HarleyGirl
Wide Awake
Apr 27, 2007
3 Years 130 lbs Later!
Apr 03, 2007
April 1, 2004 was the beginning of the new me! It's hard to believe that 3 yrs have passed already. So, with that said for all of you starting your journey, mid point, or on the other side of WLS, hang in there. I'm not gonna say that all days have been easy, but for the most part they have been great. Not only do I reflect on myself but I do think alot about my co-journey buddies. I wish you the same peace and joy that I've had over the past 3 yrs.
Watching my body and feeling my health change is a remarkable feeling. Now, sometimes the body changes are a little weird, with some hanging parts I did not know could hang like this! :) I have been blessed with insurance that covered the RNY with no problem and the BR with no problem. Fast forward to 10/06 trying for Panni & Hernia reapir. No luck at first but the persistance of Dr. Gitt in AZ I am now approved and scheduled for 4/13/07.
If I had anything to say as words of wisdom. This is what it would be..WLS is a life altering event. The surgery is our tool to get healthy first, and then live life to the fullest. For a lot of us that has not been possible as and obese person.
I have always tried to make my food choices fun and concentrate on what I can have, not what I want or cannot tolerate any longer. For myself I found it was not healthy, mentally or otherwise to dwell on food choice and make myself miserable. I won't try to fool anyone that the first few weeks were a trip, but as time went by I started to become comfortable with the new me. I nevery made a big deal about going out. I started eating out in restuarants after week 2 but made a choice that I could deal with and enjoyed the company the most. I found that if I did not bring attention to myself no one really noticed or cared what I was doing. That's another piece of advice I would give:).
3 yrs later I can tolerate most all foods, and enjoy everything! That's been my goal. I no longer think about how small of portions I eat, I enjoy the portions that are passing my lips!
As I read posts from those on various parts of their journey I think back and remember myself in those early days of fear and deep decision making. Hold strong to whomever you hold to, and find peace with the decision you have made for you, and your health. Others my have opinions, but the bottomline belongs to you and you alone, be of clear heart and mind when you sign the dotted line.
My prayers to all of you!
PROFILE MOVED
Feb 10, 2007
I'm 51 years old, married to a great guy who for 34 years loves me no matter what! We have 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren. I am a "Harley Grammi" as my kids call me. We got our first Harley last year and did a round trip from Phx to Milwaukee over 4800 miles! With all that said, the first thing I thought of is that with my size on the back of the bike I would give a whole new meaning to the word "Hog"! It's not been too bad but things could be better.
I first thought about WLS after my sister had her surgery a year ago. In November 03 I went to the group consult and decided to get moving on what the insurance company needed. Well, we had Cigna POS and they had a litany of things to do, I new it was going to be a struggle. Then comes the news from my husband that the company he works for was changing insurance on 1 Jan 04! That put a screeching halt to my efforts with Cigna, I knew I could not meet their requirements in such short time. Now came the wait to find out if UHC would have coverage for WLS. Beginning of story for me now is that UHC covers WLS and on 9 Jan the doctor's office submitted my request I called every week to check on my precertification and on 19 Feb when I called an angel named Cynthia told me I was approved! Now it's time to get with the doctor and get ready for the rest of the story.....
2/27/04
Received approval letter! Now just waiting for Dr. office to send info on what else is needed. Spent time working on a photo album. Boy one picture is sure worth a lot of pounds! My journey is on the move...
3/11/04
Been a couple of busy weeks but I'm back on track now. Tomorrow I have my appointment with Marcia for the pre-op info class. Pretty excited, my husband is going to attend with me. That way he can be as informed as possible. On the 25th I have my psych consult and then I'm on my way!
3/25/04
Had psych consult today and all went very very well. So well in fact that before I ever left her office she called my surgeon and gave her "blessing" and I was immediately called with a date! That's right I HAVE A DATE!!! Thursday April 1st at 8am! I will be sharing that date with my "Sister Angel" One year ago the same day she started her journey! Now that's exciting! So my journey continues....
