Lloyd S.
It's a Wonderful Life
Dec 21, 2009
Yesterday was my 3 year anniversary since my DS surgery. I haven't been online here very much lately because I've been pretty busy. Earlier this year I had a hernia repair surgery and Pannilectomy, I've been busy with work and trying to get some extra money to pay off the extra cost of the surgery.
I'm amazed that it's only been three years, but it feels like a life-time ago. I see pictures of myself from before and I hardly recognize myself. Then again, I find myself looking in the mirror and not recognizing the person standing there. I'm still adjusting to being thinner. I still wear clothes that are too baggy. I avoid booths at restaurants and I dread flying on airplanes. I worry that I can't fit in chairs or that I will break them. But, I do enjoy taking the stairs now. I even trot up them now and I don't get winded by going only one flight. I can ride a bike, play tag with my girls, and generally feel better now than I have in very long time. Before my DS, I was sure I would be dead in a few short years. You can't live very long at over 500 pounds and I knew it. I dieted, but I always lost the weight battle. Now, I'm winning the war. This year I had a complete physical and cardio stress test; I was told that I'm in great shape for my "age" (Thanks Dr. Doogie).
One thing I wanted to do this year was to pay it forward. So, I helped to lead the local DS support group for Dr Maguire & Dr Teel. It only took one evening a month for the year and I was able to make it all of the meetings. Of course it helped to have Beth along to help out and prod me into going. I recommend that anyone that is long term to attend the meetings, we have so much knowledge to pass on to new DSers and people interested in the surgery. For me the support group was also helpful for me, I also learned much there. But it was not my only support group. Everyone online here at OH and Facebook has provided me with inspiration and especially my MVADS friends had been a blast to be around.
As Clarence wrote, "No man is a failure that has friends."
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I'm amazed that it's only been three years, but it feels like a life-time ago. I see pictures of myself from before and I hardly recognize myself. Then again, I find myself looking in the mirror and not recognizing the person standing there. I'm still adjusting to being thinner. I still wear clothes that are too baggy. I avoid booths at restaurants and I dread flying on airplanes. I worry that I can't fit in chairs or that I will break them. But, I do enjoy taking the stairs now. I even trot up them now and I don't get winded by going only one flight. I can ride a bike, play tag with my girls, and generally feel better now than I have in very long time. Before my DS, I was sure I would be dead in a few short years. You can't live very long at over 500 pounds and I knew it. I dieted, but I always lost the weight battle. Now, I'm winning the war. This year I had a complete physical and cardio stress test; I was told that I'm in great shape for my "age" (Thanks Dr. Doogie).
One thing I wanted to do this year was to pay it forward. So, I helped to lead the local DS support group for Dr Maguire & Dr Teel. It only took one evening a month for the year and I was able to make it all of the meetings. Of course it helped to have Beth along to help out and prod me into going. I recommend that anyone that is long term to attend the meetings, we have so much knowledge to pass on to new DSers and people interested in the surgery. For me the support group was also helpful for me, I also learned much there. But it was not my only support group. Everyone online here at OH and Facebook has provided me with inspiration and especially my MVADS friends had been a blast to be around.
As Clarence wrote, "No man is a failure that has friends."
Not the easiest way to lose weight
Mar 20, 2009
It’s been a while since I’ve done an update. Since a lot has happened in the last few weeks, I thought one was due. I’m going to babble on here and remember that I’m still taking some good drugs.
2 years 3 months ago I had my DS with Dr Teel. At about a year out, I developed a hernia. Dr Teel said that when they did my DS, I also had one and that I was likely to get one back. He said that as a side benefit, I could get rid of the excess skin on my tummy. I was hoping that I would have lost more weight before the hernia repair. I leveled off a few months ago at around 269 pounds, which is 200 pounds down from my initial surgery weight. I think I would have done better, if I had been able to exercise more. The hernia definitely hindered that, it even got to the point where coughing or sneezing hurt, so I needed to get it done.
