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Kennedy12’s Posts
Post Date 12/14/11 8:08 pm
Topic: 11th Year Surgiversary - Reflections
December 11th was my 11th surgiversary and I have been trying to think about how I would sum up my experience thus far and I realized, the only way to sum it up is to say that I have a completely different life now.
I walked into the hospital in Pontiac Michigan weighing some where around 410 lbs. I was pretty inactive, getting exhausted from working and going to grad school full-time. My free time was spent lying in bed watching TV.
Today, I don't take any medications related to weight complications. My blood pressure is so low, I often have to stand up in order for it to register for my doctor.
I LOVE to workout. This is a revelation! I hated being active before, but today, I train with a former Chicago Bear who kicks my butt as if I were in training to play with the Bears. I am studying to become a Pilates instructor and have my own Pilates Reformer in my living room because I love using it so much. I read books like Chi Running and Pilates Anatomy for fun.
I enjoy clothing on a whole different level. I always enjoyed fashion and following it, but was never able to participate until now and it brings me a lot of joy!
The way I eat has changed. The things I am attracted to are different. I no longer enjoy junk food the way I used to. I rarely eat fast food and love to cook now when I have time. Is my eating perfect? What is perfect? I avoid the foods that don't agree with me, ensure I get in enough protein every day. I get my labs done religiously, get my bone density tested yearly. I take my vitamins and minerals every day. It's such a routine that I don't even think about it much.
I am more myself than ever before. I have healthier boundaries with the people in my life. I speak my mind when necessary and love life!
As I am writing this, there is a part of me that struggles with wanting to say something meaningful and helpful, but the truth is, this far out, everything is pretty automatic and I don't have to think about things or focus on things as much as you do in the beginning. I hope this makes sense. It's all just a way of life. A given.
I would have this surgery every year if that's what it took to have the life I have now. I am so grateful for the DS and all those that came before me and shared their stories and those on the DS Forum that were there for me when I needed help with regain.
Life is amazing. I travel to fun places, have the best friends and a life I wouldn't trade with anyone. I hope all your DS experiences are as great or greater!!
Jillian
Topic: 11th Year Surgiversary - Reflections
December 11th was my 11th surgiversary and I have been trying to think about how I would sum up my experience thus far and I realized, the only way to sum it up is to say that I have a completely different life now.
I walked into the hospital in Pontiac Michigan weighing some where around 410 lbs. I was pretty inactive, getting exhausted from working and going to grad school full-time. My free time was spent lying in bed watching TV.
Today, I don't take any medications related to weight complications. My blood pressure is so low, I often have to stand up in order for it to register for my doctor.
I LOVE to workout. This is a revelation! I hated being active before, but today, I train with a former Chicago Bear who kicks my butt as if I were in training to play with the Bears. I am studying to become a Pilates instructor and have my own Pilates Reformer in my living room because I love using it so much. I read books like Chi Running and Pilates Anatomy for fun.
I enjoy clothing on a whole different level. I always enjoyed fashion and following it, but was never able to participate until now and it brings me a lot of joy!
The way I eat has changed. The things I am attracted to are different. I no longer enjoy junk food the way I used to. I rarely eat fast food and love to cook now when I have time. Is my eating perfect? What is perfect? I avoid the foods that don't agree with me, ensure I get in enough protein every day. I get my labs done religiously, get my bone density tested yearly. I take my vitamins and minerals every day. It's such a routine that I don't even think about it much.
I am more myself than ever before. I have healthier boundaries with the people in my life. I speak my mind when necessary and love life!
As I am writing this, there is a part of me that struggles with wanting to say something meaningful and helpful, but the truth is, this far out, everything is pretty automatic and I don't have to think about things or focus on things as much as you do in the beginning. I hope this makes sense. It's all just a way of life. A given.
I would have this surgery every year if that's what it took to have the life I have now. I am so grateful for the DS and all those that came before me and shared their stories and those on the DS Forum that were there for me when I needed help with regain.
Life is amazing. I travel to fun places, have the best friends and a life I wouldn't trade with anyone. I hope all your DS experiences are as great or greater!!
Jillian
Post Date 4/17/11 6:34 pm
Topic: RE: How critical was exercise to your weight loss success?
I'm going on 11 years out and workout all the time because I love it. I've developed a healthy addiction to it. I didn't workout right after I had my DS, I was pretty big, but I've developed a love for it and now workout about 10 hours a week doing Pilates, Zumba, weight training and cross training. I often wonder what would happen to my weight if I stopped all together.
If you would have told me I would be this in love with working out 10 years ago, I would have told thought you were crazy!
Jillian
Topic: RE: How critical was exercise to your weight loss success?
I'm going on 11 years out and workout all the time because I love it. I've developed a healthy addiction to it. I didn't workout right after I had my DS, I was pretty big, but I've developed a love for it and now workout about 10 hours a week doing Pilates, Zumba, weight training and cross training. I often wonder what would happen to my weight if I stopped all together.