4/5/04
Well here I am! Surgery was 4/1/04 what a great day. All went well. Surgery took longer than expected because my gallbladder was a mess. I never have had any problems with it but when surgeon was getting ready to take it out he couldn't find it! My gallbladder was full of stones, shriveled up, black and had adhered to my liver! Go figure! Needless to say surgeon was surprised, it took him a little more time to peel it from my liver and not break the gallbladder open, or nick the liver in the process. I was due to be in some liver trouble soon according to surgeon but this blessing of a surgery, has avoided that! All in all I feel great, walked and walked those halls. It really helped. Great loving support from family and work. Sometimes it seems if it weren't for the incision I almost feel I didn't have anything done. Will update more after post op appt next week. My journey continues.....
July 1, 2004
Ok so it's been awhile since any updates. It has been 3 wonderful months! I go for my 3 mos. check up tomorrow. I never thought I would be excited to go to a Dr. much less look forward to getting on a scale! There have been so many changes, especially in my closet. According to my scale I'm down 65 lbs. We just got back from our Harley Camping Vacation. We rode from Phx to Langley, Canada and then back by way of the Pacific Coast Hwy. What a beautiful trip. This year it was a lot easier to get on and off the bike, as well as in and out of our 2 person tent!
I thank God everyday for Dr. Newhoff and the skill that has been given to him. I sent pictures to be added to my site, hope I did it right! Will update more after check up tomorrow. My journey continues...
7/10/04
Time to update a little more..Dr. appt went great. I don't go back until October. According to my scale I'm now -70lbs. Sometimes I'm shocked when I think about that amount of weight being gone in 3 months. It has been work, but it is well worth it. For the first time in my life I have to wear a belt with my jeans! Still have hips but the waist is shrinking! I live in a small but growing community, we are getting our first major grocery store opening 7/15! That is exciting but not near as exciting as the fact that a Curves is opening 7/26! I have an appt. on the 27th to join. I'm really excited about that, I look in the mirror and some areas are starting to look like a "Sharpei" :) Gonna work on that! I sent photo's to be put on my profile, they were only head shots, so now I've sent pics with the rest of the body! Hope they get on my site...till next time my journey continues...
8/2/04
Can hardly believe it has been 4 mos since the start of my journey on the losing side. I started at Curves last week and can actually do the entire circut 3 times without problems. When I joined the girl asked me what will motivate me to keep coming so I told her I didn't want to look like a Sharpei! She about fell apart. I highly recommend the place if you are ready to commit the time to it. Can't wait for the inches to go along with the pounds! I try not to get on the scale too much, but I'm weak in that respect! As of today down 80lbs. The wife of one of my co-workers gave me a bag of clothes (she's little of course) I started to decline the offer, then she say's "Take them you will be in them before you know it!" I guess it will take some time to take in the fact that we do and will get smaller. I even painted my toenails...could never reach them before! :) Well till next time the journey continues....
8/21/04
Time to check in again! It's been 3 weeks since I started Curves. It doesn't take long to become addicted to going. It is the fastest thing I've every done. They measure once a month and my date is next Friday the 27th. But according to their scale and mine I've lost 12 lbs! I am excited. When I first joined I told myself I wasn't going to concentrate on the lbs because I know with exercising it was going to take awhile for the exercise, metabolism, and eating to all catch up to each other. I think this has happened. My wedding rings haven't fit for a couple of months but now a pinky ring fits my ring finger! How great is that!? What's been very special and humbling to me is the reaction of my children, (all adults) one daughter told me I am adorable! My son says I'm hot. The other daughter has given me hand me downs! Gotta Love It! Thank you God! And then there is the Husband, he is wonderful. I now weigh less than him for the first time in years! He has always been supportive through "thick and thin" but he now has a gentleness that is different. I know it's not him it is me feeling better about myself and physically and emotionally feeling better. April 1 330 lbs August 21 250 lbs -80! Till next time my journey continues...
8/28/04
This is one of those Oh Wow! moments for me. A couple of things
happened this week, one fabulous and one not so great. First the not so great. Tuesday night my husband was involved in a motorcyle accident. With the exception of a few fractured ribs, a fractured right wrist and a few bruises that appear daily he is ok. Angels were definetely holding him up because his head did not hit the ground, there was not one scratch on his helmet. He's not sure he even touched the ground because even his clothes had no tears in them. Someone made a u-turn in front of him and he t-boned them. Not sure what will be done about his bike, the Harley dealer has it now.
