Friday the day after Allys birthday and the night of the party

Woke up just after 12 feeling terrible. No energy at all. I have to make an effort to get up and go in to work. Awoke to the news of my call up papers for the hospital next week. Rang to confirm I will be turning up 9 am on Wednesday. Seems I'll be going to theatre onThursday as there is no advice about starving. Ward 61, still in with both feet. Went to work had a peach sundae for lunch felt sick did a little and tried to sort out ordering my car. Off to High and Mighty, clothes for big and tall men in Liverpool. I stpped going there a few years ago when I got too big. They max out at a 4X - I was into 7X from sizedwell on the net. Today I was measured and I am a 3X. Not much choice as its the penultimate day of the sale. Still picked up two shirts and got a further 9 quid off them. Back home stopping at taste good a local chippy/chinese take away for some soup. The lady who runs the shop is really nice and was impressed with my weight loss. Prior to surgery I used to call there for Dim Sum after a work out at the gym. Saw Paul J a Doc I did somework with over the last couple of years. He was shocked by the change. Got an email from a guy asking about bariatric surgery, got a quick reply of and pointed him to some sources. Party nerves start to kick in, always wonder at this time how many people will turn up. I hope everything goes well. Ally is off to a school Disco and has opted to stay at Lizzies house ovenight. The original plan was back to theparty and then to Nannas.

Thursday Ally's Birthday

Up at 6.45 to celebrate birthday open prezzies etc. Back to bed by 7.45 eventually crawled out of the pit at 2pm. I am well bushed - definitely more awake of an early evening. Limited my exercise to gentle exercise and web surfing. Family coming round tonight or birthday cake and prezzies etc. Work still progressing on wlsinfo. Going into work tomorrow for a couple of hours at least.

Wednesday

Car got vandalised outside Garston Hospital last night, mirror broken - gits. I shall complain to the management. Mum got her feet done and was walking better as a result. I did a lot of tinkering with the website last night. Also ordered some books from USA round weight loss surgery. Slept in late - got up did some work breakfasted and went back to bed no energy. Felt dog rough eat several things -more than usual. Got a note from Hilda who sent my book back - got the idea of setting up a little library for prospective patients going to talk to the library and the PALS (whatever that is).
Tired and weary but eating like a horse Ally's birthday tomorrow - means an early start

Tuesday evening

Morning started bad, couldn't get up had to pick Jane up at the top of the road at 10.20. The weather had gone barmy, hailstones and mad wind. Needed to get some petrol as the warning light had been flashing at me. Got to North PCT for the Virtual Training Team meeting. Dave, Jane, Rose, Kate and Terry, a fine bunch a group with loads of potential. Did a bit of a churchillian speech about whats going on in the bigger picture - might have sounded a bit mad -I am sure I was hypoglycaemic. Still some things needed saying. There will be a lot of developments in health informatics in the coming months. Left late got to the dietitian late - dont like being late. I was impressed with Jenny. We have decided to continue to try to Max the calorie intake until my scope next week. Messages were clear back to six small high cal snacks a day. Even on a good day I haven't been eating enough. She said a lot of things I am experiencing are classic signs of starvation. She was also surprised I was doing so much on so little intake. Agreed I need to cut that down and restrucutre the day. Avoid this early morning rush stuff. Booked to see her after the scope and come up with a plan for restarting real food. Felt good, went to Sainsburys across the road from the hospital bought some high cal snax. Got home felt goosed and off to bed. Didnt sleep but tried to rest. Picked mum up to take her for her chiropody appointment, 6.30 at night what is that about? Must ask the chirpody boss at work.

Tuesday

Been to a meeting and to the dietitian - too tired to write anything. Cancelled afternoon appt and going to sleep now. Eat more do less she said.

Ally's random contribuition- 2003

Oi Dad i'm not impressed by the lack of mentioning of my birthday!!! Thursday, incase any of you knowledge deprived people were wondering.

