Father's Day Weekend

So far it's been a great weekend!  Yesterday we went to the annual Geisinger Medical Center and Gift of Life Transplant Picnic at Knoebel's Grove Amusement Park.  It was really nice seeing some of our friends from the transplant office in a social situation instead of at clinic.  Devan is doing ok, no change in his numbers.  Unfortunately that means he's not improving though either.  They are talking some more about the biopsy, and it looks like we may be going through with it in August.

Here are some pictures of the boys being "boys" at Knoebels:

This is Devan on the motor boats

Here are Devan (in the back), Paul Jr and Brandon playing with the "diggers".  Boys never outgrow cool toys!


On a weight loss note, I was very happy to finally ride the two wooden roller coasters at Knoebels!  The Twister coaster is actually an old favorite of mine.  When I lived in Colorado, Twister was at the "old" Elitch Gardens in Denver.  They sold the original park, and Twister moved to Knoebels!  I was one of the last people to ride it when it was in Denver, so couldn't wait to finally fit in it here!  Twister 2 is at the new Elitch Gardens, and the last time I rode it I came away with very bruised hips because I had gained so much weight.  That was the last time I ever rode a wooden coaster, so for me to fit comfortably on TWO coasters yesterday was a big thrill!

Lastly, I wanted to share the card I made for my dad for Father's Day.  I finally got my Square Lattice Embossing folder for the Big Shot.  It has been on backorder forever!  No wonder though, it is the COOLEST and most versatile texture I have played with in a long time.  You can do so much with it!  I used it to mimic the chrome skid-proofing on the foot rests of my dad's bike as a base for the card.  

Here are the deets:

Stamps:  Motorcycle (I love our single stamp options!)
Paper:  Brushed Silver, Basic Black, Shimmery White
Ink: Black Staz-on
Accessories:  Photo Corners Punch, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Clips Assortment, Silver Brads, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aqua Painter, Paper Piercing tool

Dad loved the card and the metal motorcycle sculpture I found for him at Hobby Lobby in Ithica.  Much better than the standard gift card he usually gets!  So glad I found the sculpture.  Dad normally buys anything and everything he ever wants or needs, so he's the toughest guy to buy for.  When I saw the sculpture, I knew it was perfect!

Well, off to finish some graduation cards and other projects.  I'm the arts and crafts director for our summer Parks and Rec program, so have to get some samples finished for next week's session.  I am so thankful for losing 144 pounds and having so much more energy!

Sharing some things I made recently....

My son and 7 of his friends were just recently confirmed into our church family.  One of the mentors asked me to make a special card for her student.  This is what I came up with....

This over-sized card is made with the following items:
Shimmery White cardstock
Real Red cardstock
Vellum Cardstock
Bride Designer Series Paper
Pretties Kit
Big Shot Embosslits Beautiful Wings
Big Shot die Beautiful Butterflies
Big Shot embossing folder Perfect Polka Dots
Big Shot Bigz die Table Setting

inspiration for this card came from the wonderful Big Shot quilted purse cake from Dream Night.  You can see it in my previous post....

And this is one of the graduation party invitations I was hired to make for a student from my school. This was inspired by one of the shoe box swaps we made at Dream Night...

 Items used in this card:
Whisper White cardstock
Real Red cardstock
Basic Black cardstock
Staz-on ink
Go, Graduate stamp set
Crimper
Sponge
Various Stampin' Write Markers







And lastly, I was hired to make a set of retirement cards by a co-worker.  We have 12 teachers retiring this year.

Items used in this card are:
Ballet Blue cardstock
So Saffron cardstock
Regal Rose cardstock
Gable Green cardstock
Whisper White cardstock
Gable Green Classic ink
Glorious Green Classic ink
Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write marker
Gable Green Stampin' Write marker
Branch Out stamp set
Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set
Modern Label punch
Stampin' Dimentionals


I hope you like the projects!

Lots of exciting stuff going on!

Earlier this month I was blessed to be invited to Dawn Rapsas' Dream Night with Shelli Gardner!  Dawn is amazing.  I've known her for just about 2 years now, having first met her at Convention 2008.  She's had us down to New Jersey several times to join her downline groups shoebox swaps.  These girls are amazing stampers, and just so much fun to hang out with!  Dawn is so personable and down-right friendly.  You'd never guess that she's one of Stampin' Up's top demonstrators... she's that down to earth....

I'm uploading a few of the pictures taken at Dream Night!

This is me and my CRAZY upline and best friend, Cathy Maltby.

 The Short Hills Hilton was simply beautiful!  This was just outside the meeting room where 100+ stampers gathered to stamp, eat delicious fruit and pastries from the chocolate fountain, and just chat!

This is Cathy and I with the "QUEEN OF STAMPING" Shelli Gardner!  I can't tell you what a thrill it was to meet her.  She is SO classy!  She's also very genuine.  After just a few minutes talking to her, she made you feel like you've been life-long friends.  She ate dessert at our table, so we had an extra chance to get to know her.  Her friend Sue actually has family ties to our area, and even spends many weekends during the summer not more than 10 miles from my house!  Talk about 6 degrees of separation!

