Down 12.5 lbs. I shit you not. Woohoo!
Makes it slightly more 'palatable' (ha) to not be gorging on turkey and fixins today. We still have plenty of thanks to celebrate all around so it's still a very Happy Thanksgiving.
We did light a fire at 8am and plan to spend the rest of the day stoking it.
In either case, it will be a lovely day off even sans gut busting tryptophan induced mid aftn coma!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
NH in the Hizzouse and how much could ONE PILL possibly cost?!
Had a visitor today - yay! Took the mind off my all liquid day. And it was good to have someone over - esp who got to see the new house. Plus Azmo was WAY excited -- another DOG person, pant, pant, jump jump... wag wag wag. Nicole brightened my day - thank you dear!! Plus she brought a wonderful goodie bag for pre and post surgery which was super thoughtful! SF water mix-ins, Carnation instant breakfast, an awesome celeb addition crossword puzzle book and a mug to make my liquid drinks at least a little more fashionable.
I had a really good (ie disciplined, followed diet to a tee) day -- so I'm hopeful - even if it took a week to get here - that I kinda rounded the hump! It's hard to become really hungry/crave an 8oz protein shake... so if anything I'm more generally bored w it all. BUT I'm keeping w/in the appropriate snacks, foods, etc. I can't find SHIT for flavors beyond the vanilla and chocolate -- it's gotta be the HIGH PROTEIN SLIMFAST.
So please keep your eye open for other flavors -- or pls pass on recommendations on where I can find other good uns...
I did mix in some leftover coffee this AM so that was a real life saver as I rounded the aftn on my 2nd 'meal' - w 1 apple, 2 2%milk Polly O's and 8oz of morning slimfast in my belly...
It costs HOW much?!
So our health insurance has gotten shittier like yr by yr the last hmm 4 years or so...
Now that we've at least moved away from the sham of a Health Savings Acct (not to be confused w the awesome concept of a Flex Spend Acct... let's just say 'savings' was an aspirational term) - we have some deductible to satisfy as well as then a co-insurance to pay until we finally reach some ungodly amount of 'Max out of pocket' - which is like thousands of dollars - on top of what we pay each paycheck twice a month...
So even though this surgery is 'approved' by Aetna, it's still gonna cost all told approx $2K. Still a far cry better than no coverage at all - which is like 10times that BUT still absurd given what I'm shelling out each paycheck - I mean it costs $200 to check my cholesterol?! geebus -- this after not seeing a SINGLE bill after my back surgery - which was more invasive, 4 times longer and also an overnight stay...
SO to my point -- the absurdity of insurance expense and how I can absolutely understand those 'I had insurance but still had to declare bankruptcy' commercials that ran incessantly during the campaigns...
I picked up the rx at Target this aftn. Refresher for those reading my earlier post -- it was for 1 pill - ONE PILL...
And how much did that ONE pill cost???
$25
ironically - it was for 1 pill that's an anti-nausea med... which is ironic bc I about PUKED when I heard the price... and then of course... paid it.
Dammit.
About those commercials...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6895896/
Apparently I'm only $10K shy of being the avg medical expenses incurred of those having to declare bankruptcy - and that's those WITH insurance...
absurd
Some petitions to sign here urging healthcare reform... on divided we fail
http://www.aarp.org/issues/dividedwefail/
I had a really good (ie disciplined, followed diet to a tee) day -- so I'm hopeful - even if it took a week to get here - that I kinda rounded the hump! It's hard to become really hungry/crave an 8oz protein shake... so if anything I'm more generally bored w it all. BUT I'm keeping w/in the appropriate snacks, foods, etc. I can't find SHIT for flavors beyond the vanilla and chocolate -- it's gotta be the HIGH PROTEIN SLIMFAST.
So please keep your eye open for other flavors -- or pls pass on recommendations on where I can find other good uns...
I did mix in some leftover coffee this AM so that was a real life saver as I rounded the aftn on my 2nd 'meal' - w 1 apple, 2 2%milk Polly O's and 8oz of morning slimfast in my belly...
It costs HOW much?!
So our health insurance has gotten shittier like yr by yr the last hmm 4 years or so...