I didn’t want the hernia surgery during Christmas time; I did that with my DS. So I started after Christmas. I didn’t realize how long it would take to get it all scheduled and approved. When I talked with Dr Teel in December about going a head and doing the hernia repair, I was worried that I had too much weight on my tummy to do any type of plastics. He didn’t seem concerned at all; he said that he could do the Pannilectomy and that I would feel like a new man. I asked the office to keep the costs down and what they came back with was something I could afford. I would have Dr Maguire doing the hernia repair which was covered by insurance; Dr Teel would do the Panni removal for $2500. The hospital cost would be $776 and the anesthesiologist would only charge for their time during the panni part of the operation. The operation would also be done at Kettering Sycamore, which is more of an outpatient hospital. I was a little disappointed that I wouldn’t be in the new bariatric ward at Miami Valley, but I didn’t plan on staying in the hospital too long.
During the pre-op testing, Dr Maguire thought he heard a heart murmur, so I had to have some extra testing for that. After an echocardiogram and EKG, the cardiologist said that I was cleared to have the surgery and that I did have a murmur. He said that it was not too uncommon for my age to have a murmur; “Thanks Doogie”. I also had an extra screening for Vitamin K and it was found to be a little low, so I started taking some before the surgery and I got a shot the day before. The overall pre-op tests were much simpler than that I had to go through for the DS.
My surgery was scheduled for Friday, 13 March 2009. Yep, Friday the 13th.
On the day of the surgery I got to the hospital at 0830 and I was back getting prepped at 0900. They weighed me and I came in at 274. Surgery was supposed to start by 1030, but I don’t think it got going until after 1100. I was told that the surgery only lasted about one and half hours. I don’t remember much for the next day, I was pretty much out of it. I do remember Beth and Lisa stopping by. I remember waking up at one point to see Lisa painting my toenails. I knew from our last get together, that they were conspiring something. I guess since I didn’t go out for the pedicure with the gals, that they were bringing one in for me.
I found out that Dr Teel had taken off 11 pounds of skin and fat. My Dear Wife (DW) said that he was very pleased with how the surgery went and how I was doing. She said that they were able to tighten up the muscles some and I got more than your usual Pannilectomy. I did lose my belly button because the hernia ran behind it and they couldn't save it. All I knew was that I was glad to have the little pain pump button. Right off the bat I was allowed full liquids and I did pretty well on the first meal. It wasn’t until the next day that I was at all hungry. I was able to rest quite a bit and the nurses were all very nice and attentive. The only real problem I had was with bending the IV needing into my arm and the nurse trying four times to put a new one in. That was not fun. Saturday afternoon, I was finally allowed to have a full dinner and it was wonderful. It was definitely the best hospital food, I ever had. I was surprised by that point that the Dr Teel hadn’t been in or any resident to check me out. The nurses had peaked at my bandages and emptied by drains, but expected more prodding than I got. By Saturday evening, I wanted to get out. There was a pair of nurses who did a wonderful job of getting everything lined up to get me out. They even called Dr Teel and to his credit he came out about 7:30pm to check me over and release me. Come to find out that they were short handed and the computer system had been down most of the day. Finally at 9pm I was out of there. I headed over to my mother’s house since she had a nice recliner. I spent the next four days there.
Last Wednesday I went in to see Dr Teel and he was very please with how the incisions looked. We had counted 88 staples used to close me up. I was hoping to get the drains out, but they still were doing their job. So they will have to wait until the next visit. Dr Teel’s nurse, Kim took out half the staples and put Steri-strips in their place. I should get the rest of the staples out on the next visit on Monday.
Overall, I’m very please with the results so far. It feels weird not having the panni in my lap anymore. The initial recovery was much faster with this than the DS, I got home faster and I’m able to eat normally the second day. From what I had heard from others, I went into this expecting the pain to be worse. The Vicodin seems to be cutting the pain and I’m slowly reducing the amount that I’m taking. I can tell that my overall recovery may take a little longer. I walk around hunched over like an old man now and I feel the pain across my whole abdomen. The best part of this is that when I got on the scale today, it read 254. I’m down 20 pounds since the surgery, true that they cut out 11 pounds of that. But I expected some swelling and not nearly that kind of loss this soon after the surgery.
One of these days, I will put up the before and after shots once I heal up some more. I can tell already that there is a huge difference.
Thanks to everyone for the well wishes, swinging chickens/lizards and prayers. They all worked. And special thanks to Beth and Lisa, now I have to pay you back. Of course, I owe just about everything to my DW for all she did. As someone said, “She Rocks”
2 years 3 months ago I had my DS with Dr Teel. At about a year out, I developed a hernia. Dr Teel said that when they did my DS, I also had one and that I was likely to get one back. He said that as a side benefit, I could get rid of the excess skin on my tummy. I was hoping that I would have lost more weight before the hernia repair. I leveled off a few months ago at around 269 pounds, which is 200 pounds down from my initial surgery weight. I think I would have done better, if I had been able to exercise more. The hernia definitely hindered that, it even got to the point where coughing or sneezing hurt, so I needed to get it done.
