12-28-09 Week 3 pix

Here are my 3 week pictures. Wow, can't hardly believe the surgery is behind me now. Every day I am feeling better, becoming more like myself, or should I say... healthier than myself!

12-28-09 3 weeks today!

Wow... 3 weeks ago today I had my surgery! Over the weekend, I started to really feel more like myself. Internally, things seem to be settling down. A week ago or so, it just really felt like someone had been digging around in my tummy. Things feeling like they had been moved around a bit! Then a few days of the nausea again last week, but... now, feels like I have turned a corner, and things are brighter again! Through it all, I am so focused! Need to see beyond this time here. Already I am healtheir, so makes it easier!

I have added another food. I had some grilled fish fillets yesterday. Just a small one oz portion, took about 20 minutes to eat. One tiny bite at a time. But it went fine, and has great protein! So my list of foods is... protein drink, chicken broth, cottage cheese, soft egg, and now fish fillets. Tonight I added a fruit, an 1/8 cup of blueberries to my protein drink (4 oz) thinking it would add some flavor. I blended it well, like a "smoothie". It did taste good, but.... the little tiny skins on the blueberries just didn't want to go down! Isn't that crazy... ya hardly even know that these tiny blueberries even have skins on them, but, yes, and they didn't want to go down, won't be trying that again for awhile!

Thank you everyone for your well wishes!
Love to all, Eydie =)

12-26-09 Saturday

I am thrilled to report today was a better day... feeling better, and very little nausea! So hopefully on the upward swing here! I am still extremely optimistic, so glad I've gone through with this. I know it will just take some time to get over these hurdles!

All for tonight, I hope this finds you having a very good weekend!
All my love, Eydie =)

12-25-09 Christmas Dinner!

Well, I sure did not have a problem with eating too much this Christmas!!! We went to my Aunt Julie & Uncle Marvin Grotte's for 1:00 Turkey Dinner with ALL the trimmings!!! My Uncle Carl & Aunt Joyce were there also along with another friend.

Well, when we walked into her home, the smell of the roasting turkey was absolutely amazing!!! But, the very next instant, I was overwhelmed with nauseousness, which I fought for the complete time we were there! The smell just made me worse by the minute! But, I made myself get down about 1/8 cup of cottage cheese!

Well my Dear Friends and Family, my great support system... I hope you each had a wonderful Christmas Day!
Love, Eydie =)

12-24-09 Doing better!

Still a slower day, but I did go out and take care of some errands! Yikes, went to Walmart... NOT a good thing! The place was absolutely packed, last minute shoppers, but also, we got 8-10 inches of snow last night, with a another storm headed this way for Christmas night and the weekend, so people are out buying groceries, enough to feed a complete army!!! Well, I had a few bags, then was just going to push the cart to my van, but I couldn't push it through the slush, so I tried pulling it, but couldn't do that either, just not strong enough yet, so I had to abandon the cart and carry the few bags I had!

This evening, feeling a little nauseous again, but didn't get sick. I love the weight loss, but I am not getting in enough of my protein! I have found a protein drink, JUVEN orange flavor that is pretty good. It has 78 calories and 15 grams of protein! So that is great!

Well, I hear the jingle of the sleigh bells in the air tonight! Wishing you all the very best! Love to all... Eydie =)

12-21-09 2 Week Pictures

This is 2 weeks after my surgery.

12-23-09 Gift from Shelby

Isn't this just the cutest little Snowman?!?!? Shelby made it at school for me!

12-23-09 An Off Day

I woke up this morning and felt very nauseous. The kids had to be at school early for an activity, so I drove them in, mailed my Holiday Cards (Yeah, got them all done!) then headed home, feeling worse by the minute! I did make it home, but ended up throwing up! NOT a good thing when your tummy is hurting! Called in, they think I have a bug, since I have had some trouble with aching ribs, back, etc. So I slept most of the day. Had to make myself drink my protein shakes, but at least they did stay down! Also sipping on Chicken broth and Hot Peppermint Tea! Now, if I just had a fireplace to sit in front of, I'd be all set! It is snowing, so really pretty outside!

The kids are out of school now until January 4, 2010. They were really cranked up when they got home from school today. Lots of Christmas Parties at school... lots of snacking, pop and candy and such! But... a fun time for them! Also... I just LOVE the little gifts that they make for me! SOOO precious! I treasure each one!

