BandLand or LalaLand...

It's done. I'm banded. All I want to do is sleep. I had my hiatal hernia repaired at the same time. Waited 6 hours for a room... In Recovery (PACU) the whole time. Finally home now. Exhausted.
I'll write more next time... with pictures!

Blessings,


-- Post From My iPhone

Name that band!!!

Well, I'm off to see the Wizard... the Wonderful Wizard of Band (aka Dr. Griffin)!

Have a lovely day, girls!!!  I'll be in touch (via iPhone... sigh... I need a MacBook/iPad) when it's all said & done.  It sure would be nice to see some suggestions regarding my band-name & NSV goals when I wake up!!!  (grin)

Please pray for a safe procedure for me...  xo

Pre-Op, SV & NSV!

Scales are FICKLE!  I weighed myself at home Sunday & it showed 253 lbs.  Monday morning it was 254 lbs. at the doctor's office.  But my pre-op is DONE.  I pre-registered for surgery this morning & it looks like he might keep me overnight, depending on the size of my hiatal hernia (which is categorized as "small, sliding").  He also said because of the hernia & today's litigious society, he may put the larger band in.  Dunno exactly what that has to do with anything, but okay.  He will use his professional judgment once he gets in there.  I'm just so ready for this to be over!!!  Since I've weighed in & I'm good to go, I'm so over all the jumping through hoops.  My give-a-shit factor is low today, since I've also been dealing with the local governmental hoops as I sell my old, used car.  It was a good car... but this title transfer business is giving me brain damage!  LOL

Oh, & I forgot to share an NSV!  I go to a pretty huge church:  Bay Area Fellowship.  I love this place, but not so much its seats.  They're not bad as far as stadium seats go, but still...  The ones are the end are more generous, but church was full yesterday (praise God!) & I was forced to sit in the middle of the row.  Usually I fit, but it's a squeeze & I'm thoroughly uncomfortable... especially if there's someone I don't know right beside me.

 Well yesterday, when I went to sit in this seat, fully expecting the usual feeling of scraping of the seat arms alongside my giant hips, a miracle happened!!!  I sat & I FIT!  I sat sandwiched between my parents & some man I don't know, & I wasn't uncomfortable.  I didn't spill over my own seat.  I could sit with my elbows in my own section & still reach for my coffee cup in the drink holder without elbowing anyone in the face!  And it only gets better from here...  WOOHOO!

Also, my countdown clock is silly.  I punched in my surgery date:  April 28th (Wednesday) & it's short!  I think it's counting the second the clock strikes midnight on the 28th... So, it's NOT 4 hours left... but it IS tomorrow morning.  I'll leave for the hospital at 6:30 am.  Surgery is for 8:30 am barring any delays.  Keep your fingers crossed & please pray for a safe procedure for me!!!  I love you, girls!!!

Finally, I'm still taking suggestions on my BAND NAME!  Camille said "Coco," as in Chanel.  I kinda like it, but wanna know YOUR thoughts!  And I want some input from you girls as I set up an NSV goal checklist.  A few of you have them on your blogs, but someone had a GREAT one & I can't find it now!!!  C'mon band-mates... I need your brains.  Mine's SHOT!  xo

Blown Away... & BYOC! (Oh... & vlog)

For a change, this little cartoon is NOT true for me!!!  I'm quite amazed, actually.  I'm down 22 lbs. now!!!  I'm no longer concerned about my weigh-in with the doc tomorrow.  So, in celebration, after church today, I had BRUNCH!  Brunch was 2 soft-boiled eggs, 3 pieces of turkey bacon, & decaf coffee with milk.  YUM!  And I think I'll have fish for dinner tonight too.  Other than that, I've had one shake today & 2 glasses of herbal iced tea (decaf).  It's funny how cravings have been for good, healthy stuff now.  Even salad!  I always hated salad.  These 2 weeks have really helped me to appreciate the taste of foods for themselves, & I think that's a whole new awakening for me in the future of this battle.  I'm claiming the victory!!!