I didn’t want the hernia surgery during Christmas time; I did that with my DS. So I started after Christmas. I didn’t realize how long it would take to get it all scheduled and approved. When I talked with Dr Teel in December about going a head and doing the hernia repair, I was worried that I had too much weight on my tummy to do any type of plastics. He didn’t seem concerned at all; he said that he could do the Pannilectomy and that I would feel like a new man. I asked the office to keep the costs down and what they came back with was something I could afford. I would have Dr Maguire doing the hernia repair which was covered by insurance; Dr Teel would do the Panni removal for $2500. The hospital cost would be $776 and the anesthesiologist would only charge for their time during the panni part of the operation. The operation would also be done at Kettering Sycamore, which is more of an outpatient hospital. I was a little disappointed that I wouldn’t be in the new bariatric ward at Miami Valley, but I didn’t plan on staying in the hospital too long.
During the pre-op testing, Dr Maguire thought he heard a heart murmur, so I had to have some extra testing for that. After an echocardiogram and EKG, the cardiologist said that I was cleared to have the surgery and that I did have a murmur. He said that it was not too uncommon for my age to have a murmur; “Thanks Doogie”. I also had an extra screening for Vitamin K and it was found to be a little low, so I started taking some before the surgery and I got a shot the day before. The overall pre-op tests were much simpler than that I had to go through for the DS.
My surgery was scheduled for Friday, 13 March 2009. Yep, Friday the 13th.
On the day of the surgery I got to the hospital at 0830 and I was back getting prepped at 0900. They weighed me and I came in at 274. Surgery was supposed to start by 1030, but I don’t think it got going until after 1100. I was told that the surgery only lasted about one and half hours. I don’t remember much for the next day, I was pretty much out of it. I do remember Beth and Lisa stopping by. I remember waking up at one point to see Lisa painting my toenails. I knew from our last get together, that they were conspiring something. I guess since I didn’t go out for the pedicure with the gals, that they were bringing one in for me.
I found out that Dr Teel had taken off 11 pounds of skin and fat. My Dear Wife (DW) said that he was very pleased with how the surgery went and how I was doing. She said that they were able to tighten up the muscles some and I got more than your usual Pannilectomy. I did lose my belly button because the hernia ran behind it and they couldn't save it. All I knew was that I was glad to have the little pain pump button. Right off the bat I was allowed full liquids and I did pretty well on the first meal. It wasn’t until the next day that I was at all hungry. I was able to rest quite a bit and the nurses were all very nice and attentive. The only real problem I had was with bending the IV needing into my arm and the nurse trying four times to put a new one in. That was not fun. Saturday afternoon, I was finally allowed to have a full dinner and it was wonderful. It was definitely the best hospital food, I ever had. I was surprised by that point that the Dr Teel hadn’t been in or any resident to check me out. The nurses had peaked at my bandages and emptied by drains, but expected more prodding than I got. By Saturday evening, I wanted to get out. There was a pair of nurses who did a wonderful job of getting everything lined up to get me out. They even called Dr Teel and to his credit he came out about 7:30pm to check me over and release me. Come to find out that they were short handed and the computer system had been down most of the day. Finally at 9pm I was out of there. I headed over to my mother’s house since she had a nice recliner. I spent the next four days there.
Last Wednesday I went in to see Dr Teel and he was very please with how the incisions looked. We had counted 88 staples used to close me up. I was hoping to get the drains out, but they still were doing their job. So they will have to wait until the next visit. Dr Teel’s nurse, Kim took out half the staples and put Steri-strips in their place. I should get the rest of the staples out on the next visit on Monday.
Overall, I’m very please with the results so far. It feels weird not having the panni in my lap anymore. The initial recovery was much faster with this than the DS, I got home faster and I’m able to eat normally the second day. From what I had heard from others, I went into this expecting the pain to be worse. The Vicodin seems to be cutting the pain and I’m slowly reducing the amount that I’m taking. I can tell that my overall recovery may take a little longer. I walk around hunched over like an old man now and I feel the pain across my whole abdomen. The best part of this is that when I got on the scale today, it read 254. I’m down 20 pounds since the surgery, true that they cut out 11 pounds of that. But I expected some swelling and not nearly that kind of loss this soon after the surgery.