Take care, and I'll write again soon! Have a good Christmas Eve!
Love, Eydie

12-22-09 Off Insulin!!!!

Last night was my last dose of insulin! I am to keep checking blood sugars a couple of times a day, and see how they do, and if they stay in the right range, then I don't need to take anymore!!!! YA-HOO!!!! Am I excited? You bet I am! THIS is what I was hoping for! This is the reason for the surgery! To improve my health!!! This makes it all worth it! For sure!!

I need to work on getting more protein into me. We are to aim for 65 grams of protein a day, and I am still around 30-35 grams! So trying to bump it up! Calories in time will work up to 600-800 a day, and I am around 250-300 a day now. Ha... it's been a LONG time since someone has told me.. "Oh, you need to eat more!" Ok... probably that has NEVER happened before! =)

I am enjoying my independence again. Feels good to be able to take care of the family household business again. Ran some errands today. Banking, a few groceries, Ben's afterschool activities and then home and made supper! Yes, back into the loop!

All for tonight. Love ya all... Eydie

12-21-09 Back to driving!!!

On Monday morning I started driving again! Ahhhh, felt good to be behind the wheel again! Almost kind of scary too though, am I really ready for this?? But I did fine! I get tired very easily still, but I'm back in the loop!

I am feeling pretty good most of the time. My insisions are healing really good, they don't hurt at all anymore. Last couple of days though, feeling sore in the rib area, and lower back? Don't really know where that is coming from but... very uncomfortable at times. As for my tummy area, it's ok, but at times I feel like someones been digging around in there! Ha, wonder why, right? But... just a weird feeling, like things have been moved around! That will pass shortly I am sure!

Well, I have been slowly working on my holiday cards! Yes... I should have done them BEFORE I went into the hospital, but, just didn't get to it! So... hopefully I'll get them out tomorrow or the next day. I know at this point, even though they say Happy Holidays and such, usually means for Christmas and New Years, but maybe we'll get them out for Martin Luther King Day??? Oh.... but maybe they are for the holiday season, I just didn't specify WHAT YEAR! =) Oh well, hopefully everyone will understand!

Well, I hope everyone is doing good, getting ready for family time together. We usually have all the holidays here at our home, but this year my Aunt Julie has invited us to her home, that will be very nice!!! Maybe I'll take my 1/4 cup of cottage cheese with. =)

Take care my great Team Members! You are a great Support System for me! Thank you!
Love, Eydie

December 2009 Weight Loss Chart

This surgery is not really about weight loss, my focus is on becoming a healthier and better person, inside and out. But... I am stepping on my scale each morning, and enjoying the numbers getting smaller! Some have asked how much, so I will keep this post up-dated with those numbers.

Date:-------------total lost since surgery--------total from highest

December 7, 2009 (day of surgery) _____________ -49
December 14, 2009 (day #8______ -6 ___________ -55
December 15, 2009 (day #9) _____ -9 ___________ -58
December 16, 2009 (day #10)____ -10 ___________ -59
December 17, 2009 (day #11)____ -11 ___________ -60
December 18, 2009 (day #12)____ -14 ___________ -63
December 19, 2009 (day #13)____ -17 ___________ -66
December 20, 2009 (day #14) ____ -19 ___________ -68
2 weeks
December 21, 2009 (Day #15) ____ -21 __________ -70
December 22, 2009 (Day #16) Stayed the same ___ -70
December 23, 2009 (Day #17) ____ -23 __________ -72
December 24, 2009 (Day #18) ____ -25 __________ -74
December 25, 2009 (Day #19) ____ -26 __________ -75
December 26, 2009 (Day #20) ____ -27 __________ -76
December 27, 2009 (Day #21) ____ -28 __________ -77
3 weeks
December 28, 2009 (Day #22) ____ -29 __________ -78
December 29, 2009 (Day #23) ____ -30 __________ -79
December 30, 2009 (Day #24) Stayed the same ___ -79
December 31, 2009 (Day #25) ____ -31 __________ -80

12-18-09 Stitches Out!

I had my doctor appointment today. All is going very well. The stitches came out, and then they put on little butterfly bandages over the incisions. They are all sealed, but this is just added protection.

