Hello friends!
It's been awhile since I wrote, but I had my 2-month post-op appt. today, so I wanted to write a little update. It really is hard to believe that tomorrow will be 2 months since my surgery. I continue to be doing great, and have already lost over 40 lbs. I probably won't post many weight stats, but I share that to let you know that already, remarkable things are happening in that area. I had 9 tubes of blood drawn today to see how my body is doing nutrients-wise, and hopefully I'll hear good news. My doctor said I was right on track and just encouraged me to continue to do all the right things (eat as instructed, exercise - lots of walking, and to take my vitamins).
I honestly feel great and continue to have no complications. I have tried most things I like to eat and plan to eat, other than sushi, and I haven't had any digestive issues with any of them.
I haven't made it to 10,000 steps yet (that's my goal everyday), but I get close, and I try every day. When I told my doctor this today, he said that was good, and to just keep trying.
I haven't been to a support group yet at the clinic, but I plan to attend one next month to see if they are helpful as well. I guess they have a clothes exchange there as well, and since I have already dropped 2 pants sizes, I would love to donate some clothes, as well as borrow some smaller sizes.
Well thanks for reading and thanks for caring!! I hope you are doing great too!
Much love,
~ Stephanie
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Three weeks out...
Hello friends ~
It's hard to believe I am a few days over 3-weeks out from my surgery. Surprisingly I continue to be doing really well. I feel I have turned a corner this week, partially because I have been able to move onto "mushy foods". It's been hard to get on a schedule where I have been getting in enough protein, water, etc. and while this will be something I will always have to work on, I finally feel like I am getting a good rhythm.
Glenn and I are visiting my parents near Corpus Christi this week and having a great time. The weather hasn't been as nice as was originally predicted, but we have still been able to get out and see some things and do some good walking. As I can now eat "mushy foods" I have been able to eat fish, steamed veggies and mashed potatoes (a very small portion of each), which has been extremely nice when eating out.
I am going back to work on Monday and Tuesday and then will take the rest of the week off to visit my parents just outside of San Antonio, their final week in Texas. Glenn and I have had a great time with them and will be sad to see them go. We are just so thankful they were willing to come out for so long to help us and to give us some good family time!
My posts might be less about my surgery and more about just life in general moving forward from here forward. I will continue to give updates about my progress as there are things to report and will continue to list prayer requests as needed. At this point, things are going better than expected, and I hope this means some of the bigger issues (ovary problems) will get under control with time as well.
My continued thanks for your prayers and concern. I know that I am doing so great because of YOUR faithful prayers for me.
With love and a joyful heart,
~ Stephanie
It's hard to believe I am a few days over 3-weeks out from my surgery. Surprisingly I continue to be doing really well. I feel I have turned a corner this week, partially because I have been able to move onto "mushy foods". It's been hard to get on a schedule where I have been getting in enough protein, water, etc. and while this will be something I will always have to work on, I finally feel like I am getting a good rhythm.
Glenn and I are visiting my parents near Corpus Christi this week and having a great time. The weather hasn't been as nice as was originally predicted, but we have still been able to get out and see some things and do some good walking. As I can now eat "mushy foods" I have been able to eat fish, steamed veggies and mashed potatoes (a very small portion of each), which has been extremely nice when eating out.
I am going back to work on Monday and Tuesday and then will take the rest of the week off to visit my parents just outside of San Antonio, their final week in Texas. Glenn and I have had a great time with them and will be sad to see them go. We are just so thankful they were willing to come out for so long to help us and to give us some good family time!
My posts might be less about my surgery and more about just life in general moving forward from here forward. I will continue to give updates about my progress as there are things to report and will continue to list prayer requests as needed. At this point, things are going better than expected, and I hope this means some of the bigger issues (ovary problems) will get under control with time as well.
My continued thanks for your prayers and concern. I know that I am doing so great because of YOUR faithful prayers for me.
With love and a joyful heart,
~ Stephanie
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Pureed foods and lots of walking
Dear friends ~
Many of you have sent me messages or called in the last few days. Please forgive me if I have not yet responded. I am really trying to make resting and getting used to my new routine my top priority! Thanks for being patient, I hope to reply to all soon!!