Now that we've at least moved away from the sham of a Health Savings Acct (not to be confused w the awesome concept of a Flex Spend Acct... let's just say 'savings' was an aspirational term) - we have some deductible to satisfy as well as then a co-insurance to pay until we finally reach some ungodly amount of 'Max out of pocket' - which is like thousands of dollars - on top of what we pay each paycheck twice a month...
So even though this surgery is 'approved' by Aetna, it's still gonna cost all told approx $2K. Still a far cry better than no coverage at all - which is like 10times that BUT still absurd given what I'm shelling out each paycheck - I mean it costs $200 to check my cholesterol?! geebus -- this after not seeing a SINGLE bill after my back surgery - which was more invasive, 4 times longer and also an overnight stay...
SO to my point -- the absurdity of insurance expense and how I can absolutely understand those 'I had insurance but still had to declare bankruptcy' commercials that ran incessantly during the campaigns...
I picked up the rx at Target this aftn. Refresher for those reading my earlier post -- it was for 1 pill - ONE PILL...
And how much did that ONE pill cost???
$25
ironically - it was for 1 pill that's an anti-nausea med... which is ironic bc I about PUKED when I heard the price... and then of course... paid it.
Dammit.
About those commercials...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6895896/
Apparently I'm only $10K shy of being the avg medical expenses incurred of those having to declare bankruptcy - and that's those WITH insurance...
absurd
Some petitions to sign here urging healthcare reform... on divided we fail
http://www.aarp.org/issues/dividedwefail/
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Day 6
I'm holding off on weighing in until Thursday - so I've got a week's worth of progress in the resulting #...
It's been hard - esp with a weekend that included a houseguest, boozing, snacks, pizza delivery and 2 (ACC and NFL) football games! But I stuck to my guns - and complained a lot... which unfortunately is what Rob gets since he's not also liver shrinking :(
It's also really hard when I'm not super busy - which week of Thanksgiving isn't exactly the busiest week at work...
Yesterday I got to spend 4 hours in St Mary's - ugg! It was for all of about 30 actual minutes of tests and an appt w the NP at the surgeon's office... I also apparently continue to have temperamental veins which is really fun when they need to fill 5 vials w it... luckily the dude got it on the 2nd try and I dried up w just enough in the 5th vial... surprisingly little bruising from it! This is yet another examples substatiating my reluctance to participate in blood drives... and IV drug use...
I got an rx for 1 - ONE - pill... i kid you not. It's an anti-nausea med for right before surgery as a precaution. And Target will be giving me a $10 giftcard for that ONE pill - woot! Good timing on the coupons!
Otherwise I've got more info from the drs - plenty of reading materials for the week/weekend pre surgery. This supplement goes into weeks 2 and 3 post surgery so it talks about the 'mushies' I can eat... And given that I could probably entirely subsist on potatoes, those I think will be good weeks for me ;) I'm already brainstorming how to make 'high protein mashed potatoes.'
Anyone tried powdered milk? How god awful is it??
I will let you know on Thursday how much I've lost on shrinking - I know I need to boost water consumption already - and that will make a diff in the bottomline too but you learn as you go! That will mark completion of week 1...
It's been hard - esp with a weekend that included a houseguest, boozing, snacks, pizza delivery and 2 (ACC and NFL) football games! But I stuck to my guns - and complained a lot... which unfortunately is what Rob gets since he's not also liver shrinking :(
It's also really hard when I'm not super busy - which week of Thanksgiving isn't exactly the busiest week at work...
Yesterday I got to spend 4 hours in St Mary's - ugg! It was for all of about 30 actual minutes of tests and an appt w the NP at the surgeon's office... I also apparently continue to have temperamental veins which is really fun when they need to fill 5 vials w it... luckily the dude got it on the 2nd try and I dried up w just enough in the 5th vial... surprisingly little bruising from it! This is yet another examples substatiating my reluctance to participate in blood drives... and IV drug use...
I got an rx for 1 - ONE - pill... i kid you not. It's an anti-nausea med for right before surgery as a precaution. And Target will be giving me a $10 giftcard for that ONE pill - woot! Good timing on the coupons!
