Last night, my hubby and I went to my first Christmas Party since WLS. It was for where I work, Labatt Brewery in London. There were over 400 people there and it was quite a fancy due. I wore a pair of slinky dress pants (size medium) and a really cute and sexy long sleeved blouse with a satin ribbon tied at the waist. I haven't dared to wear anything with a tie around it in so many years! But, I looked fabulous I must say! One of the ladies at our table took picutres of every couple at our table, so I'm going to get her to send it to me so that I can download it on to my profile. We had a blast! Kevin and I danced almost every slow song--still not quite ready for the fast ones yet! I sipped 3 small glasses of wine and boy oh boy, did they hit hard! I stopped about 9 pm as I would be the one driving home. No way Kevin could drive--the beer was free seeing that it was a Labatt party!
It was so nice to go out and feel good about myself and not be worried that I was the biggest person in the room or that people were watching me eat. Looking forward to the next Christmas party which is for Kevins' work on November 25th!
November 5th, 2006
Nov 05, 2006
Lost another few pounds--down to 163 pounds! My size 12 jeans are getting really baggy and the 10's are fitting alot better. Going for a job interview on Wednesday and need new clothes for it. Right now the only pants I have are jeans. Each time I drop a size, I buy myself two pair in the new size. Looking forward to my consultation with the reconstructive surgeon at Barix on November 18th!
October 28, 2006
Oct 28, 2006
So much has happened in the past week. I have a brother named Jamie who is married with two daughters age 20 and 12. He just turned 45 this past July. He had a stroke last week and is in Hamilton General Hospital. So far, the only thing affected by it is his short term memory and his personality has changed. I don't know how to describe it but to say he just isn't Jamie. He will be off work indefinatley and he and his wife are self-employed. They own an appliance store. He won't be able to drive for at least a year. The doctors and specialists can't find the cause of the stroke. They are guessing that it was a blood-clot, but they don't know the source. They say this is not uncommon when the stroke victim is so young. An MRI showed that he actually had at least two strokes, possibly more. This is of course devastating to his family, but financially it is a mightmare. They have no insurance to cover anything like this and being self-employed makes it worse because Jamie ran the business and did all the service calls. His wife works part-time in nursing home, but they can't live off that income. I hope this is a lesson for the rest of my brothers and sisters to make sure they are prpared for something like this.
The other thing that happened is that I got called to go on a jury panel for jury selection. Well, guess what? I got picked! I will be juror #5 in Superior Court in St. Thomas Ontario starting this Monday (October 30, 2006). It is a criminal case. The defendant is being charged with 3 counts of sexual assault. He is a guy from the town I live in but I don't know him. I'm actually kind of looking forward to it. I think it will be very interesting to see how our justice system works from that angle. Of course, I 'm nervous too. I have no idea what to expect. Keep you posted!
My WLS Journal
Oct 26, 2006
IN THE BEGINNING...
I am a mother of two teenage boys (14 & 17). I have been married for almost 19 years. I am a professional and work in the financial services industry. I have fought with my weight for as long as I can remember. I am investigating the different types and methods of WLS so that I can make a sound choice for myself. I will be seeing my family doctor in the next week or so to discuss the options. I have tried everything for weight loss from the "Magic Soup Diet" to "Curves". Most diets work while you are on them but, afterward, I have always gained the weight back plus some. I actually found results by joining "Curves", but I was just too embarrassed to work out when there were others in the work out area. It always seemed that when I was there all the skinny people were too. I really want to be able to do very simple things like get off the couch and out of the car without it taking two tries. I want to walk with my husband without my feet and ankles killing me. And I'm real tired of doing "acrobats" in the shower every morning! My husband is supportive but doesn't really have any understanding of the battle I face every day. My best friend will help any way she can and says she "just wants me healthy". I want to see my boys graduate college, get married and make me a grandmother. Presently I am 5' 3" and weigh 285 pounds. I think that puts my BMI around 50. I love the Lord Jesus with all my heart and all my soul and I depend on Him to see me through this journey. If this surgery is not what He wants for me, then I do not want it, but I will be sure to keep my heart and ears open to hear Him. God is good all the time! All the time, God is good! Amen!
I am a mother of two teenage boys (14 & 17). I have been married for almost 19 years. I am a professional and work in the financial services industry. I have fought with my weight for as long as I can remember. I am investigating the different types and methods of WLS so that I can make a sound choice for myself. I will be seeing my family doctor in the next week or so to discuss the options. I have tried everything for weight loss from the "Magic Soup Diet" to "Curves". Most diets work while you are on them but, afterward, I have always gained the weight back plus some. I actually found results by joining "Curves", but I was just too embarrassed to work out when there were others in the work out area. It always seemed that when I was there all the skinny people were too. I really want to be able to do very simple things like get off the couch and out of the car without it taking two tries. I want to walk with my husband without my feet and ankles killing me. And I'm real tired of doing "acrobats" in the shower every morning! My husband is supportive but doesn't really have any understanding of the battle I face every day. My best friend will help any way she can and says she "just wants me healthy". I want to see my boys graduate college, get married and make me a grandmother. Presently I am 5' 3" and weigh 285 pounds. I think that puts my BMI around 50. I love the Lord Jesus with all my heart and all my soul and I depend on Him to see me through this journey. If this surgery is not what He wants for me, then I do not want it, but I will be sure to keep my heart and ears open to hear Him. God is good all the time! All the time, God is good! Amen!
