Becki M.

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I've had gallbladder issues for many years, but it had increased substantually over the last several month, which is common with rapid weight loss.  I had it removed in same-day surgery on Wednesday, and I'm heading back to work this week.  I was very happy Dr. Mailapur could do this surgery for me as well.  I trust him wholeheartedly, and feel safe in his care.

I can't begin to verbalize what a transformation has taken place over the last year.  I'm half the woman I used to be.  I've now lost 130# from my highest of 307.  From a size 28 to a 14.  I look at pictures of me from before and wonder "who is that woman?" 

No regrets.  Looking forward to next spring so I can have my tummy-tuck and get rid of the "excess baggage" around my middle.  It's great to live life.

We flew to Houston on 3/7 for Daniel's wedding.  First time I've flown since losing weight.  It was actually a pleasant experience, not needing to embarass myself by asking the flight attendant for the extension piece of the seatbelt...buckling the regular belt, and pulling it to TIGHTEN it!  What a wonderful feeling!

The Wedding was beautiful, and I've added a few pictures from the occasion.  My dress is a size 16P, and I was actually happy to have my picture taken, rather than hiding behind everyone/everything else.

Johnny and I celebrated our 9th anniversary on 3/20, and went to our favorite restaurant, the Olive Garden.  One bowl of Pasta Fagouli soup, a little salad, and 1/2 of a bread stick....big difference from a year ago!  I could eat the bowl of salad, 3 bowls of soup, and polish off about 6 bread sticks!  I'm currently at 178#, and wearing a size 14.  

Spring Break was spent at Myrtle Beach.  Windy, but had a wonderful time!  Heading to Seattle in two weeks to visit friends that I haven't seen since I've lost weight...looking forward to getting more pictures for my before/after collection!

Easter is a time of New Life, and I sure am enjoying mine!  I thank God and Dr. Mailapur for giving me a new start, and my family for helping me adjust in the critical first year.  I have my 1 year follow-up on April Fool's day.  No jokes for me!

I had been noticing my Large scrub pants were getting a little baggy, so I bought some Mediums yesterday at Wal-Mart and wore them to work today!  I can't recall a time when I could wear Medium pants in my adult life.  What a wonderful boost to my self-esteem.  I so happy to be "average" in size, rather than QUEEN-Sized.

My stepson, Daniel, is getting married in Texas on March 9, so I'm looking forward to family photos for a change!  Johnny & I are taking a cruise in May, so I'm looking forward to being able to enjoy without feeling like everyone is staring at me, as I felt before when I was over 300#.

No Regrets for this girl!

This time last year I would have never thought so many dreams/goals would be accomplished.  Lost 100#...check, go back to work full-time...check, NOT have people stare at me when I go anywhere...check.  WOW!  It's fun going to the mall and looking at clothes in "normal" sizes, and they actually fit!  It still amazes me when I'm doing laundry and hold up my jeans or scrub pants and they look so little, and know that they actually fit ME.  I'm down 125# and need to lose about 25 more.  I haven't gone to the gym as much during the holidays, but I need to get back on my program now that my one year appt. is coming up on April 3rd, I want to reach my goal and plan for my tummy-tuck!

It's hard to believe it's December already.  I'm now 8 months post-op.  I remember in the first few days after surgery thinking/imagining what I may have accomplished by Christmas.  It's beyond my wildest dreams!  It's gone by much faster than I had anticipated.  120# less of me.  That's another whole person.  When I look back at my "before" pictures, I find it hard to believe that the QUEEN-sized woman is actually me.  

As I walk to my car to and from work, the walkway across the street is somewhat reflective, and I used to look at myself walking by.  It's been neat to watch myself shrink week by week, month by month.  Although I'm at a plateau for now, I've gone from a 3-4X to a women's Large top and pants. 

I'm hoping to be able to have my tummy-tuck this spring, as my major excess is still my belly that sags.  I could probably be in mediums if it weren't for my saggy belly.  The doctor told me not to worry; we'll get that taken care of soon enough.  My dream is to wear a bathing suit and not be embarassed.  