These fun girls are some of Dawn's downline who have become good stamping buddies with Cathy and I.  We LOVE going to visit our "Jersey Girls"!  Never a dull moment, and tons of laughs!  Can't wait to come down again!

This is just part of the incredible chocolate fountain dessert bar!  AND we not only had this dessert, but a SECOND dessert later that night.  YUM!  (Thank you Dawn for making sure there was plenty of fresh fruit!!)

and here are some of the stamping displays!  After all, what is a Stampin' Up event without lots and lots of samples to drool over!

This incredible "cake" was made up entirely of Big Shot quilted purses!  Everyone attending Dream Night got to take one home!  Thanks so much Dawn and crew for the awesome gifts!

In

In addition to meeting Shelli and visiting our awesome friends, the "Jersey Girls", Cathy and I had the great pleasure of meeting THIS crazy bunch of stampers from New York and Florida. These girls had us laughing so hard our sides hurt!  Can't wait to see them all again, hopefully soon!

Color Renovation!

Stampin' Up has always prided itself on staying up to date on the latest and greatest in the paper crafting world.  Sometimes that means taking a look at some of its core products and deciding if a change is needed.  Well, one such change is here!  We've revamped our color palette!  I'm very excited about this change!  We'll still continue to offer great color coordination, as well as fresh, new looks!  Below is a chart showing the colors that will be discontinued as of June 30th.  If there are any colors you must have, don't wait to call me with your order!  I plan on stocking up on Blush Blossom since it is PERFECT for flesh tones.  I simply can't live without it for making paper dolls and punch art people!

Change is never easy, but I am very excited about this one!  By keeping things fresh and retiring some of the less popular colors, Stampin' Up is making room for awesome new colors.  These new colors will be available in all of our color products... Watercolor Wonder Crayons, cardstock, markers, Designer Series Paper, ribbons, and many other items!  I can't wait to see the new catalog in July!

Remember, if you want to stock up on some of the retiring colors, email or call me soon!

Neglecting my blog!

I am so sorry I've been neglecting to update!  Things have been so crazy around here! 

In January we had a health scare with my youngest.  He's been having random stomach aches for the past 3 years, and had a diagnosis of IBS.  Well, when he had the same old stomach ache in January, I asked him to tell me what the pain felt like.  Low and behold, it was EXACTLY what I had with my gall bladder!  Who would have thought that a 12 year old could have gall bladder problems starting at age 9??  Well, certainly NOT his doctor, who kept telling me I was crazy (not in those words obviously).  So after many appointments and finally finding a pediatric gastroenterologist who actually believed me, he had his gall bladder removed in February.  Dr. Tvetenstrand (the same doc I had for the gastric bypass and gall bladder removal) said that he'd never seen a gall bladder so full of lesions on such a young person.  THANK GOD I went through all that back in December, or my baby would STILL be suffering with the extreme pain!

Now that we have Brandon's health crisis over, we're dealing with more issues with our oldest son, Devan.  He had a kidney transplant 8 years ago.  Unfortunately his kidney function is declining.  It isn't at critical levels yet, but we're watching him very closely.  He's scheduled for many tests over the next few weeks so we should know more when they are completed.  Please, if you pray, I'd really appreciate it!

Now for a stamping update!  As many of you know, the Syracuse regional was canceled due to adverse weather.  While making my swaps, the punch I was using started getting really stiff and hard to use. I decided to check out my other punches and see what I could come up with.  This is what I did....

Believe it or not, these are made using the Butterfly punch!  Here are the directions:

• Use butterfly punch and cut two pieces using Whisper White or other light colored cardstock.
• With Stampin' Write markers, color edges of butterfly wings.
• Spritz both sides with water, and scrunch the butterflies wings together
• Let dry slightly
• Glue the punched pieces together to form flower.
• Punch 5 petal flower using green cardstock (Certainly Celery and Old Olive are my favorites)
• Repeat spritzing process to make the leaves
• Glue to bottom of flower
• When flower is completely dry, color centers using Summer Sun and More Mustard dots.

You can then add these wonderful flowers to cards, boxes, pin backs, or anything else you can think of!  They are very easy to make, and the possible color combos are endless!


Now on the weight loss front.  I am now 6 months out from surgery, and happy to say I've lost 128 pounds!  I'm just 2 pounds away from being under 200!  I'm so excited!  I'm wearing a 14 regular in pants, and a large shirt!  I recently sold my 3X Stampin' Up sweater I got at convention and bought it in a large!  I am SO STINKIN' EXCITED!

Here are the latest pics....

I am finally feeling full of energy, and just enjoying life again!  Saturday morning it was nice enough here in northeast PA to finally walk outside.  I took the same route I had been walking before the surgery.  When I got to my usual turn around spot, I went right on by!  I ended up walking over 5 miles!  If you would have said even last fall that I'd be doing that, I'd have said YOU WERE CRAZY!  I even jogged part of it!

I still have about 40 lbs to go to goal, but I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  Still having occasional issues with keeping certain things down, but it's getting better all the time.

