Walking with Stephanie!!!

HI! I've missed you too...

Recovery is going well. Still hurts, but not bad at all. And I am back to full days at work. Joy. Joy.

Also, I started back on m diet yesterday! A one-week recovery binge was super-fun! But now I am back!!!! The fruity pebbles were amazing. :)

Today I went for a walk with my friend, Stephanie!!!! My surgeon said walking is fine. Also, the fact that I completely forgot walking clothes and tennis shoes kept me from overdoing it!!!

It was a *lovely* stroll with Stephanie and her puppy, Gretel. Also, we had some awesome time to chat and catch up!!!!

Also, you may have missed that Ryan, Meagan and I placed in the 80s movie-themed Halloween party this past Saturday. Here is a picture of the amazing costumes:

Play Now, Pay Later!...It's Later.

Most know, but for those who don't: I ended up admitted to the hospital this past weekend for an emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, or in layman's terms, I got my gall bladder taken out. A trip to the ER on Wednesday showed inflammation of my gall bladder. I was given some medicine to take and told to come back if the pain didn't subside on it's own. This concerned me because the cause of gall bladder attacks is typically fried and/or fatty foods. I had stuck to a very balanced, very low-fat diet for a good three weeks at that point. Why last week? Why did it hit me so hard? (And boy! it hit me hard!!!).

On Friday, the pain was not subsiding, so I went back to the ER. A different scan showed that I had at least 8 gall bladder stones, the gall bladder was infected and inflamed. Yowsas! They decided to do surgery to fix this. I am recovering well I think. The pain is very manageable and I am more sleepy than anything else. One weird side effect was a pretty annoying pain in my right shoulder. I guess during the surgery they pump my stomach full of carbon dioxide and this causes pressure in the right shoulder. Huh. Odd. Annoying. But that's it. Not too bad.

Awesome Hospital Visitor Shout-Outs (in chronological order):

1) Amy: came with me on both ER visits and visited Saturday night (with husband) as well!!! Spent a record 8.5 hours with me on Friday!!!! And, most notably, brought me my pumpkin o' health. Which clearly worked. :)
2) Meagan: came with me to the Friday ER visit. Gave hilarious nicknames to every medical professional who entered the room. Turtleneck and Storyteller didn't see it coming... Also, visited illegally pre-surgery (with husband) AND picked my mom up from the airport and brought her to the hospital!!!
3) Devon: came to the hospital. That's all he needed to do to get a shout out. :)
4) Kay: first post-surgery visitor. Didn't even know I had surgery. Chatted with very groggy Erin. :)
5) Amanda F.: Second post-surgery visitor. Poor thing walked over to the hospital then stayed for only a brief moment before I kicked her out so I could pass out! But the gesture was TOTALLY appreciated!!!!
6) Mom: wins the furthest distance visitor award! Flew in from NH! Stayed with me and saved my pink & grey sneakers from hospital lost & found doom!!!!! Brought me post-hospital soft PJs and halloween socks! Even gave me the clever, punny nickname: Erin De-Gall. Think about that for a moment, then die laughing. That is the appropriate response. :)
7) The Facebook/Email/Phone Masses: I got so much support via my iPhone, it was amazing! you all rock!!!!

Mildly Amusing Story: In pre-op the surgeon came to meet with me. He was dressed in a business suit, which I found interesting, but whatever. There was still time before the surgery to change. I chatted with him briefly and the nurse and the anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist then told me he was going to sedate me. I assumed it was a pre-surgery thing. Nope. Next thing I knew I was in the Post-Op room all done! Yes, that is correct: before the surgeon had even changed into scrubs, they put me under. I mean, I know I can get chatty but THIS?? This is a whole new way to shut me up! ;)

Slightly More Serious/Introspective Part: When my surgeon stopped by on Sunday, he told me that I had a 'nasty, nasty gall bladder.' It was apparently *very* infected, *very* inflamed and the stones were pretty big. Due to this fact, one of my four small cuts was slightly larger. I asked him how long ago the stones would have started forming. He said that this has been happening for YEARS. In an email exchange with Devon about my gall bladder woes, he used the expression: play now, pay for it later. Boy, did I. I was super disappointed to learn that even though I had spent the last 18 months getting into arguably the best shape of my life and making such positive and healthy changes to my body, my gall bladder was...well, 'nasty, nasty'. ::sigh:: It makes me think of several things:

1) What else is disgusting in my body? I know that sounds dramatic, but apparently the damage done to my gall bladder has been happening for years and was not reversible. I treated my innards like crap for nearly 28 years (maybe not the ENTIRE 28 years, but you know...) and I guess 18 months of healthiness cannot fix it. What else is damaged beyond repair? I wonder... The ultrasound tech *did* say that my kidneys were 'pretty'...I'm just sayin'. She also called me skinny. God bless her.
2) So, I guess fried and/or fatty foods cause this. The logical question is: Was it worth it? I have to think back to every Five Guys experience I have ever had. I also think back to the gall bladder pain. I believe the answer is YES, but I am still weighing the evidence. ;)
3) The pre-surgery pain was pretty bad. Recovery was a little rough, but the hospital had some amazing drugs! This makes me reconsider my tummy tuck dreams. Only slightly. I hear tummy tuck surgery comes with a *rough* recovery period. And it is an outpatient procedure!!! I just think I need some time away from abdomen pain!!! :)
4) I need two weeks to recover. TWO WEEKS away from the gym!!! I can do it. I am more worried about getting back into the swing of things--but that's what Devon is for, right???

