Heh.  Remember this from a year ago?

Post Date 11/20/08 8:53 am 
Topic: I'm Switched!!!

Hey guys!

Just wamtrf to let you know that I had my DS yesterday morning.  I had a rough time for the first 5 hours or so. Thw pain medicine was nor workihg a all!  And it was making me highly emotional and upset.  i just want top say that I am just fim   I am quite drugged up right now, and a little sleepy.  So i am gonna go back to sleep.  Talk yo uou guys soon!

 
anywho...lol!  Today 11/19/09 is my one year surgiversary, and I couldn't be happier.  I have literally been to hell and back.  I've had my ups and downs.  I've had my joyful moments and frustrating moments, I've even doubted my DS.  Saying that, there is one thing that I haven't done very much of over the last year, and that is give thanks.  I've never sat down and really grasped how much my DS is really doing for me.  I'm just like an old husband.  I get mad if my wife won't make dinner.  I get mad if she makes a bad dinner.  I'm happy when there is good food ready when I get off work. (ALL OF THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO MY GRANDFATHER...LMAO!)  But as much as you bitch and moan you're someday going realize that it's not about the small things and this women will be with you for the rest of your life.  

That's exactly how I feel about my DS.  It's given me so many types of emotions over the last year, but I never really sat down and realize that it made me lose 242 pounds!  Not that it helped me, but it made me!  There was very little effort on my part.  Very little.  I am just forever grateful for this surgery, and forever grateful for Dr. Inman and very very grateful that god gave me this opportunity, before he took my life away from me.  I feel like this is finally my times.  And I'm going to take it head on!  And do whatever I want, and do what's best for me. Thank you so much for the support guys!  I couldn't have gone through this without OH and my DS family!  You guys ROCK!  


Now, 9 days ago I posted that I was at my goal weight of 225 Pounds!  Which was awesome!  I am happy to report that I have lost 4 more pounds in the last 9 days, so this morning I was 221.  OMG!  I screamed like a like a little fat girl that saw an Ice Cream Truck.  So that means that I am 4 pounds and counting below my goal weight.  My ultimate goal is 200!  So we'll see if I can make it there!  I have an appointment with Dr. Inman on Monday the 23rd, and I get so excited when I see her!  I am also getting my slip for my 1 year labs that day.  So I'll get them drawn, and see what is going on!  Other than this guys, I really don't have much else to say.  So thank you again for all the support, I truly truly appreciate it!  And her are some before and after pics!  YAY!

 This month has been...Stressful? Depressing? Insightful? Promising.

Stressful: Between my job, and trying to go back to school next semester and family issues, it's life right?  Eh.  Can't complain, one bad day brings a good day.  

Depressing: I stayed at the same weight for 4 weeks.  Hasn't happened to me since surgery, but I know it does happen.  Even though I said I was 237 last month, that definitely was water weight while I was fasting, and I quickly put back on 10 pounds to go up to 247 and lost back down to 240 and stayed there for a month.  Not even a budge.  However, this morning (after going to Kings Island yesterday) I weighed 237 again.  So hopefully that is a good sign that my stall is broken.

Insightful: I have received so many different E-mails, Pm's, Phone calls and whatnot from my support on this sight.  I appreciate it so much.  The messages have just helped me realize that what my body is going through is normal, and there is no reason to feel like this.  Dr. Inman really gave me hope though.  I called and told her nurse that I hadn't lost in a month, and she gave her nurse the message back that with the DS I can lose without very much effort up to 2 years out, and that stalls do happen.  She said just to be patient and she is confident that I will get to my goal and beyond within the next year.  She also said she was very proud of me for doing my research and being compliant.  It was nice to hear my surgeon say those words, because I trust her 100%.

Promising:  After the insight, and after my loss out of the 240's it really seems promising that I have broken my stall, however, I am not getting my hopes up.  I did shake up my body a little by eating some really "bad" things at Kings Island yesterday, like Ice Cream, Fried Oreos, Pizza and an Elephant Ear.  But combined with all the walking, and everything I did lose 3 pounds the next morning.  What I am going to try my hardest to do is refrain from weighing myself until I go see Dr. Inman for my 1 year post op.  Which will be Nov. 23rd.  It's going to be soooo hard to do it, but I really really want to try and do this!  Hopefully I will be able to!  

