- Name: Kimberly L.
- Username: kstorm6
- Location: Shreveport, LA, USA
- Member Since: 2/20/2008
- BMI: 39.1
- Post Op
- Surgery Type: RNY (03/04/08)
- Surgeon: Uyen Chu, M.D.
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Surgeon TestimonialUyen Chu, M.D.Initially, I was referred to Dr. Stevens; however, he was out ill and I met with Dr. Chu. My first impression was neutral. I have received high accolades from many about Dr. Chu and her expertise. No complaints about her care. A member of my bookclub works with her in the OR as a surgical nurse, and she feels Dr. Chu is a leader in her field. She told me that if she had to choose, she would choose Dr. Chu. The office staff are cordial and very knowledgable. She answered all of my questions appropriately and knowledgably. Surgical competence, for this kind of procedure, is foremost with me, and she has clearly demonstrated an adept hand. Her kind, gentle, calming bedside manner is an asset. |
3 Years Out...Baby Bump...Expanding Waistline! on March 21, 2011 6:52 pm
Long time, no see all. This month marked my 3-year surgiversary. I never got ot my goal weight, but I was still in a good place. So much has changed since my last post, but the most positive change is that I am expecting my first child this June! What once seemed so far out of my reach is now going to become a reality. Thank God for weight-loss surgery!
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Month #17 - Getting Back on Track! on August 24, 2009 11:08 am
So, I finally hired a trainer last week...yippee! I had to put the donuts down and get moving so I can lose the last of this weight and tone up as much as possible. My legs were burning something awful initially, but in just a week, I'm able to do all of my cardio. My thighs don't hurt nearly as much, and I'm actually starting to enjoy the elliptical. Who knew?
My trainer doesn't believe in cosmetic surgery, but if he knew like I know, he might say otherwise. I know my problem areas where sagging is concerned, and I definitely plan to have something done about them. The trainer put me on a diet of baked chicken and oatmeal, according to my blood type. I don't subscribe to that school of thought, but I lost 3 pounds in 3 days last week...and I cheated like crazy (PMS played a big role in that)! I can now see the results of training and good eating habits, and I'm starting to believe that I really can do it. Thus, I am recommitting to the plan. Until I attempted to stick to his meal plan, I didn't realize just how much grazing I would do in a day. Now, I know better and will recommit to better eating.
My goal...a Beyonce body...or as close to it as I can get!
 
Month # 14 - Severely Off-Track on May 3, 2009 11:57 am
OK. So, I only lost 3 pounds between December 2008 and March 2009. OK. I will get back on track soon before my 18-month window is up. I feel better about myself in so many ways, and I feel good in general. I know that I am pretty and attractive. God has given me a new lease on life. Now, if I can just stay away from carbs, I'll be OK!  My hair is starting to shed a little again, letting me know that I have slacked off on getting my daily protein. I'm going to start taking A/G Pro again.
Cardio is probably the key for me, and it is what I like least; but I made this commitment to myself, even if I allowed myself to get lazy and lapse into old eating habits. I met with the dietitian last month and discovered that I am nervous about moving home this month, so I've been turning to food again. I thought I was done with these kind of issues long ago! She suggested I see a therapist specializing in compulsive overeating. Sometimes I'll eat something that I know will make me sick out of sheer greed or mental anguish. I cannot continue to deal with my problems this way. I mustn't challenge my pouch by overeating when I feel full. And I have to stop drinking with my meals. This is such a hard habit to develop. Keep me in your prayers.
One-Year Surgiversary: And miles to go before I... on March 4, 2009 6:32 pm
I can't believe it's been a year already. 127 pounds.  That's a whole person. I've been sabotaging myself, and I know it's time to get back on track so I can lose the rest of the weight. Nutter Butter cookies, Mini Oreos, Mini Chips Ahoy, M&Ms, cookies, cakes, carrot cake from Copeland's...It has to stop NOW! I don't get as sick with refined sugars anymore. Pure sugar still does make me ill with sweating and mild nausea. Most of the time I just deal with the effects to satisfy my sugar habit. One taste of sugar and I'm hooked for the day. I've started the protein shakes again more regularly and decided to lay off bananas and grapes. Hopefully, this will cut the carbs that may be causing me to retain and/or gain weight at times. Less than 1200 calories is hard to do. One day, I almost ate a whole Whopper AND onion rings. Other days, I can't eat much at all, but those days are few and far between. Planning my meals would be so much more effective. At one point, thought I had gained 5-10 pounds!!!
