Week 3 - Update

I've finally made it through the 2-week liquid diet that followed my surgery. It went quickly and pretty much was a breeze. My main concern during that time was getting my protein in everyday and getting rid of the gas pocket that lingered in my right side for about a week after I got home from hospital. Strangely enough, that was the only pain I felt. I had 5 main incisions and not a one of them bothered me at all. Counting myself very lucky.

I'm well into my 3rd week since my surgery and there has been great progress in that time.  My 20 staples came out on Tuesday and I was told I was a star patient. Sixteen days out from surgery and I am down 25.5 pounds. Yesterday I saw an orthopedic doctor and had two cortisone shots in my left shoulder. For the first time in 15 years, I have no pain there either.

As I sat watching GMA this morning, chewing on my milk-soaked Rice Krispies, it dawned on me that this is what it feels like to truly feel happiness. There is a joy inside of me that I haven't experienced in a long time. A smile covered my face without my even knowing I was doing it for a few moments.

Food is no longer my captor and I really like going to the gym to exercise. I am making plans for my future again... big plans! Why? Because I can!! Everyday is a blessing from God and I plan to make the best of every moment of it. My excitement overwhelms me at times, but after 10 long years of being shutdown, I think I'm entitled to all the excitement I can handle.

I do hope that my blogging about my current experiences following bariatric surgery won't bore you all to bits. I need to do this for me, actually, to keep myself accountable and to leave a record of my journey, as well. And, if one little bit of my journey inspires even one person, that in itself is all I could hope for.

xxxJBDxxx