So at work today, I ate my lunch at my desk. I didn't know it at the time, but I ate a little too quick and swallowed a piece of steak by accident that I did not chew well enough. Low and behold, I got a nasty case of the foamies. It lasted for about 30 min, and I was back and forth to the bathroom, with this thick spit foamie crap. I thought my foamies days were done, but I guess my pouch still works afterall!

Today's lesson re-learned:

Do not eat fast and be sure to chew every bite very well.

We just got a new camera so I will add some new pics of the nieces and of me soon. (thanks to my mom for dropping the one we had...I was ready to upgrade anyway!) Grandparents day is this coming Sunday, and we're supposed to get together with my Grandpa and watch the Ravens season opener. Hopefully Joe Flacko can bring it and not get stomped by the Brngals, but I can already predict our loss. Win or lose, I love my Ravens.

SO, after 10 days of agony, my sinus infection, yeast infection and being sick has resolved, for the most part. Now, everyone at work is taking turns being sick, passing it around.

 My sister was due with #2 girl on Aug 29th, but she was born early on Aug 6th. Natalie Joanne Crowe weighed 7lb 8oz and 19 1/2 inches long. She is a perfect baby, only fusses when you mess with her, and like most newborns, she sleeps a lot. We put her in newborn clothes, and she swims in them, so it's premie stuff for now.

Here's a few pics of the baby and our visit this past weekend. Newborn Natalie; Sarah wants to touch her feet; Laura, Sarah and Natalie; Sarah loves her Uncle Jim; Sarah and Jim's tea party!

I don't know why, but I noticed that some of my words run together on here. Please know that I am not a bad typer, it's the web site!  

Last week, Jim, my mom, Sarah and a co-worker all had this summer URI type of cold. It starts with a bad sore throat, then a deep voice and cough. and eventually a deep chest cold. I woke up Tuesday am with the sore throat! Being as I work at me Dr's office, I asked my PCP what I could take with my zyrtec and she gave me samples of allegra D 12 hour. At first they seem to work, but I'm now up at 3:30am with bad ear pain and can't sleep. Part of the insomnia is from Jim's lingering, nagging cough every 2 minues. It's just easier for me to be awake than to wake him to take something. Sarah is done being sick, and is visiting for the weekend. She's asleep on our floor, 1/2 under the bed since she rolled off her little dora fold out sofa. As long as she's asleep we're good! Before going to bed, we made muffins, and that's always a trip. She never cracked an egg before, and luckly I was holding her hand too, cause she instantly tried to squeeze and crumble the shell. Her favorite part is mixing, then licking the spoon. She brought her Uncle Jim a banana muffin, and he was asleep already, but he did wake up to take a bite for her. He's a really good uncle to her and she really loves him so much!

I was just going to get up and go into work for some overtime, but didn't think it was still so early. I have to be there at 7:45 til 12, then we're going to the Wellspan Health (my employer) family fun day. I guess I will lay down in our guest room to see if I can't get some sleep. I told Dr Prince before leaving work last night, that if I didn't fill his 8:30 appt this am, I'd add myself into his schedule for this cold. He said it's a deal.

The weight loss has really slowed, and I think I am where my body wants to be, and I am comfortable with that, but I have only 10 lbs to go! Some people still don't think I weigh 165, and say that I don't have 10 more to lose! WOW! Are they talking to me??? I just want to get to my goal, so I can say that I weigh 1/2 of what I used to weigh. I think maybe even then I would be in a single digit dress size! I wore a size 10 yesterday to a baptism and party, and that felt so good!

Well, I have to get to work. We still have $770 to pay on Disney by Sept 7th, so I need the overtime!

Ok, so today marks the 1 year point since I had my life changing gastric bypass surgery. I have lost 135# since surgery and 155# since my journey began. I have lost a total of ______ inches from my body! I had hoped to reach my personal goal of 155# before today's date, but being only 12# away, I can life with that, and keep working towards my goal.

We had a nice cookout today with family and friends. I brought out the fat pants. A pair of 4X scrub pants, that before surgery, were snug. I can fit into 1/2 of these pants. What an accomplishment that is! This is the only thing I kept, and these "fat pants" will still hang in my closet.

I feel that without this surgery, I would be worse off than I was at the time I had it done. I was borderline diabetic, moderate sleep apnea, elevated blood pressure, boarderline cholestrol and PCOS. I could not run, could not handle taking the stairs, and never felt like doing things. Now, since losing the weight, ALL of my pre surgical co-morbities have been "cured" and I have the energy to jog, take all 3 flights of stairs(at home) at once, and I can hardly sit for too long. I feel like a new person, and I only wish that I had done this years ago!

I have the best support system, and am encouraged by everyone who hears my story. Even those who did not know me before surgery congratulate my success.

For the first time in my life, I can walk into a store and buy clothes right off the rack. I have gone from a 26/28 plus size to a 10/12 misses. People approach me when I walk into a store, rather than ignore me, and I feel overall more comfortable in my own skin, confidence has boosted 100%.

I have some stretched out skin on my arms, which my niece seems to love playing with, and skin "wrinkles" on my inner thighs. My boobs used to look like grapes, but now resemble raisins. I have a little apron for a belly, but nothing I would consider surgery for at this point. I believe that eventually, after we have kids, I will go for my arms and maybe a boob job. The legs and belly I can live with, my thoughts for now at least. Overall, I am very happy with myself, and how I look and feel. I'll take the extra skin and wrinkles over weighing 322# ANYDAY!

I wanted to be at my goal weight on or before my 1 year surgiversary, and I am so close yet 12 lbs away. I have about 15 days til July 12th, and 17 days til my 1 year appt with Dr Monk. Do you think I can do it? I think I can if I really work hard at it. It's going to involve making good eating choices, walking a lot on my treadmill and a ton of self control!

 Yes, I can tolerate junk food, and although I very rarely eat it, I can. That's a danger, but these days, I'd rather grab for a handful of fresh sweet cherries or grapes than chips or candy.