Thanks to everyone for your continued support.  I couldn't do it without you!

Do not ignore the pain...

Well, it's easy for me to say that now!  For three weeks I had been experiencing some pretty significant pain.  I didn't blog about it because I thought "TMI" and that nobody would want to hear about it.  But then I realized that I really SHOULD blog about it so that everyone realizes that this process isn't always sunshine and rainbows, and that it definitely ISN'T the "easy way out" like so many seem to think.

At first I thought the pain was due to constipation which has been an issue from the beginning.  When you're eating so little, and most of that is dense protein, you're going to have issues.  Miralax is my new best friend, and I have to use it at least three times a week just to stay regular.  When the pain I've been experiencing didn't go away even after good "results", I knew it was something else.

It is common for someone with rapid weight loss to experience problems with their gall bladder.  I knew this, but guess I was in denial.  I didn't want to have to admit I needed another surgery and would have to miss more work.  So I put off going to the doctor.  I did call my surgeon last week to get my 3 month follow-up moved up so he could see me.  I never made it to the appointment.

On Thursday (Dec 17th) I went to school as usual even though I was in considerable pain.  It was so bad that I didn't eat anything even knowing that I HAVE to eat.  I just had a protein shake.  I managed to make it through 2 classes but couldn't fool my sister (she's the teacher for period 3) who insisted I go to the ER.  I'm so glad we work together.  If she hadn't made me, I'd probably still be suffering through this.  So she had me call mom and I drove as far as TI to meet dad.  He took me on up to Wilson.  Paul met us there.

Well, seems everyone in the triple cities needed the ER that day, so we sat there from 10:30 to 3:00 before I even saw a nurse.  Then another 2 hours and finally saw a doctor.  I asked them to consult Dr. Tvetenstrand, and then things finally started moving along.  Dr. T admitted me and ordered a hidascan (I think that's how you spell it... it's a nuclear imaging test anyway).  He said I had the classic symptoms of a bad gall bladder and would most likely remove it Friday afternoon.

So off I go to spend the night in the hospital.  THANK GOD for pain medication!  You never realize just how much you hurt until the pain is no longer there!

The next morning around 10 am they take me down for the scan.  It took 1 1/2 hours.  I have to admit I was really nervous that they wouldn't find anything wrong since the pain meds were working.  I thought for sure the scan would come back negative.  I had nothing to worry about though, because Dr. T said when he came in later that my scan was "very abnormal" and that he was taking me to the OR.  So at 4pm on Friday I had my gall bladder removed.  After I was back in my room Dr. T came in to discuss the procedure and said I didn't have any stones, but it was full of very tiny crystals.  He said he didn't know how I managed to function as long as I did with the obvious pain I must have been in.  Told y'all I have a high pain tolerance and when I say it hurts, it HURTS!

Funny how having surgery for something like that didn't make me nearly as nervous as the bypass itself.  The only thing I felt was relief that my pain would soon be over.

The surgery went well, and I spent an additional night in the hospital.  Came home at 4 pm on Saturday.  I do have to say that I am pretty sore from the procedure.  Maybe it's because I don't have as much fat padding my insides and the instruments bruised me more.  Not sure but it HURTS.  I can't lay flat in bed yet, something I was really proud of myself for after the bypass.  But then again, this is the second major surgery in 3 months and my body has changed a lot over that time.

Each day gets a little better as far as pain goes, so I'm sure by the time school starts again after Christmas break I'll be more than ready to go back.  It was actually pretty good timing.  I'll only miss 5 days of school, and got it taken care of before the huge increase in out of pocket insurance expenses with Paul's "new" insurance plan.  Gotta love Corporate and their "it will be better in the long run" approach... better for them maybe, but I can't even imagine what our bills are going to be like if anything major happens next year....


 I just went back and looked at my last few entries and realized that I didn't post recent pics!  These are from 12/12/09 at my hubby's Christmas party.  I'm down 102lbs since my high weight (I've gained back 4 of that post op, but mostly fluid and swelling... should be gone by next week)..

Also, Devan and I were in a car accident on 12/4/09.  We're both ok, obviously, but my "Flower Power" van is no more.  I do want to share a pic with you though that shows just how durable the Decor Elements are!  She (the person who hit me) wiped out the entire driver side of my van, but didn't rip the decor element!

Dormant sets fixin' to retire!

Dormant Stamp Sets Discontinued on January 4, 2010

December 2, 2009 As promised, many of the stamp sets currently on our dormant list have been available for a year and now it is time to say goodbye. The following stamp sets will be discontinued on January 4, 2010.

