So it has been a long time for an update.  Not too much changed weight wise as I have tapered off at around 135lbs.  Seems heavy, but people say I look about 110lbs.  Still much better than I started!  I still have occassions of a bad reminder to chew my food, but I now have to really take what I have learned and really keep my will-power strong.  I find carb cravings are strong and so I have to really watch. 

So 2 weeks ago I took the plunge and got my abdonimoplasty and a mastoplexy done.  TAKE MY ADVISE!!  DON"T GET BREAST REDUCTIN BEFORE WLS....LMAO.  I started in an F, and reducted to a C, then lost weight to an A-....lol  Well plus the scaring and lack of tissue left after WLS, I was really sad.  So they lifted and filled with saline!  They are beautiful!  Only 2 weeks after surgery, I am a full C/ small D and I am so very happy.  Still lots of healing left to go, but even the scarring was reduced by my surgeon!  My tummy is healing nicely, no more sagging skin!  I finally have lost the "MELTED CANDLE" look!!!  HAHAHA!!  I am please with the result and I would recommend this surgeon to anyone in the Ottawa area!  His website is www.cosmeticsurgeryottawa.com  His name is Dr. Lloyd Van Wyke.  His staff are sweethearts and make you feel very comfortable and welcome.  He is blunt, to the point and yet seemed personally interested in getting the best possible outcome rather than the money.  Yes, it was costly, all three surgeries were $16,000. $7000 for TT and $7000 for Augmentation, he discounted the lift at $2000 included so I really lucked out!   Cheaper than my other quotes!  Most people lease or finance a new car, well, I don't want a new car.....this is a much more rewarding gift to myself.  And hey, what is life without a little debt!...lol!!  Hubby and I have our first cruise booked for November, so it'll be my first time out in a full bikini, but I will let you al see the pictures when I return! 

So my new measurements are: 39" chest, 30" waist, and 36" hips!  I am satisfied with those numbers.  I am fitting in a 6 or 8 size clothing.  I am just so happy to "fit in" and feel normal in a crowd.  Average is not so average feeling!! 

To all those reading and considering.... yes it is a long journey, yes the first 3 months are hell, yes you have to make lifestyle changes, yes you have to exercise, and yes it is still a lifelong battle with food, but with this tool it makes all these things a little easier to achieve your goal.  You WILL feel and look better!  You will feel free.....

I HIT GOAL....I HIT GOAL....I HIT GOAL!!!!  I can't believe I finally shed those last stubborn 10 lbs!  I am finally at 130lbs.  Actually was 128 yesterday, but back to 130 today.  Very happy with that.  Went to Syracuse after Christmas and decided it was time to go shopping and replenish some of my closet!  Steve and Barry's had everything on for $8.89!  Jeans, tops, shoes, gym outfits, jackets!  I was in heaven.  And get this........ I fit into a size 6P!!!!  OMG!!!  This is my dream size and I can't believe I'm saying it! It feels fabulous!   

I don't want to get any smaller, so I am going to start more muscle building at the gym now.  Portion control is exactly what I needed.  I don't have too many issues with a bit of sugar, and I still sneak in the odd bit of rice, but still no pasta or breads. I don't even miss them.  I have had the odd bite and they really make me feel bloated and my pouch doesn't like them much.  

Went to a plastic surgeon for consult.  Well Abdominalyplasty(sp) is about $8000 and to fix the ladies up is about $9000.  Man that stinks.  I don't know if I'll ever get that much "extra" money.  But at least everything is in the right spot when I'm dressed!  

This life changing decision was the BEST thing I've ever done for myself.

HELLO EVERYBODY!!! 

