Gail's Story Part 1

Nov 13, 2006

Starting Age: 41
Starting BMI- 44.1
Height: 5'6
Starting Weight: 273
Current Weight: 140
Pounds Lost: 133
Starting Measurements: Bust:46DD+ Waist:52 Hips:54
Current Measurements: Bust:34C/D Waist:29 Hips:36
Starting Size: 26/2x,3X
Current Size: Misses 4/6 pants; Small tops
Exercise Routine: While losing weight, I was on the treadmill every day. Now at goal, I'm ashamed to admit I do very little exercise except an occasional walk on the beach or perhaps a bike ride now and then.
Maintenance Rountine: See post near the middle.


POUNDS LOST:
04-17-03: FAT!!!! (SURGERY DAY) 273 pounds
04-25-03: -17 1/2
05-07-03: -22
05-12-03: -26 1/2
05-16-03: -31 (1 MOS)
06-06-03: -41
06-13-03: -45
06-17-03: -48 (2 MOS)
06-29-03: -52
07-17-03: -60 (3 MOS)
08-02-03: -65
08-11-03: -70
08-17-03: -73 (4 MOS) Losing hair!!!
08-21-03: -76
09-07-03: -80
09-12-03: -82
09-17-03: -84 (5 MOS)
09-27-03: -88
10-17-03: -91 (6 MOS)
10-31-03: -95
11-07-03: -96
11-09-03: -99 (1 ding dong pound away from the BIG 100!!!!!!!)
11-15-03: -100 (7 MOS) I made it!!! ÜÜÜ
11-21-03: -101
12-01-03: -104
12-19-03: -106 (8 MOS)
12-22-03: -108
12-29-03: -110 At my personal goal!!! (163 pounds)
01-07-04: -112
01-10-04: -114
01-14-04: -116
01-20-04: -117 (9 MOS) Hair loss has completely stopped!
01-31-04: -120 Beyond my personal goal!!! (153 pounds)
02-17-04: Maintaining @ 153 (10 MOS)
02-24-04: Maintaining @ 152
03-15-04: Maintaining @ 153 (11 MOS)
04-17-04: Losing a little @ 150 ****ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY***
05-12-04: Losing a little @ 148
05-17-04: 147 (13 MOS)
06-17-04: 148 (14 MOS)
07-17-04: 145 (15 MOS)
08-17-04: 145 (16 MOS)
09-17-04: 143 (17 MOS)
10-16-04: 140 (18 MOS)
12-22-04: 140 (20 MOS)
02-22-05: 141 (22 MOS)
03-31-05: 140 (23 MOS)
04-17-05: 142 ****TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY****
06-29-05: 140 (26 MOS)
08-24-05: 141
12-28-05: 143
01-31-06: 146
03-13-06: 142
07-15-06: 146
10-26-06: 145
Currently @ goal

My decision to have Gastric Bypass Surgery:

Mother of two teenagers, don't really remember how I got to be this overweight, but I will never forget what I did about it. Haven't been overweight all my life, just started piling it on after childbirth. Tried many diets: atkins, diet pills, low fat, low cal, blah, blah, blah!!! I am at an all-time high and steadily rising!!! Have a wonderful (close to perfect) husband, who loves every pound of me. I am doing this for me. I have to change my life because I am miserable in my own skin. Am very determined to make this work!!!




11-23-02 - Went to RNY seminar today and met many people I've read about on line. Dr. Schmitt was the speaker and I really liked him. Took hubby with me... he isn't sold on the idea... doesn't want to lose me... I can understand but it won't stop me! Will call Monday for an appt.




12-18-02 - I had my first consultation with Dr. Schmitt. (Took my doc's papers from where I had used diet pills, and the questionaire paper/book they gave me at the seminar to fill out.) I like him a lot. He didn't require I go through many tests except blood work and chest x-ray, so I was one of the lucky ones... at least so I hear. I also went to a nutrition class and a support group meeting that was required and all I have to do now is wait on his office staff to submit my paperwork to the insurance company and WAIT!!! Hubby leaning towards my decision but still not sold on it... gonna' have to work "my magic" on him!




01-27-03 - Over a month has passed and I am still waiting on Dr. Schmitt's office to send the paperwork to my insurance co. Nothing yet..............




2-05-03 - YEA! The doctor's office finally faxed my paperwork to my insurance company on Jan. 30th. Now more waiting.........




2-07-03 - OMG!!! No more waiting!!! (For the insurance that is....) I have been approved. Now to wait on a surgery date....




2-17-03 - Still no date... Deborah said to call back by the 19th if I haven't heard from her... this sure all takes a lot of time!!!




2-19-03 - I have a date!!! April 17th!




3-11-03 - The waiting is killing me...I wish I was on the other side! This is all I think about!!!




3-18-03 - Yesterday was my "one month away" celebration. Boy, were the margaritas, chips and salsa and cheese good!!! I went with my BESTEST friend and we had a good time!!! I HOPE to leave Saturday on a fun trip to Paris, France (that is if the war will let us out of the country) and then I'll return to just two weeks away from my surgery date. I have read some horror stories lately online of surgeries gone wrong and I am just trying to focus, focus, focus on the positive ones right now!!! It really is hard to believe that I am going to get all this weight off me once and for all !!! I CAN'T wait!




4-01-03 - Back from my trip to Spain and Paris! We had a great time! Ate and drank everything I could! lol Really realized how badly I need this surgery! I huffed and puffed to keep up with the tour group... an 80 yr old could have made better "time" following the crowd than I did... can anyone say "taxi" in french???? Very much looking forward to this surgery!
Here's a picture with my best friend while in Barcelona, Spain. Very tired, fat tourist... : (





4-10-03 - One week away!!! Going out today after work with some friends to celebrate!! Little anxious, but wanting to go through with it. I am the luckiest person in the world to be surrounded by such friends and being approved for this surgery. I wish everyone fighting the insurance battle could be a winner like me! ÜÜÜ




4-15-03 - Went to pre-op appts. yesterday; that is ekg, bloodwork, nutrition class, and saw the doc. Had to make the trip by myself. Inbetween appts. I went to McDonald's for lunch... sat in the parking lot and cried... it's just nerves. Talked to my BEST friend and then to my hubby on my cell phone... felt some better. Everything is on go... very anxious, though! Surgery is April 17th.




4-25-03 - Wow! What a ride this has been! My surgery went well but I didn't handle the pain too well after the first few days... they were rough in the hospital (I was in for 2 days)!!! But I am 8 days out of surgery, 17 1/2 pounds lighter, and in really good spirits! I am a real sissy when it comes to pain and I really think if I can do this, most anybody can. Just focus on each day, get through it day by day and you'll survive. I feel normal and no different than before... food tastes great, my insides feel the same, this is an awesome surgery! I have eaten nachos and cheese, mashed potaotes and gravy, corn on the cob... just not much of it. I do feel satisfied even after only a few bites... nothing I felt on any diet I have ever been on... mostly because it never stopped at just a few bites... but it does now and it is great!!!!




5-7-03 - Weight is down 22 lbs. since April 17th. I am noticing more inches off than weight right now. 5 inches off my hips alone!!! This is great!




5-12-03 - Yea! Weight is down 26 1/2 lbs. Very happy here!!! My BMI is down to 39.7 from 44.1! YEA!ÜÜÜ




5-16-03 - *********** 1 MONTH ***********
Down 31 lbs 4 ever! 4 weeks post. Eating good foods and enjoying them. Had some ham, turkey, chicken. This game of getting down the protein is a fun one. LOL I can't bear the shakes, yet. Dr. Atkins has some high protein bars out with few calories... they are really good.




6-06-03 - Down 41 lbs. Feeling great!!! Eating anything I want! Really enjoying life!!!




6-13-03 - Down 45 lbs. 8 weeks out. Doing great! No hair loss as of yet. Started a pill form vitamin... no more chewables. Taking B12 once a week in a pill form... will start Calcium Citrate next week. Eating and enjoying most all foods... just very small amounts. NO REGRETS!!! Looking much better and smaller and getting tons of compliments! Feeling kinda' pretty too!ÜÜÜ




6-29-03 - - 52 lbs. @10 1/2 weeks. 8 inches off my hips, 6 inches off my waist, 4 inches off my bust! Feeling GREAT!!!




7-17-03 - ************ 3 MONTHS ************
- 60 pounds at 3 months post op.... will see my doc today and I am sure he will be pleased with my weight loss!!! Happy, happy, girl here!!!!!!! ÜÜÜÜÜÜÜÜ




8-02-03 - Down 65 pounds... into a size large!!! No plus size for me anymore!!!!




