DiscerningHeart

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OMG....did I tell you I can cross my legs at the knees!  Well, I'm just ecstatic about the fact that I can now cross my legs, y'all.  I've met one of my goals!!!!!!!! 

WOW!  Thank God, I can see the improvement.  I'm not sayin' I can wrap my legs twice, but once will do.  I'm getting to the point where I really need to buy pants, it's weird!  Not so much the tops, because the breast are still there, but the legs are coming down. 

OK...let me catch myself.  I'm back on the ground.  I realized I could cross my legs comfortably today while sitting at my desk at work.  I'm feeling really good about that. 

Otherwise, I'm doing well and I hope and pray you are too.  God is blessing me each and every day that I breath.  I'm so glad that His Grace is allowing me to share my journey with each of you. 

Be blessed and be a blessing to others. 

Thank God for this journey!  I'm feeling great, with so much more energy.  My health is good and the blessings are in abundance.  It's been a while since I blogged, but work and getting back into the swing of things has been enough. 

I came back to work to a mean spirited director who only wants to see me down.    I have news for her, my God is an awesome God and he reigns in heaven and on earth....she has no clue.  You can not mess with a child of God.  Sorry for that blurb, but folks that have a harden heart and are mean just don't make it in this world.  Please pray for her and myself!  Thank you!

I'm really starting to see the difference in my clothes and in my face.  I have gone from a size 22/20 to somewhere in between a 16/18.  I've given to Good Will at least two dozen bags of clothes.  Sadly enough, I had clothes that still had tags on them that I had never worn.  OK, so now I'm getting up in the morning and at night before bed and flipping through my closet for something to wear the next day.  I'm getting to the point that I don't have that many things I can wear and look decent.  If this is the least of my concerns I'm still good y'all!   Oh...and I thanks be to God, I'm down 45lbs!   

Wow, and the exciting thing about my new tool is that I don't have the stress of being heavy and worrying about eating.  Thank God for that!  Also, my daughter is starting to lose weight as she's not eating the garbage I was eating either.  Not that I ate so unhealthy, because I really didn't, it was the portion and the frequency of emotional eating.  I graze all day instead of gulping down the vittles I use to consume.  Amazing how life has changed for me and my baby. 

I am so glad I have my new tool and God has blessed me with the ability to make good use of it.  The weather is changing a little warmer and I can get out and walk now.  I'm loving that!   

God bless each and every one of you!

Well, today is my two weeks from date of surgery.  I feel so much better and thank God for his healing and giving me the strength to rise up.  Looking back to where I started two weeks ago, I am so blessed to be up and about. 

Yesterday, was the first day I felt (pushed myself) to walk on my treadmill.  I walked for 12mins and needed to sit for 15min. afterwards.  Today, I forced myself back on the treadmill and I walked for 1/2 mile and felft really good when I finished!!  Whoaaa.....I was so proud of myself.  Praise Him for his strength and for the ability to exercise.  Then I did so calistetics later this evening and I felt fine.  I'm healing even as we speak...... 

As a side note, I have developed a really sensitive sense of smell.  Weird as it may sound, since I've been home from the hospital I can barely get past some of the scents that I used to love.  Such as bath lotions, candles, perfumes, and food.  I don't know what happened, but I was telling my daughter today that I don't like her favorite bath gel, that was also my favorite.  I find that to be just odd! 

Tonight, I went to a parent meeting with my daughter and I was good.  I wasn't tired or struggling to get through the meeting.  I was pretty good.  I'm finally getting my stamina back.  THANK GOD!

I am just so thankful and I give God all the Glory for saving me and starting me on my journey to healthier living!  Praise his Holy name! 

Today, my daughter and I went to church and I was so glad to be sitting in the sanctuary with my family of members.  I was just so glad to be walking up to the doors after being in bed for 5 days in the hospital.  This is going to be a blessed journey and I'm glad to be given a tool to help me with my weight loss.  No more distractions, but more focus on me and making better choices. 

