Weigh In

Today was my first week back on Weight Watchers. I really did not think that I did that great, I could not get back on track, so this week:

I LOST 1.8 POUNDS!

Man, it feels so good! I hope next week is just as good. Unfortunately, I have to rely almost all on my diet since I can't exercise. It may be a slow process, but I am doing it on my own terms!

I have my second procedure tomorrow, I am having an Upper Endoscopy, here is what is entails:

Upper Endoscopy

The digestive system

Upper endoscopy enables the physician to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The procedure might be used to discover the reason for swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain, or chest pain. Upper endoscopy is also called EGD, which stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (eh-SAH-fuh-goh-GAS-troh-doo-AH-duh-NAH-skuh-pee).

For the procedure you will swallow a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope (EN-doh-skope). Right before the procedure the physician will spray your throat with a numbing agent that may help prevent gagging. You may also receive pain medicine and a sedative to help you relax during the exam. The endoscope transmits an image of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air into the stomach; this expands the folds of tissue and makes it easier for the physician to examine the stomach.

The physician can see abnormalities, like inflammation or bleeding, through the endoscope that don't show up well on x rays. The physician can also insert instruments into the scope to treat bleeding abnormalities or remove samples of tissue (biopsy) for further tests.

Possible complications of upper endoscopy include bleeding and puncture of the stomach lining. However, such complications are rare. Most people will probably have nothing more than a mild sore throat after the procedure.

The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes. Because you will be sedated, you will need to rest at the endoscopy facility for 1 to 2 hours until the medication wears off.

At least I don't have to do the prep like I did last week. But last night, I had a nightmare that I was having this procedure done and I started gagging and I suffocated. I think that means I am a little nervous. Wish me luck!