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Kathy C.’s Posts

Kathy C.
on 3/13/13 2:06 pm

Topic: RE: SHOCKER: I have gall stones!

Gotta have mine out too! Just found out--one year after surgery!!

Kathy C.
on 3/13/13 1:55 pm

Topic: RE: Before and After 1 year!

Kathy C.
on 3/13/13 1:51 pm

Topic: RE: One year surgiversary March 12.

I HAVE to keep telling myself that "I WILL NOT gain it back!" luckily my cravings stay pretty in line. I CRAVE tomatoes, pickles, mexican food (pico de gallo)--weird stuff--don't even really care for the sweet stuff that I used to crave. That stuff makes me nauseated most of the time now. But you are right...it's early in the game, but I know I HAVE to stay focused and strong! I can never go back, you know....

Kathy C.
on 3/13/13 1:46 pm

Topic: RE: One year surgiversary--before and after!

Kathy C.
on 3/13/13 1:34 pm

Topic: RE: One year surgiversary March 12.

Yesterday was my one year anniversary since my surgery. I can't tell you how glad I am that I had the surgery. I have lost 78 lbs (83 lbs was my goal) and I feel wonderful!! There are so many things that have changed in my life. I started living life in a whole different way. I don't do "formal" excercise such as working out in a gym or running 5 miles a day--but I do so much more than I ever have in my life. My most rewarding activity is hiking. I could have never hiked uphill up a mountain or waterfall before now--but it is now my new passion. Although I am a novice--I look forward to spring to try out my new passion in warmer weather. (One thing that has changed for me is that I cannot STAND the cold weather! I have been freezing this winter with no added insulation!!)

I also love, love, love to shop! I go once a week to the local Goodwill and stock up on all my new clothes. We have a FABULOUS Goodwill near my house and once I grow out of a size I take them back as a donation and go to the next size. I went from a 22 to a 12 and by the time I lose the last 5-7 lbs, I should be in a size 10. This is perfect for me. I am really starting to have some skin issues so I don't want to loose too much more.

What do I eat now? I don't count calories, carbs, protiens, etc. I don't "diet" -- I eat pretty much what I want, which is mostly lean meats, veges, no fried foods or high fat foods and bites of anything else that I want. If I want potato chips, I'll take a few bites of chips and leave them alone. If I want some cake, I take a couple of bites of cake and I'm done. If I cook pancakes for the kids, I take a couple of bites and find something else that is better for me. I drink a good bit of water, but also drink tea or coke or whatever every now and then. I had to get away from the protein shakes and greek yogurt for a while--I was starting to gag after a few sips or bites...just could not handle that stuff anymore--but I plan to start back on protien in the morning with a greek yogurt daily. I want to tone up and get those last few pounds off so that I can maintain between 150-160. I have continued to lose weight since the surgery--although it has been very slow the last couple of months--about 3-4 lbs/month.

Last but not least, I finally have my sense of "self" back. When I used to look in the mirror and wonder WHO is this person who feels so helpless and miserable in her own body?? But now I love my looks and I feel like I am out of that prison! Sometimes, though, I feel like--is this a dream?? Am I going to wake up and be obese again?? I just feel so good and so beautiful and like there is nothing that I can't do--I know that I will never let myself get over 160 lbs again. I panic if the scales say 158 instead of 156. I'm lucky that i haven't had any real psych issues to deal with. My body image has always been good and I haven't really missed the food that much. Sometimes I do wish that I could just eat a WHOLE plate of....something, but once I start getting full--I don't miss any of it.

For those before me--you know what all this means--for those after me--your day will come. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself. I just wish that I had done it years ago. I am going to have to have my gallbladder removed as soon as things get right at work so I can have a couple of weeks off--this is new since the surgery, but otherwise I am in great health and LOVE LIFE!!

Kathy C.
on 7/27/12 3:21 pm

Topic: RE: Say a prayer please.