I thought I was in love with the sugar free Rita's Italian Ice, but guess what???  Rita's = really, really BAD SMELLY gas!!!! I couldn't pin point what caused it either, until I got Rita's 2 days in a row, and HELLO!!!! Found out fast!

Water aerobics is done until the fall. I must admit that I only went to like 1/2 of the classes. I just had things going on, forgot or didn't feel like going. I promised Monica, the instructor, that I would be back in the fall. Session starts Sept 9th. This time, I will make every class other than WLS support group meeting Tuesday, which is always the first Tuesday at 7pm.

Well, I have to get out the door for work. Thanks GOD it's FRIDAY!

Until last week, it'd been about 3 weeks since the scale has moved, and if I want to reach my goal of 155 by July 12th, I'm going to have to really work super hard to do it. I last weighed in at 170lbs. That's 15 lbs to go until my goal.

JC Penney's was having this big clearence sale and summer dress sale, so I bought 2 dresses last week when Jim and I were at the mall. I tried 2 dresses on in a size 14, and both fit, but I had some room. I really preferred to get them in a 12, but there were none that size, so the 14's came home with me.

I was down my mom's this weekend for the Annual church yard sale, and I took the dresses with me. I thought I'd check the store in White Marsh for the 12's. They didn't have 12's either, so just for "shiggles" (shits & giggles) I decided to try on a 10. Well, damn if the 1o's didn't fit! YIPPIE!!! I ended up with a 10 petite in the one and a 10 in the other. I got petite cause it's all I could find, and it fit better since the shoulder straps in the 14 were soooo long. I would have had to add another button hole to shorten. Anyways, I was "happy as a skunk eating shit" (as my Granny Franny would have said). I even tried on a "prom" dress, that is more like a night out cocktail dress, about knee length, and it fit great, so my mom said I HAD to get it. All the "prom" dresses are marked down to $9.97!!!!!! I plan to wear that one evening at Downtown Disney since it's wrinkle resistant and packable.

My dad is staying again this week while Jim is working out of town. We went last night to get paint for my bathroom then to dinner at Longhorn. I didn't order from the kids menu as I usually would, so it cost a little more, but I have 1/2 a sweet potato and about 6 oz of my steak left over. That's another meal and then some! It'll be great for lunch today!

Well, here are a few pics in the dresses I bought.

Well, in an attempt to make a little money to pay on our Disney trip, I listed my wedding dress on ebay. It got 1 bid, and sold for $149.99 I was really wanting it to sell for more, at least $250 or more, since it cost a lot more to make. Plus, the time that went into it with my Aunt, but at least it's going to a new bride. It was custom designed and sewn by my Aunt Marg and I from 2 sewing patterns and a photo of my "dream gown". It only took 10 days to complete, then she added additional details here and there. It was so beautiful and special to me. There's really no use for it now though. It's been stores in a box from the cleaners, in the garage for 2.5 years now, and it's not like I'd ever wear it again. Looking back, this was made for a 26/28W person, who could not buy a wedding dress off a rack, and now, I'm almost 1/2 that size! SWEET!

We're going to use the $150 towards our Disney trip, and we're sure to make more memories there in October.

Not entirely too much is new. I started water aerobics this week, and boy does it feel great to get back into the groove. It's 2 1 hour classes a week, and this is a short session, til the end of June.

Yesterday I found a fitness station on Direct tv. I did 30 min of yoga! Wow, that's relaxing, and again, I felt energized after doing it! The hardest move for me was the crane. I just can't seem to get my knees on my arms and lift my feet off the floor, but I'm working on it.

I started taking my Prozac last night. It was given to me for PMS/PMDD mood swing, which since surgery, always leave me in tears at least 1 day prior to my "aunt" visiting. Hopefully this will help. I probably should have started it Friday since I'm closer to the date now, but better late than never. Jim HATES me taking pills, but it's not like I have that many to take. I take Zyrtec nightly for allergies, Flexeril for my neck when it gets really really bad, Ambien when I can't sleep, which is very rare these days, and now Prozac for a few days a month. I think he's just too overprotective sometimes, but geesh....it's hard enough to swallow a tiny tab, for me that is, so my parents didn't make a pill popper!

Ok, so I took a few photos of me in my Miraclesuit. It really sucks ya in where needed, but I noticed in the water, my butt jiggled more so I'm guessing there's spandex/lycra lacking in that area. Now usually a problem area in a swim suit though, so it's all good. In the first pic, you can see how great this swimsuit is, but not so much of how my thighs are. Arms a little yucky. In the 2nd pic, I was being goofy, but you can see how small my arms realy are and how much skin I have. Also, legs don't look too bad, but there's wrinkled skin there too.

Here's the pics:

I have lost 129 lbs since surgery, 149 since my journey began. I feel great and look forward to summer and warmer weather. That's something I NEVER said at 300lbs. I was always hot and sticky then, but now I freeze most of the time. I guess I lost my insulation.

My labs from my passing out episode showed normal liver function, CBC and sugar was 81. My cardio echo came back perfect. Dehydration is to blame for this episode, and I'm working on getting more water in. I've been keeping a diary of what I eat/drink, so I can account for what I put into my bosy, including my optisource vitamins and b12. It's going good. I saw the nutritionist this week, and she gave me an A+!  WOW!!! I was like OMG! She actually kept some of my pages from my food diary for an example to other WLS patients. She was proud of me for keeping in touch with her and the other medical providers when I have doubts or questions.

Last week I saw my Dr for anxiety related to PMS. She gave me a rx for Prozac to take 2 weeks before Aunt FLo comes for her 4-5 day visit. I'm going to try that cause there's always 1 emotional day that get's the best of me....like ready to quit my job / beat someone up / run away and hide type of days. I can't have that now, so I'm going to try the pills this go round.

