Saturday - adventure time!

Today we embark on a new hobby (?) John wants to learn about handguns and be licensed. So this morning we will begin our classes. I will let you know how it goes. I am kind of excited- I love to learn new things.

So as I continue on this journey I am getting weary of not eating. When I eat protein bars/shakes I am fine though. I know it is still early on (only 6 weeks isn't very long after surgery) but I am impatient as usual.

So today I am filling the day with back to back scheduling of class, hair appointment, "dinner"with friends and grad work. Maybe that will be enough distraction????

I am choosing to make this a great day. (In spite of myself -lol)

1 Corinthians 4:7-8 (MSG)

"Isn't everything you have and eveything you are sheer gifts from God?"

6 Fridays

Have you ever thought about how the days of the week have personalities? Each day brings its own personality to my week. It is usually framed by scheduled events.

Monday:

A very mental day

Tuesday:

BUSY and demanding physically and mentally

Wednesday:

slower schedule, but usually a "meeting" day (deadlines for grad work)

Thursday:

a favorite!

Friday:

marathon day at school/ crunch day for grad work

Saturday:

day with John and "get 'er done" day

Sunday:

goes too fast!

Church / fellowship / catch up on spirit/ finish up on grad. work before a new unit opens.

Seems like the week flies by! Monday begins NOVEMBER!!! How did it get here so fast?

For Today:

"Seek goodness in others.

Love more persons more . . . .unselfishly,

without thought of return.

The return, never fear

will take care of itself."

-Henry Drummond

(from Peggy's little book)

A dip in the road

I was able to make a difference for someone yesterday!!!! YAY mission accomplished. Wonder if I can get in another one before the week is over?????

okay, so I am human! Instead of a bump in the road, I have encountered a "dip." It is just like those you encounter when driving in the beautiful hill country at a low-water-crossing when you come over the crest of a hill and your tummy does a flipflop as you quickly descend into the "dip." So here is what happened.

Spent 3 hours yesterday in doctors' offices. Good news all around, but I am "crashing" in the emotional area.

I knew that it was possible. After any major event (surgery, wedding, major medication changes,etc.) it is common to go thru a little depression. I was very alert to this since stopping my anti-depressant meds when they made me so sick. When I talked to my primary care doc he spent a lot of time with me talking about my worries and reassuring me that this is completely normal.

He prescribed a different Rx that is a liquid so maybe it won't bother my new tummy too much. I go back in a week for a follow up.

Now here is the real blessing: He called me at home last night to check on how I was doing!!!

I see how God puts "angels" to watch over me. I just have to look for them. I am so glad I called his office yesterday and went to the app't. and had a very "healing" conversation with this person who ministered to me. He talked about what I need to pray for (peace, strength, letting go and positive outcomes) what I need to acknowledge (a normal outcome of all of the major events) and to trust God to work out everything.

Thank you, Lord for putting my doctor in my life when I needed to "hear" the medicine as much as fill a prescription. Both are necessary for my spiritual and emotional health.

I am truly blessed beyond measure.

My "dip" is one reason I get to enjoy the scenic view when I get back up on the hilltop.

Praises to our creator for the "angels" He puts into our lives!

Here is my verse for the day:

Isaiah 58:8

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

Six Weeks and Counting...

Yes, it is finally getting past those first few weeks. I find myself "wishing" it was 3 months or 6 months down the road I am on, and then I realize I need to enjoy my days! No sense in "wishing" my life away. In so many ways this is my favorite time of the year:

• FALL!
• beautiful weather
• study groups are getting into the "good stuff"
• no projects due yet
• thankfulness
• anticipation (in a good way) of the holidays
• planning trips

My week has been full of challenges and I believe set myself up for them. I was (and am) trying to make someone's day better. I just didn't know how much work it was going to be to stay positive. I have been allowing negativity into my day(s) and find that the very thing I rail against, later that day I will be doing myself. Shocking!

Even Paul struggled with this and I am sure it is not from God!

Here are several versions of what Paul said about it in Romans 7:15

New International Version (©1984) I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. New Living Translation (©2007) I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate. English Standard Version (©2001) For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. New American Standard Bible (©1995) For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. International Standard Version (©2008) I don't understand what I am doing. For I don't practice what I want to do, but instead do what I hate. GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995) I don't realize what I'm doing. I don't do what I want to do. Instead, I do what I hate.

I am thinking that Satan is laughing at my feeble efforts, but I am here to tell the negative forces that my God is bigger and greater than anything they have! I am aware of my faults and I can tap into the power of the creator to guide me to the person I can help today. Even if it is me.

