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It has been two years since I scheduled my surgery. What a trip it's been!
I haven't written in such a long time, or even been on the site in ages. Mostly because I've been busy living a much more fun and active life than I ever dreamed.

I achieved my personal goal weight of 145 lbs in late November and have been within 4 lbs plus or minus since then.

I am and will always be addicted to food. Fortunately I have found a transfer addiction that helps me deal with the food thing. I have crossed into the realm of size 8 - 10 clothing and the world is mine!!! It is such a rush to be able to buy something because I like it and to pick and choose what looks good. I haven't won the lottery yet, but I can have big fun with twenty bucks at the local thrift shops. The only things bulging out are my closets and drawers. I have recycled several wardrobes and enjoy "frequent donor" discounts. My co-workers are always waiting to see what I will wear next, and call me "skinny." (They leave off the "bitch" part. Too bad -- I've been a bitch for years, now I aspire to the "Skinny Bitch" role.) I just remember that as a teenager I had to dress like a 60-year old fat lady. Nobody made trendy or fashionable clothes for fat girls back then. Hell, I pre-date the terms "Queen-size" or "plus size"! And so now that I'm 62, I can and do dress like a teenager or ANY way that pleases me.

So lest you think that life is a bed of roses, I caution you that I have discovered that I MUST maintain an active lifestyle -- translation: EXERCISE and walking lots.  I HATE this, but it has to be done if I want to keep the weight off. I continue my membership at the local Y and get there as often as I can. Water aerobics and a spinning (cycling) class are my current constants, and working in the weight room when I can.  I have gone back to an interest of several years ago -- bellydancing-- that is quite a bit different than when there was twice as much of me to shimmy! It's quite a lot of fun. Doesn't burn a lot of calories in the class setting, but beats sitting on my butt watching TV. I am enjoying my motorcycle more than I ever did.  I was afraid that losing weight would make the (nearly 600 lb) motorcycle impossible for me to handle, but much to my surprise it's easier than before. My work at the Y has paid off in terms of strength.  I used to confuse throwing my weight around with being strong. I could open any swinging door just by leaning my weight into it.  Surprise! That doesn't work any more; I actually have to use muscle to move those big doors.

Doors.  That brings me to another subject.  Men. Well, doors and men. It was rare for a man to open a door for me as a fat woman unless it was out of a sense of duty or feeling sorry  (my perception). Nowadays they do it regularly, with a smile and a couple of times men have actually trotted past me to open the door. I dunno. Maybe some of the younger ones see me as old like their mother, but I smile and thank them, and rejoice a bit to myself. But they aren't all young! I enjoy every minute of it.
People in general treat me much differently than in my fat days.  But that's a rant I won't get into here. I must accept the fact that I myself am a much changed person since those times, which in itself will result in others treating me differently. Enough of that.

My husband remains my rock, the love of my life. This has never been in doubt. This experience has, if possible, strengthened our relationship. It would not have been possible without his support. And now he can pick me up, and I can sit on his lap without fear of breaking his legs or the chair!

Life is good.

I haven't posted here in a very long time. Always something else to do.
Anyway, the weight loss continues, and I'm pleased to say that I'm finally Overweight!
No longer Morbidly Obese,
no longer Obese,
just Overweight.
God, how I detest the word, "Obese!"
Enough of that -- not a rant I want to get started on
.
So anyhow, I'd hoped to have lost more weight by now, but looking back, I'm VERY pleased and proud of my accomplishment so far.

The holidays.
I didn't gain any weight.
I didn't lose any, either.
A month-plus stall, entirely of my own making.
Crunch & munch a little here, a little there. No time for the gym, too many other distractions. My swimsuit was getting way too big (my 'girls' kept popping out! It was ugly.), so I couldn't go to the pool. Had eye surgery and doc said to take it easy for a while, so I did. A course of Prednisone threatened to make me eat anything I could get my hands on. Luckily we don't keep 'junk' food in the house, so I was able to get past that.
But at last I am able to admit -- and understand -- that I am addicted to carbohydrates. The bad kind of carbs. The starches and sugars. All those refined and fattening nasty and oh-so-delcious and enticing carbs.
Ah, I feel another rant coming on. . . .

Okay, now for the good parts.
I have gone from 3X-4X at my heaviest to a Misses' size 14. 
I have a new Speedo swimsuit that contains my girls nicely in the pool without providing a free show for the teenage male lifeguard.
I have discovered Victoria's Secret. The girls are doing okay, better than I expected in fact. The new bra lifts them back where they belong.
People I haven't seen for awhile often don't recognize me. Lots of people don't if my back is turned.
My co-workers are beginning to tell me I've lost enough weight. Ha! I tell them I want to be known as "The Skinny Bitch!"
At least I already have the "Bitch" part right.
My husband has dubbed me, "The Incredible Shrinking Woman."
Shopping for clothes has become my new passion. Okay, so budget-wise, I do a LOT of thrifting. It's a real thrill to be able to find clothes I really like!
I can wear 'skinny jeans' and heels and I got a pair of knee-high boots that fit my formerly fat legs and I will need new (motorcycle) riding gear and another one of my chins is missing and . . . !!!