One of these days, I will put up the before and after shots once I heal up some more. I can tell already that there is a huge difference.
Thanks to everyone for the well wishes, swinging chickens/lizards and prayers. They all worked. And special thanks to Beth and Lisa, now I have to pay you back. Of course, I owe just about everything to my DW for all she did. As someone said, “She Rocks”
A Good Month
Jul 20, 2008
Weight: 266.5; BMI: 40.5
I am down 202.5 pounds since my surgery and 236 pounds from my highest known weight. I lost 8.5 pounds over the last month. That’s almost what I lost in previous 5 months put together!
If you remember, I was a little depressed last month about not getting to my goal in the magical 18 month point. Well, I focused on eating less carbs and exercising more. The results show that it works even this far out.
I LOVE MY DS!
It’s been a fun month; I did take a low carb break around the 4th of July when we went on a family camping trip. I did so much more on this trip than I would have two years ago. We went swimming, fishing and just playing every day. It was a blast. I also got a lot more compliments this last week. With losing over 3% of my weight this month, people were asking me again if I had lost more and the compliments were nice to hear too. The only problem is that I’m going to have to get some more clothes again. My biggest shirts and pants are just too big now. I think I’m into the thrift store sizes, so I will have to check them out this next week. I still pinch myself, because I can hardly believe that I’ve really lost over 200 pounds. I must be dreaming.
One last thing, on the July 29th, my wife and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary. I can’t believe she has put up with me this long.
I am down 202.5 pounds since my surgery and 236 pounds from my highest known weight. I lost 8.5 pounds over the last month. That’s almost what I lost in previous 5 months put together!
If you remember, I was a little depressed last month about not getting to my goal in the magical 18 month point. Well, I focused on eating less carbs and exercising more. The results show that it works even this far out.
I LOVE MY DS!
It’s been a fun month; I did take a low carb break around the 4th of July when we went on a family camping trip. I did so much more on this trip than I would have two years ago. We went swimming, fishing and just playing every day. It was a blast. I also got a lot more compliments this last week. With losing over 3% of my weight this month, people were asking me again if I had lost more and the compliments were nice to hear too. The only problem is that I’m going to have to get some more clothes again. My biggest shirts and pants are just too big now. I think I’m into the thrift store sizes, so I will have to check them out this next week. I still pinch myself, because I can hardly believe that I’ve really lost over 200 pounds. I must be dreaming.
One last thing, on the July 29th, my wife and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary. I can’t believe she has put up with me this long.
Outside the Window Looking In
Jun 19, 2008
I am down 194 pounds since my surgery and 227 pounds from my highest known weight.
I lost a whole 2 pounds over the last month.
I'm a little depressed. I'm at the magical 18 month point and I feel I missed my opportunity to finally be thin. I'm now outside the "window" that most make to their goal. I have the feeling that I will not get there and it's my own damn fault. I haven't exercised like I should and I've fallen back into some bad carb eating. This month was also not a good one to stick to low carb. I was traveling for work 3 of the last 4 weeks.
I'm posting on my profile my 17 month update since I never posted it here.
I was meaning to do it, but I kept it off because frankly I didn't want to hear what I've heard throughout my life; "stick to your diet and exercise". Well, I have increased the exercise part, but apparently that is not enough. I have to go low carb for a while. I'm hoping that I can kick start some more weight loss.
I did have my 6 month checkup with Dr Teel this week. Everyone in the office complemented me on my progress. Dr Teel said that I should consider the hernia repair in the next couple of months and a Tummy Tuck along with it. He said that it would do wonders for me (mentally). I told him that I really wanted to lose more weight, he said OK, but to think about doing it soon. I also asked about increasing the exercise workouts. I'm a little concerned about making the hernia worse. He said to concentrate on getting the heart rate up and to be careful with the ab exercises. Stop if it hurts.
My life has changed forever. I can do so much now than I could before.
I'm almost a different person. It's that my mind hasn't caught up. I still don't recognize myself in the mirror, I avoid booths in restaurants and getting my picture taken. I was nervous about flying this last month. I still carried my seat belt extension, even though I never used it.
