I Could Have, But I Wouldn't Have

I've been waiting to post this.  This One is for Geoff....

Geoff and I met December 10th, 2008 and after receiving consent from both my sons, he moved in with us on January 10th, 2009.  Geoff and I love each other very much and our love for each other grows more and more everyday.  Geoff met me as a 'fat' woman.  He always found me beautiful and accepted me for who I am.  I made two big decisions in June, one was to buy a 'new-to-me' vehicle (2006 Chevy Equinox).  The reason to buy the SUV was because of my diagnosis to my right hip of Osteo-arthritis.  My sales lady, shared with me that she had the Roux-en-Y surgery in January and had lost 60 lbs.  I became exrtremely curious and read about it more.  I had been looking into it for about 2 years before that.  So, I made the decision to get the ball rolling.   So back to Geoff....

I talked to Geoff about my decision and he told me that he loved me know matter what decision I made and that now that I had made it, that we would base our next move on that.  He has been loving, generous with his time, exceptionally attentive and patient with the emotional roller coaster rides I've been on.  Reading my blogs can only give you less than an 1/8th of what I actually went through and felt deep down inside.  To put your feelings and emotions down on paper and living them are two different things.  And Geoff being right smack down in th middle must have been difficult, however he did it out of love for me. 

After so many years of challenges and obstacles, I'm sure that being the strong woman that I am, I could have gone through with this surgery on my own.

Geoff, I love you will all my heart,  you are my ham. You completely changed my life to the extent where I’ve been at my happiest…EVER!.  I cherish you with my every being and thank you from the bottom of my loving heart for making me the happiest woman in the universe.  You bring joy, happiness and lots of laughter to our home. I look forward to you keeping on blowing kisses to me at least 10 times a day and telling me everyday that I’m beautiful or sexy to you. (I never get sick of hearing it)  I appreciate the love you give me no matter what I look like, no matter what mood I'm in. You are a wonderful man.  I could have, but wouldn't have done this without you. 

I'm one lucky girl. Thank you God for sending me your Angel Geoff.

Love you forever Geoff.

Then it Hit me

I was trying to decide where I was going to sleep tonight. Whether it would be in the lazy-boy or if I'd try again in bed. So I tried the lazy-boy and it's alright, but I'm really anxious to sleep in my bed. Off I went to the room, and Geoff right behind me to be there if I needed his help.

With the help of the body pillow in Brodie's room, I was able to manage lying down on my left side. Well...that's when Niagara Falls started, then it hit me... I sat in my bed crying like a baby and Geoff holding me. He made sure it wasn't pain from the surgery. I told him that I was overwhelmed and emotional. I never really thought I would survive the surgery. So everything from being able to walk around, drink sips of water and also be able to say hi to my kids again and tell them 'Mom is Home' is all 'NEW'. Everything going forward now is new to me, it's all unknown. Whatelse can I do but embrace it?

I'm so happy to be here.

Home Sweet Home

The drive went well. I feel bloated and wish I could let one hell of a fart out! LOL A bit of pain but to be expected. I'm very happy to be home and thankful to our neighbours for watching our place and getting our mail while we were away. My cat Trixie wouldn't shut up, she had so many stories to tell us, not really sure what they were all about but I think it sounded pretty close to 'How dare you leave me for so long....but I'm so glad you're back!'

She hasn't left our side and keeps purring and meowing every once in while if Geoff goes to the door as if she's frightened we will leave again.

So now I continue with the healing process....Sip, sip, sip, Walk, walk, walk.

I'm pretty much burned out from the trip, so that's it for now.

Cheers.

Am I going Home?

At 9am, we are going to see Dr Fitzer to find out if I'm ok to go home. Here's the plan, since we will already be checked out of the hotel room, we will not have internet access. If you do not receive a new post to this blog by 11am, we will be heading home :-)

Geoff has been packing everything for me and will be packing up the SUV for both of us. It just feels so funny now that the surgery is over and I will be going home to start this new life of a 'healthier' me. I'm anxious but at the same time know that it will be a tough process.