Join me in the battle over evil forces- those daily "stealers of joy" and let's choose to make it a good day today!

What a day!

Changes are a-comin'. Jonathan and Chelsea spent the day in San Antonio looking for an apartment and found one! It is pet-friendly (thank goodness!) and Chelsea is excited that she can paint the walls what ever she wants. Signed a lease and can move in on Dec 29. They are sooooooo excited! Jon also met with a manager at the Cracker Barrel that trains managers and had a very encouraging interview. Chelsea picked up several applications for working places close to the apartment.

I had a Monday! But I am still looking for ways to make someone's day! Tomorrow should bring some interesting opportunities.

I am so happy for Jon and Chelz. And they should be in SA for 1 1/2 to 2 years. YAY!

Here is a thought from Peggy's book (I just love this little book!)

"Taste the small blessings God sprinkles through your days."

Fashion Show

Yesterday (Sat) John and I went to San Antonio to a fashion show sponsored by Northeast Baptist Hospital Bariatric department and Dillard's at the Shops at La Cantera.

The models were all bariatric patients (mostly gastric bypass) and there was standing room besides the audience chairs, so there was quite a good number of people. When the show began, there were 2 flat screen tv's set up and they showed the models' names and their BEFORE pictures! Then the model would come out in the beautiful clothes from Dillard's and WOW it was hard to believe it was the same person. They modeled in various degrees of self confidence- and as they walked up and down the runway, the moderator would "tell their story" or part of it to express how their life had changed medically as well as personally. It was so much fun to see some of them be kind of "sassy" and so happy with the results of their hard work.

There were give-aways and everyone had water mugs, pens, tablets, brochures, etc. on each chair to take home. There were some snacks available, but I wasn't on that side of the event to see what there was. (Everything was supposed to be bariatric-friendly though.)

What impressed me the most was the family support for each model. Their spouses, and children were so excited for the models to be there and they cheered them on. Of course the audience cheered, clapped etc. too and you could see how much pleasure it brought to the models. If you have ever struggled with obesity, you understand the need for support, unconditional love and encouragement. These women (and man) have worked hard and are healthier and able to "be normal" in ways that were impossible before this.

It was an inspiring time and many of them spoke of the spiritual renewal that takes place along the way. I can attest to that as well. Even though I am just less than 6 weeks out of surgery, the amount of reflection and meditation it takes to get through the "tough stuff" really impacts my life.

I don't know how anyone can succeed without faith in any trials of life. It is a strength that can change the world- even if it is just my world. When you experience such a drastic change in your life, for any reason, it puts a new perspective in your heart and soul.

Life is good and worth the struggle if you can appreciate it and the people around you.

I am blessed beyond measure.

I intend to make a difference in someone's life this week- What are your plans?????

Here is a Chinese proverb:

"Happiness is something to do,

something to love, something to hope for."

5 weeks +

What a great week! Classes went smoothly - I had an amazing conversation with 3 concrete workers who were pouring concrete under the Archimedes Screw on the playground. (if you don't know about MY Archimedes Screw, please send me a message on comments and I will be happy to explain) These 3 men not only pour concrete, but taught me so many things about the chemistry, technology, history and complexity of concrete work. I was inspired by their knowledge and especially their curiosity and willingness to share information. I am considering taking my 5th grade study group (they are studying Science Playground) on a field trip to the concrete plant!

We live in an amazing time! There are so many opportunities all around us every day to learn, share, be inspired and enjoy every day we are given. We just need to open our eyes and jump right in.

I had my check-up yesterday with the bariatric physician assistant. Everything is on track and I am off my last 2 prescriptions! YAY!! I am only taking the supplements required by my surgeon (vitamins, calcium, B 12 and iron) and a prescription for 6 months to protect my gall bladder. I am so very blessed.

Most of you know that I am in the middle of my Master's program (online with Abilene Christian University) and during my studies this week, I came across a quote that I really love so here it is:

Joel Barker says:

Vision without action is merely a dream.

Action without vision just passes the time.

Vision with action can change the world.

I can see this applied to my Christian walk, my students, my school . . .

What do you think it applies to?

Friday already!

I have noticed that Friday comes around faster every week. Monday through Wednesday don't seem to go that fast, but then suddenly it is Friday.

Eating has been better this week. I have stopped worrying about getting it done and just get some small amounts in through the day. It is better when I go slow and take the pressure off.

