Lauraj64
My entire Weight Loss story! 2002 - 2006
Feb 25, 2009
I began my profile in 2002 with a BMI of 46.3. This is my story:
I am a 38 year old mother of two adopted children. My entire family, including my husband of 16 years, are obese. I have struggled with it for a long time---almost my entire life. My mother had WLS in 1980 (when she was 43) to help her lose about 100 pounds, but they don't do that procedure anymore on people. She was one of the lucky ones who survived it, and I believe it has allowed her to live this long, where she would have died from some weight-related illness before. I always hoped I could avoid that route, but here I am---finding myself walking in her same shoes.
Of course, I've tried all the diets. Some are better than others, but none of them help you keep the weight off. When my weight came back on, it always brought "friends" along, and each time I had a success, I back-slid with more weight gain than when I actually started. Now, I'm at a point where my good health is in jeopardy.
In the spring of 2001, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and although it's been under control with diet and medication, I can't say that I've really lost any weight or see a change in things. My blood pressure has been high since my early 30's....thanks to my weight and genetics. Now, I'm starting to break bones (ankles, wrists, feet bones)...some just from stress and others by making a wrong turn. It's really sad when you have your own "cast man" and everyone at the orthopedic doctor knows you as a "regular."
I've been thinking about having the surgery for years. I was really nervous about telling my husband because I didn't think he would be supportive, but he surprised me and has been really supportive of my decision to go ahead with the surgery. I am nervous about telling my family and my friends. I have one friend who is a surgeon, and she's helping me on several levels. That is encouraging, and she assures me that I'm going to need a support system!
So, now, I'm waiting for my initial consult with a surgeon. (Haven't decided yet which surgeon I'm going with.) I have an appointment, but that may change if I go with another doctor. I'm excited and taking my vitamins and "iron"...getting my blood and my body ready for this change. I think everything is going to be OK, but I still have lingering doubts. I wish I could feel 100 percent calm....but I'm getting close.
Wish me luck!
Photo of my family and me (prior to my surgery):
Much, much later....in 2004...my journey continues....
I had surgery in Alabaster, at Shelby Baptist Hospital, on Tuesday, August 17, 2004. It was a very nice experience, as far as surgeries go. I have had several, so I can compare.
I was "first" in line that morning and arrived at the hospital at 5:15 a.m. I was taken back to the pre-op room around 7 a.m. and a chaplain and a nurse had prayer with me prior to surgery. That was very nice.
Surgery began around 8:30 a.m. and the OR kept my husband apprised of my condition. The surgery took about 2 hours (lap). I spent the first night in Intensive Care because of my sleep apnea, but they treated me like a queen. It was very good care.
I was shocked when about 6 hours after surgery, I was up walking with very little discomfort! It felt as if I had been doing some serious sit-ups, but there was no nausea and no vomiting....and I was NEVER hungry. But....I was terribly thirsty!
The nurse gave me sponge swabs to wet my mouth until I could take the "test" 24 hours post-op...to check for possible leaks. I passed that test (yea!) and was able to sip little cups of water every two hours.
Later that day, I was moved to a "regular" room where the care was good---but not as "intensive!" I had nice nurses who cared for me and the first shower felt really nice.
I was in the hospital just over 48 hours. I got to go home on Thursday morning and returned to work on Monday, August 30....just 14 days post-op.
I FEEL TERRIFIC! EVEN I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW GOOD I FEEL!
I've started back at Curves....working out 30-minutes a day, but I'm not doing any of the heavy lifting exercises. I can get back in the pool anytime now....and my life is pretty much back to normal, except that I'm down 15 pounds in just two weeks. Very nice! -from 286 to 271- Haven't lost a dress size yet, but my clothes are fitting very nicely!
I'm learning how to eat all over again, because foods that I once enjoyed so much are off my list! I miss Diet Cokes, but I'm enjoying the new non-carbonated diet beverages on the market! My eyes are definitely much bigger than my stomach, now! Ha! Ha!
Wish me luck!
9/2/04 - Day 17:
I've had another pretty good week. I'm down another two pounds to a total of 17! Today, when I got on the scales, I leaned into them hard to just make sure the needle on the scales wasn't playing tricks with me! It was a real, honest 17 pounds lost! Now down to 269----Yea! I'm in the "60's!"
I think it's kind of funny since I used to avoid scales altogether, and now I almost scramble out of the bed every morning to see if I've lost another pound! Of course, I don't lose a pound each and every day, but I am AVERAGING about a pound a day....so it all evens out.
I have not lost a dress size yet, but I can really tell that my 28s are starting to feel loose. I'm wearing a beautiful tunic top today that used to fit snug, and I was debating whether or not to take it up on the sides or give it to a friend....hummmmmmmmmm
Well, I'm meeting my husband for lunch today at Smokey Bones---the first time we've been out to eat without the children since my WLS on 8/17. Last night, we ate at Steak-N-Shake with the kids, and I had a cup of vegetable beef soup. It went down nicely and settled on my stomach OK....so I'll make a mental note: "Veggie Beef Soup = OK"
Naturally, I'm not quite over my Tuesday night egg casserole experience just yet (mentally). I haven't felt quite that bad since I tried to eat some mac and cheese last week. That was a disaster!
I'm told by my doctor's PA (my dear friend who helped with my surgery) that if I eat things that "plump," I can experience some discomfort. Undercooked pasta, some breads, beans....these are things that can "plump" in my stomach and really cause some pain and nausea. I'll have to watch out for those things.
I'm still living on string cheese, peanut butter, and diet Minute Maid lemonade and Crystal Light.....and Sonic's ice. I buy a big bag of ice from my local Sonic, take it home and divide it into smaller zip-lock bags. That way, everything I drink tastes special---like a Sonic Slush or Limeaid. The Sonic diet drinks are carbonated, so I can't have those yet. Sonic's ice is also good for mixing those protein drinks in the blender (yuck!)
Eating out is a real "new" adventure. I can control my intake at home so much better. At a restaurant, I am sure everything looks so good...and smells so wonderful....I hope I don't take one bite too many! Oops! That would make for a very uncomfortable afternoon at my office!
Wish me luck!
9/8/04 - Day 23
I'm still losing at a rate of about a pound-a-day. That's great! I am delighted! My clothes are starting to feel loose and I'm feeling more energetic.
I still eat a lot (well not a whole lot) of tuna salad and recently I re-introduced triscuits back into my diet! Oh! How I missed triscuits!
The "diet" instant breakfast drinks are to-date the best protein drink I have found. I bought some more today. My scars are healing nicely and my bruises are almost gone. I can tell a difference all over in how I look and how my clothes fit.
So far so good! My hair is not falling out! Protein! Protein! Protein! That's my cheer!
Still working out at Curves for Women also. Three times a week is working out great on my schedule. I did a little walking today at my office complex and even got a pair of walking shoes to keep under my desk for "walking emergencies..." where I just have so much more energy and must shake it out!!!
I know this is all just too good to be true. I am delighted, thrilled, all those good things. 'Can't wait until my old friends see me---who haven't seen me in a while. Boy! They'll sure notice a difference!
Wish me luck!
9/28/04 - Day 42
I have slowed down with my weight loss somewhat in the last couple of weeks. I am finally down 30 pounds from my pre-surgery weight, but I am seeing the inches really fly off!
Since going back to Curves for Women on August 29, I have lost FIVE (that's 5) inches in my hips! Wow! That's a whole bunch of butt! GONE!
I've also lost 2 ½ inches in each thigh and more inches here and there in other places, but I am really seeing some great results now.
Family members and friends have started to compliment me on my weight loss, and I told my mother this week that I especially love the compliments I get from men. They seem to hold a lot more sincerity than the general well-wishes from other women! Ladies, I think you know what I'm talking about?
I am keeping up with my Curves workouts at least 3 times a week. They really help me and keep me motivated.
With the stress of Hurricane Ivan a couple of weeks ago, I let one week of Curves workouts go, but I still worked hard to board up (before the storm) and clean up (after the storm)...and that exercise must have counted for something. After resuming my workouts, I have been able to let go of some of that post-traumatic stress from Ivan!
Food is still an adventure. Every bite is carefully taken. I can't eat too big a bite....I can't hold down fried foods at all....I don't dare eat anything sweet or high-fat....and quite honestly, as much as I love tuna salad, I may be growing tired of it.
Honestly, if I didn't think I'd faint from weakness, I would just never eat at all. I would keep a liquid diet all the time. It's the only thing, right now, that causes me no discomfort at all. Hopefully, I'll be able to get back to joyful eating one day, but for now, it's such a chore.
(sigh)
But, you know, it's worth it all to lose 5 inches off my hips! You should see me now!
Wish me luck!
10/11/04 - Day 56
I am going to have to stop counting how many "days" since the surgery and move on to weeks or months!
Yesterday was "Kids' Day" at our state fair in Montgomery, Alabama, and as always, I took our two children (ages 9 and 8) to the fair. For the first time in years and years, I was able to ride the fair rides with the children. We all had such a wonderful time, and I even rode the "Mega Drop" 6 times! What fun!
Not only do I have the stamina to keep going all day with the kids, I can finally "fit" into the ride seats comfortably! During the day, I ran into several friends who haven't seen me since before the surgery, and all of them commented on how great I looked---and asked if I had lost weight. I was delighted to tell them I was "working on it!"
The bottom line is that to date, I have lost 35 pounds total since my date-of-surgery weight. That is over 50 pounds since the first of 2004! Yea! So, of course, it would be noticeable to someone who hasn't seen me in a while.
