As I have mentioned before I am very lax (I mean I'm a low down dirty non profile updater!) about updating this profile/ blog.  Today Sunday Nov. 5, 2006 I spent a large part of my afternoon converting my "old school" OH profile into the new "blog" format.
My dear OH CA. Message Board  sister Lynn suggested I update my profile so here goes.

I had my first year surgery anniversary on Wednesday Nov. 1.  Boy oh boy time really does fly!  I had my one year follow up with my surgeon Dr. Ali last Friday 11/3.  My family Dr. had done my labs and everything looked good.  The Dr. said I'm doing well.  I was down 125 pounds.  It's kind of mind blowing to look at that number and try to mentally digest that I have lost a whole lot of weight.  The weird and kinda greedy me, wishes it was even more!  It's that comparison thing, you know, the thing your not supposed to do?  LOL  I asked my surgeon how much more weight could I realistically expect to lose.  He said I might get down to 180-190 pounds.  Of course I told him I was hoping for a weight of 165-175 (or less, but I'm trying to be realistic here).  But what I really wanted was to be a size 12 or 14.  He said he thought that was realistic.  Currently the size 18's are too big and I'm downsizing to 16's.  Over the weekend I went into Steinmart.  I tried on a pair of DKNY stretch denim jeans in a SIZE 14!!!  I couldn't believe it.  That they would go on, up over my hips, fit my thighs AND button and zip with ease!  Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!  My pre-surgery britches were 28's (getting snug with an all elastic waist) and the last pair of pants I bought as a pre-op were elastic waist on the sides with a zipper and button front in get this, a SIZE 30.
I truly do feel grateful to have gotten a second chance to live life without all that extra weight.
I have a turkey waddle of a neck now (ala Ronald Reagan) and my arms, boobs, tummy and thighs aren't so pretty, but I can deal with those things. 
The surgeons assistant took my picture to compare with the pre-op one they had taken and I can honestly say I didn't see my self that big then.  Dr. said he would almost not have recgnized me from the before pic.  Talk about your body dysmorphia.  I know I had it then, and think I still do to some degree.  It takes a while for the head to catch up with the changes.  It's like I know I'm smaller, but I almost can't believe it's me.
Eating is still challenging/a learning experience/different for me.
I get hungy, but I'm never starving.  Nothing ever sounds REALLY good.  Or if it does, it sounds better in my mind than it would be actually eating it.
I think I still may eat too fast.  Sheesh, I really have tried to slow down (I swear I NEVER ate like a Tazmanian Devil before), but if I don't go snales pace slow, I don't feel good.
I still try and get one 20g protein drink (usually Unjury, my favorite mixed with my coffee) everyday and I try and keep mindful of all my vitamins.  This is challenging at times.