Journey into Wonderland (ONEderland)
Friday, September 12, 2014
ONEDERLAND!!!!!
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
8 Day Update - Little Things
Well now... I've made it just over a week out and I'm feeling great! I've spent all this time doing absolutely nothing and focusing my energy on healing and Netflix. I must say that House of Cards is an excellent series. I managed to finish all 26 episodes in 3 days.
For the last 2 days I've been antsy - itching to get out of the house. I've been good and stayed put until now. The girls had cross country track practice this afternoon at the park behind our house. So with the threat of inclement weather, I relished at the opportunity to get out - even if for just an hour to sit in the car with the A/C blaring in the parking lot.
It feels weird to sit behind the wheel of a car and feel too small for the seat. To be a good 6 inches alway from a steering wheel that used to graze me with every turn. To look down and see my thighs in all their "glory".
A good girdle is in order for those thighs. :)
But it is definitely the little things that have made this journey what it is. This is no different. At times it has been overwhelming to experience some of these small things that normal sized people take for granted on a daily basis. I'm thankful that because of this journey, I will take my gratitude with me and never overlook the opportunity for a small victory. It is these little triumphs that make each day worth living and every minute worth sharing with someone who may be struggling for motivation.
I feel such renewed vigor. It's refreshing. It's exciting. The next few weeks, months, years... what will they hold?
For now, I will focus on today. And today is a great day!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
It Is Done!!
On Monday, I had the skin removal surgery. Today is Wednesday. I had the luxury of showering off a bit and discarding of the bandages that was holding everything together. When I finally got a good look in the mirror, I was extremely pleased with the results! Completely exceeded my expectations! He removed a total of 22 pounds of skin. That doesn't include what he removed with some lipo sculpting. The most uncomfortable part of this is probably having to maneuver around the drains coming out of each leg. But it's workable. Pain hasn't been too bad. I've stayed on top of taking the pain meds which make me feel weird. Although, I'm thankful for them!
Last night, I slept really good. I'm hoping for a repeat tonight.
I'm staying off the scale until after the drains come out in a week. I'm swollen all over. I'm pushing fluids and protein. Just ready to get back to normal now. In the meantime, I'll just take it easy and rest.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
It's Really Happening!
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
5 Days!!!
Definitely still freaking out. Anxiety is at an all time high and I'm wishing for a xanax IV right about now. Thankfully, I've managed to stick with my healthy eating plan and I'm feeling less bloated and the water weight is pouring out... Who knew blueberries were a natural diuretic?!?! Holy moly!
So I got my before pics all taken and cropped. I need to blur out the naughty bits, but I'll post them with the afters probably sometime next week.
I'll say one thing for sure... all this waiting is for the birds. I should have just scheduled this thing for the next day so it could have been done and over with. I know all the anxiousness I feel can't be good for me. Just the thought of it sends my stomach reeling and heart racing. Why can't I just sleep through the next 4 weeks and be done with this!?!
Speaking of sleep... I'm not doing that much lately. Again, the anticipation of W.A.I.T.I.N.G keeps me from being able to relax and shut off my stupid brain.
One kinda cool thing. When I got home from work yesterday, I went to hang up my clothes and then thought "I doubt I'll be able to wear these again." So this week, I'm paying tribute to all the clothes that will get their last wear. Although there are not enough days between now and then to wear everything that won't fit. So I'm just wearing my favorites one last time.
Once I'm up for it after surgery, my closet will get a major overhaul. When I'm done, I won't have any clothes left!!!
Now I've got to start saving up to replace my wardrobe. Donations are being accepted. =)
Thursday, August 14, 2014
The COUNTDOWN is ON!!!
Right now, I'm just taking each day as it comes. And lately, they've been coming with a butt load of stress! I have about 5 work days before I'm off for a few weeks to heal and the stack of work I need to finish is about as tall as I am. Well, thankfully I'm short. =)
I know as a result of the stress, I'm turning to carbs and other foods I know I need to stay away from. So I'm committing myself to stick to protein, shakes, veggies, fruit, water, and vitamins for the next 11 days. ESPECIALLY the shakes!!! I have got to keep my protein up so I can ensure I heal well and QUICKLY!!! Tentatively, I'm going back to work after 17 days... as opposed to the original 22 days I was planning on taking off. It's only the difference of 5 days, but I'm guessing a lot can change in 5 days.
This weekend, I'll have the hubs take my before pics so I can post them here. In the meantime, I'm totally freaking out! I'm excited, but extremely anxious about it all. For some reason, I'm scared of looking worse than I do now. Although I think anything would be an improvement to what I have right now. It's just hard for me to imagine what I'm going to look like without all the skin around my abdomen and sagging boobs. Honestly, I've always looked like this so I don't know any different. The last time I had a semi-normal figure was when I was about 6 or 7 years old. Somehow, I don't think I can compare the 33 year old body I have now to the body of a prepubescent child.
Did I mention I was freaking out!?!?!?!?
Friday, July 25, 2014
Moving on to Phase 2!!!
I'm already scheduled for August 25th!!! Just over 4 weeks till surgery day! I am definitely freaking out! Every morning when I get ready for work, I look in the mirror and take inventory of what won't be there anymore. I can't begin to tell you how life changing this will be!
As far as my weight goals go, I still have a ways to go. I know I'm not going to wake up and be at goal weight or look like a model. I'm very realistic about my expectations. I need my body to be functional. With all this extra skin on my midsection, I am no where near as functional as I need or want to be!
I won't lie... This next step scares the mess out of me. But I can't stress how necessary it is in order to keep moving forward in this journey. I have such amazing people in my life supporting me. After all is said and done, it will be totally worth it!
Surgical clearance is scheduled for 7/28 and my pre-op appointment is 7/31. Next week will be a busy one for sure!!!
31 more days!!!!!