After having the barium swallow, I was told I would need an endoscopy because the results of the swallow were indicative of a narrowing somewhere down the tube.
I was booked in for 7th November 2014 at 3:45pm. I was asked if I wanted some sedation and having had an endoscopy before, I opted for the injection as I was not looking forward to the tube going down my throat.
I had a line put in but was then left for nearly 45 minutes before being led through to the endoscopy suite.
The nurse attending was not particularly friendly and although he explained how the sedation worked, his attitude was, just deal with the tube - I didn't like him.
The tube went down and the sedation did sod all - I began to heave, my throat trying to force the tube back out and the unfriendly nurse then raised his voice and told me very imperiously, it was 'mind over matter' and to 'try harder'. By that stage, I really wanted to shove a tube down his throat.
The results of this test confused me as I was told, everything looked normal.
I had to wait for a while before they would release me as I'd 'apparently' had sedation, although I was very inclined to argue with that! But eventually, I was allowed to call John to come and pick me up and went home, unhappy and disgruntled at the results and the experience in general.
One thing I did notice over the next week or two, was that food in general was going down easier and I was able to eat more. I told a friend who's also had surgery and she believes that the endoscopy tube had somehow widened the throat tube a little. However, this welcome side effect did not last for long and I was soon back to square one.
In desperation, I called Cathy, the Bariatric nurse who said she would speak to Mr Wan and ask him for the results. I was very surprised to receive a call back to let me know that he wants another barium swallow test and also another endoscopy, but this time he wants the Baritaric team to perform both tests!
I have the swallow test on Friday, 19th December 2014 at 10:40 and will have to wait for the endoscopy appointment in the new year.
Thursday 18 December 2014
Wednesday 17 December 2014
ThouShaltNotCovet's Great Christmas Giveaway
I know this is nothing like my usual posts, but I'm taking this opportunity to tell you all about the great Christmas Giveaway offered by ThouShaltNotCovet.
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Monday 13 October 2014
Barium Swallow Test
Since I've been on soft foods, I've been having problems
with sickness, regurging and chest pain when eating and drinking.
The hospital arranged for me to have a barium swallow in the x-ray department and I have to admit, I was feeling rather nervous because I was worried about the taste of the barium and liquid and the amount of liquid I would have to swallow.
I had to remove my top and bra and was given a gown to wear. In the room was a mechanised table with a footboard attached to it. The table was in the upright position and I was asked to stand on the footboard and face another piece of machinery. I was then given a plastic cup of the barium liquid to take sips from.
When told, I had to take a sip and swallow whilst standing as still as possible. The liquid wasn't as bad as I thought it would be - it had an artificial sweet taste to it but was palatable.
They took a few images of me sipping and swallowing so they could look at the swallow going down into my stomach.
Then I was given a marshmallow which had been dunked in the barium liquid. I was told to chew it and when ready, give a thumbs up and wait to be told to swallow.
I became very embarrassed because it took me ages to chew the marshmallow into small enough pieces and I was very aware that everyone in the room was waiting for me to lift my thumb!
Finally, I was ready and the marshmallow went down very easily.
For the reflux test, I was told to hold onto the sides of the bed and they rotated it backwards very slowly until it was horizontal. I then had to turn over onto my stomach with my head turned to one side.
I was given another cup with a straw in it. The cup was filled one third full with barium liquid and when instructed, I had to swallow the whole amount using the straw.
This test was the most difficult as my chest and stomach immediately rebelled and the liquid began to come back up again. I re-swallowed as much as I could but eventually, I had to spit it out into the cup.
I don't have the results yet, but they said something about my stomach not emptying properly or emptying slowly and also having a reflux problem, but I need to wait for the consultant to contact me and give me a full diagnosis.
The hospital arranged for me to have a barium swallow in the x-ray department and I have to admit, I was feeling rather nervous because I was worried about the taste of the barium and liquid and the amount of liquid I would have to swallow.
I had to remove my top and bra and was given a gown to wear. In the room was a mechanised table with a footboard attached to it. The table was in the upright position and I was asked to stand on the footboard and face another piece of machinery. I was then given a plastic cup of the barium liquid to take sips from.
When told, I had to take a sip and swallow whilst standing as still as possible. The liquid wasn't as bad as I thought it would be - it had an artificial sweet taste to it but was palatable.
They took a few images of me sipping and swallowing so they could look at the swallow going down into my stomach.
Then I was given a marshmallow which had been dunked in the barium liquid. I was told to chew it and when ready, give a thumbs up and wait to be told to swallow.
I became very embarrassed because it took me ages to chew the marshmallow into small enough pieces and I was very aware that everyone in the room was waiting for me to lift my thumb!
Finally, I was ready and the marshmallow went down very easily.
For the reflux test, I was told to hold onto the sides of the bed and they rotated it backwards very slowly until it was horizontal. I then had to turn over onto my stomach with my head turned to one side.
I was given another cup with a straw in it. The cup was filled one third full with barium liquid and when instructed, I had to swallow the whole amount using the straw.
This test was the most difficult as my chest and stomach immediately rebelled and the liquid began to come back up again. I re-swallowed as much as I could but eventually, I had to spit it out into the cup.
I don't have the results yet, but they said something about my stomach not emptying properly or emptying slowly and also having a reflux problem, but I need to wait for the consultant to contact me and give me a full diagnosis.
Saturday 20 September 2014
A Slightly Brighter Outlook
I was surpised and very pleased to receive a phone call from Cathy, my bariatric nurse at St. Georges on Thursday, 18th September 2014.
She was calling to see how I was getting on and I wasted no time, explaining my eating and drinking problems.
Her advise was to call my GP and ask for a new prescription for omeprazole instead of lansoprazole. She also suggested I change the anti-sickness pills and wants me to update her on my progress when I go to my hospital appointment on Monday.
My daughter also suggested I try sucking ice cubes which have helped, as long as I don't try more than two at a time. I feel that any fluid I can ingest is a good thing, so she's now in charge of re-filling the ice cube trays.
Finally, I'm trying to cut out as much dairy as possible. I'm drinking lactofree milk and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
She was calling to see how I was getting on and I wasted no time, explaining my eating and drinking problems.
Her advise was to call my GP and ask for a new prescription for omeprazole instead of lansoprazole. She also suggested I change the anti-sickness pills and wants me to update her on my progress when I go to my hospital appointment on Monday.
My daughter also suggested I try sucking ice cubes which have helped, as long as I don't try more than two at a time. I feel that any fluid I can ingest is a good thing, so she's now in charge of re-filling the ice cube trays.
Finally, I'm trying to cut out as much dairy as possible. I'm drinking lactofree milk and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
Thursday 18 September 2014
Feeling Low
I haven't posted for a while because I haven't felt very well. The aftermath of the surgery is nothing like I thought it would be. I'd assumed the week would pass with me following the recommended diet of 2-2-2 which is two weeks each of liquid, pureed and soft food, but things haven't worked out that way.
To start with, I didn't anticipate the desperate feeling I would experience at having to face another 2 weeks of liquids (soup and yoghurt) after the surgery. The pureed stage was an absolute no no for me. Have you ever pureed meat and then tried to eat it? The texture is horrible and it tastes different. Then the sickness kicked in - feeling sick, regurging and generally feeling yuck.
But the worst problem has been the inability to find a liquid I can drink without it tasting horrible, too sweet or making me feel very sick. The dietitian, bariatric nurse, hospital and literature all stress the importance of sip, sip, sip because fluids are so important. Unfortunately for me, most juices are too sweet for me and watering it down immediately makes it taste nasty. I did manage to find a cheap orange and added a lot of ice cubes which went down okay, but because of the acidity, it affects my stomach.
