Maureen D.

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I have lost 92.8 lbs so far.  It is hard to believe that I am almost 16 weeks into this journey and I am over half way to being at a good weight for my body type (68 of these pounds have come off since the surgery).  I didn't realize this until just now when I was updating my tracker -- UNBELIEVABLE!!!

The other day I was having a impromptu meeting with a co-worker when she stopped our discussion mid-point to tell me that I was "gorgeous."  Her word, not mine.  Needless to say, I was floored.  All I could say to her was "thank you".  UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Let me be clear, I have never thought of myself as even remotely pretty... but as I look in the mirror these days, I am finally admitting to myself that I am starting to like what I see.  Things have been going really well, for the most part.  I finally broke down and bought some new clothes (everything I purchased was on sale -- woohoo!).  I have gone from a 30/32 to an 18/20 - Oh My Goodness!  Even putting that down in electronic print is mind boggling.  Almost hard to believe.  I keep thinking that this is some big joke and that I will walk into the store next time and my clothing size will have gone back up.  Do people who wear 18/20s really look my size?  I know that this is my crazy mind but still... 

I am moving forward, though, I have packed up the majority of my old clothes and will be sending them off to Goodwill soon.  I have saved a few really nice pieces for consignment (hopefully there is some large-size person out there who could use some nice clothes).  I also have a few african print dresses that I must figure out what to do with.  My next stop is to purchase a decent bra (hopefully one that doesn't cost too much since I am still losing and may not be in it for long).

My only real problem at this stage is getting my protein in.  I am having a really hard time stomaching the drinks that I used to enjoy.  The Nectar fruit drinks turns my stomach now.  I am back to Isopure RTD only.  It goes down well really cold.  I am also trying to be much more vigilant about getting in high protein numbers through my meals.  Wish Me Luck - I have to get this figured out by my next doctor's appointment in a couple of months!

Blessings everyone!

Maureen

3 months post-op, 59 lbs down (83.8 lbs total since I started this journey) and what a ride it has been.  I feel better, I look better (or so people tell me) and I am having a ball.  I recommend the RNY procedure every time someone asks me what I have been doing to lose weight.  Of course, I always begin with "everyone is different" but by the end of my discussion with them, they know that I am a fan.  This is not to say that there aren't times when I struggle.  I am struggling now just to get down my protein.  I can't seem to get in the required 70 grams.  At this point, I just figure that this is/I am a work in progress.  It will take some time to put all of the pieces together.

The best part of all of this, though, is two-fold... the clothes.  I am fitting into clothes that I never thought that I would get into again and I must admit that I am looking pretty good in them.

... And the travel.  A door that had previously closed for me has reopened.  My son and I just returned from a 2 week vacation.  I FLEW on an airplane and I have not done that in years.  I had convinced those around me that I did not like to fly during the holidays because the airports were crowded and the travelers were so grouchy.  While that may have been a part of it, a small part, the real reason is because I could no longer fit comfortably into an airplane seat.  I always had to ask for the extra seat belt AND I was always afraid that they were going to ask me to pay for an extra seat (as many of the airlines are so famous for doing these days).  I could fit into the seat but it was definitely not confortable for me or for those sitting with me.  NOT THIS TIME.  The seat belt fit with room to spare - woohoo.  And I was able to take my son on his first airplane ride.  HootieDamnHoo!!!

Let the games begin!

Well, in a couple of days, I will be one month post op and so far I have lost a total of 23 lbs since surgery.  Woohoo!  I seem to be losing at a rate of about 5 lbs a week but I joined Curves yesterday so all I can say now is "watch out"!  My birthday is in a couple of weeks, maybe I can lose 10 more pounds by then.  That would be a great birthday present to myself. 

I am down 3 pants sizes and 4 blouse sizes!!! 

I am just really getting into a vitamin, food and drink routine that works for me -- yeah!  It took a minute but...finally.  I am just begining to understand the cues that my body gives me related to fullness and hunger.  Boy, when your body says stop, it really means it. 

As of last week, I am off of the diabetes and blood pressure medicines - double woohoo!

Hopefully I will have more good news to post soon.

Maureen

P.S. I received my blood test results yesterday - how ironic is it that my cholesterol level is too *low* now instead of too high (as it has been for the past several years)!

THANK YOU ALL for your well wishes.  I have out of the hospital for 10 days now and all I can say, or be, is thankful.  Thankful that the surgery went well.. thankful that my son is healthy, getting into everything and driving me crazy... thankful that I have a host of friends who've supported me through this process...thankful that since the surgery, just 14 days ago, my energe level has increased and my weight has decreased by another 15 lbs... just thankful.  For the first time in a long, long time - since I can remember - I am in the Two's, my pants can barely stay up and my BMI level is in the 40s - WHO HOO!

My surgery was pretty much by the book.  I am spending this last week at home trying to get to know my new stomach.  It makes gurgling noises sometimes and I am trying to understand what my comfort/full level is.  I don't really have any pain (thank God).  I'm just trying to take it easy.  (I laugh as I check on my toddler one more time.) 

My new exciting life journey has begun.

Well, this time tomorrow, God willing, I will be recovering from my RNY procedure.  I am both excited and nervous at the same time.  I didn't think that I was nervous but as I sit here trying to find the right keys on the keyboard with shaky hands, I must now recognize the fact that I am.  Oh well, there is no turning back now.  I look forward to a life of health (energy... exercise... adventure... my sons laughter...).  As I sit here getting teary at the thought, I will sign off.

Thank you to all of my newly made OH friends, you have all been great.  Thank you Dawn for introducing me to this site.  Thank you Becky for making me feel surrounded with support. 

I'll see you all on the other side...