They changed another medication today. When I went in, my blood pressure was 100/60. One of my meds was affecting that.

This evening we went to Walmart! Yes... back to civilization!!! Ha, funny they survived without my business these 2 weeks! =) But, it just was nice to walk around, and of course, I know SO many people, so great to be able to chat!!!

Take care everyone and have a great weekend.
Love, Eydie

12-7-09 B4 Pix

Ok, this was Monday morning, December 7, 2009 before we left home! These are my "before" pictures, but I am happy to report that when they weighed me before I went into surgery.... I had lost 49 pounds from my highest point, which was about a year ago. So... at least I have a head start!!! As of this morning, December 17... I have lost 11 pounds since surgery, so my total now is 60 lbs!!!!

I am feeling good, all is going as planned. I am really taking it easy though, careful not to lift anything too heavy, etc. My kids and Neal are helping me so good!

Dad left this morning. Now in Wisconsin. Kind of sad to see him go... ok... VERY SAD TO SEE HIM GO!!!!! But, hopefully the next time I see him, I'll look like a new person, at least a healtier one! When I lose weight, maybe I'll dye my hair Jet Black, and look completely different! Funny, I've ALWAYS wanted Jet Black hair. Anyway... I won't do that, so don't panic. =)

I have a doctor appointment tomorrow, Friday, with the surgeons assistant to check everything out! Hope I get a good report, but all should be fine. I still am not suppose to drive, so Neal's mom, Helen is taking me.

All for now, thanks again... you are a great Team! Love, Eydie

12-15-09 Ben help me with Shelby's hair

I just love this picture! Before I went into the hospital, I was braiding Shelby's hair before school one day, and I made a comment about who would do her hair while I was gone? Benjamin piped up and said he would. He wanted me to teach him how to braid!!! So that night after school, we started on her hair. By the time he got half way down, he was braiding!!! He did it a couple days for school before I went in, then he did it for her the whole time I was gone, and he has even done it a few days since I got home... to help me! Wow.. I was impressed! Isn't this cool?!?!

12-16-09 Stage 3

Today I graduated to Stage 3. I can add a few new foods. Soft eggs, cottage cheese, cream soups. Things that are very soft, and can be mashed with a fork, or soups that have VERY soft meats. For breakfast I had a soft egg... I ate about half of it. For lunch I had cream of chicken soup, that didn't need to be strained. I was very careful with the little pieces of chicken, making sure I chewed very well before swallowing! I had about 1/2 cup of that, and added extra water, making it thinner yet. It does taste good to have some hot meals on such cold and windy days!

My dad leaves in the morning, headed for Wisconsin to Grandma's. Dad is anxious to see his mom and a few of his brothers and sisters there, before heading South to Arizona. I wish I was tagging along, but some day... it will be nice to visit him there. What a great vacation that would be. I will surely miss him, he's been SUCH a great help to me and the kids!!!

More later everyone.. Love always... Eydie

12-15-09 My 1st Pizza Party!!!!

Today has gone well. Last evening I had some problems with breathing and pain, called my hospital, they wanted me to come in and take some x-rays to make sure all was well. I was very impressed, they checked everything! Not really a fun experience, some IV's, checked blood gases, CT scan checking for blood clots, and so on, but so glad they did check it all. So all is still going well.

Ok... I mentioned Pizza Party!! Yes... we all went to my Aunt Julie's this evening for my dad's birthday party. Tomorrow (December 16 he turns 70 years young)! So we had a little party. Pizza Hut Pepperoni Pizzas, bread sticks, salad, cheese slices, etc. Then birthday cake and ice cream! Everyone had a great time!

Ok, Ok.... so what did I eat????? No Pizza!!! That is right! I took my items with me. I had:

4 oz sugar free hot apple cider
3 oz creamy vanilla yogurt

Yes... that was my complete meal! My yogurt was a 4 oz container, and I couldn't even eat it all!!!

Crazy, but sitting there watching everyone else eat, I just was NOT tempted, I do hope this will last forever!!!!

All for tonight my Dear friends, family and followers! Your help and support mean everything to me! Thank you so much!
Love, Eydie =)

What do I eat/drink???