My only problem....if you can call it that...is that I cannot hold down certain kinds of foods. I'm not getting "sick" but I am just simply not able to hold down things like Chinese Food....chicken and broccoli, and some other things. Making a mental note of these things is good, but I have decided that I had best stick with a liquid or soft diet for as long as possible to avoid uncomfortable incidences like these.
Fair food posed a unique question. What can I eat at the fair? Well....I found a vendor with sugar-free lemonade, and I enjoyed that. I had a slice of pizza in the middle of the day and later ate a little of my daughter's cotton candy.
In the evening, I ate a few of the kids' chili cheese fries, but they didn't really "do it" for me. I stopped before getting sick on those! But, to my delight, I really enjoyed a caramel apple later in the evening! It's one of life's guilty pleasures that I thought I would have to sacrifice post-op, but here I am today to say I loved it! Can't wait until next year, right?
Still the inches are coming off, even if the pounds have slowed down a bit. I have kept all my hair! I am working hard to firm up my arms and avoid the "bat wings" of loose skin. Every day, I wish it were all over and I were already at my goal weight....but patience has never been my strong point. I'll have to keep working at it!
But, I miss Chinese Food. I can hold the won ton soup or hot and sour soups down, so for at least the next few months, that will have to suffice. (sigh) Such a small sacrifice to have a better body, right?
Can you believe I rode the Fire Ball at the fair? I didn't even throw up afterward---although if I could have found a private place to do it, I would have considered it!
~Later!
10/18/04 - Two Months and a Day!
I am only one pound away from losing 40 pounds! Even after helping throw a baby shower yesterday, I was surprised to discover this morning that I had lost another pound!
Eating out is getting a little easier. Taking advantage of the "card" my surgeon gave me, I order off the children's menu when I can. At I Hop last Saturday, I ordered a side of (four) sausage links while dining out with my kids. The kids ate one each, and my daughter sacrificed one of her "silver dollar" pancakes for me. I had a pancake and two link sausages and a sip or two of water, and it all went down (and stayed down)! I was so excited, I couldn't wait to tell my husband later that afternoon!
Funny how little things like that can excite you so much.
At the baby shower yesterday, there was a nice fruit and cheese tray, which I "worked on." I did try the cake, but I didn't eat a whole piece. The high fat/high sugar just doesn't "feel good" in my stomach. I made a very low sugar punch to serve, and although it had carbonation from the diet ginger ale, it was very refreshing. The carbonation didn't bother me too much....I think it was just right.
Clothes are getting to be an adventure. I tried on jeans at Wal-Mart yesterday, and I have come down from a tight 28 to a loose 22. The size 22 jeans hung off my butt and were baggy in the legs, but my waist isn't small enough yet for 20's. I held off on those jeans. I may have to seek a style of jeans that is not "relaxed." My "natural" body shape is not like the shape of a pair of relaxed-fit jeans!
However, also at Wal-Mart yesterday I found on the clearance rack a pair of 16's with elastic in the waist. They fit great in the legs and not so great in the hips. But I got them anyway, since I am continuing to lose....and I will need them one day in a pinch, and then I'll have them already in my closet. Not a bad $7 investment.
I MUST get in my closet tonight and clean it out! I have tons of "too big" clothes to give away and share. What a wonderful "problem" to have!
My personal "goal" was to lose 40 pounds before my first 3-month check up with my surgeon. I'm just a pound away from that goal, and there is a real possibility that I may lose 10 more pounds before my Thanksgiving-time checkup. Won't a 50-pound loss make my surgeon and his staff happy? It would me!
Wish me luck!
11/7/04 - 10 Days shy of 3 months!
I am down 43 pounds this week. It's a terrific feeling. I have now cleaned out my closet and WOW---I had a lot of clothes to give away!
I still would like very much to lose another 7 pounds before I go back to the doctor for my 3 month post-op check up. I may not make that, but it is OK. I already feel like I have done the best I can.
I look so much better----and I FEEL so much better! Wow! That's goal enough for me! I'll write again in a few days.....around my 3 month "anniversary!"
November 17, 2004 - Exactly 3 months today!
I’ve waited to post on this date even though I saw my physician’s assistant (and my best friend) last week in Birmingham. She said everything was looking great—and gave me my B12 shot and talked with me about some other stuff. Mostly routine, but I really enjoyed our visit.
Today, I am officially 240 pounds! Wow! I am so excited! This means I’ve lost 46 pounds since the day of surgery, and I feel fantastic! I can finally see my goal in sight—not only on my scales, but in my heart and head as well! I think I can really reach it now!
I keep saying I want to weigh 135 pounds again....even if it is just for a couple of days. I weighed that in high school, and it would be nice to “see it” again, but I know my realistic weight goal should be between 150-160 pounds. I will strive to reach 135 and then if I think it’s too thin.......then I will let it settle in a better place!
Anyway....I’m working on losing my bat-wing arms right now. I’m trying some new exercises that my PA told me about last week at my check-up. I’m already thinking about swimsuit season....and for the first time in YEARS....I’m looking forward to it!
I have enjoyed the August 2004 post board on this website so much. I get so much support and advice from others who had their surgeries about the same time as me.
Oh! I didn’t even mention that I have lost 12 pants sizes!!! I’ve gone from a 28 (or 3X) to a size 16 (or XL) in many pants and skirts! I am still losing inches and pounds from my hips, stomach, and legs, although that stubborn fat on my lower abdomen seems to want to stay. It’s hard to work on that.
My top size losses haven’t been as dramatic, though. I have lost to an XL in some things, but I tend to be very “busty,” and so I will see a less dramatic effect here, I suspect. Some 2X and 3X’s are still fitting up top, but I’ve now officially given away 99 percent of my wardrobe and still have a closet full of clothes!
I’m hanging on to my size 24 coat for one more winter, and there are a couple of 4X sweaters I bought last year that I just can’t part with yet. I love them so much! So what.....sweaters are supposed to be bulky, right?
LOL
I’ll check in with everyone later.....maybe around Christmastime, OK? Hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season!
~Laura
December 2, 2004 - 3 ½ months post-op
I finally broke the 50-pound barrier last week, and I'm down 55 pounds total as of this morning! It feels so great to be getting slimmer!
My husband takes a front and side-view photo of me each month and we have fun comparing them from the first shots taken back in August. It's a really big difference, and I know with another 50 pounds or more....the difference will be even more dramatic!
Because I have been so faithful with working out at Curves, I haven't had a problem with sagging skin. That's a relief! It makes me want to work out even harder to avoid that problem down the road.
I am getting ready for a big job interview in Chicago on December 14. I am so excited! I've bought a new suit and shoes and got my hair cut and highlighted today. I have to keep studying for my interview and be prepared emotionally and mentally to go in there an "wow" them! I cannot wait!
I'll write back after that big day and catch everyone up on my progress. If I don't get this job, then my family and I begin building our dream house in January. Either way, I can't lose!
Great days are ahead! I am so thankful to God for giving me the courage to go through with the WLS and guidance to pursue my dreams. He's also given me a wonderful family and supportive friends. What more could a girl possibly want or need?
Wish me luck on the interview!
~Laura
December 15, 2004
The interview in Chicago went really well. I hope I will hear something next week---either way about the position I interviewed for. In many ways, I really want this job. What an opportunity to try to make a difference in what I love to do! In other ways, I would really be sad to be away from my family for 6 months while I would be away in Chicago. But I know we could visit each other, and being together would be so much sweeter.
Anyway, besides all that, and fitting in the airline seats and looking great in my suit----I'm feeling fine. I need a new car.....but no amount of weight loss can help me in that department! Ha! Ha!
I went to see my neurologist today for my sleep apnea check-up. I've been off my machine for several weeks, but the doctor has prescribed it to be kicked down a couple of pressure points. It should be better for me now. My doctor was very impressed with my weight loss. He said in about 6 months, I may not need to have my machine at all!
Only 28 pounds to go before reaching the 100's! I really can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I really think I can reach my goal!
later...
Monday, December 20
I didn't get the job in Chicago. The call came last Friday morning and I have felt terribly disappointed at having lost the opportunity to do this. But, life goes on, and I have a very good life indeed.
I'm just a pound away from my 60-pound "goal" before Christmas. It is beginning to be apparent to me that others are noticing big changes----and the compliments are flowing! I get a kick out of those people who do a "double-take" or don't recognize me right away. It is a hoot!
[IMG]
~~~
Happy New Year 2005!
Sunday, January 2, 2005: I haven't gained any weight during the holidays, but I sure haven't lost any either! I am growing weary of all the snack foods in the house, and really can't wait until I get back on my regular eating and exercise routine.
Today, I rode bikes with my family through the neighborhood for about an hour. It felt good to be outside in the warm, January 2 Alabama winter weather! Even my husband commented how proud he was of my ability to endure the long bike ride.
Tomorrow, I am looking forward to going back to work. The kids don't go back until Tuesday, but my husband is off work tomorrow and will stay home with the kids and give me a chance to return to work....after being off with the kids for two weeks!
(whew!)
I miss my regular Curves for Women workouts....I miss my quiet office.....and I miss seeing the pounds falling off! Sure, my pants are getting baggy (again), and it seems that I may have to get some smaller workout pants (again) soon, but I do hope to see those pounds coming off in the near future.
I really want to get under 200 pounds soon. It won't happen by my birthday (on the 19th), but I do hope I can get under 220 by then! I'll let that be my next, small goal.