If you would have told me I would be this in love with working out 10 years ago, I would have told thought you were crazy!
Jillian
Post Date 4/17/11 6:28 pm
Topic: RE: 3 year surgiversary ADDED PICS
You look amazing Chris!!
Jillian
Topic: RE: 3 year surgiversary ADDED PICS
You look amazing Chris!!
Jillian
Post Date 11/8/10 3:12 pm
Topic: RE: Just burst into tears at work...
Jenna,
I understand your emotion, it's called empathy and it's a good thing, even though it's painful. I am sure your kindness was appreciated! Hopefully he will get help, but it sure makes you more grateful for the DS, if that is even possible.
Jillian
Topic: RE: Just burst into tears at work...
Jenna,
I understand your emotion, it's called empathy and it's a good thing, even though it's painful. I am sure your kindness was appreciated! Hopefully he will get help, but it sure makes you more grateful for the DS, if that is even possible.
Jillian
Post Date 11/7/10 4:57 pm
Topic: RE: How old are you?
I am 43 years old and will be 10 years post op next month. I have never regretting having my DS once in 10 years!
Jillian
Topic: RE: How old are you?
I am 43 years old and will be 10 years post op next month. I have never regretting having my DS once in 10 years!
Jillian
Post Date 11/7/10 4:53 pm
Topic: RE: The reason I had the DS --photo whoring
Becky,
You look awesome and your dog is adorable too! You would never guess you had ever been overweight!
Jillian
Topic: RE: The reason I had the DS --photo whoring
Becky,
You look awesome and your dog is adorable too! You would never guess you had ever been overweight!
Jillian
Post Date 11/7/10 4:49 pm
Topic: RE: Upcoming Wound Surgery. Nesting Instict.
Hi Terri,
I just read this post and wanted you to know that I understand exactly how you are feeling. After some plastic surgery last September I had six open wounds develop and I know how hard it is to deal with and all the emotions that come with them.
Nesting is perfectly understandable. Wishing you a quick recovery and a life returned to normal as soon as possible.
Hang in there, it does eventually heal and you will be able to move on!
Jillian
Topic: RE: Upcoming Wound Surgery. Nesting Instict.
Hi Terri,
I just read this post and wanted you to know that I understand exactly how you are feeling. After some plastic surgery last September I had six open wounds develop and I know how hard it is to deal with and all the emotions that come with them.
Nesting is perfectly understandable. Wishing you a quick recovery and a life returned to normal as soon as possible.
Hang in there, it does eventually heal and you will be able to move on!
Jillian
Post Date 11/7/10 4:46 pm
Topic: RE: Boursin! (Recipes, etc.)
Oh Jenna, I am so addicted to Boursin too! I am glad to know I am not alone!
I love to mix it in my scrambled eggs or just spread on thin triscuits!
It's so darn yummy. I wish I could find a BOGO deal!
Jillian
Topic: RE: Boursin! (Recipes, etc.)
Oh Jenna, I am so addicted to Boursin too! I am glad to know I am not alone!
I love to mix it in my scrambled eggs or just spread on thin triscuits!
It's so darn yummy. I wish I could find a BOGO deal!
Jillian
Post Date 11/7/10 4:40 pm
Topic: RE: Long Term DSer's...I have questions
I will be 10 years post op next month.
t is hard to gain weight back? or are you finding you still have to work at keeping it off?
If I eat crap, I gain weight. I have to do it for long periods of time, but I can gain weight. I don't fear ever gaining weight to the point of where I started (400). I don't think that would be possible, but I can gain weight if I am not careful.
Do you feel like you can tolerate more foods now? I can eat pretty much anything.
Do you still have gas and diarrhea if you eat too many carbs? No, not as a rule, although there are times when things don't sit well and I get gas and have DHR, but not as a rule.
Can you tolerate sugar? Yes, unfortunately. When I eat sugary stuff, I get bloated and don't like the way I feel, but that's as bad as it gets. I am currently detoxing from sugar because I was eating too much.
Do you have any health problems from the malabsorption? I am healthy as a horse, but I take my vitamins religiously and get my blood done every year to see if anything needs to be tweaked.
Are bathroom urges still frequent? Nope.
How do you feel when you eat carbs now? Depends on the day and the amount, but nothing serious is ever the result. I can eat pretty much anything.
Jillian
Topic: RE: Long Term DSer's...I have questions
I will be 10 years post op next month.
t is hard to gain weight back? or are you finding you still have to work at keeping it off?
If I eat crap, I gain weight. I have to do it for long periods of time, but I can gain weight. I don't fear ever gaining weight to the point of where I started (400). I don't think that would be possible, but I can gain weight if I am not careful.