Last I wrote I mentioned that I got to start pureed foods, and that I was excited. This part has not been as easy as I hoped. I have been a little gun shy about trying new things. I was comfortable with my liquid options, knowing how much to eat, how my body would react and trying to follow all the nutrient guidelines. Moving to pureed foods means that with every new thing I try, I wait and wonder how my body will respond. I continue to be able to have milk, and while I will be following the vegetarian diet, I have tried blended chicken (made chicken and dumplings for my parents and Glenn) and didn't have any issues.
I really am just struggling with things that I was warned about and prepared for during my 6 months of Nutritional Classes, but as we all know, knowing and doing are two different things. I am supposed to get in a certain amount of protein and calories in my system each day while I am healing, as well as a specific number of oz. of water. All this is a big challenge in the midst of a very small tummy and trying new foods. Thankfully, other then a full day of being really dizzy and light headed, and a few tummy aches, possibly from eating too much (2 eggs - should have only had 1), I have not had any terrible stories.
Dr. Garth also told me to try and walk every 2 hours during the resting and healing period and to aim for 10,000 steps a day. While I have yet to reach 10,000 I am getting closer and closer day by day. Thankfully the Houston weather has warmed back up, so today I got a wonderful walk in.
My parents time in Houston ended yesterday and they relocated to Corpus Christi. They are having a great time there so far, and we plan to join them for most of the week in the next few days. My mom and I have made some soups, and I have been thinking through some other things I can eat while we are there.
My biggest prayer requests are:
Joyfully,
~ Stephanie
Many of you have sent me messages or called in the last few days. Please forgive me if I have not yet responded. I am really trying to make resting and getting used to my new routine my top priority! Thanks for being patient, I hope to reply to all soon!!
Last I wrote I mentioned that I got to start pureed foods, and that I was excited. This part has not been as easy as I hoped. I have been a little gun shy about trying new things. I was comfortable with my liquid options, knowing how much to eat, how my body would react and trying to follow all the nutrient guidelines. Moving to pureed foods means that with every new thing I try, I wait and wonder how my body will respond. I continue to be able to have milk, and while I will be following the vegetarian diet, I have tried blended chicken (made chicken and dumplings for my parents and Glenn) and didn't have any issues.
I really am just struggling with things that I was warned about and prepared for during my 6 months of Nutritional Classes, but as we all know, knowing and doing are two different things. I am supposed to get in a certain amount of protein and calories in my system each day while I am healing, as well as a specific number of oz. of water. All this is a big challenge in the midst of a very small tummy and trying new foods. Thankfully, other then a full day of being really dizzy and light headed, and a few tummy aches, possibly from eating too much (2 eggs - should have only had 1), I have not had any terrible stories.
Dr. Garth also told me to try and walk every 2 hours during the resting and healing period and to aim for 10,000 steps a day. While I have yet to reach 10,000 I am getting closer and closer day by day. Thankfully the Houston weather has warmed back up, so today I got a wonderful walk in.
My parents time in Houston ended yesterday and they relocated to Corpus Christi. They are having a great time there so far, and we plan to join them for most of the week in the next few days. My mom and I have made some soups, and I have been thinking through some other things I can eat while we are there.
My biggest prayer requests are:
- Drinking enough water (I'm not getting enough each day)
- Not being fearful to try new foods (for nutritional purposes most of all)
- Getting on a schedule that works. Working around energy issues, getting enough water and food in, plus resting and taking walks has actually been a challenge. I plan to go back to work full-time the first week of March, so that gives me 2 weeks to work on this.
Joyfully,
~ Stephanie
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentines Day brings good news!
Dear friends ~
I hope that you have had a wonderful Valentines Day today!!
Today was my post opt appt. with my surgeon Dr. Garth Davis. I was so excited to see him, especially as I started reading his book this week, and I had some questions for him. I was also anxious to see if he was feeling as good about my progress as I was. He was happy to see that I was not only healing well, but that I was feeling so great! I haven't had to take any pain medicine since I last wrote, and I have been feeling really good and even like my energy level is back to normal. Dr. Garth is a Vegetarian, and encouraged me to consider this after my surgery and was happy to hear that that is my plan. I shared that I plan to try red meat, chicken, etc. in time, to see if my system can handle them. Many patients who have this surgery have a hard time digesting meats after surgery, so I wanted to know how to react for those times I decide to eat something with meat in them. All this being said, I will practice the Vegetarian lifestyle most of the time, with the occasional meat dishes. Dr. Garth gave me the thumbs up for moving onto the "pureed food" stage. He even said that I might not have to the normal two weeks on this stage, if after a week I am handling pureed foods well. After pureed foods comes mushy foods, then finally regular food. My next appt. is near the end of March and I am trusting all will go great until then.
