Back to Work - again.

This feels like de-ja-vu all over again. But this time I am back to work for sure. Although, I am not sure if I can make it the whole day without a nap.

I am still struggling with getting in enough protein each day, which directly effects my energy levels. I am adding Beneprotein to everything I eat. I just don't have much of an appetite. Sometimes the thought of eating makes me nauseous.

I went to the Y 3 times last week. I spend 20 minutes on the stationary bike then do 6 circuit weight machines. I also went to Yoga class at the dance studio. I had some trouble with movements that involved bending over and then coming slowly up - I got dizzy. So I limited myself to the floor exercises.

I saw Dr Lau on Friday - he was happy with my progress and suggested I use some high protein supplements until my appetite comes back. My next appointment is in June.

I guess I should get back to work. Updates to follow.

Starting weight: 219.5 Current weight: 189

Who needs a gallbladder anyway?

So life without a gallbladder is just fine. I am getting back to normal again, although normal is a relative thing. I am not totally sure what my new normal is, yet.

I don't have much of an appetite, I can't even eat the 4 oz. of food I should at each meal. My worry is that I am not getting in enough protein. I am supposed to eat at least 60 grams of protein per day - that means 15 grams at each of my 4 meals. Without enough protein I will burn away muscle instead of fat. I am adding extra protein to my protein drinks and just about anything else I put in my mouth.

I am really low energy, but am determined to start exercising. I will hit the gym this week.

Last Wednesday, I went to the WLS support group at Stanford. There were about 20 women there who have had gastric by-pass, lap-band or gastric sleeve surgeries. There were a few there who had not had surgery yet as well. It was great to share our experiences and hear from those who were at the 1 year mark. To see their success was inspiring. I think I will attend this meeting again.

For those who are wondering about where the gallbladder is and what it does here is some info took from webmd.com:

What is cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, a small organ near the liver that plays a part in digesting food. Normally, fluid called bile passes out of thegallbladder on its way to the small intestine. If the flow of bile is blocked, it builds up inside the gallbladder, causing swelling, pain, and possible infection.

What causes cholecystitis?

A gallstone stuck in the cystic duct, a tube that carries bile from the gallbladder, is most often the cause of sudden (acute) cholecystitis. The gallstoneblocks fluid from passing out of the gallbladder. This results in an irritated and swollen gallbladder.

After surgery #2

I am home from the hospital. My surgery was yesterday afternoon - they took me to the surgical suite around 12 noon and I was back in my room at 5 pm. The procedure was less than an hour.

The doctor's said that my gallbladder was "ugly" and had some big stones. It really needed to come out. So it was a good thing they sent me for the Ultrasound even though my symptoms did not present as traditional gallbladder inflammation.

There are probably easier ways to get another 2 weeks off from work but I'm not one to take the easy way. So I will take it easy for a few days and then hopefully get back to the exercise program I haven't really started.

Thanks for all the well wishes. I love you all.

Back in the hospital

I'm typing thison my iphone from my bed at Stanford Hospital. Why am I here? Well I'm going ti have my gallbladder out.

I started the day by having an ultrasound as ordered by my doc because of my abdomenial pain last week.

When I'm done with the test they called my doc who said I needed to be admitted. Of couse there were no beds available so I went back to work and waited for the call. A few hours later I was back at the admitting dept.

I don't know when my surgery will be, sometime tomorrow. I should be home by Saturday. I'll keep you posted.