Monday

Tortured by computer problems last night, access to the net went down several times and progress was not made as I would have liked. Still there is something up there to see. Got up early and opened birthday presents. Got loads what a pile of stuff. Books DVD's, socks sweets, port toothbrush and radox. What a delight. As soon as the girls went to to work I was back off to sleep. I was exhausted, Jean phoned from work several times to wake me up. I was finding it impossible to rouse myself. Guts were not best today. Popped into the Matchworks picked some stuff up and then off to Childwall for interviews. Dog tired when I finished then home and straight to bed not enough energy today. Jean found me impossible to rouse when she got in. Usually we would be out for a meal and have a great time. Instead we got a chinese takeaway and I had a great bowl of crab and sweetcorn soup. A couple of drinks of red wine for me tonight and off to the dietitian tomorrow. Scope next wednesday or thursday and hopefully I will be sorted out.

Sunday

No website work done yesterday too busy messing around. Had a good workout got weighed and have lost less than a kilo so I guess thats good news. Out for picking up the party folk at 4.30, met with Jean and her gang at the cinema, tickets prebooked on the net were ready for collection. Coke and popcorn and few sweets cost 29 quid. Film was more fun than I thought it would be and my back was not in pain at all. I think I enjoyed it, had a small tub of Haagen Daaz vanilla and a bottle of water. Checked out Arbuckles American style diner which the kids really like. I had a knickerbocker glory - removed cream and marshmallows and just eat the ice cream. Very good value and all home by quarter past ten.
Late sleepin Sunday, very tired, visited by Ally, Paul and Archie. What a hoot that Archie boy is. Good few hours spent in a lot holiday talk. They are in Normandy the same time we are in Brittany so much in common. Passed on some of our Normandy tourist stuff as well. Email from Marta in States yesterday she sounds good. Several emails to respond to now, tax form to complete car to pick and website to launch, busy busy busy.

Saturday

Late rise, nutrition then gym. Off to the 5.30 showing of Chicago at the cinema then arbuckles for 7.45. Website work in between. Busy day, did I mention its my Birthday on Monday?

Fridays report

Jean says whats to discuss, and she's right I am up for the Gastroscopy. Friday morning started at 7.20, in the dark. Off to peoples to get the car serviced, MOT'd and a quote for some bodywork. John Mc picked me up outside there at 8.20. Breakfast and medication in Hammy House, a meeting about Training with Tony Paul and Adam. Taxi back to the matchworks and engage in more light duties and a chocolate mousse. Jean picked me up at 3.30 for the return trip to peoples. fifty quid for the wheel trims, MOT passed and 500 quid quote for the bodywork , I should have got it done on the insurance when it happened, doh.
Went to Childwall picked up Sam Paul and Jayne and off to the Atrium in town for Pauls leaving party. What a crap pub! Very young person. Gave some of them a lift to the Shere Khan indian restaurant for the next part of the night then shot off home. Usual Friday bash at Jeans Mums and home to chill. Realised we hadn't booked tickets for the cinema or restaurant for Allys party. OOPs, cinema OK, but restaurant full. Got a table in Arbukles, I had boycotted it when it was called Fatty Arbuckles but feel the name change was sufficient response to my protest. I was always worried about the waitress showing me to my table and saying...this way Mr Arbuckle. Hope they do soup but I doubt it. Got an email from Hilda who had the op last week she sounds great. Got to get my act together and polish up the weightloss website for Monday. It will be work in progres for a few weeks yet, constantly evolving etc. Had some red wine to cope with the rigours of the day, very pleasant.