~~~
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Discovered this morning that I had lost a whole pound! Could this be the end of a 5-week plateau? I SURE HOPE SO!
I hope I see another pound gone tomorrow or in the next few days, at least. I'm so tired of the 220's!!!! I'm ready to get into the 210's and 200's....and then into the great and wonderful 100's!!!!
It will be a while before I make the "century club" mark, but I am excited about that possibility! I've got less than 90 pounds left to make my lowest goal, and I never thought I'd see the light at the end of the tunnel! Yea!
Feeling great still.....and I think my hair loss has slowed down a bit. Well, at least I hope so.
More later....
~Laura
Saturday, January 22, 2005
I had my 41st birthday last week on Wednesday. What started out to be a "not-so-great" day ended up really nice. My family and I met my three friends from Birmingham at a Steak 'n Shake restaurant in Prattville. We exchanged gifts and had a nice time---especially with one of the girl's new baby boy. Seeing my husband with a newborn baby again---well, that was all the birthday present any girl could want! Steve sent me roses that afternoon at my office too---so it was a great day after all.
Yesterday was kind of a hard day. My former boss lost his wife to cancer this week, and her funeral was Friday morning near Nashville, Tennessee. Steve and I pulled the kids out of school on Friday and drove up Thursday night to the town where the funeral was and stayed in a motel. I'm glad we went, but it is very hard to let go of someone who loved life as much as this woman did. She even has an orphanage in the Congo of Africa named after her! Boy, did she love children....and she loved my children too. I'm still very blue over her loss.
Pound for pound, I guess I'm still losing it. Yesterday, getting dressed for the funeral, I was surprised that the skirt of the suit that I had bought for the interview in Chicago last month was almost so big that it slipped off my hips. I was tempted to rummage for a big safety pin to hold it up, but I managed to keep my jacket buttoned all day, and it hid the fact that I was about to lose my skirt at any minute!
So, all that is to say that while I've been blue about this horrible plateau that I've been in for over a month, I'm still losing inches! Good---good---good thing.
My appetite has increased somewhat, although I still don't eat more than I need to at any sitting. I know what my "pouch" will hold, and I also know that if I stuff one more bite than it can take, it will all come back to haunt me! This head cold is another thing that is driving me crazy. I'm just staying home today....resting and watching television and drinking tomato soup....trying to heal and get over this thing.
Monday of next week would have been my father's 69th birthday. He died almost 10 years ago of colon cancer after a lifetime of struggling with obesity. I know if he were alive today, he would be so proud of me for taking off so much of this weight. He knows---as does my mother---how being so overweight can affect you in all aspects of your life. I'm thankful for the time I had with my father, but I still miss him every day. No amount of time will heal that sorrow.
Maybe I'll be more upbeat the next time I post. I'll be back at Curves again next week----hopefully not sick any more and at the very least ready to break out of this plateau. It's coming off....but oh, so slowly!
~Laura
February 2, 2005
I had a wonderful weekend at the beach last weekend with two longtime friends, Melissa and Lynn. On our way home from the beach, what was turning out to be a relaxing drive home became a horrible wreck just north of Luverne, Alabama, on Highway 331.
A pickup truck pulled out in front of my friend, Lynn, who was driving her 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. When Lynn pulled to the far right side of her lane to avoid hitting the pickup truck, she applied the brakes and the Santa Fe went sliding on the wet road right into the back of a parked 18 wheeler tractor/trailer...sitting on the side of the road, across from a Texaco gasoline station.
The driver of the pickup that caused our accident drove away without stopping to see if we were OK. By God's Grace, we walked away from the accident, but I am pretty bruised on my ribs where the seatbelt caught me.
I was sitting in the front, passenger side of the vehicle, and the air bags deployed. It was a miracle that we walked away from this wreck!
Anyway, I am feeling good, and I have to say that being healthy and losing weight and working out regularly was of great benefit to me in this accident. Angels were really watching over us, and they did their jobs well.....and besides some really sore ribs and muscles, I am unharmed. What a miracle!
February 13, 2005 -- Two weeks after the accident!
I'm still very sore after the automobile accident two weeks ago. My rib cage was so bruised, and I am sure I will never wear my seat belt the "wrong way" again! The stabilizer muscles in my rib cage are what are giving me grief right now. Feels like a knife stabbing me in my ribs every time I lay down or turn over in bed....or make left-hand turns in the car as a passenger. Strange.
Anyway, I've been back at Curves for a week now. Walking is helpful....and I can take deep breaths again. Good thing! I am still not over the bruises----or the thoughts of the wreck and the PTSD that goes with such a "near death" experience, but that will subside in time, I know.
Still thankful to be alive. Looking forward to Valentine's Day tomorrow!
~Laura
March 8, 2005
Still a little sore in the ribs from the automobile accident! But, things are getting much better. The scales started moving down again....and I am so happy about that.
I have just about shrunk down from my "second" wardrobe....and I am glad spring is almost here! Now, I can start thinking about new spring and summer clothes! Yea! There will probably be a third wardrobe before the final one....but we will have to see.
Things are going great. I'm down a (solid) 70 pounds now. I am eating fine. But not too many sweets....and I stay away from fried foods altogether. My brother called tonight to tell me he heard from Cahaba Valley Surgical Associates, and he has his initial consult on March 18! I am so excited for him!!!
Maybe, he can schedule his surgery to happen right after school gets out (he's a teacher.) I just pray everything goes as smoothly for him as it has for me!
I'll check back when I have more to report!
~Laura
April 4, 2005
Only a couple of pounds more lost since my last report, which brings me to minus 72 pounds. Not bad, but I am so ready to break this "plateau" that I feel that I am on....and get under 200 pounds!
After that, I'll work on the last 40 pounds but I have to set my goals short and sweet....attainable!
On the bright side, I still believe I am losing inches. My lower abdomen is starting to show signs of shrinkage...and my upper abdomen is really flattening! I can finally see my waist...and my belly button is on a somewhat flat stomach. Still, there is so much body re-shaping to do....and I have worked so hard to avoid needing plastic surgery.
But, I do wish I could lose the rest of this weight as fast as I lost the first 50 pounds!!!
Ribs from the accident are still a tiny bit sore....and that is surprising to me, since I thought I would be totally over the accident by now. Psychologically, I am doing much better. The PTSD has weaned a little bit, and with the exception of my husband's propensity for tailgating other drivers in the rain....I am doing fine.
I have had some "Wow!" moments lately. A few people are pretty blunt, but most seem to almost swoon when they see me for the first time! I have to agree, the change is dramatic! I do like all the changes, and I like the compliments, but I don't always choose to tell EVERYONE I meet that I had the surgery.
If I choose not to, I just quickly say that I've been dieting and exercising. That is true....and if it is not a whole truth, then it's not a whole lie either. I don't feel that guilty...because it is my body (not theirs), and I don't owe anyone an explanation for my actions.
Did they ask me how I got so fat before I had the surgery? No way! That would be rude!
So......then why do people seem to get so caught up in a dramatic weight loss? Hummm......Sure, I get excited for others who do it, but I don't dwell on HOW they did it. No matter what they're doing....they must be doing something right!
Kudos to everyone who can shed these heavy, excess pounds! I'll write again.....and hopefully, I will be closer to getting to my next goal (being under 200 pounds) by then.
~Laura
_______________________________________________________
April 20, 2005
My efforts a couple of weeks ago to break my plateau have paid off! In the last 6 weeks, I've managed to bring it down another 12 pounds, and the inches are still coming off (measure and weigh-in at Curves).
I went to a conference in Albuquerque, NM, last week, and I saw hundreds of women I've known for over a decade. Jaws dropped and people came up to me and hugged me, whispered how great I looked, told me all kinds of wonderful things....and it boosted my self-esteem.
Sure, I notice the difference when I feel my skin. I feel bones where I did not a few months ago. I see a big difference in my clothes and the way they fit. I am not embarrassed by my wardrobe anymore....nor do I dread going into my closet in the morning to "pick out" an outfit to wear.
Oh, the long flight out west was terrific! I had no problem getting in my seat and climbing over the others on the row in coach a few times. They didn't seem to be "annoyed by the fat woman" on their row. When clicking my seatbelt, I even got to cinch it up a few inches! Can you believe it? I still cannot----because I still think about asking for a seat belt extension when I am boarding the plane. (sigh) Will I ever forget those days?
I saw some old photos of myself at the conference last week, and it is hard to believe I look so different. Every opportunity to try something new is a blessing. I even went hot air balloon riding on Sunday....floating over Albuquerque for about an hour in a giant balloon with 7 other people. Another "life list" thing to do checked off!
Having a good week, and I am only 6 pounds away to being under 200 pounds.....which I haven't seen since 1988. Looking forward to that, and I'll post again when it happens. (whew!) Can't wait!
~Laura
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Sunday, June 12, 2005
Well...I am finally under the magic number....under 200 pounds! It feels great, but in a way, it is rather anti-climatic. I still feel great....I just fit in a clothes a little bit better than 10 pounds ago. But, since I am my own worst critic of my body, I still think I need to lose another 35 or 40 pounds.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether or not I can do that, but the weight still continues to come down....albeit very, very slowly. That's alright, though. I am happy with things this way.
Now that I am weighing 198, I promised myself a nice hour-long massage. I'll have to schedule that for later this week. Vacation is right around the corner for me, and I want to do some pampering before I get to Universal Studios and visit my old friends. It should be a wonderful time to catch up and talk about the "old times" with some great old friends.