It's nice to be more active, and not be short of breath.  It's also nice for people I haven't seen very often to notice what a difference in me.  I'm thankful for Dr. Maliapur's wonderful care in helping me to regain control.

I felt kind of bad at first until I realized the REASON I don't have as much time to blog is that I'm actually out LIVING my life, instead of typing on the computer dreaming about having a life.  I went with my husband and kids to Gatlinburg in the Great Smokey Mountains for Fall Break, and had a really wonderful time.  Went to the Aquarium and just enjoyed relaxing for a few days.  The leaves were just starting to change colors, so it was really beautiful.

I'm down 120#, and feeling much better.  The leg cramps and spasms are less than they used to be, and I've started putting some of my days together at work to try and build my stamina.  I've spoken with my boss about going back to work full time starting in January.  I'm ready to give it a try!  It's been 3 1/2 years since my injury, and although I'm not totally back to "normal" having lost a substantial amount of weight has given me more energy.

My step-son, Daniel, will be flying in from Hong Kong the day before Thanksgiving, so we'll drive to Nashville to pick him up from the airport, and it'll be nice to have him home for the holidays.  Becca is improving daily, and we hope to have her back in regular school very soon.  I'm proud of all our children, as they work very hard.

I'm looking forward to a very Merry Christmas!  I've actually had to get some of my Christmas presents early (clothes), as I'm down quite a bit.  I have gone from a 3-4X to a ladies Large (16), or Men's Med.  Nice not to wear a TENT anymore!   I've already given away for BASKETS of large clothes, and just received my first few bags of "hand-me-downs" from a co-worker who is a little ahead of me.  Hope to get some new pictures up soon. 

It's been 6 months since my surgery, and I'm feeling so much better.  I had my 6-month post-op check-up yesterday, and my doctor is very happy with my progress (me too!).  I had labwork drawn a few days ago, and everything was within normal limits.  I was a little anxious, as I don't get 75 grams of protein daily.  My B-12 was right in the center of normal, and that I think was my biggest concern.

I came across a dress that my daughter wore in middle-school to the Winter Formal, that was a size 14W, and it FIT!  Hard to believe 6 months ago I was in a 26/28W.  Most of what I wear now is size 16.  My feet have changed as well.  Sandals that I wear with adjustable straps have all had to be tightened as my feet keep slipping out of them!  I'm going to have to get my wedding rings re-sized, as they slip around and it's annoying!

It's fun running in to people that I haven't seen in a while and them having to take another look, as they can't believe it's me!  I still have to pinch myself occasionally...hard to believe such a metamorphasis in such a short amount time.

Today is the day I crossed the line...the CENTURY MARK!  I've lost 102# total; I was 205 on the scale today.  I had to get off, re-zero the scale, and get on a second time to make sure!  

Sunday, I worked on the surgical floor where I was 5 months ago as a patient, working along side the nurses who took such great care of me when I was the patient!  They remembered me, and was happy with my progress.  My surgeon came in to check on one of his other patients that I happened to be taking care of, and was happy at the continued progress I'm making.  I'm actually seeing him tomorrow with my daughter; she may need her gallbladder out, and I prefer him to take care of her...that's how much I think about him!  

Went to church tonight and since I worked this past weekend, and was sick the previous weekend, it had been several weeks since some of the folks had seen me.  My church family have been so supportive and encouraging, and I really appreciate them.  My husband has been wonderful with his support, and I'm equally proud of him...he's stopped smoking!  It's been a week, but I'm so happy he doesn't smell like an ashtray anymore!

Lots of changes going on, and life is getting better every day.  I hope one day my knee will be better so I can run and play ball like I used to.  Even to be able to ride a bike again is something I hope to achieve.  Since my left knee won't bend past 90*, I can only used the recumbant bike at the gym, with the seat way back, but it's not very comfortable.  I miss kneeling in the flowerbeds to garden, too, but I'm trying to focus on what I CAN DO.  I can walk without being short of breath.  That's a major accomplishment.  

