01april

4/4/01 It has been almost a month since I last updated this journal! I began a new job on St. Patrick's Day and have been so busy and tired since then!! Tired in a good way, though. I just have not felt like taking the time to update but I promise to get back to it. I'd like to update at least once a week anyway! I have been doing fantastic! I've lost 37 pounds and 4 pant sizes so far!! I couldn't be happier. The only bad thing is that I woke up yesterday with another cold. I can't help but wonder if I have a weakened immune system right now. Then again, maybe it is actually allergies. I am seeing my doc on Friday so we'll see what he has to say. Oh yeah, there is one other little problem I've been experiencing...ever since my surgery I seem to be constantly menstruating (sorry to be graphic!) It is more annoying than anything, my surgeon says that it is a very common side effect and it should stop soon. I did not know that this side effect existed! For now they have me a taking an iron supplement so no worries. I still have not gotten the pictures from the hospital developed yet but as soon as I do I will post them! I thought that I would post a typical days food intake for those of you who are curious...

Breakfast: 1 boiled egg OR 1/2 container fat free yogurt

Lunch: 1/4 chicken breast, small green salad w/ ranch

Dinner: 1/4 cup tuna salad on crackers or on 1 slice of well toasted bread OR small peice of steak w/ steamed veggies

Occasional Dessert: 1 "no sugar added" fudgcicle OR 1/2 cup 100% fruit sorbet

I try not to drink any fluids for 1 hour before and 1 hour after I eat, but drink lots of water and occaisionally ice tea throughout the day.

4/22/01 I cannot beleive how fast the time is going. I have lost 48 pounds now and counting. It is just amazing to me that I am loosing weight so rapidly, but, I feel great. Work is good, keeping me busy. Our family had a wonderful Easter. My daughter, Cassidy, had her first Easter egg hunt, it was so cute! In fact, here are a couple of pictures...

...It turns out that I did have a sinus infection so I've been on anti-biotics for that and I feel much better. I am happy to report that the endless menstral cycle is finally over - Thank Goodness!!! I am finding it difficult to get in eneough fluids though...really trying to focus on getting in all my water! I am comfortably wearing a size 18 now and have recently gotten rid of a huge portion of my wardrobe. It feels great! In the past I would have just packed away my "fat clothes" in case I gained weight again. This time around I know that I am making a permanent life change and I have no intention of ever wearing those clothes again! Bob, Cassidy, Karol (my Mother-in-law) and I will be going on vacation in May. I can't wait, we are going to Las Vegas for a whole week :o) We won't be doing much gambling though, we'll be visiting family and relaxing by the pool most of the time, hopefully. If I keep loosing weight as rapidly as I have been I'll have to buy a new bathing suit, DARN!

4/29/01 I went for a check-up with my surgeon on Thursday, the 27th and got to weigh myself on his scale....drumroll please.....I have lost 52 pounds so far!! His nurse said that my blood pressure looked great and my incision is healing very nicely. All good news. Unfortunately my sinus infection has returned only 10 times worse and I went to my family doctor and found out that I also have a bladder infection. Double-yuck! Once again I am on antibiotics and I hope to be feeling better again soon. One interesting side-effect of this surgery is the increased attention you may get from the opposite sex. I've had a couple of interesting experiences lately that really boosted my self confidence while at the same time made me want to crawl under a table and hide. While I am happily married and would never give another man a second thought, it feels good to know that there are still men out there who find me attractive. It's actually rather strange, I had forgotten what it felt like to be flirted with. Because I tell my husband everything he knows all about both instances. He took it in stride, I think it made him feel kinda good to know that some other guys' thought his wife was good lookin. If nothing else, it's good for him to realize that!