It has been 3+ days of no major incidents with my eating. YAY!!!

My weight loss has plateau-d (sp) seemingly. I haven't weighed EVERY day, but it is hard not to.

Work is getting to be more and more normal (whatever that is!) and I have had some great times with the kids this week. Rewards for my dream job! I love what I do and the people with whom I work, especially the challenging ones (of all ages) without them I wouldn't have the opportunities to help encourage and count my blessings.

Have you noticed that EVERYONE (including me) has their problems? No one is immune from the challenges of life here. Since we are all in this together, why not enjoy what we can and let God have the rest? Easy for me to write this, much more difficult to live it. Most of what we worry about is never going to happen - things get done - deadlines are met - time flies!

One of my favorite verses:

Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Welcome to Friday and enjoy!

Wednesday

Another good Day! woo-hoo!

I have decided that I will take string cheese for lunch for awhile. That way I can nibble on it as I try to slow down my eating, and if I don't have time, then I can put it back in the fridge until I get more time.

Last week I got this interesting card from my hospital - Northeast Baptist Hospital (NBH). On the front of the card it says, "Weigh to go!"

It is an invitation to a fashion show put on by the Bariatric Dept. It is an annual event and it is at Dillard's at La Cantera in San Antonio. I am planning to go. It is on Saturday at 2 pm and I guess the doctors who use NBH submit patients to be the models! I am looking forward to seeing what that is all about! Who knows maybe this time next year I can participate????

What a great idea! It says:

"Join us for this inspirational celebration of transformation- Body & Spirit."

I love it! I will let you know how it goes.....

I am counting my blessings for such a great day today!

Tuesday??? What happened to Monday????

Whew! It is flying by!

Days are beginning to feel normal again. Eating is still hard especially at school when there is NO time. Even the time that is scheduled, is fleeting. It is better not to eat than to hurry! Believe me!

These beautiful Fall days are so lovely - I decided to do the "Transpiration" experiment out in the courtyard at school with my 2nd grade study group. We are studying water so we put zip-lock bags over some of the different branches of plants and tomorrow we will see how much water collects in the bags. I love this demo, because the kids are amazed at how much water we get.

I have plenty of energy and get exercise walking up and down the ramps. Life is good.

My thought today is from Peggy's book:

"You can trust God right now to supply all your needs for today. And if your needs are more tomorrow, His supply will be greater also."

Amen.

Sunday

What a wonderful day!

• Beautiful fall weather-
• Drive (to and) from Austin was lovely-
• Great first time teaching Kinder Bible Class (wonderful group of kiddos)
• Wonderful lesson at church about people with "cooties"
• Community Group was fabulous,
• home for a long nap,
• Now looking forward to a successful week @ school

When we went to our Community group (a small group ministry from our church) we usually have a lunch-time meeting and wonderful fellowship. Shelley had made a delicious lasagna meal with salad, corn, bread and pineapple-upside-down cupcakes. I took a chance on eating whatever was available and it worked out great! I had some lasagna and ate mostly the filling which is high protein and delicious. I passed on the other offerings, but felt good to participate and be a part of the group. It was all fine. We had a wonderful prayer time and we were all blessed to have been there.

I am so blessed, even when troublesome times appear (as they will) I have God to rely on and to tell my troubles how big He is!

One of my most favorite verses:

Ephesians 6:20

²⁰Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Saturdays are a gift after a long week

Saturday - Love it! Somehow it passes much more quickly than other days.

I am feeling great! yesterday was a "too busy" day, but that is true of most Fridays in the Challenge Lab. It is such a wonderful way to celebrate the hard work of the students and they are so excited to come to the lab when they have earned their time to be there. It is truly a win-win!

I did well yesterday with my eating. It was interesting, the staff brought "breakfast" food for our Assistant Principal Substitute whose last day with us was yesterday. I went into the break room where everything was laid out and, it wasn't even very appetizing to me, because when I looked at most of it I imagined the consequences of my current state and it just wasn't worth it. I call that progress!!!

I am going to call BMI on Monday to talk about my difficulty with my pills. When I take some of them I get really nauseous. I have tried 1/2 pills, and spacing them out and I still struggle with the nausea. So I will ask about liquid forms, or other ways to handle the situation. I am wondering about discontinuing some of them...... we shall see.

Today is a beautiful day, the weather is wonderful, cool and sunny. John and I are going to see Jenny in Austin this afternoon, and will come back in time for church tomorrow ( I get to start teaching the Kinder Bible class) and it should be a wonderful day for the drive. I am getting back into dreaming about projects at school, which is always a positive sign!

