. . . All My Chaosity . . .

We're enjoying New Year's Eve festivities at the Wheeler's tonight. We're having pinwheels, pizza, barbeque little smokies, cookies, cake, drinks.... and marinated cheese. I can eat the tops of the pizza, I can probably get away with some sausages but mostly I'm looking forward to the marinated cheese. I'm including my tweaked recipe, which includes parts of Melanie's recipe and also a Taste of Home's. Ta dah! Angie's Marinated Cheese 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 white cooking wine 1/4 cup white vinegar 1/2 pkg sundried tomatoes 3 tablespoons minced green onions 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon sugar 3/4 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon salt & pepper 4 oun...

Thought I'd share- because I *love* them. Deucey actually prefers bass, and most of all wants drums. He goes around the house beating on all the furniture,and all over the inside of the car. We'll have to see about those drums...

There actually were pictures on that tiny little card, I just forgot. They would've been super cute too- as it's mostly Bryson and D-Ball playing guitar hero. FABULOUS! Wonder where Bryson hid that little card..... So D-Ball's been bored. Not bored enough to admit he wants to go back to school, but bored nonetheless. Sometimes I consider feeling sorry for him, but then I never really do. He's been playing Lego Batman (on PS2) and Wii games since last week. The Wheelers are finally back in town, and we saw them today and left D-Ball with them for a couple hours while we shopped for a headboard ($50!!!! I make a smokin' deal!!) and a computer desk/armoir. After we returned home fromall of that, I had to nap and Bryson and D-ball made the Black Pearl and something-or-other-else out of the crayola modeling compound/set D got from his grandparents. So tomorrow I have to go to Deep Water Running (DWA for short I think). I know I need to go, but I'm kind of co...

That's all I got. The other pics, with said lame-o hat, are on the camera hard-drive and we can't find the cord to get them off. SoI got 1 lousy picture, in the hat DBall decided to wear on his own, then decided it made his head too warm, and finally gave me the ultimatum. Bluh! We open our family gifts on Christmas Eve, so as to avoid confusion with Santa gifts and because (mostly) I grew up opening family gifts on Christmas Eve. I like it that way, and I have zero patience. I *have* stopped pre-opening presents though... in the last few years. I'm pretty proud out that. Bryson still doesn't put my presents out under the tree early though, just in case. Here's a couple of other pictures from last night. I totally forgot to take pictures of Santa presents this morning- as did Bryson. Ahhh, well....

So I'm at 33 pounds lost now!! WooHoo!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited, this might actually work. I'm of course terrified that it won't, but maybe it really really will. YeeeHaaaaw! Of course I'll gear up to ovulate (and YES, CELESTE ; I know the birth control pills are supposed to stop ovulation- THEY DON'T for me!!!) in the next week or so, and will likely retain water again. Since it's 10 lbs of water retention , it's quite alarming to see it on the scale. But I'll keep eating right, exercising, etc. and I know it will go away after a week or two. If it happens again. I wish it wouldn't. I've been to Harp's today. I've made the gingerbread cookie dough. Bryson and DBall are going to make gingerbread men cookies for Santa, and chocolate chip cookies for Poppy (Bryson). I'm going to bake the pizza rolls, make marinated cheese, etc. We're going to take secret presents to a little family after dark. Then we're going to...

But that's okay. I'm down 31.5 pounds today!!! (total, from the day of surgery). Some of my clothes are too big and my face is starting to resemble me again. I still want HOT & SPICY food all the time, like when I was pregnant (I'm not, thankfully). I'm still scared to try Thai food... since I had IBS before, it might just come back again and kill me or something. You never know. This past weekend we went to Branson. We stayed in a decent hotel with a free buffet breakfast and an indoor heated pool and hot tub. The pool was a real benefit, since it never got over 20 degrees f. outside the whole time we were there. Sunday night we did the "Festival of Lights" which was awful, actually. But then we went to Shepard of the Hills and did their drive through lights and it was REALLY good, I thought. Monday we went to Silver Dollar City, it was frigid but I thought it was pretty fun. We saw three shows there, then Bryson and D-Ball did the Mavel Cave t...