Some have asked what am I eating or drinking now? So thought I'd post what I've had for a couple of days here.

December 12, 2009 ~ Saturday

6:30 AM ~ 4 oz protein shake (this will take me about 30 minutes to finish, just one sip at a time)

Noon ~ 4 oz creamy vanilla pudding (one TINY spoon full at a time)

3:00 PM ~ 1 cup chicken broth (this takes me about 45 minutes to finish)

5:00 PM ~ 1 cup beef broth

7:15 PM ~ 4 oz protein shake

8:00 PM ~ 2.5 oz baby bananas (stage 2)

So this was a total of 332 calories for the day!! Wow... that is usually what I had in one meal... or maybe even one bite?!?!? Yikes!

Today, December 13, 2009 ~ Sunday

8:00 AM ~ 1 cup beef broth

10:30 AM ~ 1 cup tomato soup (this took me almost an hour to finish - it was cold when I got done!)

3:30 PM ~ 4 oz creamy vanilla yogurt

5:30 PM ~ 4 oz beef broth

8:00 PM ~ orange sugar free jello

10:30 PM ~ 4 oz protein shake

This totaled to 450 calories for the day. In between meals, I am suppose to drink water! Just little sips at a time. I know I am not getting enough in yet, but working at it as much as I can!
So anyway... this gives you an idea of what I am eating, and how long it takes to get it in!
Take care everyone! Love, Eydie

12-13-09 Sunday

So many of you have called me via cell phone, or have emailed me personally, or even commented here, thank you SO much! It helps to know I have such wonderful friends and family, such an incredible support system, that will help me succeed to the fullest! So many have had such great advice, what to do... and what not to do! I am doing my VERY best, and I have eaten what they told me TO eat, and have AVOIDED everything they told me not to eat! So far... strictly on a liquid diet, (with smooth vanilla yogurt and clear jello) and I really am NOT hungry! There has been 2 times now, when I hadn't eaten for quite awhile, that I felt that I did need to eat, then about 4 bites later, I was completely satisfied! Yes... I did say satisfied! Incredible. I do know that will change, and will get my appetite back, but... the most important thing right now... not to stretch out my tummy pouch, only put in a tad bit at a time!
I had another wonderful nap this afternoon. When I woke up, I really felt great!!! I did a little bit of laundry. Started the washer, put clothes in, one and two pieces at a time. Then when they were done, piece by piece, I put them into the dryer. When the dryer was done, Benjamin held the basket, and put the basic stuff in, and I hung up the shirts, then he hauled the basket full to the livingroom. So, it just felt good to do something! That is something I WILL need to be careful of though, as I feel better.... I could over-due and cause a problem. I am suppose to keep my lifting UNDER 10 pounds!
My dad is still here, probably until Thursday morning. I sure have appreciated his help!!! But, has been so nice just having my daddy here again! I miss having him living here... but... he has a fabulous wife Glenda, and I couldn't be happier for him! She is a wonderful step-mom... who I most surely consider my Dear Mom now! I also have even more love for her now since she was so supportive of dad coming up here... and for an unlimited time... as long as I needed him! I am doing very well, so I cannot be selfish, and he is looking forward to returning to her as well, what a great feeling! I wouldn't want anything different for dad! He is happy, so I am happy for him! I have the greatest dad in the world!
Oh... blood sugars? I am so excited! I have had 104, 102, so we are getting there! Still go up at times, but they are on their way down!
Some knew I was already having trouble with my feet. The neuropathy that had started in my feet, and toes has disappeared! YEAH!!!
Well, hope you all have had a good weekend. Good days ahead!
More later... Love, Eydie

pix of kids & mommy b4 surgery

The morning of surgery. Shelby, Benjamin and mommy! All prepped and ready to roll! Shelby was in charge of my cell phone, and Benjamin was in charge of my bag of other belongings!! I tried to get Neal to take charge of my purse, but "No Way" so Shelby ended up with that too!

pix 2 days after surgery

Yikes.... kind of numb here, but the worst is over! This was taken Wednesday morning, December 9, 2009. Two days after surgery.

picture of IV site

This is just a picture of my IV site.

picture of surgery morning

December 7, 2009. This is the morning of surgery. I am all ready to go! Benjamin leaning on me! It was VERY hard to say "good-bye" to everyone... but... it is just the beginning of a whole new life for me... a healthier one!

