Tuesday's Roll Call

Good morning! Today I am back at work in my home. Thank God my agency promotes flexible work schedules where I can link up to my PC and database from my home office and work as usual. Otherwise my commute adds about 2 to 3 hours to my day. It is very helpful to work my meals in at home rather than on the road and in an office building. So I hope everyone has a great day. Here in southern Maryland it is chilly but the sun is shining and the leaves are beautiful shades of orange and yellow and brown. This is my favorite time of year to walk outside and take in the cool clean air. God bless all of you today. PS Want a chuckle? This morning I thought I'd be clever and make my cream of wheat in the microwave--to save time. 1/3 cup of milk and 2 T wheat in a mug and in it went for 1 minute 30 seconds. I thought I was being so efficient. When I opened the door, all but about 2 teaspoons of it was on the tray all over the place, and nicely caked all over the mug and tray. What could I do but laugh? Nothing like washing your entire microwave interior first thing in the morning. Yee hee. Cynthia Sirk

Good morning Cynthia and everyone, Wow Cynthia, what a way to start your day! It sounds like you zre doing very well. I wish there was a way that I could work at home for a while. I have been wondering how I will manage my diet when I get back to work. I really had developed some bad habits. Coffee for breakfast; no water to speak of; many days I did not even take a lunch break but if I did, it was never the healthiest of meals. Now I've got to sip, sip, sip all day long and fit in a meal every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Since I've been in the hospital for so long, I still have not moved from the full liquid stage. So now, I still don't know what soft foods I can tolerate. I was supposed to start back to work on 11/10 but I think I'm going to try to pu**** back a week. Ok...now I would really like everyone's opinion on this. My surgeon left for vacation on Sat and another surgeon is covering for him while he's gone. This guy said that all the protein may be giving me the diarhea. He said that if I was not getting that much protein before the surgery that my body may not be handling it that well. He said that I should try slowing down on my protein intake to see if that helps. He also said that he does not push the whole protein thing with his patients and that in 1400 patients, he's never seen anyone who got seriously deficient in protein. This seems like the total opposite of what all the other docs are saying. He said that if I do continue with the protein drinks, to try to spread it out over the entire day. At this point, I'm ready to try anything. Guys....I am so greatful to have all of you to talk to about this. Knowing that all of you have been praying for me has made me feel so much better. God has truly blessed me (yet again) by bringing you all into my life. It is still unbelievable to me that God just keeps sending me all these blessings that I do not deserve....abundant Grace. I pray that you will all have a Jesus filled day and that you will feel His grace, mercy and peace as you live your lives today. Love, Jacinda

Good morning everyone. I actually got on the computer in the morning rather than just before going to bed! Jacinda, I don't have any advice for you about the protein other than to let you know that I am continuing to pray for you. It's a rainy, blustery day here in the Portland, OR area. My sister lives on the coast, and it is even wetter there. I won't be walking in any leaves this morning like you, Cynthia, but I still see God's handiwork all around me. "Thank you for another day, dear Jesus." I am so grateful to Him. It's been 2 1/2 months since my second surgery, and each day I am feeling stronger. I really don't know how I could have made it through this past year and a half without Him loving me and carrying me through. We sang a song at church on Sunday called "Blessed Be Your Name," and it brings me to tears each time I sing it because it reminds me how God is present both in good times and in bad. Here are some of the words: "Blessed be Your name when the sun is shining down on me. When the world's all that it should be... Blessed be Your name. Blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering. Though there's pain in the offering... Blessed be Your name.... Every blessing You pour out I'll turn back to praise. When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will say... Blessed be the name of the Lord. Blessed be Your name. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Blessed be Your glorious name. You give and take away, Your give and take away. My heart will choose to say, blessed be Your name." I pray that whatever you are going through, whether the sun is shining down on you or the darkness is closing in, that you will know the Lord Jesus Christ is with you and will never desert you. Have a wonderful day, and God bless you always. Peg

Jac, I'm not sure I have good advice for you, but I'll tell you what I do. I tried those protein drinks for a while. Everyone I tried made me want to barf. So, I don't do the protein drinks. I just try to get in protein of some sort with every meal. I've always done what my surgeon said as far as protein first, then veggies, etc. My labs always come back okay. Anyway, just thought I would let you know what has worked for me. Shel

Shel, What a relief to hear another person who cannot get those protein shakes down. I have been getting concerned. I am 15 days out now and still have not been able to get one 8 ounce shake in. I even tried protein pudding, it was vile. I have met a fellow WLS patient whose surgeon did not require the shakes so I guess I will survive. I definitely try to get protein in at every meal so I hope and pray that I will be ok. Cyn Sirk

Good morning everyone, Hope you all have a prayer filled day of praising and worshiping our Father and our Savior. God bless you all, Annette

Good day to all, I enjoy checking in with you. Cynthia you really are blessed to be able to do your work at home for awhile anyway. Enjoyed your microwave story! I can imagine all the trees turning colors and all that fall can be in your area. I don't have that but enjoy fall here very much as well. Just looking at the scenery around me also brings a praise to the Lord. Peg, I love that song too. We sing that at the church I attend and it stirs my heart. Isn't our God amazing! Jacinda I am too much of a short timer at this surgery to have any advice. I know so far I cannot get in all the protein they advise. I am managing about 40 to 50 grams a day. And also still trying to get in all the water my doc's office wants me too and not yet able to do that either. I get my drain out tomorrow and hopefully all these staples! Blessings to all! Gina

Cynthia, sounds like you are doing good if you are able to work from home. I'll be glad when I can start working from home. I'm still training though. Weather is nice here. Today it got up to around 75 degrees. Perfect weather in my opinion. Anyway, I'd better go help hubby with supper. Have a Jesus filled afternoon!! Shel

Hello, I was going to check in earlier, but am going through a few things here, could use prayer. PTL that I did not go outside my points.....I did go on a tiny binge. But it was on 10 calorie sugar free ice pops. I bought a scale but it's a cheapie so I will just wait to get weighed Friday at the Gastro appt. 21 days left til the surgeon consult. I've been reading profiles to get to know you. It's nice being here! Blessings!