ObesityHelp

BMI-52. Currently 314 lbs. l have been overweight most of my life. I cannot stand for long periods of time without experiencing back pain, lower extremity edema, hypertension (not improved w/medication).
I have tried Weight Watchers several times,Slim Fast (taste like a milkshake to me), TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) and Atkins. My problem was that I was always hungry, (or with Atkins -always irritable).
I have never tried the shots, or the pills. IT is my belief that you do well while on the pills/shots, but as soon as you stop, you gain the weight that you have lost plus more.
With the gastric bypass surgery, if I can lose enough to get off of hypertension medication , that would be a victory for me.

Kim's Reasons for Wanting Gastric Bypass Surgery:
1. To get off of hypertension medication forever.
2. To have my "monthly" every month without the help of birth control
pills.
3. To no longer have to ask for a seatbelt extension when on an
airplane.
4. To feel better about myself.
5. To wear Victoria Secret underwear.
6. To be able to cross my legs with ease.
7. To only wear "hot mama" gowns to bed.
8. To stop having to shop for wide width shoes.
9. To wear cute clothes in the summer.
10. To go up a flight of stairs or a hill without getting out of breath.
11. To fit into any booth at any restaurant.
12. To be able to wear sexy, high-heeled shoes.
13. To stop having my thighs rub together when I walk.


1/26/2006- I heard from my PCP, and he said that the committee claimed that all of the paperwork was not there. My PCP then asked me if I had heard from the committee, and I told him that I had not. So, I do not know if my Dr. is jerking me around or if the situation with the committee is truely the case. In any event, my PCP told me to call back a week from today. I then told him that I had mailed a four paged letter to him and another to medical records stating why I felt I needed this operation. That was on Tuesday, and as of today he had not recieved it as yet; it might be 'stuck' in Kaiser's mailroom. I told my PCP that I called him because I did not believe that he submitted my paperwork in the first place. I just had to be honest with him. So, until next week...

2/3/2006-I had to go in the dr's office today to redo the blood work, urine, and ekg tests. I was not thrilled, and I told the nurse about it too. So, I have to the 24 urine sample . Why would they give me this to on this weekend. This is my weekend birthday.
The nurse told me that she would give me the name and number of Bariatric Coordinator once the all of the results came in. My next appointment is on Thursday 2/9/2006.
So, until next week...

2/9/2006- I had an appointment with my PCP today to assemble all of my papers to send off to the bariatric department. He put little red flags on all of the papers, in my chart, that the bariatric dept. needed to see. The only test that was not in my chart was the 24 hr. urine test. The nurse had given me the name and phone number of the bariatric coordinator. I will be calling her to remind her that she should be getting my chart soon for review. I am so excited ; I am well on my way. Praise God! I am saying my prayers that everything will turn out well.
Until next time...

2/14/2006-The bariatric coordinator, Wanetta, returned my call today at work. She wanted to know why I had initially called her . I told her that she should have my chart by now. While looking on her desk, she told me that she did not have my chart, and that I should call her back either on Wednesday or Thursday. I told the coordinator that my chart should have been there by now or it was with Dr. Tong (the endocrinologist) last Friday. I also mentioned that Dr. Ruben Alvarez (my PCP) had assembled and flagged all of the test results that were needed for my surgical evaluation. My last comment to her was, if my chart was not enroute from Dr. Tong office , then she should retrieve my file from medical records.
I will be calling Wanetta Thursday morning to see if she had recieved my chart for review. I am praying that she will get it soon. Until next time...

2/28/2006- God is so good! Now here is some real news, folks. Earlier today I spoke to the bariatric coordinator at Kaiser (she was returning my call that I made to her last week). She told me that she had retrieved all of my labs off of the computer and they looked good. She then asked if I did my psych eval, ekg, and if I had documented my previous weight loss attempts. THe answer to all of her questions were yes. She then asked me if I had been diagnosed for sleep apnea. I told her no I had not been offically diagnosed , but I knew that I had that problem. I told her that she needs to get my chart so that she could she all of the things that we were talking about. I also told her that I had written a letter telling all the ways the excess weight has affected me. She told me to have my doctor to schedule me for a sleep study (I will do that on 3/2). She then told me that by the end of the week, my file will be complete. Wandessa then told me that I should recieve my authorization letter in about 2 weeks. She also told me that I should consider checking out UCLA or Pacific Bariatric in San Diego. I mind was totally blown! I could pick and choose? At that stage of the conversation, Wandessa had given me websites and phone numbers for both facilities. Until next time....