but somewhat useful. I did get my hair cut today ( yay ! I like it!) and I did go to Sam's. Oops-I just remembered I left the groceries sitting on top of the freezer in the garage. I guess they'll be okay- it's 23' outside, so the frozen/cold things still ought to be so tomorrow. I also bought candy for D-ball's GT class... they're making candy houses and his teacher requested we all send something to that end. I'm uncertain how many calories I'm supposed to be eating every day. I tracked it more carefully today, even looked up the nutrition information for some things online to be sure. So today I consumed somewhere between 500-600 calories, approximately 50 grams protein, and drank just over 64oz of water. I know Marla says she tries to eat 1,000 calories a day, and 70 grams protein. I think I will call one of the nutritionists tomorrow and ask how many calories. Last night at the clinic holiday party they told me it would n ot help in any way...

Today was... different. That headache I'd had for the last three days- turned itself into a migraine over night. I was *SO* disappointed, mostly because I wanted to go to water aerobics. I took a pain pill, and was hoping to still make it to WA, but then I got really nauseous and actually threw up, though there was nothing in me to throw up. It was unpleasant. Then I thought the nausea had cleared, so I went with Bryson to drop D-Ball at school. The nausea reappeared in spades, and I didn't think I would make it home. So after that happy turn of events, I came home and went back to bed. I slept til almost 11:00am. But I still have the migraine. Since it's Bryson's birthday we checked D-ball out of school early and went to see "Bolt" in 3D. It was kinda fun actually, I was surprised. We saw Madagascar 2 a few weeks ago- and I didn't really enjoy it much at all. They should've stopped after the first one, in my opinion. I managed to accumulat...

Things are definitely looking up in my world. I've tried a few "soft foods" and it seems to be going well, though there's clearly NO WAY to consume 70-100 gr protein from food for me, with my magic tummy only the size of an egg. Really it's just not going to happen. I believe I'm going to name said magic tummy.... Celeste, bless her heart for real, and Truman her infant accompanied me to World Gym to sign up last week. They advertise this fabulous $22.95/mo deal, and that's what I was going for. I'm supposed to be exercising 3-5days a week, 30-45 minutes each time. I have a Gazelle, which is fabulous and virtually no impact, but my right hip and my lower back start aching so badly about 5 minutes after I begin, and I just can't keep it up. So we went to the gym, had to tour the entire facility, and then finally made it back to the office. Apparently that amazing deal they advertise all over the place limits you to working out: Tues, Thurs and...

So I'm loving the 'real food' change. But I can't imagine getting enough protein in from just food- I'd like 70-100 grams a day. This morning I made two scrambled eggies with cheese- and I'm not entirely certain I managed to get one of the eggs down. I just filled up so fast I couldn't eat any more. So I *maybe* got 7g protein then. For lunch I went back to refried beans- because they go down so smooth and I had a full ounce of cheese in them, plus the cream cheese- so I know I got 14g protein at lunch. Dinner I tried to eat the beans and avoid the rice in Celete's fabulous Red Beans & Rice, but I added a turkey cheddar sausage- which thankfully I was able to eat the whole thing. For "snacks" I've been eating 50% reduced fat cheddar cheese dipped in SALSA- it's so fabulous, and +7 proteins for each little bar of cheese. All in all I've managed over 70 grams protein today- but it took "snacks" and one protein dri...