I was offered a new job about 2 weeks ago---still with the same "company," but just a different set of responsibilities. I will be able to do the work from a home office and it involves some global travel. The benefits are much better, and I am very excited about this opportunity. It is a real blessing, and several months ago, I would not have known this could even be possible! Everyone says it is a miracle, and I have to agree.
My kids are at summer camp right now, and all is well. I have a lot of blessings to be thankful for----lots of wonderful friends, old and new----and a loving family. Hope to update again when I get near my one-year surgery anniversary in August.
~Laura
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July 3, 2005
I just survived two weeks of vacation! Wow! My first major vacation since WLS...
The first week was great! I drove down to Orlando with my friend (the one in from the wreck), and we met our old friend from Miami and her 14-year old daughter for a fun-filled week of Universal Studio's Island of Adventure Theme Park! Of course, I rode EVERYTHING----more than once! Some rides I did as many as 7 times! I felt like a teenager again!!!
I never really felt that tired....and I loved all the walking, despite an annoying broken pinky toe! (ugh)
It was a terrific get-away week and a great time to escape the everyday world and reunite with old friends....and relive old memories.
The second week of vacation was spent with my elementary-aged children. I was a volunteer-counselor at an elementary church camp in South Alabama (Blue Lake Camp.) I worked at this camp as a permanent staff counselor in 1981, when I was just 17, and now I realize why teenagers make the best counselors.....
.....they have the stamina to keep up with the kids week after week!
I loved it....helping out with about 100+ campers, 10 in my own cabin, one being my own daughter! Whew! It was hot, and we walked, and we walked, and swam, and ate camp food, and (did mention we walked?) And it was fun!
Crafts, skits, songs, dancing, all the camp stuff! I felt great (albeit tired) when I got home.
My husband is coming home tonight after a week visiting his brother in West Texas. It's a 17-hour drive for him (I don't envy it at all!), and it makes my 9-hour drive to Orlando seem short in comparison.
Tomorrow, on the 4th of July, we'll get together with some old friends and cook out and "do" some fireworks! Should be fun!!!
I'll "check in" again with my post at my one-year anniversary, around August 17.
~Laura
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Wednesday, August 17, 2005 ***ONE YEAR TODAY!!!***
I have a very hard time believing it's been a whole year today. Happy Anniversary! I feel like telling the whole world, and yet I still think this whole journey has commanded a level of privacy. One thing I have learned in a year is that this surgery is very life-changing. That's an understatement.
It is not for everyone, but it worked---and is still working----for me.
I can eat "regular foods," although I have a terrilble experience each time I eat Chinese food. So, I have decided not to eat it again. I'll just have the soup from now on.
Fried foods and fatty, sweet foods.....in extreme moderation. I might have a nibble of fried chicken here and there, or a bite of a doughnut or cake or maybe a cookie here and there, but that's it. I don't want the nausea that comes with the dumping syndrome.
Wine and beer in moderation. Only one or two glasses, TOPS!
I should be getting more protein and more water daily, but oh how I love my Diet Cokes! I have tried to cut back, but I guess everyone has to have a vice, right?
Well, I am down 96 pounds in my first year. I still have 34 to go to get to my goal of 160. I think that the slow weight loss is just fine. I have some sagging of skin, but it is not really that bad. I probably won't be having any plastic surgery to correct it. Proper fitting clothes and a good girdle have worked wonders for me! Ha! Ha!
My hair is fine. No more significant hair loss. My nails and teeth are fine. The ONLY medical concerns are the slight problem with the electrical system of my heart and a slight imbalance with my thyroid. The latter can be controlled with proper diet and increased calcium intake. I try to eat at least one yogurt every day, sometimes two.
Well. It's a good report. I am happy. I have gone from being heavy....and feeling heavy....to being much, much lighter and feeling great. I have much more energy. I feel younger. I feel happy and I hope that is reflected in my face.
I have a new job that I love. I am very satisfied with the replacement that was hired at my old job of 17 years. She's going to be perfect! Our family has a new house that is great....and currently is getting a complete makeover (thanks to my brother-in-law and father-in-law and other family members!)
For those of you reading this "blog," I hope I have brought a little insight or comfort to you. I will continue to check up from time to time, although not as frequently as the first year, and keep you up-to-date on my progress.
Good luck to you in your journey!
Love, Laura
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Happy New Year 2006! January 3, 2006
I'm doing really great, although I haven't lost much weight in the last few months. I am holding steady at around 185 pounds, and that seems to be working for me. I would LOVE to lost another 20, but it is going to continue to be a struggle for me.
I stay busy with work and mostly with family matters.....it's a full-time job! We have a new puppy too, and that makes life all the more fun!
Everything is going great. Thought I would update the photos a little to give you a peek at how I'm doing. Good luck to everyone!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/lauraj64/lauraface.jpg
Oh by the way! My brother has been approved and will probably get his surgery done in mid March of this year! I cannot wait!
~Laura
P.S. Here's my new driver's license photo. It may be the only time I've ever been really happy with my photo!
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March 31, 2006
My brother, Rodney, had RNY surgery on March 14 at the same hospital in Alabaster where I had my surgery. Same surgical team also! (You go, Sheryll!)
But, his surgery was not the walk-in-the-park that mine was. His was done laparoscopically like mine, but that's where the similarities end. His took four hours to complete....with several technical difficulties (i.e. leaks) along the way. In fact, he had to be operated on in an upright position, which I didn't know surgeons could do. But they did, and Rod was in the hospital two different times after surgery.
After the first stay, he went home to recover and then his drain came out a little early while he was outside walking. A day or two later, he was still leaking fluids through the hole and there was an odor to the fluid, and it looked greenish. He was also running a slight fever.
The doctors had him back in the hospital the next morning! He stayed for almost another 5 days, on intravenous fluids, and he hated every minute of it. But now, he is able to be home and stays on clear liquids. He may be able to return to work next Monday----almost 3 weeks after surgery! Wow!
He feels much better. The doctors say that he had developed a "bubble" in his new stomach pouch. That was causing the pain and the back-wash in his bowels. He is on the mend and has lost an incredible amount of weight in just a very short time! He says he can already see his stomach shrinking....and everyone else who sees him has to agree! The incredible shrinking man!
Well...I'm doing fine just over 19 months after my surgery. My weight doesn't seem to be budging any more, and I'm just trying to keep it around 185. I stopped going to Curves, and I miss it. I need to incorporate a daily walk into my routine, but I have to be diligent and find the time for it. I must make the time.
My health is good, and I am looking forward to making some trips in a few weeks: Pasadena, California; Varna, Bulgaria, and Edinburgh, Scotland. I will miss my family for about three weeks, but I am really excited about seeing new places and old and new faces! What fun!
A big shout out to my good friend, L.E.---you know who you are, who also had the surgery and is doing fine. She said that she read my "blog" here and it gave her encouragement. I'm so happy to have helped you make this decision. For me, it has been one of the best things I have ever done for my self and my family.
~Laura
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May 2006. Photos from my vacation in Edinburgh, Scotland! I had a wonderful time visiting my pen pal of 30+ years. I was made to feel like I was family coming home!
What a wonderful experience. The scenery really is all that beautiful, the people were warm and friendly, and the food actually exceeded my expectations. I even tried haggis! And it was actually pretty good!
My brother is doing really great now. He's lost about 50 pounds in two months, and he said just today that his energy has just kicked in. He's feeling fantastic! He's shrinking right before my eyes!
I FINALLY went to get that hour-long massage I have been putting off for about a year. It was heavenly! I feel so pampered.....and I was NOT embarrassed to expose my body (parts) for a massage. What a new experience for me.
Now if I can just lose these last stubborn pounds! I never thought it would be so hard to get these last 20 pounds off!!! I can feel my hip bones, but I still have saddle-bags on my thighs and hips and my stomach is "puffy" with padding that I don't want. Plus I think I could lose another 20 pounds and NOT look emaciated. After that, I think I will be done.
Can I do it??? Wish me luck! ~Laura
Here are some photos of me in Bulgaria, on the Black Sea...just before my trip to Scotland!
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August 15, 2006
It's been almost two years since my August 17, 2004, surgery that changed my life forever. Sometimes, I think that our kids cannot remember me "before." Then my 10-year old daughter puts her arms around my waist and smiles a wide smile, and it reminds me how far I have come. She just remembers that there was a day when she couldn't do that.....but I don't think she remembers how I suffered with the heaviness of all the weight I used to carry. (ugh!)
For her 10th birthday, I took my daughter and two of her little friends to a local water theme park. When I went with them to slide down a huge water slide, I hit the back of my head on the slide and got a major concussion. There's about an hour of time I cannot account for, and my daughter had enough wisdom to call my husband and take me to the first aid center.
A couple of days later, I went to my doctor who has ordered x-rays and a CT scan. I'll know more in a few days, I guess, but I think everything will be alright in time. It just may take a little time to heal completely.
Naturally, my doctor chided me (again) for not going to the emergency room for an immediate x-ray. It's becoming a pattern, I suppose. I think that from now on, I---as a middle-aged woman----should never do anything that has a black diamond associated with it.
This means Black Diamond activities = younger people, not me.
There are a lot of fun things in life left to do, but maybe not those things that are so thrilling that I can get brain damage from! Right?
Oh! My brother is down about 114 pounds since March of this year. He is doing so great with his weight loss----and he hardly looks at all like the same person. I am thrilled for him!
~Laura
My progress.....
