Becky Sue
Just some ramblings...
Oct 14, 2006
I'm actually really enjoying this new format. It makes it so much easier to update your profile. I think part of the reason I got so bad about keeping mine updated was the hassle it was in the old format... So, now, I have no excuses, right? Right!
I also think that the farther out you are, the easier it is to forget... Forget the hard work you put into getting approved, jumping all the hoops, learning to eat again, remembering your vitamins, etc. There's no "newness" anymore and really, I don't think about it as much. I mean, sure, I do all the stuff I'm supposed to do (90% of the time, anyway) but it's really not a conscious thing anymore so there's really not much to write about. I'm going to try to at least update a little more regularly and pick something to focus on each time.
This week I'm gong to be focusing on water and no snacking... I've been doing pretty good since my little spike and I'm down in my comfort range at 153 but I know how easy it is to slip up, too. To be honest, even though I'm happy those 3 some pounds didn't stick around long, I'd still be happier if I were down a couple more, just for some buffer... Of course, I would still LOVE to see 149... I'm sure I will after PS and all, but it would be great to see it before, just to say I did.
I also think that the farther out you are, the easier it is to forget... Forget the hard work you put into getting approved, jumping all the hoops, learning to eat again, remembering your vitamins, etc. There's no "newness" anymore and really, I don't think about it as much. I mean, sure, I do all the stuff I'm supposed to do (90% of the time, anyway) but it's really not a conscious thing anymore so there's really not much to write about. I'm going to try to at least update a little more regularly and pick something to focus on each time.
This week I'm gong to be focusing on water and no snacking... I've been doing pretty good since my little spike and I'm down in my comfort range at 153 but I know how easy it is to slip up, too. To be honest, even though I'm happy those 3 some pounds didn't stick around long, I'd still be happier if I were down a couple more, just for some buffer... Of course, I would still LOVE to see 149... I'm sure I will after PS and all, but it would be great to see it before, just to say I did.
How Time Flies
Oct 13, 2006
So I just finished moving my entire profile over and realized how incredibly long it's been since I checked in... Kind of sad... But kind of an indication that I'm out living life, yannow? So, here's an overview:
Weight: I've been pretty steady between 151 and 155 since March. I had a slight bump up to 156 a couple of weeks ago. Basically, I got lazy and apathetic about my eating and I let it get away from me. I've since corrected that and now comfortably back at 153 and still going down.
Size: I'm wearing mostly sizes 6 and 8 bottoms and small/medium tops. I tend to stay with the mediums because of the skin around my belly which if not covered right looks pretty icky. My boobs, on the other hand, are pretty much non-existent.
PS: I'm having PS on December 12 - TT and BA - self pay. I'm pretty nervous but excited. The skin wasn't bad enough for insurance coverage (they're pretty specific about the requirements and I just don't quite meet them.) But, psychologically, the skin around my stomach REALLY bothers me and my lack of boobs (2 empty sacks of skin) is pretty gross too. I hate paying this kind of money for something like that, I mean, we're not talking chump change, but we had sort of a windfall so-to-speak and Aaron thought I should go for it - his standpoint is, it's the final leg of the journey, I deserve it, and it will make me happy. I guess...
Everything else: I had some issues this summer with my hormones. Stopped having periods, libido out the window, etc. My OB/GYN thought it was just my body reacting to the WL. Didn't have anything come up in the labs as far as hormones are concerned but I noticed an improvement when she put me on a couple months worth of B/C pills. I'm off them now, so we'll see if they jump-start things and I maintain a more normal cycle. I've also had some issues with neuropathy. My B12 was within range but on the low side and I was experiencing some numbness in my feet and hands, so my PCP and I decided to switch me to B12 injections, just to be safe. The neuropathy seems to be gong away and I generally feel better, so that's good.
I think that about covers it all. Life is pretty normal these days. I don't think too much about my eating, it's just the way I eat. I do still watch my carbs vs. protein, especially with this recent little bump up. I'm not exercising like I should although I still try to get out and walk a couple of times a week. I've even tried running - not very well - but I can maintain it for about 4 blocks... I'm back to smoking, something I really need to get under control before my PS. Sigh... What can I say, I'm working on it.
Weight: I've been pretty steady between 151 and 155 since March. I had a slight bump up to 156 a couple of weeks ago. Basically, I got lazy and apathetic about my eating and I let it get away from me. I've since corrected that and now comfortably back at 153 and still going down.