I was somewhat tired after an early start and standing/walking and just socializing today.  I have faith my blood count will be on the rise and I'll be feeling less tired.  I went to the doctors my FP and he said to start taking to iron vitamins per day an addition to the multi, calcium and B12.  I'm starting to feel the difference in taking the iron and I'm no longer gasping when I do something.  I am so blessed to be on this journey, I can't express it enough!!!.  My daughter has decided to try and eat better as well with more veggies and no meat, just the protein shakes.  I'm glad she's open enough to make such a decision to be healthy!  I love her so so much, she is just a blessing!  I thank God for her every day.  She's my LAE LAE....

Today, was my first follow-up appointment with Dr. Boynton.  He checked my incisions, removed the tape and gave me the instructions to keep a exercise regimen, light, but do something.  Also, he said no weight lifting for 2/3 weeks and no other restrictions.      Yeah!  I did tell him my stamina is not back, but I don't have pain and I'm feeling so much better! 

My weight went down 22lbs since the day of surgery.  Whoaaaa!  I simply can't get my mind around all of this yet! 

I'm now on the full liquid diet, with adding in the protein shakes and cream soups.  I'm not sure I feel up to all of that yet, so I'll introduce a little at a time. 

 WOW!!  I went in on the 1/13/2009 for my surgery.  It started at 10:30am and I was on time as usual.  I went into Prep, Anesthesiologist (two to be exact) and met with the nurse.  I had my daughter (youngest) and my (youngest brother) with me.  Thank God they were there!  One of the nurses handed me a hat (shower cap like) and said, "here's your party hat".  The party starts within 30 mins.  It made me laugh and I was not nervous really,  I remember the Anesthesiologist saying, Geezze you have alot of allergies and said OK, you'll be taken into OR and then you'll be sleep quickly. 

I remember being in a wheel chair, being asked to get on the OR table and the four nurses were telling me about the instruments they were going to use as they unpacked them and put them on the table.  They called Dr. Boynton and I looked to the door for him.  I didn't see him, but I remember saying the Lord's Prayer and then came the "oxygen" mask and I woke up in recovery at 11:20AM.  It was so quick I really don't remember finishing the Lord's Prayer. 

I really didn't have much pain at all and then I was taken to ICU where I stayed there overnight.  I was told that I had to sleep in the reclining chair overnight, so I wouldn't get blood clots. 

I remember being awakened every hour by the nurses so they could get my vital signs.  Ugggghhhhhh.....I was so sleepy! 

Also, I remember having horrible gas pains and belching all night.  I thought that was unusual.  Anyway, my mother came and was rubbing my back and it felt so good.  I was so happy she was there to give me some comfort. 

I walked over to CCU from ICU.  I was asked to move to that unit due to me not being able to swallow my my blood pressure medications.  If I needed it, I would have to be given the meds intravenously, hence the reason I was there. 

Then, day two......1/14/09

I developed blood in my stool and it would not stop!!!!!!  It was cranberry in color and it was running through me like water.  I lost a lot of blood that day and the Dr. came in to tell me if the bleeding didn't stop (leakage) I would need a blood transfusion.  I was like WHAT????????? DID YOU SAY?  He assured me that the bleeding would stop on it's own and I would need to start the blood transfusion as soon as possible.  The nurse started it at around 10:30pm and it continued for the next day!  The nurses took blood every two hours to make sure my blood count was going back up.  It started at @ 10 and went down to 6.3.  After receiving the blood, it went up again to 8.5....THANK GOD FOR DONORS.  God bless you all out there that give blood.  Just as soon as I'm able to give blood I in there giving.  So So important.  I usu sally do give blood.   My goodness, I never knew how your blood count  makes such a huge difference in the way you feel.  I couldn't hold my eyes open and apparently, my breathing was shallow, I had to wear the oxygen and my heart rate went down.  Whew.....what a couple of days make. 

The Dr ordered me to stop eating anything to allow the incision to heal internally, so on Thursday evening and all day Friday, I stopped eating and I felt better.  I was feeling so much better.  While my blood count was not back to norm, I was feeling better.  AND....the bleeding finally stopped!  Thank God for that!  I was finally released to go home on Sunday.  My brothers and his girlfriend came to pick me up and I was so ready to go home!  I had three room-mates in six days. 

I'm now on clear liquids, broth, jello, and protein, clear.....just a little hungry, but no so much concerned with my greedy mind...just set on healing and feeling better. 

