Carol N.
10 Months already?
Jun 04, 2008
I continue to have WOW moments every day. At 10 months out I am starting to realize how much I have changed in the past year. I am the same person inside but I have added confidence and I feel so much better every day. I am able to do so much more now. THis time last year, I was in so much pain in my ankles and could hardly take a breath without wheezing. Last week I turned 49 years old. I had a couple of minutes where I started to feel really sorry for myself, then I remembered how badly I felt last year and how I just don't anymore. I am healthy and I thank God each and every day for my life.
I am proud of where I am and I really feel I could stop right now and feel very happy with what I have acheived in 10 months! 80 pounds is an amazing amount of weight to have let go of and I have probably added 20 years to my life by quitting smoking over 13 months ago! My physical activity is increased, although not really where I would want it to be, but my job keeps me so busy these days it is hard to get a daily routine in when I travel so much! But I do get out and take a walk every chance I get and when I am traveling, I take advantage of the fitness rooms and pools at the hotels! Last year, no way would I have attemted that!!
This past week I had a seminar and when we are with clients we are required to where our company shirts and nice slacks. I have always avoided tucking in my shirts, but this time I decided to see how it looked with my shirt tucked in. I had on a white long sleeve shirt with a red logo and navy pants with a red belt. It was like, WOW, I thought I looked good. It sure did help because I was giving a presentation to about 20 people all day long and I just felt so comfortable in my clothes!! It was then that I realized for the first time since I have been in this position, (over 8 years) I really and truly had fun with my job! And it was because I felt good about myself. Before when we would have clients come in or I would have to go to them, I dreaded it, because I never fealt comfortable in what I had to wear. Does that make any sence? It was just a wonderful feeling that it all seemed to come together. The most fun about having WLS is finding out what clothes you look good in and feel comfortable in!! It is a great feeling not to have the binding and the pinching and the lose of circulation any more!!!
Just fealt like I wanted to share this little bit with ya'll
9 MONTH UPDATE!
Apr 22, 2008
I am continued to be blown away by having this surgery. Besides from the weight loss, (I am down 70 pounds) my increased energy is amazing.
I have started working out more and more and finally was able to get out again when the weather improved and started walking. I am up to about 2.50 miles in just 30 minutes. I am not tired or out of breath either. That is the part that really blows me away! In fact my daughter and I are doing a 5K on Mothers Day and I can hardly wait!!! It will be so much fun to do this with her and for such a great cause! The Race for the Cure at the Mall of America! She would like to have me commit to do the 3Day in September, but not sure if I can commit to that yet!!
I am really looking forward to this summer. I can hardly wait to get outside and do stuff!
I have gained so much with this experience. The friends and relationships have been amazing since i have started this journey.
I thank the Good Lord each and every day for this opportunity!
6 MONTHS UPDATE!
Jan 24, 2008
Well, today I had my 6 month checkup with Dr Glass. He said he was happy with my results, but he is concerned that I may be sabatoging my success. I guess because I still enjoy the 'easy' foods like soups and soft foods he feels that I will be able to eat more and there fore later on will end up eating more.... He wants me to eat more meats and hard meats like pork chop or roast beef, stuff like that. I will try again to get more of that type of foods in, I just have such a hard time getting that in. He is right it is so much easier to put a half of cup of somethings like cottage cheese or chili in the bowl and have that.
On a happier note, he said my numbers are all looking great. I have no 'defienciencys' and looks like I getting all my nutrients in.
This month we joined the YMCA. So far I am liking it alot, but it just seems that lately it has been so cold that I have not felt like going out. I have got to get my butt moving more!
The sizes are still blowing me away!! Size 14's and they are starting to get a little loose! In a few days, I have to get with Connie and take more pictures and measurements!!!!
5 Months and a NewYear!
Dec 30, 2007
Today I took down the 2007 calander. Looked back to January 19th, 2007. I saw my surgeon for the first time on that day. That is the day that I started my journey. Almost a year ago and the benefits so far are so many!
Besides from the weight gone forever and the inches gone forever...(27.25 inches!! and 63 pounds down!!) My health is much improved. Currently I am on NO medication, I was on 4 different pills before!! My Cholestrol is improving, the good cholestrol actually went up 10 points. According to my Dr, its phenominal!! She wants to see me in 6 months and redo my test. Hope fully it will continue to drop!!
Next month I go back to see Dr Glass for my 6 month checkup. I am so happy with the results so far and am looking forward to the months ahead!
Oh, I forgot to mention. My son and his wife are having another baby! So I will be blessed once again with a new grandbaby!!! One more reason for having WLS!!! So happy for them and can hardly wait to meet this new blessing!!
4 months update
Nov 27, 2007
I am comfortably in a size 14 and large shirts fit, but for some reason I still find myself wanting to put on a baggy shirt. I had to go buy some more clothes that fit last weekend. I cried in the fitting room because size 14 jeans went on easily. It is nice to have pants on that fit and hubby comments on my butt all the time!
Besides from the outward appearances, inside I feel great. I can take a long walk and not weeze and be out of breathe! I have been out dancing a couple of times and have not gotten over heated like before and actually felt like I could move alot easier. I am sleeping much better, and according to hubby not snoring as bad as before!
I am constantly running into people that mention how 'thin' I am and that makes me feel so good. I am happier and am so happy that I made this change in my life.
I can eat just about anything I want, but still need to make sure I get in my protein. Dr G wants me off suppliments for protein by the end of year, kinda nervous about that because I know I can not get that much protein in at least I don't fell like I can without suppliments.
My hair is still falling out and thankfully I have alot of hair so it really is not that noticeable. I may have to try a new style for a while.....