8-11-03 - -70 lbs and lovin' it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




8-17-03 - ************** 4 MONTHS *************
- 73 pounds with about 40 to go!!!! My hubby will buy me a tummy tuck for x-mas if I can get this off in time!!! ÜÜÜ




8-21-03 - -76 lbs... losing out of my new clothes... time to buy more!!!
Oh well, what a shame!!! ÜÜÜ




9-3-03 - Well HOO RAY!!!! According to my BMI, I am no longer "obese" just "overweight" now!!! Yea!!! I am soooooooo happy about that! No weight loss to report. I'm on a plateau from he_ _!!! But, still happy with myself!!!!




9-7-03 - -80 lbs. Weight starting to move again... gained back a few and now lost them and some.




9-12-03 - - 82 lbs. Only weighing on Fridays now (can't handle the daily rejections from my lover the "scale"). Losing more and more hair... a little upset about that.


*****New revelation of the day: Is BALD sexy????




9-17-03 - ************* 5 MONTHS ***************
-84 lbs. as of today at 5 mos. post op. Feeling great! Already have my tummy tuck consultation appt. for Nov. (surgery hopefully for Dec.) and about 29 pounds to go!!!




9-27-03 - -88 lbs. Can't say how much this surgery has changed my life for the better... I am a different person inside and out.




10-09-03 - No weight loss to report, BUT I am "sporting" a chenille black skirt (SIZE MEDIUM!!!) with fringe on the bottom, a tight black thin sweater, and black strappy sandals at work today and I must say how FABULOUS I look (even if I say so myself)!!! I can not be any happier than I am right now. Any new weight loss will be great but I am happy if I stay right where I'm at (except I MUST get a tummy tuck because this girdle is already killing me!!! ÜÜÜ).


*****New Revelation of the day: I still love to dress SEXY!!! Still - 88.




10-17-03 - ************6 MONTHS***************
Wow! 6 months ago I was FAT!!! Never thought I would be where I am today! I put on a jacket that I use to not be able to zip... today, 6 short months later, it wraps around me from the front to the back... would I do this again??? Heck yea!!! I do wish I could have done this though, without major surgery but, I am now coming to terms with the fact that I have a disease...OBESITY and it will never go away. I know I will have to manage it for the rest of my life.


6 Months now and I can...
1. tie my shoes without going blue in the face.
2. not have to ask my 13 year old daughter to paint my toenails for me.
3. cross my legs (doing so now as I type this!!!).
4. have unbelievable, all kinds of positions, SEX!!!
5. look good in almost any kind of clothes style.
6. actually fit under the bath water instead of rising above like Mt. Everest.
7. see my cheek bones.
8. feel my hip bones.
9. walk a good distance without wanting to die.
10.eat in a restaurant and not worry about people thinking... "That fatty needs to put her fork down"!!!!
Life is great! -91 wanting another 20 to melt away




10-24-03 - -95 lbs today. I wore a skirt yesterday that I wore 17 years ago... it was a "wow" moment... still feel great and have had no problems. Haven't thrown up yet, have no regrets!!!! Will have my TT consultation soon!!! ÜÜÜ




10-31-03 - Still -95 lbs. No loss to report. Could it have been the chips and dip or the Halloween candy I have eaten???? Oh well, I remember the days of weight gain after eating such junk but, at least I'm holding steady!!! Happy at "steady"!!!




11-07-03 - Very little loss to report... only 1 lb for a total of 96 but heck I am just happy to have maintained these past 2 weeks instead of gaining... I can't remember a time in my life where my weight was steady for a 2 week period... I have always gained, lost, gained...especially given what I have been eating... cheesecake??? Anyway, I am in size 14 to 12 pants or mediums and medium tops. I really don't want to be a small... never have been a small and I think medium looks way better on me... besides, most men like a woman with some meat on them... at least my hubby does and that is important to me! I will see my surgeon Tuesday (11-11-03) for an overdue 6 mos checkup and I also will see the plastic surgeon I plan on using here in Montgomery about my TT and I am too excited about that. I will update after I see them.
P.S. Saw a close business associate of my hubby's yesterday who I have not seen since before surgery... he didn't know who I was! Told my hubby after I left, "Man she is a knock out. You need to go "HOME"!..... LOVE IT!!! ÜÜÜ




11-09-03 - -99 lbs. Ok, I wasn't going to update until Tues. after doc visits... but I had to!!! -99 and 1 PESTY pound away from the big 100.... who would have ever thought?????????????????????????




11-12-03 - Consult with PS went GREAT!!! Standing in front of him naked was TOUGH!!! (from the waist down) Had to "spin" around for him to look... quite uncomfortable to have your butt crack inches away from someone's nose....YIKES!!!! Not to mention the "porno pictures" you have to take!!! What do they say... a picture is worth 1000 words??? I have 3... OH MY GOSH!!!! But, it was worth it and my TT surgery is DECEMBER 23rd. I am so JAZZED about it!!!!! We didn't submit to the insurance b/c she said it would take months only for them to deny me so..... thank you hubby for paying for it!!! It is costing $5,755.00. It is outpatient at their facility and I will go home right after recovery. He will do lipo on top of stomach, tighten muscles, and remove lower skin. It is suppose to take 3 hours.


Didn't get to see Dr. Schmitt in person yesterday but did see the nurse prac. and she was thrilled with the way I look. She is NOT supporting my TT so soon... she wants me to wait until summer to make sure I have lost all I am going to, but I am moving ahead with it anyway. I took the office staff some goodies from a local bakery here in Montgomery and left Dr. Schmitt a gift certificate to a restaurant and before and after pictures with a thank you note.... I am just so thankful to him and everyone who have been so supportive and have helped me accomplish all of this!!!! They took blood and the nurse said she would call me if there was a prob. I won't go back until another 6 mos. so that will be my one year anniversary.


SO.... that leaves me with about 15 pounds to lose in 6 weeks for the tuck... guess I'll have to leave the cheesecake alone for awhile... I can do it. It isn't required by my PS, just something I want to do.


*****New revelation of the day: I can pull my legs up behind hubby's head... WOW! Gotta love that one!!! gail -99




11-14-03 - Little bummed out today. Doc just called about very low iron levels... WHAT??? Cheesecake isn't full of iron??? He is calling in a prescription iron pill... my worry is: WILL IT BE NORMAL IN 6 WEEKS FOR THE TUMMY TUCK????????????? Trying to stay positive. -99




11-15-03 - *********** 7 MONTHS **************
I made it today to the 100 pound mark. I can't get over seeing the same numbers I saw 7 months ago EXCEPT a number 1 instead of a number 2 at the front!!!! It was an awesome experience! Started taking my HORSE iron pills today... made me somewhat nauseated... hope that goes away when I get use to them. Spent the day with my family and felt really special... I feel like such a winner! gail -100




11-21-03 - SEX!!! Can't get enough of it. I feel like I am a hoochie mama of the WORST/BEST kind!!! It is just so MUCH better now. NOT that it was bad 101 pounds ago, but man I can not get enough of my hubby! He is making the best of it though I must say ÜÜÜ I have so much confidence in the way I feel in the sack that it just makes me want to have MARATHON SEX!!! This I must admit, is the BEST weight loss change!


*****New revelation of the day: I LOVE being on "Top" and not looking down to find my hubby blue in the face!!! gail -101




12-01-03 - Lost weight over the Thanksgiving holidays... doesn't seem real??? I have my pre-op for the TT coming up in ONE week... PLEASE let my iron levels be normal or enough to go ahead with the surgery on the 23rd!!!!
gail -104




12-10-03 - Had my pre-op appt. with PS. They didn't seem to think the low iron would be a problem. I feel very comfortable with them... met with the anethesist... he is very nice. Paid my $ and will have the surgery on 12-23-03 at 12:00 noon. I got a copy of my before side view shot and my computer generated after shot... don't think I'll ever post those pics..... YIKES!!! Haven't been trying to lose any weight... guess I've lost interest in it but I think I'll try to get another 5 off b4 the surgery. I fit in size mediums and 10/12 pants and would like to stay there I think.
gail -104




12-19-03 - ************ 8 MONTHS ***************
I'm 8 months out and have lost 106 pounds! I am wearing a size 10 pair of bluejeans today and I can't even believe I just typed that number!!!! I got a message on my cell phone today from the PS office saying that my pain pills had been called to my pharmacy for me to pick up and that my surgery is still on for Tuesday. I am very anxious but am going to leave it in GOD's hands for what else can I do??? There's a part of me who feels very, very selfish to have it done at Christmas for IF something did happen to me, how horrible for my family to know they lost me at Christmas???!!! Gosh, I am talking negative and I am not a negative person so I will close for now and update after TT on Tuesday. Best wishes to everyone on this awesome, amazing journey! gail -106
Christmas with my precious family!









