Karen Brown
*MOST RECENT UPDATE IS AT TOP OF PAGE*
**WEIGHT CHART AT BOTTOM OF THE PAGE**
*** PURPLE WRITING IS POST-OP ***
**** GREEN WRITING IS PRE-OP ****
September 19, 2016.
Wow it's been 5 years since my last post and the 4th of August was the 12th anniversay of my surgery. I went to see my surgeon last week and realized that I must relearn the basis of my tool. When the nurse ask "are you eating all your protein" and my answer is "can you remind me the amount I should be eating...." I have gained weight and am not exericising. So yes to anyone that happens to read this... the surgery is only a tool... remember that. So the journey begins again. 12 years out- the positives and things I am proud of.. I still don't eat more than 10 grams of sugar at one time. I don't eat "normal" amounts in one sitting. At this point in my life and being 12 years out my normal isn't very diferent from someone that hasn't has WLS. So with this being said...onto the basis again..
Till then....k
September 7, 2011
Another year has gone by and I am just realized that my 7 year anniversay has came and gone. So I did received my Happy 7th Anniversay email and every month I do receive my monthly newsletter via email, but my oh my, where does the time go. I continue to update on a yearly basis, cause as WLS is not the biggest part of my life, it is and always will be in my life. I also remember what it was like in the beginning of my journey how I longed for the notes from people that have had the surgery 5+ years out. I feel it is my duty for anyone looking onto the "oldies" to keep posting at least once a year. Now onto what keeps me on track and for anyone that is interested in reading:
Just recently (about 16 to 22 weeks ago) I have began to lose weight again- reaching a weight of 240lbs is not where I ever want to be. It is an emotional roller coaster, I will always believe it is mind or body- I am down to 200lb as of this am. I would like to lose another 20 lbs. Funny how last year I was ok with being 200lbs. I am in a size 16 and would like to be in a size 14 again. My smallest size ever for me was a 12.I have decided to go for the stomach removal if I am able to get to 180lbs. I have begun the documentation for this.
My normal eating is still smaller meals than a person who has not had WLS. I still don't eat sugar, and still do not like chocolate (things could be worst right..lol). I tend to eat a protein bar (pure protein brand) for lunch. I have cut out fast food again and feel so much better, I forgot that wonderful feeling or energy. For the first time in 7+ years I had a No sugar added rainbow sherbet on a cone last evening. It was wonderful and brought my childhood back. Well I will try to stop in before next year but no promises.
Till then....k
August 6, 2010
Today is my 6 year anniversay for having gastric bypass sugery, I would have not remembered if it was not for the Happy Anniversary email that I received. My life doesn't revolve around have GBS as it once did. I still stuggle emotionally with my weight- note to any newbies reading this- I encourage you to mentally perpare yourself for this. My wieght is about the same as last year- although this past year I did stuggle with weight gain- my top weight being 240lbs. I then recommitted myself to be healthy and have been able to lose 15lbs. I am now 225lbs. My goal is to reach 200lbs again. Slow and steady wins the race. I can say that sugar is one of the only things that to this day I still am unable to eat more than 10 grams at a time- this is a good thing. Oh and also- I feel very ill and bad if I eat chocolate- I believe this is because I don't eat it- only on rare occasions. If I eat more than a "normal" amount of food- I do feel sick and usually get sick. PS... "normal" is about the amount of fook in a kids size happy meal. I said this last year in closing to my entry and want to note it a again - for myself and anyone who decides to read this--- I am sill thankful to this day for having the surgery, I would only change one thing- stick to your Life changes- you can gain weight back and you have to be careful what you eat, it is super hard to get the weight off after surgery!
Till then....k
September 24,2009
Two year since I have been on this site. It have been 5 years since my surgery. Wow.. So much have changed. I still talk about my surgery, but not like in the begininng, now it is to explain why I don't eat sugar (which I still to this day get sick if I eat more than 10grams- not a complaint at all). My lowest weight was 171 I think- 5 years later 230. Not happer about this at all. It is my own fault, not exercising and eating pretty much what I want. So people notice that I eat differently- no because I really don't- I just can't eat to much. I "regular" meal fills me. If my husband and I go out to eat I usually an bring home half of my dinner. I would like to get back into exercising, I believe this may help my loss my weight. I guess that my be on os the reason I decided to sneak a peak back to this site. I am still thankful to this day for having the surgery I would only change one thing- stick to your life changes - you can gain weight back and you have to be careful what you eat, it is super hard to get the weight off after surgery.
Till then....K
November 1, 2007
I am now over 3 years out. It has been over a year since I have written or updates on this site. I can't say much has changed since my last entry, although I have gain about 20 pounds that I am continually trying to ger off and refuse to have Plastic Surgery until I loss it. I need to exericise more and get back on track with the water and protein. I this that is way I have finally came to visits this site again.
I believe as you become futher away from you rebirth of life you tend to forget the base route and you need to be reunited every once in a while... so here i am ...
Till then....k
August 4, 2006
It has been quite some time, since you have seen me around here. I am sorry for this, but as the oldies know, the more wieght that comes off the less you tend to sit still.
Tomorrow will be two years since Dr. Averbach gave me a relife. I have maintain my weight lost. I am no longer the unhappy ,unsure 308lb women. I am now 170-175lb depending on the time of the month.I have maintain this loss of 130-135 for about a year now.
