Still lame!

I seriously stink at keeping up with my blog. It's no excuse but I've been so busy! I'm on vacation this week, thank GOD! Last week Brenna had a double ear infection. I think that's her 6th or something crazy like that. She got a shot that cleared them up pretty quick so now she's back to her happy self again! She spent the day today with her Aunt Reenie and from the sounds of it they had a ball! They visited with Marina's friend Emily and her kids. Emily's daughter is 2 months older than Brenna and they had a great time playing.

Tomorrow we are headed to Gymboree to put some things on hold for Black Friday shopping! Their new line is TO DIE FOR and Brenna WILL have some, or a lot, of it! LOL! Then we will pick Brenna up from school and have some fun with her.

I can't believe Thanksgiving is this week! I have some cleaning I have to get done because the family will be at my house. We could all crowd into my brother's but we have more open space and it will be more comfortable. Food, folks and fun!!

Lame!

I started this blog to keep up with my progress and haven't even posted in a while! Can you say LAME?!

I went back to work last Monday after a 3 week hiatus/medical leave. I can't say I was happy to be back...I was just back! I guess it's good to get back into a routine, however boring it may be. People at work said they could tell I had lost weight. I don't know if they were just saying that to be nice or what but I'll take it!!

I think I've been eating badly. Since I don't have any restriction I am actually able to eat just about everything. I haven't tried anything with bread, like a hamburger or chicken sandwich, or rice. I'm a little scared to try them and it's probably a good thing. I have noticed that I've swallowed something without chewing it enough and it's been a little painful but I haven't thrown up or anything. I just have to remember to eat slower and take smaller bites. It's all a learning process!

In Brenna news, last week she had another ear infection. I think that's her 3rd one. And last night she started having a runny nose. It's always something! But last week we took her to a Halloween carnival and she won a ribbon in the costume contest! She was the cutest monkey you ever saw!!

2 week post-op

I had my check-up today. I was nervous about getting on the scale. I haven't been weighing myself much since surgery just because I didn't want to stress about it and I didn't know how my scale compared to the doctors. I couldn't believe when the nurse said I was down 12 pounds! That's 12 pounds in 2 weeks! I know I won't lose 6 pounds a week every week but it was awesome to hear that!

I've been eating a lot of mushies - mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, soft scrambled eggs, sugar free pudding and even a small amount of chicken too. I just make sure it's really moist and that I chew, chew, chew. The other night I made spaghetti and ate a little. I tried a couple of bites with some of the meat and I shouldn't have. I didn't get sick but I could feel it in my chest. So it was back to small bites of noodles with sauce for me!

I don't go back to the doctor until January. My doc is very conservative about fills, where saline is put into the band to make it tighter. He doesn't do them until 3 months post-op. I've read online where a lot of docs do it 3-6 weeks out. I'm glad mine waits longer. Besides, that will get me through the end of the year to enjoy some holiday food (in much smaller portions!) before I get a fill. My goal was to lose 20 pounds by Christmas but since I've already lost 12 I may make it a 30 pound goal!

Ahh agony!

Have you ever had a heart attack? OK, probably not. You know when you drink a soda too fast and you get that burning sensation in your chest? Multiply that by 10 and move the pain to your shoulder. That's how I'm feeling today. I know it's gas pain left over from my surgery but OMG it is sooo painful. Maybe even more than the surgery itself.

Right after surgery the pain was in my chest and back, now it's moved to my left shoulder and arm. I can even feel it into my neck. It's like it comes in waves, I'll be OK for a while and then I'll take a deep breath and WHAM! I've been sleeping with the heating pad on my shoulder but I don't know if it's actually doing any good. I don't want to take any more of my pain meds so I took some Tylenol to see if it would help. I know the gas has to work its way out of my body but I sure wish I could help it along!

Other than that I've been feeling really good. I drove a little this past few days, getting in and out of the car is a little tricky sometimes but I managed. I realized today that I have not had a Diet Dr Pepper or Diet Coke since October 1st! Anyone that knows me knows what an amazing thing that is!! Funny thing is, I haven't really missed it. I'm drinking bottles and bottles of water every day. And that's soooo not like me either! LOL!

Rude awakening...

