Aaron James

Aaron James was born on May 13th, weighing in at 8 lbs 4.6 oz, 21 inches long. Quite the little bruiser!

Aaron looks like he is thinking, "Wow! This is a strange looking world!"

"Pucker up for some kisses Granny!"

" Hey Granny! You lookin' for a fight?"

Learning

I am sorry its been awhile since I have posted anything.
I am trying to learn how to live my life without the Ol' Goat.
I've been trying to get all the paperwork done so that has kept me pretty busy.
I have started staying alone here at the house again, letting my kids get on with their own lives.

I find myself talking to his chair without thinking, because thats where he was a lot. Then I turn to look because he isn't answering me and then I remember.

I want to thank you all for all the prayers and support. It means a lot to me. I may not have answered all the private emails and messages, but I have read them all.

Kiss and hug your loved ones daily, you never know what tomorrow may bring.

SEMPER FI JARHEAD

This is a photo board that we created for Wayne's memorial service

This is a family pic that I managed to snap of Waynes Children and grand children.

More pictures of Lily Bell

A very proud big brother

Taking a little snooze

Snuggling with her MawMaw Shirley

Granny Me holding Lily. Sure wish PopPop had gotten the chance to hold her.

He was so looking forward to her coming.

Granny's little Lily

This is just a cell phone picture for now, but wanted to let you all know that my grand daughter made her debut at 2:28pm on April 1st. 7lbs 2.5 ozs.

My little ray of sunshine during this gloomy time.
My Lily Belle.

Obituary and last pic taken of him

Wayne L. Smith, 65, Buchtel, passed away Thursday March 26, 2009, at his residence. Born in Mason, West Virginia, he was the son of the late George and Clarabelle Badgley Smith. He was a 1962 graduate of Rutland High School,he served 17 years in Marine Corp. and 10 years in Army National Guard. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Barrows Smith, children Wayne Jr. of Batavia, Robert of Florida, and Chris Hodge of Batavia; step children Travis Carr of Jacksonville, Trevor Carr and James Gambill of The Plains, and Shavona Gambill of Buchtel, 5 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter, 5 step-grandchildren; and a sister Mary of Florida. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers Charles and Robert. Memorial services will be held April 4, 2009 at 2 PM at Bigony-Jordan Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Cogar officiating, and military services will be held. You may sign the register book or leave a condolence for the family at www.bigonyjordanfuneralhome.com.

More Photos of My Love As Requested

Wayne doing his favorite thing, eating! If you notice the pics labeled Lawrence, that is his middle name and what he was known by in school. These ones are from a friend of his from back then, Larry Rupe. The skinny kid insert pic, was Wayne's graduation pic.

At my son's wedding last November

Christmas 07 after he mooned everyone, see that rotten look on his face?

A neighbor boy after interviewing Wayne for a report on Veterans for Veterans Day.

Proud of our new car

I have lost my hero

My husband the ol' goat Jarhead passed away between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm Thursday afternoon. He went to take a nap, asking me to awaken him at 6pm so that he could watch the news. What I found was not pleasant.

My husband apparently had a heart attack in his sleep.

Two More Weeks

I just realized last night, I only have 2 weeks from today until my surgery. Yes, that has brought on a case of the jitters! I keep thinking, "OK LIZ! Take a deep breath and relax!"
I have been wanting this for so long. It's going to be a huge huge change in lifestyle.

Goodbye to the days of running to the fridge for comfort food when I am stressed.
Goodbye to the nights when Wayne and I sit around watching tv, eating chips or ice cream or chocolate.

Hello to being able to walk through the grocery without breathing hard.
Hello to being able to clean my house without taking a break every 10 minutes.
Hello to exercise.
Hello to a healthier me.

These are just some of my thoughts for today.

Until next time
Liz

My Under The Weather Soup

We have both been feeling pretty crappy for a few days, so tonight we wanted something light for dinner. We considered chicken noodle soup in the can. Then I thought, yuck! Too much sodium.

I had some leftover Taco-Salsa Chicken ( http://jarheadsbaby.blogspot.com/2009/02/taco-salsa-chicken.html ) from the other night that I made when my son came over. So, I decided to rinse off the salsa and some of the spices. I then diced it up, cooked it in some of my home canned chicken stock,( http://jarheadsbaby.blogspot.com/search/label/Canning ) added a can of no salt added mixed veggies and some whole wheat spaghetti noodles and now we have a semi homemade chunky chicken noodle soup. No extra salt or preservatives this way. Just comfort food at the healthiest I could do it, considering the way I feel.

Hubby gave his burp of Approval!

St Patrick's Day Treat

I wanted to create a treat for the ol' goat for St Patty's Day. I also wanted to thank him for waiting on me for 6 hours today while I went through all my pre-op testing.

I knew I had this in the pantry. So I thought, "Hmmm, chocolate dipped strawberries? How about white chocolate dipped strawberries? Oh better yet, green dipped strawberries!!"