12-22-03 - TT is tomorrow.... I feel better about it. Not nearly as anxious as I was. I've lost another couple of pounds. My size 10's may be too loose after the tuck.... size 8??? We'll see. -108
Below is a picture of me last week with some friends at dinner.




12-29-03 - I am one week post-op from TT. This was the hardest surgery I have ever been through... bar none to my 2 C-sections or my RNY. The worst of it was that I was without any good pain meds b/c of the holidays... I figured out late Christmas Eve that the Loratab was making me nauseated so I had to wait until the 26th to get some Darvocet called in. It got better from that point on but it still wasn't easy. Anyone considering this kind of tummy tuck that involves the muscles needs to know that this is MAJOR, MAJOR surgery and hurts like a BIG DOG!!! I have 2 more weeks off from work and so I should be in good shape by then.


On a positive note I consider myself at goal and I have a super model, completely flat, tummy even with all the swelling that's going on. ALL BUT ONE OF MY RNY LAP SCARS WERE CUT OFF.... CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!!!??? I would do this again knowing all that I know now.


*****New revelation of the day: I'm at goal and I'm a size 10. What more could a girl ask for??? gail -110




1-7-04 - 2 weeks post op from TT and still sore. Saw my doc yesterday and he had to reopen my drain site to release trapped fluid.... I literally spilled all over his floor! Really gross but I do feel some relief from it. My skin is waking up and I have a constant burning tingly feeling over entire abdominal area... kind of like a sunburn.... very annoying and painful. Glad I took off from work this week. Stil happy with the results... I knew going into this thing it would be bad and boy have I been right. gail -112




1-10-04 - 2 1/2 weeks post op TT:
Hubby had to stick a q-tip in the drain hole to release more fluid. Doc had told me this is what I'd have to do as the hole is in the skin but it glazes over with gunk... anyway, I couldn't look but hubby said it shot out as if my body was peeing!!!! GROSS!!! He gets the Hubby of the Year award.. bless his heart, I hate he has to deal with all this stuff. He has had to pull a urine catherter and clip stiches to pull a drain tube from me. He is making the best male nurse and a cute one at that!!!! Still sore as all get out but will trudge on to work this Monday.
gail -114 and beyond goal!!!





1-14-04 - 3 weeks post op from TT today and feeling better. Have gone back to work and am really tired by nightfall. Have had to take a painpill after lunch each day though... I have started rubbing vitamin E lotion on my incision site to help the scar... hate doing it b/c it is so numb there. Haven't had any more drainage but I do think I am swollen some, especially by the end of the day. I'll see doc again next week.
Looking great today in tight black (size medium) pull on knit pants with a form fitting hot pink thin sweater with a V-neck... getting tons of compliments and men are turning to look... gee, kinda like that!!!!
gail -116 @ goal and beyond




1-20-04 - ************ 9 MONTHS **************
-117 pounds. Feeling great and in a size 10. Will see my Plastic Surgeon tomorrow for a 4 week post op appt. Still have fluid on my belly but not near as much as I have been. Talked with my RNY buddy who had the same date as mine through e-mail... he has lost 200 pounds with 30 to go in 9 months!!! Way to go Brookes Whitehead (from Bayminette)! We plan a spring meeting together! We haven't seen each other since the hospital!

Below are some pictures with friends at the Bette Midler concert. (The pictue says 98'... Melanie didn't know how to change the date on her camera...... are we dumb blondes or what??? LOL




1-22-04 Saw the PS yesterday. He had to take a needle and pull about 35cc of fluid off my belly... didn't hurt, was just nervy. He said this is common and I may still collect some that has to come off... if I don't get it off, it forms a pocket which he doesn't want to happen so I bet I'll be back to have more removed. I have another appt. to see him in 2 weeks... gee, I had no idea there were so many follow up appts. That is surely somehting I missed! But, they are free and part of the package deal. I am now CONSIDERING having my inner thighs done... they look awful and show up badly in shorts... I'll keep that one on the back burner until summer.


On a really NEGATIVE note... I dumped the other day!!!! OMG it was the worst feeling ever! I ate 3 or 4 bites of some Chick fil-a coleslaw... as I have done in the past but this was on an empty stomach. Man was I blindsided. Within 10 minutes of eating it I realized how bad I had messed up. What is worse is that I was at work and had to RUN to the bathroom. I had uncontrolable diarrhea for 20 minutes or so and wanted to throw up but couldn't. I felt faint and nauseated.... it was horrible. Who would have imagined at 9 mos out that I would have my FIRST dumping experience on coleslaw of all things... WOW!!!! Don't ever want that to happen again. I finished the day off at work feeling crampy but was able to get through the day. VERY bad experience!


****** New revelation of the day: I am still learning things about my body at 9 mos out.




1-31-04 - Tomorrow's my 42nd birthday. I can't even remember being fat for the last 14 years or so. That is how far I have come in 9 1/2 mos. I don't recognize myself in my fat pictures. Did I lose memory with the pounds???
TT is getting better. Still get swelled up at times. But I am not hurting near as much as I was one week or so ago. Hopefully the fluid has stopped building up and just regular swelling is going on for now. I will see the PS in another week or so on the 11th.
On a really good note, I can finally say that I have officially quit losing any hair!!! I noticed a few weeks ago that it really has stopped! YEA!!! It is thinner than it was but manageable. I have short hairs all over my head!!!!
gail -120




2-10-04 - 7 weeks post op from my abdominoplasty and can finally say I feel much more back to normal. The feeling is slowly coming back in my abdominal area... still am numb around my belly button. The funniest thing happened the other day!!!! I was scratching my lower belly area when my upper area felt it... is that weird or what???!!! Talk about displaced nerve endings.... WOW!!! But honestly, as much as I complained about this surgery it has so been worth every minute of the discomfort. I feel like the TT is the icing on the weight loss cake and IF I do my inner thighs, then those will be the candy sprinkles on top!
gail @ maintaining




2-11-04 - Saw the PS on yesterday. Everything is fine with my TT and will go back to see him in 6 weeks where he will talk with me about my thighs... I hope to do them in May... not sure of the cost... yikes, honey will fuss I bet, but I promise it will be my last surgery...(I think!ÜÜÜ)
gail @ maintaining




2-17-04 **************10 MONTHS ************
Just maintaining now at about 153 lbs. I do not let my weight get over 156. Wearing a cute tie at the waist pair of size 8 black dress pants today. I had an aquaintance come up to me today and tell me she wished she had a body like mine!!! WOW!!! What an awesome compliment!!! Who would have ever thought in a million years......................................
Plan on visiting "Donna T", who I met here on the BAMA board, today as she had open RNY on yesterday. I can't think of a better way to spend my 10 month anniversary then by caring for someone else who is coming on this awesome journey with me! We also have 2 patients here in Montgomery in critical condition who had the surgery... I want to visit with their families as well. I am so lucky to have not had any complications!!! So happy to be ME!!!
gail @ goal




2-24-04 - Went to a support group meeting last night at Medical Center East in B'ham where I had my surgery. My best friend drove up there with me.... thank you Ray!!! I love going because it keeps me "grounded". I don't get a chance to go nearly as often as I would like. I really think it is so important to continue this journey by supporting yourself as well as others. This is a life long committment.
***On a "fun note" my hubby bought me a black Trans Am. It is an older model and I'll drive it just for the fun times but keep my "mama" Expedition. 120 pounds ago I would not have been able to fit behind the steering wheel nor would I have dared to drive a car that would bring attention to me... Now, all I can say is... watch me now!!!
gail @ goal




03-15-04 - ***************11 MONTHS***************
I'll be out of town on the 17th so I thought I'd update my 11 mos. today. I feel great and am having no problems. I am maintaining without any trouble. I fluctuate a few pounds or so but it always gets back to my goal weight without really trying. I am really enjoying buying new clothes right now. I wear mostly size 8's and the new capri pants with the flat front and side zip are just too cute..... I have never been able to wear those kinds of pants.... even in my teen years when I wasn't at all overweight, I still couldn't wear them because my stomach just poked out too much.... now with a TT, it is just flat as a flitter! I'll see my plastic surgeon at the end of this month to talk about thigh surgery. Life is great and I couldn't be any happier.
I'm headed down to Orlando to go to a reading conference and then I'll spend the weekend at Disney World. I'm going with my best friend from work... love you Ray... so that will be extra fun... I'll miss ya' honey... thanks for taking care of the kids!!!! When I return, it will be spring break and we will head to the beach for that week... so much fun!!!! Life is just too good at goal!