At about 10pm last night Brenna was sitting in her crib just talking to herself. I think she was talking in her sleep. About an hour later I heard her make a strange cough so I went to check on her. As soon as I opened the door I smelled something REALLY nasty but I didn't know what it was. I turned on the light and she and her crib were COVERED in vomit! I started yelling for Brandon and he grabbed her and put her in the tub. While I cleaned her up he put her bedding in the was and put clean sheets on her bed.

She didn't cry until I yelled for Brandon. I really think she was asleep while she threw up. She went right back to sleep once her bed was changed. She didn't have any fever and as soon as she was clean she was her smiley chatty self. It was DISGUSTING...it's a miracle I didn't throw up too.

After we put her back to bed I just sat in the rocker in her room watching her. I couldn't go to bed until I knew she was ok.

I love mashed potatoes!!

I moved on to "mushies" yesterday... first stop was KFC baby! I got a large mashed potatoes and just finished that last of it for dinner. Now I get to have pudding and yogurt, malt-o-meal, cream soups, applesauce, soft veggies. Yeah, and pureed meat. I think I'll just skip that part. I'm not going to blend my meat!!

I haven't had much today, probably not as much as I am supposed to have. For breakfast I had a yogurt smoothie and for lunch a sugar free pudding and for dinner mashed taters. And about 4 bottles of water in between there. I know there is a push-up in the freezer calling my name for later too!

Brandon has been sick since Thursday night. He's had fever on and off, mostly on, the whole time. I told him I'd take him to the urgent care but he wouldn't go. So tomorrow I have to see if I can get him in to the doctor. Since I can't pick up Brenna, even though I already did - don't tell! - my Mom has been coming over to help me. Thank you Mom!! You're the BEST!

I did it!

The deed is done, I am now a member of Lap-Band Nation! I had every intention of posting as soon as I got home from the hospital but I just wasn't up to it. The last couple of days have been rough, I won't lie.

When I woke up in recovery I was nauseated from the anesthesia and that was NO fun. I immediately noticed I had horrible painful gas in my chest. It was very hard for me to take a deep breath. It's tons better today but I can still feel the gas, it's settled in my left shoulder and breast area. I swear, this has to be what a heart attack feels like. It's been the worst part. The incisions are still tender and I've had to learn new ways to get up and down from bed. But it's been manageable.

I've been on strictly liquids, protein shakes, water, juice, broth, Gatorade, popsicles. Tomorrow I get to start soft foods, pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes. I am REALLY going to enjoy those potatoes! I already told Brandon he's got to go to KFC and get me some tomorrow!

I actually got out of the house today. Brandon and I went to get Brenna at daycare and we stopped by Target. It did me good to walk around but I was worn out when we got home. On a better note, Brenna has totally kicked whatever was ailing her the last couple of weeks! When she got home from daycare yesterday she was her smiley happy self again! I sure missed that light in her eyes while she was sick! That girl just makes my heart happy, ya know?

Busy busy!

Today was a really busy day for me. I'm sure it had a lot to do with knowing I will be out of commission for a bit. This morning Brenna had her 15 month check up. She was 22 lbs and 30 inches. She got 2 shots and that was hard on me! After the doctor we went to lunch at Pappasitos! Yum-o! Brenna wasn't really in the mood for a sit-down restaurant though so it was a quick one.

We went to the mall for a little while and then came home. Brenna and I napped and when we got up we went to a pumpkin patch. Something about pumpkins and 90 degree weather just don't go together! It was a quick trip! Then it was off to Target to get some last minute things I might need and back home... finally!

During the day today my surgery was rescheduled twice! Initially is was going to be at 2:15 but was changed to 12:45. Then it changed again to 10:45. Fine by me, the earlier the better. I will be home before I know it.

I won't lie and say I'm not nervous. I am. But I know I am doing the best thing for myself. I am having Brandon take some "before" pics tonight. No, they will NOT be posted for public viewing! LOL! Maybe once I see a difference in them I will but for now no!

I will post again as soon as I feel up to it. Wish me luck!!

Sweet freedom...for a while anyway!!

Today was my last day of work before my lap-band! I swear this week has CRAWLED by... probably had a lot to do with the fact my surgery was postponed a week. I was totally out of it at work, just didn't want to be there. Not that I ever really want to be but you get the idea!

Brenna came home from daycare yesterday with a fever and the worst cough. Brandon took her to the doc this morning and she has a viral infection. She has 3 prescriptions to take and all I can say is THANK GOD for insurance! Her antibiotic alone would have been $51.99, her decongestant $35.99. Luckily we got them for $10 each. I almost passed out when I saw how much they cost!

