Follow Up Appointment

I had my first followup appointment with Dr. Needleman today and down 27 lbs since I last saw him on August 4th. Down about 40 since May when I decided to pursue surgery again. The last two weeks have been purees and soft foods, but today I got the ok to progress to real food minus raw veggies, raw fruits, nuts, olives, or pickles. Never have I wanted an olive more! It has something to do with the texture and how they digest for now. Breads, rice, and pasta are still a caution because when I have my band filled those will be really hard to eat so best to stay out of the habit now. I am so excited that I can have ahi though, I probably asked the dietician three times if I could have it even though I like it raw or seared and she ok'd it. Focus is protein and liquids first then about 900-1100 calories a day. I have my first fill for the band scheduled on October 30th and then I will start to feel some restriction, right now the band is in their but not restricted or filled yet. I will then have follow-ups each month to get to the sweet spot as far as fills go. So for the next month, the weight loss will be done with will power, eating well, and exercise. We purchased a treadmill from Craig's list in June and I was too heavy for it - it would stop working after about a minute. So yesterday we were going to have Matt walk on it with several lbs of books to get a gauge for how much the weight limit was. Then I had a bright idea, I had already lost a good amount, so why didn't I just try it? Low and behold it works, so I promptly outfitted the room with my Ipod speakers, the bigger TV from the basement and AT&T will be coming to install the U-Verse box Thursday so I can watch my shows while I use the treadmill as the weather gets colder. Matt and I have been doing 30-40 minute walks around the neighborhood with Lucy each day and that burns about 300-350 calories according to my heart rate monitor so in good shape so far. I just started to get my energy back this weekend and began to sleep in my bed again instead of the recliner. I am off of work for two more weeks as I continue to get new eating habits and exercise down. Next week, I have a residency for school in Chicago (Schaumberg, actually) for a week. Luckily, my hotel has a kitchenette in my room, so I will be able to work with my food well. Woodfield Mall and Ikea are a short walk 1/2 mile away too so that is an instant 1 mile gimme walk each day! I am also cleared to drive now although still have some lifting restrictions.

Home

Well I am home from my surgery. I came home Tuesday around 5pm after staying the night at OSU to ensure there were no blood clot issues. All came back A-OK and Matt and I headed home, where Mom had been shopping and cooking up a storm of meals for her and Matt to enjoy and me to have pureed. Matt stayed with me in the hospital since I scored a private room, so Lucy was glad to have us both home. Forest and Jordan stopped by Tuesday night before the percocet kicked in and dropped off some yummy homemade chicken stock! Matt and Mom have been great nurses (although Matt regulates the meds!) and Lucy has taken on the night shift following me closely when I walk around at night. Matt has to give me a shot daily for the next two weeks as a precaution for blood clots, he is really good at it although I am still a baby with needles. Wednesday, Thursday, and today were filled with lots of naps and a few short walks for me. I am at about 1000 calories a day and 90 proteins, but still very tired. Lauren was able to stop by this afternoon on a percocet break, it was great to see her before her baby shower next week. Hoping to have the energy to watch the OSU vs UT game tomorrow with friends. Mom headed to be with family in Cleveland for Aubree's wedding and Grandpa's burial service. Kate is in Toledo for the weekend and will be coming down Sunday and Monday for a quick visit and maybe a walk around Easton. I am scheduled to be off work until around October 15th and will update with more progress soon.

By the way- my plan to be really tan before surgery from Hawaii has helped me look much healthier after surgery!