ObesityHelp

I am 36 years old and a wife and mother. We have 5 children two of which are adopted.I have been overweight since high school I was not but 20-30lbs overweight during high school. I did not put on excessive weight until I was pregnant with our 1st child. I gained about 60-65lbs with him. I have tried gyms but I didnt stick with them. I would lose some then gain it back plus more with each child. I have been on diets such as Slimfast, Atkins, T-Lite, Metabolife, Stackers, and low calorie diets. All of these eventually failed, and I would gain more too. I decided this was not helping my health and I did not want to have stroke or heart attack. I wanted to see our children grow up and be able to play with my children. I want to run with them. I want to spend more time with my family and not be tired or sleepy. I have Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have Acid Reflux(Gerd),problem with my feet in the past,and recently diagnosed with Idiopathic Hypersomnia. I do not have significent Sleep Apnea though.

March 30, 2004
I love collecting dolls, and windchimes. I love country music and horses. My family and I are in Taekwondo. I did not think I would like it but I love it. My husband is blue belt and our children and I are yellow belts. It is pretty cool and a great workout. I also in the past walked with my sister 3x a week, but not right now to foot trouble. My feet hurt tremendously because of the excess weight and arthritis suffers too. This is the reason I want this surgery. I want to be around for my family and enjoy life again. I am tired of being tired all the time and I want to have fun again. I am determined I am going to succeed. I am having surgery on my right foot next wednesday due to heel spurs. I am tired of my feet hurting all the time. I will heal quickly I hope. I am determined to make this work!

April 5, 2004
I am tired tonight from work and Taekwondo. My feet hurt from all this weight. Two more days till surgery on my foot. It is Outpatient, so it won't be overnight. I am not sure what to expect on recovery but I wanted to get this over with now, so I wouldn't have to deal with it later. Thursday I go for my dietary consult. I hope I can walk, lol
I am going to bed I am tired.

April 8, 2004
Well, Surgery on my foot went well I think.I am wearing a orthopedic shoe so I can walk. I am taking lortab 10 for pain.
Today I went for my dietary consult for gastric bypass. I learned a lot of things that I had forgotten. I should keep a better food diary of what I eat and take a multi-vitamin. She was impressed that I knew about gastric bypass. I go for my psych consult on April 12, which is Monday. I also go back to my foot doctor that day for follow up. Well, I guess that is all news for now.

April 10, 2004
I had to go to the emergency room last night. My foot was swollen and I thought it was infected. It wasn't infected and swelling was normal due to surgery this past wednesday. My foot is still sore. My foot doctor is trying to get splint for walking that is approved by my insurance. I hope I get it so I can walk more. Today our children and my husband went for testing for their Taekwondo belts. I couldn't test because of my foot. My instructor says I can make it up when I am able. I still wish I could test. I did enjoy seeing my children test.
Well, this is all for now. I do go back to my foot doctor Monday.

May 1, 2004
I have already gotten my stitches out of my heel. I got them out the 29th of April. I am doing better everday. My husband's first cousin died May 4 (which is my son's birthday). We went to funeral for that May 6th. I never seen so many people. He does have a lot of family. I go tomorrow, May 10th back to the pyschiatrist to finish up my eval. He wanted me to take Topamax for a month to see how I would do. He stated some people has lost weight on this. I have not heard good things about Topamax and I didnt I needed this anyway. If I thought pills would work, I would have already done it. Besides, once off the pills I would gain it back anyway. I can't wait until July 20th. I go see Lindy Hruska for consult. I have one more appointment on May 27th for sleep study. I did get to make up my belt test and got my orange belt before graduation.
It has been hot today! 86F My son had two baseball games today. They won one and lost one. They have 3 games next weekend. I hope it is not as hot!

May 13th
I went back to the psychiatrist May 10th. It went well. He said I was healthy for surgery. I told him the Topamax didn't work( I didnt' take it). I told him that I didn't want to take pills for weight loss. I have already tried that. He said that was fine. He said that he would send my referral for surgery to my PCP. I thought that was good. It has been raining a lot latey and boy my rheumatoid arthritis is sure flaring up because of it. It also made me depressed today. I didn't take my Zoloft till this afternoon. I should have taken it earlier. Well, I do feel better now than I did. My sister and I went bike riding this afternoon. We went 3 miles today. We are getting ready for a yard sale this weekend. Maybe I can get rid of some stuff around here. Well, I am going to bed tonight. I can't wait for this surgery. I am tired of being tired all the time.

May 29
The yard sale two weeks ago went well I guess. All is well here. My husband got injured in Taekwondo last Wednesday. He hyperextended his knee. This made his knee dislocated, torn cartilidge, and torn ligaments. He had surgery on May 28thth to fix this. He is home and on pain medicine. He will be out of work for 6 to 8 weeks. So, this means I will have to work full time for now to pay bills. Other news, I went for my sleep study consult on May 27th. I go for the sleep study June 20. We will see how that goes. That is all news for now.

June 12, 2004
I don't update as often as I should. I been having to work more now because hubby is out of work until doctor releases him. He is doing better. He got his staples out June 7th. He hope to get the brace off June 16th. Then his doctor will discuss light duty at work. It has been hot. It seems like waiting for ever for the sleep study. I been worried alot lately about work and income. But I know it will all be fine. The children and I went to Taekwondo last night. It was fun. Our instructor is so understanding and works with us on our payments. He understand our husband who is also a student is out of work until he gets better. We couldn't ask for a better instructor. Taekwondo motivates me so much and I can't wait until I have this surgery and get well. Taekwondo will definately benefit then. Maybe I will be able to do a jumping side kick then! I called Dr. Hruska's office and they said it maybe a month wait after consultation for surgery. Who knows, I can't wait but nervous too. Well, I guess that is it for now. I got to go to bed to get ready for work.

June 26, 2004
Today is my husband's birthday. He is 41. I know he is excited about that! Yeah right. I did do my sleep study on June 20th. I had to stay during the day as I came out negative for sleep apnea. I guess that is good. I didnt sleep well there but that may be normal. Now, I wait to go back to the pulmnologist (sp?) for follow up on July 8th. Then, I go see Dr. Hruska on July 20th. It seems like all this is taking forever but then again, it seems kinda fast too.
One another note, we tested for our green belts last night. I think we did well.
Right now, I am going through some stress with my mother. She refuses to take her medicine correctly or eat. Her doctor says she is pyschotic? She goes to the psychiatrist Tuesday. We will see how that goes.
I guess that is all the news for now.

JULY 12, 2004
My mom is in the hospital again (this is the 3rd time). She got Deyhdrated again and not eating. They are putting her in the psychiatric hospital tonight or tomorrow. This is their last resort. I hope this helps her.
On another note, We went to Taekwondo class tonight with our new green belts! It was an ok class tonight but it could have been better. Mr. Daniel was not there tonight; he left early due to a family emergency. Eight more days till I go see Dr. Hruska. I can't hardly wait. It seems like forever since I started this in March. I forgot to mention I went for for follow up with Dr. Noah about my sleep study results. I do have sleep apnea but not significent enough for a machine. However, I do have a sleep disorder that warrents treatment. He said I was one sleepy person. I take Provigil now for the sleepyness(sp)?It sure helps out a lot! I don't get sleepy now when I drive now. I am not so scared anymore when I drive with my children.
Well, I will write more later.

