3 cookies = 3 pounds Ugh!!!

So let me start by saying I suffer from PMDD (Pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder).  Unknowing to me, yesterday I was 4 days away from day 1 of my cycle.  I could feel something was up though, since I was having a minor irrational panic attack.  So I took a Xanax and I called two different friends.  I felt better.  UNTIL I went to the store.  I walked to the store for eggs.  I came back with Ginger Ale, Cookie Dough, Eggs, and some Roast Beef.  I know, I know, I have been doing so well.  I was down 3.6 pounds and I was very proud of myself.  Then I got on the scale this morning.  I literally gained 3 pounds overnight!!!!  I'm pissed!!!!  I know this is a "normal" part of the female cycle but WTF!!!!  Thankfully I do not go weigh in until September 10.  I should be back down by then.  It's just like UGH, you know.  I took an over the counter water pill because in my mind, it will make me feel better.  It's just a "THIS ISN"T FAIR" moment.  Anyway, thanks for reading my rant.

Does Coke count as Pepsi?

Well, this week has been very trying at work.  A lot of stress and overtime.  But I made it to today and now I am on vacation for the week.  Ahhhhh.  I went to my nephews football game this afternoon and since I was right by Portillo's I decided to get a chopped salad for lunch....with a coke.  Oops!  I forgot myself and just ordered.  To be honest with you, it really wasn't satisfying either.  I could have gone without.  But I think that too is a victory.  I can survive without the pop AND if I have a little bit because I forgot myself I can keep going and not come undone.  Yea me!

Good news too!  I am down 3 pounds from my initial weigh-in for the 3 month medically supervised weight loss.   Can I be honest again here.  The medical weight loss is a joke.  They have really done nothing to help me except to tell me that if I do not lose 2 pounds per month then my insurance can disqualify me from surgery.  SO I am still doing my Atkins shakes.  Usually Vanilla but I have found a new love in the chocolate as well.  Since I am on vacation, I will keep up the walking every day and I know my dogs will love that too.  Have a great week!!!!!!

Two Doctor's Cleared- One to Go!

Yesterday I had my pulmonary testing done.  It was a breeze.  I had to breathe a lot into a machine in many different ways to measure many different things.  It was not a problem for me since I have Asthma and have already done a few of these tests.  Good news!  I am cleared by the pulmonologist for surgery!  Now I just have to get the Psych done and lose some weight.

As for the Pepsi update; I am two weeks Pepsi free!!!  Yes, I miss it terribly.  But I know that this will be the best thing I do in getting ready for surgery.   I have also decided to replace my daily lunch with an Atkins shake.  I know the liquid phase is a month or two out but I want to get used to this in steps.  So far I am doing okay, but I find I get headaches mid-day because I think my sugar gets low at work.   I am bringing fruit for snacks to help with that but I do occasionally give in and buy a Hershey bar at the gas station when I stop to use the restroom.  I'm a work in progress.

5 Days No Pepsi

Sunday August 9, 2015

It's been 5 days now without my beloved Pepsi.  I am still getting headaches but they are not as intense.  I am no longer having the huge cravings for my Pepsi, it's more of a mental desire now. I have noticed that I am not as hungry without my sweet drink.  So it does give me hope.  I know I have a tough road ahead of me with the sleeve surgery so if I can beat this battle I know I can make it through the rest of them.

Wednesday I go with Cristal, my 21 year old, to the seminar so that she too can begin this process.  Since her insurance is different from mine she will have a 6 month medical diet.  It works out well though.  She will graduate college next May so we can plan for her surgery around that time.

  I have also come up with several new questions to ask the Doctor.  My biggest worry now is Gallstones.  I have read on some posts that some doctors give anti-gallstone meds after surgery.  I have also read that some people have to go back for surgery to remove their gall bladder.  Right now I am thinking "If you're already in there just take that out too!".  I will wait and see what Doctor Joyce has to say.

Next week is my pulmonary appointment and then September 2 is my second attempt at Psych clearance.  Let's hope this new doctor shows up for my appointment.

Pepsi Withdrawl

So I decided to start yesterday with giving up Pepsi.  I went all day without any, with the exception of one mouthful at the flea market in Shipshewana.  The headache started around 8 pm.  It just intensified from there.   I had one of the worst headaches of my life throughout the entire night.  I also had the shakes and I was freezing cold.  Woke up around 5:45 this morning still with the headache.  Ibuprofen seemed to help after I took some.  It's now 10 am and I seem to be doing a lot better.  Going to keep my fingers crossed that I can keep going.  I know I need to do this for my health and my family.  If my girls can see me do this then I hope it will give them the strength they need to accomplish their own battles.

August 4th

Today was my first official "month" of my 3 month doctor directed weight-loss plan.  Seriously?  We sat in a room for 2 hours and learned not to much.  First speaker was the Doctor's Nurse.  She actually spoke about insurance requirements and dedication and that realistically I only need to lose two pounds per month over the next 3 months to "qualify".  Well that's do-able.

Then the dietitian came in.  He was not that helpful.  He read straight from a handout and ended every sentence with "Okay".  Basically what I got from him was to give up Soda and sweets now because it will be murder if I wait until surgery.

The highlight of this whole experience was actually from a lady who came in to the office to buy vitamins.  I asked her about the taste and the nurse gave me a sample.  Taste like Flintstones.  I can do those!  Then she rode the elevator down with me and she had the sleeve done in February.  It's August 4th and she is down 95 pounds!!!  We talked a little bit more and she said she never regretted the surgery.  Yes, it can be hard at times but it is worth it.  I really needed to hear that!  I have been praying about whether this is the right decision for me and I feel like God sent this woman to me to confirm what I felt.  I am so happy I met her!!!!

Friday is my Psych evaluation.  I'll post more after that.  For now, it's time to give up the Pepsi.  I am not looking forward to that journey.

Monday August 3rd

Cardiac Approval

I went to the cardiologist last week for an EKG to see if I would be approved for surgery.  I was told there was a slight abnormality and that I needed an Echo but "it's nothing to worry about".  Really!!!!  That's me heart!  Good news though.  My Echo came back normal so I am approved for surgery as far as the cardiologist is concerned.  Hurdle 1 complete!!