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Surgeon Testimonial

Charles Bollman, M.D.
Dr Bollman is a reserved(compared to me) GENTLEMAN!!! He's very kindly and seems to truely be concerned for you as a person. He explained things very carefully and made sure you understood EVERYTHING. He answered all of our questions, and made it feel that he was accessable if you had other questions or concerns.They do the surgery open right now but said they may look into doing lap. They just feel more comfortable doing it open right now. I appreciate their honesty about that. The staff in the Liv-lite office and in the Dr's office are absolutely FABULOUS!!! Everyone is friendly, sweet and ever sooo helpful. They very much emphasize the aftercare. The support group meetings are very helpful and informative. They do need a bigger place to have these we are getting VERY overcrowded. The doctors are in attendance as well as the nursing staff and of course PATTY and PAM!!! They take the risks of this surgery VERY seriously and make sure you understand them and that they are going to do everything in their power to prevent them. They make you feel very special and cared for. So far they get a BIG OL' 10 from this girl!!!POST OP RATING...HE'S WONDERFUL!!!! I really felt cared for. His bedside manner is reserved but genuine!!! I had a problem after I went home and they were checking with me constantly. I would recomend him to my mom or my very best friend!!!
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Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by jam4shrt on 9/16/04 7:19 pm
    Deanna, congratulations, congratulations, and what the heck congratulations. 2 yr. anniversary and a baby girl on the way! That is so exciting. Wishing you all the best!
  • Comment by pam k. S. on 9/18/03 1:02 pm
    Deanna, Congrats on your 1 year anniversary!! I hit my this weekend on saturday. The time sure has gone quickly. You have done awesome. Great job! Isn't it great to be a loser??? Hugs!
  • Comment by Click on 9/18/03 5:54 am
    Deanna, CONGRATS on the 1 year anniversary of your surgery! I'm so proud of all you've done this past year. You've been super supportive of tons of people, got your support group going and just go above and beyond to share your journey with others. I'm so proud of you! Wooo hooo! CONGRATS to you on this special day!!!
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Deanna_K's Blog
Deanna_K's Blog


Back in the SOGGY CITY!!!
on January 16, 2008 8:51 am
Well I'm home and I feel GREAT!!! Doc removed 25lbs of skin from my abdomen and another 3-4 from my thighs with lipo (lots left there). I just can't believe this bod is mine!!!! He did an amazing job...he would just grin when he was checkin' out his work. TOO FUNNY!!! I have a BELLY BUTTON!!! I've never had a belly button for the world to see...it's the little things in life right!!!

Trying to get back into the groove of the SAHM schedule with the kiddos and getting back to my exercise routine. DH got a bowflex while I was gone...he had it in the dining room...that doesn't work for me, go figure!!! When he gets it set back up in the garage I'm looking forward to using it.LOL

Take care and BIG HUGS!!!
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Plastics...FINALLY
on September 12, 2007 10:42 am
Well, this Dorothy is headed back to the land f OZ!!! I've scheduled my LBL for Oct 17th in Lawrence, KS with Dr. Keller. I just can't wait!!!! I've been waiting for this for along time!!!
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2/7/07
on February 7, 2007 6:43 pm
Wow...it's been a year. Boy have things changed this year!!!
Well, we've moved. I now live in Oregon, HUGE change for this KS girl. It's really beautiful, a little dreary at times and man, do I miss my PEEPS!!! I'm having serious YMCA withdrawls. I miss my classes and the exercise. It's a little tough to get a good workout with the little ones, but I'm working on it.
The kids are getting soooo big....they're such a blast!!!! Staying home full time is another HUGE change that I'm working through.
I look back at my profile and I've almost forgotten about that person in a way. I have new issues with the post-op life but still wouldn't trade a day. BIG HUGS ALL
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My Story

Hi, I'm 31 I stand 6'1" tall and 4'3" wide(a little fat girl humor) I weigh 444# YUCK!!!!My BMI is 58.6 I'm VERY active I teach swim lessons and water exercise classes at the YMCA as well as take 3 to 4 classes a week. I eat a low carb diet because I'm glucose intolerant. I've been diagnosed with PCOS and am infertile because of it. I have plantar facitis and heel spurs,I've had 3 knee surgerys and have had an ovary removed(cyst caused by PCOS). I would desperately love to have children. I think WLS is going to be the only way I can get my life going in the right direction. I have tried all sorts of diets and drugs and have gotten nowhere but BIGGER. I have a very outgoing personality and am funloving. I can't say I've been persecuted for my size very much I think I tend to bowl people over with my self confidence. BUT I have gotten to the point that things are starting to bother me. Little things like fitting into a booth at a restaurant, painting my toenails,knowing I have a slim to none chance of having children at this weight, not being able to waterski anymore....Just things like that. I know at the rate I'm going It won't matter how active I am, I won't be for long.

