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 Aside from having WLS to get healthy and live longer, I also wanted to be around to see my grandchildren if I were to be lucky enough to have any.

I am happy to say that I am now a Nana.  My grandson Vincent Anthony Telles arrived on Saturday, February 4, 2012 @ 12:25 pm weighing 9lbs, 21 inches long.  LB Memorial is bragging about him and his high test scores.  

As for my weight loss I am still holding at about 120 lbs. gone and will celebrate 3 years in July.  I am hoping to get back to Zumba now that Vincent has arrived and I was given a 2mo. gift certificate.  

Just wanted to pop in and share the news of my grandchild.

Hope everyone is doing great and continuing on a successful road of losing or maintaining.

Well, today is officially 7 mos. post op.  Let me see, where do I begin.........

When I first started my journey (1st Consult) in March I was taking a total of 11 medication for a total of 21 pills a day!!!  Yup, 21 pills.  Vitamins were not even figured into that equasion as I felt I took enough pills to feed a small army.  Today I only take 3 medication for a total of 4 pills a day and I now incorporate a multi-vitamin, iron, B-12, Calcium, Biotin and Vitamin E into my daily regimin.  I have been taken off of diabetic med's all together.  I am still taking 1 of 2 meds for Cholesterol and HBP.  I also take an anti-depressant which I will never request to be taken off of.  I truly, truly, like myself on my Paxil.

I will have new pictures up this week sometime as we will take them tonight before we go out to a Valentine's Concert.  As for total inches see below where I started and where I am today:

Before surgery 7/12/09                                             Today 2/14/10

Neck:                18"                                                            15.25"
Bicep:               15.25"                                                       13"
Forearm:          11.75"                                                       10.25"
Chest:               56"                                                            47"
Waist:                52.25"                                                      38.75"
Hips:                 57"                                                            41.50"
Thighs:             27.50"                                                       21.75"
Calfs:                16"                                                            14.75"

This gives me a total of 52" lost.  This is like a total of 4.3' in inches. 

I have a lap.  One I can see anyway.  I don't remember the last time I saw my lap without my stomach sitting on top of it.  For the first time today I tried to cross my legs without any help and WALA, DONE.  I can cross both my right and left leg but not for a very long period of time.  This will take some time to get used to, but I did not lift my leg up to cross it over to the other one. 

My parents, brother & sisters have not seen me since May of 2009 before I had my surgery.  The last picture I sent was in November.  I am going to visit in July and have decided to not send any other pictures so they can just be completely shocked.  I do have a couple of sisters and a niece with computer access that are able to see my progress through pics I post on facebook.  That is ok, because I actually look so much better in person.

Another great thing has happened.  I had an e-mail from an event coordinator for OH.  She asked if I would like to participate in the fashion show during the OH Convention in May to be held here in Costa Mesa, CA.  Of course I said yes.

I am loving shopping for clothes, although I only buy a couple pairs of pants at a time.  As for tops I buy plenty.  I started out in a 30 / 32 top to bottom (4x).  Today I am in a size 20 / 22 pants and tops can range from XL - 2x depending on the fabric.  I still like to have room to breath. 

As my son was taking my measurements today (in just my underclothes) he said to me:  WOW MOM, YOU ARE LOOKING SKINNY.  His GF commented to me yesterday about my jeans how good they looked on me and how tiny I was starting to look.  I am far from tiny, but close to my goal weight.  The decision to have PS will take some time as I will need to play Lotto and hope to win so that PS can be done.  I am just not too focused on the asthetics of my WLS as much as I am in getting off all my meds, having a lap and ready for grandbabies because I believe I will be around this earth for a much longer period of time.  Now, when my kids get married I won't feel like an old fat woman to the beautiful bride or handsome groom.  I will dance at their wedding if I have to dance alone.

Hope you all are having a fabulous day, enjoying your WLS to great health and longivity.,

To all my Cali peeps -

I will be tracking the WWW loss/gain weekly until we get our yearly total.  As I am entering the information into the spreadsheet I realized that there are many of you that did not report or check in.  We only had 16 people report.  We want to break the record from last year so come on over to the Cali Board and post your gain or loss.  There is no judgement either way.  You don't even need to post your weight. 

So, what do you say Calilfornia?  Come on out and join us every Wednesday for WWW.

Hope to see your name next week.

