Working On A Quirky Graph

I’ve been on a journey with my health. I want to say recently, but it has been the last year and a half so I guess that all is relative. So far I’ve been to the doc where I was prescribed a cocktail of medication including the familiar Ozempic that you may have seen any number of articles about. Changing the way I eat and exercising has accomplished more than when my gall bladder shot craps and had to be removed. I’ve lost about 90lbs, or about six and a half stone or 40 kilograms. All impressive numbers. All good for my health.

However, I’ve been at a plateau for the last 6 months so my doc sent me to a surgeon to discuss bariatric surgery. In my head it is the next logical step. I know I need the assistance, that I cannot maintain it continue to lose without moving to another level. And, in my head, it isn’t that big of a deal.

While I waited for the surgery date to be set, I made sure to eat some of the foods I knew I wouldn’t be allowed to have for the foreseeable future. I ordered chicken korma, and pho. I had burritos and nachos and pizza. I made sure to drink my favorite wine and have my favorite ice cream.

But we are now down to the wire. The surgery is in 7 days and I’ve been on a liquid diet for the last three days. Suddenly I’ve got big cravings for a Cesar salad from this little Italian joint along with their garlic cheese bread. I find myself fascinated by reels and recipes for thanksgiving meals that I won’t be able to eat this year. Friends have asked if I’m making cookies for the annual Cookiepalooza, and I’m not sure I will be up to it.

To top it off, I’m trying so hard not to be hangry, but I want a piece of cheddar. I’m looking forward to the surgery taking away my need for willpower to remain on this liquid diet, but I have a feeling I’m going to miss food more than I thought I would.

I’m trying though. Knowing I can only have broth and protein drinks for 10 days, I made my own chicken broth with the crockpot.

It is delicious, but so much work for a broth that still doesn’t make me feel like I’ve been eating. I puréed the vegetables as well so I can eat those in 3 weeks.

No coffee for a month after surgery. No sugar as that may cause dumping. (Not at all something I want to experience). No overeating at all because there will be no room.

I have been heavy most of my life. The doctor wants me to lose another 90lbs. I’m not sure I can even imagine what I would look like at that weight. The bigger struggle I’m going to have will be reimagining my life after I shift my focus away from enjoying the excess of food and toward it being a necessity.