mccalles

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Hi there. I am a 50 year old married lady who has been overweight most of my life. Puberty did me in, I think. Got interested in having a gastric bypass when an friend at work had one about 2 years ago in 2003. Although she did not do as well as some, she lost enough to have a difference on her life. I also was starting to get high blood pressure (runs in the family) and found that I had so little energy. I couldn't clean my house in a day... it took several. Walking up stairs took my breath away so I was avoiding stairs. I love to scuba dive, but I had to carry so much weight to get under that I could barely walk on land (fat floats, so you have to adjust by carrying weight). Started looking into having a gastric bypass in Jan/Feb 2005. Got the initial referal from my PCM in Mar and attended the seminar from Weight Loss Surgical Center in April. After that it was a matter of filling in paper work and getting every done. Waited for insurance approval and finally got set for a 24 August 2005 surgery date.

11-2-05 I am writing this at the 2 month + point because I did not decide to chronical my journey until now. Recollections of the first 2 months are still vivid. I was SOOOO nervous prior to surgery, not because of the surgery, but because of the anesthesia. It all worked out fine. Got through surgery and hospitalization with flying colors, although there were some problems with the IV. I'm a hard stick and I blew my IV on my second day post-op. Slept in a Lazy-boy lounger at home for the first 9 days. The G-tube was killing me. So happy to get that out at my first appt plus I was down 23#. Had to push myself to drink enough -- no worry of protein at all during this period. At 2 weeks started mush. I was ready to eat. So little space there though. One month appointment and down 34#. Also went back to work during this period. Worried about keeping hydrated and getting enough protein. Still have to push this.
That brings us to the 2 month check. Healing fine. No problems. Down 50# (see happy feet dancing!). Just before the 2 month appointment, my wonderful husband Don and I started really pushing the walking. I am only doing about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 miles a day, but I am picking up the pace. Will have to increase the distance soon to be out more than 25-30 minutes. We are also swimming on Saturday mornings to get some upper body work. I am trying new foods all the time. I seem to have the biggest problem with oils/fats. Sugar is not so bad. Last night I had some Chinese food and I vomited for almost 3 hours. So little food and so much saliva! Oh well.

I do want to recommend that you try Fit Day (www.fitday.com). I use this for the foods section to keep a general idea of where I am with protein and the like. Before I started using FitDay, I had no idea where I stood with the nutritional requirements. Customize your foods if the calorie counts are off. I am not religious in tracking everything, but every few days I try to put everything in to see how I am doing in general. It helps.

11-29-05 Waiting for my 3 month appointment with Dr. Clark. I have lost about 65 pounds, but that is my unofficial weight on my home scale. I have my official weigh-in and appointment on 1 Dec. I am hoping my home scale is right. I have no problem with the eating -- especially on work days where I have a regular routine. Days off prove a little more troublesome as I am not as good about eating at set times to keep my protein intake where it belongs. My wonderful husband has been great about keeping me motivated to exercise. We walk several nights a week and we have taken to going to the pool several days/nights a week also. Generally we do something 4-5 days a week. Walks run about 1 1/2 miles (maybe a bit more) and last about 30 minutes. The pace is brisk and keeps getting faster - hence longer distances. Swimming is still building in distance and duration. I am doing about 8 laps each time (25 meter pool x2 x8 = 400meters). We don't swim continuously, take a short breather between laps, but stay in the water for about 1/2 hour at a time. It gets the arms moving as well as the legs! I always feel invigorated after swimming. My daughter (works for WalMart in Florida) called last night as I was walking into the rec center and said she never thought she would hear me say I have to go because I am heading into the gym! What a change! She has not seen me since before I had the surgery. Won't she be surprised!

12-1-05 Into December we go! Weighed myself this morning and I have broken the 270 mark, down to 268. Hoping that translates well at my Dr. appointment this afternoon. Don't know how my scale compares to the office scale. Will find out though!

12-2-05 Dr.'s appointment went well, but the scale there is a little heavier than my scale at home. Officially I am at 273 for a total loss of 64 pounds in 3 months. I am very happy!

12-5-05 Needed to wear something a little nicer to work today and started going though my closet. I was really shocked because so little of my 'dress' clothing fit. Even a nice suit I bought in '96 as an interview suit is a bit too big! What a surprise. I went through my closet a few weeks ago and started weeding out pant that were too big, but I thought I could go a while longer before tossing out so many shirts and tops. I don't think that is the case anymore. But, because of the holiday season, I may just wait till January. But, I am shocked and pleased with the changes.

