Ruth Anne Benziger's Blog, page 11

Surgery and Health Update

Hi everyone,

Sorry, I disappeared for a while. There was so much to do before surgery and I didn’t feel up to updating about my journey until now. I have so much to update you on.

First, we left off after I had my MRI done. The results showed that there was nothing of worry for the doctor to look at. I had to get ready for surgery including a modified diet, mostly liquid and puree. It wasn’t all that terrible and I ended up losing about 20 pounds before surgery.

My surgery was on September 14. There were no complications and I was able to get up and walk the night of surgery. My hospital stay ended up being fairly short. I went home after lunch the next day after I was able to eat breakfast and lunch. I stayed the night with family because I wasn’t allowed to be alone for 24 hours after I was discharged.

The pain wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I did take Tramadol for a day after surgery. I took Tylenol the day after that. By Sep 16, I was off all pain meds and I wasn’t in a ton of pain. I was able to handle the small amount that I was in.

It was hard to get food in for the first two weeks after surgery. I got full pretty quickly and it was tough getting my protein shake in. My taste buds changed after surgery and I hate sweet stuff. The shakes have 1g of sugar and yet it was pretty sweet and made me nauseous. So, I got very little of them in.

I did mix my shakes in with decaf coffee and that helped some. I have since switched to Isopure unflavored and add it to my drinks and food. It helps me get my protein in.

My goals right now, almost 5 weeks post-op, are to get in 50-60g of protein and drink around 48oz of water in. I’m also at about 400 calories a day. It was really easy to do this on the soft foods diet. I’ve been on soft foods for 2 weeks. I e-mailed my dietitian and will be finding out if I can advance to a regular diet. I’ll find out next week.

I have lost a total of 56 pounds since May. I do fluctuate a pound or two a day based on water weight. I’ve lost 28 pounds since surgery and that is pretty awesome.

I have a 6 week post-op appointment on October 29. Then, I won’t see my surgeon again for 6 months.

My activity level is pretty good. I’ve been doing tons of walking and I have a ton more energy than I did before the weight loss. I’m waiting on clearance to start working out. I’m still only allowed to do walking as I’m still healing.

I’ll try and update soon about what is going on and I’ll be adding more about my journey post vsg. You can follow me on TikTok where I have started posting videos of my experience.

Until next time,

Ruth

MRI Done! A Bariatric Journey Update

Hey, everyone!

I just wanted to give you an update on my Bariatric journey. Yesterday, my sister and I traveled from Las Cruces to Albuquerque. I had to get an MRI Enterography done. If you don’t know what that is, let me explain a bit.

For this MRI, you have to drink Barium sulfate. It’s a chalky lemony tasting liquid. Yuck! They have you drink this to go through your intestines. Then, they scan you. When the liquid is where it needs to be, they inject you with contrast which is like a dye. They scan you again. Then, when the liquid is right and the dye is in, the radiologist will come in and inject you with something that slows down your digestion. This allows them to take better pictures of the barium going through your system.

This is the fifth time I’ve had this done, however, the first time since having an ostomy. First, I’m so glad that I only had to drink one bottle as opposed to three like I did before. This drink makes me incredibly nauseated. It’s gross.

Second, it takes about an hour for the medication to wear off. My sister had already started heading home so the first opportunity for us to stop was for gas in Socorro. I threw up for the first time and got rid of most of the barium. We traveled along the road and stopped at a rest stop and I managed to get rid of the rest of the barium. However, I always get sick with this test.

I fell asleep in the car on the way home, it is a 3 1/2 hour drive. Sadly, I had to have my sister stop on the side of the road for me to empty my stomach again. This time it was all acid. I had nothing in my system. I was too scared to drink or eat anything. When we got to my parent’s house in Chaparral, I emptied my stomach one more time.

Luckily, when I got home, I started feeling better. I managed to drink a fair amount of water and eat a few bites of yogurt. I woke up today feeling so much better. I have been able to eat normally. I still taste the barium but I’m okay. I know it will go away soon.

