tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26489829283703195532024-03-13T13:29:48.348-07:00And That's LifeJenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-63137210742399572612016-11-26T11:22:00.000-08:002016-11-26T11:22:32.844-08:00Update on LifeAt the request of many, here is an update. 2 days late... Sorry. Life got in the way.<br />
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Four years ago (I know, I can't believe it either), I had my right leg amputated below knee. I thought I would never survive. Even after all the other stuff, I thought surely that would kill me. Turns out, no. It only motivates me to be a better me. A more mindful me. A happy me.<br />
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I went through many trying times. I thought that there's no chance anyone would ever fall in love with me and all of my flaws. However, my boyfriend found me and does. He loves my quirky, my crazy, my heart, mind, soul, and body. He doesn't care that I'm not perfect. He loves me for me.<br />
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Yes, that means everyone who reassured me of that was right. I admit it. That's really hard to see, though, when your whole life gets turned upside down.<br />
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I have a wonderful job where I get to work with kids and the most amazing people. I am constantly inspired by those around me. I was worried (this day some years ago), that I would never be able to have a job where I'm on my feet. Turns out I can do that, too!! I teach; that's my superpower. Teaching is not how it used to be. I'm on my feet about 8 hours a day.<br />
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I hit about 8-10,000 steps a day. I make diner after work. I keep up with the housework. I grocery shop (still my fave). I overcome.<br />
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I know I've come a long way, but I'm just doing what I have to do to survive. I may have lost my ankle, but I've gained SO much more. I have a love for life and all the eccentricities that come with it. My life isn't perfect, but it's perfect for me. It's nothing like I thought it would be. I make the best out of everything and still take strides to beat the odds.<br />
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Now, I still have those "why me?" days, but they are few and far between. I'm on my 7th (8th?) prosthetic. I am in a whole new system. It's an Ottobock vacuum system and I LOVE it!!! I still find pieces of glass in my hands and arms. Wednesday, I had a "big" piece removed. I saw my favorite doctor and he dug it out. I was in pain, but it's worth it!!<br />
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My life is not perfect, but I love it!! If you told me 4 years ago my life would turn out this way, I would never have believed you. However, it's just right for me.<br />
<br />Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-66898211979008684312015-04-04T13:34:00.002-07:002015-04-04T13:46:10.241-07:00One Year and CountingIt has officially been one year since I've had my gastric sleeve. My surgiversary passed on April 1, which happened to be a really stressful day. However, I am finally getting a chance to write about everything that's happened in the last year.<br>
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I have officially lost 111 pounds!! I'm not done losing weight, but I feel incredible. I'm not thrilled with the lack of elasticity my skin has, but I love that I can fit into jeans that are 5 sizes smaller, shirts that are about 5 to 6 sizes smaller, I'm getting a new <i>tiny</i> leg, I can walk for an hour on the treadmill, I get about 10,000 steps every day, I have energy, and I am successful in everything that I do.<br>
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For those of you who may not know, I recently accepted my first teaching job. The teacher's place I took got promoted to an assistant principal, and I inherited her class. This year is hard, but I really love teaching! I can also stand and do all the walking involved with being a teacher. Teaching is no easy feat, but with my new found energy I know I can give it my all!<br>
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I still track my food and water intake every day. I have a streak of 389 days on MyFitnessPal. I have the Fitbit Charge HR to track my steps, sleep, and water. I seriously think these two things have been the most important tools to my success, other than my doctor taking 3/4 of my stomach out. I try to be honest when I eat and track my food. I think having that accountability is really helping me continue to lose weight. <br>
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Here are some random, fun pictures. Please ignore my messy room, but please enjoy these hilarious pictures! <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ixiy3rMcr0M/VSBNj-17GbI/AAAAAAAADms/M4huhXq5GKg/s640/blogger-image--1879481465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ixiy3rMcr0M/VSBNj-17GbI/AAAAAAAADms/M4huhXq5GKg/s640/blogger-image--1879481465.jpg"></a></div><br></div>These are the pants from my first picture! I can squeeze into one side of them. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0JZzEgvz9Ng/VSBMqpm9z9I/AAAAAAAADl8/bh-GeR55J1k/s640/blogger-image-1357680362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0JZzEgvz9Ng/VSBMqpm9z9I/AAAAAAAADl8/bh-GeR55J1k/s640/blogger-image-1357680362.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F37WH0KuCM8/VSBMv1ujSGI/AAAAAAAADmU/Sz9ikcl_BpE/s640/blogger-image-1357539603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F37WH0KuCM8/VSBMv1ujSGI/AAAAAAAADmU/Sz9ikcl_BpE/s640/blogger-image-1357539603.jpg"></a></div></div><div>111 pounds GONE!!!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6Jd1PP7Zvkk/VSBMt_nGzjI/AAAAAAAADmM/B0MYKqOodW0/s640/blogger-image--1394152274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6Jd1PP7Zvkk/VSBMt_nGzjI/AAAAAAAADmM/B0MYKqOodW0/s640/blogger-image--1394152274.jpg"></a></div>Working those jeans!<br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QtKLoPm6IyU/VSBMyDbwNhI/AAAAAAAADmc/7xPViPI29BI/s640/blogger-image--931028109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QtKLoPm6IyU/VSBMyDbwNhI/AAAAAAAADmc/7xPViPI29BI/s640/blogger-image--931028109.jpg"></a></div>My face is so different! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-214dOypEZiU/VSBM0EZ6lII/AAAAAAAADmk/2eLwxwHzj2o/s640/blogger-image--780620822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-214dOypEZiU/VSBM0EZ6lII/AAAAAAAADmk/2eLwxwHzj2o/s640/blogger-image--780620822.jpg"></a></div>One of my more awesome days!<br>
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And that's life...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_6kRvjc4xDE/VSBMsKx7g0I/AAAAAAAADmE/HzE0WrSMxzw/s640/blogger-image--401170749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_6kRvjc4xDE/VSBMsKx7g0I/AAAAAAAADmE/HzE0WrSMxzw/s640/blogger-image--401170749.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br></div></div>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-34823629400510596172015-02-08T18:33:00.004-08:002015-02-08T18:42:54.950-08:00Work baby, work!This is a very honest and unorganized post. Enjoy!! Ha!<br>
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Before I had my surgery, I tried to imagine myself skinny (or even healthy). What I came up with is nothing like what I am currently. I wondered what I would notice. Would my knees look weird? Would my feet lose weight? What would my "assets" do? I just couldn't imagine any of that, and thought that I would be the only person ever that this surgery didn't work for. However, I am pleased to say that is nowhere near the case. Am I down to goal weight yet? No. Am I closer than I've ever been? Am I happy with my results? Yes and yes. <br>
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I have to remember sometimes that I started out at a weight <i>much</i> higher than some people. Losing 100 pounds won't make me skinny, it'll just make me less fat and more healthy. I'll say it again; I wish I would have done this when I was 18. I look down at my wrists and get this weird trippy feeling because they actually look cute and small. I can't wear any of my rings (even James Avery) because my fingers are so much more slender. I can squeeze through a crowd with relative ease because my hips and butt are so much smaller. I still have quite a bit of work ahead of me, but I'm so much closer than I've ever been before. <br>
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It's hard to always <b>see</b> the weight loss. I see myself everyday. I mean, my clothes fit better (or not at all in some cases), but I see myself without clothes. That part is <u>not</u> cute. Let me assure you. No one should have skin like mine so young. I hope to one day have the plastic surgery to "fix" what has now been fixed with the weight loss. That means I have to get down to my acceptable weight and maintain that for a bit, but it will happen in due time. <br>
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Now onto more exciting things. I have been going to the gym almost every day most of this year. I can't believe how dedicated I now am. I go on Saturdays and Sundays. I go after school. I am actually... looking... forward... to going. Who am I?! I am learning about a whole new me. Learning to eat well and treat my body well. I have truly changed my life. However, it has been a <i>major</i> learning curve.<br>
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Not this weigh in, but the last one I had plateaued. I wasn't eating as well as I should have been and I paid the price as it were. I easily slipped back into old habits. I ate what I wanted in tiny portions, but it eventually made a difference. It was a much needed wake up call. I redoubled my efforts, started the gym, paid more attention to planning my meals, saving my calories, eating all of my protein (including shakes), etc. I am happy I plateaued so that it made me pay attention again to what was important. It made me focus. It gave me determination. It sucked, but it was the push I needed; so it was worth it. <div><br></div><div>I am, however, in desperate need of a leg. We are working on this, but seems to be moving at a snails pace. Uggghhhh!!! I just want a new one. Now, please. Thanks!<br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fa8QpM7eIJE/VNgdXeqblQI/AAAAAAAADko/l53Ht88gLzE/s640/blogger-image--2060391859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fa8QpM7eIJE/VNgdXeqblQI/AAAAAAAADko/l53Ht88gLzE/s640/blogger-image--2060391859.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bshUJCZvqbo/VNgdZ-ki7TI/AAAAAAAADkw/mx179GsuxaI/s640/blogger-image-1084569367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bshUJCZvqbo/VNgdZ-ki7TI/AAAAAAAADkw/mx179GsuxaI/s640/blogger-image-1084569367.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sZJrNtQ_W48/VNgeQhNuSfI/AAAAAAAADlA/SUTICbcpuhY/s640/blogger-image--678626480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sZJrNtQ_W48/VNgeQhNuSfI/AAAAAAAADlA/SUTICbcpuhY/s640/blogger-image--678626480.jpg"></a></div>(My favorite comment so far!!! Hahahaha!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>
