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Today I went to see my surgeon, and he is very pleased with my weight loss. I have 19 pounds to go before I qualify for removal of my panni. He tells me that it will be the most difficult part of this process, because I am at my 80% mark and things really slow down at that point...but he is confident that I can get there.

I hate that I still have to work like a dog to get those last few pounds off. This has been such a commitment that at times, it is exhausting. I love being smaller and it has been worth every sacrifice, but all I'm saying is that it's been work. It's like my second job.

Even though my personal goal is still 29 pounds away, I am totally committed to getting there. Since surgery I have not had one sweet, pasta, rice, bread or any bad carbs. I do eat veggies, but hey...I really need the fiber.

I did have to buy some fall clothes...living in Michigan, we really need a 4 season wardrobe, and I hate spending the money, but have managed to hit the resale, and deeply discounted stores for those purchases. I do have to look into getting a winter coat, an absolute must in this climate.

A big shout out to all my on-line buddies and time to get back to eating protein.

I go back to the surgeon in December.
I promise to post pics this week.

Tomorrow will mark my 5 mo. surgiversary. I'm really happy and satisfied with my progress. Some people may think it a little slow, but I think it's perfect for me.
My only disappointment is how badly my arms have held up with the weight loss. I really thought they wouldn't look as bad as they do. I was fairly toned in that area, but now, I have world class bat wings.
My rear is all but gone, so if anyone has seen it, I'd like it back please...at least some of it.
I've learned that there is no predicting what kind of day I'm going to have. Some days I wake up hungry, and I feel like the surgery has worn off. Other days, I feel like I can't eat a bite of food.
My hair is falling out by the handfuls, but I have super thick hair, so hopefully it won't show too much.
So here are my non scale victories

I can easily get up off the floor

I can stand for hours

I"m no longer the biggest girl in the room

I've given up sugar, and don't miss it

I'm in regular sizes

I go go go all day

I have to wear a belt, or my pants will drop (remember the lost butt? it had a function)

My feet are no longer swollen at the end of the day

I rode my first roller coaster in 20+ years

My swim suit, which I ordered a size too small, is now too big

I can spend hours in my garden

My favorite...I love going out. I had become a hermit, and didn't even realize it.

Not to be forgotten: I've made some nice friends through the process.

I am 8 pounds from being half way through this journey. Whew! I feel like I'm running a marathon. Every day I push just a little harder. Food is getting easier to eat, or I'm getting better at chewing. Time to throw a cup of water in my face and keep on going. Hopefully the finish line will soon appear.

I went to the Henry Ford Annual Bariatric party tonight and won the grand prize of a TV, DVD player and 3 DVDs. I couldn't believe it. I never win anything. Now I can never say that again.

All of the nurses, the admission folks, the support staff, and doctors were there. I took the time to thank them all for helping me change my life. Without all of those people, I wouldn't be here.  Some were shocked by my gratitude. I guess some of them never get a chance to hear Thank You. Too bad...they are certainly worthy.

There were 250 people there. Everyone had great stories and big smiles. The longest out had her surgery in 2003, and she looked like a model.
I'm so happy tonight. I really enjoyed spending an evening with all of these "losers". What a gas.

So I went to my surgeon yesterday for my 2 mo post op check up. I was feeling a little down because, compared to others on this site, I lost so little at 35 pounds.

When I told my surgeon about my concern he said that at a starting weight of 235 , he would only expect me to lose 2 pounds a week in a normal week.

He said at 2 mos, we should see about one third of our total weight loss. He said....bigger people lose weight faster, but we should be looking at percentage lost, not pounds. He also said that at the end of the year, we'll all be in the same place.

That really helped me re-frame my mind, and I'm actually tracking ahead, based on his calculations.
I hope this helps others.

I was given the green light to eat ANY food. I must say, I've been waiting for raw veggies, but am a little scared to give it a go just yet. I've been eating mono-meals. Protein only. Occasionally I add a small amount of cooked veggies, but that is it. I have not touched sugar since surgery, and since I've had RNY, I'm not interested in going down that road.

I'll see him next month for my blood work.

I'm under 200. It's been over nine years since I've been able to say that.

To all of my OH friends...may you have a beautiful Mother's day. If you're not a Mom, you are some body's child, Grandma, Grandchild, Aunt, sibling, cousin, or friend, and in supporting each other, we enrich our own lives.

As we WLS patients reflect on this day, and the changes we are all making, know that we could not have done it without the support of those around us. Take time to acknowledge those who have helped in this incredibly life changing journey.

Best Regards to all.

I made it through my first week at work. There were a lot of challenges.

Since my stricture was repaired about a week and a half ago, I've been able to eat anything, and not feel full.
I almost wish I still had the stricture and was living on protein shakes.

Now that I've added food, it seems almost impossible to lose weight.
I stick to proteins and avoid simple carbs, but this has really stalled my progress.

Today I really was careful and weighed my protein and had zero carbs.

ARRGHHHH! I just can't be having issues less that 2 months out can I????

I love losing the weight and want to keep on losing. I went to the gym today and put that part in gear. I guess it's time to pick up the pace. Since going back to work, I haven't been getting the exercise.

Well, my medical leave is over, and I'm back to work tomorrow. I will going in a little more than 30 pounds lighter, so we'll see if anyone notices. It's not like I dropped 3 dress sizes, so I'm not expecting many comments.
I had a very full load of projects when I left, so I expect I'll be busy with debriefings all day....and then there are those e-mails. I'm sure  there are going to be one or two people who are going to be very happy to have me back. I hate to think what I did to my co-workers. As a construction project manager, our work takes us everywhere, and I left over 11 projects in flight, as well as my daily duties with the Department of Environmental Quality. Talk about a red tape part of my job.
I work at a Electric Utility, so we are monitored very closely by all kinds of agencies...which is fine by me, as we always work above board and within code. Still, I've never been gone from my projects this long....ever. I wonder if my energy level is up to this.
I've been gone 6 weeks and I feel a little guilty for being gone so long, but I had a couple of complications, and honestly, I've been eating only for 3 days now due to my stricture. My pulled muscle and incision infection really kept me down.
Kind of funny, I was on the smaller side of WLS candidates, and had all kinds of complications. Lesson learned for me, as in this case; size doesn't matter.
I'm supposed to attend my WLS support group tomorrow night, but my hubby is urging me to skip this week. We'll see how I feel.
Thanks to all of my OH friends who pulled me through this phase of my life. I'll stay in touch, although not as often. I love all of you.
Ivette

I had my procedure done today, and my stoma dilated. It was only 3mms. If you want to know what that looks like it's less than 1/8th of an inch. The typical stoma size is at least 10mm and up to 16. I got a 10!
I'm back on broth and jello, and tomorrow I start on full liquids for two days.  I'm told I can resume my program where I left off, and since I never really got into foods, I guess I try eggs again.
If anyone want to know how it feels, it;s like having been hit in the chest with a soft ball. It doesn't hurt, but there is pressure down there.
I feel a little nauseous from the general the gave me, and I was blown up with gas again,,,so you all know what that means.
Feeling pretty good and hoping to be back to myself tomorrow.