Now, all I have to do is my psych evaluation. I will be traveling to Rio Rancho on the 25th for that. Looking forward to getting that done.

I also have one more nutrition class on September 14th. Then, I’ll meet with the doctor and get a surgery date.

My weight update makes me happy. I started at 305lbs before I met with Dr. Bock (Bariatric surgeon) and weighed 296 at my first appointment. I now weigh 275.6! So, I’ve lost a total of 29.4 lbs since May 22!

I’ll keep you updated as things come up.

Until next time,

God Bless.

Ruth

Health Update

Hey, everyone. I’ve had a dietitian appointment, two actually, and an appointment with my sleep specialist since I last updated here.

I’m still on a puree diet. I’m keeping with a high protein diet and low carbs and sugars. I’ll stay on this for a while.

I’ve lost 24 lbs. since May and that makes me feel good. I’m making sure to keep up the good work. I’m proud of myself and my progress.

I saw the sleep specialist because of the Phillips recall. I’m getting a special filter to use in order to be in compliance and to take my machine to the hospital when the time comes.

I have my MRI Enterography scheduled for August 14th. So, that should be a fun day…not. I hate that test but I know it is necessary for my surgeon.

My psych evaluation is on August 25th.

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I should get an appointment with my surgeon after that and do 2 more nutrition classes in Aug and Sep. Shortly after, I should get a date! I’m excited about that.

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God has blessed me with so much this year and I’m so thankful to him for getting me through all the hard times.

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Until next time…

Upcoming Dietitian Appointment

I wanted to give you all an update on what has been going on with my surgery journey.

First, the diet was going well and introducing solid foods was fulfilling and nice to feel full. I was told that she wants me to stay on a puree diet to ensure that my hernia doesn’t get worse or I don’t get blockages from my ileostomy.

Second, I’m going tomorrow morning to get my bloodwork done. This bloodwork will be a full nutrient panel. They will also use this to check levels that a normal blood panel wouldn’t pick up on.

Third, and the main point of this post, I have an appointment Thursday with Nadine. Nadine is my dietitian at UNM Hospital. We will discuss how the diet changes are going, weight loss numbers, and we will officially start the bariatric diet counseling. This will be an hour long meeting over zoom.

I’m grateful that I don’t have to travel all the way over there to do this.

In the future, I am getting an MRI Enterography done August 14 and my Psych Evaluation is on August 25th. I can’t wait to get my surgery date.

I hope you all have a great rest of the week.

Blessings,

Ruth Anne

Nutrition Update

Hey, everyone!

I had a teleconference with my nutritionist last week. She is pleased with my progress. We switched to a high protein diet and got rid of sodium rich drinks. She was concerned that I was retaining water. Given that I lost 7lbs, we think that was exactly what was going on.

My diet during those two weeks was as follows:

B: 2 eggs OR Greek yogurt

S: Ensure max protein

L: 4oz chicken

S: 1/5 cup cottage cheese

D: 4oz beef

When I talked to her a few days ago, we decided to make a few changes. I was only intaking 800-900 calories and that is too low. So, we want to up it to 1200-1400. To do this we are making a few changes.

Switch the Ensure Max Protein to regular ensure or boostadd puree fruit or vegetables but keep fiber at or below 8gadd more protein

I meet with her again on July 29. My birthday!

When we meet again, it will be a zoom call. We will discuss the switch in diet and we will begin our bariatric diet counseling.

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I have everything scheduled that I need before getting surgery. Here is what is to come:

Labs: July 30

MRI Enterorrhaphy: Aug 14

Psych Eval: Aug 25

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Things are moving along. I’m estimating October for surgery but we shall see once I see my doctor again.

Until next time,

Ruth Anne

Book Review: Whispers of a One-Eyed Raven by John W. Leys

Myths are stories without authors, composed before we wrote things down, when everything was recorded on the poet’s tongue and in the bard’s breath. They stem from a time when the border between dream and reality was barely drawn, when the wall between this world and the other was but a thin membrane, at best. Myths were our first attempts to make sense of the world around us, using inspiration and imagination, before the philosophers invented epistemology and the scientific method. They are stories that hold truths that linger in the darkened hallways and under the hollow hills, that enchant the imagination and stir the poet’s heart.