Thinking and praying for you and your sweet grandbaby. Your health and your support is number one for your family for the next few days. Just be SURE to EAT and stay well hydrated. It would be very easy to NOT eat because of all the stress, worry and activity going on and that will only complicate what you are trying to do. Try as best as you can to get something healthy in you, but don't feel guilty or do WITHOUT if all you have available is a banana or juice for that moment. Try to keep some bottled water and some type of protien with you at all times..You can worry about getting back on track when you get home.

God bless you guys and hugs, hugs, hugs....

Kathy C.
on 7/19/12 5:48 pm

Topic: RE: My Strange Body Issues

As I read the posts about people dealing with Body Dismorphia--I just sort of think I am strange and always have been. I was quite the opposite of most. I have always been able to look at myself and say "well, it's not so bad" or "I look pretty good for someone obese" or something stupid like that. It was not until the last 2-3 years that I started really feeling like I looked like crap. When the health issues started and I could no longer look in the mirror and accept the way I looked--I knew it was time to really take action.

But now that I've lost @ 50 lbs...I feel great and know that I look soooooo much better. I look in the mirror and i see what I consider as a "normal" person looking back at me and I feel soooooo grateful for have gone through this. I am not losing as fast as I would like, but I really have not gotten into an exercise mode yet....it's coming...I just have other psycho issues that prevent me from going 100% into what I need to do.

But I feel like something is WRONG with me because I don't have that "I still look/feel/am a fat person" feeling--I feel like I look fantasitc--but then I think--maybe I have something wrong with me and I DON"T look all that great!! I really feel so TINY--but I'm NOT!! I weigh 180 lbs!!!

I guess, this is just a never ending roller coaster ride of emotions!

Anyway, thanks for listening!!

Kathy C.
on 7/19/12 5:14 pm

Topic: RE: I need advice from those that have gone before me, I hope.

You know, nothing turns men on like confidence. During my divorce period @ 12 years ago, I was no where near "small"--about 175 lbs--but I was exercising, spending time on myself, feeling good and loving myself. I felt confident and it showed! I NEVER had a problem with getting attention from guys-the ones that I wanted attention from, that is-mostly younger ones at that! They did not care about my fat belly, my stretch marks, etc, etc....I had a great time during that period and ended up marrying a man 11 years younger than me....

But as we lose the weight and gain that confidence, people (men) start to notice. We can't help that it changes us--FOR THE BETTER. I'm sorry that you are getting overwhelmed with the attention--it sounds like some guys just don't know how to respect beautiful women--and you are just going to have to let them know!

I've lost about 50 lbs so far--a slow loser--but I feel great again for the first time in years. I have a ways to go, but it's like night and day. I don't really feel like I've gotten that much attention--but I love me again! You have done a wonderful job and I know you are loving it too! And I'm sure you feel beautiful and confident and the men just can't resist wanting to stand in your shadow...

I really don't have any advice...just validating that when we feel wonderful, we ARE wonderful and I hope that there is NOTHING that can take that away from you!!

Kathy

Kathy C.
on 7/15/12 8:56 am

Topic: RE: Update: Relationships after Surgery

Don't say "If I had known how much it would have affected this relationship, I might not have had the surgery"

Instead say "THANK GOODNESS I had the surgery, I'm feeling better, I'm healthier and I'm SO GLAD I can see this relationship for what it is!!!"

And you said it, he doesn't appreciate you or respect you. But YOU can appreciate you and respect you. Hopefully you are in some kind of counseling and can work through your feelings. 160 LBS!! How wonderful is that???!!!

Free yourself and your mind and you will be so happy you did at the end of this journey.
God Speed, my friend.

Kathy C.
on 7/8/12 9:19 pm

Topic: RE: Should have known.....

