ObesityHelp

8-26-04 Its been 7 days since surgery (8/19/04) and I am so so very weak. I feel terrible. I need to be able to eat something more than just skim milk! It is making me so sick. Taking the vitamins is also making me sick. I am taking a Centrum chewable and Tums with calcium. I've started eating watermelon. That is the only thing that can stay down and give me some strenght. For now I am just in bed. I tried walking today, but I almost fainted. I hope I improve soon because I am due back to work in two weeks. I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday 30th. Hope it goes well.

8-31-04 Had my first doctor's appointment. I didn't actually see the doctor but I saw the nurse. She is nice. She gave me a new diet. I am so happy! Now I can have really stuff to eat like baked potato without skin, creamed soups etc. I am working up to the plan she gave me. In a couple weeks I will be able to have fruit...I know I cheated with the watermelon before, but I am not having it again...salad etc. I can't wait! I've lost 22 pounds in about 2 weeks. I am very happy with my progress so far.

9-7-04 Today is my first day back at work. I feel great. Everyone can see the difference. 22 pounds is a lot to have lost in such a short time. I can't stop the complements! It really does a lot for your self esteem to have people notice that you have started making some positive changes for your life. I know I need to exercise but I hate it. I am trying to eat every couple of hours. I am afraid of wasting away too quickly. I wish I had a better guideline to follow as far as my eating goes. For example, how much calories should I eat a day? I haven't gone to the bathroom for about a week. I called the doctor's office because I think I have a blockage. The nurse told me to buy Colace and some lacative. That actually worked. I'm not that worried about it anymore.

9-13-04 I've been so sick. I got up last night with a terrible pain in my stomach. It felt like gas. I had some broocli soup for lunch and I think that's what is causing the gas. I called the doctor and he told me that if the pain persist to go to the emergency room. I hate emergency rooms. So I laid in bed all night in terrible, terrible pain.

9-20-04 I said at home that Tuesday because I was still in a lot of pain. I got some Gas X which just made me want to vomit, which I did lots of. I can't stop vomiting! I felt so weak. I went to work and I spent most of the day in the bathroom. I don't know what I had in me to vomit, but stuff kept on coming. My stomach hurt so badly. I went on to my second job on Friday. My roommate drove me and stayed with me all night. That was very nice of him to do. He practically did my job while I continued to vomit all night. Saturday was the same so I finally decided that I could go back to work feeling like this so I went to the emergency room. I was do dehydrated that the first thing the nurse did was run an IV. I had to do one of the test to see if I had a blockage and thank God I did. The doctor still could understand why I couldn't stop vomiting. They gave me stuff for my nausea but that didn't help. They gave me about 4 medicines and nothing worked. The doctor finally asked me if I suffered from acid reflux and then it hit me. I had stopped taking my Prevacid and the vomitting was probably as a result of the acid build up in my stomach. I explained what I thought to the doctor and he gave me medicine to low the acid in my stomach and sent me home. One I took the medicine I started feeling better. THANK GOD!

9-29-04 Yesterday I had my 6 weeks check up with my doctor. I was very disappointed about my weight lost. I only lost 4 pounds in over a month! I was 213 on my last visit and now I am 209! I think I am doing this all wrong. I am eating way to many times in the day even when I am not hungry and I am not working out. Things have to change. I have this tool and I went through too much to get it so I have to 'work' it. Today I went down stairs in my building and joined the gym. My co-worker Bill has told me that he will help me with my work outs. Come Monday it is so ON!

10-4-04 Started the gym today and I tell you right now, I can hardly walk. I am so NOT fit! My muscles hurt so badly. I don't think I can take another session on Wednesday. Everyone in my office is feeling sorry for me. They think Bill is pushing me too hard, but I am stubborn and I can take it. I have too get this exercise things going. I have too. This is going to be the difference in my success.
Weight today: 209

10-8-04 Today is my 28th birthday and cried at the gym. I am so hurting. I couldn't help it today. I cried and cried because my body hurt so badly. Bill didn't care he pushed and pushed. I think I need that because I would have surely quit this morning. Shoot, a girl should only cry for joy on her birthday! Everyone wants to take me to eat...no wonder why I got fat in the first place. We eat way too much as a society. My co-workers too me to Chili's. I had a salad and some shrimp. That was good enough.

10-26-04 Today is about two months since I've had WLS. I am 201 right now. I am anxious to get to below 200. I can't remember when it was that I was under 200. I plan to celebrate. Not with food, but it is a milestone for me. I have a doctor's appointment on 11/16/04 and my goal is to be 195 by then. I started exercising on 10/4/2004 and I think it has made a big difference with my lost. I don't think I would have lost about 7 pounds in about 3 weeks if I hadn't starting exercising. I still think the weight loss is slow. I guess I should be thankful that I am losing. Will update soon.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total weight loss: 34
BMI: 41
10-26-2004: 235/201/135

11-01-04 Today I weighed in at the gym and I am finally under 200. I am 199! I am so happy! I can't remember when I weighed less than 200 lbs! It has been hard. The weight seems to be dropping off extremely slowly. One friend told me its because I am a bit smaller than most WLS patients, but it still makes me frustrated. I am exercising 6-7 times a week. Almost everyday. My co-worker is helping me workout in the gym. He is great for me. He really pushes me. We do cardio and lower body on Monday. I do cardio, about 1.5 to 2 miles on Tuesday. On Wednesday, we do upper body. On Thursday I do Pilates or kickboxing. On Friday we do the entire body. I have a part-time job as a police dispatcher for a college, so on Saturday morning I use the gym with my co-work Rach for another full body workout. Sundays I mostly do cardio. Just walking or slow jogging around my block. I am trying to keep moving. I have too. I started exercising about 1 month now and I've lost 9 lbs in that month. I don't think I would have lost that much if I didn't start exercising seriously. I wish I had started exercising from the start. My results may have been better today. Take exercising seriously. You have to do it. You will feel so much better once you start.
Food! Food is becoming easier for me. I try to keep it under or about 500 calories a day, most of which is protien. I don't eat any rice, pasta, bread or potatoes. I don't think I neeed the extra carbs for now. I miss potatoes so so so much! That was the hardest part but I found that I get enough carbs in fruits, vegetables and beans etc. So here is what I eat most of the time:
Morning: Before gym: 1/2 of an apple or banana = 40 cals
After workout: Protien shake, 25 grams = 100 cals
Mid-morning snack: Cottage Cheese = 1/4 cup, 6 grams = 45 cals
Lunch: Soup with vegs and meat or chili or salad or Healthy Choice or some other diet microwave meal, 16 grams = about 140-220 cals (I usually use do a lower cal meal for lunch when I only do cardio and not a full body workout)
Dinner: Maybe a salad, or some cheese or maybe soup or a piece of chicken or tuna, 20-30 grams = 150 cals.
Protiens count is usually about 70 grams. My protien shake gives me the extra boost that I need.
I have my 3 month check up on November 16. I will update then. Hopefully, I will be down to 195 by then. I will be happy if I can make it to this short term goal.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total weight loss: 36
11-1-2004: 235/199/135


11-10-2004: I wanted to update my profile. Seems like I just did it. Well I am down to 193.5 today. I lost 5.5 pounds in about 10 days. I think it is due to the fact that I started exercising 7 days a week. I don't care how tired I am...I have to do some sort of activity every day. Most of the times I do the gym and entire body workout, but sometimes when I am tired I just walk around my subdivision. It is a pretty good distance about 2.5 miles. Food is not a problem for me. I eat anything I want and it stays down. I use to have a problem with water, but I don't now. I am still working on getting in 64oz per day. I am maybe 48oz so far. My plan is to do unsweetened green tea 16oz and 32oz of water, then 8oz of milk and then maybe some more tea or water. That should get in my fluids for the day. I have the protien down pat! I do a shake with 25 grams of protien, 100 calories (Iso Pure) with 6oz of lite yogurt, 80 calories, 8 grams of protien. That starts me off at 33 grams. Only breakfast and half way there! Then for lunch I usually eat 3oz of chicken, 20 grams of protien and 90 calories or shrimp, 22 grams of protien and 90 calories or tuna 6oz 32 grams of protien and 150 calories. So at the end of the day I do get my protien in. I am concerned about the amount of calories I am eating everyday. I am getting in about 500 to 550 tops. I am not going to worry about it as long as I get in my protien and my water etc. I hope I continue lossing. My goal is to get to 190 before my doctor's appointment on the 16th. I don't think I will be able to meet that goal...but I will try. I will update again once I had my doctor's appointment.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 41.5
11-10-2004: 235/193.5/135