Whispers of a One-Eyed Raven is a collection of such stirrings. Join John W. Leys on journey in verse through the myths and legends of the Norse and Celts to a time that never existed and will never end.

My Thoughts

As someone of Norse descent on my mother’s side, I highly enjoyed some of the Celtic mythology and history and lovely language. I find the introduction and history of language and mythology were very well informed for the reader. Leys has a way of drawing you into his world, keeping you engaged, and making you want to be in the world of old. He evokes emotion, imagery, and history. The languages were a great resource and anyone of Celtic ancestry or anyone interested in that culture would be wonderfully immersed in it. The poetry had a quite airy quality that keeps the reader involved, imagining, and wanting for more. I highly enjoyed Leys book and am sure to reference back to it when the mood strikes.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First Bariatric Appointment

Hey, friends!

Let’s start with the major failure of the transportation company provided by my insurance. I called the day before the appointment to confirm my ride. The insurance company stated the transportation company confirmed my ride but I did not receive a call the day before from the driver. This is a common practice and it made me nervous to not get the call.

The next morning, I waited until my pick-up time of 8:30 am and no one showed up. So, I called the insurance company and they contacted the transportation service for status. The minute I was supposed to be picked up, I was informed that the driver went on vacation and the company failed to transfer my ride to another driver. The insurance company couldn’t arrange another ride due to the late notice and therefore, couldn’t go through with my request.

Let me tell you, I was angry.

I made this appointment a week and a half early to ensure my ride would be secured. It takes many months to get into this doctor and I couldn’t just reschedule it. It would’ve been a much longer wait. So, started making some calls.

I filed a complaint with the insurance company and the transportation company. Pending a phone call back and hopefully an apology. The only positive thing is that they transferred my ride to gas reimbursement. So, I’ll be reimbursed for the 454 miles that we drove yesterday.

Thankfully, my dad came to the rescue and drove me.

The drive there was nice because I got to chat it up with my dad. The weather was nice despite the rain previously in the week. The roads were clear and the sky was clear. We did have to rush it a bit to make sure we got to UNM Hospital on time. In fact, we pulled up into the parking structure ten minutes before my appointment.

My dad was a trooper because not only did he have to get up early (he sleeps until 10ish normally), he also had to sit in the hospital for hours while I was waiting to meet with Dr. Bock.

I arrived and checked in right at 2 pm. I was called back for triage and then put into a room shortly after. I would say the annoying thing was they stressed I had to be there on time for my appointment. Then, I sat in a room for 1 1/2 hours before the doctor actually came in.

After sitting on my butt for hours in a car, I spent most of the time in the room walking around and trying to get circulation into my legs. I also read one of my books to keep me from being bored. See, I tell you, always take a book with you! Doctors never run on the timetable you think they do.

Discussion with Surgeon

When Dr. Bock finally came in, we got down to business. First, he had a lot of concerns and questions for me. Here is a list of things we discussed.

My May 22 ER Visit and the possibility of meeting with a surgeon later on for my hernia repair. He called Dr. Popek (my previous surgeon) to talk things over. He will review my CT scan and other things to determine the severity of the hernia and if more immediate attention is needed. My liquid diet. My new dietitian does not think that I should be on a liquid diet and as long as I don’t eat too much fiber, we formulated a plan for what comes next. (I’ll discuss the plan below.) Dr. Bock needs to see the CD of the CT scan performed at Mountain View. So, I will be calling next week to request that CD be mailed to his office. Dr. Bock wants to perform a MRI Enterography. If you don’t know what this is…it’s a nightmare. You drink Barium (nasty chalky drink), lay in the machine on your stomach, they inject a dye and an agent to slow down the liquid from going through your system. Once the agent stops working, you spent some time in the bathroom. (Both ends!) Yuck! I hate it. He wants the results of the Endoscopy I have scheduled for July 8. He requested that I ask Dr. Reinhold (My GI) to add an H-pylori text as well. I was given a packet of questions to answer. I filled this out today and will be sending it to the Bariatric department at Sandoval Center in Rio Rancho. This is for the Psych-Evaluation they require before surgery. He did a physical exam of my belly and said that depending on the bowel and where it is, the surgey is doable and things should go well. We have to see what the CT scan and the MRI Ent. show. I will see my dietitian via telehealth in two weeks to see how the new diet is going. (see new diet below). Materials