3-29-04 - WOW, WOW, WOW is all I can say!!!! After 2 weeks of eating ANYTHING and EVERYTHING I wanted, I DID NOT GAIN AN OUNCE!!!! I am amazed!!!! NEVER in my life could I have come back from a 2 week vacation and have not gained.... this is amazing! I'll see my PS this week to determine a price on my inner thighs. Below: acting silly as ever at the Epcott center in Disney.






4-01-04 - Saw my PS yesterday. They took after pics of my TT and put the before and afters side by side on the computer....WOW, what a big difference! I am very pleased with my results! I have scheduled an inner thigh lift for June 28th. Ouch it will be a doozie... they will go around the groin to the back just under my fanny cheeks... he will lipo and remove a section of skin.... not looking forward to the pain but the results will surely improve my "granny" thighs.... they are just awful with flab and wrinkles. Can you hear the slap, slap, slap as I run towards you??? Listen carefully because from what ever state you live in I bet you can hear me a comin'!!! It will be my last surgery. It isn't cheap either... $6200.00!




4-14-04 - A year ago to this day I was at home doing my bowel prep for my surgery. I can not believe a year has gone by! My one year date is the 17th but tomorrow will be the day I had the surgery just a year ago. Still having NO trouble maintaining at goal.




4-15-04 - This time (5:25 a.m.) last year, I was a nervous wreck! Today marks the day that I had my surgery one year ago! Gosh, I wish I had known what an easy time I would have with this... I would have never worried! This will be a day of rememberance for me. I will update on my anniversary date (the 17th).




4-16-04 - **********ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY************
I'm updating today because I will be at the beach on tomorrow. WHAT IS LIFE LIKE AT ONE YEAR POST OP????? It is GREAT!!! It is UNBELIEVABLE!!! It is AWESOME!!! The road I have traveled in this past year has not been a perfect one but one that was much easier than I had expected. Food issues are always going to be with me for I have come to terms with the fact that I have a disease, it is OBESITY and it isn't going to ever go away. I will have to work on it for the rest of my life. But having said that, this tool is the only way I could get a grip on my eating habits. It really is the one and only thing that could have helped me get to the healthy weight that I am at today. Have I missed pigging out???? Heck yes! But, I have come to grips with food and can now pass it by without obessing over it. There are doughnuts today up front in the office and I don't even care.... now in the past, I would be thinking about them, wanting them, and sneaking more than my share... but I don't anymore because after a year of training myself to learn to say no, it has worked! Don't misunderstnd me, I do indulge in treats but what I mean is that it isn't just taking over my every thought now like it did before. I wasn't a binge eater, never threw up my food or anything like that but I did just love it and think about it all the time. I get asked a lot, "What do you eat"... I eat everything! I don't have severe dumping, only once has that happened and I think it was just spoiled food that sent me over the edge that time, but I eat and drink whatever I want. Now I say that but keep in mind that I do put limits on myself. First rule I follow is that I don't eat out of boredom. If I catch myself doing that I grab my water. I wasn't a big fan of protein prior to surgery and knowing that was what was pushed post op, I really thought I'd be a failure at this but I wasn't. I stuck to a balanced diet not depriving myself of anything. If I wanted bread, I ate it. This was in the early stages when I was losing the weight too. I did keep aware how many calories I was getting in and I was a devoted treadmill walker early on but I rarely do that now. I love walks on the beach but the treadmill for me is a thing in the past. I am finding for now, and I hope it lasts, that I can maintain without really depriving myself. I do eat chocolate but I do so in moderation. I do drink an occasional soda, not even diet...YUCK I hate those, but I do so in moderation. I truely have learned to control myself and I think it came from my sincere desire to make this work. Determination is a key factor in this WLS and you have to want it, I mean REALLY want it badly! This is a very liveable life. I would not recommend this surgery to anyone if I knew it wasn't and I know that there are hundreds of people who aren't as happy as me but it does make you wonder about some of them.... I mean, come on, are you a miserable, unhappy person anyway regardless of WLS??? Look for the positives that will come from this surgery and don't focus on the negatives and as far as I am concerned there really aren't too many of those in my case. Sure, I have the hiccups more often than I would care to. Yes, there are days I don't want to swallow supplements but come on, that isn't all that bad. This surgery has saved more than my life, it has SAVED MY SOUL. I didn't realize how I missed my old self until I got this weight off and I am so glad I am back. This year will prove to be the most exciting for me I am sure. So many wonderful changes and I had so much to look forward to. Now, I have to be diligent and keep my promise to myself and win the battle for maintaining... that is my goal for YEAR 2, to just be able to come back here to this profile and say that I still weigh 150. I have no doubts that I am going to do it because like I said, I want it really BADLY and that is what it takes! Happy most wonderful YEAR ONE to me!
gail @ goal




5-12-04 - No real news to report... doing great and have lost a little more.... not really trying but am mindful of what I eat so I guess that is working! Well, maybe I am trying just a bit... guess I am caught up in the numbers thing.... 140ish just sounds better than 150ish.... think I will get to 145 (or maybe 143 since that would make my loss an even 130 pounds) since I am not seeing a big difference in the way -5 pounds looks on me.... I surely DO NOT want to look skinny and hollow faced.... I like curvy and shapely...On another note, I HATE my thighs!!!! When I pick the droopy skin up and let it "go" I feel like a 90 yr old grandma! I just THOUGHT I was obessed with my hanging gut, but my thighs are really bothering me! When I see myself in the mirror, I am happy (clothed of course)!!! Everything is in good proportion EXCEPT my upper thighs and wearing shorts is just a big no-no... and being a beachy kind of girl, well, that just won't do! Surgery is at the end of June and I am scrambling to get the $$$ up! I will be worth $12,000.00 in plastics alone... but I don't think that is too much! ÜÜÜ
gail @ 148 (-125)




5-17-04 - *************13 MONTHS*****************
13 Months post op today. Feeling great and very happy! I will see my surgeon this Friday for a one year post op visit. Hope I get to see him... I hear all we get to see is his nurse practioner... and I do not particulary like her... she is a bit negative. If that is the case, I think I will ask for copies of all my records and move my case to a gastric surgeon here in Montgomery... why drive nearly 2 hours to see HER???
gail 147




5-20-04 - As expected, I did not get to see my surgeon at my 1 year post op visit yesterday. I told her I probably wouldn't be back... she tried to say that if I wanted to see the doc then I'd have to tell them when I make the appts. but you know, if he doesn't plan on seeing us then I don't feel like I should ask.... anyway, I got copies of my records and will probably just see my pcp for future blood tests. Any future gastric problems and I may or may not return to B'ham. There are some good docs right here in Montgomery too and since we will retire to the beach one day, I am sure I'll be on the lookout again for another one closer down there. At any rate, I still plan to go to some of the support meetings in B'ham and maybe participate in the fashion show this fall. Headed to the beach for several weeks so I'll update as I get closer to my plastics in late June. gail 147




6-2-04 - Just got back in town from the beach. Everything came back normal on my one year post op bloodwork so YAY, no more big horse iron pills for me!
Me in a 2 piece, who would have ever thought???


gail 146




************************************************************
Maintenance Ideas and Thoughts:

Now that I am at the maintenance step of this awesome journey, I have some ideas that I hope will keep me there!!!!

1. I chose a reasonable weight for myself. 140 pounds just barely puts me in the normal range BUT it is an obtainable weight to maintain. I think some fail due to the fact that they have this idealized dream size of a 2 or 4. Come on, that would take massive exercise or very little to eat to maintain that size on a 5'6 frame. I could get to this size perhaps, if I cut out my occasional treats and snacks and was an exercise nut... BUT forget it!

2. Exercise is important to maintain. I do not get nearly enough especially in the colder months but you betcha' I'm on that beach this summer/spring/fall walking!!! ÜÜÜ

3. Eat regularly and don't get caught missing a meal. What I have found is that it makes me overeat or choose bad food choices. I try to eat 3 meals and a few snacks inbetween.

4. Water, water, water!!! So, so important to skin and hair but not to just lose weight but to maintain. Water fills you up after you've had all the meals or snacks allowed for one day. I drink mine with fresh squeezed lemon over plenty of ice in a tall styrofoam cup. Really goes down better that way than from the bottle.

5. Weigh yourself everyday!!!! (Unless you obsess about it and it ruins your day). This is the only way I find I can keep my weight in check. I give myself a 3 to 5 (absolute most) pound window. If I get above 145, I cut out a snack or two or up my water. It is all about checks and balances. I just wish I could have done this when I was pre-op!!!!

6. Have a plan if your weight gets out of control by 3 or 6 pounds and DON'T let it get above that!!! Gosh did I ever need to learn this one!!! I have found that eating a bowl of cereal for dinner helps me to get mine back under control... just eating something as filling as that and low cal really helps me.