Thursday Morning

Slept well and got up at 9.45. Tired but up for it. Seeing Veronica today for a bit of personal development planning, she is coming round here as there is nowhere privateto talk at childwall. Just got the Bryan Ferry tickets for Ruth and Jean they will be made up, he is on at the Phil in March. Not really my scene but never mind. Lorraine Mr K's secretary rang, he is on his way to the states for 4 days. Just wanted to let me know that he is happy with the website and will secure sponsorship. Also to let me know that I am listed for gullet stretching on 6th Feb. Gastroscopy and dilatation sounds preferable to me. Hmmm. The way I have been barfing aint good, this liquid diet aint good, and it can't go on. but I have had two gastroscopies in the past and they are the pits. Still if they give me a GA or enough valium that I can't feel or remember anything I am up for it. It involves an overnight stay apparently, not keen on that either. I will have to talk it through with Jean tonight but at face value it seems the right thing to do. Mild panic has set in - just when things were going well (though I really know that they weren't

Wednesday

Terrible sleep last night and woke up late. Made a meeting with Caroline an hour late, saw Dave about training and then met Paul Turner my equivalent from North PCT. Met a few people rond the building and all seemed shocked with weight loss and appearance. I had a discussion with someone who related the views of her friend, who feels that that weight loss surgery, is good for the individual but the money could be spent elsewhere for better benefit to the community. Wouldn't matter but this women is something in public health. I suppose there is more than one side to every story. Made me think though. Very low calorie intake today and felt a bit ropey. Got some work cleared and have a new enthusiasm for the job.

Tuesday night

Been to work early today. Did a presentation with Sam to the Primary Care Directorate. She is a star. My sense of humour wasn't quite in tune, I think it needs a bit of tweaking. Once we got into it it went well. Then it was off to Blackburne House for a conference. Met the Chief Information Officer for the strategic health authority Paul. He seems decent enough. It was all about how we will spend the load of dosh the govt will give us next year - unless they are buying munitions to trash a country thats already been trashed. I aint keen on this war stuff, caught a really good satire programme about it last night. It wont be funny when the killing starts. Going to try for a relatively early night tonight. Business cards for the new website arrived today, I'll have to send em to Mr K. Good to see the same faces at the Blackburne House today. Sorted out catering for the party tonight, all booked no cake needed.

Oasis

Just rang the Coca Cola customer careline. Bloggers will recall on Saturday I drank some Oasis summer fruits. No food value on side, Summer fruits comes in at a scandalous 41cals per 100mls thats 200cals a bottle - no more for me I am afraid. The citrus punch is 43 per 100. Aint weight loss sad, once again its nice so musnt be allowed instinct worked.

Monday AM

No work today - cept clearing emails from home. Had a lousy nights sleep, troubled with what my GP describes as prozac dreams. Graphic three D surround sound affairs with bizarre storylines. Jean left me sleeping and rang after nine to get me up - no way. Then Cheryl from work rang at 10 to say she and Steve have bought the house three doors up from here. Firing on only 2 out of 6 cylinders this morning. Not helped by the fact the glass exploded when I was mixing my buildup drink. Got to gym, and haircut this pm. Also a presentation to write for tomorrow morning. and a web site to sort busy busy busy. Back feeling better though.

Sunday Morning

Woke relatively early at 10.30. Felt good when I woke up, drinking build-up soon put that right. Feel guilty as Jean has to do all the cooking for the lunch, her mum, Alan ruth and Paul are coming. Roast beef, gratin dauphinoise, ratatouille and eton mess. Soup and ice cream for me I think. The strong smells of onion andgarlic really knock mey stomach off. I'm trying to be of use by keeping out of the way and going to pick Ruth and Paul up from Church. Back feels pretty good - Frank as usual is spot on with his plan. Got weighed yesterday lost 5lbs in a week, lost the bit of paper with the details on so need to find it and update chart. Need to get to grips with WLSInfo.org.uk over the next few days, launch planned for 27th Jan (my birthday).Can't go out for a meal so we might as well launch a website instead. Couldn't find anything on the web about the calorific value of Oasis - not a good sign - but a nice drink.

Saturday night

I was Thirsty when taking my mum home so I stopped in the newsagents by her and bought a bottle of oasis summer fruits. It was great, but did not contain details of food value etc so must be disalllowed. I will check later.

