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May 19 was my 14-month surgerversary. Here's my update:

The Numbers:
I've lost a total of 110.6 lbs: 
    3.2 lbs in the last month
My BMI is 24.2 - I'm so happy to now have a normal BMI!
I'm 0.6 lbs under my goal! Now I'm hoping to lose another 5 lbs by the end of the year!
I've lost a total of 75 inches, 2 in the last month:
     14 inches from my waist 
     13 inches from my bust 
     9 inches from my chest 
     15 inches from my hips
     4 inches from my upper arm 
     1.5 inches from my elbow
     5.5 inches from my thigh
     3.5 inches from my calf
     4 inches from my knee
     4 inches from my neck 
     1.5 inches from my ankle
I've lost 100% of my excess weight per my goal
In April I consumed an average of 1178 calories/day
     37.2% came from fat (goal = <30%) 
     33.3% came from carbs (goal = <30%) 
     29.5% came from protein (goal = >Carbs)
I drank on average 69.8 oz of water/day (goal = > 64 oz/day)

What I've noticed:   
I've gone from size 24 to size 4 pants. 
I'm also wearing size S-M tops, sweaters & coats.  
My shoe size has gone from 7.5 to 5-5.5
     My feet aren't as wide as they used to be.
I continue to get occasional compliments. 
I'm able to eat more foods like rye toast & sushi & my daily caloric intake has increased.
     I still need to control my snacking.
I took the 5-Day Pouch Test & that helped me to achieve goal!
I'm thrilled that I'm still losing both weight & inches every month!
     
During this time:
I went to the Brampton, Durham & Scarborough Coffees
I led another York Region Support Group. 
I'm continuing to track everything I eat.
I exercise:  treadmill 2-3X/week, Pilates1X/week & walking the dog.
I continue to get B-12 injections bi-monthly from my PCP. 
I've decided on Plastic Surgery in December w Dr. Kreidstein.
     TT & Breast Reduction < $7K
     I'm going to see if I can also have my thighs done at the same time.

So, I'm still loving my WLS? Absolutely! Now I can't wait for the final stage - Plastics!

April 19 was my 13-month surgerversary. Here's my update:

The Numbers:
I've lost a total of 107.4 lbs: 
    2.2 lbs in the last month
My BMI is 24.8 - I'm so happy to now have a normal BMI!
I'm only 2.6 lbs away from my goal!I'm hoping to get there by next month!
I've lost a total of 73 inches, 2.5 in the last month:
     14 inches from my waist 
     13 inches from my bust 
     9 inches from my chest 
     14.5 inches from my hips
     4 inches from my upper arm 
     1.5 inches from my elbow
     5.5 inches from my thigh
     3 inches from my calf
     3 inches from my knee
     4 inches from my neck 
     1.5 inches from my ankle
I've lost 98% of my excess weight per my goal
In March I consumed an average of 1090.6 calories/day
     32% came from fat (goal = <30%) 
     34.7% came from carbs (goal = <30%) 
     33.3% came from protein (goal = >Carbs)
I drank on average 82.2 oz of water/day (goal = > 64 oz/day)

What I've noticed:   
I've gone from size 24 to size 5 pants. I'm now fitting into the odd size 3-4!
I'm also wearing size M tops, sweaters & coats.  
My shoe size has gone from 7.5 to 5.5
     My feet aren't as wide as they used to be.
I continue to get occasional compliments. 
I'm able to eat more foods like toast & sushi & my daily caloric intake has increased.
     I need to control my snacking.
I'm thrilled that I'm still losing both weight & inches every month!
     
During this time:
I've continued to go to Brampton & Durham Coffees.
I led another York Region Support Group. 
I'm continuing to track everything I eat.
I exercise:  treadmill 2-3X/week, Pilates1X/week & walking the dog.
I continue to get B-12 injections bi-monthly from my PCP. 
I've decided on Plastic Surgery in December w Dr. Kreidstein.
     TT & Breast Reduction < $7K

So, I'm still loving my WLS? Absolutely! Now I can't wait for the final stage - Plastics!

I can't believe it's been a year since surgery. What a ride this has been! I am so happy I had this surgery! So, here's how the last year has added up!