Size: I'm wearing mostly sizes 6 and 8 bottoms and small/medium tops. I tend to stay with the mediums because of the skin around my belly which if not covered right looks pretty icky. My boobs, on the other hand, are pretty much non-existent.
PS: I'm having PS on December 12 - TT and BA - self pay. I'm pretty nervous but excited. The skin wasn't bad enough for insurance coverage (they're pretty specific about the requirements and I just don't quite meet them.) But, psychologically, the skin around my stomach REALLY bothers me and my lack of boobs (2 empty sacks of skin) is pretty gross too. I hate paying this kind of money for something like that, I mean, we're not talking chump change, but we had sort of a windfall so-to-speak and Aaron thought I should go for it - his standpoint is, it's the final leg of the journey, I deserve it, and it will make me happy. I guess...
Everything else: I had some issues this summer with my hormones. Stopped having periods, libido out the window, etc. My OB/GYN thought it was just my body reacting to the WL. Didn't have anything come up in the labs as far as hormones are concerned but I noticed an improvement when she put me on a couple months worth of B/C pills. I'm off them now, so we'll see if they jump-start things and I maintain a more normal cycle. I've also had some issues with neuropathy. My B12 was within range but on the low side and I was experiencing some numbness in my feet and hands, so my PCP and I decided to switch me to B12 injections, just to be safe. The neuropathy seems to be gong away and I generally feel better, so that's good.
I think that about covers it all. Life is pretty normal these days. I don't think too much about my eating, it's just the way I eat. I do still watch my carbs vs. protein, especially with this recent little bump up. I'm not exercising like I should although I still try to get out and walk a couple of times a week. I've even tried running - not very well - but I can maintain it for about 4 blocks... I'm back to smoking, something I really need to get under control before my PS. Sigh... What can I say, I'm working on it.
Woohoo! This is fun!
Oct 12, 2006
I'm having a blast playing with this new format! Now, I have to figure out what I want to do with it!
One Year Surgeversary!
May 16, 2006
Good morning, everyone! I'm gonna bore ya for a minute this morning....
Today is my 1 year surgeversary... Wow... One year ago today, I was hopping in a car right now on my way to Indianapolis for my surgery... If I remember correctly, I was nervous, excited and... thirsty! I weighed 287 pounds and was miserable... When I came down the stairs from the bedroom, my joints hurt so badly I could barely make it down the stairs and I was out of breath by the time I hit the landing...
In the past year, I've gone from a size 24/26 to a size sm/med or 8/10, depending on the clothes. I've chopped all my hair off. I've lost nearly 140 pounds and depending on the day, I'm anywhere from 1-2 pounds from my goal.
I've ridden rollercoasters with my son, chased my kids around the yard and learned that shopping for clothes can be fun. I've remembered what it's like to be 'hit on' and I've pulled a failing marriage back from the brink of disaster. I've learned to like myself again.
I've also learned about the power of support from people who many would consider virtual strangers. You all are so important to me. I've shared in your joys and fears and you've shared in mine. I look forward to saying good morning to you, hearing about your day, and worried about your trials and tribulations. I can't thank you all enough for being who you are and for the very tangible contribution you have all had in my success. I can honestly say without all of you, I wouldn't be where I am today. I admire so many of you and am honored to call you my friends.
To all my OH family, have a beautiful May 17th!
Today is my 1 year surgeversary... Wow... One year ago today, I was hopping in a car right now on my way to Indianapolis for my surgery... If I remember correctly, I was nervous, excited and... thirsty! I weighed 287 pounds and was miserable... When I came down the stairs from the bedroom, my joints hurt so badly I could barely make it down the stairs and I was out of breath by the time I hit the landing...
In the past year, I've gone from a size 24/26 to a size sm/med or 8/10, depending on the clothes. I've chopped all my hair off. I've lost nearly 140 pounds and depending on the day, I'm anywhere from 1-2 pounds from my goal.
I've ridden rollercoasters with my son, chased my kids around the yard and learned that shopping for clothes can be fun. I've remembered what it's like to be 'hit on' and I've pulled a failing marriage back from the brink of disaster. I've learned to like myself again.
I've also learned about the power of support from people who many would consider virtual strangers. You all are so important to me. I've shared in your joys and fears and you've shared in mine. I look forward to saying good morning to you, hearing about your day, and worried about your trials and tribulations. I can't thank you all enough for being who you are and for the very tangible contribution you have all had in my success. I can honestly say without all of you, I wouldn't be where I am today. I admire so many of you and am honored to call you my friends.