3/1/2006- Wandessa, the bariatric coordinator called me to ask if I had picked the facility were I wanted my surgery performed. I told her that I had not had a chance to check out the websites and that I would get back to her the next day. Until next time...

3/7/2006-- I called the Bariatric Coordinator and she said that she had another option for me, for my surgery, which was Harbor General. I told her no, that I changed my mind to going to Pacific Bariatrics (last week I had left a voice-mail saying that I picked UCLA). She also told me that my file is complete. So , I guess that means I should be expecting a letter in the mail soon. Praise the Lord! A lady who had her surgery done in San Diego said that she knew of some people who had their surgeries done at UCLA and that hospital turn you aloose after 3 months. I am not saying that I feel that UCLA will not give me good care, but think that I want a program that will offer long-tern follow-ups and that is Scripps Hospital. So, until next time...

3/14/2006 --Drum roll please..... I AM APPROVED! I am so happy and so blessed! I recieved the call from Pacific Bariatrics today (at home) congratulating me on my approval for weight loss surgery. I was so happy, I called my cousin, DeeDee and told her. While I was on the phone with her, I had asked if I could stay with her for a week , and her reply was that I could stay for two weeks. I was floored !!! Little did I know that she had already discussed the possiblity of me staying with her with her sister. I began thanking Jesus and giving Him praises. When I told my brother , Preston, little did I also know that he and his wife were discussing me staying with them after my surgery. So today was excellent for me. Until next time...

3/15/2006- Today I recieved my written referral in the mail from Kaiser.

4/27/2006- I finally had my sleep apnea test at Kaiser. The first part of the test was easy. I just had to lie on the bed with all of these wires and electrodes connected to me and go to sleep. The second part was crazy. It involved the CPAP machine. When they strapped that thing on me , I became nervous , in fact so nervous I had to take it off and sit up for a while. The technician saw how upset it had made me, so he said , after I had calmed down, for me is to hold the nose piece up to my nose without being strapped in. That helped. In about 30 minutes, the tech came back in the room to attach the machine on me. You cannot breathe out of your mouth with that thing , you have to breathe through your nose, all the while, the machine is forcing air in your nose.
It took me a long time to fall asleep after being strapped in , but eventually I did. Although I did not get that much sleep with the machine, I felt very rested the next day. At 5:30 am , the technician woke me up, disconnected the machine and told me to get dressed. He said that they only have one doctor that comes in once a week to read the test results and to enter them in the computer system ,and he is behind schedule. It takes about 5 weeks to get the results. I have an appointment with my PCP on 6/15 , so I will get the results from him then.
IF you have ever been told that you snore very loudly, or if someone has had to wake you up because you were choking in your sleep, please go to your doctor and tell him that you want a referral to the sleep lab to be tested for sleep apena. YOU CAN DIE FROM THIS CONDITION!
Until next time...

4/28/06- I had my gallbladder ultrasound this evening at 5:30 pm. I could not eat or drink anything for the previous 16 hours, so my last meal was at 8 pm the previous evening. My gallbladder looked good , no stones. Praise God! So I guess the surgeon will not have to remove it when I have the surgery. After the test, I was starving. I walked to a KFC and got me a 3 piece meal : I immediately felt better. Pacific Bariatrics will not even consider doing wls on a patient without those test results. Once again, I will get those results from my PCP on 6/15 and fax them in to Pacific Bariatrics.
Until next time....

5/24/2006- Pacific Bariatrics called me at work today. They wanted to know if I needed any assistance with my paperwork. (I had attended the new patient lecture on 4/5/2006) I had mentioned that I had my sleep study on 4/27 and my gallbladder ultrasound on 4/28 and had an appointment to see my PCP on 6/15 to get the results for free (vs. going to medical records and paying $50). I also mentioned that Kaiser only had one dr. to analyze , read and dictate the results in the computer system and he only comes in once a week (also he is 5 weeks behind entering all of the results) . Pacific Bariactrics is wonderful, caring and very professional.