And that's life...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3cr4PMxYzfU/VNgePEywxjI/AAAAAAAADk4/fMRed40AIow/s640/blogger-image-1678810057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3cr4PMxYzfU/VNgePEywxjI/AAAAAAAADk4/fMRed40AIow/s640/blogger-image-1678810057.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br></div></div>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-65223510106855608882015-01-01T23:31:00.001-08:002015-01-02T00:05:37.887-08:00New year, better me.I am starting this year off over 100 pounds lighter than last year!!! I will not be a "new" me this year. Instead, I am resolving to be a "better" me. I mean, I'm pretty awesome already, but improvements can be made. Ha! I spent New Years Eve amongst friends and New Years Day with family
(yes, I consider all of y'all family). So far 2015 is shaping up to be
incredible!!<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yRRQbtQRUlw/VKZPA6SFo7I/AAAAAAAADjE/fiDhj2MJzvM/s640/blogger-image--1264676271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yRRQbtQRUlw/VKZPA6SFo7I/AAAAAAAADjE/fiDhj2MJzvM/s640/blogger-image--1264676271.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m1_2X0a9J1U/VKZPFhEr7JI/AAAAAAAADjc/1UaZihEBPWg/s640/blogger-image--1853953921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-m1_2X0a9J1U/VKZPFhEr7JI/AAAAAAAADjc/1UaZihEBPWg/s640/blogger-image--1853953921.jpg"></a></div>There is an 18 month "prime time" for weight loss with this surgery and I've gotten a little bit off track. The honey moon phase will end soon, and I'm <b>so <u>not</u> done</b> losing weight yet. I am going to try to cut out carbs and alcohol until April. I don't need either and they're both bad for me. I'm putting this on here so I can keep myself accountable, not for your comments or suggestions. And, no, I do not have any transfer addiction or anything like that (trust me that would have already happened with the whole leg situation). I just want to be a little healthier and lose more weight!<br>
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We are thinking about getting a gym membership for this year. It will greatly help me if I can go right after work without stopping at home, collecting $200, etc. I have noticed once I'm home, I'm done. It's soooo much harder to get motivated once I've already made it home. So I am going to commit to working out during the week. I'm not promising to go every day or walk 12 miles or anything crazy, just that I go at least once a week to start off with, then more once my routine is good. <br>
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I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for me. I already wrote the date correctly, which is a <i>pretty </i>big deal... I am hoping to get a big girl job this year and finally feel like I'm using that degree. I know it's been a rough couple of years, but I'm excited for positive changes and new opportunities. <br>
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We found out via our lawyers that my old insurance (since I'm 26 I don't have any right now...) will pay for all of my leg expenses. That being said, I should be up for a new leg this month!! This one, along with most of my clothes, no longer fits. Woohoo!!<br>
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I've had a <u>lot</u> of people ask why I can't eat when I drink. I think this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR0VM3mnsgM" target="_blank">video</a> will help to explain it. I skipped to like 2:00, but you can watch it all if you'd like.<br>
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Here are a few hilarious pictures in case you missed them, plus other random ones. Enjoy! <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Yq134EI0mZQ/VKZOvF_FYOI/AAAAAAAADhs/B_IqdxyW5hA/s640/blogger-image-874413790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Yq134EI0mZQ/VKZOvF_FYOI/AAAAAAAADhs/B_IqdxyW5hA/s640/blogger-image-874413790.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IjL6TC0XV98/VKZPCqwQFLI/AAAAAAAADjM/1HcsWefDexw/s640/blogger-image-2059945150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IjL6TC0XV98/VKZPCqwQFLI/AAAAAAAADjM/1HcsWefDexw/s640/blogger-image-2059945150.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-womVIqN41z4/VKZO99jKY_I/AAAAAAAADi0/Upo1o6ZAxuI/s640/blogger-image--1598478394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-prpsCi8rlF8/VKZO6jBrmGI/AAAAAAAADik/4LAHwN_9VF4/s640/blogger-image-1210559843.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YN7L4DKhvAc/VKZO1yHrMoI/AAAAAAAADiM/LxuP5nAYpJ8/s640/blogger-image-35460618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YN7L4DKhvAc/VKZO1yHrMoI/AAAAAAAADiM/LxuP5nAYpJ8/s640/blogger-image-35460618.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6spRafkjV-Y/VKZPENFNXHI/AAAAAAAADjU/ggzMHNnLVo4/s640/blogger-image--1051533439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6spRafkjV-Y/VKZPENFNXHI/AAAAAAAADjU/ggzMHNnLVo4/s640/blogger-image--1051533439.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ejvoxk2pPw4/VKZO8OBG2sI/AAAAAAAADis/IxgLhFW06U4/s640/blogger-image--1920175585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ejvoxk2pPw4/VKZO8OBG2sI/AAAAAAAADis/IxgLhFW06U4/s640/blogger-image--1920175585.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-76Nxb3UlcIg/VKZO3sHEAxI/AAAAAAAADiU/RHAAt6QsjoM/s640/blogger-image--1122711613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-76Nxb3UlcIg/VKZO3sHEAxI/AAAAAAAADiU/RHAAt6QsjoM/s640/blogger-image--1122711613.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-155C4ZHjvRk/VKZO5B4sQGI/AAAAAAAADic/gii_Yu8H8OE/s640/blogger-image-2011620889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-155C4ZHjvRk/VKZO5B4sQGI/AAAAAAAADic/gii_Yu8H8OE/s640/blogger-image-2011620889.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b1q2jPxMBXc/VKZOxD5kYsI/AAAAAAAADh0/4BA8UT3iXXI/s640/blogger-image--99637401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b1q2jPxMBXc/VKZOxD5kYsI/AAAAAAAADh0/4BA8UT3iXXI/s640/blogger-image--99637401.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ohXsyiF1v5w/VKZRPUwhx9I/AAAAAAAADj4/HwdN3jiJjCc/s640/blogger-image-881838228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ohXsyiF1v5w/VKZRPUwhx9I/AAAAAAAADj4/HwdN3jiJjCc/s640/blogger-image-881838228.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5Lp7BYhEe8k/VKZRQkl1kfI/AAAAAAAADkA/atfBQI0ROnk/s640/blogger-image-1073342801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5Lp7BYhEe8k/VKZRQkl1kfI/AAAAAAAADkA/atfBQI0ROnk/s640/blogger-image-1073342801.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CDmpp2JHHGY/VKZRSRrX1mI/AAAAAAAADkI/-8mLB1IVFaw/s640/blogger-image--1045822549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CDmpp2JHHGY/VKZRSRrX1mI/AAAAAAAADkI/-8mLB1IVFaw/s640/blogger-image--1045822549.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XBTvoAz-3Bk/VKZRUKcF8fI/AAAAAAAADkQ/jQYftNf2Fqo/s640/blogger-image-708620598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XBTvoAz-3Bk/VKZRUKcF8fI/AAAAAAAADkQ/jQYftNf2Fqo/s640/blogger-image-708620598.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><font color="#000000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YPPlLbioN9c/VKZRNt1QdrI/AAAAAAAADjw/jQyeXgA7lX8/s640/blogger-image--1245269011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YPPlLbioN9c/VKZRNt1QdrI/AAAAAAAADjw/jQyeXgA7lX8/s640/blogger-image--1245269011.jpg"></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And that's life...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mP5FgWL8zPo/VKZRKdYHOkI/AAAAAAAADjo/lT_iQgWjp98/s640/blogger-image-2061668776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mP5FgWL8zPo/VKZRKdYHOkI/AAAAAAAADjo/lT_iQgWjp98/s640/blogger-image-2061668776.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div></div></div><br></div>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-29363944550386976852014-11-25T16:24:00.000-08:002014-11-25T16:24:11.194-08:00My Life in Numbers<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Countless bruises, stitches, and scars</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">28 surgeries or procedures</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">92 pounds lost </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">9 months of no walking</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">7 units of blood</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6 months of physical therapy</span></div>
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3 ICU visits</div>
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3 prosthetic sockets </div>
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2 feet</div>
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2 rehab stays</div>
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2 wheelchairs</div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1 amputation</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I have come farther than I ever thought I could. I have come farther than I ever thought I would. I am inspired in life by the small things. I enjoy my life to its fullest extent. Although the last couple of years have been pretty tragic, I am beyond blessed. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.jenaerenae.blogspot.com/2012/10/55-days-and-counting_12.html" target="_blank">This</a> is my first blog post. No, I don't read my posts after I post them because they make me sad and, usually, I cry. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have THE most amazing friends!!</td></tr>
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Here are some pics you might have missed. </div>
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Comparing different days of wearing the same outfit. </div>
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I fit in my senior prom dress!! And the costume I used it for. </div>
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Yesterday was my 2 year ampuversary and today is my (about) 8 month check up. I've lost 92 pounds!! Woohoo! The doctor said I'm pretty much perfect (she really did). I spent yesterday tutoring and hanging out with one of my besties and her family. We had dinner, I chased around her 2 year old, we watched a movie, and I did the stairs like 3 times; nothing holds me back!! Today I went to the movies with another best friend and we ate pizza. I have gotten to do so much cool stuff and I owe it to all the crazy changes in my life. </div>
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While I will always wish I didn't have to lose my leg, I am equally grateful it gave me the push I needed to get my life back on track. I am a better me and the best parts of my personality shine brighter than they ever have. I love my life and am happy to say I am content. Please don't read this as I'm done losing weight, because I'm not! However, I am <b>immensely</b> happy. </div>
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Progress pics.</div>
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And that's life...</div>
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Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-49515381760075778672014-10-01T22:21:00.001-07:002014-10-01T22:25:30.524-07:006 months, baby!!So I hit the 8 month mark today. I feel awesome!! I walked 1.5 miles in 30 minutes earlier this week and am trying to walk every other day. I am learning to love food in a more nutritional way rather than in a "soothes my soul" kind of way. Eating right has become second nature to me and I enjoy "winning" my calorie goals and such. Oh... Did I mention I've lost 81 pounds? No? Well I did!!! I've also lost 23 inches (I think- this is hard to measure the same every time).<br>