Annette

Well today is 11/11/09 and just wanted to post where I am at.  Today is 17 weeks post - op.  I am feeling great, and starting to look great.  I have gone from a 4x to a 2x all the way around.  Since I arrived at the 2x phase I went out and bought some new clothes.  It appears that I like to dress nice for work and wear heels as well.  Problem is, because I never wore heels everyday I now have a corn (damn it hurts).  I need to start working on that booger cause I have new shoes I want to wear.  I am at a total loss of 67 lbs. and 37.75 total inches lost.  I have discovered the world of spanks, they are comfortable and not binding.  I like the way my clothes fit with them as well.

I am still struggling with getting in all the necessary fluids and the right amount of protein, but I do make a valiant effort.  I am losing my hair, but I do see the new growth coming in.  I don't have bald spots or anything like that but my hair is everywhere in my house and in places it should not be as well - LOL. 

Today I was going through some papework and found the black & white photo the obesity center took the day of my 1st orientation.  OH MY GOD!!!  I see and feel the difference.  I am starting to see and feel my collar bones.  My double chin is starting to disappear.  Aside from getting the loose skin, my biggest problem is the girls.  Yup, I have always been very heavy chested and let me tell you they are headed south at full speed.  There was a joke posted on the board the other day that went like this:  What did one WLS boob say to the other WLS boob"?  "Thank goodnes for good support or they would think we were nuts".   LOL      That is not only a joke for WLS patients it is actually a fact.  My goodness, I used to make fun of a much older Aunt that was very, very, very large breasted and now with my WLS I am starting to resemble her, except that mine look flat.  HA HA.   Plastics will probably never fit into our budget so I will have to do some serious investing in great support.

As for food, I eat everything.  I have only struggled with hotdogs, not sure why, no big deal.  My favorite food is Meatloaf (beef or turkey) and mashed potatoes.   YUMMMMMMM   Had this for dinner tonight.  I don't have a problem with sugar, have never had a dumping syndrome.  I eat very little pasta, bread, and sugar items.  I do miss cereal on occasion, and  the ability to eat a damn good homecooked hamburger.  Oh well, life is good, and I feel great so I guess it is as the saying goes "IT IS WHAT IT IS".

Now, Thanksgiving is coming up real quick and I have no clue what we are doing.  Can't seem to get a response from my SIL's.  I guess maybe I will cook the smallest turkey I can find, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, & stuffing.  I can always make turkey tacos, enchiladas, or quesedillas for the next several days after.  I still have not had any alcohol except for a sip from my husbands beer once.  On December 5th is the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade and this has been a tradition with my husband and kids for the past 25 years.  Normally I would take a 5th of Jack Daniels and diet coke, but since I can't have soda think maybe I will change it to Vodka & Cranberry or maybe pre-mixed Margaritas.  I promise not to get sick and will only drink until I feel the buzz.  I understand it will hit me quickly and I will sober up just as quickly.  Then there is the Company Christmas Party on the 19th, and the Dave Koz Christmas Concert at Cerritos Center of Performing Arts on the 20th with my hubby and employers.  I know I will HAVE to have at least 1 drink both of these days just to deal with the co-workers & employers - LOL

So, if any of you go to the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade, be sure to look for me.  I am usually in the vicinity of Legends in the middle of the street between an intersection.  Holla at ya girl if your there or let's make plans to hook up.  We always have a blast.  Drinks, hot chocolate, Jills Sweet Bakery, Burritos, good friends, and fun atmosphere.

Ok, I will post new pictures next week hopefully.  We are all so busy here I fogot to get them taken on Sunday. 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.

Well today I turn 47.  I had hoped to have lost 60 lbs. by today, but I will gladly take the 58 lbs. lost.  It is only a 2 lb. difference but I have lost a total of 33" (almost an entire yard stick)!!!  I also accomplished a goal of walking and completing my first 5k on Sunday at the Long Beach Marathon.  I give myself much props for this as I am truly a couch potato.  Before I get home tonight I need to decide where I want to go eat for dinner with my family.  My son and daughter are actually home tonight and will join us (rare) and I don't have a craving for anything, but I am looking forward to my cake afterwards.  Yup, my husband ordered me a cake w/bavarian cream center and cool whip topping.  Will I eat it?  Not the whole thing of course, but yes I will indulge in having a very small piece over the next couple of days probably.  He ordered a 1/4 sheet (OMG) when a 1/8 sheet would have been more than enough.  My kids and husband (who really does not need to eat cake as well) will finish it off.  Then there is Sam (my dog, my best friend, my buddy) and he will also join me in a slice of cake. 

So, where to go and eat.  Nothing too expensive, and of course there has to be something there that everyone in my family will enjoy.  Hmmmmm, maybe Chili's for some BBQ ribs or chicken. 

