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Well, I was at the family reunion on my 8 month anniversary, so I did not post then, and I have been pretty busy lately besides.

I FINALLY got my test results back and they showed that I was low in ferretin (and most of the iron tests) and Vitamin D.  I took the mega-vitamin D prescription and now take and extra 1000 IU per day.  

I met with the hemotologist last Monday, and have my first iron infusion scheduled for next Monday.  I was OK with all of that until they told me that it might take as long as SIX hours, and I need to bring someone with me in case I can't drive home afterwards.  THAT sounds kind of scary, doesn't it?  They assured me that it is just a precaustion as they also will give me a "benedryl type" drug to counter-act and allergic reaction, and some times the medication makes you pretty drowsy.  Since I have to go to Madison (1.25 hours) away, it is more difficult do find someone with all day free to go with me.  Todd needs to go to work and take David to his "job" at camp; Amber has Riley, and I don't think Riley would want to hang in a clinic all day; and Jonna has to work.  Uncle Mark and Aunt Dixie have offered, and I may take them up on it.......

I did not have Olivia take the 8 month pictures as they probably look about the same as the 7 month ones.  I have added a picture that was taken at the reunion that is pretty good though.  

The roller coaster of hormones seems to be settling down.  I have not had a migrane so far this month.........(knock on wood).

We had our July Party on Saturday and it was fun.  One couple, I haven't seen for over a year, and Michelle was very complimentary about my "new look".  It also helps that I dropped 2 pounds over the weekend.

My loss is very erratic.  I stay steady for 2-3 weeks, then I lose 1 or 2 pounds.  It is very frustrating for me since a "normal" person should be able to lose 2 pounds per week average.  I would think that after surgery, I would have an "edge" and be able to lose and average of 3 pounds per week, not per month.  Oh well, not too much I can do about it at this point....I certainly do not want to go back.  At least I am not gaining!

I HAVE considered that I may not be eating enough.  One of these days, I want to gather all of the food that my nutritionist recommends for one day together in the morning.  I will then see if I can eat it all in one day, and what the recommended amount of food looks like.  It feels to me like I eat plenty.....sometimes it seems like a HUGE amount.  But until I find time for this experiment, I won't know for sure.

That's it for now.........

173 at 7 months
Well, here I am, 7 months out.  Things have been interesting to say the least.  Up until now, I did not know what everyone was talking about when they said this journey was like a roller coaster.  Up until now, for me it has been "smooth sailing".

At my 6 month check up with the surgeon, they did my lab work.  Due to the fact that they are trying a new way of doing things, I still, to this day, have not received the full lab report.  My check up was April 23.  When I did not receive the report after 3 weeks, I emailed them and received a call from the nutritionist saying that my iron, ferritin and MCV were all low requiring an iron infusion.  She said that she would call the hematologist that day for an appointment and put it in the letter that she would mail that day.  I asked if I should be taking more iron in the mean time, and she said not to bother as it wouldn’t help.  She also said that my vitamin D was low so she would be putting a prescription for vitamin D in with the letter and after I am done taking the prescription to take an additional 800 IU of vitamin D every day for the rest of my life.

When I did not receive the letter, prescription and report for another 2 weeks, I called again.  That was last Thursday.  I told them that I was a bit concerned over the fact that I was anemic, and very tired all the time and I want to get with the program and do what needs to be done to get my levels up.  She apologized over and over, told me that my appointment with the hematologist is set for July 2^nd and she would mail my report, appointment explanation, prescription and letter ASAP----either Friday or Tuesday.  I still have not seen it.  

I have been having “killer headaches” that the surgeon thinks is hormonal and wants the pcp to treat them.  The pcp took some blood to test my estrogen levels and will let me know.  As far as the headaches go, she said to keep a journal for a couple of months and then she will look at it to see what she thinks I should take (since no NSAIDS).  In the mean time, I can have some Tylenol.  LOVELY!!!!!!

The hormones really took a big swing in the last month because in addition to the headaches, I bled for 9 days at the beginning of this month (when it is usually 2-4) and I had about 10 days straight of horrible crankiness, irritability and downright nasty feelings.  EVERYTHING bothered or irritated me and I felt stressed to the maximum.  Luckily, I feel better now and no one got hurt.

Now…….the GOOD NEWS!!!!!