12-12-09 Saturday

I am home! Thank you everyone for the wonderful encouragement! It is great to be home with my family! I came home yesterday, December 11, 2009 at noon. When the kids got off the bus at 3:45 pm, they saw me in the window, and bolted to the house full-tilt!!! We stood in the door and just held each other for about 3 minutes.... what an awesome feeling!!!!
I am doing pretty good, everything I am feeling is absolutely normal they say, and I am ok with it... I can see beyond this, and looking so forward to a healthier future!!!
I did keep a journal while in the hospital, so will write SOME of that on here. Pretty funny at times, as I was in quite a brain fog from the meds! YIKES! Anyway.... I am feeling ok, and the incisions have started to itch some, so a good sign.. they are healing!!! =) Blood sugars this morning were 104..... YES!!!! It's working!!!!!!!!!! This will make it all worth it in the end!!!
Anyway... thank you again everyone... I'll write more later!
Love to all... Eydie =)

Tue Dec 8 Wed Dec 9

Ok, overdue to get an update on here. Been hopping like a cat on a hot tin roof. Eydie is doing ok. The doctor says everything is normal as far as the surgery itself goes.
Eydie has had a little trouble with her oxygen level. She is in discomfort and so she doesn't breathe deep enough. The discomfort is from all the CO2 they pumped into her during the surgery. She can't seem to get rid of it.
She has had trouble keeping down anything that she eats too.
She is also a little behind schedule on getting up and walking. She is doing some but not as much as they would like. Once again due to the discomfort.
On a positive note her blood sugar is looking good giving her hope that her diabetes and insulin dependence will soon be a thing of the past. That's one of the things that the surgery does most of the time.
All in all She's in good spirits and has the attitude that if things work out like they should the temporary pain and discomfort will be worth it for the health benefits and greatly improved quality of life.
She was scheduled to come home today but with the slow progress in the areas mentioned we're not sure if that will actually happen.

Mon Dec. 7, 2009

Hi all, Neal here,
Eydie's surgery went great, they were able to do it laprascopically or however you spell it, so no big incision.
Dad Magsam, my mom, Benjamin, Shelby and I and her Aunt Julie Quick were all there.
After surgery she was pretty groggy and slept for most of the day today.
Toward evening she was awake and alert and they had her sitting up in a chair for a while. As the kids and I were leaving about 9:10 tonight they were getting ready to get her up and have her walk a little. They are having her do some breathing exercises as well. She is having very little pain and no complications so that's great.
Thank you all for thinking about us and for your support.

12-6-09 The night b-4

The night before! I have my bag all packed, ready to leave the house at 5:00 AM. I have had my shower in my special soap. It is "Hibiclens" which is an Anticeptic/Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser. In the morning before I go, I have to shower again, with another packet. I have to be at the hospital by 5:30, and my surgery is scheduled for 7:15 AM.

Shelby has given me 3 of her special stuffed toys to take with me, and Benjamin has given me his special little monkey, to keep me company when they are not there.... so I am set! =) I really don't know who is going to miss who more... them missing me... or me missing them!!! Yikes! My kids and I are always together, except when they are at school. We do everything together.
I had made each of them denim blankets awhile ago, and they have them on their beds... to sleep with while I am gone.

I am done eating now as well... no food, no water, etc. When I brush my teeth now... I have to be careful NOT to swallow anything! So many people told me I better have my fill now, cuz afterwards... I won't be able to eat lots of things. I haven't done that though... just didn't want to eat lots of candy or drink lots of pop, etc... my body just does not need that!!! I will be drinking lots of protein drinks, and much healthier items from now on! I am 45 yrs young.... =) .... and I have a second chance at my health now, so I want to be so careful with it!!!