Item Number	Stamp Set
113407	Back Woods  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 102
114492	Beautiful Baby 2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 208
114486	Birthday Wish  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 208
113200	Branch Out  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 100
114496	Celebrations  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 208
113732	Central Park  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 106
113206	Classic Sketches  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 119
113226	Classy & Fabulous  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 51
114498	Flowers in Silhouette  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 208
113405	Font of You  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 46
113216	For the Bride  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 61
114494	Forever  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 208
109425	Friend by Definition  2008 Fall/Winter Catalog pg. 135
114488	Fun Flowers   2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 208
113716	Garden Greetings  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 55
114490	Glad Friends   2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 208
111580	Grand Soiree   2008 Fall/Winter Catalog pg. 126
113242	Hit the Road  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 103
113710	Lexicon of Leaves   2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 101
113236	Man's Best Friend  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 72
114423	Ocean Commotion  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 97
113728	Playful Petals  2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 99
109276	Polka Dot   2008 Fall/Winter Catalog pg. 135
111544	Putt Putt    2008 Fall/Winter Catalog pg. 81
113240	Quilt Quips   2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 53
113754	Really Retro   2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 132
113403	Sip by Sip   2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 51
113726	Sweet Stems   2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 99
113250	That's Funny   2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 63
113688	Wonderful Watercolors   2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 85
114028	Para la novia
114032	Acuarelas Maravillosas   2009 Spring/Summer Catalog pg 85

If any of these stamp sets are on your wish list, make sure to purchase them before they are gone for good!  Don't forget during the month of December pay no tax or shipping on any order placed through me!

Made it through Thanksgiving without a hitch....

Last week I wasn't so sure I was going to make it through.  Monday and Tuesday were terrible eating days.  NOTHING was setting right.  My pouch was definitely grouchy!  Even got nauseous and threw up after eating eggs, something I've been able to tolerate since starting soft foods.

I was really nervous about how Thanksgiving dinner was going to go.  I spent a little time crying in the bathroom thinking I wasn't going to be able to handle anything.  I was pretty snappy with my family before leaving.  This is the one thing that I do hate about the surgery.  It's not their fault I self medicated with food for 40 years.  They've been wonderful though and understand what I'm going through.  Hopefully in the end it will all be worth it.  All I can do now is apologize when I get in the hormonal dump slump and they'll continue to stand by me.

So anyway, we leave for mom and dad's.  Still very nervous but putting on a brave face.  I was pleasantly surprised when I was able to try everything and not have any pain or reactions.  I was so happy!  I had 1.5 oz turkey and a teaspoon of everything else (green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, squash).  The only thing I didn't have was the corn and dinner roll.  For dessert I brought some fresh pineapple instead of the pies everyone else had... and you know what? They were EYEBALLING my delicious fresh fruit LOL!

Friday my mom, sister and I got up at 2a.m. to brave the Black Friday crowds.  We were on the road at 3:30! It was so much fun!  I talked them out of hitting McDonald's drive through for breakfast, saying I was still full from my cottage cheese and apple sauce at 2:30 and needed to wait.  We headed right for the city.

Dropped mom off at AC Moore, and my sister and I headed for Target.  Couldn't believe the line already!  I was very impressed once we got in the store, however, and saw how organized Target was.  I found everything I wanted within 15 minutes, and stood in line for only 2.  Headed over to the Starbucks to grab a table and wait for my sister.  She ended up paying for my nephew's "gotta have" and then hitting the regular toy aisle, so I headed back over to pick up mom across the street at AC Moore.  My sister was already through checking out by the time we fought the traffic.  Kudos to Target for their speed, efficiency, and excellent customer service!

After Target we went to IHOP for breakfast.  Their lighter side menu is awesome.  My mom and I split a meal, and both had plenty!  She's been doing weight watchers since August....

After breakfast we headed to Best Buy.  Gotta say, Target set the standard for the day and Best Buy fell WAY short of it.  VERY disorganized (they tried, points for that) but they had regular shopping aisles blocked off for checkout control.  I couldn't even GET to an item I wanted because of the line.  Then they overcharged me at check out so I had to go to customer service for a refund...  not too impressed with them at this point...

Next was Walmart.  I love going to WalMart after the initial rush/doorbusters.  The store was busy, but no more than a normal weekend.  We spent an hour there, and found some great buys.

Next was my favorite stop of the day... Old Navy!  I never really shopped there before because I never fit in their clothes... Well, NOW I CAN!!!  I bought 4 tees, 2 camis, and a tee-shirt hoodie!  OMG I never thought the day would come when I would be able to shop there!!

After ON, it was time for lunch.  Applebees was the choice because of their WW menu for my mom.  I ended up getting the Steak Quesadilla tower and just eating the inside.  Very good and more than enough food.  Even took some home!

Next it was on to Kohl's.  I have a few stamping friends who work there.  I ran into three of them, two of them didn't recognize me!  What a great feeling!

Ended the day at Toy's R Us.  By this time I was feeling the effects of the fatigue, so stayed in the car and watched Alvin and the Chipmunks LOL!  Just enough of a rest for the last stop of the day, Christmas Tree Shoppes.  LOVE THAT STORE!  I stocked up on the acrylic frames for next year's calendar camp.  My apologies to my stampers that I didn't get one organized for this year, but the combined camp with Cathy really took a lot of planning that I normally spend on the calendars.  Next year for sure!!

This weekend I even had the energy and ambition to rearrange furniture and deep clean.  Haven't set the tree up yet, but that's the next on the list.  For the past 3 years the tree has stayed in the box.  My excuse was it was too big for the house.  Reality is I was too big to care, too big to put out the effort.  Not this year.  My kids deserve a tree and not excuses....