July 20, 2004
I went for consultation today with DR. Hruska. It went well. We had a group seminar I guess you would say. Then we each went back to see Dr. Huska, she listened to my heart, my chest and my stomach. They checked my blood pressure and heart rate. She asked me to lose 20-30 pounds and start the preop diet. So, it is full liquid diet for me. I think I can eat one meal (low carb/high protein) at night WEll, I guess I write more later. I gained 2lb which wasn't good. But that's ok.

July 23, 2004
We went to see my mom at the psychiatric hospital yesterday. It went great I think. She is doing %75 better. They called today and said she can come home tomorrow. She is doing %110 better. They started on a new medication call Wellbutrin yesterday. That seems to help her cheer up. I hope she continues to do well.

I officially started the preop diet today. I hope I can hold out. I know I can do this. I will write more later to update.

July 26, 2004
My mom came home Saturday. She was doing so much better! She was drinking on her own and wanting to. She went with us to do her grocery shopping. She did most of this herself. I am so proud of her. She was glad to see her husband, when before she was unhappy. I think the Wellbutrin made a difference along with the other medicines. She is even willing to take control of her medicine. I did set up her pill container for her for the week. I am going to check on her Tuesday. Our children go to Church camp today. It will be quieter around but I know I will miss them. I am missing them already.
Boy this preop diet is rough. I think I am going to buy different protein shakes though. Carb Solutions are not the greatest. Well I am going to bed now, as it is 12:38 am here.

July 30, 2004
Our children went to Church Camp July 26th. It sure is quiet here without 5 children here! I miss them already. My husband won't admit it but he does too. I talk to Judy at Dr. Hruska's office. I don't have to do all clear liquids right now until after preop. I just have to eat healthier and lose some weight. I have already lost 8lbs so far. I bought a new bathroom scale, a kitchen scale to weigh food after surgery, measuring spoons, and a measuring cup so far. I tried Carb Solutions shakes and I did not like them! It tasted watered down and kinda bitter to me. I have ordered Designer Whey Protein. I hope this is better. I asked Judy about Slimfast Low carb. She said it fine for preop but not post op. It has sugar. So, I am using that for protein right now and will try the Designer Whey Protein after surgery. In other news, I go for stripe testing in Taekwondo tonight. I am green belt and will get my first black stripe on what I know. I hope I do well. Our children will have to make up when they get back.
Well, I guess this is all news for now. I will update more later.

August 8, 2004
Well, I have lost a total of 11 lbs since July 20. I hope that is good. I still need to loose at least 9lbs by August 19. That is when my consult is.
I passed my 1st stripe test in Taekwondo. I also got a stripe for my termanology too. I was proud of my self. We had a hard work out this past week. There is no telling what is in store for us this week. I already received the Designer Whey Protein. It doesn't taste bad, but I know taste may change after surgery.

August 15, 2004
School starts tomorrow! It is for 2hours. They will go for two weeks then out for 10 days. I have lost a total of 17lbs since July 20th. I have 3lbs to lose. I have been sick with a cold this past week. I have missed a week of Taekwondo too because of it. I will go back to tomorrow afternoon. My voice is hoarse now from coughing. My brother-n-law thinks it's funny. I can barely talk. I don't think it's funny but oh well. I go to see Dr. Hruska August 19. I am nervous about that. We got all the children their school supplies. I didn't realize there was so much stuff. Oh well we got the stuff now. I will update more later.

August 19, 2004
Well, I have to wait until August 26th for preop appt. Dr. Hruska's office called me to rescedule appt. She was still in surgery this morning. I was a little upset but not too much really. I wanted to be at my sister's surgery today and I did get to. She had foot surgery on her foot. She is fine. I was suffering from a cold last week and still have a hoarse voice from the cold and some congestion but not much. I have lost 17lbs since July 20. She wanted me to lose between 20-30lbs. So, I have one more week. What's one more week right? In other news, our children started school this week, yay! They will go this week and next week, then they are out for the horse show in Shelbyville that happens every year. Whoopie! I think that is stupid but that is my opinion. Two of our children are in band this year. Last year, we had one of our boys in band, this year it is 2. We have a saxaphone player and now a trombone player. Want to come to my house for a concert? LOL And we still do Taekwondo too! So I guess, I will go for preop August 26. I will update more later.

August 21, 2004
No new news right now. I still have 3lbs to lose. I am just about over this cold. I have a voice now. My sister's foot surgery went well. So, now I wait until August 26th.

August 23, 2004
I lost 2lbs now for a total of 19lbs. I have at least 1lb to lose! I can't wait till preop but nervous too. I am afraid I will gain. I am trying to be good on this diet but it is hard, especially when my family eats shells and cheese and potatoes. But, thats ok. I know I doing this for a reason. I want to be healthy. Well, more later.

Aug 25, 2004
I gained back 2lbs. So, I need to lose 3 lbs but I won't be able to do it by tomorrow. I should be ok though. I have lost 17lbs in little over a month. Not bad, I don't think. I am a little nervous but we'll how it goes tomorrow.
I will update after appt.

Aug 26, 2004
I can't hardly stand it.... I got ready to go to my preop appt this morning. I had problems with my car.. The trunk would not shut after I opened it. I got a tie down cable to take care of that. My car needed oil, but the stick fell loose from the cap. I had to go to my sister's house to pick up my sister so she could go with me. I got a pair of needle nose pliers and took care of the oil cap and put oil in my car ( so it wouldn't blow up!). I forgot my husband's cell phone to take with me. So, I had to go back to my house and pick up the phone. Mind you now, my appt was at 10:30am. It was already 8:30am when I picked up my sister house. THat's not all.... When we got to Clarksville at Dr. Hruska's office, I had to pay my copay for my Tenncare. They do not accept Debit cards. I knew I had brought my checkbook with me but I couldn't find it and I tore my car apart. Well, the receptionist said that was fine, I could pay it later. WHew..I was glad... I didn't want anything else to happen! I got to see Julie Gray! She is so sweet and nice. She was there with her mother. She was there for her post op visit. She says she is sore but not as sore as before. She stated she is doing some better. That was good. I gave her a hug when she came in.
Judy called me back and got the scale ready. I knew what I had weighed this morning. Their scale was right with mine. I was so happy. I had lost 18 lbs since my last visit! Judy was happy too. Apparantly my PCP had not sent my sleep study yet to them. I got to get ahold of them and get them to send it! THe great news is that I have a date! My surgery is scheduled for Sept 22. I go for preop testing Sept 20. I probably could have the surgery a little earlier but I told Linda that I needed the surgery to be after Sept 13. That way my husband can be there for me. Dr. Hruska went over the risks again and made sure this was what I wanted. I told her yes. She answered all my questions I had. I was happy about that. She asked me to continue my diet that I was on. I will try to. But I think I am doing ok. Boy I could jump up and down right now but I think I will wait. Oh! by the way, I did find my check book in the car in my visor where I put it......lol

Aug 27, 2004
Today I took my daughter to therapy and paid bills. Tonight was Taekwondo. We did our second stripe test. Three of our son's and my self did not get our second stripe. We need to review our '1' steps. We will retest Wednesday. No other news today. I went shopping today for myself. I got me a new purse. I didn't really have one anyway, a new bilfold, a sport bra, and some white t-shirts for taekwondo and some Flinstone chewable vitamins
More Later.