I'm dreading my appointment with Dr. Chu next week. I know she's gonna come down on me for my lack of commitment. The good thing is that I exercised a couple weeks ago, but I hurt myself AGAIN. I had to get a massage to ease the knots. Now that I'm planning to relocate soon, I'm not sure if I should spend the money to hire a trainer right now.  I guess it wouldn't hurt!
Please send me all your prayers and encouragement as well as a "shame on you" for not being more committed.  Wish me well. | Leave a comment.
Month #10 - Head Hunger Is a Beast! on January 28, 2009 6:40 pm
I'm eating more, and it's scaring the hell outta me. My daily calorie count is almost always over 1200-1300 calories, and I'm constantly kicking myself about it. I can also tolerate sweets better...not good. My refrigerator is full of take-out containers, most of which I will probably throw out. I eat out a lot as entertainment, but I did finally make taco soup the other day, and I'm still eating from that batch. Sometimes, I feel a little regret that I can't eat a full meal because eating has always been a way to entertain myself. It was an event that I could attend at the end of a long day and feel satisfied. I miss it like an old bathrobe...comfy and cozy.
One upside is that inches seem to continue to slowly come off, but I'm getting more flabby from not exercising. I finally started exercising again this week after a 2-month hiatus (I know...shame on me). For that, I'm proud of myself. This time I will take it slow and easy, and I will hire a trainer to keep me accountable and uninjured. I spend so much of my time these days thinking about food, what I can snack on. My surgeon suggested portion control at my last visit, and I'm usually pretty good about it. At times, I can't seem to get enough, and it seems like my old stomach has grown back!
I've skipped 2 support group meetings because I feel so unworthy to announce my loss during that portion of the meeting, embarrassed that I have not made more progress. I think I need to make more of an effort to connect my desire for food with my emotional state. Boredom leads to this behavior very often. One good thing is that I'm sleeping a lot better these days, and I don't need Ambien CR as much anymore. I have to cut them in half because a full 12.5 mg makes me forget things I do in my sleep. Again, not good. I don't want to wake up one morning and discover that I cursed somebody out or sent a text about my true feelings about someone.
It's important to remind myself that I am not a full year out from surgery, and that I've come such a long way from where I was. I often think about the toilet seats I broke in each of my 2 bathrooms. I don't regret this surgery for a single minute.
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Month #9 - Behind in the Race on December 16, 2008 6:41 pm
Today, I feel and depressed  like I usually do after a visit to the surgeon's office. I went for for my 9-month follow-up. I'm slower than I should be because I haven't exercised, and I know it. Of course, I feel guilty. I so want to be praised for what I have done instead of what I haven't . The official loss since surgery is only 112 pounds, totaling 123.5 pounds since this all started. I was stuck for the longest around 252, but I half-heartedly attempted the plateau buster diet, and the scale moved again. Thank God!
In order to make the most of my tool, I must hire a personal trainer so that I don't hurt myself from over-exercising like I did over a month ago. I stressed my muscles and made them too tense. This has been my pitiful excuse not to exercise since then. Part of me is still afraid to try again because it seems like results are so hard to achieve. I get discouraged and feel like I'm not really making a difference even though I can see the tone in many areas of my body. I must increase my aerobic exercise so as to exercise my most important muscle - my heart. I must aim to lose 10 pounds a month and not beat myself up if I fall short of that goal. After the holidays, I believe I can renew my commitment to myself. I'm aching for my mother's cornbread dressing and lemon meringue pie! Then, it's back to basics. I must not allow my surgeon's demands to make me feel less than a success in this area. I must pat myself on the back for what I have done and be proud of my success.  | Leave a comment.