Now for the fabulous moment. I had my first weigh in at Curves. I HIGHLY reccommend going. It's fun and affordable. In my first month here's the details
7/27/04 8/26/04 Total
Bust 53" 50" -3.00"
Waist 49" 47.25" -1.75"
Abdomen 55.75" 52.50" -3.25"
Hips 50.50" 47.50" -3.50"
Thighs 26.50" 24.50" -4.00" (2.00"ea)
Arms 17.00" 14.00" -6.00" (3.00"ea)
TOTAL -21.50"
Body Fat 46.80% 45.90% -0.90%
Weight 262 250 -12lbs
I knew there would be lbs lost but I was speechless at the inches. This is the first time in my life I have felt encouraged and good about what I am doing with my life and my body. My advice for anyone reading this who is feeling down, or think you can't do this for yourself. Hold your head high, and feel the goodness that God gives you to be the person he has intended you to be. We are all in this together through "thick & thin"! Till next time my journey continues...
9/16/04
Thought I would take a moment tonight to update a little. Husband is still recuperating from his accident. Next week he goes to the orthopedic doc to decide what to do about the wrist. Since my last update there has been more excitement in our life. 2 weeks ago we had a micro burst that took the roof off our house and place it "ever so gently" in our front yard! We live in a mobile that has been remodeled and had a "false" roof. Well that's what blew off...We're not looking at stars :)! So with husband in cast and still beat up, a group of 16 people from our Church came out and cleaned everything up took it to the dump. It was amazing and humbling. My husband is a giver not a receiver and to have to sit and watch others was hard, but such a blessing. As for me, I'm still doing Curves and love every minute of it. Finally had to break down and buy some new "essential" under garments. Took my daughters 32 & 28 with me and all they could do was laugh over the fact that they were helping me shop instead of the other way around!
In April when I had my surgery, my then 5 yr old grandson was upset that I could not eat steak and potato with him. I explained the surgery and told him on his birthday 9/11 Grandma would eat steak and potato with him and jump with him on the trampoline! Well Mr. Steel trap mind remembered and on 9/11 and 89 lbs later..I ate steak and potato with him and jumped on the trampoline with all 5 grandchildren! What a site! But what fun. Thank you God! Till next time my journey continues...
10/6/04
Another month of going to Curves and the rewards & blessings are great! Down another 12 lbs and over all -6". Total in 2 months
-24 lbs & 27.5". On Saturday I walked into a store straight to a blouse rack and bought an 18! I think I wore an 18 last when I was 18! :)The next OhWow moment came when I realized that my thighs were not "swooshing" anymore! Went to my Son's best friend's wedding Saturday night..great night. Alot of his friends and their families have not seen me in several months, one lady did not recognize me! How great is that? I have submitted a new picture hope it went ok to get on my profile. It's what I wore to the wedding, when the DJ played "Lady in Red" my Son (26 whom I've never danced with)came and took me from his Dad's arms and said "I want to dance with the Lady in Red" I thank God for my family and this tool my surgeon has given me to continue to enjoy the life "He" has left for me to live!
My six month check up is 10/8 will post again. But for now I'm down 96lbs! Can't quite get to that century point! Until next time my journey continues...
10/25/04
Well, time to update again! New milestone today I am offically a member of the "century" club. I hit a plateau for about 10 days and now all of a sudden those last few pounds are gone! What an amazing feeling. For those who ask I tell them having this done has been a continual work in progress. It certainly has not been an easy way out, but I would do it again. Last week I had to break down and get a few new clothes items. I was still in my 22's and they were baggy..I took 20, 18 & 16 in the dressing room. Well I ended up with the 16's! That was an OMG moment as well as a Thank you God moment! I'm a very thankful woman tonight as my journey continues...
10/26/04
Time for a quick update..Did my monthly check at Curves last night. Since 8/27/04 -32 lbs and 29 inches! What a wow moment..my journey continues...