The Numbers: 
Starting weight = 240.6 lbs. Goal weight = 130.6 lbs. Current weight = 135.4 lbs.
I've lost a total of 105.2 lbs in the last year:
     03/03/08-03/18/08 16.0 lbs on Optifast
     03/19/08-04/18/08 16.6 lbs in Month 1
     04/19/08-05/18/08 10.8 lbs in Month 2
     05/19/08-06/18/08   9.0 lbs in Month 3
     06/19/08-07/18/08   9.2 lbs in Month 4
     07/19/08-08/18/08 10.0 lbs in Month 5
     08/19/08-09/18/08   8.4 lbs in Month 6
     09/19/08-10/18/08   7.6 lbs in Month 7
     10/19/08-11/18/08   5.4 lbs in Month 8
     11/19/08-12/18/08   7.8 lbs in Month 9
     12/19/08-01/18/09   0.8 lbs in Month 10
     01/19/09-02/18/09   1.2 lbs in Month 11
     02/19/09-03/18/09   2.4 lbs in Month 12
My BMI is 25.2. I'm disappointed it's not normal yet but I'll get there soon. 
I'm only 4.8 lbs away from my goal! I'm confident I'll get there within a month or two.
I've lost a total of 70.5 inches, 4.5 in the last month:
     14.0 inches from my waist 
     13.0 inches from my bust 
       9.0 inches from my chest 
     13.5 inches from my hips
      4.0 inches from my upper arm 
      1.0 inch from my elbow
      5.0 inches from my thigh
      3.0 inches from my calf
      3.0 inches from my knee
      3.5 inches from my neck 
      1.5 inches from my ankle
I've lost 95.6% of my excess weight per my goal
In February I consumed an average of 1145 calories/day
     30.7% came from fat (goal = <30%) An improvement of almost 1% from last month
     30.5% came from carbs (goal = <30%) An improvement of 6.9% from last month
     33.8% came from protein (goal = >40%) An improvement of 2.8% from last month
     I drank an average 70.4 oz of water/day (goal = > 64 oz/day)

What I've noticed:   
I've gone from size 24 to size 5-6 pants.
I'm also wearing size M tops, sweaters & coats.  
My shoe size has even decreased by a size & my feet are not as wide as they used to be. 
I continue to get compliments on a regular basis. 
I'm able to eat more foods & I'm focused on controlling my snacking.   
Despite my slower weight loss, I'm still losing inches. I lost 4.5 inches but only lost 2.4 lbs!



          
During this time:
I've continue to go to Brampton & Durham Coffees.
I led another York Region Support Group. 
I'm continuing to track everything I eat. 
I walk on the treadmill 2-3X/week, do Pilates1X/week & walk the dog daily.
I continue to take 2 adult chewable multi-vits, 2 chewable calcium citrate, 1 vit D & 2 vit A
I continue to get B-12 injections monthly from my PCP. 
I've started the Plastic Surgery Consult process. I've had 2 consults & I'm definately sold!
     TT, Breast Reduction in early December.
     OT: I'm also planning on having lazer eye surgery in August.

One Year Observations & Wow Moments Remembered!
I'm amazed how strong I am. I went from being a scared, fat patient to a confident woman.
I've met some really amazing people on OH & through various coffees & Support Groups. 
     My life is definately richer because of these people.
I was a slow but steady loser & didn't experience too many stalls. Thank goodness!
I struggled through a business trip, Christmas & a cruise. I'll have to watch this going forward.
I think the best thing I did that helped with my success was tracking my food/calories
The second best thing I did was to seek out support in Support Groups & Coffees.
The third best thing I did was watch my carbs! Too many will slow your weight loss.
I also followed the rules. I drank my water & took my vitamins & protein.
I had my gallbladder out & a small hernia repaired in November, 2008. I'd still do it again!
I still seem to need more sleep & get 1-1.5 hours more per night. My new normal.
I've found my collar bones, my hipbones, a couple of ribs & my dimples!
I'm quite good at building a wardrobe on very little money. I love Value Village & Winners!
I love being able to shop in regular stores.
Yes, I lost 40-50% of my hair between months 3-8. It's growing back-thank goodness!
I love being able to cross my legs like a lady, tuck in my shirts & wear high-heel shoes!
I love shocking people who haven't seen me in a while. Their expressions are priceless!
I loved being called a "skinny bitch" at 6 months!
I'm glad I took the time to become a Certified Support Group Leader. 
I had a terrific 1-year appointment with Denise the Dietician. I've lost 87% of my excess weight compared to a BMI of 23. (A loss of 60% of excess weight is considered a success after 12 months!)
I can't emphasize how important it is to learn new eating habits in the first 6 months. It makes the second 6 months so much easier when hunger & habits creep back.