6/13/02 Heard from Pam at Liv-lite in J.C. Kansas yesterday!! She has a meeting with my insurance on the 26th and we need a couple more things for thier review. She went a head and scheduled my phsyc eval and meeting with the nutritionist for the 24th so those requirements will have been met for my surgery. I can barely stand the wait and the weight:} I feel very lucky to have found Pam she has just been wonderful to deal with!!


6/26/02 My appts. with the Dietition and Psychologist went very well monday. Got to meet with Pam and Patty in the office...they are just wonderful and so sincere about wanting to help. Pam has a meeting with my ins. today and is supposed to call me when she gets through. Talk about sitting on pins and needles! I'm at work and I bet she has called my house. I hope to heavens there is a message from her there. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me!


7/10/02 I attended my first support group meeting last night and it was soo great to meet some people face to face and be able to really ask some questions. I took a friend of mine with me so she could ask some questions about what she can do to help me with the process...Thank you connie you're wonderful...Pam is still working on that ever elusive approval.She said 3 days and we should have our answer. I'm just trying not to lose my mind with all of this waitng.

7/11/02 I'm APPROVED!!!!!!!!! I can barely breathe I'm SOOO EXCITED! I can not beleive it is actually happening...I really figured I would have to fight tooth and nail like soo many others have had to do. I feel soo BLESSED right now. Thank you all for keeping those fingers and toes crossed for me. okay I'm going to try to calm down a little! my consultation is on the 18th of july and Pam said that they are scheduling surgery for the end of Sept. right now so basically in 2 months I could be a BIG LOSER!!!!!WOOOO HOOOOO

7/23/02 I have a date!!!!!!!!!! I met with the Doc and they set my pre-op for Aug 19th and my surgery Sept. 18th. I'm sooo HAPPY!!! I just want to cry with relief. I'm finally going to have my life back. I hope everyone can have this wonderful feeling! There is just nothing like it! I've been slowly telling my friends about the surgery. I've been so fortunate to have nothing but positive responses. My friends are soo great I just love them all soo much!!!!

8/15/02 Hi all!!!! I'm still very excited about this surgery. Went to another support group meeting tuesday. Everyone is soo helpful and encouraging. My pre-op is on Monday. I'll be glad to have that over with. I have a confession to make....I HAVE BEEN EATING EVERYTHING IN SIGHT!!!! I mean lots of just CRAPPY things. I feel so YUCKY. My medication just isn't keeping up so I'm getting physically sick. Something has to give I just can't keep doing this. I'm going to the Y early tomorrow before I have to teach and get a workout in before my class starts. I'm just going to HAVE to get back to the basics and stop eating all the crap!!! I'll let ya know how that goes.

8/20/02 Hey...Pre-op was yesterday and all went well! Two thumbs up from the doc!!!! I posted last that I was eating everything in my sight...well they weighed me yesterday and you could have knocked me over with a feather!!! I LOST 9LBS I'm still in shock.I am doing better on the "devour the world" syndrom and I'm back to the Y so I feel better. The staff at the Geary Co. hospital was very nice. I really feel like I'm going to be well cared for during my stay. I'm just going to be waiting now for the BIG day!!! I'm hoping it goes as fast as this last month has.

9/04/02 WOW time is really flying now...2 WEEKS!!!! I can hardly believe I'm soo close to my surgery date. I have to say, some of the people that I have met during this journey will be life-long friends. I hope everyone is able to meet people like I have and have the support and understanding that I have recieved from these new found "SISTERS". Well I'll post again soon. Did I mention 2 WEEKS!!!!!!!