12/28/04
I can't believe it has been two months since I have updated. My journey continues with great sucess. I've still been going to Curves on a regular basis. I highly recommend it if you are able to do it. Since I started on July 27th I have lost 6" bust, 6" waist, 7.75" abdomen, 6.5" hips, 5" thighs, 6" arms, 46 lbs, 5.6% body fat. Total figures 37.25", 46.0 lbs, 33.74% body fat lbs! All of this by treating myself to 35 mins 3x a week to time just for me! There have been so many "WOW" moments on this journey, I could write a book! One of the most recent is that my 6 yr old Grandson (who sometimes I think is a well disguised 60 yr old man!)came up and put his arms around me (thigh level) looks at me with his toothless grin and say "My goodness Grandma you have lost weight!" Gotta LOL! My next check up in 1/11/05. Sent a Christmas day photo to add to profile. -115lbs is a whole other person I've lost, saying that is amazing, even more amazing is that I'm 50 lbs from what I would like to try at goal for me! Thank you God for keeping my head and heart straight while using this tool as my journey continues...
1/17/05
This is a WOW update..I just saw the new post of my own pics & I was added to the Before & After site OMG! Is that me? Thank you God & Dr. Newhoff! Had my 9 mos check up last week all is well.
-120 lbs 45 to go for my personal goal. That almost sounds like nothing at this point. This has been quite a journey so far. It is not easy by any means but it sure has been fun. I am so thankful and feel blessed that I have remained healthly thus far and I pray that for each and everyone of you who are on this journey with me that you will greet each day with thanks and a can do attitude! Still going to Curves, love that place. I know there are different opinions about Curves, but it works! The more you work those machines the more tone that happens. If you can't do that than I always encourage do something, we need to work with the tool we've been given and do our part to make it work.
Finally broke down and had salad this week, guess it was a mental thing to avoid it. Had an oriental chicken salad at Red Robin, it was great. Living in AZ and having fruit trees I had not tried grapefruit or oranges yet, another mental moment for me. I just had visions of salad and fruit getting stuck! Needless to say that did not happen, I love my trees.
For the first time ever in my life I shopped at Victoria's Secret. I discovered the "secret" is that the bras are pricey but worth every penny. Body by Victoria style is great. It has taken my 38"longs" and put them back where they belong! Thanks to the folks on the message board who talked about that style. Keep up the journey all my fellow travelers..till next time my journey continues...
4/1/04
Well it has been awhile! Today is my 1st Birthday -130 lbs! Who would have Thunk It! Life has been good. I have my 1 yr check up in two weeks. In the mean time I have still have been going to Curves 3x a week. For me, it has been great. Since starting on 7/27 I have "curved away" 48.75 inches 60.50 lbs & 43.78 body fat lbs. that's the equivalent size of one of my grandchildren! OMG! I have been slowly buying clothes. I went to Ross & TJMax and actually bought something. I never went to those stores before. The dress I bought for Easter was a 14. I don't think I wore a 14 when I was 14! We are back on the Harley again. Husband has recouped from his accident and we are on the road again. Haven't decided yet on this year's adventure. The leathers fit great this year, no problem with zipping or snapping this year. In all seriousness I am so grateful and thankful for this past year. The emotions have run high and low. I've had people not recognize me, which is secretly fun! I've had people say "you're tiny" or "don't lose anymore" But that's ok people will always have something to say, but as long as I stay focused and healthy all will be good. Time to go for now, will update after check up. The journey continues....
5/8/5
Well it's been awhile since I've updated. First off thank you to OH for fixing up my profile. It's been a good couple of months. I've finally broken below 200 lbs! WOW! I'm still going to Curves. It has made such a difference in how I feel. So as always I say if you can't do Curves, you must do something for yourself. Exercise has made a big difference in how I feel, look, and just my overall mental health, LOL! I joined in July 04, I was almost 4 mos post op. Here's the numbers:
-7.25 Bust
-11.5 Waist
-10.75 Abdomen
-9.50 Hips
-4.0 Thighs(-2 each)
-3.5 Arms (-1.75 each)
-69 LBS
-8.2% Body Fat
On surgery day 4/1/04 I weighed 330, when I joined Curves I was at 264 and here I sit today 195. Thank you God for protecting me along this journey. It certainly hasn't all been easy. I like everyone else have my days that even the sight of food does nothing for me, but I know that I must have something to keep up the progress I'm making.