I'M still sore, but remarkably it's pain that can be reduced by taking Tylenol Rapid Release. Last night was very frustrating, because I did not know how to get comfortable. Going from an adjustable hospital bed to a flat bed was very difficult. So I slept in the chair with a whole bunch of pillows. I'm looking forward to the lazy boy at home.

I'm off of this for now, need to rest...and plus my protein shake is coming up in 15 minutes. Yippeee!!!

Cheers

Blog Private Again

I'm very sorry, but we've made my blog private again. As far as the reason, I don't care to get into it, as my journey remains positive and that's where my focus is.

Geoff just stepped out to get me some Gas X and some other stuff at the grocery store. I'm so proud of him, he is the type to pass out when seeing needles and he actually was able to give me my injection today with the nurses assistance. He will be giving me an injection of Lovenox for 5 days every morning. This is to eliminate blood clots. I've also set up my Microsoft Outlook Calendar to remind me of times to take my multi vitamins, prescriptions and to get me on a regular schedule for meals (even if it's 2 oz of Protein shake for now).

It hurts to cough, but I continue doing my breathing exercises and am quite good at getting it up to 1500-2000 inspired volumes. I'm also taking my walks up and down the hotel hallways in my jammies with slippers on. Don't really care what anybody thinks about my jammies. LOL

I've been told that it will take at least 3 weeks for my new pouch to heal up. Tomorrow I will find out how long I will be off work. I'm thinking by the way the doctor was talking today that it might be 4-6 weeks before I go back. But only time will tell.

Sip, Sip, Sip, Walk, walk, walk is my agenda for a long time. I thank God for keeping watch over me, it's not the first time that he has.

Cheers

Discharged

I am now in the hotel room with Geoff. I'm feeling not too bad. I will be taking Tylenol Rapid Relief for my pain. I took a nice shower and it's nice & quiet here. I'm looking forward to a quiet evening with Geoff.

Cheers

Day 1 - Post Op 2

Day 1 post op....Dee is feeling a little better. Still tired and in some pain, but she is moving around and walking. She is resting now. The doc was in and said everything is proceeding as it should. Dee should be able to leave the hospital tomorrow. We will be spending Thursday night in the hotel and a visit to the doc on Friday morning. If everything is good then.....we go home.....

Later

Geoff

Day One - Post Op

Hi everyone,

I was able to read all your lovely notes and it gives me such a good feeling that so many people care about me. Yesterday was really tough, alot of sleeping and alot of pain. Nausea was awful too.

I'm taking lots a walks now and just got out of the shower. It's quite the chore bending over right now...it hurts.

Well...it's nice for Geoff to bring in the laptop, but I'm feeling a bit weak. I will update later.

Cheers.

Surgery Day Update

Well, Dr Fitzer has finally come out. Everything went well. Dee has gone into recovery for the next 2 hrs. As the one here waiting, I can finally relax and get something to eat. The next update should be from Dee.

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers for Dee. She really appreciated all of you.

Geoff

Today is the day

Well the day is here. I'm Geoff. Dee has gone into surgery. We arrived at the hospital around 8:15 this morning. Between our arrival and 11:30, Dee was treated well. The nurses were in and checked her weight, blood pressure, and all that stuff. She weighed in at xxx lbs. She lost around 12 lbs over the last 3 days!!!! Amazing how the body reacts to no food. Dehydration has proven to be the hardest thing to fight. Just goes to prove the body can survive longer without food than without water. Dee was showing the signs of dehydration this morning. When the nurses gave her the IV, Dee began to feel a little better. We were able to get a laugh because one of the drugs they gave her to fight nausia is a derivative of marajuana. At around 11:30, a member of the surgical team came and wheeled her to surgery. I'm getting to sit and wait. The staff here are great.