Otherwise I've got more info from the drs - plenty of reading materials for the week/weekend pre surgery. This supplement goes into weeks 2 and 3 post surgery so it talks about the 'mushies' I can eat... And given that I could probably entirely subsist on potatoes, those I think will be good weeks for me ;) I'm already brainstorming how to make 'high protein mashed potatoes.'
Anyone tried powdered milk? How god awful is it??
I will let you know on Thursday how much I've lost on shrinking - I know I need to boost water consumption already - and that will make a diff in the bottomline too but you learn as you go! That will mark completion of week 1...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Day 1
Yah... not so fun...
Thank goodness I had a wootoff to keep me busy. www.woot.com and I fell asleep on the couch for basically the entire dinner time couple hours... well that's one way to do it eh?
Thank goodness I had a wootoff to keep me busy. www.woot.com and I fell asleep on the couch for basically the entire dinner time couple hours... well that's one way to do it eh?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Dreaming of a White Thanksgiving?!
Apparently it's going to be snowing in the morning...
for those of you not up to speed on local weather... that'll mean it will be snowing AGAIN. yes, AGAIN...
It snowed pretty much all day yesterday.
No complaints here!
for those of you not up to speed on local weather... that'll mean it will be snowing AGAIN. yes, AGAIN...
It snowed pretty much all day yesterday.
No complaints here!
Eyes bigger than my stomach?!
Umm last supper... good... too good...
Dear god - if this is anything like the fullness I'm supposedly going to feel after 1/2c food in future, sign me up... though I'm a little on the uncomfortably so side of the house...
And you know, I think in the future my eyes will be about the size of my stomach (pouch)!
Dear god - if this is anything like the fullness I'm supposedly going to feel after 1/2c food in future, sign me up... though I'm a little on the uncomfortably so side of the house...
And you know, I think in the future my eyes will be about the size of my stomach (pouch)!
Last Supper
So what would you do if you knew you were about to go from a stomach that holds 6 cups to one that holds about 1/2 cup at a time? And that you'd be 'eating' mostly liquid protein shakes w the occasional lean meat and veggie for the foreseeable future (month)
Umm well I think you're an idiot and in denial if you don't give some attention to it as a 'Last Supper'...
So what have I done knowing this the last few weeks?
And in the last few days, working through our leftovers as well...
And then come morning... dum dum dum dum...
BRING IT ON SLIMFAST!
Umm well I think you're an idiot and in denial if you don't give some attention to it as a 'Last Supper'...
So what have I done knowing this the last few weeks?
- Had a meal at perhaps every fast food joint around (well the biggies - Hardees, McD's, Wendy's, Taco Hell) - it would normally be about a year to log a check on each spot on this list...
- Made Thanksgiving on Sunday - all the fixins - turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, creamed onions, creamed peas and new potatoes (for Rob), mashed potatoes, rolls, cranberry sauce, gravy
And in the last few days, working through our leftovers as well...
- Rob and I went to Silver Diner on Monday night (relative letdown)
- Carolina and I hit up Copper Grill for lunch today
- (there was also a cancelled trip to Panera for breakfast this AM - sorry to Allison :( -- apparently sleep will always win over food... at least in the morning!)
- I think tonight we'll opt for NY Slice w its heavenly ricotta cheese
And then come morning... dum dum dum dum...
BRING IT ON SLIMFAST!
On a clear day you can see a long, long time ago...
So I feel it appropriate to keep this title somewhere on the blog - even if it's been unseated as the blogname... it's logged a lot of miles but I think it's time for something a little less dwell-y, melancholy and more in the here and now...
It was a quote I randomly came across my first year at UVA during no doubt some useless timewasting 'altavista' search or some other now nonexistant search engine... searching for quotes - who knows why or what kind of quotes but I came across it and haven't shaken it from my synapses yet... it was merely attributed to 'anonymous Chinese'. From that day on it became mine - well not in a plagiaristic sorta way of course.
It ended up being the inscription on my Jefferson cups at graduation and on those I had engraved for a friend... a friend who I haven't heard from in years - I often wonder if she doesn't look at them once in a while and perhaps think of me... or at least us -- as brothers (Phi Sigma Pi) and wahoos and well exactly who everyone hopes to find in college - part of a great group of folks you could never replace and that are pervasive in all your memories from 4years...
