SassySamara
5+ years and still loving life....
Nov 09, 2008
Well, it has been over 5 years since I began my journey to a new and better life and it continues to be so and for that I am truly blessed. I still take every opportunity that I can get to share my story with others and for those who think that this is the road for them I try and help them along the way. I have had 2 friends/co-workers have the surgery with success and tell me all the time how grateful they are for having had someone share their story. I feel no shame or embarrassment in admitting I needed help to fight the battle of obesity. I try to educate those who are not sure what and why we made the choice we did and for those who choose to think it is the easy way out...I try too...and if all else fails...I let them wallow in their ignorance as I only have to answer to myself and God in the end so it is not worth it. Anyhow, I am still married to a wonderful man and as I am sure you have read, we have our first child, a handsome son, who just turned one year old on 10-25-2008. He is such a joy and has enriched our lives so much. He is walking, talking, and a tiny tornado. I see so much of us both in him and of everything I could have imagined him to be he is still by far so much more. I know without this surgery that it is very likely I never could/would have been able to have my son so that is just one more thing to add on to the list of reasons why I am so happy I had this surgery. I am still at goal and actually got down to below my pre-pregnancy weight for a while as well. Although I still have struggles with eating right and taking my vitamins, exercising, etc I know I am only human and ultimately will never let myself stray down the path that caused me so much heartache for so many years. Sometimes I just need a good shaking...to make that Starbucks fall out of my hands...ya know...lolThis board and all the folks continue to be inspirational and a source of great strength to me and I will continue to give and get support as I know that is what helps me stay accountable. Much love to all who have continued to follow my journey and best of luck to all those who have or will soon venture on the same. XOXOXOX
Updates on Emad and Me...
Jan 20, 2008
He's Here....
Nov 06, 2007
On Thursday, October 25th, 2007 at 1240am we welcomed our son into the world. It was 3 days of latent labor and 16 hours of active labor with 35 minutes of pushing but I would not change it for the world. He is perfect! His name is Emad Hassan. Emad is pronounced *Ay-mad* and means pillor of strength and confidence and Hassan means handsome and is after his paternal grandfather. Our little man was due on 11-10-2007 but God had different plans. *Of course that hayride Mommy took at the pumpkin patch the weekend before did not help either! LOL
Me and hubby are still trying to get used to being new parents but are enjoying and cherishing each and every moment. Funny after all the pain I would still do it again without hesitation. Friends, family, and co-workers have been a great support system as well as everyone here on OH and I know that we are truly blessed.
I feel better each day and hope to be back to my *former* self soon. I am within 8 lbs of my pre pregnancy weight and want to try to get an addition 10 lbs or so off if I can but am on restricted activities due to some issues with the birth but we shall see.
Hope to update more soon! Hugs and Blessings to all!
Baby Update...35 weeks!
Oct 09, 2007
That is how I am feeling these days...LOL
I am just over 35 weeks and things are starting to get tight in here! Mr. Man (who is still to be named!!!) is taking up full residency but man am I ready to sign his eviction notice.
31 days to go and counting.... I have a feeling he will be late but then again I do not want to jinx myself. At my last OB appointment last week when the doctor checked...shop was still locked up tight with no signs of evacuation anytime soon. 
In addition, at the last ultrasound he was still breech and facing the placenta and looking VERY comfy!!! Then again, as long as he is happy and healthy in there I can't complain. My weight gain is right under 25 lbs total and I am happy with that. I know at least half will likely come off within a day or so after delivery and I hope to have the rest off within 6-8 weeks after that. I am sure running up and down stairs for a crying baby will definitely help out. I have gotten just about everything I need for his arrival with the exception of a few things which I should have within the next week or so. I do not think that I will be doing a pre-baby shower but rather a WELCOME baby after he gets here and we get settled. Hubby is getting nervous and excited too as we can't believe in about a month we will be parents!!!! Anyhow, in other news, Ramadan, *(Muslim holiday of fasting, no food or water from sun up to sun down)* will be over this weekend. I was able to fast for 19 days but then it got too difficult and with guidance from my husband, family, peers, and religious figure I decided to stop and will in lieu donate time/money to poor, etc I am happy with that decision and know God is on my side and here for me and my family and that is what counts most.So...next OB appointment is this week and another sonogram on the 19th to check on size and progress of baby...hope to update then!!!
