Eleven Days and Counting

I'm on day three of my pre-operation diet.   I have days of non-solid food ahead of me to prep my system and continue to shrink my stomach.   They want those of us having surgery on November 22nd to eat this way so we avoid having the "last supper"  event happen.    If the diet isn't restricted before surgery, it is common for a person to keep having a feast periodically since they feel they'll never have the food again or for a long time.   I can complete believe people would struggle with that...Lord knows I'd be doing it too.  I did have some "last suppers" prior to this new diet starting.   I know damn well I would have done that up to surgery too.  

I did a better job of grocery shopping today so I have the correct food on hand.    My main staples are:

• Sugar-Free Jell-O
• sugar free pudding
• Cream of Wheat, oatmeal, and/or Malt-o-Meal
• Carnation Instant Breakfast drinks
• Tomato soup (made with skim milk)
• Chicken broth
• Low-sugar yogurt
• One protein bar a day 
• skim chocolate milk 
• Protein powder

I'm grateful for the chocolate milk as I use it for my chocolate protein powders.    The hot cereal is nice too.   The one protein bar a day is supposed to give us something solid to eat but I'm already getting sick of the flavors I've purchased.   I will admit I'm struggling already because I'm craving other foods badly.    The good news is they are healthy cravings but I still can't eat the food.  (chicken breast, apples, peanut butter sandwiches, etc.)   

I had my GI scope yesterday which was an interesting experience.    I had the impression I would be out of commission for part of the morning and able to work in the afternoon but that didn't happen.    We got checked in on time but it took longer to get my IV started due to my issues with the process and veins blowing.   The nurse lady that stuck me wasn't very nice either, I could tell she was irritated with me but I did give her fair warning.   I don't remember being put under with my wisdom teeth back in 2000.   I don't remember with my gallbladder surgery either since it happened so quickly.    Being put under for my scope was interesting.   They sprayed stuff into the back of my mouth initially so it would numb up.   Horrible tasting stuff.    They then said I'd feel something burning in my IV site and that would be the indication my anesthesia being administered.   I remember making a comment about the burning feeling and then waking up in the pre-op room.   Odd feeling to know time passed without having a clue about the passage of time.   Before the procedure, I canceled my 12:40pm class and my 2:10 class.    I probably could have taught my 2:10 class so I regret cancelling it.   Better safe than sorry I guess.   I did show up to run Swim & Gym.   It made me realize I won't be functioning as well as I expected after surgery.   

I don't feel nervous about it yet.   I guess that is surprising and seems to be surprising people that know.   I honestly only get worried about the needles and IVs.    

I'm proud to say I've gotten some Christmas shopping done for Gavin.   He wants a personal laptop but he's not getting that this year.   He has a device from school to use and can use mine when he needs to so I don't see the logic of buying him another one.   We just put more money into his car too. He's just getting a collection of small stuff.   No clue about gifts for others.    I'll be shopping in December when I hate shopping but oh well.

It was nice to have a day up in NE Iowa for Luke's wedding.   It was nice to have a date that wanted to be there and actually dance.   I was exhausted when we got back to Ankeny.   So what will be the next wedding?   

I guess that's enough of an update.   I actually feel like hell.   I woke up with really bad joint pain and have been nauseated a lot today.   I actually had to leave work early because I couldn't focus and just wanted to rest.   It has felt like I've had a very unproductive week and I'm behind with grading.    I did some grading before this blog entry.   We'll see if I crank out more after this is finished.  

That's enough for now!