So as it's the night before my liver shrinking starts and to an extent I feel like I'm embarking on a journey, a new path - something you can't characterize without sounding like a cheeseball... I find myself seeking -- googling (sounds way better than 'altavista'ing') new quotes... new guidance... I much prefer Aristotle's simple characterization of happiness -- but I did find this particular Stephen Covey quote pertinent to here and now... And as if life's all one mobius circle, of course I was introduced to Covey at UVA...
"Happiness can be defined, in part at least, as the fruit of the desire and ability to sacrifice what we want now for what we want eventually."
It was a quote I randomly came across my first year at UVA during no doubt some useless timewasting 'altavista' search or some other now nonexistant search engine... searching for quotes - who knows why or what kind of quotes but I came across it and haven't shaken it from my synapses yet... it was merely attributed to 'anonymous Chinese'. From that day on it became mine - well not in a plagiaristic sorta way of course.
It ended up being the inscription on my Jefferson cups at graduation and on those I had engraved for a friend... a friend who I haven't heard from in years - I often wonder if she doesn't look at them once in a while and perhaps think of me... or at least us -- as brothers (Phi Sigma Pi) and wahoos and well exactly who everyone hopes to find in college - part of a great group of folks you could never replace and that are pervasive in all your memories from 4years...
So as it's the night before my liver shrinking starts and to an extent I feel like I'm embarking on a journey, a new path - something you can't characterize without sounding like a cheeseball... I find myself seeking -- googling (sounds way better than 'altavista'ing') new quotes... new guidance... I much prefer Aristotle's simple characterization of happiness -- but I did find this particular Stephen Covey quote pertinent to here and now... And as if life's all one mobius circle, of course I was introduced to Covey at UVA...
"Happiness can be defined, in part at least, as the fruit of the desire and ability to sacrifice what we want now for what we want eventually."
'I O U' -- signed Witty Blog Title
Ugg... I'm at a loss... and just found that apparently this title was also snagged by some Christian novel that no doubts touts the virtues of virginity until matrimony...
HAHA perhaps I should reclaim this title for secularism...
HAHA perhaps I should reclaim this title for secularism...
Friday, November 14, 2008
GREEN eggs and Turkey??
Title is misleading but it's the best I could figure to link my 2 topics :)
GREEN (eggs) :
Went to a greening the office lecture at work yesterday... very interesting -- for those who don't know I'm in a grass roots group working to promote green awareness at work. It's great - mostly bc the folks I am working with on it ROCK - it's an act of love in that it's 'extra curricular' if you will - read - it's done on my own time and won't be in my review, etc. We're starting to actually get some stuff done - so it makes it all the more awesome. ANYWAY, SO lecture -- apparently we have our first LEED platinum building almost complete in VA! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership_in_Energy_and_Environmental_Design)
It's a gym. So - you think they use the energy expended on the machines to power the building?
... and Turkey
SO this weekend is BIG -- it will be substitute Thanksgiving! Very excited to get a flier from Trader Joe's -- their big Turkey Day one. They start stocking fresh, free range, veggie feed turkeys TODAY (how convenient) AND they come pre-brined!! If you haven't done a brined turkey, I will attest to it being PHENOMENAL... but taking all the work out of it is even better... and they have pre-done fixins.
Anyone wanna come over for Thanksgiving this weekend? Call me!
Oh and somehow I'm seeing the most scrumptious holiday goodies for great deals EVER - again w the poor timing...
Wine.woot has an amazing 2 torte sampler -- perfect to bring for fam Turkey Day --
http://wine.woot.com/
AND... also David's, a super sampler pack for cheap --
http://kitchen-dining.hsn.com/davids-cookies-5-5-lb-try-it-all-assortment_p-2411932_xp.aspx?web_id=2411932
currently SOLD OUT but promised to be restocked...
I figure I'd pass them on since I won't be partaking this year! I will miss the annual baking of the Xmas cookies -- though Rob may miss it more...
GREEN (eggs) :
Went to a greening the office lecture at work yesterday... very interesting -- for those who don't know I'm in a grass roots group working to promote green awareness at work. It's great - mostly bc the folks I am working with on it ROCK - it's an act of love in that it's 'extra curricular' if you will - read - it's done on my own time and won't be in my review, etc. We're starting to actually get some stuff done - so it makes it all the more awesome. ANYWAY, SO lecture -- apparently we have our first LEED platinum building almost complete in VA! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership_in_Energy_and_Environmental_Design)
It's a gym. So - you think they use the energy expended on the machines to power the building?