I found this on another sister's profile and it is great! Worth a read!
You Know You Are A WLS Patient When
*************************************
"I have a date" doesn't mean you are going out.
You have baby food in the house and no baby.
"I'm a loser" is a good thing.
All of your silverware says "Gerber"
A wooden spoon isn't just for cooking anymore.
"Welcome to the other side" does not mean you have die.
New clothes fall off the next week.
You are excited about "hand me downs"
The scale at Wal-Mart doesnt'r say "one at a time please"
Going bald and getting wrinkles is a good thing.
Just water for me please.
Hitting the "Century Mark" is a good thing!
You love the taste of Chewable Centrum Rugrats Vitamins or biting the head off of Wilma
You can be Touched by an Angel and not be considered crazy.
When your rear end doesn't look like a mud slide anymore???
When your excited your incision is only 6 inches
When the word lap has nothing to do with a strip club!!
Other women are calling you "bitch" behind your back.
When you are glared at in the plus size dept because you really don't belong there anymore!
When you really don't have a thing to wear!
When you have to prove you are you on your license!
When you start being IN the pictures, not behind the camera!
Life has new possibilities.
You want to hug everyone who is fat and give them your surgeon's card.
You are never without a bottle of water.
When people look surprised when they see how little you eat.
When you know all too well the definition of "dumping".
When you can see your feet for the first time in years!!
When you order a doggy bag the same time you order your meal.
Counting protein grams instead of calories
You can say "Oh, I won't have any of that, I'm full" and really mean it
Being to small for your britches.
When the only way your nipples are where they belong is to roll them up, position in your bra & secure with a pony-tail holder!!! (sorry for the visual guys!)
Having someone say, "I can put my arm (not arms) all the way around you!!"
When you go to your child's school and the other kids say WOW you're mom is hot!
When you go to the mall and you park in the first open space instead of circling for 20 minutes for a spot by the door.
When you and your new best WLS friend are planning a date to get belly button rings...(or a tattoo!)
You truly are a "Cheap date" and not in the way that some think.....
When one drink makes you a flipping floozy...
When you run you don't hear a flapping noise.....oh wait you still do.....but at least your running!
When not throwing up counts as a really good day!
When you flip up your shirt to show your scar to a complete stranger!
You feel like you have over eaten after eating half a cup of something.
Vitamins and calcium etc. feel like a meal.
When your pants suddenly fall to the ground!
You go from size 56 DDDD to 32AAA and in one year and you didn't have a breast reduction.
When the chef comes out from the kitchen and asks you "what's the matter, don't you like the meal?"
You've just lost 100 pounds, and someone who hasn't seen you in a while says .... "Gee, did you change your hairstyle?" or what did you do, cut down on carbs?
When you bend over and see daylight through your thighs.
You can cross your legs....both of em!
When you say, "I just got these clothes last week and they're already too big!"
Trying to cash a check and the teller says, "That's not you!"
Instead of the "Wonder Bra" you need a "Wonder Where They Went Bra"
When you walk by a mirror and say to yourself "Who is that girl?"
When people take a double look at you.
When you go out for the evening and feel like Cinderella.
When your obsession turns from food to your scale.
When they no longer have to call 911 and the jaws of life to extricate you from the turnstiles
When your boobs are no longer just big, but they're are now also looonngg.
When the Sharpei you pass on the street reminds you of someone......You!
When taking a splinter out of your own foot no longer involves rope with the tweezers or a second party with tweezers.
When you start buying shoes that tie again.
When your hand will fit in the Pringles can again, but you don't want any.
When the thought of an all you can eat buffet makes you want to barf.
When the steering wheel in your car no longer cuts off the circulation in your tummy
You no longer have a mark on your shirt from the steering wheel rubbing on it.
When you drop food, it no longer lands on your boobs, but hits your lap where the napkin is.
No more cracked toilet seats!
You can avoid the handicap stalls in public restrooms because you can now "fit" in a regular stall.
The thought of flying coach no longer sends you into a panic attack.
When your able to tuck a blouse into your pants
When you don't use the tongs to fry chicken
When you are excited to be able to go to the thrift shops and get your dressy clothes
When the flight attendant doesn't reach for the seat belt extender & you can sit by the window
When you can drive your car with the steering wheel down, and you can bring the seat somewhat closer to the gas pedal, instead of using your tippy toes
When people actually "see" you and talk to you, and not through you like you are invisible.
When you order a child's meal, and take half of it home in a doggie bag
When checking for leaks doesn't mean looking at your panties!!!!!!
When your spandex shorts are used for *JOGGING*, and not merely as an anti-chaffing between-the-thighs-shielding-device.
When your exercise equipment isn't just for drying your fine washables anymore.
When you start dropping things on purpose, just because you can pick it up so easily now.
People who know you are concerned that you are working out too much.
You mother says "dear, you aren't eating enough".
When you can honestly say "I threw my back out from a combo of mountain climbing in the daytime and too much wild sex in the nighttime on my romantic vacation with my new Swedish boyfriend, Sven", instead of "I threw my back out trying to wipe my own @$$".
When they say "put your trays up" on the plane and your was actually down!
When someone gives you a hand and it's applause, not help up out of your chair.
Nasty oozing rash = A KODAK MOMENT.
You don't even NOTICE the shock of horror on everyone's face when you turn to your spouse in a public place and exclaim that you are about to DUMP.
Wooden spoon = post-op pooper scooper!
When your Dr. looks you in the eye and says, "I know you will be a success at this."
When having sex doesn't require having to slap the thighs and ride the wave in???
When your boyfriend/spouse starts gaining weight because of eating your leftovers.
When you can run up a flight of stairs and aren't even panting a little!
When you are laying flat on your back and realize that the bulges in your armpits are where your boobs have gone.
When you leave a piece of you wherever you go (hair).
When you realize that you are no longer the "big girl" in the office
You can't wait to wake up and start your day.
You are having sex and your husband complains of your hip bones poking him.
Your butt gets tired of sitting because you have no padding.
You can sit cross-legged on the floor and you show everyone who will look.
You can wear corduroy pants without starting small fires behind you!
Being able to do Taebo without being winded... but pilates kick your butt
Running into old flames, and saying "Do I know you?"
You look forward to flirting with the new cute phlebotomist at your doctor's office.
Your clothes fall off in a public place and your scream for joy, not embarrassment
You go out to eat and ask if anyone wants to split a kids meal with you
You have clothes left at the alterations place for months, because every time you go in to try them on, they are still too big and have to be taken in again
"Cheating" means eating three crackers
You stop ordering combo meals because you are not allowed to have the soda
You stop looking for minimizer bras, and start buying water bras!
When people you know but haven't seen since before surgery DON'T know you!
When you wave and your upper arms wave back
When you walk backwards no one feels the need to make a beeping sound
When your daughter says, "mommy - when I grow up I want to have long, hangy down, pointy boobies just like you".
You have to safety pin your underwear on (size 14 panties on a size 6 butt)
You've ever eaten (and enjoyed) pureed tuna
Having your neighbor think your husband had gotten a divorce and married someone thin!
You turn on the morning show JUST to see Al Roker!
Before your surgery, it's all you can talk about...After your surgery, it's all everyone else can talk about!!
You are actually bold enough to admit your weight, and even post it on the internet!!!
You can eat 1/4 of a chicken breast and feel like you just finished Thanksgiving dinner.
You actually look forward to stepping on the scale!
You are not embarrassed of anything that you have in your buggy at the supermarket!
You have a wingspan larger than an airplane...LOL!!
Your co-workers are getting diet tips from you instead of vice versa!
When it doesn't take your breath away to roll over in bed.
When you're no longer embarrassed to tell people you weigh 200 pounds
Being able to hang clothes in the closet without them falling off the hanger
Looking for protein everything
Having your children take your food because you are full not the other way around
Not afraid of the elevator because of weight limit
Cannot only blame the cat for shedding
When after a night on the town with some support group friends you go out to breakfast, order 1 meal, and split it 4 ways! And once you have finished eating, there's still a half of each quarter portion left on each plate!
When you are the one (instead of your husband) that blames that terrible odor on the dog!
When your pet needs a gastric bypass because you feed it all your leftovers!
You leave Costco feeling like you've left an all you can eat buffet (all those free samples!)
When food tastes the same coming up as it did going down and water is still cold coming up!
When you call Lane Bryant and cancel your credit card.
When you race to your scale for a quick fix instead of your fridge?
When Crystal Lite is too sweet for your taste buds
When you spend more time reading product labels than you do any books.
When you spend a day in your room trying on clothes you shoved to the back of the closet
When your belly doesn't touch your knees but instead your boobs do
When researching plastic surgery for your TT, boobs, arms, thighs becomes a near olympic event
When you say "OMG I LOOOOOVE chocolate" and you are referring to a protein shake and not a box of Fanny Mae or Ethel M's
You buy 3 Lean Cuisines a week...and that's your total groceries.
Your rings keep spinning around your fingers
The kids wonder what happened to the cookie and cake god...did he die???

11-15-04 - This surgery is one of the best things that has happened to me in all my life! I am so happy and thankful to God for this tool. I have never felt so much energy and vitality in my entire life. Although I am a slow loser I am encourged and have finally accepted that everyone looses the weight at their own pace and my pace is slower than many people's I've read about. On Friday I went to Walmart and picked up a size 13/14 pair of pants. I told myslef not to be disappointed if it doesn't fit but to my surprise it fit and there was a lot of room in the pants! I was so happy! I've never fitted in a size 14 in my life...that I can remember. It is so wonderful! I worked out this morning and weighted in...remember my goal was to be at 190 by the time I go back to my doctor for my 3 months check up? Well I've beat that goal. I am now at 188.5. I am so happy! Its only been about 13 weeks and I am down 46.5 pounds. I know that may not be a lot for some people but I will take it! From a size 22 to a size 14! I'll take that any day! I hope by the end of Novemeber I would have made it to my half way mark - 50 pounds. That would be great! I just want to encourage all the slow losers. Just keep at it. Remember the surgery is a tool and you have to be active and eat right in order to be successful. Don't just think that you can sit around and the weight will fall off. For some people it will still fall off but just think how much better the results will be if you did a little more activity! Anyway, I have my doctor's appointment tomorrow so I will update on that soon.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 46.5
11-10-2004: 235/188.5/135

11-17-04 Well I am a little down today. First of all, I had my doctor's appointment yesterday and while it went fine their scale showed me at 193. That was a bit of a disappointment since I wanted to be at 190 by the time I got to his office. The gym's scale says 190 this morning which is also dissappointing since that means that I've gained 1 1/2 pounds back. Well I am not going to let it get me down. I am going to keep at it. Also, this morning at the gym I actually fell off the treadmill! My trainer was trying to push me to take my speed up to 4.2 and I just couldn't make it. I fell right off! Well I am not going to be discouraged. By the end of this month I want to be at my 50% goal which means I have 13 days to lose 5 pounds. Hope I make it. Talk to you all soon.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004 - 3 months in 2 days!
Total Weight loss: 45
11-17-2004: 235/190/135

