The ups and downs of this journey..

Sigh..

Here is the deal. Evenings overall is super challenging for me during this phase. I am tired, my body is in shock and my brain is dead. I am nauseated a lot right now. I carry a pepto bottle with me (and 2 whole wheat reduce fat crackers <cheating) and I had to adjust my acid reflux medication. By night time, I hate shakes and just want to crawl into bed. Several friends suggest PB2. I ordered it last night. Powdered Peanut Butter sounds yuck but, I trust my friends.. 

Also, traveling is really hard. Even to my own families house. And I didn't have a bad time- it's just easier being home. Exercise is challenging- It drains me completely. Must figure out how to balance it. Drained Rhonda can created snappy-mean Rhonda or crying Rhonda. 

But, then I wake up in the mornings and I remember the goal and the reward. The reward of LIFE! I feel renewed and refreshed. Today's inspiration from Jesus Calling is spot on again. "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him" Psalms 34:8

Numbers...  
Weight lost since June 20th  13.6 lbs   (WHAT! This is crazy!)
Calorie intake 1000-1200  (No wonder body is in shock!!!)

Lots are asking how you can help... That post is coming soon. My sweet husband is going to cook me some soup from scratch this weekend. I am getting together with my friend A who had weight loss surgery years ago (our surgery dates will be the same). To those who did this with  out support. You are much stronger than me. 

I can't thank you for your continued support and prayer enough.

Let's do it!  

Day One- Pre Op Diet

Ahhh! I made it! We have 13 days to go. Day 1 was what I called a success. And I didn't have to apologize to any of my friends for my unkind words. I had a physical this morning. Just happen to be scheduled. My doctor is Dr. Robertson. She came in and sat down and listened. She is so happy for me. So supportive.. Speaking of support - I had a lot of friends call, text, email, message me... You have no idea how much that means to me. I worked from 11a-530p today. So, I think I did okay. I felt great. My headache started around 7 and I think it's just bed time. No exercise today but, mentally I kicked butt. So, again we will try tomorrow. 

So, here we are by the numbers.
I had 57 grams of Protein
I had 51 ounces of water
I had 930 Calories
I am not a person who shares the numbers of my weight.. But, it's time because we are going to say good bye to each set of the next digits.  When I decided to make a change in my life I weighted 350 pounds. <<<not going back up>>> I have lost 15 pounds since I decided to start this journey. So, yeah, I needed to desperately make a change in my life!  

So not a bad first day. I had 3 protein drinks, bowl of tomato soup and some yummy sugar free jello. 

Best thing I had was: AdvantaEdge Carb Control Strawberry Cream Protien Drink
Worst thing: sugar free Strawberry Shaved Ice (threw it away)
My secret Power: Sugar Free Gum! 

Tomorrow's goal: Drink 70 ounces of water. 60 grams of protein. 30 minutes of walking

We did it friends. We made it through the first day and no one got hurt. Again, love you and thanks for rooting for me! 

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!