Do I still have weight issue, sure I would not be a women if I didn't.
As far as eating, two years out the only issue I have is sugar, I have to make sure that I do not eat anything with more than 10g at one time. Am I upset with this,,,, No! I think that is part of my success.I do sometimes still get sick from eating to much, or to fast or sometime things just do agree on a particule day.(I am not complaining I took this journey for the long hall) After two years you become just a normal person on the street, no one looks at you anymore for not being able to eat. At this point in the game, I can eat a normal person meal, which is about the size of a kid's meal.(I try to stay away from them though) . And I try not to push my limit, when I am full, I am full and stop. I still take my vitamins everyday, and try like anything to make sure I get my protein in, I try to still drink a shake every morning.
Now personally, I am now Married to a wonderful man.... his name is Charlie Brown... no kidding and yes he is a clown....
I thinks back two years ago and wonder where I would be today if I never had the surgery..... then I get up and start moving doing something and realize that it doesn't matter.... I did and I am happy.
Plastic- yes for the stomach area, hopefully within the next year, my journey will not be complete until this happens.
Till then.....k
June 1, 2006
Has it really been almost 6 months since I have been on this site. My how time flies, once you become use to the daily life after WLS. I use to be on this site as much as possible. I am maintaining my weight lost. It will be 2 years this coming Aug. 5. I find that daily living is now routine and I have to watch what I put in my mouth to eat. This surgery has given me life that i never dream of. Oh and I am now married to a wonderful man named : CHARLIE BROWN..... lol.... I really need to start exercising again. I still try to get my vitamins and protein in everyday. I did not put myself through so much to gain weight again. I this is the thing I try to remember everyday of my life. OH I was denied for PS from my ins. although I just started a new job and when I get my ins. through them I will try agian. If I am denied again. I am still going to have the surgery.... I just don't feel my journey will be complete without it. I still see a fat girl and the excess skin does not help.
Till then......k
January 24,2006
Went to my primary doctor to get some documention for my PS. called Dr. Grace's office, I have an appointment on February 16, 2006. Starting to look forwarded to this. although my insurance will not pre-approve me before the surgery because it is an out patient. More info. to come on this. I continue to maintain my weight loss. Although sometimes I don't know how. Old habits are so hard to break. Sugar is still the only issue I have with eating. I have to make sure I don't eat more then anything with 9 grams in it and sometimes this is still to much. I am not complaining, I actually like the fact I can't eat sugar.
Till then.....K
December 14, 2005
Another month has gone by. I am still maintaining my weight loss, which I am very happy about. Thinking bout going to see the plastic surgeon soon. Getting the documention together for this. I tend to get rashes in the belly button. hope all is well. No problems with me. Need to up my protien agian.
till then....K
November 9, 2005
Has it really been 3 months since my last update. Well I am maintaining my weight. When I reflect back on the last 15 months of my life, I see I completely different person on the inside and out. But threre is still a fat, shy timid girl still in there. although she to has came around a bit. So much to say. and right now i don't know how to word it.
Till then... K
August 9, 2005
Went for my one year office visit with Dr. Averbach today. I have lost 89% of my excess body weight. I weigh 171 on the office scale. I have 17 pounds left to lose to make a 100% goal EBW to be gone. Dr. A said 10 punds of that will be skin that will need to be removed. So 7 more for me to goooo.....
Till then....K
August 5, 2005
It has been one year today for me :).... And I am very proud of myself... I have lost about 130-135 pounds. I get the official weight on the 9th when I go to the good Dr. A. Do I have any regrets.... NO.... I can not beleive how much I have changed, mentally I am more outgoing...... although I still lack self confidence, I know that this will come with time. I would like to loss about 10 more pounds to breing my wieght to about 165-168. If this doesn't happen I won't beat myself up,,, I have done that all my life. Will see what the doc has to say..
Till then.... K
July 14, 2005
Has it really been that long since I have updated... My wieght is still maintaining between 175 and 178, I am determined to get to 170 by my 1 year check up on August 9th. Maybe if I start exercising agian this will happen. Food is not a big problem for me, although right before I get my period I feel like I could eat out my house and home. Sugar I don't tempt to eat. Sugar free foods I also have to watch, they tend to make me feel sick if thay has to much sugar alchol. If I eat to much I do tend to throw up. Bread is not something I love anymore. Boy it sounds like I am complaining.. but truly I am not. I am thankful everyday for this surgery. Would have it agian in a heartbeat. Started looking at the possibility of plastic surgery. I know I will need my stomach done, also would like to have my beast done. Funny how when I started this process all I wanted was to be healthy, now that I am healthy it want to look better, funny how I am never satified. Personal life is going well, no serious man in my life... friends say I have some men issues... maybe I do, who knows.. will work on them if I do. I still have a hard time believing that men are looking at me, and talking to me. I still see all my flaws and think I am still 300 pounds. Two different close man friends have said that I need to stop thinking this way, I need to stop trying to lose weight, that I am small enough for my body frame. maybe talking to someone in the "field" might help. I look back at my befroe picture and know I don't look like that anymore but still feel big. (I'm In a size 12 from a size 32) Well I guess I chatter on long enough. I will end with saying.. anyone thinking about this surgery... DO IT.
