We Now Pause ...

How are things going?

Infection in the wounds is almost all gone. It wasn't serious, but started just before the sutures came out. Should be finished the meds in the next couple days.

Protein, protein, protein. Here, once again, is my struggle. Those suckers taste like crap. Pure and simple. I'm trying to find something that is plain - no protein smell and no taste. I'm told there is such a thing out there, but no luck yet. I'm trying out GNC's "Natural" flavor that is supposed to taste like nothing, but it still tastes and smells like protein. Kind of like vanilla without the vanilla. Hard to describe. Just gross. So my search continues. I've ordered a couple of samples of Unjury and I'm hoping to be able to get some Nectar brand - it's supposed to taste great.

Have started mushies and really have to think about what I'm going to eat. I can't survive on eggs and chili - my current staples. Have to spend a bit more time making a menu or two so I can be prepared and have some variety. I'm excited about the mushies, except for the meat - blended/pureed chicken is pretty scary. Same with tuna. The tuna's got to be okay if I just must it up by hand a bit more. The chicken can be cut up very fine, I believe.

I'm eating too fast. I'm finished in under 15 minutes but I have food left, however I'm too full to eat it. So, slow down and pay attention to fork-full size. Then my tummy won't hurt and I'll get more into me.

Exercise has only begun with walking the girls at our favourite spot. It isn't a very long trek, but I guess it's nothing. I'm going to try going on the elliptical. I know my instructions say not for 6 weeks, however other instructions say after 2 weeks. This was major abdominal surgery but it was through laparoscopy so the trauma to the body and the healing time is significantly less. Something's gotta give.

Waiting for Darrin to get home in only a few more sleeps. It will be really nice to see him. Joni misses him most.

Tuesday 01

Tuesday already. I'm counting sleeps until Darrin's home. August 31st in the morning I think.

The little pouch appears to be happy. I'm on blended/puree/full liquids so I'm given a lot but can only eat about 1/2 of what is recommended before I'm full.

This morning I had 1/2 a hard boiled egg with cheese and a few mashed potatoes. Snack was a fruit juice popsicle and some chocolate mousse. Lunch was mashed potatoes with some pureed chili - it was incredible. I ate a little too fast though so my stomach wasn't happy.

I had an appointment and took my ice water bottle in with me. Have managed to get in 600 mL of G2 and about the same in water. Pretty good, says I.

I'm still a little tired, not sure if it's from the surgery or body healing or in my head, but the need for naps is there. Likely a little of each.

Supper was supposed to be pork, but i'm going to blend some chicken and have it with ... can you guess? Mashed potatoes, of course!! LOL Some cheese on top for extra protein and we'll be good to go.

One word of advice - don't use chicken broth as a liquid to blend your chicken. It makes a disgusting wad. A little mayo or salad dressing works wonders.

Off to the Lake

Well, today's going to my first outing. Everyone is having steak and potatoes and such, and I'm bringing up my little supper package. Smoothie, a tiny piece of ham and cheese.

I got bit in the ass and not in a fun way. Kiershyn also got bit on the hand. 'Nuff said or I'll just get upset again.

I had a little piece of potato at supper that I smashed down to nothingness; it tasted soooo good!

Fed and watered the girls when we got home, then I drove Kier to the LRT station. I ended up in bed around 10:30. Very much past my bedtime.

Had a pretty good day today. I was up early and feel pretty swell.

My little pouch felt really empty today. Had 1/8 cup of cream of wheat and about 3 tbsp of apple sauce. It was good but I really think I'm missing the protein. I had made the smoothies yesterday but when I tried to have it for breakfast, it was disgusting and ended up down the sink.

I was at the doctor's office as soon as he opened. Got my stitches out; they could've come out a couple days ago. They're a little red so he gave me a prescription that is milder than the one I received in Mexico.

Upon returning home, I harnessed up the little dogs and headed to Karen's. I had to drop off a disk of photos for her. When I got there she wasn't home, so back we trotted to home again. :)

Lunch was some tomato soup - probably 1/8 to 1/4 of a cup. I also had some jello and a snifter of white grape juice.