No matter how bad the moment, just know that God is always in control and he promised that This Too Shall Pass.....

all through the house, emotions were high and the time seem to fly! 

OK....so I'm thrilled!      I worked today and was so busy it was crazy!!! 

I called today and spoke to the scheduler, my surgery is scheduled for 8:30am and I need to be in position (at the hospital) by 6:30am.  OK, it's early and I'm so ready to get in and out of there.  I'm glad to be early so I can be out by the time my baby (13 yr old daughter) gets out of school.  I'll be so excited to see her and see her beautiful smile.  She is my baby, all 5'8" inches of her.   She's just as excited as I am and she has agreed to try and eat better and exercise with me on my journey. 

My brother and his girlfriend both have had the WLS RNY and they have been most supportive.  We went to dinner tonight and my daughter.  They gave me much advice and encouragement for tomorrow.  My brother (youngest) has been a sweetheart of an Angel.  He's supported me 100% through this process and I amso grateful to him for his support.  The rest of my family has been (blank).      

Anyway.............. Thanks be to God and my family of OH here!  Please continue to pray for me that the start of my new journey is a success and I know I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me! 

Today, I slept in as I was not feeling to well.  I've been fighting the sniffles and slept in this morning.  I usually attend the 9:30am service for church and slept until 9:00am.  God only knows I truly needed that extra sleep today.  I got up and finished writing out my "to do" list.  I went to the store for vitamins, Centrum chewables, calcium citrate mini's, zinc, Eser-C and Extra Strength Tylenol to take care of the sniffles.  I also went to GNC to pick up my Isopure vanilla protein powder and stopped at the grocery store to see if there was anything I really wanted before Tuesday.  Apparently, not so I decided to order Chinese food....I know, I had to do it.  My surgeon said I didn't need to follow any special diet prior to surgery, sooooo. 

I was just getting the house cleaned so I wouldn't have to do as much when I returned.  I am so thankful and grateful that the Lord has blessed me and has given me another chance at a healthy life.  I will use this tool to become healthier and to demonstrate good eating habits for my daughter and those around me. 

I thank God for my Mom and my youngest brother for their support and love through this process.  Also, much love and gratitude to my girl TR.  She's been there for me and has been more of a sister to me than my own sisters, who have not supported me in anyway.  OK, one of the four.  It's unfortunate, but I don't fret over it, I pray for them.  This WLS is a blessing and I receive it and I'm most grateful for Gods grace.  OK.....I'm so ready, I can barely think of anything else. 

God bless all of you who are having surgery tomorrow.  My thoughts and prayers go out to each and everyone of you! 

WOW!!!  OMG My last weekend before my new birthday day.....   My grand daughter called and we talked for a while this evening.  Her birthday is exactly one month from today.  She is my heart!!   My oldest daughter, child.  I have two daughters. 

I have been running around, getting the dog groomed (Precious the Shitzu) getting my pedicure, washing clothes, bedding, and getting my 14yr daughters room in order.  What a chore......my baby is not at all like her mother.  I am such the neat freak and she's NOT!!! 

My niece who volunteered to help after the surgery is SICK....   I don't want to pick up any germs, so I'll see her when she's comletely well.  God is good and he always provides and makes a way for his children.  My youngest brother and mom will be going with me.  I'm good!  I am so so ready...and thank God for giving me the desires of my heart.  To be healthy, strong, ready and willing to fulfill my purpose.  I am thankful for His love and for His grace!  He is AWESOME! 

Today is Tuesday, March 11, 2008.  I met with my PCP and was referred to Dr. Boynton.  The NP worked for him while in school for a NP.  She highly recommended he and his staff. 

I have made peace with myself and have decided it's time to get healthy.  With a family history of diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, hypertension, arthritis and heart disease I made the decision to get healthy for myself and then to my two girls and granddaughter.  Joy cometh in the morning!

I left the doctors office went into the office and called the surgeon to make my first appointment/consult.  I checked yesterday with Aetna PPO to see if they cover the RNY surgery and they said yes.  Yeah!!!  I will have my first meeting with the surgeon on March 19, 2008. 

Thank God my heart and mind are open to receive this blessing!