After my appt. my parents and I headed to my church where I work to give some soup to a friend who is also going through a medical situation. It was fun to show them around and see my friends and co-workers. All seemed surprised that I am doing so well at this point, and I am confident things will continue this way as so many of you are praying!
Thanks for continuing to pray and be supportive. YOU are a huge part of why I am doing so well!!
Much love,
~ Stephanie
I hope that you have had a wonderful Valentines Day today!!
Today was my post opt appt. with my surgeon Dr. Garth Davis. I was so excited to see him, especially as I started reading his book this week, and I had some questions for him. I was also anxious to see if he was feeling as good about my progress as I was. He was happy to see that I was not only healing well, but that I was feeling so great! I haven't had to take any pain medicine since I last wrote, and I have been feeling really good and even like my energy level is back to normal. Dr. Garth is a Vegetarian, and encouraged me to consider this after my surgery and was happy to hear that that is my plan. I shared that I plan to try red meat, chicken, etc. in time, to see if my system can handle them. Many patients who have this surgery have a hard time digesting meats after surgery, so I wanted to know how to react for those times I decide to eat something with meat in them. All this being said, I will practice the Vegetarian lifestyle most of the time, with the occasional meat dishes. Dr. Garth gave me the thumbs up for moving onto the "pureed food" stage. He even said that I might not have to the normal two weeks on this stage, if after a week I am handling pureed foods well. After pureed foods comes mushy foods, then finally regular food. My next appt. is near the end of March and I am trusting all will go great until then.
After my appt. my parents and I headed to my church where I work to give some soup to a friend who is also going through a medical situation. It was fun to show them around and see my friends and co-workers. All seemed surprised that I am doing so well at this point, and I am confident things will continue this way as so many of you are praying!
Thanks for continuing to pray and be supportive. YOU are a huge part of why I am doing so well!!
Much love,
~ Stephanie
Thursday, February 9, 2012
A week since surgery...
Hi!
It's hard to believe it's already been one week since my surgery! I so thankful that I have had such a smooth go of things. This doesn't mean I feel great all the time, or that the pain has gone away, but I haven't had many of the issues that someone might have after this surgery.
Yesterday, after feeling cabin fever creeping in, we decided to head to Galveston for the day with my parents. They had never been and wanted to check things out. It was a fairly chilly day, but the skies cleared up. It was fun to drive around and just be out of the house. We ended up taking a little boat tour and got to see some dolphins. This was the first time we had seen them in the wild, and they were beautiful. We toured a ship and walked through a museum and then took my parents out to a nice seafood dinner on Pier 22. I took it easy all day, or so I thought...
Last night I slept 12 hours, and had to up my pain medicine, as I had been cutting back. When I finally woke up at 10:30 this morning, I have was so sore, and haven't been able to shake it all day. Funny how much walking, and mostly sitting, can take out of you after surgery. I spent most of the day laying around watching chick-flicks and writing valentines, with a few short walks around the block.
I guess finding the balance in resting and also getting around and moving will be something I will need to continue to work on, as I really don't want to jeopardize healing quickly.
My parents went to the Fine Arts Museum today and then came over for Glenn's delicious meatballs in the form of sub sandwiches for dinner, and we caught up on Top Chef Texas. I am anticipating another long night of sleep, and hoping I wake up in less pain.
My post opt appt. with Dr. Garth is next Tuesday, Valentines Day, and I look forward to hearing my six incisions are healing well and that I can move on to pureed foods.
Thanks for continuing to keep me in my prayers, for the encouraging messages you send, and just for being a great friend!
Joyfully,
~ Stephanie
It's hard to believe it's already been one week since my surgery! I so thankful that I have had such a smooth go of things. This doesn't mean I feel great all the time, or that the pain has gone away, but I haven't had many of the issues that someone might have after this surgery.
