oneplustwo
Still Here...
Nov 23, 2008
I can't believe in 2 months it'll be 2 yrs since my surgery. My life has changed in so many ways and I will always be grateful that I was blessed with this surgery.
I haven't posted much because there hasn't been much change. I can pretty much eat what I want, just need to limit the quantity and I do try to focus more on the protein than the carbs. I can even have a piece of chocolate (or 3 lol) My weight does fluctuate anywhere between 119-125. Once it gets close to the 125 mark I get a little nervous.
Well, not much else to say. Still taking all of my vitamins and I'll go in January to get all of my levels checked. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Then 238 Pounds.....Now 120-122 Pounds
Sep 14, 2008
I was in total denial -
I was ordering some pictures off of shutterfly and figured I'd go through my online photo albums and organize them somewhat. I came across this picture (of course my families head's aren't chopped off in the original) and I feel so bad for that person in the picture, me. I was miserable and I tried to cover it up, I would say things like "I'm just a little chubby" or "pictures always make you at least 10 lb heavier." I would have every excuse there is to not admit to myself I was obese. I even hated hearing that word "obese". But when the lights were out and no one was looking, I didn't have to pretend. I was unhappy, self-conscious and getting bigger and bigger was becoming a reality to me. But when the lights came back on, I would pretend again. Still through all of this, I never imagined that I was this big. Not until I started to lose weight and compare the new Janie to the old Janie. I'd say things like "was I that big?" Yeah I was that big, that was me. My heart breaks for that person, it doesn't seem like that was me. I see in my eyes what I was feeling, I remember the thoughts going through my head "please don't let my double chin show" or "don't get a picture of my stomach". Well, even if my double chin or stomach wasn't in the picture, it's obvious I was very overweight and I wasn't happy.
I don't know where I'd be if it weren't for this surgery. It has 100 % changed my life. My whole being. Sure I still get upset, depressed, stressed just like everyone else, but those problems don't define me. They aren't who I am. Before, anything that went wrong I'd add it to my list of why life "sucks" and it's more than likely something I did. My outlook is so much better now, I don't have to take on that burden of "it's all my fault", like somehow me being fat was the reason these things would happen. I deserved it after all right? But that's no more me. I am not critical of myself now and I finally like me and my weight doesn't define who I am. But what it does is make me healthy, happy and positive. There is finally light at the end of my tunnel and it's a bright shiny light and I've been given the opportunity to walk through it and I'm not stopping.
So, if you're a newbie at this, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I know it seems like an eternity to jump through all of the hoops to get the surgery. I had to wait awhile to get approved and then to actually have the surgery and then the weight loss, I wanted it to all come off the day of my surgery! I went through all of the ups and downs, my advise would be to take it one day at a time and don't give up on you. Life will be so much better at the other side of the tunnel. You can get there !
I was ordering some pictures off of shutterfly and figured I'd go through my online photo albums and organize them somewhat. I came across this picture (of course my families head's aren't chopped off in the original) and I feel so bad for that person in the picture, me. I was miserable and I tried to cover it up, I would say things like "I'm just a little chubby" or "pictures always make you at least 10 lb heavier." I would have every excuse there is to not admit to myself I was obese. I even hated hearing that word "obese". But when the lights were out and no one was looking, I didn't have to pretend. I was unhappy, self-conscious and getting bigger and bigger was becoming a reality to me. But when the lights came back on, I would pretend again. Still through all of this, I never imagined that I was this big. Not until I started to lose weight and compare the new Janie to the old Janie. I'd say things like "was I that big?" Yeah I was that big, that was me. My heart breaks for that person, it doesn't seem like that was me. I see in my eyes what I was feeling, I remember the thoughts going through my head "please don't let my double chin show" or "don't get a picture of my stomach". Well, even if my double chin or stomach wasn't in the picture, it's obvious I was very overweight and I wasn't happy.
