Weeks 5, 6, & 7

Hi guys! I know, been a while since I've posted. Mostly because I haven't had much to post about. During the weightloss phase, there's not very many tests; only bi-weekly DXA scans, weekly metabolic chambers, and poo & urine 'donations'. As for the miserable liquid diet...that's all I can think of saying, that it is absolutely MISERABLE! I can't figure out if I'm miserable because of the lack of food variety & the feeling of being locked up in a big, friendly jail cell...or if I'm miserable because I am suffering from green chili withdrawls. Hmmmmm...I'd say the latter is the root of my issues in here ;).
Na, but really...I HATE it in here. I'd say on a weekly basis, I feel the need to break down at least once. It's hard on so many levels... aside from the horrid food cravings & lack of personal human contact; being confined to such a small area for almost 3 months can really hinder your mental state. If you're not familiar with Phoenix during this time of year, it's normal for day time temperatures to reach 114-117 degrees. As an example of how much it sucks to be locked up in here... I look forward to being able to go outside in those insanely hot temperatures!! And even with that, I've only been outside 4 times in almost 7 weeks! For an MRI, to go to the bank, for a 10 min. walk around the hospital, and a few days ago for a 40 min. walk (which I really enjoyed, because it was in the morning). I didn't want to complain, but I finally had to ask to be let out. I was to the point where I almost decided to be discharged because of the misery. But I talked to one of the nurses and she relayed my message. So supposedly we're supposed to be allowed outside on MWF to get some vitamin D & fresh air. I also found out that I may be able to get someone to take me to a movie or something...but for some reason I doubt it'll happen. Partially because I don't want to bug the staff about it.
Anyhow, on the upside...I only have 4.5 wks left. AND, this week Joel & Amy actually drove all the way from Socorro to come see me. That was awesome! They showed up and hung out with me all day on Monday! I think that definitely helped. I've felt better this week since. Also, Jason returned yesterday, so that's awesome. Now I have someone to play Dominos with, Woot! Ernesto will be back on Monday too [I think].
I'm sure ya'll are wondering..."ok, 3 weeks of liquid diet...how effective is it?" Well, though some may disagree...I'm not too thrilled. I can lose at this rate eating regular food. Of course ya, I know...if I actually could do it, why haven't I done it? Answer is, I honestly don't know. But ya, I've lost 11 lbs. in 3.5 weeks; 6.5 of which was in the 1st week. It's not horrible, but it's not great. I guess of course, last week was that time of the month, so I actually gained from water retention. Oh well, anyhow...so there's my story for weeks 5-7. God willing, I last these final 4.5 weeks...