Yesterday, after feeling cabin fever creeping in, we decided to head to Galveston for the day with my parents. They had never been and wanted to check things out. It was a fairly chilly day, but the skies cleared up. It was fun to drive around and just be out of the house. We ended up taking a little boat tour and got to see some dolphins. This was the first time we had seen them in the wild, and they were beautiful. We toured a ship and walked through a museum and then took my parents out to a nice seafood dinner on Pier 22. I took it easy all day, or so I thought...
Last night I slept 12 hours, and had to up my pain medicine, as I had been cutting back. When I finally woke up at 10:30 this morning, I have was so sore, and haven't been able to shake it all day. Funny how much walking, and mostly sitting, can take out of you after surgery. I spent most of the day laying around watching chick-flicks and writing valentines, with a few short walks around the block.
I guess finding the balance in resting and also getting around and moving will be something I will need to continue to work on, as I really don't want to jeopardize healing quickly.
My parents went to the Fine Arts Museum today and then came over for Glenn's delicious meatballs in the form of sub sandwiches for dinner, and we caught up on Top Chef Texas. I am anticipating another long night of sleep, and hoping I wake up in less pain.
My post opt appt. with Dr. Garth is next Tuesday, Valentines Day, and I look forward to hearing my six incisions are healing well and that I can move on to pureed foods.
Thanks for continuing to keep me in my prayers, for the encouraging messages you send, and just for being a great friend!
Joyfully,
~ Stephanie
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Home sweet home!
Dear friends and family!
Forgive me for not writing sooner, I hoped to write last night which was my first night home. It is so nice to be home, even though I want to stress that I had the best experience in the hospital. I loved every nurse, tech, etc... who came my way and made some great connections. I even talked a few nurses into considering going on a medical mission trip. Emails were exchanged, so hopefully I will be able to stay in touch with a few!
I left the hospital saying... "I feel great, I can't believe I am in no pain..." and about 2 hours off the IV and I was like... "oh no, I feel sore, why do I hurt so bad...". I learned a lesson last night - take pain medicine on time!! I am not always quick to take medicine for things like headaches and such, so this rolls over to times like this where I will think I can tolerate more pain then I really can.
I am off clear liquids and allowed to have full liquids (protein shakes, yogurt, cream soup, etc... but all strained and all with milk added to thin them out). I was warned that I might be lactose intolerant after surgery, but so far I am not, and I am thankful!!
My parents have been a huge blessing to us! Running us around and we love their company. They help to keep my mind focused and positive too. They love the show Diners Drive-In's and Dives on the Food Network, and have already been to a couple places here in Houston (Kenny and Ziggy's and Niko Niko's).
My husband Glenn, as always, is taking great care of me in every way and very loving and supportive. It's all kinda hitting him now. It's hard for him to see me in pain and not as bubbly as normal, and he just wants everything to be ok for me.
No one said this road would be easy, and it's not, but I continue to be thankful for the great progress and remaining joyful through it all. Please pray that I will continue to heal, that I will not get a blood clot and that I will drink enough water and stay hydrated.
Much love,
~ Stephanie
Forgive me for not writing sooner, I hoped to write last night which was my first night home. It is so nice to be home, even though I want to stress that I had the best experience in the hospital. I loved every nurse, tech, etc... who came my way and made some great connections. I even talked a few nurses into considering going on a medical mission trip. Emails were exchanged, so hopefully I will be able to stay in touch with a few!
I left the hospital saying... "I feel great, I can't believe I am in no pain..." and about 2 hours off the IV and I was like... "oh no, I feel sore, why do I hurt so bad...". I learned a lesson last night - take pain medicine on time!! I am not always quick to take medicine for things like headaches and such, so this rolls over to times like this where I will think I can tolerate more pain then I really can.
I am off clear liquids and allowed to have full liquids (protein shakes, yogurt, cream soup, etc... but all strained and all with milk added to thin them out). I was warned that I might be lactose intolerant after surgery, but so far I am not, and I am thankful!!
My parents have been a huge blessing to us! Running us around and we love their company. They help to keep my mind focused and positive too. They love the show Diners Drive-In's and Dives on the Food Network, and have already been to a couple places here in Houston (Kenny and Ziggy's and Niko Niko's).