To all my OH family, have a beautiful May 17th!
I'm Normal (Well, kinda)
Apr 04, 2006
Well, I finally did it! I finally scanned in some before pics, and I'm going to include them in the Before and After pics on OH as well... It was pretty sad looking through these pictures. On one hand, I feel so proud of myself, at how far I've come. On the other hand, I feel so embarassed and ashamed that I let myself get to that point in the first place...
Just a quick update: I'm down to 157, I am now officially of a NORMAL BMI! I'm no longer Morbidly Obese, Obese or even Overweight! Just normal! I'm wearing a size 8/10 bottoms and anything from Small to Medium top, depending on what it is and how I feel. I feel good, physically, with lots of energy and full of life... I'd write more, but it's late and I have to get to bed. I'll try to check in again soon...
Just a quick update: I'm down to 157, I am now officially of a NORMAL BMI! I'm no longer Morbidly Obese, Obese or even Overweight! Just normal! I'm wearing a size 8/10 bottoms and anything from Small to Medium top, depending on what it is and how I feel. I feel good, physically, with lots of energy and full of life... I'd write more, but it's late and I have to get to bed. I'll try to check in again soon...
Made my surgeon's goal!
Jan 24, 2006
Guess who finally got around to cleaning up her profile! :) I figured now was as good a time as any. I had tons of fun reading through my journey, too. For those of you just starting out, first of all, thank you SOOOOO much for reading my profile, especially if you're still awake! lol Second, whatever you do, make sure you keep up a profile, too. I can't tell you how nice it is to look back and see how far you came, plus, it's nice to read other people's stories, and someday, someone might read YOUR story and it may change their life like so many profiles on here have changed mine...
BTW, guess what!?! I made my surgeon's goal I am officially 170 pounds, at just past 8 months out. I never really thought I'd get here, and never really thought about where I would go from here. Actually, she said to "aim for 170, absolutely no less than 150." I guess I'm just going to see what happens, my loss is fairly slow, a few pounds a month, maybe 8 or so. If I never lost another pound, I'd be pleased as punch. If I lost another 10 or 15, that would be cool too. PS probably won't be in my future unless I hit the lottery. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending how you look at it), my skin isn't too bad - nothing I can't live with. I mean, hey, I never thought I was gonna look like Cindy Crawford, anyway. What little issues I have can easily be concealed with clothes (size 10, by the way!)
Where have the girls gone?
Jan 19, 2006
Well, my profile is kind of all dinked up - things out of alignment, etc. Gonna have to go through and fix that one of these days... Things are going well, here. My weight loss seems to have picked up a little bit but it's still fairly slow comparatively. I pretty much only lose for about a week, week and a half before my period. I'm now at 172, 2 pounds away from my surgeon's 'top' goal. She told me to aim for 170, absolutely no less than 150. Not sure where I want to stop - guess I'll know when I get there. :)
I'm in a size 10 pants now, Med/Lg top, depending. My poor boobs have shrank and shrank... From a 44DD to a 36B. It's depressing. If I ever have the opportunity to get PS, that'll be top of my list... I don't even have enough left to truly sag... lol The rest of the skin issue isn't too bad, pretty much cosmetic, got some skin around my belly, little fold over my hip bones but certainly not noticeable with clothes on and not causing any physical problems. I'm really not in a hurry to go under the knife again so I figure I'll let it be for a year or so and decide what, if anything, I want to do and what I can afford.
Things are pretty much great - feel great, fantastic, actually. Can't believe the difference 8 months can make. I have so much energy, can chase the kids around, wrestle with my son, spend an entire day shopping, walking, whatever and not get tired or hurt. Pretty much eat normal, no food problems. A normal day would consist of: Pre B - protein shake, B - 1/2-3/4 cup ff cottage cheese with some fruit, L- chili or ham and bean soup S - an orange or some grapes, maybe a protein bar or chunk of cheese, D - pretty much whatever the rest of the family is having but I stay away from carbs as much as possible. A piece of steak or chicken, some veggies. If nothing else, my family eats healthier because I do all the cooking and why would I cook something I can't eat, right?