On to BYOC (which I missed on Friday):

1. Name a career you would not Not want to do and tell why?
Oh, I can think of several I would NOT want to do.  And many I would (if I had the financial freedom).
Hmmm... I'll have to say:  purely based upon the toll I see it take on their personal lives... a surgeon!  I love my job.  I'm a pediatric operating room nurse.  But I see all the docs (minus anesthesiologists) who take care of our kids & their home lives are quite frequently a mess!  They're on call constantly.  Besides doing surgeries all day, they have clinic hours, rounds, meetings, consults, etc.  I'm single right now, but when I have a hubby & kids, I want to actually be the one to raise those babies, and to be the one who spends time with my hubby every day or eve... not somebody else!!!  Just my take...

2. Whats the best present you ever received for your birthday?
It's hard to pick just one gift over the years... but something TRULY special that always comes to mind is when my baby sister (Jilly, I LOVE you) treated me to a trip to Hawaii for my 22nd birthday!  Now, she'd won the trip (for two) through work & it only included the airfare.  So happens that my boyfriend at the time was vacationing there with his folks who were LIVING there in his grandparents vacation apartment.  So, to make a long story short... we had free airfare, accommodations, & just needed spending money.  That was back in my skinny days (123 lbs!!!) & I enjoyed myself immensely!  Someday I'll scan & post the pics to prove it!  My sis is always bugging me b/c that was before digital cams & I have all the photos in a box, somewhere...

3. What do you hide behind?
For me, I don't find I hide "behind" so much as I just HIDE!  As most of us do, I imagine, I hide from any cameras or video.  I hide from doing things because I'm terrified to make a fool of myself as the fat chick.  I don't wanna be that girl that falls flat on her face.  So I just hide.  Well, I made this vlog a while back & haven't yet posted it.  Why?  Because I hide!  So, no more hiding!!!  This is 22 lbs. ago, girls... and it's my very first (& only so far) EVER vlog recorded.  I'm really awkward & don't know where to look.  I can hardly bear to watch it!  Okay...  Eeek... here it is:

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

 
4. Where were you born?
I was born in Northern Ontario, Canada.  A small town called Kirkland Lake.  Kirkland Lake was built on gold, but it is equally as well known for producing world-famous hockey players. Legendary hockey broadcaster Foster Hewitt called Kirkland Lake "the town that made the NHL famous."  Actors Alan Thicke (Jason Seaver from Growing Pains) & Michael Hogan came from there, as well as Toller Cranston (Olympic figure skater) & Sir Harry Oakes (mining millionaire who was murdered in the Bahamas... still a mystery) & a few other famed people.  Quite an auspicious list for such a little hole-in-the-wall!  LOL

5. Which comment affected you greatly?
Honestly, every single comment means the WORLD to me!!!  It's so true... we need so much encouragement through this journey & I'm SO grateful I have ALL of YOU!!!  My own dear family is so far away (except when my parents are visiting... like now) & so your support & presence has meant the world to me!
If I had to choose, it would be my friend Tanya's comment that put some wind in my sails on my post Final Approach.  She is just always so complimentary on my writing... which means a lot because I'm kinda amazed that anyone would want to read what things I post on my oh-so-boring life (remember, I HIDE!).  But, truly... thanks to ALL of you!!!  xo

Finally...  A lot of you have been sharing pics of your precious pets.  I cannot be left out!  I LOVE my babies!  So, here they are... my bullie brood:

From left to right are Jazz, Miranda (Roo), Brontë, & Dozer (Willie).  They're the bestest!!!

Final Approach...

As my surgery draws near, I see myself on the plane... looking down onto the paradise below.  Sandy beaches, blue-green water, bandsters in bikinis... I'll be there SOON!  Anticipation.  Can't wait!  A little nervous, though, too.  Flying does that to me.  Nervous in a good way though.

