Tuesday, January 31, 2012

2 Day and Counting

Here we go. I started a clear liquid regiment today. Will continue tomorrow and then nothing for 24 hours starting at midnight. I have to admit that Broth of any kind is not my favorite but this Campbell s Chicken is not half bad. I found out yesterday that Dry low fat milk is a great source of Whey protein. I was looking for unflavored in the stores yesterday and could find none so I called the Clinic and The RD told me about that. That was great because I have about 3 or 4  bags of that in the pantry. Yeah me. 


Don't forget about the walk a thon coming this spring in Grand Jct, CO. I should have more details to post tomorrow. I will also add it to my permanent reminders on the side. 


So when I got on the scale this am I was at 436 which is not bad. that makes a total of 135 pounds in 13 months. That is over 1/3 of the way. 


So my plans are as follows:
follow the doctors orders: low activity, walking. 
then about 4 weeks after surgery, I hope, I will get my 1 year membership at the rec center started. The physical Adviser/Trainer from the clinic will come down and help me set up a exercise routine. Thank Coleen. 
follow the eating schedule. protein first. 
keep all doctor appointments and follow ups. 


I think I am more excited than nervous at this point. I know it is a lot better feeling than I had when the surgery was scheduled for the 31st. Just have to know God had his reasons for postponing it for 2 days. 

Well take care. I will be back tomorrow with more info.


Take care and Take GOD!

Tom

Monday, January 30, 2012

WoW Getting Close 3 to Go

Well here we go. Only 3 more days. I go into the clinic on Wednesday for a pre-surgery weigh in, then on Thursday 11:15 am it begins. I wish I had a video camera to log this but will get some pics to post. Will have new pics on Wednesday for here on the changing me at bottom. 

I want to mention that there will be a walk-a-thon in Grand Junction this spring. I will get more info on Wednesday and get it posted ASAP.

So it has been quite a journey for those of you out there who have shared in that thank you. It has not been easy and it will not get easy just because of surgery. It is work anyway you choose to loose weight. I would be honored to help any of you with ideas, tips, or just laughs. 

So keep an upper lip and don't give up. Remember the only way to fail is not to try at all. Believe in yourself and get a strong support around you. They are out there believe me. An excuse is that an excuse. Today is the day, take that stand right know because for those who are like me if you don;t there may not be a tomorrow! 

Stress Reducers:
Deep Breathing
Exercise
Talking with friends

Words of Wisdom:
When you think you can not do one more step, or lift one more weight, take a deep breath and do two more.

May the Lord continue to bless and lead you all.

Tom

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Getting Closer and More Than Ready!

I guess it is just hard to believe that this is really happening. This is my third try at this. The other two times insurance shot it down before we even got started. But this time was different and there are a few key points why.

1. I had a medical professional who not only has worked with me and supported me all the way through this. (she is the one that really got the ball rolling) but believed in me.

2. A bariatric team that, as far as I am concerned, is the top in the world! Dr Hanly, Karen, Summer, Mary Lou, Coleen, Kay and the whole gang!

3. A church family that have made this journey every step of the way with me.

4. Support and encouragement from around the world. Literally!

5. Family that although they are not completely on board, most are not stumbling blocks.

6. Many friends from my many journeys in life who through networking like Facebook and Twitter have joined this journey with nothing but great support.

7. The Support group and friends I have made through the clinic that have shared stories, concerns, and victories. (Thanks Mike, Bobbie, Lisa, Julie, Jerra and so many others that are more than I have time to type. but you all are greatly appreciated and respected by me. 

8. And lastly but in no way least, Is My GOD!  Without him I would not have had the strength to resist the food temptations, overcome terrible food addictions, the hundreds of people I would have never have met  through this blog, twitter and Facebook.