Month #8 - The Hunger Is Back!!! on November 6, 2008 1:50 pm
121 pounds gone forever. Been on a plateau for at least 2 weeks with my loss slowing, but I have been eating like a pig! Thank God there was no gain. My appetite exploded recently, and I ate 8 small Chiquita bananas 2 days ago! I took a saline laxative and eased my stomach after eating a bunch of popcorn at a movie on Election Day. That helped, I think. BTW, long live President-Elect Barack Obama!!!! Been experimenting with omega-3 oil capsules so as to improve my body's condition for childbearing. I stopped them wondering if they were causing my appetite to increase. I'm not sure. I know I get that way at times followed by a period of poor appetite, as is the case now. A big appetite increase worries me. I have been exercising more consistently, so that could be the cause, and I decreased my eening dose of metformin to 500mg. I think that helps the nocturnal eating. i'e also been building muscle, so I hope that accounts for the plateau and slower loss as well. I'm trying to get back to basics with protein first. I'm praying that God will see fit for me to become a wife to the right man and a mother, but I gotta get my body right first.
Week #33 - Get Moving! on October 20, 2008 6:50 pm
I'm proud of myself. I've been exercising consistently, going to the gym at least twice a week for the last 2 weeks and doing some other form of exercise at other times in the week, i.e., walking on my treadmill at home. I also cut my hair because it has thinned out so badly. I heard the word "sassy" 3 times today to describe the new cut. The scale has been pretty steady, so I hope it's due to increasing muscle mass. It's a struggle sometimes to limit my caloric intake, a reminder of how unhealthy my diet habits were. Snacking is starting to creep in again, a reflection of my tendency toward emotional eating. I'll be in the struggle for life. Head hunger is a beast! I hope to win that battle.
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Week #29 - Depressed! on September 23, 2008 5:17 pm
Had my 6-month appointment with Dr. Chu today, and I am disappointed in myself. As always, my home scale shows a greater loss than the one at the office - 94.5 pounds since surgery and 107 pounds total. Perhaps I should weigh in the afternoon instead of the morning in the nude. Additionally, Dr. Chu gently reminded me that the things I have counted as exercise don't really count. I need at least 30 minutes of continuous activity daily. I knew it probably wasn't quite what I should have had, but I guess I wanted to celebrate being busy as a small victory. I need to increase my protein intake. For the first time, my iron is satisfactory. I'm really down about this. I hope to snap out of it by tomorrow.
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Week #28 - I'm Finally Smaller than My Sister on September 21, 2008 3:10 pm
112 pounds gone as of 3 days ago. I had a nasty stomach virus for the last 2 weeks or so, and that seriously limited my intake for much of that time. My hair loss has slowed, and I'm optimistic about that, hoping my hair grows back in nicely. Sometimes when I pass the mirror, I still can't believe it's me. I went to church today wearing an 18/20; my waistline was quite trim and noticeably so. I bought a pant suit yesterday in a comfortable size 20, which I will be out of soon. I haven't worn these sizes since somewhere around 6th or 7th grade. Needless to say, it feels good, especially when I get affirmation of my success from others. It's getting easier for me to see the changes. Sometimes when I ask others about their size, I get a little down when I compare myself; but I'm trying to remember that I'm an individual with my own shape. Two people in the same size may not look the same. The excess skin I have is a big concern, and I now need to seriously hire a trainer to further minimize the sagging. A thigh, arm, and breast lift will soon be in order.
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Week #26 - 6 Months Post-Op on September 4, 2008 7:48 pm
104 Pounds Gone Forever! Today marks exactly 6 months since surgery, approximately half a year. I've come a long way. 92 pounds since surgery. Off the organized exercise wagon for a while now, but I always manage to do something. Haven't hired a trainer yet. Still trying to keep up with daily protein requirements and succeeding for the most part. I've increased my protein a bit on my own. Try to keep carbs under 100 grams per day. I like fruit, but the things I like have too many carbs at times; this I also do in moderation. By all accounts from others, I look good. My only aches are headaches and occasionally a rump ache after driving for several hours. Greasy foods are tough on me. A Church's chicken leg and fried okra are ok only every now and then! Someone told me today I was too sexy for myself. This was a woman! Bottom line, I look good!!!! For others in the struggle, keep your heads up. Will post new photos soon.
