Sunday, January 22, 2012

AN ODE TO MY WIFE

NOTE: If you are looking for an RVing blog. don't bother reading this. This post is dedicated to my lovely lady who is about to undergo a life-altering surgery.

And as far as "odes" are concerned, I'm not much of a poet, but I will confess to writing a number of rather bawdy odes during my adolescence, which I must admit lasted well into my college years.

Now, for my Lady Suzy, and my ode:

Here's to my wife, the light of my life!

'Nuff said -- how can I go on? As most of you know, Suzy is scheduled for bariatric surgery Tuesday. Tomorrow, Monday, she goes into a day of liquid only diet: chicken broth, herbal tea, sugar free clear Jell-O (and you thought only RVers plans were carved in Jell-O!), sugar free Popsicles, clear high-protein drinks, and lots of water. Tuesday, there's absolutely nothing from midnight except two small sips of water to down a few of her necessary prescriptions.

For the past two weeks, Suzy has (1) totally abstained from alcoholic beverages, (2) cut to decaffeinated coffee for one week, then to herbal tea for the second week, (3) ignored white foods such as potatoes, rice, bread, (4) measured her input of everything else. This evening, for a truly "last hurrah" -- the last real full meal she will ever eat (yes, that's entirely accurate), Suzy ate 2.5 ounces of New York Steak, a big plate of raw veggies dipped into a little bit of light balsamic dressing, and one third of a medium orange for dessert. And she reports that she was completely satisfied!

What's the future after surgery? Well, at home she will drink lots of non-caloric fluids, gradually adding some high-protein supplements. At the end of the second week, she'll start taking some vitamin preparations and one half of an egg. You read that right: one half of an egg (not fried, not hard boiled) every day for a week.

In the fourth week, and through the eighth week after surgery, she'll be able to eat (for one meal a day) 1/4 cup of certain soft foods, such as tofu, canned chicken, black bean soup, or broiled tilapia. (I'm exaggerating here for emphasis, but not very much.).

By week nine, and for the next four months, she can have up to two meals a day, each consisting of a quarter cup of the same soft food, but also adding to the mix (for a total 1/4 cup per meal) maybe some steamed vegetables, calf's liver, or peeled apple.

After six months, the world is hers, in very small doses. She will learn what foods she can tolerate. She will find that she has little appetite for some things, and seldom will feel hunger. No alcohol will still be the rule. I expect neighbors will hear moans of "Not Fair!" "I want to eat more than this!" or "How did I get into this position." Suzy herself may join into these moans from me, but I think she won't, as she is going into this with her eyes wide open, expecting a new lease on life to be the result.

So, join me in this ode to My Lady, and enjoy this evening's sunset, from the road out in front of the vehicles of ... Our Life on Wheels.




26 comments:

  1. Gerry and I both wish the best for Suzy in her upcoming "adventure". It sure does sound like a rough road ahead, but Suzy seems to be prepared for what it. We wish her the best.

    Have her wave to us as she passes by our campsite.

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  2. Suzy is on our prayer list and we will be watching with great interest as she goes thru this transformation! Thinking about you Suzy and sending good vibes your way! God bless!

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  3. The best to her and may the days ahead as easy as possible. Hope all works out for both of you.

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  4. Suzy....YOU CAN DO THIS!! THE OLD "THAT WHICH DOES NOT KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONG"...COMES TO MIND..Kudos to you, Jerry. It is a journey you and Suzy will take together. I have the feeling that you will approach this as you do everything..full steam ahead!! Good Karma to you and Suzy...

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  5. Wishing you a speedy recovery, and you're a brave lady. Good luck and looking forward to progress reports.

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  6. I'm sure with your support, Jerry, Suzy will do well. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Blessings

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  7. You two are such strong people that I know that you will help each other through this life-changing experience. Prayers for you Suzy and Jerry. My our Lord bring you a successful surgery, recovery and patience. LOVE the sunset! ~Wheresweaver

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  8. You know my prayers and thoughts are with you on this. It will be such a marvelous experience for Suzy and the rewards are so wonderful. Well worth the effort. Love to both of you.

