A Few More Days Off Work, and Some Helpful Hints:

The word that best describes the last few days is: frustration.

Throughout this process, I've had a plan. Surgery on Monday, a week to recover, and back to work the following Monday. If you know me at all, you know that I have often been described as a workaholic, especially since my move to Austin. I work in a high-stress, high-energy environment that requires me to be "on my game" at all times. I'm constantly answering phones, filling shifts, and playing therapist to families and nurses all while penny-pinching. I love it. The days go by quickly for the most part, and more times than not I really feel like I'm making a difference.

I happily went back to work on Monday of this week. However, I was exhausted before I made it to  lunch. Even getting ready that morning was tiring. I was surprised that I had to take breaks as I made my way through my morning routine, eventually making me late on my first day back. By noon, I had to ask to leave. I came home and slept the rest of the afternoon, waking up for about an hour that evening to drink a shake and check my email. I gave it another shot on Tuesday, but things ended the same way. This time, I decided to be honest with myself: I was just not ready. I submitted my PTO for the rest of the week, and left feeling exhausted and defeated.

So, on to my current mission: finding a protein powder that doesn't make me want to barf and allows me to keep up my energy throughout the day. I've had recommendations for one brand at Costco, and another at Whole Foods. I'm planning to borrow a friend's Costco card this weekend to check them both out, and I'll report back once I have more info. Getting my protein intake under control has to be the key to boosting my energy level and stamina. My goal is to get this sorted out during these days off, so that Monday will be doable. Wish me luck, because I HAVE to get back to work. My coworkers are picking up my slack while I'm away, but it's a big time for our team, and I feel overwhelmingly guilty for not being there.

I promise that I'm trying to be positive. The good news is that physically I'm about 95% with no incision pain or nausea. I'm still battling some aches and pains, but I think it's gas related. Sleeping is much easier these days, and I'm finally able to rest on my stomach again. Thank goodness!  There are also a few things that have really been helpful during my recovery period, and I want to share some of them with you.

First, there's Pinterest. I know this sounds crazy, but I've been pinning the heck out of some food. Some have said that I'm just torturing myself, but actually it's been pretty satisfying for me. I'm not really hungry, so my hunger pains have been quelled by reading through recipes that I find particularly mouth-watering, and saving them for later when I have the ability to actually taste them. It's been like therapy almost, and even though I don't know how healthy the process really is, I'd recommend it either way. There are some great protein ideas out there as well, some that I would have never thought of. I've been able to find some alternative foods that I hope will very soon replace my shake regime. I'd venture to guess that I'm not the only one who finds this site useful, because there's a plethora of Gastric bypass resources out there as well including recipes, blogs, and success stories.


Next, Gas-X thin strips have been a life-saver! After surgery, they told me that I needed to walk to work the excess gas out of my system. Being the overachiever that I am, when they told me to walk for 20 minutes, I did 2 laps around the outside of the hospital. Hey, it was a nice day! Gas-X helps me in my everyday life when walking that much may not be an option. They dissolve on your tongue (which is great since I'm having a bit of trouble swallowing pills), and they don't taste terrible. In fact, they even freshen your breath at the same time, so they double as a breath mint! Over the past few days I've had some shoulder pain, and I've found that two strips plus a dose of Tylenol helps big time. This is a must-have for anyone having surgery, in my humble opinion.



The last one is a bit sentimental, I know, but since yesterday was National Love Your Pet Day (I don't even know if that's a real thing, but Facebook said yes, so it must be true) I have to tell you that having my dogs here to snuggle up with has been fabulous. As a single girl living alone, I feel much better with Wally and Penny here to have my back. They know when I'm not feeling well, and they're being extra sweet. Especially since my parents went back to Tennessee, I don't know what I'd do without them.

Anyways, I'm off. I hope you all are doing well. I've had so many messages and emails about friends who have had, are scheduled to have, or are considering bariatric surgery. Ladies, please don't ever be embarrassed of your goals. We'll get through this together! Keep me updated, and I'll keep you updated as well.

Days Since Surgery: 10
Current Weight: 333
Total Pounds Lost: 17