~norma~

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  Hey!!!  It's me!! Guess what? Had my surgery on August 11, 2008.  Insurance paid for the hernia repair and I had to pay for the ABDOMINOPLASTY!!!  That's right! not  just a panniculectomy, but an abdominoplasty!!!! yay!!!!   Call me crazy, I know.  I am just so excited that I had it done.  They removed 21 lbs of me.
  I went in on Monday morning at 10:15. 
  Surgery was at 12 pm.  It took 4 1/2 hours.
  Was in recovery for 1 hour.
  Was released the next day around 1 pm, but since my beloved Sissy was working, I stayed till around 2:15 or so.
  I was cut from the ribcage dont to my bikini line, and then from hip to hip as far back as she could. (table edge to table edge)  I had 4 drains. 2 in the pubic area. (my daughter said my cat had eyes) lol.  and 2 drains at my hip area.  
  Went back to Dr. Vastine on August 18th and they removed  the 2 hip drains.
  Went back on August 28th and the removed the 2 drains at my "cat".  They also removed the stitches, which were like 3 continuous stitches.  The drain removal was a piece of cake.  The stitch removal was OMG!!  Then my daughter reminded me about her finger being cut off in the door at the school when she was in 6th grade.  All of a sudden, my pain was very tolerable and I felt such a puddin' for  even suggesting that I was hurting at all.
  They gave me 2 pics of my procedure. They grossed me out.  
  AND, I HAVE A NEW BELLYBUTTON!!!  
 Hospital stay...$   725.00
 Dr.Vastine.......$ 2755.00
Anesthesia........$  520.00 
Total, out of pocket paid in advance.  (only because Martha Jefferson Hospital won't take payment plans).
Thank God for Dr Vastine, and her crew.  They are marvelous.  I love them all.  
I thank my Sissy for being my guide,  for helping me through all this.  I could call her  and she was always lending an ear.  Giving advice and tips and tricks on what to do about certain situations. God, how I love her. Without her, I never would have even concidered  gastric bypass at all. 
I thank  Melinda.  (prissy25).  She gave me advice when I needed , and so strongly voiced her opinions about my having it done at UVA.(which I was gonna do).   UVA  did do my gastric bypass and for that I am grateful.  Thank you so much for stressing that I look at other avenues for this procedure.   I never would have found the perfect  doctor for my surgery.   
And of course, I thank God for allowing this to happen without any complications.  Everything comes in time, when he is ready.  And I believe that all the little hills and bumps were put there for a reason.  
                                        

Oookayyy....It's been a minute since I posted anything.  On June 22, I went to see Dr Vastine.  She's Cool!  Was trying to get a surgery date for hernia repair and panis removal. She took pics.  We (me and my sissy) discussed with her how the surgery would be performed, (where and how it would be done).  We talked about how the company I work for was switching from anthem blue cross/ blue shield to united health care at the end of June.  BCBS would have paid for both surgeries, whereas, UHC only pays for the hernia repair.  Well, Dr V. got on the phone with the insurance and after talking with BCBS  came to the room and told me she had a cancellation for June 26th.  Was I interested? Well Duh!!  Certainly!!!  Too good to be true right? yep.  On the 25th around 5pm, I got the call from Dr V's office telling me the surgery was denied because my BMI was too high.  When I recieved the letter of denial a week later,  saying it was because of my BMI, lack of pictures (which were taken) and one other thing I can't remember off hand, but will put it on here next time.  
Anyway, it was rescheduled for August 11, 2008.  Insurance will pay for the hernia and I have to pay for the removal of all the excess skin.  I will get a cost figure for that by Friday, hopefully.