1.  I lost 5 pounds this month!

2. Last night, I was downtown and a woman (whom I had heard was very critical of this surgery) stopped me to tell me how FANTASTIC I look.  She said that she didn’t even recognize me!!!!!!  She seemed genuinely supportive and happy for me.  WOW!!!!! 
3. THEN a bunch of other ladies started commenting about how great I am looking and complimenting me on all my hard work.
4. I got a stationary bicycle that I ride in front of the TV for 35-45 minutes at a time, at least 3 times per week.  

So…..the roller coaster rolls on.....................

Six months ago today, my husband and I went up to Madison for my RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery.  Surgery time was 10:00 am. 

I began this journey in January of 2005 weighing 253 pounds with a BMI of 47.8).  Due to insurance issues, it took me almost 2 years to arrive at the “big day”.  My weight on the hospital scale was 223 (42.1 BMI).  (I had lost 10 pounds in 11 days on the liquid diet.)  
 

Everything went well and (as far as I know) according to plan and I was up to my room by 3:30 pm.  I stayed 2 nights and came home on Sunday, October 29.  

I am grateful to have had absolutely NO complications.  No vomiting, pain upon eating, or sensitivity to certain foods.  On the other hand, I do not really push my luck either.  I don’t eat sugar and avoid “white” foods and processed foods, and I chew the heck out of everything.  I feel like I can eat a lot of food, but the nutritionist reminds me to look at what I used to consume.  Now, I can about half of a snack size bag of popcorn and be done.  I used to be able to eat a whole regular size bag (and more) by myself.  (Not that popcorn is a daily thing, I’ve probably only had it 3-4 times in the last couple of months.  It is just an example.)  

While my co-workers chow down on Beef-a-Roo for lunch, I eat:                
4 thin slices of roast beef lunch meat, wrapped around 
1 slice of Swiss cheese, with brown mustard (to make 2 rolls) 
3 inches of a cucumber sliced, with 2 Tbs. plain yogurt 
6 Soy-Flax tortilla chips 
1 Tbs of hummus 

That is my complete lunch and I am full, not uncomfortably stuffed to the gills-----well…..maybe a bit uncomfortable the longer I sit here…….  

Today, I weigh 178 (33.6 BMI) on my home scale.   That is a loss of 55 pounds since the beginning of the liquid diet, and 75 pounds all together.  This may not look like much when compared to others’, and although I am at the low side of my surgeon’s average, they say I am doing fine and to continue.  More exercise is always recommended, and I am working on trying to fit it in.  I suppose that I am lazy about exercise, but I will continue to try to be better about it.  I would LOVE to get a treadmill at home that I could use in front of the TV, or while I also read.  I just don’t have much extra time and feel bad about taking time for myself, when SO much needs to be done.  

I feel SO MUCH better physically:   

I very seldom have shortness of breath. 
I actually RUN up and down a flight of 22 stairs 3-4 times in a row for exercise and haven’t keeled over yet.  
I worked cleaning out one of my gardens for 3 hours straight and did not think I was going to die. 
I look forward to walking, whether it is across town, or across the parking lot. 
I can cross my legs. 
I can tie my shoes without needing an oxygen tank. 
I am wearing size 16 jeans and large (Jr.) tops.  I can’t really remember the last time I wore anything smaller than a 20. 
I had to buy smaller underwear. 
I have a fetish for pretty camisoles. 
I have more confidence and am not embarrassed to be seen by my kids’ friends. 
My husband has noticed that I have more energy “in the bedroom”. 
I can sit on the floor with my 10 month old grand daughter---AND get back up! 
The towel fits around me after I shower. 
I finally got a leather coat over the winter---size large, and I can even zip it up. 
Since I am chilly much of the time, I am looking forward to possibly not sweating like a pig this summer. 

SO…..this is my life six months later.  I wish that my loss was more, but at least I am not gaining.  I have to look at all of the positives and not dwell on the negatives.  Hopefully, with the nicer weather coming, I will be able to get out more and be more active. 
Thanks for reading…….. 

This morning, the scale said 182, but yesterday, it said 181, and I usally count it on Monday.  Either way, that is only a 3 pund loss for the month.  When looking at the scale that just SUCKS.  

