ObesityHelp

I'm a single mother of a 16 yr. old son. I have only been obese about 7 years. I was given oral steroids for my asthma for a prelonged period and gained over 100 lbs. in less than 6 months. After that it I yo-yo dieted myself up to 298, tried Redux, etc. Since I found out I could have the surgery I have lost about 12 lbs. and have been walking 2 to 3 times a day to make sure I'm in good shape for it. I am told that the operation will help with my general feeling of well-being because all of my health problems are caused or aggrevated by my morbid obesity.

12/17/99: I was a week in the hospital. At first the pain was the worst I've ever had except for hard labor which didn't last 2 or 3 days. I had trouble getting up and around but, once I started improving it went quickly. In fact, I am planning on going back to work Monday. I had gained a lot of weight from the IV in the hospital - 15lbs. So that fact that I am down to 270 this morning is welcome news. I am still on the liquid diet but am hoping to progress to pureed food after I see the doctor to get the staples out.

1/6/00: I've lost about 30lbs. from 283 to 251. I was eating some solid foods but got the flu and have been back on liquids until I get over it. I went back to work on the 20th as planned but, I was glad it was a short week and not very busy because of the holidays. I have stayed at the 251 now for about 10 days to 2 weeks, however, I have started to lose inches around my body so I am assuming my body is simply adjusting.

1/15/00: Only lost another 2 or 3 lbs. But feeling good and doing all my normal activities. I'm either at a plateu or eating too much.

2/8/00: I still haven't lost much more weight. I have added more exercise to my routine but am only down to 237 lbs. The weight lost so far has been the same as I experienced on the Atkins Diet. However, unlike the Atkins this is permanent! I was able to dance a few times last weekend before the surgery I didn't have the courage or stamina to even try.

3/3/00 I am down to 234. My weight loss has really slowed down but, at least it is still going down. It seems to be at the same rate as any diet 1/2 to 2 lbs a week. I am starting to get more active socially though, so my life is improving. I'm not just staying home with food.

3/23/00 I am down to 224 this morning. The weight is gradually coming off, but the working out and walking is paying off, I am wearing a size 18 regular not 18w. I'm also keeping the food down more often. My blood work came back and my triclycorites have went from 280 just before surgery (stroke time!) down to a normal 80. Which really cheered me up. It is great to be able to keep up with people when I'm walking etc.

5/2/00 My weight is 211 lbs. this morning. A regular size 18 is starting to be baggy on me. Pretty much just a gradual thing but 8 to 10 lbs. a month is actually pretty good.

6/12/00 My weight is 198 lbs. this morning. Still gradually losing 8 to 10 lbs a month. If I had been this successful at dieting I would be happy. I am wearing some size 14/16 jeans now. It was such a thrill not to have to look at or buy queen size anymore. My health is still good. I still throw up if I eat too quickly or do something stupid like try to eat Diary Queen ice cream. I can eat sour cream, tacos etc. if it is real diary products - fake cheese and sour cream etc. I throw up.

7/18/90 My weight is 182 lbs. now. Still gradually losing. My size 14/16 jeans are getting baggy and my measurements are down another inch. Also I haven't thrown up much in the last 2 or 3 weeks so it is settling down.

10/29/00 My weight is 165 lbs. now. Losing very slowly now. But, I am very pleased. I wear a size 12! To go from a size 26 to a size 12 in less than a year is great. I really don't care if I lose anymore or not. I don't take any medicines, can move about as I please. Also I found out that I was throwing up a lot because I had adhesions (I've had several surgeries over the years) that were blocking my intestines. Since I had that operated on I haven't thrown up.

06/23/01 My weight is still about 164 lbs. However, my skin and muscles have been toned quite a bit. I'm still a size 12 but a loose one instead of a tight 12. I bought a swimsuit last weekend for the 1st time in over 8 yrs. I'll wear it too. :-)
I'm told that a reduction from 283 to 164 is very good for this type of surgery and I am very pleased. I'm healthy, can eat enough not to stick out when we go to a restaurant, and look very good. I still avoid lettuce, too much sugar and fat, but I can have a taste of just about anything. I've found it best to eat small portions of something about every 2 to 3 hrs. to feel good, any more and I'm too full, any less and I run out of energy. My cholestoral is down to 177, blood pressure is normal, and fasting blood sugar runs about 60 to 63 which is on the low side. No more medicine! I only take Allegra and my vitamins. :-)

01-20-02 I had my checkup with the surgeon this week and all is well. I have reached my plateau and won't lose any more weight without the dreaded "dieting" and more exercise. I get hungry at the thought of yet another diet and as I feel good and look fine I am happy with my weight. My original goal was to feel healthy and wear regular sized clothes. I would have been happy when I was 312 lbs. just to be a size 18, so at a size 12 I am well pleased.

07-23-02 I had another checkup with the surgeon. I need to cut back on my eating. I have been gaining approx. 2lbs. every 6 months according to him. He wants me to join Weight Watchers. I am disappointed. I always gain 5 to 10 lbs. around my period and lose it within 3 days after it starts. This was the 1st day of my period. That was on Thurs. the 18th. I had put my scales to weigh the same as his that day. True to my pattern I am back down to 170 today and my clothes fit. I am happy with my weight. All my blood work came back normal.

12-06-02 It has been 3 yrs. since the surgery and I am pleased. I weigh between 165 and 170 lbs. depending upon water retention. My diabetes, blood pressure etc. are all in normal ranges. I buy just one size of clothing - a size 12. I have a bit of a saggy stomach, upper arms, etc. but, it doesn't bother me enough to spend the money or endure the pain of a tummy tuck. I look fine in regular clothes and the excess skin doesn't get in the way of anything I want to do.

4-19-04 I am still between 165 & 170 lbs, & a size 12P. I still have the saggy stomach etc., but am quite happy with my appearance & health. I would like to get some surgery, arms, tummy tuck & a knee fat lift. But, I'm not sure about the pain & expense involved.