ObesityHelp

I am 26 years old married with two kids. I have always been overweight.

I have been researching WLS for about three months now.I started this process by talking to my best friend's mom who had her stomach stapled ten years ago. She gained back all of her weight by eating ice cream and sugar. She had a VBG and is now going back to have it change to RNY. I have been on several diets. The most weight that I lost was 60 pounds that was on Atkins. After I started adding back the carbohydrates guess what came back ........ You guess it the weight.. I also lost 40 pounds on Redux....loved that stuff.
I am keeping my surgery on the DL (down low)It is not that I am ashamed it just that I am tired of hearing everyone opinion of how dangerous and drastic it is. DUH!!!! I am not taking this surgery lightly. I have two kids and a husband who loves me that need me. AnyHoo my husband thinks that I am not obese enough to have it done and is totally against me having the bypass. He supports me because he knows that it is something that I want and need to do. However I know that he is worried that I am going to gain an ego when I lose the weight and leave him he is also worried about losing his eating partner. I totally love this man I would never leave him. He has been there for through thick and thin. OK so there was never a thin but you know what I mean. My SIL who I THINK had RNY surgery. Has lost 150 pounds in about 10 months. She is keeping on the DL also but all signs points to yes she had waist length hair it is now short she has to take B 12 shots every month and she eats nothing. I wish she will tell me if she did.

3-8-2001 I went to my new PCP. I was sweating bullets because I thought she would not give me the referral. Well what I thought would be a simple appointment turned complex. First I hate going to the doctor's I never go. So the last time I went was about four years ago. Now I am always out of breath because I thought I was overweight. My PCP is also obese but she said that she is never out of breath. Guess what I have asthma. What the heck. So off to the pulmonary doctor I go. Turns out I have early stages of arthritis of the knees. I also have an abnormal EKG what the heck all I wanted was a referral. She has had two patients who has had the surgery done and they are doing GREAT.She said that she will give me the referral but I have to go the cardiologist and pulmonary doctor first she wants to make sure I make it off the table. :(

3-20-2001 Well when you are 26 sitting in a cardiologist office is weird. Everyone else is 45 years old and up. I was sitting in the waiting area playing my daughter's game boy everyone was staring at me. I wanted to get up and leave. The doctor was great he said that if he could see 26 year old patients all day long his job would be easy. Turns out that I am fine he said it is common for young women to have abnormal EKG.
Whoo Hoooooo


4-16-2001 My husband and I went on vacation last week without the kids!!!
We were playing Badminton and 10 minutes into the game I thought I was going to pass out. I was so out of breath and dizzy. Mind you I stop taking those stupid inhalers because I just know that I don't have asthma.

4-19-2001 I have THREE doctor's appointments today.
Pulmonary,PCP, Gastric Bypass surgeon.
Pulmonary doctor said that I have the early stages of asthma and he thinks that I have sleep apnea that is why I am so tired all of the time. So I have to schudule a sleep study. DANG!
PCP: Mind you I hve to get this referral today because I see the surgeon in three hours. She gives me the referral plus a medication called Advair that combines my inhalers into one powder. Yea!!
Surgeon: First off his office is so small. It is not swank in any way it is very simple. His demeanor is very laid back and kind. He answered all of my questions and made me feel at ease.
His patients are discharged without staples, tubes and drains. Whoo Hoo!!! He also said that if you have a desk job you could be back to work in three weeks!! Now this is the open RNY.
I see him again May 2 for the physical and that is when my papers will be sent to the insurance company for approval.
Wish me luck!!!!!

May 2, 2001

I went to Dr.Vanguri for my physical. I met Heidi in the waiting room. Hi Heidi!!! I am going to try to keep this current nothing else drives me more crazy than people not updating their profiles. Drop in and say hello sometimes. Well next week the letter gets submitted to the insurance company. I am so nervous...

May 8,2001

I received my letter from the surgeon. It was boring. I wonder if my insurance will still say yes. My knees and hip are really bothering me now. I am trying to put off medication but I don't know if I can hold out.

May 9,2001
I AM APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who would have thunk it would be so quick!
I thought they would not approve me after the ho hum letter.
I did send my own letter along with photos so I think that helped a lot!!
My husband broke down and cried after I got off of the phone. he is so afraid of losing me. He keeps asking me what will it take to change my mind.
I am so happy, happy, happy, happy. I wish someone would be happy for me. My surgery date is July 30, 2001!!

May 11,2001
I received my preop papers today. So many tests so little time. I already did my chest exam and on the 22 I go for my phyc eval.I wanted to thank everyone who sent me an email. I was soo happy to see that I had so much postive support. I am really grateful for AMOS. Meanwhile ......in band camp. My DH has taken a new job :( Yes he will make more money and have better benefits and he will no longer have to work late nights but GEEZZZZ!! WHY NOW!! I am so stressing out about this whole thing. Well in the words of Bob Marley. Don't worry about a thing. I am going to need extra prayers. I don't know where this extra money is going to come from to pay for COBRA. I guess it will be a hot dog and oodles of noodles summer for us.

6-11-2001
God is GOOD!!! I just found out today that I will only have to pay COBRA payments for myself. Whooooo Hooooo!! No oodles and noodles and hot dogs for us!!

7-12-2001
Well even better my husband's new job is paying the COBRA payments so no worries there. I am really getting nervous as "THE DAY" comes nearer. I have been feeling down lately and I figured out it was because I just don't know who I am anymore. I know that I am mommy and a wife but somewhere in these last 8 years I lost me. I am hoping that this surgery gives me back some self esteem and self confidence. I had my gallbladder sonogram yesterday and OUCH. The lady went crazy with the inducer. I also had the chest exam piece of cake. Next Thursday I have the breathing tests and my pre op physical. I am so tired of being fat and tired.