March 10, 2005
Had an appointment with my family doctor this morning. I was a bit hesitant to ask about a referral for surgery. When I asked my last doctor (we just moved here six months ago) about WLS, he told me to get the cookbook called, "Looney-Spoons" as that is what he and his wife used to lose 20 pounds each for their sons wedding. Can you believe that! How stupid! I can gain and lose 20 pounds in a week! Anyway, I had a much better response today! My new doctor said he would certainly send a referral for me. It is going to Drs. Klein and Hagan in Mississauga Ontario. I'm excited about receiving their "packet" for me to fill out! This is the beginning of the rest of my life! I'll keep you posted!
March 16, 2005
I am a blessed woman. Through this journey, I have a co-worker who has started at the same time with the same surgeon! It's nice to have an understanding ear. We share stuff throughout the day and help each other find answers to questions etc. I have always felt that my weight was an issue with my husband. I guess it is in so far as he is concerned about me being healthy. This became quite evident to me the other evening in the kitchen. He was getting a little "frisky" and I said to him, "My gosh, what are you going to be like when I get skinny?". His reply was, "I'll still want you just as bad." Wow! In other words, he finds me sexy and desirable right now! That was a "feel-good" moment!
March 31, 2005
I got my paperwork from Drs. Klein and Hagan's office today. I am so excited! Holding those papers in my hand and knowing that this is the first communication with the surgeon who can change my life, just made this whole thing SO real to me. I filled them out right away and then set them on the diningroom table for a while. Then I went back to them and filled in some more. I wanted to make sure I was sending all the information I could possibly send in this paperwork. One of the questions is to list every method you have used to lose weight. I had to keep going back to that one because I would keep remembering ANOTHER diet I had been on! I guess the next step is to get the phone call to set up the consultation appointment. Until then...
April 20, 2005
A bit of a downer today. My co-worker who has been referred to the same surgeon called his office today just to check that they had received her initial paperwork and to ask for a "ball park" idea on how long one usually waits for their initial consult with the surgeon. The receptionist in the office told her up to 2 years! TWO YEARS!! I jokingly emailed my friend back and told her I refused to believe we would have to wait two years and that I am obviously in denial about the whole thing. Well, I guess if it's two years, it's two years. Just think, if I waited until next year to investigate this, I'd be waiting three years!
May 4, 2005
I knew it couldn't be true!! Two years?--NO way! My co-worker got a letter last week confirming her first consultation with Dr. Klein/Hagan. It's set for July 18th, 2005! I'm so excited for her! Now, I just wait for mine to arrive.
May 5, 2005
Oh my gosh! I keep viewing the message board on this site and I keep finding people who have got their first consultation appointments with either Dr. Klein or Dr. Hagan and I have been waiting longer. Don't get me wrong--I'm extremely happy for each and every one of them! I'm just concerned that perhaps my paperwork I filled out and mailed on April 01, 2005 didn't arrive at the surgeons office for some reason. I hope I'm not being paranoid, but I think I'll give the surgeons office a call in the morning just to double-check. Actually, it might be a good idea to check with my own doctor first to see if they have heard from the surgeon.
May 10, 2005
Well, glad I didn't call the surgeons office and embarrass myself! I went to my family doctor today for something else and Lo, and Behold! sitting in my file is the fax from the surgeon confirming my consultation appointment with Dr. Klein on Thursday, July 28 at 3 pm. The fax was dated April 27, so it sat in my file for two weeks! NOT IMPRESSED!! But, I was so excited about the appointment, I let it slide!
So, I'm one step closer to my new life!
June 1, 2005
I found a local support group for WLS patients who are post-ops and pre-ops. They meet in St. Thomas (15 min away) on the third Sunday of the month. Next meeting is June 19th. I'm really excited about attending! Awesome!
June 16, 2005
I have decided to take a look at Out-Of-Country surgery, so I downloaded the form from OHIP and made an appointment with my family doctor for next week. I will get him to help me fill it out. He is originally from the USA and would know where to send me right away. Not saying that I would "for sure" leave Canada to have this done--just want to look at all the options and keep my bases covered!
June 23, 2005
Seen my family doctor about OOC. He has not had a patient that has been approved by OHIP, so he asked me to gather the information and forms necessary. It seemed smart for me to collect the necessary documentation and information rather than him. I mean, I have the incentive to find everything and likely more time to do so than he would given his busy practice. So, after I gather all the "stuff", he wants me to bring it into him, we will look it all over and he said he will provide me with whatever I need including signatures.