Two months post op!

It's hard to believe it's been two months already.  I returned to work 3 weeks ago, and the time has just flown by. 

I am still very tired at the end of the day.  Hopefully that will change soon!  I haven't updated this in so long because I've been going to bed by 8pm most nights.  That's unheard of for me!

I'm happy with my weight loss so far.  As of today I'm down 36 pounds in the two months following surgery, for a total loss of 87 pounds.  I've had a few issues with food, but think it was more trying to push the envelope a little bit and not being able to tolerate textures.  I've had the "stuck" feeling and ended up sick a couple times because of it.  I think I know what the culprit is, so I'm staying away from it for now.

Here are some progress pictures.  I still can't believe the difference!  I'm going to post the ones taken at 2 weeks out as well so you can see the side by side without having to go to other posts in my blog....

Proof of Invisibility

We've all felt it.  That feeling of being completely alone and ignored even in a room full of people.  It was one of my biggest challenges with my job.  I am a para-educator (teacher's aide).  I am part of the special education team.  I am part of a group of other para-educators.  But because I follow a single student, I am often "forgotten" or overlooked when there are department meetings or trainings.  My contract runs differently from the other aides.  If my student is absent, I am sent home.  I fought endlessly to be recognized and included in meetings and trainings.  I am required to have 20 hours of continuing education, yet my contract reads that if my student isn't in attendance, I am not to report to work.  I've had to be my own advocate and demand that I be paid for mandatory inservice hours.  I've had to demand to be compensated for working through my lunch break because the administration didn't see it as a priority to find coverage in order for me to have my mandated break.  My many requests for coverage went ignored so eventually I finally stopped making them, and insisting I be paid for the half hour break I was denied.  You can imagine the resistance I encountered.  A gentle reminder about labor laws and mandatory breaks changed their minds about paying me.  It's been a struggle....

I was delusional and convinced myself that the reason I was "ignored" was because I wasn't a regular classroom aide.  I didn't have the same schedule or duties as a typical aide, therefore I was often overlooked when memos and information was shared.  I even had to have not one but two meetings last year with our new principal just to be put on his staff email chain for daily updates.  It took him 3 months to do that.  I was never informed of department meetings.  What makes this worse is that my own sister is a teacher in my department! 

My surgery was on September 10th.  I came back to school in August in order to prepare my student for the transition into the new school year, get her comfortable with her new schedule and teachers, and ease the switch to a long-term substitute aide.  I had already lost 50 lbs at the start of school, and had my once long, curly hair cut short and straightened.  I saw almost every teacher at our small school at our back to school inservice meetings.  I passed many of them in the hall when classes started.  I spoke to many of them individually before taking my leave of absence.

Only 3 people bothered to call/check in with me while I was out.  My sister did say many would ask her about me, but only THREE bothered to call/email themselves.

Imagine my shock when I returned from surgery having lost another 25 lbs and these same teachers whom I had seen just 5 weeks earlier were coming up to me and commenting on how "good" I looked.  Many of them were aware of the surgery so it wasn't unexpected.  The biggest shock, however, was how many of them commented on how much they loved my hair cut!?!  I had the same hair cut for the two weeks I was here before having the surgery.  At least 4 of the people who commented on my haircut were ones I talked to EVERY DAY before leaving.  Did I miss something?  Obviously THEY did. 

So that is my proof of invisibility. Nobody even noticed my haircut until I came back and they KNEW about the surgery.

Makes me wish I was still invisible....

Bronchitis: Knew it wasn't "just a cold"

Two weeks ago I went to the doc with flu-like symptoms.  He said it was just a cold, and gave me cough syrup with codeine.  Worked for a while, started feeling better.  Went to the gym one night and the next morning I was worse.

Monday I went back because it just wasn't getting any better.  Saw the new doc (my PCP is leaving the practice) and she called it "double ear infection, sinusitis, and URI".  Gave me amoxicillan elixir to try. 

This morning I woke up and could feel the congestion in my chest and the rattle when I cough.  Called for another appointment...

Saw the new doc again.  She did a flu swap and strep swap, both negative.  She decided this time to call it "severe bronchitis".  Gave me a breathing treatment which helped.  Ordered a chest xray to rule out pneumonia (will have results tomorrow but I bet it is positive, I've had it before). 

So I am out of work for the rest of this week as well.  I was supposed to go back last Friday after my surgery leave, but that never happened...

I hope I still have a job after all of this! 

I just want this to go away so I can enjoy how good it feels to have the RNY!  I was feeling great until I got sick two weeks ago!

A size WHAT?!?

Well! Wednesday I went to Salvation Army to take advantage of their half price sale. I needed new clothes to go back to work. Found some great buys in several different sizes. Bought some 22's and some 18's.

This morning I decided to try on some of the smaller sizes just to see how far away I was... OMG the 18s FIT! Granted they are super tight, but I got them over my butt, buttoned AND zipped without straining!! Too tight to wear yet, but they were on! How the heck did I go from a 26W to an 18 in a month???? OMG I am SO EXCITED!!

