ObesityHelp

Well, hurrrahhhhhh!  120 lbs down!  Size 8...yes, size 8 pants!  I haven't been in a size 8 since maybe 6th grade?  So long ago, I don't really even remember!

On the bummer side..... last week I had gotten a tummy ache a few times after meals. Didn't think too much of it, as I have been trying to increase my portions a bit.  I am comfortable at this weight and would like to try and "maintain" it!  Then on Wednesday... ate a nice creamy Turkey hot dish... not many noodles... mostly creamed turkey.  Tummy ache set in.. yuck... I wasn't nauseous, so once again, thinking it was a pouch that was toooooo full!  Thursday... Breakfast... TUMMY ACHE!  Lunch - Bean and bacon soup - made it mush in my mouth before swallowing - MAJOR TUMMY ACHE!  It was sooo bad I had to pull over on the highway and tilt my seat back!  Again, not nauseous.... I for sure thought it would have to be a stricture again! I called Dr. Smith (my angel).  Of course he got me in for an endoscope right away Friday morning.  Off to Park Rapids I go!  In at 9 out by 1.  NOT a stricture, but saw an ulcer!  Sent home with prilosec!  I can deal with this!  Unfortunately, Dr. Smith or Sandy didn't have time to visit with me after the procedure.  I need some additional info about this and if I need to be on the Prilosec forever, or will the ulcer heal and go away?  Do I need to watch what types of food?  Could this be an occasional bloody mary biting me in the butt?  I see Sandy next week for a follow up and will get the answers to my questions then!  I am so happy that my stoma is healed ok and didn't need to be stretched!

Thats all for now folks!

Boy... 9 months ago I had a whole little person attached to my back!  Sure glad she left!  I am so excited to have hit the 100 pounds down mark! 

Not much to update on... I am feeling GREAT!  Having the daily struggles of protein and water intake.... wonder if I will ever get that "managed"??  I just can't seem to get enough of anything!  Also, have noticed that my vision seems to have gotten worse.. really need the reading glasses now.  Don't know if that was from turning 40 or possibly a reaction to the malnourishment?? Good question for Sandy at my next checkup!  So far all has gone well with check-ups... blood work is good!  Most food is going ok... no steak ...limited bread... just need to chew, chew, chew... moisten and chew somemore! I just struggle with the quantity of food I eat.  Protein shakes are the WORST! I have totally burnt out on them!

I have become quite the "thrift store" shopper!  I have gone through clothing so fast, there is no way my pocketbook could keep up!  So for all you folks out there that donate your barely used clothing, I applaud you! 

I have found that this process is not only physically hard, but mentally too.  My hubby and I seem to struggle on a regular basis.  I can see now why relationships go through tough times.... My hubby is having a hard time seeing his wife come out of "hiding"!  Basically, my self esteem was so shot I had been hiding in the house for years!  Now he finds it strange when I want to go get groceries, get the mail or even going out to "socialize" at all!  I can see where that is coming from and am trying very hard to reassure him that I am not "out looking" for a new life..... just trying to be an active participant in it! Also, the attention from people is driving him nuts!  Never thought he was the jealous type... guess I was wrong!  I have to admit... it kinda feels good to see him a little jealous and possessive of me!  I just hope he doesn't go overboard.  On the subject of attention from people.... people sure have a hard time finding the right words don't they?  Some are real nice, some are down right rude, and then there are some that you can tell have no idea what to say!  Most think I have been sick or something!  Sick allright!  Obesity is a sickness, in my opinion....  sure glad I am on the road to recovery!  

Well, that's all for now folks! 

Amy 

Hi everyone!  July 6th was my 6 month anniversary.  I did finally take some photos... I just LOVE them!  It is the first time in my life I have actually said I LOVE a photo of myself!  Woo Hoo!  Now, don't worry, I'm not all stuck on myself or anything, but I REALLY feel great!  If anyone asked me, I would do this surgery 10 times over again.... next to having my son and marrying my husband, it has been one of the BEST things in my life. I just look at those photos and then go and look at my before photos and just cannot believe it is the same person!  80 pounds will do wonders for a girl! LOL 

My weight loss has slowed the last few weeks, however, I do see those old "bad habits" poking their heads out.  I lost my step dad to Liver Cancer on June 21st (yes, Fathers Day of all days) AND my husband had back surgery on July 8th - scheduled to be out of work 2 - 6 weeks (with no disability coverage or paid time off from work)  It wasn't a workman's comp issue and he drives semi-truck, so there are no paid time off benefits!  ARGHHHHHH!  We will get through it, but JEEZZZZ when it rains it pours in my life! I do try to remember the good things too - with weight loss being one of them.

I really need to try to get on here more often... seems life gets so busy!  I do get to my monthly support group, and just love it.  It is so nice to talk to people that have been where I am... I don't feel alone at all... feels like someone is holding my hand the whole time!  It is very comforting for me. Also, I get to see some of the challenges that may lie ahead... I have always had a fear of the "unknown"!

Well, thats all for now.  Hope you all enjoy the before and 6 month photos.... it is just amazing to me!  Oh yeah... I know.... I really need to shop for some matching bra and undies!  I wasn't thinking of my wardrobe when I took the photos! LOL 

Take care,

Amy

Well, here I am getting ready for the annual Pool Banquet.  I am the secretary and try to look nice for this as I present the awards etc....  So, I am looking in my closet.... OH WOW!  NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING fits!  All my pants are baggy and saggy, my shirts look like they are about to fall off... and might as well forget the dresses!  So, now what?  I think I may have to run to town and get an outfit to wear!  WOW!

My mom and I went shopping today......

#1 - bought a size 7 1/2 tennis shoe!  I used to wear a 7... then got fat and wore an 8... now on my way back again! WOW!

#2 - saw a coat I liked... largest size was an XL... I thought, what the hell.. try it an see!   Well, it was a no-go, BUT it was VERY close!  WOW! 

Just my little "wow" moments today... wonder what tomorrow has in store for me??