I met a woman from the London, Ontario area who is doing OOC. She was approved by OHIP in a matter of days! From the first appointment to her surgery date is under 3 months! I am meeting her on Sunday morning to look at all the paperwork she sent into OHIP. She's even going to give me copies to take to my own doctor!! WOW!! I'm really excited about seeing her!
June 26, 2005
Well, my co-worker (who is also having WLS) and I met today with this pre-op from London who got OOC OHIP approval so quickly. She was just a wealth of information! She gave both of us copies of the letter she wrote to OHIP, the OOC form she and her doctor filled out and a copy of the letter her own doctor sent in to OHIP. She was able to answer a million questions we had and explain sooo many things to us that we did not understand. I almost feel guilty for getting all the information when she is the one who did all the "legwork", but I know she is just happy to help anyone who needs information. Next step is to pick a surgeon and a centre in the USA and get the paperwork completed and sent off to OHIP! Keep ya'll posted!
June 29, 2005
I now have an appointment to attend a seminar at the Barix Centre in Ypsilanti Michigan on July 27, 2005. Following the seminar, I have an appointment for a free consultation with one of the surgeons! My co-worker is going with me for the same seminar and is having her consultation afterward as well! I am preparing all my paperwork for OHIP OOC coverage this week and hope to get it sent out by early next week. I'm so excited!!
July 6, 2005
Seen my family doctor today and asked him to write me a letter to accompany my application for OOC to OHIP. He will gladly do it. Once that is ready, I will send everything off to OHIP by Expresspost!
July 13, 2005
Rec'd my letter of support from my family doctor today for my application for OOC coverage through OHIP. He wrote a very good letter that is two pages long and states that he supports me and agrees with this surgery 100%. So, the last thing to get ready before I send everything off to OHIP is photos--yep, photos! I am having a good friend take some poloroids of me from front, back and both sides to send in my package to OHIP. It's my hope that the photos will help them see how much I need this surgery.
July 18, 2005
Well, I'm having the photos taken tomorrow morning and then the package is being sent off to OHIP via Expresspost. I'm nervous about not being approved. Okay, "Let Go and Let God!"
July 28, 2005
Went for my seminar and consultation at Barix Clinic in Michigan today. I can't say enough good about the whole experience! It was wonderful! I am praying that I receive OHIP approval for OOC so that I can have the surgery performed there. The staff is amazing and the consultation with Dr. Jon Schram could not have been better. He was very informative, polite, respectful and a real "sweetie". I never felt rushed or "coralled" at any time during the entire visit. All the staff called you by name every time they spoke to you. Dr. Schram's only requirements of me were to have a sleep test done and to lose 15-20 pounds before surgery. I travelled down with my friend Julie and we had a blast! Went shopping of course! Left my house at 7 am and got home about 11 pm. It was a long day, but so worth the trip, the mileage and the time.
I am off to have my first consultation with Dr. Klein today at 3 pm
in Toronto. My best friend Teri is going with me. It will be interesting to compare the two scenarios: USA vs. Canada.
August 3rd, 2005
Had my consultation with Dr. Klein in Toronto on July 28th. It was very different than the visit to the Barix Clinic in Michigan. A general surgeon doesn't really specialize in any one medical field, so it was very different. Let's just say that I am now REALLY praying for approval from OHIP for the OOC coverage for Michigan and leave it at that.
I called OHIP today and they confirmed that they have rec'd my application for OOC and that I have been approved for a consultation at Barix Clinic. I told them that I have already had the consultation. They said that they need a letter from Barix stating that I am an approved candidate for the surgery and in all likelihood will be approved by OHIP once that is rec'd. I'm trying not to get too excited because it's not written in stone yet!
August 4th, 2005
OKAY, NOW I'M EXCITED!! I called OHIP today to touch base with them and let them know that I will be on 2 weeks holidays starting this Monday. The representative told me that they have rec'd the info they needed from Barix and I'm approved for OOC surgery!! This whole thing has happened so smoothly. I truly believe that if something comes easy and you have prayed about it, then it's very likely God. If you pray about it and it is still difficult, then it is God telling you either not to do it or He is having you learn something through the process. Either way, the most important part is to know His voice and listen! I know this is what He wants for me. I mean just look at the things that have happened--the first surgeon I see is one who prays for and with every patient before entering the operating room--my contacts name at Barix is "Faith"--I get OOC OHIP approval in 10 business days!
God is good all the time. All the time God is good!
August 22, 2005
It is finally and officially official!!!! I received my letter from OHIP today giving approval for OOC surgery at Barix Clinic in Ypsilanti, Michigan. I knew I was approved on August 5th, but since I was leaving for holidays on August 8th, Bev at the OHIP office in Kingston said they wouldn't actually send the letter out to me until after I returned from holidays. Now I wait for an appointment here in Canada for the sleep apnea testing that Dr. Schram wants done. God is good!