I bought a swim suit last weekend, and let me tell you, the Miracle suit is a miracle! Although it takes more than 10 seconds to stuff myself into it(they claim it'll take 10 seconds to lose 10 lbs), it looks great. Now, if I could only do something about my 80 year old thighs and arms. Hmmmm.....maybe surgery is an option...after kids, but I have my priorities.....boobs & arms, than legs if we're not living in a cardboard box after the first surgery.

Here's a new pic we had taken for Mother's Day. Our mom's haven't seen it yet, so don't spoil it for them! It's the best pic ever of me and Jim. It really shows our love for each other, and I can't stop smiling when I ook at it! Hope you enjoy it too. Hugs, Jes

I had a hell of a day yesterday, well morning that is. The dr doesn't know if it was dehydration, low sugar, taking a new pain med (Ultram XR for headaches and neck pain) or a combination of all 3, but about 9am, I stood up and was talking to Jim about the day's plans, then the next thing I know, he's slapping my face saying "baby, talk to me! wake up! I'm going to call 911". Apparently 911 was the magic word that caused me to speak and say "I'm fine". I had hit my right kidney area on the dresser (which feels deeply bruised but not much of a bruise on the outside), hit my head on the mirror of the dresser, and then fell between the wall and dresser. I was only out for about 30 seconds, but it felt like longer. I could hear Jim talking to me, as I was coming out of it, but I couldn't see him. He said my eyes were open the whole time, but I could only see darkness and shadows. It was so scarry! He got me up onto the bed and I started to come back more and I asked for ice water and the phone. I knew we had office hours on Sat am, so I called work to see if there were any openings left. Good thing people don't like to sit around the dr office when it's 75-80 and sunny out. Anyways, I'm fine now, and I have to get blood work done tomorrow. He said it was up to me if I wanted a echocardiogram done, and I said yes just to be sure it wasn't my heart. Before I left, they checked my sugar, and although I hadn't eaten a thing, it was 32. Dr Cutti gave me crackers milk and apple sauce and within a minute, it was 76. I still think it was a bad reading, but who knows.  The Dr told me to take it easy this weekend, and make sure I drink plenty of water and eat every few hours. So once, again, another person telling me that only 3 meals a day is bad news! I can't wait to see the nutritionist in 2 weeks!

I am able to wear that "size 12 goal dress" now, remember, the little black one I bought like a year ago at JC Penny's for $15? Here's a pic

Ok, so according to his scale, I was 181 on Wed. That's with clothes on, and I always weigh naked at home, so it's about normal to be 2-3 lbs off. 181 is a 121 lbs lost since surgery, 141 lbs lost since my journey began. Impressive considering where I was only 1 year ago.

 Dr Monk said I am doing great and to keep up the good work. He told me that I need a "new fun hobby", and asked if I ever played tennis or golf. (BLEH!) I'm not sure where this came from, because seconds before, we were talking about my outstanding lab report. Anyways, I told him that I've been walking 2-3 times a week on my treadmill, at least 1 mile each time, and he said, "but is that much fun?" "Well, not really", I said, "but It's more activity than I've EVER done in my life, and I don't mind getting up earlier to get it in." I told him that I enjoy sewing and I do a lot of crafty things, and he said, "Is sewing a new hobby"? Um....no.  So his next comment was....."maybe you could take up knitting". You should have seen his eyes get so big when I said, "I already know how to knit Dr Monk".

Anyways, for the whole 10 minutes he was in the room, the questions I had excaped my mind, and he was ready to walk out of the room, and I said...but wait! I have questions! I asked about my dizzyness, and he said that's my heart adjusting to the new body, and it'll get better, and that it isn't dehydration. He said it wouldn't hurt to drink more water, but that it's my heart, not having to work so hard. That answer really doesn't satisify me, so if it doesn't improve before my 12 month visit, I'm going to seek further answers elsewhere. I also asked about the moodyness around that "time of the month" and told him that I'd never had this happen before surgery since I didn't get my periods regular, and he said that I have to be glad for getting them now, and I should drink less caffene the week before.  Um...I drink decaf if I drink any coffee at all, so that couldn't be it. Could this warrant a visit to mental health to get meds so I don't flip out the week before my period?

Ok, and the final thing that I wanted to discuss, was the eating only 3 meals a day. I know where he firmly stands on that,.  AND, not to step on his toes about it, but I'm seeking help from Julie, the nutritionist. I have an appt early May to get this under control.

I have started adding a snack in the am and pm, and since I'm writing everything I eat down, I've broken my stall and lost another 3 lbs this week. I've just been told by so many others that your body is a engine and you have to feed it to keep your metabolism up. I've been feeling better since doing this, and will continue as a trial until I see Julie, for her nutritional professional advise. It's also helping me track my fluid intake and vitamins too. I'm counting carbs, protein, fat and calories.

Well, I have to cut short because I am already 7 min into my treadmill time. Have to get on there for my 2nd time this week.

Sorry I have not updated in awhile. I have been working a lot of OT, and with the fashion show and all, it's been a little hectic!

 I've been walking/jogging on my treadmill 2-3 times a week, and finally passed my 10 stars mark. Today I did 1 mile in about 17 min. I jogged until I was out of breath, to a really fast song, then slowed it down to 3 mph to walk another lap.

 I missed my weekly weigh in this am, so I'll do it tomorrow. Eating wise, I've not been doing so great. New office, lots of drug reps = lots of sweets. I know it's ok to have a bite of a cookie from time to time, but I sometimes battle with myself over it, and beat myself up over it. BAD foods haunt me so much, and I thought I had finally won, but it's still a struggle. I've done better this week, and I hope to improve even more next week, but not a day has gone by that I haven't eaten something I shouldn't, even if a little nibble. This might explain why the scale has maintained at 180 lbs, but I'm going to make it move...down..once again.  I've started writing down everything I eat, and that helps. I've also started drinking more fluids, and the fact that "Aunt FLO" will be making a visit to me soon doesn't help, but it's all good.