6/15/2006- Well folks, it has been a long time since I have posted, but nothing has happened until recently. I had an appointment with my PCP to get the results of my gallbladder ultrasound and my sleep study. The gallbladder looks good, no stones. THank God. The only problem I have is a fatty liver, but that is very common among obese people. Everything else that was examimed was great: the aorta, the common bile duct, my kidneys, my spleen and my prancreas is working great.
MY sleep study (which recorded sleep patterns, breathing patterns, heart function, muscle activity, brainwaves and other factors) was a trip. My snoring was described as loud. I have obstructive sleep apnea -this is where my tongue loses its muscle tone and falls to the back of my throat when I sleep. I have been known to choke in my sleep because of this. One out of every five people have this deadly condition. This is common among a lot of obese people. Anyway, the portion of the test where the CPAP therapy was conducted was the worst part. It was only tested for 26 minutes total (because I had a difficult time falling asleep and had difficultly ajusting to the CPAP therapy). But with that short time span, they were able to determine that my machine needs to be a 9 cm setting (I guess I am pretty bad off-huh?)
If that is not the worst of things, I heard at my support group meeting that Pacific Bariatrics requires you to wear your CPAP machine for 2 months prior to surgery. They want you to feel confortable using it and make sure you are getting the right amount of oxygen. My support group leader, Nancy, confirmed this. I am so pissed off at Kaiser because they are so slow. Believe me, when everything is said and done and I have had a chance to heal properly, I will let Kaiser's corporate office and chief of staff know how I and other bariatric patients feel about their slow approach of handling their process of getting things done in a timely fashion, and about educating their doctors on the various symptoms and conditions of morbid obesity.
I plan to fax everything in to Pacific Bariatics tommorrow. I have been told to make a follow up phone call afterwards.
Until next time...

6/15/2006- Oh I forgot to mention that during my support group meeting last Monday, I was told that Pacific Bariatrics want their patients to use their CPAP machine for about 2 months before surgery is scheduled. They want you (the patients) is to be very well adjusted to the machine. Also, people with CPAP machines breathe differently than those who don't. So, what do those statements mean to me? My surgery, which could have been in July or August is now pushed back to September or October. I have read on the CA board that one person who was scheduled to have surgery in San Diego and did not use her CPAP machine in the weeks before surgery. Scripps had sent her home and her surgery was postponed. They (Scripps) did not care about the number of miles she had driven to get there, or the hotel room she rented, or any of the other arrangements that she had made in connection to this surgery.
On this past Thursday, (6/15/2006), my PCP faxed my prescription for my CPAP machine to DME (Diagnostic Medical Equipment). Marilyn , the nurse had given me the number to that department so that I could call them to get more information. DME inturn gave me the company that they subcontract called Apria Healthcare , they are located in Van Nuys. I will have to make an appointment with Apria to see one their respiratory theorpists to learn how to use that machine properly. I am hoping that I will be able to get an appointment by the end of this week.
On another note, I am throughly disgusted with the behavior of my best friend , Angie. I am not envious of her or anyone else. She is not morbidly obese, but she is trying to add Blue Cross to her existing Medical so she can get the wls. She told me that a nurse asked her if she had sleep apnea. Her reply to the nurse was how would she know if she is asleep. Angie do not have any weight -related, life-threatening diseases. She has headaches, that is it.
Some years ago, Angie and I was talking on the phone. I told her that I was "thinking" about starting a new diet. I had not bought any diet food or anything. All of a sudden, she started asking me how much did I want to weigh and I told her that I did not know. We were still talking and she kept asking and eventually presuring me for a weight number. I told her one day I would wake up , feel good and look good and say that this is the weight that I am comfortable with, and then just maintain. Angie still pressured me for an answer. Then she said, you won't look right if you are too small, and you cannot be smaller than me or else I will have a complex. Talk about insecurity and jealousy. Since when do a person feel insecure over a simple conversation? So, to help me get over my anger with her, I sent her an email containing a list of websites (OH was at the top of the list of course), and a list of books to read. If she is really interested like she say she is, she will read and research. I notice one thing about her. She wants me to "spoon feed" her information while she do not do any of the research on her own. We will see, only time will tell.
Until next time...