12/13/05 Got on the scale this morning and I am down to 264 for a total of 73 pounds gone in not quite 4 months. WOW! I have to say, www.fitday.com has been great to keep track of what I eat and get some idea of nutritional values of foods. I also have started to drink protein shakes in the morning or if it is a crazy day and I miss a meal. I just started doing this and think my loss has kicked up a little, and I am attributing it to the shakes. I have also been putting 4 oz of orange juice in the blender with a vanilla shake, ice and maybe a little water. Tasty and nutritional.

12/22/05 Been plateauing lately. Started down a little, but am now fluctuating between 261 and 262. Been so busy trying to get shopping and cards and decoration done that I have neglected my exercising lately. Will get back into it after Christmas. As long as I don't gain here at Christmas, I will be fine. Not worried about a little stall. I also am at my "time of the month" and expect to drop a few pounds in the next few days just from fluid changes. Let's see how things go! Will be going on an "Eat, Sleep and Dive" trip to Cozumel at New Years for a week. I expect that will really kick start the weight loss with all the exercise I will be getting. Will have to take some protein bars or something along to make sure I am ok there. Bottled water is provided and I will be hitting that hard. It is an all inclusive resort with alcohol included, so I am going to have to be careful. Can't wait to go! Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!

12/29/05 Still stalling at 261 or 262. Have not taken the time to exercise and not watching what I am eating well enough either. Some Christmas cookies have been calling me and I am not getting sick from eating them. Will be glad when they are out of the house! Getting ready for our dive trip to Cozumel Mexico. Packing has begun. I am a little leary about getting in all my water and am taking the powder for protein shakes in case I am not eating enough protein while there. I have cans and not packets, so I am at least a little concerned about customs on the way back into the country. But, hoping for the best. Will have to be careful on the dive boats to get enough water in every day. But, am very excited. Hopefully, the added physical activity will kick start my weight loss. Have a great New Years everybody!

1/10/06 Down now to 258, that is 79 pounds in the 4+ months since surgery. Spent last week in Cozumel Mexico at an all inclusive resort. Went with a Dive group and tried really hard to live the "Eat, Sleep and Dive" lifestyle. I was thrilled to drop a number of pounds of lead off my weight belt since I weigh so much less than last time I went diving. Also was able to handle 3 dives a day with no problems since I have so much more energy now. Did pretty good with the food there -- made good choices and stayed close to my diet. But I did stray a bit with drinks - that open bar did get me a little, but the one at the resort didn't hit me much. The drinks there were mainly fruit juices (seemed like calories but not much liquor). We went to Carlos and Charlie's out in town and one drink from there pretty much put me under the table! What a change that was. WOW. Oh well, back to everyday life after a great vacation in the sun.

1/13/06 Well, the plateau has broken for a few pounds anyways. Weighed 256 this morning for a total of 81 pounds gone in 4 1/2 months! Now my WOW moment -- I stopped at a store yesterday to get some new slacks (my old ones are just too big, even with a belt to cinch in the waist!). I looked around and ended up saying no, not what I am looking for -- I remember the days when I bought if something fit just because my choices were so limited. This is GREAT! I have gone from a size 28 (getting tight) to a size 20 (getting loose)! Pretty soon, I may be able to shop in a regular size store when I get down to 18's!

1/14/06 I guess the plateau really did break 252 this morning! Whoppee!

1/20/06 Bouncing between 251 and 250. Need to get more exercise in. Have been slacking in that respect. Did buy a pair of nice slacks today from Talbot's -- got into a size 18 just fine! Plus, they were 70% discounted. Just hope I get some good wear out of them before they get too big. I haven't worn 18's since the late 1970's. WOW.

1/24/06 5 Month Anniversary today. Definitely at 250 pounds, so I have lost 87# in 5 months. Going to have to get moving a bit more and see if I can shed 13 more pounds to hit 100 pounds by my 6 month anniversary and appointment.

2/15/06 Heading toward my 6 month anniversary and still trying to shed a few more pounds prior to my check-up. Went and got bloodwork done yesterday. Still a hard stick! I also got my annual (been almost 2 years) mammogram done. The tech said they pulled out my old mammogram and she could really tell the difference because of the weight loss. I am down to 240/241 and still trying to get down to 237 so I can be a card carrying member of the Century Club. Not much more to go!

2/19/06 Well, I get off my regular schedule on the weekends and this one knocked me around some. I was down to 239 on Friday, but by today, I had jumped up to 242/3. Not sure what is going on, because I did not go stray very much, just not as much water and a little grazing. Not happy I did this with a doctor's appointment coming up Tuesday! Oh well, just have to really drink a lot of water on Monday and hope for the best. The doctor's scale is usually a few pounds heavier than mine at home -- plus my appointment is at 1pm while I weigh myself first thing in the morning with just a nightgown on. That could account for several pounds at least. I can't really complain about losing 95 pounds more or less in 6 months!