I'll finish up now. Dee will be around later to fill in her notes on the day.

Night Before Surgery

I knew that I would to some extent have a hard time sleeping last night. When I called to book at the Hotel where we are staying, we specifically asked for a smoke free room and floor and to be the farthest away from the smoking floor. When you enter the floor from the elevator, there's a sign that says 'No Smoking - New York State Law'. So I thought, nobody is stupid enough to smoke. Since I've quit smoking for a while now, seems that cigarette smoke gives me headaches and now makes me gag. Not to mention that Geoff is allergic to cigarette smoke so his breathing became a bit shallow at some point. So guess what, the smoke from the neighbour continuously smoked up our room through the vents and I have a migraine and feel extremely nauseated.

We complained several times to 'Guest Services' and for some unknown reason, 'New York State Law' doesn't seem to mean crappola around these parts. In Ontario, I can assure you, they would have sent in the police and have you charged for stinking up their rooms!

Well, I feel a bit stressed because of that, because I don't want to have to deal with this coming back here on Thursday night after surgery and having to smell that 'shit' in my room again. I'm going to need some good sleep! I may have gotten a total of 3 hours last night, so NOT GOOD.

Anyways, I'M leaving very soon. Blow dryer in the stupid bathroom quit, so my hair is still half damp. What a start to a perfect day! :-S

Hope things get much much better.

Cheers

Last Day Before Surgery - Surgery Time Set

My surgery has been set for 12:35 tomorrow. We need to be at the St Lukes Hospital for 8:35am. The surgery could potentially be earlier. I'm not feeling at all nervous, just very hungry and would have wished it was earlier as I cannot take anything at all by mouth after midnight tonight. I've made it this far!

Oh forgot to mention. I've lost 8 lbs on this liquid diet!

This is the hospital where I'll be staying:

Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare
1650 Champlin Ave,
Utica, NY 13502

http://www.mvnhealth.com/

Cheers!

Last Day Before Surgery - A.M.

My appointment for pre-admission is at 10:30 this morning at Faxton Campus. I don't think I've been drinking enough water and am a bit dehydrated, so now Geoff has told me that I MUST empty my BIOS bottle by lunchtime. I feel fine except for being a bit weak and my tongue is dried out...weird.

Our hotel room comes with a Continental breakfast, so I just sent Geoff down so he can fill up his belly. He didn't want to go, but I told him if the tables were turned around that I'd be going. I hope he brings me up Jello! LOL

I didn't sleep very well last night. Geoff said I was talking in my sleep and started to cry. He says that I was saying 'Tell the people to go away!'...but then he held me and I felt better. Maybe it's just my way of letting some of the stress out.

Well I guess I should be getting dressed and ready for my appointment. I'll touch base again later, after all my appointments are over.

10:30 Pre-Admission
3:00 Nutritional Evaluation

Oh....forgot to mention...I'll be able to tell you how much I've lost on the liquid diet after my appointments. I think I've lost at least 5 lbs...we'll see. :D

Cheers

Day 2 - Liquid Diet

Left home around 11 and dropped Brodie off at his friend's Tommy where he will be staying until I return to work. He even brought his computer with him LOL

Geoff and I took our time driving down to Utica. We stopped a few times since obviously on a liquid diet, mother nature plays her part often enough. The border was easy to get through, however there was quite the line up of cars trying to return to Canada. I'm not looking foward to that kind of wait next weekend.

I've been eating lots of Jello and drinking lots of water. But I think I'm really going to hate Jello once this is over with. Trying to make believe that it's pizza or chocolate chip cookies is not really working anymore. However, the liquid diet is necessary so I'm hanging in.

When we got to our hotel room which is just beautiful, the first room was infested with cigarette smoke and it made me gag. (I've quit smoking for a while now and the smell seems to turn my stomach these days) They put us in a different room which is MUCH better.