Blessings,

Maureen

I have decided to start listing my protein supplement choices so that I can keep track of my likes and dislikes.  This blog is simply for my use, recording my personal likes and dislikes.  If you do not agree that is fine.  If you would like to try my concoctions for yourself that is fine too.

+ Isopure RTD Green Tea (40g protein).  It is good very cold, almost slushy-like.  Contains caffeine so I will not be able to drink it post-op.  (so far I drink almost daily.)  I would definitely buy again.  3/30/09 
+ Unjury Vanilla (20+g protein):  When added to coffee, it tastes "OK."  Nothing to write home about.  I am not a coffee drinker but I will use when I need to get my protein in.  4/11/09
+ Nature Lemon Tea (20+g protein):  Nice, fruity, clean taste.  Good when mixed with 1/2 Crystal Light lemonade + 1/2 Crystal Light Raspberry Ice.  (so far I drink this one daily.)  I would definitely buy again.  3/30/09
+ Worldwide Sports Pure Protein RTD, Vanilla (35g protein):  Tasted OK.  Better if frozen as a slushy.  Worth it for the amount of protein.  4/12/09
+ Bariatric Advantage High-Protein Meal Replacement, Chocolate Mint (27g protein).  Only needs 8 oz of liquid.  Worth it for the protein received.  I was happy to have found something with mint.  4/14/09
+ Unjury Chicken Soup flavor (21g Protein):  With 8 oz of liquid and a little garlic powder and onion powder, I was almost fooled.  Would drink again.  4/16/09
+ Nature Lemonade (20+g protein):  Nice, fruity, clean taste.  Good when mixed with 1 Crystal Light raspberry lemonade - I think I have found my regular supplement drink.  This one is good.  5/7/09
+ Nature Twisted Cherry (20+g protein):  Nice, fruity, clean taste.  Mixed it with CL lemonade.  This was good too but the lemonade one is still my favorite. I would definitely buy again.  5/6/09

OK.  I received an interesting call on Monday from the Psychotherapist that evaluated me for WLS surgery.  Basically, he called to tell me that he put in his report to Dr. Mueller's office that he thought that I could benefit from additional therapy sessions pre and post surgery.  Two pre surgery sessions so that I could be prepared for what was to come and four post surgery sessions so that I could talk about what I was going through and get the most out of the changes taking place in my life.  Of course, I am not sure if wanted me to go through him for these sessions or not (*NOT*) but he felt that I should start these sessions before my surgery.  I explained to him that my surgery had already been scheduled for April 21st and that I didn't think I would be able to fit two therapy sessions in before then.  He was OK with that so now I ask myself that if these pre surgery sessions are not "do or die" then...?

I can see the benefit of the post surgery sessions because after such a life-changing event, all of my relationships are going to change -- with my family, with my good girlfriends, with the current man in my life, my boss, my co-workers, etc.  I expect to be a somewhat different person, for the better of course, and this may be an adjustment for some.  It would probably to my benefit to speak to someone about all of that.  ALL THAT SAID...I am still looking forward to the surgery, I am looking forward to starting anew with my son, I am looking forward to us living our lives to the fullest.  I am not naive, I know that this will be quite an adjustment but through God all things are possible (Matt. 19:26).

Maureen

As I was getting out of the car going into work, I received a call from Dr. Mueller's office.  My request for surgery has been APPROVED by my insurance company.  YAAAAAH!!!  And then my nerves kicked in.  I am both excited, happy and nervous at the same time.  But to think less than one month from now, all of this will be past me and my new life will have begun.  Praise God from whom all blessing flow....

Nothing new to report on the doctor front but I just wanted to blog about something that happened to me today.  I was updating a friend of mine on the status of my WLS journey (I wasn't whispering or anything because in my mind this is not a secret; this is something that I need to do for me.  If you don't like it I'm sorry) when a couple of people chimed in with their opinion on whether or not I should have the surgery.   Mainly the feeling is that I should not.  They know people who have changed since the surgery, and...
     - "they are not happy, they seem depressed"
     - "they cannot eat like they used to,"  (Isn't that sort of the point -  )
I found myself justifying my decision, stating that each person is different; that they have made many strides in bariatric surgery over the years; that the whole point for many post-surgery is to stick to the plan; some can eat most things post-surgery in moderation;  the point is to know your limitations; that WLS is not a cure, it is a TOOL.

Finally, I decided to just stop talking, what others say or think is up to them, what I decide to do for me is for me to decide and no one else.  One of these people, in particular, I greatly respect.  Because I knew that this moment was coming, I have been playing out the scenario with her over and over in my mind.  Replaying many memories, usualy over the dinner table, where I have talked about this process, listening to her tell me the horror stories of those people that she knows have had the surgery but after years  are still struggling or are still unhappy.  Then it occurred to me, for many, many months now, maybe even a couple of years, she has been struggling herself with her choice for weight loss, JC (Jenny Craig), even to the point where she would not eat at the table with family.  She would eat her JC burger in the kitchen and the rest of us would eat in the dining room.  So which is worse, her weight loss choice or mine?  Who ends us feeling more deprived?

After this surgery, I do not intend to sit out at family functions.  Part of the reason that I am being so open about my WLS is so that when I sit at the table and am not eating, or am eating just a small portion, people will understand the reason.  I still want to partake in the fellowship - I want to be at the table enjoying the company of my family and friends.  The food at the table is just a product of our getting together.  God Willing, I will make it through this process alive, healthy and happy; still celebrating life's highs and lows of those I love.

Thanks for letting me vent.

God Bless.

I spoke to Dr. Mueller's assistant today and she has received everything she needs to write up my request to the insurance company.  As soon as she has completed her work, she will submit the request and send me an email.  It should take 7 - 10 days to hear back.  Once they approve, she will call me to schedule the surgery - woohoo!