Ginger,

I can relate, as well. My mother is not quite as obnoxious as yours, but hurtful, just the same. All my adult life I have struggled with my weight. The funny thing is....she has too! But she has always made the little critical, "helping" comments like "oh, so are you going to try to lose that weight now?"..."if you'd just lose the weight, you wouldn't...__________________fill in the blank." She really infuriated me with that crap. Even now, she will ask me how I'm doing and am I sticking to my "diet". She does NOT understand that this is not a diet, but a lifelong journey to reclaim my life.

Another funny thing is that she is now jealous. She even asked me how old you can be and still get the surgery. We live 3 hours apart and I really only talk to her about twice a month. We have had a strained relationship because of her ways. The best way to deal with the type of critism that you have endured is to 1) think about counseling 2) put some distance between you--make sure you don't have to depend on them for anything 3) don't tell them anything that they can use as fuel--just don't answer the phone or divulge any information if you do. It's hard, but the couseling will help you work on this.

This is life changing event and you need to keep putting one foot in front of the other. 30lbs!! is great--I only lost like 13 the first month! But you have to learn to love yourself and shed the stress and heartache of anyone trying to tear you down. Each pound that you lose is going to make you that much closer to flying!! So hang in there, keep your chin up and do this YOUR OWN WAY!! I wish that I had been through this at your age---just do it!!

Good Luck--keep us posted!

Kathy C.
on 7/6/12 9:48 pm

Topic: RE: 6 months on Monday. Goal? bahahaha

Hey Steph,

I'm right there with you. Having my surgery has been about a life transformation as well. I'm not losing as fast as some or even most..but I am losing and doing my thing. I have not started any formal excercise yet, but I am soooooooooooo much more active. Eating is a struggle everyday to get the RIGHT things in, keep up with my fluid intake and make good choices. I don't restrict my carbs so severely...I manage my diet such that I don't go crazy later on when I reach goal. But everything is coming in it's own time. I'm in the middle of changing jobs and shedding a whole boatload of responsibility and stress!! I am truly taking control of my life and making the changes that I have wanted to see for the past few years...

So you go, girl!!! Make it happen and don't apologize to ANYONE!! You are on your way and you'll get there...just like I will..carbs and all...lol.

Kathy C.
on 6/24/12 9:19 pm

Topic: RE: 3+ monts post op with pics

Somewhat of a slow loser, but very pleased and trying to keep up mentally with all of the changes

since the surgery.....

Now...before:

Day of surgery

Christmas 2011

(disgusting)

Kathy C.
on 6/3/12 9:27 am

Topic: RE: Before/After Pix-18 Months

I keep wondering what I will do with this fat tummy roll hanging from my lower belly if and WHEN I meet goal and beyond. When I look at all the before and afters, people look so neat and trim -- I can't imagine that thing going away enough to look as cute as you do in those little orange pants! Congrats!! Hope I can do as well!!

Kathy C.
on 6/1/12 6:33 pm

Topic: RE: Finally reached Onederland!!!

199 lbs today!!

Kathy C.
on 5/31/12 7:25 pm

Topic: RE: Bad breath!!

My husband tells me all the time!! LOL I hate chewing gum so I try to keep something around. I also worry that my co-workers have smelled it! I hope one day it will be normal--just one more thing that makes our weight loss challenging. BUT how glorious it is to look in the mirror!

Kathy C.
on 5/29/12 6:37 pm

Topic: RE: Test

Test

Kathy C.
on 5/27/12 9:36 pm

Topic: RE: Two and half months out and I feel defeated....does it get better???

I'm 21/2 months out and I feel like I can't get a handle on this. I was doing so well and then last week I feel like my stomach started to revolt. I vomited after lunch on Monday, threw up my sips of water with my Nexium Tuesday morning, gagged on the protien shakes and greek yogurt all week and overall hardly ate anything. The scale did not move all week but I have not weighed since last Wednesday or Thursday. I feel fat, disappointed and like I have done all of this for 30 or so lbs??