I was given a booklet that has information on the procedures. I’m doing the Sleeve surgery. I did some research on the procedure, the risks, possible complications, etc. There is information in this booklet on the following:

Obesity and Weight lossTo Do listProtein supplementsSelf-carePain managementTaking care of incisionGetting back into a routineMental HealthSelf EsteemNutrition including recipes for before and afterExerciseMedicationsResources

So, basically…I have a ton of reading to do in this booklet. I don’t mind. The more I know the better prepared I’ll be.

Diet/Dietitian

The dietitian was not happy with my liquid diet and she has transferred me to a puree diet. Here is what I’m doing for the next two weeks. First, let’s talk about what she thinks about Dr. Gomez’s suggestions with adding MTC oil, heavy whipping cream, and olive oil to food. She said this is not helping me and I was drinking broth and such. After doing some calculations, she said I was taking in an exorbitant amount of sodium and thinks I have some water retention. So, the goal is to illuminate sodium-rich liquids.

Dr. Bock and the dietitian recommend low-fiber foods. So, no veggies, no fruits. Here is my diet for the next two weeks.

Breakfast

2 eggs (can add spices, no salt) pureed, 1 cup decaf coffee 1tbsp coffee creamer

Snack

Green tea, 1/2 cup cottage cheese OR chobani yogurt cup

Lunch

4 oz chicken breast, thigh, or cutlet with spices (no salt) pureed

Snack

Ensure Max Protein shake 11 oz (I buy at Walmart), decaf coffee 1 cup 1tbsp creamer

Dinner

4 oz of beef with spices (no salt) pureed

Water

My goal is between 72-80 oz a day

If I can tolerate this diet and feel full, they will advance me to a liquid/solid diet. I started today and I feel so much fuller and have more energy than I’ve had in weeks. I ate eggs, chicken, and pot roast each 4 oz. I feel satisfied and I’m hoping this helps me with the diet after surgery. I feel good about it. I drank about 86 oz of water today.

To-do List

So, let’s make a list of things I’ve got to do.

Endoscopy (July 8)LabsMRI EnterographyPsych-EvalSleep Specialist CPAP Compliance ReportH-Pylori TestGet cleared by ALL doctors. (Thankfully, I’ve done this already). Thoughts/Feelings

First, I’m tired! My dad and I were so sore and tired after the long hours of driving. On the way home, we hit some heavy rain. So much, we had to slow down and it was possible to pull over due to the rain. The lightning was amazingly crazy. It sucks to have to drive 3 1/2 hours away to meet with a doctor for 1 1/2 hours. Then, drive another 3 1/2 hours home.

I’m confident in my new surgeon and feel really comfortable that he is consulting with Dr. Popek. She was an amazing doctor and performed 5 surgeries for me. I know that with them teaming up, I’m in good hands. He says my case is a little complicated due to the hernia. He’s going to get all the results back and make the best medical decision for me.

I feel confused with the diet I’ve been on and the contradicting information I’ve received. I have been meeting with Dr. Gomez for months and thought she had my best interest at heart. I trusted her and listened to her recommendations. The fact that I followed her instructions and didn’t deviate or cheat on my keto diet was frustrating. I’m questioning it all now. I didn’t lose more than 36 pounds in 8 months and gained most of it back.

Now, I am starting with a new dietitian who says that I should not have been on a liquid diet. I should not have been eating certain things. I should not have been taking metformin for insulin resistance. It turns out the blood work showed that I’m not even close to having diabetes. Dr. Gomez made it seem to me that I was at risk and insisted I follow her diet. What does that tell me? How do I know what is right? It’s confusing.