My husband Glenn, as always, is taking great care of me in every way and very loving and supportive. It's all kinda hitting him now. It's hard for him to see me in pain and not as bubbly as normal, and he just wants everything to be ok for me.
No one said this road would be easy, and it's not, but I continue to be thankful for the great progress and remaining joyful through it all. Please pray that I will continue to heal, that I will not get a blood clot and that I will drink enough water and stay hydrated.
Much love,
~ Stephanie
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Surgery went great!
Hey there friends!!!
Just wanted to let you know that surgery went great and we've been able to keep my pain to a minimum. I've been able to rest a lot and do some walking around the halls which has been nice too! In the morning they will have me do an ink test to make sure things are going through my system correctly and that there aren't any leaks. Let's be praying for the best!
One last walk and I'm going to try and get some sleep. My husband is able to stay the night with me, so that will make things easier.
A big thanks to Pastor Bill Heston for coming to pray with us this morning and it has been such a blessing yo have my parents here. They keep me both calm and laughing!! God has been answering our prayers and kept me at peace and joyful all day!
Thank you for caring about this journey I'm on, I really appreciate it!!
Love and joy!!
~ Stephanie
Just wanted to let you know that surgery went great and we've been able to keep my pain to a minimum. I've been able to rest a lot and do some walking around the halls which has been nice too! In the morning they will have me do an ink test to make sure things are going through my system correctly and that there aren't any leaks. Let's be praying for the best!
One last walk and I'm going to try and get some sleep. My husband is able to stay the night with me, so that will make things easier.
A big thanks to Pastor Bill Heston for coming to pray with us this morning and it has been such a blessing yo have my parents here. They keep me both calm and laughing!! God has been answering our prayers and kept me at peace and joyful all day!
Thank you for caring about this journey I'm on, I really appreciate it!!
Love and joy!!
~ Stephanie
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
12 hours from now...
Hi friends ~
It's hard to believe that in 12 hours I will be in surgery!
My parents made it safe and sound to Houston yesterday and we are already having a great time with them. We went to the RV park they are staying at yesterday, and love that they are "camping" in Houston!! Tonight they came over to our place and my amazing hubby grilled them some dinner and I took them for a walk around the neighborhood.
I just took my second shower, and in 2 hours I have to wipe my body down with these sterile wipes they gave me (hope this isn't too much information). Hopefully right after that I'm off to bed! If you are reading this tonight, please pray I sleep well. I have been at complete peace, so I am hoping I won't be up all night thinking about things. The hospital called earlier today and told us to arrive at 5:30am (just 30 min earlier) as my surgery is at 8:00am.
Many of you have emailed, called, text... in the past few days, and I am so sorry if I hadn't been able to write you back yet. Know that I have read all my messages and am coveting your prayers and words of encouragement.
So thankful Jesus has brought YOU into my life and I will update you as soon as I can!
Much love,
~ Stephanie
It's hard to believe that in 12 hours I will be in surgery!
My parents made it safe and sound to Houston yesterday and we are already having a great time with them. We went to the RV park they are staying at yesterday, and love that they are "camping" in Houston!! Tonight they came over to our place and my amazing hubby grilled them some dinner and I took them for a walk around the neighborhood.
I just took my second shower, and in 2 hours I have to wipe my body down with these sterile wipes they gave me (hope this isn't too much information). Hopefully right after that I'm off to bed! If you are reading this tonight, please pray I sleep well. I have been at complete peace, so I am hoping I won't be up all night thinking about things. The hospital called earlier today and told us to arrive at 5:30am (just 30 min earlier) as my surgery is at 8:00am.
Many of you have emailed, called, text... in the past few days, and I am so sorry if I hadn't been able to write you back yet. Know that I have read all my messages and am coveting your prayers and words of encouragement.
So thankful Jesus has brought YOU into my life and I will update you as soon as I can!
Much love,
~ Stephanie
Monday, January 30, 2012
A few more days...
Hey friends!
Just a few more days until my surgery and I am feeling great! All fear and nervousness has left. It must be because YOU are praying! Thank you!!
My parents made it to Texas yesterday and are enjoying their trip. Tonight they are staying just East of San Antonio and will arrive late afternoon tomorrow here in Houston. Glenn and I can't wait to see them!!