  Haven't posted for a long time. Sorry about that.  I have been calling around to see who can do my panniculectomy and hernia repair.  Apparently UVA Hosp. doesn't have a  doctor who can do both.  Therefore, 2 doctor bills.  NO THANKS!   Besides that, I asked around and those who have had UVA do their work have been disappointed with the end result.  I don't want to look like I have a beer gut or look pregnant or look like I've been butchered.    I want to be able to wear clothes that fit.  Not clothes that cover my stomach (32 inch length shirts) like I wear now.  I want to be happy, not ashamed of the finished product.
  Martha Jefferson Hosp. however, just started doing gastric bypasses, so I figured "they must have someone to do the next step".  So, I called them up and sure enough they do.  I have a consultation with Dr Vasteen in June.  She can take care of  the 'tummy tuck' and the hernia repair, too!  Yay for me!!   I am so hoping she will determine that it is medically necessary, that way, my medical insurance will cover it.  I already know it will cover the hernia repair.  Anyway, I Thank God I am here today, and I have come as far as I have with gastric bypass and all. 

Your Birth Month is October

You are a natural leader who is able to stand up when no one else can. Strong and powerful, you tend to overshadow those around you. Your soul reflects: Gratitude, comfort, and true love Your gemstone: Tourmaline Your flower: Cosmos Your colors: White and yellow

My sissy switched me over to my  new profile.  It'll take some getting used to.  This morning I weighed 224.   I'm gonna have to work hard to start the weight loss again.  My aim is to start walking just as soon as the weather warms up enough to take my son out with me.  I don't want him getting sick because I'm trying to walk and get my weightloss jumpstarted again. 

Jan 04, 2007

 Haven't lost any more weight. I have been bad, I guess. Too many holiday yummies. And.... (aunt flo has come for a visit.) Maybe after she leaves, I won't be so bloated. LOL. I hope everyone had a great holiday. I know I sure did!!! 

April 04, 2007 

Still no change in weight. I guess I'm done. Am gonna start walking, which I should have been doing all along. hopefully that will jumpstart my weightloss again.

April 22, 2006 

Yesterday and today, Lisa and I had a yardsale. We did pretty good concidering it was pouring down raining. We are gonna have one again in 2 weeks. It felt so good to sell those 5x and 6x clothes. We still have plenty to sell. I can fit in a 2x and 3x. Yeah!! After putting away all the yardsale stuff, we came in, relaxed, enjoyed a veggie tray, and later took my measurements. These are our findings: Starting (12/02/06) measurements-----this months-----total loss Neck--------16.75 ---- down 14.75-------.75 chest--------49-------- down 39.50------4 breast-------56-------- down 46.50------ 5.25 waist--------62.50---- down 50.75------- 7.25 hips---------71------- down 57.50 -------8.50 thigh--------29-------- down 27.5 --------0 calf---------21-------- down 17.75--------.25 ankle--------11.50-----down 10 -----------.75 upper arm----14.50---- down 13----------1 lower arm----11------- down 10 --------1 wrist---------6.50-----down 10 ---------1 38.25 total lost doubling extremities 8.50 inches lost since January Also, I have my 6 month visit with Dr. Northup on Tuesday the 25th at 1:30. My 6 month anniversary is actually on the 29th. Everybody notices my "change". I can wear shorter clothes now that my stomach isn't as big. I used to only buy shirts that were 32 inches or longer. Today, thanks to surgery and a panti-girdle, I can were shorter shirts. (smiles) I tried on a fleece vest that belongs to my daughter (1x) and it fit. OMG! I was baffled. I took pics on my digital camera of Lisa in some of her 6x clothes. While we were getting a good laugh at ourselves, we were also amazed that she actually wore those clothes 2 years ago and they fit her tightly. 

May 16, 2006 

Ok. I got my lab results back from Dr Northup, and I was suprised. My only screw-ups were my Vitamin D, not high enough, and my iron; still anemic. Luckily that's all I was in trouble for. I still have hair coming out, but it's slowed down alot since I have started trying to make myself eat more protein. I'm down a couple more pounds, 244 now. Yay!! Actually, that's not a yay. It should be a what's up with that???? I just scrolled back and realized I have only lost 3 pounds!!! Let's hope the next time I see a bigger loss. Oh well, when you look at it like this, (117 pounds in 7 months), that makes me wanna say WOW!!! 3 pounds doesn't look so bad now. I am under 250, that's my big WOW!! Can't wait until June 3 to see everybody again. This time it falls on my weekend off, so I won't have to take off work early. yay! My son, Jordan, my sweet prince, is such a trip. I could sqeeze him till his brains pop out of his ears!!! He is 18 months old now and is learning so much. He is so smart. But I guess all parents say that about their kids. My daughter, Nikki, is almost 20. She stays with me once or twice a week. She stays gone more than she stays home. She also babysits J-boo for me. I think he gets on her nerves quite a bit. But, most of the time, it's all good. 