9. The old friends (and if I don't mention your name know I still think about our adventures together) Marni, Katie, Coops, Shannon, Vicky and Michael. Dale and Micheal, Shelly, Greg, Laura, Tony, Mark and so many others. I do have to say what a wonder social networking is. Like all things it can be used badly but it has brought me fond memories of youth through reconnecting with many I had the privilege of growing up with and going to school with.

10. I would be amiss If I did not recognize the Men and Women who have help me get the right paperwork put together when it came to applying for my disability, caseworkers and more, Jim Thank you for your patients and knowledge. 

11. I promise to stop even though I could go on for hours but to Sean Anderson. A young man who started out much like me, over 500 pounds and braved the possible ridicule to blog of his journey.  Although are paths differ I know that when I reach that point of where Sean is now I will experience the greatness of freedom from this prison called, Morbid Obesity!


I look at this list and start to realize how lucky I am to have known so many people and whom I must have made some kind of impression on. (hopefully good) lol


So there is my version of mushy. lol I will enter into the second leg of this journey on Feb 2 at 11:15 am. All of your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated. 

God Bless and keep you all safe.


Tom

Friday, January 27, 2012

Set Back but Not Defeated (UPDATE)

Well I finished all the testing and paperwork for the surgery today. All is approved and ready to rock and roll. But there was a mix up on the scandalizing so I will not be having surgery on the 31st as planned. It will be sometime in Feb but do not have a solid date yet. So onward we travel on this journey. If it did not have any bumps or twists it would not be very interesting would it? 

Weight loss as of yesterday morning was 134 pounds. Not bad for a year hey. Was it easy  NO. Was it worth it  Absolutely.  It only gets better from here, so hang on and continue this little journey with me!

As of approx 10 am MST(North America) I will be having surgery on Feb 2nd at 11:15 AM. That was some pretty fancy foot work there!

Take Care and God Bless


Tom



Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Side Effects

Well I have been having some issues with about passing out the last two days. I don't pass out but everything gets blacked out and roaring in my ears. I talked with the Nurse and Dietician and it is probably due to the low amount of calories in this pre op diet. Ate a snack and felt better. Going in on Thursday for pre op tests and a pre op class. Getting closer.

4 days down 6 to go.

Hope you all are having a great week!

Tom


Monday, January 23, 2012

Contdown Continues and a recipe






So there are now 7 days to go till the day. Not much going on today. Got up to 47 degrees according to my temp gauge. Other than that not a lot. I usually share a recipe on Sundays and did sort of yesterday but here is one that just looked to good to pass up. serves two, takes 25 min to prep and 25 min to cook. 

  

 INGREDIENTS

Filling
1/4 cup sliced (1/4-inch-thick) zucchini
1/4 cup thinly sliced onion
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper (1/4 medium)
1/4 cup chopped yellow or green bell pepper (1/4 medium)
1/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper

Omelet
1 carton (8 oz) fat-free egg product (1 cup) or 4 eggs
1 tablespoon fat-free (skim) milk

Toppings
1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese (1 oz)
1 small plum (Roma) tomato, sliced

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut zucchini slices into quarters. Heat 10- or 8-inch nonstick skillet with sloping sides (omelet pan) over medium heat. Add zucchini and remaining filling ingredients; cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Remove cooked vegetables from skillet; place on plate and cover to keep warm. Cool skillet 1 minute; wipe clean with paper towel.

2. In small bowl, mix egg product and milk. Heat same skillet over medium heat. Pour egg mixture into skillet; cook 4 to 5 minutes without stirring but lifting edges occasionally to allow uncooked egg mixture to flow to bottom of skillet, until mixture is set but top is still moist.

3. Spoon cooked vegetables onto half of omelet; sprinkle with cheese. With wide spatula, loosen edge of omelet and fold over vegetables. Arrange tomato slices on top of omelet.
This is a great way to get your vegetables at breakfast! Red, yellow and green bell peppers are high in vitamin C, and all the vegetables provide fiber.

Take it for a test drive and let me know about it.
Have a great night or day which ever it is where you are at.

May God richly bless you.

Tom