... and Turkey
SO this weekend is BIG -- it will be substitute Thanksgiving! Very excited to get a flier from Trader Joe's -- their big Turkey Day one. They start stocking fresh, free range, veggie feed turkeys TODAY (how convenient) AND they come pre-brined!! If you haven't done a brined turkey, I will attest to it being PHENOMENAL... but taking all the work out of it is even better... and they have pre-done fixins.
Anyone wanna come over for Thanksgiving this weekend? Call me!
Oh and somehow I'm seeing the most scrumptious holiday goodies for great deals EVER - again w the poor timing...
Wine.woot has an amazing 2 torte sampler -- perfect to bring for fam Turkey Day --
http://wine.woot.com/
AND... also David's, a super sampler pack for cheap --
http://kitchen-dining.hsn.com/davids-cookies-5-5-lb-try-it-all-assortment_p-2411932_xp.aspx?web_id=2411932
currently SOLD OUT but promised to be restocked...
I figure I'd pass them on since I won't be partaking this year! I will miss the annual baking of the Xmas cookies -- though Rob may miss it more...
Progress... and the crappiest of timing... it figgers...
Progress! Yay! Timing -- BOO!
Got my date -- only thanks to USPS bc the surgery office sent it to the old address. Thank GOODNESS for whatever wonderful granny sits back there sorting change of address and importance for those COAs that are expired (ie MINE)
Date is December 5th. Oops make that December 4th - they had a cancellation and I literally got the call while I was posting about the date... haha... their loss, my gain which will eventually be my loss... yes punny i know...
Why that is great:
Thanksgiving will be during Liver Shrinking
Xmas will be during semi-soft phase
So I'm over the feasties BUT
Why it sucks:
Xmas Angel Tree shopping (w lunch) for work - during liver shrinking
Xmas party for work at Richbrau - night of surgery
Xmas mixer for UVA alums - night of surgery
Xmas party at Maggianos - also for work - 4 days after surgery (and while i'm still recovering)
Xmas party w friends - (tacky sweater - what a great idea?!) - day after release from hospy
Xmas party w friends - (ornament exchange - classic!) - week after surgery (recovery)
Love the timing... how murphy's law...
But I will say I haven't been much of the social butterfly I was when I was smaller - up in Arlington and first dating Rob. Last year we RSVP'ed to a party we bailed on last minute... we are both good at being hermits together... so reality is we'd probably bail on half these or show up to make an appearance (read: work parties) and then slyly slink out when no one is looking...
So I'll look at this as my last hermit holidays and make sure you guys REMIND me next year this time of this commentary :)
Got my date -- only thanks to USPS bc the surgery office sent it to the old address. Thank GOODNESS for whatever wonderful granny sits back there sorting change of address and importance for those COAs that are expired (ie MINE)
Date is December 5th. Oops make that December 4th - they had a cancellation and I literally got the call while I was posting about the date... haha... their loss, my gain which will eventually be my loss... yes punny i know...
Why that is great:
Thanksgiving will be during Liver Shrinking
Xmas will be during semi-soft phase
So I'm over the feasties BUT
Why it sucks:
Xmas Angel Tree shopping (w lunch) for work - during liver shrinking
Xmas party for work at Richbrau - night of surgery
Xmas mixer for UVA alums - night of surgery
Xmas party at Maggianos - also for work - 4 days after surgery (and while i'm still recovering)
Xmas party w friends - (tacky sweater - what a great idea?!) - day after release from hospy
Xmas party w friends - (ornament exchange - classic!) - week after surgery (recovery)
Love the timing... how murphy's law...
But I will say I haven't been much of the social butterfly I was when I was smaller - up in Arlington and first dating Rob. Last year we RSVP'ed to a party we bailed on last minute... we are both good at being hermits together... so reality is we'd probably bail on half these or show up to make an appearance (read: work parties) and then slyly slink out when no one is looking...
