I am an active volunteer in various organizations within my community. I am married with two beautiful daughters. I love life and cannot wait to be more active again.
1-9-2005 I am hoping to have surgery. I had my psych eval on 12/1 and it went extrememly well. I had my initial consult with the FWSL staff on 12/14 and again it went smoothly. The longest wait so far for me is the surgeon's consult. Initally it should have been on 1/5 but was rescheduled due to conflicts.
I am 35 years old. 4'9" tall and weigh 198lbs. So many people(so I have been told) say that I am not large, especially to qualify for this surgery, however I have a BMI of 42.8 which makes me clinically "mobidly obese". Over the past two years I have started meds for incontinence, and have had numerous joint problems especially in my knees and now my shoulders. I also have a HUGE family hx. of obesity and related problems. So if I don't qualify or am denied this surgery I will be very surprised.
I have not always been obese. I was 113 at the age of 19 when I was married, and 124 when I became pregnant with my first child. My weight in the past 14 years has never been below 150...and in the past 5 years below 190. I don't know if I will ever be 113 again, but I would be VERY happy to see 130, which is my goal weight at this point. (Maybe at a later date I will try to post photos from when I was younger, and from the past several years...if I can figure out how!)
~~ Wedding Day - January 1989 (113 lbs (size 6)
I have had several friends who have had the surgery with no problems and it helps me put my mind at ease, however I do have some anxiety which is to be expected. My family while supportive are very concerned about the risks involved so much as to ask that I don't go through with the surgery. While I also have doubts I don't feel as if I can live a healthy active life in my current body. I have tried Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Xenical (Yuck! Side effects Suck!), without any significant outcomes.
So to me the benifits out weigh the risks. I feel that because things are going so smoothly and falling into place at this point is a sign from God, that I am making the right choice. I will keep up my faith, and will do what ever is necessary to have a successful outcome.
My biggest regret...Not being able to have a Venti Raspberry White Mocha EVER AGAIN! (29grams of fat-no wonder I am obese!)
So now I wait. I meet on 1/12 with Dr. Benn, and am keeping my spirits high. I am a child care provider and am truly blessed that all my families (even though they will be inconvenienced by my time off) are VERY supportive of my decision. It makes it all that much easier for me.
~~ Pre-Op photos taken January 2005 - weighing 199 ~~
1-12-2005 I had my surgeon consult today with Dr. Benn. I weighed in at 199 (up 3lbs since december, but I was expecting that!). My appointment was for 4pm. I was roomed, and visiting with Dr. Benn at 3:55 (BEFORE MY ACTUAL APPOINTMENT TIME) My first impression was WOW! What a nice man. He explained the risks, and answered some of my questions. He was genuinely very kind. I really am happy with the FSWL group. Now I am waiting upon insurance approval. Dr. Benn said it should less than a week. So...I wait!
1-19-2005 It has been a week since seeing Dr. Benn, NO news yet on whether I am approved or not. I am getting pretty anxious. I also sent a photo to be posted a couple of weeks ago..still not up yet - There has to be a quicker way to get photos on the profiles. Anyhow...I am still waiting...
1-24-2005 It's official...I am scheduled for Thursday February 17. I think I am in shock. This process has been so quick for me. I have a pre-op wls class on the 8th and my pre-op appointment with my primary on the 14th. Soon I will be a loser (in a good way!)
2/3/2005 Today I am only two weeks away from being on the losing side. I cannot wait! I am scared, VERY scared, I am scared of somehow failing with this tool too. I guess after doing so many yo-yo diets that feeling this way is probably justified. I am also scared of getting this aweful cold bug going around...doing childcare sure has its drawbacks. oh well!
I received a big envelope from the hospital this week, with the pre admission forms, and a booklet on bariatric surgery. Fun reading. The book was great, it goes over all the details of before, during and after surgery.
Next week will be busy..besides working and school (I have TONS of homework) I have my pre-op class (required before surgery), an appointment with my dermatologist - I wonder if psoriosis is related to obesity? I also have my pre-op on Friday evening. I was kind of upset...My orginal pre-op was with my primary MD but because she is not available I have to see a total stranger...I just hope he or she is not against bariatric surgery...ugh I hate lectures. I will have my EKG, and Chest X-ray done as well...then I have a few more days before the big event.