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I am so proud of myself for doing this and sticking with it. I don't look like a super model... yet. It's really only a matter of time. I have to find clothes to fit me (blessing and curse) and am enjoying being thinner. I enjoy not losing my breath after a flight of steps. I enjoy watching my friend's 2 year old and being able to keep up with her. I enjoy life. <br>
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Every day isn't perfect. I don't feel like I'm smaller, but I know I am. I sometimes eat things I know I shouldn't, but have learned to eat them in extreme moderation.<br>
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I feel incredible!! I have a ridiculous amount of energy and love feeling good. I still have a fair amount of weight to lose, but I know I will reach it because I can SEE results!!<br>
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I'm even learning to not cringe when someone takes a picture. I took a selfie the other day once. Yep, that's it. Once. I have more confidence than I've ever had. For those of you who know me, you know that's a feat. Anyways, the point is, I am starting to LOVE myself and that is an important goal to me.<br>
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If you have ANY questions about anything, please ask. I am an open book about almost anything. I also promise to be honest. Ha!<br>
<br>P.S. Tomorrow's Throw Back Thursday (#tbt) will be awesome!!! <br><br>
And that's life...<br>
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<br>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-53970162997212179792014-08-11T15:46:00.002-07:002014-08-11T15:50:18.645-07:004 Month ProgressSo I've finally hit 4 months and feel amazing!! Seriously, why didn't I do this earlier? Oh, right. Because I thought it would change my life. It has, but in such a positive way that I do not regret it. At. All. I will post my progress pics in case you missed them on Facebook. A lot of my clothes don't fit well, which is a blessing and a curse. It's an expensive problem to have. Ha! Luckily I've gotten a lot of "pass-it-on" clothes from friends. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dOE0MlTAqy4/U-lIgtmPQkI/AAAAAAAADdo/aYUy3dfntRU/s640/blogger-image-327465556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dOE0MlTAqy4/U-lIgtmPQkI/AAAAAAAADdo/aYUy3dfntRU/s640/blogger-image-327465556.jpg"></a></div><br>
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Dad had some issues a couple weeks back with his kidney. This severely stressed me out. What did I do? I ate. But, and here's where I've made progress, I ate half a sleeve of graham crackers and some cheese. That's it. Even my stress snacking has become healthy. Who am I? Oh yeah, the 64 pound-lighter-version of me!! Woohoo!! <br>
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So my progress, other than my brain which has changed dramatically, is a total of 64 pounds and about 13.5 inches (I'm probably not measuring the inches right, but whatever)!! I think about what I'm eating now and how it will impact my calories. I take my vitamins (I did this before, too). I drink most of my water most days; I have a new addiction to tea. I still track ALL of my food. I drink 2 protein shakes a day. <br>
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Let's talk about this protein thing for a second. I am losing hair. Like handfuls of hair. Not like, oh that's a little more than usual. Like in amounts that I'm surprised I'm not bald yet!! Jeez! So I upped my fish oil, biotin, and protein. It's not so bad. I think it's also working, which is GREAT!! I don't think my hair is growing anymore, just thinning. What?! Is the surgery still worth it? YES!!!! <br>
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I constantly see people and want to tell them how awesome I feel and how awesome they can feel, too!! Have the surgery if you're contemplating it. Do it. Do it. Do it. It makes EVERYTHING better! I can actually go grocery shopping in a store with little sweating (for super long trips I still can't, but I'm working on it). I will be able to stand up in my friend's wedding. I can walk up a flight of stairs and still breathe. My seat belt has more space; I can lean up and get something and the seat belt doesn't lock me out. It's amazing what changes. DO IT!!!<br>
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Now for the important stuff: exercise. I'm about to start exercising. For real. I don't cringe quite as much when I think about it anymore, yet I haven't started running marathons either. Dad and I are going to work on exercising. I need to shake up my routine if I want results, I guess. If you change nothing, nothing changes. Right? So I'm going to start actually trying to exercise. Why is it so hot, though? It's actually been a mild summer, but it just started getting REALLY hot. Suck it up, I know. <br>
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I did have a little melt down the other day in the car. I saw a black car that had just been in wreck and had the front in all smashed up. I stopped breathing for about 2 minutes and then cried until I got my heart to start working again. It was awful! It felt so close to what my car was like. I was instantly flooded with all the images of hospitals, ambulances, amputations, etc. Just writing this is giving my goose bumps... I prayed for like 3 minutes that everyone was ok and that they would quickly recover. I hope I don't have to see a car like that again. I know better than to look, but I was talking and wanted to get home and looked- like an idiot. I will try not to look ever again. Ugh. <br>
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Other than that, my life has been peachy!! I went on 2 mission trips this summer, I've seen most of my friends, my cousin came to town, I've lost weight, I swam a few times, I did/do yoga, I've discovered tea, I'm awesome!! What more could I ask for? <br>
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And that's life...<br>
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<br></div>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-48648528439750815622014-07-07T10:26:00.002-07:002014-07-07T23:12:56.124-07:00UpdateSorry it's been so long. I was waiting for my typical 2 weeks to weigh in, but that was during mission trip. Ha!<br>
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I have lost about 5 more pounds since<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> my last weigh in, but I feel like I do more. I finally hit my 10,000 step goal this last weekend. I had to do some laps around the house to get the last few steps, but it was WORTH it!!</span><br>
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I ate surprisingly well during the young adult mission trip I went on, despite all of the yummy looking food. I even walked on the track one day. Yeah, me. Weird, I know. I'm really rather upset I didn't lose any weight, but I seriously think I gained some muscle; I'm ok with that. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d5D6i52WeLk/U7uL2CejvxI/AAAAAAAADdA/nLTDQOHShB0/s640/blogger-image-872311077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d5D6i52WeLk/U7uL2CejvxI/AAAAAAAADdA/nLTDQOHShB0/s640/blogger-image-872311077.jpg"></a></div><p></p>
I will officially have to get rid of some clothes and buy some new ones. I was cooking for the mission trip and reached up to stretch out my back and nearly flashed the other two ladies in the kitchen because my pants were dangerously close to falling off. Hahaha! I can wear some of my old pants again, but can't seem to make myself wear the shirts. They stick just a little too much for me. I am going to go shopping for a couple of pairs of capris for the next mission trip I'm going on (next week) and the rest of summer.</div><div>
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I'm hoping to get a "big girl" job this year and will have to go shopping for an interview outfit and work clothes if I get one. What a bittersweet problem to have!!<br>
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I have already told you that I feel so much better, but I can't say it enough. I FEEL GREAT!!!<br>
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I walked on my new leg all last week and am going to get it adjusted tomorrow. I think I'm already shrinking out of it somewhat. They will have to add padding for me and realign some stuff. Funny story: I had my test socket with my new foot and went to the dentist with dad like 2 weeks ago. It was making this weird sound and I sent a video (shown) to my leg people and said I think it's loose. I went to the bathroom (brought mom) and got up to wash my hands, when my foot fell off. Right there in the bathroom!!! So mom calls dad in, just imagine the people in the waiting room, and he sees me sitting on the toilet (fully clothed) holding my purse with my foot unattached, lying on the floor. Yeah. Only me. Hahahahaha! I wish we had gotten picture... It was hilarious! Luckily, the dentists office, for some reason or another, had some Allen wrenches that dad used to reattach my foot to my socket. #amputeeprobs</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JXkfifFwhOU/U7uL5QzMkSI/AAAAAAAADdI/zTiiNKUfjwE/s640/blogger-image-1662868976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JXkfifFwhOU/U7uL5QzMkSI/AAAAAAAADdI/zTiiNKUfjwE/s640/blogger-image-1662868976.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gwjERLvgOfo/U7uLzAXhJQI/AAAAAAAADc4/7Q9BLT6aTq0/s640/blogger-image--1485751763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gwjERLvgOfo/U7uLzAXhJQI/AAAAAAAADc4/7Q9BLT6aTq0/s640/blogger-image--1485751763.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-43825350890421882422014-06-10T13:53:00.002-07:002014-06-10T13:53:12.759-07:0050 pounds down!!I'VE LOST 50 POUNDS!!!! Woohoo!! I've finally hit my first BIG goal!!!<br />
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It's been awhile since I've written because there wasn't too much to report, except now I've lost 50 pounds. Yesterday I had to drag out my old clothes because my current ones are literally falling off of me. Not really shirts, yet, but pants for sure. <br />
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I feel better and more energized. I feel empowered and more content. I don't quite feel like I'm a changed woman or anything, but I feel the slow process of change.<br />
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I uploaded pictures the other day of my "change". On my phone, where I took and put the pics together, I could barely see a change. I almost didn't post them. However, I feel like since I'm 2 months post op and promised to share everything, I uploaded them. On my computer I can see a bigger change, but I still wish I could more readily (other than my clothes) see the results.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I guess I should repost the pics I'm talking about in case you missed them...</td></tr>