Snack was missed both morning and afternoon.

Supper consisted of a greek yogurt and an attempt at some marble cheese. Between the two I would get 15g of protein. The problem being I could only eat 1/2 of each. Well a little protein is better than nothing.

Snack this evening is a kid's size, 100% fruit, no sugar added, popsicle.

I have had to change my sleeping position or I have atrocious heartburn; learning to sleep more sitting up against the pillows than laying almost flat is a big adjustment, but not as bad as I thought it would be.

I mentioned a couple posts ago that I would post a list of things to be prepared for when you go to Dr. Almanza. Please bear in mind that the surgery and everything went very well.

1) If you are bringing a guest, check them into the Ticuan in Tijuana. They will be much more comfortable there.

2) Be prepared for waits. We had to wait to be picked up and dropped off, and then we had to wait outside the clinic while the driver went in for a bite to eat.

3) Be prepared by having the Recovery House, Clinic, Louise and the Hospital phone numbers. When we waited for 50 minutes outside the hotel, we didn't have all the numbers and couldn't get hold of Louise so it didn't go very well.

4) If your guest chooses to stay with you, he/she should be prepared to get their own meals. Maria is an incredible cook, however there wasn't any consistency. On the last day, Darrin got a Mexican breakfast that he says was very good. But anything I've heard about guests being taken care of didn't happen for Darrin and another girl. Your guest should also be prepared to sleep on a couch/chair/loveseat for the three nights.

5) Request your test results and blood tests for $20 each. This is in addition to your barium swallow x-ray. It too is $20. I was only informed of the swallow and so didn't request the others.

6) One thing I would have changed was I should have called Louise right away instead of hoping it would get better. At least she could have been a go-between.

Time for sleep.

August 9th Pictures

These two pictures are from the night before we were leaving.

Onward and Upward

Yesterday was my 43rd birthday and it was fantastic! I received flowers from my son and also from a family friend, lots of facebook greetings, and a few nice phone calls. No cake from my sister-in-law (inside joke) and a good healing day overall.

So how are things really going? The challenge I've been facing thus far is getting enough water and protein. I vomit pretty well when I try the plain protein with milk or water and have no idea how athletes can drink it. So that's one thing.

The second is water. It's really important to not get dehydrated, but when you can only "sip sip sip" it's hard to get anything in. For the past two days I've felt like I've done nothing but had food or drink by my mouth. And the water wasn't near enough judging by the bright yellow urine evacuating my body. Last night I decided to try taking slightly larger sips - not a gulp or a guzzle - just a sip that fills my mouth. I was able to get down about 4 oz before bed so that was a big bonus.

Upon waking this morning, I started in on the water and had 8 oz down by breakfast. There's another challenge: remembering to stop drinking 15 minutes before you're supposed to eat your snack or meal. I feel like a clock watcher. I imagine this would be even more of a challenge at work which, thankfully, I'm not at right now.

Back to breakfast. Today I made cream of wheat with a scoop of peanut butter (high in calories I know, but still need to get that protein) and a lime jello. I finished about 1/8 cup of the cream of wheat and about 1/2 tbsp of peanut butter, topped off with 1/8 cup of the jello. I now have to wait 30 minutes and will have to start drinking water again. I also made a melon smoothie with greek yogurt and vanilla protein. It doesn't taste too badly, and I filled my little containers to have one each for morning and afternoon snack.

Speaking of drinking water, I'm finding that warm water is the most gentle on my stomach although other people prefer ice water or room temp. Whatever floats your boat and gets it into your body is all that matters.

"Full" to me is a hard feeling to figure out. So far I'm able to tell only because the little stomach puts out a shot of pain. Works for me, but I'm wondering how others feel about it and what they're experiencing. I made a new friend down there, Jayme from Arizona. I'm looking forward to sharing with her to see what's up.

The scale hasn't changed yet, but I need to stay away from it except for once a week. I heard about these dramatic weight losses, but most of them are larger people than me. One lady went from 430 to 340 in one month, but when you have that much to lose, any change in diet should lead to a good loss. So we'll see what happens with me.