So, the posts will probably be slim for the next two weeks... I may post on recovery (if there is anything post-worthy). I may walk a little next week (the surgeon said I could). I may post on eating sans gall bladder. But I may not post at all. :) We'll see!!!

Thanks again for all the well wishes!!!

Devon Put Me in the Hospital

...Come on, it was only a matter of time. :) Ok. Maybe it wasn't *directly* his fault...but it's more fun in my head this way.

Starting after lunch yesterday I had some abdominal pain. I typically ignore pain and soldier on (like the tough *burly* woman that I am). So I went running with Meagan and ran through the discomfort. I truly believed I would sleep it off.

I did not sleep most of last night. Around 1am I took some Tylenol in the hopes of sleeping. I am not sure if the Tylenol worked or if I was just exhausted but I got a few hours before I was up again with pain. I had an appointment for my blood thinners at the hospital this morning, so I figured I would just ask them.

The pain was intense. Lilian (my favorite clinic worker!) insisted I go to the ER, so I did. Bloodwork indicated inflammation. They then gave me IV painkillers. It felt so good! :) I had an abdominal CT scan and the results were (drum roll please...): Acute Cholecystitis!!!! Known to us common folk as Gall Bladder Inflammation. And boy does it hurt!!!!

Amy came to visit me at the hospital and totally made my waiting time (and there was plenty of it!) more fun!!! She even offered to sneak me food since I couldn't eat anything in case of emergency surgery. I declined...but she's sweet. Afterward she took me to Panera. :) See, Amy? If you bail on running with me, I will go to EXTREME measures to see you anyways. ;)

The doctor said that gall bladder issues are common in people who have lost a significant amount of weight. Additionally, triggers can be large amounts of fats and proteins consumed. Enter my blaming Devon and his high protein diet for me!!! :) I told Devon that we need to rework my diet to have low fat (already is) and low protein and in its place it should be higher 'ruffage'. I had to ask what that was. It's raw fruits and vegetables.

In response, Devon sent me the following:

I'm not certain that I agree with your doctor's comments on your diet or your weight loss. Regarding diet, it is apparently fat and cholesterol that can be a cause of a gallbladder attack. Your diet doesn't contain very much of either. While animal protein can be a major source of dietary fat (particularly saturated) and cholesterol, again your meat choices don't contain much of either. In fact, from what I understand, a diet high in protein can protect the gallbladder. That being said, it may be prudent to look at animal protein sources that are naturally lower in fat as well as plant protein sources. Also, your diet is lacking in fiber. I recommend that you add Omega 3 Fish Oil to your daily regiment as it may block cholesterol formation in bile and it has anti-inflammatory properties (you really should be taking this regardless of gallbladder pain or not).

While you have come down a lot in weight, it was not excessively fast. It was surprisingly steady, but not fast. Apparently going up and down in weight can be a factor in gallbladder attacks. I don't know enough about the subject to say what effect your gaining weight and then losing it again had on your gallbladder health, but that seems more reasonable than saying it was because you lost weight.

You do seem to rank pretty high on the list of people particulary susceptible to gallbladder disorders. Contributing factors include sex (female), age (not a factor for you), diet (maybe), weight (maybe), fertility (maybe), and race (people of fair skin). There are other factors that can contribute include hypothyroidism. I'm not saying that you have hypothyroidism, but it wouldn't hurt to have your doctor check for this the next time you have your blood work done.

Isn't my trainer just the best???!?!?!? I tell him I was at the hospital and he researches it and gives me a well-thought out response within 90 minutes. Devon rocks!!!

I canceled my session with Devon today because of the ER drama. Next workout, cardio tomorrow--if I am feeling better.

I Love Meagan Time.

Today I was _supposed_ to run with Amy and Meagan. But Amy had meetings or something and had to cancel. :( Lucky for me, Meagan was still in! We went a good 3 miles!

Our stats:

Distance: 3.00 miles
Time: 34:24
Average Pace: 11:28 min/mile
Estimated Calories Burned: 390

Afterward, we decided to get some food. Meagan had the *wonderful* idea to go to Giant and get something. This made it slightly cheaper than a restaurant and, more importantly, easier to eat healthy. We got a rotisserie chicken to share, but then I saw chili, so I bailed on the chicken and got chili!!! I asked if I looked like a pig because they were out of the standard size cup so I got TWO small cups. She pointed out that SHE was purchasing an entire rotisserie chicken...good point!

On top of everything we had some pretty awesome chatting. Although Amy was missed, we managed to have a good time despite! :)

Next workout: session with Devon tomorrow.

