HOLA!

I am here in Mexicali Mexico, sitting in a very nice hotel room with CNN on the TV so I can watch the debate!

I flew to San Diego this morning from San Francisco - it was pouring rain, the first of the season.  It created some challenges, but I made it to the flight on time.  I was worried that things were off to a bad start when my credit card was turned down at the check-in counter.  (Of course I only brought one with me so I am going to have to call the bank when I have cell service,)  I got on board and found the flight full except for the seat next to me - hurrah.  I could put the divider up and be comfy without upsetting someone with taking up more than my fair share of space...

I had my pre-op tests at the hospital, met the 2 surgeons and got the news that I could eat dinner.  I was shocked!  They seemed a bit surprised I was sent a liquid diet to follow this week.  Oh, well.

So I had 1/2 a very tasty hamburger with mushrooms and 4 french fries.  Whoo hoo.

These are some photos of the hotel:

 Pretty tile in the bathroom.

 This is what they brought for turndown!

I will probably be out of it for a day or two before I report in from the hospital, and I promise not to take pictures of my incisions!!

I AM OFFICIALLY CRANKY

Now I am going to whine.  I have been really good on the diet. I took 2 days off but otherwise, no cheating.  I have made it through day 1 of this liquid diet. I am hungry but that is not why I am cranky.

No Advil. 

I am an Advil junkie.  I take the maximum allowed everyday; morning, noon and night.  By doing that I keep my arthritic foot happy and relatively unswollen and my knees creaky but not too painful.  Day 2 of no Advil and my head aches, my neck is stiff , my foot is ok, my knees are killing me. I feel like I have the flu or I was beaten with a stick.

I did take a some "natural anti-inflammatories" from the health food store - nuthin'.

I am sooo looking forward to the drugs following the surgery and I still have 4 days to go.  Boo hoo.

THE LAST CHEW

My dinner tonight will be the last one I chew - at least for a couple of weeks!  I am going to have salmon cooked on the grill and some zucchini.

Tomorrow I go off the 2 protein drinks and a "lean & green" meal to liquids only. The only positive thing I can say about this change is no more sweet flavored protein drinks.  I just don't care for sweet drinks and a month of them has been too much for me.

I took the opportunity to experiment with with different protein powder samples. Since protein supplements will be a lifelong commitment, I need to find what works for me. One I tried is "unflavored", though when I stirred it into V-8 it was pretty bad.  I can see stirring it into soup or yogurt or something already sort of thick.

Nector brand protein powders come in fruit flavors in addition to the usual chocolate/vanilla/strawberry. The grapefruit was actually quite good, tart and natural tasting.  I ordered a bunch of that. 

When I look at the choices I have for the next 5 days I realize how picky I am.  I am supposed to have sugar free jello for dinner, but I don't like most jello flavors.  I know I can flavor up the broths to make them interesting and palatable, but I can't choke down chamomile tea.  Yuck. 

The first couple of days I can have "drinkable yogurt." I have yet to find any fat free versions, so I may have to go a bit off plan and use the low fat version.  And, of all things, grape juice is the other allowed item.  That I can do, I remember having grape juice and Lorna Doone cookies in the hospital after giving birth and it tasted wonderful!

I am down 14 of the 20 they wanted off pre-op - so I am right on track at 5 pounds a week.  The last couple of days I have been hungry but before that I have sailed through.  Wish me luck for this liquid diet - a new experience for me...

MOTIVATION

I got word today that I am set to have my surgery on October 23.  I also received a very strict diet to follow prior to surgery and a suggestion from the doctor that I try to lose 20 pounds before then. He wants my BMI down 3 points!

The diet is basically 2 protein shakes and a "lean and green" meal, preferably at lunch. The week before surgery is a little different; more variety in the protein and as few carbs as possible. I feel confident that I can do that, with the exception of the weekend getaway we have planned for our anniversary. 

That trip actually had a lot to do with my making the decision to go ahead with the surgery.  Tom was talking about going hiking and bike riding and I felt so bad and embarrassed that I have gotten to the point that I can't do those things.  At least not for long and not easily.  My knees have gotten so painful that I can't sleep well some nights and my gait is really different.  I miss being graceful.

I have been wearing my gym shoes to work every day and walking for 5 minutes here and 10 minutes there throughout the day.  I need to build up my stamina and strength, both for the trip and for the surgery.  More than anything - and I mean this- I look forward to being able to exercise.  I have always liked my gym time, hard as it may be to fit in.

I like the idea of looking better and shopping in regular stores, too,  but I have no illusions that this old body is just going to snap back.  I am going to get Tom to take some "before" pictures this week to put aside. I have taken my measurements already, bought my post-op vitamin and mineral supplements and some samples of high protein foods and supplements.

Making this happen.