7. Keep yourself "in the loop". Stay in touch with this website, update your profile, go to the message boards, go to Q & A, and attend support group meetings. I have found that I continue to learn all the time and by staying in touch with others, you will get the support to help you stay on track.

8. Take your supplements!!!!!!! So, so important to keep yourself ahead of the game then to get your body in a vitamin loss. Don't take life too easy and think that just because you are at goal, that you are like normal people... we aren't normal! Our bodies ARE different and we HAVE to follow the supplement program our doctors have given us!

9. Live life!!! Eat that piece of birthday cake, don't deprive yourself!!! (if you can handle it... if not keep these foods out of your house!!!) Just balance it through your day!

10. Throw away your FAT clothes!!!! Even if they are just a size too big because you will have it in the back of your mind... "Well, I can gain a little and still have clothes to wear." This thinking will add pounds slowly but surely! So like the OJ trial says... "If it "don't" fit, you must acquit"... get rid of it!!!





6-17-04 - ************ 14 Months********************
Everything is great. I am maintaining with no problems. Had my pre-ops to my thigh lift a few days ago.... the surgery will be in less than 2 weeks. Life is great and I am enjoying as much time at the beach as I can.
gail 148




6-27-04 - Inner thigh lift is scheduled for tomorrow at 12:30. Very anxious about it... I hate pain but am sure to enjoy the results. I will update when I feel up to it.
gail 147




6-29-04 - Well, as I said before... my tummy tuck was the icing on the weight loss cake and the inner thighs are the candy sprinkles! I had my surgery yesterday at 12:10. It took about 3 hours. I was home by 5:00. They used a table that actually can stand you up. The incisions start about halfway up at my pubic area in the front, and go all the way around in the crease to a little less then halfway around under my fanny cheeks. I have felt good and just have had soreness and a burning feeling. Not anywhere near as bad as my TT. That was 100 times worse! I am wearing a girdle thingy that goes to my knees and will see the doc again on tomorrow. He lipo suctioned at my knees, on a fatty tumor that I had on my right thigh, and removed about a 3 inch cresent shaped section of skin in my inner thigh area. I self paid at $6200.00 and that includes everything with the post op visits and all. All in all this has been the easiest, so far that is, of the surgeries that I have had. I'll update in a week or so and report how things are going. Have no regrets and am glad it is over!
gail 156 (not concerned... this is fluid weight)


Beth, Janet, Michelle and me celebrating our weight loss at the FloraBama. We are having too much fun! (They are all Gastric Bypass friends who I met online and invited down to the beach house for a few days.) Picture taken June 11, 2004



7-06-04
I am one week out from my inner thigh lift. They look much better but aren't nearly the results I was hoping for. I guess I am so thrilled with my TT that I had my hopes too high. As soon as I can, I plan to do some specific toning exercises to see if I can get rid of the "shake" I still have. The pain is ok... the worst is under my fanny, it still burns and is impossible to sit directly on it so I scrunch forwad and put my weight on the top part of my rear end when I sit, which gives me a back ache. I am happy I still have several weeks off from work.... for those of you who may read this and will have this procedure, I certainly suggest at least 2 weeks off from work, mainly cause it is just so dang hard to sit. I am still holding myself up with my arms as use the toliet. I haven't taken any pain meds since the second night out from surgery. Would I do this all over again???? Well, it is a very expensive surgery and all and I do have improvement, so I have to say yes that I would but I think I should have looked forward to the results a little more realistically than I did. I am optimistic though and looking forward to seeing if toning exercises will finish the job.

Just thinking today of how far I have come... I will NEVER be fat again. I know that many wls patients say this and gain back many, many pounds but, I am POSITIVE that this will not happen to me because I am NOW in control of my eating and know what it takes for my body to maintain. This is just so awesome to say... I am in control!!!
gail 146 (-127 lbs.)



8-07-04
Had a unusual summer break this year... made some MAJOR mistakes that were brought on by my new gained confidence from my weight loss... but hey, that is life and I will learn from them, hopefully!!! Wish I could go into details here but it is way too personal. Headed back to school in a few days... bought some great new clothes, all size small. Had to give away all my last year's fall clothes because they were too big. Still feeling great and looking fab if I say so myself! Will stay in touch here but won't update as often as I used to... life is GREAT!!!

gail-holding on to 145, size 4/6


8-30-04
I'm 2 mos post op from my inner thigh lift... can't say that I am overjoyed with the results but they are much better. The incisions have healed and are not at all seen in my bathing suit. I have done a few weight training exercises but haven't gotten into a real rountine with them. That is something I need to work on!

I have decided to have ONE more plastic surgery... I know I said that I was finished but wouldn't some new perky titties be so much fun!!!??? If I can scrounge the $$$ up in time, maybe SANTA will bring them to me this year! I will see my surgeon at the end of this month and will talk price with him...

Still getting over my summer mistakes... trying not to beat myself up too much about them... be careful of how WLS regains your confidence in the way that you look.. at least it got me into some trouble... it has about destroyed my marriage...

gail 145 size 4/6

Below is my most favorite before and after pictures ever! I bought these Hard Rock Cafe shorts while I was in Paris... when I bought them, I thought there would be no way they'd ever fit right... look at them now!!!




9-18-04
17 mos post op. Feeling great and really most days, never even remember having the surgery! My hair is growing back in and I think only I notice the shorter parts, others just think it is part of my haircut.

I have figured out how to add my own pics to this site and have been trying to come up with some to help tell my story.

Most days I eat whatever I want. Some days I try to eat "right". I am beginning to see how people gain weight back... can't ever imagine gaining it all, but I do see that this takes a conscientious effort to keep the weight at a constant amount. It's all about checks and balances... if I over do it one day, I am cautious the next and so it works out.

My stomach has been in a knot the last few days worried sick over my house at the beach and if Ivan destroyed it... but we just got word that the house is fine with just minor problems... we will go down there today or tomorrow as soon as they will let everyone back in. We are very lucky for one of my friends whose house is 1/2 mile from ours, suffered a total loss.

Marriage is still having problems... I am beginning to get afraid that there is serious trouble ahead...

gail 143 size 4/6





9-18-04
Well, so many of you want to see my God awful before pics of my tummy tuck so here they are: Before and After pics Tummy Tuck- 12-23-03 Inner Thigh Lift-6-28-04





Is my plastic surgeon a miracle worker or what?????



9-20-04
Yay! Our beach house made it through Hurrine Ivan with just a few nicks and bruises! Thank you God!



9-21-04
Here's the latest picture of me... I am at 143 size 4/6.


Future Update


10-02-04
Saw my plastic surgeon this week. I have decided to get the new titties... woo hoo! They are costing $7325.00! That will be a lift and implants.... think I am going to go for the small D size. I am scheduled for Dec 23... the exact date a year ago of my first plastics which was tummy tuck. After this prodecure, I will have spent $20,000.00 on myself... but heck, I deserve it...

gail 143



10-16-04
18 months post op. Doing great and maintaining pretty easily. Have had a scratchy throat for the past 3 weeks and so haven't eaten as much and have dropped a pound or two. I have on a pair of size 4 jeans today... YEA! Will head up Birmingham tomorrow to a rehearsal for a fashion show that my doctor asked me to be in... I bought a gorgeous size 6 long black gown for the event... the docs are going to escort us out and they will be wearing a tux, so it sounds to be pretty fun! They also will show before pics of you up on a big screen TV... yikes, not sure about that.. will post pics if I get any good ones.

gail 140




11-06-04
The fashion show is tonight and I must admit that I am pretty jazzed about it Ü The rehearsals have really shown what a show it will turn out to be! Several TV stations and newspapers plan to cover it.... even the Discovery Channel is interested in broadcasting it... so I will post some pics if I get some good ones. Here is a recent picture of me...






11-07-04
WOW!!! That is all I can say for the fashion show... it was awesome! The stories read about the participants, the before pictures on the big screen, the music and coming out on the stage.... just an unblieveable experience! Dr. Schmitt escourted me onto the stage.... he chose only one patient to take on to the stage and he chose me Ü (Ok, not mad anymore for him not seeing me on post op visits... in fact, he apologized for that and said to make sure to ask to see him on future visits... so all is forgiven... I know he is a busy man but I just want him to see me) Below is a picture of us right before going on... he is so cute and really a nice guy.... I enjoyed my chatter with him as we stood in line to be presented. Anyone who has the opportunity to attend this annual event should no doubt go! I really enjoyed myself as it was so uplifting.... the crowd was awesome... yelling and clapping for you.... made you feel like a moviestar Ü







12-22-04
Have been MIA for the past few months... a lot of personal issues going on in my life, most of which I am not proud of... some things I need to work on, that is for sure. My marriage is facing serious troubles... how do I stop it???