till then...k
I finally sat down and worked on my pictures here they are:
Ok here is the updated on the pics
from left to right
8/03/04 - 310lbs (2 days before surgery)
9/09/04 - 272lbs (1 month)
10/12/04- 258lbs (2 month)
11/03/04- 239lbs (3 month)
12/02/04- 226lbs (4 month)
1/05/05- 213lbs (5 month)
2/09/05- 204lbs (6 month)
3/08/05- 191lbs (7 month)
4/08/05- 181lbs (8 month)
5/17/05- 179.5lbs (9 month)
6/15/05- 180lbs (10 month)
7/06/05- 178lbs (11 month) Down 132
June 15,2005
8/03/04 - 310lbs (before)
6/15/05- 180 lbs
June 5, 2005
Well, here I am again. Weight loss has definately slowed down, but I blame this on me. I still have not been exerising and not eating protein first, and I have increase eating carbs. OK now that I got that off my chest. (boy it hard to admit when you aren't dong something correctly) I am down to 175lbs and headed off on my first cruise tommorrow. I am loving life and enjoying the attention I am recieving from the opposite sex. I will try to update my pictures soon.
Till then....K
May 19, 2005
Has it been two months since I updated, shame on me. My weight loss has slowed down. I have lost 4 pounds since my last entry. I am at 179lbs. I know that it is because I have increased my food intact and decreased my exercising. I do want to lose another 10lbs. I can now eat pretty much anything. I still watch my sugar, although my best friend got married and I did eat a small piece of her wedding cake (pound cake) that was the first time that I had cake since my surgery, and did well with it, although that does'nt give my the right to continue to eat cake :). You know what they say you can't have your cake and eat it too.
March 22, 2005
I went to see Dr. Averbach today for my follow up appt from having my gallbladder removed. I will be headed back to work on April 4, 2005, so I have another week and half off. I am happy to announce that my current weight on the “official” scale is 183. This makes my BMI 29.5. Dr. Averbach mentioned that he did not want me losing more than another 20 pounds and I should start slowing down my weight lose. That was truly unbelievable to me when he said that. It made me feel so good, that I am so close to my goal (and the doctor’s goal as well). I have lost 77% of my excess body weight. Ok enough gloating for now.
Till then…..K
March 15, 2005
From left to right:
8/03/04 - 310lbs (before)
12/02/04- 226lbs (4 months) (my scale)
1/05/05- 213lbs (5 months)
2/09/05- 204lbs (6 months) Down 106 lbs (offical weight at Dr.)
3/08/05- 191lbs (7 months) Down 119
March 11, 2005
Figured while I had the time I would update my profile. On Tuesday night (early Wednesday morning) I awoke with horrible pains in my stomach and diarrhea, after dealing with this all night long I stared to become weak and dizzy. I know I was becoming dehydrated. So at 8 am when Dr. Averbach’s office opened I decided to give them a call and see what they suggested. The office agreed with me, that I should probably head over to St. Agnes and they would let Dr. Averbach know when he got in the office later that day. I got a ride to St. Agnes later that afternoon, and ended up sitting in the ER for 5 hours, (that’s right 5) before being seen. Well let me tell you something, I am so glad that I decided to travel to St. Agnes instead of going to one of the local hospital in my area (not that I live that far away but GBMC is like 5 mins. from me). Once seen they did a complete work up on me. The ER doc, called Dr. Averbach, and Dr. Averbach decided to keep me over night to has some additional testing to be done in the morning (this is way I love this man) Come to find out, my gallbladder was not functioning correctly and I had a few stones. So my good doc took that bad boy out. I am home feeling sore, but not to bad, this is much easier than the Gastric bypass. Now for the bad part of the stay…. The dietary part of that hospital sucks….. How hard is it to give a gastric bypass patient food they can eat? When I was on a liquid diet, every single tray (which was 3) that I got had regular jello, regular sugar, and regular ice cream. Being the nice person I try to be, I just had them bring me some sugar-free jello. So now it time for me to eat some solid food before I can be discharged, starting an 8 am I was told I would get a regular breakfast tray… I thought good…. But nope... another liquid tray arrives in my room now the nurse and the aide both said (at two different times) hold on let me get you a regular breakfast tray, well at 10 am I fell asleep and didn’t wake back up until 12 noon…. Oh and here comes my lunch tray…. A pureed diet tray…. So that got sent back, and to my surprise the next tray …. A regular tray with cake and all, well I lost it. I had had enough, the tears would not stop, and I mean I can’t stop crying, maybe it was the pain pills that made me emotionally or just the fact that I couldn’t believe nobody understood that I had dietary restrictions, it was very frustrating and upsetting. How hard is it to get a tray right, I continuously said to them, if you bring me a diabetic tray I will be fine. After many phone calls and 18 million people coming to see me ….1 ½ hours later that’s right 1:30 pm (remember breakfast was supposed to be at 8am :(). I received a tuna sandwich and chicken noodle soup. OK, come on, I was suppose to have breakfast never got it, lunch they messed up and I never had the correct liquid diet. Is it me, someone said to me once, that after there Gastric Bypass Surgery they became a food snob…. I think I have also… or is it that I care about what I eat and just don’t want anything to jeopardize my success? Happy eating...