 Next week I have my 9 month follow up with Dr Monk. I hope that he is proud of me, and can help me get back into the losing groove. I'm thinking of calling upon the nutritionist again for eating tips too. Monk says to ONLY eat 3 meals a day, no snacking. I was told by a health club instructor that many small meals in a day boosts your metabolism, and that my body, with 3 meals a day is storing because it's in starvation mode. I don't know who or what to believe, and I know many people have their own opinions and ideas about this. I'm ok with 3 meals a day, and for the longest time, I really stuck to it. For the most part, I still do, but I do tend to get the urge in the afternoons to grab a bite of something, like almonds or peanuts or a South Beach protein bar. I've also found sugar free gummy bears, although sugar free, it's still a "snack" and should not be eaten. Damn shame cause they are so yummy!

Well, I've got to get to bed. 8am is going to come soon, and I'm beat. TGIF...almost!

Fashion show updates:

For starters, the scale did not move this week, so I'm still at 180 lbs. I DID have birthday cake, but just like 3 bites cause we all know where anymore than that will send us.....to the potty room! (remember, NOTHING has made my puke yet, and I don't want to push the limits! No foamies since Christmas....AWESOME!)

30th Birthday Party with my niece, Sarah Sue!

I picked out my 3 outfits at Dress barn, and much to my suprise, I fit into a 12!!! Did you hear me? I said a SIZE 12!!! I know their stuff is cut a little big, but a 12!!! OMG BECKY!!! I picked a dress that is yellow, black and grey; a pair of bermuda shorts and a wrap sleeveless (eeek!) cotton top, and a nice dressy shirt with white pants. It's going to be so much fun! We can get the stuff we model at a discount after the show!

I was at the mall yesterday to look for a pair of black heels for the fashion show, and found the perfect pair at payless. I asked the manager about lending shows for the fashion show, and she said she'll ask the district mgr for approval and it'll be a go! SAWEEEEEEEEEET! Once the show is over, well be offered a discount on the shoes we choose to wear! AWESOME!

 It's easter and they are calling for SNOW! "I'm dreaming of a white EASTER" was not in my plans to be singing this Spring! I just had my birthday and now it's Easter already. Something just doesn't seem right about that!

Well, anyways. I went to Old Navy last night and bought my dress, in a size LARGE. I had tried this dress on before in a XL and it was a lil loose, but looked good. Anyways, when I got home, I tried it on, and although it fits like a glove, it's way shorter than the XL was on me! I mean SHORT like if I bend over I will catch a cold short! It's going back, and I'm going to get either the XL or something else. I DIDN'T get to my 10 stars on my treadmill calender, but I did get $25 for my birthday from our cousins, and Mary told me to go get that dress....so I did! I kinda messed up my treadmill schedule last week, but I did get 2 out of 3 of my days in. I will resume 3 days a week this week. I just had A LOT of errands to do on Wed am before going into work at 11:30, and wanted to get it all done.

Ok, so the scale has began to move again, and guess what? I've finally pooped.  haha I came to the conclusion that if I haven't gone in 2 days, I'll take a swig of stool softener so I can go, then all is good.  I guess if you only put a little  in, you only put a little out!

I have started my new job at a new office, and since my first day, last Friday, I have dedicated myself to getting on my treadmill on Mon, Wed and Fri morning before work.  I have not missed a day, and I feel great that I have been able to stick with it.  I put the crappy garage radio on, and walk briskly to songs that come on, and once a fast tempo song comes up, I increase the speed.  Yesterday, I actually jogged a 1/8 mile! Doesn't sound like much, BUT I HAVE NOT JOGGED SINCE I WAS FORCED TO IN MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!!!!  It felt awesome! For each day that I walk on my treadmill, I give myself a star on the calendar. Once I collect 10 stars, I'd like to buy this dress from Old Navy.  I tried it on in a size XL and it was a little big, so I'm shooting for a size L. Maybe the treadmill will help, so it's a WIN-WIN situation! Now that I think about it, it'll be too warm for Spring...might have to shop?!? Maybe I'll buy my fashion show outfit?!? Oh, did I mention that I was asked to be in a fashion show in April at the YorkWLS support group meeting? FUN!!! FUN!!!

Maybe this can be my easter dress? It doesn't scream SPRING, but the 101 Dalmations movie IS coming around again....LOL!

I have noticed that my thighs are getting kinda nasty and wrinkled due to the skin, and my boobs look deflated.  I HATE my upper arms, but there's not much to do about that.  I figure that I'll be pregnant next year, and maybe for another year or two or three, depending on how the first one goes.  So, after we're done having kids, I'll be ready to get a boob/upper arm job.  I can wear shorts and cover the thighs, and unless we hit the lotto, wouldn't worry much about getting that done.

I'm celebrating my 30th Birthday this weekend. I'm a St Patty's baby!  Tonight a few friends are coming over to cook out, then were heading to the Hershey Bears game.  Tomorrow we're headed down Jim's parents for a family party, then Monday is the BIG day.  I can't believe I'm going to be 30!!!  I kinda wish that I had had this surgery 10 years ago, but my life wouldn't have turned out like it has if I had. I am married to the best husband a girl ever have, and have an awesome loving and supportave family. Now that I've beat my obesity (remember, I'm now just "slightly overweight", I'm sooooo happy!

I think I was 2 or 3 in this photo!

I only wish I had taken a photo of me trying to squeeze into this dress when I bought it 6 months ago! I thought it would never fit, but I bought it anyway as a goal dress, and now it fits!  It snaps up the front, and has some stretch to it, and although I'm not ready to wear it (still have a few more lbs to go before it'll look right) IT FITS! (SNAPS CLOSED)!!!

I think I broke my 3 week stall, lost 2 lbs this weigh in, still in the 180's, at 185 lbs.  Planning to make a treadmill schedule and award myself with a gold star for every 30 minutes I walk on it.  If I get 10 gold stars in 3 weeks, I'm going to get that spring suffari dress at Old Navy in a size L and a pair of shoes to match. On Thursday I tried it on in a XL and it was almost too big!!!! WOWWWIE!