I have been reading all the posts on obesity help, and so many patients have had to do a 10 day liquid diet...I wonder what that is all about. I am only on a liquid diet the day before surgery. Go figure?
I have an ANGEL!!!! Bless her heart...her name is Laura. While I have yet to meet her in person she seems nice. I think (weather permitting) I am going to go to renewal at Abbott next Tuesday. We plan to meet there, that way at least I will know her by face as well as by name. I really need someone who has gone through this by my side, as well as being there to answer questions for my family. My hubby is nervous, and my brother in law is sending me press releases from blue cross regarding obesity. Anyhow...that is all for now...I will post more after all my appointments next week.
2-8-05 (Actually...its now 2-9-05) I just completed a powerpoint presentation for school...ugh! When will the homework ever end! Today I had my weight loss class (2/8) it was very informative. Things are really begining to feel real. I didn't make it to renewal...due to my homework. Maybe after surgery, as life doesn't slow down until then. Still concerned about getting sick. ALL seven of my little ones have a terrible cough/and fever! I pray every day I don't become ill. As I would have to post pone this surgery until next winter, when my mom could help again. Today I had a stuffy nose (sort of), it acutally was more dry I think. I hope it was just allergies. So I used some nasal spray (saline only) and took a couple of tylenol..and within an hour could breath better, and felt great...still do as a matter of fact. So if I don't get sick...then GOD is definately looking out for me. Anyhow...10,9,....The count down begins! I pray that all goes well. I will post again after my preop on Friday..as all the labs, x-ray, and EKG need to be good for it to be a go!
2-10-05 ONE MORE WEEK! Well I received a call directly from the surgeon today. He wants to switch my surgery to lap. THAT IS FINE WITH ME!! Recovery will be much easier!! Yippee...but I suppose if something changes...it will be open and I am prepared for that. Next hurdle...PRE-OP tomorrow!
2-11-05 PRE-OP Complete. Well the initial exam, ekg, and chest x-ray were good, so now I wait to make sure all my blood work is where it should be. Struggling with a dry itchy nose..alittle stuffy, but I can still breath through it. Anyhow...MD gave me the all clear! I still cannot believe how quick this is happening. Next week I will be a loser! OH>>>I was down to 195, according to the scale at the clinic. Yippeee! 6 days to go!
2-16-05 Well, today I start my clear liquid fast, and later the phoso-soda...YIPEEE! Anxiety levels have been on overload. I thought I was losing it yesterday. I did manage to fall asleep afterwork for a while. The nap did me good. I finished most of my homework, and emailed it to school. One hurdle complete. Now I just need to make it through the day. I would recommend to anyone having surgery to take the day off beforehand...to sit back and relax. (of course I should be using my own advise! UGH!) Tomorrow I will be a loser! Am I doing the RIGHT thing? I guess only time will tell!
2/23/05 Well I have been home for a few days. Now finally feeling up to updating my profile. Here is what I can tell everyone: 2/17 Awoke at 4:30am by my daughter...my alarm never went off...so we were almost LATE for my check in which was 5 am. AM admid staff were wonderful. All seemed so...sureal. I was not sure if I truly was going to have this. Around 7:15 Dr. Benn came in concent for surgery signed (had to wait as Dr. Benn and I decided on a Lap procedure via phone only a couple of days before surgery...so all admit papers said open) and off I was. Once in the OR they asked me to count to 4, next I woke up in recovery. Didn't feel much pain, was very groggy!
About 1 hour later, they moved me to my room. Nurses and staff were very knowledgeable. I did have a headach, but that is to be expected from anethesia.
2/18 THE DAY FROM HELL!!!!!!!!!
I still had my headache, so they started a different narcotic, as they thought the morphine was bugging me....so percocet. UGH I think I had more nausea....later they wanted to start me back on my effexor, but I was warry to swallow a capsule, so the pharmacy said to break it open, and place it on my tounge...swallow....UGH! Again more nausea. My PA came in and checked she was going to try a different narcotic, however not sure what happened they gave me more percocet...Nonetheless....I started to vomit! OOHHHHH my poor tummy.
2/19 NO MORE MEDS! I refused anymore narcotics, and my effexor until I feel better (if needed) I started coming out of the fog. Tylenol elixer was given. Yet, I felt sick afterword. So by Saturday...I swore off all medications! Eating was okay...but I was very burpy. However not eating enough to be discharged. Finally went home sunday.