Till then….K
March 7, 2005
I went away this past weekend. I really need to type this down for myself and anyone else that views my profile. It is so important to make sure that you are still eating and making yourself #1 all the time, even when you are not in your regular routine. Ok now that's said..... I totally blow it this weekend. I went to Atlantic City with a guy friend of mine. In a nutshell, I didn't eat, (yes that is right in 2 days, 2 chickens tenders and a half of chicken salad sandwich does not count as eating) or drink my water(oh I drank but not water) ,oh and protein, we can forget the protein that my body was starving for. I didn't take my pills correctly (I took them but at very weird times and think I forget a dose or two). Now let’s talk about a hang over from hell. Yesterday while trying to eat a half of turkey sandwich (I got 3 bites in) my friend said to me, Karen can you at least look like you aren't dying. I said "Keith, the problem is I think I am." Note to self and anyone that cares, a hang over still feels like hell, it might even feel worst than before, because I couldn’t even drink the water like I wanted and I all wanted to do was throw up, yeh with nothing in your system, that doesn’t work either. Now to make light of the situation (because I always do) I had a great time this weekend, won a little money. I did things that I would not have done before the surgery and losing weight. I really enjoyed living this weekend. Oh and I did lose weight I think about 4 pounds, it wasn’t the right way to lose so I won’t be surprise to see a gain in the next few days. Ok its back on track today.....
Till then....K
February 24,2005
Stopped in the office today, Helped out with an interview that was being done for infidelity radio. I also hopped right on that lovly scale in the doc's office. (Can't you tell it was nice today) I am happy to post I am down 117 pounds. My new weight is 193. Yeaaa :)
Till then....K
February 17,2005
Just wanted to wrile a couple of things down. I am back on my Prevacid pills, after being off of them for 2 days I got gassy, bloated and very sick, feeling horrible, not good. So I called the doc and he said go back on and see if that helps.... it did and I feel new again. I am happy to say I am under 200lbs. My scale at home reads 196 so I figured I am about 198 according to Dr. A's scale.
Also wanted to mention (bitch) some things that I am going though, I am tired of people that have known my throughout my Weight lost journey telling or asking me, when am I going to stop losing weight. I keep hearing how thin I look and I need to stop...... You know to the person that just meet me,,,, I am not thin or skinny.... Yes I am smaller than before and maybe even an almost average size. But I'm a size 16, that's just fitting into regular size clothes. Don't get me wrong if I didn't lose any more weight I would be happy with myself... but I'm not going to lie, I would love to lose another 35 pounds..... I want to be a size 12. When I started this journey I said I would be happy just to be able to do things "normal" people do and now that I can, yes I am happy and healthy. I am almost 7 months out and feel that I have done what the doctor said, I eat right, exercise, and drink my water and take my meds. I am proud of who I am. But if losing 2 more sizes is what I want I am going to do it for myself, not anyone else. I am so tired of my friends, who are suppose to support my decisions looking at me and saying "oh Karen , you are tall, you will look ghastly if you lose anymore weight. Give me a break......
Till then....K
February 9, 2005
From left to right:
8/03/04 - 310lbs (before)
9/09/04 - 272lbs (1 month)
12/02/04- 226lbs (4 months) (my scale)
1/05/05- 213lbs (5 months)
2/09/05- 204lbs (6 months) Down 106 lbs (offical weight at Dr.)
Went to Dr. A's for my 6 month follow up. I am happy as can be. I have lost 64% of my excess body weight. Dr. A's feels that I will be able to get close to my ideal body weight, ocourse this will mean a little extra work from me. OK I'll do it. :). I was also taking off prevacid and urso. If everything seems ok I will be able to stay off of the prevacid. The urso I have lost over 50% of the weight so I will not need that any longer. Saw Arlene today also, she feels that I am doing well also :). Oh I feel I am doing well also (lol)
Till then....K
January 27, 2005,
Sometimes I hate my computer, this is the third time I am typing this entry..... Ok let's try this again. I went to my PCP on the 25th (tuesday). Dr. O'Malley was very pleased at my progress of losing 101 pounds. O'course there is a story behind this. :) I got on my scale the morning of the appointment and low and behold I had gained 2 more pounds making a total of 6 pounds gained I was very unhappy to see 205 on my home scale. And o'course the docs scale said 207 (which I know reads 2 lbs heavier than mine) So now I am thinking I have spent 1 week increasing my water, protien and exercise to gain more wieght... Not a happy camper. This morning I get on the scale again. I am pleased to announce 200 even. Yeaaaa. I now undrstand why not to get on the scale more than once a week. Saturday is my "offical" weigh in day so I am hoping to see 199 or less on that dang thing. I think because I am so close to being out of the 200's (and actually saw it about 21/2 weeks ago) is making me a little edgy. O'course yesterday I did get a compliment from one of the men that I know... He said... Boy Karen you are really starting to look thin. I smiled said "thank you, but I am far from being thin" He than said yea right how much are you down 120 or so. I grinned and said no more like 105 give or take. I than said You know I still weigh over 200. 202 to be exact. He looked at me and said no way, there is no way, I would have never thought that. Boy smiles all over my face the rest of the evening. :) :) :)
Till then.....K
PS- here is my before and 5 month front pictures, I wanted to share :)
first pic- 8-5-04 310 lbs (before)Size 3xl
second pic 1-5-95 213 lbs (5 months post op) Size Large
January 23, 2005