I think she's feeling better already. She was so tired when she got in bed. I changed her diaper and before I could get her pj's on she rolled over and closed her eyes so I just left her that way. Brandon came in a minute ago and said "Um, why isn't she wearing any clothes?" LOL!

One step closer....

Today I went in for my pre-op lab work. I was there forever! Guess actually having an appointment doesn't mean much. Anyhoo.... once I was finally seen I had to meet with a nurse and go over all of the paperwork and she gave me instructions for surgery day. I have to be there at 12:45 and my surgery will be at 2:15. No food or water or ANYTHING after 8am.

Then it was off to another room and another nurse that took my blood, 4 vials worth, and did an EKG. I wasn't expecting that but it took about 2 minutes. And the nurse got a vein with the first stick so KUDOS to her. With veins like mine that is a miracle! After the EKG I was off to have a chest X-ray. It was painless. Then I was shown the door.

I've been eating SO badly lately. Honestly, I am about sick of food altogether. Tonight we went to Cici's. Nothing good ever comes from a buffet. The cinnamon roll thingys were awesome though! No more Cici's for me but I don't think I'll be missing it! Not when I can put on smaller pants!

This weekend will be the final indulgence... The State Fair of Texas! There will be corn dogs, funnel cake and maybe even deep fried banana pudding if I feel so inclined. It's no wonder we are all so fat! Where else in the world would deep fried banana pudding be??

On a good note, this is week 2 of Brenna's daycare. Brandon said when he dropped her off this morning she didn't even cry!! That is fantastic news!! Let's just hope it continues!

Postponed!!

I went to see the doctor today for my pre-op appointment. As I was waiting in the lab for them to take blood and do whatever it is they do, the nurse called me over. She said the doctor's office had called and wanted me to come on up to the office first.

When I get to the office they tell me that the doc has had a family matter come up and that he will be out of town next week so I have to reschedule. I immediately start to cry. Not big fat tears but "I'm scared and want to get this part over with" tears. The nurse tells me we will schedule it for 10/2, just a week later. She gives me all sorts of info to read and then leaves me in the room to watch a video of an ACTUAL SURGERY! I couldn't watch much, I hate stuff like that. I don't need to know the size of incision they are going to make. I don't need to SEE how it is done, just do it!

When I was leaving another nurse tells me they won't be able to schedule me for 10/02 because the doctor is already booked. Again the tears. The doctor walked by and saw me crying so he stopped and put his arm around me. He said "We will get this done" or something like that, I was too upset to remember the exact words. About an hour later the nurse called to tell me that they did get it scheduled for 10/2. So there you have it... it will be 10/2, or so they tell me!

One good thing about the postponement.. the "Farewell To Food Tour - 2007" continues! And it will take me to the State Fair Of Texas, where even the Coke is fried! At least I can get one more corn dog in right?

In Brenna news, she's been sick for a week now. I can't even blame her runny nose on daycare because it started the day before she went for the first time! We are going to the doctor tomorrow to get her all checked out. I am sure there will be antibiotics in her future.

Inspiration

I am being banded 9/25 and will admit to being excited/nervous/scared all at once. When I feel a little nervous I will read the threads on the message boards I visit and look at the before and after pics....what inspiration I get!!

I know that everyone's lap experience is very different. I know some lose easier and for some it's a battle to find the "sweet spot". But looking at these pics I am blown away! I will see some awesome transformation and see that that person was banded in January, that's only 9 months to look like a totally different person! And I am sure feel totally different too! I am just in awe of it all and I can't wait to add my pics to that thread!

My DH and I went to the informational seminar about the band and one of my doc's former patients was there to share her story with us. I told my DH when we left, as I was crying in the car, that I want to be that person that shares their success to motivate others. I want to help others by sharing my struggles. That is so motivating to me!

Random thoughts about panties

Well, another weekend is at it's end. I hate that they go by so quickly! We had an eventful week last week with Brenna starting daycare and my lovely viral infection. I feel a lot better today but could still use some rest. Oh, wait...I can ALWAYS use some rest, I'm a MOM!

On Tuesday I go see the doctor for my pre-op for my lap band. I'm still excited/nervous but it puts me a step closer! Then my surgery is a week away, on the 25th. What restaurants do I want to go to before? Where will I not be able to eat after? I've been calling it my "Farewell To Food Tour - 2007".