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Week #23 - 95 Pounds Gone Forever on August 13, 2008 7:14 pm
I usually wait until Thursday morning to weigh, but as of today, I am truly down 95 pounds. I've been a bit distressed about my thinning hair, and I'm hoping it will improve over time. I have increased my protein intake a bit over the amount recommended by my dietitian, and I am now able to tolerate 1000 mg of metformin twice a day. In addition to getting back to the basics of eating with my tool and avoiding the salty, crunchy snacks, I believe this helped to break the plateau I've been at for a few weeks now. I have been piggin' out lately, but I'm back on track now. It's still hard to see the difference like others can, and I got several comments/compliments today. I'm waiting to hit the 100-pound mark before I post new photos.
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Week #19 - I Can Cross My Legs! on July 20, 2008 10:06 pm
88 pounds, 75.5 since surgery, gone and forgotten! I am grateful or the loss. A little upset about my hair thinning recently, but I'm reassured by the dietitian that it will start to come back at 6-9 months out. I have had so many little victories. I am mostly wearing 22/24s, and I can fit into an 18/20 with minimal discomfort. Many people are starting to notice the difference, especially in the last week. I am just now able to see a difference, because all I continue to see is "my big ole self" in the mirror everyday. I am confident that I will lose very close to 100 pounds by the 6 month mark. I count February 19 as the start date for all the loss, 12.5 pounds between that time and the day of surgery. Thus, this weekend marks about 5 months. So many things are easier for me now. I've been slacking on the exercise, but I know I have to do better...and I will soon. I get bored easily on my treadmill, so I'm hoping to find something that makes it more fun to do. A trainer is in the works, but I have been so busy recently with work. Wish me well!
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Week #15 - No Seatbelt Extension on the Plane! on June 20, 2008 6:41 pm
78 pounds gone forever! I can't believe it. Just when I think I've hit a plateau, I make a stride. Inches are really coming off, too. I can wear a solid size 24 and some 22s. I must give away more of my clothes. Now, if I can just exercise more, I'm sure the weight will continue to drop. My treadmill came in last week, and I have yet to use it. I didn't need an extension for the plane on the way back from Chicago nor for the second leg of the trip en route! What a milestone! Also, for the first time in over 15 years, I weigh less than 300 pounds! I can't believe it. What a milestone! I'm so excited and motivated to get to 100 pounds lost (the century club) very soon. I haven't been under 270 pounds since middle school. My Lord. Thank you, Jesus. My appetite goes up and down, but I go with the flow and count any shopping and mall walking. This has certainly helped. I'm also trying to watch the carbs. I further resolve to try to avoid eating after 8PM. Wish me luck!!!!
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Week # 12 - Being Lazy! on May 31, 2008 12:03 am
Well, as of yesterday I'm down 68 pounds. I know I've been doing any and everything to avoid exercise, though I know that this is the only way to really work my tool. Appetite is increasing at times, and I try to remember to keep my calories under my personal goal for the week, usually around 1100 or so. The honeymoon period is over!!!! Menses has yet to make an appearance, and I'm thinking of jumpstarting that little process. If I do, perhaps this bloated feeling I've been having for weeks now will finally go away. My mid-section is so full-feeling and a little tender, not to mention problems with constipation, relieved with MOM but not as fiercely as before surgery. Nausea is probably because of this, too. I gotta get my a$$ up and out the door. I ordered a treadmill finally, so that should be here soon and make things a lot more interesting, as I can exercise in my own house and not wonder what others are saying at the gym. I did some floor exercises the other day for 15 minutes with leg weights, and I felt good about it! Baby steps...