Once home...every day seemed brighter than the previous. Monday took my first B12 (When shopping I could only find a 1000mcg sublingual so I am taking them every other day). Tried tylenol again got sick. My hubby thinks I took speed. I have been talking a mile a minute. Not sure if its just the fog being lifted from the effexor, of if the B12 is giving me ooodles of energy. Started walking with hubby a couple of times today. Tuesday...still talk, talk, talk....my mom started singing the DIVORCE song....jokingly as my hubby is irritated by my excitement! Finally drove myself to walmart, purchased Children's Tylenol Melt A Ways in grape...MUCH better on my poor baby tummy. STILL VERY BURPY! Meet with PA tomorrow for my JP Tube to be removed. CAN'T WAIT I know I will feel 100% better. Friends, Family, Neighbors, etc have all been great and supportive! Each day can only get better. I spoke with my aunt who is a nurse, she said, I will do GREAT, because if I was to have severe problems...they probably would have already happened. I hope she is right. STILL BURPY...will check on that...I think I am lactose intollerant! Any HOW I am officially a "LOSER!" Will post again...soon!
2/24/05 One week ago today was my surgery (whoohoo! - how time flys!). Anyhow...saw Deb yesterday and had my JP tube removed. MUCH BETTER, but very sore! Just posted as not sure it ths site should be as sore as it is now. Deb said my gurgles and burps are NORMAL! She said to give it time it should work itself out. Took my effexor last night at dinner. Felt crappy afterword for about an hour. Engergy leve is WAY down from how I felt on Monday. Deb thought I was probably rebounding from the effexor withdrawls...needless to say she told me to back on it. Otherwise another week of pudding, creamed soups, etc. Hopefully I can start with more texture by next week. I will see the dietician, physical therapyst, and Deb again.
3/10/05 It has been three weeks today since my surgery. I am now on pureed foods. Still having some gurgling. I think I am back on track with my effexor, no HUGE problems as of yet. I did try some rice. I felt like I had a brick in my chest...won't eat it again! Burps and Gurgles are slowing down. Just need to continously remind myself to slow down! Its hard...a 35 year habit changed over night! Ugh! My mom says I do look thinner, but I still feel as if I am swollen. I can't wait to sleep on my belly again. I am taking each day as it comes, so I don't depress myself too much. I never thought I was "dependent" upon food, but MAN now everything tastes great...I find myself wanting to finish my plate, even though I know my pouch is full. It's hard to walk away and waste food.
I get to eat a REAL meal on Easter Sunday! I am very excited.
Signed up for the OH event in Bloomington. I am looking forward to meeting some of the wonderful people I have posted back and forth with face to face. I am back at school trying to catch up, and my energy is slowly starting to return. I have been very diligent on my vitamins and other meds. I guess all is going well...I am officially down 12lbs. (YIPPEEE)
3/21/2005 Well, I am just over one month out. Not having too many problems, except that my body is rejecting the internal sutures and they are popping through my incisions. It's annoying because they keep catching on my clothes. I am down 13+ lbs YIPPEEE!!! I am still having problems with gurgling and burping. Sort of slacking on the food, started eating more solids...a week or so sooner than suppose too. Able to tolerate most of everything I ate so far, just need to remember to eat slower. I can sleep on the sides of my belly without problems. Met with a great group of girls (Christine T, Lisa N, and Jenny A) at Caribou for tea. It was fun sharing stories. Lisa is 14 mo. out and shared a lot. It was very insightful. We decided to plan another get together soon. Otherwise I will be attending the OH event in April and hope to meet more from the messageboard who have inspired me so! I will post again soon!
3/25/05 Well, since my temp had been slowly on the rise, and one of my incisions where the suture was popping out was all red and began bleeding, I finally went in to have things checked out on Tuesday. Sure enough - I had a bacterial infection and what she thought was the begining of an abcess. Needless to say...I have felt quite crummy for a reason! Imagine that! She cut all the visable sutures. Since the incision had been bleeding for 4 days I had been changing the bandage frequently. So on Wednesday I went to change it and it snagged. At first I thought it was caught on a piece of dried skin, but of course it was a knot in the suture that was still visable as I pulled, I pulled it out about 1/4 of an inch. UGH!!! Today I have been on the meds for about 4 days and FINALLY my incision is starting to itch ( a sign of healing!) and has been dry for 2 days. I am so glad that the staff at FSWL is wonderful, or I would have been really mad.