Lifted with Lynn!

Today Lynn made her comeback to Lifetime for the first time in 3 months!!! And she rocked it! As did I. :)

The lifting:

Squat Press x 3s x 10r @ 350-375lbs (375 lbs)
DB Squats x 3s x 10r @ 45-50lbs (50 lbs)

Kneeling Leg Curls x 3s x 10r @ 60-65lbs (65 lbs)
Reverse DB Lunges x 3s x 10r @ 40-45lbs (45 lbs)

Pec-Decks x 3s x 10r @ 60-65lbs (65 lbs)
Flat DB Chest Press x 3s x 10r @ 30-35lbs (35 lbs!!!)

Bent-over DB Rows x 3s x 10r @ 35lbs
Close-Grip Lat Pulldowns x 3s x 10r @ 65-70lbs (70 lbs)

Rear Delt Flyes x 3s x 10r @ 55-60lbs (60 lbs)
Standing Arnold Presses x 3s x 10r @ 22.5-25lbs (25 lbs)

Standing DB Biceps Curls x 3s x 10r @ 20-22.5lbs (22.5 lbs)
Cable Rope Pushdowns x 3s x 10r @ 32.5-35 lbs (35 lbs)

Weighed Decline Bench Crunches x 3s x 15r @ 10lbs
Plank with leg abduction x 3s x 15r @ 3 second holds

You probably noticed that I chose to do the high end of EVERY weight range this time. If you didn't notice, go ahead and notice now. I'll wait. :)

It was nice to have a friend to lift with! And we haven't hung out in so long, it was great to spend some time with my Fan Club President!!!

Next workout: cardio tomorrow, probably running with Meagan!

Off Day Offerings: Erin's Top Ten Health & Fitness Goals

Lately, several people have asked me what my goal is. I give a very long-winded answer including background, original goals, modified goals, ultimate goals, etc... I use words like "Well, my *real* goal is..." Yesterday, when talking to ALL (ALL is for 'Awesome Lyn Lyn', I wanted to make it ICBSMMAATSTILSML for 'I Cannot Believe She Made Me An Awesome T-Shirt That I Love So Much! Lyn' but that seemed too long) and AHH, ALL said something very simple, yet I apparently needed to hear it: I don't have *fake* goals and *real* goals; I have multiple goals. Holly suggested a I write a top ten list a la David Letterman (and a la Holly when she created a webpage containing the Top Ten reasons her boyfriend (now husband) should ask her to marry him and gave him the url on a business card for their anniversary--I repeat: Holly Holly is Awesome Awesome). So, here it is:

The AYCLICLB Top Ten List from the home office in Estacada, Oregon
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10. Safely train for and ultimately complete a marathon.

9. Have enough good (helpful, inspirational, humorous) material to continue this blog for all of 2011.

8. Find the money and obtain medical approval to get the loose skin in my mid-section surgically removed. (I have some ideas for this thanks to my friend, Sean. Stay tuned for a possible upcoming post about this in the not-t00-distant future.)

7. See more definition in my muscles (This may not be possible with my loose skin, but I feel like I should be able to see an improvement nonetheless).

6. See tangible results in someone I have inspired to become healthy as well through this blog.

5. Learn how to go on vacation (or be away from my normal routine) without eating horribly.

4. Land a man. ;)

3. See how low my weight can get with my balanced diet and current exercise level. I made it down 91 pounds before--is that my limit? Can I do more? I will find out.

2. Wean myself off of needing ABD to stay fit.

And Erin's Number One Health & Fitness Goal is...

1. Master a healthy lifestyle that does not involve a rigid diet.

Next workout: lifting with Lynn tomorrow!!!

Lyn Made ME a T-Shirt!!!

Today the much anticipated Erin/Lyn meeting occurred!!! And it was everything I hope it to be...and more. I arrived at Lifetime and saw them by the child care center doors waiting for it to open at 0800. I yelled hello from far away. At this point, Lyn turned around and showed me the t-shirt she made for me:


It says: I ::heart:: BOTE. For those who do not know, my mother gave me that nickname in response to this post. It stands for "Back On Track Erin"...and I love it. SO...Lyn made me a t-shirt with it on it!!! I. Was. So. Blown. Away! As soon as I saw it, I jumped up and down and giggled (and maybe squealed) loudly! It was an AWESOME surprise! I saw Devon later and told him that I now know how it feels to be the recipient of the homemade t-shirt gesture--AMAZING. And he will be getting more. ;)

Devon assigned the cross-trainer for 50 minutes doing intervals: 3 minutes zone 2, 2 minutes zone 3.

Here are my stats:

Calories Burned: 613 (Cross-Trainer)/628 (HR Monitor)
Time: 58:00
Distance: 6.42 miles
Ending HR: 134

I really enjoyed having an hour to chit chat with Lyn and Holly. The time passed super fast! Which is great, because I don't particularly love this workout. :)

Tomorrow is a well-deserved rest day!!!