Photos
0 comments
I am a 38 year old mother of two adopted children. My entire family, including my husband of 16 years, are obese. I have struggled with it for a long time---almost my entire life. My mother had WLS in 1980 (when she was 43) to help her lose about 100 pounds, but they don't do that procedure anymore on people. She was one of the lucky ones who survived it, and I believe it has allowed her to live this long, where she would have died from some weight-related illness before. I always hoped I could avoid that route, but here I am---finding myself walking in her same shoes.
Of course, I've tried all the diets. Some are better than others, but none of them help you keep the weight off. When my weight came back on, it always brought "friends" along, and each time I had a success, I back-slid with more weight gain than when I actually started. Now, I'm at a point where my good health is in jeopardy.
In the spring of 2001, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and although it's been under control with diet and medication, I can't say that I've really lost any weight or see a change in things. My blood pressure has been high since my early 30's....thanks to my weight and genetics. Now, I'm starting to break bones (ankles, wrists, feet bones)...some just from stress and others by making a wrong turn. It's really sad when you have your own "cast man" and everyone at the orthopedic doctor knows you as a "regular."
I've been thinking about having the surgery for years. I was really nervous about telling my husband because I didn't think he would be supportive, but he surprised me and has been really supportive of my decision to go ahead with the surgery. I am nervous about telling my family and my friends. I have one friend who is a surgeon, and she's helping me on several levels. That is encouraging, and she assures me that I'm going to need a support system!
So, now, I'm waiting for my initial consult with a surgeon. (Haven't decided yet which surgeon I'm going with.) I have an appointment, but that may change if I go with another doctor. I'm excited and taking my vitamins and "iron"...getting my blood and my body ready for this change. I think everything is going to be OK, but I still have lingering doubts. I wish I could feel 100 percent calm....but I'm getting close.
Wish me luck!
Photo of my family and me (prior to my surgery):
Much, much later....in 2004...my journey continues....
I had surgery in Alabaster, at Shelby Baptist Hospital, on Tuesday, August 17, 2004. It was a very nice experience, as far as surgeries go. I have had several, so I can compare.
I was "first" in line that morning and arrived at the hospital at 5:15 a.m. I was taken back to the pre-op room around 7 a.m. and a chaplain and a nurse had prayer with me prior to surgery. That was very nice.
Surgery began around 8:30 a.m. and the OR kept my husband apprised of my condition. The surgery took about 2 hours (lap). I spent the first night in Intensive Care because of my sleep apnea, but they treated me like a queen. It was very good care.
I was shocked when about 6 hours after surgery, I was up walking with very little discomfort! It felt as if I had been doing some serious sit-ups, but there was no nausea and no vomiting....and I was NEVER hungry. But....I was terribly thirsty!
The nurse gave me sponge swabs to wet my mouth until I could take the "test" 24 hours post-op...to check for possible leaks. I passed that test (yea!) and was able to sip little cups of water every two hours.
Later that day, I was moved to a "regular" room where the care was good---but not as "intensive!" I had nice nurses who cared for me and the first shower felt really nice.
I was in the hospital just over 48 hours. I got to go home on Thursday morning and returned to work on Monday, August 30....just 14 days post-op.
I FEEL TERRIFIC! EVEN I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW GOOD I FEEL!
I've started back at Curves....working out 30-minutes a day, but I'm not doing any of the heavy lifting exercises. I can get back in the pool anytime now....and my life is pretty much back to normal, except that I'm down 15 pounds in just two weeks. Very nice! -from 286 to 271- Haven't lost a dress size yet, but my clothes are fitting very nicely!
I'm learning how to eat all over again, because foods that I once enjoyed so much are off my list! I miss Diet Cokes, but I'm enjoying the new non-carbonated diet beverages on the market! My eyes are definitely much bigger than my stomach, now! Ha! Ha!
Wish me luck!
9/2/04 - Day 17:
I've had another pretty good week. I'm down another two pounds to a total of 17! Today, when I got on the scales, I leaned into them hard to just make sure the needle on the scales wasn't playing tricks with me! It was a real, honest 17 pounds lost! Now down to 269----Yea! I'm in the "60's!"
I think it's kind of funny since I used to avoid scales altogether, and now I almost scramble out of the bed every morning to see if I've lost another pound! Of course, I don't lose a pound each and every day, but I am AVERAGING about a pound a day....so it all evens out.
I have not lost a dress size yet, but I can really tell that my 28s are starting to feel loose. I'm wearing a beautiful tunic top today that used to fit snug, and I was debating whether or not to take it up on the sides or give it to a friend....hummmmmmmmmm
Well, I'm meeting my husband for lunch today at Smokey Bones---the first time we've been out to eat without the children since my WLS on 8/17. Last night, we ate at Steak-N-Shake with the kids, and I had a cup of vegetable beef soup. It went down nicely and settled on my stomach OK....so I'll make a mental note: "Veggie Beef Soup = OK"
Naturally, I'm not quite over my Tuesday night egg casserole experience just yet (mentally). I haven't felt quite that bad since I tried to eat some mac and cheese last week. That was a disaster!
I'm told by my doctor's PA (my dear friend who helped with my surgery) that if I eat things that "plump," I can experience some discomfort. Undercooked pasta, some breads, beans....these are things that can "plump" in my stomach and really cause some pain and nausea. I'll have to watch out for those things.
I'm still living on string cheese, peanut butter, and diet Minute Maid lemonade and Crystal Light.....and Sonic's ice. I buy a big bag of ice from my local Sonic, take it home and divide it into smaller zip-lock bags. That way, everything I drink tastes special---like a Sonic Slush or Limeaid. The Sonic diet drinks are carbonated, so I can't have those yet. Sonic's ice is also good for mixing those protein drinks in the blender (yuck!)
Eating out is a real "new" adventure. I can control my intake at home so much better. At a restaurant, I am sure everything looks so good...and smells so wonderful....I hope I don't take one bite too many! Oops! That would make for a very uncomfortable afternoon at my office!
Wish me luck!
9/8/04 - Day 23
I'm still losing at a rate of about a pound-a-day. That's great! I am delighted! My clothes are starting to feel loose and I'm feeling more energetic.
I still eat a lot (well not a whole lot) of tuna salad and recently I re-introduced triscuits back into my diet! Oh! How I missed triscuits!
The "diet" instant breakfast drinks are to-date the best protein drink I have found. I bought some more today. My scars are healing nicely and my bruises are almost gone. I can tell a difference all over in how I look and how my clothes fit.
So far so good! My hair is not falling out! Protein! Protein! Protein! That's my cheer!
Still working out at Curves for Women also. Three times a week is working out great on my schedule. I did a little walking today at my office complex and even got a pair of walking shoes to keep under my desk for "walking emergencies..." where I just have so much more energy and must shake it out!!!
I know this is all just too good to be true. I am delighted, thrilled, all those good things. 'Can't wait until my old friends see me---who haven't seen me in a while. Boy! They'll sure notice a difference!
Wish me luck!
9/28/04 - Day 42
I have slowed down with my weight loss somewhat in the last couple of weeks. I am finally down 30 pounds from my pre-surgery weight, but I am seeing the inches really fly off!
Since going back to Curves for Women on August 29, I have lost FIVE (that's 5) inches in my hips! Wow! That's a whole bunch of butt! GONE!
I've also lost 2 ½ inches in each thigh and more inches here and there in other places, but I am really seeing some great results now.
Family members and friends have started to compliment me on my weight loss, and I told my mother this week that I especially love the compliments I get from men. They seem to hold a lot more sincerity than the general well-wishes from other women! Ladies, I think you know what I'm talking about?
I am keeping up with my Curves workouts at least 3 times a week. They really help me and keep me motivated.
With the stress of Hurricane Ivan a couple of weeks ago, I let one week of Curves workouts go, but I still worked hard to board up (before the storm) and clean up (after the storm)...and that exercise must have counted for something. After resuming my workouts, I have been able to let go of some of that post-traumatic stress from Ivan!
Food is still an adventure. Every bite is carefully taken. I can't eat too big a bite....I can't hold down fried foods at all....I don't dare eat anything sweet or high-fat....and quite honestly, as much as I love tuna salad, I may be growing tired of it.
Honestly, if I didn't think I'd faint from weakness, I would just never eat at all. I would keep a liquid diet all the time. It's the only thing, right now, that causes me no discomfort at all. Hopefully, I'll be able to get back to joyful eating one day, but for now, it's such a chore.
(sigh)
But, you know, it's worth it all to lose 5 inches off my hips! You should see me now!
Wish me luck!
10/11/04 - Day 56
I am going to have to stop counting how many "days" since the surgery and move on to weeks or months!
Yesterday was "Kids' Day" at our state fair in Montgomery, Alabama, and as always, I took our two children (ages 9 and 8) to the fair. For the first time in years and years, I was able to ride the fair rides with the children. We all had such a wonderful time, and I even rode the "Mega Drop" 6 times! What fun!
Not only do I have the stamina to keep going all day with the kids, I can finally "fit" into the ride seats comfortably! During the day, I ran into several friends who haven't seen me since before the surgery, and all of them commented on how great I looked---and asked if I had lost weight. I was delighted to tell them I was "working on it!"
The bottom line is that to date, I have lost 35 pounds total since my date-of-surgery weight. That is over 50 pounds since the first of 2004! Yea! So, of course, it would be noticeable to someone who hasn't seen me in a while.