9/11/02 GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL WHO LOVE HER!!!! Went to another wonderful support group meeting last night...Met this lady from Texas. She made a point of coming up to me and telling me she just about fell over when I walked in...she said I was her at age 30(i'm 32). She's now in her late fifties and had surgery 2 years ago and has now lost 300# She weighed almost 600# when she had surgery. She was telling me how she barrel raced (on a BIG horse) at 450# and never let her weight stop her from doing things when she was younger but as she got older her body just stopped doing what her mind told it to. She looked terrific and was going out to buy a motorcycle when she got home after taking care of her sister(had surgery today). She told me how proud she was of me for taking the steps to get my life together now instead of when she did. She almost made me cry..I gave her a BIG HUG and thanked her for taking the time to share with me I just hope I look as GREAT as she does when I'm her age!!! What a gal!! 7 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10/4/02 Well...I made it!!!! It's been 2 weeks since my surgery and I had a couple of really rough days but I made it through. CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE is NOT something you EVER want to hear but at 32 I just about hit the floor. I wasn't getting rid of all the fluids from surgery and the day after I came home I couldn't breath no matter what I did I just couldn't catch that elusive deep breath...It scared the crap out of me so to the Doc I went. He talked to my surgeon and they put me on some Lasiks(waterpills) and I pottied for the rest of the week LOL but felt a ton better even by the next day!!! Today I taught my first water exercise class at the Y since my surgery and it felt SOOOO GREAT!!!! I've been missing the water and my patrons. They still don't know what I was gone for, I guess I'll tell them if they ask. Tuesday the stitches and the dreaded cat toy(g-tube) came out YEAH!!!!!! I have lost 22lbs since my initial consultation WOOOHOOO!!!! I'm back to the office for the second day and very glad to be getting out of the house and back to my life!!!! I'm a little tired but that's getting better too. I haven't had any problems with food and have only thrown up once and that was because a HUGE potassium pill got stuck, bleah!! It didn't hurt the way I anticipated but was still rather unpleasent!! Well I better get goin' I'll try to post again later.

10/16/02 I'm officially 4 weeks out and have no idea what I've lost other than the 22lbs from my 2 week. I have decided not to be a slave to the scale. I 'll weigh once a month at the support group meetings and at doc visits and that's it!!! I will be measuring once a month as well and that little chore is tomorrow, one month from the first time I measured. I'm kinda excited to see where the weight has come off of other than the obvious boobs, feet ,ankles , and face LOL. Things are fitting better and people keep saying I'm "glowing" and I keep wondering to myself if the surgeon stuck a flash light up my tush or something. Peoples compliments just kill me some times. I think pretty much EVERYONE I know has found out about my surgery now, thanks MOM!!! Everytime I turn around I'm getting ambushed by someone I barely know asking "how much have you lost" or "how much can you eat now" I'm starting to feel like a GLOWING freak show!!LMAO Anyway I'm doing really well I feel GREAT and am getting in all my protein and most of my liquids right now. I'm back to teaching all of my classes and am exercising on my own 3 time a week for now. I'm working full time again and it feels good to be back to my life, I even went out to lunch today...1st time!!! I'll let ya know about the measurments and my 6 week appt is the 29th so TTFA!!!

10/22/02 The measurements are in...17 INCHES!!!!!!! Hot diggitty dawg!!! I'll let ya know poundage next week!!!

11/1/02 Went to my 6 week appt Tuesday the 29th and have lost 35 lbs!!!! I was really hopeing for a little more just to get out of the 400's(just a mental thing) but I'm striving for 15 more lbs by the next support group meeting on the 12th of November and that will give me a grand total of 50lbs and I'll be under the nasty 400's WOOOOHOOO keep those fingers and toes crossed for me and I'll be at the Y working really hard for it!!!

11/13/02 399lbs it's still UGLY but better than my starting weight and it's under 400 so I've met my first goal!!!! I was hoping for an extra 5lbs last night but I'll take what I can get. I'm really feeling great and am into my old 28's. I've now lost 24 inches and 45 lbs in just 8 short weeks...how cool is that!! I'm at the Y every week day morning for about an hour and a half to two hours and then teach 3-4 classes a week also. My energy level is increasing everyday and I'm going to start doing a once a week full body routine in the weight room next week. I'm getting in my water thanks to decaf sun tea,water still tastes like crap to me. I've found a WONDERFUL protein bar with only 4 "real" carbs in it. I've had no real food issues and I have been able to try lots of different things (just not much). My family and friends have been SOOO supportive I feel really lucky right now!! I hope everyone is doing well and you all can dodge the pot-holes in your roads ahead;)

12/13/02 63 lbs!!!!! That's what the scale said!!! WHOOO HOOOO!!! I'm on my way BABY!!! People are really starting to notice my loss and that's kinda fun. At least they aren't asking me if I changed my hair style anymore:) I'm actually starting to look like I'm actually 6'1 again. OH and that pretty "LITTLE" shelf I carry around on my hips is GONE!!!! I'm in a 28 jean and it's loose so I'm hopeing for the 26 to fit by Chrstmas(fingers and toes crossed and yes it is hard to walk like that) Any who...I'll post again later...keep dodgin' the pot-holes!!!