I didn't weigh myself today, but as of yesterday, I'm down 18 lbs!!!  Then I proceeded to get home last night to an empty house (my parents were out visiting friends) & a grumbling tummy.  And my tummy said "NO SHAKE!"  And so, I paced all over my kitchen.  Considering this.  Eliminating that.  Finally, I'd decided.  My Mom had left 2 soft boiled eggs in the fridge.  I opened a can of tuna & (after draining the water) added the eggs & put it all over a nice bunch of green/red-tipped leaf lettuce.  Add lots of pepper.  YUM!  'Twas mah-valous!!!  And way better for me than that Carnation Instant Breakfast I was considering for a change from my Bariatric Advantage ones.  And, I deserved that salad.  I FEEL those 18 lbs gone.  My scrubs (from work) are actually getting ROOMY on me!  These are exciting times for me.  I can't remember a time when my scale consistently dipped in this direction. 

Today, I had bookclub.  At the coffee shop, I asked for a soy sugar-free Chai tea latté.  Then, I had another... it was soon good!  When I got home, I had guilt.  I hadn't asked what the sugar-free syrup was made of (I don't use aspartame... ever!).  I hadn't asked what milk they used.  I realize that Chai tea is caffeinated, but didn't care.  Then, I came home &, talk about obsession!  I called the café & asked for the brand of both!!!  I'm sure the barista thought I was mad.  My new obsession:  adding up my calories & such on myfitnesspal.com & coming in UNDER for the day.  To my delight, Da Vinci sugar-free sweeteners are made with Splenda!  And they use Silk milk.  So, I count those as 2 of my shakes today!  The calorie counts are about the same.  And SOOO worthwhile.  Mmmmm.

So, I weigh in tomorrow.  I'm hoping & praying for another 2 lbs loss (minimum) so I can hit OVER 20 when I go see my doc for my pre-op on Monday.  It's all coming so fast!  Good fast.  Added bonus:  vacation from work for 2+ weeks!  Ahhhhh...

So, girls... I have an appointment with a very important little band on Wednesday.  She'll be with me for a long time, & I don't even know her name yet.  I really need some suggestions (PLEASE)!!!

Blessings,


P.S.  I forgot...  Humana kinda jumped the gun with putting my "approval" online the other day.   I called my doc's office & they hadn't gotten it, so I called Humana & they said "nope...  not yet approved."   I almost choked!  Turns out, it was only a "final signature" that was holding it up, & I finally got the official YES on Friday.   Nothing like cutting it close, eh???

And The Verdict Is...

Details to follow!!! WOOHOO! :)


-- Post From My iPhone

My First Award!!!

Unbeknownst to me, a couple months ago, my sweet friend Tanya nominated me for the Beautiful Blogger Award!!!  I don't know how I missed it, & I feel so honoured and ashamed I didn't see it sooner.  Thanks, T!!!

Tanya is the one person who is most responsible for this mess I now find myself in!  That mess being the pre-op liquid diet, of course.  Teehee...
Very soon after her own surgery, she had the courage to reach out to talk to others who she felt could benefit from the band, risking offending them for their own good.  I was just one of those people.
She met me for lunch & told me all about her journey & experience.  Prior to my best friend's gastric bypass a few years ago, & Tanya's lifeline (it truly was), I felt like WLS was so not for me.  Without that outstretched hand she extended, I'd probably be battling another dead-end diet, gaining more weight, & feeling worse about myself than ever.
Tanya is one of the most caring, giving, & loving people I know.  She was one of my preceptors when I first started working in Corpus Christi, & stuck up for me then too.  I'm honoured to call her my friend!