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50 pounds on an average person is a LOT and you can easily see where they've lost weight. 50 pounds of me isn't really that much in the scheme of things and can't be as easily seen. I swear people are excited to see me, then do, and want to ask how I've lost the weight I have and still look "fat". Haha!<br />
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It's a process (I literally could not hate these words anymore than I already do). I didn't gain the weight over night and I won't lose it over night either (hate this saying, too). Sad, but true fact.<br />
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Surprisingly the water is getting harder to drink. I think I actually prefer cold water now to room temperature. I have gotten some 0 calorie Vitamin Water and Sobe Water to sneak in 20 ounces of yummier water each day. <br />
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In other areas of my life, I'll be going on 2 mission trips this summer. I'm trying to up my steps and activity levels. It's hard because my leg still isn't fitting as well as I'd like. We are working to perfect my third socket, so it's taking longer than it did last time. I'm still doing yoga about once a week, which I am learning to love. I feel more limber and flexible; I sit with my legs crossed or one leg under me which I haven't done since before the wreck. All of my scars are fading and I'm applying different lotions and oils to keep my skin elastic and fade the scars. <br />
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I have learned that I can eat anything in super small quantities. It's hard for me to hit 1000 calories a day (the "old" me still can't believe this). I still chew everything really well and wait to drink for at least 30 minutes before or after eating. I haven't thrown up at all, which is close to a miracle. I get my protein in with 2 shakes a day in between meals. They aren't as bad because I only have to drink 2 a day. I also don't want to lose my hair so I keep my protein intake high.<br />
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And that's life... <br />
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Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-52653650900446012122014-05-13T20:48:00.003-07:002014-05-13T20:48:52.154-07:00My secrets revealed!<b>If I were to give out all my secret "sleever" tricks, this is a list of what I would tell people: </b><br />
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1. GET RID OF ALL THE BAD FOOD <u>BEFORE</u> SURGERY. Seems self-explanatory and tedious, but <i>well</i> worth it. If it's there, you will eat it. End of story.<br />
2. Buy a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-53349-P-Camelbak-Eddy-Bottle/dp/B007OX9X9K" target="_blank">Camelbak Eddy Bottle</a>, practice drinking two a day (64 oz.) and using the bite valve. It will help post-op. I know it says no straws, but the unique bite valve (which was definitely a challenge to learn at first) eliminates gas getting to your stomach.<br />
3. Time yourself. No water 30 minutes <u>before and after</u> eating is CRUCIAL to your success. Don't think you can estimate this, because you can't; I can't. Unless you like throwing up in restaurant stalls, then go ahead and "wing" it. Also, practice this before the surgery.<br />
4. Buy some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009VSFZBG/ref=twister_B009VSFZ9S" target="_blank">containers</a> that make packing food and portioning it <i>so</i> much easier. Just grab what you need for lunch and go. I prepare my food ahead of time so that I don't have to "think" about it; my meals are ready to go. It seems difficult, but it's really not. <br />
5. Fail to plan, you plan to fail. Sounds stupid and cliché, but it's totally true. I try to always have some protein powder or a protein drink when I leave the house. Now that I'm permitted to eat any foods, this will be <u>much</u> easier, but it's not impossible for right after post-op. If I don't have something, then I end up trying to "estimate" the amount of calories, ounces, etc. in food and find the closest thing (fast food) to me. This is BAD!! Plan ahead.<br />
6. Track your food. I use the <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/vvvvvvvv" target="_blank">My Fitness Pal</a> app to track my calories. Again, tedious, but worth it. I was appalled to find out what I ate before the surgery when I looked up the calories. Wow. Use it for a few days before your surgery and definitely EVERYDAY after. If I have to track it, I'm less likely to eat what I'm not supposed to be eating. It's like my accountability partner. Also, track your steps. I use a <a href="http://www.fitbit.com/one?gclid=COTu2p60qr4CFYtAMgod1zoASw" target="_blank">Fitbit</a> to do this (it has an awesome easy water tracker, too). <br />
7. Find someone who will literally (yes I did this tonight to Dad) take the plate of fries away from you so you stop mindlessly eating them. Also, some kind of support, whether it's friends, neighbors, people you met in a class, whomever, is necessary. You canNOT do this alone. You need someone to support you and celebrate your accomplishments. Someone who threatens to kill you if you gain any weight back. These are the people you need in your life. Not people who will push ice cream on you or alcohol because it's liquid. Haha! Not to say that anyone who offers you the "wrong" kind of food is bad, they may just not remember that you've changed your life. This is an emotional, physical, and spiritual challenge (I swear I'm not being dramatic) that will ultimately change your life. You need people who be on your team and give you that push if you need it and that shoulder to cry on. I have the <i>best</i> support and couldn't have asked for any better people if I had hand-tailored the list. You need that too.<br />
8. They say chewing sugar free gum is bad because you swallow too much air or maybe the gum... However, I like to chew it after eating as it helps aid digestion, clean my teeth, and pass those ridiculously slow 30 minutes after eating. I experienced no problems; try it before you subscribe to it. <br />
9. You are also told to not drink out of straws because you swallow too much air. Of course I had to test this... I had no problems. Again, try it.<br />
10. Do not weigh everyday. Weight naturally fluctuates all the time. Try weighing every week or two weeks. Remember you are changing your view of scales, clothes, chairs (maybe), etc. You will eventually plateau and weighing yourself everyday will only make you stressed and you will likely eat. NO BUENO.<br />
Also, important things: take your vitamins, walk, and slowly make yourself work harder (still working on this). <br />
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Now to the other stuff. I might have spoken too soon about the whole "not being hungry" thing. I feel hunger now. I told Dad that I think all of the inner swelling finally went down because I can actually feel hungry. It takes a long time of not eating (not recommended) for me to feel it, though.When I feel this way, it's harder to control how slow I eat. I just want to inhale all of my food. This is not good.<br />
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For the good things from my 6 week appointment (I feel like I have a newborn when I say that):<br />
-<u><b>I've lost 41 pounds</b></u> since March 11!!!!!! Ok, so I'm a
little excited. Check out my first Snapchat (taken 3 minutes after she told me how much I'd lost) and the goofy grin in the picture that
follows. I was giddy all day. Ha! I texted like 25 people; I just
couldn't keep it to myself.<br />
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-I am completely healed!! I can try any foods, in small quantities that I track, and keep a record of how my stomach reacts.<br />
-I can swalow pills!! Praise Jesus!!! No more liquid Tylenol for my very serious aches and pains. I can take regular vitamins, too. I'm not sure if I will take non-chewable vitmains or not because I want to absorb as much as possible. We'll see.<br />
-I did yoga today, for an hour and a half, since my very insistent friend (the same one who will kill me if I gain weight) wanted me to. It was AWESOME!! See my not-really-a-yoga-pose-but-the-other-ones-looked-too-bad-to-take-a-picture-of picture?! Yep, that's me, crossing my legs. Never thought I'd do that again, but there I am. All yoga-y and what not. Woohoo!<br />
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-I wore pants that I previously could not breathe in for the first time yesterday. Yep. It was amazing!!<br />
-Too much information, perhaps, but I went down 4 inches and a cup size in my bra (no pic here... ha!). <br />
-We took my measurements so I can track the loss of inches for the aforementioned plateau.<br />
-I was told to take fish oil, biotin, and eat/drink my protein (60 grams) to avoid hair loss- which should start around 4 months. I actually already do all of these things... Yeah, I'm that patient. <br />
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Now to talk about my relationship with my scale and all of my clothing. You can't tell by looking, but I'm surprisingly good with fashion stuffs. Most cute stuff is expensive and cheaply made in plus sizes, so I don't bother trying to rock a look that would look better on a size 4 than me anyway. I admit that it's hard to get on the scale. My stomach fills with dread when the nurse looks at me expectantly to step on the scale. I mean, I'm eating so few calories, but it's still in my brain that I have somehow gained. Plus, in the past, I only weighed to see if and how much I've gained or am horrified to see how much I've gained when I thought I'd lost. Ugh. So, I am working on getting my head wrapped around the fact that scales are checking my progress; no more, no less. If I plateau, it's not the end of the world. In fact, I most likely will. I refuse to see the scale in a negative light because it doesn't tell me what I want it to, though. So here's to looking at my scale in a new, more positive, light!<br />
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So I've read a lot about taking one bite too many and feeling like you're going to die. While that wasn't quite my experience, it was close. I literally, not figuratively, took one extra bite and had to wait for my chest and stomach to stop hurting for a good 30-45 minutes. Talk about uncomfortable! Ew. I had to breathe through some serious nausea, although I did not throw up and have yet to do so. Now I tune in even more closely to my body and stomach so I can avoid this in the future. It was the longest most excruciating minutes of my life... Ok, so that's dramatic- especially for my life, but it sucked. Trust me, don't overeat. That one bite is <u>nit</u> worth the discomfort on the drive home (which seemed like an eternity), during your conference, after lunch, in the middle of a big presentation, etc. It's. Not. Worth. It.<br />
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So that's about all the wisdom I can share for now. I'll be back soon for some updates on yoga, walking, my leg, and, of course, my weight! Thanks for all of the support!!!<br />
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And that's life...<br />