My only problem....if you can call it that...is that I cannot hold down certain kinds of foods. I'm not getting "sick" but I am just simply not able to hold down things like Chinese Food....chicken and broccoli, and some other things. Making a mental note of these things is good, but I have decided that I had best stick with a liquid or soft diet for as long as possible to avoid uncomfortable incidences like these.
Fair food posed a unique question. What can I eat at the fair? Well....I found a vendor with sugar-free lemonade, and I enjoyed that. I had a slice of pizza in the middle of the day and later ate a little of my daughter's cotton candy.
In the evening, I ate a few of the kids' chili cheese fries, but they didn't really "do it" for me. I stopped before getting sick on those! But, to my delight, I really enjoyed a caramel apple later in the evening! It's one of life's guilty pleasures that I thought I would have to sacrifice post-op, but here I am today to say I loved it! Can't wait until next year, right?
Still the inches are coming off, even if the pounds have slowed down a bit. I have kept all my hair! I am working hard to firm up my arms and avoid the "bat wings" of loose skin. Every day, I wish it were all over and I were already at my goal weight....but patience has never been my strong point. I'll have to keep working at it!
But, I miss Chinese Food. I can hold the won ton soup or hot and sour soups down, so for at least the next few months, that will have to suffice. (sigh) Such a small sacrifice to have a better body, right?
Can you believe I rode the Fire Ball at the fair? I didn't even throw up afterward---although if I could have found a private place to do it, I would have considered it!
~Later!
10/18/04 - Two Months and a Day!
I am only one pound away from losing 40 pounds! Even after helping throw a baby shower yesterday, I was surprised to discover this morning that I had lost another pound!
Eating out is getting a little easier. Taking advantage of the "card" my surgeon gave me, I order off the children's menu when I can. At I Hop last Saturday, I ordered a side of (four) sausage links while dining out with my kids. The kids ate one each, and my daughter sacrificed one of her "silver dollar" pancakes for me. I had a pancake and two link sausages and a sip or two of water, and it all went down (and stayed down)! I was so excited, I couldn't wait to tell my husband later that afternoon!
Funny how little things like that can excite you so much.
At the baby shower yesterday, there was a nice fruit and cheese tray, which I "worked on." I did try the cake, but I didn't eat a whole piece. The high fat/high sugar just doesn't "feel good" in my stomach. I made a very low sugar punch to serve, and although it had carbonation from the diet ginger ale, it was very refreshing. The carbonation didn't bother me too much....I think it was just right.
Clothes are getting to be an adventure. I tried on jeans at Wal-Mart yesterday, and I have come down from a tight 28 to a loose 22. The size 22 jeans hung off my butt and were baggy in the legs, but my waist isn't small enough yet for 20's. I held off on those jeans. I may have to seek a style of jeans that is not "relaxed." My "natural" body shape is not like the shape of a pair of relaxed-fit jeans!
However, also at Wal-Mart yesterday I found on the clearance rack a pair of 16's with elastic in the waist. They fit great in the legs and not so great in the hips. But I got them anyway, since I am continuing to lose....and I will need them one day in a pinch, and then I'll have them already in my closet. Not a bad $7 investment.
I MUST get in my closet tonight and clean it out! I have tons of "too big" clothes to give away and share. What a wonderful "problem" to have!
My personal "goal" was to lose 40 pounds before my first 3-month check up with my surgeon. I'm just a pound away from that goal, and there is a real possibility that I may lose 10 more pounds before my Thanksgiving-time checkup. Won't a 50-pound loss make my surgeon and his staff happy? It would me!
Wish me luck!
11/7/04 - 10 Days shy of 3 months!
I am down 43 pounds this week. It's a terrific feeling. I have now cleaned out my closet and WOW---I had a lot of clothes to give away!
I still would like very much to lose another 7 pounds before I go back to the doctor for my 3 month post-op check up. I may not make that, but it is OK. I already feel like I have done the best I can.
I look so much better----and I FEEL so much better! Wow! That's goal enough for me! I'll write again in a few days.....around my 3 month "anniversary!"
November 17, 2004 - Exactly 3 months today!
I’ve waited to post on this date even though I saw my physician’s assistant (and my best friend) last week in Birmingham. She said everything was looking great—and gave me my B12 shot and talked with me about some other stuff. Mostly routine, but I really enjoyed our visit.
Today, I am officially 240 pounds! Wow! I am so excited! This means I’ve lost 46 pounds since the day of surgery, and I feel fantastic! I can finally see my goal in sight—not only on my scales, but in my heart and head as well! I think I can really reach it now!
I keep saying I want to weigh 135 pounds again....even if it is just for a couple of days. I weighed that in high school, and it would be nice to “see it” again, but I know my realistic weight goal should be between 150-160 pounds. I will strive to reach 135 and then if I think it’s too thin.......then I will let it settle in a better place!
Anyway....I’m working on losing my bat-wing arms right now. I’m trying some new exercises that my PA told me about last week at my check-up. I’m already thinking about swimsuit season....and for the first time in YEARS....I’m looking forward to it!
I have enjoyed the August 2004 post board on this website so much. I get so much support and advice from others who had their surgeries about the same time as me.
Oh! I didn’t even mention that I have lost 12 pants sizes!!! I’ve gone from a 28 (or 3X) to a size 16 (or XL) in many pants and skirts! I am still losing inches and pounds from my hips, stomach, and legs, although that stubborn fat on my lower abdomen seems to want to stay. It’s hard to work on that.
My top size losses haven’t been as dramatic, though. I have lost to an XL in some things, but I tend to be very “busty,” and so I will see a less dramatic effect here, I suspect. Some 2X and 3X’s are still fitting up top, but I’ve now officially given away 99 percent of my wardrobe and still have a closet full of clothes!
I’m hanging on to my size 24 coat for one more winter, and there are a couple of 4X sweaters I bought last year that I just can’t part with yet. I love them so much! So what.....sweaters are supposed to be bulky, right?
LOL
I’ll check in with everyone later.....maybe around Christmastime, OK? Hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season!
~Laura
December 2, 2004 - 3 ½ months post-op
I finally broke the 50-pound barrier last week, and I'm down 55 pounds total as of this morning! It feels so great to be getting slimmer!
My husband takes a front and side-view photo of me each month and we have fun comparing them from the first shots taken back in August. It's a really big difference, and I know with another 50 pounds or more....the difference will be even more dramatic!
Because I have been so faithful with working out at Curves, I haven't had a problem with sagging skin. That's a relief! It makes me want to work out even harder to avoid that problem down the road.
I am getting ready for a big job interview in Chicago on December 14. I am so excited! I've bought a new suit and shoes and got my hair cut and highlighted today. I have to keep studying for my interview and be prepared emotionally and mentally to go in there an "wow" them! I cannot wait!
I'll write back after that big day and catch everyone up on my progress. If I don't get this job, then my family and I begin building our dream house in January. Either way, I can't lose!
Great days are ahead! I am so thankful to God for giving me the courage to go through with the WLS and guidance to pursue my dreams. He's also given me a wonderful family and supportive friends. What more could a girl possibly want or need?
Wish me luck on the interview!
~Laura
December 15, 2004
The interview in Chicago went really well. I hope I will hear something next week---either way about the position I interviewed for. In many ways, I really want this job. What an opportunity to try to make a difference in what I love to do! In other ways, I would really be sad to be away from my family for 6 months while I would be away in Chicago. But I know we could visit each other, and being together would be so much sweeter.
Anyway, besides all that, and fitting in the airline seats and looking great in my suit----I'm feeling fine. I need a new car.....but no amount of weight loss can help me in that department! Ha! Ha!
I went to see my neurologist today for my sleep apnea check-up. I've been off my machine for several weeks, but the doctor has prescribed it to be kicked down a couple of pressure points. It should be better for me now. My doctor was very impressed with my weight loss. He said in about 6 months, I may not need to have my machine at all!
Only 28 pounds to go before reaching the 100's! I really can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I really think I can reach my goal!
later...
Monday, December 20
I didn't get the job in Chicago. The call came last Friday morning and I have felt terribly disappointed at having lost the opportunity to do this. But, life goes on, and I have a very good life indeed.
I'm just a pound away from my 60-pound "goal" before Christmas. It is beginning to be apparent to me that others are noticing big changes----and the compliments are flowing! I get a kick out of those people who do a "double-take" or don't recognize me right away. It is a hoot!
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Happy New Year 2005!
Sunday, January 2, 2005: I haven't gained any weight during the holidays, but I sure haven't lost any either! I am growing weary of all the snack foods in the house, and really can't wait until I get back on my regular eating and exercise routine.
Today, I rode bikes with my family through the neighborhood for about an hour. It felt good to be outside in the warm, January 2 Alabama winter weather! Even my husband commented how proud he was of my ability to endure the long bike ride.
Tomorrow, I am looking forward to going back to work. The kids don't go back until Tuesday, but my husband is off work tomorrow and will stay home with the kids and give me a chance to return to work....after being off with the kids for two weeks!
(whew!)
I miss my regular Curves for Women workouts....I miss my quiet office.....and I miss seeing the pounds falling off! Sure, my pants are getting baggy (again), and it seems that I may have to get some smaller workout pants (again) soon, but I do hope to see those pounds coming off in the near future.
I really want to get under 200 pounds soon. It won't happen by my birthday (on the 19th), but I do hope I can get under 220 by then! I'll let that be my next, small goal.
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Thursday, January 13, 2005
Discovered this morning that I had lost a whole pound! Could this be the end of a 5-week plateau? I SURE HOPE SO!