August 28, 2005
So, two days after my last entry here, I called my family doctors office to see if they had heard anything about my appointment for the sleep apnea test. His secretary said that they had just heard from the sleep centre that very morning and there might be a problem. Apparently, the sleep centre was concerned whether OHIP would pay for the test since it was originally requested for a US surgeon. I re-read my approval letter from OHIP. My understanding from it is that OHIP will not pay for such testing in the US since those tests are available here in Canada. I decided to "take the bull by the horns" and I called the sleep centre myself. The receptionist was very nice. She was just concerned that if OHIP didn't pay for the test that I was going to get stuck with the bill. I offered to bring her a copy of my approval letter from OHIP. So, off I went to the sleep centre with letter in hand. She made a copy of it and would see what her boss said. Then she asked me if I wanted an appointment date. I said, "Sure. Might as well while I'm here." She says, "Well, I just had a cancellation for tomorrow night, would you like that one?" I jumped at the chance. So, Friday night (26th) I went to St. Thomas and got 'wired'. When they are finished with you, you look like a suicide bomber with all that paraphenalia hooked up to you. The technician was really nice and I think I actually slept pretty good. So, with that done, the last thing to do before surgery is to lose 15-20 pounds at Dr. Schrams request. Not sure when I can book an actual date though. Anyway, things are moving along quite nicely.
September 6, 2005
Happy 19th Anniversary to me and my hubby, Kevin! I am looking soooo forward to my 20th! I know that I will look like a different person by then. Our son went to Paris with his high school French class this past spring and brought home a bottle of French champagne for us. We are saving it for our 20th anniversary next year! I can't wait!
September 28, 2005
After almost a month of waiting, the sleep study test results are in. They have been faxed to the Barix Clinic and are in my file waiting for Dr. Schram to either sign-off on them (meaning they are acceptable to him) or send in a request for further sleep study testing. I hate waiting, but I know patience is a virtue!
September 29, 2005
I called Becca at Barix again today and she said that Dr. Schram has signed off on the sleep study results and that my file has been forwarded to the department who contacts the patients to set up the surgery date! I will likely get a call tomorrow or Monday! I can hardly believe it's about to happen--that it's finally here! God is good--all the time! All the time--God is good!
October 5, 2005
I HAVE A DATE! I HAVE A DATE! I HAVE A DATE!
Barix called me at work today and we booked my pre-op appointment for November 14th and the surgery for November 28th. I'm so excited, I can hardly stand it!
October 28, 2005
ONE MONTH FROM TODAY!! ONLY 31 more sleeps!
November 17, 2005
I went to Barix for my pre-op testing on Monday the 14th. I had 5 vials of blood taken, chest xrays, gall bladder ultrasound, and EKG as well as a talk with a Dr. Jones and a respiroligist. What a day! I was exhausted and found it difficult to do some shopping in the USA, but I managed!! Oh yeah! I lost eleven pounds--don't know how, but I did!
Well, only 11 more sleeps!
December 01, 2005
Well here I am on the LOSING SIDE!! Yee Haw! My husband and youngest son went with me on Sunday and surgery was Mon Nov 28. I can't say enough about how well they treated me at Barix Clinics! It was wonderful from the time I arrived on Monday morning until I checked out on Wed about 1:30. Everything went VERY well. I get tired really easily, but that's to be expected. I've had zero complications. Some pain but they gave me some awesome pain reliever. I'm getting tired of jello, but I know it's only for a short time, so I can endure. My surgeon was a real peach. He prayed with my husband and I just before they gave me the "sleepy juice" as they rolled me into surgery. That REALLY impressed my husband alot! My pre-op nurse was Astar. He was just a scream. He is from the Phillipines but he has aunts and uncles and cousins all over the place including Mississauga and Toronto. My recovery nurse even knew where Aylmer was--her son played in hockey tournaments over here alot when he was younger. Anyway, it could not have gone any smoother and I would recommend Barix to anyone considering this surgery!
December 17, 2005
I went for my 2 week check up at Barix this past Tuesday and am I excited! 26 pounds gone forever! I am now down to 252 pounds. I haven't weighed that in at least 15 years! This loss has brought my BMI down to 44! WOW!!
January 08, 2006
A New Year and a new life for me! I think I am down to about 243 pounds. That would make my total weight loss about 35 pounds. I had to "retire" a couple of pairs of my dress pants for work this week. They are becoming so loose that they are now too long and I am walking on them! I go for my second check up at Barix this Thursday (12th) so I will know an actual weight loss then. I found Christmas to be difficult with all the food and goodies around. It's not just the food but also the fellowship that is associated with food. I mean that's what we do isn't it? If we are at a gathering of some sort, there is always food. Anyway, I didn't touch anything I shouldn't have except maybe a few potato chips. I'm scared to death to touch anything with sugar in it for fear of the "dumping" syndrome.