My thought today is from Peggy's book:

"Don't get so busy that you forget to simply be. Sometimes the best way to sop being overwhelmed by life is to simply step back, take a day...or an hour...or a moment, and notice all that God is doing in your life."

First Day back at Work! WOW!

It was wonderful to go back to my classroom and see all my co-workers. They smiled big smiles and hugged big hugs when they saw me. What a blessing to work with people who care.

My classes and groups went well today and the students seemed happy that I was back. It felt good to be in my dream job and pick up right where I needed to. I am so blessed!

I took sugar free pudding to mix with my protein shake powder for lunch and ate v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y and had no problems at all. I am supposed to take my pills (2 tablets and 2 capsules) at spaced out times, b/c they cause me great pain and distress if I take them at once. I took 1 and was uncomfortable the rest of the afternoon, so now I must devise a "Plan C" for this necessity.

So my verse for today is: Luke 6:38

³⁸Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Written on the Chilean Miners' shirts:

It’s a quote from Psalm 95:4 - RVA Psalm 95:4 En su mano están las profundidades de la tierra; suyas son las alturas de los montes.
In English:
ESV Psalm 95:4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also."

Another start to another day!!!! Thank you God for blessing us with another day!!!!!

"As my dad says, "each day is a birthday because he has given you the gift of another day!!" from Starla Lane-Garcia (a friend and co-worker)

So I thought I was going back to school today, and then my terrific sub called and said I have one more day. :)

Workers coming today to, hopefully, re-install the hot water heater and the A/C. YAY!

I am still struggling with eating..... Each meal is an experiment in timing, texture, and transition. I am still trying to "get it right" the liquid minimums are challenging as well. I am still on that learning curve and it isn't easy changing 57 years of doing something so automatic to being so aware of every morsel and my body's response to it.

My verse today is:

Psalms 27:14 "Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord."

And here is the thought I found in the little book:

"Life is God's novel. Let Him write it."

-Isaac Singer

The day after.....

Yesterday was our youngest son's wedding day! what a wild weekend - it was so beautiful! The weather was absolutely perfect!

We got to enjoy our outdoor wedding, the river house property looked fabulous! The food was catered by the Greek Tavern in Bandera and it was so delicious! I could eat the spanikopita and tiropita as well as the hummus. That was fun!

Now I am trying to rest-so that I can go back to work on Wed. The workers are here to tear out our back room. Last week we discovered that the A/C drain got stopped up and flooded out carpet, now there is mold. Life as we know it!

My recovery is not hampering the enjoyment of life events. Eating, while it is a major part of celebrations, doesn't have the priority it used to. Here are some blessings of not eating.

• Not being truly hungry is a blessing!
• No standing in line to get food from the buffet.
• No problem feeling over-stuffed after the meal
• No "wasted" time filling my mouth, more time for visiting and talking.
• Being able to eat the appetizer was satisfying enough.
• Since I am not hindered by eating, I can visit with lots of people at different tables while they eat.

All in all I am pleased with the changes in my focus. Where food was my focus before, I can now make relationships more of a priority. As it should be....

My verse today is:

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."

—Romans 12:9-10

All is well......

I had some interesting developments on the recovery path. I have been having some trouble eating- pain, some nausea and it was causing concern that I was somehow not doing it right or that there was a problem. So I called BMI yesterday morning and spoke with a nurse. She said Dr. Seger would want me to come in so I made an appointment for the afternoon.

When I saw Dr. Seger, we went to the "x-ray room" to see what might be happening. I did a "Barium Swallow" (you can see this procedure on a video if you click on the link) It was a very interesting procedure and pleasant. The barium didn't taste bad, and I was standing up against an upright table of sorts. The screen showing the path of the swallow was easily visible. It showed that my new insides were functioning properly. YAY- and that where my little pouch connected to the intestine at the bottom, was rather narrow. This is normal and there may still be some swelling there further constricting the opening. If needed, there is a dilation procedure (much like a balloon procedure for the heart vessels) if necessary to open that connection more, but then the weight loss is impacted from then on. Mine doesn't need that procedure and Dr. Seger said that the body will adjust it on its own. Amazing!

Here is what I learned:

• The challenges I have with eating right now are typical and to be expected
• As the body heals it will adjust
• I know what to do to stay on track: drink water, soft foods (high protein), exercise
• I haven't "messed up" anything
• I need to STOP weighing every day - once a week is better
• I can always call BMI if I have questions or concerns

I feel much more confident going into this big wedding weekend. (My youngest son is getting married on Sunday.)

here is my verse for today:

2 Timothy 1:7

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

Blessings,

Cheryl

"What happens when we live God's way?