I don't know where I'd be if it weren't for this surgery. It has 100 % changed my life. My whole being. Sure I still get upset, depressed, stressed just like everyone else, but those problems don't define me. They aren't who I am. Before, anything that went wrong I'd add it to my list of why life "sucks" and it's more than likely something I did. My outlook is so much better now, I don't have to take on that burden of "it's all my fault", like somehow me being fat was the reason these things would happen. I deserved it after all right? But that's no more me. I am not critical of myself now and I finally like me and my weight doesn't define who I am. But what it does is make me healthy, happy and positive. There is finally light at the end of my tunnel and it's a bright shiny light and I've been given the opportunity to walk through it and I'm not stopping.
So, if you're a newbie at this, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I know it seems like an eternity to jump through all of the hoops to get the surgery. I had to wait awhile to get approved and then to actually have the surgery and then the weight loss, I wanted it to all come off the day of my surgery! I went through all of the ups and downs, my advise would be to take it one day at a time and don't give up on you. Life will be so much better at the other side of the tunnel. You can get there !
I wore a 2 piece!
Aug 24, 2008
well, it wasn't a bikini, but a tankini. 
Still.......... never would I have worn a tankini when I was obese. It felt good putting on the suit and not hating how I looked and wanting to cover up immediately.
We were at Great Wolf Lodge this past weekend w/ the kids. It was nice having more energy than before when we went to GWL. It was nice not having to worry about how I looked and covering up w/ a tshirt. 2 years ago I wore a one piece w/ a skirt AND a tshirt. I went down waterslides like that. This past weekend I just felt so free, I wasn't hiding behind big clothes anymore, it was like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders.
Things are going good for the most part. My appetite comes and goes. There are some days where I want junk food and find myself wanting to graze, and then there are other days where I totally forget to eat. It'll be like 3 pm and I realize that I haven't eaten lunch.
The scar from my tummy tuck is fading just a bit. It will never be totally gone, but that's ok, it's a small price to pay for having a flat tummy. You can barely see the scars from my breast lift. Now I need an arm lift, can you say sharpei??? lol!
Oh, I got a tattoo on my ankle a few weeks ago. It's a chinese symbol meaning "harmony". I'll post pics soon. Here are pics of us in Traverse City, MI
Still.......... never would I have worn a tankini when I was obese. It felt good putting on the suit and not hating how I looked and wanting to cover up immediately. We were at Great Wolf Lodge this past weekend w/ the kids. It was nice having more energy than before when we went to GWL. It was nice not having to worry about how I looked and covering up w/ a tshirt. 2 years ago I wore a one piece w/ a skirt AND a tshirt. I went down waterslides like that. This past weekend I just felt so free, I wasn't hiding behind big clothes anymore, it was like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders.
Things are going good for the most part. My appetite comes and goes. There are some days where I want junk food and find myself wanting to graze, and then there are other days where I totally forget to eat. It'll be like 3 pm and I realize that I haven't eaten lunch.
The scar from my tummy tuck is fading just a bit. It will never be totally gone, but that's ok, it's a small price to pay for having a flat tummy. You can barely see the scars from my breast lift. Now I need an arm lift, can you say sharpei??? lol!
Oh, I got a tattoo on my ankle a few weeks ago. It's a chinese symbol meaning "harmony". I'll post pics soon. Here are pics of us in Traverse City, MI
I was hesitant to post these pics...
Jun 25, 2008
Not becuase I was embarassed to show my tummy, but because how could I be happy about one thing, and be in pain about another?. I had a few people ask for my after pics of my PS, but I wasn't ready then. I know Mom would want me to go on, encourage people in their weight loss journey. SO that's what I'm going to continue to do. Thanks for checking out my blog
After Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift
Jun 25, 2008
June 2008- This is a before picture of me taken about 6 months before I had the surgery. I was blown away when I saw this pic. I was in such denial, I thought that this is just a bad pic, I am not that big. I was in denial for so long. Looking back, I was to embarassed to admit that I was fat and I acted like I am who I am and if you didn't like it then that's your problem. Truth is, I didn't like it either.
Having WLS is one of the best decisions that I've ever made for myself in my life. It has totally changed me. I am a healthier and happier person. No regrets, not one.
