The things that keep me busy

I love drawing with my tablet and mouse. Here are a few images I created over the last couple months trying to keep my mind and hands busy.









If you want to see the fullsize versions of these just visit my site www.redkittiekat.com and click on the graphics button :o)

My 2 Month Anniversary

Well ... It's official ... I am 2 months Post Op.

I can't say it's been a breeze but, I wouldn't change it for anything.

After dealing with my stricture issue and not being able to eat for so long I am finally eating somewhat normally. My last EGD procedure was on the 15th and I have been able to eat nearly 3x a day now with a couple snacks (on a good day) I haven't experienced any dumping persay but I do still throw up within seconds of eating something that just doesn't want to sit too well.
The good part is after that happens, I can find something else to eat and I can usually keep it down.

Things that go down and stay down for me:

Pork cooked to the falling apart stage
Dairy (Milk, yogurt, cheese)
Beef cooked to the falling apart stage
Beans of any sort
boiled or mashed Potatoes
boiled carrots
applesauce
Any type of canned tomato
Toast
Soups
Water and Tea
Shredded wheat and Cornflakes - I let them get somewhat soggy first

Things that don't go down well or won't stay down and I have been avoiding:

Tuna / Salmon (which is sad I love grilled salmon and tuna salad)
chicken
Peanut butter
cabbage
Broccoli
coffee - which again is sad I loved my coffee lol ~ I only have a few sips of 1 cup a week now if that.

The one thing I have a little trouble with unless I poach them is eggs, so I have a poached egg on toast a couple times a week.

Today I tried some raw veggies for the first time:
I put a little lettuce and tomato on toast with a slice of bologna - so far so good

Officially I have lost 27 pounds since surgery. My last weigh in was 2 weeks ago. I don't have a scale. I am going to change that next week. I will be ordering one. I know I have either lost inches or weight because my clothes show it - but I would really like to know. I hate not being able to check lol.

My next appt. is May 14th ~ that is going to kill me to wait that long to know how much I've lost Ahhh!!!!

I have no pain from the surgery. My incisions are completely healed. I really don't ever experience any hunger pangs and I haven't had any pouch or chest pain. So, all in all I think I am doing pretty darn good ..... So that's my story so far. ;o)

Looking Back ...

I got to thinking about everything I have been through to get to this point today. Putting it all down on paper amazed me.

I really have been through quite a few things over the past few months. There were so many requirements in order to even qualify for this surgery.

It was quite a list:

~Oct 2, 2008 - Orientation
~ Nov 12, 2008 - 1st exam with Dr. Clarkes PA
~ Nov 14, 2008 - Surgery Date given 2/23/09
~ Dec 1, 2008 - Neuro consult
~ Dec 11, 2008 - Psych consult, started Medifast
~ Jan 2, 2009 - Cardiac consult
~ Jan 12, 2009 - Pre Op Testing at Ellis (EKG, X-rays, Blood gases)
~ Jan 12, 2009 - Nutrional consult
~ Jan 12, 2009 - Wellness center consult
~ Jan 14, 2009 - 1st Meeting with Dr. Clarke
~ Jan 20, 2009 - Pulmonary consult
~ Jan 22, 2009 - Endrochrin consult
~ Feb 4, 2009 - OBGYN consult
~ Feb 9, 2009 - Pre Admission at Ellis
~ Feb 11, 2009 - 2nd meeting with Dr. Clarke
~ Feb 16, 2009 - Mammogram
~ Feb 20, 2009 - IVC filter placement
~ Feb 23, 2009 - RNY Surgery
~ Mar 18, 2009 - IVC filter removal
~ April 1, 2009 - EGD dilation do to stricture
~ April 15, 2009 - 2nd and hopefully last EGD dilation

Whew! No wonder I'm tired lol... and bear in mind I was going down for weekly visits until the surgery after the Medifast started.

I think this is a good way to show everyone that it isn't the easy way out. It takes a lot of time, money, dedication and determination to go through all this.

But, you know something ... it's all worth it

I feel like a new woman!

I am finally able to eat! I am so excited.

Granted I still have to be careful and follow the guidelines, but I can eat and not have to run to the bathroom to throw up. It's really quite a nice feeling. I am eating three times a day as directed now. I just couldn't do that before this last EGD procedure.

I am able to drink more water which is wonderful. I was so worried I was starting to get dehydrated.

I think I have eaten more protein in the last 4 days than I have in the last 2 months - what a great feeling.

I have been in the kitchen actually cooking for myself. I made split pea soup the other night and it was a big hit. It felt so nice to be able to actually sit and eat dinner with my family again.

Looks like things are getting back on track nicely.

Happy Easter Everyone

... to all those who celebrate I wanted to wish a safe and Happy Easter.

Don't eat too much chocolate lol

Like my ears??

It's been 6 weeks...

Here I am 6 weeks after surgery and not too terribly worse for the wear. The surgery went fairly well. I was able to have it done laparoscopically which was of great relief to me. There was question as to if the Surgeon could get through my scar tissue formed from previous surgeries.