Well tomorrow is the big day... I will get my x-mas titties : ) Little nervous b/c I know it is going to hurt... hoping to be pleased with the results... I am sure I will be. Looking to get a size Full C... getting a lift and implants, costing $7350.00... thank you hubby : ) Will update when I can.

gail maintaining w/ no problems 140





Gail's Story Part 2

Nov 13, 2006

12-27-04
OMG!!! My doc is a miracle worker!!! My new titties are perfect! Pointy, Perky, Perfect!!! I love them! I can not believe how good they turned out. The surgery included a reduction, a lift, and implants under the muscle and really the pain was not nearly as bad as I thought. I am 4 days out today and haven't been on pain meds for 3 days. I look sooooooooo different, clothes and bras, and swimsuit tops look so much better... I swear they look like an 18 yr olds... they ended up being a small D and I am so pleased with them. I still have nipple sensation, so of course I am happy about that Ü I sweated this decision and waited to do it last... I have had 3 plastic surgeries in a year's time, actually to the date because my TT was the exact same date only one year ago... $20,000.00 later and 133 pounds lighter I feel like an entirely new girl. I couldn't be any mnre pleased with my body, well of course there is always room for improvement, but I am a very happy camper. Anyone on the fence about this surgery, I say GO FOR IT! It was most asurredly the easiest plastic surgery I had, and it is my last.

gail 140 and Perky & Perfect



1-11-05
Still very pleased with my breasts results. I plan to put up a before and after pic soon here... discreet of course : ) Still are sore, feels more like a sunburn then anything else. Still having to wear the surgical tapes over the incisions, but I will see my PS next week and am hoping they will be removed for good. Sure rode the fence on this surgery decision... anyone out there in doubts, I say go for it! My results have been awesome... I mean from tube socks with rocks in em' to pointy, perky, natural looking size small D titties.

gail happy, healthy and at goal



1-21-05
These are after pics of the new girls : )






02-22-05
Breasts have healed completely now. No pain what so ever... have all sensation. They have gotten softer and have dropped slightly to look very natural. I am very pleased with them... even catch MYSELF looking at them as they are so darn good looking! Ü Maintaining with no problems... still working through some personal issues with my marriage... WLS can really screw a marriage if you aren't careful... of course, I find myself at fault, hubby has been great through out all the troubles. Will post again soon.

gail @ goal




03-31-05
Life is moving right along and I will celebrate 2 years out in a few weeks... wow! Two years... still maintaining my weight with no problems. I've noticed that I am hungry more often and can eat more than I thought I would, so I have been using self-control lately. I read about others who write so often about gaining and having to get back on track, so I weigh myself daily and it helps me to keep straight. I bounce around from 140 to 145 and am in a size 4 pants and small tops. My breasts have healed nicely, still have the scars but they are fading, not sure if they will go away completely but I am so pleased with the results that I am not letting the scars worry me. The implants are so natural feeling and have dropped slightly to give a really natural look. I love going braless when I can but keep to a support/underwire bra the majority of the time. TT is still looking great and my thighs, well they aren't perfect but they are better. That is the physical me... the mental me is still a mess. My marriage is continuing to have problems. I have put a lot of pressure on it from my recent actions and at times actually hate myself for what all has gone on... I beat myself up quite often about it... I am hoping to get my life back in order and move on to a stable future... sorry to be so vague, but I really don't feel comfortable sharing the details... so the outside gail is ok, but the inside needs more work. That is where I am today, working on the inside me. Anyone reading along my journal... just know that marriages MAY have problems, even the best of them... I look back at the beginning of my story here and see how much I was in love with my husband... where did it go??? I've yet to figure it out... will update on my anniversary.

gail @ goal: happy on the outside, miserable on the inside



5-03-05
Out two years now!!! WOW!!! It has been 2 years! Spent the special day with a friend, as I was out of town on that day. Had a wonderful anniversary, a very special one. Anyway, the outside me is great... my weight bounces around from 140 to 146... I keep a close eye on it when it gets to 146, but don't mind that weight at all... 140 is a bit skinny on me. Still in size 4 jeans and small tops. Feeling great and still gettting tons of compliments!

Now about the inside me.... have done a lot of soul searching in the past two weeks, and realized what a HUGE mistake I am making in my marriage... my husband absolutely worships the ground I walk on and so why have I disrespected him so??? I lost myself for awhile; lost my conviction to God, my marriage, to myself. I am working very hard to fix my marriage problems... how do you move on from making such HUGE mistakes in a marriage???.... I dunno, one step at a time. My husband is willing to forgive me and that makes me the luckiest girl in the world, not sure if I could be as gracious if the tables were turned, but I know deep in my heart what a wonderful man I am married to and so I have to make this work because he really is the only person I know who could love me so uncondtionally.... but can it be done???

Traded the ski boat and bought a new pontoon boat and named it "Beach Girl"... why not? Ü LOVE it, such a smooth ride out in the bay and on the canal... great party boat to have friends aboard! Took it out this past weekend and had a blast!

Did see my doc, my iron was a little low so I am back on those lovely iron horse pills I used to take... but only every other day so it could be worse! But besides that and my protein levels being a tad bit under the norm, all is great!

gail @ goal @ two years and not such as sad of a girl



May 17, 2005
Well school is almost out and in fact I am leaving for the beach this Friday for several weeks... not sure when I will want to come home. I really need to decide what I am looking for at this point in my life... the recommitment with hubby isn't going as well as I hoped... I need some time away from him to figure this thing out.

Still doing great on the outside... going to wear a little black dress today.... not overly sexy for I am wearing it to school for an end of the year program... size 6 "lil' black dress"... ahhhhhhhhhh, WLS is the greatest!

gail 143



6-08-05

Summer hasn't been as much fun as I had hoped. I have been in the hospital having a kidney stone surgically removed.... not fun at all. Today I went for a followup x-ray and the uriologist found gallstones.... great! I have an appt to see Dr. Schmitt (my WLS doc) on this coming Monday to determine what to do... facing ANOTHER surgery.... that would make 6 surgeries including my wls with my plastics and all.... sure didn't expect of all of this and not the least bit happy about it... but taking it as it comes. Also, my doc is concerned about my right kidney, says it is much smaller than normal and he is not sure how much usage I am getting from it.... more tests later this month to determine that.... Could be worse, and at least it is summer while I have the time off.... will update when I find something out.

Spending a great deal of time at the beach alone... trying to get my head straight... really worried about my marriage...

Here's the latest of me...

gail 142









06-29-05
Saw my WLS doc about the gallbladder stones... he wants to watch it for now and NOT take the gallbladder out mainly b/c I am not having any apparent problems with it... great... that means I am sitting on a time bomb.... not trying to be negative here and who knows I may never have trouble with it, but to see them on X-Ray... ouch, they are huge stones that would make you think you'd have problems from. Guess I'll just have to trust his opinion on this one. I had an extensive X-Ray done on my kidneys yesterday.... my right kidney is visibly about the 1/4 of the size of my left one.... I'll see my urologist next Tues to see what he thinks of the tests results... they had to put a nuclear dye into my veins and it produced a golf ball sized hemotobin (sp?) where the blood pooled up under the skin... very sore and purple today. Went to the dentist to have two crowns put on... I have broken 3 teeth now since my WLS... wonder if it is related??? I don't think it's a calcium problem b/c obviously I am getting too much calcium according to my kidney stone... unless that is a different kind of calcium, I guess.... so I am falling apart...LOL Not really, but I feel like I am.

I am enjoying the summer. Had a friend come visit me a few weeks back at the beach... really enjoyed the time we spent together. Headed down there for the 4th and having some friends come down... going to take the boat out to see the fireworks that night.

My marriage is survivng for now and that is about all that can be said for that... I really don't think we are going to make it... we have had so much on us this past year and our teenagers haven't made the ride any easier. They can really test your patience and it takes a real toll on your marriage. However, I think I am getting better at handling the attention I get from other men... I am learning how to not let it go to my head or react on it everytime I get hit on... in fact, I find it rather a nuisance at times... we were out the other night and I had a man grab and hug/hold me... I had to force myself loose and the second time he did it I heard Tim behind me asking him to back off... it is flattering, don't get me wrong, but it does make you feel like a piece of meat... oh well, I know, I know, there is much worse to complain about...

Not having any problems maintaining my weight... sure I go up and down a few 5 pounds or so, but I cut back when I see it tip the high end of the range. I am still eating very small portions, ex: I can only eat 1/2 a sandwich at a time, but I eat often, ususally every 3 or 4 hours and it is working for me.