6/23/2006- I had all three of my consults in San Diego today. My first consult was with the psychiatrist, Dr. Hildebrandt at 10:30. I was running late by about 10 mins. because I had just arrived in San Diego at 10:10 am. We talked about family, stress, my expectations regarding surgery. In the end, she approved me because I did not have any eating disorders and psychological problems. One down, two to go.
My next appointment was with the internist, Dr Kingsbury. His nurse did an ekg on me. We talked about all of my medications that I was taking. He checked my heart, had me to do some deep breathing, checked my legs for swelling, my neck for enlarged lymph nodes, and my abdominal area for any pain or discomfort. At the end of our meeting, he cleared me for surgery. The dr. told me that he would dictate his notes on Monday and Pacific Bariatrics would recieve them by Wednesday. Two down and one to go.
My final appointment was with the surgeon, Dr. Zorn. His nurse measured my height and had me to slip off my sandals to step on
a body composition analyzer. This analyzer measured my bmi, bioimpedance (measure body fat percentages), body fat % , fat mass (the total weight of my body's fat), fat free mass (determines your overall ability to burn fat), total body water (the amt. of water contained in your body), and finally the desirable ranges for the fat% and the fat mass. Dr. Zorn talked about the surgery, and the
fact that he was 98% sure he could do my surgery laproscopically.
I have 6 things that I need to do in order to prepare my body for surgery.
- take a multivitamin everyday
-take 1000mg of vitamin C
- starting drinking my protein shakes every morning
-exercise approx. 30 mins./day.
-make sure to use my CPAP machine everyday
-drink 60 oz. of water/per day
All of these steps are to insure that I will heal quicker and be healthy enough to endure surgery.
The dr. told me that I will lose the majority of my weight within the first 6 months after surgery, so I need to make the most of my weight loss via exercise and getting in the proper amount of protein in my body everyday. In the end, Dr. Zorn approved me. So, I should be hearing from Pacific Bariatrics either next week or week after next with a date.
From this point on , I cannot gain any weight or PB will cancel my surgery.

7/6/2006- I heard from Myla of PB today asking me what week did I want my surgery. I told her the week of August 14-18. Myla then asked if I would have a problem with my surgery being on the 14th (Monday) and my pre-op on the 11th (Friday) and I told her yes (that is extra money spent on a hotel room). She then told me that my chart would be sent to the surgery scheduling dept. and that I should hear from them by the end of the day.

7/7/2006- I did not hear from PB, so around 3 p.m., I called them. I spoke to Myla and she told me that someone had contacted me (they must have called my cell phone). I am currently having a problem with that , but that is another story. I was told by Michelle that my date with destiny was AUGUST 15, 2006. I cannot believe that. I was also told to bring my CPAP machine, and my booklet to my pre-op. My pre-op appt. is at 1:30 pm, and I have to report to the nurse's station on the 10th floor. I have to be prepared to stay in town until Dr. Zorn is ready to see me one week post-op. I was told to check if I had a co-pay for hospitalization and I told her that I had already checked and there was no co-pay.
So, I have to clear out my closet, clean the house , clear out the fridge and the cabinets of unwanted foods, get the finances together, coordinate with whom I am going to San Diego with, and find an Angel. Until next time...

7/12/2006- I recieved a call from Rob Peterson (Kaiser's bariatric coordinator) on Monday. He told me that Pacific Bariatrics had sent a request for me to do more recent lab work and that the lab requests were already in the computer. I asked which lab was opened the earliest , and told me the one in the hospital opens at 7 am. Rob wanted to be sure about the time, so he told me that he would check and then call me back to confirm. Five minutes later, he called me back saying that that particular lab opens at 7 am. So , the next day, I got up around 5:30 am, left the house around 6:20 am, and arrived at the hospital around 7:05 am. There were only two people ahead of me, and I was walking out of there at around 7:25am. I made it to work on time on a wing and prayer. When I arrived at work , I called Rob to tell him that I completed the lab work. I was told that as soon as they get the results , they will fax them to PB.
Until next time...

7/27/2006- I went to my first OH event out at BubbaGumps on the Santa Monica Pier. I had the most fun. I really enjoyed meeting : Gus and Anna, Kevin A, Daroll, Grace Stone and her sister, Monica, Judy Anne and Robyn. Thanks Robyn for that great photo shoot.
While we where there, we scheduled my last supper. IT is going to be at Claim Jumper in Long Beach on August 11 at 7pm. I cannot wait. I am having the crab cakes . I spoke to my niece, and she said that she is planning to attend also. Until next time...