7-24-2001
Today was the last of tests. I met with Dr. Vanguri and Beverly. The meeting with Beverly is a group meeting I was cool with that. However since I read about this surgery everyday I am kind of getting burnt on information. I just can't wait to have it done. 6 more days now!!!! We are going to Hershey Park on Saturday so you know I have to get my Funnel Cake and Chocolate eat on!!! All Of last week I was very scared and wanted to back out,but after much prayer I have found this peace and I know that everything will be just fine. Prayer REALLY Works!!! I am now working on my last supper syndrome. I have hit all of my favorite eating places and now I am working on eating as much ice cream as I can before I have to give it up for GOOD!

7-29-2001
I am sitting here with my stomach growling because I am soo hungry and I have to be on a liquid diet all day long. I am thinking about my rebirth tommorrow. I am not scared because I know that my God is a mighty God. I also belong to a wonderful group of sisters (AIMSK yahoo group) who pray for me and I know that they got my back. I had a wonderful time yesterday even though they safety bars were digging in my gut and there were a few rides that I couldn't get on because of weight.I know that next year I won't have to worry about that anymore!! I will be "NORMAL"!!!! I did however get my eat on. Oh real food I will miss thee. Tonight it is bowel prep time. Oh happy day! I have to be at the hospital at 6:00 surgery is at 8:00am. I wanted to thank everyone who wrote me. The emails really do help! I will post again after surgery. See ya on the other side!!!! Blessings. Dana

8-2-2001
I am home!!!
The surgery went really well. I have been on Tylenol since day two. I am not in any pain. The only thing so far that has been tough is this diet. I was so sad when the breakfast truck would come around and not bring me any food only juice. Plus those KFC chicken commericals UGGGGGGGH!!! I will update more when I feel better.

8-5-2001
Well I guess it is time to share my surgery story.
The day before surgery was the pits. I was on a all liquid diet and I was soooooo hungry all day long. I chugged down the Magnesium Citrate at 6:00. I did not have preop jitters I was really calm I ironed my clothes packed my bag and went to sleep at 11:00. I had to be at the hospital at 6 so I woke up at 5 took my shower with my special soap put my clothes on and waited for my Mom to come. Hubby was up with me but he had to drop the kids off at daycare before he could come to the hospital.
At the hospital I had to go to PAT and get a pregnancy test. Then they send you admissions where they make sure they have your information and they give you a bracelet. Next you have to go to what I call a "Locker Room" where other patients are getting change into their gowns and footies. You do have a private stall. After that you wait in this little waiting room until the nurse come get you. You sit in this recliner chair. The preop nurse takes you vitals gives you a IV ouch!! She hurt me the first time but the second time was a breeze. She was also the nicest person you could have met. After she is done the "sleepy doctor" assistant comes over to talk to you to make sure you don't have problems with anesthesia and to see if you can open your mouth wide enough for NG tube. Next he gives you a medicine that drys out your mouth. Your family is called in once you have your IV in. Mom was the only one there and we she came back we have a talk about how calm I was I told her that I know that God will take care of me no matter what. Even if I was to die it would be OK because I know that he had other plans for me. I only was worried about my girls not having a Mother. My Mom started to cry a bit ( Now my Mother RARELY EVERS CRY) and said that she felt that it was not my time to go. I gave her a kiss and off I went to the OR. Franklin Square OR rooms are the smallest things you ever saw. You lay yourself on the table and the next thing you know Dr. Vanguri is holding you hand and off to sleepy land you go. BTW Dr. Vanguri makes a brief visit to th preop room.
Waking up is hard to do!!
I got the morphine pump because I did not want to wait for my pain meds to come. So all I remember waking up is someone calling my name and placing the pump in my hand. I don't know if I was in a lot pain but I sure was doped up!!
Next thing I remember is seeing my Mom, hubby and a friend standing over me in my room.
Still not a lot of pain but I was dopey!!
I could hear everything but I was so drugged I could not open my eyes.
OK the toughest thing after this surgery is getting in and out of bed OOUCH!!! Even trying to scoot your bottom up on the bed is painful. I asked for a trapeze ( which did not come until 6:00 am the next morning) but even with that it hurts like heck.
I had to have a catheder the first day because I could not go on my own. But I did get up walk about 8 hours after surgery I did this on my own. Walking does make you feel better. Now to the bad parts. You will have a roomate don't let Beverly fool you. And if you are like me you will have a grouchy women who uses a bed pan and changes the channels when you are watching a program ( Yes There Is only ONE T.V per room) The rooms are tiny and most of the nursing staff sucks! I had two good nurses the four days I was there. They do have a person who is head of nursing that comes around to check out how the nurses are doing COMPLAIN!! One day I did not have my vitals taken for 10 hours I asked for some pain medicine and did not get any thank goodness that I had some tylenol. I wanted a italian ice never got one. But after I talked to Joe guess what came in five minutes. So speak up!
After the first day I took myself off of the morphine drip. Needless to say the next morning I was in pain and when I had to scoot myself up with the aid of nurses I felt like all of my stomach muscles were ripping. My blood pressure afterwards was 174 over 120 because my body was reacting to the pain. They gave me Percorsets (sp) next but I took those for eight hours before I weaned myself off of them. I hate the way pain medicine makes me feel. So from that point on it was only tylenol. The pain to me was not bad. I had to have my labor induced with pitocin now those contractions HURT!! So to me this manageable. There were two other patients of Dr. Vanguri on the floor both of whom I met before surgery. Gloria (my angel) and Freddie ( who Mom had the surgery a year before and looks great) He also had the sweetest family his wife would come in to talk to me and his Mom too! I hung out in Gloria room most of the time because remember I had the roomate from heck!! The last day for me was the hardest the breakfast people would come in every morning to ask my roomate what she wanted. The night before my bowel functions where coming back so what I thought was hunger pains was just gas pains. They came in to get her choices which was a fluffy omelet, oatmeal, sausage and I was so sad that I could not have a fluffy omelet even though I don't eat eggs. The breakfast people would not even look at me. The girl came back and placed two crummy apple juice cups on my tray and I lost it. I was thinking what have I done!! After that I went to Gloria room who had the surgery two years ago and she made me feel better. I went back to my room to wait for Dr. Vanguri so that I could go home by this time I could wipe myself, get myself out of bed, put on my own underwear and footies and walk the whole second floor. Dr. Vanguri came about 11:30 took out the staples small pinches (he talks to you the whole time) then he takes out the drain. Now I have had drains removed before so I knew what to expect but let me say now they are no fun coming out!! He then puts on steri strips and gauze and then you are on your merry ways. I went down the hall to say goodbye to Gloria and Freddie and went I came back my roomate had pooped all over herself and the room so Hubby and I had to wait for 20 minutes before we could get into the room. When we did get in the room it was so foul that I got dressed and packed in three minutes. I WAS SO GLAD TO GET OUT OF THERE!! I hate Franklin Square hospital. I hope to never go back there. The ride home was OK hubby seem to hit every bump he could. I was so glad to be home. The scar runs from the bottom of your breastbone to your naval. It is a long scar but I will admit he does a good job sewing you up because I won't have a nasty looking scar.
They days after surgery have been hard mentally. I am sad that I can not eat normal foods. I am sad that I can't take care of my kids. I am bored sitting in this house all day. I went out yesterday for three hours and man was I pooped! They food thing is the hard thing. We went to McDonald's yesterday and of course they bought back the fajitas and I couldn't have one. I almost cried. I have been having problems with gas every time I drink or eat I have to burp a lot. Food does not seem rest well in my tummy. I can't wait till I can have NORMAL food!! I owe everything to God! I had an uneventful surgery a easy recovery I found a great surgeon and I have a wonderful support system.
I just can't wait till I can have some food that I can chew!!
So I am sorry for the long post but I know that is what I was looking for before I had surgery.....details. Blessings. Dana