So I melted the white chocolate melts with just a bit of water to loosen it up and added some green food coloring.

This is my finished product. Hey, I am no fancy smancy chef here! They might be a bit rustic looking but my hubby was tickled "green" to get them!

3 WEEKS FROM TODAY

Is April 6th, my surgery date. It's getting closer and I am getting more nervous.
However, I know that I have made the right decision. I have chosen to begin a new healthy lifestyle for myself and for my family.

Tomorrow I spend most of my day at the hospital doing all of my pre-op testing.
I have to have a history and physical exam, blood work, chest x-rays, an EKG, and a gallbladder scan. I then go to a class for Bariatric Pre-Op patients.

I have a pre-op appointment with my surgeon on April 3rd. To go over test results, final plans for surgery, etc.

Then its the day!

In the midst of all this, Baby Lily is due to make her arrival around the 4th of April! Hopefully Baby Aaron will stay put until closer to his due date of May 8th.

Plus Wayne has decided to have the guys come in and re landscape the yard. And I have a chest cold or something that I am fighting.

No wonder I feel like I am going nuts!!!

UNDERSTANDING DUMPING SYNDROME

I don't know about you, but this does not sound like fun to me!

Dumping syndrome occurs in many gastric bypass patients when sweet foods like juice, soda, sugar sweetened beverages, cakes, cookies and pies are eaten. The food passes too quickly into the small intestine and causes symptoms such as: nausea or queasiness, a sense of fullness accompanied by discomfort, cramping, diarrhea, general weakness, profuse sweating, vomiting, and heart palpitations (an increase in heart rate).

Most patients experience a combination of these symptoms. Usually the symptoms will subside in about an hour. Most patients find the symptoms are alleviated after they lie down for a while. Dumping syndrome is not dangerous, but it is quite unpleasant.

Some patients “eat through” the dumping syndrome and they are eventually able to tolerate calorie dense foods in smaller quantities. Given this is a lifestyle change, it is important to avoid these calorie dense foods from the beginning and develop healthier alternatives to eating.

Stage 1 Clear Liquids

This will be my first step after my surgery. This information is from bariatriceating.com, as is the photo.

This is why I have been making and canning my own beef and chicken stocks.

I know what is in them so I know what I am putting into my body.

I will be avoiding sugars and sugar alcohols as they can cause "dumping syndrome". I will explain this in my next post.

In this article you will notice the mention of whey protein powders and other protein containing items. Protein is essential for healing and prevention of hair loss. Since I won't be able to get my protein by eating, a substitute is needed.

The First Post-op ‘Eating’ Stage

In the first stage after surgery patients should drink clear liquids; defined as liquids that one can see through. Doctors require anywhere from a few days up to even two weeks of clear fluids after surgery to minimize need for digestion, and lessen production of solid waste; allowing your gastrointestinal system to heal.

Liquids should be sipped slowly; gulping can cause pain. Do not use a straw as it will trap air in the stomach pouch; this trapped gas can be very uncomfortable.

Immediately after surgery you must drink enough fluids to keep hydrated. There is a small percentage of post-ops who are re-hospitalized because of dehydration, so it is important to sip fluids constantly throughout the day. Start slowly from 4 to 6 cups of liquid a day and increase as tolerated to at least two quarts a day. If your urine has become dark or concentrated you are not drinking enough water or fluids. You should have a cup or glass near you at all times and sip, sip, sip.

Most of us can drink plain water without difficulty after our bariatric procedure. Others find that water irritates their pouch. Warm drinks are often soothing as the heat relaxes the muscles and tissues in the pouch. In contrast, 'ice cold' sometimes 'clenches' the pouch and restricts flow of liquids. There are clear type proteins that can be blended with Crystal Light or used solo in this stage that will help your body to heal. If a Nectar protein or New Whey Protein Bullet or even Crystal Light tastes too sweet USE MORE WATER or add crushed ice to dilute it to your taste. Very little, if anything will taste good at this point and you will not necessarily be happy with your choices; you still have to drink water and move through this stage.

This is purposely a very limited diet so hang in there and do not progress to next stage until you are told to.

The following are allowable clear liquids:

-Water

-Crystal Light or Sugar Free Kool Aid - use 2 to 3 times as much water as usual

-Sugar Free Jell-O-Herbal tea, Celestial Seasonings flavors are very soothing

-Sugar Free Popsicles

-Broth or Boullion, heat then blend in a spoonful of Any Whey instantized protein

New Whey Protein Bullets, Grape, Orange, Fruit Punch

Nectar fruit juice-type protein to blend into Crystal Light

Zero carb Isopure, glass bottles - Green Tea and Grape Frost are delicious.

Preparing Article

I have been spending the last few days studying up and reading many different articles to help me prepare for my upcoming surgery. April 6th, is getting closer and closer. Yikes!!
This is one I found today on weightlosssurgerychannel.com.

Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is a life-altering event that is both empowering and stressful. Taking certain steps before your procedure can help you prepare for your life post-surgery, and make your transition into a new way of living must easier.
Before having weight loss surgery, you should learn as much as you can about the risks and benefits of different bariatric procedures, such as Roux en-Y gastric bypass surgery, and gastric banding (Lap-Band) surgery. Just as the doctors prepare your body prior to surgery, you can prepare mentally, as well. A myriad of medical websites include detailed information about different bariatric procedures, the physiological changes involved, and the research supporting their effectiveness.

Learning the Inside Scoop

You may find it helpful to talk with others who have undergone weight loss surgery. If you don’t know anyone personally who has had weight loss surgery, you can check out different message boards on the Internet for guidance. Websites such as RenewedReflections.com and ObesityHelp.com have forums where thousands of people discuss issues associated with weight loss surgery, from the physical effects to how it can affect their self-esteem and relationships. In addition, talking with family and friends about your surgery can help them understand the reason for your decision and what you will be facing, so they can offer the support and encouragement you need.

Getting Your Mind Right

Weight loss surgery is a life-changing event, and for that reason, bariatric specialists require that patients undergo a psychological assessment before surgery. Your doctor will likely send you to a counselor trained to work with bariatric patients. During your first meeting, you will discuss your personal and psychiatric history. The counselor will ask you questions to determine whether you are mentally and emotionally ready to handle the responsibilities that come with weight loss surgery. Patients with drug or alcohol problems, untreated depression and other mental disorders may not be the best candidates for weight loss surgery, or may need additional pre-surgery counseling before they qualify for the procedure.

Getting Your Body Right

You will also need to begin a diet and exercise program before surgery. Your doctor will provide you with guidelines designed specifically for your individual needs, and you must follow the plan closely to qualify for surgery and ensure your long-term success. This is just a precursor to the significant lifestyle changes to come. In addition, if you’re a smoker, your doctors will probably ask you to stop smoking for at least eight weeks prior to surgery. Other common changes include drinking more water, avoiding caffeine, keeping a food diary, and beginning a regular walking or exercise program.
Weight loss surgery requires significant preparation, both physical and mental. To have lasting success, you need to prepare both your mind and your body before surgery, and also ensure that you have a strong support system in place with your family and friends. Most important, you need to follow your doctor’s recommendations and trust the experts to provide you the best possible guidance and care so you can live a long, healthy and happy life after surgery.

Baby Shower

The Baby Shower turned out well.

We had a motley crew show up. They all surrounded me in my chair, even Muchacho!

Yes, that is a guy in the front. It is Anita's little brother. He was very brave putting up with all of us women folk. He was pretty red faced most of the time!

This is a side view of Anita's 7 month pregnant belly, ain't she cute?

This is the cake that my other pregnant daughter in law, Jammie, made for the shower.
Jammie is my little cake decorator. I tried to get a picture of her 8 month pregnant belly, but she would not cooperate!

Muchacho

This is my daughter- in- law Joanie's dog. She and Travis went to New Jersey and I am dog sitting for a few days. My cat, Sushi, is not a happy camper. She is not very good at sharing her space, and Muchacho has decided that he loves his "Granny". He has decided that no one can come close to me. He is my new tiny little body guard!

Menu

This was dinner tonight.

My Shake-N-Bake Cloned Pork Chops
Roasted Potato and Asparagus
Splenda Blend Glazed Carrots
And
Cinnamon Applesauce

Recipes are posted for these dishes.
Try them!

Splenda Blend Glazed Carrots

Ingredients
2 cups sliced carrots, cooked
1 tbs lite margarine (I use Country Crock Lite)
1 tbs Splenda Brown Sugar Blend

Directions
Cook 2 cups sliced carrots until tender
Drain
Add Brown Sugar and margarine, coat well

Number of Servings: 4



Nutritional Info

Calories: 54.8g
Total Fat: 1.4g
Cholesterol: 0
Sodium: 66.5g
Total Carbs: 9.4g
Dietary Fiber: 2.3g
Protein: 0.6g

Roasted Potato and Asparagus

Ingredients
4 small red potatoes chunked into small pieces
1 onion chunked
asparagus, about a cup and a half, fresh or frozen, cut in pieces
1/4 c Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Cut veggies into small chunks and drizzle with olive oil
Coat with Parmesan and garlic powder salt and pepper
Place ingredients in foil and fold over to make a packet
Bake at 375 degrees F for about 30 minutes until potatoes are tender
Makes 4 servings

Nutritional Info
Calories: 216.0
Total Fat: 5.6 g
Cholesterol: 4.9 mg
Sodium: 172.9 mg
Total Carbs: 35.2 g
Dietary Fiber: 4.5 g
Protein: 7.6 g