I know that I probably should have updated this a bit more in the time that I was off. But my body and mind were more tired then I thought. Well. lets get on to the update.
Well it has been almost 5 weeks since my surgery and I am feeling pretty good. The 4 weeks off from work were great! The time was necessary for me. It made me figure out a game plan for when I did go back to work. It also helped me figure out what things I should be eatting and how I should be eatting it. Besides i got some one on one bonding time with my new pup Eli!! I returned to work last week on the 10th. That went as good as expected. I got back into the swing of things pretty quickly and I got such a warm welcome back! It was great seeing everyone after so long. I really didn't realize how much I missed those people. I sometimes think my job isn't what I want (and usually that is true) but I really love everyone I work with. Since being back at work there have been a million (of the same) questions... but I am not sick of them yet. I know that at some point I will probably get really sick of it but what can you do. Everyone is just trying to be supportive! I did notice that at the end of my work days, especially in the beginning of the week, I have been super swollen and soar. On monday I had so much to do but my co-worker made me leave knowing that I was in a little bit of pain. Its also nice having that support to, everyone knows that I am going to have to take things slowly at first and knowing that they have my back no matter what is really nice.
I have had times of feeling sick but I dont think it was from anything I ate. I think that its probably my body telling me its hungry.. or something ... because it is usually right when I wake up or around the time I am suppose to eat. I haven't had any other issues that I can tell. Everything really does seem to be going to plan.
So far the toughest part for me is getting my milk in. I just didn't have the time, or I would forget, or I just wasn't feeling empty enough for it. Other then that, starting on the 7th I got cleared to take all my vitamins, calcuim and B-12 pills. Luckily for me I have a pill box otherwise I would never remember to take them. Its nice to have everything laid out for me on a daily basis, especially now since I am back at work.
The things I have found out about what I can eat.... hmm. Well I have been sicking pretty strickly to what PN has planned out for me in the book. I really dont want to push it quite yet. I think that is the best way to do things. I figured by the time May rolls around (when I can have more solid food) it will be that much more rewarding to have other things. I would say that most of what I eat is refriend beans w/sour lean, reduced fat cheese and salsa, shreaded chicked w/ lite mayo, salt, pepper and garlic powder, cottage cheese, and yogurt. I have been also trying to add a tablespoon of fruit or veggies. I haven't had any problems with either yet. I have tried corn, avocados, bananas and pears... and none have given me any issues. I have only tried a couple things mostly because it takes me forever to get through one can and usually I have to throw away a lot of things.
The hardest part still is the temptation of things. I have REALLY badly wanted toast... so bad. And tacos. I think the reason I am having these cravings is because I can't have any carbs. After talking to a friend who had surgery she suggested reduced fat cheese-itz. those have really helped when I am looking for carbs or something crunchy. But other then the cheese-itz I havent tried much else. Booze has been around but not in my mouth yet. I am seriously nervous to even try and drink. Not only because I am scared how its going to affect me drunkeness wise but also because I dont know what to drink because of what in it. Thinking about alcoholic drinks they are mostly sugar and carbination. Unless I drink things straight up... i might have some kind of problem with the drink. The sugar and carbination in pop can affect me, the sugar in the booze can affect me, its all a game. Maybe I will try wine to start with ... but I dont think that is going to be for a while.
Worries that I have been having lately haven't really been about the surgery or food its about things that are coming down the line mentally. A lot of what you hear about people who have had gastric bypass surgery are that they transfer the addictions from food to another thing. I know that it doesn't happen to all of them and I hope that since I know that now that it wont happen to me. But I worry about everything... and this is a legatimate worry. I dont want to transfer one bad habit to another. I can't let it happen. I am finally getting on track with this. I dont think I will become a smoker or alcoholic or a gambler ... but there is always that chance. Another thing that I have been worrying about is my hair falling out. Usually around 3 months post surgery, GB patients hair usually falls out due to lack of nuterition. There really isn't anything that can prevent it. The best I can do is remember to take my daily pills and eat as much protien as possible. The positive is that my hair will grow back eventually... or I will just have my super awesome stylist Jen work her magic and make my new hair into something that will work. The other thing that I have been worried about mentally is actually remembering things. I dont know why it happens to GB patients but they tend to have their memory go to the shitter after surgery. Probably has to do something with nuteriates not being absorbs as usual and the lack of carbs (brain food). I dont want to struggle with remembering things I have to do. I suppose I could manage by writting everything down or maybe doing those brain teaser games every day to make sure I keep my mind active.... but who knows if that will actually help.
Other then those things, there really hasn't been much going on. I am really feeling wonderful. I know this blog really isn't that insightful but I honestly I am feeling great!
here are updated measurements and pictures:
r pinky - 2 1/2 inches = Same
r ring - 2 1/2 inhces = down 1/4 inch
r middle - 2 3/4 inches = down 1/4 inch
r pointer - 2 7/8 inches = down 1/8 inch
r thumb - 2 7/8 inches = down 1/8 inch
r wrist - 7 1/2 inches = down 1/2 inch
r forearm - 12 inches = down 1/2 inch
r bicep - 16 inches = down 1/2
neck - 15 3/4 inches = down 3/4
chin to crown of head - 26 inches = down 1/2 inches
head - 23 inches = down 1/2 inch
bust - 49 1/2 inches = down 2 inches
under bust - 42 1/2 inches = down 1 1/2 inches
waist - 46 inches = down 2 inches
hip/butt - 50 inches = down 2 inches
r tight - 27 inches = down 1 inch
r calf - 18 inches = down 1/2 inch
r ankle - 10 inches = down 1/2 inch
r foot - 9 1/2 inches = down 1/2 inch
weight - 245.6 ibs = down 33 ibs
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