I did it! My baby girl, Hannah Rayne, (pronounced Rain) was born Jan. 14th at 1:37pm.  She was 5lbs. 14oz. & 20 inches long.  My due date was Friday the 15th, but my doctor gave me the option to be induced because I was so uncomfortable.  There's so many pros & cons to that decision but ultimately I think it was a good choice, after everything that happened. 

I went into the hospital at 6:30am, 3cm dilated & 50% effaced.  Found out I had Group B Strep, was given penicillin, then I had my IV by 8:30, the pitocin was started at 9, & the Dr. broke my water.  We found out there was meconium & they had to be cautious when the baby came out.  I couldn't take the contractions anymore at 11, so I got the epidural, boy did it hurt!  I was glad for the relief!  I was about 5cm dilated then, and then an hour later 6cm.  About 12:30 the nurse came in with a catheter, and I was having some pain, so she checked me and said, "oh, you're ready".  I thought, What do you mean? How many centimeters? Already? "Her head's right there, close your legs, don't push, I'll get the Dr." .... Oh boy! 

I felt my contractions, they hurt and I started pushing at 1pm.  I had problems with low blood pressure & being dizzy or lightheaded during pregnancy and sure enough, I'd give one really good push, and I'd be ready to black out.  I had a really hard time focusing to push again.  The Dr. even said my lips were white, I kept trying as best I could, they told me to lay onto my side, but called for a vacuum.  I did NOT want that, especially since I was already concerned with the meconium.  I knew what I had to do, and luckily, on my side after 2 pushes, she was born.  She cried very faintly, they cut the cord and whisked her to the side & cleaned and checked her out.  She cried some more, finally they said everything was ok.  We were surprised how tiny she was because my sonogram from exactly one week before said she was just under 7lbs.  The umbilical cord was kinda long and wrapped around her body, and they think that's what caused a meconium birth, because otherwise everything had checked out and been ok. 

Anyway, Daddy was certain he wasn't going to watch anything for fear he'd pass out.  He watched and said it wasn't so bad after all.  Some parts were "gross" but the birth was ok.  Both he and my sister were at my side.  LOL  I'm so in love with my Itty Bitty, Hannah Banana, Pnut  =)  She looks like her Daddy.  I wish I could see more of me in her!  I love her to pieces!!  We've had lots of visitors, & everything is going well.  My baby better get used to the flash in my camera cause I'm a crazy picture taker and we're gonna have tons & tons of them.  =)   Her Daddy & I couldn't agree on a name, so the final decision was made during the drive into the hospital.  We kind of got a "sign" after we got there,  LOL.  My nurse while giving birth, her name was Kathy, like my mom's name.  (Who passed away 10 years ago.)  And the Midwife that checked on me, her name was Sharon.... Sharon has a 2 year old daughter, whose birthday was that same day.  Her daughter's name is Hannah.  =)   I forgot to mention something really important... (cause my Baby is most important now)... but for a Gastric Bypass Patient we're really concerned with the numbers on the scale.  I gained 18 pounds during my pregnancy, and after having her, I lost 8.  So, I have 10 left to lose to be back where I started.  My "sweet spot" or where I'd prefer to be is between 160-165, and I'm about 14 pounds from that. 

I love reading everyone's posts on this board.  They're so helpful... the different point of views, and experiences... triumphs & tragedies.... we're a great support system thru a screen.  Take Care Guys!

**Hugs**

I stop in every now & then to see how everyone is doing, and its bittersweet to see the lack of posts from the people I shared my WLS journey with.  Nobody posts on OH anymore except for maybe in the forums.  On the upside I think it is because we're living & enjoying our lives this surgery has given us.  I'm so blessed and happy to be where I am.  I'm very anxiously awaiting the birth of my little girl, due any day.  I've gained only 15 lbs during pregnancy, and as of a couple days ago they tell me my baby weighs just under 7 lbs.  The ultrasounds show her to be active & healthy.  My bf & I, our families & friends are very eager to see this little one, we're ready and full of love to bestow upon her.  Hope all the veterans of OH are doing well, and I hope all the newbies on the site are getting all the information they need to make the best decision for themselves & their future.  I will most likely be to busy to return and update any further but if I do get the time, I'll be sure to post pics.    Best Wishes, Take Care, **Hugs**

June 23, 2009...

Soooo, 6 months since my last post is a really really long time huh?  I guess when life is good, you enjoy living it!! Soooo much has happened.  To sum things up, I've been through a divorce, found a new love, and I'm pregnant!  I couldn't be happier! Life is a wonderful blessing!  I've made so many accomplishments and acheived so many goals since weight loss surgery.  I'm so amazed.  I am 10 weeks pregnant, and holding steady in the 160 lb. range.  I'm terrified of gaining weight but looking forward to the baby bump.  I hope everyone is doing well... I know most of my "friends" on OH also haven't posted updates as frequently, I hope that means everyone is enjoying their new lease on life also.  Take Care Everyone!! **Hugs**

My One Year Surgiversary is a couple days away and I'm feeling so many things.  Reflecting on the past, excitement about the future, happiness & gratefulness for my accomplishments and success.  I never imagined a year ago this surgery would have given me these results.  I believed it was going to be "good" for me, but didn't truly have complete "Faith" in its possibilities.  This surgery has changed my life... and its changed me, in a way that most people don't understand.  I'm still me, the same person I always was, but I'm not afraid or inhibited anymore.  I didn't all of a sudden grow a personality, or become outgoing and sociable... that girl was always in there, she just lacked confidence and didn't want to be noticed.  I hated attention.  The things I've been able to cross off my "Goals" list are fantastic, & the things I'm able to do now are amazing.  I had bad knees, some arthritis, high risk of diabetes, & a number of other health risks.  Now I know I'll be around for a while... to have children, play with my grandchildren, and see them grow up.  It's very important to me to do something to acknowledge this date, it really is a RE-Birthday for me.  I ordered myself a Butterfly necklace, on the back it says "Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, She became a butterfly."  I'm not a huge fan of Butterflys, but I like the symbolism of change.  2008 was a year full of change for me and I think I'll get my first tattoo, a butterfly, for my surgery anniversary.  There's so much more going on in my life, that I'm so happy about and proud of but I'm to busy enjoying life to sit down and carry on about it, LOL.  I hope everyone is doing well!

**Hugs**