05/29/06

 Today I am weighing in at 237. Can we say WAHOO! I am getting many comments now since the weightloss is very noticeable. My customers come in that I hadn't seen me in awhile and are just in awe. It is so wonderful. Here is a picture of sis, baby Jordan and I bowling! Yeah we went bowling and had a blast. It's a nice feeling to be able to get up there and not have everyone staring at you. I don't miss those days at all. I didn't realize how much we look alike! I mean look at the mouth and nose! This is a real revelation for me because We have never thought we looked alike!! I can surely see the resemblance now. Those are truely happy smiles! June 1, 2006 Guess what?? I finally got my own computer! I don't have to go to Mom's or Sissy's to update my profile. All's good. Still losing. Yeah. Still retaining fluid. Boo. I feel great. I actually jumped the other day, just because I could. Haven't done that in YEARS. It felt pretty cool. I ran for the first time a couple of weeks ago. A customer had drove off without paying for gas. I ran out across the lot, down the bank, across the lanes, to the turn lane where he was waiting for the light to turn. Got the $ and then, on my way back to the store, I realized, I had just ran. LOL. For real!! LOL. It felt good. My kids are doing great. Nikki goes for a job interview at UVA Hospital on Monday. And Jordan. Well, he is just the icing on top of that sugar-free cake!!! He's 18 months old now. Talking like he knows it all. I just wish I could interpret "Jibberish". I understand many of his words and a few of his phrases. He's so cool. I'm glad he is mine. I don't have to give him back to anyone. Hehe. TTFN (tatafornow) Norma Oh yeah, back again. Can't wait till Saturday. Get to see all the gals. I invited a ladie who is having her surgery next week at UVA. If her's goes well, then the aunt is gonna get it done too. Pretty cool. I hope they come. OK TTFN again. May 4 2006 Went to El Rays on Saturday. Had fun. The group was smaller this time, but there was just as much conversation. :) Thanks to Melinda for the E-pics. It's was cool, noticing the differences in people. All, smaller than the last time. Everybody, seeming to be as happy as I am. No grouches. I was happy. 

June 23, 2006 

Not much change here, weighing in at 234. Almost at a standstill. Not happy about that, but, at least I am still losing. The big picture, 127 pounds in 8 months is astounding. Will report back later. I hope everybody is doing great!!! 

July 24, 2006 

Still no change. feeling smaller. wearing smaller clothes. YAY!! I'm doing good. Nikki (my daughter), now works for me, and Jordan (my son) is a bucket o' sunshine. :) 

September 6, 2006

 Down to 229!! Thats 132 pounds shed. My anniversary date is October 29. I have my next visit with Dr. Northup on October 24. I would like to compare my progress to others to see if I am on schedule, behind schedule, or beyond (doubt it). Lot's of compliments are coming my way now. :) That's really cool. People are saying that my siblings and me now look alike, for a change. I'm wearing a lot of my sissy's hand-me-downs, and my mom's too! So I haven't had to buy any clothes. YAY!! As they grow to big for me, I give them back. That feels good. Sissy put's hers in our yardsale and Mom puts hers back in the closet. Fun-fun!! 

Sept. 29, 2006
 We,(me, Sis, and Jordy-boo), started walking last week. Shame on us for waiting so late. I wish I had done it sooner, like I was suposed to. Anyway, it jump-started my weight loss again. Only a pound, but you gotta start somewhere. Can't go to the meeting tomorrow at Ponderosa, cuz I have to work until 2 and then I have inventory tomorrow night. Hope everyone has a good time. 