Here's a before and after pic of me - wow, I didn't know I was THAT big.
3 Months After Breast Lift and 18 since WLS - The Best thing I've ever done for myself!!
Awwww Lasix is awesome!
Apr 12, 2008
I pee'd 5 lbs today! lol!
I am doing so much better. I thought I wanted to die. The infection was inside of my stomach and it hurt so bad. I was in tears and at times screaming and when the drain came half out and I had to pull the other half out, it was too much for me to take. The antibiotics has started to clear up the infection and the pain meds are wonderful and the Lasix has made me pee about 5lbs off today, so woohoo.
OMG this whole procedure has been a hard one. to say the least. I don't think that what I experienced was very common, so I hope I am not scaring away anyone that might be considering having a tt. Remember, I had a TT w/ anchor and tightening of the abdomen muscles and a breast lift, in one surgery!!! Did I mention I love my new girls? lol!
I am doing so much better. I thought I wanted to die. The infection was inside of my stomach and it hurt so bad. I was in tears and at times screaming and when the drain came half out and I had to pull the other half out, it was too much for me to take. The antibiotics has started to clear up the infection and the pain meds are wonderful and the Lasix has made me pee about 5lbs off today, so woohoo.
OMG this whole procedure has been a hard one. to say the least. I don't think that what I experienced was very common, so I hope I am not scaring away anyone that might be considering having a tt. Remember, I had a TT w/ anchor and tightening of the abdomen muscles and a breast lift, in one surgery!!! Did I mention I love my new girls? lol!
Feeling human - post from Fri Apr 11
Apr 12, 2008
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. It really means a lot to me to have so many people that I've never met, but feel like I already know, praying for me. It's nice to know that we are here for eachother through the good and the bad (((((hugs))))
I feel so much better today (almost human again) The twins are still at Grandma and Grandpa's house today and that has been a lifesaver for me. I'm going to take advantage of that and rest all day.Which is so not like me. I am always up and doing something and never have lazy days. I always get ready, do my hair, my makeup and get dressed everday. I honestly don't feel complete unless I am dresses completely down to what earrings and bracelet I'm wearing to match my jeans and shirts! Crazy!!
But I know doing nothing is what helped me out yesterdary. I slept most of the day yesterday only getting up to go potty, I was so tired. This infection and weight gain really took a toll on my body.
I am now down to 138, so it is getting better. The infection is going away I believe. I still have redness and it's still hot to the touch, but just less of it. I am taking the antibitoic 4 times a day, so I think Dr. Hing is being pretty aggressive in treating the infection. This was the worse pain I've ever felt. I know, it sounds crazy, worse pain just from a tummy tuck? But I think the pain came from the infection and 20# fluid gain mainly in my tummy area. It was awful, but I can tell I am on the road to recovery.
I don't think I would have had the TT had I known all of the problems I would experience.. Maybe later I'll feel different. Everyone is different and I'm sure the majority don't experience what I did, so don't let that scare you away Everyone is different, Look at Belle she was out shopping the next day (brat!). I might have experienced the extreme pain from the tightening of the abdominal muscles or the vertical extension and should have stuck with a basic tummy tuck, maybe I could have avoided this infection? Who knows?
Dave has been wonderful taking care of me, giving me my meds when they are due, cleaning my wound where the infection is (tons of puss just pouring out) and one day the poor guy had to give me a bath. I was in that much pain!
I have pics (not of him giving me the bath) but before and after of the TT and will send the before and then after when all healed.
I feel so much better today (almost human again) The twins are still at Grandma and Grandpa's house today and that has been a lifesaver for me. I'm going to take advantage of that and rest all day.Which is so not like me. I am always up and doing something and never have lazy days. I always get ready, do my hair, my makeup and get dressed everday. I honestly don't feel complete unless I am dresses completely down to what earrings and bracelet I'm wearing to match my jeans and shirts! Crazy!!
But I know doing nothing is what helped me out yesterdary. I slept most of the day yesterday only getting up to go potty, I was so tired. This infection and weight gain really took a toll on my body.