My husband sure is noticing the difference in me. I asked him the other night if he was glad I had the surgery done. Now, all us women know this is a trick question and the answer we do NOT want to hear is "Yes, because you are getting thinner." I got the answer I needed. He said, "Yes, because you are so much happier." He couldn't have said anything better or nicer to me! What a guy!
January 26, 2006
This will be short as I am at work--I hit the 40 pound mark this past Sunday! WOO HOO! Went shopping at Value Village and found pants to fit that are 3 sizes smaller than when I started this journey! Had my first vomitting episode last week when I ate chicken. I think I just ate too fast. It was very painful.
February 3rd, 2006
I'm down another few pounds to 233. This journey is just miraculous! So far, the only food I continuously have difficulty with is bread. Sometimes if I eat it with something else I am OK, but most times it causes alot of pain. I think it is just too doughy and can not pass through the stomach. I found a great protein mix at GNC that has 45 grams of protein per scoop. It is orange creamsicle flavour and tastes best when mixed with cold milk. A big canister of it is enough to make one drink a day for almost 2 months and it is about $40 with a GNC membership. I am starting to notice some really neat things like my rings are spinning around on my fingers and my ankles and the calves of my legs don't swell any more! I am able to get off the couch or out of the rocking chair in one try! I have necklaces that fit my neck now! But one of the weirdest things happening is with my underwear--I think I need to shop for new ones as these ones think they are boxers! If I'm not careful, they are down to my knees before I know it!
Next check up is February 22.
February 20, 2006
I have been sitting on a plateau of 49 pounds lost for almost 2 weeks. It was driving me crazy! I had myself convinced that I had gone as far as I could and that I was going to be the first WLS patient that it didn't work for! Well, I hopped on the scales this morning and they finally moved! I am at 225 pounds--down 53 amazing pounds!
I gave a short testimony in church today when the pastor asked us what God had done in our lives this week. I spoke about having surgery out of country and how I received OHIP approval in 10 business days. How my surgeon was one who prayed for me before surgery and how my first intake nurse was named Faith. I chose not to mention the type of surgery because I didn't want anyone to be offended and think that I was trying to "sell" something so to speak. But, I did speak about how God has placed new people into my path who are wanting this surgery and are coming to me for assistance through this site. I have met some fellow Christians and I have also met non-believers too. They all ask the same question--How did you get approval so quickly and how did everything run so smoothly for you? That is my opportunity to share about who was really in control during my journey--and it wasn't me! I love sharing my faith! Praise God!
March 13, 2006
Wow! It's been almost a month since I last posted! I am down to 220 now--that's 58 pounds gone forever! I cleaned out my closet over the weekend. This leaves me with one pair of jeans that are getting too big very quickly and a couple of pairs of dress pants for work that I won't be able to wear much longer. I found a big Cotton Ginny sweatshirt that used to be one of my favourite things to wear because it covered everything. The last time I put it on it would barely go over my hips. Now I can almost spin around inside of it!
I went shopping at Value Village and found another pair of dress pants for work and a pair of more casual pants for at home.
For anyone who has been following my profile entries, my twenty-one year old neice, Sarah who has endured brain cancer is cancer FREE!!! Praise God! Prayer works!
March 19, 2006
I had a WOW moment at Canadian Tire yesterday. I actually walked right through the turnstile when going into the store! I didn't have to go on my tip toes to get my butt over the chrome bar. Nor did I have to go through sideways! I didn't even realize I did it until after I was through! I turned around and looked at the turnstile and smiled! It was pretty cool!
Officially down by 59 pounds to 219!
March 28, 2006
Today is my 4 month anniversary since surgery. I am down 62 pounds forever! I am thrilled with the results and would do this again in a heart beat. I had another WOW moment the other night when sitting on the couch, I crossed my legs! I haven't crossed my legs in so many years!
I went shopping on the weekend for a pair of jeans. My new job allows me to wear jeans to work and I only had one pair that fit me. They are a size 20 and a bit big but they feel really good, so I went on the hunt for the same brand but in a smaller size. I found them in Walmart and I am now wearing a size 18. I haven't worn an 18 since I gave birth to my 18 1/2 year old! I am thrilled! It won't be long before I am in a 16!
(My hubby likes the new jeans too!)
April 1, 2006
Well, I think spring has sprung! I have painted my toenails and pampered my feet and put my flip-flops on! I've also lost another 2 pounds so I am now down to 214. That is a 64 pound loss!
April 12, 2006
I am 19 weeks and 2 days out and weighed in today at 209 pounds. That means I've lost 69 pounds! This is all a dream! I can hardly believe it! I caught myself looking at my reflection in the store windows while Kevin and I were walking the dog last night. WOW what a difference! What's really weird is that most of the time I feel the same as I did before I dropped the weight. It's hard to put into words, but I still expect to run into physical obstacles and tight spots. Then I remember that I'm only 3/4 's of the person I used to be and I can fit into that spot. Does this make sense?