Yesterday was my one month surgiversary. I'm down 26 pounds since the surgery! Five of those just the past few days! Definitely broke that stupid stall!

Frustrated aka the 3 week stall

Pre-op I sat here reading all these posts on OH about the "3 week stall" and told myself I wouldn't let it freak me out.  Well, no matter how prepared you think you are, some mind games still aren't preventable.

I lost 20 lbs in the first two weeks following my surgery.  I was SO excited!  The third week hit, and NADA.  Well, not exactly nada, but I've managed to gain and lose the same stupid 2 pounds for the past two weeks.

I know in my head that it is normal, and that my "monthly friend" has a lot to do with it, but it's still frustrating. I've also been fighting an "upper respiratory virus" for the past two weeks, so haven't been able to exercise like I want to.  I've only been to the fitness center once in the past two weeks, and felt terrible the next day.  I had thought I was completely over the virus, but guess not.

So this morning I weighed 257, which is 22 pounds less than what I weighed a month ago the morning of surgery.  In one way I am thrilled I lost that much, in another I am frustrated feeling the last two weeks have really derailed me.  I'm frustrated thinking that this is it, that's all I'm EVER going to lose, even though I know it will start back up.  I've read so much info on what to expect and what to do to break the stalls, but it doesn't seem to be helping.

I do go visit the nutritionist today for my one month follow up.  Hopefully she'll have some words of wisdom for me.  There is also a support group meeting at Dr. T's, but I don't think I should go and infect anyone.  The last thing I want to do is give this to anyone who is pre-op or newly post op!

If anyone has any tips or words of wisdom, please kick me in the butt!

Three weeks since surgery, down 20lbs!

I still can't believe it.  I'm down 20lbs already! 

Went shopping the other day to kill time while my son was at a birthday party.  Decided to try on some clothes just for the heck of it.  I actually got a size 22W on, but they were tight so I didn't buy them (even though I know they'll fit soon enough.)  I did, however, find a pair of stretch knit pants on clearance in an 18W/20W that did fit and will fit for a while, so bought those.  I also bought a shirt in a 2X.  I started this journey out at a 26/28W pants and a 3-4X shirt depending on the cut!

Here are some progress pictures... the one with the tie dye shirt is from the summer of '08 right before convention.  This was at my highest weight of 330lbs.

And this is me 68.2 pounds lighter wearing the outfit I bought the other night.  Current weight is 260.2...

I am so happy with my Roux En Y!

Surgery update!

Ok, I want to go back and update on what all happened this past week, so let's rewind to Thursday morning, Sept. 10th... my "re-birthday"....

Mom picked me up at 6 to take me to the hospital.  Paul was just getting off work and met us there.  We checked in at ambulatory surgery at 6:50.  Of course you're never just rushed through anything, so we were in a holding room for a while.  My dad came in about 8:30 after getting my nephew on the bus.  About 15 minutes later, they came to get me.

They wheeled me down the hall and showed my husband and parents where they could wait. I said good-bye and told them I loved them.  I wasn't a bit nervous until that point.  What if I didn't wake up?  Was Paul ready to take over on his own?  Would he know what to do about Devan's medications and routine? What if.... what if.....

So the trip back to the OR was made in tears.  They put me in yet another holding room all by myself.  Soon the anesthesiologist and his tech came in to explain what they were doing and ask me some questions... typical, textbook stuff.  Anesthesiologist left me with the tech.... Poor kid knew I was scared, and kept walking to the door to see where the nurses were.  I could tell I was making HIM nervous, too. 

Finally one of the OR nurses comes in, and the tech makes a hasty departure.  Can't say as I blame him!  The nurse is looking at my chart and says... "Tina Jesse".... Well, I was a bit taken aback because I KNEW my chart had my married name on it, yet she had just used my maiden name... Low and behold I looked up to realize it was an old school friend I hadn't seen in over 20 years!  I was instantly put at ease.  She was going to be with me the entire surgery!  I had every confidence in my surgeon, but there is just something about feeling like you're going through this alone!  With Erin there, I felt SO much better!

The tech comes back with the anesthesiologist and off we go to the OR.  I remember getting into the room, and the gurney being pushed up to the table, but don't remember anything after that. 

Next thing I know, I'm waking up in the recovery room.  It's just after noon, and I was taken in around 9, so not too bad! 

The first 45 minutes were agony, but Jim, the recovery RN, was FABULOUS!  He talked to me the entire time, told me exactly what he was doing, swabbed my mouth before I even said I needed it... what a great nurse!  I was beginning to feel better, and the pain wasn't as bad as I expected.  I did end up down there for 3 hours, though, because the room they assigned me to was still occupied.  They needed to have it cleaned once the patient finally left.  I was fine where I was, Jim took great care of me.  My husband and parents were kept informed about my progress and the delay, so all was good.