It's hard to believe that I'm at the halfway point already! I was in kind of a stall for about a month -- partly my own doing -- though the inches were coming off. I wasn't eating right all the time. Had sort of a fresh fruit extravaganza -- peaches, nectarines, sweet cherries -- and a little more "carbiness" from soy crisps and crackers and peanuts. Nothing really bad, but sometimes at the expense of getting adequate protein. I finally came to my senses and cut back on the carbs, upped my protein, and the scale responded!
Celebrated the halfway mark with a mini "makeover" -- manicure, pedicure, and a MAJOR haircut.  Locks of Love will get a parcel from me. About a week back I started noticing a lot of hair in my brush. It's started falling out. The  new hair(cut) style will help it stay full-looking. I'd hoped not to be among the hair-loss folks, but . . . . Oh, well. It was a pain at the pool, anyway.
Hubby and I get together with friends for breakfast each Saturday at a nearby restaurant. We've had the same waitress every week for several years. When I showed up in my "skinniest" jeans and the new haircut she didn't recognize me at first. We all laughed, and I was delighted! Later on Saturday, I went into a shop I hadn't been to in some time, but had been in frequent contact with the owner by phone and e-mail. She greeted me and asked what she could help me with, then did a double-take when she realized who I was. What fun! 
Seventy-five pounds has made a difference.  The next 75 will change me even more. I hope I'm not trying to achieve the impossible. My surgeon's goal for me is 180, but I'm heading for 145. I know the final half of my journey will be longer than the first. I've thought about setting mini-goals to help along the way. I guess the next goal is "ONEderland," getting below 200 lbs. Shortly after will be 100 lbs lost. I'll have to come up with more along the way, and with ideas of how to reward myself (NO FOOD!!!) for achieving each goal. 
Yes, one of my chins is missing. If you find it you can keep it. I still have the loose skin to remember it by. . . .
 

Three months have gone by, along with 42 lbs. That's 67 total lbs since I got my surgery date in March.
Now that pleases me a great deal. Sure, maybe I could have lost more, but at my age and activity level I can't complain.
So anyway, I had my 3 month post-op checkup today with my PCP.  He and his staff are delighted with my progress.

Drum roll, please . . . .

*  My blood pressure was 124/78
*  Lab report showed FBS of 83

* * * My A1c is 5.5 * * *

I haven't taken any prescription meds since surgery (well, I did try taking BP medication, but it made me feel like shit, so I quit.).
This was the best possible news! I am free of prescription medications!!!
I am doing the happy dance, and life is good.
Today my best friend told me I need to shop for new bras!  The old ones are getting too loose to do the job any more.  Ain't life grand!!!!