So, to qualify for this award, I must "tell 7 interesting things about yourself."  Here goes:

1. I'm sure most of you know, but if not, I'm CANADIAN!  Hence, the url of my blog.  I've been living in the US since 1999 & have been saying since I moved down that I'm moving back to Canada.  Still planning... LOL
2. I love dogs.  Animals, really.  But I'm a dog nut.  Should have been a vet because I like them so much more than I do people most days.
3. I have 4 dogs... English bullies.  They're my sweethearts.  I don't have kids yet, so they're it!
4. I'm single, never married.  Sorta engaged once, but am still waiting for Mr. Right.  I wish he'd hurry up!  I want kids & the ovaries are about to shrivel up & blow away...!
5. On that note, I've known since a little girl I would adopt someday.  I'm getting to the point that if my man doesn't ride up on that white horse soon, I'm going to get started without him.  I yearn to be a Mom!
6. I must be part German, somewhere down the line, because I drive like I'm on the Autobahn 24/7.  My best friend has been known to get out & kiss the ground after driving with me!
7. Really, my heritage is French, Irish, Scottish, & English.  My dream is to go to Paris.  My 40th was supposed to be the plan.  The Band changed that.  So, next year (when I'm svelte)... Paris in the Springtime!!!

 Okay, that was relatively painless (& unimaginative, I imagine... but it's late).

Now I must nominate 7 bloggers (with links) for the same award!  Here they are:

1. B(.)(.)BS!!!  These chiks are working overtime to create an amazing inaugural bandster meetup in Chi-town this fall.  They deserve BIG props!
2. Girl Bandit from Oz, who is coming to Chicago (WOW!) & had a birthday yesterday.  I think she's awesome & can't wait to meet her.
3. Sandy from Ottawa... a fellow Canadian!  I love reading Sandy & aspire to writing my own blog posts well enough to earn her coveted Lollipop Award - it's SO pretty!!!
4. Cindylew from NJ who contacted me earlier this week & is also on the pre-op liquid diet.  Our surgeries are 2 days apart, & our birthdays are 5 days apart!  I'm hoping she's coming to Chicago so I can meet her & see what else we have in commmon.  
5. Erini (Rini) whose blog is so cute!  I just found her, & LOVE that she named her band Toula!  It's all part of the theme.  Check it out.
6. Melissa is the cutest!  I love her little happy dance.  She completed her first 5K last week (a definite future goal for me)!  Proud of her!
7. Of COURSE, Amy Workman... she just IS the Holy Grail of band-blogsters.  Her vlog this week alone deserves this award.  See for yourself (as if you haven't already)!

Okay, that's it.  I'm done.  It's late.  Goodnight John Boy!

Birthday Celebrations...

Yesterday was my Dad's 69th Birthday... & so we went out for dinner to celebrate!

We went to Macaroni Grill. I know what you're thinking... because I was too. But I was good. I DID eat. But I ordered the item on the menu I felt best fit into the rules. Here's a little photo album of our night.

Caution: food porn ahead!

These are my parents!  Aren't they cute???

This is the amazing bread with olive oil I did NOT eat... okay, one TEENY bite crust edge.

This is my Dad eating his favourite food... spaghetti & meatballs. He's a simple man.

Dad got "Happy Birthday" sung to him in Italian by this woman. She has an amazing voice! I should have video'd it. My Dad enjoyed it...
See the amazing chunk of chocolate cake I did NOT have any of?

And, finally, the dish I ate: grilled chicken spiedini. It was great! Had some olive oil & lemon zest on it, with a lot of wonderful grilled veggies (peppers, onions, eggplant, zucchini). Potatoes too, but I only had one of those tiny wedges. Water to drink & dropped 2 out of 5 shakes for the day to make up for it.
Afterwards, when I looked on the nutritional info online, I saw I did GOOD! Only thing better was the jumbo shrimp spiedini, & my Dad's allergic to shellfish, so I never order it around him.

And... I weighed myself this morning & am down again! Only 7.2 lbs left to lose until surgery day! And I need a name for my band... any suggestions???

My birthday is tomorrow. I'm a total breakfast person, so I told my Mom that would be my birthday treat: 2 boiled eggs with some turkey bacon. Can't wait!

My very first BYOC... & all the ones I've missed!