I hope I see another pound gone tomorrow or in the next few days, at least. I'm so tired of the 220's!!!! I'm ready to get into the 210's and 200's....and then into the great and wonderful 100's!!!!
It will be a while before I make the "century club" mark, but I am excited about that possibility! I've got less than 90 pounds left to make my lowest goal, and I never thought I'd see the light at the end of the tunnel! Yea!
Feeling great still.....and I think my hair loss has slowed down a bit. Well, at least I hope so.
More later....
~Laura
Saturday, January 22, 2005
I had my 41st birthday last week on Wednesday. What started out to be a "not-so-great" day ended up really nice. My family and I met my three friends from Birmingham at a Steak 'n Shake restaurant in Prattville. We exchanged gifts and had a nice time---especially with one of the girl's new baby boy. Seeing my husband with a newborn baby again---well, that was all the birthday present any girl could want! Steve sent me roses that afternoon at my office too---so it was a great day after all.
Yesterday was kind of a hard day. My former boss lost his wife to cancer this week, and her funeral was Friday morning near Nashville, Tennessee. Steve and I pulled the kids out of school on Friday and drove up Thursday night to the town where the funeral was and stayed in a motel. I'm glad we went, but it is very hard to let go of someone who loved life as much as this woman did. She even has an orphanage in the Congo of Africa named after her! Boy, did she love children....and she loved my children too. I'm still very blue over her loss.
Pound for pound, I guess I'm still losing it. Yesterday, getting dressed for the funeral, I was surprised that the skirt of the suit that I had bought for the interview in Chicago last month was almost so big that it slipped off my hips. I was tempted to rummage for a big safety pin to hold it up, but I managed to keep my jacket buttoned all day, and it hid the fact that I was about to lose my skirt at any minute!
So, all that is to say that while I've been blue about this horrible plateau that I've been in for over a month, I'm still losing inches! Good---good---good thing.
My appetite has increased somewhat, although I still don't eat more than I need to at any sitting. I know what my "pouch" will hold, and I also know that if I stuff one more bite than it can take, it will all come back to haunt me! This head cold is another thing that is driving me crazy. I'm just staying home today....resting and watching television and drinking tomato soup....trying to heal and get over this thing.
Monday of next week would have been my father's 69th birthday. He died almost 10 years ago of colon cancer after a lifetime of struggling with obesity. I know if he were alive today, he would be so proud of me for taking off so much of this weight. He knows---as does my mother---how being so overweight can affect you in all aspects of your life. I'm thankful for the time I had with my father, but I still miss him every day. No amount of time will heal that sorrow.
Maybe I'll be more upbeat the next time I post. I'll be back at Curves again next week----hopefully not sick any more and at the very least ready to break out of this plateau. It's coming off....but oh, so slowly!
~Laura
February 2, 2005
I had a wonderful weekend at the beach last weekend with two longtime friends, Melissa and Lynn. On our way home from the beach, what was turning out to be a relaxing drive home became a horrible wreck just north of Luverne, Alabama, on Highway 331.
A pickup truck pulled out in front of my friend, Lynn, who was driving her 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe. When Lynn pulled to the far right side of her lane to avoid hitting the pickup truck, she applied the brakes and the Santa Fe went sliding on the wet road right into the back of a parked 18 wheeler tractor/trailer...sitting on the side of the road, across from a Texaco gasoline station.
The driver of the pickup that caused our accident drove away without stopping to see if we were OK. By God's Grace, we walked away from the accident, but I am pretty bruised on my ribs where the seatbelt caught me.
I was sitting in the front, passenger side of the vehicle, and the air bags deployed. It was a miracle that we walked away from this wreck!
Anyway, I am feeling good, and I have to say that being healthy and losing weight and working out regularly was of great benefit to me in this accident. Angels were really watching over us, and they did their jobs well.....and besides some really sore ribs and muscles, I am unharmed. What a miracle!
February 13, 2005 -- Two weeks after the accident!
I'm still very sore after the automobile accident two weeks ago. My rib cage was so bruised, and I am sure I will never wear my seat belt the "wrong way" again! The stabilizer muscles in my rib cage are what are giving me grief right now. Feels like a knife stabbing me in my ribs every time I lay down or turn over in bed....or make left-hand turns in the car as a passenger. Strange.
Anyway, I've been back at Curves for a week now. Walking is helpful....and I can take deep breaths again. Good thing! I am still not over the bruises----or the thoughts of the wreck and the PTSD that goes with such a "near death" experience, but that will subside in time, I know.
Still thankful to be alive. Looking forward to Valentine's Day tomorrow!
~Laura
March 8, 2005
Still a little sore in the ribs from the automobile accident! But, things are getting much better. The scales started moving down again....and I am so happy about that.
I have just about shrunk down from my "second" wardrobe....and I am glad spring is almost here! Now, I can start thinking about new spring and summer clothes! Yea! There will probably be a third wardrobe before the final one....but we will have to see.
Things are going great. I'm down a (solid) 70 pounds now. I am eating fine. But not too many sweets....and I stay away from fried foods altogether. My brother called tonight to tell me he heard from Cahaba Valley Surgical Associates, and he has his initial consult on March 18! I am so excited for him!!!
Maybe, he can schedule his surgery to happen right after school gets out (he's a teacher.) I just pray everything goes as smoothly for him as it has for me!
I'll check back when I have more to report!
~Laura
April 4, 2005
Only a couple of pounds more lost since my last report, which brings me to minus 72 pounds. Not bad, but I am so ready to break this "plateau" that I feel that I am on....and get under 200 pounds!
After that, I'll work on the last 40 pounds but I have to set my goals short and sweet....attainable!
On the bright side, I still believe I am losing inches. My lower abdomen is starting to show signs of shrinkage...and my upper abdomen is really flattening! I can finally see my waist...and my belly button is on a somewhat flat stomach. Still, there is so much body re-shaping to do....and I have worked so hard to avoid needing plastic surgery.
But, I do wish I could lose the rest of this weight as fast as I lost the first 50 pounds!!!
Ribs from the accident are still a tiny bit sore....and that is surprising to me, since I thought I would be totally over the accident by now. Psychologically, I am doing much better. The PTSD has weaned a little bit, and with the exception of my husband's propensity for tailgating other drivers in the rain....I am doing fine.
I have had some "Wow!" moments lately. A few people are pretty blunt, but most seem to almost swoon when they see me for the first time! I have to agree, the change is dramatic! I do like all the changes, and I like the compliments, but I don't always choose to tell EVERYONE I meet that I had the surgery.
If I choose not to, I just quickly say that I've been dieting and exercising. That is true....and if it is not a whole truth, then it's not a whole lie either. I don't feel that guilty...because it is my body (not theirs), and I don't owe anyone an explanation for my actions.
Did they ask me how I got so fat before I had the surgery? No way! That would be rude!
So......then why do people seem to get so caught up in a dramatic weight loss? Hummm......Sure, I get excited for others who do it, but I don't dwell on HOW they did it. No matter what they're doing....they must be doing something right!
Kudos to everyone who can shed these heavy, excess pounds! I'll write again.....and hopefully, I will be closer to getting to my next goal (being under 200 pounds) by then.
~Laura
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April 20, 2005
My efforts a couple of weeks ago to break my plateau have paid off! In the last 6 weeks, I've managed to bring it down another 12 pounds, and the inches are still coming off (measure and weigh-in at Curves).
I went to a conference in Albuquerque, NM, last week, and I saw hundreds of women I've known for over a decade. Jaws dropped and people came up to me and hugged me, whispered how great I looked, told me all kinds of wonderful things....and it boosted my self-esteem.
Sure, I notice the difference when I feel my skin. I feel bones where I did not a few months ago. I see a big difference in my clothes and the way they fit. I am not embarrassed by my wardrobe anymore....nor do I dread going into my closet in the morning to "pick out" an outfit to wear.
Oh, the long flight out west was terrific! I had no problem getting in my seat and climbing over the others on the row in coach a few times. They didn't seem to be "annoyed by the fat woman" on their row. When clicking my seatbelt, I even got to cinch it up a few inches! Can you believe it? I still cannot----because I still think about asking for a seat belt extension when I am boarding the plane. (sigh) Will I ever forget those days?
I saw some old photos of myself at the conference last week, and it is hard to believe I look so different. Every opportunity to try something new is a blessing. I even went hot air balloon riding on Sunday....floating over Albuquerque for about an hour in a giant balloon with 7 other people. Another "life list" thing to do checked off!
Having a good week, and I am only 6 pounds away to being under 200 pounds.....which I haven't seen since 1988. Looking forward to that, and I'll post again when it happens. (whew!) Can't wait!
~Laura
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Sunday, June 12, 2005
Well...I am finally under the magic number....under 200 pounds! It feels great, but in a way, it is rather anti-climatic. I still feel great....I just fit in a clothes a little bit better than 10 pounds ago. But, since I am my own worst critic of my body, I still think I need to lose another 35 or 40 pounds.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether or not I can do that, but the weight still continues to come down....albeit very, very slowly. That's alright, though. I am happy with things this way.
Now that I am weighing 198, I promised myself a nice hour-long massage. I'll have to schedule that for later this week. Vacation is right around the corner for me, and I want to do some pampering before I get to Universal Studios and visit my old friends. It should be a wonderful time to catch up and talk about the "old times" with some great old friends.
I was offered a new job about 2 weeks ago---still with the same "company," but just a different set of responsibilities. I will be able to do the work from a home office and it involves some global travel. The benefits are much better, and I am very excited about this opportunity. It is a real blessing, and several months ago, I would not have known this could even be possible! Everyone says it is a miracle, and I have to agree.