8/4/2006-Recently , I have been major problems from my immediate supervisor at my job. She has been trying really hard to get me to tell her what type of surgery I am going to have. She has sent a couple of emails saying that she needs to know what type of surgery I having so that she can anticipate my workday; or what is the status of my surgery; or send all of my paperwork to her and she will forward them to HR. So, a couple of days ago , I had a meeting with the Director of HR, and he said that he would give my supervisor a call to tell her that she needs to stop bugging me about my surgery. When an employer asks about your health problems, that goes against HIPAA which is the health privacy act.
So until next time...

Hi Everyone, here is a quick update.
8/14/06-arrived in San Diego; pre-op at Scripps Mercy
8/15/06-REBIRTH
8/16-8/19- first day was a little rough coming out of anethesia, a bad time with nausea., second day still a little nauseated but meds are kicking in and for the first time in my life...normal blood presure...yippee!
Second or third day- was visited by Dana from OH. She had brought chicken broth, Isopure , packets of protein powders and a ballon. She came by on her lunch break, and I was happy to see her.
Third day- went to the exercise class for 45 mins.- learned chaie exercises and stretching.
Fourth day- had two very bloody BM's, I was scared, but nurse told me not to worry because that was very old blood left over from the surgery.
Got discharged.

Update- 9/22/2006- I went to my sister's house after my surgeon's appointment about 3 days after discharge from the hospital. Everything went well at my appt. and I was cleared to go home.
I was picked up by my niece , Crystal. I stayed at my sister's house for 2 weeks. Everyone there went out of their way to make me feel confortable. After 2 weeks I wanted to go home. I had no complications and no pain. Before I came home my sister had taken me to the bank, the grocery store, and the pharmacy.
The only two minor problems I have had since coming home are insomnia and no BM's. At my one month post-op appt., Dr. Tanaka told me to drink more water and get in some fiber. Everything else went well.
At my appt. with my PCP, my bp was 124/76 --normal thank God. He said that if my bp was stablized at my next appointment in November, then he would start to take me off of some of the meds.
Until next time...

10/6/2006- I have lost about 45 lbs. since surgery. I feel a lot better. I have noticed a lot of changes because of this loss: my stomach is not as large (I only look 4 months pregnant vs. 9-10 months pregnant), I do not immediately fall asleep when I sit or lay down and I have more self-confidence.

I have to tell you of my latest shopping adventure. I went to the new Marshalls in Beverly Hills to check it out and maybe buy a few new pieces. I tried on two pairs of pants , size 22. They slipped on with no problem. I was so happy that I called my sister to tell her the good news. She told me to try on a couple pairs of size 20 pants , just for kicks and to call her back. I tried two pair of size 20 pants on, and they fit too (just slightly snug). I called my sister back to tell her that the size 20 pants fit. She told me that I did not realize how much weight I have lost so far. I was jumping up and down thanking Jesus in the dressing room. Believe me , this tool called gastric bypass works! I have to pack up at least 85% of my clothes to give to charity. Yipppeeee!

11/12/2006- I know, I know... I am very slow about updating my profile. Let's see what new developments going on in the world of Kimmy. I am down to 255 lbs. and I feel great. My libido has shot through the roof. Watch out men!!! I can either wear a size 10M shoe or a 9W shoe. I have lots more energy now. I don't get tired when I have to walk up a hill to get to work (a little winded maybe). I get complients just about everyday. To top things off , a guy on my job ( been knowing him for years , but didn't hook up w/ him earlier because he was married--now divorced) paid me a complient early last week. Then, later in the week, he asked if we could go out for a movie on a Saturday, I said sure. He went out one door and re-entered through another door with his phone number written on a piece of paper and handing it to me. Within a flash , he was gone. I will keep you posted. I have been keeping myself busy by packing nearly all of my clothes to give to charity , attending a few OH events and knitting for Christmas. Until next time....

12/4/2006-- I am down to 239 lbs. I feel great. I was just talking to my neice, Crystal, about how our personal space in getting smaller. People think that because you are smaller that they have the right to all up on you. My response is please step back.
I had recently seen my sister (with whom I don't have a relationship with). She had seen my at a bus stop and offered me a ride. Since my bus was not coming , I accepted. She asked if I had been eating smaller meals and told her yes. Then she asked how much weight I had lost , I told her that I did not know , I just go by how my clothes fit. I was not going to tell her anything. I my opinion, she did not deserve it.
Well, until next time...