Geoff brought the microwave with us so that he could just warm some food up. (Trick for saving costs) And plus, he gets to warm up my chicken broth too! We went shopping at Walmart for an hour or so, just to keep my mind off of things. The prices are pretty awesome here. We did buy a couple of movies at $5 each so that Geoff has something to watch while he's alone here at the hotel.

I feel a bit weak from the liquid diet, so I'd better get off and get some rest.

Cheers!

Day 1 - Liquid Diet

It's been very interesting today. Lots of jello, chicken broth, water with crystal light and yummy popsicles.

I'm doing alot better than I thought and am being compliant to what is required from me. Besides the stomach growls, I'm doing not too bad.

We're now watching the first Transformers movie. Hopefully I don't get too many weird dreams tonight. LOL

We had a wonderful visit with my OH Angel and she turned out to be as fabulous as I imagined her to be. She answered so many questions that Geoff and I had, plus offered so much advice, tips and tricks. She assured me that I was going to be just fine...and somehow I believe her. (Thank you so much!)

We will be leaving tomorrow around 11 in the morning. I will post something once in the hotel room in Utica, New York.

Cheers.

3 Days Left - The Comedy in Dreams

So many of you already know me enough to know that my dreams have a wicked sense of humour. Geoff and I decided to buy the new Transformers movie last night and we watched it with Brodie. The movie was great! Until I fell asleep of course.

If you've watched the Transformers, you know that they are separated into two groups, The Autobots and the Decepticons. Ok so you'd better be ready for this!

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to k......

As vivid as it could ever become in a dream, there were the Autobots, especially my favourites Bumble Bee and Optimus Prime. They knew how much I was struggling with having to be on a liquid diet for 3 days. They had two sides to their tranforming, liquid and solids. Out of love for me (:D) they turned off their solid side to help me out with my liquid diet challenge. They were amazing until....

The Decepticons came in. The SOLID PUSHERS!!!! The Autobots fought off the Decepticons to help me fight my battle and we WON! The Autobots were my guardians to the END! LMAO!

OK so if you're not cramped up in half laughing your gutts out, you really need a sense of humour check. It was the best dream I've had in a long time.

Right now I feel a bit hungry, watching Geoff eat a nice BBBBIIIIGGGG blueberry muffin from Costco...mmmmmmmm bluuueeebbberrryyy. At least he's not waving it under my nose LOL! I guess there will probably be some level of resentment when he gets to eat and I can't. I'm trying to just keep smiling and make it a game...it's only for 3 days. The best part of all this will be the outcome. Let's just see how long I can keep this positive attitude when I start smelling supper and snacks and FOOD!

I'm allowed to have coffee, just no sugar or milk in it. Geoff is being great and realizes how hard this will be, so he's decided that the food will be kept in the kitchen, and I'm to stay out.

Might sign in later and let you guys know how it's going. For now, I'm still just thinking about my dream and keeping the smile and laughter going.

Cheers

4 Days Left - Stress is Really Setting in

Today I'm making lists and making sure I don't forget anything. I'm a bit stressed, ok that's an understatement, but I'm sure you all can understand why I would be.

Tonight at midnight I start my liquid diet for 3 days. Blah! I've ordered some cranberry juice, diet gingerale, Chicken Broth popsicles and jello. Geez, I can't wait! NOT!!! I'm kidding.

With my house up for sale, I need to make sure everything is just so before we take off Sunday and also make sure that the agents showing my house while I'm away make sure they don't let my cat Trixie out. If anything, that's what I'm stressing over today. I hate the fact of thinking that she will be alone for one week. She'll be okay with the self-feeder and self-waterer, but I think of her getting out when they show my house and her being left outside overnight. There's a cat that hurt her really bad in the spring and it cost me over $500 to get her better at the vets! Hopefully the BOLD print note I'll be putting on my front door 'DON'T LET THE CAT OUT!' will be enough.