Do you feel like you can tolerate more foods now? I can eat pretty much anything.
Do you still have gas and diarrhea if you eat too many carbs? No, not as a rule, although there are times when things don't sit well and I get gas and have DHR, but not as a rule.
Can you tolerate sugar? Yes, unfortunately. When I eat sugary stuff, I get bloated and don't like the way I feel, but that's as bad as it gets. I am currently detoxing from sugar because I was eating too much.
Do you have any health problems from the malabsorption? I am healthy as a horse, but I take my vitamins religiously and get my blood done every year to see if anything needs to be tweaked.
Are bathroom urges still frequent? Nope.
How do you feel when you eat carbs now? Depends on the day and the amount, but nothing serious is ever the result. I can eat pretty much anything.
Jillian
Post Date 11/7/10 4:37 pm
Topic: RE: Long Term DSer's...I have questions
I will be 10 years post op next month.
t is hard to gain weight back? or are you finding you still have to work at keeping it off?
If I eat crap, I gain weight. I have to do it for long periods of time, but I can gain weight. I don't fear ever gaining weight to the point of where I started (400). I don't think that would be possible, but I can gain weight if I am not careful.
Do you feel like you can tolerate more foods now? I can eat pretty much anything.
Do you still have gas and diarrhea if you eat too many carbs? No, not as a rule, although there are times when things don't sit well and I get gas and have DHR, but not as a rule.
Can you tolerate sugar? Yes, unfortunately. When I eat sugary stuff, I get bloated and don't like the way I feel, but that's as bad as it gets. I am currently detoxing from sugar because I was eating too much.
Do you have any health problems from the malabsorption? I am healthy as a horse, but I take my vitamins religiously and get my blood done every year to see if anything needs to be tweaked.
Are bathroom urges still frequent? Nope.
How do you feel when you eat carbs now? Depends on the day and the amount, but nothing serious is ever the result. I can eat pretty much anything.
Jillian
Topic: RE: Long Term DSer's...I have questions
I will be 10 years post op next month.
t is hard to gain weight back? or are you finding you still have to work at keeping it off?
If I eat crap, I gain weight. I have to do it for long periods of time, but I can gain weight. I don't fear ever gaining weight to the point of where I started (400). I don't think that would be possible, but I can gain weight if I am not careful.
Do you feel like you can tolerate more foods now? I can eat pretty much anything.
Do you still have gas and diarrhea if you eat too many carbs? No, not as a rule, although there are times when things don't sit well and I get gas and have DHR, but not as a rule.
Can you tolerate sugar? Yes, unfortunately. When I eat sugary stuff, I get bloated and don't like the way I feel, but that's as bad as it gets. I am currently detoxing from sugar because I was eating too much.
Do you have any health problems from the malabsorption? I am healthy as a horse, but I take my vitamins religiously and get my blood done every year to see if anything needs to be tweaked.
Are bathroom urges still frequent? Nope.
How do you feel when you eat carbs now? Depends on the day and the amount, but nothing serious is ever the result. I can eat pretty much anything.
Jillian
Post Date 11/7/10 4:27 pm
Topic: RE: Partial Bowel Obstruction at 3.5 Years Post-op
Hi Sandy,
I am sorry you went through this and wonder what about the pain medication was so difficult for you? Just didn't like how it made you feel?
I've never had a bowel obstruction, but I have had a terrible pain in my abdomen before that brought me to my knees and I was this close to calling for help when it stopped. I wonder if that's what happened and it corrected itself.
I sure hope this was a fluke and never occurs again! Please keep us posted. I hope the twinges you are still feeling subside soon!
Jillian
Topic: RE: Partial Bowel Obstruction at 3.5 Years Post-op
Hi Sandy,
I am sorry you went through this and wonder what about the pain medication was so difficult for you? Just didn't like how it made you feel?
I've never had a bowel obstruction, but I have had a terrible pain in my abdomen before that brought me to my knees and I was this close to calling for help when it stopped. I wonder if that's what happened and it corrected itself.
I sure hope this was a fluke and never occurs again! Please keep us posted. I hope the twinges you are still feeling subside soon!
Jillian
Post Date 10/4/10 6:17 pm
Topic: RE: My kick-ass buy at Goodwill-- and yes, PHOTO WHORING
You are so tiny!!
Love the jacket, you look great!
Jillian
Topic: RE: My kick-ass buy at Goodwill-- and yes, PHOTO WHORING
You are so tiny!!
Love the jacket, you look great!
Jillian
Post Date 9/18/10 1:56 pm
Topic: RE: OT: Can't wait for college football next year when.....
I am a 10 year vet and doing just fine and also love college football! I can fit my butt in the stadium seats and love every minute of it. Just thought I would share this fact to help ease your anxiousness a little bit.
10 years out and going strong!
Good luck to you!
Jillian
Topic: RE: OT: Can't wait for college football next year when.....