No, I never really gave up riding my motorcycle, but it's been a good while since I could really ENJOY riding. That has changed in the last couple of months. It keeps getting better!
I was cleared to ride beginning a month after my VSG. I was feeling great so I cheated by a few days and went for a local (100 miles total) ride to test the waters. My one month surgiversary found me in the midst of a riding weekend that totalled about 950 miles. 
Sadly, that weekend brought the end of my "vacation" and I had to return to work on the next day. I had planned on a month to recover from surgery and was approved for sick leave. In retrospect, it was the right thing for me. I know other folks have gone back to work much sooner, and I suppose I could have physically managed it. The extra time was important to me because it gave me a chance to get oriented to this new way of life -- managing the dietary requirements (protein, fiber, liquids), and establishing an exercise regimen that suits my daily routine.
My one-month post-op visit was a little disappointing to me, because I'd only lost seven pounds since my one-week post-op visit in Michigan. My PCP's scale weighs 3# heavier than my home scale, so at least there was a small consolation. My PCP was delighted that my surgery had gone well and that I'd lost weight.  
I know the rest will come off -- gradually. At my age, I guess I should be happy.  The pounds ARE going away, and I'm losing inches, too.
With another cycle trip planned, I headed to the thrift store to find some jeans to ride in.  The ones I'd been wearing (24W & 26W) were too big. I was successful, and it pleased me greatly to be able to fit into a 20W. 
Every year we try to attend the BMW Motorcycle Owners' Association Rally.  This year's was in Gray, TN. I took a week of vacation and we spent a couple of days riding there going by way of the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of my favorite places to ride. Not a challenging ride -- I'm no canyon carver or throttle jockey -- but serene and beautiful and free of traffic. The trip corresponded to my two-month surgiversary (is there a pattern here?) and concluded on our twenty-ninth wedding anniversary. Almost 1,000 miles total.
Sticking to dietary guidelines while traveling/camping on motorcycles is an iffy thing.  The weekend last month worked out okay, because I was able to carry most of what I needed. The longer trip this month was a bit more difficult, since we were loaded with more gear. I managed to do fairly well in terms of protein. Staying hydrated was something I had to concentrate on. Losing weight has made me much less sensitive to heat and humidity.  One day of our trip I was puzzled as to why I felt really crappy -- exhausted, vaguely nauseous, lightheaded. Then I thought about how much liquid I HADN'T consumed. DUH.
The main "issue" I've had to deal with seems to be constipation. TMI ? Skip this next bit.
Anyway, since the surgery, my bathroom habits have changed quite a bit. I've added flaxseed meal to smoothies, Benefiber to everything else, and tried to eat a lot of beans. Those all help, but are not a practical way to eat while motorcycle camping or eating out. I've added a (generic) stool softener to my daily supplement allotment. Staying hydrated is an absolute necessity, and fresh fruit is a godsend! I am delighted that peaches and sweet black cherries are in season! I am here to tell you that small bottles of MOM at truckstops are expensive and take a long time to work. It is not fun when things are "bound up." Nowadays things only seem to "move" every 2 or 3 days. I don't like the idea of using laxatives much, but keep a bottle of MOM in the fridge to use if I get really uncomfortable.
On a positive note, I'm beginning to notice results from my time spent at the Y. At first, 5 minutes on a stationary bicycle would do me in. I started a program of weight training and aqua aerobics, on alternate days. On weight training days I added the bicycle and have "graduated" to the treadmill now that I can actually walk without joint pain. I can manage 30 minutes of the treadmill (18 min. mile) and am working on increasing resistance. I'd like to do circuits on the weight machines, but the gym is usually too crowded for that to work for me. I consider one time around to be lucky. Aqua aerobics are wonderful. My favorite instructor is a self-proclaimed drill sargeant, and puts us through the routines without mercy. I am ready for a soak in the whirlpool after one of her sessions. And one night a week DH and I are taking a Tai Chi class. I am gratified to find that my strength and stamina are improving noticeably. I do have to be careful not to overdo, though. Sometimes I want to just come home and go to bed! I do want to continue the exercise, but not to burn out. I met a personal trainer at the Y who has had experience working with bariatric patients. I will schedule a consultation with her soon,  and get going on a manageable and beneficial routine. Meanwhile I can feel muscles firming up beneath the flabby skin!

This sleeve thing is quite amazing to me. I'm getting sorted out between the need to eat and head hunger. It is very strange to smell food aromas and not feel hunger. Other times, just thinking about food makes me feel as though I could eat a ton! I've graduated to the pureed food phase and have tried a well-chewed "mushie" here and there. Today I had a bit of tuna and some hummus on half a "Flatout" flatbread. Totally delicious. I had to especially concentrate on eating sloooowly -- it was so tasty, I just wanted to gobble it up!  Amazingly I felt quite satisfied with my little lunch.
Other news -- we joined the local YMCA today. I knew I had to do something for fitness and exercise. I've been trying to walk around the neighborhood, but the climate here in the Virginia tidewater area is not accommodating to me. Heat and humidity are not my friends. I also wanted pool access for water walking and aerobics -- much kinder to my aging knees. Hubby gladly joined me in our persuit of a fitter, healthier lifestyle, and we spent an enjoyable afternoon learning about the facility and equipment. I will have more adjustments to make when I go back to work and have to arrange my exercise schedule around my job. And work I must, to pay for my surgery! I think it will be about the best money I've ever spent.
My body is still readjusting to the surgery, but getting better by the day. I am sleeping pretty well; occasionally I wake up in the middle of the night, but only once have I been unable to go back to sleep. My bodily functions are getting into a more regular routine again. I'm managing to get in my fluid and protein quotas, and I spend entirely too much time online! 

