Sheri S.
One year anniversary today...
Aug 06, 2008
Today is my one year anniversary of surgery. What a year it has been...what a ride! I have exceeded my personal goal of 145, and at last check I was 139. Holy Crap! I feel better physically than I have in years and years...but still struggle with fatigue and weakness from time to time. I wish I could remmeber to take my vitamins better though....I really struggle with that.
I truly thank God for my surgery and for Dr. Frantzides!!! I finally feel free from the chains of my weight! Now if I could just get free from the fear of regaining it all back! One day at a time though....one day at a time!
I truly thank God for my surgery and for Dr. Frantzides!!! I finally feel free from the chains of my weight! Now if I could just get free from the fear of regaining it all back! One day at a time though....one day at a time!
A quick update....
Mar 12, 2008
Wow! What a change in my life! I am now almost 6 months post op and within 10 pounds of my personal goal.
I feel wonderful and and so thankful for this surgery! I have my confidence back and my happiness! Im not afraid of living life to the fullest anymore! 
Learning what to eat and how much has been a learning curve for me, but nothing that hasnt been manageable. I have had the "dumping" syndrome a few times and have learned the value of negative reinforment with certain foods.
I think the hardest part of all of this has been the criticism from my mother and other family members. But, Ive also learned that it is resulting from pure jealousy and envy. And that they had a serious impact on how I developed my food addiction in the first place. Im no longer in a lower position than them, and it bothers them greatly that I cant be made fun of for being the "fat girl" anymore. Now they tell me that I JUST HAVE to stop losing weight...that I look anorexic now! WHAT?
Me? Anorexic? Holy cow...I never thought I would hear that in my lifetime! LOL!I dont worry about it much, actually I find it sort of humorous in a warped sort of way.
I know deep down its just a drastic difference in a short period of time, and outsiders just have to share their bossy opinions sometimes.
Other than that not much else is new. Im in the midst of trying to plan my wedding in September, and am so friggin excited about that! Josh has and is my best friend and this whole experience has just brought us sooooo much closer together in so many ways....
I feel wonderful and and so thankful for this surgery! I have my confidence back and my happiness! Im not afraid of living life to the fullest anymore! Learning what to eat and how much has been a learning curve for me, but nothing that hasnt been manageable. I have had the "dumping" syndrome a few times and have learned the value of negative reinforment with certain foods.
I think the hardest part of all of this has been the criticism from my mother and other family members. But, Ive also learned that it is resulting from pure jealousy and envy. And that they had a serious impact on how I developed my food addiction in the first place. Im no longer in a lower position than them, and it bothers them greatly that I cant be made fun of for being the "fat girl" anymore. Now they tell me that I JUST HAVE to stop losing weight...that I look anorexic now! WHAT?
Me? Anorexic? Holy cow...I never thought I would hear that in my lifetime! LOL!I dont worry about it much, actually I find it sort of humorous in a warped sort of way. I know deep down its just a drastic difference in a short period of time, and outsiders just have to share their bossy opinions sometimes. Other than that not much else is new. Im in the midst of trying to plan my wedding in September, and am so friggin excited about that! Josh has and is my best friend and this whole experience has just brought us sooooo much closer together in so many ways....
My WOW moments have begun.....
Oct 07, 2007
Ok, so Ive had a few "wow" moments in the last week. I just wanted to share. Last week I went to a wedding, and for the first time I went looking for someone to take my picture. Mostly I just wanted to see my progress, but I kept blinking.....damit! Anway, I now have about 10 pictures or so of me with my eyes closed, but I loved what I was seeing.
My next wow moment came yesterday after my shower. For the first time for at least ten years (proably longer) I was able to wrap a towel around me and it actually covered. Nevermind the fact that it was slightly bigger than all the other towles in the house, but still it fits without seeing my apronand upper belly sticking out. I cant tell you how happy that made me,
When I first started this journey I was in about a size 20 or 22. It didnt take long for me to drop enough weight to fit into 18's, but dang It was just 2 months ago when I had surgery. About a week ago I got brave enough to try a pair of 16 jeans. To my amazment THEY FIT.... After my little shower experience I decided to try yet another pair of jeans, a size 14. HOLY CRAP, they fit too!!!! WOW!!! I decided to go shopping and try my luck at some more 14's. I havent been a size 14 since I was in highschool, so its been kind of a magical number for me. I guess that would be one of my first major goal. I couldnt get into any of the ones I picked up, but thats ok! My goal now is to fit into a size 14 comfortably by December! I have a company Christmas party to go to, and Ive held onto a killer dress for 7 years hoping to be able to wear it again one day. December 7th might, JUST MIGHT, be my day......hehehe 
.
Whether or not I can see it, I know my excess weight is melting off......and that makes me happy, Happy, and HAPPY!!!