Thanks so much for reading guys.  Take Care

-Brok

This DAMN DS!  okay...so yea, I'm a big whiner..who cares..lol.  No, I'm just joking.  I'm fine, I just need to post this to get it off of my mind.  So it's been abut a month, and I haven't lost a pound.  In the beginning of September I dropped down to 234 and went back up and pretty mcuh leveled out at 237 for the rest of the time I was fasting.  When I was done fasting, I went back up to 247 and now I am back down to 240 2 weeks later.  I don't count that gain as a loss, because I know it was water weight.  This is just irritating, but, this morning I realized that I have an addiction.  And that is to the scale.  The scale is almost as just as bad as any other addiction.  I've become to addicted to weighing myself, I sometimes do it 3 times a day.  So what I did is that, I took my scale, all the way to my back yard and put it in my shed, and locked it up.  I don't want to see it, I don't want to smell it, I don't want to hear it..lol.

After seeing 240 on the scale this morning, I just need to realize that I've lost 230 pounds in 10 months.  Have I ever done that before?  Hell No!  Will I lose my last 15 pounds to goal, uh yea, probably.  Will I lose to my ultimate goal of 200?  Uh yea, probably.  I don't know.  Only time will tell.  I can't predict the future, and I am not even going to try.  So what I am going to do is keep eating low carb, start exercising, getting in my protein and Vitamins and we'll see what happens.  Starting today, when someone asks me "How Much I weigh"  My response will be "I don't know"  And it's going to stay this way, until I feel that I put in enough work and I feel that I actually see and feel a change.

 Woot Woot!  I'm finally in the Double Digits Post-op!

This month marks my 10th month Post-Op Duodenal Switch Surgery.  This post is gonna be short because I have not very much to say, and also it is 7:30 in the morning on a Saturday...lol!  Anywho, Last Month I weighed in at 252 pounds, and this month I weighed in at ***DRUMROLL!*** 237 Pounds!  That is a 15 pounds loss this month!  I am shocked and I well tell you why.

This month I have been fasting for religious reasons.  (If you don't agree, I don't care.  Don't come at me like PM's and stuff.  I won't respond)  With my fasting the first 4 days or so I instantly went from 252 down to 242.  In the matter of 4 days, but it didn't end there.  With this surgery I have figured out the more I eat the more I lose.  So what was I doing this month?  Not eating after or drinking after sunrise for about 14 hrs a day.  This played major tricks on my body.  After I went down to 242, I stayed there for a couple of days.  Then I went back up to 248 and stayed there for like 2 weeks!  It was crazy.  The third weeks I went back down to 240 and then this week, I went all the way down to 235, but this morning I was 237.  

Needless to say that this is my last day fasting, and I cannot wait until I get back on a normal eating pattern.  I know my body is highly confused and probably thinks I am starving it.  Even though I did get down to 235, I am definitely not claiming it.  I have been around 237-239 for the last 4 days anyway.  So that's what I am claiming.  Hopefully next month the number will be more set and stone.

Anyway, I have uploaded 2 pictures to the left hand side, and I must say I didn't realize how thin I was until I saw those pics.  My jaw just dropped.  No wonder people keep telling me to stop!  I mean everyone does.  EVERYONE!  My mom, my grandmother, my father, all of my friends!  But, I am not done yet.  I want to lose 12 more pounds, and I am going to do it!  No ifs ands or buts.  

Alright everyone.  Well I hope you all have a good weekend!  I can't believe it's September already.  I am totally not looking forward to fall coming.  I hate the cold now!  I've been cold all summer, seriously.  My air conditioner has been non-existent.  I can't say the same about my space heater though..lol.  Take Care

-Brok

OMG!  It's been 9 Months already!!!!  I've been through an entire pregnancy!

Anywho!  This month has been a great month for me.  I have finally realized that I can totally trust my DS to get me to goal.  I ended up losing 20 pounds this month, and that was still from adding way more carbs in!  I was 272 last month, and I dipped down to 252.  I couldn't be happier!  I couldn't even fathom being 250 when I was almost 500 pounds.  It never ever crossed my mind!

I've started to eat anything and everything.  I'm expand my horizons and experimenting, and the same time I make sure that I get my 100g of daily required protein everyday and I make sure that everything is set with my vitamin Intake as well.  I finally feel like a normal 21 year old guy, but with just a little more responsibility.  Which is perfectly fine with me. 

This surgery is just so life saving and amazing!  Words cannot describe how I feel right now.  I feel like I'm on cloud 9.  So!  Since surgery I have been to Kings Island about Oh.... 5 TIMES!..lol!  And I am going tomorrow as well.  (For those of you that don't know it's an amusement park in Cincinnati, OH)  It's just so nice to walk up to a ride and not worry about fitting into the seat!  I love it. 

Well anyway, I am only 27 pounds from goal and I know I can totally reach that.  To tell you the honest truth I am gunning for it by my 12th month, but I know for a fact it will happen eventually!  So I am not actually rushing it.  I also uploaded a couple of pics for this month, so you may want to take  a gander.  Also, For anyone that watches my youtube updates there will be one later tonight!  So stay tuned!!!

