Let's get to know each other

Because I'm new to this site and I see a lot of posts from others that are new, I though maybe we could "tell each other" about ourselves.  So "new" or "old" let's hear from you.   Feel free to divulge as much or as little as you want.  I'll start...

I'm Stephanie from Dallas Tx.  I'm 54 years old, married for 25 years and have one daughter (Hailey) who is about to start Grad school for Speech Language Pathology.  I've been a Labor and Delivery RN for 32 years and have the best job in the world, except that's it gets more physically demanding the older I get.  I had a lapband in July '05 that never "worked".  I vomited daily for 2 years and never lost any weight.  Found out that it wasn't placed properly so no I wasn't a failure (even though I felt like one).  I had a revision to a bypass in July 07, went from a size 24 to a 10.  Had plastics (TT and BL) last October and am in maintance now.  Looking forward to my 2 year surgiversary on the 30th of this month.  Your turn...

Stephanie,
I am newish here too. Just started reading about 3 weeks ago. I am waiting for insurance approval for a rny. I too am an old labor and delivery RN. I now work in home care (director) because I can't pull 12 hour shifts on the floor any longer. I am hoping this surgery will open new opportunities for me. I would love to work 3 12 hour shifts again and have 4 days off.
I have 3 grown children, 2 grown step children and 12 grandchildren. My first husband was killed in 1978 and I have been remarried for 15 years. I am 56 and very impatient about hearing if I am approved for surgery or not. I live in Indiana and work for a small county hospital.
I am enjoying this blog very much. I have learned many things in preparation for my surgery and have gotten much info on how it is after surgery. You must feel wonderfull about your accomplishments. I am thrilled for you!
I have many co-morbidities, but the worst is stage 3 kidney disease. Even the surgery cannot fix this one.
Thanks for sharing your info and starting this thread..
Penny

The main reason I had WLS was because I couldn't continue to pound those halls for 12 hrs at a time and with a daughter in college, I had lots of loans to pay off.  Losing the weight has made an incredible difference in how I feel at the end of the day.  I can't wait to follow your journey so keep us posted on what's happening.

Hi, I am 56, married for 37 years. I have 4 children & 17 grandchildren. Only 2 of them are boys. Had my RNY in oct. of 05 & have lost 100#. Don't know what size I was, I just bought the biggest stretch pants I could. I am now a size 4 or 6 depending on the brand. I have been on the boards for a few years & this is the best of OH!!!!!
Nan

Nan, thanks for replying.  Wow 15 granddaughters and only 2 boys, I be they're spoiled!!  Sounds like you've done an awesome job with your surgery.  Nice to meet you.

Hi Stephanie from Dallas. . .

I'm Laureen, also, 54, orginally from NYC, now by way of Maple Shade, NJ, considered a little suburb of Philadelphia, where I moved to 6 years ago when my oldest child, Jeff, got engaged to be married and I knew that was where he would be living and knew I would eventually have grandchildren nearby (now have two of them, Vaughn who will be 4 in Sept and Avery Grace, who is 2), of which I have two older ones (Samantha, age 11 and Dylan, 8 in Oct) that live in the Orlando area of Florida, with their Mom, Marlene, my oldest daughter, also have a younger daughter, Angela, *****sides in the same area as my other daughter, Angela graduate nursing school later this year. . . 

Anyway, I live with my 12+ yo Rottie, name of Dillinger, and currently have two housemates that share my home with me, also have a great guy that I date, Tony, who lives in North NJ and who I met 4 months post-op, at which time I still weighed just over 200 lbs., he has watched me shrink to my current weight of, and it varies 6 lbs., between 156 and 162, and he is my biggest supporter.  I had my surgery on October 16, 2007 and have gone from a size 22/24 to a size 12, though I own one pair of Ralph Lauren jeans in size 10, RL makes 'em roomy enough for me to be able to say I wear a size 10 (lol). . . I am still hoping to reach my personal goal of 150, but if I don't, I still consider my journey to be successful, as I've made changes that I still adhere to today, including excersize and journaling of my food.  I am healthier, more self confident and happier than at any other time in my life and a large part of that I owe to having chosen this route, as well as the people I've met here on OH.  I am also a recovered alcoholic celebrating 22 years of continous sobriety today, which has taught me that one of the tools I would need to utilize is that of support and the support I've gotten here on OFF, as well as the PA forum has gone a long way in helping me stay on track.  I also go to a couple of support groups a month, one of which I participate on a leadership basis.

Life is largely about the attitude you bring with you, so I try to maintain a positive one and when I can't I lean on you all for support. . .

Hugs, Laureen

Congratulations on your 22 years of continuous sobriety Laureen, I applaud you.
Jan

Laureen, I'm a Yankee myself by birth but now a Southerner by choice.  (I can't stand the cold anymore).  I was born and raised in the Catskill mountains of New York but came to Texas by way of Baylor University in the 70's.  Been here ever since.

I agree with you 100%~ support is the key to success in one's weight loss journey whether it be through surgery or a good diet and exercise routine.  I'm so glad you have someone in your life that supports you.  He sounds like a great guy. 

Dillinger is a great name for your dog. My neighbor had the sweetest Rottie but she passed away last week and she misses her terribly.  I imagine it won't be long before we have a new puppy in the neighborhood.

Good idea Stephanie.  I've been on the site for about 7 months now and am still learning something new about and from the 'old timers'.
I'm Jan from Warren, MI.  I'm 57 and have been married for 34 years to Gary.  I have two sons and two DIL with one going to have my first grandbaby in December.  I worked at GM for 32 years before I retired.  Then I did a couple of part time jobs to ease myself into the staying home all day.  How did I ever do everything before I was retired?
I had RNY last Thursday and am doing very well.  I'd love to see a size 10 again someday, but realistically I'd be happy with a 14 or 12.  I haven't lost all the IV fluid weight that I gained in the hospital yet and frankly am a little worried about that.  It's been two full days since they pulled the IV.  I don't seem to have as much restriction as I'd expected either when it comes to eating and drinking.  I'm just taking it easy because I don't want the pain or the dumping thingee.
Jan

Hey Jan,

Welcome to the Loser's Bench. . .  don't worry, it's only been a couple of days, the fluid will flush. . .  just move, sip, rest and do whatever it is they told you. . .  I, too, did not have too much problem right out of the gate getting in my fluids and protein, not a bad thing.  Thanks also for the good wishes on my sobriety.

Best wishes as you embark on this wonderful, sometimes frustrating journey.

Laureen