• Username: NewJen
  • Location: greensboro, NC, USA
  • Member Since: 5/18/2004
  • BMI: 24.9
  • Post Op
  • Surgery Type: RNY (05/23/05)
  • Surgeon: Matthew Martin
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Goals

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Surgeon Testimonial

Matthew Martin
Dr Martin was very friendly and pleasant at my first visit. After insurance denied me twice he scheduled an appointment with me and dictated another letter to the medical director of Medcost which got us results. My surgery was scheduled 4 weeks later. He didn't charge me for the letter dicating appointment, he said that we are nickel and dimed to death in health care! I would recommend him to anyone.
Member Interests

Latest Surgery Support Comments

  • Comment by piperkc on 5/23/05 8:13 am
    “The Greatest healing therapy is friendship and Love.” ~ Hubert Humphrey "Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, any one can start from now and make a brand new ending "There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow." ~ O. S. Marden "Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil." ~ James Allen "I asked God to give me happiness. God said, "No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you." ~ Author Unknown "Goals give you more than a reason to get up in the morning; they are an incentive to keep you going all day. Goals tend to tap the deeper resources and draw the best out of life. "Put yourself in a state of mind where you say to yourself, 'Here is an opportunity for me to celebrate like never before, my own power, my own ability to get myself to do whatever is necessary." ~ Anthony Robbins " ~ Harvey Mackay "Life is a challenge, but if you don't stand and risk you will never know if you were able to win or lose. Challenges are not a thing of winning or losing; they are a way of learning from them to become a better person every day! ~ Alexsander Rodriguez, P.R "Don't ask for it to be easy, ask for it to be worth it." Dan Kuschell "The most important question to ask is not 'What am I getting?' The most important question to ask on the job is 'What am I becoming?'"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however." - Richard Bach "In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins; not through strength, but through persistence." ~ Jackson Brown "I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning." ~ J.B. Priestly "Each of us has an inner dream that we can unfold if we will just have the courage to admit what it is. And the faith to trust our own admission. The admitting is often very difficult." ~ Julia Cameron "The block of granite which was an obstacle in the pathway of the weak becomes a stepping-stone in the pathway of the strong. That block of granite is often nothing more than a decision." ~ Thomas Carlyle "Being yourself is not remaining what you were, or being satisfied with what you are. It is the point of departure." ~ Sydney Harris "Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinion of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth." ~ Katherine Mansfield "Too often we are scared. Scared of what we might not be able to do. Scared of what people might think if we tried. We let fears stand in the way of our hopes. We say no when we want to say yes. We sit quietly when we want to scream. And we shout with the others, when we should keep our mouths shut. Why? After all, we do only go around once. There's really no time to be afraid. JUST DO IT." ~ Nike advertising campaign "I am convinced that attitude is the key to success or failure in almost any of life's endeavors. Your attitude - your perspective, your outlook, how you feel about yourself, how you feel about other people - determines your priorities, your actions, your values. Your attitude determines how you interact with other people and how you interact with yourself." ~ Carolyn Warner "Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives." ~ Author Unknown "It's never too late to be what you might have been." ~ George Eliot "For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it." ~ Author Unknown "Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to the end, requires some of the same courage which a soldier needs." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson A wish changes NOTHING; A decision, changes EVERYTHING "So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will,they soon become inevitable." Christopher Reeves "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:2-3 Everyone has beauty but not everyone sees it. "If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they may have planned for you? Not much." ~ Jim Rohn May you always have an Angel by your side. Watching out for you in all the things you do. Reminding you to keep believing in brighter days. Have a safe journey to the other side and a speedy recovery Angela in Corpus Christi 291lbs BMI 45.60 -234lbs Dr Michael Grace Open RNY Life began May 16, 2002 I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears. Surely..I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5
  • Comment by Wildcat Lady on 5/20/05 3:31 am
    Congrats on your upcoming surgery! I wish you a speedy recovery and much success.
  • Comment by Carebearette on 5/14/05 5:50 pm
    Jennifer; Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Click here for the surgery support page
Hello to all of my OH family!  I promise to try and figure out this new profile so I can continue to share with you all! 