Other liquids are just too sweet or taste horrible - so no squash, coffee, tea, smoothies or iced coffee for me now. Even water, after 3-4 sips, makes me feel very nauseous.
On top of the sickness and regurging, I'm also experiencing the worst taste in my mouth - it's a kind of sweet/sour gone off milk taste and it doesn't really go away. My lips taste sweet, I'm bringing food back up unto my mouth, especially when I lie down and just looking at food can make me feel ill.
There have been times when I've thought to myself, "What on earth have I done? Why didn't I try to diet harder?"
As each day goes by, all I can hope an pray for, is an improvement in my symptoms as I just want to get back to normal. I have no energy, I don't want to go anywhere, all I do is sleep and feel sick. I know I'm whinging and I feel bad about that, but at the moment, I feel very low.
To start with, I didn't anticipate the desperate feeling I would experience at having to face another 2 weeks of liquids (soup and yoghurt) after the surgery. The pureed stage was an absolute no no for me. Have you ever pureed meat and then tried to eat it? The texture is horrible and it tastes different. Then the sickness kicked in - feeling sick, regurging and generally feeling yuck.
But the worst problem has been the inability to find a liquid I can drink without it tasting horrible, too sweet or making me feel very sick. The dietitian, bariatric nurse, hospital and literature all stress the importance of sip, sip, sip because fluids are so important. Unfortunately for me, most juices are too sweet for me and watering it down immediately makes it taste nasty. I did manage to find a cheap orange and added a lot of ice cubes which went down okay, but because of the acidity, it affects my stomach.
Other liquids are just too sweet or taste horrible - so no squash, coffee, tea, smoothies or iced coffee for me now. Even water, after 3-4 sips, makes me feel very nauseous.
On top of the sickness and regurging, I'm also experiencing the worst taste in my mouth - it's a kind of sweet/sour gone off milk taste and it doesn't really go away. My lips taste sweet, I'm bringing food back up unto my mouth, especially when I lie down and just looking at food can make me feel ill.
There have been times when I've thought to myself, "What on earth have I done? Why didn't I try to diet harder?"
As each day goes by, all I can hope an pray for, is an improvement in my symptoms as I just want to get back to normal. I have no energy, I don't want to go anywhere, all I do is sleep and feel sick. I know I'm whinging and I feel bad about that, but at the moment, I feel very low.
Thursday 11 September 2014
Not Doing So Well.
Current Weight: 18st 8.5lb
I started the pureed stage of the diet on Saturday, 6th
September 2014. I tried, I honestly did,
but chilli con carne and chicken and broccoli pureed, is not appetising at all.
The look and consistency began to make me feel very sick and
it was then that I noticed something else unpleasant.
My taste buds had changed so drastically, that virtually all
drinks either left a nasty after-taste in my mouth or tasted too sweet.
I tried the following: water, peppermint tea, tea, coffee,
orange juice, apple juice (both neat and watered down), lemon and orange squash,
milk, fruit shoot, J20 and coconut water.
I'm begining to feel very despondent. I feel thirsty most of the time and have a
dry mouth and lips, but nothing I drink tastes nice or satisfies me.
Now, I’ve developed other worrying symptoms. I’m regurging my liquid and food on a regular
basis and even sips of water are making me feel very sick.
Food is a problem too as I’m trying to mash and chew it as
much as possible, but I’m still getting very windy and feeling sick afterward.
Taking my medication has also become a problem and I’m going
to try to spread them out over the day to make it less of an ordeal.
I think a call to the bariatric nurse is in order.
On the plus side, I’m still losing weight, slowly, but
surely.
Monday 1 September 2014
Big Mistake!
Sunday, 31st August 2014
John had gone out for the day, fishing, so it was just me and Ash in the house. As soon as I opened the fridge, I spotted the birthday cake Ash had brought home from the party and I instantly rebelled.
I'd been so good the night before, but I just couldn't resist putting two small pieces of cake into my mouth, chewing thorougly and then swallowing it down with some milk.
The stupid thing is, I didn't really enjoy the cake and felt instantly guilty afterwards.
During the day, I become more and more fed up with my diet and made a decision to contact the bariatric nurse on Monday, to ask if I could fast track myself onto the pureed stage.
I also made the decision to cook spare ribs for John and Ash for dinner and I was determined to have one.
Dinnertime came and I asked John for a rib. I really enjoyed it and made sure to chew thoroughly before swallowing. I experienced wind pain and sat for a while watching tv, waiting for the wind to disipate.
John then offered me another rib, immediately appologised, saying he shouldn't have and before he could say anything else, I took another one.
As soon as I'd eaten it, I realised I'd make a huge mistake. My stomach rebelled and I had to rush to the bathroom. Afterwards, I had indigestion pain in my back and felt very sorry for myself.
I don't think I'll be calling the nurse tomorrow after all.
John had gone out for the day, fishing, so it was just me and Ash in the house. As soon as I opened the fridge, I spotted the birthday cake Ash had brought home from the party and I instantly rebelled.
I'd been so good the night before, but I just couldn't resist putting two small pieces of cake into my mouth, chewing thorougly and then swallowing it down with some milk.
The stupid thing is, I didn't really enjoy the cake and felt instantly guilty afterwards.
During the day, I become more and more fed up with my diet and made a decision to contact the bariatric nurse on Monday, to ask if I could fast track myself onto the pureed stage.
I also made the decision to cook spare ribs for John and Ash for dinner and I was determined to have one.
Dinnertime came and I asked John for a rib. I really enjoyed it and made sure to chew thoroughly before swallowing. I experienced wind pain and sat for a while watching tv, waiting for the wind to disipate.
John then offered me another rib, immediately appologised, saying he shouldn't have and before he could say anything else, I took another one.
As soon as I'd eaten it, I realised I'd make a huge mistake. My stomach rebelled and I had to rush to the bathroom. Afterwards, I had indigestion pain in my back and felt very sorry for myself.
I don't think I'll be calling the nurse tomorrow after all.
A Birthday Party, One Week After Op
Saturday, 30th August 2014
Today it's exactly one week since my surgery and I'm going to an 18th birthday party.
I decided the best thing to do, was take a bottle of Slim Fast and a bottle of lemon squash with me.
As soon as we arrived, I saw the buffet and as the night went on, I felt more and more frustrated that I was unable to have anything on the table.
I also felt left out as everyone was drinking and I could only have my squash, but having said that, I did enjoy the night and was up dancing and having a good time.
I'd squeezed into a tight pair of jeans and felt and looked slimmer.
The night ended at 11pm and I was happy to be going home because this past week, I've noticed how tired I get during the day, especially if I don't get a nap.
Today it's exactly one week since my surgery and I'm going to an 18th birthday party.
I decided the best thing to do, was take a bottle of Slim Fast and a bottle of lemon squash with me.
As soon as we arrived, I saw the buffet and as the night went on, I felt more and more frustrated that I was unable to have anything on the table.
I also felt left out as everyone was drinking and I could only have my squash, but having said that, I did enjoy the night and was up dancing and having a good time.
I'd squeezed into a tight pair of jeans and felt and looked slimmer.
The night ended at 11pm and I was happy to be going home because this past week, I've noticed how tired I get during the day, especially if I don't get a nap.
First Week After Op
It's been a strange week for me because John has been off work with tendinitis in his shoulder. He's been in a lot of pain and hasn't been able to do much of anything, so we've both been sitting around, bored.