This is all for today's post.  Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Well, I had my 12 wk. appt. w/Dr. Ali today and all went very well.  My PCP has decreased my metformin for diabetes to 1 tablet per day, but I still take all my other med's for cholesterol, hbp,.  All in all, I am happy to say that I am VERY HAPPY with my surgery.  To be honest, I really have not seen the difference (I don't own a full size mirror).  I feel the difference in the weight I am carrying, and the smaller size clothes.  However, tonight when I updated my health tracker and new pic's, I decided to make a collage of photo's for my parents of the last 12 weeks.  They don't do or own computers, so I printed out the pic's to mail them so they can actually see.  Now I see the difference in the weight loss.  Maybe I should have been printing the pictures all along.  Now you are probably wondering, why have my parents not seen me?  They live in New Mexico and I only get to visit every 3-5 yrs..  I promised them that I would start trying to go 2x a year now that my kids are basically considered adults.

My boobs, are headed south very quickly.  Guess I better go fitted for a bra (I have never been fitted) so that they can at least look somewhat perky.  I was hoping to have a 60 lb. loss by my birthday next week, but guess that will not happen.  I have been on a stall for 2 weeks and have not been able to break 250 lbs. until this morning, my scale gave me 249.   I finally got my measurements taken tonight and alas, this is why my scale did not move.  I was losing inches.  DUH!!!  I have a total of 33" lost to date.  I'll take the inches as much as the lbs. 

For my weight loss numbers I am counting the weight loss from the day I started the WLS program in March.  I was 304 lbs at that time and today 249 for a total of 55 lbs. lost.  Now, my heaviest weight was in November 2008 weighing in at a whopping 321 lbs.  So in about 11 mos. I have lost a total of 72 lbs. but just to keep my mind straight I will use the weight of when I started the program.

All in all, I am feeling very good, and much healthier.  Would I do this again?  You bet.  Is it easy? Not really.  Do I have any regrets?  No way.  Would I recommed this to my family or friends?  Yes, but just remember that everyone is different regardless of which surgery they choose.  I consider myself to be very lucky as I have had NO PROBLEMS since the day of surgery.  In fact, I am walking in a 5k (3.2 mile) race on Sunday 10/11/09.  I never, ever, thought I would do this.  Not sure if I will do another.  I like walking, but not sure if I can really get into 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathons or even full marathons.  I wouldn't mind getting on an adult volleyball or softball league.  This will be my next activity to look into when I lose just a little more weight so that I can run a little better.

Now, the holidays are fast approaching and what to do, what to make, what to eat?  All good questions.  I'm sure i'll have this all figured out by Halloween.

This is all for my post this month.  Wishing you all much success in your WLS journey.

I LOVE MY RNY

Well, it is hard to believe that I am 8 weeks out today.  I feel good, and everybody says I am looking good.  I have gone down 2 sizes in tops and 1 size in pants.  Eating is going well, but I do need to make better choices.  Getting fluids in is a bit of a problem, but I do try. 

As I am changing clothing sizes, I always check with my kids in the morning to make sure I look o.k.  My son always says "you look good mamma" with a thumbs up, and my daughter well, she said to me the other day "WOWWWW, have you seen yourself in a full length mirror lately" (she flips her mirror around and makes curves with her hands).  She then proceeds to say "you have curves".  Well honey I said:  "I have always had curves, they have just been hiding".  Needless to say, this made me feel very good about myself.

I have maintained the same weight for the last week, probably because I did no walking as it was extremely hot, and the air was not exactly great with ash flying from the Station Fire.  I did start back last night and did my normal mile. 

The LB 5k walk is coming up in about a month and I am seriously toying with this idea.  I have had a few friends on the OH boards cheer me on to do the walk and another lady "Michelle T" is willing to walk with me.  If Monica can do this being only 6 weeks out from plastics, why can't I join her with Michelle and do the walk also.  I will make my mind up by the end of the week.  I have never done anything like this before.  I guess this could be my birthday present to myself, to prove that YES I CAN DO THIS!!!

Well, total weight lost to date is :47 lbs. and a total of 20.25" gone.  I hope to never see these numbers return again.  Looking forward to being 50+ lbs gone before my birthday on 10/13.

I want to say thank you to all the wonderful people on the OH boards for support and especially the people at the LB Coffee group.  What a great bunch of people the LB Coffee group is.  The clothing exchange is a huge help, especially during these economic times for many.  I know I was able to come home with several pairs of pants and a few tops. 

This is is for now.  I'll post again in about 4 weeks unless I have a MAJOR WOW MOMENT.