I had my 2-week checkup today. FABULOUS!!!! I lost 23.5lbs, cured the diabetes and the high blood pressure. I actually felt fantastic all day (the first time in two weeks I could say that) and the Dr. doesn't have to see me again until January 15. So I ran right home and had refried beans; with fat free cream cheese, low fat cheddar cheese, and chipotle salsa Absolute heaven, it was. Of course, after about 1/3 cup I was MORE than full... I start getting this pain in the center of my chest which I take to mean I am finished eating. And I didn't get hungry again, but as I'm supposed to be getting "most of my protein" from real food now, I went ahead and started dinner. I made these fabulous chicken sausages from Sam's- they're so tasty. They have ground chicken, asiago cheese and baby spinach in them- I *LOVE* them. Thought I could eat a whole sausage, but the chest pain showed up a little over halfway through so I decided to stop. Also I'm beyon...

But I only stayed for Sacrament meeting. *We* only stayed for Sacrament. I was traumatized and had to go home, and B really hates to go without me. He did go back for TWO HOUR CHOIR PRACTICE at 2:00pm though. D and I watched Christmas movies on TV (The Santa Claus, Santa Claus 2, etc.).

For a while there, like the entire first week home, I wasn't altogether certain I was actually going to live through it. I seriously underestimated the amount of pain I would be in as well as the amount of tolerance I could muster up for thick high protein shakes. Fortunately every day has been an improvement this week, and fortunately before my pain medication ran out. I was extremely concerned the pills would run out before the pain did. My back still hurts when I stand up too long, but I reckon that's a good reason for B to load and unload the dishwasher when it needs doing. I purchased some fabulous cookbooks I'm dying to try. Next Tuesday (2/02) I go for my 2-week check up and will hopefully "graduate" to "soft foods" (right now I'm enjoying high protein CLEAR FRUIT drinks and water, thank you very much). So I'll be high protein and avoiding potatoes, rice pasta and breads from here on out, but I'm good with it. There's even a ...

So yesterday it seemed that annoying pain in my lower right abdomen was easing off a bit. Since we have company coming today, and B doesn't seem too keen on getting the house in order, I decided to finish loading the dishwasher and run it. After I made D & B's lunches for the school fieldtrip yesterday. After I got D out of bed and dressed, and convinced B to make pancakes for them both. As I was walking down the other long hallway in our home, I happened upon the "guest" bedroom and bath. And I thought how Becky's house is always nice and clean, so I put away some stuff in the guest bedroom (basket on top of armoir, beads in drawer, some stuff in the closet) and wiped down the bathroom countertops with lysol wipes. Needless to say, this morning the pain has returned. Possibly not as bad as it was Wednesday night and Thursday morning (before I doubled up on pain meds), but definitely worse than yesterday morning. Poor Becky & Family will have to deal ...

Since the girls in the office told me they left the hospital not even taking pain meds, I figured I wouldn't need them much. I was SERIOUSLY mistaken. I haven't been able to stand up straight for 2 days, and barely able to walk at all. I finally took two pain pills a couple hours ago- and can finally function as more than a zombie. Hallelujah, really.

I'm SO tired and sore, but I'm finally home from the hospital and it looks like I'm going to live. So far so good, anyway. I'm mucho relieved that he was able to complete it laparoscopically, I was terrified he would have some issue that would cause him to convert to open. The IV was traumatizing- but at least she only stuck me twice this time before she got it in (4x if you count that numbing stuff- which I hope to remember to tell them to skip the next time... it doesn't numb, and I end up with more sticks than if they just did it straight). Seems like it took me awhile to come out of anesthesia this time- surgery was over at 1:30pm and I don't recall actually being cognizant until 6:00pm or so. Spent the first night in SICU; and Bryson, Celeste and Melanie visited. I've started 'stage 2 diet' (2oz high protein drink on the hour, then 1oz water ever 15 mins in between). I have not had any nausea yet (*crosses fingers*) and no vomiting thus fa...