Don't get me wrong with this post. I'm ecstatic with my progress. I feel like I am so close to making it perfect. I know that 194 pounds is an astounding amount of weight to lose. I just should be closer to my goal.
I lost a whole 2 pounds over the last month.
I'm a little depressed. I'm at the magical 18 month point and I feel I missed my opportunity to finally be thin. I'm now outside the "window" that most make to their goal. I have the feeling that I will not get there and it's my own damn fault. I haven't exercised like I should and I've fallen back into some bad carb eating. This month was also not a good one to stick to low carb. I was traveling for work 3 of the last 4 weeks.
I'm posting on my profile my 17 month update since I never posted it here.
I was meaning to do it, but I kept it off because frankly I didn't want to hear what I've heard throughout my life; "stick to your diet and exercise". Well, I have increased the exercise part, but apparently that is not enough. I have to go low carb for a while. I'm hoping that I can kick start some more weight loss.
I did have my 6 month checkup with Dr Teel this week. Everyone in the office complemented me on my progress. Dr Teel said that I should consider the hernia repair in the next couple of months and a Tummy Tuck along with it. He said that it would do wonders for me (mentally). I told him that I really wanted to lose more weight, he said OK, but to think about doing it soon. I also asked about increasing the exercise workouts. I'm a little concerned about making the hernia worse. He said to concentrate on getting the heart rate up and to be careful with the ab exercises. Stop if it hurts.
My life has changed forever. I can do so much now than I could before.
I'm almost a different person. It's that my mind hasn't caught up. I still don't recognize myself in the mirror, I avoid booths in restaurants and getting my picture taken. I was nervous about flying this last month. I still carried my seat belt extension, even though I never used it.
Don't get me wrong with this post. I'm ecstatic with my progress. I feel like I am so close to making it perfect. I know that 194 pounds is an astounding amount of weight to lose. I just should be closer to my goal.
Carbotage - Carb Sabotage
May 20, 2008
Weight: 278; BMI: 42.2
It could be that the purpose of my life is only to serve as a warning to others.
I haven't put an update out in a while, so I thought I would detail how things are going.
I am down 191 pounds since my surgery and 225 pounds from my highest known weight. I am now wearing size XL, down from wearing size 6X shirts and pants. My weight loss has slowed in the last few months to a crawl. I'm only down 10 pounds since Christmas. I'm doing very well with keeping up with my supplements, protein and water. My labs were damn near perfect. But, I definitely need to work on lowering my carb intake and increasing my exercise.
I started to wonder why my weight loss has slowed. I looked closer at what I was eating and how much. I was consuming WAY TOO MANY CARBS.
I'm embarrassed on how many. The worst has been with soda, totally empty calories. I thought I had kicked the Mountain Dew habit. What am I thinking??? I'm barely still in my weight loss window and I'm falling back into old habits. WHY??
I think it is because I am at a point where I was comfortable with my weight. I'm about the weight I was when I graduated college and when I first met my wife. I have NEVER been thin. I think I'm a little overwhelmed with the thought of being thin. I was always the fat kid.
Being thin is alien to me. Also, my wife has been trying to drop some weight and I was quickly catching up to her weight. I don't know how we would deal with me weighing less than her. I don't know how other people will react to me being thin, So, pure and simple, I think I was sabotaging my weight loss with Carbs, hence Carbotage. Deep down, I am scared to be thin. But, for my health I have to still lose more weight.
I know I'm not done and I need to work on this.
Now I understand what the Psychologist's evaluation was about and why he said to me what he did. During of the Psych review, he asked me simply; "Are you ready to lose the weight?" At the time, I thought - Are you kidding me? I'm over 500 pounds! I thought he was INSANE. But I guess he had seen it before. I know part of my overall weight gain was not just genetic, but also mental. I never realized how much it is with me.
I know that if I had any other WLS I would have started gaining back the weight. I would have never gotten anywhere close to my weight loss with any "diet".
Thank GOD for the DS. Now I have to get my @ss in gear and kick the carbs to the curb.
It could be that the purpose of my life is only to serve as a warning to others.
I haven't put an update out in a while, so I thought I would detail how things are going.
I am down 191 pounds since my surgery and 225 pounds from my highest known weight. I am now wearing size XL, down from wearing size 6X shirts and pants. My weight loss has slowed in the last few months to a crawl. I'm only down 10 pounds since Christmas. I'm doing very well with keeping up with my supplements, protein and water. My labs were damn near perfect. But, I definitely need to work on lowering my carb intake and increasing my exercise.