I've just returned from my post-op visit at Dr. Pleatman's office.
There are nine pounds less of me than a week ago when I weighed in at my pre-op visit. I am so pleased!  That's about what I hoped I'd lose, but wasn't sure I'd make it given the seemingly enormous quantity of liquids I'm consuming. I know the loss will slow down over time, but I seem to be off to a good start.
The last two days have made a good deal of difference as far as achieving daily liquid and protein intake goals. I find I am learning the fine art of sipping, and my new "tiny tummy" is getting more acclimated to the almost constant deluge of fluids.
Tiny sip. . . wait. . . sip. . . wait. . . you get the picture. And don't even think about a regular swallow. I've made that mistake a couple of times while my mind was otherwise occupied. Found myself speechless and gasping in pain! Not Fun. But it's getting easier, and less painful as I get used to the slower pace.
On the whole I have to say that 
I. Feel. Great!!! 
My surgery experience was pretty easy as those things go. I didn't quite know what to expect in terms of pain. I remember having open gall bladder surgery some 3 months before laparoscopic surgery was available, and I thought my innards would surely burst out that incision every time I moved. The VSG surgery isn't painless, but it was nothing compared to that. I don't recall much in the way of pain after the procedure; I do know I asked for pain medication once, and it was speedily given. I don't think I had any after that. There were anti-nausea shots, heparin injections and a patch behind my ear for nausea. I never felt nauseous at all, so I figure the meds must have been part of the program and prevented what would have been otherwise unpleasant. The heparin, of course, is to prevent clotting, which nobody wants.
I still have a little bruising and some soreness at one of my incision sites (one of the five little spots across my belly). I think the sore spot must be the one my stomach was extracted through. LOL. At any rate, I've felt no need for any pain medication since surgery day.

Tomorrow morning we will be leaving town and heading back to Virginia. We are planning on a two-day drive to make things easy and safer for me. I am still at risk for a clot, so will observe the precaution of stopping at  intervals along the way and getting a little exercise break and not just driving straight through. If the weather holds, it should be a pleasant trip.

I'm out of the hospital and feeling much better than I expected.
This has been a long time coming, and I can hardly believe it's finally done. No, I DO know I've had the surgery -- don't need to pinch myself to make sure it's not a dream -- I just didn't think it would ever happen. I know there are many people who have waited longer than I, but to me personally it seemed like an eternity.

Originally the RNY was my tool of choice, but my surgeon and a fair bit of last-minute research convinced me that the VSG was a safer and potentially just as effective procedure for me. I consider myself to be a fairly flexible person in many regards, but I was so focused on the RNY that I never gave the VSG much credence. I thought a lot about  being resistant to change, a phenomenon that seems to come over most of us as we age. I decided that possibly I was guilty of this and stuck in my own little "comfort zone", afraid to try anything new. I cleared my mind and did a good bit of rational thinking. With 12 hours left to go before surgery, I e-mailed my surgeon to inform him of my change of mind.

The first few hours after surgery are pretty hazy. I vaguely remember asking once for pain medication (which was given promptly), but it's pretty much a blur. Some hours later a nurse suggested I should get up and use the bathroom. I didn't feel the urge to go and told her so. She then suggewsted that if I didn't feel well enough to get up that a catheter could be used. Honey, that was enough for me! I WAS feeling okay, just didn't feel as though I needed to use the toilet, but figured I humor her and avoid the icky catheter. I got up and proceeded to the bathroom where I all but overflowed the catch pan they use to monitor urine output. Surprised the heck out of me, and the nurse, too.
I began feeling better and better, tempted to go home, but the "toot" factor wasn't "tooting" yet, in spite of walking and liquid intake, so I opted for an extra night at the hospital. Sure enough, the next morning brought relief, and I was soon outta there.

Now I've been practicing taking what I thought were tiny sips of water for the past few weeks. I didn't think it'd be much of an issue to get in 64 oz a day plus meals. Suffice to say I had no concept of just how tiny my sips would have to be!  Too big or too frequent sips hurt! This will take some getting used to while I and my digestive system come to terms on the proper pacing of fluid intake.

My next obstacle will be regular exercise. I'll leave that topic for another time.

As you can see, I joined OH quite a while ago. I had made the decision to have WLS and started the process. Lo and behold! My insurance EXCLUDES coverage for WLS. My employer is self-insured and chooses not to have WLS as a benefit.
I spent a number of months trying to get this changed, but after nearly a year I just got too emotionally exhausted to go any further. It didn't help that the head of the HR department ended up referring my case to the same individual I'd started with. I felt so demeaned and depressed and FRUSTRATED by the whole process. 
I had been dieting under my Dr's supervision in hopes of fulfilling the insurance requirements. Needless to say, the helplessness and frustration brought most of those pounds back in the ensuing months.
I had been exploring self-pay options, but was again discouraged. Not only are the prices prohibitive, but the possibility of complications could spell financial disaster.
I found out about Dr. Mark Pleatman in February '08, and e-mailed him regarding surgery. Though the cost was quite attractive, and he is right here in the U.S.A., I still had issues with the financial aspect if things went wrong.

So a year goes by, and one day I get an e-mail from Dr. Pleatman offering me the chance to get a 30-day insurance policy for WLS complications.
OMG!
I was beside myself.
At Last! WLS and peace of mind!  After more e-mails back and forth, I called the office and scheduled the surgery date: May 14th.
I am almost afraid to actually write this here for fear I may wake up from a dream!