I had my Laproscopic RNY on May 23, 2005.  Aside from having my daughter, it wasthe best thing that I have ever done for me!  The surgery gave me the tools I needed to get my life back to where I deserved to be.
NewJen's Blog
NewJen's Blog


April 2009
on April 28, 2009 7:35 pm
I haven't updated in forever so I wanted to add a note.  I have become quite active with the Back to Basics Together forum and have loved every minute of it.  Over the past couple years my weight slowly increased to 172 but I was all to blame!  I didn't exercise and I ate whatever I wanted.  But for the past 16 weeks I have been BOT (Back on track) and have lost down to 145.  That is the lowest I have ever been.  My energy is high and I finally ran my 5k!  I still consider this surgery the best thing I ever did for myself!!!
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December 10, 2006...Can't Log In!!
on December 9, 2006 10:00 pm

Well I have tried and tried every which way but for some reason I just can't log in from my home computer.  I don't know if it is the new site, my new isp or what but I need to start a new account.  I have gained about 8 lbs over the past 2 months and I know that it isn't because I cant post and talk to all my OH friends!  So I am going to make a new account tomarrow from my home computer.  It better work!! 

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My Story

format
 Welcome to my journey. I have been interested in the idea of WLS for about 3 years and then I started my true quest by going to a seminar in June of 2004. It took a year to get everything done including my 2 denials and appeals to my insurance. This picture was taken 2 days before surgery at my daughters 7th birthday party. It wil be the last party that I spend morbidly obese.
I am 5'4" and started out at 243 pounds. My BMI was about 41( I just added this after reading so many profiles and wondering where everyone started at)
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5/26/2005



I came home today(Thursday) after my surgery on Monday 5/23.
I went at 10:30am, the surgery started around 12:30pm. I remember being in PACU around 4:20pm and to my room at 5:30pm.
I must say the whole thing was a lot better than I expected.
I was up walking at 8:30pm and again at 10pm. They took my catheter out about 7pm and I was able to pee in an hour or so.
The next morning I had a doppler flow of my legs to be sure I had no clots and then a swallow test with some horrible thick honey like stuff. It was the first I had had in my mouth in almost 2 days! Well I guess I passed all that and started drinking 2 oz of blue sugar free koolaid that morning. It tasted sooo good!
The next day I advanced to 1oz of high protein boost and 1 oz koolaid 4 times a day plus ice chips and sugar free popsicles.
I have 5 laproscopic spots with steri strips and a j-p drain that will stay in until Tues.
I am so happy to be home and so happy to all the info on this site!

6/1/2005 Over one week post op. Lost 15 lbs so far. Yesterday I had my J-p Drain out and boy did that feel good!

6/8/2005 Two + weeks post op. I feel very well. My incisions are all about healed and my protein intake is going well. It is blasted hot here in North Carolina so walking outside is difficult. I have gone to the mall a couple times. I have no regrets so far!

7/6/2005 Went to my 6 week (and 2 day)appointment with my Dietician today. I have lost 32.7 lbs!!!!! I am very excited. I finally had to take my battery out of my scale since I couldn't stop stepping on it! I feel great and know that this was the best decision that I have made in a long time!

7/14/2005 Went to see my surgeon today. Everything is right on track. BMI 35.9, getting down to normal.

8/7/2005 Down 43lbs! Feel great. I am a bit bored with protein drinks but I keep plugging along.

8/18/2005 Just came home from the nutritionist. Down 46.4 lbs! Under 200 lbs!! My diet is going well. I am enjoying my shakes again I just spice them up a bit with different flavors and always put them in the blender. It has really helped. My energy level is great and I have started using my treadmill faithfully.
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Happy 4 monthaversary to me! I couldn't be happier if I tried! Weight 186. Size 16/18. My BMI is 31.9. Almost Overweight! If someone had told me 2 years ago when I started this journey that it would have been so life altering and powerful I would have never believed them. I have starting go to the gym, taking water aerobics 3 x week and using the treadmill. I can actually run a little more than 1/2 mile. I have been really good with my protein and water. 2 months till my 10 year anniversary cruise with hubby, hope to be down to 174! BMI will then be overweight not obese!

10/5/2005 I have been stuck on a plateau for about 4 weeks. But I have lost another size in clothes despite the lack of scale moving. I figure it must be muscle. Feeling great getting closer to my vacation!