So today at a 69 pound loss, I am exactly half way to my goal of losing 138 pounds. I started out at 278 with a goal of 140 pounds. I sure never thought I would be this far already!
April 17, 2006
I have hit the big "7-0"! Yep, 70 pounds gone forever! I have lost 25% of myself! I am half way to goal! I have lost a small child! WOW!!
Other news, I have made an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Robert Mulholland in Toronto for July 17, 2006. He is a plastic surgeon and a very famous one at that. He has two clinics--one in Toronto and one in Los Angeles, California. He is one of the best known plastic surgeons in North America and for years specialized in plastic surgery for cancer patients and patients with deformities of the face, neck and head. He has invented several procedures now used world wide and appears on City Line TV regularily. On July 17th, I will see one of his associates for an initial consultation and if that goes well, I will then see Dr. Mulholland at the next visit. I am hoping that OHIP will pay for the tummy tuck and that I can get a better price on breast surgery if we do it all at one time. I'm actually looking at getting another part-time job to help finance this.
My trust and hope is in Jesus!
April 20, 2006
This week has been a test! My husband got his income tax return on Tuesday and then on Wednesday I had an accident with the brand new car! It was my fault too! So, there goes $500 for the deductible. I'm fine and the lady I hit is fine too. I guess that's what is the most important thing! I leave for a womens weekend retreat in the Muskokas tomorrow morning--or maybe afternoon--depends when the insurance company calls me to tell me where and when to take the car in for repairs. I will get a rental to take on the retreat with me--I'll see if I can keep it safe!
May 01, 2006
The Womens Retreat in the Muskokas was wonderful! The drive home was a little rattling though with severe rain from Barrie to Woodstock and people driving like nothing was happening. I got the estimate on the car and just about croaked! Just a little under $4000 damage to be repaired! Holy cow!
I finally got a new photo on my profile. I was at my best friends house this past Friday. She has a digital camera and took a few shots of me. They turned out pretty good. After some frustrating moments, I managed to get one posted on my profile. Wow, what a difference when you see the before and after right beside each other! Incredible! I am still suffering from this "is that me?" syndrome. I find myself taking a second glance in the mirror or of the reflections in the glass when walking past stores. I still have that split second fear when I see a turnstile or a small chair. I guess that will all come in time.
May 04, 2006
Oh my gosh! I've dropped another 5 pounds! Down to 203! Just 4 more and I will be in the ever elusive "One-der'Land"!
May 12, 2006
Down another 2 pounds to 201--only 2 more and I am in "One-der land"! I am wearing a size 16 pair of jeans! I haven't been in a size 16 since my 19 year old was born. I feel so good about myself! This whole trip is unbelievable!
May 28, 2006
I am six months post-op today! I weigh in today at 200 pounds even--a 78 pound loss! Just one more little pound to get into "One-derland"!
June 2, 2006
Finally! That one pound is gone and takes me into the ever-elusive "Oneder-land"! I am now at 199 pounds! I haven't weighed that since I was pregnant with my oldest son and he will be 19 in October.
June 8, 2006
One of the amazing things about this journey is how you can "suddenly" shed a few pounds! I have lost another 5 pounds and I am down to 194! Awesome!
June 19, 2006
Wow! Things just keep going! I am down another 4 pounds to 190 pounds!
I am really struggling with the "mind keeping up with the body" thing. I am still going to the plus size section in the stores and then I have remind myself that I am not a 20 or 22 anymore. I still take a double look when I see my reflection in a mirror or store window. I told my son that sometimes I don't see the difference as much as other people. He brought me to the computer and showed me a picture of me camping last summer (about 10 months ago). It was pretty obvious there was a difference! But on a day-to-day basis, I don't see it. There are others on this site who are having the same struggle and we are just hoping that there is a time when your brain finally catches up with your body.
I go to see the plastic surgeon 4 weeks from today. I'm getting pretty excited! I was hoping to be down 100 pounds by then. I am down 88 as of today, so maybe I'll do it. If not--it will be close!
I am going to see a good friend on Friday who lives where we used to. We don't see each other often, but we keep in contact with phone calls. She has always struggled with her weight too, although she does keep it off. She has only seen me once since surgery and that was when I was at about a 40 pound loss. It will be a fun day!
June 24, 2006
I had so much fun yesterday seeing people I haven't seen in a while! We used to live about an hour west of here and moved here 2 years ago. Yesterday I stopped where I used to work (a Post Office) and the girls were just amazed! I've sent photos by email, but they just couldn't believe the difference in me! My old boss kept saying to everyone who came in to get their mail,"You remember Mary Lou--look at her now--she's lost almost 90 pounds!". She was so proud of me!