I do have a funny story about going to the doctor. I have not been to any doctor this past year except my surgeon. Well last month I got this horrible cough, one day I coughed blood so decided it was time to break down and see a doc. I go to a residency clinic and my regular doc had moved on, so I see one I have never seen before. Well of course the last chart notes for me say 330 lbs & this day it says 195 lbs. So the doc knocks on the door and literally peeks around the corner and smiles. Side note here either I'm getting real old or the docs are getting real young, I'm sure he does shave more than once a week! LOL! He takes one look and smiles and says "I thought the nurse charted wrong, I didn't know what to expect when I came in. You are absolutely beautiful!" Needless to say we both had a good laugh. He wanted to hear all about the surgery and my recovery, I had to remind him I was there for this cough thing! So after the usual little scolding about not doing my "woman" thing check ups and taking care of the cough he asks me who my regular doc is. I laughed and told him since I only come to the doc about once a year or so they all move on before I see them more than once! He looks at me and says "Can I please have you?" I just laughed and told him yes but he may be in private practice before I ever see him again!
Hubby and I still are going on motorcycle rides. We don't get to do a long trip this year. Hopefully we will get away for a few days at a time. I shocked him last night and told him I want to go to Disneyland! All I got was a you've got to be kidding look! He doesn't do crowds well. I will wear him down! In the mean time we are enjoying life and each other. I am so grateful for a loving family. I know they love me thick or thin, but I can see in their faces without them saying a word that they are happy "along with" me. When I see that look it validates that no matter what happens tomorrow, today I have done the right thing for me which is to live as healthy and as long as God allows me to and that I will forever make a difference in the lives of my Children and Grandchildren and who know maybe some day Greatgrandchildren! OMG!
This has certainly been a long update today! Time to go on. It is Mother's day weekend and today I will be attending a Mother/Daughter Tea with my 2 daughters and 3 granddaughters, can't get any better than that! God Bless all of us on this journey....
10/7/05
Well it has been a long time since I've been here to update. It has been a busy summer, and now it is fall! I have been feeling great. I haven't really lost much since the last update. I go up & down by a couple of pounds. I can eat just about anything with no problems, that includes sweets & carbs. Those were my enemies before surgery and now I work to not fall into those old eating habits. Don't we all :)! What I have rationalized is that I am now an average size woman wanting to tak of 20 lbs and not that 330 lb unhealthy person needing to lose 160 lbs! It is a whole different mentality!
I am very happy with my weight loss. I can wear 12-14 down from 26-28. I look at myself now and I can smile. My husband and children and grandchildren are so supportive and attentive. They really haven't changed but I see something different in their eyes when I enter a room, or fit through a tight space without having to "suck it in".
It has been an eventful few months. My middle child(30yr old daughter) has moved back home with her 2 sons 7 & 10. The day before father's day her husband of 10 years announced he no longer wanted to be a husband and dad and walked out. She tried to make it on her own but even with working full time when 2/3 of your income walks out it got rough. So home she has come. Now I get all sorts of Grandma love. The boys told their Mom that "Grandma is a party!" I will die a happy woman someday if my Grandchildren will always love me in that way.
Then on Aug 1st my 58 yr old brother died. He had suffered with colon cancer for 5 years as well as a bushel of complications from his colostomy surgery. Finally the cancer spread throughout his body and God gave him peace and freedom from pain.
So it has been a full few months since my update. Life is still wonderful. I will be having a breast reduction on 10/27/05. Looking forward to getting rid of the "38 longs" LOL!. I will try to update again after the procedure.
God bless all of us on this journey, whether you are researching or already in route we are in this together!
11/5/05
Time to update again. Things are settling down a little in my life. Daughter & grandsons have moved in. We are on top of each other but it has been a blessing having them with us. On Oct 27th I did have the BR done. All went really well, being superwoman I attempted to go to work the next day since it was an out patient surgery. I lasted till noon.LOL On Saturday I ran a low grade fever and felt like I had been hit by a truck. This was a totally different feeling than the RNY. On Sunday morning I woke up with a leak out of one of the drain tubes..called the DR. he had my daughter unwrap the "burrito wrap" and check out the tube. As it turned out there was a small clot of "yuck" in the opening keeping the syphon action of the drain from working. Once that was cleared and all started draining again fever broke and all was well. I am an easy bruiser so I look like I've been beat with a sledge hammer not only on my breast but dow to my belly button..too weird. But I do have to say that the "38 longs" are now "38 perkys!" and I am very pleased. So since the RNY I have gone from 44DD to 38C. I have not asked yet just how much in weight was removed but I now weigh 190 lbs I am in the overweight BMI category for the first time in decades. 4/1/4 330lbs 11/5/05 191lbs 19mos -139 lbs! Life is good right now I have been blessed with good surgeons, supportive family and a new life to share with everyone. I encourage everyone to do something special for someone today and in turn that will be doing something special for yourself. Until next time the journey continues...