I'm doing ever SO much better today - Day 3 - on the liquid diet!  I must thank you ALL for your encouragement.  You were right.  So far, Day 2 sucked, but I've got new insight.  Hakuna Matata & all that.  Stress holds on to fat & that garbage has GOT to go!!!  I even avoided McDonald's french fries (the smell alone is fattening) & chocolate cake, which were both up for grabs in the break room at work today.  Hardly had a twinge of an urge.  I'm proud of me!

I'm celebrating both my Dad's & my own birthday this weekend, & I plan on eating a little.  But I'm going to be über-good:  chicken breast or fish of some kind with steamed veggies.  I'll let you know, b/c of course we'll be eating out.  Living on the Gulf Coast helps with the fish selections.  Just have to make sure they don't cook it in anything.  I heart fish.  Been craving it!

Another thing I'm excited about is the new B.O.O.B.S. blog & the trip associated with it!  I've never been to Chicago, but plan on being there for the big meet-up with my band-pals Camille & Tanya.  Sounds like SOOO much fun.  Check it out!!!  Can't wait until I'll look good in one of those T-shirts...

Okay, let's get down to business!  I've been negligent in the new Friday meme that Drazil's got going on.  So, I'm playing a little catch up here.  I love these things... & now I'm an official ho-bag!  Teehee

The current BYOC (5th Edition):

1.  If you ever won the lottery – what’s the very first thing you’d do? 

Assuming I've won a generous sum here, I'd definitely quit my job & buy an open-ended ticket around the world!  I know that sounds cliché, but I've ALWAYS had a wanderlust, & though I truly love what I do for a living, I don't love some of the dynamics that occur at my job.  I'd be happy to be rid of it... at least for a time.  The other part of it, is I'd pay off my home, & help my parents out, BIG TIME.  And buy them the long-awaited trip to Hawaii (long story)!!!



2. What is your favorite curse word?



I truthfully try not to swear.  I work around KIDS.  And, truth be told, I work around a lot of "potty-mouths."  It's hard not to pick up some of those expressions.  I guess, if there's one I use a lot, it's "bullshit," though I prefer "bollocks."



3. What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas, hands down.  It's such a family time & I love our traditions.  Our family truly cherishes this time & tries to come from far & wide to be together (we're spread across Canada... & me in the US).  Of course, the meaning of Christmas & Easter are hugely important to me, as well.



4. What turns you on?

Kind gestures, eye contact, a nice smile, & above all... a man who can fix things!  My Dad is retired now, but was a mechanic by trade, & can fix pretty much anything.  I had a boyfriend once whose philosophy was to just get it done.  The complete antithesis of mine (& my Dad's), which is to do something right the first time (& usually to do it yourself).  That ex drove me NUTS!!!


5. Whose blog spoke to you, stayed with you, meant the most to you, stands out to you this week and why?

Miss Cindylew sent me a message today on my blog.  I was stopped at a red light (honest) & got a ping on my iPhone that I'd received a new email.  It was her message.  She had come across my blog & realized we're on the same schedule & have our surgeries scheduled 2 days apart!  It was just nice to find a band-friend who I so closely identified with, calendar-wise...  Looking forward to encouraging each other through this!

That's the end of the first BYOC (which, incidentally, means "bring your own craziness").  Here's the rest in order of newest to oldest... just for Drazil!


BYOC - 4th Edition:

1. If you could have lunch with a famous person who would it be and what would you order?

I'm not easily impressed, but am easily intimidated, so this is a tough one for me...
I'll have to get back to you on this one.  (It's too late & I can't think.)

2. Where’s the furthest place you’ve traveled to?

I have to say Hawaii.  I loved Hawaii... but I thought by this time in my life I'd have experienced more places around this big, beautiful globe than that!
My dream is Paris.  Then, anywhere in Europe, eastern Europe, Russia, Africa, Oz, Asia, North Canada, etc.  Not necessarily in that order.  India never truly intrigued me... nor South America.  I'd LOVE to tour the Holy Land!