So I'll look at this as my last hermit holidays and make sure you guys REMIND me next year this time of this commentary :)
Friday, November 7, 2008
More info
Here's a video/pics of the band/procedure. It's 5 or fewer incisions - the largest of which is 1.5".
http://www.realizeband.com/dtcf/pages/how-realize-works.htm
This is Johnson and Johnson's version (the 2nd now on the market) - basically designed the same as the 'Lap Band' - it has a lower 'profile' port - makes a difference when you're thin enough for it to possibly be seen - and has a TON of online support for post surgery - including monitoring, recipes, support groups, etc.
St Mary's also has weekly free support groups.
Those of you who know of my 'extended butt crack' from my laminectomy -- this'll be like a baby scar :) It also doesn't require anything - you can put bandaids on them if you want but not necessary - just wash w soap and water. Now THAT is a HUGE relief compared to the back surgery...
http://www.realizeband.com/dtcf/pages/how-realize-works.htm
This is Johnson and Johnson's version (the 2nd now on the market) - basically designed the same as the 'Lap Band' - it has a lower 'profile' port - makes a difference when you're thin enough for it to possibly be seen - and has a TON of online support for post surgery - including monitoring, recipes, support groups, etc.
St Mary's also has weekly free support groups.
Those of you who know of my 'extended butt crack' from my laminectomy -- this'll be like a baby scar :) It also doesn't require anything - you can put bandaids on them if you want but not necessary - just wash w soap and water. Now THAT is a HUGE relief compared to the back surgery...
Puts the DYS in dysfunctional...
OH so there was a really disturbing family at the class on Monday night. SO some folks had family members (read: spouses) that also came to the classes -- mostly the couple of men who were there had their wives w them (i'm being stereotypical but guessing it's bc they have to deal w the food/shopping). So this family -- mom, dad and daughter were there. Dad at one point makes a comment that he's the one who needs the surgery and began getting more info about it but his WIFE is going to be the first to get it bc she's the 'guinea pig' -- how effed is that?!
And then the daughter pipes up that she's had the surgery like 10 years ago (not looking so much like it right now if you get my drift) and then goes on to say she got preggers 24mos after it and had pre-clampsia (i'm sure i'm not spelling that right) and gained 60lbs including 17lbs of water in like a day... so she 'claims' it ruined her band...
I am *sure* that condition is horrible - and i do not deny her that... BUT I called my old neighbor Mary Jo - a nurse and my first friend to tell me about her band... she's PHENOMENAL. SO i tell her this story and she basically calls BS on her 'my band was ruined'. It's surgical grade silicone - i mean this is what boob implants are made of! Also the newest updates they've made make it unbucklable so for any complications, they can basically just unbuckle it until the issue is resolved and then rebuckle...
Anyway, it just reinforced how this is an ind'l thing and it takes mental fortitude as well. Like I've heard in every seminar - they're not operating on your brain...
And then the daughter pipes up that she's had the surgery like 10 years ago (not looking so much like it right now if you get my drift) and then goes on to say she got preggers 24mos after it and had pre-clampsia (i'm sure i'm not spelling that right) and gained 60lbs including 17lbs of water in like a day... so she 'claims' it ruined her band...
I am *sure* that condition is horrible - and i do not deny her that... BUT I called my old neighbor Mary Jo - a nurse and my first friend to tell me about her band... she's PHENOMENAL. SO i tell her this story and she basically calls BS on her 'my band was ruined'. It's surgical grade silicone - i mean this is what boob implants are made of! Also the newest updates they've made make it unbucklable so for any complications, they can basically just unbuckle it until the issue is resolved and then rebuckle...
Anyway, it just reinforced how this is an ind'l thing and it takes mental fortitude as well. Like I've heard in every seminar - they're not operating on your brain...
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The skinny is...
My most recent developments:
Surgery approval - CHECK
4 hr class w scary and way too much information - CHECK
Surgery scheduled - not yet -- WTF! Aetna's approval expires 12/5 so I am using my deductive reasoning skills to figure it'll be done by then...
I have to get a bevvy of tests beforehand for my 'baseline' -- blood, EKG, chest xray... hopefully nothing that involves forcing me to run a treadmill until I fall off...