Well, that's it for now, if anyone is actually reading this, I'm sorry it's not too exciting... lol
I'm in a size 10 pants now, Med/Lg top, depending. My poor boobs have shrank and shrank... From a 44DD to a 36B. It's depressing. If I ever have the opportunity to get PS, that'll be top of my list... I don't even have enough left to truly sag... lol The rest of the skin issue isn't too bad, pretty much cosmetic, got some skin around my belly, little fold over my hip bones but certainly not noticeable with clothes on and not causing any physical problems. I'm really not in a hurry to go under the knife again so I figure I'll let it be for a year or so and decide what, if anything, I want to do and what I can afford.
Things are pretty much great - feel great, fantastic, actually. Can't believe the difference 8 months can make. I have so much energy, can chase the kids around, wrestle with my son, spend an entire day shopping, walking, whatever and not get tired or hurt. Pretty much eat normal, no food problems. A normal day would consist of: Pre B - protein shake, B - 1/2-3/4 cup ff cottage cheese with some fruit, L- chili or ham and bean soup S - an orange or some grapes, maybe a protein bar or chunk of cheese, D - pretty much whatever the rest of the family is having but I stay away from carbs as much as possible. A piece of steak or chicken, some veggies. If nothing else, my family eats healthier because I do all the cooking and why would I cook something I can't eat, right?
Well, that's it for now, if anyone is actually reading this, I'm sorry it's not too exciting... lol
The Year in Review
Jan 01, 2006
Well, 2005 was a good year. I'm currently down 110 pounds, I feel wonderful, I have very few eating issues and most important, I feel like I'm alive again. I can't believe how different my life is today compared to a year ago. Let's take stock:
Weight: 177 vs 287 Size: Sz 12 or M/L vs Sz 22/24/26 or XXXL Pain: No pain at all vs. Lots of pain, everyday in hips, ankles and knees Blood Pressure: Runs on the low side vs. almost needing meds because it's too high Energy Level: Teenage girl vs. sloth Outlook on Life: I can take the world! vs. I want to hide from the world
Here's a pic from New Year's Eve of me and my friend Mandy. See my smile? That's a REAL smile, not one of those pretend smiles I used to see in my pictures all the time...
Weight: 177 vs 287 Size: Sz 12 or M/L vs Sz 22/24/26 or XXXL Pain: No pain at all vs. Lots of pain, everyday in hips, ankles and knees Blood Pressure: Runs on the low side vs. almost needing meds because it's too high Energy Level: Teenage girl vs. sloth Outlook on Life: I can take the world! vs. I want to hide from the world
Here's a pic from New Year's Eve of me and my friend Mandy. See my smile? That's a REAL smile, not one of those pretend smiles I used to see in my pictures all the time...
Onderland and Sugar Alcohols
Nov 10, 2005
Well hello, there, beautiful people! I can't believe how quickly I can get behind on my journal! It's been a month and a half! I'm down to 190 now, which puts me in just the "Overweight" category on the BMI scale! WOOHOO! I'm wearing size 14 pants (could maybe do 12s in trousers, now) and Large or Medium tops. Yesterday, I wore my 10-year-old son's sweatshirt! :) I'm feeling great!
As far as eating goes, everything's going well. I've found that in addition to sugar, I'm pretty sensitive to high fats and high sugar alcohols. I got cocky a few weeks ago and had a fried mozzarella stick and a very small onion ring and OH BOY was that a mistake. I had classical dumping - sweating, hot flashes, shakiness, sleepiness, etc. Last time I try that. I also recently tried a SF PB Cup I ordered from my son's fundraiser program and had the same reaction. Now, I can do the little tiny mini Reese's SF PB cups okay, but this one was bigger, much richer, and had a much higher Sugar Alcohol count. I wound up giving the rest of the box away.
Nothing much else going on. I'm working really hard to get my protein level back up to a higher count (at least 60). It seems that my weight loss stalled out for a while cuz I got kind of lazy about it. I'm also working hard on pushing my water up some more, too. I still track everything on Fitday and aim for about 800-1000 calories a day with 40% protein, 30% fat and 30% carbs. I've found I really have to watch the fat and have switched to low fat/nonfat choices now that I can eat more.
Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! One of these days I PROMISE to post some before pictures as well as a current picture. If I'm stalling, it's subconscious, I swear! I just haven't gotten around to it. All my before pictures are print so I have to get them scanned and just haven't gotten around to it yet.
Anyway, have a great day, I'll talkatcha later!