4/3/05 Well, I have completed my antibiotics, but still having problems. After the OH event yesterday I came home and a different incision snagged and started to bleed. What is wrong with my body???? Anyhow...now I am bandaging 2 areas again! I am also trying an antibiotic OTC ointment to see if it helps the healing process! I also have been having a burning sensation in the area and to the right of my new pouche. Actually there is pain on my right side last night and today. So I just posted for insight! Anyhow...down 21lbs since surgery so my 1st plateau is over...Yippee!
OH event at Embassy Suites was fun. I wish I had felt better so I could have been more social. I met many wonderful people and would have loved to hear more about their journey, but I just didn't feel good.
Still one day at a time...until I am well again!
4/14/05 8wks out...feeling better. Incision is starting to scab over. Trying to keep it clean. Still at 21lbs loss...so on another plateau. Trying to get water in...I think that is the key. Thinking about Jessica O. She is having so many problems, I am very concerned, and wish I could do something to help. Will think about ideas...maybe get help from the group.
4/18 I have felt frustrated the past week, as I posted to the group to get ideas for Jessica O, and my post was removed. Ugh! I did talk with Jessica for quite awhile last night. She is hanging in there. I left a message for my friend with Girl Scouts, and also contacted Star Tribune, about Jessica's case, hopefully we will get a response back soon! I plan on also calling my church as well. I really hope I can help some how.
Other note: doing okay. My incision snagged and oozed a bit again today, but still has the scab, and looking better. However still very tender. I am down another two pounds. Total weight loss 23lbs. I fit into my first goal outfit this weekend. I bought it before surgery at Lane Bryant. It is a size 14 pants and 14/16 top...snug but looked nice. My family was very surprised. So I spent a day at MOA spending $$ I really couldn't afford to spend on bday gifts, and a new goal outfit! I am pretty excited. I took a pic, I could tell a difference, but now...things should progress more. I also got my hair highlighted for the first time, it looks awesome!
4/24/2005 Well, It's another day...I am down two more pounds. I have been trying hard to get in enough water, but just haven't hit my goal yet on that stuff. I have been backed up so to speak...constipated! I tried prune juice...couldn't choke it down, that stuff is nasty! So I used the quick easy way...enema...ugh! Anyhow...did it twice this week. Still no big progress. I have increased using benefiber to 2x per day.
I have also been terrible about watching my protien intake, so I bought a unflavored powdered form...I tried it in a smoothie so far...not too bad. No hair loss yet...I am at just over 9 weeks out. With only 25lbs down I am just under 1/3 of the way to my goal....Yippee! I guess it averages out to 2-3lbs per week which actually is very healthy weight loss. I am walking more...trying to get the bowels moving...some days I don't even pass air....I am getting a bit worried. I go back to my clinic on 5/4 for my 3mo. check. I wonder if they will draw labs yet, I would like to know if I am maintaining my vitamins or if I need to increase/decrease something. I haven't posted much on the board lately...still ticked off about having a post pulled.
Anyhow...I guess that is all for now! I will updates soon!
5/24/05 It has been a month since I have posted. I had my three month check and all went well. Nothing new, except the stupid incision that didn't want to heal. My PA thought it was on the mend. Of course two days later, I saw my primary md. She checked everything out, and thought my incision looked like it could be infected. She prescribed Keflex...and low and behold...the dumb thing FINALLY healed over! I love my primary...she's FABULOUS! Anyhow, had all my labs drawn, and everything was within normal range! So I am getting my B12 and other vitamins in without a problem. I finally realized that the "burping/gurgling" I tend to get...well its a form of dumping for me. It gets especially bad when I drink milk. I am still working on fluids. I did have a problem earlier this month with dehydration. Now I am documenting everything, still not completely where I should be at, but doing much better. Mentally...well its up and down. I still don't see the significant results everyone else does, but I see myself everyday so I shouldn't be surprised. I can fit into my first goal outfit! ;-) I bought it in December at Lane Bryant. A size 14W capris, and top (the top is still a little snug, but the pants fit wonderfully!). I am so happy. That means I have gone from a 22, 20, 18, 16, to 14...thats 5 sizes already! I bought another goal outfit! A size 10 capris, and a misses Medium top..not sure when I will be able to wear it...but its worth the weight!