My craving for food has not gone away and it's really getting me down. I'm sick of soup and yogurt and things that tasted okay before, are now leaving a nasty aftertaste in my mouth.
I've also discovered that the wind pain I was suffering has slowly increased as the week's gone on. I'm getting immediate wind as soon as I swallow anything and I have major difficulty distinguishing between being full and being full of wind!
I've also had a couple of slips and eaten things I shouldn't have, including some dahl which was just too thick and didn't agree with me.
I'm swinging between feeling an immense regret at having the surgery, this is totally due to not being able to eat anything I can chew, to feeling wonderful as I watch the weight come off, which is averaging out at 2lb per day.
My craving for food has not gone away and it's really getting me down. I'm sick of soup and yogurt and things that tasted okay before, are now leaving a nasty aftertaste in my mouth.
I've also discovered that the wind pain I was suffering has slowly increased as the week's gone on. I'm getting immediate wind as soon as I swallow anything and I have major difficulty distinguishing between being full and being full of wind!
I've also had a couple of slips and eaten things I shouldn't have, including some dahl which was just too thick and didn't agree with me.
I'm swinging between feeling an immense regret at having the surgery, this is totally due to not being able to eat anything I can chew, to feeling wonderful as I watch the weight come off, which is averaging out at 2lb per day.
First Day Home
Monday, 25th August 2014
I had a better night's sleep than the previous one and I was sitting up in bed, drinking a coffee when I was surprised by an early visit by the nurse with a bag of medication for me to take home.
I called John straight away and asked him to come and get me - I couldn't wait to go home and be with my family and pets.
While I waited for John to arrive, I packed my bag and double checked the room to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything.
The ride home was uneventful and once home, I asked Ash to unpack for me and put my night clothes in the wash.
I took things easy but over the course of the day, I discovered a growing craving for food I was unable to eat. The craving was mostly for meat, but anything and everything seemed appetising and by dinner time, I was unable to stop myself from grabbing a chip from Ash's plate and shoving it in my mouth.
The taste was heavenly, but I was very aware that what I was doing was totally against the rules. I chewed and chewed and then swallowed with trepidation, wondering how my stomach would react.
Thankfully, everything was fine and my stomach didn't rebel, but I was ashamed of myself and sat quietly for the rest of the evening. I hope my will power improves as I have almost two weeks of liquids to get through and then two weeks of pureed before I can even consider eating whole food.
I had a better night's sleep than the previous one and I was sitting up in bed, drinking a coffee when I was surprised by an early visit by the nurse with a bag of medication for me to take home.
I called John straight away and asked him to come and get me - I couldn't wait to go home and be with my family and pets.
While I waited for John to arrive, I packed my bag and double checked the room to make sure I hadn't forgotten anything.
The ride home was uneventful and once home, I asked Ash to unpack for me and put my night clothes in the wash.
I took things easy but over the course of the day, I discovered a growing craving for food I was unable to eat. The craving was mostly for meat, but anything and everything seemed appetising and by dinner time, I was unable to stop myself from grabbing a chip from Ash's plate and shoving it in my mouth.
The taste was heavenly, but I was very aware that what I was doing was totally against the rules. I chewed and chewed and then swallowed with trepidation, wondering how my stomach would react.
Thankfully, everything was fine and my stomach didn't rebel, but I was ashamed of myself and sat quietly for the rest of the evening. I hope my will power improves as I have almost two weeks of liquids to get through and then two weeks of pureed before I can even consider eating whole food.
Saturday 30 August 2014
First Day Post Op
Sunday, 24th August 2014
I didn't sleep very well, but that was to be expected, as I'm used to spreading out in a king size bed with soft, fluffy pillows. My stomach wounds were a little sore as well so all in all, I had a fitful night.
Mornings always start early in hospital and my obs had been taken and I was sitting, sipping my first cup of coffee by 07:30am.
The coffee was lovely, the yoghurt for breakfast, less so, as I was more than fed up of the stuff, but I was also aware that looming ahead of me was a two week liquid diet which would consist of yoghurt, soup and milkshake.
By mid morning, I'd had my drain removed and was looking forward to a nice shower. The nurse changed my bed and I waited for John and Ash to come and visit.
I wanted to go home but was told no, wait one more day and I should be able to go home early Monday morning.
Mr Wan, the surgeon came to see me and told me my liver had been stuck to my stomach, but all in all, everything went very smoothly and he was pleased.
The rest of the day was quite boring. I had tomato soup for lunch and chicken soup for dinner which was lovely. I was in bed by 11pm and hoping for a better sleep.
I didn't sleep very well, but that was to be expected, as I'm used to spreading out in a king size bed with soft, fluffy pillows. My stomach wounds were a little sore as well so all in all, I had a fitful night.
Mornings always start early in hospital and my obs had been taken and I was sitting, sipping my first cup of coffee by 07:30am.
The coffee was lovely, the yoghurt for breakfast, less so, as I was more than fed up of the stuff, but I was also aware that looming ahead of me was a two week liquid diet which would consist of yoghurt, soup and milkshake.
By mid morning, I'd had my drain removed and was looking forward to a nice shower. The nurse changed my bed and I waited for John and Ash to come and visit.
I wanted to go home but was told no, wait one more day and I should be able to go home early Monday morning.
Mr Wan, the surgeon came to see me and told me my liver had been stuck to my stomach, but all in all, everything went very smoothly and he was pleased.
The rest of the day was quite boring. I had tomato soup for lunch and chicken soup for dinner which was lovely. I was in bed by 11pm and hoping for a better sleep.
Friday 29 August 2014
Day of Operation
Saturday, 23rd August 2014
Weight loss: 19st 10lbs
I had trouble sleeping which I suppose is normal before surgery and ended up running a little late.
After showering and getting ready, we left at 06:20am and I was worried we would be late, but there was no traffic and we arrived at the hospital on time.
There were other people in the foyer of the hospital reception and they all had their partners with them, so I asked John to stay.
I was called into a side room where I signed some papers and then the lady dealing with me, picked up a flower arrangement and gave it to me, welcoming me to the hospital.
She took us up to the ward which has individual rooms with en suite bathrooms. I had a good look around while John fiddled with the freeview tv and showed me how to find the channels etc.
Then it was time for him to go and I was asked to change into a gown and some surgical stockings.
I had a blood test and was weighed. My total weight loss on the liver diet was 13lb - not bad for two weeks!
I then saw a nurse who took my obs and told me I was number two on the list, although there was a chance I would be bumped down.
Shortly after, I saw the anesthetist and then the surgeon. Mr Wan told me that if my adhesions from previous surgery were too severe and they took more than an hour to seperate, he would have to abandon the surgery and instead, insert a balloon into my stomach to help me loose weight. I would then be called back for a second surgery.
This was not the outcome I was hoping for and I called John, who immediately stated that my safety was the most important thing and to be hopeful.
While I was on the phone, the nurse came in to tell me I'd been bumped down to number three. I was feeling quite tired by this time, so decided to climb into bed and catch some zzz's.
I was eventually called at just after 12:30pm and I quickly texted John before walking to the operating room.
I had to climb onto the theatre table and the nurses put pumps onto my legs to prevent clots, then I had a line put in and the anasthetic.
The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the recovery room, in quite a bit of pain which the nurses took care of immediately by giving me morphine and they told me the surgery had gone as planned and I was now the owner of a gastric sleeve.