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Week #11 - If It Ain't One Thang, It's Another on May 20, 2008 7:34 pm
Remember that song by Richard "Dimples" Fields? Anyway, yes I need a spanking for not working out more in the last 3 weeks. Just getting over a bad stomach flu, and I've been dehydrated for several days. Just drinking as much as I can stand. On top of that, my vehicle flooded out last week after my brother's graduation, so I am waiting for it to be repaired, if possible. I have lost a few more pounds, and I am dreading my appointment next week with Dr. Chu, for I fear what she might tell me regarding my loss. Actually, I am on track based on what we discussed my last visit - she expected 20-30 pounds and I am now about 27 pounds more than my last visit. 16 pounds in a month isn't bad at all. I can only wonder what it would have been had I exercised consistently. Lord. help me to bemore grateful for what you have allowed me to do. I have to try harder to do that. As soon as I feel fully recovered from this virus, I will try something new - water aerobics at a physical therapy center near work. Hopefully it helps. I would love to have lost 113 pounds total by 6 months post-op. This includes the 13 pounds lost preop. I really think it's possible, especially by 9 months out. Trying to keep my water intake up. It was lower pre-virus, so I know I need to try harder to get in at least 64 oz. daily.
POD #65 - 60 Pounds Gone for Good! on May 8, 2008 10:04 am
I don't know what happened since the last post, but I've been losing. I know that since restarting metformin for PCOS that my stomach has been doing flips. Nevertheless, I'm glad to be rid of more weight. I promised myself I would only get on the scale every 2 weeks, but this morning, I couldn't resist. The scale actually indicated a 64 pound loss, but I will go with what I'm getting on the scale at work. I moved that scale around to 3 different places and got the same thing. Of course, I retain fluid as the day goes on. I guess I don't want to set myself up for a fall if the scale is wrong in some way. I seem to be losing in spurts, and I haven't worked out in nearly 2 weeks due to some physical problem or another or just being plain tired. People are calling me skinny girl. Hah! Anyway, yippee!!!!!! I hope to lose at 12-15 pounds by my next appointment at the end of the month. I resolve to be happy if i even come close.
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POD #59 - Slow and Frustrated on May 2, 2008 7:39 am
Only 53 pounds gone so far . I plateaued for over 2 weeks. I've resolved that I won't be one of those big losers. I know that overall, this pace is best for me. Inches are creeping away, and I have managed to get in some good exercise with weights and some cardio. I suspect that muscle gain is partly responsible for the scale stalling. I really need to put that damn scale away for at least a month, but it's hard. I want these pounds to move! Had a setback this week with an allergic reaction to a Lean Cuisine. I woke up 2 days ago with the area under my tongue swollen and difficulty handling my secretions. It's amazing that I didn't choke in my sleep. I'm glad God was watching over me all that time  . It could have been worse. More steroids were in order so that I could treat the condition. All I can figure is that some kind of spice in the meal caused the reaction. I stayed home that day and took Benadryl. Someone remarked yesterday that I looke like I've "lost a whole lot of weight." That lifted my spirits some since I've been bummed about the slower loss. My father is always asking me how much I've lost, and I refuse to tell him, partly because I think it's tacky for peple to ask, and also that I'm disappointed in my slower loss. It's too much pressure from other people  . His asking me takes me back to childhood and adolescence when I felt so ashamed about my appearance and my weight because of the pressure on from my family, despite my success as a student and efforts just to be a good Christian girl. I'm working through those feelings and trying to appreciate, celebrate, and praise myself for my accomplishments. That's so important to my overall happiness as an individual. No man can give me that. I have to give that to myself. 
POD #45 - Down 50 Pounds! on April 18, 2008 8:20 am
I am very proud of my success so far. I've been so busy working for the last week, that I've been too tired to work out. I did, however, walk 3 days ago for 25 minutes. I plan to restart my workout this evenig if I get out of the hospital in time. I'll just have to make time. Getting closer to a BMI less than 50. I'm excited. No shopping for new clothes just yet. I'll wait until I absolutely can't wear them though a few things are a lost cause, and I will give them to my mother. At some point, hopefully I can persuade my parents to consider doing this for themselves. I want them to live for as long as they can.
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