1/16/03 Well it's been a GREAT month since I updated here last. I'm now down 84lbs and 51 inches!!!! I'm REALLY close to a size 24 from a 32 and can't wait to go buy my first pair of LEVI'S since I was in college!!! My friend Sharon is doing so GREAT and got into her VERY first pair the other day...WOOOHOOO GO SHARON!!!! I'm spending about 12-13 hours at the Y a week between my workouts and teaching so that's got to be helping. I figured out what has been causing my awful gas and loose stools...CARBOHYDRATES!!! So no bread, pasta, rice or potatoes in ANY quantity for this girl anymore and boy do I feel MUCH BETTER!!!! I'm keeping my carbs down to 30 or so and getting those from fruits and veggies.(our dietition says we can have like 70 carbs a day including starches...I'm thinking NOT) It really has made a huge difference for me, so if your struggling too try it. I think I'm going to wear my poor hubby out soon. I can't even sit and watch a whole movie anymore with out getting up to do something, just cause I feel like I'm going to explode with all of this extra energy!!! YOU GOTTA LOVE THIS SURGERY!!! I go to the Doc on the 21st to get my labs done and such so I'll let ya know how that goes. Everyone take care of YOU!!!!

2/5/03 Hey guys had to share something that made me grin yesterday...I dumped my purse on the floor of my car while I was driving...AND I bent down and picked EVERYTHING up of the floor from between my legs!!!! I did it without even thinking...when I sat back up I realized what I had done and started GRINNIN'!!! Gosh I used to either have to pull over and get out or I would almost pass out trying to reach the floor for cutting off my airway and circulation...Hell I couldn't even reach the glove box easily when I was sitting in the passengers seat. It really is the little things that make us sooo happy!!! I think I might be on a little plateau right now can't really tell for sure, I feel some changes going on, but tomorrow I'm meeting my friend Sharon in J.C. (her appointment) and I think I might go ahead and weigh just to see where I'm at. I've been teaching at the Y more and more. My strength and stamina is really starting to amaze me. I can easily teach 2 to 3 45 minute water exercise classes in a row without feeling fatigued(as long as I drink my water). I'm really giving the few "barbie dolls" we have in class a run for their money...you should see their faces it's truely priceless!!!! Oh buy the way, all of my labs came back fine!!! Doc says I'm doing great and is VERY impressed with my activity level. He showed me my "before" pic and said I looked soooo much better ;) I think I'll have to get a copy of that aweful thing and get it on here with a "during" picture too! BIG HUGS ALL and take care of YOU!!!!

2/27/03 Hey all, just wanted to stop in and let you all know I've officially lost 61 INCHES!!!! I won't weigh until the 11th of March so I'll update more then. Gotta run!

3/11/03 IT'S OFFICIAL!!!! 106lbs outta here!!! I'm sooo HAPPY!!!! I can sit in a booth in ANY restaurant in town, I fit COMFORTABLY in a seat in the movie theatre and I bought a shirt from WALMART!!!! I could have bought jeans too but decided I was just going to wear the 26's I have now until I can fit in a 22 or they fall off which ever comes first. My next goal is to be in the 2's...just 39lbs and I'm there!!! Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me and I'll be workin' hard for it!!! I'll update later, take care of YOU!!!

4/2/03 WOW it's been awhile since I've been here. I'm feeling really good mentally and physically today. I am overwhelmingly THANKFUL today for my "gift". A man that I have met through this surgery passed away Monday night from an embolism...I am really heartbroken for him and his widow. Such nice people. I would still do this again tomorrow, besides I bet ol' Allen is up there in heaven lookin' like TOM SELLECK....BIG HUGS ALLEN!!!! Well another gal and I here in town started up a support group and our first meeting was last Thursday. It went really well I thought. We had a good turn out and we had a good time. Weeeell I better get off here for now, I'll weigh again next week so I'll update then. BIG HUGS!!!!! p.s. I'm in a 24!!!!!!!!!