I’m going to follow this diet that this new dietitian is telling me. I am also going to receive counseling on the bariatric diet. So, I’m going to try to make informed decisions based on what is being told to me. I’m just wary of all this. It’s hard to know what is right and what is best.

I’m overwhelmed with the number of trips I have to take to Rio Rancho, NM, and Albuquerque. There is a lot to get done in terms of being cleared for surgery.

I’m fearful that the CT scan and the MRI may be an obstacle in surgery. I’ll try to keep positive, but I need to make sure that Dr. Bock has all he needs to say that I’m cleared and that he is going to perform the surgery.

So, I’ll update again later but it took me all day just to formulate this lengthy post. There was a lot of information packed into this appointment.

Until next time,

Happy 4th

Ruth Anne

Dr. Bock (Bariatric) Appointment Tomorrow

Hi, everyone!

CREDIT: Once Upon A Time on ABC

After a long process of meeting with the Weight Loss Clinic in Las Cruces, consideration for surgery in town, and changes in plans, I’m finally meeting with the Bariatric Surgeon tomorrow. Dr. Bock will see me tomorrow at 2 pm at UNM (University of New Mexico) Hospital.

I’m being picked up at 8:30 in the morning to travel from Las Cruces to Albuquerque NM. It is about a 3 hour drive. So, I’ll be taking water and out of courtesy of the driver, I’ll be wearing a mask. That should be fun (sarcasm). It’s all in the name of safety, right?

CREDIT: The State News

I have mixed emotions about this appointment. I’m wondering what is going to be required, what tests they will want to do, what recommendations will be made, etc. I’m also meeting Dr. Bock for the second time and will want to get his professional opinion on what I should expect.

Remember, we are not just dealing with a patient who is undergoing Bariatric surgery. There are other underlying health issues that I’m dealing with. Namely, the parastomal hernia that is under my liver. There could potentially be complications and risks. It all will be based on his recommendation and his professional decisions.

I have a list of questions regarding what procedures will be taken and how long after surgery, I’ll be able to get my hernia looked at. There is a lot to consider. I’m also fearful that they will delay surgery for other reasons. I just won’t know until I get into the office and talk to Dr. Bock and the dietitian.

I’ll definitely do a follow-up post on what happens and what is recommended. You’ll see that tomorrow night or Saturday morning, depending on how late I get home.

Send some prayers, well wishes, or magic fairy dust my way, please.

I am doing well and keeping calm, but I’d be lying to say that I wasn’t nervous. But I also know that God has a plan and I’m trusting it.

CREDIT: Disney

I’m more anxious to get this ball rolling than I am nervous. It’s important to get this taken care of. I’ve been on a liquid diet for 6 weeks. It’s not fun and I have weathered through fairly well.

I’ll update soon and tell you how it goes.

Until then, thank you for your support and well wishes.

Ruth Anne

My Top 5 Writing Must-Haves

As I get into the writing process there are some things that I need to have to keep my sessions successful. I’m sure everyone has a ritual or a list of things they need to have by them to keep up with their writing. Here are my top 5.

[image error]Pexels.com","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"opened notebook with silver pen near magnolia","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="pexels-photo-4210787" data-image-description="" data-medium-file="https://i1.wp.com/ruthannegarcia.com/..." data-large-file="https://i1.wp.com/ruthannegarcia.com/..." loading="lazy" src="https://i1.wp.com/ruthannegarcia.com/..." alt="opened notebook with silver pen near magnolia" class="wp-image-5390" width="294" height="442" srcset="https://i1.wp.com/ruthannegarcia.com/... 867w, https://i1.wp.com/ruthannegarcia.com/... 200w, https://i1.wp.com/ruthannegarcia.com/... 683w, https://i1.wp.com/ruthannegarcia.com/... 768w, https://i1.wp.com/ruthannegarcia.com/... 600w" sizes="(max-width: 294px) 100vw, 294px" data-recalc-dims="1" />Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.comMy Top 5 Must-Haves for Writing1. Water, Tea, or Coffee. Sometimes all three. (If I wasn’t on a liquid diet I would add snacks). French Vanilla is my favorite coffee creamerGreen is my favorite Tea

It is important to hydrate and to have some drinks on hand that will keep me from having to get up in the middle of writing. I love to keep a kettle with hot water or a carafe with hot coffee on to ensure that I have something warm to drink. I love water and I love to infuse my water sometimes with cucumber or fruit (new obsession). But, I really love to drink warm things more than cold. That might change now that it has been in the 100s all week.