11-30-04 Hello all! Things are a little better than the last time I posted. I weighed in this morning at the gym and I am down to 184! That means that I've beaten my goal to be at -50 before the end of the month. I am very happy with the fact that I've beaten my goal. It is a great feeling of accomplishment. I've also made good headway into getting my water intake to 64 oz. I've actually been getting in a little more than that. I keep going to the bathroom! That is a good thing since I know that my body is not storing water anymore.
Thanksgiving was not too bad. I was anxious about it but I did great except for the piece of chocolate cake I couldn't resist. I don't think I have problems with dumping. I ate a piece of that chocolate cake and nothing happened. I don't have problems with anything that I eat or drink. I don't really drink anything with calories, but if I do I still have no problems. I am a little worried that I know that I don't have a problem with sweets or anything. I am finding that I am eating more. I've kept my caloric intake to about 500 per day, but now I am doing about 600. I still don't think this is bad. My doctor said that I should be doing about 1000 but I am so scared that the weigh loss stops. I think I am going to shoot for and stay at 600 per day. That should be good enough. I think I am going great with my exercise. When I don't weight train with Bill on MWF, I make sure and walk at least for 30 minutes. If I keep this up for at least 5 day a week I think I will be in good shape. Music really helps you get into the groove of working out. I love it!
Also had to tell you guys that I took the size 14 pants back and got size 12s and they fit. I also picked up a size 8/10 pants that were stretch material and they actually fit! I was so happy! I think if I get down to a size 8 I will be very happy but my body built is small even now when I tell people I have 50 more pounds to loss they tell me that I will look to skinny. Maybe I will end up being a size 4-6 if I get down to the weight I want to be (135).
Well, the next big challenge is Christmas. I am going to use the same strategy; Eat but in moderations and don't deny myself anything...I can still take a very little piece of something and feel totally satisfied.
The next goal is to be at 175 (-60#s) by the end of December. Till next time.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 51
11-30-2004: 235/184/135

12-3-2004 I was on the page so I am going to do a quick update. I worked out this morning and weighted in. I am at 182. I lost 2 pounds in 3 days. I think this is because of all the water I am drinking. I decided that I can do the water thing. I am getting in at least 72-80 ozs a day. I have to do it. I've realized that there is a difference in my weight loss since I started drinking more water. I just have to rememeber not to weigh myself right after drinking 32 ozs. I weigh at least 1.5 pounds more than if I have no water in me.
I also water load. I read about it on the message board. I drink 32 ozs during my workout. Then I have my protien shake. About 30-40 minutes after I load up on about 16 ozs. I am not usually hungry until about 1 PM. At that time I eat lunch, waite about 1 hour and load up on another 16 ozs. Then at the end of the day, I usually have about 25-30 ozs of green tea. That's how I get my water in. I heard that loading stretches your pouch. I don't think that is true because I am still eating the same amount as I did before. The water loading is keeping me full longer and sending me to the bathroom at least 6-8 times a day! This is a great thing!
I also wanted to talk about planning. I've realized I have to plan every night what I am going to eat the next day. When I get home I usually get my protien mix in my bottle, my yogurt, my cheese and whatever I am going to eat. I like the Michelina's Lean Gormet that is sold at Walmart for $1.18. It has about 150 calories, 14-16 grams of protien, about 11-13 net carbs. I like it because I get my veggies in when I eat it. It usually comes with broccoli, green beans and summer squash etc. Anyway, planning is good and it helps prevent you from over eating. You can also count you calories and protien at that time.
Well till next time. Have a great weekend!
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 53
12-3-2004: 235/182/135

12-10-2004 Things have been going okay. Since the last time I posted I've lost 3 pounds. That's about a week. I am now down to 179. It is amazing that I am fitting into some size 10s now. I also weigh myself before I start drinking water. I've noticed that 32ozs of water takes my weight up at least a pound! I feel and look great! However, this morning at the gym I started getting these pains...more like menstral cramps in my stomach when I had a drink of water. I really hope that this is not the start of some sort of drama. I know many people complain about gallstones after this surgery and evenually have to have their gallbladder removed. I am hoping that is not it. Maybe its the crunches I've been doing. I am trying to work on my flabby stomach and maybe I am pushing too hard. My trainer told me to lay off the crunches for now. I think I am going to do that. My exercise is going great. I am in the gym at least 5 time sometimes 6 days if I am not too tired. I walk/jog at least 1.5 miles. One the days I don't do weight training I try to stay on the treadmill for 30 minutes or about 2.15 miles. Food!-Been doing good here although I did have a peice of wheat bread and an all grain muffin the other day. I wanted to hurt myself for breaking my no bread, pasta, rice, potatoes rule. The bread was a gift from a very close friend and I wouldn't have felt right not having a piece so that when he asked how it was I could honestly say great! So I don't feel too bad about this but I shouldn't have had the muffin. I even started feeling a little sick after I had it. I guess it had too much sugar in it. I am getting in all my protien; about 80 grams per day. The message board had a great response stating that the 60 grams per day is only a minimum guideline. You should take you goal weight (135) / 2.2, * 1.2 = 73.63 - and that should be the amount of protien you should be eating a day. This was great knowledge to learn. The message board is great! Also pertaining to how you eat one reponse gave a great guideline from her doctor:
800-1000 calories
70-100 g protein
64-96 oz water
100-120 carbs
20-25 g fat
no more than 15 g sugar at one sitting
I get in my water and my protiens, but I don't come anywhere near to the calories, cabs or fat. My caloric intake is about 550-600 per day, carbs about 25 and fat about 10 grams if that much (I do everything fat free, even my protien mix (Isopure) does not contain fat). The strategy on the water is to drink at least 32ozs during my workout in the morning. Then my protien shake for breakfast with yogurt (32 grams of protien, 0 fat, 12 grams of carbs). About an hour after 16ozs of green tea. Then about 8-16 ozs of water. Wait for about 30 minutes and around 1PM eat lunch. Then after about 1.5 hours start loading again on water about 32 ozs till dinner time.
Well till the next time I update. Hopefully, I will meet my goal for the end of the month to be at 175 or below...4 more pounds to be there and three weeks to go. I think I will make it if I don't hit a plateau.
Later!
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 56
12-10-2004: 235/179/135

12-17-04 This week I broke all my rules. I ate candy and cookies and way to much junk. It is so hard. The office is packed with all sorts of goodies this time of year. Everyone keeps giving me bad foods and I keep packing it in my drawer. Well enough of that. This morning I emptied my drawer in the trash. I don't want any of that stuff around me. I've had enough for the season. I need to get back on track with my diet. Besides the horrible eating spell I had this week, for most of the week I has really bad gas pains in my stomach area. They were so bad that I had to sleep sitting up. Thank God it is finally going away and last night was the first time in about a week that I actually had a good night's rest. We also had our office Christmas party last night. I didn't do too bad. I mostly ate cheese, spinach dip with a few chips, ham and roast beef. So, it was okay. I don't drink alcohol so that wasn't an issue. I just had water and I had lots of water on the way to the party so that I wouldn't over eat. I am glad the eating portion of the Christmas season at least for work is over. I am heading to New Orleans next Thursday to visit a friend. I intend to do the cooking, which will be healthy, so I'm not that worried about the actual day. This morning I was tired, but I got my butt up and headed to the gym. I walked for 35 minutes on the treadmill. While drinking 32 ozs of water. This week I lost 4lbs! I think that is pretty great for all the junk I ate. I was really surprised that I lost anything. I am wondering when things will start slowing down. Don't get me wrong I am so happy that things are progressing the way they are. At this rate maybe by 7 months I will be at my goal weight and move on to maintaining. Today I weighed in at 175! I am really happy and I hope and pray that I don't hit a plateau. I better stop thinking about it before I jinks myself. I guess I will just continue to do what I am doing -- Lots of water, lots of protein, very few carbs and sugar and my exercise regime. Till next time. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Surgery date: 8/19/2004 4 months in 2 days!
Total Weight loss: 60
12-17-2004: 235/175/135

12-22-04 I just wanted to give a quick update since I would be in New Orleans on Friday and not able to do my usual update. Well all the junk that I've been eating have resulting in me gaining 3 pounds. So I am back up to 178. I am not going too crazy about it. I am just continuing my workouts and once the Christmas season is over I am going strickly back to my eating habits. No cake, sugar, carbs! They are the devil! Anyway, I am just concentrating on having a great time in New Orleans. Will update when I return.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 57
12-22-2004: 235/178/135

12-30-04 It has been a rough week. I have not been doing good at my diet at all. I've been eating everything in sight. I thank God that I am still holding around the same weight, but it is time to get moving again. Come January 1st I am getting back on my diet. I plan to detox myself this weekend. Lots of water and fiber and maybe a laxative. Then on Monday back to under 50 grams of carbs, under 15 grams of fat, up my protien, water and exercise. It will be 5 months come January 19th and I want to continue on track with my weight loss. I have about 41 pounds to go, which is not a lot. I already lost 60% of my excess body weight. I love the way I look and feel. It is incredible! So, enough with the cravings! Back to the old way of doing things. By 8 months I want to be done and in maintainence mode. If I lose about 12-15 pounds for the next 3 1/2 months I should make it. I just have to have some will power to go after what I want. It has been so difficult over the holidays. New Orleans was great and for the most part I stayed on my diet, but I did have some sweets. I hope I can have the power to get back on track. I have too for me. Well friends, have a very happy new year. Will update next week.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 59
12-30-2004: 235/176/135

Recieving Most Valuable Player Award for Area President

Me and my cubemate and very good friend Bill

Me giving speech at kick off

2-11-05 Well I have to tell you all that I flunked at my attempt at the low carb thing last weekend. I at too many carbs so that was dead in the water. However, I started back on Monday. I am determine to make it for two weeks on this low carb diet. So, here I am again on Friday. I hope I make it throuh the weekend. If I can do that, I think I will be okay. It is so hard on the weekend when I am not at work and have everything structured. I tend to laps on my water, and everything else. Hopefully, this weekend will be different. I have to have self control and this weekend will be the test. I am very serious with myself because if I can't survive one weekend without eating anything, then how can I expect to be successful in the journey for the rest of my life? I have to reside within myself that I am in control (well, God is) and with His help I can control with I eat and make good choices and not fall back into the horrible state I was in.
My exercise has been the one constant. I get my butt out of bed every morning, M-F, even if I don't feel like it. I think I am use to it now. My almost 6 months check up went well. All my labs came back good and my doctor is pleased with my progress. He did tell me that my folate count was a little low and that my be due to overhydration. I am drinking about 1 gallon or more of water per day. He told me that is too much and I should cut it down to 3 quarts.
I am growing out of clothes in a hurry. I am now down to a size 6. I just brought some size 8 pants and they are already falling off of me. It is a little frustrating because I can't shop fast enough and even though I don't loose weight I am shrinking fast! However, I am very happy with the way I look and feel. I feel amazing! I look at myself in the mirror everyday and I am amazed that this sexy woman was inside the fat me all alone. I wish I had known! Anyway, more later.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 74
2-11-2005: 235/161/135 - 125!