He brings gifts into our lives, much the same was that fruit appears in an orchard." Galatians 5:22 (MSG)

Some of my "quotes" like this one, come from a cheerful little book titled, "Thinking of You" that was a get well gift from my sweet friend Peggy. Every time I open it to find something to reflect upon, I think of her surprise visit the other day. What a blessing she is in my life.

Yesterday, I exercised on both of our workout machines. John acquired the ROM about 3 years ago and it has helped his circulation and the effects of his diabetes. More recently he bought an "Ab Circle Pro" like you see on TV. He really bought it for me to strengthen my abs for recovery after the surgery. I do think it helped to speed up the healing.

I also walked around our circle street in front of our house. Such a beautiful cool clear morning! After 30 minutes of walking, I finished weeding the other front flower bed.

I was tired, but felt good! The afternoon was spent with a surprise visit from my son's future mother-in-law. I really enjoy her company! The wedding is coming up fast! only 3 more days until the festivities begin and the wedding on Sunday.

I haven't weighed this morning and I am trying not to let those numbers on a scale determine what kind of day I will have.............right! It is worth a try anyway.

blessings !

Some frustrations.......

May I just say that I am frustrated? I don't know how, but for the past week my weight has not changed...... I am not eating that much in calories, all high protein/ low fat/ low carbs. How can this be?

I have been more active in my daily life, and it is a challenge to get all my liquids in, take all my vitamins, etc. Also, it is a challenge to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n my eating and drinking, but the consequences of that are immediate and significant! :)

I did start on the exercise machines we have here at the house, and though difficult, I felt strong when using them. I must get more walking done today. Maybe this is why it takes 4 (to 6) weeks to get everything straightened out.

My focus is not on my body as much as a week ago, so that may be contributing to my "plateau" and so I return to what I know.

• use the protein shakes to get the most protein in as well as more liquid
• sip more water through the day
• set some walking goals
• record my data

If it is to be it is up to me.

My verse today is:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Another success!

Today, Monday, I was "graduated" from the Headache Institute of Texas (HIT is what I fondly call it)

I went for my regular follow-up and Dr.s Holt and Turner said I was finished with their treatment. It has been 16 or 18 months since I first went to see them for migraines. Their treatment is very effective and sees each patient as a whole person. I learned so much from them!

If you have heard my "Live-Laugh-Love" presentation, then you have benefitted from some of that learning. My life is indeed richer for having gone to these wonderful doctors- not just because I have diminished my headaches significantly, but because of what they taught me about helping my body heal itself, and allowing time for relaxation and meditation for healing.

I will miss seeing them.

John "allowed" me to drive to San Antonio by myself today :) I love how he cares for me. I can't imagine what life would be like with anyone else- he is a perfect fit for me. My cup overflows with blessings because of the man he is.

I am surprised to say that the scale hasn't moved for 5 days. It is probably normal, but I was getting used to 2-3 pounds every other day or so. hmmmmm..... It might have something to do with my eating real food (soft though) except I am not eating that much and it is all high protein. I guess it will all become clear later on.

My verse today is reflecting on my graduate class (Conflict Resolution and Communication) we are wrapping up this course. The last module has been about forgiveness. We watched 5 videos from the "Anderson Cooper 360" program. It was a series he did on forgiveness and is powerful information. The five videos were on:

1. How do you forgive the unforgivable (the murderer of your child)
2. The healing power of forgiveness (how forgiveness saved a woman's life)
3. Should you pardon a cheating heart?
4. Overcoming the pain of sexual abuse.
5. Can you forgive yourself?

As these were part of my course, I don't know how to give you more information that this, but it will enlighten you if you can see these videos.

My verse today is this:

Mat 5:44-45 (NEB) "But what I tell you is this: love your enemies and pray for your persecutors; only so can you be like children of your heavenly Father, who makes his sun rise on good and bad alike, and sends the rain on the honest and the dishonest. If you love only those who love you, what reward can you expect? Surely the tax-gatherers do as much as that. And if you greet only your brothers, what is there extraordinary about that? Even the heathen do as much. There must be no limit to your goodness, as your heavenly Father's goodness knows no bounds."

Each new day that comes your way is blessed with promise. -Anon.

This is a beautiful day!

Church, this morning was wonderful- 2 young single moms were baptized and so joyful.