Saturday

Dog tired yesterday after work, avoided the temptation to go to sleep. Went to mother in laws, after first picking up Ruth and Paul whose car has died. Went to Tesco with them after and got myself down looking at all the things I can't eat. Got some flowers for Jean and OK magazine for Al. Took some diazepam to relax my back and it seems to have worked feeling a lot better today. Didn't get out of bed till 12.30, and felt pretty nauseous after my breakfast build-up. Eventually got myself together and went to the gym. Lost another 2.5kg (in a week) had a good workout, showered and went off to pick my mother up. NannyBanks has got really bad celluilitis and is taking antibiotics.
Rang the Hospital to see how H was (had op on wednesday) she had gone home, obviously they wouldnt tell me what the score was and I was worried she had done a runner or worse still been cancelled. 30 minutes later she rang me with the great news that she had been done laprascopicallyand was as at home today. She sounded great, and I was dead impressed with her willingness to become only the second patient Mr K had done. All the outcomes for laprascopic surgery seem better than the open type. I was overjoyed for her she sounded great.
Ally will be pleased too, she has been out today, to Hannah J's party. Off in a limousine to Caesars palace and then back to Hannahs. I would like to go somewhere in a stretch limo must be an experience.

Friday morning.

Exhausted at work yesterday, fell asleep on the toilet, don't think I was there long but, it felt like too long. Took some milk headed home. Fell straight asleep when I got in and perked up after 2 hourskip. I slept in a bit this morning and felt pretty good on waking up. The build up drink is less nauseaous now but still a challenge. Jean has gone to town shopping for birthday prezzies I am moping around before going in to a meeting at Childwall at 2pm. Still more party invites to sort and lots of things to do.

Thursday morning

Sent out the invite to the party with no date on it Friday 31/01/03 for anyone who needs to know. Didnt realise two stone of the weight loss was off my brain. Doh!

Thursday

Went to a quiz last night and won! I also won some chocolate walnuts in the raffle - which I was quick to give away. Felt energised by the social side, though a bit frustrated at my recall ability. In to work today for another short day - I was up early again 8.15, and now sorting breakfast pills etc. Wonder how H is after her op last night. Started sending out party invites, but will no doubt forget some people and cause a fuss.Must write to college today and tell them I have another sick note. Yum yum chocolate build up for brekkers.

Wednesday Evening

Colin came round last night and we attempted to sort out our summer holiday. Me Jean Ally, Colin, Jenny and Hannah. Found a cool looking place on Brittany Ferries site near the coast. Ferry is proving difficult though. Cricket club is available for the 31st though , in a different room - should be a bit more atmospheric (smaller). Must confirm that tonight. If you are reading this and think you should have been invited then let me know by phone or email and I'll sort it.
Today started early 8.15 abluted then dashed to the doctors before brekkie. Saw Frank, top man as ever says I look good but trying to do too much. Then end up feeling guilty when I dont do enough. Sorted me out with some diazepam for my back. He thinks excess bruising caused by lack of vitamin C. Sicknoted and topped up with scripts and I'm off. Matchworks for brekkie where I forced down a choccy build up and my tablets. Felt drowsy and sick most of the morning. Took the rise out of Ali and Andrea who share a table with me - sound characters.Was not match fit at all, left about 2.45 and retreated to bed after booking a holiday. Slept soundly till 5.15, woke up feeling ropey but after a groggy spell felt better than I have since the op. I ducked out of going to a conference today, but Frank said I am trying to do too much, and I dont think I would have been fit anyway.

Tuesday evening

All food on board and staying there - stil more milk required or should it be ice cream. Last week a lady listed for surgery contacted me she and her husband came to meet Jean Ally and I she was very unsure about the whole thing. I think they found it useful and decided to go ahead. I have just rung Aintree and spoke to her she is nervous but the op is tomorrow - good luck H. Just sent her a card to arrive Friday isn't t'internet brill Moonpig sends real cards not email or web page stuff. Busy day tomorrow. Been to gym today and workout was easier with fuel onboard. All going well - just need to sort the birthday.