October 12, 2006 

Well I went back to just protein for a week because my weight was at a standstill. Now the pounds are falling off almost daily again. Yay. The 29th is my surgery anniversary. So, I'm trying to give it my all these last couple of weeks, but, come to think of it, I should have been giving it my all these past 11 month. Shame on me. It's funny how it doesn't really ....mean anything, until it is written, now I realize how I could have done more, to get more weight lost. I guess I've been slacking. Thats what I'm guess I'm trying to say. I went to VA messageboard the other week, thanks to my sis (Lisa). She emailed me a page about someone questioning hairloss and what to take to assist in the regrowth of hair. Well, I went to the site. Read all info and everyones input to the lady's question about what to take. I found myself at Walmart buy ing BIOTIN and NIACIN. While there, I went back to the clearance section and found 15 or more big plastic containers of chocolate whey protein powder for $3 a piece. They don't go out of date until late 2007. I bought 4 containers and my sissy bought 3. If I had the extra $$$, I would have bought them all. So, with the protein powder twice a day, biotin and niacin, I now have little baby bangs growing about 1/2 inch long now. HEHEHE. I'm so happy.  

October 29, 2006 

Today is my ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!! I went to see Dr Joe (Northup) on the 24th. He was very pleased with my weightloss. I have lost 139 pounds now. No problems, no troubles, everything is perfectly fine. The dietician came in and visited for about 5 minutes. I told her, "any questions or problems I have, I go to my sissy. She's the master at this game". Dr Joe came in and visited about 5 or 6 minutes. These visits were short and sweet, for real. I was then told to go to primary care for my bloodwork, which also lasted a good 3 minutes. The nurse was the best. She really know her way around a vein. They "always" have problems finding my veins. Not this lady. She was too good to be true. And I told her so. I still get on the "fat" scale. It's actually for wheelchair patients, but I was too big be surgery for the regulation scale. I had to get on the "fat" one. I want to keep my weight loss accurate. Anyways, I am still losing. YAY! I am 222 pounds now, from 361 pounds. WOW Here is a picture taken about a month ago. You can see a difference from the last picture.

 November 8, 2006

 219!!! WOOWOO!!!! Yahoo!! 

December 14, 2006 

216!!! 3 pounds in one month. not a major biggy, but it puts me at 145 pounds lost !!!! That's a wowzer! I feel great, if anything I'm tiring myself out, because I am going too much. 3 day weekend coming up though, will probably catch up on some zzzz's. Took portraits for Christmas. First family portrait since my 20 year old was about 6 or 7. I'm am really anxious to see what they look like. :) TTFN

 Dec 27, 2006

 211!! WooWoo!! I have lost 150 pounds!!! Today a lady come into my work. I hadn't seen her in a while. She said, "Wow, what are you doing ? You look great." All I could do was smile and say, "I feel great." I told her about my surgery and she was amazed. I told her I feel wonderful. I am happier than I have ever been in my life. And watching my 2 year old open his presents, well, these past 3 days were just amazing. ttfn

January 28, 2006

 I go for my 3 month visit on Tuesday the 31st. Can't wait to see Dr. Northup and thank him once again for this small miracle he has performed on me. I feel like a million bucks, and have the energy of a 6 year old on a sugar rush. lol I have been retaining fluid this week, so my stomach(apron),(the hangy part that covers my pootytat) is very full of fluid. Some days, like after my period it is very flat, this is good. Then there are days like today. But, still over all, I feel wonderful compared to before October 29, 2005. I am getting smaller in my face and upper torso. Customers who come in the store are starting to acknowledge the fact that I am actually losing weight. It feels good to hear it come from someone elses mouth besides the usual remarks from family. That's all good too. Don't get me wrong. It's just nice to hear it from a person outside of the family. And Lord knows, I deal with hundreds of people every week. I am anxious to go to Golden Coral on February 18. My sister and I are going to meet her friend Melinda and 20 - 30 others who have had this surgery. I think it will be fun to talk with others in the same boat as me. Weighing 278 

Feb 19. 2005 
Well, I had a fun time at the get-together. Was introduced to some nice people, and my little fellow had a great time too. I was embarrassed to have to stand up and speak about my weight loss. Public speaking is not one of my favorites. Melinda is a trip. Her and my sister organized the whole shin-dig. I'm sure my sissy had a good time too. I have now lost 96 lbs. 96 big huge pounds!!!!!! I can't see it, but, damn, it sure does sound good. Here is me at the get together. Looking so much better!