The pain killer kicked in quickly and I was taken back to my room where the pumps were removed and I was allowed to get up and go for a much needed wee!
I had a look at my stomach and found five wounds where the ports had gone in. I also had a drain in the largest wound.
I was allowed a glass of water later on in the day and sipped it slowly. I felt quite allert and was bored and missing John and the animals. I went to sleep and even managed to lay on my stomach because although it was painful, it was bearable.
Weight loss: 19st 10lbs
I had trouble sleeping which I suppose is normal before surgery and ended up running a little late.
After showering and getting ready, we left at 06:20am and I was worried we would be late, but there was no traffic and we arrived at the hospital on time.
There were other people in the foyer of the hospital reception and they all had their partners with them, so I asked John to stay.
I was called into a side room where I signed some papers and then the lady dealing with me, picked up a flower arrangement and gave it to me, welcoming me to the hospital.
She took us up to the ward which has individual rooms with en suite bathrooms. I had a good look around while John fiddled with the freeview tv and showed me how to find the channels etc.
Then it was time for him to go and I was asked to change into a gown and some surgical stockings.
I had a blood test and was weighed. My total weight loss on the liver diet was 13lb - not bad for two weeks!
I then saw a nurse who took my obs and told me I was number two on the list, although there was a chance I would be bumped down.
Shortly after, I saw the anesthetist and then the surgeon. Mr Wan told me that if my adhesions from previous surgery were too severe and they took more than an hour to seperate, he would have to abandon the surgery and instead, insert a balloon into my stomach to help me loose weight. I would then be called back for a second surgery.
This was not the outcome I was hoping for and I called John, who immediately stated that my safety was the most important thing and to be hopeful.
While I was on the phone, the nurse came in to tell me I'd been bumped down to number three. I was feeling quite tired by this time, so decided to climb into bed and catch some zzz's.
I was eventually called at just after 12:30pm and I quickly texted John before walking to the operating room.
I had to climb onto the theatre table and the nurses put pumps onto my legs to prevent clots, then I had a line put in and the anasthetic.
The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the recovery room, in quite a bit of pain which the nurses took care of immediately by giving me morphine and they told me the surgery had gone as planned and I was now the owner of a gastric sleeve.
The pain killer kicked in quickly and I was taken back to my room where the pumps were removed and I was allowed to get up and go for a much needed wee!
I had a look at my stomach and found five wounds where the ports had gone in. I also had a drain in the largest wound.
I was allowed a glass of water later on in the day and sipped it slowly. I felt quite allert and was bored and missing John and the animals. I went to sleep and even managed to lay on my stomach because although it was painful, it was bearable.
Friday 22 August 2014
Liver Diet Day 14
Total calories:638
Weight loss: 12.1/4 lbs
Well here we are, the very last day of my diet. I weighed myself again this morning and was happy to discover a total weight loss of just over 12lbs.
The decision to go for the low fat, low carb diet which would have given me the opportunity to eat some meat went out of the window because I forgot to get the breakfast part in, so it was back on the yoghurt and soup again.
I wasn't too disappointed though, as I had other things on my mind, namely, all the things I'd forgotten to purchase and do for my hospital stay.
I then spent the day washing and drying, doing some housework and other general things, anything to keep me busy.
John went out and bought me some diet coke to have after dinner and I completely forgot all about it! My daughter took a can from the fridge and I looked at it for a moment before realising I didn't want it. I've spent the last two weeks abstaining from coke and all other fizzy drinks and I decided there and then, not to spoil it by cracking open a can.
Will this be a decision I will come to regret? Probably.
The only other thing I can say is, I'm glad this liver diet is over. tomorrow is day 1 - the first day of the rest of my life.
Weight loss: 12.1/4 lbs
Well here we are, the very last day of my diet. I weighed myself again this morning and was happy to discover a total weight loss of just over 12lbs.
The decision to go for the low fat, low carb diet which would have given me the opportunity to eat some meat went out of the window because I forgot to get the breakfast part in, so it was back on the yoghurt and soup again.
I wasn't too disappointed though, as I had other things on my mind, namely, all the things I'd forgotten to purchase and do for my hospital stay.
I then spent the day washing and drying, doing some housework and other general things, anything to keep me busy.
John went out and bought me some diet coke to have after dinner and I completely forgot all about it! My daughter took a can from the fridge and I looked at it for a moment before realising I didn't want it. I've spent the last two weeks abstaining from coke and all other fizzy drinks and I decided there and then, not to spoil it by cracking open a can.
Will this be a decision I will come to regret? Probably.
The only other thing I can say is, I'm glad this liver diet is over. tomorrow is day 1 - the first day of the rest of my life.
Thursday 21 August 2014
Liver Diet Day 13
Total Calories: 793
Weight loss: 10.5lbs
I had to laugh at myself today as I realised there are a lot of things I still need to do in preparation for my hospital stay and I was trying to be so organised!
There are obviously some things that can't be done until the last minute - shaving being one of those things, but I am now going to have a very busy day tomorrow.
I guess the upside of this, is that I'll have plenty to keep me busy. The downside is there are also normal jobs to do, like housework!
I was resigned to the yoghurt and soup today and have only managed two tins of soup, however, they are bigger than the weight watchers, so I guess they work out to around three.
The weight loss was a bonus too and I'm now in the 'teens'.
I shall do a final weigh-in tomorrow and then wait to see what the hospital scales weigh me as.
Only one more day to go...
Weight loss: 10.5lbs
I had to laugh at myself today as I realised there are a lot of things I still need to do in preparation for my hospital stay and I was trying to be so organised!
There are obviously some things that can't be done until the last minute - shaving being one of those things, but I am now going to have a very busy day tomorrow.
I guess the upside of this, is that I'll have plenty to keep me busy. The downside is there are also normal jobs to do, like housework!
I was resigned to the yoghurt and soup today and have only managed two tins of soup, however, they are bigger than the weight watchers, so I guess they work out to around three.
The weight loss was a bonus too and I'm now in the 'teens'.
I shall do a final weigh-in tomorrow and then wait to see what the hospital scales weigh me as.
Only one more day to go...
Wednesday 20 August 2014
Liver Diet Day 12
Total calories: 1,144
Today I hit the Slim Fast and I have to say, they went down very nicely.
They all smelled a little yeasty but all tasted very nice. The downsides were the amount of calories and the hunger, as a bottle did not hold me for that long.
I'm sure that if I were to drink them everyday, I would get used to them and learn to space them out accordingly, but the price puts me off.
Still, it was a nice change and I'm not dreading my soup and yoghurt tomorrow.
Friday, is going to be another change as my husband wants to cook me a nice piece of steak for dinner. Although at 50g, it will be a small piece!
Today I hit the Slim Fast and I have to say, they went down very nicely.
They all smelled a little yeasty but all tasted very nice. The downsides were the amount of calories and the hunger, as a bottle did not hold me for that long.
I'm sure that if I were to drink them everyday, I would get used to them and learn to space them out accordingly, but the price puts me off.
Still, it was a nice change and I'm not dreading my soup and yoghurt tomorrow.
Friday, is going to be another change as my husband wants to cook me a nice piece of steak for dinner. Although at 50g, it will be a small piece!
Tuesday 19 August 2014
Liver Diet Day 11
Total calories: 543
Weight loss: 8.1/4 lb
It hasn't been too bad today, apart from dinner when I ended up making steak rolls for my husband and daughter.
However, at least I was able to try a different soup - I found some Tesco healthy living soups and bought lentil and vegetable and three bean. I also made some jelly and had that for afters.