2-18-05 Things are going okay so far. I've decided that I really shouldn't do this Atkins diet to their specifications since there is way too much fat in the foods. I've decided to stick to my low carb, but also low fat and high protien. On Saturdays is my day off and I get to eat whatever I want. Last Saturday, I went to lunch and I had a piece of cheese cake. It was so so so good! That was it. I felt guilty after, but you know what, I've changed my lifestyle and I am not living the food crazy life I did before so I can treat myself to something that is not quite that healthy every now and again. I am getting in my exercise religiously. The weigh loss is very slow but at least it is coming off. I've read about some people who stop loosing at 6 months or who don't loose anything for months. I just that God that I am still loosing. About 2 pounds a week is still something. I spoke to an old co-worker yesterday who had the surgery done about 2 years ago. She told me she had regained a lot of the weight. That had me so depressed and really thinking what if I regain all my weight?! I am determine never to be fat again. I've worked really hard for this and I am going to be discipline and keep the gift that was granted to me.
One of my co-workers told me something that is so true. He told me to look at my day and determine where most of my time is spent. He then said that as a general rule, these are the areas where you will be successful. For example, I spend most of my time studing, at work or in the gym and his theroy was that I will be successful at my studies, at work and I will be healthy. The conversation came up because I don't have a social life and he was trying to prove the point that I don't spend anytime getting out. Well, when I am done with my MBA in May then I can think about stuff like that. My priorities now are getting down to my goal weight and graduating. Anyway, nothing more to tell. Till next time.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004 - 6 months tommorow!
Total Weight loss: 76
2-18-2005: 235/159/135 - 125!

2-25-05 Quick update. Nothing has changed. I am still weighing in at 159. Hopefully, by the end of the month (3days) I would have lost another pound to get me to my 8 pounds for the month. If this can happen I will be in good shape. I am cool with loosing 8 pounds a month. I figure at that rate I will meet my goal in another 3 months or so. I am still going my exercise religiously and trying to eat healthy. An example of my meal for a day is:
Morning before gym: 6 ozs of Atkins yogurt (12 protien, 3 carbs, 1.5 fat, 80 cals)
Gym: 32 - 42 ozs of water
Breakfast: 1/2 cup of egg beaters & 3ozs of shrimp (24 protien, 2 carbs, 0 fat, 120 cals)
Between breakfast and lunch: Water 32-40 ozs
Lunch: 5 ozs of tuna & 1/2 cup of cucumbers (31.5 protien, 1 carb, 0.5 fat, 160 cals)
Snack: Sugar free jello (1 protien, 0 carbs, 0 fat, 10 cals), Low fat string cheese (9 protien, 0.5 carbs, 2.5 fat, 60 cals).
Protien shake: Isopure (25 protien, 0 carbs, 0 fat, 100 cals)
Going home: Water 32 ozs
Dinner: Protien shake again or some sort of meat with a salad. Ex. Boco burger with 1 lettuce leaf (13 protien, 3 carbs, 1 fat, 80 cals).
Before bed: Fat Free Carb Countdown Milk (12 protien, 3 carbs, 0 fat, 70 cals)
So for the day I can usually get in:
Protien: 115 - 150 grams (depending on my choice of protien during that day)
Carbs: 12 - 20 grams (I also count 1 carb for my vitamin & about 5 carbs for any sweetener I uses in the day)
Fat: 10 - 15 (again depending on choice of protien for that day)
Calories: 750 - 900
Water: 100 ozs
This is a lot of food for me to get in every day. Sometimes at 10 PM I find myself focing to eat a yogurt or drink some milk. But I am happy with my intake. I believe in making healthy choices. This food I eat each day seem like a lot to me but it doesn't have a lot of calories. This is a lesson we have to learn in order to change our eating habits and be successful in the future. Well till next time.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 76
2-25-2005: 235/159/135 - 125!

3-4-2005 Nothing has changed since last week. I am still on a plateau. I am not stressing over it. It happens to everyone at some point or the other. The key is not getting frustrated and sticking to the eating and exercise routine...but also changing things up a little. I have blisters under my feet from walking, so I think I am going to do the bike next week. I am still trying to keep up with healthy eating. I am doing okay. I just have to keep at it until the plateau breaks. Hopefully I will be in the low 150s by the end of this month. Last month I lost 4 pounds...it was a bit disappointing but hey, sometimes you just loose 4 pounds...sometimes you loose 8, some people have lost none in a month, so I am still thankful. Well till next week.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 76
3-4-2005: 235/159/135 - 125!

3-11-05 Well I finally broke out of the plateau! Thank GOD! I think I really handled it well. I was not stressing. I figured it would happen sooner or later. I am now 156 as of this morning. I think I really needed to start eating more. I took my caloric intake from 850 up to about 1000 calories a day and then the weight start dropping off again. I had gone back up to 162 but seems like over night I lost 6 pounds. I went to Ross on Tuesday night and I couldn't fit a size 8. They were all too big. I fit into a size 6 now. It is amazing! The only thing is that there really isn't much cute stuff in size 6...maybe I have to shop somewhere else but I was very disappointed. I also brought a pair of shoes and the 9 were too big to I tried an 8 1/2 and those fit. Even my shoe size has decreased! I am so excited about my journey. Hopefully, if I continue at the rate I am going I could loose another 6 pounds by the end of the month. That would get me down to 150. I could then continue working on the last 15 pounds to reach goal and my post goal of loosing an additional 10 pounds. Till next time.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 79
3-11-2005: 235/156/135 - 125!

3-18-05 Nothing much to report, just that I've regained 2 pounds this week regardless of my over 1 hour of walking on the treadmill and my switching things up and riding the bike for a couple days! I am not stressing. I will loose the weight in my own time. I just have to keep up my routine. I was a little bad this week and I am know I am going be bad because I am off to Lousiana this weekend. But I've promised myself that I will be back on track after this week. I need to get rid of these last 23 pounds. Till next time.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004 - 7 months tomorrow!
Total Weight loss: 77
3-18-2005: 235/158/135 - 125!

3-25-05 Nothing has changed again. I haven't lost any weight this week. I did gain about 2 pounds when I went to New Orleans over the weekend with all the junk I ate. But I lost it back since I got back strict with myself once I got home. I am glad this week is over. I brought a bike yesterday. I paid $52 for it at Play It Again Sports. I plan to go back and get some weighs. Last night I rode for 20 minutes before I took my shower and went to bed. I felt great! I figure if I can do this every night I will be in good shape. Hopefully by the end of the month I would have lost another 1.5 pounds making my total 6 pounds for the month. If you ask me, that will be wonderful!
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 77
3-25-2005: 235/158/135 - 125!

4-1-05 Well this has been a weird week. I've lost 6 pounds this week for a total of 10 this month! I am so happy. I was stuck there for a minute. I weighed in today at 152. My LA trip is out of the way and all the damage I did then. Last weekend I said enough was enought. I want to be done with this weight loss and start maintaining. I went to a family dinner and I had cake and ice cream and ribs...it was bad. I felt so horriible when I got home. Sometimes I wish I dumped. No matter what I eat, I don't dump. I sometimes have stomach cramps when I eat too much sugar, but that's about it. It's less frequent now and it goes away in a short time. I think this is why it is so hard for me with food. Sometimes I get depressed that the weight is not moving and say 'to heck with it' and eat junk. Well, I've realized that I am the only person who can control what goes into my mouth. I have control over that. So for this past week I haven't eaten anything that I am not supposed to eat. I've limited my carbs and fat to under 20 grams and I've increased my protien to about 150 grams a day. I also drink lots of green tea and water. I also brought a bike, which I've ridden for 30 minutes each night. Maybe the extra cardio did the trick. I am now 17 pounds from the century club and my doctor's goal and 27 pounds away from my personal goal. I will still be satisfied to make it to my doctor's goal. The more I think about it, the more I know that I can never, ever be fat again. I can't imaging my life like that ever again. Next week I am going to get back into my weigh training. I've done a consultation with the gym instructor and I think she has show me a lot and I am ready to take it to another level. I also brought some 8LBs weights, but I plan to go back and get some 5LBS also. This surgery is a tool and a gift and I so much appreciate it. I don't remember ever being 152 pounds or a size 6! The only good thing that is frustrating is that I am constantly buying new underwear since my bra size and underwear size keeps shrinking! Anyway, I am pushing to get down another 7 pounds by mid April. That will leave me with 10 pounds to go. I am going to make a committment to myself to do the best that I can to reach my goal by 10 months! Till next time!
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 83
4-1-2005: 235/152/135 - 125!

4-8-05 Well, good news! This week I am down another 3 1/2 pounds! I am very happy and pleased with this since I've been on a plateau for several weeks. So, things are moving. I weighed in at 148.5 this morning. That means I have 13.5 more pounds till I reach 100 pounds loss and be in the century club. Also means I am 13.5 pounds away from my doctor's goal and 23.5 pounds away from my goal. I am very excited! Hopefully in the next month or so I can get to my goal. I figure if I continue to loose about .5 pound a day, then it will take me about 27 days. I doubt that will happen but I am about 7 1/2 months out so if I get to my goal at around 10 months, I think that would be quite and accomplishment. I've been on a low carb, low fat diet for the past two weeks and maybe this is why the weight loss has picked back up. I did my body fat analysis this morning in the gym and it is at 23.3% I think that is still high so I want to work on getting it to about 10%. I still have a long way to go! My BMI 25.5 so I am about .6 points from being in the normal range! Can you believe it! Once I get to 145 I will be in the normal range! I am so excited! The job is extremely stressful right now. I am preparing to do on a trip to Lake Charles, LA. The preparation for the trip is taking me longer than I anticipated. Additionally, I've applied for another position...an Account Executive. I've applied and the entire world! They have over 10 applicants for the position! I competition is horrible and the tension is high in the office. I am just going to do my best if I get through to the next round of interviews. I really believe that I am the best person for the position because my current job is exactly what the AE's duties will be. I am not stressing about it. If its God's will that I get this position I will get it because what God has for you no one can stand in your way of getting it! Well, that's all for now. Will update next week.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 86.5
4-8-2005: 235/148.5/135 - 125!