So, would I do it again! Absolutely! I only wish I'd done it sooner! WLS is an excellent option for people who are committed to making lifestyle changes.

Here's my 11-month update:

The Numbers:
I've lost a total of 102.8 lbs: 
    1.2 lbs in the last month
    I guess I really lost 3.2 lbs as I had to lose the 2 lbs I gained on the cruise!
My BMI is 25.6 - I'm hoping to be Normal by my 12-month update!
I'm only 7.2 lbs away from my goal!
I've lost a total of 66 inches, 5 in the last month:
     13.5 inches from my waist 
     11 inches from my bust 
     8 inches from my chest 
     13.5 inches from my hips
     4 inches from my upper arm 
     1 inch from my elbow
     4.5 inches from my thigh
     3 inches from my calf
     3 inches from my knee
     3.5 inches from my neck 
     1 inches from my ankle
I've lost 93.5% of my excess weight per my goal
In January I consumed an average of 1145 calories/day
     31.6% came from fat (goal = <30%) 
     37.4% came from carbs (goal = <30%) Oops!
     31% came from protein (goal = >40%) Yikes!
I drank on average 63.3 oz of water/day (goal = > 64 oz/day)

What I've noticed:   
I've gone from size 24 to size 7-8 pants. I'm now fitting into the odd size 6!
I'm also wearing size M tops, sweaters & coats.  
My shoe size has even decreased by a size
     My feet aren't as wide as they used to be.
I continue to get compliments weekly. 
I'm able to eat more foods & my daily caloric intake has increased.
     I need to control my snacking.
Despite my slower weight loss, I'm still losing inches.
     I'm amazed that I lost 5 inches after only losing 1.2 lbs.
     
During this time:
I've continue to go to Brampton & Durham Coffees.
I led another York Region Support Group. 
I'm continuing to track everything I eat.
I'm back to my exercise routine.
     I'm doing the treadmill 2-3X/week, doing Pilates1X/week & walking the dog.
I continue to get B-12 injections monthly from my PCP. 
I've started the PS Consult process. I've seen my first PS
     T w lipo, Breast Reduction = $8K
     So excited! I'm planning to have surgery in December.
I've adjusted my 12 month goal:
     I'm hoping to get to a Normal BMI by 3/19/09 
     This is 134.4 lbs or 3.4 lbs to lose.

So, I'm still loving my WLS. Absolutely! Now I can't wait for the final stage - Plastics!

I am obese. I am only one of many like me. Together, we represent a community with common goals and struggles. Though our journeys and choices may be different, we are bonded together by the common challenges of being obese and the strategies, successes and struggles that entails. It is this bond that defines our support group.

If I've qualified for weight-loss surgery it is because my doctor and surgeon have performed the appropriate screening steps. I most likely have a Body Mass Index of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 or more with weight-related co-morbidities, as well as a medical history which has proven that my weight is diet and exercise resistant.

I am working or have worked with my healthcare team to detemine the best surgical option for me. I am confident that others have done so as well.

I will respect the decisions of my fellow weight-loss surgery neighbours, regardless of their surgery choice, where they decide to have it, the surgeon they chose to perform it and the nutritional and exercise plan they follow.

I will freely share the most accurate information I have, my own personal journey and the reasoning I used to make the surgery choices I made. I will do this in an informative, educational and respectful way so that others may learn from my weight-loss surgery experience.

I will always promote a healthy lifestyle, whether physical or mental, and will respect alternate methods and views toward achieving good health.