So today I had to start the evening showers. They asked me to take 2 showers a day, 3 days prior to surgery and to use antibacterial soap. Is that normal? This is only my second surgery, and my first one wasn't planned (emergency gallbladder removal), so there was no prepping for that.
Tomorrow is the last day of the liquid (shake) diet, as Wednesday is only clear liquids for me, and nothing orange or red. It's hard to believe that those colors actually mask themselves as blood in your system. Who invented all these processed things like food coloring anyway?
Many of you have asked me if there is something you can do for me, thank you!! PRAYING is really the only thing I need. Prayers that the surgery goes better than could be expected. Prayers that none of the possible complications will happen. Prayers for all the things I've already shared!
Thanks again for reading and praying! I am praying for YOU too!!
Joyfully,
~ Stephanie
Just a few more days until my surgery and I am feeling great! All fear and nervousness has left. It must be because YOU are praying! Thank you!!
My parents made it to Texas yesterday and are enjoying their trip. Tonight they are staying just East of San Antonio and will arrive late afternoon tomorrow here in Houston. Glenn and I can't wait to see them!!
So today I had to start the evening showers. They asked me to take 2 showers a day, 3 days prior to surgery and to use antibacterial soap. Is that normal? This is only my second surgery, and my first one wasn't planned (emergency gallbladder removal), so there was no prepping for that.
Tomorrow is the last day of the liquid (shake) diet, as Wednesday is only clear liquids for me, and nothing orange or red. It's hard to believe that those colors actually mask themselves as blood in your system. Who invented all these processed things like food coloring anyway?
Many of you have asked me if there is something you can do for me, thank you!! PRAYING is really the only thing I need. Prayers that the surgery goes better than could be expected. Prayers that none of the possible complications will happen. Prayers for all the things I've already shared!
Thanks again for reading and praying! I am praying for YOU too!!
Joyfully,
~ Stephanie
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Specific Prayer List
- Energy and joy – On a limited diet, I am feeling a little unfocused, light-headed and tired and want to complete everything I need to for work before my surgery.
- Health leading up to
- Surgery – just that all goes well and that I am at peace (I am confident this is God’s plan for me, I just get anxious/nervous energy about
- My parents – My mom and dad started
- My recovery – I am taking Feb. off from work as I was told that it takes 2-4 weeks to recover from
- My precious husband Glenn – I couldn’t have asked for a more understanding or loving husband, and I appreciate him making sacrifices to help me succeed in this journey. Just prayers that I don’t overlook him in anyway with all this focus on “me” right now.
- Prayers that I can just continue every day to find my joy and strength in
- Long-term – The doctors are confident this surgery will heal me of several of
One week down, one week to go...
Hello friends ~
First off, THANK YOU for reading and thank you to the many of you who have emailed, called, text, etc. in support! I have been overwhelmed by your encouragement and and committing to pray for me during this journey!
I've been on the liquid diet for about a week now and surprisingly, it's going pretty well. One more week to go! I do have the things they warned me about: dizziness, ketosis breath, low energy... but thankfully, it hasn't been too bad. Glenn continues to encourage me and be my biggest cheerleader, and for someone who LOVES to cook, he has put all that on the back-burner (oh that's cute) for me. I have been having a hard time getting the 700-900 calories I am to get in today and have been averaging just shy of 500. I emailed with my Nutritionist today and she suggested I add a glass of milk, or coconut oil to each shake, so I will try that.
I am a week away from the surgery and several of you have asked where my surgery will take place. I will be at Memorial Hermann in Memorial City, and just for one night if all goes well. If you would like to pray for my Surgeon, especially the day of, his name is Dr. Garth Davis and a wonderful man.
My parents are in Bakersfield, CA for the night and will head East tomorrow!! :-)
I hope you had a great day and will write more soon!
Much love,
~ Stephanie
First off, THANK YOU for reading and thank you to the many of you who have emailed, called, text, etc. in support! I have been overwhelmed by your encouragement and and committing to pray for me during this journey!
I've been on the liquid diet for about a week now and surprisingly, it's going pretty well. One more week to go! I do have the things they warned me about: dizziness, ketosis breath, low energy... but thankfully, it hasn't been too bad. Glenn continues to encourage me and be my biggest cheerleader, and for someone who LOVES to cook, he has put all that on the back-burner (oh that's cute) for me. I have been having a hard time getting the 700-900 calories I am to get in today and have been averaging just shy of 500. I emailed with my Nutritionist today and she suggested I add a glass of milk, or coconut oil to each shake, so I will try that.