Thank you to all my new friend for your words of encouragement.  This road is long, and it's nice to know I'm not alone on it.  For those who haven't gotten there yet, don't give up!  I know I still have another 40-50# to go, but I'm 2/3 of the way!

Seeing 214 on my scale this morning was so exciting, as I'm 7# from hitting my century mark!  My life has been opened to so many new opportunities, and I'm eager to do things I haven't been able to in many, many years (or decades), but slowly.  In my head I think I'm still twenty-something, but my close-to-fifty body tells me otherwise.

I think the only disappointment I can voice is that even after losing almost 100#, my left knee is still very painful, and my mobility is limited.  I know I'll eventually have to have it replaced, but I'm trying to hold that off as long as possible.  

It's nice having my hubby be able to actually hold me in his arms completely.  He's much more attentive especially as his buddy teases him about me looking so fine!  LOL!  I was actually tickled to be able to buy a new dress from the JUNIOR's department!  His response was "Daddy likes!"

My daughter is getting worried as I'm shrinking; she's afraid I'll be smaller than her, and I'm well aware of that feeling.  I was always the small one of my plus-sized family growing up, but for the last 14 years, I've been the largest.  NO MORE!  I gave my sister two baskets of my large clothes that just hang off me now.  Now I have room in my closet for NEW CLOTHES!  I have bought a few things, but I'm not content staying a 16.  I think a 12 would be great.  Haven't worn that for about 40 years!

I'm already making plans for my tummy-tuck.  I hope to have it done early next year, so I'll be comfortable in a bathing suit for next summer.  I hope to go on the MUSIC BOAT cruise the 3rd week of May with some of my friends in the Christian Music industry...several I haven't seen since I've begun melting away!  I also want to make a trip to Mobile to see some of my friends and family that have not seen me since I was over 300#.  I know my daddy would be very proud of me.  I still miss him so much even after 24 years.  My Mom is frequently telling me how proud she is of me.  

It's nice FEELING pretty.  It's nice not having people STARE at the big FAT Lady (everywhere I used to go), with their looks of disgust or pity.  Nor feeling like such a beached whale when trying to get out of the water at the Gulf and gravity sets back in.  Being able to tie my shoes with my feet on the floor and although I still have more belly than I want, bending over is not as hard as it used to be.  Not having the steering wheel tilted way up in order for it not to rub, or the seat so far back I could barely reach the pedals.  Not having my own TV table protruding from my abdomen.  Being able to see my feet when I look down from a standing position.  WOW!  

I now know why most people I talk to say their only regret was that they did not do this sooner.  I wanted to, but it had to be the right time.  Thank God my time was finally right.  It's nice to LIVE and not just Exist.  My heart understands the disappointment many of my new OH friends that are still trying to get approval from their insurance companies.  It took me 7 years, so I say to them...DON'T GIVE UP!

Well, the kids are back in school, and I'm just back from a Women's retreat in Atlanta (WOMEN OF FAITH conference), and it was a wonderful time.  It was even a milestone for me in that I was able to wear a 16W pair of jeans, and actually see light between my legs...LOL!  Haven't see that in about 35 years!  I still have more belly than I would like, but it's down 12 inches already, so I can't complain too loudly.  I feel much better, although I still have lots of problems with my crazy left knee.  

The group of 10 from our church did quite a bit of walking during our stay, and I even managed to lose 2 more pounds when I weighed this morning.  We ate Friday night at the Hard Rock Cafe, and that burger tasted wonderful!  I split one with another lady, and I was still only able to eat almost half of my half (minus the bread).  I had a Hurricane glass with a non-alcolholic fruit smoothie that had strawberry and orange in it.  I don't seem to be affected by the dumping that many do.  I'm not so sure that it's a good thing, but at least if I want a little taste occasionally of something sweet, I can without getting sick.  I just try not to too often.  No more sleeves of thin mints for this girl.  

I've heard that nothing tastes as good as being thin feels....I'm still waiting to see if that's true.  I'm tickled to be down from a 26/28W to a 16W in 4 months.  Way beyond what I ever could have imagined!