I will always be sensitive, honest and respectful when contributing to discussions in this support group. I will never demean or invalidate others regarding their comments, questions and decisions. I will remember at all times the difficulties and pain I've gone through in my own journey and be considerate of others when they are discussing theirs.

I will adhere to this creed in an effort to preserve the supportive and tolerant atmosphere of our support group.

Here's my 10-month update:

The Numbers:
I've lost a total of 101 lbs: 
    0.2 lbs in the last month. 
    Oops! Business Travel & Christmas conspiring against me!
I'm able to eat a greater variety of food & the weight loss is getting tougher.
    Snacking is my nemesis right now!
My BMI is 25.9 - I'm hoping to be Normal by my 12-month update!
I re-measured myself & I'm now 1/2 inch taller!
I'm only 9 lbs away from my goal!
I've lost a total of 61 inches:
     12.5 inches from my waist 
     9.5 inches from my bust 
     7.5 inches from my chest 
     12 inches from my hips
     4 inches from my upper arm 
     1 inch from my elbow
     4.5 inches from my thigh
     2.5 inches from my calf
     3 inches from my knee
     3.5 inches from my neck 
     1 inches from my ankle
I've lost 91.8% of my excess weight per my goal
In December I consumed an average of 1004 calories/day
     35.7% came from fat (goal = <30%) Oops!
     38.9% came from carbs (goal = <30%) Super Oops!
     25.4% came from protein (goal = >40%) Yikes!
I drank on average 67 oz of water/day (goal = > 64 oz/day)

What I've noticed:   
I've gone from size 24 to size 7-8 pants. I'm now fitting into the odd size 6!
     Love Lululemon!
I'm also wearing size M tops, sweaters & coats.  
My shoe size has even decreased by a size
I continue to get compliments every day. 
I'm not eating as well as I'd like. 
     Once I get back from my cruise, I have to get back to basics!
     
During this time:
I lived through Christmas & I'm back in my routine. Now I'm back to losing.
I've continue to go to Brampton & Durham Coffees 
I'm continuing to track everything I eat.
I'm not exercising other than walking the dog. I'm now enrolled in Pilates!
I continue to get B-12 injections monthly from my PCP. 

So, I'm still loving my WLS. I can't believe I didn't do this sooner!

Here's my 9-month update:

The Numbers:
I've lost a total of 100.8 lbs: 
    7.8 lbs in the last month. (Go stomach flu!)
I'm getting closer to goal & the weight loss is getting tougher to maintain.
My BMI is 26.4 - I'm so close to Normal I can taste it!
I'm only 9.2 lbs away from my goal!
I've lost a total of 58.5 inches:
     11.5 inches from my waist 
     9.5 inches from my bust 
     6.5 inches from my chest 
     12 inches from my hips
     4 inches from my upper arm 
     1 inch from my elbow
     4.5 inches from my thigh
     2 inches from my calf
     3 inches from my knee
     3.5 inches from my neck 
     1 inches from my ankle
I've lost 91.6% of my excess weight per my goal
In November I consumed an average of 853 calories/day
     40.3% came from fat (goal = <30%) Oops!
     32.2% came from carbs (goal = <30%)
     27.5% came from protein (goal = >40%) Yikes!
I drank on average 68.2 oz of water/day (goal = > 64 oz/day)

What I've noticed:   
I've gone from size 24 to size 8 pants. Size 6 is just around the corner!
I'm also wearing size M tops, sweaters & coats.  
My shoe size has even decreased by a size
I continue to get compliments every day. 
    My US colleagues in Phoenix didn't recognize me!
I'm not eating as well as I'd like. 
    I can eat a wider variety of foods & I'm really struggling to control carbs
    I continue to have trouble with grazing while I'm away from my routine
    I do still feel full after eating about 1/4-1/2 of an average entree 
    I wish I dumped! 
 