I start to get into a nice routine--then I can't stick with it because something starts to make me gag to eat it or drink it and then it all gets topsy turvy. I start over, begin a new routine, then it again does not work out. I'll cook a nice looking "meal" and can only stuff a couple of bites in and I either have severe nausea, discomfort or out and out vomit--therefore, I don't get my 2-3 oz of dense protien and have to resort to the shakes--which sometimes I cannot finish because I feel as if I'm going to vomit! My psychotic brain is telling me that this is "punishment" for the years of enjoying eating sooooooooooo much! lol.

Anyway--does it get better?? Is it just because it's still somewhat new? Please tell me that this will all work out and become easier. It seems like others are losing weight so much faster than I am and I seem to be eating NOTHING--especially compared to what I used to eat!! It's just easier NOT to eat than to go through all of this.

Has anyone else been through this feeling of defeat???

Thanks for any feedback...

Kathy C.
on 5/22/12 8:27 pm

Topic: RE: All Those Sleeved 3-13..Check in here

I was sleeved on 3/12/12. I've lost 31 lbs as of today. The scale did not move over the weekend and I just HATE that! Otherwise, I feel better than I have in many years. I already feel like I've lost 100 lbs...I'm much more active and everyone is saying how good I look...they even call me "skinny"! LOL . I stuggle everyday with eating, drinking, protien, etc. I have a protien shake every morning with about 55 grams of protien--but towards the end--I have to let the nausea subside between each swallow. It is very difficult for me to get down the fluids in between trying to get the rest of the protien in. I was never a big drinker so I just feel so bloated and don't want to swallow it down when I drink alot. I have a lot of restriction, so getting the dense protien in is difficult too. I do the best with fish...but I also eat chicken, lean ground beef and occasionally some grilled shrimp. I definitely stay away from carbs and sweets, but crave salty, tasty stuff. The shakes, yogurt and drink powders are soooo (artificially) sweet--I can't stand it!

Over all, I feel great!! I do worry that I am not getting enough "good" nutrition. I don't think it's healthy to only eat protien, no carbs, no fruits and veges. I feel like I'm kind of losing slowly, but hopefully that will be better for my skin and long term weight loss. I have the rest of my life, right?? I'm not a work out guru, either. I work alot --- but I am so much more active and pain free now--I think the excercise and activity will build over time.

This was the first step in an life changing year. I am looking to resign from my management - 5 day a week -- job in a couple of weeks and go to shift work where I work 2 - 3 shifts a week. This will decrease the stress in my life and give me more time to myself and with my family. I have been wanting to do that for a year now. I'm just looking forward to more adjustment to the sleeve, getting to goal over the next 10 months and living life to the fullest for the first time in YEARS!!

Keep in touch and go to my page and check out my pics!!

Kathy C.
on 5/19/12 6:58 am

Topic: RE: Challenging Week....can't get off this roller coaster!

I am finding out what a roller coaster ride this journey is....this week has been all off. One thing I know about ME is that as soon as I accomplish some weight loss--then I think it is time to "give myself a break". That is what would destroy me every time. THANK GOODNESS for VSG! I would always reward myself with a huge celebratory meal --I had earned it, right? I had lost some weight and now it was time to splurge and celebrate....then the entire effort would end and the weight would come right back on plus more!

Well, I feel as if I have been "celebrating" this whole week since I lost 30 lbs! Not really going off of my plan, but slacking off in terms of what was working. I'm still getting my protien in, but not keeping to the regimen that was working so well. Not taking my meds and vits in a timely fashion , not getting my fluids in like I should. I find that I am wanting to snack late at night (while I'm catching up on my VSG forum!) I've induldged myself with sliced tomatoes, cheese dip, peanut butter and even scrambled eggs. It's been raining --so walking, the protien and greek yogurt have been making me gag--so tired of them and so sick of plain water and water with powdered flavor!

I managed to loose a couple of lbs, but I get this panic that this is IT! I've been through all of this and I'm not going to be able to lose any more!