Tomorrow, I'm opting for a Slimfast day. Superdrug are doing a BOGOF deal on the bottles and I managed to find chocolate, strawberry, banana and cafe latte.
I'm please about the weight loss but have to admit, I was hoping for more. Still, any weight loss is a bonus and at this stage, it's my liver that needs to shrink, not my waist line!
Weight loss: 8.1/4 lb
It hasn't been too bad today, apart from dinner when I ended up making steak rolls for my husband and daughter.
However, at least I was able to try a different soup - I found some Tesco healthy living soups and bought lentil and vegetable and three bean. I also made some jelly and had that for afters.
Tomorrow, I'm opting for a Slimfast day. Superdrug are doing a BOGOF deal on the bottles and I managed to find chocolate, strawberry, banana and cafe latte.
I'm please about the weight loss but have to admit, I was hoping for more. Still, any weight loss is a bonus and at this stage, it's my liver that needs to shrink, not my waist line!
Monday 18 August 2014
Liver Diet Day 10
Total calories:
I'm still struggling with the desire for other food. I'm fed up with this diet now and want something else. I'm also feeling impatient and want Saturday to hurry up and come.
I went on the weight loss forum today and found a thread for other people's surgeries in August.
My interest was peeked with a woman who had her surgery at the same hospital I'm due to have mine at. She also has a stoma, although hers is a colostomy and not an ileostomy like mine.
I was a little worried to note that she was re-admitted after her operation because her stoma became so swollen, nothing could pass through it. This caused her terrible pain and acid reflux. She recovered from this and is now on the road to recovery.
She also commented on how fed up she is with her liquid diet. I have to confess, this is something I hadn't thought of as I've been concentrating on my liver diet. Having done 2 weeks, I'll again be restricted to at least another 2 weeks, if not longer, on food I can suck through a straw only.
I haven't given up hope of finding a way around this though and my 'tricks' will include 'proper' food only, not junk food.
My main idea is to 'suck' something I want, like a piece of meat, without swallowing it. That way, I can enjoy the flavour without risking damage to my remaining stomach. I have no intention of doing this with anything that's bad for me.
Finally, I had an appointment with the nurse at my GP's and mentioned my operation on Saturday. She immediately warned me that the post op care of weight loss surgery is crap and that I should insist on having regular appointments with a dietitian, especially as I have an ileostomy. This is something I will keep in mind for after surgery.
I'm still struggling with the desire for other food. I'm fed up with this diet now and want something else. I'm also feeling impatient and want Saturday to hurry up and come.
I went on the weight loss forum today and found a thread for other people's surgeries in August.
My interest was peeked with a woman who had her surgery at the same hospital I'm due to have mine at. She also has a stoma, although hers is a colostomy and not an ileostomy like mine.
I was a little worried to note that she was re-admitted after her operation because her stoma became so swollen, nothing could pass through it. This caused her terrible pain and acid reflux. She recovered from this and is now on the road to recovery.
She also commented on how fed up she is with her liquid diet. I have to confess, this is something I hadn't thought of as I've been concentrating on my liver diet. Having done 2 weeks, I'll again be restricted to at least another 2 weeks, if not longer, on food I can suck through a straw only.
I haven't given up hope of finding a way around this though and my 'tricks' will include 'proper' food only, not junk food.
My main idea is to 'suck' something I want, like a piece of meat, without swallowing it. That way, I can enjoy the flavour without risking damage to my remaining stomach. I have no intention of doing this with anything that's bad for me.
Finally, I had an appointment with the nurse at my GP's and mentioned my operation on Saturday. She immediately warned me that the post op care of weight loss surgery is crap and that I should insist on having regular appointments with a dietitian, especially as I have an ileostomy. This is something I will keep in mind for after surgery.
Sunday 17 August 2014
Liver Diet Day 9
Total Calories: 729
Today has been the hardest day of my diet so far.
There is still barbecue food in the fridge and it's all I can think about.
What's made it worse is that I suddenly realised there is another diet option I can follow which is a low fat, low carb diet and this would enable me to have some of the meat that was cooked yesterday.
Having said all this, today has been an unusual day for two reasons. Firstly, John was out for most of the day, came home feeling unwell and went to bed.
Secondly, my daughter Leanne has been here all day and still hasn't decided if she's going out tonight or not.
I don't like being separated from John unnecessarily. Yes, I know that's sad but it's a fact. I always get lonely and bored when he's not here and that's usually when I eat.
Having Leanne here would be a pleasure if she weren't such hard work. If she runs a bath, I have to check on it because she forgets all about it, she won't leave the cats alone which I find irritating and I can't trust her to shut and lock doors so I have to stay up until she decides to go out.
Her behaviour generally raises my stress levels and both of these situations have undoubtedly attributed to my yearning for the food in the fridge.
I wish I could go to bed and start anew tomorrow.
As for the change of diet, I just don't know. I'd love to eat some of the meat in the fridge, but I'm scared that my weight loss will slow down or stop. Having said that, I don't know if I can do another 5 days on soup and yoghurt, so maybe a change would do me good.
It's something to think about.
Today has been the hardest day of my diet so far.
There is still barbecue food in the fridge and it's all I can think about.
What's made it worse is that I suddenly realised there is another diet option I can follow which is a low fat, low carb diet and this would enable me to have some of the meat that was cooked yesterday.
Having said all this, today has been an unusual day for two reasons. Firstly, John was out for most of the day, came home feeling unwell and went to bed.
Secondly, my daughter Leanne has been here all day and still hasn't decided if she's going out tonight or not.
I don't like being separated from John unnecessarily. Yes, I know that's sad but it's a fact. I always get lonely and bored when he's not here and that's usually when I eat.
Having Leanne here would be a pleasure if she weren't such hard work. If she runs a bath, I have to check on it because she forgets all about it, she won't leave the cats alone which I find irritating and I can't trust her to shut and lock doors so I have to stay up until she decides to go out.
Her behaviour generally raises my stress levels and both of these situations have undoubtedly attributed to my yearning for the food in the fridge.
I wish I could go to bed and start anew tomorrow.
As for the change of diet, I just don't know. I'd love to eat some of the meat in the fridge, but I'm scared that my weight loss will slow down or stop. Having said that, I don't know if I can do another 5 days on soup and yoghurt, so maybe a change would do me good.
It's something to think about.
Liver Diet Day 8
Total calories: 526
Today has been a test of my strength and determination.
As it's John's Mum and Dad's anniversary on 20th August and his Mum's birthday on 21st August, we decided to host a barbecue for them.
The closest available day was today (Saturday) and this was all organised before I received my hospital date.
John and his parents offered to cancel the barbecue but I refused.
I was determined to get through the day and truthfully, I was looking forward to having the company, as the previous week had been very quiet and boring for me.
John cooked the barbecue and I cooked the potatoes, ribs and also some steak for everyone.
I tried to keep busy inside, washing up, whilst everyone tucked in outside because I didn't want to make them feel bad for scoffing all the food!
Later, when they'd come in and had a cup of coffee, it was time to bring out the chocolate birthday cake.
It was me who cut it up and dished it all out and then I had the job of putting all the left overs in the fridge.
During this time, I remained strong and didn't touch a single crumb of food.
It wasn't until later when everyone had gone and I opened the fridge to dig out a yoghurt, that it started to waiver slightly.
The delectable smell of barbecue food wafted out of the fridge and my mouth watered.
I shut the fridge door quickly!
I'm proud of myself because yet again, I've shown remarkable restraint.
