I feel like a jerk for not checking in around here. I made so many "friends" on this site and learned so many valuable things pre and post-op.  I can't promise to check in more often, but I shall try!

Here I am 1 year and 10 months post-op and I currently weigh 170lbs. Thank you Christmas over-indulgences...and lack of self-control! Yes, I veered off of my high protein, low carb, no sugar life changing diet... woopsie. But BACK on the wagon once again.  Even had a protein shake the other day for breakfast, instant 48g protein and NO CARBS! Woot Woot!

I uploaded a new album, featuring my family and myself taken Nov 2011 for our Christmas cards and yearly family photos. There are a TON more but it takes so long to upload so I picked a few of the best. I am so happy with the way I look and I take photos all the time now. It's weird not to shy away from the camera and to see a "thin" me instead of the "old" me...the unhealthy version of myself.

My fibromyalgia, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis has greatly improved since my weight loss... although they are not caused by weight necessarily (weight bearing joint pain is related, however), surprisingly my symptoms have improved dramatically. I still take muscle relaxers (cyclobenzaprine) and other meds as needed... Fibromyalgia often disrupts sleep and without my relaxers (1 every night) I DO NOT sleep well... do not.  Unfortunately, sometimes it also makes me sleep too long and keeps me groggy when I was up early for work or something, then I depend on caffeine all day. Yikes. However, the trade off is worth it to be pain-free or have less pain and be able to walk without aching and whining. lol. But seriously, autoimmune illnesses are very frustrating... mostly because we don't know what causes them, we don't necessarily know what treatments will relieve them and there are no cures.


I went for a plastic surgery consultation with a well known and well respected plastic surgeon in my area... Unfortunately, the procedures themselves have been postponed because of the immense cost. $16,000!!!! This is for a tummy tuck with my abdominal muscles being attached back in place (separated due to large pregnancy, not weight gain, for once!) and breast augmentation and a breast lift of ONE breast.  My left is bigger than my right, always has been, therefore it also sags more than the right and has to be lifted, the nipple "moved" and then a smaller than the right implant goes in.  I loved the way I looked with the sports bra on and the implant inside. I wanted boobs NOW.  But I am weighing my options and considering going to UC DAVIS Medical Center for a consultation...they are less expensive and well respected, it's just a teaching center so you could have students watching ... I DONT CARE at all about people watching. I will never see them again. I did get a wonderful compliment from the surgeon I saw and her assistant, they were very complimentary on my weight loss and impressed by what little skin and sagging I had considering a 100 lb weight loss. They commented that I would heal VERY well and my operation would be routine and I was an excellent candidate. Granted, she would get $16,000 from me for this, but she seemed sincere. Lol
We'll see.

Other than that, life has been wonderful.  I changed jobs TWICE... I start my new job Tuesday, as Special Events Coordinator for Society for Handicapped Children and Adults.  I have worked for the last 4 months as a Program Director with United Cerebral Palsy of Stanislaus County.  The new job is a better fit for me, as I have dabbled in event planning since 2006... But I did love my time with UCP also.  I met some amazing people, made some wonderful professional connections and learned new things that will carry on to my new job. I am excited to see what I can do at Society for Handicapped. I have worked with them before when I was a "contestant" in a local, high profile, competition called Valley Apprentice, last March to July.  Although my team didn't win, we did amazing things for the organization including a Special Needs Ball at Del Rio Country Club, in Modesto, CA. We did that Ball in partnership with UCP, which is how I got to know the Director and eventually led me to a job with them.  We are doing the Ball again, this time in March, same country club and made a few changes. I am thrilled to be part of it once again.  life is good.

Haven't been on OH in forever! I feel bad because it seems like I was all over this site until I got into the swing of things post op and really started losing.

I am now 100 lbs down and at my goal weight of 160. I kinda have been fluctuating 1-2 lbs but never going over 162! I am really happy with everything and my health is great. Still having problems with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, but my osteoarthritis (which caused weight bearing joint pain) has improved GREATLY. Of course not carrying around 100 lbs is great for the knees! 

I will try to check in more often.

Wishing all of you good health and a great 2011

-Chelle

www.worththeweightloss.blogspot.com


Follow me...I promise to be entertaining, informative and most importantly....ME!

I am still sore in the abdomen and today I woke up with the headache from hell!!! I thought I was ready to go back to work and went 1 day, then called in sick yesterday. After talking with my doc's office, we decided I would not go to work today either and rest up. I described what I was feeling...pressure, pain and general uncomfortableness...she said everything sounded normal and working for 12 hrs sitting in a chair was most likely way too much pressure, too soon, on my tummy and my surgery sites. I think she was right. I came home in terrible pain and still walked for a mile with my husband and son, then really didn't feel good. Ugh... I have been resting since and I am starting to feel a bit better but can't shake the headache. Doc's office also suggested upping my fluid intake and getting back on regular gas-x for now. Which I have done. I took 2 tylenol today to help with the headache, but not working so far. I am going to try to get a nap in soon (I slept AWFUL) if I can get my son down for a nap. I think I should've had my MIL come watch him today so I could sleep...But I told her I could watch him. I still can't lift him but he's a pretty self-sufficient 2 yr old, he doesn't require lifting at all and will climb up in my lap if he wants. He knows to be careful of Momm'y belly... he's still saying "your belly hurts, mommy? are you betters?" haha He's the sweetest kid ever, I'm sure of it.
I will be back at work on Sunday. I think I will be ok by then as long as I take it easy the next few days. I am supposed to attend a friend's bday party on Friday night, it's a Tacky Prom theme, which sounds like a lot of fun, and who couldn't use some fun. BUt I am still debating whether to go or not. I think it will be a last minute decision if I go. I am fun without alcohol so being the only sober one there doesn't bug me. I offered to drive a couple friends if I do go. My husband has no desire to go, so he'll be home with Hunter. I am going to try to find a thrift store tacky dress Thursday in case I decide to go. I love theme parties.
Today I am in the recliner, again. Just took a shower and put fresh jammies on. Planning on watching a few movies and just chilling out. Rain is coming (it was 80 and beautiful just 2 days ago) so I feel blah anyways...

I am still GLAD I did the surgery and have no regrets. I knew with my autoimmune diseases recovery might be a little tougher and I expected it. I am attributing some of this to those diseases. I am not taking all the meds I normally take because they make me oversleep and then I am comatose all day the next day--- I don't wanna be so groggy. I may have to take something tonight to have a good night's sleep though. Lack of sleep really makes me flare up...so does stress. So I am trying to stay calm, positive and hopeful!! I can't wait to feel my version of normal again. I'm sure it will be soon!!

www.worththeweightloss.blogspot.com

My Journey to Good Health and a Smaller Number on the Scale...and more importantly, a dash of sarcasm and a pinch of humor