I wrote a longish drawn out post the other day, earlier this week, and evidently I didn't ever post it. Can't imagine where it went? Tomorrow is surgery and now I'm sort of nervous. We met w/the surgeon on Tuesday. I have the book he gives all his patients, that described in some detail the procedures, the diet plan for: the week before, the day before, while in the hospital, the day after surgery, the second day after surgery, the next two weeks, then the 3 months after that (no kidding). In said booklet it informed that the week prior to surgery I would need to cut out most simple carbs and sugars, and strive for lean high protein (no carbonated drinks,no caffeinated drinks, etc....). So that's what I was expecting him to reiterate the week prior to surgery. He didn't. He said he recently found that a mostly high protein liquid diet the week prior to surgery was more helpful; cut some of the fat from the liver for easier access, makes the stomach and intest...

A little more excited... still somewhat anxious So B and I met with the actual surgeon yesterday. We were there for several hours, along with two other women who are having the gastric sleeve done the two days after my surgery. They let us try the chocolate 'bariatric advantage' protein supplement (shake, basically) but it was at room temp and I didn't love it. I purchased some packets of the vanilla and banana flavors, and they're lots better COLD. We also had to meet with the nurse, and he changed up the week-before-surgery-diet. Originally they said we would need to eat low fat, lean meats, low carbs, low starch, etc... Now it's just 2-3 liquid protein drinks per day plus one solid meal consisting of 3-4 oz of lean meat, 1/2 c starch and 1 c vegetable. I AM HUNGRY, but I haven't had my thiurd shake or solid meal today. Huh, and it is after6pm so that could explain it I guess. BRB, gonna mix up a yummy shake! Deucey at a friend's Birthday partry!

Halloween wasn't horrible, and my Birthday was actually kind of fabulous! Somehow, I think I totally neglected to take any pictures of the three of us. I'm usually pretty good about taking loads of pics, I'm not entirely certain what happened. Maybe there's some on the camera or one of the phones. This year we (read: I ) were a little put out that with the splitting of our ward, we can no longer have Halloween Trunk-or-Treat (OR 4th of July, but that's another rant) with "Springdale Ward". Elder Bednar came earlier this year to split our Stake and then our Ward, so we officially live within the boundaries of the "Har-ber Ward" now. So we had a party/carnival at a ward member's home instead. Our D. decided to be a Storm Trooper (or clone trooper? one or the other) this year and I was, as usual, a witch. With pink hair. B. was a wizard, so we could kinda match. I'm always and only a witch, so perhaps he will continue to be a wizard. ...

I am completely exhausted, oddly. Slept all night- had a pretty decent day yesterday- don't know what the problem could be. I even remembered the "fall back" thing. So Friday was Halloween. We went to The First Tee activity (all 3 of us in costume) and Deucey played 15 holes of golf and won candy/prizes. That took like over an hour. Then we went to Sonic for free hotdogs and drinks, but the one nearest our home would only donate to Deucey's cause. We stupidly purchased food there for Bryson and me, but I'll think that through better next time. The other Sonic in town- not even 2 miles I reckon from our home, asked us how many hotdogs and cokes we wanted! I'll remember that. Then we went to the ward Halloween party/carnival at the Scates house. We stayed for what seemed like quite a while, and Deucey played the games and 'won' about 4 pieces of candy, then ran around with Peyton the rest of the time. Got bored with that pretty quick, so we we...

It has been suggested that I should keep a running accounting of things as best I can regarding my upcoming Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery. I don't really know or care if anyone else reads it, but maybe it'll be helpful for someone (me?) somewhere along the line. So I'm a little anxious/nervous, but mostly excited about my upcoming surgery. It is scheduled for 17th November, 2008. Dr. Josh Roller of the Roller Weight Loss Institute here in Springdale will be performing the surgery. he's done hundreds here in Springdale, but was fellowship trained at Duke University and did hundreds there as well. The plan is to have the surgery,comply with Dr's instructions,lose tons of weight, and have at least one baby. Since I'm already 37, I won't be able to have said baby until 12-18 months after surgery, if I've lost all the weight I need to lose. We'll see how this goes. Right now I'm just excited to get back to my old self- the way I was before...