Aug 29
Nothing too much new. I have an angel! Her name is Dixie!
She is so sweet. She had the same surgeon as me.

Sept 2
Not much going on. I have lost down to 260 now. That is a total loss of 19lbs since my visit with Dr. Hruska. It is not easy sometimes to stick to this low carb/high protein diet. I do sugar free jello, popsicles, low carb yogurt, cottage cheese, and my protein shakes. Do not buy the sugar free popsicles at Kroger's. Yuck! They are called juice coolers I think. They do not taste good at all! I'll with the ones I have been buying at walmart.
My husband took our neice to get her driver's permit. She passed. I knew she would. She is very bright. Now she gets to learn how to drive. What fun! Her daddy can do that. She will probably want my husband to teach her. She thinks a lot of him. She is his favorite neice. She is 15 and in the 10th grade I think. I know she will continue to do well in school and go to College.
My mom is still doing well. I went to see her Sunday and she is doing fine. I am so glad I do not have to worry about her not eating.
I am more worried lately, thinking about bills, and my surgery. People have different opinions about this surgery and believe me I have heard them all. It gets me to thinking and worrying. I do trust my surgeon and I have nothing to worry. I still worry though. I worry about how things will go after surgery. I have planned to be off work for 6weeks. I may be able to go to work at 4weeks but I know I am stubborn and I am afraid I will pick up something I shouldnt. So, I will see.
Good news, I called my surgeon's office and talked to Judy and asked her did they receive my sleep study results. She said they were there! At least, that is one thing I do not have to worry. So, everything is set for Sept 22. Still makes me nervous though.
I will leave it up to God when I worry too much, because I know this is the right thing to do. I will write more later.

Sept 6
Today is Labor Day. We are doing nothing today. My husband is working today and I am at home. My car is broken down right now. So, I am stuck at home. Well, good news is I have lost down to 257. That is a total loss of 22lbs since July 20. I don't know how I did that but I'll take it! School starts back tomorrow. I am off tomorrow. I usually work on Tuesdays but I had asked off to take my mom to the doctor's appt. IT is just a follow-up. I have a little over two weeks for surgery. I still worry but not as much. I will update more later.

Sept 9
Nothing new going on today. I have lost down to 258. I did get down to 256 but gain to 259 then back to 258. So, that is ok. Sometimes it is not easy to stick to a diet. My husband did buy me some carbsmart ice cream. I can get addicted to those. I am getting prepared for surgery. I have already preregistered at the hospital. I have already turned in my notice for medical leave at work. I go on medical leave Sept 21. My surgery is Sept 22 but I am doing bowel prep the day before and I need to be home that day. I don't want to have accidents at work.lol. My sister's Birthday was yesterday. I gave her a musical jewelry box with a dolphin picture on it. It has a dolphin in it and it twirls around when the lid is open playing music. My husband got her a windchime. She likes windchimes and dolphins and porcelain dolls. I couldn't figure out what to give her, so I gave her the music box. She can put it with her collection of other stuff. She is 35 now. Gosh, that makes me feel old. I am 36 and will 37 in October.
My son, Calvin, decided he is not going to play band this year. The band director is being a @%*&%$. My son does not need to be treated like that. And my daughter has decided she is going to play the flute instead of a trombone. We did buy a saxaphone on ebay for Calvin. Anyone wants to buy a Saxaphone? We are buying a flute on Ebay for our daughter. At least her band director is not the same one as Calvin. He is nice and Calvin had him last year.
I wish he taught the high school too. Oh, well one can not have it all. Well, 13 days to go to surgery. It seems going to fast but then it seems dragging, you know what i mean? I hope I have a running car by then.
Well, I gotta go.

Sept 16
I have not updated in a while. My brother-n-law had a stroke this past week. He had problem with gripping and his speech was slurred. He has 95% blockage in his neck. He just got out of the hospital 2 days ago. He will have surgery on his neck in 4-6 weeks when his strength is built up.
My weight is fluctuating right now. It is hard sticking to diet. But, I have not really cheated, at least not sweets or cokes anyway. I am still trying to stay away from bread. I have surgery in 6 days. I go for preop testing Monday, Sept 20th and start bowel prep Tuesday Sept 21st. What fun will that be! My sister is going to be with me the first days with me at the hospital and my husband will be with me the next two days.
We did have 2 cats, now I guess we have 3. A boy cat had been coming to our house after being abandened by our next door neighbor. My daughter has claimed him. She named him Prince. I guess he can stay. At least, he cannot have kittens. I know he can help make them but my female cat, Angel is spayed. I am really glad of that. It took me 3 litters of kittens later to get her spayed. I should have done that after the 1st litter. Oh, well she is spayed now and much nicer.
I am nervous about surgery coming up. I have already worked my last scheduled day at work. I may work sometime before Monday but I don't have to if I don't want to. After Sunday, I won't be able to work. I am already missing work. How silly is that? Who would miss restaurant work? I will! I guess this is all news for now. I am getting ready for surgery. I got to go get my antibiotics filled to take the day before surgery. More later,

Sep 18
I can't believe it is only 3 days till surgery. I go for preop testing Monday. I have already got my antibiotics to take the day before surgery, and I got the Fleet Phospho-soda for bowel prep. I am hoping my sister is going to come up there with me at the hospital. She has to work. She will be up there with me at the surgery but they would not let her off the next day. My husband wants to be with me during the night while I am there. I have God on my side and everyone at AMOS. They have been great. My sister has been great but her job won't let her off more than one day due to lack of help. Oh, well what is new. I guess I am feeling a little depressed right now. But, I still want this surgery. I have lost 22lbs since July 20th. I guess not too bad. I have been getting a few negative remarks about this surgery, but I know they do not understand. They only see the negative side, not the positive. That is the way most people are sometimes. I do believe we got to have faith. I have faith in God and faith in my surgeon.
I did get to see on Discovery Health Channel show about 'Kathy's Story-Escaping Obesity. I liked the show. I wonder how she is doing now.

My brother-n-law is doing fine for now. He has not started back smoking yet. I hope he keeps it up. He will have to have surgery in about 4weeks or so to remove the blockage in his neck. I guess I will go for now. I am still trying to get things in order here.

Sept 20
I had preop testing today. It was a long drive up there today! It took longer there it seems. There was a lot of construction traffic. I signed at the desk. I did EKG, went to Respiratory Therapy to practice breathing in this thing, got some blood drawn, and xray. I was late but they said that was fine. I got there at 9:49am and left at 11:20am. I am wearing pink band I have to wear. I go back Wednesday at 6am and surgery at 8:30am. The surgery was scheduled at 1230pm. But they found out it was moved up. I liked that. I have lost a total of 25lbs since my first consultation with Dr. Hruska. I will do bowel prep tomorrow and take my antibiotics tomorrow after bowel prep. I will update more later.

Sept 21
Bowel prep today. What can I say? Yuck. Stuff tastes awful. I guess it wasn't meant to taste good. I am on clear liquids today. I guess that is ok as long as I can have ice. I learned not to drink anything else after drinking the Fleet soda and water. It will come back up! I tried drinking some Crystal Lite after I finished the first half of the fleet and water after. It came back up! I had to wait about an hour and half. Tomorrow is the day. I am nervous and scared. I should not be. I know I am in good hands and I have plenty of support on here and My angel too. My children's school is even supportive. That is so sweet. My work is supportive too. I am still going to miss work for a while. I have to take the rest of the fleet in about 45min. So, I will get off for now and If I do not get back on, I will see you all on the other side!