I'm another day down and another day closer to my operation and the start of my new life.
Today has been a test of my strength and determination.
As it's John's Mum and Dad's anniversary on 20th August and his Mum's birthday on 21st August, we decided to host a barbecue for them.
The closest available day was today (Saturday) and this was all organised before I received my hospital date.
John and his parents offered to cancel the barbecue but I refused.
I was determined to get through the day and truthfully, I was looking forward to having the company, as the previous week had been very quiet and boring for me.
John cooked the barbecue and I cooked the potatoes, ribs and also some steak for everyone.
I tried to keep busy inside, washing up, whilst everyone tucked in outside because I didn't want to make them feel bad for scoffing all the food!
Later, when they'd come in and had a cup of coffee, it was time to bring out the chocolate birthday cake.
It was me who cut it up and dished it all out and then I had the job of putting all the left overs in the fridge.
During this time, I remained strong and didn't touch a single crumb of food.
It wasn't until later when everyone had gone and I opened the fridge to dig out a yoghurt, that it started to waiver slightly.
The delectable smell of barbecue food wafted out of the fridge and my mouth watered.
I shut the fridge door quickly!
I'm proud of myself because yet again, I've shown remarkable restraint.
I'm another day down and another day closer to my operation and the start of my new life.
Saturday 16 August 2014
Liver Diet Day 7
Total calories: 545
Weight loss: 5. 3/4 lbs
Today was much the same as yesterday until we went shopping.
I'm still finding it a little difficult to look at all the things I can't have.
It's not so much a 'I want, I want' - more a 'oh, I might get that for later...oh no, I can't have it'.
John is feeling bad that he can have whatever he wants and I can't. I've told him not to be silly, as this is the result of my years of binge eating and putting on weight and I'm working towards a goal of my choosing.
Tomorrow is going to be the test of all tests as we are hosting a barbecue for John's Mum's 80th birthday and his Mum and Dad's anniversary.
I will be helping to cook and put out all the food etc, but won't be able to eat any of it.
He did suggest we cancel it but I said no. I'm stronger than even I thought I was and I'm going to make sure I enjoy the company and the day as a whole without dwelling on the food aspect of things.
Weight loss: 5. 3/4 lbs
Today was much the same as yesterday until we went shopping.
I'm still finding it a little difficult to look at all the things I can't have.
It's not so much a 'I want, I want' - more a 'oh, I might get that for later...oh no, I can't have it'.
John is feeling bad that he can have whatever he wants and I can't. I've told him not to be silly, as this is the result of my years of binge eating and putting on weight and I'm working towards a goal of my choosing.
Tomorrow is going to be the test of all tests as we are hosting a barbecue for John's Mum's 80th birthday and his Mum and Dad's anniversary.
I will be helping to cook and put out all the food etc, but won't be able to eat any of it.
He did suggest we cancel it but I said no. I'm stronger than even I thought I was and I'm going to make sure I enjoy the company and the day as a whole without dwelling on the food aspect of things.
Friday 15 August 2014
Liver Diet Day 6
Total calories: 716
I don't have a lot to report today. I had a usual day until late afternoon when I began to feel sick and I started to get a strange pain in my upper abdomen.
I wasn't sure if it was due to hunger and I didn't fancy a bowl of soup so I measured out my allowance of milk, which is 200ml and I drank that.
It helped for a little while but then the pain/hunger came back. This time I rode it out until dinner time.
Other than that, the day was uneventful.
I don't have a lot to report today. I had a usual day until late afternoon when I began to feel sick and I started to get a strange pain in my upper abdomen.
I wasn't sure if it was due to hunger and I didn't fancy a bowl of soup so I measured out my allowance of milk, which is 200ml and I drank that.
It helped for a little while but then the pain/hunger came back. This time I rode it out until dinner time.
Other than that, the day was uneventful.
Thursday 14 August 2014
Liver Diet Day 5
Total calories: 642
Weight Loss: 4.1/4 lbs
Today I developed another headache. The horrible smell and the nasty taste in my mouth are still present, so I decided to post a message on the weight loss forum to find out what's going on.
I'm glad I did because I very quickly received replies, all pointing to ketosis.
I was advised to do a little research and after reading up on it, I posted it on the blog for future reference.
Basically, my body is consuming fat for energy and the immediate symptoms of this are headaches, dizziness, tiredness, a metallic taste in the mouth etc.
It's great to find a reason for all the symptoms I've been experiencing and to also find out that this is perfectly normal on a low carb diet.
I've lost another 2.1/4 lbs which is great and I'm doing well.
Walking around Lidl was a little depressing, but I don't have to do this diet forever.
Weight Loss: 4.1/4 lbs
Today I developed another headache. The horrible smell and the nasty taste in my mouth are still present, so I decided to post a message on the weight loss forum to find out what's going on.
I'm glad I did because I very quickly received replies, all pointing to ketosis.
I was advised to do a little research and after reading up on it, I posted it on the blog for future reference.
Basically, my body is consuming fat for energy and the immediate symptoms of this are headaches, dizziness, tiredness, a metallic taste in the mouth etc.
It's great to find a reason for all the symptoms I've been experiencing and to also find out that this is perfectly normal on a low carb diet.
I've lost another 2.1/4 lbs which is great and I'm doing well.
Walking around Lidl was a little depressing, but I don't have to do this diet forever.
Wednesday 13 August 2014
Liver Diet Day 4
Total calories: 615
I feel much better today, no headache or listlessness. The yellow fruit yoghurts are proving a hit and I'm having no trouble chugging them down, which has made life a little easier.
I am getting a little bored with my diet though, which is to be expected.
The odd chemical/gassy smell has remained, although it's not as strong as it was (I did check with John, who said he definitely couldn't smell anything, so it's just me) but now, I've got a strange taste in my mouth, which has reduced my desire to drink water.
This has resulted in a reduction of my water intake, which I need to address, so I'm going to get some no added sugar squash tomorrow.
I'm still craving, although it's not for anything specific, just food, any food and I'm finding it strange to still be so hungry at times - usually, I feel bloated because I have a tendency to eat too much, now, I'm feeling hollow and empty.
I had a bath last night and decided to do everything in one go, so I washed my hair, put a treatment on it, did my face with a special face wash I have, used my sugar scrub and by the time I was ready to get out of the bath, I felt like I was going to pass out.
I managed to shuffle into the front room and sit down, but I still felt really ill and John had to help me to the back door to get some fresh air.
It took a good 20 minutes before I began to feel better and I think this was all down to overdoing things in a hot, steamy room whilst having no energy stores.
Still, at least I'm clean, sweet-smelling and smooth :)
All in all, I feel proud of myself for coping so well and would give myself a pat on the back if I could.
I feel much better today, no headache or listlessness. The yellow fruit yoghurts are proving a hit and I'm having no trouble chugging them down, which has made life a little easier.
I am getting a little bored with my diet though, which is to be expected.
The odd chemical/gassy smell has remained, although it's not as strong as it was (I did check with John, who said he definitely couldn't smell anything, so it's just me) but now, I've got a strange taste in my mouth, which has reduced my desire to drink water.
This has resulted in a reduction of my water intake, which I need to address, so I'm going to get some no added sugar squash tomorrow.
I'm still craving, although it's not for anything specific, just food, any food and I'm finding it strange to still be so hungry at times - usually, I feel bloated because I have a tendency to eat too much, now, I'm feeling hollow and empty.