3. If you could describe yourself in 4 words – what would they be?

Loyal, exasperating, bubbly, & shy... all at the same time! 

4. What’s one interesting thing about you we don’t know?

I wish I were a veterinarian.  There are some days when I like animals ever so much more than I like human beings!
I truly adore animals.  While I'm not at ALL fond of snakes or insects, other exotic creatures fascinate me too.  I had a growing obsession with Steve Irwin until his passing.  RIP Steve.

5. Finally – whose blog spoke to you, stuck with you, stayed in your mind, resonated with you – this week – and why?

Answered for this week already.
Onto the next one...


 BYOC - 3rd Edition:

1.  If you could be a Superhero (like Gilly) - what would you be called or what would your powers be?

I'm with Drazil on this one.  Some kind of healer, for sure.  I'd rid the world of all these diseases & maladies.  But I'd definitely have to be able to fly as well.  That's a non-negotiable!  Then I could also kick some bad-guy bootie.
I need a name...  Hmmm...  Just call me Mary Poppins!  :)

2.  Name one physical thing you love about you and one mental thing you love about you.

One thing that never gets fat... my nose!  My Grandpa said that when I was a baby I was almost born without one.  It's small & pert & gets a light smattering of freckles in the summer.  It can't hold up sunglasses worth a darn, though...
Also, perhaps not mental, but my heart.  I have a huge heart.  It gets hurt so easily b/c I'm actually very sensitive & loving.  I care too much what others think, but I think that comes from a place of big love & compassion, even in the face of betrayal.  It can be hard, but not a bad thing either.

3.  If you stood in front of God what question would you ask him?

I want only to hear one thing when I meet Him face-to-face:
"Well done, good & faithful servant."

Once I get more comfortable, I'll grill Him on cockroaches!

4.  Besides yourself - who was/is your biggest enabler in your weight loss journey?

I have no one to blame besides myself.  I know that when I was little & my folks would say, 'clean your plate; there are starving children in Africa' I actually took that to heart growing up... but my weight is my own.  I own it.  I'm more than happy to relinquish it, however!  And for a pack-rat like me, that's progress!
My family is my biggest support.

5.  What do you do for a living (another reader request question)?

I'm a pediatric operating room nurse.  That means that, as an RN, I'm responsible for the care & well-being of children throughout their surgical process, as well as making sure the anesthesiologists, surgeons & techs have everything they need to also care for that child.  I work for a non-profit hospital.  It's truly a great job.

6.  Whose blog hit home for you this week or whose blog made you think the most this week?

Answered... onto week 2...


BYOC - 2nd Edition:

1.  If you could change your first name - what would it be?

I used to want to change my name SO badly when I was younger.  I was constantly teased that Robin is a boy's name.  Robin Hood, Batman & Robin, etc.
So much so, that in high school, I began spelling it with a "y" (Robyn) b/c I thought it looked more feminine.
There's some special stories, however, behind my name... & I'm actually quite proud of it nowadays.
So, I wouldn't change it.  But if you held a gun to my head... I'm Moon Willow.  ;)

2.  Why are man hole covers round? (this one came from a follower - thanks!)

I guess they then fit in any direction, right?

3.  What's one of your biggest pet peeves?

People who pronounce 'especially' "EX-specially."  Aarrgghhh!  There's no X!
Also, people who drive slow in the fast lane.  I truly believe they help contribute to the road rage out there.

4.  If you could be a car - what would it be?  Post a pic if you can. 

I don't know that I'd BE this car, but I sure wanted to own one when I first saw it in my brother's car magazine back in 1997.  It was called the Dodge Copperhead.  It was a concept car.  Here's a pic:

Funny, because the car I drive today (Nissan Murano) is almost the same colour! 

5.  What's the biggest thing you learned from a blog this week or which blog spoke to you the most this week off the top of your head? (try to link them so others can check them out)

Moving on to the first even BYOC...