4-15-05 Okay, it has been a very weird week. I knew something was up when I lost all that weight so quickly. Well on Monday morning at the gym, I weighted myself and gained 6.5 pounds! Back up to 155! I was horrified! I couldn't believe it! I didn't know what happened! Anyway, it did get me down for a little while since I was only 13.5 pounds away from the century club. But that's okay. I still kept up with my workout and my eating and the weight is begining to come down again. This morning I weighed 152.5. I did the weight class at the gym this morning and I really enjoyed it. I think I am going to be a regular at the class. So, tell next time.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 82.5
4-15-2005: 235/152.5/135 - 125!

5-6-05 Well its been a little while since I've updated my profile. It is in part that I've been ashamed of the fact that I regained about 10 pounds. I had to go immediately to my doctor because 10 pounds was a bit much to regain. My doctor told me that that can't be fat. Its water weight. My ankles were swollen. So he gave me a water pill. I think that helped a lot to loose the extra pounds. But I have to admit, that I wasn't the best at eating what I am supposed to eat and staying away from the rest of food that is not good for me...but 10 pounds! I was horrified. Since its confession time, I was on a business trip in Lake Charles, LA and for that week, I didn't workout, I ate everything in sight! I was so horrible to my body. I hated myself when it was done. So I got home and said enough is enough. I cleansed my system with some Fleet and I started on an all protien diet for a week. At the end of the week I was back to 152. This morning I weighed in at 150. I am planning to go back on my all protien diet next week to hopefully get me down into the 140s. I am determined to get this weight off soon. The skin is really getting bad. But I guess once I am at my goal weight I will be looking into at least a tummy tuck. I'm not sure if I want to do anything of that other stuff.
I was reading the message board and someone expressed their frustration at even after the surgery we still have to struggle daily with weight issues. That is so true. It never ends! Sometimes I read people's profile and they say that 80 pounds etc is gone forever...its not forever if we don't struggle and fight to keep it off. It can come back...it will come back if we don't keep a firm grip on our eating habits etc. I am terrified of getting big again, but sometimes I just can't control what I put in my mouth and the funny thing is that it isn't as satisfying as I'd hope it would be once I've eaten it. I am so depressed sometimes I just feel like giving up eating! Just giving it all up! I know that is crazy talk but sometimes it feels like we are fighting a lossing battle.
Anyway, I am back on track. Through everything, the one thing is is consistent with me is my exercise...why can't I have the same discipline with my eating? I work out at least 5 days a week and weights on 3 days. My arms and legs etc are really looking great! I am pushing myself with my cardio. This week I did my personal best of jogging 5 mile in 58 minutes! I was trying to make 5 miles in under a hour for so long. I am happy to have accomplished it twice this week. Hopefully next will will be another great week of workouts.
I graduated with my MBA on April 23rd. I was a very memorable occasion. My co-worker Bill took me to the CheeseCake Factory in Buckhead for brunch. It was lovely. And I did resist ordering a slice of that wonderful assortment of cheese cakes! I was very proud of myself.
Well till next time.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 85
5-6-2005: 235/150/135 - 125!

Graduation Day - MBA Baby! 4/23/05

The whole GANG!

Me and Bill

5-13-05 The only update I have is that I've gain 10 pounds in a week. I just don't understand and it is so frustrating it is killing me. I've decided that I am not going to worry about it. I am going to continue to do what I know I need to do, eat right and stay away from the carbs and sugar and that is all I can do. Something have to give if I continue eating right and exercising. I didn't do very good on exercise this week. I took Monday off for a seminar and promised my boss to work 10 hours for the next 4 days. That made me have to go to the gym earlier than usual. Then I overslept on morning and my cousin died last night so most of the night I was at my aunt's trying to console her so there was no way I was going to get up to get into the gym this morning. I just have to start fresh on Monday. Due to my cousin's death, I am going home to Trinidad next week. I wanted to have lost all my weight before I went home, but I guess that is not going to happen.
Well till next time.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 75
5-13-2005: 235/160/135 - 125!

5-27-05 Well it has been a roller coaster ride. I've given up on stressing about the weight. I am just going to continue to eat a healthy as possible, exercise, take my vitamins, drink lots of water and see what happens. The weight did fall to 149 from 160 the last time I posted. But I think most of that weight was water weight. I swear, the 150s is the range from hell for me. I've been stuck here for months. I really don't consider myself free from the 150s until I am about 145-146. 149 is still to close. To make matters worst, I am heading on vacation on Monday on a cruise of all things with lots and lots of food! I so don't want to be crying when I get home, so I am going to be as good as possible. I pledge to walk at least 3 miles a day. Its not as much as 5 miles but I will be on vacation and I just want to do something to keep moving. I really want to stick to the low carb thing, but I have to be realistic. There will be a lot of food to choose from so I don't know if I will be able to stick to the low carb diet. All I can do is just promise myself to try my best. I really don't want to gain a lot of weight due to this trip so I am going to remember this and do my best not too. I will post pictures once I am back from the trip.
Last night I brought a bikini. Can you believe it! I don't think I look too bad in it but the pictures will be the judge of that.
Well hopefully all will go well next week. I will update in a couple of weeks.
Well till next time.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 86
5-27-2005: 235/149/135 - 125!

6-10-05 Well came back from my cruise and gained 8 pounds! I was not uprised since I ate my @$$ off! I didn't do too badly. I tried to stick to low carb stuff but still managed to eat cheese cake, frozen yogurt etc. Heck, I was on vacation! I enjoyed myself but for the frequent dumping I experienced. Seems like the food on the ship was being prepared weird for my pouch. Immediately after eating I woul be in the bathroom. I also had terrible gas. It was horrible! I was glad that my cabinmate spent most of the time partying and not in the room.
I got back immediately in the gym. I am happy to say that I've lost all by 1 pound and back to where I was when I left for the cruise. I basically, did my cardio this week, no weights. I felt like I had to get my cardio endurance back up since my only exercise besides walking to get food was laying around at the pool for the past week! I made sure and drank lots of water and stayed away from the carbs. Mostly ate yogurt and fruit.
I am ready to get rid of the last 15 pounds to reach my doctor's goal. I will be so happy just to be solid in the 140s. It feels like the 150s are forever! Anyway, that too shall pass.
I tried the liquid diet this week, but only made it for one day. I can't do it. I have to chew food! Eat! So, I've decided to try the South Beach Diet. Maybe that will help me with the last 15 pounds and more. If this can help me lose another 20 pounds in 2 months before my 1 year check-up, I would be at my doctor's goal weight.
I went to our support group meeting on Tuesday night. It was great, but sad since Mary Francise, the RN for the program is leaving to be with her hubby in NC. Virgina will still be with us which is always a great thing. We brought in food and recepies for everyone to try. I love Virginia's peanut butter cookies. They are so simple to make, peanut butter, eggs and Splenda. I made mini-cheesecakes - Just fat free cream cheese, egg substitute, Splenda and vanilla. Mix together, bake for 20 minutes, refrigarate and top with fruit, sugar free chocolate or anything you desire!
Also, discover the GA message board! I plan to attend their next luncheon in July. I look forward to meeting some people who have been through what I've been through.
Well, till next time!
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 85
6-10-2005: 235/150/135 - 125!
Here are pictures from the cruise!

Vanessa's Vacation 5/30/05 to 6/4/05- Carnival Sensation Cruise

Arrived on the Sensation

Chilling at the pool

Captain’s Formal Dinner

Another night to dinner

Dinner again

Arrived at Cozumel

Last day on the Sensation

Last day hanging at the pool

6-17-05 Well nothing has changed this week with my weight. I've been feeling a bit tired so I didn't keep up with my exercise routine like I usually did. I only when to the gym on Monday and I've not been since. I am heading to Fort Laudadale tomorrow morning when I get off of my PT job. My aunt is going to a Nurse Practicitior conference and my uncle and I a tagging along since they get to stay in the fabulous resort! I can't wait to enjoy another few days of R&R. But once I come back home that will be enough of that! I am thinking about paying for Bill to get back in the gym with me for a couple of months. I'm to the point where I need to get these last 15-20 pounds off and done with. When I get back from FL, I plan to get very strict with my eating and exercise...like I use to be. I love the way I look right now. I feel very healthy and comfortable at 150 but my goal is really about 125 and I want to loose 100 pounds so if I get to 135, I think I will be satisfied with that. Well I will update next week.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 85
6-17-2005: 235/150/135 - 125!

6-24-05 Another week has come and gone. I went to Fort Lauderdale last weekend and ate up a small storm. I mostly had New England Clam Chowder....So So So good! But when I got back I was up to 159! I could believe I'd gained 10 pounds! I knew most of it was water weight since I didn't do that great on my water intake for the weekend, but shoot, 10 pounds! I was tired of the yo yo! Starting on last Wednesday, I did nothing but protein, about less than 10 grams of carbs. The weight is off and I am now back at 149. I am ready to get down in the 130s so I am sticking to this for about two weeks. Just protein and hardly any carbs. Basically Atkins. Anyway, will keep my profile updated. Hopefully, by next week I would have dropped another 5 pounds. I dropped 10 in 3 days!...so anything is possible!
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 86
6-24-2005: 235/149/135 - 125!

