Countdown to surgery: 15 days!

 

I’m literally freaking out! The countdown has begun. Today is my last day of pre-sleeve eating. I’ve had just about everything I think I’ll miss, and I’m not feeling it at all! So bloated, and sick of being a slave to food, I’m ready for this surgery like yesterday!

Tomorrow I start my 2-week pre-op liquid diet. Got my protein shakes, broth and will also do some juicing. Hoping to lose about 5-10 pounds in the next 2 weeks. Mainly because I’m feeling so crappy in all my clothes right now! But also because I’m ready to start the weight loss phase of my life hopefully for the LAST TIME! Over the years, I have lost and gained hundreds of pounds over and over again. Since my teens I’ve consistently been either gaining or losing weight. I so want to know what it is like to feel comfortable in my own skin and give my metabolism a break. Years of yo-yo dieting has made me fearful that this sleeve just won’t “work” for me. I always have the best intentions and lose 20-30 pounds, but then I hit a plateau and eventually give up. I don’t sustain my losses and usually gain it all back plus one or two extra for good measure.

Could this work for me? Could I actually reach a healthy weight, lose some of this extra bulk so I’m more comfortable exercising? Maintain my losses long term? Handle the inevitable plateaus with patience? I’m learning so much of what to expect from selfless others who have posted on message forums and YouTube videos. I’m a bit of an insomniac watching these until about 1am every night! But I’m starting my countdown now. 15 days until surgery…

Intro Post (2w 5d pre-op)

This is a blog about my journey to regain my health, fitness and focus.

About Me:

I’m a single mom of two awesome kiddos. Raising them on my own can be trying at times, but it is also the most rewarding thing I’ve accomplished in my life. I am excited to be embarking on a path of healthier living and reaching some personal goals. It’s time for me!

Why I want to get in shape:

I want to make sure I live a long, healthy life so that I’m still around when my kids grow up. I also want to be a willing participant in life, rather than sitting on the sidelines as I have the last few years. I’m ready to get out there and do the things that bring me joy!

My Inspirations:

• My daughter – she’s my best friend!
• My son – he’s a cutie and keeps me on my toes!
• Swimming and SCUBA diving – time to get back in the water on the regular!

My Surgery:

After much research (8 years on and off), I spoke with my doctor about weight loss surgery. My MD recommended me for the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (read about it here: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007435.htm) and I’m scheduled for December 4, 2013.

2013 has been my year to reign in on some bad habits. I’ve quit drinking alcohol (which had become excessive), and I’ve quit smoking (which is just plain disgusting, ugly and smelly). Having found strength I never realized I had, I’m focused to conquer the weight loss and fitness goals I’ve set for 2014:
My goal is to lose about 100 pounds in the next year.
I aim to work out 5 days a week in 2014 – varied plyometrics, walk/jog, swimming, weight training, and yoga.

The last couple months have been quite a hoop-jumping feat, and I’m prepared and ready to begin this journey! Thanks for following along.

<3, Lissa

5’8” Female 41 yrs
10/7/13 Initial call to insurance and in-network surgical group
10/15/13 New Patient Class and Nutrition Class
10/18/13 Physical/Med History
10/18/13 Psych Evaluation
10/2313 Submitted to Insurance
10/24/13 Dr. Talk and Support Group
11/1/13 Approved By United Healthcare PPO
11/13/13 Pre Op labs, EKG, GI, MD clearance
11/20/13 Begin 2-week liquid pre-op diet
11/22/13 Surgeon Pre-op Appointment
12/4/13 Surgery Date

Here is my Dr. Info:

Kelly M. Francis, M.D.
http://www.smartdimensions.com/