The Original BYOC:

1. If you could be a weather forecast, what would you be and why?

I'd be a big, old thunderstorm!  I love a good storm.  It's my favourite day-off weather actually.  You know, those days when you REALLY need a pajama day, & you can just curl up with a good book (or movie), your pets/loved ones, & spend some quality time getting some much-needed R&R?
Also, I love the smell & sounds of a good rainstorm.  Although living in tornado/hurricane country the past decade has brought some new insight, I must admit...

2. If you could be a crayon, what color would you be and why?

My favourite colour is green.  I love other colours too, but green just grabs me.  I think it's God's favourite colour too.  Look at the palette he left us in nature.  Even the water is green in some places!

3. What is/was your biggest physical goal you want to do when you hit your goal weight?

All Drazil's answers here were great.  Belly button ring, short sassy hairdo, run a 5K...
I think I'd just like to be able to do a cartwheel again & not break something.  Take stairs two-at-a-time, play with my nieces/nephews without getting winded.  Have my picture taken & not dread it.
LIVE!!!

4. If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

Hmmm... so many things for so many reasons!  But considering I love dogs so much, I'd love to see things from my dogs' perspective.  Love to do that Freaky-Friday switcharoo thing for a day.  I think that would be hilarious & very revealing.
Also, I think if people were more like dogs, this world would be a far better place.

5. Just because I’m new to some followers and I’m curious – let’s do a put it out there in black and white stat question.

What was your highest weight?  274.8
What is your weight now?  265
What is your goal weight if you have one?  135-140
What is your goal size if you have one?  Something in the single digits & I'll be happy.
What diet/program/tool do you follow/have if any?  The BAND - coming soon to a theater near me!
How did you lose the weight current to today?  I've gained & lost a million pounds.  One diet I enjoyed was the Suzanne Somers diet & also a very natural food diet.  That was all a long time ago now though.

6. What’s your best advice for people in this weight loss journey?

Believe in yourself.  Whatever your struggle, whatever your tool to overcome it, you DESERVE it!

7. Have you ever shaved your whootananny?

Yes... as best as I could by myself.  I've been curious about the waxing though.  I mean the WHOLE thing!  A friend says it's the greatest thing ever & feels so much cleaner.  If I ever get the guts...

Well, my friends... I'd say that's just about the longest blog post ever, so I'm done.  It's, like, 4 am & I'm off to bed!  Daddy's b-day in the morning!!!  Here he is... I heart him!

Blessings,

Chew on this!

I want to CHEW something!  Cravings?  Yes!  Eggs, tuna, chicken.  Protein items that are yet "off limits" because for some reason, they insist upon liquids.  Aarrgghhh!

And I truly WAS considering one such indulgence (a boiled egg or a chicken breast), except I stepped on the scale tonight & where I was 262.5 yesterday, it's showing 266.0 today!  And so, I'm going to be good.  (Insert sad, pouty face here.)

I'm only 2 days into this 2 week diet, & I'm struggling already.  Camille says day 2 is the worst, so I'm counting on that!

My lovely, awesome Blender Bottles arrived today & were awaiting me when I arrived home from work.  I'm so excited to try one.  I even already packed my supplies for work tomorrow.  I already see that these are going to make work shakes SO much easier!!!  Thank you Jenny for the suggestion... you rock!

Regarding my insurance company, the forms were submitted on April 1st.  I waited (almost) the 2 weeks & called on the 12th.  It was still in "nurse review."  She said it takes up to 2 weeks, so I called again yesterday (officially 2 weeks), & it's STILL in "nurse review."  I asked if there's any way to see if it's actually being LOOKED AT.  She said not to worry & that sometimes the approval will come just days before the surgery date.  DAYS???  I'm going to have a serious melt-down if I do this 2 week liquid torture & then get declined.  Seriously.  Pray for me.

Let it NOT be for naught...