4/9/02 119# outta here!!!!! 25 more lbs and I'll be in the 200's I just haven't really been able to grasp this yet. I'm havin' such a GREAT time. I'm meeting more and more people and really starting to make GREAT friends. I'm enjoying being a contact for info in my community and getting to be other peoples "cheerleader" It just makes me feel soooo good to help others. I've also been given a "on land" exercise class to develop and teach. If you would have told me 3 years ago that I would be working in the heath/fitness industry as an instructor/trainer I would have laughed in your face!!!! BUT here I am. Teaching water aerobics, swim lessons and NOW land exercise classes....who'da thunkit!!! ya'll have a GREAT ONE!!!!

4/16/03 7LBS in a WEEK!!!!!! O M G!!!!!! That brings the total to 126...can I just say WOOOO FREAKIN' HOOOOOOOO. Okay I'm better now Thanks for lettin' me scream;)

4/29/03 Hey all!!! I just got back from vacation and had a BLAST!!!!!!! I actually let people take pictures of me...let me tell ya I have ALWAYS had a SERIOUS case of "CAMERA AVOIDANCE" in fact I took up the photog hobbie just so I could be in control of the camera at all times!!!!LOL But I just let 'em point and click this time...it's just amazing what a little surgery can do!!!! My hubbs and I did ALOT of hikin' around on our vacation and I was able to really keep up with him!!! He just kept saying how proud of me he was and sooo glad I had the surgery just so we could be out doing all these things again. Well I better get outta here for now. Ya'll take care and I'll let you know how the next weigh in goes. BIG HUGS

5/15/03 136lbs outta here!!!!!! 8 more lbs and I'm in the 2's!!!!I almost don't meet the BMI criteria anymore WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!! The new classes I've been teaching at the Y are really starting to give me some results!! You just gotta LOVE being PAID to EXERICISE!!! I got the addresses of our state Insurance Commisioner and the Pres of BCBS of KS from Patty at LIV-LITE. We really need to get a writing campaign going to get this surgery paid for in this state...these people that are fighting BCBS and any other insurance companies really need our
help...NO ONE that fits the criteria should be kept from the life they DESERVE!!!!(stepping off my soapbox now) HEY ALL...do something nice for somebody else today...it will make their day and yours...BIG HUGS!!!!!

6/12/03 It's official...I'M IN THE 2's!!!!!! 295 to be exact..so I've lost a GRAND TOTAL of 149!!!!!! YEAH ME!!!!!! A bunch of my friends and I did the whole "GIRLS WEEKEND" this past weekend and had an absolute BLAST!!! I would recomend it to all. We stayed in a Hotel with an indoor pool and had a lady come in and give us facials and do a color analysis and wardrobe analysis then another lady came and gave us foot scrubs and manicures and then on Monday a couple of us went and got massages...tooo WONDERFUL!!!! I feel really GREAT right now!! I'm still teaching lots of classes and took my first tai-chi class this week...very cool!!! I'm thinkin' that is definately going to be a regular addition to my week. Well, I better get outta here for now...I'll update again when I measure in a couple of weeks. BIG HUGS!!!!

6/24/03 Okay...91 INCHES!!!!! can I just say WOOOO FREAKIN'HOOOO!!!! I just can't believe it...I'm so happy I could just cry. BIG HUGS ALL....

7/10/03 160lbs have officially "HIT THE ROAD"!!!! I probably should have lost more this month...BUT,I have to confess, I ate like CRAP this month, so I'll take the 10lbs and smile!!!! I promised myself I'd do better this month. I've finally set my next goal and figured I would put it out here so I would have to be accountable for it...I WANT TO HAVE LOST 200LBS BY MY ANNIVERSARY IN SEPT.!!! There it is folks, in bold, just so I can't miss it. Dawn Kortz, Sharon J.H. and I all went to the support group meeting in J.C. this last Tuesday and I had a GREAT time spending time with them...we also went and saw my friend Joyce Hafner while we were there. She had surgery on Monday and is doing really good. I'm soooo proud of her!!! LOVE YOU JOYCIE!!! I have to say I was really ANGRY during the support group meeting this month. They had a Physical Therapist there talking about exercise. He totally blew off and completely discounted the benefits of water exercise. He was telling us (morbidly obese) that we can SPRINT and do LUNGES...HELLO, I know very thin people that shouldn't do LUNGES. They are soooo bad for your knees. I just had such a hard time not totaly going off on this guy. I'm a water exercise instructor for criminy sake. I owe ALL of my balance, strength and stamina to water exercise. I wouldn't be able to do what I do now if it weren't for my water classes. He even told a lady that has had total knee replacements that she shouldn't be in the water and HER SURGEON told her that is where she NEEDED to be exercising. I'm just going to have to ask for equal time on water exercise next month at the meeting to dispell what CRAP this guy had to say about it. I agree that we MUST have weight bearing exercise, but at our weight, ANYTHING we do on land is weight bearing exercise and it is sooo hard on our joints and bodies to try to get cardio on land so why not get it in the water where it is available and why not encourage people to get the most exercise they can without hurting themselves. OKAY I'll get off my soapbox or I'll go on about this forever...BIG HUGS