Tuesday

Jean came in last night and delighted in the news from the dietitian. Off she went to Tesco and returned with a sack of Hi-cal goodies. One chocolate build up later I was stuffed. I felt like I had had 6 pints of guiness in a short lunchtime. I lay wallowing on the bed. Followed up later with a raspberry trifle and only minimal wretching. All kept down and slept better. Still trying to sort the party out.
Tuesday am and I have a meeting for 10 at the matchworks. I have just mailed them to say I wont be there till 10.30. WHilst I sit trying to devour a strawberry build up, trifle for lunch, build up for tea and a pint of milk in between. Sounds like a 1000 calories to me. Take it slow and sip said Jenny the dietitian, milk shakes are an abomination it must be said.

Monday Morning

Jean left me with a list of must be dones today.
1. Ring GP seeing Frank at 9am on Wednesday.
2. Ring Dietitian
3. Renew Car Insurance
Do her a map to get to turf Moor.
The dietitian was tops.Jenny - concentrate on getting some calories and protein in. So the new regime 2buildups a day made with full cream milk, + 1 pint milk a day soup, ice cream, porridge,mousses andcustards. Go to see her in 2 weeks. Keep a food diary. Calories and protein more imortant than eating healthy at the minute. Hear hear, I'm knakkerred I sustained most of last week on less than 200 cals a day. Not enough to keep my brain going says Jack. Watch out world the new slim me will have energy again soon. Messed about setting up discussion board software.

Sunday

Slept well with chemical help, back pain improving, guts ropey. After consultation with Jean, milk and water day see if I can get through without barfing. Catching up on a bit of work and stuff whilst the girls are at a parade service at the parish church. Few emails to reply to and a host of personal correspondence etc to sort. Need to order some more clothes and try out some of the stuff that was too small 2 weeks ago. Getting more worried about the evil in the middle east - Dubya I refer to. TV yesterday was full of jingoism as the ark royal was sent to the gulf - scary.

Saturday

Took to pureed fruit for brekkie. Stayed down went to the gym and got weighed - I have lost over 10 stones since the op - made up, new picture at the main web site. Barfed after some liquidised vegetable soup. Agreed with Jean I should see the dietitian ASAP. I don't think I am getting enough in. Started work on www.wlsinfo.org.uk the new new site which will have info and support for people this side of the atlantic. Hoping to persuade Kieran "Loopy" to help me with the info feeds. Signed up for a new web hosting account which I hope to be reimbursed for at some point. A bit of sponsorship perhaps, from the surgical tool makers. Downloaded some nifty soft ware to set up discussion boards, and fixed the sound on my PC - feeling good if a little tired. Rang the Heath Hall to see if it is a suitable place for birthday party, will visit tomorrow.

Friday night

Got to work about 10.30, picked up Sam and Jayne on the way, felt a bit ropey. Saw Jayne about acting up into a trainers job. Both Sam and I are sure she will shine. Stayed in the matchworks till 3 after a cold custard lunch. Lots to sort this weekend. Barfed after liquidised soup at teatime - not good. Back still sore just took twostrong painkilllers and an hypnotic to try to get a good kip.

Friday 3.45 am

Late night blogging can't sleep. Had a good meeting with Sam - she really has achieved loads while I have been away, she fills me with enthusiasm. Kieran dropped in later. a good natter and a larf as ever. Just fluids today and still sore. Jack the masseur rang, he has never caused bruising before. I'll mention the bruising to the doc incase my clotting or vitamin K is up the pole.

Thursday AM

Ruth and Paul came round last night, I had barfed after my tea so have decided to stick to fluids. We invited Ruth for a real fire. We are blessed with a proper open fire in the living room. It is a pain to clean get going etc but once its there it is great. Ruth is a particular fan. It led to a very relaxed evening and I lay in front of the fire warming my bruises after they had gone, I slept very well and awoke at 9.15, greeted by a cup of tea from my daughter. Sam is coming round to see me at 10.30, there is no where private at her office so we sometimes meet in the coffee shop at the top of the road. But no chance post op the smell of bacon butties would drive me bananas.