One more thing: eating utensils and plates. I'm really struggling eating slowly enough, especially as I forget while I'm eating. If I have a normal sized spoon, I'll take a big scoop and forget until it's in the little gut and rolling around and causing big pains. So we went out and bought some baby spoons and they're really helping. Just looking at it as I'm eating helps remind me that I need to slow down and pay attention.

Everything in time.

Home Again

Well that was just a slice. Back home and starting to heal, and sooo much to tell. First off, I truly am feeling very well. For those who've had a gallbladder removal by laparascope, it was exactly the same. Minus, of course, how you eat afterwards.

Let’s start with the good: We had a good flight down. The surgery went very well and the doctors and nursing staff were top-notch. No complications, no problem with stitches, good needles for pain and inflammation and antibiotics, good care in hospital and no problems for other patients.

Now the rest of the story …

August 10 - We arrived in San Diego around noon and got settled into the hotel room by 2PM. Speaking with the front desk supervisor Penny was like talking with a drill sergeant, but otherwise it was all okay. Room was fine, nothing fancy, good beds, white duvets and great room service. I was nervous about the next day and had trouble sleeping, but still managed to sneak in 7 hours.

August 11 - We were up and waiting at the front doors by 7:45 AM, anticipating the arrival of the Jerusalem Hospital van. He arrived around 8:15 (mexican time is a little delayed) and we began our journey to the clinic/hospital. We sat around and around and around (filled out some forms, bloodwork, EKG) until finally around 6 PM we were taken to meet the doctors. My surgery was the first - started around 7 and took about 45 minutes. Afterward, I was stuck in a bed and given some pain meds that knocked me out. Poor Darrin hadn't had anything to eat, so he and two other ladies walked around the neighbourhood and finally found a pizza place to fill their bellies. I guess he came in while I was comatose to check on me, but then he was sent upstairs to the "doctor's lounge". He slept on an oversized loveseat, although not much sleep took place. An elderly patient having a face lift became delirious and fell on his face then accused hubby and the other family members of stealing his passport and money. I guess it was a comedy from the start.

Side note: When I booked the surgery, Louise Johnson (the patient coordinator for Dr. Almanza), indicated that there may be room for Darrin at the Recovery House. I confirmed this twice with her prior to our arrival, with the last check the day before we left. Yes, she assured me, all was well. Hmmm... Something that wasn’t mentioned was that the 4 people I was told are operated on each day was in addition to the 4 plastics people being operated on each day.

August 12 - Returned from the hospital around 9AM. I slept late afternoon/evening, having no idea what was happening with Darrin. I guess there were 5 family members staying at the house of which two were given beds (because those were available). In one of my forays downstairs, I checked that Darrin would be given a bed this evening. Oh yes, I was assured, everything will be fine. However once again this didn't happen but wasn't told until late evening. As well, of the 5 "guests" two were fed and three weren't - the three being Darrin and two other ladies. Unfortunately this time we were too far from anything and so they subsisted on freezies and scraped out casserole. Ended up sleeping on a couch again - this one slightly longer than the last.

Darrin finally got out of the house to get some smokes and food. His adventure was, while he had his seat belt on, the driver didn't and they got pulled over by the police. Thankfully they left him alone and the driver slipped them $5 to be allowed to leave. Darrin was very, very nervous to say the least. So back to the recovery/guest house to check me, who was sleeping once again. Note: at this point I was supposed to be on a clear liquid diet. I was offered freezies. Period. We were informed in the late afternoon that we had to leave the house tomorrow morning. Darrin tried to find a room in San Diego to no avail.

August 13 - Upon waking this morning, we were informed we were being sent to a hotel because there wasn’t enough room at the inn. I showered (Darrin hadn't been able to shower) and gathered my things together. We were taken to the Hotel Ticuan in Tijuana. OMG! Absolutely stunning hotel. 4 1/2 stars, huge rooms, immaculately clean, marble and furnishings and embroidered bedding and and and it was $69 for the night or $115 for the master suite. We decided to go with the regular room as it was one night of sleep. Darrin got some real food into him and a hot shower, and felt a lot more human. The bad is that we were told we wouldn’t have to pay and then we had to pay. WTF?