7/22/03 16 inches GONE this month!!!!! That's a total of 105 inches off my BUTT!!!(okay the whole body) I just wanted to share in my WOOOOOOHOOOO!!!!!!!!

7/31/03 I'm thinkin' I'm a little post happy this month so, I applogize...I just had to let you know that I was just given ANOTHER deep water class to develop and teach at the Y!!!! It's gonna start in Sept. I'm soo tickled!!!:) Anywho....BIG HUGS

8/14/03 174 lbs...I just can't believe it!!!!! I lost 15lbs this month WOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! You could have knocked me over with a FEATHER when the numbers on the scale came up...I only weigh 30lbs more than my BUBBA(hubs)UNBELIEVEABLE!!! My 22's have gotten really baggy this last week so I'm really curious to see how many inches I've lost this month as well. I do have to admit that the baggy skin is really starting to bother me. My tummy is nothin' but a puddle around my hips and my thighs are starting to go south as well. I'm not even gonna get started on the whole boob thing...this is the ONLY thing about my "journey" that SUCKS!!! BUT I will admit I knew it would happen so we started a "spare body part" jar before surgery!!!! Hopefully by the time I get to have surgery, I'll GET to have surgery!! BIG HUGS!!!

8/22/03 107.5 inches are gone as of today!!!! I only lost like 1.5" this month BUT I was able to get into a pair of 18 shorts!!! They're not ready for public viewing just yet but they were up, zipped, buttoned AND I could still breathe!!!BIG HUGS!!!

9/11/03 Well, I've whooped up on 180lbs and sent 'em packin'!!!! I just can't believe I'm really doin' this!!! YEAH ME!!!!

9/18/03 It's been a Year....I can't believe how fast it's gone by. I'm doing GREAT!!!! I feel sooo much better I just can't put into words. I'm teaching about 14 hours a week at the Y now and still taking another 3-4 classes a week on top of that. I have more energy than I know what to do with most days. I've gone from a size 32-34 to a loose 22 I've lost 180 lbs and 117 inches. I'm stronger and healthier than I have EVER been, so as far as I'm concerned I've reached my personal goal on the mental side of things. Doc says I can easily lose another 75-80 lbs in the next 6 months or so...we'll see what happens. I would be truely happy right here and now with my body if I could just get rid of the loose skin. I feel soo good and beautiful, then I see myself NAKED!!!! and YOWZA is that UGLY!!!! Oh well, in due time all will be the way I want it. I just try to keep in mind all of the positive things I have going on in my life and all the things I can do, now that the weight is gone. I'll get through the rest of my journey...I didn't come this far to give up and get all pissy and down!!! Well I better get outta here and get my PERKY self to do something...BIG HUGS and LOTS of LOVE!!!!

10/9/03 Well I went to my PCP yesterday...I had a really bad cold. I weighed...drumroll please...249lbs!!!!! I've lost 15lbs this month making my grand total 195lbs!!!!! This is such a wild ride!!!! WOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!! Okay I'm done...BIG HUGS

11/12/03 I'm BUMMED...I weighed last night hoping to have the 200lb mark met...but no, the scale, the EVIL tootsie roll loving scale(oh wait...the tootsie roll lover is me!!!)said 246...I've only lost 198lbs. 2 DAMN lbs from my next goal...and it's all my toosie roll lovin' fault!!!!!!!!LOL BUT I did take my measurements and I've lost another 17inches making the grand total...136INCHES!!!! Not too shabby if you ask me!!! I've really straightened up this last week and am eating properly again(YEAH ME!!!)I'm now teaching 7 high intensity water ex. classes a week on top of the 7-8 swim lessons, AFYAP and functional fitness classes I teach...I'm really LOVIN' it!!! My wellness and fitness boss really wants me to get my personal trainer certification and I'm finally going to go for it...I'll let you guys know how that goes. I'm not sure just yet when the next training will be, but I'm going to start studying for it now!!! You know, I do have that whole BLONDE factor going on!!! Well, I better go for now...BIG HUGS