During this time:
I hosted the York Region Obesity Support Group Holiday Party.
I distributed YROSG flyers to the MIS surgeons, dieticians & Social Worker
     Dr. Klein referred a potential patient to me. Very good!
I've also gone to Brampton, Durham & Barrie Coffees 
     I've met some really great OH people & I'm enjoying these chats.
I'm continuing to track everything I eat.
I'm not exercising other than walking the dog.
     I'm hoping to get back into my exercise routine in January 
     I now have Dr. Starr's OK to exercise after my surgery 11/6/08
I continue to get B-12 injections monthly from my PCP. 
I flew to Phoenix & had inches to spare with the seatbelt!
I found chewable chocolate Bariatric Advantage calcium in Phoenix! Yum!
I'm looking forward to going on the Cruise to Lose on 1/17/09!!!!

So, am I loving my WLS? Absolutely!! I'd highly recommend it for people who're committed to making lifestyle changes.

The Numbers:
I've lost a total of 93 lbs: 
    5.4 lbs in the last month.
I'm getting closer to my goal weight & my weight loss is slowing down. Still good.
My BMI is 27.9 - I'm only overweight!
I'm 17 lbs away from my goal!
I've lost a total of 52.5 inches:
     10.5 inches from my waist 
     8.5 inches from my bust 
     6.5 inches from my chest 
     11 inches from my hips
     4 inches from my upper arm 
     1 inch from my elbow
     3.5 inches from my thigh
     1.5 inches from my calf
     2 inches from my knee
     3 inches from my neck 
     1 inches from my ankle
I've lost 84.5% of my excess weight per my goal
In October I consumed an average of 899 calories/day
     31% came from fat (goal = <30%)
     30.7% came from carbs (goal = <30%)
     38.3% came from protein (goal = >40%)
I drank on average 74 oz of water/day (goal = > 64 oz/day)

What I've noticed:   
I've gone from a size 24 to a size 10 pants. I'm also wearing size M tops & sweaters.  
My shoe size has even decreased by a size
I love shopping in regular stores! 
    I bought a fitted winter coat - something I haven't done in ages
I continue to get compliments every day. 
    I bumped into a friend's mother in Sears the other day & she didn't recognize me!
I'm eating fairly well.
    I had some hard times with hallowe'en candy (darn those Peanut Butter Cups!)
    I also have trouble avoiding grazing while I'm at home & away from my work routine
    I do still feel full after eating about 1/4-1/2 of an average restaurant entree 
    I don't dump which is too bad.
 
During this time:
We held the second York Region Obesity Support Group meeting.
I'm continuing to go to the Barrie Obesity Support Group.
I've also gone to Brampton, Durham & Barrie Coffees 
    I've met some really great OH people & I'm enjoying these chats.
I'm continuing to track everything I eat.
I'm not exercising other than walking the dog due to gallbladder pain. 
I continue to get B-12 injections monthly from my PCP. 
I had what I thought was a gallbladder attack on 10/5/08
    Dr. Starr suspected this attack was due to a hernia, not gallbladder
    My gallbladder surgery was moved up from 11/27 to 11/17 to 11/6
I had my gallbladder surgery on 11/6
    Dr. Starr also found a small hernia & corrected it
    On 11/19 Dr. Starr diagnosed a seroma & infection at the belly button incision site
    I am so glad that my gallbladder is gone & the pain in my shoulder is completely gone!

So, am I loving my WLS? Absolutely!! I'd highly recommend it for people who're committed to making lifestyle changes.

The Numbers:
I've lost a total of 87.6 lbs: 
    7.6 lbs in the last month.
My weight loss is slowing down a bit, but I'm still very happy.
My BMI is 28.9 & I'm no longer obese - I'm overweight!
I'm 22.4 lbs away from goal!
I've lost a total of 49 inches:
     10.5 inches from my waist 
     8 inches from my bust 
     6 inches from my chest 
     10 inches from my hips
     3 inches from my upper arm 
     1 inch from my elbow
     3 inches from my thigh
     1.5 inches from my calf
     2 inches from my knee
     3 inches from my neck 
     1 inches from my ankle
I've lost 79.6% of my excess weight
In September I consumed an average of 876 calories/day
     26% came from fat (goal = <30%)
     32.5% came from carbs (goal = <30%)
     41.5% came from protein (goal = >40%)
I drank on average 71.7 oz of water/day (goal = > 64 oz/day)