 February 27, 2006

 I have finally hit the 100 pound mark !!!!!! SALUTE!!!!! People are finally "noticing" that I am losing weight. It's about time! I felt like people are so self absorbed that they can't even pay a compliment to someone. Working with the public, I try to pay compliments to my customers, even if its the slightest change. It makes them feel good, so therefore, I feel good, because I brightened their day. Finally they are starting to acknowledge my 'change'. March 24, 2006 Hi, again. At this point in time, I weigh 257. Yeah!! I love the fact that I am under 300 lbs now. Even more that people are really starting to notice that I am losing "some" weight, as they say. I feel as if I am at a stand still, but my Sis says that I am averaging about 26 lbs per month. So, thats Pretty Cool in my book. Tomorrow, I am going with Lisa and her husband to Charlottesville to meet up with Melinda and some others at El Reys Del Taco. Never been there, but I used to love Mexican food. I'm not sure if this is like the meeting at the Golden Corral or not. Going for the good company and conversation anyways, so the food doesn't really matter. Still retaining lots of fluid in my stomach. That's where a lot of my weight is. I take fluid pills every night to lose the maximum amound of fluid possible every day. The day before my period starts, I will drop about 5 lbs of fluid easily. My stomach is "flat" for 2 or 3 days, and then the retention begins, again. I will be so glad on the day I stop retaining all that excess fluid. 

April 14, 2006
 Oh my Gosh!!!!! 247 !!!!! Under 250 !!!!! Haven't seen this number in 10, no, 15 years!!!!! Me SO HAPPY!!!! Go Norma, It's your party!! Oh yeah, and by the way, I can wear a 3X shirt comfortably and my favorite 6X REEBOK shirt, now wears like a dress. byebye 

April 22, 2006 

Yesterday and today, Lisa and I had a yardsale. We did pretty good concidering it was pouring down raining. We are gonna have one again in 2 weeks. It felt so good to sell those 5x and 6x clothes. We still have plenty to sell. I can fit in a 2x and 3x. Yeah!! After putting away all the yardsale stuff, we came in, relaxed, enjoyed a veggie tray, and later took my measurements. These are our findings: Starting (12/02/06) measurements-----this months-----total loss Neck--------16.75 ---- down 14.75-------.75 chest--------49-------- down 39.50------4 breast-------56-------- down 46.50------ 5.25 waist--------62.50---- down 50.75------- 7.25 hips---------71------- down 57.50 -------8.50 thigh--------29-------- down 27.5 --------0 calf---------21-------- down 17.75--------.25 ankle--------11.50-----down 10 -----------.75 upper arm----14.50---- down 13----------1 lower arm----11------- down 10 --------1 wrist---------6.50-----down 10 ---------1 38.25 total lost doubling extremities 8.50 inches lost since January Also, I have my 6 month visit with Dr. Northup on Tuesday the 25th at 1:30. My 6 month anniversary is actually on the 29th. Everybody notices my "change". I can wear shorter clothes now that my stomach isn't as big. I used to only buy shirts that were 32 inches or longer. Today, thanks to surgery and a panti-girdle, I can were shorter shirts. (smiles) I tried on a fleece vest that belongs to my daughter (1x) and it fit. OMG! I was baffled. I took pics on my digital camera of Lisa in some of her 6x clothes. While we were getting a good laugh at ourselves, we were also amazed that she actually wore those clothes 2 years ago and they fit her tightly.