1/16/2007-- I am down to 219 lbs. For exercise, I am doing Leslie Lansome's Walk Away the Pounds (the 2 mile walk) for 6 days a week. Starting next week, I plan to do the 2 mile walk during the week, but do the 3 mile walk on the weekends. I will do that for a while until I get used to it and then I will do the 3 miles 6 days a week. My 6 month check up appt. with my surgeon is next month and my personal goal is to be down 100 lbs by then.

2/6/2007-- I am down to 212.5 lbs. For exercise , I am doing the Walk Away the Pounds (the 3 mile walk) for 5-6 days a week. I might make my goal to lose a 100 lbs. by the time my see my surgeon next week , but if not , I tried. I am happy to be a healthier, stronger and more fit person. I am going to add the 3 lbs. weights to my workout.
I am currently wearing size 16 Misses/ Women pants , but I really need to be in 14 Womens or Misses. I recently bought a size 14 swinsuit for my cruise in March. It fits beautifully. I am keeping the reciept so I can exchange it for a smaller size, just in case.
I cannot wait for the cruise in March or the Hawaiian cruise in April. Also, I am thinking about going on another cruise the week of Halloween to Bermuda. My cousins, my travelagents, have a free space (Bermuda cruise) and they are holding a raffle for $20/ticket. I sure hope I win. Then all I have to pay for is airfare and spending money.
Until next time...

3/3/2007- Where do I start? This has been such a wonderful journey. I am wearing size 14 Misses in most clothes. I have to make sure that I pay off my Lane Bryant and Avenue charge accounts. I simply don't need them anymore. Two weeks ago, my friend Gaby, had given me my belated Christmas gift... a Victoria Secret gift card for the amount of $25.00. We were at The Grove (shopping center) and there was a VS store there, so I decided to make use of the card right then and there. I bought 5 cotton hi-cut briefs for $25, then I purchased some boy shorts (3 for $30). The gift card definitely helped out. Later that day, when I returned home, I cleaned out my underwear drawers. I got rid of all of the double-digit sized underwear, and any that had holes in them. When I was finished, I had a big bag to throw out. Gaby had also given me a gift card to the store Express. I have not used that one yet.

I recently went to a dance , a fundraiser for scholarships, at a golf course about two weeks ago. My cousin, who invited me, did not tell me how to dress. So, I brought this black cocktail dress (very low cut), and some cute slip on shoes. Although the dress was a size 16 misses, my cousin said that I looked like a size 12. That was very nice. Another "wow" moment. While at the dance , I had the attention of one man (who bought me 2 White Russian drinks), and another man who wanted to meet me. I was floored. I did not get to meet the second gentleman , because I was too busy talking to the first one (while he was rubbing my thigh under my dress). I am still kicking myself for that. Oh well, if you miss one, another one will come along soon. I had a lot of fun.

Last month I went to Anaheim for my 6 month check-up with my surgeon. The weight had started going up , but I forgot that I was nearing "that time of the month" for us ladies. I was bloated. No matter what the reason is , you still do not like to see the numbers go up on the scale. He told me that I needed to start exercising, and I replied that I had been exercising since my third week out of surgery. I am doing Walk Away the Pounds (dvd) -3 mile walk using 3 lbs dumbbells. Even now, that is getting boring. I am looking into Tae-Bo or step areobics. The WATP , is just too easy for me. Back to my appointment with the surgeon. He put me on Vitamin B-1 (100mg), told me to eat 1/2 of a banana (potassium too low) everyday and take my iron pill twice a day. Other than that, I am doing well. So, I have to see him again in May for the 9 month check-up.
My endocrinologist recently put me on Vitamin D for 12 weeks, so I will be seeing him in May also, for a check-up and to get a referral for another MRI to check my brain tumor. Even though I lost weight, I still want the open MRI machine. I just feel more confortable in that one vs. the regular one.

Well , the countdown is offically on. I go on the OH cruise to Mexico in 2 weeks (March 16th). I already have one bathing suit , size 14 but I need to purchase another one. You know the story, while one is drying out, I can be wearing the other one. For formal night, I will be taking the black cocktail dress and the same little black shoes that I wore to the dance.