I know, I should be on that treadmill everyday since it's here at my house, but it's easier said than done.  It's hard to get motivated!  I know there's no good excuse, but I could give many reasons, like working FT, come home and cook for another hour, keep up with my ebay and sewing projects, dr appts and etc.  I PROMISE myself that I am going to "find time" to start this week.  No more putting it off!!!!

Here's a pic of me in the TH dress....you'll have to excuse the hair....I often jump out of the shower and try on the next size smaller from my other closet before dressing for work!  I can't wait til it looks great on me and I feel comfortable to wear it out! Maybe for Easter in 3-4 weeks?

I don't know if it was the 5 day pouch test that did it, or what it was.  I lost 2 lbs after last weeks pouch test, but I can't poop!  It feels like it's right there, but hard as a rock and hurts to strain to try to get it out.

I KNOW< TOOMUCH INFORMATION!!! But as always, I try to be honest and hopefully someone reading can help me, or I can help someone else in their journey.

 Anyways, I bought some Phillips MOM stool softener, and I think it did the trick, as I have pooped 4 times since I took my 2nd day dose, and the 4th time it was "the runs".  I DO feel a little better, but the hiney hurts. Baby wipes work wonders, and I put a little hydrocortizone down there too.  Hopefully things will go back to normal.  I guess I'll never know what caused it, but I'm going to take a fiber chewable daily from now on.

I'm starting to wonder if I am going to lose anymore weight and get to my goal of 155 lbs.  I have been at a stall for a few weeks, but I also don't exercise as I should.  I have a treadmill in the garage, and no good excuse not to use it.  I'm signing up for Aqua Aerobics again, which starts March 18th. Hopefully my new job work schedule will comply to my swim schedule. If I get stuck at where I am, I know it's my own fault for not exercising and working harder.  I've just been feeling really lazy, working a ton of OT and sewing like crazy!

Anyways, here's a pic from yesterday.  No makeup, I was headed out the door for my cousins baby shower and was going to do it in the car.

So, the scale has not moved from last week, so I'm doing the 5 day pouch test.  I survived today just fine, and I think the fluids did me some good.  I drank more today than I have since the day before surgery, and chewing gum here and there helps too.

I almost fell off the 5 day pouch test wagon at dinnertime with a bite of noodles, since I made Jim salad, burgers and mac n cheese.  I made a pot of MD crab soup, and although I did have some crab meat, I had mostly the broth. Tomorrow it's liquids again, which is not so bad, then day 3 soft protein (tuna) then day 4 ground (beef chicken)protein then day 5 back to solid protein.

Things are working out well with my upcoming transfer at work.  I'm leaving the "clinic" to a more "private" office, but a lateral move.  I think that with the new me, I need a new atmosphere too.

I can't believe that in less than a month, I'm going to be 30 years old!  That sounds so scary!

So I checked the chart, and I'm now 189 lbs.  I am considered Slightly Overweight until 159 lbs, then that's considered Normal.  My Goal is 155 lbs, and I'm currently 34 lbs away from my goal.

I don't recall Dr Monk giving me a goal....but he had said that he wanted me to lose 50% of my excess weight (about 75#), which I have already done.  I know the hard part will be maintaining after I hit goal.

I'm currently wearing regular size 16 pants and xl tops.  Size 38DD bra, 91/2-10 regular width shoes. (see pic)

Bitten Slim Fit Jeans $8.88. TH Sweater $9.99. Wearing name brand clothes(bargain prices) in normal sizes....PRICELESS!!!

Tomorrow, I'm wearing my size 16 CK jeans (I won on ebay for $1.05 WOW). Can you tell that I LOVE to bargain shop!

I had my 6 month f/u with Dr Monk on Monday.  All of my labs and vitamin levels were perfect, and my liver function came back to normal like they said it would.  My BP was 118/70, which is also great, and he was very impressed at how well I've come along.  His 2 biggest "statements of wisdom" were, "stick to 3 meals a day...no snacking", and "remember to take your vitamins" (I take Optisource, sold only at Walgreens)"  I hit my personal goal of 100 lbs lost in 6 months about 2 weeks early, and I'm on to my next goal!  I hope to be at my goal of 155 lbs on or before July 12th, my 1 year surgiversary.

I went shopping over the weekend for scrubs, because they just changed our dress code at work to mandatory scrubs.  I've been enjoying wearing sweaters and khaki's, but it only takes 1 person to ruin a good thing (she kept wearing denim jackets and hoodies).  Anyways, I was shocked to try on a XL and it was too big!!!  The last time I bought scrubs there, a 4X was tight!!!  Those are often cut small, and I was taking a guess with the XL, in hopes that I wouldn't have to go up to a 2X, but I walked out of the store with 5 pair of size LARGE!!!!  WOO HOO!  Now I have to get started on sewing my scrub tops!!

I've been having more pain than usual in my neck and upper back.  Bill, my neuromuscular  massage therapist said that it could be due to my weight loss.  He said that my neck muscles have to work harder to support my head since the fat and stuff is gone now, and they are overworking.  Sucks for my neck problems though.  I have pain patches to wear, which don't seem to help at all, but I wear them in hope that they will.  I'm scheduled to see another pain specialist, Dr Scicilia on Jan 29th, and maybe he can help with acupuncture or trigger injections.  We'll see.

I'm supposed to go for a vag US and a mammogram cause my uterus is "enlarged" says my PCP, and she wants to rule out fibroids in my breasts.  I have breast pain a week before my period now, and that never happened before surgery.  I'm going later in the month for those things though.  FUN FUN!

Well, overall, I'm very happy and healthy and feel great, with exception of my neck, and am so glad I had this surgery. 

Celebrating 100 lbs lost, at 199lbs! New York & Co Misses size 18 dress!!!