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Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-14343682453053031132014-05-01T20:36:00.001-07:002014-05-01T21:05:21.383-07:00New socket and 35 down!It's been one month since my surgery. I have lost 35 pounds so far!! <div><br></div><div>This past weekend I went to Austin with my sister. It was a fun and challenging trip. Where there is traveling, there is food. I had to think carefully about what I could eat. I mostly ate eggs and the insides of tacos. We only ate 3 meals (it was an over night trip), so that helped a lot. I mostly learned to order with my stomach and not my eyes. I thought that one taco would never be enough- and then could barely finish it. Wow!! I kept reminding myself that I can always order more if I'm still hungry. Fortunately, I'm never hungry after eating; I'm full. </div><div><br></div><div>Also, it's true what they say about not feeling hungry. I don't have that feeling anymore. I have to gage my "hungriness" on my mood or the last time I ate. I could actually forget to eat. How scary is that?! I keep a close eye on the clock for food and when to stop drinking. I'm trying really hard to increase my steps each day as well. </div><div><br></div><div>On Tuesday I got casted for a new socket!! Apparently I lost weight in my face, chest, waist, and stump first. Who knew? So now I will be getting a new smaller leg. Woohoo!!! I think I will stick with the same basic design, but different colors and lace. I love this leg, what can I say? </div><div><br></div><div>That's really all I have to update y'all on, so enjoy these excrutitating (to take) pictures of me. Haha!! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TuMACjKqt8k/U2MZcxJGgkI/AAAAAAAADaU/gYbpDvRjDE8/s640/blogger-image-955837895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TuMACjKqt8k/U2MZcxJGgkI/AAAAAAAADaU/gYbpDvRjDE8/s640/blogger-image-955837895.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LbyPtVFczlY/U2MZf7KRL6I/AAAAAAAADac/KKOPh48nTLE/s640/blogger-image--1865127633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LbyPtVFczlY/U2MZf7KRL6I/AAAAAAAADac/KKOPh48nTLE/s640/blogger-image--1865127633.jpg"></a></div>(I feel like you can <i>see</i> my awkwardness in these pics... Ugh. Also, I see very little difference. Boo!) </div><br></div><div>And that's life... </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2NO_txoGs1c/U2MS1Jegk4I/AAAAAAAADaE/7TO_53w8Wrc/s640/blogger-image-1225935746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2NO_txoGs1c/U2MS1Jegk4I/AAAAAAAADaE/7TO_53w8Wrc/s640/blogger-image-1225935746.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-17735250905405989182014-04-22T20:55:00.003-07:002014-04-22T21:00:04.684-07:00Now I have to walk, too?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q1lFZ4-vAWE/U1c6op1yXRI/AAAAAAAADZc/aQoM2PdIbDs/s640/blogger-image-442823259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q1lFZ4-vAWE/U1c6op1yXRI/AAAAAAAADZc/aQoM2PdIbDs/s640/blogger-image-442823259.jpg"></a></div>Dad decided I (we) need to start walking. We may have been a bit ambitious, though. I traversed the track at the park close to my house yesterday. Whew! It took me 1424 steps, lots of sweat, a headache, and, I'm ashamed to admit, some tears.<br>
I hate working out.<br>
It's hard.<br>
It's hot.<br>
It hurts.<br>
I breathe hard. <br>
I sweat.<br>
I'm tired.<br>
My face gets red. <br>
It generally sucks all the way around.<br>
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But I did it. And I (stupidly) promised to do it again.<br>
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The silver lining here? Get it? The clouds... It will get easier and I got to have a Smoothie King shake!! I'll take it! <br>
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So this whole experience is interesting. It reminds me of having my leg amputated. Stay with me, here. When making all the crazy decisions in the hospital, I kind of became detached from the situation. You know it's you and your life, but you have to use your logic to figure out what's best regardless of your emotions. I don't know if that makes sense or not. The point is, one day it catches up with you. For my leg, it was the first time I called myself an amputee: I started out saying the word and ended up half whispering it. Then I cried. That was never my life plan. I never saw a future where an amputation was on my radar. It wasn't even in the realm of possibilities. Likewise, a future where I am overweight was also never in my visions of the future. This whole process of eating again is like my whole hospital stay (minus all the bills). I feel kind of detached, but know it will eventually catch up to me. Not necessarily in a bad way, just in general. I make my food decisions with my brain rather than my emotions or my cravings. <br>
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For instance, I went to dinner with my sister and a friend tonight. After they had finished eating, I had almost completely convinced myself that some ground beef and refried beans wouldn't be that bad and were like mushy food. I was soooo close to ordering, but I tried to remember my end goal. You'll be happy to know that I did not cave, nor did I eat when I got home. I wrote this and went to bed. I'm trying really hard to stick to my food plan and "be good". It's hard, but I also know it will be worth it. Most life choices seem to be this way.<br>
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Don't let this post make you think I'm not happy or regret anything; I'm not and I don't. I'm a generally happy person, but I apparently have some deep thoughts occasionally. Enjoy!<br>
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Also, my favorite thing I've bought for this whole process were these cute little food containers. I got them on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reditainer-Plastic-Disposable-Portion-Perfect/dp/B009VSFZBG/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1398225158&sr=1-1&keywords=Reditainer+-+Plastic+Disposable+Portion+Cups" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. They're 5.5 ounces and are perfect for portioning out my mushy foods. Such a good buy!!<br>
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And that's life...<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oKhS5lkmoWE/U1c6uJI2HPI/AAAAAAAADZs/EVjvlS6KvcI/s640/blogger-image--960175037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oKhS5lkmoWE/U1c6uJI2HPI/AAAAAAAADZs/EVjvlS6KvcI/s640/blogger-image--960175037.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">P.S. Saw the world's largest hose today!! What are they watering with that?! Maybe it's a HUGE sprinkler!!! Who knows?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Nftu7dYPv8U/U1c6rQGDmlI/AAAAAAAADZk/ocweOZ4xCUw/s640/blogger-image-451928566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Nftu7dYPv8U/U1c6rQGDmlI/AAAAAAAADZk/ocweOZ4xCUw/s640/blogger-image-451928566.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-50806448128594907182014-04-18T12:16:00.002-07:002014-04-18T21:14:12.447-07:0030?Yesterday I subbed for the first time since my surgery. I also went golfing with Dad. Now when I say "golfing", I really mean I half rode half drove the cart to each hole in the freezing cold and drizzling rain. It was really fun, though!! I could put his size large jacket on and zip it! I wouldn't have even ever tried that 6 weeks ago. The subbing was a great first day back. I ended up walking over 5,000 steps and drank all my protein and water. I was tempted to cheat at dinner with Dad and his friend because I didn't plan for that after school, but I didn't! Woohoo!! Willpower. <br>
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My incisions were not healing like I thought they should be, and I was worried. Since I'm a little leery about infection (I can't imagine why... leg), I went to the doctor on Wednesday. It appears some of my suture lines are actually infected. So I get to take some delicious (read: horrible-nasty-disgusting-bleh) liquid antibiotics and have a cream to spread on those things. Two days later and they're already looking TONS better!<br>
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While at the doctor, you know they weigh you. I am always worried I have gained weight, which seems impossible. It turns out it actually is; I have lost 31 pounds so far!!! I am so excited!! I have a little more to go before I reach my first BIG goal and can't wait!<br>
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Today I ate some mushy food for the first time. I made some Buffalo Chicken puree. Now stop judging that picture, it was DELICIOUS! I adapted and "healthified" a recipe from a friend. I was so happy just to <i>chew</i> something!! I will get through this phase by thinking of everything as dip, which this one actually was dip with a lot of protein. To those of you keeping a close count on my food timeline progression: yes, I am a little bit early on the mushy food. Like 5 days. I feel like I'll be ok, though. I will drink my protein for the rest of the day. It was more of a test run for Easter. I used my timer for the thirty minutes before and after the meal to drink my water. I also had no adverse or weird effects. <br>
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I was told I can never chew gum again because you swallow a lot of air or you can swallow the gum (which I haven't done in like 20 years). I think this is false. I tried gum because I need to chew. Now, it's sugar free gum, but I chewed it. I regret nothing!! I have always chewed gum. I feel like it really helps me focus and gives me something to do. It's weird, but so am I. <br>
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My biggest challenge has been not feeling full. When you sip liquids, you don't ever achieve that "full" feeling. Ever. If you feel full after drinking, then you drank a lot really fast; something I can't do. I do feel very satisfied after eating my Buffalo Chicken Dip, and that is a welcome change. So is how easy my jeans come off without unbuttoning them! Ha!<br>