Thanks so much for the support everyone.  Even though OH is no longer a priority site of mine, I love to stop by and update everyone on how I am doing, and I also love to see how everyone is progressing as well.  This a wonderful journey for thousand and thousands of people, and it's so great to know that this opportunity can be shared with this vast majority of people!  I love you all!

-Brok

Hey Guys,

This site has been a wonderful tool for me.  With vast knowledge posted everywhere, and alot of useful hints and ideas  I would recommend this site for anyone interested or who has had bariatric surgery.  Saying this, I am getting somewhat tired of the message boards.  It's the same thing over and over and over.  I am so tired of people's whining and literally dumb questions, and somewhat stupid antics.  Now, I don't feel like this about every post.  I really don't.  I love to give knowledge wherever need be and I love to see how people are doing after their surgeries.  I will always and forever thank god for giving me this opportunity, and helping me find this site.  I have met so many new friends and so many great people on OH and I am truly thankful for that.

Notice I did say I was "Pretty Much" done.  This means I am not kicking OH to the curb completely.  I am still going to update you guys every month (until I am 1 year out) on how much I have lost, and what I have accomplished in the last month.  I will also post new pics for my 9th month out (Aug. 19th).  My camera broke, and I recently got it fixed, however, I will not update with pictures again until my 1 year post op (Nov. 19th).

I also do not log in as much as I used to.  It's went from 5 times a day to 5 times a week to 5 times a month..lol.  Literally.  I will log in maybe once a week now, just to see if I have any messages or to lurke around the message boards for any useful information.  Even though I am not on as much, you are more than welcome to send me any messages that you have, and I will answer them.  If you ever need any help from me, or any advice, just send me a message.  I am here for anyone that needs support. 

This site has helped me above and beyond my expectations.  I honestly think I couldn't have made it through my surgery without the advice given to me from OH.  I just wish that the members on this site would actually do their homework, stop posting about "how they can't do this, and that"  it's just so annoying.  I honestly can't take it anymore.  So, I'll leave you guys with that.  And I'll update you guys in a few days on my 9th month!  Ciao.

-Brok

So yesterday 7/19.  I was 8 months post op Open Duodenal Switch.  OMG!  Time is flying by I tell ya!  I will be 1 year out in 4 months.  4 months!  It freakin' baffles me, I swear.  Anyway, this month was a very very nice month for me.  Staying away from the scale is making me more and more excited about my monthly weigh ins.  This month I lose 16 Pounds!!!!  Woot Woot...lol.  I was 288 Last month, and I have dropped down to 272.  I am so happy!  I weigh 3 pounds less than what I did in the 7th grade.  Can you believe that?  I am just amazed.  I really am.

I am now currently at 80% Of my EWL.  That is 80% at 8 months out!  Alot of WLS patients will tell you try to hit 80% at 1 year out, and I am 4 months ahead of the game.  Nice!  Now, I have 47 pounds left to lose.  If I continue this 10 pounds a month streak, I should hit goal at least by Month 13, but I am not holding my breath.  Anything can happen.

I also turned 21 on the 17th!  And what better way to Celebrate your 21st.......ON A ROLLERCOASTER!..lol!  I don't drink, so that didn't happen.  Instead I went to Cedar Point for 2 days (Thursday and Friday).  And I rode EVERYTHING!  I am a huge coaster buff, and I have been since I was 6.  I have my own coaster website and everything.  That's most definitely my hobby.  For me to go to an amuseument park and enjoy everything without getting kicked off for being too big, was just fantastic!  I never had so much fun in my life!!!  it was amazing.  I wish I could turn 21 again soon, so I could do it over..lol. 

This surgery is amazing.  I have gotten soo many compliments, and it makes me feel really good about myself.  My self esteem is through the roof!  It's just beyond amazing.  I thank god everyday for this opportunity, and I only hope that it gets better.  I've talked too much..lol.  Take Care Everybody!

-Brok

 Yea Yea, I know I am 2 days late..bah!..lol!  Don't judge me.  Anyway, On Friday June 19 I was 7 months out.  This month was a little slow, but I did have a loss nonetheless.  I ended up having a 3 week stall.  On May 19th I weighed in at 295 and literally later that day, I went up to 299 and I stayed there for 3 weeks.  exactly 299.3 everytime I got on the scale.  It was highly frustrating.  Lol!  Anyway, I broke my stall by eating a Krispy Kreame Donut, and the pounds started to come off.  So the last week I ended up getting down to 288.  So if you count from 295 that was a 7 pound loss this month.  If you count from 299 it was 11 pounds.