10/13/2005 Went to see my surgeon today. I haven't seen him since 6 weeks out. I am at 181!! My plateau is broke!! I feel so good everyday. I jump (well kinda) out of bed in the morning. I enjoy going to the gym. I am just plain happy! I think I can make it to 174 by Nov 14. BMI 31.1.
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10/20/2005 Nothing much to report. Just wanna remind myself how good I feel...LOL. Stepped on the scale today and it said 179.5. I am not quite ready to change my total weight loss yet. It isn't my official weigh in day but I just couldn't help it! I am still so very scale obsessed. I guess I always will be. But that does give me hope to make it to 174 by Nov 14th!
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10/31/2005 Happy Halloween! Don't I look good? My daughters Costume Party. It was very fun and I got tons of compliments on my costume specifically how good I looked in it! I have officailly made it to 178!! 15 days till my Vacation...can I lose 4 pounds? I think I can I think I can!!

11/11/2005 I did it!!! Saw my Dietician yesterday and I weighed 174! Just plain ole' overweight. Honestly if I never lost another pound I would be satisfied. But I am not ready to be satisfied I want to be spectacular! My Dietician said it is time to start adding fruits veggies ansome good carbs back into my diet. Just make sure I still remember my Protein first. I plan to keep on with the shake every morning to get my Protein jump start of 26gms. Here is a little picture of me at 174. Sorry it is so small!
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12/1/2005
Christmas is coming! and I am ready this year. I have lost a little more, imagine that on vacation for 8 days and Thanksgiving and I have lost weight. I am down to 169 now!! I am comfortably in a size 14 jeans but can get the 12s on! I am a med top. I have definetly got some hips and butt!! I need to think up a goal for Christmas. And then a New Years Resolution. I have lost weight and quit smoking so god only know what I can thik of...those two have been my always resolutions! I think I want to run a 5K by the spring.
For anyone reading this I just need to repeat HOW GREAT I FEEL, this is by far the best thing I have ever done ofr me! I still don't get very hungry and although food does taste good I just don't have the ol' cravings I use to have.

12/9/2005
Family Christmas Picture...It was actually my idea to take it. I haven't wanted my photo taken in forever!!
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12/26/2005 Merry Christmas! Imagine that...thru Thanksgiving and Christmas and weight loss! Down to 165 and fitting into fresh out of the washer and dryer size 12 jeans! Working on my New Years Resolution. Today I went 2.5 miles on my treadmill. I need to get back to my water this week. The holidays have had me drinkin to much coffee even though I put a scoop of protein powder in it.

1/12/2006 Happy New Year!!! And Happy Birthday!!! I turned 37 on Jan 2nd and feel better than I have in years! But today I don't feel so good. Last night I had a piece of fried chicken, breast meat with all skin removed. OMG!!! I have had incredible stomach cramps all night. Didn't sleep at all, wanted to throw up, dump or die. None of the above happened. Now almost 20 hours later I still feel crampy. I sure no I won't have any chicken anytime soon!

1/19/2006 I think my stomach is finally better. It was complicated by back spasms. I don't know which caused which or if they were related. I had a bout yesterday after having some high protein cereal. So today I went back to basics. Just soft foods and water for a couple days. I had tuna for lunch with no trouble. I also haved added flax seed to my diet. After reading lots of post about them. I ground up 2 teaspoons and added them to my tuna. Well see after a couple weeks if it helps. Hopefully I can be faithful about adding them to my meals. Its the grinding that seems like it will be the nouisence. I am down to 160 now!! Need to update my BMI, getting closer to normal.
I feel so awesome. Even after this stomach thing I still feel better than ever before. I need to get back to my exercise. I still will run a 5K by May so I better get busy!!!

1/30/06 Just a quick note! I have finally broke thru to the next level!! 158!! I have been feeling very well these days. Every once in awhile I get a few abd cramps that are major killer, I have to lay down and let them pass. Usually it only lasts about 20-30 min. I haven't been able to pin point the exact food yet. I have stayed away from chicken so I know it isn't that again. I am going to Santa Barbara CA with my mom and daughter in April. I need too set a goal for that time. Its about 2 months plus a few days away. I think I will set a exercise goal or size goal. It is getting harder to reach these weight number goals. My weight just seems to do whatever it wants!! Tried on my bathing suit yesterday and I thought I looked pretty good! I will get my daughter to take my picture later and post it.