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I am dropping down my dosage of fish oil. I am having some adverse effects and am pretty sure it's due to the fish oil. So I'm going to skip a day and then just take 2 a day. We will see if that helps, which hopefully it does. <div><br></div><div>And that's life...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6vsXcdLuxEU/U1GEFsTA_6I/AAAAAAAADY8/FDooyNgb8WY/s640/blogger-image-970113775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6vsXcdLuxEU/U1GEFsTA_6I/AAAAAAAADY8/FDooyNgb8WY/s640/blogger-image-970113775.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-83378889525880348132014-04-13T00:00:00.001-07:002014-04-13T00:43:08.985-07:00Post-op-nessI've been reluctant to write because I feel a little underwhelmed with this whole surgery. I mean, I'm still on liquids and I don't feel any different. It's hard to stay motivated when I feel the same. I have new scars (I think the count is at like <a href="tel:103958383920" x-apple-data-detectors="true" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0">103958383920</a> million now) and am a little sore on my left side (like I did crunches- ha!), but that's it. It's sooooo frustrating!! I haven't noticed much change yet, although I didn't struggle into my jeans this morning and my ankle isn't swelling as much. Maybe these are good signs... <div><div><br></div><div>However, I did meet with the doctor on Wednesday to get my itchy staples out and found out I've lost 27 pounds since starting my liquid diet!! Woohoo! I feel like I should've lost more, but I guess not. My pouch is also working perfectly and not leaking or anything! I'm trying to remain focused on my goal and not scratch my belly very much. Turns out I'm probably allergic to adhesive. Around each incision it's read from the sticky stuff and so super itchy!! They put a patch behind my ear to help with nausea, which I took off as soon as I got home, and it left a mark. The first pic is right when I got home and the second is tonight. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9EzSle5-rek/U0o_7yQ7zbI/AAAAAAAADYQ/ehIw1sDE-7Y/s640/blogger-image--930691057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9EzSle5-rek/U0o_7yQ7zbI/AAAAAAAADYQ/ehIw1sDE-7Y/s640/blogger-image--930691057.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>The best part is I still get to sleep on my tummy! I thought I would have to sleep on my back for a while. Turns out I don't! Since I get little to no sleep that way, I'm a happy girl!! </div><div><br></div><div>So after being on clear protein about 4 days, I switched to what they call "full liquids". These include soup and protein shakes. That's it. Just those two. Jeez!! Also, I have to be on them for 3, yes T-H-R-E-E, weeks. After that, I get to to go puréed foods with an "applesauce" consistency. This may sound unappetizing or gross, but I assure you that I am THRILLED to move to that step!! Every time I "eat" my soup my stomach kind of cramps up for a second. I've been assured this is normal and will pass. I sure hope so because I really don't like it!! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r2IOdCOrQi0/U0o9rZykfAI/AAAAAAAADX8/DwwWAEvhC88/s640/blogger-image--727896482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r2IOdCOrQi0/U0o9rZykfAI/AAAAAAAADX8/DwwWAEvhC88/s640/blogger-image--727896482.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>At first I had trouble getting all my water in. I know, that's nuts. I was having lots of gas come back up and a little pain even though I was trying to sip. So I switched to my Camelbak water bottle with the bite valve and now I drink most of my water everyday! I'm not supposed to be drinking with a straw, but my Camelbak removes almost all of the air out of the water and works for me. Plus, I'm conditioned to see my water bottle, check how much I've had, and drink. It's the little things that make alllll the difference! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6jNGRCftwAQ/U0o7ox87ooI/AAAAAAAADXo/yERZaRrZFBg/s640/blogger-image--1250828531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6jNGRCftwAQ/U0o7ox87ooI/AAAAAAAADXo/yERZaRrZFBg/s640/blogger-image--1250828531.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I have to take a LOT of vitamins now. 1 multi-vitamin, 3 grams of fish oil, vitamin D, B-complex, 2 Pepcids, and my allergy pill. Sheesh! It wouldn't be so bad, but I chew my multi and B, but have to individually swallow the rest. My fish oil takes 2 pills at EACH meal to get it all in. Needless to say, I'm getting about 2 grams right now; morning and night. The Pepcid I take morning and night, too. I take the allergy pill only at night and the D only in the morning. It's hard to remember everything. Also, I have to chew the occasional gigantic fiber- gross!! The bright side is that after 6 weeks post-op, I'm allowed to swallow regular pills and can switch from these tiny or chewable pills and get some of them all in one! Also, I don't have to take iron which sounds like I would gag if I had to chew it. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tw20khjuZIA/U0o__c4wMTI/AAAAAAAADYY/UH6jj6Lgqvg/s640/blogger-image-1171032546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tw20khjuZIA/U0o__c4wMTI/AAAAAAAADYY/UH6jj6Lgqvg/s640/blogger-image-1171032546.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I know this pic is in one of the others, but I think my neck looks skinny, so I'm going to post it again. Haha! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--vYLfn8NVs8/U0pACqHC_WI/AAAAAAAADYg/PDRPBWZJCIQ/s640/blogger-image--1221064141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--vYLfn8NVs8/U0pACqHC_WI/AAAAAAAADYg/PDRPBWZJCIQ/s640/blogger-image--1221064141.jpg"></a></div><br></div>That's all I've got for now. Feel free to ask any questions. I'd post pics of my incisions, but it freaks some people out. Ha! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And that's life... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kAEIHej8pqI/U0o_4Q8-y1I/AAAAAAAADYI/HtQ7rCO7DKk/s640/blogger-image-337616976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kAEIHej8pqI/U0o_4Q8-y1I/AAAAAAAADYI/HtQ7rCO7DKk/s640/blogger-image-337616976.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-78260056325792079722014-04-03T16:12:00.001-07:002014-04-03T19:48:51.783-07:00Two Days Post OpNot gonna lie, I felt a bit of regret while still in the hospital. Every single muscle hurt and I kept dry heaving. It was horrible!! <div><br></div><div>However, I woke up today, walked some, and have kept all my liquids down. Woohoo!! I have been awake all day and am trying to force down some clear protein in tiny sips. Talk about torture!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gMMbt4MeI08/Uz4dknwGo0I/AAAAAAAADW4/08mjPXG1Dak/s640/blogger-image-1829708648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gMMbt4MeI08/Uz4dknwGo0I/AAAAAAAADW4/08mjPXG1Dak/s640/blogger-image-1829708648.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I'm feeling much better today; like a smaller truck hit me instead of a Mack truck. For those of you that know me well know that I hate soup, but today I even ate some broth!! Yay salt!!!! </div><div><br></div><div>I also have not had any pain meds today. I hate taking meds if I don't have to, so this pleases me immensely. </div><div><br></div><div>I have six incisions that are stapled shut. They look like they let a child staple me up. They're not in a straight line or anything. I'm also pretty bruised on my stomach. There is sticky stuff everywhere and I am ready to get all of it off!! Ugh. </div><div><br></div><div>I watched some tv between walks and protein. Laughing and sneezing is excruciating; I'm ready for that to be over. </div><div><br></div><div>Overall, I'm still excited for my new life! I have had many people check on me and lots of people praying for me. I could not ask for better friends or family. I am extremely blessed and thankful for all the kind words and prayers. </div><div><br></div><div>And that's life...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dFuWtjkK5tI/Uz4dhrkDPfI/AAAAAAAADWw/zSQB5vKQSOY/s640/blogger-image--128397787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dFuWtjkK5tI/Uz4dhrkDPfI/AAAAAAAADWw/zSQB5vKQSOY/s640/blogger-image--128397787.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-19190908345424460772014-03-31T18:57:00.001-07:002014-03-31T18:57:40.309-07:00Tomorrow is the day!!Surprisingly these three weeks have FLOWN by!! Don't get me wrong, it wasn't easy, but I made it. I drank my last shake and have to go to bed early so I can be at the hospital tomorrow morning at 4:30. Ugh. I am first on the list, though, so I'm excited about that!! I survived and didn't cheat even once!!! I think that counts as a win. I will let everyone know how much I've lost when they weigh me tomorrow. Also, Mom and Dad will keep people informed via Facebook. It's a short procedure, so I shouldn't be under long. <br />
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I want to thank everyone who has supported me. I feel like I have the BEST support system EVER!!! Many people have called, texted, written, etc., to check on me today. That is something I do not take for granted. Thank you all for your continued love, support, thoughts, and prayers. <br />
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I have had a TON of water today in preparation for my surgery tomorrow. I also packed my bag and am about to go antimicrobial soap my body. Haha! I cannot express how excited I am about this and am just so thrilled for this next step in my life. Thanks again for following me on this journey.<br />
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And that's life...<br />
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<br />Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-52218662228471022462014-03-25T20:09:00.000-07:002014-03-25T20:17:25.132-07:00Week 2<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K-gEEIkw-9E/UzJFGpwRpII/AAAAAAAADWM/7KmsC_8ciBs/s640/blogger-image--977872974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K-gEEIkw-9E/UzJFGpwRpII/AAAAAAAADWM/7KmsC_8ciBs/s640/blogger-image--977872974.jpg"></a><div>I weighed in yesterday at the doctor and found out that I am 13.4 pounds and 3 BMI points down!!! Woohoo! This makes the shakes seem less horrible. I mean I still want to eat food, but results make the whole thing easier.<br>
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<br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was there for another class. Basically it told me how to eat before and after the surgery. However, I can't eat before (I'm doing the shakes) so half the class was a waste. We did learn to read nutrition labels and I learned about what ratios are healthy in foods and meals. I took a picture of this plate that "helps" you remember how to eat. Enjoy that! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-x9KXXBqFoDI/UzJGsfP2yfI/AAAAAAAADWU/2IDcJTZ3eKE/s640/blogger-image--319590690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-x9KXXBqFoDI/UzJGsfP2yfI/AAAAAAAADWU/2IDcJTZ3eKE/s640/blogger-image--319590690.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div>
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When I start thinking about food, lately chicken, I make myself think about something else. I don't allow myself to think about it for too long. I remind myself why I'm doing this and move on. However, due to this control, food is now the number one topic in my dreams. Weird. Dreams really are what you really want. Here's a glimpse into my crazy mind:</div>
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I'm still on my liquid diet, but decide I've been good and deserve some chicken! I park my car and walk to a Little Tykes car and get in. (In my dream this makes total sense and no one questions it.) I pull around the Raising Cane's building in my little car, and stare at the menu for a few minutes. I decide I will get the kids meal because it has less food, calories, etc. It comes with one piece of chicken, some fries, and bread. I opt for no soda like I always do. When I pull up to the window, the girl hands me my order and I am standing on top of the little car now. I can smell the delicious food and almost taste the chicken. I open the box and inhale the warm steam and smell. I start to salivate thinking about how good the chicken and sauce will be. Then a friend walks up to me and asks how I am. They're not confrontational, just curious how my diet is going. Then she notices my chicken, pulls me roughly by the arm out of the lane and asks me why I have chicken in my hands. I start to think of a lie and then remember that really I'm only lying to myself because the calories will still be there. I hand her the box an began to cry. Not your sniffling sad cry; an all out wail of a cry. I'm a snotty, teary, slobbering mess. I crumple to the ground an continue to cry even though two kids have shown up on bikes to order their food. </div>