Sept 25
I made it! I went in at 6am and left Today at 140pm. I chose epidural for pain relief. I did get a shot of morphine after they took out the epidural because I was waiting to be discharged. They took out the drain and boy did that hurt! THey changed the dressing on my incision and took out the central line. I am very sore now but I am determined to keep walking. Right now, gas is bothering me but is getting better. I can't stay on this computer real long. I do have a wonderful Angel. She checked on me during my surgery and to see how I was doing. She checked on me several times She was wonderfull. THank you Dixie! Now, I go home and get some rest.

October 1
I am on Full Liquid right now until October 7th when I go see Dr. Hruska for 2week follow up. It is getting better everyday I guess. I am getting bored with liquid diet but I know it is best. I guess I am bored being at home and can't drive yet. I am not supposed to drive until I go back for 2week check up and get staples out and off pain meds. I am already off pain med except at night now. I hope I am getting all my protein in. I do know that Halls Sugar Free Cough Drops do not agree with me! I won't take them again. I can't believe at my weight. I have not seen 241 lbs in I don't know how long. I have seen over 260 I know for two years or more. Right now I am worried about redness around my incision(staples). It is a little red and sore. I am just worried about it. I have called my doctor and they supposed to call me back. I will update more a little later. I need my zoloft. I will see if my PCP can give this to me in liquid or I will crush it.

October 6
I am getting bored with being at home. I go for my 1st post op visit tomorrow to get staples out. I will be glad because incision looks irritated. I did go to my pcp last week and she said it looked fine, just irritated. Maybe getting the staples out will help. I am still on full liquid. I had my Carnation Instant Breakfast this morning with extra protein frozen. I had some jello later and then some yogurt. I probably need to eat more but not hungry. I will probably fix some soup later maybe. Anyway, I am down to 240 now. I am pleased with that. I hope it continues. I have been walking with my sister the other day at the park. I almost went a mile. I got too tired to go all the way. That is the most I have done since before surgery. I am going walking today and I hope to do better. I am getting in plenty of fluids I think. I wlil update more after my appointment tomorrow.

October 7
Today I went for my first post op appointment. I lost 24# since surgery. I got my staples out. I am pleased with my loss and getting staples out. I get to go to purried/blended diet. I am pleased with that. I got to go to Taco Bell and eat Pinto's and cheese. It tasted so good and I could only eat half of it. That was ok, I save the other half for later. I was definately a cheap date! It only cost my husband $10 for me, him and our daughter today. How cool was that! It usually costs about $15 for three of us, let alone 7. I am a little stressed with bills but I am sure it will turn out ok. Getting my staples out hurt a little but not much really. I still can't take a tub bath yet. But I can get my incision wet now and soap it up. I guess that is good. I go back to her in 4 weeks. I got to drive on the way back. Boy, that is a long drive but I still liked driving. Well, I guess that is all for now. I am tired, it has been a long day.

October 9
Well, today is Saturday and I am on puried diet. I am doing ok with staples out. It is still a little sore. But at least I can wash it now with soap. I still can not take tub baths yet,still showers. My skin is dry and itchy. I got to get some lotion to put on it. I need to stop weighing everyday. I should only weigh one a week at least. I think I will put the scale under my bed today. I go back to work November 3rd. I will be six weeks out then. I am bored now. But, at least I can move a little more. I think I will go take my pomeranians for a walk. I am going walking with my sister this afternoon.

My husband is depressed right now because of past due bills. It will get better I am sure. We just have to believe and have faith. I wish I could do more but I can't right now. He tells me not to worry, that it is his job. I still worry anyway. He bought me some Caltrate 600 chewables. They have 2g of sugar. I took one the other day and I did not get sick. I still worry about that.
I guess I will not do much today, probably work on laundry.
Well, I will write more later.

October 17
Today is Sunday and I got our children on the church bus. My sister is having a yard sale today and she had one yesterday. It has been cool yesterday and today. My sister and I walked 3 miles yesterday. That is the first time I have gone that far since before surgery. I am proud of myself. I was tired but felt good. However, I fell asleep in the recliner but I woke up and went to bed. My belly is still some sore. I am not sure if I am doing too much or what. I try not but our children are not the greatest at helping. I am having trouble with our daughter right now. She is rebelling and wants to do things her way. What's new right? All children her age tries this I guess. I think she is around the wrong influence. She usually get away more with her daddy than with me and she knows it. However, her daddy was not as she expected last night. I hope she will change but I don't see it. We will see. I can't get any of our children to help. I do love our children. I am trying to be patient but sometimes it is hard.I will be better probably when I get back to work.
Anyway, I have lost another pound. This weight loss is slow. But, I can tell the difference. Well, I guess I will write more later.

October 21
I am pleased with my weight loss so far but I am bored. I miss work. It sounds dumb doesn't it? Well, maybe it does not sound dumb, but I probably could find stuff here to do (like clean house). I have lost a total of 46 pounds since my first preop visit with my surgeon. I lost 18lbs of the 20-30lbs I was asked to lose before scheduling surgery, and I have lost 24lbs after my first post op visit. I have lost 3lbs pounds more. To me, this sounds slow. I have to remember I am probably now considered a 'light weight' compared to other losses. And besides, I have not weighed 233 in over 10 years. I can remember this weight after our son was born. So, I guess that makes it 13years instead of 10. I used to work at a Steakhouse restaurant and the manager would not let me wait tables because of my weight. He told me if I tried to report him he would make it look like they did not need waitresses at the time. I still can not stand him to this day! I do not hate him. I just think he is an *&@#. That restaurant closed down about 2years later. Now, that manager is in produce I think. I am glad of my job I do have. They do not discriminate. I go back November 3rd. My sister and I went walking late this evening. We only went 2miles. I was in town earlier and didnt get back in time to go 3miles.

I miss Taekwondo a lot. Right now, our finances won't allow it. We are hoping to get back in December. I hope so; it will help our children to get more active again and maybe I won't feel so bored.

My daughter has been given a flute (a loaner) for right now to use. We could not afford one on Ebay right now. She was going to get the trombone, but wanted to change to flute. I can't blame her. I love the flute; that is what I played in high school and college. I want her to be happy and play what she wants, not what I want.

My brother in law is having surgery on the blocked artery in his neck on November 1st. I hope everything turns out ok. I am sure it will. My birthday is Saturday, October 23rd. My husband got me 4 new controls to my Nintendo Game Cube. That is what I asked for. Well, I did chip in $17 to help pay for it and my husband put in the rest. I know the gift is not romantic but it was what I wanted. Well.......besides a haircut and haircolor I would like too but I can't have everything.

Two of my female dogs may be pregnant or pregnant soon. My female chihuahua was in heat 2weeks ago and she was with my male chihuahua. My female pomeranian is in heat now and she is with the male pomeranian. I hope to puppies born in December. That will be puppies that I will sell. The pomeranian's has papers and the chihuahuas doesn't. Well, I guess that is all the news for now. I have rambled on enough.