So we were turfed from the house around 2 PM and taken to the hotel. Thankfully we were able to find a little supermarket a couple blocks away, to get some food. Darrin also went out and got some hot food for himself. I was feeling pretty good and didn’t mind the walk – it helped get rid of the gas.

The arrangement was that we would be in hospital one night and then recovery house two nights. If we had to move to the hotel, the cost would be covered for us. Well surprise, surprise … guess who had to pay for their room! I asked the driver to call the house and he put his head down and said we had to pay. If I was smart I just would have refused period, however anaesthetic ravaged brains don’t always process things how they should.

Note: When I spoke with Louise, she would not allow for a departure on the 14th so we booked a room in San Diego, again at the Hampton. There were two patients who left on the 14^th - yet another thing that made us go hmm.

We were in bed early and had quite a restful sleep.

August 14 – Wake up early to be taken to San Diego. We had three other people with us: two ladies who had face lifts and one of their husbands. We were all outside by 7:45 for the arrival of the van at 8:00. Well, 8:00 became 8:30 and we all started getting extra pissed. We ladies began to call Louise, the hospital, the clinic, the house, everywhere. We were told 5 minutes, 5 minutes. Finally at 8:55 our driver showed up. Bear in mind that it takes approximately 3 minutes to cross the US border into Mexico. However, it took us until 10:40 to make the 10 minute trip the other way. We got dropped off at the Hampton too early and spent a few hours (and about 3 miles) walking all over San Diego. It was really good for the gas, that’s for sure. Finally get into our room about 2PM and just lounged and snoozed for a while. Room definitely isn’t as beautiful as the Ticuan, but not too bad. Went to bed around 8 so we could be up at 3AM to catch the plane. I slept about 3 hours as I was nervous and excited about getting home.

August 15 – Up at 3:15 and everything ready by 3:45, to catch the 4:30 cab. I thought there would be no one at the airport, but surprise surprise there were lots of people. Darrin was frustrated we were “late” but once we got through and onto the plane, all was fine. We were home by 1:00 and all is good.

I’m feeling pretty good right now. Was a little tired on the 16^th and had a nap in the morning. Otherwise, things are pretty much back to normal. Well, minus the changes in eating and drinking habits. More of that to follow.

Next post I’ll summarize the things you need to be aware of and prepared for.

Two days until the flight

My hubby gets home tomorrow around lunch. I'm so excited to see him but also nervous because we leave for the airport Tuesday night/Wednesday morning at 2:00 AM (gotta love the 2 hour pre-flight check-ins). Land at San Diego around 11:30, get into our room and do a little sightseeing. Not sure if I'll feel like doing anything on the 14th, so take advantage of it now.

I'm having my first protein drink, with water. I can see where milk will be better. This flavour is creamsicle and I'm so shocked at how good it tastes. Doesn't really have any after taste and I'm getting my 1 cup down without problem. I understand that will be a problem after surgery. I'm wondering how I'm supposed to get 250 mL of protein down (x twice per day) plus 6-8 cups of water per day. I've broken down my "meal" times and I have a very short window between meals to drink all my water. With some of my meds, I MUST not get dehydrated so I believe this will be one of my biggest challenges.

Exercise. I was going to hop on the elliptical this morning and just have not got around to it. I'm going to try the 17 minutes that my friend Cathy has done. She's had great results. I'll just do the exercise, of course. Maybe I'll head out for a walk with the little girls instead. They'll love it, the sun will do us all good (provided the mosquitos don't carry us away) and fresh air is always welcome.

I'm finishing packing today and have lists all over the place. I'm definitely a list person. My memory, or lack thereof, just isn't friendly. Gotta get this finished, do the housework, change the bedding, bathrooms, it's never ending, even without kids at home.

T-4

We're closing in on d-day. We fly out in 3 days and surgery is on the morning of the 11th. Not sure what time. I'm really thankful Darrin is going with me. He's my rock and will help keep me grounded.

I went for brekkie with my Bonnie. The last brekkie. I know I'll be able to go to restaurants still, but it will be a much different eating experience. Lots of food for my Kaylssa, that's for sure.