I usually get on the scale every day, and I usually see no changes for several days.  Most days I weigh myself 2 - 3 times, one right after the other because I guess I just don't trust my scale.  Well, this morning I got on the scale and it read 257.2 butt ass naked.  While standing there in total awe, I said outloud "WHAT THE HELL" (this could not possible be right).  Again, I got on the scale for the 2nd & 3rd time and YUP there it was..... 257.2 lbs. !!!!!

I took my shower, got dressed in something new I picked up at the LB Coffee clothing exchange and just felt really, really good about myself this morning.  Now I am at work and this can all change in about an hour when the other owner gets into the office.  So for now, I am just going to enjoy the peace and quiet and this happy moment for me.  I am doing my happy dance this morning      


Ok, I better get back to work, I just wanted to post this blog as this is a HAPPY DAY !!!
 

Well, I met with Dr. Ali today for my 6 week check up and he informed me all is going well.  Our scales are 2 lbs. difference so I will take my scale which is showing a 40 lb. loss.  He said I can start regular foods 4-6 oz. and that I just need to increase my calorie intake somewhere between 900 - 1100 / day.  I am not quite getting that much in, but I will definetly try harder.  I asked about my back pain and he indicated that this is normal due to weight loss and that it is only the weight shifting.  He also stated that from this point forward the weight will not come off quite as fast any more, I would probably see more inches.

I asked about a Medical ID bracelet and what I should have engraved on it.  All that is necessary is "Gastric Bypass".  This is good enough for me and any medical professional that sees it should know to be careful. 

All in all, my visit turned out to be good and I was able to actually see my surgeon and not the PA.  I gave him a big hug and thanked him.  Wished him a good day and back to work I went. 

Hopefully tonight I will actually walk a mile rather than just a couple of blocks.  I have been slowing down as my husband is walking with me and he has very bad knees.  I feel much better when I walk the mile and seem to see the weight move a little better as well.  I don't want to discourage my husband walking with me as this really is the only time that we spend where we can actually talk without him falling asleep on the sofa in front of the TV.

Well, this is all for now, just wanted to post how my visit went today.  Hope everyone else is doing just as well if not better.

Well today is exactly 1 mo. since taking measurements and pictures.  I have not uploaded the new pic's yet, maybe tomorrow.  Total weight loss to date is 35 lbs.  I broke 270 lbs. today .  Everything seems to be going good with the surgery etc..  Currently on stage 2 food and bored with it.  Looking forward to incorporating regular food.  Getting my protein in on a daily basis is not a problem.  My big problem is getting 64 oz. of fluid.  I can normally get betweed 35 - 45 oz.   I have been back to work a week now.  Now that I have corrected all the mistakes made while I was gone, looking forward to tomorrow where I can actually just concentrate on my job without further delays.  My back has been a big problem over the last week.  Not sure why but it hurt enough for me to take my liquid vicodin yesterday so I could actually sit up and watch television.  It helped me to sleep very well also. 

Went to the Angel game today and we lost .  As far as the food went, there is nothing there really that I can eat just yet.  Nothing even smelt appealing except for the smell of orange chicken from Panda.  My husband ordered a childs nacho and I did manage to have a couple of chips with cheese.  This was not a problem for me as I chewed the heck out of those chips and it stayed down.  I can honestly say, it sure is different going to a ballgame and not having a beer, hot dog, popcorn, pretzel, nachos, licorice or whatever else sounds good at the moment.  My husband only had those child nachos, a diet soda and water.  No beer for hot dog for him as well.   Behind us there was a mess of BBQ sauce that was spilt all over the place and it was making my stomach turn.  I love BBQ sauce but for some reason the smell was just upsetting my stomach.  I need to find one that is sugar free in the next few weeks for when I start to incorporate other food I can add to my chicken. 

As far as the weight loss goes, I really have not seen any changes other than some pants are starting to fit a little loose and because I buy my tops big anyhow, they seem to look really big on me when I am sitting down.  I am hoping by the end of August I will be in a smaller size.  We did my measurements and WOW the inches that have come off with the exception of my calf.  I chaulk this up to possibly some muscle build up from walking.  I do go walking at least 6 nights a week from 15 - 30 minutes.  So let me post these numbers with measurements and bid you a good night.

Current Measurements                                                   Loss / Gain
Neck                            17"                                                        -              1"
Bicep                           14.5"                                                     -          .75"
Forearm                      11.5                                                      -          .25"
Chest                           54"                                                        -             2"
Waist                            46.5"                                                    -        5.75"
Hips                              51.5"                                                    -          5.5"
Thigh                            26"                                                        -          1.5"
Calf                               16.25                                                   +          .25"

                                      TOTAL INCHES LOST TO DATE:             16.5"

Yay me,