What I've noticed:   
I've gone from a size 24 to a size 10. I'm also wearing size L or M tops.  
I'm getting used to shopping in regular stores & love it! 
I continue to get compliments every day.
    I freaked out some auditors at work who see me every October.
    I also saw some friends at a party who hadn't seen me since surgery.
I still love crossing my legs like a lady.
I've started tucking in my shirts & showing off my waist.
I'm still finding bones that have been lost for years.
I'm learning to like my laugh lines.
I shrunk out of my belt & need new holes. I just bought it in mid August. 
I'm eating really well.
    I feel like I could eat a lot of bad food if I wasn't careful.
    I'm desperate to avoid falling into some old, bad habits.
    I do still feel full after eating about 1/4 of an average restaurant entree 
    I don't dump. Too bad.
 
During this time:
I've scheduled the 2009 York Region Obesity Support Group meetings.
I'm continuing to go to the Barrie Obesity Support Group.
I've also gone to Brampton, Durham & Barrie Coffees 
    I've met some really great OH people & I'm enjoying these chats.
I'm continuing to track everything I eat.
I'm still exercising: 
     I've had to cut back on Pilates & strength training due to my GB pain.
     Treadmill several times/week
     Walk the dog daily
The Dietician has reported the following based on my 6 month bloodwork:
    My Vitamin A is low & I need to supplement with 2,300 IU/day
    My B-12 is high. I believe this is due to having my blood taken so soon after a B-12 shot.
I continue to get B-12 injections monthly from my PCP.
    I skipped my October shot, but will continue monthly  in November.
I've been disappointed by 2 very close friends regarding my WLS:
    One has called to apologize & everything is good (Fran).
    The other hasn't & I've resigned myself to the fact that she really isn't my friend (Rose).
I have discomfort/pain every day in my left shoulder due to my gallbladder.
    I met with Dr. Starr & had my gallbladder surgery scheduled for 11/27/08.
    I'm counting on a quick recovery as I travel for business on 12/7/08.
I had a major gallbladder attack on 10/5 which landed me in HRRH.
    I was treated for pain, nausea & dehydration via IV.
    Can't wait for the bloody gallbladder to be gone!

The Numbers:
I've lost a total of 80 lbs: 
          8.4 lbs in the last month
My BMI is 30.34. I'm so close to Overweight, I can taste it!
I've lost a total of 46 inches:
     9.5 inches from my waist (who knew I had a waist?)
     8 inches from my bust (now I can see my feet!)
     5.5 inches from my chest 
     9.5 inches from my hips
     3 inches from my upper arm (batwing city!)
     1 inch from my elbow
     3 inches from my thigh
     1.5 inches from my calf
     2 inches from my knee
     2.5 inches from my neck (I've found my neck!)
     .5 inches from my ankle
I've lost 73% of my excess weight
In August I consumed an average of 816 clories/day
     22.1% came from fat (goal = <30%)
     32.8% came from carbs (goal = <30%)
     45.1% came from protein (goal = >40%)
I drank on average 70 oz of water/day (goal = > 64 oz/day)

What I've noticed:   
I've gone from a size 24 to a size 12. 
I'm getting used to shopping in regular stores & love it! 
My hair loss has finally stopped. Thank goodness!
I continue to get compliments every day.
I can cross my legs easily & sit like a lady.
I got called a "skinny bitch" a couple of weeks ago!
I've found my hip bones and my waist!
I've also found laugh lines around my eyes (that's OK - They give my face character!)
I still have to deal with the darned gallbladder!

During this time:
I completed my OH Leader training & becaume a Certified OH Support Group Leader.
I started a new Obesity Support Group for York Region on 9/14/08.
I'm continuing to go to the Barrie Obesity Support Group.
I've gone to the Brampton Starbucks Coffee chat twice.
I'm continuing to track everything I eat.
I'm still exercising: 
     Pilates & strength training weekly
     Treadmill several times/week
     Walk the dog daily
I had my 6 month update with my Dietician on 9/15/08:
     My bloodwork from my 4 month update was fine
     She was happy with my rate of weight loss
I continue to get B-12 injections from my PCP