Update

Well I guess it is about time to update this thing.

So far I have lost 45 lbs and am slowly getting rid of my double/triple chins. Thought the best way to show you is to put a few pictures taken just before I went for surgery and some taken today. The pink ones are the before pictures and the others are the current ones. Hope you can see a difference in me.

One month after surgery

Iguess it is about time for an update on my progress since surgery.

On Tuesday it will be four weeks and I am getting back to eating regular foods. At first it was really hard as I craved something to chew but had to spend 2 weeks on clear liquids. But now I have had beef, chicken, well cooked vegetables etc.

So far I have lost 30 pounds and am down almost 2 sizes in clothing. Had to go buy some new pants to wear to work as I was spending all my time pulling the old ones up so my but crack didn't show. I purchased one size smaller than before surgery and they are really comfortable. I have had to take them in a bit already. Two more sizes down and I will be out of the plus sizes and into regular people sizes.

Of course the weight loss will slow down now that I am on regular types of foods but at least I can see the light at the end of the tunnel (it's still a long tunnel) and I am quite positive that it is not just another freight train coming my way.

I am feeling a lot better and already notice less problems with my back. I have not had to use the cane since I came home from Toronto so that is really great.

Next weekend we will be making a quick trip to Saskatoon for Dawson's first birthday party.

Surgery update

Just thought I would give you a last update before I leave for Toronto.

One week from today (29th) I will be flying to Toronto to have my Lapband Surgery. I have spent the last week eating green leafy vegetables only plus three special shakes a day. (If I ever have to eat another piece of steamed broccoli with just salt pepper and seasonings on it I think I will just puke!) If anyone has some suggestions to make cabbage, celery, green onions, lettuce cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes and radishes into anything other than salad or stir fry PLEASE pass them on.

So far I have not had any second thoughts or anxieties about doing this. I am really excited and looking forward to getting on with my new life. On the preparation diet I have lost 12 lb already. Next year at this time they feel that I will be over 100 lb lighter. Right now I just cannot picture it but I will keep you posted with before and after pictures as I make progress.

I will be leaving for Saskatoon on either Saturday or Sunday and flying out on Monday.

Will try to get a blog done as soon as I get back. Right now I just want to thank you all for your support during this preparation time.

Merry Christmas

Well here it is Christmas eve. What hasn't got don't won't and what has got done will be good. We are leaving for Martensville right after Herman gets off work and grabs a bite to eat. We will miss Monty, Mel, Austin and Riley this year as they are at Mel's parents but the rest of the family will be here.

Going on boxing day to my brother Roger's for a roast beef supper. That will be a nice change from turkey.

Here's hoping that everyone reading this has a joyful Christmas.

All the best in the New Year.

Christmas is just a month away

Since Christmas is just a month away, here are some pictures of our decorations on the balcony of our apartment. Of course only blue and white lights are allowed!!!!!!!

My News

Since the only ones who read this are people that I don't mind having this information, I am going to post this here.

On January 29, 2007, I will be flying to Toronto to have a Lapband inserted. This will create a small pocket at the top of my stomach. It will leave a small opening to the rest of my stomach and will reduce the amount of food that I can eat before feeling full and satiated. Since they will not cut into my stomach or intestines like all other gastric surgeries do there is a much shorter recovery time. I also will not have to worry about becoming malnourished as I will be able to eat most any food that I desire barring things like nuts and popcorn. I spoke to my doctor about it and though he didn't understand exactly what the lapband was, he is supportive and willing to help me with this.

Within about a year I should have lost about 75% of my excess weight.

Now for my rant. Our provincial health plan will pay the full cost for me to take months off work, have my stomach cut out (irreversable) and part of my intestines removed (again irreversable), risk life threatening infections and complications (which happens at some point to most gastric bypass patients) but they will not pay a penny towards having a surgery that simply places a band around the stomach (can be removed if it became a problem). Makes great sense, doesn't it.

If this surgery is successful my plan is to start a campaign to have this covered by our provincial plan.

My new set of wheels

Well here is my new set of wheels. I rode it downtown on Saturday. Boy did I get a lot of stares as I rolled on down the streets. Now the snow has come and I guess I won't get to ride it again until next spring. Oh well something to look forward to. I'm going to put a basket on the back platform so that I can carry a bag or two of groceries. It's electric so costs next to nothing to use and goes about 25 km per hour and about 25 kms on a charge. Maybe it is what you guys need to get around Vancouver.



Well October was sure a busy month.

Herman took a trip to Tillamook Oregon to visit his sister. He stopped in Vancouver on the way to visit with Clay and Monty and family. He was gone for 10 days and I enjoyed my solitude at home.

Work has been going well although I would give most anything to be able to retire and stay home for a while (or even just work part time). I think if I ever get to be able to work part time, I may see if I can get on with the Commissionaires like Herman. I would really like to get out of retail.

My freezer kicked the bucket while Herman was in the states so I spent an afternoon hauling groceries to the garbage as most of it had thawed before I realized that it was kaput. We purchased a new one on Saturday and it should arrive tomorrow afternoon.

Happy Thanksgiving To All

The rain has finally gone and the sun is shining, something in itself to be thankful for.

We spent yesterday in Martensville with Roger, Jacqui, Kelci, Katy, Allie, Dawson, Roger's dad Elmer, his friend Suzie, and Roger's brother Ricky. We had turkey with all the trimmings and of course some good Ukranian food (perogies and cabbage rolls). We also took the chance to celebrate Kelci's 13th birthday. (Birthday is actually today).

Herman has been working a lot of hours and worked from 6pm to 9 am on Saturday night. He came home and grabbed a few hours of sleep and we were on the road by 1:30.

Hope you all had a great thanksgiving.