The skinny on the pre opt diet

So, I wrote my bariatric nurse today and said:

Do you know the internet can be a scary place!!!  I am reading so much crap out there. 
Shakes-Calories (does it matter)-Carbs (lots of shakes are high)-Protien (I need 60+ a day/correct?)-Oatmeal (lower calorie?)-Fruit in shakes blended is a no?-Pudding mix to flavor shakes?-No diet sodas (this is not a biggie- I am off of them)

 She responded:

Yes the internet is VERY SCARY!  It’s not too complicated but it is easy to make it harder than it has to be. On the pre-op diet keep the total calories somewhere between 1000-1200/day. Most shakes are ~200 cal (or less) & you need at least 3/day so that is about ½ of your calories. You can add an extra shake if you like but 3 is the minimum 60gm of protein is a good goal. Mix & match other liquids off the list with your shakes but you cannot add additional foods (fruit) to the list. The diet is a sugar free diet – so that means no pre-packaged flavored oatmeal's they ALL have a TON of sugar. Use regular oatmeal & add Splenda or equal etc to sweeten. You could add pudding mix (sugar free instant) to a shake if you want or a fat free flavored yogurt (try Kroger Carbmaster yogurt). You could have a diet soda if you like but its best to go ahead & break the habit – those are no-no’s after surgery. 

I feel empowered by the challenged before me. Last night we measured ourselves.. I think it makes sense to post (before and after) photos as I meet goals. 

I have three short term goals. (Other than survive pre-opt and surgery)

• Lose 10% of my weight. 

• Wear a shirt I bought at Nordstorm's Rack on clearance over spring break.

•  I also have a pair of capri's I want to wear too!

• Implement a exercise plan that includes 30 minutes of exercise a day.  (After day 21 consider it successful)

Time to be honest.. I am still in the last meal saga. I can tell you about every bite of food I have had since getting the news. I think my therapist will have lots to say about that. It's okay though! I am grieving part of my life.. I get a whole new life on July 8th. I am sharing my day with another weight loss surgery survivor (whose anniversary is that day)! I am excited to meet up with my friend A and learn from her.  Every single person who has had weight loss surgery- can rattle off their date. It's a big deal. There you go folks-have a great weekend! 

This time in between..

So, this week has been busy! I am working as much as I can this week so I can "tie up" loose ends while Lauren is at Camp Aldersgate next week. I love the support I am receiving! Friends, family, professional friends, my fellow "surgery" friends- I feel so blessed. Comments and private messages mean so much. 

To everyone taking time to read this blog THANK YOU!

My dear husband, John, started weight watchers this week. He is also blogging as he goes on this journey with me.  It's easy to feel inspired around him. By the way, he is down three pounds this week. 

My baby brother, Kyle, decided he was not going to be left behind when I confided in him this winter about my surgery. He has lost 56 pounds since January. He also started P90 x and he jogs a lot. What a real rockstar! 

Lauren and Mama Rho at Daddy's Band Concert

I am also spending my time figuring our the pre opt process. My friend Kate- encouraged me to take time to trust in God and lean on him during this time. So, she bought me a book to read and to encourage me along the way. Again my friends inspiring me during this journey of me becoming healthy!

The title of this blog is the special family.. My family is just that.. Lauren, our nine year old, has autism. She is a bright, happy and smart little girl. We met with her Developmental Pediatrician this week- who was blown away by Lauren's progress in the past 2 years. Some big achievements for her include totally potty trained, ability to ride in the car without a harness (and uses seat belt), follow through directions on cue, ability to communicate, express happy emotion, social skills and ability to connect with others and we could go on.. At Dennis Developmental her doctor says the improvement is astonishing. We have come along way. Oh and according to test she went from 18 months to preschool level.  

Maddie is ten! She lives at Arkansas Pediatric Facility in North Little Rock with a group of people who is like extended family.. Maddie has Sotos Plus along with a series of another crazy problems. Maddie has had a very rough year. Not sure exactly why - but, we are thankful for improvement. Again we have a great medical team who we work alongside every day. We nearly lost Maddie in February.. Thankful for every extra day God gives us with Maddie..

So, on the surgery side of life- I learn all this info this week. If all goes well- I will spend 2 nights in the hospital. After I am off pain meds- I can start driving.. I should be able to take daily walks every evening.. 

Together team- we will do this!!! xoxo

The last meal...

Wow. I was not prepared. I had no idea the day I opened up about my journey to my friends that I would get my surgery date. I also had no idea that once I found out about my surgery date I would be overwhelmed with this feeling.. It's life changing.. But, it's more mental than that... Like --well this is my last time to come to this restaurant so I better enjoy it.  Four times. Four times I have said that since Friday. I realized this last night after I was reading on some other forums and websites.. I am suffering from the last meal feeling.. Obviously-I do have a love for food. I am pretty nervous about the pre opt diet too. 

I spent 30 minutes on forums and blogs last night and dreamed all sorts of crazy stuff. I need to get a grip. Say a prayer for me and my anxiety. 

And don't worry, I called my therapist Patti- we are going to visit weekly for a while. :)