BUT........I have been running up and down the 21 stairs at work every time I go to the bathroom or into the shop and am averaging 10 flights a day.  At least twice a day (if not more) I walk the "long way" around the shop after the "flight jog" to get more exercise.  It must be doing SOMETHING as I had to buy new pants over the weekend and I sit here wearing a size........(drumroll please.....) 16!!!!!!!  They are not even riding up my butt!!!  I seriously can not remember the last time I wore a size 16 jeans/pants.  I bought a couple junior size large tops and 1 (ladies) medium sweater (all at my favorite resale shop, of course).  Oh......and I had to get new underwear (NOT resale.....lol).....the ones I had on were falling down.

I did the big closet clean and got rid of 4 (tall kitchen) garbage bags full of clothes that are now too big.

With such a minimum loss (and 1 pound gain?), it is really difficult not to think that I will be VERY sorry for getting rid of everything.  In the past, this would be the time that the weight would start creeping (piling) back on.  Well......I bit the bullet and actually GOT RID of them all.  I didn't just move them to the garage or basement, they are really GONE!!!!!  (I hope I will not regret it.........)

I am just going to hope for the best, realizing that muscle weighs more than fat and keep doing what I am doing.  I have to concentrate on how much better I feel (and look), and how much more I can do.  Hopefully, the scale will move accordingly.  If not, it will take another 8-10 months to get to goal.  That is really difficult when all my October buddies are getting closer so much quicker.  Oh well.....I will just try to be positive!

Until next month (or if something good happens)........

Today, I am 4 months out and weigh 184.

I am a bit disappointed that the scale is moving SOOOO Slowly, but I have to get over it. 

I can't remember the last time I weighed in the 180s.....probably before I was pregnant with my last child.  SO.....I should be happy about that.

Things to be happy about at 4 months out:

1.  Can not remember last time I weighed this "little".
2.  Not embarrased to be seen in a swimming suit.
3.  In general, feel much better.
4.  Starting to get comments from friends about how much better I look.....(I guess I looked pretty bad before.....)
5.  Can spend $5.00 on a meal and have it last for days.
6.  Hubby has noticed a BIG difference in me.  He says my energy is better, my mood is better, and I seem happier.  (We won't talk about the sex part.....)
7.  Rumor has it that I do not snore any more (or at least it is much quieter).
8.  I can get on the floor to play with my grandchild (and get back up....)
9.  It seems that my healthier eating habits are starting to rub off on my youngest daughter, whom I worry about weight-wise, but I do not know how to help her without giving her more "issues".  
10.  ...............I'm sure there is more, but I can't think of anything at the moment.

I have been a bit more tired lately, and not as upbeat as I have been, maybe for the last week or so.  I THINK it has to do with the February Blahs.  Hopefully, it will pass soon.  I will take new pictures tonight, and get them posted as soon as I can.

Well.....I am a week late, but I have been too busy at work to post.

I had my 3 month check up last Monday 1-29-07.  (Weight, 191)

Both the NP and the nutritionist say that I am doing everything right. Eating the right foods in the right amounts.

I DO need to exercise more, and am looking forward to being able to go outside to walk. (The temp here today is below zero with such dangerous wind chills that all the schools in 4 counties are closed......)  I wish I had a treadmill or Gazell.....something I could do indoors at home.  With all of the driving, I really don't seem to have time to join a club or gym.  Maybe I can try to get up even EARLIER in the morning and work out then.

I told them I thought that I was losing EXTREMELY slowly, and they both just said that it is because I started with less to lose.

I had a small scare when I told the NP about some horrible pains that I have had in my right side (4 "attacks" since a month out from surgery). She said it was probably my gall bladder needing to come out!

I had an extensive ultrasound on Thursday, and everything is NORMAL ! SO.....no gallbladder surgery for me! I am relieved!

She said that she did not know what it could be as everything looks good, but to have my PCP follow up if I continue to have problems.

I do not go back until April and they will draw labs then.

I am feeling great, and still no problems.  I am very grateful for that.  I am melting from the top down, as I can now fit into "large" size tops, but I haven't had to buy new pants.  I am down to my size 22s, and hopefully will be able to go to the resale shop and find something in 20 to fit.  I am getting comments, which feels pretty good and it really shows in my face.

We went to my husband's Christmas Party overnight at a hotel the weekend of the 26th.  I actually swam, and didn't mind putting on the bathing suit!  That is a BIG difference from last year.

I guess I need to be happy with the small things, and realize that in a year, I should be "normal".  I guess I am just impatient.

Either way.....
Friday is my "official weigh-in" day, and the scale said 191 this morning!