Finally get up to my room and get settled.  I won't go into all the little details, but I will say that I was very impressed by the staff at Wilson Regional.  They were superb!  The first day was pretty rough, but that wonderful button every 15 minutes was great!  The first day all I could have were ice chips.  DO NOT eat ice chips post RNY.  I knew this ahead of time so I was prepared.  Let them melt in your mouth before swallowing, otherwise your new pouch will cramp. 

The morning of day 2, I was pretty much getting around very well.  I had already walked the unit, and positioning myself in bed was uncomfortable but not awful.  The radiologist came to get me for my swallow study to see if I had any leaks....

Well, if you've read my blog, you know the funny story about the first swallow study, so I wasn't too concerned about this one.  Let me tell you though, it's a whole 'nother ball game when you're post op.  First, that table is SO high and HARD.  Then they want you to drink a mouthful of that gross stuff (this was different than the barium from the pre-op tests).  Let me tell ya, after not being allowed anything but ice, and having a stomach the size of a golf ball, that was the worst experience I've ever had!  THEN they have you roll on your side and try to drink another mouthful.  First of all, you're not really supposed to drink more than an ounce every 15 minutes (think medicine cup size) so I was already feeling like my pouch would explode.  Second, I couldn't bend my left arm because of the IV, and the X-ray tech kept spilling the stuff down my face and neck instead of getting it in my mouth. 

Well, I finally get it all down and the pictures taken, and they move the bed again, making me sick to my stomach.  So I'm trying desperately to get out from under the machine so I can sit up.  I barely got upright and threw up.  Luckily I warned the tech and she had a basin ready for me.  I was so scared I was going to pop a stitch in my new pouch and have to go through the whole process again!

Once I got back to my room, I was fine.  Went in and got cleaned up.  Back in bed and snoozed.  When I woke up, the nurse told me everything looked fine, and they were advancing to clear liquids.  I called down to room service (isn't that cool??  You can order what you want, WHEN you want instead of waiting for the trays to come around.  What a great thing THAT was!).  Anyway, I ordered sugar free jello and chicken broth...  It took me an 8 hour shift to eat one ounce of jello!  I couldn't finish one ounce of water in 15 minutes.  The restriction is THAT good!

Spent a couple more days in the hospital just to make sure I was feeling up to being home.  Came home Sunday...

The past week has been pretty uneventful.  Had a crying spell on Tuesday, I just wanted to CHEW something.  Talked to some of my support buddies and they said to get sugar free Popsicle's and fudgesicles.  What a relief!  I was never fond of popsicles, but they've been a blessing!  AND they count in my fluid intake!

Tuesday I drove the kids to youth group.  I haven't been using Vicodin except at bedtime, so was ok to drive.  Went for a walk to visit my sister, and had to have a ride home.  After 2 blocks I was done in.

Wednesday I attended a support group meeting and saw some great friends.  Everyone was so helpful and encouraging.  I'm so happy I have such a wonderful support network!

Today, Friday, was my first post-op visit... I took the boys to school and went in to say hello.  Everyone was shocked to see me, and telling me how great I look.  It was so nice to hear! I do feel wonderful.  Very little discomfort, only when I drink something too cold or too fast.  I get very tired very easily, so have to watch it.

Off to the appointment... Dr. Tvetenstrand's nurse, Lin, calls me back and tells me how great I look.  We chatted for a bit, and she weighs me....

I'm down 11.5 lbs since surgery!!  That makes a total loss to date of 62.5lbs!

Dr. Tvetenstrand said everything looks great, can't believe how fast my incisions have healed, and wants to see me in another month.  I can start back at the fitness center next Friday!

Stopped to see my mom and share the good news, and her co-workers (my second family, I've known them my whole life) were all saying they could see the loss already, how great I look, etc.  I am just over the moon happy! 

I wish I had done this 10 years ago!

Pre-op liquids day 3...

Well, so far so good, but I am HUNGRY today!

Last night we had our yearly fish fry at mom and dad's for the holiday. I was completely amazed at how much was on my plate after weighing it! Six ounces doesn't sound like a lot, but when you have fish fillets it is! It was delicious! Had 4oz fish and 2oz asparagus. Stayed away from the fries and hush puppies. For dessert I had sugar free jello and watermelon, both allowed in any quantity because it's considered a clear liquid.

Today I think I am hungry for two reasons.... this may be TMI, but my monthly visitor is here. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm actually relieved she's early! Now I won't have to deal with it immediately post-op.

Another reason is that I've been cleaning out my closet. I can't believe how many clothes I had. I have two huge garbage bags for Free Cycle. I also found many items that I'll still be able to wear for a bit post-op. Shouldn't have to buy much of anything for a couple months until I get below the plus sizes... being a hoarder finally paid off LOL! All of those "I'll fit back into this eventually" items will now be put to use!

Tomorrow is my last day at work. I'm really excited, but worried about my student. She cried all day Friday. She knows what is going on, and is more nervous than I am I think. I promised her that I would call her Thursday afternoon so she knows I'm ok. Luckily she has my sister 10th period at school so I can talk to her then.

Her mom is also a very good friend of mine, and has also had the RNY. I keep reminding her that her mommy had the surgery and did fine. That seems to help. Poor kid! I know she'll be fine once she gets into the new routine with my long-term sub. I still don't know who that is going to be yet.