11/21/03 Hey...I just have a funny to share...it really made my day!!! I had a customer walk in today that has been coming in at least once a month for the last year or so...She sat down at my desk and was a little stand-offish...I thought "that's strange..." she's usually one of those people that I have to push out my door and she had been pretty quiet the last couple of months...Anyway we concluded our business and she looks at me and says "Are you Deanna's sister???"(I work in a family run business) I almost fell outta my chair...I started laughing and said "NO Mavis...it's me!!!" The look on her face was PRICELESS!!! She just sat there and stared at me!!!! It couldn't have been more funny...OMG, I'm still laughing when I think of the look on her face...I wanted to reach over and close her mouth before a fly flew in!!!! Have a GREAT day!!!!

1/6/04 Hey Gang...I can't believe it's been this long since I updated things....I've lost another 5 inches making that total 141 inches WOOOHOOOOOOO!!!! Lbs lost is not official since I didn't make it to the last support group meeting, but the scale at the Y says I've lost 202lbs so I'm in the 2nd century club!!! I'll get a little more excited about that once I get an "official" weight. I've been in a bit of a funk for the holidays...nothing major just not eating and drinking the way I should and my numbers reflect it BIG TIME!!!! BUT Sharon and I are back at it with a vengence and supporting each other on the way...Thanks Sharon...love ya!!! I'm geting closer to getting my Personal trainer certificate...I'm soooo excited about that...whodathunkit!!! The local support group is still going and I'm still working on my cookbook, I hope to have it this spring to sell and raise a little p.s. money. The skin is really bothering me...mentally and physically but I'm dealing with it the best I can. KEEP IT POSITIVE....right!?!?! Well I better get outta here...I'll update again when I get an "official" weight. BIG HUGS!!!

2/5/04 Hey All....took my measurements this weekend and have lost another 8 inches!!! That brings the total to 149!!!!! WOOOOFREAKIN'HOOOOOOOOO;)Haven't weighed...trying to focus on other things...fitness, inches and water. I started my weight training again 4 weeks ago and am doing FANTASTIC!!! I really feel good and am noticing some real improvement. I'm still teaching 7 high intensity water classes a week and my functional fitness and arthritis classes as well. I'm finally getting the Hubbs to come to some of my classes and I'm kickin' his cute little tushie!!! TOO FUN!!! I did a Fintess asessment yesterday with my boss..just so I knew what all was involved and how to do one for future reference. I really kicked but on the push ups and sit ups...I surprised myself. You get a minute to do as many as you can...I did 41 push-ups and 52 crunches...that put me in the "excellent" catagory...UNBELIEVEABLE!!!! My flexability was really good and so was my cardio. I'm soooo glad I had this surgery and have really focused on my fitness...it's just so important, I really can't express that enough to all of you. Well, I better get outta here...take care and BIG HUGS!!!

3/9/04 WOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! What a week!!! I have "officially" lost 206lbs and 160.5 inches and I'm a PERSONAL TRAINER!!!!! Got my cerification this weekend...who would have EVER thought I, ex-SUPER morbidly obese, Deanna would be a personal trainer in a year and a half since surgery. I LOVE this life!!!

4/27/04 Hey...man it's been awhile!! Lots of stuff goin' on with me since I've been here last. I guess first and foremost is...I'M PREGNANT!!! Baby K will be here in December. I'm holding my weight so far...my OB says I can get away with only gaining about 15lbs...I'm hoping that's the case!!! I'm able to keep my exercise and teaching routine at the Y with no changes...that made me really happy. I'm just flabergasted at the amount of calories I'm supposed to get in a day...1800-2000...can you believe it...I feel like I'm eating CONSTANTLY!! I had to dig out a pair of jeans that I wore last fall...my 18's were just a little uncomfy across the tummy...that was really hard!!! It's worth it though RIGHT!?!?!?! I'm getting more clients for Personal Training...I'm really enjoying that...I just can't tell you. I was asked to give an exercise presentation at our last surgeons support group meeting...what an honor...I was just tickled to get to talk to everyone. Well I have to go feed Baby K;). I'll get back here a little quicker next time...take care and BIG HUGS!!!