6/28/05 Wow...its strange how quickly a month flys by. I am now down to 153lbs thats a 42lb weight loss. Over half way to goal. Started losing my hair....truly has me bummed out. I get 1-2 brush fulls after my shower and can pull out handfulls through out the day. From what I have read it says it goes on for 2-5 months. No bald spots yet...but fretting it. I am still wearing about a 14 in pants. XL on top. Slowly getting rid of my "big" tent tops. Feeling good otherwise. Trying to get in enough fluids given all the Minnesota heat, and struggling to get protien...I am such a carb person...it's tough. Researched my coffee...don't feel too bad about the Starbucks Mocha Light Frapaccino. Best choice of all. Still having gurgling problems, but I think I am eating/drinking too fast. If I lay down in a semi reclined position I do better. Trying to walk, and get some strength training done, I would love to rejoin curves but is definately not in the budget at this time. Hubby very supportive still...even more frisky..He thinks its just me feeling more receptive, he says he's always been frisky..but since I would shut him down he stopped trying. Anyhow..I hope to post additional pics soon.
Tammy O.
Height 4'9'
Highest: 203
Pre-op: 195
1 month out: 182 (-13lbs)
2 months out: 172 (-23lbs) This is the weight I was at when I delivered baby #2. ;-)
3 months out: 164 (-31lbs)
4 month out: 158 (-37lbs)
5 months out: 153 (-42lbs)
6 months out: 149 (-46lbs)
7 months out: 144 (-51lbs)
8 months out: 142 (-53lbs)
9 months out: 142 (-53lbs)
12 months out: 136 (-59lbs)
PHOTOS! Well...I am having problems posting photos...so if you would like to view before (pre obesity) and pre-op photos you can check out my photo gallery website at:
~~ 4 months Post-Op - 158 lbs. ~~
8/2/2005 Well, I am almost 6 months out. I am frustrated. I am down about 50lbs and have been sitting there for quite a while. I am not following the plan, and notice more emotional eating happening. Certain foods don't effect me the way they should. I can eat crackers and cookies and occationally have found myself grazing. I hope that I can overcome it, but I am very scared that I will fail myself and not use the tool given me properly. I love how I am looking, and feel great otherwise. I will be happy to just get to 130lbs, but I want to succeed. I posted tonight, so I hope I can get some encouragement. With the busy summer schedule, I am not making it to regular meetings or to the saturday caribou groups, and I don't get on the message board as often as I would like. So I feel very discouraged. Anyhow...I have a post op appt next week and will see where things are at then.
8-20-2005 Okay well...now I am pround but discouraged...as when I went into my 6mo (8/17) check, I realized the scale I was using was off. So I had to readjust everything. To date I have lost 46lbs total. I have about 36lbs left to lose at 6months out. I guess it is good, as you can lose weight for up to a year or so. I have been walking, but not good with the aerobic activity. I feel prettier at times, but do get down on myself as well. I sometimes think I am able to eat too much. I have also found myself grazing at times. It can be very discouraging. I am trying to get back on track. I have met up with my caribou buddies and hope to make some more meetings. I also hope to make it to the FSWL Wednesday night meetings once per month. I don't feel as if my family is as supportive as they once were. My hubby...well, he is just more "affectionate" if you know what I mean. It's almost too affectionate. My kids think he's sick! I guess I should be flattered that I look better and am more appealing, but I am still the same inside as I was 6 months ago..so I guess I am a little upset that he didn't feel he could be affectionate with me when I was bigger. He says it's my fault, as I was not receptive. Of course...he NEVER does anything wrong, he's ALWAYS right! UGH it p**ses me off some times. Anyhow...been looking at photos and will try to post a few more before pics, as well as my 6 month after. I take them every 2 months...that way maybe the difference will be more noticeable.