Although, I have only lost 57 pounds in 4 months I am amazed that I have lost over 2 feet of my former self! I am now at a BMI of just 31.3 and no longer would qualify for the surgery!!
My next major goal to accomplish is a size 12 by Christmas and also to be in ONEDERLAND!! Currently I am only 5 pounds away!!
I go back to my regular Doctor on Friday and am excited to see my numbers....I am praying that they are better!
3 Months
Oct 30, 2007
A couple of weeks ago, I was selected to have a make over and be in a fashion show at the Womens Showcase! It was an unbelievable experience for me!! I was able to get my hair done and they highlighted it and cut several inches off! Looks great!!! And trying on clothes at J.Jills was awesome! When I fit into a size 14 pants, I literally cried in the dressing room! I wished I had someone there with me to share in the experience!! The fashion show was awesome also!! When I stepped out the first time and my family was in the audience they cheered and yelled for me and I was so happy they were there! No one had seen me since I had gotten my hair all cut off!!! I felt like a princess the entire day!
Besides the up moments, I have recently had several down moments and have started dealing with them with going to therepy....I am just starting to go to counseling so alot of emotions are still raw. I know I need to go threw it, as I had this surgery to be healthier and I got to be over weight for a reason, and now I am having to deal with those reasons, one at a time....I just wish it wasn't so hard.
Tonight my friend, Connie came over and we measured each other. I have let go of 23.50 inches already and 51 pounds gone forever!!! So that is really a boost for me!
6 WEEK UPDATE
Sep 12, 2007
Although to me the weight seems to coming off slowly, I know it is coming off.
I am struggling with eating. ONly in that it seems that I can eat anything and so far only eating chicken has made me sick. Strange but apparently white chicken is too harsh yet. My dietician put me on all foods yesterday and now I have to make sure I get my 65 grams of protein in a day and make sure I take my suppliments and maintain the calories. Oh and of course the exercise!!!
I am amazed at the fact that I cn now walk about 2 miles in less tahn 20 minutes and I have been doing this about 3 times a week. I love it!!!!
My knees have not hurt once since surgery and I have more energy than ever before. i am able to exercise more and I feel great!!
The most amazing part of all this has been that I have maintained not smoking for going on 5 months now!!! If I did not loose another pound I would still consider me as a success because of not smoking!!!
I feel that I have not only given myself back so much but I have also given my kids and grandkids a gift of my life being here for them!!!
I have started having to replace some of my clothing. I know this is still the very beginning and what is so fun about it is what fits, what I like all of this is new to me. Its been so long since I have been able to walk in and pick out something I like and not worry about if it fits!!
Holy Cow!!!!
Aug 15, 2007
| Measurments: | 7/13/2007 | 8/15/2007 | Diff |
| Weight | 260 | 235 | 25 |
| Bust | 49.5 | 46.5 | 3 |
| Upper Arms | 15.5 | 14 | 1.5 |
| Waist | 48.75 | 43 | 5.75 |
| Hips | 50.5 | 49.5 | 1 |
| Thighs | 26 | 24.5 | 1.5 |
| Calves | 17 | 16.5 | 0.5 |
| Total Gone | 13.25 |
I just got measured and I am stunned at the inches I have said Good Bye to FOREVER!!!!
3 week update
Aug 12, 2007
I am officially down 25 pounds and I have not gotten measured yet but I can tell a few inches are gone!
I already seem to have more energy and feel so good overall!
I am so excited for each new day that I am given and want to live each day to its fullest! I thank God everyday for allowing me to have this surgery and the second chance at life!!!
In one week I get to start eating food, more of a 'mush' or purree variety, but at least something different! I am a little nervous about that part, because as I have been on the Liquid Diet now for about 5 weeks, its been pretty easy. I really have not had to suffer any consequence of eating something I am not suppose to. I have however drank my protein shake a little too fast and suffered for it. I am having problems with the High Protein Boost, it seems to have too much sugar in it and is causing lets just say, some 'digestive' problems. I have started the Glucose Control Boost and that seems to be staying with me better!
I am getting excited about Clothes again and have started trying on several of the clothes I have in my closet! Although, right now I still only fit into a few of my jeans, I still seem to have some swelling around my waist and alot of the jeans do not fit yet! But I think they will!
I bought an MP3 player the other day as a reward and it really has helped me to get out and start walking more and riding my bike! One of my personal goals is to get bak into the pool again and start swimming! Sam and I discussed joining the YMCA! THat would give us both variety and we could go together! Maybe next month but I really do want to do that too!!
1 WEEK UPDATE
Jul 31, 2007
The hospital stay was how should I say, less than desirable. I guess I just couldn't get comfortable, and the room was one of the old ones and it was hard to get comfortable. The staff were wonderful, however.
I started drinking an ounce every hour on Wednsday of Boost. and was suppose to try to get in 4 oz of water each hour also.
Dr Glass left it up to me to go home on Wednsday evening or if I wanted to stay another day, I could. I wish he didn't leave it up to me. Because I think I am superwomen and of course I am going to go home on Wednsday. I wish I had stayed.
Then when I get home, again I find it very very hard to get comfortable. I feel like I got ran over by a mack Truck, My abdomon is hard as a rock and I have 6 new insicions. I gained 12 pounds from the surgery! I lost 11 pounds on the liquid diet. So you do the math, I came out of the hospital only weighing 1 pound more than when I started this journey in January! Not bad.
So far here are my stats:
January - 260
Day of Surgery - 249
I week post op - 247
So to day I have lost 13 pounds !!
I am feeling better each and every day. Today was actually a great day.
I have gotten in all my recommended protein and almost all my water. My tummy is kinda angry with me now I think I have over done it, trying to get in the last bottle of Boost, but now I can go rest before I go back to work tomarrow!!