8-11-2001
I had my follow up appointment this past Tuesday.
The last time I was at the doctor's office I weighed 263.
Right before surgery after the laxative and enemas I weighed 256.
I don't know how much I gained or lost in the hospital so I am going to use 263 as my mark. I weighed 249 at the doctor's office. But I am choosing to weigh myself at home because I think it is more accurate. I weigh early in the morning naked.
So today I weigh 244 and I have been stuck here for the last four days. Can you tell that I am mad. I have tried everything! The other night I was so upset I did a boo boo and ate six tortilla chips. Chewed them up really really well. But mistake none the less. I still turn to food for comfort. It really stinks that I can't have something to chew. The purreed diet part is the hardest thing about recovery.

8-23-2001
Well I have become really obessed with food.
I watch foodtv all day long. I read cookbooks for fun.
I can't wait till the family comes home so that I can fix them lavish meals. I am not like many of the post op's here.I do get hungry. I actually get hunger pains. I am so tired of mushy foods. I only have a few more days. All I really want is Shrimp on the Barbie from Outback. I am now down to 235 I guess not too shabby!?! My first goal is to be under 200 pounds when I get there I will have a party you guys are all invited!!! I have not seen a 1 as a first number in 7 years. I have been a size 14 and up since my 10th grade year. So the next goal is to wear less than a size 14. I am wondering why I am not happy about my weight loss yet? I guess when I get to 203 I will be. That is where I got stuck at last year on Atkin's. Blessings. Dana

8-29-2001
Well I am on regular foods now.
I thought it would be better but food right now bores me.
Who would have thunk!!!
I eat because I have too not because I need to have something.
Plus I eat less than my two year old and it seems like a big waste to go fix something special when I can only have a taste of it. Down to 233 today.

8-30-2001
Well I sure do come here a lot lately. I have found that writing down my feelings really does help. I have noticed that I am only eating 600 calories or less a day!! I wonder if that is why I am slowing down. I am sooooo bored with food. I can eat whatever I want except mayo. I had my first dumping with turkey salad. Still because I cannot consume as much food as I used too I find that I eat because I am hungry and not because it is there. This is a totally weird feeling for me. Hubby and I are having problems and no it is not weight related. Pray for us to work it out. Tomorrow I will try to eat more to see if that will boost the weight loss. It is so hard to eat when you don't want to. One of my fave cooking shows is on. blessings. Dana

9-3-2001
Advice from a person who is not a doctor. If you seem to be losing slow try eating more! I think that my body was getting used to the low calories so my body went into a starvation mode. For the past three days I have been eating like a hog (well more than I was eating) Really trying to get in more protein. Bam!! I am now 229.5!!! Yesterday I went to a baby shower and I tried everything there. It was so good!! I had less than a tablespoon of everything and I still had food left on my plate. I didn't feel deprived. It felt so good to be in control. I also had four crabs later on. Now last year I could eat a whole plate of food two dozen steam crabs and I still would eat more. I love this surgery! Dana

9-9-2001
I have gone back on the on my favorite stand by.. The Atkins Diet
So far in the past three days I have lost three and half more pounds! I now weigh 226. I am going to follow a mostly all protein diet until I get down to 165. I also noticed that I can eat a lot of food and not get that I am full feeling it is so scary!!! Yesterday I had a corn beef and swiss roll up I am going to say it was 2oz, a half of cup of pork bar b que, and later on that night three shrimp. Now I know that this is a whole lot less than what I did eat but I thought I would only be able to eat one shrimp and be stuffed. All of my clothes are getting super baggy. I need to get new bras I have already lost a cup size. I had a breast reduction 8 years ago and I really can't afford to lose breast mass. I was a tight 24 I really needed to buy size 26 and now I am a size 20. Blessings. Dana