Oct 28, 2005
 I started my journey about a month and half ago. I have a grown daughter and an 11 month old son. I want to be able to go on field trips with him and walk my daughter down the aisle when, if she ever decides to get married! I want to live to be a grandma or even possibly become a great grandmother. I have had a weight problem for quite sometime now but it really never bothered me. I was happy being fat. It's all I've ever known. After I had my son my stomach dropped and it never shrank back up. I called the insurance and they said there was an exclusion on my policy as of July 15 of this year. However they failed to tell anyone. Susie (she's in charge of all insurance concerns at my place of work), called up BC BS of Georgia and finally got them to agree to an extension because of the lack of communication. Since I was in the process of doing this they gave me until October 31rst to have the surgery completed. I had to get a referral letter from my PCP. They scheduled me for an appointment for Dr. Schirmer, but I needed to be seen sooner, so they gave me an earlier appointment with Dr. Northup. I had my consultation. I had my psych evaluation with Dr. Bender. Micheal Miller, then submitted it to BC BS of Georgia, and I was approved less than 24 hours later. That was because Susie and Michael were constantly calling to my insurance to explain my situation and express how desperately I needed this surgery. Well guess what? WE DID IT!! I have had pre-op. I will be having surgery tomorrow. Yes on a Saturday! The Doctor, Anna and her husband has made this happen! He is coming in on his day off just for me! They really do care about their patients! My insurance cancels the bypass for me on Tuesday! I will be out of the hospital on Monday if all goes well. I am still in shell shock as I didn't think this would really happen! I had my 2 weeks notice prepared, because I was so sure I would get the call telling me it was denied. I was gonna find a job with insurance that would cover this surgery. Boy was I in shock, when Susie called to tell me they approved it! The next time I write I will be a LOSER! This is me on my 38th birthday. Less than a month ago. Weighing 361 This is my reasoning for doing this. My babies - Nikki and Jordan. So far here is my schedule. Consult W/ Northup October 4th-Weighing in at 361 psych exam October 18 Approval for surgery October 25 pre-op October 25 Lost 11 pounds 350 now surgery 

October 29 2005 
Measurements! 
Neck--16 7/8 
chest--49
 breast--56 
waist--62 1/2 
hips--71 
thigh--29 
calf--21 
ankle--11 1/2 
upper arm--14 5/8 
lower arm--11 
wrist--6 1/2 

Oct 29, 2005 Writings from Lisa I am in the family waiting area now at 11:45 am Saturday morning. I just received a call from Dr. Northup that sissy came through the surgery wonderfully! They took out her gall bladder and was able to do surgery laporscopically although they did say that part was a bit difficult. Thats to be expected with some people. They are removing her breathing tube as we speak. She has not woke up yet but is headed to recovery in the next 15 min. Thank you GOD For being with my sister! Will update again soon. 

Oct 31 2005 
Sissy came out of the surgery like a model bariatric patient!! She was up and walking 3 hours after her surgery. She is having a hard time keeping her eyes open but that is due to the sedation from surgery. She has passed her leak test! The first thing they brought in for her to have was lemon jello and peach tea. She said both were awful! For dinner they gave her pinto beans, mashed potatoes, and peas. She loved the mashed potatoes! The next morning They gave her applesauce and oatmeal. Then on the way home she had Mashed potatoes again. Since then everything she eats of drinks she has been throwing up. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. 

Nov 1 2005 
This morning started out OK. She had oatmeal and Cinnamon! She really liked that. The pain is bit much but she is holding her own. Lunch and dinner and every drink between with the exception of one cup of water has all been thrown back up. I am thinking I will take her to the doctor in the morning. 

Nov 2, 2005 
Sissy is better this morning. She had her oatmeal and feels so much better! We are praying for no vomiting episodes today! She really can't stand the thought of going back to the hospital! She did say she has the energy to walk to the mail box and back!! 

Nov 10, 2005 
I have ankles again! Not cankles, hehehehe. I am so happy. It's been 12 days since surgery. I feel really good aside from the fact that there's a pulling sensation close to my bellybutton. If I stand to long, it gets worse. It's easier to get up and down from the couch, toilet, etc. But I still can't bend to pick up things. I have lost a lot of the fluid in my lower part of my stomach. Still there's more to get rid of. My 1 year old son has decided that he has 2 moms. Me and my sister. Sometimes I get jealous, because I feel that he loves her more. Anyways, I am learning all the wonderful ways to cook something good without taking out all the yum. I am eating mashed potatoes with gravy, beans with cheese, oatmeal with cinnamon, grits with cheese, chili, iced coffee, jello, pudding, and anything else my sister comes up with. Lisa is my guardian angel and I would not have done this, nor would I have been able to have gotten this far without her. Thank you, Sissy. 