Wow..... Where to begin.  What a journey this has ben so far!  I am so proud of my own accomplishments and so happy I made this wonderful life changing decision!!   These last couple of months have been so rewarding and FULL of "wow" moments!  It feels so good to be "normal".  I am officially 8 months post-op and weigh in at 135lbs!!!  OMG  I love saying that!  I am only 5 lbs from goal with a total loss of 85lbs!   I am living the life with my children that I have dreamed of for so long.  I am running, playing soccer, swimming and even dancing with them!  I am so happy to be involved with their interests.  That was a major goal for me.  My husband who has always loved me and accepted me for whatever weight I was is so supportive.  I get compliments daily!  I feel can accept those compliments better now too.  I was so shy to hear them for awhile there.  I am now able to perform my full-time duties at work without aches and pains.  The money is much nicer .  However gym time has been greatly reduced, so I have been using the stairs to deliver my parcels (Canada Post) and jog to each door.  My day starts at 6:15 and I get home at 7pm.  Then 4 nights a week is soccer or football for the kids.  Love being a soccer mom!!! 

I am wearing a size 8p in jeans!  Yes I said jeans!  I love them.  I never want to see stretchy pants again!  LMAO  I may fit in a 6, but haven't had the guts yet to try...lol  My waist went from a 44" down to a 30"!!!   Shirts and coats are a size small!  I laughed last week when I borrowed a hoodie sweatshirt from my 13 year old daughter!!  What an amazing feeling.  

As for the skin issue, yes of course there is some there,  I have an appointment to get an assessment in Dec.  I am not rushing it as I am only 8 months out.  I am looking more towards the year anniversary mark.  I'll need that time to save up $$ anyway.  Someday will have to fix the "ladies". I can't believe I had a reduction 5 years ago to help back problems, and now I am wanting to pay to get them back....lol  They fit into a c cup, but aren't very pretty with the support...lol  My arms are okay, I can deal with them.  Will probably ask about my thighs as they are yucky.  Hate that extra stuff!  

Diet wise..... I can eat most meats now except steak.  Just can't seem to chew it enough.  There is still the odd time something doesn't sit and gets stuck, but I have learned the feeling now and I can "fix" it quickly.  I have introduced some good carbs as I'm satisfied with the weightloss, but still keep away from all pasta and rice.  The occasional bread.  I have allowed myself to indulge in 6" turkey sub at Subway on Wednesdays (the special of the day).  I remove the top bun and any extra bread from the sides and eat about 4" of it.  That is my lunch and it is my "big meal of the day.  Dinner is usually just the protein and veggies of whatever the family is eating.  I am satisfied with that.  This tool has really helped me with my portion control and helped me relearn what healthy eating is.   That the good lord above for granting me this second chance at life.  

Anyone reading this considering if they should.............DO IT!!  WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!  YOU WILL FEEL SO MUCH BETTER AND SO MUCH HEALTHIER!!    The first 3 months SUCK,,,,, but it will all be worth it!  Look here for support, this place is the best!  

Thanks for letting me gush!  I read all the updates and can now relate to alot of other experiences!  Read profiles!  They are soooo helpful and inspirational!!

Take care!!!!

A quick 6 month update.  

Life has been great!  This tool has given me things I have dreamed of for so long.  I finally got to run around and play soccer with my son.  It felt great!  I loved it!  I am not finding as much time to check out the computer because now that I physically can handle it, I am working fulltime!  I have a hard time finding time for the gym as I am getting kids ready and driving them to school in the morning and then working from 10:30 to around 7:30.  Luckily my job is quite physical and I get exercise constantly throughout the day!  I am losing slower, but still losing.  I am down to losing about 5lbs a month.  Fine by me!  I am floating between 136 and 138lbs!  only 6 more to goal!!  I'd be satisfied with that!  Although I'd ideally like to make it to 125lbs.  Never know!  YEAH!!!!  I feel soooooo awesome!  

Anyone thinking about this WLS, should jump at the chance as it's the best decision I've ever made for myself.  It really is a fresh start.  The first 3 months are horrible, but it does get better.  