4 Year Surgery Anniversary
Aug 21, 2007
...hard to believe it but 4 years ago today I had my WLS surgery and changed my life forever!!!! I went from being almost 300 lbs to my lowest of 156lb and gained about 10 back and stabilized. I am so grateful for so many things in my life and I feel that this surgery has afforded me so many opportunities that I may not have otherwise have ever had. 
So much has happened in the past four years. I continue to have a great husband who loves me very much for who I am, a supportive and loving family and group of friends, a great support network here on OH, and of course am now waiting for the birth of my first child, a son.
I have made so many friendships over the past years and value each and every one and appreciate all the advice and support that I have received over the years. 
I have no co-morbidities or other health conditions to speak of, my self esteem is existant now where as before I had little to none to speak of thanks to years of letting others belittle and put me down. I left a horrible relationship, put my life together, met and married my husband (before surgery) and then proceeded to take control beginning with this surgery.
I think this surgery helped me to strengthen my marriage and the bond I have with my husband because my insecurities made it hard to believe I could be loved for me as I was and that was no one's fault but my own.
I will NEVER regret my decision. The road was NOT easy but WAS worth it.
I know this was not the easy way out but the RIGHT way out for me. It may not be for everyone but for those who do accept and succeed in the challenge...the rewards are so sweet.
3RD Trimester
Aug 20, 2007
Well depending on whose calendar you go by since they all vary I am either in the 1st or 2nd week of my 3rd trimester but nonetheless I made it and am in the home stretch. 12 more weeks to go until I meet my
I can hardly wait. Still no name but getting there slowly. His nursery is almost done. It is a baby jungle animal theme and we did a mural on the walls with a giraffe looking into the crib, a monkey, elephant, and a crocodile too..it is really adorable and hope to have pics to share soon.
Hubby will be back from Morocco next week and I can't wait to see the look on his face. He saw most of the bedding and nursery stuff but not before it was delivered or put together...the nursery was still a computer room when he went to Morocco earlier this month. I think he will really like it as me and my brother's wife have really worked hard on it...mostly her....but of course with my creative advice...lol
I have another ultrasound this week as well as a dr's appointment to follow up on progress of baby, my weight gain, and to get results of the diabetes screening I have been doing for 2 weeks instead of the glucola drink. My fingers are so sore from all the sticks I have had to do. All for a good cause though. I hope he has grown so the docs will get off my case!
Anyhow, I will post more later this week after the appt.
Hugs to all!!
Baby Update...25 weeks
Jul 26, 2007
Well Saturday will mark 25 weeks which means only about 15 more weeks to go until I am a MOM! Amazing and hard to believe. We now know the sex of the baby is a boy and me and my husband are thrilled to welcome a son. Still debating on names and for right now this is a major bone of contention in our house. LOL The middle name will be after his father who passed but still stuck on a first that we both like. It will come in time I am sure.
I had an ultrasound and checkup today and the heartbeat was strong at 148 and he is just shy of a pound and a half which is a bit low for this point in pregnancy but still in the 45th percentile for baby's with his due date. I have gained a little under 20 lbs so far which is average and am starting to show a bit more than before but not much. Most say this is normal, especially with your first child and I am tall so more torso and space to spread out for baby...thank goodness. As it is his feet are down and head up and he seems to be doing the river dance on my bladder on a frequent basis!
Hubby will be leaving next week to visit family and friends in Morocco for 3 weeks and we will miss him but will be fine. I think he is more nervous about going than I am about it. He worries a lot and I try my best to not let my stress or anxiety about things show to make it easier for him.
I am going to be given a diabetes monitor in about two weeks in lieu of doing the glucose/sugar drink test and in the meantime am sticking..or trying to stick..to RNY basics to help baby grow well. 5-6 small meals a day, lots of protein and veggies, and lots of fluid. I should be good to go.
I will post more soon...next ultrasound is in 4 weeks!
Baby Update...Almost 20 weeks!!!
