GraceMAM
Life
Jan 08, 2009
It has now been more than 3 years and things are going great. I am down from 304 LBS to 160lbs. I am with in 10 pounds of my goal which is to be at the half way mark from where I was and it feels good. I can walk with out feeling pain. I don’t feel like everyone in the room is staring at me because I'm the biggest AND the shortest. And although life has thrown a lot of curve balls my way I have still been loosing weight. I know that having gastric bypass was the best thing I have ever done for myself and I would do it again tomorrow. Oh and my BMI is now a 29.3 which means I have made it out of the obese category and in to Overweight.
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Back Story
Jan 23, 2007
5/2/05
I have been working with The Center for Weight Loss in Lexington KY Since Feb. 05. I have really liked the interaction I have had with them. Although, at times I have felt a little rushed and a little uninformed about the "what's next" portion. I can say that I feel like I have been very informed about the risks, the procedure and about nutrition after the surgery. I think that the office is very comprehensive and I am happy I have chosen to go with this office. I am scheduled for surgery on May 27th and I am nervous but excited.
As for support, in all of this my mother is not exactly thrilled or even really on board at all. I hope that she will come around because I look to her for a lot of strength. My husband is also not exactly on board but has told me that if this is my choice that he is there to help any way he can.
On a happy note, I go in for my pre-op day on May 18th and then I will get all of the important info on what to expect after surgery and what will happen in the surgery. I have met my surgeon once before but I will have my real official meeting with him that day so that will be fun. I can't wait to start my new life. I just feel so happy that I can do something to make a permanent change for the better.
5/18/05
Today was my in office pre-op visit. It was a good day. I met with Dr. Steiner, who was very nice and willing to answer all of my questions. I got weighed yay! But good news, I have been a good girl with the pre-op diet and have lost about 16lbs so that is a great start for me. I got all the info on the next week which includes my 2days of liquids. I am not too excited about that but I know that it will make the surgery easier and the post-op less painful. What I really love about this office is that it is all inclusive, and so far I have not received any conflicting info on what I should and should not be doing. I am really excited and ready to get this show on the road! Next Friday will come soon so my goal is to try not to think about it as much as possible, other than following doctor’s orders of course. Good luck to all those with a close date!
5/23/05
I go in on Friday and I am nervous!! I didn’t think that I would be nervous at all but I guess it is hitting me that it is not just something small but a major surgery! I am ready though, no second thoughts. I have to get my life under control and this will be a great start. I feel like I still have so much to do before the big day but I know I have taken care of it all. Oh well, I am ready to get this show on the road! I begin the pre-op liquid diet on Wednesday not looking forward to that, just another hurdle to get over. I’ll keep you posted.
5/25/05
Today I began my liquid diet and boy does it suck. I didn't realize how much I like eating. Not even that I am hungry but just that it is a habbit to eat. I guess that is my problem huh? Well, I just took my lovely meds to clear out my system which should be fun and keep me up all night. Oh well, at least I have another day before my surgery. Friday will be here soon and I CANT WAIT! I am ready to get this waiting over with! And some time off of work will be nice too =) Well, I am off to drink some more dinner.
5/26/05
Tomorrow is the big day and I can't wait. I have no clue how I am supposed to sleep tonight. I am happy that I made it through my liquid diet. It was not so bad just a pain. But after surgery it is more of the same so wish me luck! See you on the loosing side. Post more when I am home.
5/30/05
I got home yesterday and felt a little wiped out but otherwise good. My husband has been an angel staying with me in the hospital for two and a half days. He has really been a trooper and I really don’t know how I could have gone through all of this with out him. In the hospital the pain was never intolerable it was bad and the catheter really sucked! I was also not a fan of the JP drain but once both of those items were out I was feeling much better. I am doing well with my fluids and working on my protein it seems to be the part that I really have to work at getting in. I had a proteidiet drink and it stayed down no problem so I am doing well I think. The pain meds knock me out so I have cut myself back to a half of a pill when needed instead of a whole one. So far that is working well for me. I can’t wait till next week when I can eat EGGS! I am really craving them but remarkably I have not been hungry at all! I have really enjoyed that fact. Well, I am off to walk a bit more before bed time.
6/3/05
It's Friday one week out and I feel great! I was surprised how fast I have healed. I am still a little bit sore but I feel good. I still get tired out pretty easy and not feeling 100% but I am doing better than I thought I would. My husband has been amazing helping me and taking care of me so well. I am getting in all of my fluids and meds but the protein is another story. It is expensive and I found one that I like ok, but I am getting sick of them. So, I have to think of something to keep them up and yes I am still looking forward to the eggs on Monday!! Maybe I will even get to go back to work on Tuesday. I never thought that I would be so happy to go back to work. Oh well, I am off to have another protein drink.
6/6/05
Today was my 1yr wedding Anniv. and for a great present I got my staples out and was told that I can GO BACK TO WORK!!! I never thought I would be looking forward to work this much! I also had half of an egg, it stayed down and it was good! I am soooo happy with all of the progress I am making. I am got the official number from the office I am down to 272 which from the 1st day I stepped in to the office till now I am down 32 lbs (that includes the pre-op diet) So, I am excited and revved to keep going and having new foods to try. I am ecstatic! I better head to bed so I will be up on time for work. Night!