9-12-2001
My heart is so full of sorrow for the families and friends of the victims that were killed yesterday. When will it end??
I have lost 4 more pounds I am now 222. I am still doing Atkins. My BMI is below 40 and I also found out that I am 5'4 instead of 5'3. Blessings. Dana
9-26-2001
Well it has been a long time. I have started to work full time again.I was a SAHM for three years and a part part time worker for the last year. Now that my youngest is two I went back full time. I work from 4am to 12pm. It still gives me the rest of the day to be with my kids however this killer for my "diet"
I can't seem to get my water in during the day because I am so busy working so my weight has pretty much been at a standstill. Plus I have been eating way too many carbs. I now weigh 217 and I fit into a size 18 jeans comfortably.
10-2-2001
Down to 213. 50 pounds gone forever! Yea for me!
I now weigh less than my mother and 5 more pounds and I will weigh the same as my hubby. I can wear his jeans now! I also put on my size 16 jeans yesterday and they fit I could actually sit down in them. I am starting to get excited now. I can actually smell 199. Also everyone keeps telling me that it looks like a lost a lot of weight. Remember I am keeping this on the DL so I don't know how to answer them. I just say "Thanks! 14 more pounds to go!!
10-7-2001
Hello!!! I am now 210! 11 more pounds to go. I went to a party last night and pigged out. I was sick as a dog today running to the bathroom all day. I am not sure why. I have found out that I do not dump on sugar or most fats. I ate half of a sugar cookie and did not get sick, it didn't even taste that good to me. This surgery if you are a overeater (like me) is the greatest thing.
Tonight I had one small piece of pizza. Before surgery I would eat 10 hot wings and about 3 pieces of pizza with the works. I love it!! 11 more pounds to gooooooooo!!!!
10-9-2001
208 today 9 more pounds to go!
10-13-2001
I am now 205!! 6 more pounds to go!!! I lost five pounds last week!! Yea!!! Do you think I can get below 200 before the end of the month????? I am no longer obese just very overweight how cool is that. Well I am tired out of my mind. Till next time.
10-15-2001
203!!!!! Go Dana, Go Dana!! OOOH I am so Excited!!
60 pounds gone in 11 weeks! Took me six months to do this last year. Food wise I can eat anything I want except mayo and Ruby Tuesday's salad bar..... don't know why I dumped on that??
I stay away from sugar but I really don't watch the fat content. Yesterday I wore my size 16w jeans to work!! I could fit them before however they were to tight to wear out. Now I can work in them how cool is that!!! Saggy skin is starting to be a problem in the arms. I don't know why either?? I work out every day plus I lift heavy stuff all day long. I guess it is just the rapid weight loss. Oh well I can live with that. Now the boobs and tummy will have to get worked on!!! Dana
10-19-2001
201!!!! Two more pounds to go!!! I am so excited!! I recently received an email from a fellow employee of Sam's Club. I did write you back but the second time you wrote I made a mistake and deleted all of my email so please write me again. So many good things are happening to me now. I am getting offers of promotion, raises and eveyone keeps telling me how small I am getting. I walked past the freezer section in my store and saw my reflection and could not believe my eyes.I feel bones where I have never felt before. The love life has really been kicked up a notch!! The pain in my knees are gone. The hip gives me problems every now and then. I am off the inhalers. I can RUN!!
I am still wearing my 24 jeans. They are so silly looking on me but hey I am cheap!! When I get into a solid 16 I will go shopping. Not a lot mind you.
I remember buying those 24 jeans and being shocked that they were kind of tight. I really should have bought a 26. But I couldn't do it. Now those pants fall off of me! I LOVE IT!!!
later that day..... I went out today to go window shopping for clothes. I went to Kmart and picked up a regular 16 pants and XL shirt from the misses section and guess what...... They fit!!! I am normal!! The pants were a tad snug but in a couple of weeks they will fit fine! The shirt fit perfect! I have not been able to wear a non plus size shirt in 10 years! I forgot to add that I weigh less than my husband and I can fit his 38 pants that are too small for him!!! WOOOWW!!!
10-23-2001
I did it! I did it! 199 this morning!
Only bad thing is I think I am coming down with the flu.
10-25-2001
WOWZA!!!!!! 195!!!!!
4 pounds in two days! No way!
Well I have been having problems with constipation. I have not been potty since Sunday morning so with a visit to the potty king the scale fairy gave me gift. Yea!!!
I didn't get the flu BTW. Just felt horrible all day.
11-4-2001
1 pound lost this week. I guess I should not be so mad I did lose a lot the week before. Plus I have been making horrible choices in food. Way too many carbs plus I have been grazing all day. I am going through a bit of depression and of course I turn to food. Old habits die hard. I also have not been on my bike in a week. I got a cute hair cut. My hair is still coming out by the root. UGGGGHH!! I hope I don't get bald.
11-10-2001
Well the weight loss is really slowing down now!! I am now 193. I still am eating a lot of junk and not getting in my water and exercise has been little to none. I don't know how to get myself back on track. Just don't have the motivation. Anyway I am so happy with the way I look anyway. I am now a solid 16 and that is without the w next to it. I could wear a 14 if I didn't have such a huge stomach. All of the pants legs in the 16's are so baggy. Everyone tells me that I look like a size 12. I wish!!Till next time.
11-12-2001
Two more pounds bites the dust!! 191!!!
I am getting close to a new set of numbers. I am loving life right now!!
11-15-2001
188!!!! 75 pounds down the drain!!!! only 25 more pounds till I hit 100!!!! also this is the lowest weight I have been in nine years. I went to lane bryant yesterday and I fit a size 14 in everything. It is so scary not being able to shop in plus size. That is still the first section I go to in the store even though I can wear regular size clothing. It seems that before sugery all of the cute clothes wear in the ladies section now it seems that all of the cute clothing is in the womens section!! LOL!!!
11-19-2001
186! The other night was one of the BEST nights of my life. Right before surgery I went shopping with my size 8 friend. We went to Lerner's I felt so out of place. She bought these glitter jeans that I wanted so badly. Saturday night I went to the store, tried on the jeans (size 16 mind you) and they FIT!!!
Not snug, not tight they fit!! I didn't buy them though. I am one cheap sister right now. I went over my SIL house yesterday and everybody mouth fell to the floor when they saw me. I feel so bad when people ask me what kind of diet I am on. I hate lying. I feel so good my energy is sky high. The only problem that I have is constipation also my hair is starting to fall out. UGH!! Still I love the way I feel right now!
11-25-2001
186 still!! I had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Ate like a pig. I can nibble all day long if I could and that is what I did. Plus I can eat almost everything and not get sick. Also last Monday and Tuesday I was off and I pigged out on Chex Mix. Hence no weight loss. Still I feel wonderful!! I can wear a size 14 in Lane Brayant and Ashley Stewards I wear a regualr size 16 in misses. Everyone notices that I have lost weight. I was the talk of Thanksgiving dinner. Well back on Track next week.
11-27-2001
183!! I have to figure this potty thing out. I am having problems with constipation and I know it is because I am not drinking water like I am supposed to do. However with a little visit to the potty I am down another 3 pounds!!Yahooooooooooo!!
My husband met me at 180 so we are about to go into uncharted territory. Our relationship has been GREAT!!! I feel like I am falling in love with him all over again. He has become protective of me and he gets so jealous now. He even started to work out so that people won't say what is that sexy girl doing with that ugly man. (His words) 20 more pounds till the big 100!!
11-29-2001
181!! Happiness is size 14 jeans!! Well even better than that is being able to fit the clothes at my store. I could not fit into any of the women's clothes last year. I bought two pairs of size 14 jeans (they are cut big....who cares!!) I can wear all of the shirts and jackets at the store I am soooooo happy. I went to Walmart and bought two shirts from the LADIES department. I am no longer plus size and it feels wierd. I feel so good about myself. I have so much energy and no complications. Dr. Vanguri is the greatest! 18 more pounds to go!!
12-1-2001
179!!! 16 more pounds to go!! Plus I think that my BMI is now in the Overweight catagory!! Not very overweight not obese YES!!!
12-4-2001
177!!!! I think I have this worked out now. I seem to lose a lot more when I work three days in a row. I have a very physical job. I am constantly lifting 10 pounds or more, pulling around 100 pounds plus. Also I am not hungry at work so on those days I only eat two meals. Now on my off days I am eating all day. So maybe I will stop having days off hee hee! I have gave away all of my big girl clothes except for a pair of size 24 khakis that were too tight pre op. I want to keep them as a reminder. The coolest thing also happened. I bought a pair of CK jeans (16) at Goodwill and now they are sooo baggy. All of my 16 pants are so baggy in the legs but this gut prevents me from buying a smaller size.
12-5-2001