Besides that, Brodie is getting ready and packing since he will be staying at a friend's place for 2-3 weeks as I will not be able to drive him back & forth to school. For people who don't know, Brodie goes to school an hour away from our home and travels with me, so he has no other way of getting to school unless he stays at a friend's place.

Geoff and Brodie are being extremely understanding about me being so stressed out right now. They both love me and it really shows when they stand by you no matter what and how you react to everything. I'm probably not the easiest person to live with right now and I try so hard not to be irritable, but it's sometimes beyond my control. The more I try to control it the worse it gets, so I just let 'er rip! LOL

Nose is stuffed up and still getting some chills, so under the blankets I go again. But I'm not worried about being sick as I'm sure the liquid diet is going to cleanse all the crap out of me....LITERALLY!

I asked Geoff if he wouldn't mind picking up the new Tranformers movie at Walmart tonight before he comes home so that we can watch it sometime this weekend. I loved the first one, so I'm sure I'll love the second one.

Received a call this morning from Dr Fitzer's office. It was automated, and asked me to 'press 1' to confirm my appointment with him on Monday at 3pm. Everytime the phone rings and it's Dr Fitzer's office calling, I get this knot in my stomach as if something is going to happen that I won't be getting the surgery, but it always ends up being okay. Stressing for nothing once again. Gotta stop doing that!

Well, better get the heck off of this and get some more rest. This is it guys, tonight at midnight, everything officially starts rolling. Wish me luck! Pray for me! Keep your thoughts positive!

Cheers

5 Days Left - Staying Positive

A Positive outlook brings Positive results. That's my motto!

People keep asking me, 'If you're still sick on the day of the surgery, will they reschedule or postpone?'. Right now I need to do this one day at a time. And I will deal with that if and when it comes up.

I'm at work today, with alot of hesitation, trying to fight a migraine right now and not really winning the battle. I've been given a recommendation to stay home tommorrow and I think I will listen. It's really hard when you're leaving your work behind, work that you pride in and have spent many hours learning and molding it into something that works for me. I'm one of the lucky ones that can say that I actually do like my job. It's challenging, yet not overly demanding. It allows me to keep a flexible life for my work and my family...whatelse can you ask for?

I feel calm and relaxed today. Feeling the support all around me from friends and co-workers. The rooting and cheering that everything will be just fine. I've been meeting so many wonderful ladies from Obesity Help that are experiencing the same feelings I have been. It's really comforting to know that you're not the only one going through this.

I feel prepared and ready for the surgery. I'm looking forward to the liquid diet as it will be the first step to cleansing my system before my rebirth...before the new me emerges.

Thanks to all who have taken the time to send me notes, pass on words through Geoff and to those who also remain quiet but somehow and for reason I know I am a thought tucked in their minds and are wishing me good luck.

Cheers for now.

Prescription Medications

Geoff picked up my prescription for post-op tonight and I was really suprised to find out the price of the stuff. Thank God for benefits!!! I only had to pay 20% of the following prices:

(Dispensing Fee of $11.99 included)

Omeprazole - $253.99
Metoprolol - $ 24.12
Lovenox - $ 57.09
(Lovenox may be required as blood thining agent as per Surgeon's instruction)

All prescriptions must be filled in Canada and to be left at the hotel in the states until required.

6 Days to Go - Frustration is Growing Stronger

Today I'm probably as frustrated as anyone can be. On a positive note, my fever finally broke last night, but I was up most the night with cramps in my abdomen. My son Brodie is also very ill and it's hard when I feel as ill and can't help him as much. He's a good boy though and he's toughing it out pretty well. We're both getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids. Not much the doctor can do at this point since it's only viral. Pretty much have to let it run it's course. Dr. Geoff of course instructed both of us to stay in bed and make sure to get lots of rest.

I'm not much of a TV watcher and most of the shows on during the day are stupid Soap Operas. Rather a waste of time when you can still follow the show from when I was a teenager. It's still the same old, who's sleeping with who, who's baby is it and who's going to inherit the pot kind of story lines. Then there's only so much Wheel of Fortune and Price is Right that you can watch before you really think you'll be sucked in by either wheel! Not even sure why I have the satellite dish anymore, except for NCIS and Reba, there isn't much worth watching anymore.

