I'm back from my follow-up

All went well!      I saw Dr. Amy today.  She removed the drain tube...about 24" was removed from inside my body!!!      It hurt a bit, but boy do I feel better.  Questions were asked like if I was having chest pain, back pain (I guess the drain tube does that to you).  Asked if there was any nausea or vomitting.  All answered "NO!"  I have been able to keep all my foods down and my liquids.    Since surgery, I only lost 3 pounds, but you also have to figure, they had me hooked up to IV's for 3 days so I've had to lose that and whatever else is in there.   Since the journey began in January 07, I have lost a total of 32 pounds.  I'll take it.   I'm now able to eat soft foods.  I don't have to do the liquid diets anymore.  I'm getting my protein in now by just protein drinks.  Starting the soft food diet, I can get it from my meats, cheeses, eggs and some fruit.  My water keeps me pretty full, so please know I won't be pigging out like the past.   Now that the drain tube is out, I plan on hitting the parks and going for more walks.  Just walking around the block isn't going to do it.  I have to up the ante, but not overdo it either.  There is a gym at work that I joined in Feb.  I can't wait to get back to it.           $25 a year is hard to beat. I do have to go back in 3 weeks for lab work and exam.     Knowing that my levels are good are another part of all this.  My cholesterol was high, but not that bad.  My sugar levels were high.  My B12 is low and my iron was borderline low.  So, you see it's not all about losing weight.  There are a lot that come into play here.  This morning, I was curious to see how my blood sugar was.  The norm is 60-120mg/dl.  Mine, fasting, use to be 120-130 daily with medication.  I had crystal light at 1am, but still checked it at 8:30...it was 87mg/dl.  I'm no longer taking the medication...Cool Huh?!?  The doctor was impressed!   The only bad thing I have is  occasional dizziness.  The doctor's know and will be on the look out as to what might be going on.  I have had really bad vertigo in the past, and Dr. Amy is hoping that it might be vertigo from the Anesthesia.  I will let you know.   For now, I have to go as I have calls to make.  I'll keep you posted...I promise!!   Laura     

Wow Laura, sounds like you are doing fabulous!! I am so happy for you! I have been having the blues today.  Tired of the liquid diet and having  a hard time cooking this fabulous food for my family and then I get to heat up my "strained cream of mushroom soup". YUMMY!! They are eating meatloaf, potatos, and carrots!! This is really hard for me! Next weekend I can start adding in soft foods and I CANNOT wait! Everyone keeps telling me this is totally normal but it doesn't make it easier! I guess I just have to remember the 15 pounds I have lost! Right? So glad to hear that you are doing well!! I will get through this, I KNOW!!  Malissa

You can do this.  I asked my "nut" if I could have chicken (canned) and cottage cheese and she told me that I could go ahead with the soft/pureed foods.  Dinner was less than 1/2 cup of chicken breast (nothing added) and less than 1/2 cup of cottage cheese.  So far, all has stayed down.   Keep your chin up.  Don't make me come out there and shake you up to snap you out of it..LOL!!  I'll do it if you need me to.  J/K! I think about food all the time!  I haven't fixed my hubby anything (he won't let me), but tomorrow I'm doing all the cooking.  I just keep thinking about something I really really want and stick to it.  I have many goals in mind, it's just picking the right one.   You are in my thoughts and if you need me to come rescue you, let me know.  That walk may change your mind...   Laura

sounds great!!