176! I am now a true size 14!! I tried on some jeans at Kmart all of the 14 fit. I even buttoned up a pair of 12 but had a huge roll of fat hanging over them. 10 pounds less or two inches less I am in those 12's!!! I also hav to get the head thing worked out. I look at clothing and say that is too small and lo and behold it fits!! We I get to be a true twelve, all heck is going to break loose! I have not been under a size 14 since 8 grade. I am going on a shopping spree (well maybe not a spree?!?)
I am sooooooo happy right now!!! I feel GREAT!! Before we I went into stores I would go straight to the kids section and then to the men's. I would always buy the kids and hubby stuff but not me. I hated shopping for myself. Now I go the the Ladies section first!! 13 more pounds to go!!!!!!
12-8-2001
173!!!! 90 pounds lost in less than five months!!! I weigh less than what I put on my driver's licence(175) when I really weighed two something. My life is so great right now. For anyone reading this pre op,
this will be the best thing you ever did.
I went to the Y the other night and did cardio kick for 40 mins I also played basketball with the hubby. I remember back in April when I had to stop and catch my breath. Now I can do all of that and still feel like jogging. My BMI is now in the twenty's YEA!!!!!!!!!!! 10 more pounds till the BIG 100!!!!!
12-11-2001
170!!!! Close to a new set of numbers. Right now I am eating all of the wrong things (candy) because of my cycle. The other night I went to Outback and ate four shrimp, two bites of steak, three bites of salad and 10 fries and man was I stuffed!! Before surgery I would have ate half of the fries, all of the shrimp, a whole steak plus potato, all of the salad plus some bread and a Wallabe Darned with a soda. What a change!!! The only downside of losing weight is that you are always cold. Today for fun I tried on a pair of jeans (12) at my store and they fit!! I also tried on a pair of size 12 CK jeans and they fit!! Yahoooooo!
7 more pounds to go!!!
12-13-2001
170 still!!! Cookies are going to be the death of me!!
I swear I could live off of just cookies, potatoes and ice cream. I got to be 265 pounds by just eating this. I don't even know why I am baking cookies the smell alone is killing me. I can't stop eating them!! Mind you I am eating about two cookies a day. Before surgery I could eat at least 12. But still!!! I need to get my butt back in gear if I want to lose 100 pounds by my 6 month anniversary.
12-17-2001
169!! About Time!!!
However I can not blame anyone but myself. I have been on a cookie binge lately. I can't wait until Christmas is over. My clear skin now has a zit on it because of the sugar!! Tommorrow will be 5 months 94 pounds in 5 months is not too shabby!!!
12-19-2001
167!!!! Yea!!! See what not eating cookies will do for you!!
Four more pounds go!!!
12-23-2001
165!! Man has my life been crazy lately. Working retail during the Christmas season sucks!! On a much better note... I am now a size 12!!!! I bought an Old Navy skirt in a size 12!! I can wear size 12 jeans from anywhere!! I went to hubby Christmas party wearing a short black skirt and a red top that had a drawstring on the side. I hate to be vain but I was hot!! Even better the outfit came from Lerner's!! I can't even wear Lane Bryant or Ashley Stewart anymore. My eating has been so so. I have found that I can eat a lot more than I use to. It is kind of scary. Still even if I did not lose one more pound I would be happy!!
2 more pounds till the big 100!!!
12-28-2001
I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas!!! 165 still!!
However I am thankful for that. I have been eating like a pig all week long. My hubby bought me a box of Ms. See's candy. I don't know why!!! All of the food that my family fixed was too yummy to pass up. Even though I can not eat a lot in one sitting I can graze every hour up to a half of cup of food. On a better note. My hubby bought me one of those scales that measures your body fat. Right now in my life I do not need another thing to obsess about so I took it back. I have also gone from weighing every day to every other day. I am so happy with my weight right now. I am a Lerner's size 12 and they are having a major sale right now and I am having a fun time shopping. I now get second looks from men. Men go out of their way to open doors for me. I am having way too much fun. I wear short skirts now. I never wore skirts or dresses before. Now I can't wait to show off my legs. Today I pulled out my pair of size 26 Lee's with elastic sides and I could fit into one leg of them!! How cool is that!
2 more pounds to go!!
12-30-2001
I DID IT!!!!! 100 pounds gone forever!!!!!
I am sooooo happy!! I feel so good about myself. My self esteem is way high. I can't even put it in words. I now that I am one hot mama right now. Some man on a bike actually fell off after breaking his neck to look at me yesterday!! Ha Ha!! THe only sad thing is how people treat you when you are small. I wish people could have been as nice when I was heavier. I get doors opened for me now, if I drop something someone is there to help me pick it up. People go out of their way to say hello. Where were these people a 100 pounds ago?!? So now my next goal is 140! My goal weight. Even though the computer has it at 134. I need a little more meat on my bones. Even if I don't lose one more pound I will be so happy that I had surgery. 100 pounds lost in way less than six months!! YEAH!!!!
1-3-2002
Wow I got the year right!!! Happy New Year Everyone!!!
162! Well I guess the honeymoon is over. I am going to have to work for every pound lost now. I have been eating sooooo bad lately. I have found out that I do not dump anymore! Or maybe I do but it has to be over 200 grams or more. I can drink a whole can of regular soda and not get sick or eat three pieces of good chocolate and not get sick. This is a BAD THING!!!! Everything else is going well. I get sooooo cold now. I never wore anything but a jacket in the winter time. This year I have a hat, mittens,earmuffs, the whole nine yards. Plus my mother bought me an electric blanket which I LOVE!!! I wish they could invent a cordless one so that I could carry it around with me.
22 pounds to go!!
1-9-2002
161!!! Boy am I COLD!!!! I am fighting for every pound now!!
21 pounds to go!!!
1-10-2002
160!!!! I am on a roll now!!! So close to a new set of numbers! Love it!!! My arms are starting to firm up some I actually lost about 2 inches on my arms in the past two months. Now my tummy is sagggggggggy and my boobs ( what boobs!?!) are sad news. My next step is getting that tummy tuck. I think I am going to wait till my one year anniversary to get the ball rolling.
20 more pounds to go!!!! Yea don't you just love even numbers. hee heee!! Take care! Dana
1-11-2001
160!! I worked my booty off today and my muscles sure are feeling it now. I can barely move my fingers. On a much, much, much better note. I went to Walmart today to buy some new work pants being that all of my size 16 khakis are getting wayyy to big. I picked up a pair of tens ( just for fun!) and guess what they fit!!! I mean no roll of fat or nothing!! 10!!! Now I know they might have been cut big but who cares!!! I also bought some new underwear because my size 8 huge on me, they keep riding up my butt. I bought some cute size 6!!! Mind you before surgery I wore size 10 underwear. I am wondering if I should maintain my weight because I have heard that after the tummy tuck you lose 15-20 pounds I don't want to weigh less than 135. Please give me some feedback.
1-13-2002
158!!! New set of numbers!!! Yea!!! I am four days away from 6 months and I have already lost more than 80% of my weight how cool is that!! I have met my first goal of being under 200 and my second goal of losing 100 pounds in less than 6 months and my third goal of wearing less than a size 14 so my final goal is Goal weight. Even if I don't make it to 140 I will so happy that I had the surgery. I can run up my stairs without breathing hard. I have so much energy. I no longer base my life around my favorite TV shows. I don't even watch TV anymore. I love waking up in the morning, I love taking pictures, I just LOVE me!! I have had ZERO complications! Minor hair loss, yes I will need a tummy tuck and some boob implants but with clothes on I am a hottie!! (hey even naked I am not too shabby !?!) Anyone out there who is thinking about surgery. Just Do IT!! Till next time!!
1-15-2002
161 :( yes you can gain weight with surgery. I have been very bad these past two days. Carb Feast Galore!!! Hubby and I are having problems and of course I turn to food :( We start couseling tommorrow. Dana
1-23-2002
158!! I knew that I had to get my butt in gear. Hubby and I started counseling and I kicked the Carb Habit. I still use food as comfort when I am upset. I found out that I do dump very mildly on stuff that is high in sugar. So mild in fact it does not bother me. I get the worse gas you could not even imagine!!
However I will eat on. During my carb binge this is how an average day would start.... One cup of baked apple oatmeal, Rice crispie treat, A doughnut, Half of Danish, About four snicker minatures, a handful of MM's, a cup and a half of Cheese It's, Half of a TastyKake Eclair, Two cookies, Then whatever I wanted for Dinner and Lunch and I do mean this is one day!! I felt so bad about myself!! So these past three days I have been doing protein shakes in the mornings and trying to get in more protein during the day along with more water. I cut out all simple sugar again and I back at my lowest weight. I did weigh 163 on Sunday so gained 5 pounds!! Never again!!!
1-26-2002
155!!!! Yes!!! I have been upping my protein this week cutting out the sugar and drinking more water and it seems to be working like a charm. I have found out that if I start my day off with a carb I go crazy over carbs all day long. So I will stick to the shakes for now. I have tracking my calorie intake too. I eat about 1000 calories a day. 108 pounds gone in six months!! Yea!!
1-28-2002