Just a random observation I made today.... why is it that your panties and your pants aren't the same size? I mean, they cover the same tummy areas. So why aren't they they same size?

Where did you come up with that name??

OK. Several people have asked where I came up with the name for this blog. One might say it has something to do with my love of all things deep fried. If you can batter it and fry it I'll eat it! Unless it's a mushroom or most types of fish.

In reality though, I owe the title to the bestest friend a gal can have, my buddy Sonya. Sonya and I met in Middle School P.E. class. She was the "short-one", a ginormous 4'9", and I was the "fat-one". Seeing how no one ever wanted us for their teams we sorta formed our own. I don't think either one of us would have survived into adulthood without the other one.

Well, Sonya and I have always had plans to write our life stories. Think Romi and Michelle's High School Reunion...but with normal looking short and fat characters instead and no real fashion sense to speak of. One day we were sitting somewhere, location escapes me now, and we decided my autobiography would be called "Deep Fried On The Inside". When I started this blog I frantically called her, "I need a name for my blog!" and she remembered the title I had come up with but promptly forgot. I do that a lot! I won't reveal the name of her autobiography here, wouldn't want anyone else to steal it..it's THAT cool!

I know one of these days we will actually get around to writing our stories. It may not be interesting to anyone but us but I assure you we will laugh our butts off writing them!!

Daycare day 1

This morning we dropped Brenna at daycare for the first time. We had to get her up and out of the house earlier than she's used to so when we got there she was still tired. She had breakfast and we tried to leave but she started crying. I couldn't stand it so I peeked in through the window and she saw me.... DANGIT! The crying level increased, and my guilt getting heavier, I went back in there to calm her down. I gave her a paci and showed her the toy piano and made my way out. I did hear her cry for just a second but I didn't go back in.

She came home with a report of her first day. She had a great time with Mr. Music, she loves to dance so I bet she had a blast. She ate all of her lunch and then took a nap from 11:45 to 2:30! That's mama's girl! I think she inherited the sleepy gene from me. I love naps, naps are my favorite!

Daycare blues

Can I post 2 blogs in the same day? Am I violating some Blogger code of ethics I don't know about yet? What the heck...I'll do it anyway!

Tomorrow is Brenna's first day of daycare. She's 14 months old and my MIL has kept her from 4 months to 12 months. Since Brandon wasn't working the last couple of months he's been at home with her. Now that Brandon is starting a new job, HALLELUJAH, she's off to daycare. I'm excited about her starting it , I think she will learn so much and I can't wait until she's coming home to show us the new things she's learned. Still... it's hard! I know there are a bazillion kids out there in daycare but they aren't mine!

We packed her little backpack tonight. She has a blanket, a sippy cup, a spare change of clothes and some extra pacis. Lord help us if she didn't have those! Daycare would be calling us to pick her up immediately! LOL! Paci weaning is going to be a ton more challenging then the bottles were. It didn't phase her a bit to lose the bottles but the pacis... we will pay for it then.

First post!

I am now officially a blogger! Feels good! Anyone that knows me knows that I have kept journals for a long long time. I have about 30 volumes of my life from 6Th grade to just a few years ago. I stopped writing much after I got married. I guess life just gets in the way sometimes. I decided to start a blog, maybe I will keep up with it better.

For those that don't know me, here's a little about me. I am 33 years old and have been married for about 3 1/2 years to Brandon. We met through Yahoo Personals in 2002. We got engaged in 2003, married in 2004, bought a house in 2005 and had a baby girl in 2006. Whew! It was exhausting just typing that!

My main motivation for beginning this blog is to document my upcoming journey. I decided, after much soul searching, prayer and research to have the Lap-Band procedure. My family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure.... these all came into the equation too. My surgery date is scheduled for 9/25/07. I go in to see the doctor, Dr. Carter, on the 18th for all of the pre-op stuff. Then a week later I go in for my procedure.

The surgery itself is pretty routine from what I've heard. Living with the band will be a different matter I am sure! But everyone reacts differently to it. Some people can still eat whatever they want, just much smaller portions. Some people can't have soft bread, some can't eat broccoli. It's just so individualized that until I am banded I won't know what I can and can't have. But I know I am making the right choice. It isn't that I woke up last week fat! This has been a life-long battle for me and I can't wait for the new life I have ahead of me!

Stay tuned for more!