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  9. Will be thinking of you Suzy on Tuesday and in the days following. Wish I had insurance so I could take the same step you are.

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  10. Good thoughts and prayers are coming your way. I know you are both up to the challenge as your love and devotion to one another and your strength of character come through loud and clear on your blog. Please let your blogger friends all know, when you are able, that surgery is complete and Suzy is awake. Bless you both.

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  11. As you share what you can about the experience, Suzy, and Jerry, too, I look forward to hearing more about the whole ordeal. I'm hoping that the "worth it" stage comes sooner rather than later. Good for you, Suzy, and may God be with you on this journey as He has been with you all along.

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  12. Good luck Suzy. Keep us informed on your progress.

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  13. Good luck tomorrow Suzy (and Jerry)! As is often said nowadays, we “have your back”, you remain in our prayers! We are looking forward to watching your forward progress over the next several months.

    John and Ellen
    connectedtothevinephotography.blogspot.com

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  14. Wow. That definitely is a drastic change in lifestyle - for you both. Good for you, Suzy, and I know you have great support from Jerry. As John and Ellen said, I'm looking forward to your progress reports!

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  15. You will both be in my thoughts tomorrow morning, and over the coming months. Best wishes.

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  16. Got you in my thoughts and prayers!

    Donna nana.donnad@yahoo.com

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  17. All the best not only for Suzy tomorrow but you as well Jerry. Going to be a long tiring day for sure. But, one day at time with something like this. Once tomorrow has slid into the past it is on to the next phase. Stay strong guys and we are thinking of you........

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  18. All the best for tomorrow and the weeks ahead. You both will be in our thoughts and prayers!!

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  19. Best wishes for your new life!!! I have friends that this has worked very well for and I am sure it will for you tool....

    Rod and Loyce

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  20. Lots of prayers headed your way. Keep us posted on her recovery. Hugs..........Pat and Mike

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  21. We've been praying for Suzy's surgery to be successful and for a smooth transition afterward. You're both very brave to meet the challenges ahead! Love and Hugs, Don and Sharon

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  22. I read about your "Change" on the Bayfield Bunch.....We are Carl & Jacque Sorenson.....Jacque and I both attended the classes...I did good and took off 160lbs on my own,,,down from over "420lbs"......She had her surg. 2 years ago Dec.......She follows the "RULES" to the "T" and has lost 130lbs......She is my HERO....I'm telling you this not to brag but to let you both know you are doing the right thing....The Key is to follow all you learned in your class and you can do it !!!! If you ever need a listening ear, or support feel free to email her...My address is ------ tinlizziedriver@yahoo.com----I will forward it to her....Our prayers are with you...Carl and Jacque

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  23. As I write this I'm guessing Suzy is now undergoing her surgery or is already in recovery. Paulette and I wish her well and hope for a completely successful operation that will see her home soon to a completely new lifestyle. All the best for you both.

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  24. Many Wishes for a speedy recovery!

    If I can be of any help, email me at pfundt@gmail.com. I am now 6 years post-op of a stomach surgery that severely altered my life too. Mine was to slow down the developing of cancer in the esophagus, but I am limited in amounts of food able to eat too.

    Best friends were diluted Cream of Wheat and diluted runny instant mashed potatoes. Ate those for months till I could manage anything else.

    Good luck and hope to hear all is doing great!

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  25. Your wife's beautiful spirit comes thro' in her blog. Best wishes for a speedy recovery. We'll have all paws and fingers crossed and thinking of her!
    Nina

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  26. This must have been a very hard decision to make, but it will be such a relief when it's over, and life starts improving again. Except it will keep getting better and better as time goes on. Suzy will start thinking of food in an entirely different way, as fuel for her body instead of something that tastes good.

    Good luck! :)

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