155!! Still!! Well let the slowdown begin!! Even if I don't lose another pound I will be happy!! I am at a point of maybe I should stop trying so hard to lose these last 15 pounds. I want to see the 140 on the scale but will that make me happy? I don't think so. I like the way I look with a good girdle lol!! I am going to look into plastic surgery at 1 year post op 6 months away. I am hoping that a lot of it will shrink up by then. The worst part is my stomach!!eeechh!! Then my boobs what boobs?!??? My arms have tone up nicely and my legs look OK except my inner thighs that could use some work but I am not worried about it. It is just this gut!!!The worst part about it is that I have a two part tummy and the upper half stick out further than my boobs!! I am still glad that I went through with the surgery. Dana
1-30-2002
152!!! Yahoo!!! I think my BMI is ideal now!!! Wow how cool is that!! I have noticed that when I work in the can goods isle the weight just pours off of me. I guess all of that heavy lifting pays off. Everyone keeps telling me that I don't need to lose anymore weight. But I would like to see that 140 on the scale. 111 pounds lost! 12 more pounds to go!!!
1-31-2002
151!!! But it is not going to stick!! Today and for the next two days I have to work during the day and it is throwing me for a loop. Today at work I ate a piece of cake, coffee with real sugar and some greasy demos I felt so ill. Then at home I had half of a jr whopper, two bites of cheesecake, half a chicken nugget and a rice cake. So really if you look at it I ate junk all day long. I did get my protein shake in this morning :) BTW Yesterday my BMI was not quite ideal I was off by a point DARN!! but today I should be at 25.9!! That is good enough for me!! Everyone keeps telling me how skinny I look. People are asking me if I am ill?!? Anyway... It is almost time for a new pair of jeans how your breath kiddos it may be size 10 time at Lerner's!!! YEAHHHHH!!
2-5-2002
152!! See I told ya!! I can't seem to get off of this sugar binge!! I will be back on track Monday!! I know I should do it tommorrow but Sunday is my birthday and I don't want to make promises that I can't keep. On a much better note! I can wear a size 10 classic fit jeans at Lerner's!! I have the cutest clothes now. I went to Target and bought the cutest skirt and shirt from the junior's section!! I also bought a size medium leather jacket from Kmart. It was only 30 dollars!! I love being smaller! Dana
2-15-2002
151ish!!! Well I never thought there would come a time when WLS would not be the main focus of my life. I am so happy with where I am at right now that I consider my self at goal. I am sure that I have about 15 pounds of loose skin on my body so if you look at it I am at goal. I wear a size 10!!!!! MEEE!!!! WOHOOOO!!!! I am sure after my tummy tuck I will wear a size 8 or less. I don't want to wear less than an 8. I really have not been watching what I eat. I eat what I want. I eat too much sugar, I (and my family) pay for it with horrible gas. That is my dumping I guess. Other than that I can eat everything. I also could graze all day long if I am not careful. Anyway this will be my last update until something major happens. But feel free to email me anytime. Till next time. BTW. I just renewed my driver's license and put down my true weight!!!
2-21-2002
150!! Creep Creep!! Oh the weight is still slowwwwwwly coming off. I am not even worried about it. I eat whatever I want. I am really not watching the diet right now. I said I would update when something major happens. Well It did!! I went to Kmart, am going on a trip in May. I of course have nothing to wear. I picked up this really cute skirt size 9/10 tried it on and guess what!?!! Too big!! I had to go back and get a 7/8 ME in a size 8!! Well I am sure that the skirt was cut big but who cares!!! I am bought a size small top. I can wear all 10 pants mostly medium tops some things are cut smallso I have to buy a large. This time last year I was shopping for a trip also and I tried on some size 22 tops and was shocked and sad to see that the tops were too small so I ended up buying 24's. I went over to the plus side and held up one of those tops hard to believe I was that big.Till Next time.
3-6-2002
weight still the same!! Give or take a few pounds.I went to my PCP for a referral to the plastic surgeon.Keep your fingers crossed!!! My appointment is March 27. I am excited and scared at the same time. I am hoping that I can have the surgery in the fall. I work in retail and I want to be off during the whole Christmas season.
3-31-2002
149!!!!! Yea!!! A new set of numbers!! Still not really watching what I eat not too worried about it either. Even though I was on a very loooooong plateau. All my fault!! I went to the plastic surgeon the other day. I am not sure if I like him or not he is a big wig at a big hospital who gets paid big fees so my chump change from the insurance company is ho hum. He did not seem to care. Anyway he is submitting the paperwork this week so we will see. To get the implants will cost me 1.200 dollars if I have a resident put them in. (It is a teaching hospital) So I am very happy about that. Keep your fingers crossed!! Happy Easter!!!
3-2-2002
148!!!! Could the plateau be over!?! Still feeling good no complaints. I bought some clothes today (what's new) But it feels so wierd picking up these little size 10 shorts and being able to put my behind in them. How cool!! Till next time.
4-22-2002
I am between 147 to 150!! Cool with me!! Today I had one of those great moments I had to share. Last year I would have given a right leg to fit any clothes from Old Navy. When I lost sixty pounds the year before last I could barely squeeze into a size 20 jeans there. Today I grabbed a bunch of 10's and to my surprise and joy they were too big. Me!!!! Yes Me!! Can wear size 8 hip hugger jeans at Old Navy!!! Happy Happy Joy Joy!!
Another cool thing. My husband can pick me up!! Like how it is done in the movies! I can also sit on his lap and not worry about me hurting his legs verrrrrrry cool!!!!! Till next time. Dana
5-4-2002
145!!!! Still have not heard from the plastic surgeon yet. I can't wait till I have the tummy tuck and boob job now!! I have found out that I can not have dairy, talk about major gas. However no other side effects!!!!
I am also wearing all tens and now the tens are starting to get loose. How Great is that!!! Yesterday I was able to walk the whole strip without getting tired or out of breath. I love It!!!
Till next time!! Dana
5-11-2002
140!!!!!! GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I could not belive my eyes this morning when the scale said 140!!
I was on vacation all of last week. Went to Las Vagas ate at a buffet every night and ate a big breakfast every morning plus for some reason I was on a major sugar kick so I had candy and doughnuts and ice cream. Yes I was a verrrrrry bad girl. So I expected to have gained 5 plus pounds or more. Instead I lost 5!!
I would love to say that I walked a lot but those darned slot machines kept getting in the way!! I am so happy to be at goal!! I never thought I would get here. I feel so great!!! I have so much more energy. My kids have a mother that can play with them. I have such a good time now. I love to shop!!! I would have the surgery all over again in a heartbeat!!! Dana
6-10-2002
140-145ish!!! I have been approved for the tummy tuck!!! I have to call Thursday to get my date. I will be having the tuck and breast implants at the same time. I am so excited!! It looks like the surgery will take place late August or Early September!!
Happy as peas still!!!
6-24-2002
140ish still!! My surgery is September 3. I am going to another plastic surgeon July 26. I feel as though that my current surgeon just does not give a hoot because he is not getting paid his 5,000 fee. Also my main reason for staying with him is because the hospital is a teaching hospital and I wanted the residents to put in the implants (they can't charge a fee) well I found out that I can not have it done at the same time as the tummy tuck so I will have to pay 4,400 in hospital fees if I want the residents to do the boob job. For that amount I can go to a skilled surgeon so I really don't have a reason to put up with sub par treatment. So my sugery will probably be delayed. I am OK with that. I went to an Amusement Park this Sunday (kings dominion) and rode on all of the roller coasters( use to be a chicken) and had so much fun!!! It feels good to fit on the rides and not worry about weight restrictions! Or be so tired because I was walking all day. I love It!!!
7-31-2002
Happy Aniversary to me!!! If I knew HTML I would put in some cool graphics. Anyway what a great year this has been. Update on the tummy tuck they denied me because they said that they needed photos which the doctor did take but did not bother to send them in with the claim DuH!! I have found another plastic surgeon and he is wonderful and his staff is great too. So now I am starting over again no big whoop. Just can't wait to have these udders removed and if someone asks me when I am going to have the baby one more time!!! It doesn't help that my tummy sticks out further than my flat as eggs boobies. One Year!!! First all praises goes to God. Because this is all of his doing. I am so blessed to be free of the demon called obesity. My life has really changed. I have so much energy. I can play with my kids without being out of breath. I can shop in regular department stores. My hips and joints no longer hurt. I put myself first. I love to shop for clothes for myself. I have been promoted and got a nice raise too!! People treat me so nicely now. I have not had any complications. Bloodwork can back fine. I can eat anything I want just in smaller portions. This was the greatest thing that I ever did for myself. Loving everyday. Weight still 140ish wearing all size 10 clothes and some size 8. Me in single digit clothing who would have thunk!!! Thanks for all of the emails and support. Till next time!! Dana