One more thing , and then I have to go. Two Saturdays ago, I attended the Fitness Expo in Pasadena. It was nice, but mostly geared toward bodybuilders. I stopped by this one booth that had big canisters of Muscle Milk Light on display. I asked to lady behind the counter how much did the protein mix cost and she said that they were not for sale but to be given to all of the VIP ticket holders. She then asked me how or why would be using their product. I told her that I had gastric bypass surgery 6 months ago and how the protein shakes really help people like me get their proper protein in. Upon hearing that, the lady had given me a canister to take home. She said that she felt like I could really benefit from using their product. I felt like the trip out to Pasadena was worth it just for the protein alone.

Well folks, until next time...


3/29/2007- I went on the OH Ensenada Cruise the weekend of St. Patrick's Day. I had a blast. My roommate was Kirsten Shura. She was a little wild and so was I, but then again who wasn't that week. For the cruise I bought this "HOT" dress from Planet Funk in a wine color. All I have to say is , you have to see it to believe it. You know what they say, "What happens on the ship, stays on the ship." That dress with a panty girdle made me look like a total babe. The black dress that I purchased in December (size 16) is too big for me now. I am offically a size 14 now at 202 lbs. I cannot wait to land in Onederland. I am going to tell everyone about it. I recently went shopping with my sister at A.J. Wrights and tried on a few clothes. I pair of beige crop pants (size 14) slipped right on my body. Imagine how I felt when that happened . Major "Wow" moment there. Also, I am wearing tops in size Large. Time to clean out the closet. I went shopping because a co-worker of mine told me that I was still dressing like the "Old Kim" and that I should be dressing like the "New Kim" in smaller clothes. She asked me how did I plan to get a husband if I kept wearing these "big" clothes. Honestly, I did not realize that I had lost that much weight.
Right now I am wearing 3 to 4 inches wedge sandals and I know I could not have done that when I was over 300 lbs.
I have a so-called friend, Angie, who I posted about a few months ago. Now when we talk, she no longer asks about how much do I weigh or what size I am now. She do not want to hurt her own feelings. She was recently off work for two weeks and did not tell me. I have a feeling that she does not want to see me. I still have not given her X-mas gift , because I have have not seen her. She is a very jealous person, but that is her problem. I am going to keep on looking in the mirror and keep smiling. I feel better now than when I was in my 20's. Last but not least, Victoria is no longer a Secret to me. I purchased my first VS bras a week before the cruise , size 36 D. They fit great.
Well, until next time...

6/8/2007- Hey everyone. I am here trying to pick up the pieces of my life. I have not been focused on the necessities and that has gotten me very depressed. With God's help, I am crawling out of this "hole".
On another note, I am still wearing size 14 clothes, but I can get into some 12 (snug fit). A friend at one of my knit stores that I like to frequent had given me some clothes in sizes 10 thru 14. Some items I can wear now, some will have to wait until later this year to wear. It was so ironic that the same day I recieved the clothes from my friend, I had given some clothes to another OH member earlier the same day. That was a pleasant surprise.
I currently doing either WATP (Walk Away the Pounds-Leslie Sansome) 4 mile walk or step areobics with Gin Miller. Leslie's 3 mile walk was just too boring for me. I guess I had worn the insoles to my tennis shoes out, so I had to buy some new insoles. After exercising, the old ones slid from under my foot and was on the side of my foot instead.
Well folks, until next time...

8/29/2007- Well folks, my first year surgiversery just passed (8/15) and I am down 140 lbs. to the weight of 174 lbs. I cannot believe it. So many changes physically and emotionally. I am way more active than I have ever been before. I have met some wonderful people here on OH who inspire and challange me. This past year, I even made an attempt to climb a rock wall on a cruise ship. Next year, I hope to do more crazy and amazing things (like run a marathon) or have plastic surgery (which I am already researching). I tried on some pants (The Editor) at an Express store in size 8. Can you believe that?? I am meeting quite a few men these days. Wow,is all I can say. Let me put things this way... I have to be flattered (by the attention) but still use caution and common sense. Despite all of the ups and downs, this was an amazing journey that has only just begun. I hope that I can be an inspiration to someone who is just starting their journey. Let's see what the remainder of '07 has to offer, okay?

8/30/2007- Hey everyone, guess what???? For a person my height (5'4") and my weight (173 lbs) and with my BMI (29.7) --I AM OVERWEIGHT!!!! I am no longer considered obese.