My kids are at summer camp right now, and all is well. I have a lot of blessings to be thankful for----lots of wonderful friends, old and new----and a loving family. Hope to update again when I get near my one-year surgery anniversary in August.
~Laura
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July 3, 2005
I just survived two weeks of vacation! Wow! My first major vacation since WLS...
The first week was great! I drove down to Orlando with my friend (the one in from the wreck), and we met our old friend from Miami and her 14-year old daughter for a fun-filled week of Universal Studio's Island of Adventure Theme Park! Of course, I rode EVERYTHING----more than once! Some rides I did as many as 7 times! I felt like a teenager again!!!
I never really felt that tired....and I loved all the walking, despite an annoying broken pinky toe! (ugh)
It was a terrific get-away week and a great time to escape the everyday world and reunite with old friends....and relive old memories.
The second week of vacation was spent with my elementary-aged children. I was a volunteer-counselor at an elementary church camp in South Alabama (Blue Lake Camp.) I worked at this camp as a permanent staff counselor in 1981, when I was just 17, and now I realize why teenagers make the best counselors.....
.....they have the stamina to keep up with the kids week after week!
I loved it....helping out with about 100+ campers, 10 in my own cabin, one being my own daughter! Whew! It was hot, and we walked, and we walked, and swam, and ate camp food, and (did mention we walked?) And it was fun!
Crafts, skits, songs, dancing, all the camp stuff! I felt great (albeit tired) when I got home.
My husband is coming home tonight after a week visiting his brother in West Texas. It's a 17-hour drive for him (I don't envy it at all!), and it makes my 9-hour drive to Orlando seem short in comparison.
Tomorrow, on the 4th of July, we'll get together with some old friends and cook out and "do" some fireworks! Should be fun!!!
I'll "check in" again with my post at my one-year anniversary, around August 17.
~Laura
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Wednesday, August 17, 2005 ***ONE YEAR TODAY!!!***
I have a very hard time believing it's been a whole year today. Happy Anniversary! I feel like telling the whole world, and yet I still think this whole journey has commanded a level of privacy. One thing I have learned in a year is that this surgery is very life-changing. That's an understatement.
It is not for everyone, but it worked---and is still working----for me.
I can eat "regular foods," although I have a terrilble experience each time I eat Chinese food. So, I have decided not to eat it again. I'll just have the soup from now on.
Fried foods and fatty, sweet foods.....in extreme moderation. I might have a nibble of fried chicken here and there, or a bite of a doughnut or cake or maybe a cookie here and there, but that's it. I don't want the nausea that comes with the dumping syndrome.
Wine and beer in moderation. Only one or two glasses, TOPS!
I should be getting more protein and more water daily, but oh how I love my Diet Cokes! I have tried to cut back, but I guess everyone has to have a vice, right?
Well, I am down 96 pounds in my first year. I still have 34 to go to get to my goal of 160. I think that the slow weight loss is just fine. I have some sagging of skin, but it is not really that bad. I probably won't be having any plastic surgery to correct it. Proper fitting clothes and a good girdle have worked wonders for me! Ha! Ha!
My hair is fine. No more significant hair loss. My nails and teeth are fine. The ONLY medical concerns are the slight problem with the electrical system of my heart and a slight imbalance with my thyroid. The latter can be controlled with proper diet and increased calcium intake. I try to eat at least one yogurt every day, sometimes two.
Well. It's a good report. I am happy. I have gone from being heavy....and feeling heavy....to being much, much lighter and feeling great. I have much more energy. I feel younger. I feel happy and I hope that is reflected in my face.
I have a new job that I love. I am very satisfied with the replacement that was hired at my old job of 17 years. She's going to be perfect! Our family has a new house that is great....and currently is getting a complete makeover (thanks to my brother-in-law and father-in-law and other family members!)
For those of you reading this "blog," I hope I have brought a little insight or comfort to you. I will continue to check up from time to time, although not as frequently as the first year, and keep you up-to-date on my progress.
Good luck to you in your journey!
Love, Laura
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Happy New Year 2006! January 3, 2006
I'm doing really great, although I haven't lost much weight in the last few months. I am holding steady at around 185 pounds, and that seems to be working for me. I would LOVE to lost another 20, but it is going to continue to be a struggle for me.
I stay busy with work and mostly with family matters.....it's a full-time job! We have a new puppy too, and that makes life all the more fun!
Everything is going great. Thought I would update the photos a little to give you a peek at how I'm doing. Good luck to everyone!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/lauraj64/lauraface.jpg
Oh by the way! My brother has been approved and will probably get his surgery done in mid March of this year! I cannot wait!
~Laura
P.S. Here's my new driver's license photo. It may be the only time I've ever been really happy with my photo!
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March 31, 2006
My brother, Rodney, had RNY surgery on March 14 at the same hospital in Alabaster where I had my surgery. Same surgical team also! (You go, Sheryll!)
But, his surgery was not the walk-in-the-park that mine was. His was done laparoscopically like mine, but that's where the similarities end. His took four hours to complete....with several technical difficulties (i.e. leaks) along the way. In fact, he had to be operated on in an upright position, which I didn't know surgeons could do. But they did, and Rod was in the hospital two different times after surgery.
After the first stay, he went home to recover and then his drain came out a little early while he was outside walking. A day or two later, he was still leaking fluids through the hole and there was an odor to the fluid, and it looked greenish. He was also running a slight fever.
The doctors had him back in the hospital the next morning! He stayed for almost another 5 days, on intravenous fluids, and he hated every minute of it. But now, he is able to be home and stays on clear liquids. He may be able to return to work next Monday----almost 3 weeks after surgery! Wow!
He feels much better. The doctors say that he had developed a "bubble" in his new stomach pouch. That was causing the pain and the back-wash in his bowels. He is on the mend and has lost an incredible amount of weight in just a very short time! He says he can already see his stomach shrinking....and everyone else who sees him has to agree! The incredible shrinking man!
Well...I'm doing fine just over 19 months after my surgery. My weight doesn't seem to be budging any more, and I'm just trying to keep it around 185. I stopped going to Curves, and I miss it. I need to incorporate a daily walk into my routine, but I have to be diligent and find the time for it. I must make the time.
My health is good, and I am looking forward to making some trips in a few weeks: Pasadena, California; Varna, Bulgaria, and Edinburgh, Scotland. I will miss my family for about three weeks, but I am really excited about seeing new places and old and new faces! What fun!
A big shout out to my good friend, L.E.---you know who you are, who also had the surgery and is doing fine. She said that she read my "blog" here and it gave her encouragement. I'm so happy to have helped you make this decision. For me, it has been one of the best things I have ever done for my self and my family.
~Laura
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May 2006. Photos from my vacation in Edinburgh, Scotland! I had a wonderful time visiting my pen pal of 30+ years. I was made to feel like I was family coming home!
What a wonderful experience. The scenery really is all that beautiful, the people were warm and friendly, and the food actually exceeded my expectations. I even tried haggis! And it was actually pretty good!
My brother is doing really great now. He's lost about 50 pounds in two months, and he said just today that his energy has just kicked in. He's feeling fantastic! He's shrinking right before my eyes!
I FINALLY went to get that hour-long massage I have been putting off for about a year. It was heavenly! I feel so pampered.....and I was NOT embarrassed to expose my body (parts) for a massage. What a new experience for me.
Now if I can just lose these last stubborn pounds! I never thought it would be so hard to get these last 20 pounds off!!! I can feel my hip bones, but I still have saddle-bags on my thighs and hips and my stomach is "puffy" with padding that I don't want. Plus I think I could lose another 20 pounds and NOT look emaciated. After that, I think I will be done.
Can I do it??? Wish me luck! ~Laura
Here are some photos of me in Bulgaria, on the Black Sea...just before my trip to Scotland!
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August 15, 2006
It's been almost two years since my August 17, 2004, surgery that changed my life forever. Sometimes, I think that our kids cannot remember me "before." Then my 10-year old daughter puts her arms around my waist and smiles a wide smile, and it reminds me how far I have come. She just remembers that there was a day when she couldn't do that.....but I don't think she remembers how I suffered with the heaviness of all the weight I used to carry. (ugh!)
For her 10th birthday, I took my daughter and two of her little friends to a local water theme park. When I went with them to slide down a huge water slide, I hit the back of my head on the slide and got a major concussion. There's about an hour of time I cannot account for, and my daughter had enough wisdom to call my husband and take me to the first aid center.
A couple of days later, I went to my doctor who has ordered x-rays and a CT scan. I'll know more in a few days, I guess, but I think everything will be alright in time. It just may take a little time to heal completely.
Naturally, my doctor chided me (again) for not going to the emergency room for an immediate x-ray. It's becoming a pattern, I suppose. I think that from now on, I---as a middle-aged woman----should never do anything that has a black diamond associated with it.
This means Black Diamond activities = younger people, not me.
There are a lot of fun things in life left to do, but maybe not those things that are so thrilling that I can get brain damage from! Right?
Oh! My brother is down about 114 pounds since March of this year. He is doing so great with his weight loss----and he hardly looks at all like the same person. I am thrilled for him!
~Laura
My progress.....
Photos
 320+ Approx. 10 years prior to Surgery - At my heaviest weight? |
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 185 June 2006 - 22 months post-op |
About Me
Montgomery, AL
Location
26.6
BMI
Surgery
08/17/2004
Surgery Date
Jul 21, 2004
Member Since