8-7-2002
140ish!!! I feels so great not to be a slave to the scale anymore. Update on my plastic surgery. Did I say how great my new surgeon is?!?? He really takes his time with you. He also is trying to see if I can get my thighs and boobs through the insurance company and I didn't even ask him to do that.I went the other day to get my photos taken. I was so near tears because even though I look good with my clothes on I don't look so hot with them off and then to have some one to take photos!!!
His office manager was in there with me and she is the GREATEST!!!! She held my hand told me to close my eyes and relax she made me feel so at ease. It is so refreshing to find someone so caring esp. After coming from a surgeon who just does not give a damn!! Well the letter goes out this week!!! Wish me luck. Dana
8-10-2003

So much has happened in the past year! First the good news.I was promoted. My new job came with a huge raise a set schudule and I no longer have to get dirty. However it is a sitting job where I graze all day because it is more stressful and I have gained back yes hold on to your seat.... 40 pounds. How do you say.
Well I am proof that you can gain weight back. I no longer dump on anything I do eat less at one sitting however I can eat all day. Graze and eat sugar and don't move and you too will gain it back.
I wear a size 16 pants now or a snug 14 a way too tight 12.
I have recommited myself to get back to a size 10. But once the bad habits set in it sure is hard to get back on the wagon.

On a good note. I have bought my first house, my marriage is stronger and greater than ever. And despite the weight gain I am still happier than I have ever been.
Till next time..D