He managed to get through ok but it had to work for it which I so appreciated. What should have only taking 3 hours took 5. But to his credit he kept going versus cutting me wide open. The recovery time would have been so much longer.

I actually recovered so fast I was home 2 days later. I only spent one full day in the hospital. I went in Monday morning and was home Wednesday afternoon. I just looked as though I had been in a knife fight or something ... 5 little stab wounds.

That first week at home was a bit tender. Had to sit and lay down very gingerly. But, after that when I could finally get off my back and actually turn over it was wonderful. I am a side sleeper ... most definitely not a back sleeper.

As far as food goes I was on clear liquid for the first week then I started the pureed diet. That was to go for 4 weeks. The first week wasn't bad lots of jello, broth, mashed potatoes and soft cereals. But I couldn't get anything with protein down other than yogurt. If it had much of a texture even after being pureed just seemed to get stuck and I would lose everything. It just kept getting progressively worse after that. It was to the point I wasn't eating hardly anything at all .. just trying to drink protein drinks - which by the way are disgusting - and drinking lots of water. After seeing my Doctor he suspected I had what is called a stricture.

Now being one who never excelled at very much in my life ... I apparently excel in healing. So, what happened is since I healed so quickly the scar tissue formed too soon and too fast and was closing off my stomach opening. Which of course in turn wasn't allowing anything but very thin type fluids to pass. So it was back on clear liquids for me. I should have been able to eat soft foods by now. I was beginning to get pretty emotional. Everything I tried just kept coming back up. But, now that I had the answer that put my mind at ease and I just had to wait as to how this would be fixed. The only upside to all this is I feel no hunger and there is no pain. I found it ironic that I was now experiencing anorexic symptoms. I didn't eat hardly anything and when I did I would throw up.

That brings us to the beginning of April. On the 2nd I was back at the hospital for a procedure called an EGD. The Doc put a camera down my throat to see what was going on and sure enough it was just that .. a stricture. He then fed a tube down to my stomach and used a balloon type mechanism to expand the opening and break up the scar tissue. I was out at the time. When I woke up it felt like I had a good nap. But I was so thirsty. When I took that first drink of water it was wonderful. I could take a full mouthful. I had only been able to sip or I would get a lot of pressure due to it having trouble passing into my stomach.

My Doctor said it was pretty well sealed off and I was only getting a trickle of fluid through. He wants me to have it done again.

Since then I have been able to eat fairly normally ... in terms of how normal one can eat after bariatric surgery. It takes me nearly an hour to eat about a 1/2 cup of food - that breaks down to about one bite every 6 to 7 minutes. If I eat any faster than that everything will still come back up. I still don't do well with straight protein. It feels as though it just gets caught somewhere and doesn't want to go all the way down.

I am scheduled for the second EGD this coming Wednesday the 15th. The Doc thinks I will be good to go then. I sure hope so.


So at this point I am doing ok. My biggest issues are just getting enough water into me and then tackling the protein issue. My other issue is my energy level. I have next to none - Mostly due to lack of food lol

Since this all began back in December I have now lost 110 pounds. 83 prior to surgery and 27 more since the surgery.

I was a bit disappointed that I had only lost 27lbs since the surgery. Especially since there was 2 weeks of nothing but clear liquids. But, when I talked to my Doctor he said that is normal and I am right on track and not to let things discourage me. He said right now my body just doesn't know what to do. I have had the issues of not being able to eat .. then I can eat ... then I can't eat. He said my metabolism is way out of whack. He said as soon as I start being able to eat more regularly and my energy level starts picking back up things will start falling into place. In addition my abdominal area is still somewhat swollen from surgery and that could last a few more weeks before it goes down.

Are you still with me? I know this was a long one and I apologize for not updating sooner. I just haven't had the energy to sit here long enough and type.

I want to say thank you to everyone who has sent me well wishes too ... it was so appreciated.

I will try to update more regularly. I think that is about it for now *smile*

2 Days To Go

It's been a hectic few weeks and I have been bad about posting. Just haven't had the energy to rehash it all.

Over the past few weeks I've had a few more checkups and a scan of my Thyroid and a Mammogram. There are issues with both so now I have to get them done again after surgery. I can't say I'm thrilled but whatever is going on will get taken care of.

The one thing I am happiest about is I am now 83lbs lighter. What a wonderful feeling it is. I can't wait to see what even more feels like after surgery.

Yesterday I had my IV filter put in. I did ok .. but had a momentary panic when they covered up my head to drape off all the areas except for my neck. The worst part of the whole thing was the Novocaine injections. It felt like my clavicle was being ripped out. Thank God it was only momentary and the effects of that and the drugs they were giving me through another IV kicked in about the same time and I went nite nite. The Docs called me a cheap date. Most people just get relaxed from the drugs and I fell off to la la land.

I have been pretty anxious about the up coming surgery but this procedure was a bit like a dry run. I have to say I am feeling a bit calmer about the whole thing. I know where I will be going and who I will be seeing. I have been told by many in the Hospital I am in good hands and that my surgeon has hand picked all his crew. I think he is wonderful and has fabulous credentials, so yes I put my life in his hands. I feel secure he will take good care of me.