Ok as much as I hate to type this I must. I GAINED 4 POUNDS. I am trying not to freak out but I am. Remember when I went away two weeks ago. I didn't eat right or get my protein in.... well when I step on the scale I was 199 .... After getting myself back on the right food track I hopped on the scale again, 203... well I thought OK Karen, you can't loss 10 pounds of fat in 3 days... so part of that loss was water weight... 203 is my actual weigh. I was ok with that 7 days ago. Yesterday was Saturday (my weigh in day) and the scale is still at 203. My first plateau. Boy I don't like this at all. It's time to step up the exercise again. I going for 4 days this week instead of 3.... (oh I I guess if I stay away from cheese nips that might help also)
Till then.....K
January 15, 2005
I was emailing someone today about this surgery and realized alot of what I was saying I could also put in my profile, considering it was how I felt.. so I decided to copy and paste it and edited some :)
I'm having a fun time on this ride.... I can't you believe in 5 months, I have both lose over 100lbs. Unbelievable. If someone would have told me I would lose 100+ lb. in 5 months I would have thought that they were crazy. I don't have a "goal" yet. I am so wishy washy about it. According to Dr. A. at 200lbs I am consider a "success." My "ideal" body weight according to the books is 142. I started saying I would be happy at 175, then changed it to 165.. now I'm thinking 160, then with extra skin removed I would be around 155 (or less)... That way I can say I lose half of me :). So I am looking at another 40-45lbs to lose. I still cannot believe that 5 months and 100lbs are gone.. I thought for sure I would be a slow loser. I have to say I believe exercise is a key.. and for the past couple of weeks I was slacking, so today I went back to Gold's.... My endurance is still there, that makes me feel great, I can run (and I mean run) on the treadmill for 20-30 min. What a great feeling. I see Dr. A on the 9th of February, the last time I saw him was in Oct for my 2 month check and weigh 258 then.
I still drink a protein drink every morning for breakfast, and try to drink one before going to the gym. I found that the 2% carb countdown milk and a scoop of the unjury chocolate shake give me 30grams of protein in 8 oz. So if I drink two of them a day I am good to go with the added protein from my food..... Although that is a whole chapter in itself. I still don't eat a whole bunch. Which I guess is good in a way, I eat only about 3oz of meat at a time. A few bits of veg. and I am usually done. Now don't get me wrong there is the occasionally days when all I want is food (usually the week before my period). But to me food is just something I need to survive now. Sweet thing don't appeal to me at all, even protein bars.. I only eat when I have to... Strange. And I don't get sick very often either. But I don't stray from my "normal" food to much.
Well I guess I have babble on long enough ... take care
Till then....K
January 12, 2005
Well it seems to have been forever since I updated, My life is going well. As of this morning the scales reads 199lbs,making my weight loss -111 lbs, My starting weight was 310lbs 5 months ago!!!!!
I am in a size 16 from a 30/32. I feel great. No complaints, the only thing is that I seem to never be hungry, but I guess this is a plus, sometimes it's a little scary. This past weekend was not a good weekend for me (I went away for 3 days), I ate very very little, almost nothing and it really scared me. I sent my before and after pictures to OH, hopefully they will be on here soon. I see my doc in a month, I will be excited to see what he thinks. Acoording to my records I have lost 66% of my excess body weight, making me a "sucess". My BMI is now 32.1 I am very pleased with my progess this far.
Till then.....K
January 7, 2005
From left to right:
8/03/04 - 310lbs (before)
9/09/04 - 272lbs (1 month)
12/02/04- 226lbs (4 months) (my scale)
1/05/05- 213lbs (5 months)
The first three pictures I wore a 3xl shirt and pants
The last picture I am in a size large shirt and pants
December 22,2004
I wanted to stop in an say hello. I just needed to type a couple of things to myself, so on days that I am feeling down in the dumps and can look back on this entry. Went to my Work Christmas Party and had a blast.For the first time in a long time, I had a "date". We are on the same pool league and we are friends... so I asked him if he wanted to go. Then after the Christmas Party we went out to the Green Turtle till closing. I just need to say I am coming out of my shell, for me to be self confident enough to asked a guy (even if it is a guy friend) is a great step for me. I hate being rejected. I am becoming pround of myself. There are things that don't seem like a big deal to people, but are huge steps for me. The obese Karen would have never in her life walked into a crowded room by herself, she would have begged someone, anyone to walk in first. Now I not even thinking about it. A friend calls and says, hey meet me at Champion's bar and I go without even worrying about walking in the door and poeple looking at me. BTW- I had my first drink the other evening after the Christmas party... Vodka and Cranberry..... went down fine, but wowwww one drink and you are feeling happy happy happpy....
Till then.....K
December 3, 2004
Went to Dr. Averbach's office today, Wanted to get a true weight at 4 months, I know my scale is a little off, so I wanted to see how I was doing on the "real scale" I hopped right on that scale, yes hopped..... 227.0lbs. low and behold I am down 83lbs in 4 months. I have loss 49% of my excess body weight. Yes I am happy as a lark (don't know what a lark is, but I am sure they are happy). Have been slacking at the gym(haven't gone in a week) , but went today and promised myself to stick to my routine of going evey other day. I also noticed that I can eat a little more, this is kinda scary, I liked not being able to finish my plate. Still doing good with the protein, drinking 60 gram a day and then eating about 20-35 grams, sometimes more. Vitamins and water are now just routine, I don't even think about it I just know I have to take and drink them.