I started to wonder why my weight loss has slowed. I looked closer at what I was eating and how much. I was consuming WAY TOO MANY CARBS.
I'm embarrassed on how many. The worst has been with soda, totally empty calories. I thought I had kicked the Mountain Dew habit. What am I thinking??? I'm barely still in my weight loss window and I'm falling back into old habits. WHY??
I think it is because I am at a point where I was comfortable with my weight. I'm about the weight I was when I graduated college and when I first met my wife. I have NEVER been thin. I think I'm a little overwhelmed with the thought of being thin. I was always the fat kid.
Being thin is alien to me. Also, my wife has been trying to drop some weight and I was quickly catching up to her weight. I don't know how we would deal with me weighing less than her. I don't know how other people will react to me being thin, So, pure and simple, I think I was sabotaging my weight loss with Carbs, hence Carbotage. Deep down, I am scared to be thin. But, for my health I have to still lose more weight.
I know I'm not done and I need to work on this.
Now I understand what the Psychologist's evaluation was about and why he said to me what he did. During of the Psych review, he asked me simply; "Are you ready to lose the weight?" At the time, I thought - Are you kidding me? I'm over 500 pounds! I thought he was INSANE. But I guess he had seen it before. I know part of my overall weight gain was not just genetic, but also mental. I never realized how much it is with me.
I know that if I had any other WLS I would have started gaining back the weight. I would have never gotten anywhere close to my weight loss with any "diet".
Thank GOD for the DS. Now I have to get my @ss in gear and kick the carbs to the curb.
MVH WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SUPPORT GROUPS
Jan 24, 2008
MIAMI VALLEY HOSPITAL
WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SUPPORT GROUPS
2008 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
All meetings are scheduled for 6:30 PM on the 6th floor of Miami Valley Hospital, the second Tuesday of the month. (No meeting in July)
* February 12,2008 -Clothing Exchange (Come Between 5:00 and 5:30 to set-up, exchange open from 5:30 -6:30 and 7:30 -8:30 PM)
* March 11, 2008
* April 8, 2008 -Graduation Party! Special recognition for patients who are a year post-op or have hit the Century Mark!!
* May 13,2008
* May 2008 - Clothing Sale -Date to be Determined
* June 10, 2008
* UPDATE: July-NOMEETING!!! Come to the Picnic on July 6th Delco Park!!! (1:00-4:00 PM)
* August 12,2008
* September Clothing Exchange (Come Between 5:00 and 5:30 to set-up, exchange open from 5:30 -6:30 and 7:30 -8:30 PM)
* October 14,2008
* October 2008 -Walk from Obesity -Date to be determined
* November 11,2008
* December 9,2008 HOLIDAY CARRY IN PARTY!
Wondering about the next meeting or if there is a weather cancellation???
If so, just call our support group Information Line at (937) 208-4YOU (4968) and select option #2 for the latest update!
Website Information
Premier Health Partners Web: http://www.seriousweightloss.org
MVH Website: http://www.seriousweightloss.org/mvh.php
Premier Bariatric Associates: http://www.premierbariatricassociates.com
Dayton support http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_Maguire/
WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY SUPPORT GROUPS
2008 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
All meetings are scheduled for 6:30 PM on the 6th floor of Miami Valley Hospital, the second Tuesday of the month. (No meeting in July)
* February 12,2008 -Clothing Exchange (Come Between 5:00 and 5:30 to set-up, exchange open from 5:30 -6:30 and 7:30 -8:30 PM)
* March 11, 2008
* April 8, 2008 -Graduation Party! Special recognition for patients who are a year post-op or have hit the Century Mark!!
* May 13,2008
* May 2008 - Clothing Sale -Date to be Determined
* June 10, 2008
* UPDATE: July-NOMEETING!!! Come to the Picnic on July 6th Delco Park!!! (1:00-4:00 PM)
* August 12,2008
* September Clothing Exchange (Come Between 5:00 and 5:30 to set-up, exchange open from 5:30 -6:30 and 7:30 -8:30 PM)
* October 14,2008
* October 2008 -Walk from Obesity -Date to be determined
* November 11,2008
* December 9,2008 HOLIDAY CARRY IN PARTY!