I did my weekly weigh in this morning and..............

I'M IN ONEDERLAND!!!!

103 lbs lost since surgery (123 since Dec 06) I am now 199lbs!  WOW! I haven't been this weight since MIDDLE SCHOOL!!!!  It feels so good to be at a weight that starts with a 1, and not a 2 or 3!!!!!!

I'm egarly waiting for the BMI scale to ease into the overweight stage....not too far off though!

I just did my weekly WALK OF HOPE to my scale and it tells me that I've lost 101 lbs since surgery, 121 since Dec last year!  I'm so excited to have met my own personal goal of 100 lbs in 6 months!  I'm on track baby! 46 lbs to goal!

I have to figure out how to make a century card and soon celebrate ONEderland!  I can't wait! I just bought size 14 and they are snug, but they button and zip!  FUN FUN!

  Nothing has made my throw up, but I do get foamies and that horrible chest pain when I eat too fast or don't chew good enough.  I MUST learn to drink more water, and have to get on my newly uncovered treadmill.  Hairloss seems to have peaked and is slowing down.  I have muscle pain, but I'm told it's because my (neck) muscles have to work harder to keep my head up since I've lost so much fat and support.  That's ok though.  I can take a pill to help that.  Overall, things are great!  I'd do it all over again and again.  I update almost weekly on my profile, and have my 6 month f/u with Dr Monk on Jan 14th.

Ok, so Christmas was really nice this year, and I did get a gift from my husband.  We had a little talk a few weeks back......his father always gets his mom a piece of jewlery for holidays and birthdays, etc. And since I have a nice new BIG jewlery box, I would like the same.  Past holidays, I'd usually get NOTHING, or if by chance I DID get something, it was something that he wanted too. (iPOD, foot bath, etc).  He did good, though probably spent way too much on a 1/2 ct journey diamond necklace....very very pretty!

I did very well over thanksgiving, and thought Christmas would be a breeze too, but I was eyeing up and being called upon by the cookies, fudge and cakes that were laid out way before dinner was ready.  Overall, I feel that I did well....I had a nibble of PB fudge, a 1/2 choc chip cookie, a taste of homemade bananna bread and a few bbq chips.  This big spread was on the kitchen table, and impossable to ignore, and very very hard not to induldge.  Once dinner was ready, I had turkey, ham and meatsauce with a taste of sourkraut, olives, potato salad, etc.  I started to feel real sick, and got the foamies and pain that comes with it, and still can't determine if it was from the mixture of flavors, or from eating too fast/not chewing enough.  Sucks though....it could also have been from the Norwalk virus AKA "stomach flu" that's being passed around. 

Jim had off work yesterday for his Birthday, and it's a good thing because it saved him from calling out of work! Around 12:30 am, he was throwing up like crazy!  I got up at 6am and went to work, then after awhile, started to feel sick myself.  I didn't throw up, but had stomach pain and once I finally got home, had the "runs" once.  I took a nap, then got up around 8:30, ate some chicken & egg noodle soup, then went back to bed to watch some tv.  I got the "runs" 2 more times, then took some immodium and felt much better. No more problems, and today, we're both feeling 100% better.

Tonight was my holiday party for work, and although Jim wasn't wanting to go, we went and had a good time.  Last years party was a little lame, but we laughed our asses off at the skits and games the residents pulled off.  I humbly received many compliments from co-workers and Dr's and even last years residents who came back to visit that haven't seen me since before surgery. 

Today I'm down 93 lbs since surgery 5 months ago, and 113 since my journey began.  I know I should celebrate the 100lb mark, but I'm waiting to be under 200 for the bubbly and confetti.  That's a big accomplishment, and I can't remember a time I weighed under 200 lbs.  Most likely middle school! I've started to carry a photo from last year, kinda as a comparison. I'm just starting to see what others have been telling me for months.  I'm greatful for compliments and support that everyone gives!  Co-workers and patients tell me everyday how good I look, or call me skinny minnie or say i'm melting away.  Yes, it does feel good to finally, once in my life, get some positive attention.  BUT, at the same time, it feels like too much since I'm SOOOO not used to it.  I was ALWAYS the shy one, who didn't talk to many people and didn't attend social events.  YUP, your average WALLFLOWER! 

Currently I am wearing a size 18 or XL from almost any normal size store.  I'm shocked that if I could afford a $45 bra, I could walk into Victoria's Secret and buy one off the rack.  Yes, my bra size has gone from a 46D to a 40D, and that's getting big already!  I think my feet have even lost weight(inches), as before, I bought a 10W or 11, and now a 9W to 10 fit ok.  I'd like to get a pair of knee high boots, but they don't zip right over my calf...yet.  I'm still looking though (maybe calls for a trip to the mall tomorrow...if we don't get a bunch of snow!)

My niece Sarah is visiting this weekend until Sunday, unless it snows big time.  Can you tell they're calling for a big storm???  Anyway, it's so exciting cause she's almost 3, and Christmas is going to be more fun this year since she's really getting into it.  She's singing "not Jingle, but Gingle bell rock" and dancing.  She's so cute you just want to eat her up!  Well, I'd better be hitting the hay here soon.  I know the wee one gets up early, and Uncle Jim doesn't do mornings, lol. 

I went last week to NYC with my mother in law and sister in law.  It was my first trip to actually walk around and shop.  I didn't do much shopping as I wanted to, but it's all good.  Jim and I will have to make another trip sometime so we can see and do everything that I didn't get to this trip.

The Rockette's show was great!  It was very very cold outside, and the wind was very brisk!  Note to self...take and wear heavy jacket next time!

I have purchased a few things while in my current size....between 16-18 deending on the cut.  I bought my first ever Tommy Hilfiger shirt and a few things from New York and Co.  I like that their stuff is higher quality and not too expensive.  I'm trying not to get too carried away with buying clothes, but for once in my life, clothes shopping is awesome!  I'm still a frequest customer at the thrift and consignment shops too!