Today was my pre-op diet class.  Pretty much nothing was said that I didn't already know (from all you smart chiks), but I met some interesting fellow about-to-be-bandsters!  One lady is getting banded TOMORROW, & was there to refresh herself on the post-op diet tips.  Blessings Linda... I'll be praying for a safe surgery for you!

I start MY pre-op diet tomorrow!  As it is currently past 1:30 am, make that TODAY!  2 weeks until surgery... & no word yet from Humana.  I called on Monday, but it's still in "nurse review."  I told the girl my surgery was for the 28th, so she added that to my file.  Thursday it'll be 2 weeks since my paperwork was submitted & she said that's about how long it takes, so PLEASE keep your fingers crossed, my friends!!!  I don't wanna be drinking all my meals only to find out it's all for naught.

Of course, I must give a HUGE shout-out to my amazing friend, Camille, who gifted me with tonnes of powdery-meal-replacement supplies she would rather never see again, as well as some chewable vitamins she doesn't like (but I do!).  I told you already, but thanks again, Camille!  You rock!!!

And Tanya... the best resource a girl could have going into all this... She's got this thing down & is truly the whole reason I'm even on this journey at this time.  Without her, I'd be onto my next "this time I'm REALLY going to make it" diet scheme... only to fail yet again.

My parents have been awesome too!  They came with me to the pre-op diet session today & then went out & got me these awesome little containers to carry my shake powder in:

They're exactly the right size for my 2 scoops of Bariatric Advantage powder before adding the water.
Now, I just have to figure out what to mix it all in when I'm at work.  I don't want this to be painfully obvious to everyone (yet), so your suggestions would be invaluable!!!

My folks also surprised me with a yummy steak, potato with the works, & veggie dinner.  My last "normal" meal.  Well, there's going to be a whole NEW normal now!
And as I write this blog entry, I'm having my final late night snack:

My new favourite Greek yogurt I picked up at Sam's Club this week, with my favourite fruit thrown on top.  I might just sneak ONE Dove dark chocolate square before I curl under the covers too.  Then I'm on to my whole new life!!!

Apologies for the food porn, friends.  And thank YOU for your support!  (I sound like a Bartles & James commercial.  Ha!)

Surprise!!!

I'm really starting to get nervous now. Along with playing the insurance waiting game, I had my upper GI yesterday, and lo & behold, I have a "small sliding hiatal hernia."

Now, my friend Tanya says this is nothing to be concerned about, as my surgeon is also a general surgeon & can fix it at the same time. I was concerned it would keep me from getting the band... but she insists no. My surgeon stated he just didn't want any surprises. Well, neither do I!!! I don't want any surprises from Humana, from my doctor, etc.

I have my dietician appointment on Tuesday to learn about my preop diet, which I'll begin the very next day! Can't wait for those yummy shakes... Ha!
And I have about 13 lbs left to lose before surgery.

Oh, did I forget to mention... I have the date!?

*~ APRIL 28th ~*

I'm getting so excited... I don't want anything to derail my surgery.

And I must apologize to you, all my bloggy band-friends. I haven't been checking out your blogs much lately. It's been a very busy time for me, & it's not easy to read or comment on others' blogs via iPhone (which is how I'm submitting this blog post). I do miss you all & appreciate all your support more than you know!!!

I'll be back with you all soon!

Blessings,
 
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Oh, Humana!

Well, today is my final consult before my insurance paperwork is submitted... I'm so nervous.

I really appreciate you all & your words of encouragement... Especially today. I've not been nervous up 'til now!

My parents are visiting & are coming to this appt with me. I hope that'll be okay with my doc.

Mostly, I'm worried about my weigh in. I haven't eaten a thing today, & am wearing the lightest clothes I think I own in the hopes that it'll show SOME loss!!! I don't want remedial dietician visits!!!

So, fellow bandsters & bandsters-to-be (like me, hopefully)... Please pray that my appt goes well & that my insurance gets approved, PLEASE!!!

Blessings to you all... xo
 

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone