Day 13 preop diet

So my surgery is a week from tomorrow in Phoenix.  I have been doing this stupid diet for two weeks and have lost some weight but find it really hard not to go out and get a cheeseburger.  That seems to be what my mind and stomach focuses on....the cheeseburger.  I called my weight loss center today and told them I am having a hard time controlling my hunger between lunch and dinner and that I really crave meat.  Instead of giving me permission to have a cheeseburger, she gave me permission to have another protein shake.  Thanks a pantload, lady!  I know it is all going to pay off in the end but this truly sucks!  I went to a work meeting the other day and had to cart my little blender and stuff for my shake along with me.  In the meantime, my co-workers got to enjoy some pretty good vittles AND what looked suspiciously like Paula Deen's "Not Yo-Mama's Banana Pudding".  I didn't asked if that was it because I was afraid of the answer.

On a positive note....I have fallen in love with all things turkey.  Turkey bacon and Turkey sausage are awesome!  I also love Greek Gods Yogurt.  It kind of tastes like cream cheese.  Sugar free fudgcicles and popcicles are good too.

Tune in tomorrow....or whenever I find the time to post next.

Day 4 pre-op diet

So I am on day 4 of my pre-op diet.  It turns out I can have snacks but only veggies with no dip.  I am doing okay other than feeling a little like I am walking around in a fog.  My hunger is kind of a dull yearning but it isn't too bad.  The worse part is the smells.  Cake baking in the oven.  Pizza being eaten by my kids.  French toast being cooked by my hubby for the kids.  I really want a cheeseburger and a Dr. Pepper.  I had my pre-op appointment today and the doctor told me that if he gets in to do the surgery and my liver didn't shrink enough because I cheated on the diet, then he wouldn't be able to do the surgery.  That is incentive enough for me to stay the course but, believe me, it sucks greatly.
Luckily, I have 12 kids who keep me busy and help keep my mind off of the fact I can't eat anything great.  Tonight's dinner consisted of baked salmon with garlic and basil and a small salad with low fat italian dressing.  My hubby and kids had Papa John's Pizza becaue my crock pot decided to go out shortly after I turned it on and we didn't discover it until 4 hours later.  My then my Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken Chili was ruined.  Will try again tomorrow I guess.

TTFN

Day 2--pre-op

Well, after having a shake for breakfast and a shake for lunch, I had a grilled chicken breast and some steamed zuchini and squash for dinner.  The chicken was store-bought and already grilled.  I did not like the taste of it so have decided to grill my own.  I decided to practice taking small bites and chewing thoroughly and started with the chicken first.  It went well but, by the time I got to my veggies, they were stone cold! 

Oh well, it wasn't the most exciting meal on earth, but it wasn't intolerable.  I am thinking I can actually do this and not try to eat one of my kids.=)

The Journey Begins....Steps to a Healthy Life

So since my last post, we have moved to Tucson, Arizona and we started working for a group home.  We currently care for 11 children in foster care as well as our biological son, Eli.  I cannot believe I haven't posted anything this past year since they always seem to give me something funny or new to write about...I will try to do better.
In June, I decided to get gastric lap band surgery and, once I jumped through all the hoops my insurance required of me, I have a surgery schedule September 7, 2012.  Today begins the first day of my pre-op diet.  I am allowed a protein shake for breakfast, a protein shake for lunch, and a small meal of proteins and veggies for dinner for the next 3 weeks.  I bought whey protein from Wal-mart in vanilla cream flavor.  This morning I poured 8 oz of lowfat milk, a scoop of protein powder, 5 ice cubes and a 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract.  What I got was a yummy thin milkshake that tasted like an orange creamsickle.  It was awesome but we will see how much it fills me up.
Last night I had my "last meal".  It was parmasan crusted chicken with spinach and ravioli at Olive Garden.  It had been discontinued on the menu but the manager granted my request to have the cook remake it.  It was a very nice last meal and I am excited about starting a whole new lifestyle.  I just have to get past the "head hunger".  My plan is to stay busy(with 12 kids that should not be a problem) and try not to think about it too much.  3 weeks seems like such a long time from now.

That's all for now but I plan on posting updates as long as I can.  Wish me luck!
TTFN