9-17-2005 FINALLY, the scale has started to move again. I am officially 7 months out today. I am down to 144 so I have lost about 5 lbs, woohoo!!! I am happy. I fit into a pair of jeans that my mom gave me a month ago and I just threw into the closet as I knew they would not fit! I took them out today and said, "there is no way these are going to fit me." but I tried anyway...and voila - they fit! I am in awe! I still am beating myself up at times, I am having a hard time motivating, but when I reflect on my weight I realize I only have 20lbs left to go to where I was when I gave birth to my first child, and only 16lbs to my personal goal of 130lbs. If I lose more than that it is just an added bonus! I continue to take things one day at a time. Oh...I also took out my pre-op jeans...I could probably fit into one pant leg except that they were straight leg, so both feet don't fit. It was too cool! My kids were laughing so hard. It was kind of sureal as I don't ever remember thinking or feeling that big.
10-18-2005 Well, it has been 8 months. I am still sitting about the same around 142-143. My weight loss has slowed down quite a bit, and I am scared. I KNOW that I personally need to be accountable for my weight. I NEED to exercise more, and I need to keep to the rules of the pouch. It is DAMN hard. I have been busy and old routines/habits seem to creep in. I find myself grazing...WAY too much and the carbs...ugh! I have been busy and yes I have also been making excuses. So I have been trying to set some goals...1) Protien first...at ALL times!, 2) Exercise...little steps add up! 3) Seek support..get to Caribou to bee with the group, and try to get to FWLS support group. I have been under a great deal of emotional stress lately. I have been worried about my daughter...big things happening at school...conflicts with peers...you know how teenage girls get. It's really upsetting her. So..being a mom, I worry! The other daughter is having some acedemic issues, not doing so well in a couple of classes..wonder whats up there. Hubby..well, I always worry about him, us..our future. Finances...yep...like everyone these days I worry, but things are looking up finally. My business is doing ok. I love the group I have now, and the kids are pretty smart. Yes, I do take some of the credit, as they are with me 8-10 hours per day/5 days a week! Anyhow...needed to vent, regroup etc. So maybe I need to post to my profile more than once a month, or get on the message board more...who knows. Missing the Gala, it sounds like fun but schedule is just too tight. Until next month...
11-11-2005 Well my nine month anniversary is almost upon me and the scale has not moved much. I realized that I am not following the rules of the pouch, and struggling emotionally. Stress has been a big factor, as we refinanced our house, are in the midst of doing some major updates - siding, doors, etc. I am trying to revamp my daycare, school (for myself) and two teenage daughters - never ending issues with them, so I feel like I am burning the candle at both ends. I hope that things quiet down soon. I can get myself back on track. I have only 12lbs to go to my own personal goal, and about 25lbs to my ideal body weight. So will I succeed or fail...Only I can make that choice. I have not made it to support groups, and I really don't have support at home, so hopefully getting back to the board I will make some progress. I hope to get the hubby to buy me a new "goal" outfit, and a curves membership. Will he or won't he? Who knows...I hope to post additional pics (8 mo) on my blog soon. I will let everyone know when done.
12-11-2005 I am one week away from my 10 month surgiversary and FINALLY the scale has begun to move again. I am down 4lbs. I am so happy! I have been really stressed, but trying hard to keep a perspective on things and stay on track with the "rules" for WLS. I think I am finally doing better. Emotionally I have my ups and downs. I worry about the issues my hubby is facing. Yet, I know I cannot do anything to change him. Only he can do that. We have been bickering alot as we are in the process of remodeling our house...somewhat. And the process has been very stressful. i have also been really stressed about school. I am worried about my final grade for this semester, and have been procrastinating about finishing my final project which is due at the end of this week. Anyhow....that is all for now. Its late and hubby will yell if I can't get my butt out of bed in the AM.
1-24-2006 Wow...I find myself getting on the site less and less. It kind of scares me. The scale is hovering again. But I did finally re-join curves to tone up some of the saggy skin and build up a little muscle. It should help improve my mood too. This past month has been very stressful with the holidays, home improvement projects and a brief health scare. I found a lump in my rt breast. Had my first (baseline) mammogram. All was benign. Thank you Lord, I think someone above is watching over me, and maybe testing my faith. Otherwise doing well. I fit into a size 8 pair of pants...can you believe it....SIZE 8!!! I haven't fit into that size since before my oldest daughter was born almost 15 years ago! I am truly amazed. Would I have the surgery again? In a heart beat! Still gurgle now and then, depends upon how much sugar is in what ever I eat, or if I eat too fast. Seem to be eating about 1 cup full of food now. I am worried that I really need to watch the carbs. I don't want to see the weight start climbing. I am slowly letting go of some of my volunteer positions. I think it's time to focus on me and devote more time directly to my family. House projects are coming along. New floors look awesome, and the exterior projects should be starting here in the next couple of weeks. Anyhow...thats the update for now. I hope to get back to Caribou Group again soon. I feel sort of alone at the time being.