October 25
My daughter came home sick today. I think she is fine; I think it was something she at lunch. I had lost down to 232 then gained back to 234 but have lost back down to 232. I really should not weigh everyday. I need to hide that scale or someone hide it from me. I went to visit my mom today to set her medicine up for the week in her pill container. I think she has gained weight but she does seem happy. I am glad of that. My husband is getting promoted to his own store. Currently right now he is District Relief Manager of 3 stores......relieving the manager of that store. I guess you can say the position he has now is like a 'golpher'. This position coming up would mean his own store to manage and more pay. My name was put in for the position my husband has now but we decided that my time is needed here, with our children and I am not looking for this as my career. This is my husband's career. I only hope happiness for him. I think I did overdo things. My left side is sore for the past two days. I was cleaning in the kitchen sunday and I moved our roll top desk out to sweep. I am almost five weeks out. I figured it would be ok, but now I am sore on my left side. It may be due to healing on that side from what I heard. I have to remember to take it easy.

My sister and I walked 3miles yesterday. We did not go today. My sister went somewhere looking for a car this afternoon. I know, I know... I could have went walking my self but I did not really feel like it. I do plan on going tomorrow. I want to keep up this weight loss.

October 28
Well, I weighed this morning and had lost 2lbs. I weigh 230 now. My weight goes up and then go down. I need to stop weighing everyday. My sister and I went walking yesterday. We went 3miles again. I am getting used to it but I still have to rest at halfway and then again halfway from there. I can tell when I am getting too tired. My stomach starts getting 'tight' and hurt a little. I know then I need to rest. My sister is understanding and we rest from there. My sister lost her pomeranian puppy to parvo two days ago. She was black with a grey face. She had given the puppy worming medication and a parvo shot but I think the shot was a little late. The puppy was already ill when she gave the shot. I do feel for my sister as I have two pomeranians my self. I plan to give her one of my pomeranian's puppies if she has any.
I plan to go back to work a day early. I am feeling well enough to go. Besides, I miss work. How crazy is that? Halloween is coming up. I can't wait until income tax refund time. That is our Christmas present. That way, our bill will finally get paid. I went grocery shopping yesterday. At one store I went to, this cashier knew me from the store I live next to. She used to work there. She said to me " you lost a lot of weight". I told her I lost 49lbs.(18lbs preop and 31 after surgery). She said "Is that all?" I told her I had surgery. I probably weighed more when I saw her, so I probably had lost more before surgery. That made me feel good.
Well, I got to go pay our water bill before they cut it off.

December 9
Well, a lot has happened since I had been on here last. We moved 5 days ago. This is a much nicer place and I just now got internet here. We got cable internet. We could not get DSL where we are now. We had a good Thanksgiving and I did not do too bad. I need to stay away from cornbread dressing. It is addicting.
I have already went back to work. I get compliments everytime I work. I have already went back to my surgeon in November. I can't remember if I typed that or not. It has been awhile. I had been cleared for regular foods. I have to remember to chew, chew, chew,and cut up meat the size of an eraser. Chicken does not always agree with me unless it is in a soup. Breaded chicken does not agree with me at all. I have to remember to eat very little bites. I found out the hard way that sugar free ice cream does not agree with me at all. I spent all afternoon in the bathroom. Other wise, I think I have been doing pretty good. I can't believe I am in size 18pants. I used to be size 22. A customer at my work gave me some pants that can fit me and some I plan to get into next year. I am pleased with my weight loss but it seams slow, but I know slower is probably better. I can't believe I actually weigh less than my mom now. I do worry about her weight though. The doctor decreased her seraquel so maybe that will help.
I can't seem to believe I am 215 but that is what the scale says and my PCP's said.
I had a bladder infection a month ago and 2%ketones. They put me on antibiotics for the infection. Liquid antibiotic is nasty.
Last week I went to my PCP to check on the ultrasound I had the previous week. I was having aching pains on my right upper side under my rib. It is not sharp but dull and not always there. My doctor gave me pain medication that week. The ultrasound came out normal for my gallbladder and liver and other organs too. So, maybe I just overdid something. I seem to be fine right now. I was really sore and tired from the move though. I still have to take naps. I have noticed I can move better at work and a little faster. I hope this continues.

December 16

Christmas is getting closer and I don't seem prepared as I usually am. I shopped for the children last night. I still have to shop for my sisters, my neices, and nephews and my brother-n-laws too. Christmas will be tight due to the move we made. But I am not complaining. I love it here. The house is easier to clean and I do not live near a nosy neighbor. I feel safer here too and I feel comfortable leaving my 13yr old to babysit here when I am at work. Right now, we are having car problems but we will manage. I hope we we get our income tax refund we will get bills caught up and get our van fixed.

My weight loss has been slow lately. I am 214 right now. Sometimes it goes up to 217 then back down to 214. I hope the weight loss picks up. I know why though. I need more exercise. Right now, we have not been walking due to the move. I can't wait to get back into Taekwondo. It will help with the weight loss.
More later.

Dec 24
Well today is Christmas eve. Our children are getting more anxious. I have to still wrap some presents tonight. We got some gifts from the marine corps. We got new coats for the children and a few toys. They were needing new coats. At least I do not have to worry about them staying warm. I have lost down to 210. I was 209 yesterday but I am 210 today. That is ok, I will lose it again. Well, not much to update, I have to work on Christmas day but I will have Christmas morning with the children.

December 30

Well Christmas is finally over! Whew! I survived Christmas dinner. My sister and I picked up my mom and went to my other sister's house for christmas dinner. There was plenty of food but I was good. We had the dinner kinda early but that was good. I had to get our children back and get ready to go to work at 2. Yes, I had to work on Christmas day. That is a requirement of my job. My husband had to work too, since he works for the same company but different restaurant. It was a busy day there of course since we were the only restaurant open. I made real good money that day. We had four servers, two cooks, a door corp(opens the front door for people), and an extra person for answering the phone for to go orders. One of our regular customers took each of our picture. He took mine too. He gave me the pictures of me Monday. I think it is pretty cool. I can tell the difference in how much weight I have lost. I usually do not like looking at pictures of me but I like this one. It gives me something to compare to other pictures I have.
I am doing ok with my weight loss. I think it is a little slow but as long as I am losing who cares right? I am down to 207.5 right now. I had wanted to be down to 200 by the new year but maybe that was too much to ask for that soon. I will be satisfied with this. I am not having much problems except for back pain. I have been having back pain for about 2 weeks now. I went to my pcp last thursday. He gave me pain medication and muscle relaxer but I only take it at night because it makes me drozsy(sp?). I do not know what is causing this back pain. Maybe it is due to my weight loss? I have read other posts about back pain. It does not hurt all the time, just when I am working for a while during the day and then it starts. Mmmm maybe my body is not used to holding up the excess skin from the weight loss? I do not know.

Other news, I had a chihuahua named Ginny that was pregnant that died on Dec 11. She was in labor and could not deliver her puppies. I feel bad but we think she was not big enough for the puppies to deliver. I buried her the next day. One of my other chihuahuas is pregnant too. Her name is Suzie. Anyone can check out her picture on my webpage link at the top. She is due anyday now. She is 8 years old on Christmas day. How cool is that? I am not sure of her due date as I didnt write it down when she bred. I was hoping for Christmas puppies but I will settle for New year puppies? lol. I just hope she does well. She is more experienced at having puppies than Ginny. It was going to be Ginny's first litter and this is Suzie's 10 litter or 11(not sure).