Next, I went to the grade school my boys attended when we lived there. I used to be very involved with the school and know alot of the teachers personally, so I wanted to stop in. Some of them walked right by me! Another said that when she seen me, she thought to herself, "That girl really looks like Mary Lou B-----" and then she realized it was me when I said hello! I got to see the little girl I used to babysit when we lived there. She was actually like family--like one of my own kids. She was shocked and was almost crying and kept telling me how wonderful I looked! I was just as shocked to see her! Oh my gosh, she's taller than me and is turning into a "girl" if you know what I mean! We are going to have her come here for a couple of days when we are on holidays in August!
Then it was off to my girlfriends house. I thought she was going to pee her pants when she seen me! She saw me through the glass panels on the sides of her front door and greeted me in hysterics! She just couldn't believe it! We had an awesome afternoon going out for lunch (we both ate salads), talking, catching up on the local gossip--just girl stuff! Man I miss her and I miss living in that area.
I thought I should get some statistics down here, so here we go:
Bra--from 44/46 sport bra to 36B
Pants--from 24/26 to 16 (regular, not plus)
Tops/Tees--from 4X to XL (first time in Old Navy)
Undies--from hugemongous to XL
Shoes--yes shoes, from 10 wide to 8.5 or 9 regular width
It's an amazing trip!
July 2, 2006
I got my high school ring on! It wouldn't fit on my ring finger-too big- so, I am wearing it on my middle finger! I am so excited! I haven't worn it in about 20 years.
This weekend we are redecorating our kitchen. One of the things we are doing is papering the ceiling with textured wallpaper that looks like tin ceiling tiles. We are also sanding and painting the cabinets, changing the hardware and painting all the walls and woodwork. Well, yesterday I used muscles I haven't used in I don't know how long! And today, I am in agony! Every part of my body hurts from my shoulder blades to my butt cheeks! I have recently discovered that I do indeed have bones in my butt! It will all be worth it though--my kitchen is going to look marvelous! The cabinetry will be white, the walls a deep sage and all the hardware will be pewter! I plan on painting the countertop white too. We planned on replacing it, but when I had my car accident in April I had to pay the deductible, so there went the new kitchen counter! Oh well, there's next year!
July 4, 2006
Oh my gosh! Only 6 more pounds and I am at the 100 pound mark! I will officially belong to the 'Century Club'! This is so incredible--if someone had told me last year at this time that I would be down almost 100 pounds, I would have scoffed at them and said, 'Yeah, right!'.
I am really hoping to get the 6 pounds off before my consultation with the plastic surgeon on July 17th. It's not mandatory, but it would be nice when I get there to say, 'I've lost 100 pounds.'
July 14, 2006
My sister, Laurie, had her RNY done in Ypsilanti, Michigan at Barix on Wednesday (12th). She is doing really, really well. I'm so proud of her for taking the step and making this decision. I am going up to visit her tomorrow. She lives in a little village near Stratford, Ontario. They don't even have a store--it's basically where two roads meet. I am hoping to be able to get the day off and take her down to Barix for her first check up.
I am stuck at 94 pound loss, but, I know it happens and "this too shall pass"!
July 19, 2006
My sister is doing amazing! I went up to see her last Saturday and she's getting around better than I was at that point!
I went for my consultation with a plastic surgeon in Toronto on July 17th. He is the best of the best in North America and his tummy tuck results are well known in plastic surgeon circles. He's appeared in many, many magazine and news articles. I actually seen his assistant for the first visit. She was very nice, very professional and the entire staff put me at ease the moment I got there. We talked about what my concerns were etc etc. Then I went into a room and put a designer paper gown on with the opening at the front and nothing on but my panties. When she came back, I stood in front of a huge mirror and she sat on a stool beside me. I opened the gown and she proceeded to explain what they could do, should do etc. I was all so professional, I was amazed. The price tag was a tough one to handle though--$10,000. The clinic doesn't deal with OHIP at all since there would be very few patients who would use it--seeing that the entire practice is for cosmetic procedures. Now don't get me wrong, if I had the financial means to get this done, I'd want this surgeon to do it--he is the best after all. But, that price is way out of my range.
So, I called another one of my sisters (I have 4 of them AND 4 brothers) who had a tummy tuck about 2 years ago. Hers was strictly for cosmetic reasons only. She just wanted a flat tummy after having 4 boys. She's an OPP officer--I know that has nothing to do with what I'm talking about right now, but I'm proud of her and take every opportunity to brag her up! She emailed me back this morning and gave me the name of her surgeon. I guess he performed a couple of procedures (medical not cosmetic) on my Mom as well. She said he is very ethical, a Christian (points here) with 7 children and very personable. I will be calling him today to book a consultation.
I am in a pair of size 14 jeans! I really don't remember the last time that happened! Had to be just before Kevin and I were married ( 20 years this September 6th) or maybe shortly after. I haven't lost any pounds for about 3 weeks, but I am losing inches. I can tell because I can get these size 14 jeans on now.
August 3, 2006
Down another pound or so to 180--only 2 more to belong to the Century Club!
Made an appointment for a consultation with my sisters surgeon for September 19, 2006. It seems like a long way away, but it will be here before I know it.