2-1-2004
The saga continues....I have recommitted myself to lose these extra pounds. My highest weight after I reached goal was 190!!!
Fifty pounds gained in one year!!! I fell back into my old habits thinking it could not happen to me. I mean I did lose 100 pounds in six months. I totally forgot that this surgery is only a tool. So for the past three weeks I have been upping my protein, watching calories and working out every day and in the past two weeks I have dropped 15 pounds. I am now down to 175.
I am trying to come to grip with the strong pull that food has on me. I mean since I was little food has been the only thing that I can depend on. Even now as an adult I give so much to be accepted by the ones I love and they end up not giving me back what I give to them and that makes me feel like crap and once again the food calls my name.
I have recently discovered they I try way to hard to fit in to be accepted, to be nice, to have friends, to have no faults that I have lost myself somewhere. But all along food has been there.
I remember as a child being stress out and sneaking downstairs to eat a can of blueberry filling and then hiding the can under my bed because I was so ashamed.
I did this all the time with food when I was small and my parents thought I was being a slob or was just too lazy to throw the food away. Even today I binge at night when everyone is asleep.
Now that I have had that AHA moment I think that I can get this food thing in gear. I will keep in touch with my progress. D

3-14-2004
164 yesterday 165 today went to cracker barrel last night big mistake.

However I eat good 90% of the time so I am not going to sweat it.
The past two months I have been watching my carb intake not eating any white stuff and watching my fat an sodium intake and doing all of that has helped me to shed almost 30 pounds.
Also for the past three weeks I have been working out every day for about 40 minutes and lifting weights three times a week.
For all of the long time post ops who has gained weight you too can lose it again. It will not be as easy as it was when you first had surgery but you can do it I am proof.
D