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I woke up in an even bigger-than-usual puddle of drool and I'm crying. I think I might have a slight addiction to food. Or at least thinking about food. I used to plan the next meal right after I finish the first. Like, I would think about dinner after finishing lunch. Who does that?! It's not necessarily the chewing, the temperature, or any other food component. It's the idea and taste of the food that draws me in. It's also the memories foo evokes in me. When I eat, I am usually with someone. We are sharing a meal an consequently our lives with each other. My addiction to food has a lot to do with my love of my friends and family. When you get together, what do you do? Eat. Also that whole clean-your-plate-there-are-starving-kids-in-Africa thing we were all told as children. Now I don't blame my parents, but I do strive to make a "happy" plate and can't bring myself to waste food (especially if I've paid for it). It's my downfall. One I will overcome. </div><div><br></div><div>I have 7 more days until the surgery and will make it!! I'm not going to lie, I wanted a glass of wine tonight after my day, but this is more important than that. I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my world! </div><div><br></div><div>And that's life...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0ho6jwA4sL0/UzJGvTms9oI/AAAAAAAADWc/hWR1gSvAbGQ/s640/blogger-image--730675162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0ho6jwA4sL0/UzJGvTms9oI/AAAAAAAADWc/hWR1gSvAbGQ/s640/blogger-image--730675162.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
</div>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-90489519344353612852014-03-22T14:56:00.001-07:002014-03-22T15:37:51.577-07:00I've made it this far!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MtPgKay1bGs/Uy4QsT-Bi8I/AAAAAAAADVw/_VtQY6gt9yQ/s640/blogger-image-1386717319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MtPgKay1bGs/Uy4QsT-Bi8I/AAAAAAAADVw/_VtQY6gt9yQ/s640/blogger-image-1386717319.jpg"></a></div>I've made it this far without cheating and plan to finish this liquid diet up that way. I have about 40 more shakes to drink in about 10 days, and then I will finally have my gastric sleeve surgery!! Woohoo! <div><br></div><div>I have been watching tv and doing basically anything to distract myself this week. While I was watching tv, I noticed some of the commercials. They are terrible!!! Not only do they prey on the weak minds of viewers, but they make you confuse like for love. "Try this KFC bowl and you'll fall in love," says a skinny man. Wow. Can you believe that?! No wonder so many Americans are overweight or obese, with commercials claiming that you will fall in love with food. Fall in love. With food. I'm appalled. </div><div><br></div><div>What do our kids see? I'm sure these "meals" are meant to be eaten in moderation and only once a week or something, not for every meal like we tend to eat them. I also saw a Burger King commercial advertising "bigger burgers than before." Yeah, because they weren't big enough... I can't believe we allow this to happen. </div><div><br></div><div>I noticed that before, when eating was an option, I might have had a craving for one or more of these things. However, as someone who is not allowed to eat for a while, I can pick apart the commercials. It's crazy that the whole purpose of these commercials is to make you crave the food and buy it. </div><div><br></div><div>Let's talk a little bit about cravings. I read in my book that I got, that I read cover to cover (that's what you do when you're given a new book in my house), that cravings are all in your head. Hunger is from your stomach, but cravings are from your head. I kind of knew this before, but didn't really comprehend how much they went together until watching the commercials this week. The commercials make you crave the food even though your stomach is not actually hungry. </div><div><br></div><div>I try really hard not to be a pain or need anything special- basically I avoid any extra attention because I am overweight. These really do go hand in hand for me. I thought I would have an extremely hard time explaining that I'm on a liquid diet and that I can't eat. However, I have found some real strength while on this diet to tell people that I am not partaking in the meal. I've felt empowered to not cheat because I'm finally doing something about my weight. How weird. When people forget I am on the diet, I quickly forgive them and drink my shake. I am doing this for me and my future. That helps me stay on track most of the time. Now, I do lean on my family, especially Dad, for strength when I find it lacking; I'm not afraid to reach out when I need help staying on course. </div><div><br></div><div>Anyways, just some food for thought (see what I did there?). Enjoy! </div><div><br></div><div>And that's life... </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lkG6KGCZr4Q/Uy4Qvf0wzxI/AAAAAAAADV4/v56zEVXFKPM/s640/blogger-image-1034558123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lkG6KGCZr4Q/Uy4Qvf0wzxI/AAAAAAAADV4/v56zEVXFKPM/s640/blogger-image-1034558123.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-46751922527624430872014-03-17T17:04:00.001-07:002014-03-17T17:05:19.845-07:00Overcoming My Own BrainSo I told myself last Tuesday that I would NOT eat a "last meal". Why? Because I will eat again, just not for a few weeks and only in small quantities. However, last night I regretted that with everything I am. I wanted so badly to stop on the way home from hanging out with my friends to eat. I wanted that burrito that has the prefect balance of flavor and the delicious green sauce that is just spicy enough. I wanted food. Bad. I wanted to stop anywhere and stuff my face. It's what I've always done.<br />
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I didn't. I willed my car and my body to hang on until I got home. I drank some water. I didn't cave.I did cry, though. A lot. <br />
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My body hasn't quite adjusted to liquids only thing and I have to pee every 30 minutes or so (not exaggerating). With a 45 minute drive home... let's just say I ran in the house and then cried in Dad's arms for a good hour. Whilst crying, (I mean I was already doing it, right?) I admitted that this is harder than I thought it would be. I take comfort in food and flavor. It's like an art to me, and not just sustenance to keep my alive. As my friend says, "I didn't have brain surgery." What she means is it's a mental, emotional, and physical life-changing event. If I really want to succeed, and I do, then I have to learn to <i>think</i> differently as well as eat differently. It's not just a diet, it's a whole change in habit. You say, "yeah, yeah, yeah; everyone knows that", but you have to realize that <i>knowing</i> something and <i>practicing</i> something are totally different. I know that fried food is bad for me, but not eating it is what gets me. It's soooooo good! I've always said I'll start my diet on Monday, or after this one party. The thing is, social gatherings and the like never end. They will always be there. It's how you decide to act and eat that defines success. Do I really need to try <i>everything</i> at the potluck? No. Do I need a huge burger and fries? No. Do I need to order more than one thing (appetizer and meal) off the menu because I know it will taste delicious? No. These are things I have to learn to change in my thinking. These, and others I'm sure, will be my struggles during this whole process. <br />
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I wish I could say this is an easy experience and anyone can do it, but it's not. Not everyone has the heart, willpower, stamina, mind set, etc., to have this surgery. It's really not for everyone. I do, however, think it's for me. I mean if I can sit in an Italian restaurant with my friend and drink water or sit through a BBQ and drink my shake, then I can change how I think about food. I can be prepared. I can be successful.<br />
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Today I worked, which severely helped me. When I'm busy (unlike last week when I was home for spring break), it doesn't seem to be as bad. I have my meals planned out and "eat" when I'm hungry. I don't have spare time to think about how good some pizza would be right now. I'm busy. Working is always better for me. It keeps my brain and body occupied; it gets me out of my head. <br />
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Happy St. Patrick's Day!!<br />
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<br />Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-21595684561737199342014-03-14T19:13:00.000-07:002014-03-14T22:55:51.872-07:00200th Post- the struggle is real.First, this is my 200th post!! Who knew? Crazy how far I've come in such a relatively short amount of time.<br>
<br>
I would be lying if I said today was easy. Mom cooked in the house for the first time. I know they have to eat, but I wish it didn't smell SO good!!!! I'm already dying from the cloyingly, sickeningly sweet protein shakes that I am drinking, then she goes and makes sausage. I had a mini-breakdown. I kept trying to remind myself that bigger goals are just out of reach if I can just hang on. While we're on this, the saying, "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels," means nothing to fat people. I have never been skinny, so I don't know how that feels. Duh.<br>
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Anyhow, my friend, who has had the lap-band and done fabulously, wrote the most beautiful thing on my Facebook. It perfectly captures how I feel and I kept reminding myself of these things while trying not eat all the sausage!!<br>
"<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$4:0">This will be one of the hardest, but most rewarding journeys of your life. There will be days in the beginning that you will </span></span><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">wonder
what you were thinking. There will be a day when you can taste a
protein shake without ever putting it up to your lips and it'll make
your stomach churn. There will be trials with the new foods you'll learn
to tolerate and possibly even like. There will be days that you will
mourn your loss of food. </span><br data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$1:0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$2:0">But
then... There will be days that you will be able to run and play and
still feel like a million dollars. There will be healthy babies, playing
on the floor with them, riding roller coasters, and watching them grow
into adults without having to worry about your high blood pressure,
arthritis and diabetes taking your life first. There will a beautiful
wedding gown that you have a choice of instead of the one they had in
your size. There will be sitting in booths at your favorite restaurant,
being able to tie your shoes, and sitting comfortably on a plane. There
will be less doctor visits, less medicine, less pain and better health.