Till then.....K
Got my new 4 months pic in. Wanted to post.
From left to right:
8/03/04 - 310lbs (before)
9/09/04 - 272lbs (1 month)
12/02/04- 226lbs (4 months) (my scale)
November 30, 2004
Went to Atlantic City to visit Dad for Thanksgiving.I stayed there from the tuesday before Thanksgiving until the Saturday after. I had a wonderful time, the condo he is in has a gym so I was able to continue with my normal exericise routine, plus, walk the boards. Thanksgiving was nice, we went out to dinner, o'course we got lots of left over with my meal. :). Got on the scale Sunday morning 227.0lbs. That's a total of 80lbs according to my scale. Will be updating pics on friday, it's my 4 month anniversary.
Decided yesterday to cook a sm. london boil in the crock pot. Bad move, found out that beef and I don't get along. Well that all I can think of right now.
Till then.....K
November 22, 2004
Seems like forever and a day since I've updated, I am headed to Atlantic City, New Jersey, tomorrow, going to visited Dad for Thanksgiving. Went to look for a outfit to wear on Thanksgiving. I found a sweater at BJ's in a size XL, that I love. AND a pair of black dress pants in a SIZE 18!!!! at Wal-mart. (then I had to buy the high heel shoes to match!) I think the outfit looks very nice on me (girdies do wonders :) In facted when I put the outfit on and looked in the mirror, I said out loud OMG. I think it was the first time I realized that I am becoming a regular size. Hopped on the scale this morining.... 229.5.... That makes about 80 pounds gone in 15 weeks.... I have not gone to the gym this week, I feel horrible about it, although I did run on the treadmill. I am up to 1 mile in 15 mins. I hoping to get lots of exercise while I am visiting Dad. I will be there for 5 days. I think that's about it for right now.
Till then......K
November 8, 2004
Just a few words. I am now a solids size 22 pants and 18/20 shirts or XL. I am very happy with how I am progressing. I got on the scale this morning..... 236.5.
Till then.....K
November 4, 2004
Alot is happening with me and figured I would type it down.
I will be walking in the Obesity from Walk on November 14, 2004. I was sent a questionare to fill out via email from Michael Schwartzberg. He is the Media Relations Manager for GBMC. I have been contacted by the local paper Northeast Times and Metro Radio. I was interviewed about the walk and my story. I also will be on the news Ch 2, I think, on November 12, 2004 (Haven't recieved all the info on this yet), to kick off the Walk. I believe there is about 4 or 5 of us that will be at the Parkville Track doing a short segment at 5:30 am!!!!! I can not believe I am dong this. I feel like I am coming out of a shell.
Dad kept kidding me saying I need an agent, have the media send contacts to him. LOL
Till then.....K
November 3, 2004
Ok here is the updated on the pics
from left to right
8/03/04 - 310lbs
9/09/04 - 272lbs
10/12/04- 258lbs
11/03/04- 239lbs
October 30, 2004
Me and friend from work dressing up for Halloween
Left to right
Jessica, Dawn, Karen (me), Joan
October 26, 2004,
Came in to see how long it had been since I updated, only a week, seems like longer. Oh well, I am here, so I gonna write. I am now down to 245.5 as of Saturday. That makes my total -61.5 so far. I am very happy with this. I have to say that I believe that exercise is a key in the success of weight loss, (I can't believe I just typed that LOL, I used to hate exercising)
I am going to the gym of working out on the treadmill at home 3-5 times per week, 1/2 hour each time. On the treadmill I am running/walking (yea running) about 1.75miles. and on the elliptical machine at the gym I am "running" 2.25-2.40 miles in the 30 mins. I am also working my arm with free weights 3 times and week and working my abs 4-5 times per week. I actually enjoy working out, and get upset if I can't make time to do my workout. Funny how things change. :). As far as eating, I can eat about 3 oz of meat for dinner and a few bits of veg. I am getting all my protein in. I am so afraid of lossing my hair, I actually count the hair loss when washing it LOL. Well my finger are starting to get tired of typing.
Till then.....K
October 20, 2004,
Big news for me. At my work you can buy a shirt with the companies logo on it. It works great for days you don't know what to wear. Anyways, it time to order the long sleeve shirts, and I didn't know what size to buy. So one of my co-workers said, why don't you go to HR and ask to try on the short sleeve one to figure out what size you want. I did and I FIT IN AN XL. This made my day. O'course I bought the short sleeve XL and worn it the rest of the day. Alot of my peers that saw me, said they could tell I was losing weight (more so today then other days). I couldn't get a stupid grin off my face. The shirt I worn to work today was a 3XL (logo shirt) and I gave it to one of my co-workers right on the spot.LOL
Till then.....K
October 13, 2004
Went to Dr. A's for my check up. I have lost 52 pounds, which is 30% of my EBW. I am so happy. Things are going very well, Arlene and Dr. A feel that I am progessing great. I updated my pictures and hopefully will have them below this journal entry. My starting wieght was 310, 2nd pics 272, then 258. I take these pic on a mmonthly basis.
Till then.....K
October 5, 2004
I am offically 2 months out today, So you know what that means, after work, went to the gym (2.25mi on the elliptical machine in 30mins, arm weights, then the abs :yuk: ), then came on home and jumped on that scale.