I am glad this work week is over! I had to work Saturday(Christmas Day), Monday for someone else, Tuesday and Wednesday. I normally work 2 days a week due to my husband's full work schedule. I will go back to 2 days next work schedule. Now, I can get my house back in order. Kids go back to school Tuesday. I go back to work then. Whooo hoo!

January 2

Well, It's already 2005. I am glad to see the new year here. I had to work Friday second shift for my husband cooking. I did not care too but I did it for him. At least I was getting paid cooks'pay. I get paid $7.50hr to cook. After work My husband and I bought fireworks at a fireworks stand. I let our children shoot fireworks until almost 1am. Boy, was I tired but they had fun.

I lost another pound for a total of 73 pounds total. I am about 26lbs more than my sister. Everyone always compliments me on my weight loss. Personally I do not see it as much as everyone else. I can tell I am losing weight by pictures of me but if I look at myself in a mirror, I can't tell that much. I guess because I see my self everyday. My baby sister could tell because she does not see me that much. New years day we went to see 2 movies. We saw Fat Albert and Christmas with the Kranks. I liked both of them pretty good.

I guess that is all the update right now. I am hoping to be under 200lbs by end of January.

January 15
Well today I have been cleaning house. I actually enjoy cleaning this house better than where we did live. I can actually move around and not trip. I done all the laundry that got behind during the week. I put Arm&Hammer Pet deoderizer down and vacuumed all the rooms. I mopped the kitchen floor, and bathroom floors with Pine Sol. I made our bed and washed dishes. I cooked tonight and I thought I would be hungry but not really. I have to remind my self that I need to eat. My back still hurts. I am thinking it is because of me losing weight. Right now, my weight fluctuates between 203 to 207 lbs. I know I need more exercise. My back is giving me a fit. I am going to try to start back walking tomorrow if I get the nerve to.

Oh, our chihuahua who was pregnant had her puppies on January 8th. That is one day before our son's birthday. He is 14 now and think he is a 'man'. He will learn in time that he still has room to learn and grow. Our chihuahua, Suzie had 4 puppies. She had 3 boys and 1 girl. One boy died at birth. I was not present for two of the births, so I do not know what happened with the first male born(that is the one that died). So, she has 2 boys and 1 girl. We are keeping the girl.I gave her to Calvin for his birthday. I named her Sara.
I can't believe that I am close to my middle sister's weight. I weigh 20lbs more than her. I plan to catch up and pass her, lol. Well, I hope to anyway.
My husband, George has been great with my weight loss. He has been supportive and my job has been supportive for the most part too. My manager suggested that I cheated on losing weight. I did not like that comment and I told her that I did not 'cheat' to lose weight. I have to work at this just like anyone on a diet. One can still gain weight with this surgery. I know this is a tool given to me and it can be abused if I do not watch what I am doing. I still think she is 'one sided' on this but I do not care. Everyone else makes me feel good about my weight loss and gives me compliments all the time. Dawn, one of my co workers made the comment that I now have a 'waist'. That was too cool. I used to be in size 4x uniform. Can you believe I was that large? I went to 3x, 2x and now I am in XL now. I am still in size 18pants but I know that will change. I bought me new pj's. I got them on clearance for $5. It has clubs, spades, diamonds and hearts and numbers all over it. It is white with red and black, like playing cards. I thought it was warm and snuggly, so I treated my self. Well, I will write more later.

January 22
I can't believe it, today I am am 198! I am finally under 200 lbs. I hope this weight loss continues! I tore up my car by causing a hole in the gas tank. I hope we get it fixed soon, or our blue car fixed. My husband got his W-2 in, now I am waiting on mine. I hope to get it Monday. I am still excited to be under 200lbs. I have not been that weight in a long time. I will try to update more later. My hair in not falling out as much now. I switched mult-vitamin. I now take One A Day Carb Smart with Biotin. So, maybe that is helping.

January 25
We filed our income tax return Friday. It will help out on bills and getting our 2000 mazda fixed. I miss the van. It has more room for all the children. Weight loss has not moved in a few days. It goes up a little then back down to where I was. At least it is not increasing tremendously. Being under 200 is still cool. My back is still hurting bad. Some days are not as bad as other days. I worked over a few minutes today, but not too bad.

Puppies are doing fine. I have already one buyer for the chocolate puppy. Two of them has their eyes open. Pretty soon they will be barking and growling at each other. My youngest sister has chihuahua puppies too but older. They are cute too. I guess I will get off now so I can get ready for bed.

January 30
Well, not much new today. Puppies are 3 weeks old today and eyes open really good. They are barking now. We bought some flea shampoo so we can give them a bath and some purina puppy chow so we can start that.

My back has still been hurting a lot. I may have to go back to the doctor. I tried heating pads. I spent about $10 on them and it just made it worse. I may have to have physical therapy like my FNP suggested. I hate taking pain pills all the time. I usually take them at night but when I worked Friday. I took some at work because of the extreme pain I was in. Cindy, one of my co-workers gave me a Lidocaine pain patch to put on my back. I believe it helped more than the heating pads.

We went to Chucke' Cheese's Friday night to celebrate my husband's promotion and our 14yr old B'Day ( a little late). We had 12 children and 6 adults, ages from 7 to 19. George paid for this out of his check. We don't get much time with our family because of his job and George wanted to do this so everyone could have fun. I think everyone did, at least I think. My sister Linda, I am not sure if she did but she was difficult last time we went to Chucke' Cheese's (2003). She ordered a sub sand/fries and didn't like it and she did the exact same thing this time! Hello!! The food was free; it did not cost her or her family a thing! We paid for it all because we wanted to not because we owed it or anything like that. Sometimes, I think she can be ungrateful. She did not even say thank you for us inviting her. Oh well, that's gratitude for ya!

I had gained 2lbs this past week but I lost it back Saturday. I went back to 198 Saturday. This morning I weighed at 196. It will probably go to 197 but it is still a loss. I am enjoying this weight loss but not the back pain. I am assuming as my body adjusts the pain gets better or at least I hope. I was thinking the vitamin was helping my hair loss. I am not sure it is, because I am still having hair loss. Oh well, I have thick hair anyway. I guess I can afford to lose some. I hope it stops sometimes though.

February 13
Well, the puppies are 5weeks old now. They are growing everyday. The two boys will go to their new homes next Saturday. We are keeping the girl.

I seen my surgeon on February 8th. I have lost 67# since after surgery. That is a total of 85lbs loss. I have lost 3 more since Tuesday. I have been sick with a nasty cold or something the past two days. I think I caught it from my husband or from someone at work. Who knows? Right now I do not have much of an appetite. I have not had much of one anyway since surgery. I am trying to keep hydrated. I know I can get dehydrated quickly especially when I am sick with this cold. I start physical therapy on my back next week(Thursday). I hope that helps my back. It still bothers me a lot. But, I would do this all over again. I am very gratefull for this surgery. It has saved my life. I am so glad I did not get high blood pressure or diabetes.

My husband, George has to have cataract surgery on his eyes on March 1 and March 8th. Tenncare is actually paying for it. He did not think he still had Tenncare. Well, he might as well use it before it does run out. I guess that is all for now. I will try to update more later.

