I am confused by the figures put up by Google for my blogs.

So what, you say. Does it really matter? I guess not, nut it's annoying. I like to look at the hits on my blogs and the countries that are reading my blogs. Here's an example. I check and it looks like a particular blog had a total (all time) hits of 50. I check the next day and the figure changes to 46. This happens all the time. Does that mean that the figures are 'generated' in some way but do not represent 'accurate figures? Who knows. I just wish there was a way of asking but if you have tried like I have to contact Google. it's damned hard. I have been trying to get my AdSense account renewed but it appears that they have banned me for ever. Sad, because when that happened I only had 3000 hits. Now it's over 70,000, so it's not just me missing out! I do wish they would let me contact them direct. Oh well, maybe I have to blog  with another Host. It seems that these large organizations have 'all power' and no way of reasonably interacting when things go wrong. Please MR/s Google, talk to me about my concerns and not just have some 'ready prepared' answers' that just don't cut it.

Ms Krarup continues to talk CRAP!

God help Denmark if the party that Ms Krarup ever gets a real say in Government. Fortunately Danish politics is not in such a poor state that this could happen----surely. This woman continues to talk rubbish. She says that New Zealand 'free rides' on Australia in defence matters. She uses the fact that NZ and Australia cooperate in defence arrangements and that somehow this represents something negative and demeaning for NZ. She seems to be completely ignorant of the history between NZ and Australia and the shared blood we have shed over the years. Of course Australia will always ne the 'senior partner' in any defence arrangements. NZ is not as wealthy and does not and can not spend the same amount of money on defence. She absolutely got it wrong, just as she did re her ignorant comments the other day. She has also tried to appeal to 'like-minded' bottom dwellers in NZ to justify her outburst. Luckily the Danish community here and most NZers see her for what she is--- a bigoted and failed politician with no hope of ever holding the reigns of power in her country. She will still be welcome here, despite her narrow and xenophobic vision and maybe next time, she will take the time to find out about the uniqueness of what a Powhiri represents.

Three days post surgery---why did I do this!?

If I had any doubts about my decision to embark on this journey, then all I need to do is look at the picture attached to this blog. It is a picture taken of me about two months before I underwent surgery.
If you cant see it because you are reading this on Face Book, Twitter or any other 'feed' then go to my original blog via my website  (www.authorneilcoleman.com)  and follow the links to my blogs. I don't need to say anything more about my decision.
How am I going post surgery? Mighty fine. Sure I'm sore sometimes, but I am managing to eat really healthy small liquidised meals and going for short 15 minute walks two to three times a day. I get tired, but that's OK, I am already sleeping better and for longer at night. Off to see my own doctor tomorrow and I hope to be able to drop down the dosage on my blood pressure tablets. I have already thrown away my metformin!

Me, three months before surgery. A picture can speak a thousand words!

Marie Krarup---you must be very 'popular' in Denmark, amongst other right wing racists!

I hope no New Zealander would ever travel overseas, then receive a special welcome, only to then denigrate the hosts and insult a people. I suppose it is possible because no 'nation' is exempt from having bigoted and insensitive people. The gracious hosts of the Powhiri that endured the remarks made by this Danish politician of a fringe party on the right took her insulting remarks in their stride saying that 'perhaps the process of the welcome (Powhiri)  should have been explained better.'
This ignorant women shot off her mouth with what can only be described as an uninformed diatribe against a ceremony that has its roots many centuries ago. Most New Zealanders are now familiar with it and accept the moving and very emotional 'welcome' as part of everyday life.
Unfortunately we too have our share of bigots in our wonderful; country but that does not reflect on us as a people, nor should the utterances of Ms Krarup  be used to think less of Denmark, a nation not too dissimilar to New Zealand. No doubt her words will be assigned to where they most fittingly belong---the rubbish bin!

Post-operation food---I shall make the best of it!

Hey, just because I ain't the man I used to be, stomach wise, I still love my food, albeit it in a much safer manner. I had a good nights sleep and woke up feeling ready to continue my new life. I had made quite a bit of preparation re  my 'new food intake' before the operation.
Firstly I had simmered a few chicken carcasses with some vegetables with couple of bay leaves and a teaspoon of ginger and garlic. I strained the mixture through a sieve and then continued the simmering to concentrate the flavour. After it had cooled I put it in the fridge overnight and then lifted off the fat. What was left was a thick jelly-like substance, bursting with flavour. I then froze serving size (very small of course) portions, ready for my return home. These have been wonderful as a basis for wonderful chicken broth, so unlike the hospital stuff.
I also got  friends and family to pick up some feijoas form the garden (these are a South American fruit that grows so well in New Zealand) and stewed them with some apples. That too went into the fridge and freezer, so there's my breakfasts when mixed with unsweetened yogurts. I mixed a tiny portion of wheetbix with that this morning and managed really well. Yes, I am still only eating about an eggcup full for my meals. Once the dietician gives me the go ahead for an egg, I shall be more than happy.
Today, my tummy is sore and it looks a bit bruised where the 5 holes were made for the keyhole surgery. That is normal and not worrying me too much. I shall go out for a gentle walk later with my sister and Rio. Of course Perdy's coming, but on a long leash, cause stuffed if I could catch her at the moment. I can tell she knows something is different about me, because she keeps looking at me and sits right by me. Isn't that sweet! 

The operation and the hospital--and after!

I’m back and it’s done and dusted. Thank God. Yes, I did have last minute thoughts about the whole process, my reasons for embarking on this journey. I thought about what had led up to the necessity of having the gastric sleeve and it was a no brainer. Simply put----for me it was either do this or face up to the strong possibility of having along slow demise with lots of complications. I am who I am and this way is the best for me---simple---end of discussion!           