The least that I can remember weighing is 193 probably 5 years ago during the Atkins Phase.  My weight went steadily (and alarmingly quickly) up from there to my highest ever of 253.  At only 5' 1", that was pretty scary!!!!  My "average" weight for as long as I can remember was around 220ish.

This surgery is a blessing!  I may not be the fastest loser, but at least I am losing, and have passed a place where I have not been in a LONGGGGGGG time.

It feels pretty great and I am beginning to realize that this is for real!  I am really going to be "normal" again some day!

WOW.....that is hard to fathom.  I have been abnormal for SOOOOO long.

Everything else is going pretty well.  My Riley baby came to visit me at work yesterday, and I let her help me.  I added our working picture to my photos (don't pay attention to my messy hair.....)
I just realized that I am wearing the same sweater in the new picture as in the old one taken in October of '05.  Is there a difference?

I FINALLY made it!!!!!

198 this morning!!!

Although I try to only weigh on Friday mornings, I have been checking daily hoping to reach Onderland for the new year.  The scale has refused to budge from 200 for the best part of 2 weeks.  Then finally, this morning, it said 198!  Better late than never!

I am coming to terms with being a "slow loser", but at least I am a "LOSER"!

I think my next goal will be to reach 185 by Valentine's Day.  The least I can remeber weighing in recent history is 193, back during the Atkins phase.  I hit 193, but traveled back up pretty quickly.  I think that I may have been around 180-185 after my last child was born.

I just wanted to share my joy!!!

Well, It's been 2 months.  I weighed 200 this morning.  I took all of my measurments, but can't find the chart to put them into.....I have lost a total of 11 inches!!!!!

I feel really good!  I have had no problems, no vomitting, and everything I have eaten has stayed down and not given me any problems.

At my 6 week check-up, I told Dr. Garren that I didn't think they did anything to me.  He says that is because I am following directions.  I am SOOOOO grateful that I have not had any problems.  I hope it does not turn out to be a curse.

I am getting all water & protein in with out any trouble.  Still doing 3 shakes a day--1st thing in the morning I mix some protein with Crystal Light (16 oz) and drink that with my vitamins.  Then I have something mid-morning, and late-afternoon to get them out of the way.

I eat small meals.  I am a "cheap date".  We went out for Chinese, and the small shrimp with mixed vegetables lasted all week.  Not bad for 5 bucks!  I am working on getting more veggies in, since it is protein first, I don't have much room left.  I don't really get the full, stuffed feeling like before----it just feels like I don't WANT any more.  I still eat because it is TIME to eat, not because I am hungry, although I do get the "taste" for things....lately it is shrimp.

My weight today (and for the last week) is 200.  I was hoping to break into ONEderland by today, but the scale won't budge.  It seems that I am a slow loser, but as long as I am losing.......I need to get more exercise, maybe that will help.  I got a set of resistance bands for Christmas, and am thinking of trying belly-dancing and Pilates.

I am starting to get comments from everyone, and it feels pretty good.  It will feel even better by next month!

It has been 1 month since surgery (yesterday).

I am feeling well.  My energy is pretty good, pain is VERY minimal (I have an occasional twinge in the biggest incision area), and have NO problems eating.  I have not vomitted (or even come close), and nothing has yet upset my pouch.  I am now transitioning to "soft" foods, and I had a couple of bites of my favorites at Thanksgiving chewed relentlessly, since I did not puree anything that day.  I have days when a small amount seems to fill me to bursting, and other days I never get that feeling.  I do not have any hunger (like before).  Now I eat because it is TIME to eat.

I have lost 12 lbs. according to my home scale.  I get on it WAY too often.  I lost 11 lbs. on the liquid diet before surgery, and 45 total since my all time high.  SO...........WHY do I feel like I am not loosing enough, fast enough?  I am TRYING VERY HARD not to say "I only lost........", and I am SURE that I am not the only one on this planet that this surgery is not going to work for, but still............the feeling of failure is there.

I have posted my before (thank God I had them on a card that worked after it dried out) and after pictures, and I don't really see any difference in those either.

The good news is that my clothes ARE getting a bit bigger, and I have officially retired one pair of jeans.  My rings are sliding all over, and will have to be re-sized.  My husband says that I am shrinking, and a few friends have commented that I seem smaller.
I guess I just need to aquire some PATIENCE.

It's funny, but just writing this down has seemed to help a bit.