Wondering about the next meeting or if there is a weather cancellation???
If so, just call our support group Information Line at (937) 208-4YOU (4968) and select option #2 for the latest update!
Website Information
Premier Health Partners Web: http://www.seriousweightloss.org
MVH Website: http://www.seriousweightloss.org/mvh.php
Premier Bariatric Associates: http://www.premierbariatricassociates.com
Dayton support http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_Maguire/
A Year Out
Dec 19, 2007
It doesn't seam real. A year ago I was going in for surgery, not really knowing if I'd come out alive. My feeling was that I was going to die soon if I didn't do something about my weight. What I didn't realize was that December 20th was really a new birthday for me. When I woke up after surgery, I had a new lease on life.
The surgery didn't erase my bad habits. I still need to work on getting more exercise and eating right. But for the first time in my life, I don't get depressed about my weight. The only downer now is to look at my old pictures and to know that I was trapped in that fat suit. The DS has given me a tool to break the food habit. I'm at the point now that I am able to do more exercise without damaging my health. I just have to do it. Also, food is not the comforter it once was, I now have to face my problems and that has been liberating.
The changes in me since I had surgery have been dramatic. My Effective Weight Loss is at almost 60%. I am down 181 pounds since the surgery and 215 pounds from my highest known weight. I am down to what I weighed almost 20 years ago when I first got married. I went from wearing size 6X shirts and pants to now I am wearing 2X and they are loose. I had to buy new shoes because my old ones were literally falling off my feet. My mind still has trouble wrapping around the fact that I am thinner. I hardly recognize myself in the mirror. I still pick up clothes and think, "there is no way this is going to fit", then I try it on and it's too loose. I can tell that people are treating me differently too. I don't get the stares from people or finger pointing from little kids. I also notice that women smile more at me; I'm no longer invisible to them. I'm able to climb stairs with ease, fit into chairs without worrying about breaking them; I can even fit into booths at restaurants. I also sleep better and I don't feel tired all the time. I used to fall asleep during the day at the drop of a hat, now I can sit through boring meetings without nodding off.
I am so thankful for this surgery. It has changed my life forever. I
am also thankful that it has been pretty much complication free. The only physical problem I have now is a developing hernia near my bully button on my incision line. In a way it is also a blessing, I can tie in the surgery to fix the hernia with a Tummy Tuck. I just had my yearly labs and checkup, the only concern was with Vitamin A being a little low. Otherwise, I'm doing better than I could have ever hoped. So, I'm doing a pretty good job on keeping up on my protein, vitamins and water. My only regret is that I didn't have the surgery sooner.
The surgery didn't erase my bad habits. I still need to work on getting more exercise and eating right. But for the first time in my life, I don't get depressed about my weight. The only downer now is to look at my old pictures and to know that I was trapped in that fat suit. The DS has given me a tool to break the food habit. I'm at the point now that I am able to do more exercise without damaging my health. I just have to do it. Also, food is not the comforter it once was, I now have to face my problems and that has been liberating.
The changes in me since I had surgery have been dramatic. My Effective Weight Loss is at almost 60%. I am down 181 pounds since the surgery and 215 pounds from my highest known weight. I am down to what I weighed almost 20 years ago when I first got married. I went from wearing size 6X shirts and pants to now I am wearing 2X and they are loose. I had to buy new shoes because my old ones were literally falling off my feet. My mind still has trouble wrapping around the fact that I am thinner. I hardly recognize myself in the mirror. I still pick up clothes and think, "there is no way this is going to fit", then I try it on and it's too loose. I can tell that people are treating me differently too. I don't get the stares from people or finger pointing from little kids. I also notice that women smile more at me; I'm no longer invisible to them. I'm able to climb stairs with ease, fit into chairs without worrying about breaking them; I can even fit into booths at restaurants. I also sleep better and I don't feel tired all the time. I used to fall asleep during the day at the drop of a hat, now I can sit through boring meetings without nodding off.
I am so thankful for this surgery. It has changed my life forever. I
am also thankful that it has been pretty much complication free. The only physical problem I have now is a developing hernia near my bully button on my incision line. In a way it is also a blessing, I can tie in the surgery to fix the hernia with a Tummy Tuck. I just had my yearly labs and checkup, the only concern was with Vitamin A being a little low. Otherwise, I'm doing better than I could have ever hoped. So, I'm doing a pretty good job on keeping up on my protein, vitamins and water. My only regret is that I didn't have the surgery sooner.