7-1-05 This week I really made an effort to be more discipline in my eating habits. I ate mostly protein with the hope of going into Kienosis (sp) and burning more fat and loosing the last 15-20 pounds. I think I did okay. I lost a total of 5.5 pounds. That is because I went back up to 152 over the darn weekend. Hopefully, with the 4th of July around the bend, I would keep to my promise to rid my body of carbs. I just can't have them. They make me bloated and I get extremely gasey. It is hard to leave them alone. I love Honey Bunches of Oats cereal and milk. I love bread and all that stuff that is pack with carbs. I am typing and thinking about carbs right now...but I am not going to cheat myself. I want to be at 100 pounds lost at the end of August for my 1 year anniversary. I have two months to do this. Bill started back working with me in the gym. On Wednesday he had me jump rope and yesterday and today I hurt like heck! I am glad, since he will give me the motivation...extra push to finish this part of the journey. Well, Happy 4th of July! Till next time!
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 88.5
7-1-2005: 235/146.5/135 - 125!

7-18-05 I've been doing horribly with my eating and just overall. I've been yo-yoing between 146-155 and I hate it. I've been so stressed out that I just didn't seem to care for a while about anything anymore. But today is a new day and a new week. Tomorrow I will be 11 months out and I am determine to get to at least 90 pounds lost at my 1 year anniversary. Today I've started the Cabbage Soup diet. I hope that will help me loose about 7 pounds. Then I am going to a liquid diet for another week of mainly protein shakes and soup. I hope that these two weeks will help detox my body and all the junk I've been eating. After I will go to basically Atkins/South Beach; Shake before gym in the morning, eggs and bacon for breakfast, they also say adding grapefruit juice to meals helps burn fat, salad or green vegs with meat for lunch and dinner. I am going to try to stick to 6 small meals a day, this includes 2 snacks. I am also going to start back taking my green tea pill to help boost my metabolism. Hopefully, all this will get me back on track. I tell you...it is a constant struggle and it will never end. I am also going to make sure to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. I started slacking off a little on the gym. This morning I ran for 4.5 mile. It felt great!
I am not going to weigh until my doctor's visit in about a month.
Till next time.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss:
7-18-2005: 235/0000/145 (hopefully by 1 year check up)/135 - 125!

8-19-05 Well! Today is my 1 year anniversary! I want to give God all the honor and glory for bring me this far in my journey. I wanted to make it to the century club by one year, but that did not happen for me. My body is different to that of others who have surpassed their 100 pounds and counting. But I am very proud of myself. I am a solid 149 pounds this morning. I still ahve about a week before my check up and I am hoping to drop at least another pound of so, but if it does not happen I am not stressing. I've gotten back on track with my eating. This week I mainly did meat, hardly any carbs. I plan to eat this way for the rest of the month...and until I get to my disired 125-130 pounds. My weight really haven't changed but it is still amazing because I now where a size 4! Can you believe it! A size 4! I've been cleaning up on E-bay! I tell you! It has been wonderful buy fully lined suits for $0.99 cents! It is wonderful being this small. I have to protect it with all my life. Everyone says that I shouldn't loose anymore weight, but I want to get as low as I can go. If I loose more weight I might get to a size 0 at the rate my dress sizes are changing.
I went to my PC doctor last Friday and he did my labs. Everything came back great! I am in wonderful health! The only result that was high was, believe it or not, my B-12. I guess I am getting in too much of that. Too much is better than too little. Well, I am going to treat myself to dinner...maybe a steak and salad. I've come a long way and I don't intend to go back to where I was EVER! I will update again once I've done my 1 year check up on the 30th.
Till next time.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss:
8-19-2005: 235/0000/145 (hopefully by 1 year check up)/135 - 125!

9-16-05 Things have been going better for me. I've gotten control of my eating and I am continuing to exercise at least 5 days a week. I feel great! I am wearing a size 4-6, some 8s depending how it is made. I look great! Yesterday on my way upstairs a woman told me that I had the most perfect little body! Can you believe that! The most perfect little body!? ME? That really placed things in focus for me. No matter what other people see, I still see imperfection when I look in the mirror. I see a fat girl! I don't know if I will ever see me...the new me??? I guess it may be a mind thing. I know I am terrified of re-gaining weight, so maybe I don't want to accept the new me for fear that it would be short lived...Hell, it will not be short lived, I spend too much money on size 4-6 clothes! My plan is just to continue watching what I eat and exercising. I have to get back my endurance on my running. I took a week vacation and did not run in that week and I am so winded when I ran now. But I'll be okay, I just have to build back up that endurance. Till next time.
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss:
9-16-2005: 235/149/145/135 - 125!

10-26-05 Haven't update in a few weeks, but I finally feel like I am back in control of my eating. I am doing the protein train with the BAF and that will further help me to cleanse my body of carbs. I am also still disciplined with my exercise habits! I really enjoy exercising. My building has a great gym. It is small, but has everything I need including Jackie who is wonderful Jackie runs the gym and does the classes. So on Monday, I run for 1.5 miles, do pilatates, the weights for 20 mins. On Tuesday is my 3-4 mile run. On Wednesday is Kickboxing! I love kickboxing! Then weights for 45 minutes, full body. On Thursday is another long run 3-4 miles. Fridays is step class and full body weights. I am so busy on the weekends I never really get the chance to do anything, but with cleaning the house and doing the lawn and all the running around, I am sure I get some exercise in. I recently gained a few pounds, but lost it back. I've been going up and down the same 5 pounds for months. I've lost 85 pounds so far and I just think my body likes being at 150 because it would not move! I had Jackie do my body fat analysis and I am 21% fat...so I don't feel too bad about the weight not moving since my body fat is so low, muscle weights more than fat. I want my body fat to go down to about 18-19, so I've been really working on building muscle mass lately. I wear a size 4-8 depending on how it is made. I don't want to do down any more dress sizes, since clothes that are smaller than a 4 is hard to find. I love my clothes and I have so much more confidence in myself. I feel wonderul. My home life isn't so great. I have a lot of family drama going on and it is really stressing me out. Work isn't that great either. But I am trying to concentrate on me! I've worried about everyone else for many years and got to 270 pounds with a range of health problems. I am taking care of me first!
On another happy note, I finally made it to one of the GA gang's get together. This one was at Joe's Crab Shack in Duluth. I meet so many wonderful women! Tami, Becky, Dee Dee, Stephanie (2x), Bridgette, Ann (2x), Kiwi, Martha, Denise, Mary, Rachel, Ginger, Kay, Marty, Sandra, Deborah, Gretchen and so many other friends and family. I became particularly fond of Becky. Her glow filled the room and was contigeous to everyone she touched. I immediately was drawn to her. I told her she had to be my WL mama. We also adopted Stephanie who started at around the same weight we did. So Becky is the mama, I am the big sister and Stephanie is the little sister. I am so happy to have found the GA Gang!
Till next time
Vanessa
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss:
10-26-2005: 235/149/145/135 - 125!

Pictures from GA Gang October dinner!

Becky, Stephanie and Me

Jonathan and Me

The GA GANG!

More of the GANG

Bridgette, Tami and Me

Jonathan and Me


11-14-05 I've been doing okay. I've been eating well. Mostly protein and I think I am getting close to a break through. I am still exercising about 5-6 days a week. I love exercising! It is my crack, that and Q-Trip Fat Free Caps, until I found out that those sucks have 24 grams of sugar per 8ozs. That was gone. So occasionally I go to Starbucks...but that is too expensive, so its more of a treat now. I've been having fun! So much fun! Life is great! I feel wonderful! They have updated my 14 months picture. This was taken at a party for my birthday! I love that black dress. I made me feel so sexy. It was funny, because I went to a club to celebrate one of my girlfriend's birthday and they had to sing karoke and she needed a back up singer. I went up and we were EnVoge. People started throwing dollar bills at me on the stage. I didn't know if to be flattered or embrassed! The DJ called for me to come back on the stage, and get this "with my sexy little self"...sexy! little! OMG! If he only knew! That really gave me a good laugh!
On another note, I've have a lot of request for advice about the surgery so I'll copy my latest reply. If you had the same surgeon I did, email me privately. I'll reserve those comments.
When were you able to go back to normal activities? I had surgery on August 19 and returned to work on September 3rd with no problems. That was about 10 days. Of course I had the lap procedure, not open.

Did you have any hair loss? If I did, I really couldn’t tell you. No more than normal. I was concerned about this so I braided my hair for about the first 6 months. My hair actually grew quite some length since I wore it very short before surgery.

I see you are an avid exerciser. Do you have any issues with excess skin and if so do you plan to correct it? I didn’t start exercising until around October. I wish I had started before. I was a thick fat, not a loose fat. I work on my flabby areas, like triceps everyday. There is some skin, but very little, you can barely tell. I’ve seen improvement in the way it looks and I believe if I continue working on it, I wouldn’t have any loose skin in my arms, just muscle. I've been working on this for about a year. This is different for everyone. So I can’t tell how your skin would be. I just recommend you start toning it as early as possible to minimize the sagging skin. My legs are good, just a little skin on my inner thigh, butt has a little too, but nothing a fitted underwear doesn’t pull in. My stomach is the worst. I wish I could get a tummy tuck. My breast sags. So prepare for this. A lot of my weight was in my breast. I would like to have them lifted in the future….but no implants.

What kind of eater were you before? I don't eat a whole lot of junk foods. However, I consume large amounts at one sitting and sometimes binge eat. I ate exactly like you did. I would get so busy at work that in the evening on the way home I’d stop by Burger King and swallow two Whoppers, fries and soda. I never ate in any structured form.