OK so the good stuff -- liver shrinking diet for 2 weeks pre-surgery - shrinks your liver by 1/3rd by burning off all the sugar and so you convert to burning fat (ketosis)...
Liver Shrinking Diet --
Protein shake - Slim Fast High Protein, Boost Optima -- some carbs but few... approx 15g protein
Snack -- fruit
Protein shake -- same as above
Snack - 1/2 cup cottage cheese, yogurt (no fruit/sugar added crap) or 1 skim mozz cheese stick
Meal -- 4oz protein (anything but red/fatty meats), unlimited veggies -- no oils or fats for dressing -- they recommend 10squirts of those salad spritzer thingers... never had them - I hope they don't SUCK...
Ok onto some other whackyass stuff you have to do... I have this breathy thing to ensure I keep deep breathing post surgery -- I also am walking around every 2hrs at least - and I have to spend time sitting as well. I can bring my own lounge clothes and pajamas -- WOOT WOOT!!
I may have to breakdown and buy a crappy ass pair of crocs -- they say slip on shoes so you don't have to bend to get your shoes on to walk... please tell me - anyone else have something better to recommend?!
I also have to drink 1.5 oz of water over HALF AN HOUR, then they do it again and you take 15 minutes, then 10, then 3 to 5minutes... they say this is your going rate then... basically no crazy gulping down water - or like a funnel, it may 'overflow' -- read: Kate pukeys.
Before I am released (just there overnight) -- I have to get another chest xray w contrast to make sure everything looks good... fun fun...
Post surgery I am all liquid - 60g protein via shakes a day... they gave us some 'creative' ideas on that... and cue the '200 protein shake recipes' I bought off ebay for $3! The dr tells you when you can actually begin going 'mushy' -- at least a week out - possibly longer...
OK - that's all I can muster -- work calls!
Surgery approval - CHECK
4 hr class w scary and way too much information - CHECK
Surgery scheduled - not yet -- WTF! Aetna's approval expires 12/5 so I am using my deductive reasoning skills to figure it'll be done by then...
I have to get a bevvy of tests beforehand for my 'baseline' -- blood, EKG, chest xray... hopefully nothing that involves forcing me to run a treadmill until I fall off...
OK so the good stuff -- liver shrinking diet for 2 weeks pre-surgery - shrinks your liver by 1/3rd by burning off all the sugar and so you convert to burning fat (ketosis)...
Liver Shrinking Diet --
Protein shake - Slim Fast High Protein, Boost Optima -- some carbs but few... approx 15g protein
Snack -- fruit
Protein shake -- same as above
Snack - 1/2 cup cottage cheese, yogurt (no fruit/sugar added crap) or 1 skim mozz cheese stick
Meal -- 4oz protein (anything but red/fatty meats), unlimited veggies -- no oils or fats for dressing -- they recommend 10squirts of those salad spritzer thingers... never had them - I hope they don't SUCK...
Ok onto some other whackyass stuff you have to do... I have this breathy thing to ensure I keep deep breathing post surgery -- I also am walking around every 2hrs at least - and I have to spend time sitting as well. I can bring my own lounge clothes and pajamas -- WOOT WOOT!!
I may have to breakdown and buy a crappy ass pair of crocs -- they say slip on shoes so you don't have to bend to get your shoes on to walk... please tell me - anyone else have something better to recommend?!
I also have to drink 1.5 oz of water over HALF AN HOUR, then they do it again and you take 15 minutes, then 10, then 3 to 5minutes... they say this is your going rate then... basically no crazy gulping down water - or like a funnel, it may 'overflow' -- read: Kate pukeys.
Before I am released (just there overnight) -- I have to get another chest xray w contrast to make sure everything looks good... fun fun...
Post surgery I am all liquid - 60g protein via shakes a day... they gave us some 'creative' ideas on that... and cue the '200 protein shake recipes' I bought off ebay for $3! The dr tells you when you can actually begin going 'mushy' -- at least a week out - possibly longer...
OK - that's all I can muster -- work calls!
A shout out to my peeps!
Hi Megan! I'm hoping you're still periodically checking in -- and didn't just give up! I'm planning to be bigger and better this year and in 2009... as the brains behind the operation becomes smaller :)
Hi Ashley!
Hi Ashley!
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