This week should be interesting.  I have off on Thursday for my annual pe and pap, fun fun fun!  Then not much going on for the weekend.  We're going to meet up with my parents and grandfather to celebrate birthdays.  Grandpa's is the 25th, step-dad's is the 27th and Jim's is the 28th.  I guess it's good to celebrate prior to Christmas, since it always seems to take away from their birthdays!

We just bought Jim a big ($600) snow thrower, so hopefully we won't get stuck again like last year!  If you roll back through my journal to Feb last year, we had a lot of snow and the homeowners asso didn't do one thing to remove it! Those bastards!  Anyway, Jim's most likely to clear out the whole neighborhood now, and I'm sure he'll be the envy of all the other guys in our block, lol.  Maybe we should negotiate a contract with our neighbors, haha, that'll help pay it off even at $10/house!

So the last day I worked was Wednesday, and it's been a nice long break from work.  I'm fortunate that not many people asked off and my office manager was in a good mood!

Thanksgiving went well, and dispite the minor nibbling I did, I still lost 5lbs in a weeks time.  I know, it won't last forever.....I'm just in the Rockstar phase.  We had the usual stuff, and I ate the usual stuff, but ate my turkey first, then a taste of the other stuff.  I LOVE sweet potatos, so had an extra taste of that.  I was thinking, as everyone else loaded up their plate before the turkey made it's way around the table, that it'd now take me at least a week of 3 daily meals to clear that plate that I also overflowed just a year ago.  I am THANKFUL for God, my surgeon and my insurance company for my surgery, and my husband, family and friends for "dealing with" (supporting) me!

Let the Christmas shopping begin!  I was out there with the other nuts on Black Friday, but I didn't leave my house until 8am.  I was able to find everything on my list and then some!  I got the last portable DVD player at Walmart (for my almost 3 yr old niece) and the last MP4 player at Sears (for my mom)!  Jim and I went out later in the day and bought a new home theater system and dvd/vcr player.  We've been wanting to replace ours for awhile since the 5 disc dvd changer doesn't work anymore, and the PS2 had bad sound output.

Jim and I are headed to the mall today to get our Christmas photos taken.  We haven't had pro photos since Easter 2004, so I'm excited!  I've picked out a cardnal red dress shirt for him and I'm wearing a dark purple wrap top (SIZE 16!!!).  The colors are bold and bright and will look great together with black pants.  I will have at least 1 print to bring home today, so I'll scan it in and post here.

In a hunt for a recipe for the Dec support group meeting/holiday party, I found a TON of yummy sounding recipes on the Splenda website.  Check it out! www.splenda.com

So the Dr said that my boobs are fine, but since I have the pain too, she's sending me for a brest U/S to be sure.

I have lost 79 lbs since surgery, and 99 lbs since December when my journey began.  I can't even begin to imagine what 99 lbs feels like, or looks like.  When I look in the mirror, I still see 300 lbs.  I see collar bones, have more energy and I wear smaller sizes, but my head and mind has not caught up. 

I know that will take time, and eventually I will not shop the plus sized section before heading to the misses department where the clothes now fit.  In time it'll be fine.

My sister, her boyfriend Will and my niece are visiting and we're having (my side of the family) Thanksgiving today.  My parents are in Myrtle Beach at their time share as they are this week every year.  I'm looking forward to having just a taste of my favorite holiday foods, but protein first!

Since surgery, Aunt FLO has visited on her own every month.  Before surgery, she had not visited for months, and only when I took Progestrone for 10 days.

Anyways, since surgery and I've been more normal, I get sore boobs and noticed a red mark and lump under it last month.  I called the Dr office, and after 10 days, finally got tired of playing phone tag, and just scheduled an appt.  The Dr I saw said she didn't feel anything abnormal, but is sending my for a brest U/S just to be sure nothing funny is going on.  That takes place on Nov 23rd.  The Dr also said something about eliminating caffene from my diet (done.....maybe a diet green tea once in awhile) and taking vitamin E. 

I also spoke with my neuromuscular therapist (fancy words for massage miracle worker with hands of gold) about this left side lower back pain that I get when I sit in the car.  He first said it's the car, and I should get Jim to buy me a new one, then touched the spot, and I then knew it was a muscle and not "just gas" as they told me in the hospital before I left after surgery.  He said that he's going to work on that more next week, but today was mostly for my neck since it's been 3 weeks since I was in.  It's a muscle that runs from the hip up to the armpit area, and when I sit in certain positions, usually in the car for more than 15 minutes, it starts bothering me with shooting spasm pain, like a sharp knife for a few minutes, then goes away!  At least it's getting worked on and I know what it is!

Well anyways, I weigh in tomorrow, and I will write more.  I've been trying to rake in as much OT as I can at work, and haven't been online much at all.....well, except on ebay here and there.

Ok, so it's been a few weeks, but I've been very busy and working a lot of OT on top of it.

 Our BG trip went well.  That Friday it rained, and we went to the park anyway.  I was soaked and miserable, but we still rode rides, and as the rain tapered off a bit, enjoyed the festive HallowScream things going on.  Saturday it was nice out.  It rained a little in the morning, but after 2 shows inside, we went outside to a sunny afternoon!  I must say that I rode EVERY roller coaster in the park and loved every minute of it!  Jim was not able to ride Apollo's Charriot since the harness came up and into the belly, but he could have squeezed into it.  I didn't care for that ride much for 2 reasons.  It's a hilly up and down coaster, and I HATE that and Jim didn't ride with me.  However, we rode the Griffin 3 times, and that was BAD ASS!!!!  Also, Loch Ness Monster, Alpingeist, big bad wolf and so on, at least 2-3 times each.

On Sunday morning, we went to the Williamsburg Pottery and bought a few things.  Mostly about $50 on wine (our kitchen decor) and metal signs for our movie theater room in the basement.