Anyway, I was happy with that!  I am 10 pounds away from what I wieghed when I was in the 7th grade.  it's crazy to me.  I am already 27 pounds less than what I weighed in the 8th grade.  Yea, can you beleive I gained 37 pounds in a year?  I can't either.  Anyway, that is pretty much it.  Oh!  I will not post any pictures this month, because guess what?  My Camera is broken.  All I have is the camera on my Cell Phone and my Nintendo DSi.  And that's not gonna cut it.  This is also why I haven't made a youtube video in 2 months.  It's really frustrating, but my camera's are in for repair and should be done soon.  Hopefully I can at least make a new youtube video! Anyway, let me stop my babbling!  I'll talk to you all later!  

-Brok

 OMG OMG OMG!  May 19th is finally here!  Wow!

Anywho, I am down a total of 174 Pounds, and 168 Pounds since surgery!  I am finally in twoterville which is my final resting weight range.  It feels soo great to no longer have to lose "100 pounds" or more.  It really does!  Take a looksie!: 


Okay Yea Yea, it says Previous Weight..Blah, but I can't take pictures and weigh Myself at the same time and I didn't have anyone around me so I did what I could..lol!

This month, I lost another 22 pounds!  Which was a huge suprise!  Considering I only lost 18 last month (which is still great!) I really never thought I would have another 20 pound month again..wow!  Here are My Pre-Op, 1 Month, 3 Month, and 6 Month Photos:

PRE-OP (469 POUNDS)


1 MONTH POST OP (415 POUNDS)




3 MONTHS POST OP (359 POUNDS)



AND FINALLY, 6 MONTHS! (295 POUNDS)




I am so excited to see what is to come!  I am only 70 pounds away from goal, and I have never been so close!  I went to Kings Island on Friday and I seriously fit into everything it was so surreal!  I actually have a photo that I took on son of beast, that I am waiting on my friend to upload.  Hopefully I'll have it soon!  

I will be getting my 6 month labs drawn this week, or next depending on how much time I have and I am so excited to see how I am doing!  This surgery is so amazing!  I never thought it could be this easy to lose weight.  I am just so happy with my decision and I cannot wait to enjoy my life more than I am already starting to!  Thanks so much for reading guys!  I appreciate all of the support, it's been a wonderful journey so far.  I love you all!

 YAY!..lol

I'm posting this early in the A.M. Because I have to go to work today and I am going to be soooo busy tomorrow.  i won't have time to do it otherwise.  But any who, let's get right to it.  Last month I weighed in at 335.  This Month I had a final weigh in of 317.  Which is a loss of 18 pounds this month.  I was pretty happy about that considering that this loss mostly came in the last 2 weeks.  I can tell you know that the first two weeks I was a little worried because the first week I only had lost a pound, and the second week there was pretty much nothing.  I know it was because I started to exercise, so I had to change my eating habits around that.

While exercising for an entire Month I have noticed that the inches are flying off of me.  It's so strange that at 317 I can fit comfortable in a 2x Shirt (look at my picture to the left).  And that I dropped 2-3 pants sizes this month (depending on the brand obviously).  I am pretty much down to a 46-48 waist and a 2-3x shirt.  Which is down from a 58 waist and a 5-6x shirt..lol.  So I am happy about that.

I only have 17 more pounds before I hit twoterville!  Which is exciting.  I don't expect to hit it at 6 months post op, but I do expect to hit it at 7 months.  What my body looks like after losing over 150 pounds doesn't look pretty..lol.  I knew that being 469 pounds, I was going to have saggy skin issues.  I wasn't going to get around that.  The main thing that bothers me is my chest.  It just annoys me that my belly is getting smaller, yet my chest wants to take it's little sweet time to shrink.  It's very unattractive and makes me look dumb.  I hate it.  Also my arms look like they are melting, so yea I need to gain more muscle in that area so it wont look like that.  

This month (and from now on) I am going to hit the gym harder than ever.  I have been doing tons of cardio and I can tell that my stamina is increasing so much, but it's time for the strength training.  I don't want to be a man that looks like he is melting.  It can be avoided (to a certain extent)  alot of males that I see on OH who have had plastics done have only had like tummy tucks and their chest done.  I have never seen a guy with his arms done (even though I know there may be a few out there) so we will see.  

Any who, I just wanted to update you guys!  Everything is going very well and I see Dr. Inman tomorrow and she is going to give me my slip for my 6 month labs.  So I am really excited about that.  I want to see where I stand with these vitamins! :-) Take Care Guys

-Brok