My next wow moment came yesterday after my shower. For the first time for at least ten years (proably longer) I was able to wrap a towel around me and it actually covered. Nevermind the fact that it was slightly bigger than all the other towles in the house, but still it fits without seeing my apronand upper belly sticking out. I cant tell you how happy that made me,
When I first started this journey I was in about a size 20 or 22. It didnt take long for me to drop enough weight to fit into 18's, but dang It was just 2 months ago when I had surgery. About a week ago I got brave enough to try a pair of 16 jeans. To my amazment THEY FIT...
. After my little shower experience I decided to try yet another pair of jeans, a size 14. HOLY CRAP, they fit too!!!! WOW!!! I decided to go shopping and try my luck at some more 14's. I havent been a size 14 since I was in highschool, so its been kind of a magical number for me. I guess that would be one of my first major goal. I couldnt get into any of the ones I picked up, but thats ok! My goal now is to fit into a size 14 comfortably by December! I have a company Christmas party to go to, and Ive held onto a killer dress for 7 years hoping to be able to wear it again one day. December 7th might, JUST MIGHT, be my day......hehehe .Whether or not I can see it, I know my excess weight is melting off......and that makes me happy, Happy, and HAPPY!!!
One month post op!
Sep 15, 2007
Well, first of all I am not much of a "blogger". But, every once in a while I decide to post my thoughts. So here it is........
Wow! Im a little over a month post op, and for the most part I feel great!Im on soft ground foods, whcih Im having some issues with. Im facing--whether I like it or not--my bad eating habits (i.e. grazing, overeating, eating too fast). Ive thrown up about a few times since surgery. The first few times I knew after I took those bites that I had done something wrong, but it was too late. Everyday is a new challenge. Im still learning about what proteins I can tolerate and which ones I cant. In total I have lost about 20-25 pounds! I am officially under 200 pounds so far, which was my first short term goal! Im hoping to be in a size 14 by December, but who knows on that? Im still amazed that 18's are fitting me now. Ill keep you posted....
Wow! Im a little over a month post op, and for the most part I feel great!Im on soft ground foods, whcih Im having some issues with. Im facing--whether I like it or not--my bad eating habits (i.e. grazing, overeating, eating too fast). Ive thrown up about a few times since surgery. The first few times I knew after I took those bites that I had done something wrong, but it was too late. Everyday is a new challenge. Im still learning about what proteins I can tolerate and which ones I cant. In total I have lost about 20-25 pounds! I am officially under 200 pounds so far, which was my first short term goal! Im hoping to be in a size 14 by December, but who knows on that? Im still amazed that 18's are fitting me now. Ill keep you posted....
Approved for surgery!
Jun 18, 2007
On June 14th, 2007 I met with my new surgeon Dr. Frantzides. I was so nervous, but he was so compassionate and funny. I immediately felt like I had come to the right place. After all my life of fighting with my weight, and losing the battle I finally feel like there is hope! I know life will have to change and its not an easy choice, but I also feel like it is also my only hope to get this weight off.
I almost "chickened out" a few times, but I went through with it. Im not exactly sure why I wanted to back out of it, but I think worries about money had alot to do with it. See I am a single mother to a 5 year old son. I am also a full time college student about a year or so away from graduation. Ive worked my tail off to get good grades and accomplish this degree. But at the same time, since Ive had my son my weight has continued to climb and I cant get a hold of it no matter what Ive tried. Since I have IL medicaid, it certainly has complicated things some. I had a very difficult time finding a doctor around my home who would consult with me, since I am a "light weight BMI"...never before have I ever been called a light weight, LOL! Anyway, I searched and searched and found my new surgeon Dr. Frantzides. He doesnt accept the Medical Card, but he is understanding of this and willing to work with you because of it. I was so relieved.
So as of now, I am approved to have surgery on August 8th, 2007!!! I will be in between semesters, but I think I can manage everything. I will have about a week and a half before my new classes begin, and Im hoping I will be able to drive soon after surgery. Im just so excited to begin this journey, and yet very nervous and scared too!
I almost "chickened out" a few times, but I went through with it. Im not exactly sure why I wanted to back out of it, but I think worries about money had alot to do with it. See I am a single mother to a 5 year old son. I am also a full time college student about a year or so away from graduation. Ive worked my tail off to get good grades and accomplish this degree. But at the same time, since Ive had my son my weight has continued to climb and I cant get a hold of it no matter what Ive tried. Since I have IL medicaid, it certainly has complicated things some. I had a very difficult time finding a doctor around my home who would consult with me, since I am a "light weight BMI"...never before have I ever been called a light weight, LOL! Anyway, I searched and searched and found my new surgeon Dr. Frantzides. He doesnt accept the Medical Card, but he is understanding of this and willing to work with you because of it. I was so relieved.
So as of now, I am approved to have surgery on August 8th, 2007!!! I will be in between semesters, but I think I can manage everything. I will have about a week and a half before my new classes begin, and Im hoping I will be able to drive soon after surgery. Im just so excited to begin this journey, and yet very nervous and scared too!