We packed my bag and headed for the hospital----the Ascot. Remember I have to pay for this (with a little help from my insurance) because the free public system says I am too old but don’t accept that by doing it they would save much more money down the line with the complications of a ‘fattening’ New Zealand population.

We arrived early, a mistake on my part. Actually they didn’t mind as they had to put me through quite a lot of questions and kept getting interrupted. I changed into a backwards facing blue gown (see the pictures) and was placed in a very comfortable bed with lots of warm bubbly stuff over me with pulsating wrappers on my legs. I relaxed into the procedure and the surgeon and anaesthetist came to see me (I think?) From the point that he put a needle into me----it all happened and I woke up in a recovery ward. I remember vaguely calling someone ‘Vladimir’ and asking to stay there because the people looked nice and friendly. God knows what else I said, but the nurses who took me to my nice little private room overlooking the racecourse had some wry smiles on their faces. They said I had asked why Perdy couldn’t stay with me.

I was visited by the surgeon once I had settled onto my bed in the room and he told me that everything went well and that I did not have a hiatus hernia. From then on for the next 36 hours it was all about getting me ready to leave. The nurses were lovely and yes, I did have my favourites. I was encouraged to get onto my feet almost immediately so I made it a habit to wander around the floor, regularly getting lost and needing direction back to my lovely room.

The operation took place at 3 pm on Thursday and I spent the rest of that day, taking medication, having my blood pressure taken every so often and having blood sugar tests. They immediately said that I know longer needed my drugs for diabetes and that the blood pressure pills will be lowered very soon.

Guess what---I was not hungry in the slightest. I heard the ladies delivering what seemed like very nice food to other rooms. I was encouraged to drink (sip) about one and a half litres of water. I managed that quite well. That night I was up a bit and had to sleep almost sitting up. I eventually got to sleep and morning came soon enough.

Friday was more of the same. Medication, injections for clotting and God knows what else. I was comfortable though. Lunch came but it was almost inedible for me. Somehow they brought a creamy chicken soup and yogurt. They said, ‘just sip what you can.’ No way could I eat that soup, but I managed a tiny bit of the yogurt without any dire results.  More medication and wandering around the floor. More smiles as I got lost yet again, but the walking did me good. They had discarded the stockings that were meant to prevent clotting and also the machine that pumped all night to inflate something wrapped around my legs. Actually, several times in the night I thought that Perdy was in bed. It felt like her little body moving against my legs, just like she does at home. Dinner was the same and they made the same mistake. Stuff that soup. I ate the yogurt.

Friday morning arrived and more of the same but the only difference was that I was due to leave. The surgeon visited again and told me how well I had done. Janice (my sister) came and after receiving my final instructions I was let lose. I had a wonderful surprise when I got home. The bedroom looked fantastic. It was clean and dusted and de-cluttered. Lovely!

Now, I am going for a walk around the mall. That is what I must do---be active within sensible parameters. Perdy will get a walk later with Rio. I can take her tomorrow.

Wow---all this in 48 hours. Things have changed eh. Now I look forward to making a speedy recovery. Thanks to all of you for your encouragement and kind thoughts. Lots of love

Neil

 

after Optifast Lost about 12 KGS)

My legs were continually pumped to help with circulation.

There are 5 holes (just 4 visible) where they 'went in.'  Yeah In know---ugly sight!

That bed was quite good, actually.

The day after tomorrow will be a new dawn!

Yeah that sucks as a header, I know. Tonight I had real food, the kind that I will make a permanent part of my life, albeit  in small quantities. I had steamed fish with a scattering of tasty julienned vegetables. The taste was boosted with the addition of soy sauce, some sesame oil and chillies. If that is my future or at least an example of it, I shall be happy enough. With my love of exploring ethnic food choices, I think there will still be a place for me to visit my favourite food halls.
I am ready for tomorrow. I shall get up, have a light breakfast and take Perdy for her walk down at the 'bay.' We shall spend about 40 minutes there before we come home and get ready for my hospital stay. I shall have a my last fluid at ten and then check into the hospital (The Ascot) by 11.30.
I shall be visited by the surgeon, nurse and anaesthetist before they send me not a drugged out state and do the job. I will wake up in my hotel-like room (remember I have to pay for this----very short-sighted of the government--I shall revisit that in a future blog) and have complete control over any discomfort. Yes, I shall have a little switch that I can activate to receive a burst of opium----yip, you read it correctly---opium. I can't overdose, so don't worry, I will not come out of hospital looking for a back street deal.
Will I be bale to relax in the luxury of my room? Hell no. I will be encouraged to drink two litres of ice water and to move about as much as I can, sporting my very sexy white stockings to prevent the any clots. I will be offered a sleeping pill, in order to escape into a peaceful sleep. aided of course by my good friend, Elle. Oh, Elle is my CPAC machine. Next morning I will breakfast on  a few teaspoons of yoghurt and stewed fruit. Lunch will be equally exciting, but I must earn it. I shall exercise by touring the ward, saying hi to other residents of my fine 'hotel.' Between my exertions, I will be attended to by my dietician, who will instruct me in my future gastronomic adventures, at least for the short term. Then  there will be more exercises and a quick 'pop in' from the surgeon so he can admire the successful results of his labours. I will be looking forward to my visitors, so I must be ready for them. I hope I don't look like 'death warmed up,' but I am prepared for those looks that scream---'why did you do this?' but I think they have a good deal of knowledge about the procedure. Those that don't will probably stay away.
If (and it will) all goes well, I shall be discharged on Saturday morning (NZ time) and my sister and partner will take me home to Perdy. I hope she doesn't jump on me! I'm off to bed now and you will hear from me again late Saturday. May I send a huge thanks to all of you who have sent me messages, via Facebook and  other media. You don't know how much that means to me. Catch ya later!