5/18/04 Well how ya doin'??? I'm fine!!;) Weighed last week at the support group meeting...lost 5lbs that puts me at 211 gone!!!! Made me REALLY happy...I know, I know I'm preggers...but Doc says she's not worried...I still have some reserve for Baby K to steal from. I'm eating about every 2 hours now...if I don't, I get really dizzy and light headed...so I doubt that I will be getting that loss again until Baby K is actually here. I'm still teaching like a mad woman and working out...it just keeps me feeling good. I just hope it helps with the whole labor and delivery thing. Well, I better get outta here...BIG PREGGER HUGS!!

6/17/04 Well I'm still holding strong...I haven't gained this month. I go in next month on the 7th and will have the sonogram...I CAN'T WAIT!!! I really want to find out if Baby K is a boy or a GIRL!!!! I'll be thrilled with either but you girls know how it is!!! I'm still keeping up my schedule at the Y and am getting ready for the American Cancer Societies RELAY FOR LIFE. This will be my second year walking...my mother and I have a team...it's a big deal to us since she has Lymphoma and several of my family members have different types of cancers. I feel like I'm eating everything under the sun...so many cravings, such a little pouch!!! You all take care...BIG HUGS

9/16/04 Wow guys..it's been awhile...Life has been a ride!!! Sat. will be my 2 yr anniv. I just can't believe it!!! Things have changed SOOOO much from the beginning of this wild ride.

Baby K is officially a GIRL!!!! Her real name is Lillian "Lilly" Christine. We were able to do the 3-D sono this weekend to confirm...it was sooo neat. She has big chubby cheeks, a double chin and my LONG LEGS!!! Being 6.5 mo preggers I've only gained 13lbs (YEAH ME!!!!) considering I'm eating constantly to try to keep up with my activities and her. I'm a little tired from anemia but we're getting that under control. I'm still teaching and doing personal trainings like a mad women....I'm hoping to be able to keep my schedule for as long as I can. I'm still married...things got a little hairy for a while but no statistic here!!!! We're both just on cloud nine about our baby girl...I lost a VERY dear friend last month...we had been good friends since we were in the 3rd grade. I miss him sooo much. I think that has really been the hardest test for me and my emotional eating since I've had surgery. I still struggle sometimes but I'm gonna keep winning. Well, gotta go. I'll be back when I've got more news...BIG HUGS ALL

1/13/05 Hey all!!!! Lilly's here!!! She was born Dec. 3rd, she weighed 7lbs 9 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. She's beautiful!!! I'm a little biased of course!!! She's got one heck of a head of strawberry blonde hair and of course it sticks up all over the place!!! TOOO FUNNY!! I'm doin' great...I gained 27 lbs with the pregnancy. I lost 7 before I gave birth and had lost the other 20 at 2 weeks after according to my PCP's scale. I go in to see my Ob next week and I'll get her "official" weigh in. then it's back to the task at hand...the last 40. I've been on maturnity leave since Thanksgiving and am SOOOO ready to get back to the Y and get teaching and working out again. I started back at the office this week and I'll be at the Y next week. BIG HUGS!!!

3/27/06 Wow guys it's really been awhile since I've been here!!!!
I had another BABY!!! Little Calvin Michael is 3 1/2 months old He was born Dec 14th...yes, just 12mos 11days after Lilly...total CRAZINESS!!!! He was really hard on me but we're both doing GREAT now. Lilly just LOVES her Bubba I hope they'll be good buds when they get older. I've Lost my baby weight from Calvin and am now working on the rest of the weight I gained with Lilly. I need to lose about 25 lbs and I'll start my Plastics!!! I just CAN'T wait. I'm still teaching and training at the Y...I'm slowed down quite a bit since Calvin has been born...between recovering from birth, getting the tubes tied and a slight injury things just haven't been working out for me in the working out dept!!! My Mom is now having surgery on her feet and will be out for about a month so I'll be working at our family business fulltime until she's back on her feet. I've been trying to do some exercise at home but it just isn't the same...As far as eating goes, I could really use a good kick in the BUTT!!! I've been drinking regular soda and basically eating what ever I can grab and run...not good. I'm really working on the soda thing and I need to just take some time out to eat what I need to eat...it's just a little hard with 2 babies. I'll get it figured out...Just need a little support...that's why I 'm back here. I've always contued to go to my meetings in J.C. and of course the meeting here in town. But some times I need a daily reminder.
Well, I guess I better get lunch fixed for the munchkin...I'm having ham and cheese!!! Take care and I'll be back to update soon!!!