12/26/05
Merry Christmas 2005! LIke all of you this has been quite a journey. A journey that will last the rest of our lives. I look back on the past 20+ months and can't believe it has been that long ago that I started this journey or really how fast the time has gone by. Christmas 2003 I squeezed myself into a 26-28 suit and this year it was a 8-10 dress! Thank you God & surgeons for bringing me this far.
All is healed up from the BR. I had a bout with cellulitus 2 wks ago in my rt breast, don't think it was surgery related but I've never had it there before. I use to get it on a regular basis in my legs. 140 lbs ago. It was well worth the discomfort of the BR to now be wearing 38 C comfortably and the bonus is that the bras are cute & sexy! I feel a little dis-proportionate between the belly and boobs so now I am thinking tummy tuck in the spring.
Christmas was good. Spent time with family all together, too much food & treats. But I did good. I am now to a point that I can eat just about anything, sugary stuff included so I stay very aware of what passes my lips! I have been able to maintain 189-190 for a couple of months, even with the holiday gatherings. I would like to go 10 more lbs before considering tummy tuck. But I'm sure I have at least 10 lbs of skin that could be removed! Maybe that will balance it out.
I felt like a kid this Christmas. My husband took my "hint" and bought me a bicycle! I wanted just a plain old bike, but he got me a 13 speed mountain bike with all trimmings so now I have to figure out how to ride it!
We spent time with my Dad this holiday, he is in an assisted living home. Some days he is just so sharp and other days I see such changes in him. This made the holiday's different this year, it makes me reflect on so many different things past and present. I was walking thru the produce dept. of the grocery store and saw chestnuts & had a minor breakdown. They made me think of my Mom, who would buy them every year "just because" no one really wanted or liked them. So guess what I bought chestnuts! Went home baked them and had a good cry and ate a few! It is good to remember.
This is it for now...take care God bless..my journey continues...
2/25/06
Been awhile! Time to update..things have been pretty quiet since Christmas. I haven't been as diligent about exercise. Doing some bike riding with the Grandkids. I went back to Curves today for the first time in many months, felt good to get back at it. Had appt with surgeon regarding TT, he suggested dropping another 10-15 lbs before trying for ins approval. Need to work on upper abdomen he feels he could not "tuck" successfully up that high & if I lost more after surgery it would just hang. I was happy with his candidness about it. So maybe in a couple of months. I have bounced between 189-195 for the past 6 months. Still -140 lbs is a big accomplishment! I am so happy & healthy sometimes it's scary. I never take any of this for granted, it is work. I thank God every day. To all of you no matter where on your journey, stay strong and focused. Till next time God Bless!
8/23/06
Ok so I haven't been here in awhile. I do check out the message boards to see how everyone is doing. This site has changed alot. Not much has changed with me, still hovering between 190-195. Confession is good, I find myself complacient sometimes with the weight I am at. I feel great, clothes are fun. My daughter got married on July 1st and I actually went into the store and did not panic when picking out a dress! So I have not been a diligent as in the beginning. I am so thankful that I have been sucessful on my journey but I also realize the work never ends. Yeah, maybe another 20 lbs needs to come off and I need to focus on how far I've come and how I got here and get back on the wagon! Putting it in writing puts makes a difference. Reading others sucesses and struggles are inspirational too, we need each other. This journey is on going. Inside I sometimes feel that that obese person from two years ago. Outside, for those who did not know me "when" I am a regular person who should take off a few pounds! How funny is that now. It's almost a cruel joke of sorts. I don't wear "WLS" on my chest like a scarlett letter, but it is always in my brain. This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice in it! I pray that we all have many days to rejoice! God Bless...and the journey continues.