7/3/05
It has been a while since my last post. I have been doing well, eating more things and not as afraid to try new things. I have had a bit of trouble with getting in all of my protein but I am still plugging away. My wounds have healed nicely and I think I am back on track. I still get a little dizzy with exertion but I am still trying to get in all of my exercise. I really want to make this work. I am ready to have my fat days behind me but I still have a long way to go. I know that I am only 5 weeks out but it seems like so much longer.
7/26/05
Hello all, it has been a long couple of weeks. Work is picking up and things have really been a blur. I have been keeping up with all of my tasks, like vitamins, exercise and water. I am still seeing good results. I am now down to 245 and at a total loss of 59 pounds. I am very happy. I have to get going but thought I would put in a progress report. Good luck everyone.
1/26/05
Sorry for the long delay. My life has really picked up speed and I am just doing my best to keep up. As of today I have lost 103 pounds. You all can yell at me all you want but I am still not thrilled because I am still over 200 pounds 201 to be exact. It is a mental thing to see that 1 the lead. I can't wait to get there. I am happy that even though I am still in the 2's that I am fitting in to size 16 pants for the first time since High School. It is very exciting. My husband keeps telling me that I am shrinking and that feels good. We kind of look like the odd couple now because he is 6'4 and about 260 and I am only 5'2 and shrinking as he says. =) All in all I would do it all again to get to this point. I really love what this has done for my life.
4/17/06
I am approaching my one-year and I am very pleased with the results. I am eating well and having good test results. I am out of the 2's now officially 187lbs so that is great! I would still like to loose about 37 more pounds but I think this is a really good start. It is kind of strange adjusting to my new body. I have no concept of what items will fit me. I usually judge by everyone else's reaction. If the office girls say wow! That is too big, it's back to the drawing board, but if they say wow! You look skinny well then it's a keeper. I have to admit that is one of the best parts, although I don't consider myself skinny at all. I am really happy with the Dr. office and how much the surgery has changed my life. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
8/25/06
It is now more than a year after surgery and I am feeling great. I am down to 174 so 130lbs lost total and the weight loss has slowed down to about 4-5lbs a month but that is still way more than I would ever have lost in the past. I am hoping to get down to 150 as my end goal but I am happy now. I am still having trouble adjusting to my new body and understanding that I am not the same size as before. I still tend to dress all covered up and to not see myself as anything but the fat kid I have always been. I still make comments about it and those who don't know can't seem to understand where I have been. I don't want to have to broadcast my story to everyone I meet, but it is a huge part of who I am. and I still worry that I will gain the weight back and that is always on my mind. All in all though I am very happy with the surgery and would do it again tomorrow. No major problems to report. Oh and I would just wanted to point out that I went from a BMI of a 55.6 to a 31.1!
I have been working with The Center for Weight Loss in Lexington KY Since Feb. 05. I have really liked the interaction I have had with them. Although, at times I have felt a little rushed and a little uninformed about the "what's next" portion. I can say that I feel like I have been very informed about the risks, the procedure and about nutrition after the surgery. I think that the office is very comprehensive and I am happy I have chosen to go with this office. I am scheduled for surgery on May 27th and I am nervous but excited.
As for support, in all of this my mother is not exactly thrilled or even really on board at all. I hope that she will come around because I look to her for a lot of strength. My husband is also not exactly on board but has told me that if this is my choice that he is there to help any way he can.
On a happy note, I go in for my pre-op day on May 18th and then I will get all of the important info on what to expect after surgery and what will happen in the surgery. I have met my surgeon once before but I will have my real official meeting with him that day so that will be fun. I can't wait to start my new life. I just feel so happy that I can do something to make a permanent change for the better.
5/18/05
Today was my in office pre-op visit. It was a good day. I met with Dr. Steiner, who was very nice and willing to answer all of my questions. I got weighed yay! But good news, I have been a good girl with the pre-op diet and have lost about 16lbs so that is a great start for me. I got all the info on the next week which includes my 2days of liquids. I am not too excited about that but I know that it will make the surgery easier and the post-op less painful. What I really love about this office is that it is all inclusive, and so far I have not received any conflicting info on what I should and should not be doing. I am really excited and ready to get this show on the road! Next Friday will come soon so my goal is to try not to think about it as much as possible, other than following doctor’s orders of course. Good luck to all those with a close date!
5/23/05
I go in on Friday and I am nervous!! I didn’t think that I would be nervous at all but I guess it is hitting me that it is not just something small but a major surgery! I am ready though, no second thoughts. I have to get my life under control and this will be a great start. I feel like I still have so much to do before the big day but I know I have taken care of it all. Oh well, I am ready to get this show on the road! I begin the pre-op liquid diet on Wednesday not looking forward to that, just another hurdle to get over. I’ll keep you posted.