2/21/06 Just got back from my Dr. appointment. Everything went great. Bloodwork is good, although my iron was on the low side, my HCT and hemoglobin are higher than pre-surgery, so they are not worried about it. As usual, I weighed a few pounds heavier there, (244) so officially I am 93 pounds down since surgery (clothes on and in the middle of the day for weigh in). Also got documented in my record that I have been having back pain (I always thought this was poor posture brought on by too much in the chest area) as well as some rashiness where I have skin folds. Bottom line is just keep doing what I have been doing and keep on keeping on! Things are going well!

3/15/06 Got my big WOW moment. Got on my scales this morning and I was down to 236 for a grand total of 101 pounds lost in a little less than 7 months!!! I am so excited. Plus, last night I went out and bought size 16 pants -- still in women's sizes, but I could probably move over to regular sizes. Hard to imagine for me. Haven't been down here since the late 1980's. I am in the Century Club!

3/17/06 Down to 234! That's a loss of 103 pounds. Hooray!

3/30/06 Well, I've been stalled at 234 for two weeks now. Should start down again soon I hope. I have a tendency to do this.... lose a few pounds and then plateau while my body re-adjusts then lose again. I am hoping it starts again soo. I am looking forward to going below 200 pounds for the first time in over 25 years! The weather has started to co-operate a little more and walking is becoming less of a chore! I do love spring-time temperatures.

4/14/06 Broke the plateau last week. Down now to 228 for a total loss so far of 109#. Not quite to 8 months post op. My Dr's office had its monthly meeting last Wednesday and the topic was plastic surgery after Gastric Bypass. Even the plastic surgeon has had this surgery! Anyways, talked about face (not for me), arms or bat-wings as I call them (boy do I need this!), breast, tummy, buttocks and legs. I have come to the realization that I will probably need the arms, breast and tummy done. Could probably use the legs, but I am not up for that. I could lose some extra flesh in the face also, but I can live with my face as it is and not so sure I would tighten it up - my chicken neck is really not too bad and I do have a little jowl, but not bad for a 50 yr old! Will be traveling for business next week, so I am going to have to be careful and get my protein without overdoing the calories.

4/30/06 Well, I did alright on my trip. Made sure I watched what I ate and my traveling companion was really good about trying to accommodate my needs for meals. We also were in New Orleans and ended up walking around a lot rather than trying to drive anywhere. So, got lots of exercise. I stayed the same over the time of my trip, but I have lost some since I got home. I am down now to 224 and hoping this losing streak keeps going. I am starting to have more problems with my shoulders. I think the extra skin on my arms pulls at my shoulders at night while I sleep on my side. The arm on top is the one that hurts and since I flip around at night, it ends up being both shoulders hurting in the morning. Will have to see my regular family doctor about this problem, but will mention it to my surgeon when I go in for my 9 month appointment! Oh.... my wow moment.... I had to get some shorts to wear on an upcoming trip to Vegas... size 16 fit!!! Don't remember the last time I bought 16s, but I am guessing it was back before any pregnancies (my oldest is going on 24!).

5/26/06 Guess I haven't been on here for a while. Down to 219 (-118 pounds). Been here for a while now and looking forward to dropping again. I had my 9 month checkup with my surgeon yesterday and things went well. Officially on his scale, I am down 115 pounds, but that was the middle of the day and with clothes on. I also spoke to him briefly about when to look at getting plastic surgery. I think I will need my tummy tucked, breasts and batwings done. Face is OK. Although I could use the leg surgery, don't think I want to do that. It has been a busy month and my weight has been bouncing around a bit with all the traveling I have been doing. Las Vegas was a blast. A word of wisdom to anyone heading out that way -- get a card from your surgeon explaining your surgery and if you go to any buffets, ask for a discount. I got children's rates at the ones we ate at. They made their money's worth with me, but at least I felt better about it! Also, I wore a formal one night and although I have huge arms (hidden with a shawl), I got quite a few looks! Made me feel great.

6/22/06 Haven't updated in a while. I am at 214/215. Scale has not been moving much for me lately, I am in quite a stall. I have been kind of hungry lately also and that worries me. Trying to push exercise a little more and watch what I eat a little more closely. Been traveling for work a bit also and that always throws off my routine. I end up having to really push the water to ensure I get enough during the day. Got to get back to working my tool. I did send in a new picture for my profile last weekend, but it is not up yet. Really shows a big difference from where I started! Picture was taken in Las Vegas last month and my weight in it was about 220.

6/30/06 Plateau finally broke. Down to 209 this morning. Gave blood this week -- first time I have been able to give in over 12 years because I had become some a hard stick. Got the needle in first time and blood flowed well. That feels good. July 4th weekend coming up and I will really need to watch what I eat. But feeling great!