I now have to really be aware of what I'm eating.  I find I can eat more too, so I can drink and eat at the same meal.  I usually give my pouch a little fluid to help wash things down and to fill it more before eating.  I've never had a problem with dumping, so I have to avoid sweets.  Not too big a problem as they are not my biggest cravings.  Funny, my cravings are all powerful tasting.  Whether it be sour, spicy or salty these are my favorites.  Pickles, hot peppers, nuts, vinegar.. They all make my mouth water!  LOL  I can tolerate all veggies and fruits now.  i can usually get chicken down.  Occasionally pork chops, but still working on the steak thing.  Ground beef is a problem..  not sure why, but its so fatty and I never cared nuch about it before, so don't miss it.  I don't really miss pasta or breads.  Wasn't big on them either before.  Rice has to be overcooked and can only eat a little to go with my chicken and veggies.  I understand how a meal can take 2 hours to eat...LOL  Reheating constantly, but it works!  

So many wow moments!  Wearing a size 8!  Love it!  Lasted a whole day in heals!  My whole body can be covered with water fully now in the bath!  LOL  These little moment mean so much and keep me working towards maintaining my health.  

I hope to be shouting at goal next month!  Here's hoping!  Chat then!

Wow Where has the time gone?  It didn't pass this quickly when I was waiting for my date!  LOL  Well here I am 5 months post-op and feel so normal!  Weird feeling.  I am wearing a size 10/12 with a 32" waist.  My little girl who is 11 has a 27" one, so I figure I'm doing good!  I don't want to be as tiny as her!  I think I will be satisfied with another 2 " and my last 13lbs to goal!  Yes only 13lbs left!  I am now at 143lbs!  Only 5 lbs this month, but its better than nothing.  Only 8 more lbs and I am in the "normal" range on BMI calculator!!!!  

 I haven't had much time to go to the gym with the kids out of school, but I am enoying my pool!  I find eating has become easier.  To all your newbies reading this, IT DOES GET BETTER!  I found it hard to believe when I was a new post-op, but it is true.  I can now handle a few bites of pork chop and a few bites of chicken.  Still a no-go on the steak, but I'm okay with that.  Most of the time salad stays down.  I can eat stir-fry's again!!!!  YEYYY!  My favorite meal!  All the veggies, yummy!   Mind you I have to be sure they are cooked softer and more tender, but still yummy!  I don't eat rice or noodles with it though.  I really don't miss any foods.  I have to admit my craving some days for ice cream or slurpees are bad, but I'm sure its the heat.  I still have a protein shake at least 4 times a week.  Still packing in the yogurt and cheese and peanuts for protein.  Somehow though eating cheese and peanuts are so fatty, that I need some other source of protein.  I don't think they're helping the fat intake.  I eat alot of fruit.  A banana everyday.  A couple of strawberries or cherries are yummy too.  I am trying to steer clear of carbs as I found myself going back into the carb cravings last month.  Cereals, muffins, crackers were all haunting me. 

A really cool WOW moment was when I realized I can cover my belly with water in the bathtub!!  YES I fit in the tub and can actually soak my whole body now!  Awesome feeling!  There is one thing that baffles me,  it is the tailbone thing.  Man that thing hurts when I'm in the tub!  I mean I know I've lost weight, but my tailbone didn't hurt as a teenager when I was this size?  It really does hurt!!  Got to figure that one out...lol   My family doctor had to take a second glance to recognize me too this week!  I thanked him for being the one to get me started in this change. 
My husband gave me some money to go get some clothes, so of course I went to the goodwill because they don't fit me long anyway.  I handed in 2 garbage bags full of clothes that were too big!!  I bought 4 pairs of shorts.  Even one jean pair!  So cute!  Boy I felt good!  Plus I got a few more compliments on my weightloss as I guess I wasn't hiding beneath all the big baggy stuff!  I have had to make 9 new holes in my work belt!  They finally sent me a new one yesterday!  LOL!!  It wrapped 1 and 1/2 times around me!  Awesome!!  Love it!! 

I will always be thankful for the second chance at life!  It was the best decision for me and I don't regret my choice!  Life is good!