ObesityHelp

My surgery was January 2, 2007.  I was a little bit apprehensive, but know that I am doing the right thing for my health and my future.  My husband was totally supportive and excited that this will help me with other health problems that have been piling on.  I was insulin resistent, and looking at getting diabetes, my blood pressure was rising, my cholesterol was high, and I had sleep apnea.  All were either caused or aggrevated by my weight. 

At one week post op, I had already lost 10 pounds!  Soft foods were added to my diet; I could now have scrambled egg beaters, yogurt, refried beans and cottage cheese in 1 oz. servings.  We used "shot" glasses for my servings, and they can be washed in the dishwasher!

At three weeks post op, I have lost 30 pounds!  New foods added this week were, white cheese, canned meats (chicken, salmon & tuna), beef jerky, protein bars, rare servings of smooth peanut butter, and very small amts of fruit & vegetables (cooked soft). 

March 19, 2007:  It's been almost 11 weeks, and I have already lost 65 pounds.  I sometimes feel a bit queasy if I eat too fast or too much.  I still eat very small amounts.  Sometimes it's hard to eat as much as I'm supposed to, but I still drink Isopure for the protein, to make sure I'm getting enough.  It's really different living this way, but I get lots of compliments from co-workers who have watched me "shrinking" away.  That feels good.  I also have put some of my "fat" clothes aside, to inventory for the clothing exchange.  I'll post them when I get done counting what I have to give away. 

5/25/07 - I haven't written for awhile.  Whew!  I have been mailing my old clothing all across the country in the Clothing Exchange.  It's so nice to be able to help someone to get through this process, and also nice to know I don't need to save them to grow back into!  I have lost "almost" 100 and can't wait to be able to join the centennial losers club!  Last weekend, I got to visit my daughter in California.  She graduated from Cal State University in San Marcos (northern San Diego county).  It was very exciting for us to see her getting her bachelor's degree, and she was excited to see how much weight I have lost since she last saw me at Christmas 2006 (before surgery).  I feel so much better, with less weight to carry around.  We walked all over Disneyland and California Adventure parks to celebrate her graduation.  (See the picture posted).  I'm also having fun buying new clothing, and finding old "favorites" still hanging in my closet that I can wear again for the first time in many years!  My co-workers are very impressed and I get lots of compliments.  I have no problem telling them about my experience or referring them to my surgeon's website or OH website for support.  

March 2008 - I went to a "one year & out" support meeting.  I'm struggling to lose more weight, but seem to be hovering still.  I can eat anything in small amounts, so I really need to watch out.  I heard others talking about gaining weight back, and it frightens me.  I don't want to have gone thru all this for nothing!  I joined Curves and go 2-3 times a week after work.  I know I need to drink more water and be more careful about what I eat.  Just cuz I can eat it doesn't mean I should!