As far as eating goes, everything's going well. I've found that in addition to sugar, I'm pretty sensitive to high fats and high sugar alcohols. I got cocky a few weeks ago and had a fried mozzarella stick and a very small onion ring and OH BOY was that a mistake. I had classical dumping - sweating, hot flashes, shakiness, sleepiness, etc. Last time I try that. I also recently tried a SF PB Cup I ordered from my son's fundraiser program and had the same reaction. Now, I can do the little tiny mini Reese's SF PB cups okay, but this one was bigger, much richer, and had a much higher Sugar Alcohol count. I wound up giving the rest of the box away.
Nothing much else going on. I'm working really hard to get my protein level back up to a higher count (at least 60). It seems that my weight loss stalled out for a while cuz I got kind of lazy about it. I'm also working hard on pushing my water up some more, too. I still track everything on Fitday and aim for about 800-1000 calories a day with 40% protein, 30% fat and 30% carbs. I've found I really have to watch the fat and have switched to low fat/nonfat choices now that I can eat more.
Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it! One of these days I PROMISE to post some before pictures as well as a current picture. If I'm stalling, it's subconscious, I swear! I just haven't gotten around to it. All my before pictures are print so I have to get them scanned and just haven't gotten around to it yet.
Anyway, have a great day, I'll talkatcha later!
Checking In
Sep 23, 2005
Boy, have I gotten bad about keeping my profile up to date... Sorry... I'm going to commit to getting some more pics up soon, this week hopefully. I may even get up the balls to dig up a dreaded full-body pre-op pic... We'll see.
Things are going pretty well. I didn't make my goal of being under 200 by my birthday, but I'm close enough for my tastes. 204 isn't anything to sneeze at, considering I started at 287 just 4 short months ago. I'm not having any food issues other than already mentioned. I haven't tried any "real" sugar and on occasion treat myself to a SF Murray's cookie or something like that. Been pretty good at getting all my fluids in, as well as my protein and vits, other than calcium. I'm going to see my PCP about getting a prescription for a prenatal that is all-inclusive. I heard about it at group last week and it sounds like a winner. Plus, it's covered by my prescription plan...
Exercise is still an issue. I was doing so well until I started smoking again. I still plan to quit, just haven't taken that jump yet... I know, I know, dumb, dumb, DUMB! I'm so disappointed in myself. What was I thinking?!!?
I'm now wearing a size 16 in jeans, and my work clothes (18) are getting pretty baggy. I have some birthday money coming so I'll probably hit the Goodwill up for some more clothes. I still can't believe sometimes, when I hold the clothes up in front of me, how SMALL they look! Even though I've been wearing 16 jeans for a couple of weeks, every time I pick them up to put them on, I'm CONVINCED they won't fit. Talk about neurotic! lol
Anyway, just checking in to let everyone know I'm still here. Things are pretty good. Nothing but some "blahs" that I think come with the territory.
Things are going pretty well. I didn't make my goal of being under 200 by my birthday, but I'm close enough for my tastes. 204 isn't anything to sneeze at, considering I started at 287 just 4 short months ago. I'm not having any food issues other than already mentioned. I haven't tried any "real" sugar and on occasion treat myself to a SF Murray's cookie or something like that. Been pretty good at getting all my fluids in, as well as my protein and vits, other than calcium. I'm going to see my PCP about getting a prescription for a prenatal that is all-inclusive. I heard about it at group last week and it sounds like a winner. Plus, it's covered by my prescription plan...
Exercise is still an issue. I was doing so well until I started smoking again. I still plan to quit, just haven't taken that jump yet... I know, I know, dumb, dumb, DUMB! I'm so disappointed in myself. What was I thinking?!!?
I'm now wearing a size 16 in jeans, and my work clothes (18) are getting pretty baggy. I have some birthday money coming so I'll probably hit the Goodwill up for some more clothes. I still can't believe sometimes, when I hold the clothes up in front of me, how SMALL they look! Even though I've been wearing 16 jeans for a couple of weeks, every time I pick them up to put them on, I'm CONVINCED they won't fit. Talk about neurotic! lol
Anyway, just checking in to let everyone know I'm still here. Things are pretty good. Nothing but some "blahs" that I think come with the territory.
About Me
Fort Wayne, IN
Location
23.2
BMI
Surgery
05/17/2005
Surgery Date
Apr 12, 2004
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
Taken shortly after I decided to have WLS
275-280ishlbs
10 Months Out
160ishlbs