Jun 18, 2007
I will not say it has been smooth sailing or that time has flown but I am finally starting to relax and be able to enjoy the pregnancy and am letting go of some of the earlier fears that I had. Also, hubby is starting to get more involved. Both of our families have been so very supportive and are also very excited about the addition of a new baby to the family. This will be the 5th grandchild for my side of the family and the 8th on my husbands. My husband is the baby of his family, youngest of 7, and a total Mama's boy so anxious to see how this goes. His family lives in Morocco with the exception of a brother and a sister who are stateside so it will be long distance loving for a while until we can take the baby for a visit once it arrives and is old enough to travel. We have painted the nursery yellow and are starting to think of names too but nothing has stuck so far. We know if the baby is a boy the middle name will be Hassan after my husband's father who passed away but nothing else is definite. It will be a Muslim/Arabic name as according to our tradition and culture but lots to choose from...lol I did have an ultrasound done on the 14th and every thing looks good so far. The baby is growing properly and all the organs are well developed and in place, heartbeat is nice and strong, and placenta is well developed although a tad bit low but nothing that the specialist I see is worried about. I will be monitored with bloodwork and sonograms monthly by her in addition to my regular OB and I am pleased with the follow up as it keeps my mind at east and my stress levels low. My iron is still low, even with supplements, and my blood pressure is also low but trying my best to maintain. So far I have gained about 5-8 lbs depending on the scale and hope to keep up a steady gain that is healthy for me and baby but that will be easy to lose once I deliver. Other than that not much else is going on, working and watching baby grow are the two main things that take up my days now. Hoping to post more after the next visit....Hugs and Blessings to all!
New Beginnings...
May 08, 2007
So seems as though lots has happened...even since the last update....at this point..I am now almost to my 4 year anniversary....!!! Although I stay active on the boards it seems as though I am lax in my maintenance of my own profile. Things are going great. So many changes have happened here recently. My and my husband moved to our first house which was a new and exciting change. However, the biggest and best change perhaps is that we found out we are expecting our 1st child together. I am almost 14 weeks along and due in early November. It has not been a smooth ride but thanks to God things are going well now. Seems as though God has lots in store for us and so many great things in our future. I will finish my 1st semster back at school this week and looks as though I got an A in one class and a B in the other. I am very proud of myself. Balancing work, the pregnancy, and so much else was tough but I hung in there. I will have to take next semester off but the reward will be well worth it. Work is also going well. I was promoted earlier in the year which of course meant more responsibility but even better...more money...lol
That always seems to help. We also started new schedules, 10 hour days, which means in addition to the weekends I have a day off during the week so I was happy about that as well although the long hours are draining me. Luckily, with school all but over it should be much better. So....with all that said I hope this finds everyone well and I will try to be better about keeping my profile up to date as well.
3 Yr Surgery Anniversary
Oct 19, 2006
09/06/2006
Well sheesh..it sure has been a long time since I have posted! I do take a peek at the boards now and then to see how everyone is doing but other than that not too much time for much else. My 3 year anniversary came and went back on 8-22-06 and I am still loving life and grateful for having had the opportunity to have had this life changing surgery. I am holding steady at 160 lbs and although I can eat way more than I used to at first and feel more "normal" in terms of eating I try to make good choices but it does get harder to do so. I work at a place that has over 3 cafeterias within the facility and they include everything from buffets to fast food including Wendy's, Subway, Chick-fil-A, you name it and you can get it. Ice cream, smoothies, cakes..the list goes on. I do not restrict myself from anything as I have found the more you do that the more you want something but I do set limitations for myself. I had gained some weight, about 5-10 lbs and was not happy about it as I think being at or close to 160 is better for me and my ideal "happy" weight. Then me and hubby went to Morocco in July and stayed for a month and I had time to put myself in check. While I ate 3 meals a day and snacks as well I was able to eat healthier food, there was a lot of walking and activity, and I drank LOTS of water and juice instead of soda or things like that, and overall I just felt better. So..with that said, I got back and voila found I had lost about 10 lbs and I was pleased. I am trying to maintain that and get back on the bandwagon and so far so good. Work is great, I love my job and am advancing and also got a scholarship for tuition aid to return to school so I plan to do that as well within the next semester. I have always been one of those weirdos who loved the challenge of school and if that ccould be my job I would probably do it...LOL Also, a co-worker of mine had surgery with Dr. Jayakumar after I recommended him and in about 3 months has lost close to 100 lbs which is awesome. Another co-worker is also now considering the surgery. I do not walk around with a sign advertising the surgery or that I had it but I am an advocate for it and for those who I feel TRULY need it and would benefit from it as they have exhausted all other means. We also have a fitness center at our job so that helps in that I have others to go with and we like to take various classes like spinning, tae-kwon-do and aerobics. Anyhow, I hope as always that everyone is doing well at whatever point they are in on their journey. I hope to have some new pics posted soon but did have a chance to most a recent 3 yr pic on my site if anyone would like to check it out...just click on the link up top. Take care and God Bless.
~**Samara**~
About Me
Before & After
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