Eleven Month Update
Nov 20, 2007
Weight: 296; BMI: 45.0
What a month. Until just ten days ago, I was battling a stall. I even gained weight during the period and was up to 310 pound. I slowly lost it, but I could not get down to 300. I finally made it right before leaving on a business trip last week to Reno, NV. I thought for sure that I would gain while I was gone, but instead I lost 4 pounds. I’m now at 296, having 8.5 pounds overall for this last month. I feel like I’ve finally gotten through a big barrier by getting below 300 pounds.It was a little frightening for me to actually gain some weight this month. That hasn’t happened since my surgery and it freaked me out. My carb intake was too high (Halloween and all) and the amount that I was exercising had gone down. I’m working on fixing both of those and it definitely shows. With winter fast approaching I need to work out a better long term exercise strategy. Walking and biking are not going to be enough.
I had some nice WoWs during the month. The best one is being able to fit into 2X clothes and finding a stash of them in the basement. My daughter said I was on a treasure hunt. I’ve lost count on the many, “you’re looking good” comments. One of the best was from someone who hasn’t seen me for over a year, he didn’t recognize me at first. The difference from last year to this year is drastic, I can feel it. At the Reno conference I was able to walk around the whole time and not have tired feet or have my knees and back hurt. The only thing that bothered me was the smoke in the casinos. Last year, I could barely walk around all day and I was to exhausted to go out in the evenings. Not this year, not ever again.
Ten Month Update
Oct 20, 2007
Weight: 304.5; BMI: 46.29
Ten months since my surgery on 20 Dec 06 and I have lost 8.5 pounds this last month. Since the surgery, I have lost 164.5 pounds and I have lost 198 pounds since July 06. My goal for the month was 12 pounds. What is frustrating is that I did make it for one day, a week and a half ago and then I gained back 7 pounds. I don’t remember eating that much, but I might have been dehydrated. That was when we had some hot weather and I was out enjoying it by exercising and working in the yard. I’m back to loosing again and I’m doing better at watching what I’m eating and drinking.
My hernia hasn’t gotten any worse, so I hope I can put off the surgery for a while so that I can loose more weight and get a Tummy Tuck. I need to save more money for the surgery too; I doubt that my insurance will cover the TT. My main goal for this next month is to increase my exercise, I need set aside the time to walk, bike and swim. I want to lose at least 12 pounds this next month, more if I can manage it. I want to lose a good amount of weight before I have my next surgery.
Ten months since my surgery on 20 Dec 06 and I have lost 8.5 pounds this last month. Since the surgery, I have lost 164.5 pounds and I have lost 198 pounds since July 06. My goal for the month was 12 pounds. What is frustrating is that I did make it for one day, a week and a half ago and then I gained back 7 pounds. I don’t remember eating that much, but I might have been dehydrated. That was when we had some hot weather and I was out enjoying it by exercising and working in the yard. I’m back to loosing again and I’m doing better at watching what I’m eating and drinking.
My hernia hasn’t gotten any worse, so I hope I can put off the surgery for a while so that I can loose more weight and get a Tummy Tuck. I need to save more money for the surgery too; I doubt that my insurance will cover the TT. My main goal for this next month is to increase my exercise, I need set aside the time to walk, bike and swim. I want to lose at least 12 pounds this next month, more if I can manage it. I want to lose a good amount of weight before I have my next surgery.
Down 200 Pounds
Oct 05, 2007
Woot!
As of this morning, I’m down 200 pounds from my highest “known” weight. I say known weight, because I weighed 502.5 pounds at the surgery seminar in July 06 and I know I had lost some weight before that. How much, I really don’t know since I couldn’t find a scale that went that high. But, it was nice to get onto the scale this morning and it said 302. Soon I will be in twoterville.
The DS rules!
As of this morning, I’m down 200 pounds from my highest “known” weight. I say known weight, because I weighed 502.5 pounds at the surgery seminar in July 06 and I know I had lost some weight before that. How much, I really don’t know since I couldn’t find a scale that went that high. But, it was nice to get onto the scale this morning and it said 302. Soon I will be in twoterville.
The DS rules!
About Me
Fairborn, OH
Location
38.0
BMI
Surgery
12/20/2006
Surgery Date
Sep 17, 2006
Member Since