There will be a new way that people treat you. There will be shopping
for clothes because it's fun to try the latest styles. There will be a
day when you eat to live instead of living to eat, and food becomes
secondary to all the joys in your life. </span><br data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$3:0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">In
short, there will be a new adventure for you, one where YOU are the
participant and not just the spectator. Take it by the horns! Enjoy the
ride, even when it's rough, I promise- it'll be worth it in the end!"</span></span></span></span></span><br>
<br>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">For those of you on the edge of your seats (and probably now crying), I did NOT eat any sausage. I drank my water and then another shake for dinner. BAM!</span></span></span></span></span><br>
<br>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">Jenny:1 Fat:0</span></span></span></span></span><br>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0"><br></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">Sucker.</span></span></span></span></span><br>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0"><br></span></span></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">And that's life... </span></span></span></span></span><br>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0"><br></span></span></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j52FvZO-Fcs/UHfk3o2d-KI/AAAAAAAAADc/YEK5W4aZ1Yk/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j52FvZO-Fcs/UHfk3o2d-KI/AAAAAAAAADc/YEK5W4aZ1Yk/s1600/signature.jpg" height="151" width="320"></a></div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1b.1:3:1:$comment10201901111552545_51659598:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0"><br></span></span></span></span></span>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-13522289893649666732014-03-12T07:42:00.001-07:002014-03-12T07:49:33.409-07:00April FoolsIt's taken me a while to write because I've been waiting for something exciting to happen... Well, it has! My surgery was moved to April 1!! No April Fools Day for me. Haha! <div><br></div><div>Also, I took a pre-op nutrition class yesterday. Basically, I stay on liquids for the three weeks leading up to my surgery, and then the three weeks after. Next, I began eating mushy (applesauce consistency) foods while supplementing with protein shakes for protein (duh). After that, I slowly begin adding foods back. </div><div><br></div><div>I also learned from the class that 30-40% of people have to have their gallbladders taken out 2-6 months after their weight loss surgery because of the rapid weight loss. So I'll be having a sonogram to see if mine is ok and if they'll take it out while I'm having my surgery. Apparently they use the same holes and cut through the same muscles. It makes sense to take it out if it seems like it might rebel. Ha! </div><div><br></div><div>I will start my liquid diet today and will drink my first protein shake meal after I get my pre-op blood work done. I'm already feeling starved, but I also can't eat until after the blood work. I'm trying to remember how happy I am to do this and how exciting it is when I get grouchy or hangry (it's a word). This is a small step that will yield great things!! "This time next year" (said in my best good ol' boy voice) I'll be healthier and happier! </div><div><br></div><div>There are lots of recipes for shakes that I'm eager to try. As well as protein ice cream!! Yes I did just buy an ice cream machine and Popsicle molds. I'll let you know all of my favorites! </div><div><br></div><div>I am so excited to do this and can't wait to share my journey!! I'm extremely happy that I get to <i>choose </i>this for myself without life-or-death consequences hanging over my head. This is my decision to make a change for the better, for my life. I choose to have this surgery so I can be healthy. </div><div><br></div><div>Just a warning, if you are not in support of me or have something nasty to say about me "taking the easy way out", save it. Nothing about surgery is easy. Would I have liked to exercised my way thin? Sure. Was I able to make that happen? No. Do I care what you think? No. So keep your negativity to yourself. That being said, I have had only positive feedback and loving support from my family and friends thus far. The closer I get to April 1, the more ecstatic I get!!!</div><div><br></div><div> And that's life! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rh5UltqkN0M/UHlFH1tY-pI/AAAAAAAAADs/O-hcb65EZ0s/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rh5UltqkN0M/UHlFH1tY-pI/AAAAAAAAADs/O-hcb65EZ0s/s1600/signature.jpg"></font></a></div>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-73522527099089497322014-02-27T17:09:00.001-08:002014-02-27T17:44:16.648-08:00The Post You've All Been Waiting For...Who am I kidding?! I've been waiting for it, too!!! After one stress test (lots of sweating, you didn't miss much there) and a cardiologist appointment, which I aced of course (I mean, I had 20-something surgeries; I'm a pro and my heart can handle anesthesia), I FINALLY have a date!!! <div><br></div><div>On April 8 I will be having the vertical sleeve surgery. Woohoo!! </div><div><br></div><div>I have to go to a pre-op class, a nutrition class, and have a physical before my surgery. 2 of those will be on the same day and the other one is on the first day of my (still) 4 week liquid diet. On March 11 I will start my liquid diet. That's during spring break... After the first three days I'll be ok. Haha! I think I'm really going to like that I have to drink their protein and not make any choices. </div><div><br></div><div>I cannot tell you HOW excited I am for this to FINALLY be happening!! It feels like I've been waiting forever. I have made a board on Pinterest with new and healthy recipes that I can honestly say I'm eager to try. This will be a tough change for me and will alter not only my waist line, but also my brain. I can't wait to get started!!! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>And that's life...</div><div style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rh5UltqkN0M/UHlFH1tY-pI/AAAAAAAAADs/O-hcb65EZ0s/s1600/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rh5UltqkN0M/UHlFH1tY-pI/AAAAAAAAADs/O-hcb65EZ0s/s1600/signature.jpg"></font></a></div>Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-22732812908563682502014-02-17T15:36:00.003-08:002014-02-17T15:36:28.420-08:00They scoped me!So I know it's been awhile, but I've really had nothing to report... Until today! As you probably know, I switched surgeons. They sent me to have an <a href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003888.htm" target="_blank">EGD</a> done at a hospital about an hour from me at 6:30 this morning. UGH! However, it was <i>well</i> worth the drive because it turns out I have a hernia in my diaphragm/esophagus. This means the hospital will split my sleeve surgery with me! I'm pretty excited although the recovery people couldn't figure out why I would be happy. Haha!<br />
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Tomorrow I will call and hopefully schedule my surgery for the last time. Again, I'm excited to start my weight loss journey, even though my doctor said that I will have to be on a liquid diet for FOUR WEEKS!! Ew. They do give me a system of protein, which is good for me to just have limited options for "eating". Otherwise, I'll do more debating than anything and then get <a href="http://www.collinsdictionary.com/submission/18/hangry" target="_blank">hangry</a> (yes it's a new word for consideration) and then talk myself out of everything and not eat. He basically said that my BMI is twice what it should be, no shock there, and that my liver is probably twice its normal size. I'm not sure I necessarily agree with this, but I'm not a doctor, so I'll be on liquids for four weeks. After the first three days it's not that bad anyways. What I took away from it- with humor of course- is that I'm too overweight for weight loss surgery!! Haha! How crazy!<br />
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I'll keep you updated with any news I hear. I'm one step closer to being a success story!!! Yay!<br />
<br />And that's life...<br />
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<br />Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-12744309067820500772013-12-02T19:25:00.001-08:002013-12-02T19:25:34.950-08:00Womp womp. After spending alllll of Thanksgiving NOT eating, and after watching everyone else eat the yummy snacks and s'mores at our Advent Celebration last night, I'm not having surgery. Yes, it sucks, but it's not the end of the world. I proved to myself my commitment and how strong I can be. I showed anyone who has any doubts how much I want this. I also learned how to better prepare for January. I thought I was prepared this time, but next time I will REALLY be ready! <br />
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I will freeze what soup I have left over for after the surgery. I will still practice not drinking 30 minutes before or after my meals. I will be even better next time!<br />
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I am not discouraged because I now know that I CAN and WILL do this! I learned valuable self-control and self-denial lessons. And, most importantly, I didn't cheat even ONCE! Go me!!!<br />
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Recap of the famine of the last 6 days. Wednesday sucked. I wanted to eat anything and everything I could get my hands on, but I didn't. Thursday wasn't too good because it was Thanksgiving, I was cranky, and I wanted to eat my weight in pumpkin pie; but I didn't. Friday through Sunday were fairly easy. I got headaches from low blood sugar, but quickly learned how to even all of that out by being on a schedule. Being conscious of exactly when I ate made this whole thing so much easier! Now, it wasn't easy, but my "meal" awareness made life less miserable.<br />
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I'm still excited and waaaaaay less nervous about the surgery because of this liquid diet. I bet my liver is SUPER tiny!! Ha! Surgery is scheduled for January 15 as of now. Until then I will eat appropriate portions, continue to split meals with Dad, be purposeful in meal planning, and watching when I drink.<br />
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P.S. We ate Spring Creek tonight (split a plate) and it was the most divine food I have ever put in my mouth! Delish!! <br />
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And that's life... Take the curve balls and knock them out of the park!!<br />
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<br />Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2648982928370319553.post-38921956772056611482013-11-28T18:47:00.002-08:002013-11-28T18:51:17.054-08:00Shrink That LiverThis week's game is called Shrink That Liver!! I will win by drinking only liquids- soups, water, and yogurt- for a week!<br />
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Wednesday: I think there's something wrong with me. I woke up excited. Excited. "To what?", you ask. To be on a liquid diet. I know it's weird, but I'm ready for everything! We've spent the last two days making 5 different homemade soups!! I have enough protein and am stoked! </div>
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That was, until about 11:30 when I got a call saying that the surgery might be postponed because they didn't think I would get authorization in time. Ugh. My options were to be on the liquid diet and hope I get approved for next Wednesday, or "enjoy" the holidays and have surgery in January. Well I can't enjoy the holidays because I am ready to lose some serious weight!! So I have chosen to have a little blind faith and be on the liquid diet and pray that I will have surgery next Wednesday after all. </div>
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/Rant/ Why are they waiting until this week to get authorization?! Why did they tell me Friday that I am missing some 3 key pieces of paperwork? I don't get it and it makes me mad, but I'm going to deal with it and do what I can. /End Rant/</div>
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You might be wondering why I need to shrink my liver. I had the same question, and the answer is that your liver is on top of your stomach. To reach the stomach (lapriscopically) they must be able to see it under the liver. Therefore, I have to shrink my liver so my stomach is easier to see. I can see it just fine, but apparently the doctors might have trouble... Haha! If the liver isn't shrunk, they will either NOT operate or open me up. So... SHRINK THAT LIVER!! <br />
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Thursday: Today was Thanksgiving and I sat at the table while people around me ate. I did pretty well once I had started eating for the day. I think I'm hypoglycemic; I get extremely grouchy and downright mean when I'm hungry. I drank lots of water and wish I could have eaten everything on the table in mass quantities. But, I didn't cheat once. Go me!! Dad was strong throughout the whole day and didn't eat anything we weren't allowed to either. We rock! <br />
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My relationship with food took a backseat to my will to be healthy today. I don't think it likes that very much. Some of my hunger was pure, raw hunger, but I'm sure some was head hunger. I am learning to tell myself no, a trait I have down with everything but food. I deny myself many things, but food is not one of them. Now I will deny myself what I do not need. Next year's Thanksgiving I will look awesome and will eat everything in small, tiny portions!! Yay!<br />
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We are practicing not drinking 30 minutes before and after meals. This is hard for me, but I am doing my best. I literally time myself so that I wait the 30 minutes after, but before is more of a guesstimation. It's hard, but worth it. <br />
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Two of the soups I made taste less than delicious. One had far too much garlic and the other tasted very plain. However, the lentil soup I made looks gross, but is pretty good! It tastes like pureed black eyed peas; with a little salt it wasn't so bad! </div>
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I am about to devour a shake and my Thanksgiving is complete! <br />
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Oh, I am thankful for my supportive family and friends and all that I have learned in the last year.<br />
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And that's life...<br />
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Jenny Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09460445169737201800noreply@blogger.com0