I am a 10 year vet and doing just fine and also love college football! I can fit my butt in the stadium seats and love every minute of it. Just thought I would share this fact to help ease your anxiousness a little bit.
10 years out and going strong!
Good luck to you!
Jillian
Post Date 9/6/10 9:33 am
Topic: RE: Exercise accountability thread?
It used to be called "Food & Fitness" so there is no reason you can't list your activity on that thread.
Jillian
Topic: RE: Exercise accountability thread?
It used to be called "Food & Fitness" so there is no reason you can't list your activity on that thread.
Jillian
Post Date 9/4/10 2:54 pm
Topic: RE: cellulitis - ever have it?
I had it on my chest once, my skin was very red. I took an antibiotic and it went away very quickly.
Jillian
Topic: RE: cellulitis - ever have it?
I had it on my chest once, my skin was very red. I took an antibiotic and it went away very quickly.
Jillian
Post Date 8/21/10 7:55 am
Topic: RE: My God is that me????? Many pics of dodgy day out!!
You look absolutely lovely! I really enjoyed your pictures and always love reading your posts. Thanks for sharing!
Jillian
Topic: RE: My God is that me????? Many pics of dodgy day out!!
You look absolutely lovely! I really enjoyed your pictures and always love reading your posts. Thanks for sharing!
Jillian
Post Date 8/21/10 7:44 am
Topic: RE: First Iron Infusion Today. What Was Your Experience?
Hi Sandy!
The only side effect I experienced from my infusions was being tired from the benedryl. I always went home and slept afterwards and I didn't drive myself to or from my appointments due to this.
My hematologist put an open port into my arm and I went once a day for seven straight days and they only took a couple hours each. I didn't have any reactions other than needing sleep.
My iron levels rose within a week or two afterwards and have stayed great ever since.
This was several years ago, but it's how I remember it.
Jillian
Topic: RE: First Iron Infusion Today. What Was Your Experience?
Hi Sandy!
The only side effect I experienced from my infusions was being tired from the benedryl. I always went home and slept afterwards and I didn't drive myself to or from my appointments due to this.
My hematologist put an open port into my arm and I went once a day for seven straight days and they only took a couple hours each. I didn't have any reactions other than needing sleep.
My iron levels rose within a week or two afterwards and have stayed great ever since.
This was several years ago, but it's how I remember it.
Jillian
Post Date 8/16/10 5:14 pm
Topic: RE: Protein shakes, favorite brands/flavors? I think a good-tasting chocolate one is too good to be true
I drink Champion Nutritions Pure Whey Stack protein in Cookie and Cream flavor every day. I haven't tried any others that I can stomach.
Vitalady's samples are a great idea!
Jillian
Topic: RE: Protein shakes, favorite brands/flavors? I think a good-tasting chocolate one is too good to be true
I drink Champion Nutritions Pure Whey Stack protein in Cookie and Cream flavor every day. I haven't tried any others that I can stomach.
Vitalady's samples are a great idea!
Jillian
Post Date 8/16/10 5:12 pm
Topic: RE: Heavy Cream/Half & Half in Coffee?
I put heavy cream in my scrambled eggs every morning and often eat cereal with half & half or heavy cream instead of milk. More fat, less carbs, great flavor and consistency!
Jillian
Topic: RE: Heavy Cream/Half & Half in Coffee?
I put heavy cream in my scrambled eggs every morning and often eat cereal with half & half or heavy cream instead of milk. More fat, less carbs, great flavor and consistency!
Jillian
Post Date 8/16/10 5:03 pm
Topic: RE: Rumors about the DS and Back Door Action (Accidentally deleted 1st one)
Chad, thank you for the belly laugh, I needed that!
Jillian
Topic: RE: Rumors about the DS and Back Door Action (Accidentally deleted 1st one)
Chad, thank you for the belly laugh, I needed that!
Jillian
Post Date 8/16/10 4:56 pm
Topic: RE: Rumors about the DS and Back Door Action (Accidentally deleted 1st one)
Jacqui, it's great to see you posting again!
Jillian
Topic: RE: Rumors about the DS and Back Door Action (Accidentally deleted 1st one)
Jacqui, it's great to see you posting again!
Jillian
Post Date 8/16/10 4:47 pm
Topic: RE: OT: just for fun, what the heck does your OH nickname mean?
Kennedy is a good old fashioned Irish last name that's been in my family for a long time, but isn't my actual last name. 12 is both the month and date of my birthday (December 12th).
Really interesting thread, thanks PP!
Jillian
Topic: RE: OT: just for fun, what the heck does your OH nickname mean?
Kennedy is a good old fashioned Irish last name that's been in my family for a long time, but isn't my actual last name. 12 is both the month and date of my birthday (December 12th).
Really interesting thread, thanks PP!
Jillian
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