Today is my last day of my shakes and a meal. Tomorrow is just clear fluids. Then clear fluids for a week after surgery and pureed foods for a month after that. I'm actually looking forward to it. I can have yogurt and cottage cheese again. I have been missing them. *wink*

This will be my last post for a while. I will be back after I am home and able to sit comfortably at the PC again.

4 Weeks and Closing

My visit with my Surgeon went ok other than I found out I now have to have a filter put in my neck 3 days before surgery. It's a precaution in case I should throw a blood clot in my legs after surgery.

The filter is a small catheter with a catch mechanism on the end that is inserted in my neck through my jugular vein. The will be fed down past my heart and lungs. It will then be a barrier if a blood clot shows up. If it starts to travel it will prevent it from getting to my heart or lungs which of course wouldn't be good.

Needless to say I'm nervous about it. But, the Doc said it will come out a month after surgery .. when I am out of the danger zone time period. I guess it's better than taking a chance with a clot. Just another thing to worry about I suppose.

Speaking of things to worry about, yesterday I had a visit with an Endocrinologist. After examining me he was concerned about my Thyroid ... or whats left of it. I had the left lobe removed 10 years ago and he said it's acting strange when I swallow. So, guess what ... more testing *sigh*

I have to go Monday for an ultra sound of the remaining Thyroid. Again, this is precautionary. Given my family history of Thyroid cancer he wants me to be checked. My Mom died from Thyroid cancer and my Grandmother had Thyroid issues all her life. My Mom's sister and her daughter suffer from issues. My cousin has sever Hyper Thyroidism. She is thin as a rail and looks like she will break in half any day now. My left lobe was removed due to two large growths which ended up being benign thank God. So now I have to worry if I am having issues again or if its just acting weird because there is only a portion left. I'll know after Monday.

As of today it's 4 weeks until my surgery. Time is flying and I'm so nervous and excited all at the same time.

I have a couple more preliminary Doc appts before the surgery and my weekly checkup and that's it.

Before you know it I will be on the way to my new life.

My Day of pre-surgery testing is over .. Finally

What an ordeal. I was up, showered, dressed and out of the house by 7am and on my hour long journey to the hospital. Luckily my sister went with me. I don't know how I would have handled it had she not been with me. I really needed the moral support and the physical help. The hospital is so massive I needed a wheelchair to get from appt. to appt. she did all the driving.

The first order of business what a chest x-ray. That was the easy part. I then had an ultra sound of my Gall Bladder, Kidneys and Liver. Then it was on to an Upper GI series to make sure my swallowing and digestive tract was in good order. That was all fairly easy. But then it was the one I was dreading. The Blood Gases.

Until you have had a 3 inch needle inserted into your wrist to find your artery I can't fully explain and describe the excruciating pain this causes. After the poor techs 3rd attempt I was in tears and shaking. I did forewarn her I was not an easy stick. I had one of these about 6 years ago and it was just as unpleasant then. A specialist was called to get the goods. So sure as anything a specialist had to be called again. He was very sweet and made a joke that the tech did a nice job getting the first patient of the day crying. I was hyperventilating a bit because not only was I dealing with the pain but the anxiety of having to be stuck in the wrist again. He decided to go into my upper arm to find an artery. Veins are all over the place .. Arteries aren't so easy to find. He was able to get the needle in the right spot the first time thank goodness. After that episode I imagine surgery will be a breeze!

I got to tour the Wellness Center which offers pool therapy and a gym for after surgery. The pool looks amazing. I really am looking forward to being able to get in it's deep heated goodness.

I had a visit with the Nutritionist who gave me the run down on what I can have the first week after surgery and then what will happen for a month after that.

Clear liquids then Pureed food for a month. No ifs, ands or buts. After that I will gradually increase items into my diet and see how my system handles them. It's a little scary but I am still very positive feeling.

I am also pretty excited because I can now get into a pair of jeans I haven't been able to wear for over 3 years. I just about cried I was so happy. With in the next two weeks I expect to break the 50lbs lost mark. I feel so good about things and my body is already starting to feel better. I can't wait to see how I will feel when I have lost a substantial amount.

I have to go meet with my Surgeon tomorrow and get more shakes so I will have a new total after that visit. I'll report back with the results.

I made it through the holidays!

I stuck to my guns and didn't over indulge. I managed to lose 5 more pounds surrounded by goodies of every sort. So I am pretty proud of myself right now. This brings my grand total to 40 pounds gone forever just like 2008.

I had my first EKG today and I passed with flying colors. I have a good strong heart and was granted his approval for surgery. Only 2 more to go and February is coming up quick! I'm so nervous and excited all at the same time I can hardly stand it.

I made myself a treat tonight ... I don't usually spend much on groceries but I treated to myself to some portabellas and shrimp. It was so good and I savored every morsel. I think I deserve it since I did so well during one of the worst binging time of the year.

I was told I am actually a bit ahead of schedule of what the center thought I would have lost by now ... so everyone is really happy all the way around.

Here I come 2009 ..... so long 2008!