Brodie and I have been watching some older movies and just passing out for naps here and there. We have the kleenex boxes going on empty quite often but we're making sure to take our Tyleno Flu medicine. It helps a bit I guess. I have 5-6 days left to get better. All I can do is pray.

Cheers for now.

PRE-ADMISSION

I was resting with my son (as he is very ill too) watching Ellen on TV when the phone rang. I saw a 315 number and assumed it was a telemarketer so I ignored it. I noticed a short while after that my phone was blinking with a new message then it dawned on me that it was Utica calling. DUH!!! I got my binder out of my bag (because I'm anal organized) and called back the number. I followed the automated prompts and was only on hold for about 10 seconds before a really nice lady answered my call. There are a few details that they required from me: (Hope I can remember them all)

- Last Name, First Name
- Social Insurance Number
- Health Insurance Number
- OHIP Pre-Approval Certificate Number (you will find this on your OHIP Approval Letter - usually starts with K)
- Address & phone number
- Workplace & phone number
- Contact person that will be with you and phone number to reach them

She also gave me special instructions on where to park and what entrance to take at the Faxton Campus.

Some other info I found out by chatting with people on OH (Obesity Help), is that there is free WiFi at St Luke's Hospital so Geoff will be able to give Live Updates if he chooses to do so. :D

Going back to bed, chow for now.

7 Days to Go!

Alright, obviously I had a hell of a day yesterday. I've decided to set my blog back to public. Time to leave the past behind and focus on what's there right in front of me: Geoff, Zach, Brodie and Ryan (ok Trixie too). I guess I'm totally stressed out from being sick. Woke up this morning to Geoff telling me that I still have a fever and that's frustrating the hell out of me. So I've been told by Dr Geoff that I'm to stay in bed again.

Thank God that I can still stay in touch with the internet. I'm thankful for all the good wishes from people, makes me feel good when I get those messages. Got a really nice email from my boss too, saying to make sure I take good care of myself and get lots of rest.

I can't believe that next week is it. I was feeling like a yo-yo emotionally and now I almost feel numb. Being sick isn't helping...or maybe it is keeping my mind off of it somehow.

I'd better get some rest now.

Cheers

Sick and Tired

Now Geoff has me tucked into bed and I'm sipping on a Neo Citron. I have a fever and I'm trying to sweat it out. Slept a bit, but just don't seem to be able to sleep anymore, but Geoff said I have to stay in bed. My new manager Tori-Lea said to make sure to take care of myself. It really sucks because if it weren't for the surgery I probably would just be at work right now toughing this out.

Geoff doesn't like the fact that I have a fever though. Well better get some more rest before I get in trouble with Geoff.

8 Days to Go!

I'm feeling a bit down in the dumps. Trying to beat this cold I have before the surgery.

I have to say the highlight for this weekend was spending time with the family for our 'belated' Thanksgiving Day. It's not everyone that can say they are able to spend time with their family and I'm thankful I can at least say that. My boys are awesome and I love them both to death. We talked so much about the life decisions they've made and keep making. I'm proud of them and of myself on how I've raised them. They are not sheltered like some kids are. I refuse to do that to them. They need to see life as realistic as it may be or become. In the real world, people swear, people are cruel, people do drugs and drink lots of alcohol.

Being at the park where my kids sometimes go, I witnessed two guys there smoking pot and drinking like it was the last time they've ever be able to drink. Both my kids only saw it as them being losers and in no way ever thought that it was cool. I told my boys a long time ago, 'God gave you both a gift, a gift that can either be wonderful or the worse gift you've ever received. It's the kind of gift that you can mold yourself. The gift is 'CHOICE'. There will always be a crossroad at some point in your life, many times you see the crossroad. It is your choice to take the turn that you want. It is important, however, to stop and think about what you want to say, what you will choose to do.'