2/14/2006 Here it is... Happy Valentines Day. Size 12 jeans and Med top. I even tucked it in for the picture. And ready to head to the gym! I do put on a t-shirt for there but just wanted to take my picture without it. My 7 yo daughter thinks I am nuts when I ask her to take these pictures!
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2/23/2006 9 month anniversary!! I am going to teach water aerobics! Imagine that!! I have been taking classes since Aug. I am so freakin excited...me...formerly fat...teach aerobics!! I have to go to a weekend certification class in March. Still 158!! I need to break thru this. I have been working out harder at the gym and I know my body shape is changing...I must just be patient...uuugghh!!!

2/26/2006 Count down to CA! Made a 10 day commimetment on my May 2005 message board with a girl to get "Back to Basics" I am teaching my first class of H2O aerobics on Tuesday!!

3/14/2006 Well I didn't lose a pound on my "Back to Basics" plan...oh well! I am still gaining muscle and toning up. I can tell by my clothes. I have taught a few more H2O classes and really love it. I have been approached by many people at work about my surgery. I can talk about it all day if you ask me but I don't go around preaching. I went to CiCis pizza with my daughter the other day, her lunch treat after a visit to the dentist and I had a buy one get one free card, I couldn't believe the shape of our nation. I don't think I have seen so many overweight people in one place at one time! I wanted to get up on the table and scream about my surgery! I tried so hard not to stare at this one family but I was so sad for them. 3 kids under 10 and each one huge with their huge parents and even huger grandparents. I try so hard to instill good habits in my daughter without making her completely obsessed about her weight! Just now she asked if she could get on the computer and I told her to hold on, she asked "Are you talking to your health group?" Too cute!! I'll get a new picture of her and I together soon to post.

3/30/2006 Officially I havent lost a pound in 2 months! UUGGHHH! What a plateau! But on the happy side I am in a size 10. Today I just got a pair of nice size 10 Old Navy capris from my favorite store Goodwill. I have real honest muscle definition in my arms and legs and I can actually feel my abd muscles! I know that the number on the scale isn't the end all be all of it all! I just want it to move into the 140's range...GGGRRRRR!

5/2/2006 It is my anniversary month! The last few days the scale has been at 156 so I am officially changing it. My goal is to get to 153 by the 23rd. That will put me at 90 pounds lost!!!!! I am now teaching water fitness at both Golds Gym and the local YMCA. Well actuall it isn't quite local it is a pain to go but I like it. I teach Tue and Thur night both a kids class and a prenatl class. My daughter gets to go for free and also will take swim lessons for free during my prenatall class. Still complication free! Intrested to see what my 1 year labs show. I called the surgeons office to see if I could get my labs done before I have my 1 year appointment so we can look at them together. Waiting to hear back from the office. I am sure I will have to call again, nothing seems to get done in one phone call to a doctors office!!!

5/5/06 The office sent my lab slip in the mail...now I just need to go and get them drawn. Check out my new picture!

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Picture at 156 lbs!! Size 10 Levi jeans and a Med Talbots tank top- both courtesy of Goodwill my favorite botique!

5/23/2006 ONE YEAR!!!!!! OMG I can't say enough about how happy I am with how everything has gone. From Fat Ass Lazy Couch Potato to Ready-to-Go Energy Filled Hot Momma Exercise Addict. I am healthier and happier than I have ever been. I thank my tool and all my hard work and dedication to using it to its fullest advantage!!! Going to see my doc on the 25th so we'll see what he has to say!

8/28/2006 It has been a long time since I have updated.....and I just want to say......I FEEL GREAT!!!!!
There are some people I know who haven't listened to all the rules and they have had some problems...but I have done everything I was told and I feel AWESOME! I will get my daughter to take a picture tomarrow and post a new one. I really haven't lost any weight in months and months but thru my exercise program things just keep shifting in a positive way!!

9/26/2006 On Vacation in Connecticut!Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

8/14/2007!!!!!!!  Doing well!  I need to eat some more protein.  My hair is starting to fall out again but I have so much it is okay to thin it a bit! LOL   I am holding steady at 165 a size 12 no matter what I do that is where I balance.  It must be my set point.