Finding Emilee

  Hello friends! I am so sorry that this surgery day post is so very delayed.    For those of you who are following me from far and away, things did not go quite as I had anticipated and I did end up having some complications.      This had led to two additional hospitalizations and an additional surgery.    So, now that I am getting my strength back and feeling a little better each day - I felt it would be a really good time to catch you up on what happened and how I am doing. I wanted to share a photo of me from my surgery day.    I felt a lot of trepidation and worry.    Obviously I had nerves and concerns as anyone would have with surgery of this magnitutude. In my last blog I talked about the pre surgery jitters and my hope for the best outcome possible (meaning no complications).     This surgery was a little different because I didn't have to be to the hospital until 1pm and my surgeon didn't take me back ...

Well, tomorrow is the day!   It's my second chance at living a healthier life and embracing everything life has to offer.   I know this is the right decision for me.   I have been so calm today and I truly feel ready to embrace this new change.    The last time I was healthy was when I was in college and so I don't even really  know what it feels like to live as a healthy adult.   I am really looking forward to all of the new experiences and new memories that are out there to be made. Today I was on liquids only (including protein shakes).   Luckily, the protein shakes have kept my blood sugar up a little bit so I am not chasing lows.   The hospital did give me a backup plan if I get low blood sugar before I make it to my arrival time of 1pm at the hospital.   So, I was thankful for that. I feel there has been a lot of emotional and mental work the past 6 months leading up to tomorrow.  Some of the...

  Well, surgery is roughly 48 hours away!   I can't believe it's here already!   I feel like it was just yesterday when I started this journey.   I am officially down 14 pounds and I am really proud of that!   This two week pre surgical diet is no joke.   I had to really rely on my coping mechanisms and deep breathing to get through some of the earlier hunger pains.   But now that I have been on the diet for almost two weeks, my body has adapted.  My energy has been variable.   When we were up north over Memorial Day weekend I spent a good chunk of time in bed because I just physically was so exhausted.   I didn't get my energy until about 3 o'clock in the afternoon.   So I am thankful that has improved. My anticipation anxiety has been waxing and waning a bit.   The closer I am getting the more I realize what a good thing this will be for me.   The only thing I am rea...