Will update once I find out what the urologist wants to do with my "itty bitty" kidney... I suspect it has been small all my life and if I am getting some usage out of it then I vote to leave it alone.... if it aint broke, don't fix it right???

gail 140



July 6th 2005
Had a difficult 4th... BIG fight with hubby... but we spent it on the boat docked to an island for a cookout with friends and stayed to watch the fireworks which were spectacular. My marriage is still on the rocks... and I am sinking quickly... so sad and I am not taking it well...

Found out yesterday that my right kidney has 27% usage and the urologist says they don't consider removing a kidney until it has only 25% usage... so we are going to watch it for now. He thinks I must have had some kind on trauma on it as a young child from either recurrent infections or some blunt force or hit... I have no clue, but he said that it had considerable scar tissue and it is 1/4 the size of my left kidney. In fact, my left kidney is larger than normal so that is why he thinks it must have happened when I was very young because he thinks that the left kidney knew to grow larger than the right because of it's damaged size... so anyway, we will have to keep a close eye by x-ray every six months on them to make sure neither gets a stone... that is why I hurt so badly from the stone because when I got it in the left kidney, ie the good one, it made the right kidney do all the work while it was infected and the right one just couldn't keep up. So I feel I have a dark cloud hanging over my head with it and the gallbladder stones... life can suck sometimes BUT I am not the kind of person who will let it get me down. I will learn to drink water like I use to and keep a watch on it.... he also said I had to get off the calcium I take for WLS. I am sure my WLS doc won't be too happy about that one.

Still enjoying my summer. I plan to meet a friend for the first time in late July... I met him here on the site and am looking forward to finally getting to meet him. Also spending 2 weeks in the northeast with a friend I met here as well and am looking forward to the trip... then it will be back to the classroom.... not looking forward to that. I love teaching BUT love being off all summer too : )

gail 143



August 24, 2005

Feeling good lately... did have another kidney test recently... no fun at all... but didn't find what they thought I had, which their thinking was that I might have a "reflux" problem where the bladder sends urine back to the kindey... that was both my docs thinking, but the test showed that I don't have it... that is good, but still makes you wonder how the right kidney got so much scarring on it....

Anyway, I am back at school and have the cutest class... I did interview for a lead teacher position and am hoping to hear back on that anyday now... keeping my fingers crossed.

Not going to comment on the marriage thing... have had some snooping inlaws reading here, so I'd better refrain from it... IF you are experiencing problems in your marriage and just need to talk about it, then email me and I'll be happy to share what has gone on in mine... I hope no one is going through the things I have had with my husband... but you do hear of so much divorce after WLS... I think the stats on the divorce rate are at a whopping 70%.... that amazes me.

gail 141



12-28-05

I had a great Christmas. We enjoyed the holiday at the beach. Got some new clothes, jewlery, stuff for the house. My teenagers got some great stuff this year... I-Pod, cell phone, new Dell computer... they are both doing great in school too.

Feeling great and maintaining my weight with no problems at all. It will creep up a few pounds every now and then, but I have no trouble getting it right back off... I can cut back and can see results in just a day or two. Still very pleased with all my plastics... the "girls" are a year old now and still just as cute and perky as ever : )

I am really enjoying the New Year's diet commercials this year... Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig etc. ... I have come to realize that I will NEVER make THAT New Year's resolution again... I will never be fat again, never have to diet major weight off, or ever starve myself again.... WHAT AN AWESOME FEELING!!!!

I am still married... my husband is learning to handle the "new me" and it can be very challenging at times : ) His business continues to do well and I am so thankful for that!

I am in Real Estate school and hope to get my license in a month or so. I want to dabble in that field some now and continue it in my retirement... I have five years left in the public school education field and man do I hope I make it! My retirement would afford myself and my family many benefits for years to come, but... teaching gets harder and harder every year to deal with... so I hope I make the last five! I marvel sometimes at myself with all the new things I have done lately.... I would have never had the confidence to meet strangers and try to sell them a candybar much less a house! I have WLS to thank for that!

I have many people write me and tell me that my story is an inspiration to them... I can't take that credit... this has been the easiest journey for me. I really feel that I just lucked up on this thing by not having major complications and such.... really the only difficulty I have had was with my kidneys which had nothing to do with WLS and my gallbladder stones which may or may not have had anything to do with WLS. My hair and skin look healthy as I continue to take my multivits each day. Coming up on 3 years out soon and I just can't imagine life any better than this.

gail 143

Here are some new photos of me:

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1-31-06

Tomorrow I will be 44 and I can't help but wonder how many more years I would have had at nearly 300 pounds... I have WLS to thank for the incredible quality of life I have enjoyed this past nearly 3 years. Anyone on the fence about the surgery who is reading this now.... I can't promise that you won't die on the table, or that your journey will be as smooth as mine, I can't promise you that you will lose all the weight you need to lose, or that you will learn to enjoy food the way it is suppose to be eaten, BUT I can promise that if you don't give this serious thought, then you will never know the joys I have experienced since my surgery. I could come up with a serious complication tomorrow and die and would still have said it was worth it! Life is just that damn much better size 4 than size 24!!!

Happy Birthday to any other Aquarius friends out there!

gail 146



3-13-06
Spring is in the air and man do I have the fever. I have next week off and plan to use some of that time with a friend in MN (my best friend actually) and the rest at the beach. My school year is coming to a close soon and I look forward to hibernating pretty much all summer by myself at the beach. I hope to meet some new friends and give myself some time to just "chill". I am looking forward to some job changes next year.... I will stay in education to get my retirement, but try to get out of the classroom fulltime, so we will see how that goes. I am studying to finish up the Real Estate course/test I started, so hopefully that will be passed and finished soon... then I am not sure what I will do with my license... we'll see.

My weight continues to stay off. I am determined not to let it go back up... I was shocked recently by seeing a friend who is five years out... she has gained 60 pounds since I last saw her.... THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME!!!!!!!! I will stay focused and determined!

gail 142



7-15-06

All is well and I am enjoying my summer! Got a chance to go to NYC for the first time and wow, is all I can say about that awesome city. Enjoyed some time in upper MN on Lake Superior and Canada... was an awesome time. ( I am in love with my best friend...ooooops, did I say that?) I am teaching summer school down at the beach. I just enrolled my 16 year old into college yesterday and wow, that is expensive! My son is a senior in high school this fall so my nest will HOPEFULLY empty soon : ) Love my kids, BUT man, teenagers have bad attitudes! I plan to go back into the classroom even though my heart isn't completely there.... nothing else has opened up for me so I will just keep going on with it. Don't get me wrong, I am a great teacher, just a little burned out.

I saw my WLS doc back in May and all is well except that I have low iron. I am chewing 2 of the Bariatric Advantage iron tablets each day. They don't taste bad at all, and believe me, I am a real sissy when it comes to meds.... so if you have a low iron problem, I highly recommend them. They can be found on Bariatircadvantage.com. My weight is stable and my doc is pleased with me.

I plan to see my kidney doc sometime soon... I had a stone last summer and he wants to x-ray me every 6 months. Fine by me, I never want a stone again! Mine was 8mm and had to be surgically removed... I have a friend whose stone is 22mm, an inch in diameter... it is stuck in her kidney and hasn't passed yet.... with the pain I endured, I can't imagine having one that large!

3 years plus out and have no regrets!

gail 146






10-26-06

Gosh, it has been a few months since I updated. I am back at school... no, no job change : ( and the year is going okay. This makes 21 years for me and I hope I can make 4 more to retirement where I hope to permanently move to the beach.

Life is getting better for me. We are in the process of selling our home here and I have already moved into an apt with my son. My husband comes over nightly, but returns home to the house to stay with my daughter. Long story, but I had to get some of us out of the house to repair the "teenage marks" in the walls etc. and to paint. My son turns 19 this summer and hopefully he will be moving out and then we will move my 16 yr old into the apt with us and live there until my retirement. It is a great apt complex with my own car garage and all so it is just like living in a home. With all the upkeep that 10 acres of land can bring and going to the beach every weekend (3 hour one-way drive) it was killing us, so that is why we decided to go ahead and try to sell. My 19 year old will most likely not go to college : ( and my 16 year old already is in college so hopefully by 18 she will be moving out as well. Sounds like I am kicking my kids out LOL, BUT it has been some hectic teenage years!!!