February 15
Well, all of us has been sick with temperatures this week. I am thinking it is the flu. I have been sick and my husband too. I am getting some better now but some of our children are sick now. I hope to go back to work tomorrow.

I went to Taekwondo last night with Calvin, Robert and Allan. My husband stayed home with our other children who were ill. They seem to be doing some better today, at least I hope so.

February 23
Tonight we went to Taekwondo. At least no one was coughing tonight. My back was hurting though but I am sure it will get better. I go to physical therapy tomorrow. Today my sister had a procedure to dilate her throat so she won't throw up. It was same day thing. I think she came out alright. Today I weighed at 189. I hope it continues to go down. After a week with no loss, I will take a pound loss anyday. I still don't like when people make comments that I am only losing weight because of this surgery. They must think I took the easy way out. This surgery was in no way easy and it is not easy to do the diet I must follow. I still miss regular cokes but I am allowed diet cokes now but I do not drink them that often because of the carbonation. I did have a diet coke today. I didn't finish it all but that's ok. My youngest sister foot still been bothering her. I hope she starts to feel better soon. Maybe the brace and insert will help her when she gets it. I can relate when my foot hurt. I am glad it don't hurt now. I wish my back didnt hurt, but I am glad I did have this surgery. Dr. Hruska is pretty cool with me.

March 6
Well, tomorrow I go back to work. I still have problems with my back but physical therapy is helping. I will go two times this week. My husband is having his second cataract surgery this coming Tuesday. He is pleased with his first cataract surgery. I hope it goes as well with the second one. I am down to 187 now. I think that is about 3lbs more than my middle sister's weight. I know it's bad of me trying to beat my sister's weight. I shouldn't think like that. I am just pleased with the weight loss so far. I am size 16/18 now even though I bought some pants for work that are size 14petite. I know I can not fit 14 here. I have pair of 14's I've been wanting to get into. I figure in about another month I will be able to. I want to lose about 37 more pounds. If I can lose 57 more that will be good but I don't want to be too greedy. I will settle for 150. I wish for 130 but I will settle for 150.
My nephew had a wreck today and totaled his truck. He lost control of his truck and hit a tree. I am glad he is ok. He gave everyone a scare. Who cares about the truck. I am glad he is fine. It could have been worse. I am glad that he was not hurt and no one else was involved in the accident.

Today was a pretty day outside. I spent some time outside with our children. It was warm enough. It is supposed to rain tomorrow. We took our third stripe test this past Friday and 4 of us passed. Timmy, Robert and Allan will have to retest this coming Friday. They did not study for the test this past friday, that is the reason they did not pass. They will learn. I tried to tell them but they got to learn for themselves. I still enjoy Taekwondo; it is fun.
Well, more news later.

March 22
Well, I am 185 now. I am doing well I think. We have belt testing on April 1 and state tournament on April 23rd. I am looking foward to both. My husband and I went out to eat breakfast this morning. I never can eat much, I always bring it home. Well, what's new with that. I go for my last physical therapy appoinment Thursday. I hope this continues to go well with my back. My back has not been hurting too bad. It has gotten better I think. Maybe as I continue to lose weight it will get better as my back adjusts. Well, I have to go take my mom to her doctor's appointment and then I go to work.

March 25
Physical therapy went well I think. I do not have as much back pain but some days I still do. Right now I am at 183. I think that is pretty cool. I 33lbs more to goal. I got me some clothes for me to wear. I don't buy much new clothes because they will get too big later I am afraid of. I went to a clothes place that gives clothes away to people that need them. I normally don't find much for me to wear because of my size. But, since I have lost some weight, clothes are easier to find. Believe it or not they had clothes that would have fit me if I was size 2x or 3x. Right now I am size 1x. I can fit size 14-16. It is still hard to believe. Kids are having a holiday today with it being Good Friday. They go on Spring Break the week after next.

My husband got me a new computer desk and new chair. I have more room now and can sit comfortably. The old desk was falling apart even though it was only 2years old. Oh well, what do you expect out of wood? This new desk it made of metal and glass. We got the chair for a discontinued price of $25.05 total. We saved about $50 off regular price.

We are having our belt test on Friday April 1st (no joke) and our state tournament on April 23rd. I am worried about the tournament. We having forms and sparring at the tournament for $60 each. That is $420 for all of us. We can do just forms or sparring or both. I am worried about sparring for the simple fact of getting kicked too hard in the stomach. I have to check with my surgeon about that. I will probably do that soon. I think it will be ok but I still would like to make sure it's ok to. Well, no more news today.

March 31
Well I am off today. I am down to 181. I have lost 98 lbs so far (18preop). It is raining today but at least I think winter is over. We are taking our belt test at Taekwondo Friday. I hope we do well. I can fit into my husband's jeans. I never would have believed that. Well, who knew.... kinda cool. I need to get more protein in and water. I just did not have the appetite yesterday. I think I was too tired from work the day before. Well, I am getting off to go get something to eat. I will update more later.

April 8
Well I finally made it to 179. I hope it stays that way. I am losing slowly now but I am still happy about that. We tested for our Taekwondo belts last Friday. I think it went well. We tested for our blue belts and my husband tested for his brown/red stripe belt. We have our graduation on April 18. We will get our new belts then. Children are on spring belt this week. They go back to school on Monday.I can't wait for that. It rained most of this week but it is getting sunny today. They are hoping to go to the Carnival today after Taekwondo. I still have to get my bloodwork done. I have not done that yet.

April 18
We got our blue belts tonight in Taekwondo. Two of our boys got their blue belts and then got them taking away. Our instructor did this because of school performance. He believes in education. Education is important to him. It is important to us too. They can earn their belts back when they improve in their behavior and grades at school. My husband got his brown belt/red stripe tonight too. We go to state tournament in a week.
Well in other news, I am down to 176 now. I would like to lose 26 more pounds if possible. Forty six more would be nice but I will take 26. Weight is coming off slower but that is to be expected. I got my bloodwork done this past week. I go back to my surgeon in May. So I will see then how my blood work comes out. That is all for now.

April 30
Well, today I am at 173. I have lost a total of 106 lbs. I lost 18 of that preop and the other 88 after surgery. I go see my surgeon on May 5th. I will find out the results of my bloodwork then. Nothing much new today, just doing some cleaning. Weight loss is slower but I heard that is normal when getting closer to normal weight. As long as I am losing I am still happy.

May 6

Yesterday I went to my doctor's appt to see my surgeon. It went well I think. I have lost a total of 109 lbs (18preop). My BMI is 29.2, how cool is that? They were so happy for me and I gave them a picture of me and my husband before surgery. They wanted a picture to put in my file. I go back to see her in September. I will be one year out. That is a long drive up there! I am so glad to be through with that appointment! My blood work came out fine that I had done a few weeks ago. She said they would have called me if there was a problem with my bloodwork and she looked at it. She said it was all good. We talked about plastic surgery at a later date. I hope that is possible so I get rid of my belly hanging and my boobs hanging low too! I probably can't get my arms done but who cares! I am only 21 pounds overweight. I would be happy if I did not loose anymore but I am determined to succeed to get to my goal weight of 150 or 149.