2/17/2006 Happy Surgi-versary to me! It has been one hell of a year! I feel better than I have in the past 15 years! I am very proud of my accomplishments. I had my daughter take some new photos of me in my favorite pre surgery pants (fat pants) so I should be getting those online soon. Things are about the same. I haven't lost anymore weight in the past couple of weeks, but I view that as part of building muscle since i have been exercising more. I am not worried. Even if I don't lose anymore, I still feel good about where I am. (except the extra skin....might need to have that removed someday - That will lose be about 5-10lbs for sure!) I am enjoying my mobility. It was fun, we went to twins fest and I could actually manage the stairs at the dome with out having to go down each stair with both feet. (hope you get what I am trying to say) Anyhow...that is all for now! Thanks to all for their support. I am really happy with where I am at.
3/8/2006 Well, Monday (3/6) I had my one year post op visit. It went okay. I am down now to 136. The scale is still moving. Yet, they still want me to lose another 20-30lbs. So I have my work cut out for me. I also need to start an iron supplement to hopefully ward off becoming anemic. My ferriten was very low, so hopefully I can get it back up. My PA's goal is a minimum of 50 within the next 6 mo. Otherwise I will have to look at other options like slowing down my monthly cycle. They have been pretty heavy now....come to think of it. So my goal for the next 2 months is to lose 10lbs. I am going to try to get my water intake up again, I have been lacking a bit, and I am going to work hard at getting at least 30 minutes of cardio work down a day. So...just one day at a time.
5/5/2006 Well it has been a couple of months since i update. Not much has changed. I haven't lost much more weight, although I am not trying REAL hard either. I have been way to stressed trying to finish up my classes, as i graduate in 3 days. I am so...worried. I got a call earlier this week and I missed over half of the information that needed to be turned in. I put everything together and took it down to school, but haven't heard anything yet. I guess it's my fault. So of course now I am fretting...and EATING! I find I can eat ALOT more than I used too, and carbs are my biggest enemy. I hope that after Monday...I can relax and refocus and get the remaining 20lbs my MD wants me to lose. So hopefully things will get better. Anyhow tomorrow my DH and I are going to the Twins game for my birthday (which is Sunday). I chose a Twins game as I want to spend time with him, since he is a HUGE fan, it was the most reasonable choice. Anyhow...now I am getting ready for a HUGE party at my home next weekend, to celebrate my WLS, graduation, and all the updates on our home. It should be fun. As of now we have 50-60 people who have RSVP'd. I am looking forward to it. Hopefully we will STILL be celebrating the graduation part. Only monday will tell. That is all folks...for now.
Wow...I hadn't realized how long it had been since I updated my profile. Things haven't changed much as far as the wl. I am still maintaining my weight. I think if I cut out carbs, I would probably see a drop, but I feel comfortable. I am 18months out and happier with my body than I have been in years. Except now...I am having issues with my skin folds, sounds gross, but if I document everything maybe...just maybe..I will be able to get my insurance to pay for a much needed tummy tuck, and hind lift.
On other news I graduated! I have a two year college degreee. Next...start working toward my 4 year? Maybe. All good things come to those who wait.
I am new and improved....I got LASEK! Needless to say I can see without glasses or contacts and it is WONDERFUL! My hubby was pissed that I had the procedure done, rightfully so. I really didn't discuss it with him a head of time. I don't regret it at all.
I have new pics to post once I figure out how to get them up and running. I also hope to get back to the Eagan Byerlys support group. I truly could use them. Anyhow...thats all for now.
12/17/2006 22months post op - life has been very busy and I have not been able to get online very much to update. Here is what is going on...hubby and I are having problems...tooo long of a story to post. I am working at starbux part time. Still maintaining my weight...1 year now. Yay!!! loving life! |