7/13/06 Celebrated my 51st birthday yesterday! Feeling better now than I have in years and such a change in myself. But.... had problems last week. After getting down to 209, my weight jumped up to 217 again in a 3 day period. I did eat out of the ordinary (pasta salad and some chips), but I didn't think I was that far off. Anyways, I have been very careful this week and am back down to 213 this am and hope to be keeping that trend going. Have pushed hard to walk, but missed out yesterday because of so many phone calls from family after I got home from work. Tonight it has been thunderstorms and rain from the time I got in my car at work for the ride home. Back to it tomorrow. My daughter in FL is moving from Miami to Port Charlotte, so I have been concerned with her looking for new housing and all. Her company (Walmart) is good, but a mother worries none the less.

8/23/06 Guess I haven't updated this in a while. I have been busy with trips from Va Beach where I live up to Emlenton PA (outside of Pittsburg area) and another trip to Elmira NY on another weekend to visit family. This is the first time my side of the family has seen me since I have lost so much weight. I have been fighting this hard lately, but have been plateauing and maybe doing some bouncing right around 209 pounds. I have moved down a little in the last week or so and am now at 204. Still working on getting under that 200 pound mark and had wanted to do that by my surgical anniversary (surgiversary date). But, since that is tomorrow and I was at 204 this am, don't think that is going to happen. But, I have gone from 337 down to 204 and feel great! No worries! Kicking up the walking some also trying to cut down on the carbs (boy are they killers for me). I will get into onederland very soon. Doctor's appointment tomorrow and I am wondering how different his scale will be from my first thing in the morning weigh-in. 3 months ago, I was at 222 at Dr. Clark's office, so 204 (up to about 209) would be what I expect. We will see. I would like it to be more, but I am heading in the right direction and am not complaining. At this point, I weigh less then my dear sweet hubby -- something that hasn't happened in at least 24 1/2 years!

8/24/06 -- 1 year anniversary. Woke up in the hospital 1 year ago (in my room, don't remember recovery or the trip to the bed at all!) and started on the losing side. Had my 1 year appointment with Dr. Clark today. What a nice guy! I am officially down 130 pounds, but I call it 134 on my scale. The before and after pictures are surprising. As Dani said, you have a waist! What a journey, and it is still ongoing. I really want to get down under 200 pounds in the next couple of days. Working on that. I also think I am going to get a consult for plastics. I am so thrilled with the progress I have made. My husband says I should pick up our dog (115 pound Lab) and walk around the house just to remind myself of how far I have come so far! WOW. I am wearing size 16 pants (haven't done that since I got pregnant with my 24 year old daughter). I am wearing 16 or L/XL tops depending on the cut of the sleeves. I am just so thrilled with how things are turning out. Here's to another good year!

9/15/06 Well, I am down to 201 and working hard now to hit "onederland"! My daughter was here for a week from end Aug/beginning Sept. I hadn't seen her since July 05, so it was great spending time with her. It was the first time she had seen me since my surgery and she was quite surprised. Although I probably weigh more than her, I am smaller in some parts. What a change. We went up to DC over Labor day for a celebration with some family friends. Had a great time, but found that I put on 8 pounds over that few days. I don't really think I ate all that much different from my normal eating, but I definitely got out of my routine and I had a few glasses of wine and other spirits over the 3-4 day trip. I always seem to pop up on weight after drinking. Something I will have to watch.
Went to see the Plastic Surgeon Wednesday for a consult. Too early really because I still want to lose some more weight (maybe 30 pounds more!) and should be a little closer to where I want to be prior to actually getting anything done. After the consult, I went shopping to blow some time prior to my support group meeting. I tried on a pair of Size 14 pants in Ann Taylor and they fit. Could have knocked me over with a feather at that point! I didn't think they would, but I even had a little room left over in the waist (not so in the butt! LOL). One of those WOW moments that keep me motivated. I want to get decisively under 200.....

10/28/06  It has been a while.  Still losing very slowly now and bouncing too.  Though I am now down to 199 consistantly.  Trying to walk at lunchtime at work since the weather is starting to get colder here in VA Beach.  Can't count on it being nice after dinner for the walk.  I have been looking into gyms also, but they all seem so expensive and I have problems spending that much money on myself like that, especially since we are retired military and can use military gyms free of charge.  Am looking into that too.  Need to do something more.

Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Thomas W. Clark M.S., M.D., F.A.C.S
Very caring and supportive surgeon. Takes time to explain everything in detail and answer questions. Dr Clarks' practice has a comprehensive and structured before and aftercare program. Although I was not thrilled with getting all the testing done before surgery, I can now see the validity of it. I would and have recommended Dr. Clark and his program to others! I am very happy with the program and the way things are going.