I am a week away from the surgery and several of you have asked where my surgery will take place. I will be at Memorial Hermann in Memorial City, and just for one night if all goes well. If you would like to pray for my Surgeon, especially the day of, his name is Dr. Garth Davis and a wonderful man.
My parents are in Bakersfield, CA for the night and will head East tomorrow!! :-)
I hope you had a great day and will write more soon!
Much love,
~ Stephanie
Sunday, January 22, 2012
A little back story to lead into the next chapter...
Hello friends!!
Some of you know all about the story I am about to tell, and others are hearing about it for the first time. I went back and forth about being so open about everything, as it's sorta a sensitive subject matter and something I have had to deal with for over 20 years. Honestly, I've also found myself tired of talking about it all and keeping everyone up on "the latest". Human nature makes everyone want to offer their opinion or two-cents, which can also be a lot to deal with too. All this being said, I decided that I would blog my experience as many of you are strong prayer warriors and I could use lots of prayers this year.
Early in life I found out I had ovary issues. At first doctors would just tell me all was fine, and would just put me on BC. In my mid 20's I was diagnosed with PCOS, but within a few years my doctor said she was no longer sure it was that. In a nutshell they would explain that I had hyper-active ovaries and told me I might need to have a hysterectomy. Without a hysterectomy they told me I could never go off BC or I would hemorrhage. I always had cysts, fibroilds, a high number of pre-cancerous cells, and an increased levels of hormones (which were constantly changing). I was often anemic and vitamin deficient as I became insulin resistant and begin gaining a bunch of weight. My skin wouldn't heal well if I ever got a cut or anything, and I always had digestive issues. I was put on hormones, diets, and tried all insulin resistant medicines and nothing seemed to really help. Between medicine and diet, we just weren't finding a balance that was producing any positive results, and things were getting worse.
When I moved to Houston I had some of my scariest moments with all this, which led me to finding a wonderful doctor who for 20+ years has specialized in working with women with ovary issues. After 5 years of him trying so many combos of medicine, diet, procedures, sending me to get second opinions, etc., we finally decided I needed to do something more drastic. Due to pre-cancerous cells increasing and not finding anything that worked for my insulin resistance, I was having to go in for blood work every 3 months, and PAP's every 6. With approaching 40 yrs old, we started chatting about problems that won't be irreversible once they happened (kidney and liver) and my increased chances of getting cancer. My doctor, who is also a Christian, was also very worried about my quality of life. He would always tell me I was "his most joyful patient" and he would always give me a hard time about rescheduling my appts. due to leading mission trips around the world and being active in the community. He would say he hated this problem weighing me down (even literally) and said he saw this joyful optimistic person start to feel overwhelmed, discouraged and fearful of the future. He suggested we consider some options.
After considering many possibilities, including a hysterectomy and pushing me into menopause, we decided to pursue me having gastric-bypass surgery (generally considered a weight loss surgery). At first I was resistant and felt embarrassed as I thought it was only suggested due to my weight gain and worried I would still have all the other problems. After he explained things to me further I learned that because this surgery re-routes your digestive system that I would no longer be insulin resistant (which is one of the hormones that causes me the most problems). The weight loss and this hormone becoming controlled alone may help us to be able to control my ovary issue better until menopause. He said at the very least I would lose weight and be able to go off several of the medicines he has me on. He said that this could also allow me to have a baby, something I had always been told wouldn't be possible,. Even though I would be 41-42 before this could happen, it makes my husband so excited to dream about. As I quickly learned, this all comes at a pretty high price. My diet will totally change, and there are some things that I should never eat again: most meats - other than fish, simple carbs and sugar, but all things I have had to watch being insulin resistant anyway. He said it is going to take a lot of hard work and discipline, and is often a misused surgery (by those who have eating issues - and tend to gain it all back and more), but he was confident that the positive things out weigh the risks and the more disciplined diet.