I had a bath last night and decided to do everything in one go, so I washed my hair, put a treatment on it, did my face with a special face wash I have, used my sugar scrub and by the time I was ready to get out of the bath, I felt like I was going to pass out.
I managed to shuffle into the front room and sit down, but I still felt really ill and John had to help me to the back door to get some fresh air.
It took a good 20 minutes before I began to feel better and I think this was all down to overdoing things in a hot, steamy room whilst having no energy stores.
Still, at least I'm clean, sweet-smelling and smooth :)
All in all, I feel proud of myself for coping so well and would give myself a pat on the back if I could.
Tuesday 12 August 2014
Liver Diet Day 3
Total calories: 680
Well, today when I woke up, I felt better. My headache had gone and I generally had more energy.
I asked Ash if she would mind nipping to Tesco to get me some more yoghurts, which she did and I had another cheat-free day.
On the downside, I found that I missed normal food much more today than I have so far.
I was craving anything, literally! It wasn't difficult to resist, but it was annoying to have to put up with the craving.
I'm hoping that tomorrow will be easier and I'm seriously considering getting a days worth of Slimfast, just for a change.
One thing that really cheered me up was getting on the scales. I discovered I'd lost two pounds in two days :)
Well, today when I woke up, I felt better. My headache had gone and I generally had more energy.
I asked Ash if she would mind nipping to Tesco to get me some more yoghurts, which she did and I had another cheat-free day.
On the downside, I found that I missed normal food much more today than I have so far.
I was craving anything, literally! It wasn't difficult to resist, but it was annoying to have to put up with the craving.
I'm hoping that tomorrow will be easier and I'm seriously considering getting a days worth of Slimfast, just for a change.
One thing that really cheered me up was getting on the scales. I discovered I'd lost two pounds in two days :)
Monday 11 August 2014
Liver Diet Day 2
Total calories: 705
I woke up today with the headache I went to be with. I still put this down to lack of calories and sugar withdrawal.
I faced my breakfast with trepidation and did not enjoy my yoghurt so I opened the strawberry one I'd frozen yesterday but I was very disappointed.
It had frozen solid and had ice crystals on the top. Leaving it to thaw for 10-15 minutes didn't help either as it went watery and seemed to separate.
I started to feel desperate. This is only day two - how am I going to survive if I can't eat the yoghurt part of the diet?
Lunch was soup and another yoghurt which I again, didn't enjoy.
I'd tried nearly all the flavours in the fridge and didn't like any of them and the added problem was the sugar free jelly and ice poles that I'd bought. They both tasted awful!
I left a message on the weight loss forum that I belong to and quickly received messages, suggesting different yoghurts to try.
After a good couple of hours checking the sugar content on the website, I concluded that there was only one flavour of two brands of yoghurts that I could eat because of their sugar content (I'm limited to less than 10g per 100g)
Finally, a lady left a message to say Morrison's were doing Slimfasts for £1 per bottle. I didn't want to spend £5 per day on Slimfast but felt I was running out of options.
Luckily, my daughter Ash encouraged me to try one more pack of yoghurts - success! Peach and pineapple, mango and passion fruit and mandarin.
For some reason, these yoghurts were thick and creamy and didn't have the horrible after-taste I'd been experiencing with all the other favours.
I immediately tucked into two pots and went to bed without feeling hungry.
I still felt weak and still had a headache, but I felt a lot more positive. Tomorrow I will be buying more orange fruit yoghurts - roll on Monday.
Saturday 9 August 2014
Liver Diet Day 1
Total calories: 548
I got up fairly early today because we had a lot of running around to do.
I was still quite full from last nights pig out but after 30 minutes or so, I thought I'd better have my first yoghurt of the day.
I picked a Mullerlight fat free strawberry flavoured one. It was, well, not great. I've never been a lover of yoghurt but I've had better tasting ones!
I also had a cup of coffee - I had to measure out 200ml of milk and store it separately in the fridge - that's my allowance for the day.
After breakfast, we hit the shops. We had to pay a visit to the vets, The Pound Shop, Tesco, the Co-Op and Iceland. By the time we got home, I was starving.
Once the shopping was put away, I warmed up a tin of weight watchers chicken, potato and leek soup. I added some herbs to jazz it up and it was very nice. I then had another yoghurt, this time, a toffee flavoured one. This one tasted worse than the strawberry. I'm now getting a little worried that the soup and yoghurt diet may not be the diet for me.
The afternoon was spent helping to clear out Ash's room. What a tip! We still hadn't finished by 6:20pm and my stomach was beginning to ask for food. One thing I've noticed today is that I can clearly tell when I'm properly hungry. Not picking has made this very clear to me, something that has never really been that clear before.
This time, I had two tins of weight watchers soup - hearty vegetable broth. I won't buy this one again as it was very bland, but it did fill me up.
I'm going to wait until later to have another yoghurt because I've bunged one in the freezer - I'm hoping fat free yoghurt tastes better frozen!
I'm also waiting for my sugar free ice poles to freeze. I've got a major thing for them at the moment.
It hasn't been difficult to stick to the diet but having said that, it is only day one. John has been great and even offered to eat his steak sandwich in the garden but I said no and enjoyed a nice cold pint of water while he chowed down.
Day one is almost over and I'm still alive lol!
Footnote: I started to feel ill later on in the evening. I felt very lethargic and got a headache. I tried a couple of the ice poles and they had a strange taste to them but John said they tasted fine. I also started to smell an odd gassy/chemical smell but John couldn't smell anything. By the time I went to bed I felt worse and the headache got pretty bad. I got up with it as well.
I got up fairly early today because we had a lot of running around to do.
I was still quite full from last nights pig out but after 30 minutes or so, I thought I'd better have my first yoghurt of the day.
I picked a Mullerlight fat free strawberry flavoured one. It was, well, not great. I've never been a lover of yoghurt but I've had better tasting ones!
I also had a cup of coffee - I had to measure out 200ml of milk and store it separately in the fridge - that's my allowance for the day.
After breakfast, we hit the shops. We had to pay a visit to the vets, The Pound Shop, Tesco, the Co-Op and Iceland. By the time we got home, I was starving.
Once the shopping was put away, I warmed up a tin of weight watchers chicken, potato and leek soup. I added some herbs to jazz it up and it was very nice. I then had another yoghurt, this time, a toffee flavoured one. This one tasted worse than the strawberry. I'm now getting a little worried that the soup and yoghurt diet may not be the diet for me.
The afternoon was spent helping to clear out Ash's room. What a tip! We still hadn't finished by 6:20pm and my stomach was beginning to ask for food. One thing I've noticed today is that I can clearly tell when I'm properly hungry. Not picking has made this very clear to me, something that has never really been that clear before.
This time, I had two tins of weight watchers soup - hearty vegetable broth. I won't buy this one again as it was very bland, but it did fill me up.
I'm going to wait until later to have another yoghurt because I've bunged one in the freezer - I'm hoping fat free yoghurt tastes better frozen!
I'm also waiting for my sugar free ice poles to freeze. I've got a major thing for them at the moment.
It hasn't been difficult to stick to the diet but having said that, it is only day one. John has been great and even offered to eat his steak sandwich in the garden but I said no and enjoyed a nice cold pint of water while he chowed down.
Day one is almost over and I'm still alive lol!
Footnote: I started to feel ill later on in the evening. I felt very lethargic and got a headache. I tried a couple of the ice poles and they had a strange taste to them but John said they tasted fine. I also started to smell an odd gassy/chemical smell but John couldn't smell anything. By the time I went to bed I felt worse and the headache got pretty bad. I got up with it as well.