Do you feel this tool will correct that? I don’t feel the tool actually corrects anything but make your stomach smaller and causes you to malabsorb some calories for a period of time. I believe you have to work on your ‘head’. Everyone says, they alter our stomachs not our head; that is so very true. You have to start developing good eating habits. That is the only thing that will help this. You have to schedule when you eat, how much you eatand what you will eat. I still struggle daily with my eating habits. I started off really well and then about 8 months out when I stopped loosing and got frustrated, I started making bad food choices. If you read my profile, you can see how many times I’ve fallen off the wagon and was determine to get back on, only to fall off again. It is a daily struggle, even with the surgery. However, know if you fall, get right back up, dust yourself off and try again! You just have to be determined to be a success. My weakness is sweets and it is funny that I never had sweets cravings before surgery. I guess its human nature to always want things we can not or should not have. I plan my meals every weekend. I eat 6 times a day about 250 calories per meal. I have to eat low carb, high protein or I will start gaining weight. This is just the way I have to do it. Again, it may be different for you. Some people can eat whatever they want and not gain a pound.

Do you do any dumping now? I dump on too much sugar. I don’t dump on fat. When I am good, I don’t dump, but when I eat sweets I do. I am not a good person for moderation, so when I eat cookies, it is usually about 5 or 6 at a time, them I am sick. I don’t vomit or go to the bathroom, I just get woozy, lightheaded and nauseated for about 2 hours. I can usually sleep it off.

If you could change one thing about the surgery, what would it be? I would not test the dumping waters. I would not have tried sugar at all. I would have just left it in my mind that I would be sicker than a dog if I ate one bit of sugar….but I couldn’t do that, I had to test the waters. I wish I didn’t know my limits when it came to sugars. If I had to give you one piece of advice, do not do it! I would also never ever overeat. Not one time. Try to keep your pouch as small as possible. Do not stretch it. Some people do not believe it can be stretched, but I do believe it can. Just think we were not born with the 32oz stomach we had before surgery. We grew and it stretched as we were able to consume more food. I would start exercising as soon as you have the strength to do so. Walk a little, ride a stationary bike…get up and move it! This helps you loose more weight in the early stages of your journey.
Finally, since I am giving advice, I know some people are not in support of weighing themselves everyday. I am and I do! By weighing myself daily, it keeps me honest and ACCOUNTABLE for every single pound. It also prevents a 3 pound gain from turning into a 30 pound gain.

Would you do this over again?
ABSOLUTELY!

Hope this helps! Email me or call me anytime.

Till next time!
Vanessa
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 86
11-14-05: 235/149/135

12-16-05 Well the holidays are a horrible time! It is filled with all the wrong foods for us. I am trying my very best to be good. Somedays I am, so days I am a BIG failure, but I am not concentrating on losing weight right now, I am concentrating on maintaining. Once the holidays are over, I'll get back to the business of loosing. I joined LA Fitness and I absolutely love it! I am concentrating on increasing my exercise intensity and frequency. Last week and this week, I did morning and evening workouts. I've started doing the Spin/Cycle classes and it is wonderful! I am sweating when I get out of there. I think this is going to help me whip my legs into shape. I am still continuing to do my regular gym, but I just feel like I need more. On Monday nights, I do my weights and the kick boxing with this instructor who is great! She really works you out. I do the cycling on Tuesday morning and the water aerobics in the evening. On Wednesday, I plan to do my regular class at the gym in the building and then go for kick boxing at LA and then Boxing after that class. I love the Boxing class! That is a mix of hitting the bags and kick boxing. It is a great workout. I feel like I was going weights when I am done. I really need to get back to running. I haven't ran in a long time. I plan to get back to this on Thursdays, then do a Step class with weights in the evening. On Fridays is my regular Step class with full body weight and nothing in the evening. Saturday morning after my PT job, I plan on going to the kick boxing class at the Northlake location. Last week I took Jonathan and my neice, they could not keep up! I had fun! On Sundays, I need to start running at least 2 miles. I figure if I get in activity 7 days a week and get my eating back to normal after the holidays, I can get these last 20 pounds off! I am ready to get to goal and stay there. I hope everyone have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! Till next time!

Vanessa
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 86
12-16-2005: 235/149/135

Pictures from 2005 and before

27th B-day

Aunt's Graduation

My family in Trinidad

Nat F and me

Stephanie

Michelle and me

Jonathan and me October 05

Me 17 months Post op

Jan 06

After morning run Jan 06



2006


HAPPY NEW YEAR!
HEALTHY AND FIT IN 2006!
That is the ongoing goal OH family! I really don't have much to update on. I am holding strong to my diet and exercise program. I did gain a couple of pounds over the holidays but I did stray from my regular eating habits, A LOT! I do not stray from my exercise. I continued faithfully. I think this is the only thing that saved me. I was burning something over 1000 calories per day in exercise activity. I bit the bullet and joined LA Fitness. I really needed to up my cardio and activity levels. I am enjoying it tremendously. I've cut out the water aerobics class because one lady told me after class one day that she didn't feel I was "big" enough to be taking the class! Can you imagine! I knew I felt some weirdness from the other ladies in the class...they all would gather away from me and I wondered about it. It made me feel horrible. Then one of the ladies said this to me after class. She was like, "well, water aerobics is more for people with weight issues who can't do that on ground stuff. You don't have a weight issue, so why are you taking the class?" I wanted to cry! I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Well, I never went back to that class! I've started going to weight training at 5:45 and then to Spin at 6:45. I see them in the pool and the instructor waved to me last week, but I am not going back knowing how they feel.
Besides, I brought a heart rate monitor and I prefer activities that I can track how many calories I burn during my exercise sessions. On Tuesdays when I do my hour of weights and then my hour of Spin, I can burn over 1000 calories. Then if I ran that morning for about 30 mins, that about 400 calories, at the end of the day, I sometimes burnt my BMR which is about 1500 caories.
People can give all sorts or formulas for weight loss, but I believe it is basic; calories in vs. calories out. Stick to this and you will loss or gain.
The next big project I am taking on is to save for my tummy tuck and my breast lift. I don't want any implants. Just a lift. I already have $2600 saved and bonus time is coming soon so I should have all of the money I need for the surgery by April. I don't know if I will be ready to do it by April. One surgeon quoted my $10,500. I have to shop around some more. I am trying to loose a little mroe weight. Maybe about 20 more pounds, I really want to hit that 135 goal by my 2nd annivesary. Everyone already says I look too small for my muscular built and 135 will be too skinny, but at this weight 150, I am still considered overweight. Why come this far and still be overweight? I guess I am somewhat of an overachiever. I did my body fat % because I was frustrated that I wasn't loosing any weight. I last time I did it back in August I was at 23.5% and now I am at 19.8%. I feel really happy about that!
Finally, I have to say that I've never felt more happy, healthy or sexier in my life! I also must admit, that I've been getting some really weird attention from men lately that I am not liking. I was approached by a man. I told him I was married and he asked me if I was happy! I was like! What the hell! He placed his card on my table and told me that, the card was just in case I was ever lonely or changed my mind about being married in the future! The nerve or some of these guys out there! Anyway, home boy was fine! But he was the type that would not have given me the time of day when I was fat...I am the same person and if they would not have been interested in me then...they en got a chance in hell now!
Well till next time!
Stay Bless and Focus on the Goal!~~~You!

Vanessa
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 86
01-21-2006: 235/149/135


2-12-06 Hello all! Nothing much to report this month. All is well with me and my journey to a better me, mentally, physically and spiritually. So many time we focus on the physical on the site but we also have to be mindful that it takes a balance in all areas of our beings to truly be healthy. ITSN'T THAT THE GOAL??? To be healthy? So, if you are reading my profile, take a little time today and not focus on the scale, or the food or anything else and pay some attention to the other two components of your being. If you are already intuned with your mental and spiritual beings and WLS was your quest to get intouch with you physical being; then more power to you! For me...I can always stand for a bit of improvement in each area!
Well, tomorrow I am off to cold, cold PA for a week long workshop. I am so not happy about having to leave the ATL to go up there, but I have to go, its work. Oh, well! Right now I am still here clicking refresh hoping that my flight gets cancelled! ;-) Anyway, I hope I can be good. It is difficult for me to eat right when I am traveling. I find it hard to do when I am not able to plan, shop and pack my food. A couple weeks ago on my last business trip, I came home ten pounds heavier with all the soduim I consume! I hate not knowing what I am eating. I rarely eat out. I usually prepare all my meals so I can control exactly what is in it; calories, fat, soduim, protien, carbs etc. Oh well, this too shall pass...
Tonight I had some fun. My girlfriend Connie who I meet at the gym in my building had her birthday party tonight. She would say how old she was, only that it was between 35-40. 35-40! Sista looks good! I hope I look as good as she does in the next five years! Here are some picture. Stay tuned next week for pictures from the GA Board monthly dinner and the BAF may also meet for breakfast. Should be a busy and fun day. Till next time!
Stay Bless and Focus on the Goal!~~~You!

Vanessa
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 86
02-12-2006: 235/149/135

Vanessa Dressed for party

Connie and the girls

Jonathan and Vanessa at party





2-26-2006 Wow! I can't believe I am actually updating my profile twice in one months! Seems like the ole days :o). Anywho...I just dropped in quickly to update my photos from the GA Board's Feb 18th dinner and Loca Luna. We all had a great time! It as wonderful seeing everyone again. Especaially my mama Becky Farmer. I also met Roz, Nat F and Rachel S. I just love Rachel! Besides her having a daughter who is my namesake, her warmth and radiance just eats you up! There are some wonderful women in our group. I am so blessed to have met and befriended them all. Speaking of friends, I got a chance to get better acquanted with Roz and Nat F since they sat on my table. I will be going to the BAF Chicago M&G in June with Roz and Michelle. Roz invited me to room with them. I am so excited! Nat and Kenny, her boyfriend will also be going. I can't wait to hang with these really cool ladies. I really don't hang out much. But when I do, I love to be around people who I can learn from and be constructive with. And the friends and mentors that I've found at OH are exactly these type of people. The pictures are below and also on my web page.
I also had the pleasure of having breakfast on that same Saturday with members of the Black American Forum BAF. It was again another wonderful experience. I will try to get some pictures from that meeting to post since I left my camera at home rushing in from the airport that morning.
I want to thank God for my three friends who have been blessed with the opportunity to do this surgery. Patricia who works in my building had her's done about a month ago and is doing great. My best friend Tasha has a date for next Thursday. I am so excited! I get to do the waiting game this time around! And a friend I met on the BAF board Indie W or Nikki. Indie had her surgery on Wednesday. I am going to see her today after I get some sleep. If she is up to it, I'll get pictures and post them. Keep my friends in your prayers for their success and continued health.
On a side note, I just added a video to my profile. I've choosen Aaliyah's "Try Again" for a few reasons. I really loved this artist when she was alive. I also love her co-star in the movie Romeo Must Die! Jet Li!!! Love Love Love me some Jet Li! But most importantly, I want the song to carry a message on the profile. The chorus says "If first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again!" I have this song loaded on my MP3 player and I get a high when I run to it. It reminds me that I've failed so many times in life. I've failed as a sister, a friend, a student, a woman, a daughter, an employee, a wife, I've failed my body, my health, I've failed my God- BUT as the song says, I may not have succeeded in many things and many areas of my life, but each and every time I've failed I've dusted myself off and got right on up and tired again, and again and again and again, until I succeeded at being a good daughter, friend, sister, wife, worshipper, appreciater of Vanessa and the woman that I am and is becoming! Remember this lesson when you feel discorage about your weight loss. When you feel like you have cheated and you have failed. Just dust yourself off~~~get up~~~~start over~~~and try again, and again and again until you succeed! Like the meaning of my name; I am truly a butterfly emerging! :-)
Till next time!
Stay Bless and Focus on the Goal!~~~You!