I also applied for another position at the school. The health clerk position opened up, and that is what I originally wanted to do. It is what I did when I lived in Colorado, and I absolutely loved it. We'll see what happens. I stated in my letter of interest that I hoped they wouldn't disqualify me from the selection process based on my leave of absence. Since I have 2 years past experience and am already an employee, here's hoping they do the right thing... unfortunately we have a new administrator and sometimes his version of the right thing and ours doesn't always mesh.

Well, back to the sorting and cleaning. I haven't had the "nesting" instinct like this since my youngest was born 12 years ago!

Pre-op liquids start tomorrow!

I saw my nutritionist yesterday for pre and post op instructions. Starting tomorrow I am supposed to have a protein shake for breakfast and lunch, and no more than 6 oz. of solid food for dinner for the 5 days before surgery.

Wow, is it really only 5 more days?? I can't believe it! Some days it feels like it will never get here, others it feels like the time is flying by.

I placed my first order with Vitalady.com for some unflavored protein powder and vitamins that I couldn't find locally. I have to add protein powder to my liquids, purees and soft foods for the first 6 weeks at least, then can introduce more "natural" forms of protein. I know it's going to be rough the first few weeks, just hope I can at least reach the lower end of the requirement.

Well, I think I'm going to head to bed. Might be going to bed really early for the next 5 days to make the diet a bit easier LOL! Can't eat or even think about food when you're asleep!

Oh, forgot to mention that my parents gave us a very nice recliner the other day. It is an "overstuffed" chair, and OMG is it comfy. Will definitely be a Godsend right after the surgery for sleeping. They say it's much easier to sleep in a recliner for the first few days home until your incisions heal a bit. And as uncomfortable as our old box spring is, the recliner will definitely be where I will sleep. Paul's on 3rd shift now anyway so it's not like I'll be abandoning him at night!

Updates after a busy couple weeks....

Well I haven't updated in a while since the fair was last week and school started this week. I thought I'd take a minute and jot some things down...

I had several WOW moments since returning to school. The first one was at the inservice on Tuesday. One of the fitness teachers who was here during the summer while I was working out came over and commented on how great I look! I hadn't been to the fitness center for a few weeks due to vacation and the fair so hadn't seen him. I had been doing other activities, just not the fitness center. Well, I tell ya, what better wow than to have a gym teacher tell you that you're doing great?? I was so over the moon happy! I finally told him about the surgery (hadn't said anything previously, just that I was trying to lose weight) and he was so supportive. He offered to be my workout buddy once released by the doc to resume exercise! AWESOME! So I'll have my very own personal trainer!

Next wow... I fit in a student desk!! Last year it was a tight squeeze and I dreaded having to get back out of it to help the student I'm assigned to. Now I can pop right out and the desk doesn't groan!

Next wow.... tried on a pair of white capris today that were too tight last year... they are baggy! VERY baggy! Wore them with an extra large shirt that I bought thinking it would fit after surgery. Now I'm thinking I need to buy an even smaller size! It's our "official" school spirit shirt the staff is allowed to wear on Fridays....

next wow... one of the teachers came up to me and asked me who I was. I was sitting in the desk behind my student... She didn't recognise me with shorter hair and smaller hips!

I'm down a total of 51 lbs since Christmas....

Ok, back to work!

Congrats Theresa!

Awesome news about getting your surgery date! Keep me posted!

Decor Elements Special Offer!

Let It Grow On You
Our Growth Chart special offer is off to a great start! From now until September 31 you can purchase this darling Growth Chart for just $24.95!

We’re excited to share with you some photos and tips from a few of the demonstrators that have fallen in love with this new, limited-time Décor Elements piece and are sure they’ll help our Growth Chart “grow” on you, too!

You Can Take It With You!
Mom and demonstrator, Anne Warman from Barrington, Illinois, has her house on the market, but that didn’t stop her from using the Growth Chart! Her husband trimmed and painted a piece of plywood to place the vinyl on so when they sell their house they can take the Growth Chart wherever they go!

Crushed Curry Creativity
Grandmother and demonstrator, Gail Beezley from San Antonio, Texas, recently bought a new (old) house with a separate studio. In true Stampin’ Up! style, she even painted the walls Crushed Curry! Gail says, “I fell in love with the Growth Chart and had to have it for my studio. I can’t wait until my granddaughter comes to visit so I can take a picture of her with it.”

This Idea Really Measures Up
Lisa Clark thought beyond the traditional use of the Growth Chart and created a ruler for her craft room. She cut out the ruler, then cut out the inch marks and adhered just the measurement marks to the edge of her counter. She then added the foot and half foot markers back in. Lisa uses this unobtrusive ruler to trim ribbon lengths, make quick measurements of scraps, visualize layouts, and more.

When asked about the other pieces of the Growth Chart that she didn’t use, she says, “I may use the tree and birds elsewhere in my craft room for fun.”

Remember, the Décor Elements Growth Chart is only available through September 30, so place your order today by visiting my website at www.tinastamps.stampinup.net