Friday 8 August 2014
The Last Supper
Today has been a funny day. I feel as if I've been in limbo, waiting for tomorrow and the start of my liver diet.
I've done some checking and worked out that consuming 4 Weight Watchers soups and 4 Mullerlight yoghurts will give me an approximate intake of 764 calories per day - if I can't lose some weight on this two week diet, there's no hope for me!
My husband has been very kind and understanding and bought me my favourite take-away for dinner, peri peri chicken with rice and salad (yes, I do eat salad).
After dinner, I began to panic, realising this was it - after tomorrow there would be no more eating and drinking the stuff that I'd been feasting on for most of my life.
It's a scary prospect. I won't even be able to pop a french fry into my mouth! I'll have to think about every single item that I eat and drink for the foreseeable future.
My lovely husband, sensing my change in mood,went out and bought me a bottle of Crabbies and a large block of chocolate.
Strangely, I didn't enjoy them as much as I thought I would and this made me feel very annoyed as I'd consumed these extra calories for no reason.
Tomorrow is a brand new day for me and I've been making plans to keep myself busy for the next two weeks, doing jobs around the house and having a clear out. I'll be making regular posts from now on with what I'm eating and drinking and how I'm feeling.
The countdown has now begun...
I've done some checking and worked out that consuming 4 Weight Watchers soups and 4 Mullerlight yoghurts will give me an approximate intake of 764 calories per day - if I can't lose some weight on this two week diet, there's no hope for me!
My husband has been very kind and understanding and bought me my favourite take-away for dinner, peri peri chicken with rice and salad (yes, I do eat salad).
After dinner, I began to panic, realising this was it - after tomorrow there would be no more eating and drinking the stuff that I'd been feasting on for most of my life.
It's a scary prospect. I won't even be able to pop a french fry into my mouth! I'll have to think about every single item that I eat and drink for the foreseeable future.
My lovely husband, sensing my change in mood,went out and bought me a bottle of Crabbies and a large block of chocolate.
Strangely, I didn't enjoy them as much as I thought I would and this made me feel very annoyed as I'd consumed these extra calories for no reason.
Tomorrow is a brand new day for me and I've been making plans to keep myself busy for the next two weeks, doing jobs around the house and having a clear out. I'll be making regular posts from now on with what I'm eating and drinking and how I'm feeling.
The countdown has now begun...
Tuesday 5 August 2014
A Greedy Weekend!
The beginning of August is both a cause of celebration and sadness.
It's my wedding anniversary on 1st August and the anniversary of my mothers death on 4th August, so I always approach this particular month with very mixed feelings.
This year however, I've been in a much happier frame of mind, probably due to the excitement of my coming surgery and my husband decided that he would be taking me out for a nice meal, just the two of us, to celebrate 17 years of married bliss.
We had a lovely indian meal on the Saturday and planned to go the cemetery on the Sunday, but then, my in-laws decided that they wanted us all to go out for a meal so we ended up at the Harvester Sunday afternoon.
We had a drink while we waited for a table and then stuffed ourselves silly on salad, ribs and profiteroles.
I did not intend to make such a pig of myself and felt rather guilty afterwards, especially when the in-laws refused to let us pay!
I am now on the last week before I start my liver diet and will be going shopping for diet soup, low fat, low sugar yoghurt, sugar free ice pops, squash and jelly.
I would also like to add that we went to the cemetery and tidied up my mum's grave, laid flowers and remembered her in an appropriate manner. She's been gone for 14 years now and I still miss her very much.
It's my wedding anniversary on 1st August and the anniversary of my mothers death on 4th August, so I always approach this particular month with very mixed feelings.
This year however, I've been in a much happier frame of mind, probably due to the excitement of my coming surgery and my husband decided that he would be taking me out for a nice meal, just the two of us, to celebrate 17 years of married bliss.
We had a lovely indian meal on the Saturday and planned to go the cemetery on the Sunday, but then, my in-laws decided that they wanted us all to go out for a meal so we ended up at the Harvester Sunday afternoon.
We had a drink while we waited for a table and then stuffed ourselves silly on salad, ribs and profiteroles.
I did not intend to make such a pig of myself and felt rather guilty afterwards, especially when the in-laws refused to let us pay!
I am now on the last week before I start my liver diet and will be going shopping for diet soup, low fat, low sugar yoghurt, sugar free ice pops, squash and jelly.
I would also like to add that we went to the cemetery and tidied up my mum's grave, laid flowers and remembered her in an appropriate manner. She's been gone for 14 years now and I still miss her very much.
Monday 21 July 2014
Second Thoughts?
All the way through, I've been really positive about having weight loss surgery, but recently, there's been some negativity regarding the whole process which has caused me to second guess my decision.
I was reading in the paper about a woman who'd had a gastric bypass and then a tummy tuck to remove the excess skin.
The cosmetic surgery had gone terribly wrong, leaving the woman with permanent scarring and chronic pain.
Most of the comments that were left were appalling, calling the woman lazy, accusing her of spending tax payers money on unnecessary surgery and suggesting she should have got off her arse and lost the weight naturally.
I was then introduced to a friend of a friend, who had heard that I was due to have surgery and she immediately asked if I was paying for it myself.
I get angry with myself because I'm too sensitive and thin skinned and other people's negative opinions bother me, when they shouldn't.
Why do people have such a negative attitude towards weight loss surgery, especially when it's on the NHS?
If I were bulimic or anorexic, would they feel the same? If I got drunk and walked out in front of a car and needed surgery, would they feel the same?
Why do people having weight loss surgery ALWAYS have to defend themselves?
I started to have second thoughts about my decision, worrying about what people were saying and thinking behind my back.
But then I realised - IT'S NONE OF THEIR DAMN BUSINESS!
I've paid into the NHS, so has my husband, my parents, his parents etc - so why shouldn't I be entitled to surgery?
I'm hoping that the surgery will drastically improve, if not cure some of my health problems, there-by reducing my need for NHS treatment in the future.
So to all those people who don't agree with my decision to have surgery, just remember one thing...you're not paying for it, mine and my family's contributions have already covered the cost, so jog on!
I was reading in the paper about a woman who'd had a gastric bypass and then a tummy tuck to remove the excess skin.
The cosmetic surgery had gone terribly wrong, leaving the woman with permanent scarring and chronic pain.
Most of the comments that were left were appalling, calling the woman lazy, accusing her of spending tax payers money on unnecessary surgery and suggesting she should have got off her arse and lost the weight naturally.
I was then introduced to a friend of a friend, who had heard that I was due to have surgery and she immediately asked if I was paying for it myself.
I get angry with myself because I'm too sensitive and thin skinned and other people's negative opinions bother me, when they shouldn't.
Why do people have such a negative attitude towards weight loss surgery, especially when it's on the NHS?
If I were bulimic or anorexic, would they feel the same? If I got drunk and walked out in front of a car and needed surgery, would they feel the same?
Why do people having weight loss surgery ALWAYS have to defend themselves?
I started to have second thoughts about my decision, worrying about what people were saying and thinking behind my back.
But then I realised - IT'S NONE OF THEIR DAMN BUSINESS!
I've paid into the NHS, so has my husband, my parents, his parents etc - so why shouldn't I be entitled to surgery?
I'm hoping that the surgery will drastically improve, if not cure some of my health problems, there-by reducing my need for NHS treatment in the future.
So to all those people who don't agree with my decision to have surgery, just remember one thing...you're not paying for it, mine and my family's contributions have already covered the cost, so jog on!
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