2. Writing Aids (Dictionary, Thesaurus, Word Books, Comprehension books, and other materials that I need). These are the main four books that I keep with me when I write.

I keep a dictionary and thesaurus on hand. I have a few e-books like the big book of words, writing structure, writing composition, and a few books I acquired in college that help me. I love to reference the materials when I’m stuck and when I find my words and language get stale. It’s fun to look up words and beef up character voice and things of that nature.

3. Research Materials. (Encyclopedia, Internet, History Books, and More). Some information is useful in these places or climatesTime Life had amazing book collections.

If you are a writer, you know that research is a HUGE part of writing. I love this part of writing the most. I love to dive into a part of the world I don’t know or visit a time period that interests me. I love to find new ways to research certain things. I keep a variety of materials in a bookmark folder. I love to reference places and get inspiration from Google Earth. I can’t ever NOT have research material. Plus, I love reading other people’s writing and seeing what kind of details they put in their writing. It makes the whole writing process so much fun.

4. Grammarly and Note-Taking Apps Sticky NotesGrammarlyEvernoteOne Note

These are all the apps or programs that are on my computer. The one I use the most is Evernote. I love using it for my homeschooling and writing. It’s so easy, you can add websites and keep it all in once plate. I use the others every now and then but mostly I use sticky notes and Evernote.

5. Books for Inspiration. My Poetry CollectionTORONTO, ON – MAY 25: Judy Blume books shot loose to crop as desired. (Chris So/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

I always choose a stack of books to keep next to me depending on what it is I’m writing. I keep the genre, location, topic, etc. It’s nice to have inspiration from certain authors. I love to get descriptions, style, and format ideas. I also like to see how others use words, language, and how they tell their story.

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There you have it. My five things that I love to have when I sit down to write.

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What are the things that you like to have? What is your absolute favorite?

Lost in the Snow-COMING CHRISTMAS 2021

Hi, everyone. As promised I am giving you a sneak peek into my short story collection coming out this Christmas. Here is a short synopsis for each short story.

More announcements will be coming regarding this publication. I hope you’ll consider reading it.

[image error]Lost in the Snow

On the brink of the Bartlett Christmas family reunion, twelve year old Winnie and her best friend Lori get lost in the snow. On a family outing at the ski resort, the girls wander off and get lost in the woods. The community broken and at odds, rally together to find the girls. Old rivals, past betrayals, and people who don’t speak all put it aside to find the girls and bring them back for the big Christmas feast.

Bea’s Christmas Gift

Bea Powers goes home to Grove Hills after an avalanche to save her grandmother’s antique shop. The community has been cut off from tourism causing extreme financial strain. Bea purchased the antique shop and other shops in town to bring in more sales. Her grandmother isn’t too keen on technology and modern advances. The struggle causes strain and family bonds are stretched. A miracle and a gift bring them all back together.

Holly’s Miracle

Holly Wallingford is a rock star at 6 years old. She’s feisty, funny, and bound to a hospital bed. Diagnosed with leukemia the year before, her health has gotten worse. Her mother is inconsolable and goes away for her mental health. Left with her uncle, a nurse at the hospital, she struggles to maintain a positive attitude. The hospital staff throws a holiday party for the children and a miracle arrives for young Holly. Will it be enough to save her life?

Café for Evie

Ed and Evie have been married for forty years and have been blessed with children and a full life. As Evie enters hospice care, Ed works hard to make Evie’s lifelong dream come true. She always wanted to open her own café. With the help of his children and their spouses, they work hard to acquire a space and begin construction. As it comes together, Evie’s health declines. Will she make it to the opening?