Back from OH Hawaiian Cruise

Good morning everyone! I'm back from the cruise and it's so good to be home. I had a great time. I actually did some activities that I wouldn't have done or even considered when I was SMO. OK, you are asking what did I do? I went parasailing, snorkeling, tubing down the river and into man-made rocky caves and swam with the dolphins! OMG, I was up in the air over the water in a balloon! I have pictures and will load them in somewhere for you to see. The cruise itself was a disaster. The ship we were on had a recent outbreak of the flu. So, they took a lot of precautions. The service was so slow, as they didn't have enough staff to accomodate the added precautions that needed to be taken. Like in the buffet area, they had to serve us whatever we wanted. We couldn't even get our own coffee. There was no organization in the various food stations. People were all over the place. By the time you got your food and coffee, then the food was cold and it was hard to find a place to sit! We as a group wrote down all of our concerns and problems during the cruise. Next year, OH will be cruising on the Princess Sapphire to Alaska! I'm going!! I had a terrific roommate. We didn't meet prior to the cruise, but talked over the phone. We hit it off! I got to find out that her birthday is only 4 days apart from mine. How cool is that? Today, I'm going to see my plastic surgeon for the final visit. Countdown begins! Only 14 days until my surgery. WOOHOO!!! I didn't make the best choices on the cruise, but I'm back on track as of today! More to tell, but later on! Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Lucy

Welcome back, Lucy! Glad you're home safely. It sounds like you had an amazing time! Good for you! Can't wait to see pics. I'm so excited for you for your ps. I know that you've waited a long time for it. You'll be in my prayers. Hugs, Kerri

Hi Kerri! Yes, I can't wait. I just got off the phone with the hospital for pre-admission and pre-op testing. I'm going for my pre-op testing on the 22nd, 1 week from today. Well, next step is to see the plastic surgeon today. Tomorrow I'm seeing the general surgeon. The next two weeks are jammed packed with appointments and parties for me. Then, I will get some needed rest! Good to hear from you! Hugs, Lucy

Glad you are back Lucy and glad you had a good time! Wendy

Hi Wendy! Good to hear from you. This board has been too quiet in the last few months. I have a feeling that some are having a harder time following pouch rules and don't want to come here. I know that I have been having problems and now that I saw my surgeon, I feel a lot better and am on track again. It's so hard to get back to basics once I deviate. Those carbs are the devil I'm so glad to be having my plastics in 10 days. My pouch opening will get smaller at least for a short time. That will help me and get stronger in terms of following pouch rules and not grazing. I've made too many poor choices in the past month. Take care my dear friend! Lucy

I think you are right Lucy. There are so many of us having problems with our choices right now. Why do you think that is? We all know what put us over weight in the first place, how can we continue to eat poorly and take the chances of gaining it all back? I think we need to learn what the basics are all over again and get back to them. Congrats on your surgery. I wish you the best of luck. Only a couple more days. Please post and let us know how you are doing afterwards. Shelley

Hi Shelley! Thanks for your post. I'm still struggling with eating. I think now it is the stress of my upcoming plastic surgery. I know it is not an excuse. I have to learn to deal with stress in another way. I am glad though that I won't be able to graze or eat that much after surgery. My pouch will shrink a little and that will give me the time to get my act together and not go down the path of grazing again! Next week at this time I will be in the operating room I will keep in touch with everyone when I get home and settled in. Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Safe Thanksgiving holiday. Lucy