Overall, it was a great trip, and we really look forward to going to Cedar Point in July with my friend Rachel and her hubby!

Yesterday morning when my alarm went off, I jumped out of bed really fast, and could hardly get my footing to stand, much less walk.  I was terrified to get a shower, in fear that I might fall or pass out.  I started feeling a tad better, and made it through my shower, but still felt the room was spinning from time to time.  I made it to work, (I work at a Dr office) and asked my supervisor what dizzyness meant.  She first said to get a nurse to check my sugar, and I did, and that was 85.  Normal, however kinda low.  Ok, so that's not it.  Checked my BP, and that was 128/86, close enough to my usual reading.  Not that.  So, I asked the Dr who checked my ear 3 weeks ago if that could be throwing my balance off, and he said.....that it's most likely my BP dropping, and since I've lost a bunch of weight, I can now feel it happening, where as I couldn't before.  So.....what do I do now?

Oh, at the dentist last week....no cavities, nothing wrong, but she did say that the back of my front teeth were stained!  She removed it, but said I "should cut back smoking and drinking coffee and tea".  UM.....I DON'T SMOKE AT ALL and HARDLY EVER drink COFFEE or TEA!  We narrowed it down to the CRYSTAL LIGHT COLORED/FLAVORED DRINKS!!!!  Just think about it.....remember the last time you got that powder on your hands, or your counter top?  Remember how long the stain was there?  Makes perfect sense!!!  More mouthwash for me!!!!

Oh, Jim's band is playing tomorrow in Frederick, MD, then were crashing at a hotel, then once we get up, hitting the road for Bush Gardens!  I can't wait!  Hopefully drinking more fluids will help the dizzy spells and I'll enjoy getting away!  Well, I know I will....a day off work and getting away for 3 days....who wouldn't enjoy that!??

Ok, so on my home scale I'm down 68 lbs, and on Dr Monk's scale with clothes, I'm down 65 lbs. The liver function thing was not a big deal.  Sue said that my body is in a "shock" right now, and my liver doesn't know what to think.  She said that it can effect the labs too if my liver was fatty before surgery.  I will get labs done again in 3 months, and I'm to keep on track doing what I've been doing.  Sounds good to me!  I asked her about the soft yellow colored stool, and she said not to worry, most people are constipated at 3 months out! 

I also went to the dentist today, and all went well.  Normal bite wings and cleaning, no cavities....thank goodness!  We talked again about invisalign, and I told her I'm going to get it, but not until next year after Disney is paid for.  She said that I had stains behind my top front teeth, and I should stay away from the darker colored crystal light drinks and dark caffine stuff.  I blame the CL drinks cause I drink very little tea/coffee.

The next appt I have is in Dec, that's me and Jim with Dr Muzzio at the clinical weight loss program.  I f/u with Dr monk at 6 months out in Jan.

Here's a pic from last weekend, we visited friends David and Nicole and their newborn Lucas at the hospital. (photo coming soon....pc being too slow right now!)

Ok, so tomorrow is my weigh in at home and also my 3 month visit at Dr Monk's office.  I will see Sue, his nurse and get to the bottom of this liver function panel thing.  It's kinda bugging me, but I hear it's normal for it to go off the chart at 3 or 6 months.

I also see the dentist tomorrow.  I don't want to spend my retirement $ on dentures, like my hubby is planning to do, so I get into the office regular.  My gums were hurting last week, which I think was a result of eating pistachios and cut my gums while trying to crack open the shell.  Thank goodness it didn't get worse or was something worse!  I'd like to get invisalign braces, but it's an extra monthly cost we can't afford since we're paying monthly on the Disney trip. 

I'm feeling better everyday, but can't wait until my head catches up with my body.  Everyone tells me I look so great, but I still see big.  A few family members call me skinny minnie, and I kinda blush and think they couldn't possibly be talking about me.  I am glad that I took this leap and had this life saving surgery.  I feel better than I did in high school, and have more energy than ever!  I still haven't plugged in my treadmill, but I will soon.  Water aerobics is a blast, and I'll be sad after the next 2 weeks is over.  I'm going to have to find another activity to do until the spring when it starts again.

Well, I won't bore anymore, here's a pic or two from the weekend. I was FREEZING and tried on my mom's coat.  It's 16/18 XL and fits!  WOW!  Do you like MY new coat???  Jes

Well, i had my labs drawn yesterday for my 3 month check with Dr Monk's nurse, and got a sneek peek at them today.  It looks like my liver function is the only one that is not normal, and I suppose they'll have an answer for that next week when I'm in the office.  My CBC, iron, b12, zink, calcium and magnesium were all good.  I've heard that the liver function can go out of wack for some people, and hopefully I'm one of them, and it'll go back to normal soon.

I also think that I have a hemerroid since I get this itching then burning and a trace of blood here and there after itching (rubbing) it to death with TP.  I know, too much info....but when haven't I been real about things???  I also have a dime sized red bump on my boob for about 2 weeks now, and if that's not gone by my visit next week, I'll have the nurse check it out.  My sis and Aunt said it looks like a pimple or a boil, but hurts if I squeeze it, and nothing is surfaced enough to come out. I think I'm going to try an OTC cream or something for my hiney cause I don't want to "assume the position" at the Dr's until I have to for my physical in Dec.

Disney is booked!  Now we have to pay on this trip, and we have until Sept 2008 to pay it off.  It'll going to be a very nice 10 days away from home and work and life as we know it.  I can't wait to go to the happiest place on earth and be a kid again, and in a body that I can do it in and be comfortable!  It's going to be so much fun!!!  I think by next summer we could find a good deal on a flight, since it's too early to book now.

Well, water aerobics is tonight and I have to get changed and out the door.  I'm still not getting in as much water and protein as I prpbably should, but I'm trying.  I eat more meat than ever, and very little everything else.  I hear that around 3 months out the hair starts to come out, so I'm keeping a watchful eye on that, and hopefully my body will be kind to me....(knock on wood).