Thank you again my dear friends and family for your care and concern. Again, if you have ideas and advice for future success... please feel free to send it my way!
I will have my hubby write on here tomorrow evening with an up-date on how things went, to let you know.
g-nite for now... Eydie-PurpleMinnesota

12-4-09

Here it is Friday afternoon. I got my call from the hospital, I am to be there at 5:30 AM! Ohhhh..... Boyyyyy.... it is getting closer!! I am feeling really good about it... but yes... a little nervous! Not too bad though! It seems the kids are even getting a little better with the idea!
My dad arrived Wednesday afternoon... so good to see him again! We miss having mom here... but at least she is enjoying better weather!!!
Winter has set in again.... the ground is white, and it is 13 degrees!
All for now... love to all... Eydie-PurpleMinnesota

12-2-09

Here it is, Wednesday morning, the wee hours! (1:37 am). The last 2 days I have spent so much time at the clinic, getting my "pre-op" physicals, labs and x-rays done. I have been cleared for take-off bright and early Monday morning... December 7th. They will call on Friday afternoon with the time of arrival. Today they have adjusted some of my meds, took me off one, will cut down on another, in preparing for surgery. Also I started a pure protein drink today, getting that boosted up in my system. It wasn't bad tasting at all... a little "grainy" but... maybe if I added a few scoops of vanilla ice cream that would improve it???? =) Ok, Ok.... just kidding!
This evening I sat down and made a big calender for the family. I have my own appointment book that I keep track of EVERYTHING in... that book is my complete life! I would be lost without it. Anyway.... I took a huge sheet of poster board, and made a BIG calender and put the kids' schedule on it. When they need to be driven to school, ride the bus, what activities, and where, when and with who... etc, etc, etc. A mom is a busy person... but it's the absolutely greatest "job" there is, with the most fabulous rewards!! My precious kids are my life! But... the schedule is all mapped out... the freezer is full of meals, just waiting to be put into the oven or crock-pot. I think I have everything set, but probably nothing will go as I have so neatly planned... but I know it will work out just fine, one way or another. Neal will be here, Helen (Neal's mom), my Aunt Julie, dad and the kids, all ready to help!
I am so excited about dad being here tomorrow (or today I guess --- Wednesday). My dad and I are so close... he's always been my best friend! I was always "Daddy's Girl" growing up! He taught me about cars... and he saved me from snakes too.. when I was 16 years old! Ha... you'll have to ask him about that sometime!
Well.. all for this morning! Headed for bed to catch about 4.5 hours of sleep.
G-nite.
Thanks for your concern and support... so greatly appreciated.
Love, Eydie-PurpleMinnesota

12-1-09 Second Post

7 days and counting!!! 7 days until surgery! Excited... but nervous! Now trying to get everything done in a few days, that I feel I need to have done in the next few months, since I won't be able to do much! But.... really I know that doesn't matter.... need to think about what does matter in life, and be ready and prepared each day! The dishes will keep, the dust isn't going anywhere, and the laundry... oh well, we have plenty of clothes! If it was only these things, I probably wouldn't have a problem, but I think I need to clean out the closets, the shelves in the kitchen, bookshelves, etc... Yikes! I should just pay up the bills for the next month and call it good! I don't want anybody shutting off the heat or the lights while I am laying back in my purple recliner! =)
All for today... oh, by the way... wonder if you could send me an email, to let me know if you are getting these messages.
Thank you.. Love to all... Eydie-PurpleMinnesota

Welcome to my first blog here 11-30-09

My Dear Family and Friends, I am creating this blog here to keep you informed on my success from surgery. Monday morning, December 7, 2009. I will be having Gastric Bypass Surgery (Rouex-N-Y). I have some underlying health issues, from when I was so sick 3 years ago, and spent so much time in the hospital. This surgery is to greatly improve, and maybe even cure some of these health problems, and make the others, not quite so aggressive! I am in hopes of being able to have a better quality of life for my family! I want to have many more years to watch my children grow! Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers. I know my family is concerned but they are very supportive and hopeful. If you have had this procedure done, or know of someone who has had it.... I would love some ideas, tips, suggestions, on ways of making this the most successful!

I know this will be a whole new way of life, but I am so hopeful... so excited about becoming healthier, and the added bonus of weight loss! =)

My Dear Dad will be coming up to help me. I am looking forward to having him here, and he can learn the kids' schedules, and the routine of our home. He will be able to see what is normal here! Ha... what a short list this would be! =)

All for now... thank you for your thoughts and support!

Love, Eydie-PurpleMinnesota

Just checking??

Just checking to see if this is going to work. Please respond and let me know. Thank you!!!