5/25/05
Today I began my liquid diet and boy does it suck. I didn't realize how much I like eating. Not even that I am hungry but just that it is a habbit to eat. I guess that is my problem huh? Well, I just took my lovely meds to clear out my system which should be fun and keep me up all night. Oh well, at least I have another day before my surgery. Friday will be here soon and I CANT WAIT! I am ready to get this waiting over with! And some time off of work will be nice too =) Well, I am off to drink some more dinner.
5/26/05
Tomorrow is the big day and I can't wait. I have no clue how I am supposed to sleep tonight. I am happy that I made it through my liquid diet. It was not so bad just a pain. But after surgery it is more of the same so wish me luck! See you on the loosing side. Post more when I am home.
5/30/05
I got home yesterday and felt a little wiped out but otherwise good. My husband has been an angel staying with me in the hospital for two and a half days. He has really been a trooper and I really don’t know how I could have gone through all of this with out him. In the hospital the pain was never intolerable it was bad and the catheter really sucked! I was also not a fan of the JP drain but once both of those items were out I was feeling much better. I am doing well with my fluids and working on my protein it seems to be the part that I really have to work at getting in. I had a proteidiet drink and it stayed down no problem so I am doing well I think. The pain meds knock me out so I have cut myself back to a half of a pill when needed instead of a whole one. So far that is working well for me. I can’t wait till next week when I can eat EGGS! I am really craving them but remarkably I have not been hungry at all! I have really enjoyed that fact. Well, I am off to walk a bit more before bed time.
6/3/05
It's Friday one week out and I feel great! I was surprised how fast I have healed. I am still a little bit sore but I feel good. I still get tired out pretty easy and not feeling 100% but I am doing better than I thought I would. My husband has been amazing helping me and taking care of me so well. I am getting in all of my fluids and meds but the protein is another story. It is expensive and I found one that I like ok, but I am getting sick of them. So, I have to think of something to keep them up and yes I am still looking forward to the eggs on Monday!! Maybe I will even get to go back to work on Tuesday. I never thought that I would be so happy to go back to work. Oh well, I am off to have another protein drink.
6/6/05
Today was my 1yr wedding Anniv. and for a great present I got my staples out and was told that I can GO BACK TO WORK!!! I never thought I would be looking forward to work this much! I also had half of an egg, it stayed down and it was good! I am soooo happy with all of the progress I am making. I am got the official number from the office I am down to 272 which from the 1st day I stepped in to the office till now I am down 32 lbs (that includes the pre-op diet) So, I am excited and revved to keep going and having new foods to try. I am ecstatic! I better head to bed so I will be up on time for work. Night!
7/3/05
It has been a while since my last post. I have been doing well, eating more things and not as afraid to try new things. I have had a bit of trouble with getting in all of my protein but I am still plugging away. My wounds have healed nicely and I think I am back on track. I still get a little dizzy with exertion but I am still trying to get in all of my exercise. I really want to make this work. I am ready to have my fat days behind me but I still have a long way to go. I know that I am only 5 weeks out but it seems like so much longer.
7/26/05
Hello all, it has been a long couple of weeks. Work is picking up and things have really been a blur. I have been keeping up with all of my tasks, like vitamins, exercise and water. I am still seeing good results. I am now down to 245 and at a total loss of 59 pounds. I am very happy. I have to get going but thought I would put in a progress report. Good luck everyone.
1/26/05
Sorry for the long delay. My life has really picked up speed and I am just doing my best to keep up. As of today I have lost 103 pounds. You all can yell at me all you want but I am still not thrilled because I am still over 200 pounds 201 to be exact. It is a mental thing to see that 1 the lead. I can't wait to get there. I am happy that even though I am still in the 2's that I am fitting in to size 16 pants for the first time since High School. It is very exciting. My husband keeps telling me that I am shrinking and that feels good. We kind of look like the odd couple now because he is 6'4 and about 260 and I am only 5'2 and shrinking as he says. =) All in all I would do it all again to get to this point. I really love what this has done for my life.
4/17/06
I am approaching my one-year and I am very pleased with the results. I am eating well and having good test results. I am out of the 2's now officially 187lbs so that is great! I would still like to loose about 37 more pounds but I think this is a really good start. It is kind of strange adjusting to my new body. I have no concept of what items will fit me. I usually judge by everyone else's reaction. If the office girls say wow! That is too big, it's back to the drawing board, but if they say wow! You look skinny well then it's a keeper. I have to admit that is one of the best parts, although I don't consider myself skinny at all. I am really happy with the Dr. office and how much the surgery has changed my life. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
8/25/06
It is now more than a year after surgery and I am feeling great. I am down to 174 so 130lbs lost total and the weight loss has slowed down to about 4-5lbs a month but that is still way more than I would ever have lost in the past. I am hoping to get down to 150 as my end goal but I am happy now. I am still having trouble adjusting to my new body and understanding that I am not the same size as before. I still tend to dress all covered up and to not see myself as anything but the fat kid I have always been. I still make comments about it and those who don't know can't seem to understand where I have been. I don't want to have to broadcast my story to everyone I meet, but it is a huge part of who I am. and I still worry that I will gain the weight back and that is always on my mind. All in all though I am very happy with the surgery and would do it again tomorrow. No major problems to report. Oh and I would just wanted to point out that I went from a BMI of a 55.6 to a 31.1!