My marriage: It is more than survivng, I am happy to report that my precious husband hung in there with me while I tried to "find myself". You know, that is the very one thing I wasn't prepared for... the changes you go through as you lose weight and build confidence. I am sure not all go through this, but man did I... having the plastics I've had and regaining somewhat of a decent figure, the men coming on to me as they do (not to mention the big flirt who I am), the stresses of normal day life raising teenagers, all have put a real strain on me the past two years at goal weight. Luckily, I have survived this change of my soul and am beginning to love me again. I refuse to beat myself up over my past mistakes and to learn to forgive myself for them... not to forget them, because forgetting would only allow me to open back up that door down the wrong road, but to remind myself where I have been and where I want to go. I have a precious, precious husband and am the luckiest girl in the world to have had him stay by my side through all of this.

Anyone feeling as I have, please feel free to email me and I would happily help you through some of what you may be going through or at the least, be an ear from someone who has gone through it...

At 3 1/2 years out, I am alive, happy and healthy. Best wishes to all who read along my journey. I promise not to be like some of the long term post ops who stop updating, I will keep posting in order to help others who are on the journey with me.

gail @ peace finally : )
146

Jan. 18 2007

Happy New Year!

Life is ticking right along.  No real news to report.  I do see that my appetite is bigger at nearly 4 years out.  Some meals I can eat a lot and some I can't.  A whole sandwich is still a bit too much... I won't get sick, but it gets me close to being overly full.  I have yet to throw up these past years... haven't even had the stomach flu or anything like that, so that is good.  

I see that alcohol really effects me differently now.  I used to could put them down and not feel it as quickly or strongly, but now, if I over drink I am GONE.... : )  I have to really watch it.

I am drinking with my meals, I know, a big no-no... but it hasn't seemd to have bothered my weight too much.  I have put on a few pounds more than I would like to and will work on the snacking I have been doing.  That should get them off.

I did recently do something for myself... I am seeing a massage therapist once a week for an hour.  It is some of the best money I have ever spent on myself!  He can really work you over and I literally feel the stress come out of my body. 

All in all, life is great.  I feel great and have a better outlook on life then I have had in a long, long time!

gail @ goal Ü


April 18, 2007

Yesterday was my 4 year anniversary.  I am doing great, no problems what so ever.  I'll see my doc next month for a check up and hopefully everything will check out well for me.

I was recently asked, do I regret having the surgery?  99.9% I say, no way... but sure, I'd love to sit down to a big bowl of icecream and eat until I have had my fill... I miss eating large amounts of food... that would be the only reason I would go back.... but heck, that is why I had this surgery, because I couldn't control my eating. I love food, always will, still fantasize over it, want it, all of that.  I recognize the fact that I have a food addiction and always will.

So what is up with all these people who are having revision surgeries because of weight gain....????  I  don't have that answer; perhaps they never got all the weight off, perhaps they didn't use this surgery as a tool.... I really don't know.  I do know that I risked my life to have this opportunity to have the thin body I had before I had children and I know that I must use self control at times as this is no quick fix and I have to be in control of it at all times.  

Best of luck to anyone on this journey and know that it can work! 

gail @ goal


September 13, 2007

I had a great summer!  Went to Mt. Rushmore with my best friend : )

I have gained a few extra pounds that I need to get off.  I've developed a taste for red wine and I think that is where the weight is creeping on me as I have not changed my eating habits.  The weight doesn't look bad or at least I don't think so, (I've added a recent pic to my photos) but it is making my clothes tight and so I need to get it off.  Will have to put up my wine glass I guess : (
Besides that, life is great.  I feel good and have no health problems!  My daughter is living in the dorms at school and my son graduated and is working for my husband in our business.  Now, if I could just get my son (19) out of my house, then things would be perfect! : )

gail @ a few pounds up with an empty wine glass : (



April 17, 2008

Wow, I didn't realize that I have been so MIA... today marks 5 years of my life change!  There have been some ups and downs, but I am doing great, feeling good, and keeping the weight where it needs to be.  I am a size 8/small and my plastics have held up nicely : )  the "girls" are perky as ever, tummy is flat, all is good.  Thank you to so many of you who read my journal and compliment me as well as thank me for keeping it updated.  There aren't many long-term people who keep their file updated, so it is my goal to do it.

If I can help anyone with any questions, please feel free to email me.

Life is great at 5 years out! : )

gail @ goal



Sept. 16 2008

Life is moving on along.  Nothing great to report.  Getting close to retirement with 2 more years after this school year.  Keeping my weight off.  My marriage is still making it.  Hopefully the bad times are finally gone for good.  Take care everyone, any questions please feel free to email me.

gail @ goal


APRIL 17, 2009  6 YEARS OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6 years ago, I took the BIG step.  NO regrets, does take will power, but I will NEVER be fat again.  Good luck to all on this amazing journey!

gail @ goal





September 14, 2009

Nothing much new to report.  Keeping my weight off, it jumps around 5 or 7 pounds, but I think that is normal for anyone, much less WLS patients.  I keep a close watch on it.  Hope all of you on this journey are healthy and happy.  Please contact me if I can be of any help!

gail @ goal



October 9, 2009

Just wanted to say that I have found the PERFECT vitamin for me... I have been very bad lately taking my horse pills, so a friend hooked me up on what he is taking..... they are called Vitafusion and can be found online where some places will even ship for free.  They are very inexpensive and come in adult or children brands.  They are fruit flavored gummies and taste just like candy!  Seriously, no nasty vitamin taste, and I am a picky vitamin taker : )    I take the multivitamin, the power C, and I bought the calcium... but not sure it is the citrate that we need.

Anyway, just wanted to share my findings.... life is still ticking along, I feel good and am having no problems.  My blood pressure has also gone back down, so I am off BP meds.  Funny thing too, is that I developed high blood pressure AFTER losing all the weight.  I contribute that to stress and going through menopause.

Take care and holler at me if I can help you in any way.

gail @goal : )



April 5, 2010  Nearly 7 Years Out

I haven't viewed my profile in awhile so I thought I'd reread my journey.... I am amazed at the writings I have made over these past 7 years.  The journal entries of my marriage problems amaze me and I sit here and  honestly say that the problems are not any better.... I know this site is not about marriage problems, but I didn't develop any OR they were not brought to light until the weight loss.  It pains me to reread these entries as again, the roller coaster ride of marriage problems really hasn't stopped.  Some weeks are better, some very much not.

Without going into specifics, I just want to share that if you are going through problems in your marriage, you are not alone.  I can share little advice on the subject, but will offer an ear to anyone needing one. 

For those of you who are currently losing, stick with it!  As I hit the 7 year mark in a few days, I want you to know that maintaining the loss over several years IS possible... not all of us regain all the weight back.  It really hasn't been that hard for me... sure I watch it if the scales tip up, but really have had very little trouble keeping it off.  I eat several small meals a day... try hard not to graze, and avoid high calorie foods.  Chips are a rare treat for me, I actually just don't care for junk food.  I eat sweets every now and then, and ice cream REALLY gives my tummy trouble which is a good thing as that was my downfall when I was heavy.  I have so much more energy than when I was heavy... of course being 48 doesn't help, haha; some days I feel VERY old.  But all in all, the weight loss has added years to my life.  I know for a fact that had I not gotten that weight off, it would have sooner than later killed me.

For those of you researching this surgery and want to hear what life 7 years down the road is like, give me a holler... I'd be more than happy to chat with you.

Take care.

gail still @ goal



Dec. 1 2010

I am one of the statistics of the 70% divorce rate AFTER WLS... or at least I was told that rate going into it.  Dec. 3rd would have marked my 27th wedding anniversary, BUT as of late Oct. I am now single.  I'm NOT blaming WLS, but it did have something to do with it.  I guess besides the fact that we grew apart, my new size and image of myself made me see that I wanted more from a relationship and since I had regained the confidence of my looks, I felt I deserved what I wanted, so I moved in the direction my heart took me. 

NOT trying to scare anyone but understand that the statistics are real, or at least for me they are.

This is my last year to teach, so after 25 years I am closing the classroom door this coming May.  I am moving into my home near the beach.  Life is different being single, scary and somewhat challenging, but I have the confidence to succeed.  My weight is still off; I feel great and look forward to the rest of my life.

Good luck to everyone out there and if I can help you in any way, please feel free to contact me!

gail @ goal



March 24, 2011

I got remarried to the most wonderful guy on Valentine's Day 2011!  Life is going great and i am doing well.  I retire from teaching in just a few months and am moving to the beach!  Still keeping my weight off; it bounces around 5 pounds from week to week.
I wish all of you the best of luck on your journey!

gail @ goal

7 comments

About Me
some where, AL
Location
RNY
Surgery
04/17/2003
Surgery Date
Nov 13, 2002
Member Since

Before & After
rollover to see after photo
FAT, FAT girl... How did this happen? Size 2X/24
Before 273lbs
Happy, happy girl! -130 lbs. Size 4/6
After 143lbs

Friends 36

Latest Blog 2
Gail's Story Part 1

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