260lbs..... That makes a total of 47lbs gone gone gone.....
Funny story(too me), cause you know I always have one
On Sunday, I was walking pass the bathroom to go into the Living Room. My dad said to me, Karen I am going to close the bathroom door. I looked at him like he was weird and said why, His response was..... EVERYTIME you walk pass that bathroom you have to look at yourself in the mirror (we have a shower door with full length mirror). I smiled and said no you won't, I'm catching up, on the 10 years I never looked in the mirror
I feel so much better about myself, I can walk without being winded. Run if I need to. My eating so far has been great, I can eat everything I have tried, I know when to stop... most of the time. I have not tried sugar I am to afraid of dumping.
Till then....K
September 25, 2004
Another sneak peak on my home scale this morning....... 265lbs.... which means I have to add 3lbs to make it correct with Dr. A's scale. Which means 42 pounds down. Yeahhhh
Till then.....K
September 23, 2004
I am trying to be a faithful post op and update my journal on a somewhat frequent basis. Everything is goin well with me. I am getting all my protein and vitamins in on a daily basis. I am learning what and what not to eat. I thinks bread is something that I choose not to eat as much, I don't like the way it makes my tummy feel. I am becoming much more active, only using the stairs at work and going to the gym 3-4 times per week. I started on the elipitcal machine this week, 25 minutes at a time, I burn about 325 calories in this workout. I will be tring to increase my time next week. I sneak on the scale last Saturday, my scale read 269.0 which is 272.0 on Dr. A's Scale. I always get on the scal on Saturday's and try to act like I sneak on it.... I wonder who I am kidding, but I look at it a sneak preview to the scale on Oct 12th at Dr. A's office. Well I think that is about it for now.
Till then.....K
September 12, 2004
Wanted to note a couple things. Little things that make a big difference to me.
1. I bent down to pick up some coins that fell on the floor. Didn't huff or have to strain.
2. Can squat
3. Can sit in a booth.
4. Can run up the stairs and not be out of breath.
5. Can tie my shoes while difficulties
6. 8 hours of sleep is enough and sometimes less
7. Have energy to "make it all day"
Ok I sneaked on the scale again, looks like down 35 pounds. But not gong to say anything, I keep saying I'm not going to get on the scale, but it seems like a sneak on it every Saturday. But I won't post any of my Saturday wieghts, I want to wait until the "offical" weight on Oct 12th at Dr.A's.
Till then....K
September 9, 2004
Wanted to add these:
The one on the left is from 8-3-04 2 days before surgery 310lbs.
The one on the right is from 9-9-04.
I don't know my weight. I am trying to stay off the scale.
As of 9-04-04 I was down 30lbs.
September 6, 2004
Wanted to check-in and write what has been happening. I went out to dinner for the first time since surgery two night ago. I went to Carrabba's with Chris, Jimmy, and Maureen. I got the Salmon and it was good. Ate about 2-3 oz and took the rest home for dad. My entree came with a choice of a soup or salad. I told the waiter, that I would like the soup, but just put it in a to go container, because I was not going to eat it. I thought it would be hard to watch everyone eat the bread and app., but it wasn't to bad. I think that because I did so much research before having WLS, I am at peace with giving up food. Now to some good news. I am into my size 26 clothes, I started out in 30/32 and they were tight :). I did sneak on the scale the other day. It read 276 and I know that it is about 3 pounds lighter than the doctors, so I think I lose another 6 pounds, but I am not going to count it until my "offical" weigh in on Oct 12, 2004, which is my next appointment with Dr. A. But I am very happy to see a lose in pounds. When that about it. Oh..... I did learn a lesson yesterday.... Don't eat to fast.... I ate some turkey in the car yesterday, way to fast, and got sick, (in the car) not a good thing. I realized that when I think I am going to throw up.... There is no thinking about it... I am. New lesson learned.
Till then.....K
September 2, 2004
Well it was my First day back to work in 4 weeks, Was there for 1 hour and felt like I have never left. (I thought it would at least take a day to get back into the groove of what's going on)
Although, I felt like everyone was "looking at me" and I truly believe they were. I work for a company that has about 150 empolyees at this site. So any gossip or news travels quickly. I believe my surgery has been the news. Course no one that I didn't actually tell I was having surgery dare to ask me anything. Just told me, boy you look good. My reply to that was, yep 4 weeks off, does wonders
One person, that I didn't tell,about my surgery, said to me, Boy Karen your face is getting real thin. My reply..... Oh really.... you think, well Thank you . I'll keep him guessing for a few more months.
I'm sure most of post ops have gone through this stage, To me it just weird, everyone is looking at everything I do. Oh well, it won't last to long. Before long.... the gossip of... Guess what I saw .....(insert .... use your imagination
Till then.....K
August 31, 2004
285lbs (-25lbs)
I went to see Dr. Averback today. I am officailly down 25lbs since surgery. My lab work looks good, But I do have to start taking iron, no problems, just precaution. (I wasn't taking it)
I also learn how to give myself my B12 today.