Communication, trust and honesty is a big part to family. Without it, there is no foundation.

I miss my friends right now, I wish I could see them before my surgery. I feel frustrated that some of the people I care about deeply haven't taken the time to register to my blog. Am I offended? Yes I am.

Enough for today, obviously I'm quite down....maybe due to the surgery coming up, or just maybe because I'm me.

9 Days to Go!

Have any of you ever watched Reba on CMT? It's one of my favourite shows. The character who plays Barbra Jean came back to the show looking like she's only 1/3 of the size she was before. It's funny because my greatest fear throughout this whole surgery I'm having is that I don't want to forget who I am, what all my life's obstacles, joys, pain have made me become. On the show, it seems that Barbra Jean hasn't changed at all except for some other activities that she is now doing that she couldn't do before...she's still the old annoying character we've come to know.

It's more how everyone else is now looking at her. It's not her who has changed. It's everyone else in her life that look at her differently now.

I just ask my friends and family one thing....please....when I lose weight, remember me for who I am now because the book cover might be updated, but the contents and stories will always remain the same.

Always Dee, Always Me.


2009-07-30 - I will remember me for who I am now today, as for when my body changes, my heart & soul never will.

10 Days to Go!

Wow am I ever getting nervous! I'm a bit under the weather too, but I'm getting lots of rest to take care of that. I think my emotions are a bit whacky too but thank God that Geoff is so understanding. Seems like everything is bugging me these days. Little noises and any deviances to my regular schedule are frustrating the hell out of me. Also I have been more prone to feeling ugly and unattractive. Trying to sell the house through all these feelings, is really tough too, but I'm anxious to get the hell out of Perth. It's such a good thing that I can talk to Geoff about how I feel and how understanding he is with all these rollercoaster rides I've been on emotionally. Most guys would get fed up real fast, but Geoff hasn't even shown that at all. I love you Geoff! Thanks for being here for me through this. xoxo

Tomorrow we are having our Thanksgiving dinner since the kids were gone last weekend. Zach, Brodie and Ryan are here this weekend and it will be my last regular dinner with the family too. Then I get to eat like a weirdo at 4 bites = 1/2 cup per meal. LOL As weird as it may seem, I'm still looking foward to it and can't wait to feel healthy again.

Starting Friday at midnight on October 23, 2009, I must remain on a liquid diet until my surgery. I can have anything that, if put towards a light, I can see through it (no orange juice). Geoff's boss gave him the day off on Saturday the 24th so he could be with me. I have to admit, people at both workplaces have been very supportive and that has helped a great deal. Expecially with me being sick this week, but I toughened it out as much as I could and only took 1 day off.

I'm also meeting alot of people online at www.obesityhelp.com . I will be meeting some of the people face-to-face on Wednesday as well. If you are contemplating or have decided to have this surgery, this website is fantastic for meeting people and getting some of your questions answered. You also have the choice to find an Angel that will follow your steps to surgery, recovery and post op. Your Angel will not only help you, but will also be there to answer your partner's questions.

Thanks to all for your support as well, it's so much appreciated!

FAMILY & FRIENDS CONTACTS & UPDATES

Geoff will have access to my email, our facebook and this blog. I have provided him with a contact list of the family & friends that wish to be contacted by phone for an update once my surgery is over. Unfortunately we do have to limit the amount of phone calls, therefore please check my blog frequently for updates.

Geoff will do his best to keep you all updated as much as he can, however he will be spending time with me in hospital, therefore patience in getting updates will be appreciated. Once he retires to his room, he has promised to ensure updates are made and will also post to our facebook status that updates are available on the blog.

PLEASE NOTE: My cell phone will not be on during our stay in the United States as the roaming charges or too high. Please do not attempt to text as we will not be able to receive them.
Thank you :-)

3 weeks left!