No entry on Wednesday

Didn't get to sleep till 4.30. Pain in back, not just in usual site but across lumbar region. Jean examined me in the morning and confirmed large bruises, Ally took photos so I could see them. I have been forbidden from posting them as they are a bit near the knuckle(or bum to be more precise). Ally is off sick, and Jean working a half day, so I slept fitfully between 9 and 1. Phone call from Ally Lee spurred me into action I thought going in for a few hours was better than nowt. Got to work at 3 and stayed till 5.30. Everyone seemed pleased to see me, and was really friendly. Felt a bit strange to me but glad I made it. Posture remains poor, and pain in back severe (is it aggravated by temperature?) It is minus 4 outside.Felt normal to be back in a work situation - I think I'll try it again.

Tuesday 7th January

Didn't get into work yesterday, barfed after breakfast - for what seemed ages. Complete with Nausea and abdo pain. Eventually settled and went back to sleep. Woke about 2 with what felt like a hangover. Generally not good fluids only today I think. Recovered later in the evening and spent the night getting ready for Jacks visit. Booked some time away at half term in Flaxton 9 miles north of York.
I slept very poorly, reading for a while Stupid White Men by Michael Moore. First time I have come across him but its excellent stuff. Still awake around four and lay there for a couple of hours, I was tortured with dreams and thoughts of large meals, I was overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I used to ingest.
Jack arrived early and set up his portable table in the front room, I was feeling quite nervous never having had anything like this before. It was not he said like swedish massage which he said was like a tickling. This was a medium sports massage. He started with me on my back and did my legs, it felt like he was using a series of implements but he assured me it was all his hands. It was hard work for him and painful for me. It did feel good when he stopped though. He rolled me over did back of the legs and then proceeded to pummel my legs shoulders neck and spine. He saved the bit in spasm till last it hurt but it feels better now. He said it might take two or three days to get the full benefit. It seemed a lot of work for 15 quid I was impressed. He stayed for a coffee afterwards, advised me to drink plenty of water and no alcohol tonight. Feels like a positive step - he said the tightness was not to do with my spine, and the muscle felt softer afterwards. A good investment.

Monday 6th January

Seems like ages since I was active this early. Plan is medicate breakfast ablute and then saunter into the office. Got a meeting this afternoon but can tinker with email post etc in the meantime. Its been very frosty again and the car will need a scraping. Onward and forward.

Sunday 5th Jan

Back still giving me hell. Actively medicated with a diazepam/analgesia combination to little effect. Went out for lunch to Ruth and Pauls - still no barfing. Going into work tomorrow for over half a day- (what to wear)? Need a list of things to do. Talk in the this house is of holidays - sounds like a half term in York, and main Summer in Britttany. Morale quite high and the thought of work whilst tiring is exciting.

Saturday 4th Jan

Back still sore rang Jack gym boss, then went to see him. He changed my exercise program and is coming to our house on Tuesday he does sport massage and a whole host of holistic medicine. He advised working through the pain and continuing with my revised workout. I felt tired but fulfilled afterwards. Still sore and will start popping painkillers tomorrow. Jean and Ally went to town shopping again. Watched kiss the girls in the evening, a good film Heard from Marta in the states. BTW weight loss now at 9st 10lbs. Must remember to do another photograph tomorrow.

3rd Jan

Went into work to meet with Elaine and discuss what I would be doing. In extreme pain walking really bad. Lift wasn't working and stairs were real bad. Still looking forward to going back and a plan is hatching for next week. Off to Jeans Mums in the evening

2nd January - Thursday I think

Still in pain, I didn't think the operation would cure all my physical problems but it seemed to, until the back problem flared up again. Strangely I still haven't barfed still Boxing day and I am pretty pleased with that. Plan to start back to work next week for 2 days a week, I'll be well cheesed off if my guts are fine and my back is in bulk. I wanted to ditch my crutch but I'll be keeping it a bit longer.

1st January

Last night was alright, bought I am still in spasm with back pain. 5mg of Diazepam helped, its an excellent muscle relaxant. Went to Ruth and Pauls for tea, 17 guests in all. Good night despite the pain, finding keeping up with blogging hard.