Picked up some of the medical supplies: compression stockings, gauze pads, butterfly closures, tape. Along with chapstick, I should be good to go.

Arranged all of my food in the little cabinet. Looks weird in there. Not too long on the liquid diet. Clear liquids for days 1 and 2, and then full liquids for 4 weeks or so. There are so many different diets out there - I'm sure I'll mix and match like everyone else until I get it to work.

TMI, but tonight is laxative night. Mark, my pharmacist, suggested a "gentle reliever" which I hope is better than that damn citrate stuff you have to drink for different tests. I'm a "loose" girl anyway, so I hope this doesn't make it worse. Like I said, TMI.

Tomorrow begins the 3-day pre-surgery liquid diet. My understanding is that it's to help shrink the liver, however I'm not sure how that works. I do know that I didn't have to do the 14-day diet because my BMI isn't high enough. Only second time in my life I haven't been fat enough. lol First time was when I looked into the Weight Wise program through Alberta Health.

Buying More Stuff

This is starting to get expensive. lol Bought one large shaker bottle and one small. Only because they were both on sale. Bought some more protein - he said if I don't like it, I can bring it back. I hope it tastes good. I'm just so afraid it's going to be horrible that I can't bring myself to try it. What a tit, I know. Maybe tomorrow.

Buying Stuff

Bought some Iso-Flex protein powder last night. It's quite palatable and so works for me. I haven't tried it by itself with milk or water; thought I'd save that for desperation. I also bought new plates, smaller cutlery, 2 water bottles (need one with the shaker now), some Gas-X strips (hope 40 is enough) and a new housecoat (butt freakin' ugly). List is made and I'll start packing on the weekend. Still have a couple things to buy, but nothing major.

I'm able to get my smoothies up to 20 g of protein, however right now I'm not finishing them. It's quite a large smoothie - probably 1 1/2 cups - so I don't think that's a biggie. I'm going to try to get that same amount into a little smoothie, but I think that will be a challenge. I'm using protein powder and greek yogurt as my main protein right now. I've got to get reading more to learn about different "meals".

I finished typing the book last week, and am now proofing it. Actually, my sister-in-law is proofing it as I just can't read it a third and fourth time. She's such a wonderful lady.

I'm going to take the little dogs out for a w-a-l-k (have to spell it or they know what I mean) and then home for some supper and hopefully a visit with a friend. Tomorrow I have another friend coming over for a movie night. It will be nice to have some company.

Undecided

Today finds me again wondering what the hell I'm doing. But then I think of the health benefits I'm going to have, I want to be here healthy, and it makes me want to go today. Well, maybe tomorrow.

I'm already tired of smoothies and I've only had 6. That should make life interesting. I'm wondering what eating will be like. So little - only 2 ounces - for the next I don't know how long. That's about the size of an egg each meal. Interesting. Only liquids for the next 2 weeks, which I understand will help the little sleeve heal.

This surgery I'm having is called a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. Here's a very good explanation: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007435.htm It leaves a small sleeve shaped stomach that holds about 2 ounces, provided it doesn't get stretched. Stretching can lead to weight gain. Why would you go to all the trouble, financing, pain, everything, just to blow it with past behaviours? Amazes me.

T minus 10

Let's start with a disclaimer: This is my blog about my body and it's not always going to be pretty. I will be open and honest and am going to tell it like it is. If it's too much for you then don't look.

Well, I'm 10 days away. I'm getting more and more nervous, and am questioning my decision more and more. I think this is normal, given the fact this isn't a surgery the doctor said, "you have to have." This is a choice. No, that doesn't affect anything differently; it's just my mind.

Making my list of what to bring. I'm sure it will be too much - that's usually the way I am. I'm having trouble finding palatable protein powders, but think I've lucked onto a couple. I've had a suggestion to avoid apple juice off the start as it leads to loose stool, and another suggestion to bring a couple of packets of gatorade or crystal light for the flight home. Probably won't need much more but bring a package of protein and a shaker cup just in case.

So, today I'm nervous and want to cancel. lol What will tomorrow bring?