May 12
Well not much news today but I have lost two more pounds. I now weigh 168. I have only 18 lbs to lose. I had not been feeling good the past few days with headache and upset stomach. I don't know if it was something I ate or what. I am have been eating a little lighter so I can take it easy. It is probably nothing.

I had to work 3rd shift last night at work. It was very slow and I did not make much tips but got cleaning done. So I have been sleeping in or at least trying to. The phone won't stop ringing with nonsense calls. I got to clean house today. It looks like a tornado or cyclone...lol. Well, I am getting off here. I am pleased with what I have lost so far. It is too cool.

May 22
Well, weight loss is slowing I think. It has been a while. I am at 167 right now for little over a week. It still is normal for me. I would like to lose 17 more pounds. I am getting ready for work this morning. I figured I update before I went. I had been having problems with headaches lately and I went to my doctor about it a week ago. He took me off my Zoloft, so I have been a little cranky lately. He thinks it may have been causing my headaches. I am not sure about that. He also gave me prescription for headaches too. I go back to see him May 31. I guess we will see. My neice graduates May 27th. I know she is happy.

In other news, I am getting promoted in my job. It may happen in June but not sure. Who knows? I have already done the paperwork and drug test. Well, I got to go to work. I will update more later.

June 3
I had a MRI done today on my head. It was a little noisy and I was worried a little but it wasn't too bad. I am down a total of 116 lbs now. That is 18 preop and 98 lbs after surgery. After almost two weeks of not losing any I lost 4 lbs. That was pretty cool.

All of our children passed to the next grade and now they are out of school, lucky me. They were glad at least. It has been a little rainy lately but it should be pretty tomorrow. I will get off here now I am getting tired.

June 11
Well I am at 162. I wish I would lose at least one more pound so I will be offically 100 lbs after surgery. I have lost 117 lbs total ( 18 preop) and 99 lbs after surgery. So I would like to lose 1 lb to make it offically 100#. But that is ok, it will come in time. We did our 4th stripe test last night in Taekwondo. We all passed I think. No other news right now though. It is kind gloomy today but that is fine with me. I go to work tomorrow. Yippee! Not!

July 3
I am officially District Relief Manager! David told me Thursday afternoon at 3pm. I called him because I had seen I had missed his call. He told me that he had good news and bad news. He asked me which did I want first. I told him I wanted the bad news first. He said my personal life was over. I said 'ok, what is the good news?' He said I was officially his DRM. He then said that he had even greater news. I said 'what is that?' He said he said saved a lot of money by switching to Geico. LOL He is funny somtetimes. No more news on my weight. I am still at 159. But that is ok with me.

July 19
Well, not too much news but I am down to 155 now. I would like to lose 5-10 lbs more if possible. I am off today and I was off yesterday. We went to Normandy yesterday for a cookout I wanted and the children went swimming. My husband celebrated his promotion at Chucke Cheese's; I celebrated my promotion by having a cookout. I am liking my job ok so far. I know later I may hate it. I think I am getting better on the grill. I would like to learn more paperwork. David, my District Manager will teach me when he gets back from his vacation. Right now I am going to be working a lot of 11- 9's (11am-9pm). I will be fine with that.

Our children goes to church camp on July 25 and come back on July 30th. They are looking foward to this. I am kinda but I know I will miss them once they are gone. Well I will update more a little later.

August 8
Well, I have not updated in a while. I have been busy working a lot. I had been working up Starwood Waffle House. It is close to Nashville. I was helping out because the manager's wife had a baby. It has been interesting. They have computer system (POS) for ringing up tickets. I am glad today I go back to normal. I am down to 149 now. Can you believe it? I can't. I already met my first goal of 150. So now, I am setting a new goal of 145. My normal weight for my height is 134-145. I figured that 145 would be good now.
In other news, I am getting my brown belt in Taekwondo. I have already tested but could not make graduation. I will get it when I am able to go back to class. Well, I am getting ready for work so I will try to update more later.

Sept 5
I am at 148 right now. Weight loss is slow right now but I guess that is normal for being over 11 months out. I have already seen my surgeon for my yearly check up. They almost did not recognize me there. I have done great they said and Dr. Hruska said I have lost enought weight to see a plastic surgeon. I hope I can see one before I lose my Tenncare. I have an appointment for Sept 20th for consultation. I hope I can get the surgery through him (Dr. Martin) because he is in Murfreesboro. I have another consultation appointment for another surgeon in Nashville on October 3rd just in case.

I did receive my brown belt in Taekwondo. We have not been going for a little while because of finances. I hope we get to start back soon. Work has been busy. I am off today. I go back tomorrow. It is getting a lot easier with the paperwork. I am still learning a lot every time I work.

Sept 21
Well, I am down to 144! Can you believe that? I know I can't. I went to a plastic surgeon consultation yesterday and I will know if I can get surgery done on my breasts and stomach. They will send it off to my insurance and let me know when they hear something. They will do that first and then my arms and thighs after. They took pictures of me without clothes on. That was a little uncomfortable but not too bad. It will be all worth it.
In other news, work has been going ok. I had been working in Nashville which is not near where I live. Starting Friday, I will be working in another district because the DRM got promoted to a Unit Manager so they need someone to replace her for 8 weeks until the manager trainee gets trained. Then I will go back to my District. I like working my District manager but I will do what I have to do right now. It is good experience for me anyway. I was off yesterday and I am off today and tomorrow. I know I needed the days off. I can get our house clean again.

Sept 22
I am one year out today! I am at 144 today. That is a total loss of 135 lbs so far. No other news right now.

November 8th
Well I am at 143 right now. I sometimes get to 150 but then get back down to 143. I am still working in Michelle's district. I like work ing with Michelle. I have learned a lot more with Michelle than I have with David. I am not saying that I have not learned with David. I have learned a lot but he has to deal with the manager trainee too. I have to remember to keep David in my prayers. He has troubles of his own too. I only wish him the best.

Our son had to have eye surgery on October 24th. His retina detached and I can only hope they have corrected it. We will not know for several months. He finally got to go back to school today. Well I will get off now so I can go to bed to get ready for work. I have to work in Nashville tomorrow instead of Smyrna.

May 13
I have not posted in quite a few months. I have been working a lot but I am back close to home now well sometimes. We have moved into a new home. I absolutely love it. We are living in a 4 bedroom 3 bath 2 story brick home. We needed the room. I have gained back to 155 but I am still happy with my weight. I have stayed at this weight for quite a few months now. I think I am staying at this weight. But that is ok. I would like to get back down to 145 but oh well. I will update more later.

July 10th

Nothing new much lately. Our children are getting ready for Church camp on July 24th. They will be gone a week. It will be a lot quieter but I am sure we will miss them........well maybe...hee hee.
We still love our new house. Both of us work so our children enjoy it more than we do. Right now my husband is on vacation and I am running his store. Oh what fun... On my two days off we are going for a family trip to Chattanooga to Lake Winnie (theme Park) where our family can ride and have fun together. My weight is staying about the same. It goes back and forth. I just got insurance back through my husband's work so I can be on my Paxil. It helps me so I will not have anxiety. I don't have to take any other prescriptions besides that but I do still take my vitamins every day.

Well, I will update more later. I have to work two more days before I am off.

Profile by Diannejasmine on 08/28/04
If you would like your profile spruced up
you can write to one of the fine HTML Volunteer's here at:
htmlhelp@obesityhelp.com