Vanessa
Surgery date: 8/19/2004
Total Weight loss: 86
02-26-2006: 235/149/135

GA Group Feb 2006 Dinner Loca Luna

Roz, Nat F, Val and Vanessa

Vanessa

Nat and Kenny

Roz, Vanessa and Nat


02-26-06 Hey all! Well this is indeed a record! 3 times in one month! But I have something to update so I don't feel like I am just repeating myself. I visited my friend Nikki or Indie W as known on the board last night. She had her surgery last Wednesday. She is doing great! She is in high spirits and just excited about her new life. I am so impressed with this woman's attitude and positive spirit! She is someone I can partner with for long term support and help in our on going battle to stay healthy. I was blessed to have met many of Nikki's family members. They are all beautiful people. Her mom is so wonderful! I could listen to her wisdom for hours. I love to sit, listen and learn from women who are experienced. Shoot we young people need to learn a thing or two from them and maybe we will not make the same mistakes and we will strive to copy their successes. Everyone comes to this site for information and advice from people who have had the surgery, right? Well, the same principle applies! Anywho! Nikki, Indie W was doing great! Stay tuned for my girlfreind's Tasha surgery update next week!
Take care!

Vanessa

06-30-06 I haven't been good at updating my profile lately. I've been so busy and to be honest I beleive I keep repeating myself on may issues. At this point, you are pretty much in cruise control mode. I keep up with my exercise, eat healthy-most of the time! Get in at least 128-200 ozs of water every day. I eat my protein, even shakes at almost two years out. My hair is not falling out, I have very little skin and I feel great!
As for my partners in this journey, Patricia, Tasha and Nikki (Indie W). They are all progressing great.
Patricia has lost about 60 pounds so far and she is about 3.5 months out.
Tasha had some complications. She developed an ulcer and she had a leak. She spent over 3 weeks in the hospital while she was fed directly through her veins. Everytihing is good now. She has lost about 70 pounds so far.
Indie W is so wonderful. I just love the woman's spirit! I get to hang out with her tomorrow since we are going to the BAF dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. Cookie, Kittie Kat and Tamekia Davis will be in town so it is a great opportunity to get together.
My other partners, Michelle R, Stephanie, Shay Sings, Feeling Fine-All look wonderful! They are all inspirations to me and my SHEROS! :-)
On the weight loss tip, I am still at 155. I hope to be back to 150 by my 2 year check up. I am not doing anything different, I just think that I've gained some muscle since I am into weights. I beleive that this is the only way besides surgery to get rid of the flab. You will not get rid of it completely but at least doing weights will help tremendously.
On a happy WOW MOMENT note! I was featured in this quarter's edition of the Obesity Help Magazine! I was so happy to have been published when they could have choosen so many members with greater weighloss stories than myself, but they choose me! It made my day when Michelle R called me and told me the news!
Well, like I said before, we will be heading to dinner tomorrow night and I will have pictures from the event to share. So till then!
In good healthy!
Healthy and fit for 2006!
Vanessa


07-01-2006 Well tonight I had fun! Some Atlanta base BAF members and a few out of town guest got together for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory in Buckhead tonight. Although it took them darn near 2 hours to set us, we had a wonderful time! Here are some photos from our evening...Till then!
Vanessa

2007





2-8-2007 It has been a while since I've updated my profile. This is horrible. In the begining I did my updates weekly, religiously, but after a while you get to start taking things for granted. Much like this profile I've taken my journey and my tool for granted over the last 6 months or so due to a number of personal issues in my life. My mom has several healthy related stuff that I needed to take care of. I started working a third job which seriously impacted my ability to continue my "gym rat" behaviour which was a good thing for me. I've had some problems in other areas of my personal life that I really don't want to put out here. But to sum it all in those faithful few words "WLS does not change our minds only the size of our stomachs" These very difficult months made me realized that I've made tremendous efforts and have had wonderful success in changing my diet, my exercise habits and even the way I look physically, but mentally, when the rubber hits the road, I run back (correction!!!!!) I ran back to FOOD!
It has been a tremendous struggle, juggling all the issues I've faced for the past couple months. I've gained over 15 pounds. Presently, I am on the fight, battle to get back to 150 and then forge ahead to loose the remaining 10 pounds I need to loose.
There are many situations that has happened over the past several months, many of which I would not detail, but I will say this, we have to remember that when it is done, it is only WE that will remain. So while I have responsibilities, I refuse to slip back into the Vanessa is the Savor of the World and remove the much needed focus from my life that I need to maintain balance; balance in my eating, sleeping, exercise, spiritual life etc. You and I must remember that we come first! If we are messed up, we aren't any use to ourselves let alone all the folks that need us.
So, to detail all the wonderful, non-weight loss things that has happened in my life since my last update.
1. I have three of my angelettes that are approaching thier 1 year anniversary; Tasha, Patricia, & Indie W. There are all doing great and have been very successful in their journies.
2. I have 3 new angelettes; Suchaclassy Lady (Chante) and La'Lani Blake & MsVigroTNGodess (Valencia)!
La'Lani is amazing! Is is a single mother and is just moving on up! Hopefully soon she will be able to move here in the ATL. She is almost at her goal weight and I am so proud of her!
Chante has not had surgery yet but she will, IN JESUS' NAME, get her approval from Atena within a week!
Valencia had surgery back in September. She is such a beautiful person and I've had the pleasure of meeting her in person. She is one of the most positive people I know and I have no doubt that she will be successful in the journey.
3. In September BAF held our 1st Annual Walk Against Obesity. It was supposed to be with the National Walk From Obesity but it was cancelled so Mrs. Vanessa Nixon (Vee Nix) and I forged ahead, organized and staged the 1st BAF Walk in Duluth, GA. It was very successful and I had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people such as Jamming James, Nitro Mike, Princess Tish, La Verne and Baby LapBand, the GA crew all came out and represented!
5. I began a partnership with a wonderful woman I meet on the BAF. Her name is Denise Harrison aka JewelCrown on the board. I am writing this and I am in tears because when I think about the support this woman, who I barely knew, only meet for 5 minutes in Cookie's wedding, has given to me, I am just overwhelmed. Folks, one of the best things about BAF is the relationships that are birthed in this forum. It is amazing. Denise and I are partners for life! We support each other. We email each other daily on our exercise, nutrition, sleep, vitamins, water, plans and actuals. She gets on me for not getting enough sleep and I have to say it's only because I know when I get into work each morning there will be a "Check IN" email in my Inbox and one of the questions will be "Vanessa how many hours last night?" This makes me quit work at a fairly decent time and get home to get to the bed.
I can't tell you how much our partnership has ment to me. I can lean on her, she can lean on me. I remember on time I was dead broke and was out of my vitamins. We are honest with each other when we are good and when we are bad so I told her I was out of vitamins and will not stock up will my delayed check got to me. The next day I received a package with a bottle of multivitamins and calcium and a check for $100 with a memo saying "Not a Loan" Go get your vitamins! (Where is the darn cry symbol when you need it?!)
I would encourage everyone who reads this to find yourself a kindred spirit and partner with someone to help you in this journey. Folks it works! Even Jesus had disciples to help Him when He was physically unable to do it all by Himself. Even Moses had Aaron to help hold up his hand. Everybody needs somebody. BUT be careful who you choose to marry your spirit with. The Bible say, do not be UNEQUALLY yoked, I take that to hold meaning in every area of my life, including my partnership with Denise in our weight loss journey.
DENISE HARRISON - I LOVE YOU PARTNER!!!! (Weightloss Partners For Life!!!!)

Okay, I hereby renew my pledge to update my profile at least on a monthly basis. Till then!

In Great Health!
Vanessa
2-8-07 - 160lbs




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2006


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Date	Weight	Pounds Lost	Total Pounds Lost	BMI
Date#8/19/2004	W#235	PL#0	TPL#0	BMI#1
Date#2	W#2	PL#2	TPL#2	BMI#2
Date#3	W#3	PL#3	TPL#3	BMI#3
Date#4	W#4	PL#4	TPL#4	BMI#4
Date#5	W#5	PL#5	TPL#5	BMI#5
Date#6	W#6	PL#6	TPL#6	BMI#6
Date#7	W#7	PL#7	TPL#7	BMI#7
Date#8	W#8	PL#8	TPL#8	BMI#8
Date#9	W#9	PL#9	TPL#9	BMI#9
Date#10	W#10	PL#10	TPL#10	BMI#10
Date#11	W#11	PL#11	TPL#11	BMI#11
Date#12	W#12	PL#12	TPL#12	BMI#12
Date#13	W#13	PL#13	TPL#13	BMI#13