11/18/05 

Today I went back to work. Had a lot of burning in my back. Sis says it's from standing so much. Other than that, I felt pretty good. My stomach is sore from Jordan (my baby) waddling on me. I guess thats my fault for letting him lay on me, since I try my best not to carry him or hold him while standing. When I got in my car, for the first time since my surgery, I had a good inch of space between my tummy and the steering wheel. The last time I was in it on Oct. 28, my stomach was so full of fluid that I had to adjust my stomach to accommodate because the steering wheel was cutting into my stomach. My clothes are starting to fit like they were meant to. I weigh as much right now as I did when I got pregnant with my son. That was in February 2004. I can't imagine the fact that I AM going to get smaller and smaller. It's like a dream. I am still waiting for Sis to pinch me and wake me up, because I still can't believe I went through with this. I want to thank everyone who wrote me and said prayers for me. I believe that all prayers are heard and I am happy that so many people were praying and thinking about me. 

December 2, 2005 
Well, my sister took my measurements again. It's the first time since October 28. I was really impressed by the numbers, because I can't see it in the mirror. My measurements this time were as follows: 
Neck 15 1/2" down 1 3/8" 
chest 43 1/2 down 5 1/2 
breast 51 3/4 down 4 3/4 
waist 58 down 4 1/2 
hips 66 down 5 
thighs 27.5 down 1 1/2 
calf 18 down 3 
ankles 10 3/4 down 3/4 
u. arm 14 down 5/8
 l. arm 11 down 0 
wrist 6 1/2 down 0 
Total Inches Lost 29 7/8 inches. 
This includes doubling my extremities. I go for my next visit with Dr. Northup on January 31. Almost all of my scars have healed. Except for 2 (of 7). The stitches are sticking out. I have been clipping them every time I can get them out a little further. The one keeps getting infected. The stitches are from the inside. I was glued on the outside. People keep telling me that I am losing my boobs. They say it's noticeable in my face and upper chest. My clothes hang more loose and that's cool. :) I have lots more energy than before. I don't tire out from a short walk to the mailbox. I'm actually ready to go farther, just because it feels so good, not to be worn out before I get started. I WANT to go outside and I WANT to take a walk. Not because I have to, but because I can. I used to stand at my job for 5 minutes and sit for 15. Now I stand for 30 minutes and sit for 5 or 10. I am motivated to find things to do instead of standing or sitting, wandering what type of chinese food or Burger King sandwich I want this time. People ask how I am doing and I say "Great". I think that I am very fortunate to have not had any complications arise, like an acquaintence has. I am blessed and very fortunate to have such a great doctor and a supersupportive sister. Even though she rides me all the time about my grocery purchase or eating an ounce to much, or whatever the case may be at the time. 

Dec. 23, 2005

 I stepped on the scales today and I weigh 290 !!!! I have NOT been under 300 in over 6 years. I am so happy. My clothing is starting to get really baggy. My boobie flopped out of my bra the other day when I bent over. That has NEVER happened before. I was truly embarrassed even though I was at home with my 13 month old son. I went to see my doctor the other day about my thyroid, and he could not believe that I had lost 62 lbs in less than 2 months. He re-checked the figures to make sure it was right. He was amazed and started making notes in his folder. I have lost 8 lbs more since then, because I just ended my menstral cycle. I work with the public, (I manage a convenience store). Can you imagine looking at chips, nabs, sodas, and chocolate, 9 hours a day. Not to mention all the other goodies that are on the shelves. However I have started getting baked chips, and sugarfree sweets, low carb goodies, drinks with splenda. People are starting to tell me that I am looking different, more energetic, or just overall happier. They ask me "what's going on?" or "are you in love?" , silly things like that, rather than ask "why are changing so quickly?" I love it. I feel like I am on top of the world and could never run out of energy. I walk and don't get out of breath. Go to the mall and don't get tired. If asked if I would have the chance to have the surgery all over again or go through life without it, I would DEFINITELY do it all over again. Words can't even express how my life has changed for the better.