Things are going well, I am eating about 2 oz of meat and have been able to tolerate all food I have tried. I had grilled salmon tonight (I love this meal)
I thought I would go back to work tomorrow, but the way the return to work slip reads, My HR dept said I can't come back till Thursday. As you can guess I am real upset about this----- NOT
Till then....K
August 24, 2004
Wanted to update a little, I have been on the scale a couple times this week and have been very discourage. It has read 284 for a week now. I am refusing to get on it till next week, I can see how people call the scale, there enemy. My scale is also about 3-4 pounds lighter then the one at Dr. A's office, so that doesn't help too much either. Although I was able to get into a pair of shorts that I couldn't before the surgery, so I know I am doing something right (maybe I will measure myself tonight). It is amazing to me how I am not hungry, I have to remind myself to eat, Dont' get me wrong head hunger is a b*tch. At night when I am watching TV, I think I am hunger, but I'm not, so I try to eat a Polly-o string cheese or something with protein in it. I have been waking up late, so my first meal of the day isn't until 11 or 12 noon, which make my 2nd meal around 5 or 6pm and then I have a snack about 10 or 11pm at night.I a try get drink a protein shake around 3pm. I had a great dinner tonignt and wanted to read it down so that I would remember it. I had 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup spag. sauce and cut a polly-o string cheese on top, microwave for about 3 minutes, until the cheese melted. It was very good tasted like the inside of stuffed shells. I am also walking about 1 3/4 miles a day now. I love the track, I put on my head phones and listen to my 70's dance music. I think I am doing pretty good with eating, I still eat mostly soft food although Dr. A said I can start introducing solids, into my meals. I have had chicken and shrimp. I also have learned when to stop eating. I feel a pain or tightness in the lower part of my chest and if I don't stop, I will throw-up, which is very different now then before surgery. I am getting all my protein in (50-60g a day sometimes more). And do very well with my water. I go tomorrow for blood work and the Dr. will have it by my next appt. Hopefully. Well I think that is about it for now. I think I am doing very well, just trying to learn the ins and outs of my new eating.
Till then.....K
August 17, 2004,
291lbs. (-19lbs) 12 days post op
Went to the doctors today. The office had to change my day, so I got to go a couple days earlier. Dr. A said I was doing well. He released me to swim and drive. I can also start to eat more solid foods, I just have to be careful and chew. He gave me a script for actigall and my vit b12 shots. I will have to take the shot in two weeks, that is when my next appt. is. August 29.
I have lost 19lbs and 11.4% of my EBW (extra body weight). I feel good, no problems so far. Cathy wants to see me get more portein in. I just a little sore around my rib area, but that is to be expected. I have not gotten sick yet either. Although, when I drank 10oz premixed carnation instant breakfast, I feel jitters and not right, so I will not be drinking anymore of them for alwhile. I have not found my full feeling yet, but I do not feel hungery either so I guess I'm doing things the right way. I will have lab work due before my next appointment with Dr.A. As long as everything goes ok I will not update until then. My appointment is on August 29,2004.
Till then.....K
August 10,2004,
310lbs.(last weight before surgery)
Ok Let's see how far I get in telling my WLS story before I get tried of typing. I Had surgery 5 days ago today and can't beleive how well I am doing. Just got done walking around the block which is about 1/4 mile. Ok back to the objective of this update.
I arrived at St. Agnes about 45 mins. early,(8:30am) traffice was good on 95. Becky (sister) and Dad were with me. I was check in and back in the holding room by 9:15, with IV in by 10:00am. They then allowed dad and becky to come sit with me. I got to see all the Doctors and nurses, people just coming in and out, don't really remember who or what they wanted or needed. Everyone knew of someone that had great success with the surgery. At about 10:30 they said it looks like you can go early (org time with 11:15) a nurse came in and put something in my IV and said 2mg of ***(didn't hear the word) rather she need it or not. That's the last thing a really remember before someone taelling me I eas in recovery and everything went fine. The nurse show me how to use my pain button. I can truly say I was never in any serious pain, I would have to describe how I was feeling as very very sore. I went to my room about 4 pm I think. I did run a fever that night I was very uncofortamble, had to actually walk at 2am to tire myself out so I could go back to sleep. I did have a friend stay with me the first night. 2 day and had my shallow eval and pssed that with flying colors, was a little nausated after having to drink that good awful stuff. Yuk is what I say to that. I was then put on a clear liquid diet for the remainer of the day. Day 3 I got to have food starting at lunch, I had ground chicken , carrots, and mashed potatoes. about a whole tablespoon combined. LOL. Got to go home about 5pm that evening after the resident pulled my JP tube, now that was gross, I have never in my life felt something so gross. Dr. A did come see me everyday in the hospital to check my progess. I am now home this moring I ate about 1/4cup of oatmeal and felt good. I don't think I have pushed to much on eating, I'm afraid that I will get sick, I been getting my water in great, in fact I am surprise at how much I can drink at one time. I can usually get 16 oz down in 1-1 1/2 hours. I am getting my portein in by Perma a lean and proteinex (proteinex is horrible) Last night I was rushing to get my last 50z of protein in and got a real sick feeling after drinking it, ran to the bathroom sat on the commode while holding the trash can burping up what I could. A very little form came out. I than began to feel better. Not sure what happened, but won't drink that fast again. Well I think I covered everything. I goo to the doctors on the 19 of August, I will be on pureed food until then. I write shortly after that visit. My last wieght taken was at the doctor office 1 week befroe surgery and the scale read 310. so
About Me
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