I have taken 6 months of nutrition classes to learn how I will have to eat, drink and live after surgery and this past Friday (Jan. 20th) I have started the 2-week liquid diet leading up to my surgery on Feb. 2nd, my 40th Birthday. My parents are coming out for a month+ to help Glenn and I through my recovery and I will take most of the month of Feb. off work (so thankful I work for a great church that is super understanding about all this).
Some prayer requests:
Some of you know all about the story I am about to tell, and others are hearing about it for the first time. I went back and forth about being so open about everything, as it's sorta a sensitive subject matter and something I have had to deal with for over 20 years. Honestly, I've also found myself tired of talking about it all and keeping everyone up on "the latest". Human nature makes everyone want to offer their opinion or two-cents, which can also be a lot to deal with too. All this being said, I decided that I would blog my experience as many of you are strong prayer warriors and I could use lots of prayers this year.
Early in life I found out I had ovary issues. At first doctors would just tell me all was fine, and would just put me on BC. In my mid 20's I was diagnosed with PCOS, but within a few years my doctor said she was no longer sure it was that. In a nutshell they would explain that I had hyper-active ovaries and told me I might need to have a hysterectomy. Without a hysterectomy they told me I could never go off BC or I would hemorrhage. I always had cysts, fibroilds, a high number of pre-cancerous cells, and an increased levels of hormones (which were constantly changing). I was often anemic and vitamin deficient as I became insulin resistant and begin gaining a bunch of weight. My skin wouldn't heal well if I ever got a cut or anything, and I always had digestive issues. I was put on hormones, diets, and tried all insulin resistant medicines and nothing seemed to really help. Between medicine and diet, we just weren't finding a balance that was producing any positive results, and things were getting worse.
When I moved to Houston I had some of my scariest moments with all this, which led me to finding a wonderful doctor who for 20+ years has specialized in working with women with ovary issues. After 5 years of him trying so many combos of medicine, diet, procedures, sending me to get second opinions, etc., we finally decided I needed to do something more drastic. Due to pre-cancerous cells increasing and not finding anything that worked for my insulin resistance, I was having to go in for blood work every 3 months, and PAP's every 6. With approaching 40 yrs old, we started chatting about problems that won't be irreversible once they happened (kidney and liver) and my increased chances of getting cancer. My doctor, who is also a Christian, was also very worried about my quality of life. He would always tell me I was "his most joyful patient" and he would always give me a hard time about rescheduling my appts. due to leading mission trips around the world and being active in the community. He would say he hated this problem weighing me down (even literally) and said he saw this joyful optimistic person start to feel overwhelmed, discouraged and fearful of the future. He suggested we consider some options.
After considering many possibilities, including a hysterectomy and pushing me into menopause, we decided to pursue me having gastric-bypass surgery (generally considered a weight loss surgery). At first I was resistant and felt embarrassed as I thought it was only suggested due to my weight gain and worried I would still have all the other problems. After he explained things to me further I learned that because this surgery re-routes your digestive system that I would no longer be insulin resistant (which is one of the hormones that causes me the most problems). The weight loss and this hormone becoming controlled alone may help us to be able to control my ovary issue better until menopause. He said at the very least I would lose weight and be able to go off several of the medicines he has me on. He said that this could also allow me to have a baby, something I had always been told wouldn't be possible,. Even though I would be 41-42 before this could happen, it makes my husband so excited to dream about. As I quickly learned, this all comes at a pretty high price. My diet will totally change, and there are some things that I should never eat again: most meats - other than fish, simple carbs and sugar, but all things I have had to watch being insulin resistant anyway. He said it is going to take a lot of hard work and discipline, and is often a misused surgery (by those who have eating issues - and tend to gain it all back and more), but he was confident that the positive things out weigh the risks and the more disciplined diet.
I have taken 6 months of nutrition classes to learn how I will have to eat, drink and live after surgery and this past Friday (Jan. 20th) I have started the 2-week liquid diet leading up to my surgery on Feb. 2nd, my 40th Birthday. My parents are coming out for a month+ to help Glenn and I through my recovery and I will take most of the month of Feb. off work (so thankful I work for a great church that is super understanding about all this).
Some prayer requests:
- 2-week liquid diet - that I can stay healthy and joyful on a very limited diet
- Surgery - that all goes well and without complications
- Recovery - that I can stay hydrated (hard to do and very risky after surgery), allow myself to rest and to remain joyful.
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