Went to see the dentist last week for the first time since my weight loss. I fit in the chair!!! Not only did I fit in the chair, but there was actually room left over on each side!
Today, I got shorts on! I remember wearing shorts about 10 years ago, but only around the house and I would run to change if someone came to the door. But, these ones I will wear in public because they look good and I feel good in them!
This is such an unbelievable trip!
August 16, 2006
THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL DAY!!!
I OFFICIALLY BELONG TO THE CENTURY CLUB!
I'VE LOST 101 POUNDS!
Well, I can hardly believe this! I actually got on and off the scale three times to check that it was reading right! Yep... 177 pounds! We are going out for dinner tonight to celebrate. There is a really good restaurant here in Aylmer called 'Ruby's Roadhouse'. They make a really mean salad and I can't wait!
August 18, 2006
I got to checking my profile for any small typos yesterday and realized that all this time I have been cheating myself out of a 7 pound loss. I keep thinking I started at 278 for some reason--maybe that's what I weighed at my first consultation with Dr. Schram--I actually had a 'highest' weight of 285 when I started this profile in March 2005.
So my real total loss is 109 pounds as I weighed in at 176 this morning!
My BMI has dropped from 50.5 to an amazing 31.2!
August 25, 2006
Had to take my sister down to Barix yesterday--she is having alot of trouble with vomitting. She is 6 weeks post-op and not holding much down. Her surgeon wants to stretch her stoma, but can't do it until next week as he needs an operating room to do it and they were all booked when we were there.
Another couple of pounds gone--down to 174--that's 111 pounds gone!
My first annual appointment at Barix will be November 27th!
August 29, 2006
OK---another WOW moment! I just love WOW moments! I am wearing a pair of size 12 jeans! Yes, me! Yes, size 12! I think I wore them in high school but I can't remember!
If I had my tummy tuck done, I'm sure I would be in a size 10. I am down 112 pounds and now weigh 173 pounds! I am only 28 pounds to goal! I can't say it enough--this trip is amazing! I am so thankful to God for seeing me through this and opening the necessary doors for me! Get free graphics at BlingyBlob.com!
September 15, 2006
We celebrated our 20th weeding anniversary on the 6th with a glass of champagne that our son brought us home from Paris about a year and a half ago.
Found out that not only would I now be a cheap date because of the small amount of food I can eat, but my bar tab would be next to nothing! We drank the champagne out of the glasses from our wedding (you know, the ones with 'Bride' and 'Groom' printed on them) and I only drank half the glass and was really feeling it!
We have been working like crazy around the house the past few weeks getting it ready to put on the market. Our oldest son went off to university last week and we have one other son here at home. We really don't need 6 bedrooms! So, we have been painting, putting new flooring down, putting a new roof on, painting the garage door, putting a carpet runner up the stairs etc etc etc. It's alot of work and we are exhausted! It's 12:18 am and we have a bunch of guys coming for breakfast at 7 am to help with the new roof--bettter get to bed!
September 19, 2006
I went to see a general surgeon today about having a tummy tuck done. He is my sister and mom's surgeon and they really liked him. He was very nice--didn't rush me at all and answered all my questions. He would like me to be at my goal for about 6 months before he does the tummy tuck. If I had it done right now and lost more weight, I would be defeating the purpose because I would have loose skin all over again. The price he quoted me was about $3600. I was amazed at that. I told him about going to a plastic surgeon in Toronto and being quoted $12,000 and he said that he doesn't believe in gouging people for services. Of the $3600, only $1500 is for him, the assistant and the anesthesiologist. The rest is the hospital costs for the room etc. The price was based on staying for two nights, but it could only be one night. So I'm very happy with this--gives me something to look forward to.
We have listed our house for sale and put an offer in on a nice brick ranch here in town. We find out tonight if it was accepted. Can't wait!
September 26, 2006
Another WOW moment! I dropped another pound and this one changed my BMI to 29.9!
My BMI is under 30, so I am officially no longer obese! I am only 'overweight'!
I haven't been 'overweight' in 20 years!
Our offer was accepted on the house we want and we have had several people through ours. Including a young couple who really, really want it, but are going to get pre-approval at the bank before they put an offer in. Praying for them to receive favor at their bank!
October 1, 2006
I can't believe that I forgot to put this in my profile: September 23rd, I went to my closet and was searching for something warmer to wear as it was a bit chilly outside. In the back of my closet, I came across the set of 'fat' clothes I have kept as 'souvenirs'. I thought that just for the fun of it I would try on the pants--they are a 26/28 pair of dress pants I was wearing to work this time last year. Well, guess what? I fit into one leg! Just like those corny commercials you see on TV and in magazines! It was almost unbelievable! It looked so funny! I am now in a size 10 jeans from Walmart. Gotta love Walmart! I am down to 166 pounds and feeling wonderful. Life's good! Thank you Jesus!