We met with our small group, and had lunch. I took tuna salad for myself and it was fine. It was so nice to be with everyone again and though I couldn't eat what they had fixed, it was so worth it to be with everyone and everyone made me feel welcome. What a blessing.

John and I went out to the river house to get something he left yesterday. It looks wonderful- he worked on painting trim, and trimming different spots around the area. It will be so pretty for the wedding. (in one week!)

Now about a bump in the road- of my recovery that is, not the river house. Yesterday morning I thought I was following my soft foods diet. Well, I found out the hard way that even if you warm up a flour tortilla till it is soft, it isn't classified as soft according to my new little stomach. 2 bites, that I didn't chew well enough, sent me into an hour of misery. They call it "dumping syndrome" and it is when your body lets you know in a clear and definite way that it will not tolerate some things before their time. YIKES! I am listening more closely and really watching what I am putting into my new body. Maybe that is why I didn't mind taking my own food to the luncheon today. Anything is better that that happening again!

So much of our culture revolves around food. Even though that has changed for me, it doesn't mean that I can't still participate in a wiser, more satisfying way. It really made me see that it is the relationships with people that are important and the food is just an accessory.

Our lives here are about the relationship we have with others. Just because food is involved with many of our social events, doesn't make it the primary reason we get together. It is the community that we were designed to be a part of by God himself that is the most important reason we are here.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

—John 13:34-35

Counting my blessings!

Encouragement for the road ahead...

After the post yesterday, John wanted me to write about the appointment with the surgeon on Thursday. It was wonderful! A good experience to focus on.

Dr. Seger was very pleased with my progress. He loved all my charts of data that I kept of my blood pressure, blood sugar, liquid intake, food journal, and weight. He also told me to stop my blood pressure meds completely. :) wow! When they were asking me about what meds I was taking, most of them they read off the list I was able to say "no" to. I am off all diabetic meds (2), all blood pressure meds (2), migraine meds (1), and daily aspirin. That is 6 medications total! woo-hoo!

John told him about this blog. He immediately went to the computer and found it. He asked if I would give him permission to share it on their website. WOW! I said of course. One of the things I wanted to know from other bypass patients, was what their experience was in the days and weeks immediately following the surgery. They usually couldn't remember those first days and weeks. So I wanted to remember mine and that is why I started this blog. Also to share all of the health benefits of this treatment.

I remember that this is a tool for my health improvement. It is not the cure for my obesity unless I use the tool as it was intended. There are many ways to say this. Some are edifying and others are harsh. I prefer to edify myself and others. (Most of us have been treated harshly by ourselves if not others.)

My verses today are:

1. “This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor AS YOURSELF.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:38)
   
2. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor AS YOURSELF.” (Galatians 5:14)
   
3. “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor AS YOURSELF: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:18)

I have often been my own worst enemy. I must learn to love myself in a way that glorifies God. This is not a selfishness, or a self-elevating love. It is a humble acknowledgement of the value of God's love living in me.

What a gift we have of our health and our very lives. Let's rejoice in this new day and be thankful for our blessings.

Corrie Ten Boom says...

"Every experience God gives us, every person He puts into our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see."

So, I went for my check up at the cardiologist this morning. I took my records that I have been keeping since the surgery. It was obvious to me that he was NOT a fan of gastric bypass! He said some things that might have shaken me if I wasn't doing so well. I was thankful that I have the resolve to withstand the comments of a Dr. that were not very supportive of what was a major decision on my part. Some things he said were:

• You know you can eat around the bypass and it will be just the same as it was before.
• You realize that you can get the same results by going to an orthodontist and having your jaws wired shut.
• what you really need is behavior modification.
• This may or may not take care of your high lipids (bad cholesterol)
• I don't think you really have a cardiac issue- some pre issues, but you don't need to be seen in this office but once a year. (yay)
• I guess they told you that if you eat certain things it will make you so very sick.
• You know what, I do want to see you in 6 months just to check on how you do with all of this.

Then as he was leaving, "good for you for taking this step- I hope it all turns out like you want it to." (rather hollow after everything else.)

That is why I put Corrie Ten Boom's quote on today's title. I will trust the "future that only He (God) can see." and I will put my faith in His plan for my life, not some doctor who just met me.

All of my records were great and he really didn't have anything to instruct me about. I have to get a blood test for the lipids, but that is it.

I am counting this appointment a victory! In spite of the negative comments. :}

Praises to God who is in control of ALL things.

I am still smiling- that is my choice!