I am now down to 138, so it is getting better. The infection is going away I believe. I still have redness and it's still hot to the touch, but just less of it. I am taking the antibitoic 4 times a day, so I think Dr. Hing is being pretty aggressive in treating the infection. This was the worse pain I've ever felt. I know, it sounds crazy, worse pain just from a tummy tuck? But I think the pain came from the infection and 20# fluid gain mainly in my tummy area. It was awful, but I can tell I am on the road to recovery.
I don't think I would have had the TT had I known all of the problems I would experience.. Maybe later I'll feel different. Everyone is different and I'm sure the majority don't experience what I did, so don't let that scare you away Everyone is different, Look at Belle she was out shopping the next day (brat!). I might have experienced the extreme pain from the tightening of the abdominal muscles or the vertical extension and should have stuck with a basic tummy tuck, maybe I could have avoided this infection? Who knows?
Dave has been wonderful taking care of me, giving me my meds when they are due, cleaning my wound where the infection is (tons of puss just pouring out) and one day the poor guy had to give me a bath. I was in that much pain!
I have pics (not of him giving me the bath) but before and after of the TT and will send the before and then after when all healed.
Message from Tuesday 8th
Apr 12, 2008
I'm not doing to well w/ my TT, I started @ 123# and now I'm 145 today, My last drain came out today, not on purpose either, it was hurting like heck I look down and see half of it hanging out, it hurt like hell, I had to pull the rest of it out by myself sceaming! . I'm going back to the PS tomorrow, don't know what they are going to do, but they have to help me, I look pregnant!! and I am miserable this is NOT normal!. Keep me in your prayers please!
No pics yet! Not brave enough.
Apr 01, 2008
Maybe soon though. I actually look bigger now than when I first got out of surgery. They took off 4lbs of skin and I'm up 10 lbs? This is normal I'm told and could take a few weeks to get back to normal and lose the water retention.
Still in major pain and have trouble getting around. No regrets here, but can't wait until I'm past this stage!
Dr. Hing and his staff are wonderful and treated me so well. I couldn't have asked for a better plastic surgeon.
Still in major pain and have trouble getting around. No regrets here, but can't wait until I'm past this stage!
Dr. Hing and his staff are wonderful and treated me so well. I couldn't have asked for a better plastic surgeon.
Surgery is over!
Mar 29, 2008
Hey everyone! I am so sore and can't do much of anything. It hurt so much afterwards, nothing like I've felt before. I know it will be worth it in the long run, but OMG I was in tears when they wanted me to get up and walk. I was hunched over and was taking the smallest steps you could imagine.. I only made it a few steps and begged them to take me back to bed. It was only supposed to be an overnight stay, but I had to stay 2 nights because of the severe pain. We tried a few meds, the only thing that seemed to work was the loratab and I had to take double of that. We were so lucky that Dave's stepmom was here because she had the girls for two days while I was in the hospital, the hospital was 2 1/2 hrs away and it would have been silly for him to drive home and then come get me the next day. One night he stayed at his Dad's house and the other night he stayed at the hospital with me. My stomach is so tight I can't even believe it, it feels like someone has taken all of my skin from me and I really have a waist. I can't wait until I can wear jeans again and see what they look like. I am very happy with it and the scars aren't that bad and will look better with time. The breasts, omg, they are like nothing I've had before. They are a little small compared to what I'm used to, (never thought I would have small breasts) but I really like them better and the best part of it is they don't hang at all. I wouldn't even need a bra. They are up there! lol! I'm really happy with them! Thanks for your prayers. I've missed ya! I have taken pics and will post them when I have more energy.
OH AND THEY TOOK 4 POUNDS OF SKIN!!!!!!!
OH AND THEY TOOK 4 POUNDS OF SKIN!!!!!!!
About Me
Zeeland, MI
Location
22.3
BMI
Surgery
01/22/2007
Surgery Date
Feb 04, 2007
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
This is me before surgery!
228 lbslbs