2/9/2008- Wow! It has been a long time since I have posted! I have temporarily regained 12 lbs. ,but that is because I have not been exercising. I am wearing medium tops and size 8 pants for which I am very happy.

In December , I decided to take the plunge and get Sisterlocks. In case you don't know what they are, Sisterlocks are really tiny locks were you can style your hair various ways. To see what they look like go to www.Sisterlocks.com . The hair at the very front and the nape of my neck is very short. This is because of when I had the weave , the person doing my hair had to press the front using a hot comb, then I had accidentally cut my hair out in the back. I cried! So, I am lovin' my locks except for the fact that I cannot dye my hair for 6 months. I need to wait that long to give my locks to mature and mesh up so that when I do dye, they don't slip out. I had my first retightening 2 weeks ago and my consultant told me that she noticed that they had already started meshing, and that I should be completely lock up in 9 months instead of a year. By my next retightening (in March), my hair should be meshed up for me to put in my hair ornaments. I like these locks because they are low-maintainance.

I am kind of disappointed in regards to the dating scene. While I did not have WLS to get a boyfriend, I was hoping that I would dating guys now that I have lost a lot of this weight. The only guys that look at me are married men (a no no), and younger men (youngbloods). Youngbloods don't anything about paying bills, they just want to have fun. The married men are off limits. I almost got involved with one of them, but thought better of it. A long time ago, a friend of mine told me that men will tell you about themselves, all us women need to do is listen. Well, this guy that I am talking about told me that he was married and that his wife was dying from cancer. The next day, he asked my cousin for my number. The day after that, my cousin called me to ask if I wanted him to have my number . My first response (sadly) was yes. Then I thought better of it. I mean, I am not #1 in this man's life. Also, I put myself in the wife's shoes. How would I like to have that done to me, sickly or not? I cannot see that happening. The following day, I called my cousin back to tell her that I did not want her to give out my number and I explained the reasons why. I have to like the person that I see when I look in the mirror. I cannot have any convictions about the person that I see looking back at me. As women, we need to know that we are in control of the relationship.

9/30/2008- Well it has been a few months since I have last visited here. I am currently wearing size 8 in most of my clothes; 10's for jeans. I am wearing size 9.5 shoes (mostly heels) and thongs (yes, butt floss, so what). Guess what! I am training for The Long Beach Half Marathon in October. I am so happy that training is over, but now the real test begins. 13.1 miles! The thought ran through my mind after I walked my first 5K in March at the L.A. Marathon. I had a lot of friends here on OH that ran, so I picked their brains regarding what shoes I should by, good running books to read, where I should run, etc. I tried to run 3 times per week with a long run (mostly) every weekend. I bought a watch with 2 intervals, a pair of running shoes, a couple of sports bras and a running journal (I like to see progress). Now that the training is over, I am a little nervous, but I am excited. Since I have started training, I have ran 5Ks and 10Ks to benefit Mattels Children's Hospital, Heal the Bay, CIty of Hope, Suicide Prevention and many others. I have noticed that I have fun, endurance has increased, and I have toned up my body. THe benefits of running has been great. This past Summer, I purchased a bike, retaught myself how to ride and trained for a 20 mile ride in San Diego (Midnight Madness). While I was there, I met so many cool people from all over the world while staying in a hostel. If you would have told me three or more years ago, that I would be talking about running, cycling and possibly bungee jumping , I would have laughed in your face. But by the grace of God, I am doing it.
So, all summer long I have had fun. I have found out rather quickly that I don't know jack about the dating scene. I can't get into details (too embarrassing) but I will tell you that I have to re-learn who I am as an individual and touch up on my self-esteem issues. Ladies, If you don't respect yourself, a man won't respect you either. Don't look for it. With this last guy I was seeing I did a lot of comprimising, and looking back on the experience, he didn't do any comprimising for me. It was rebound relationship. He got his fill and walked away. I was devastated. I have just finished reading the books, "Why Men Love Bitches" and "He Just Not That Into You". Both books (which I plan on re-reading) has changed my outlook on how I should view myself and how I should expect men to view me. If you haven't read these two books and feel like you are not getting your needs meet by your man, maybe you should read them and take a good look at how you behave within the relationship. You cannot change another person (they have to want to change themselves), but you can change how you percieve and react to things going on around you.
Well, until next time...