 pounds since Tuesday (surgery day) and I suspect that each day will be more promising, I think for the most part what I have lost is water weight and some of the swollen belly I've aquired from the surgery.

My stomach is still waking up but in the meantime it is taking on a life of its own. It constantly growls and makes noises, it can be intimidating at times but I am patiently waiting it out.

I am so thankful to be here right now, so thankful to be going through this....as awful as it can be sometimes. I sometimes wish I could fast-forward my life to a year from now to see how healthy I have become, how much more energy I have and how life changes for me and my family.

Patience, Patience, Patience....

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Recovery

Wow, I am so sore. I have 4 lap incisions and then a drain tube, the tube is the sorest spot on my stomach overall.

I've had problems with pain meds but I think we finally found something that works (Oxycodone with Tylenol), the only problem is that it causes me to be nauseous.

I am amazed at how different I feel. I haven't had real food since Sunday and I am constantly bombarded by TV and also the other patients who have food service delivered to their room. I'm just not hungry whatsoever. Wow!

I'm hoping to go home today, I would defintely be more comfortable and I really miss my children. I talked to Della yesterday on the phone, she was soooo cute I just about cried. Colin is ready for me to come home and I'm not sure that Edward even realizes that I'm gone.

My Mom and Lynde have been taking care of the kids for Bill and I, we really appreciate all the help. Lynde is such a good kid, I feel bad that she is helping out but we have something very special in store for her - love you kid!!!

Well, I need to run. Lots of love to everyone!

Amy

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

My Ultimate Goal Has Been Achieved!

After 2 long years I finally completed this life changing goal of mine. I thank you oh God for allowing everything to fall into place so that may help myself in this critical time of need.

I undewent Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass surgery yesterday afternoon. I came through just fine and I am still recovering here at Creighton University Medical Center. I was stuck several times for blood and IV's but unfortuantely I was a little dehydrated and my veins are considered short so in all I was poked 7 times, uggggg but the worst part is that they have to draw again tomorrow morning. :(

I am having a hard time eating today, I've having to force myself to take even 1 bite of jello an hour. I am not hungry whatsoever even though I haven't eaten real food since Sunday.

I am satifisied so far, just wish that my pain meds would last longer so I wouldn't be in so much pain.

Love everyone!!!

Amy

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

My Prayer...

Dear Lord,

Please watch over Dr. Sudan and his staff as they prepare my body for new its new life.

Give my family strength as they help me through surgery in the days and weeks to come.

Give my body the proper healing and nutrition it needs and guide me wisely through my days.

Lord, I pray for you to bless me and keep me safe.

God Bless you and yours until we meet again.

Love, Amy

Monday, July 7, 2008

15 Hours and Counting...

Not loving the bowel prep treatment today, let's just say I am confined to quarters.

The family is eating baked ziti and I soooo wanting some, not because it's baked ziti but I haven't had any food (besides broth and jello) since yesterday. It smells so good!!!

I took all my meds like Dr. Sudan prescribed and have been spending the day loving on the kids, they are sooo precious to me (and so is my family) I hope and pray for the best outcome with my surgery, I worry about complications leaving me incapacitated or worse.

Dear Lord: Please watch over Dr. Sudan and his staff as they prepare my body for new its new life. Please give my family strength as they help me through this surgery in the days and weeks to come. Give my body the proper healing and nutrition it needs and guide me wisely through my days.

I pray that everything goes smoothly, I can't wait for my new life to start! God Bless you and yours until we meet again.

Love, Amy

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Thursday, July 3, 2008

New Comparison Pics!

Starting (275)












In Progress (261)
Almost Finished (256)
Tell me what you think!!!!!!!
XOX
Amy

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

6 Days Away and I'm Sick!

What the Hell!!!! WARNING: TMI AHEAD!!!! Last week while we were on vacation, Edward and Della both had a viral stomach thing ~ I've never smelled more stinky poo's in my life but they both recovered and things have been quiet until today.

This morning I woke up with a sour stomach and I was overly tired. I ate some eggs with buffalo sauce on them (BIG MISTAKE) and the more I ate the worse I felt. Then it started, constant diarrhea, nauseousness and general miserable gut wrenching pain.

After what seems like a million trips to the loo, I think it's slowed down a bit but my stomach is hot, aching and I still feel nauseous. Colin ate breakfast and then immediately started to cry that his stomach hurt too.

So far he is just running a fever and complaining of stomach pain so I gave him some Pepto in hope to ward off the bad stuff ahead, fingers crossed.

Uggggg, it's been a downright miserable day, can I go back to bed now!?!?

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

7 Days!

A week from now I will be checked into Creighton University Medical Center waiting to undergo RNY, WOW!!!!!!

It's been VERY busy here as of late, I am still working feverishlyto shed the final 3 pounds to meet my personal set goal of 255 befores surgery.

Thursday is my final pre-op appointment with Dr. Wright, I can't waitto show them my progress. Bill (my Husband) is going with me so hecan meet with the team, ask questions and be there for support.

We are going to celebrate our last 4th of July here in Nebraskaquietly. We've always been invited to parties but this year we aregoing to have a nice BBQ and do our own fireworks and just chill, yay!

My Mom is flying in on Saturday ~ that night we are going to have mylast "meal" of sushi, it's going to be a long...long...long timebefore I wlll be able to eat it again, sigh ~ I'm going to miss itbut the next time I eat it, I will savor it and def eat a LOT less.

That same night, Lynde and I have tickets to the Olympic Swim Trialshere at the Qwest Center in Omaha. Sunday night 2 world records wereset in swimming, wish we could have been there but I'm hoping we seethe same Saturday night.

Well, need to go and mow the lawn, oh drudge. LOL!