Anyway--I'm drinking my protien shake this morning, I've got my plan for the day and I'm going to take it one day at the time! I've had my "off" week and I'm BACK!! My treadmill should be here this week -- so NO excuses!!

Thanks for listening, VSG Forum!

Kathy C.
on 5/16/12 8:15 pm

Topic: RE: ONEDERLAND - It's my turn for one of these

Sooooo...CONGRATS!! I will join you soon! LOL

Kathy C.
on 5/16/12 8:14 pm

Topic: RE: ONEDERLAND - It's my turn for one of these

Hey! I was sleeved on 3/12/12 starting at 233lbs--I'm right behind you!! Can't wait till I hit Onederland!!! Hopefully by next week I will be making this post! My goal is also 150 lbs! I'm 5'3".

Kathy C.
on 5/16/12 6:22 pm

Topic: RE: Six month check up - still not getting it right (photos)

OMG! YOu look beautiful!! I am a newbie...but this is what I have found works for me SO FAR:

Protien shake first thing in the morning (one scoop in 8 oz smart milk = 36gms protien)
Greek yogurt mid morning = 14 gms protien
by Lunch I've had 50 gms protien
Fish or chicken at lunch = @ 15 to 20 gms protien with a few bites of a vege
protien snack in the afternoon = 5-7 gms protien-- I go for anything with protien ( peanut butter, cheese, protien bar, etc...)
Fish/chicken/beef + cheese = 15-20 gms protien with few bites of a vege

Drink as much fluids as possible during the day (that is my struggle) and the plan is working!

Keep those fatty goggles off and work it, girl!!

Kathy C.
on 5/13/12 8:44 pm

Topic: RE: Oh My Sweet Jesus!

Hi! I'm nine weeks out tomorrow and has it ever been a life changing experience. Like you, before surgery I was worried about not being able to eat all the wonderful, delicious stuff that I love to eat. Don't get me wrong, I still love alot of that stuff, but every day it gets easier and easier to accept that I can't eat it or I can only eat a bite or two. The one thing that helps me is looking at myself in the mirror or putting on a pair of pants that I could not get buttoned 9 weeks ago and now are baggy on me or all the compliments that I get every day at work (at least 5-10 a DAY!)

I actually can eat almost anything that I want with very little issue, I just have to be very, very, very careful not to overeat, to chew well, etc. And it's funny, I used to love hamburgers, chips, cupcakes, junk, junk and more junk. I actually CRAVE tomatoes, cucumbers, fish, pickles, celery---stuff that won't make me fat! I always get my protien in, but when there is an opportunity to "snack" on something--I'm looking for something healthy!!

The biggest thing is making up your mind to do it. I wish that I could have had the strength to do it without the surgery--but here I am nine weeks post op and loving myself and where I am going. I've lost almost 30 lbs and it feels like 100...you can go to my personal site (I think) and look at my before and afters --or click on the "other posts" button for my pics I posted yesterday.

Go ahead and enjoy the foods you love now and know that next Mother's Day celebration, you will be able to eat a bite of this, a bite of that, a couple of bites of this....and you will be completely satisfied and you will be looking HOT!!

Take care!

Kathy C.
on 5/12/12 9:09 pm

Topic: RE: 9 weeks post op with pics!

Feeling like a different person!

Christmas 2012

The morning of surgery

Kathy C.
on 5/8/12 7:42 pm

Topic: RE: I'll never do that again....

Went out to eat after my son's baseball game for his birthday--Japanese Hibachi!! One of my favorites! Was so hungry and it was soooo good! Just a bite of this, a sip of that and WHAM!! Ate too fast, too much, did not chew well enough....thought I was having a heart attack! SOOOO...I think that did it for thinking that I can just eat normally. Wow......

Otherwise feeling great and getting soooo many compliments at work! Truly motivating to eat correctly and get my excercise in! THANKS VSG!! for making my life so much better already!