Claudette D.
December 28, 2007
Dec 27, 2007
As 2007 draws to a close, I find myself reminiscing about this wonderful year. In February I became engaged to the absolute love of my life, in May I had LIFE ALTERING surgery, in July I hit the big 3-5 AND married said love of my life. The second half of 2007 has seen me become less and less of my former self. It's been amazing and I am so glad ALL of it happened.
Today I am officially 125 pounds less than I was before surgery...in case you're wondering, YES...RNY does work. I am about 45 pounds from my goal, and bought size L and XL tops and size 14 bottoms from Old Navy on the day after Christmas. That's a HUGE difference! I was amazed that I don't ever have to go to Lane Bryant again! I can, for now at least, but I don't HAVE to! Also, yesterday at the gym I ran a mile for the first time in YEARS...and I could have gone more, but I didn't set the treadmill for enough time...lol. Tomorrow I will set it for 20 minutes instead of 15 and see where that gets me. A year ago I couldn't walk a mile, much less run a mile on the treadmill AFTER 3 miles on the elliptical and some core work. I am loving this new me and am really enjoying getting to know myself again. I really liked the before Claudette, but I am in love with the after one!
2008 proves to be an awesome year as well. Next Saturday (1/5) Joey and I begin our Foster Parenting classes. We are hoping to have a child in our home by March...we are so looking forward to becoming parents. Then that following Thursday (1/10) I will go as a repersentative for Dr. T's office to an informational seminar. I remember last November being the one sitting in that room, terrified, wondering if this was really for me, did it really work, what was I getting myself into??? I am so thrilled to go be that "after" that Dr. T has helped to form...I can't wait to share my story! In February we are going to Virginia for a little vacation to visit friends and then in April I will be going to Texas to see my mom. Hopefully we will have a child that I will be bringing with me to see his/her grandmother. That's just the first half of the year... I can't imagine what fun and amazement the rest of 2008 brings. I am looking forward to it with fully opened eyes and the knowledge that whatever it brings, the new me can, and will, handle it.
Today I am officially 125 pounds less than I was before surgery...in case you're wondering, YES...RNY does work. I am about 45 pounds from my goal, and bought size L and XL tops and size 14 bottoms from Old Navy on the day after Christmas. That's a HUGE difference! I was amazed that I don't ever have to go to Lane Bryant again! I can, for now at least, but I don't HAVE to! Also, yesterday at the gym I ran a mile for the first time in YEARS...and I could have gone more, but I didn't set the treadmill for enough time...lol. Tomorrow I will set it for 20 minutes instead of 15 and see where that gets me. A year ago I couldn't walk a mile, much less run a mile on the treadmill AFTER 3 miles on the elliptical and some core work. I am loving this new me and am really enjoying getting to know myself again. I really liked the before Claudette, but I am in love with the after one!
2008 proves to be an awesome year as well. Next Saturday (1/5) Joey and I begin our Foster Parenting classes. We are hoping to have a child in our home by March...we are so looking forward to becoming parents. Then that following Thursday (1/10) I will go as a repersentative for Dr. T's office to an informational seminar. I remember last November being the one sitting in that room, terrified, wondering if this was really for me, did it really work, what was I getting myself into??? I am so thrilled to go be that "after" that Dr. T has helped to form...I can't wait to share my story! In February we are going to Virginia for a little vacation to visit friends and then in April I will be going to Texas to see my mom. Hopefully we will have a child that I will be bringing with me to see his/her grandmother. That's just the first half of the year... I can't imagine what fun and amazement the rest of 2008 brings. I am looking forward to it with fully opened eyes and the knowledge that whatever it brings, the new me can, and will, handle it.
December 14, 2007
Dec 14, 2007
Today is 7 months post surgery. This month has flown by. It has been pretty slow weight loss wise, but since I have been working out so much that the toning is there. I fit into a size 14 jeans that a friend sent me because I said that was my goal size...I can say with relative certainty that I will be below a 14 once all is said and done, and I am sooooo excited about that! I set a Christmas goal of 120 pounds lost, and this morning when I stepped on the scale I found that I had reached it. I was so unbelievably excited!!! It's been an awesome ride, and it keeps getting better every day.
Last night was Joey's Command Christmas party. It was my first formal function where I wasn't the largest person in the room. I was actually smaller than quite a few women there and I looked damn good if I say so myself. I bought my dress about three weeks ago and it's a size 18...it was a little bit big when I put it on last night. I should have bought a 16, but I couldn't convince myself that it would fit when I was trying them on around Thanksgiving.
I know I say this every time, but it's been, and continuse to be, an amazing ride and I am loving every minute of it!!!
Last night was Joey's Command Christmas party. It was my first formal function where I wasn't the largest person in the room. I was actually smaller than quite a few women there and I looked damn good if I say so myself. I bought my dress about three weeks ago and it's a size 18...it was a little bit big when I put it on last night. I should have bought a 16, but I couldn't convince myself that it would fit when I was trying them on around Thanksgiving.
I know I say this every time, but it's been, and continuse to be, an amazing ride and I am loving every minute of it!!!
November 28, 2007
Nov 27, 2007
So yesterday was my 6 month post-op appointment. I met with both Jackie (NUT) and Dr. T. When I first got there, Pat, the receptionist didn't even recognize me...I had to give her my name. I have NEVER had to give her my name!!! Her jaw just dropped, and she called Lynn and Lori over and was like, "Oh my...look at her!!!" I was beaming, and knew all eyes in the waiting room were on me...I was okay with that...lol. She said if she had passed me on the street, she wouldn't have known me and I told her that was the reaction I was going for.
I met with Jackie for an hour, and shared my two cookbooks with her. She was very happy with my progress, and loved that I was finding a way to eat normal foods. She said I can eat fruit, FINALLY!!!! In the plan, it says not until 12 months out, but she said that was really reserved until you have losy 50% of your weight, and I have lost a little more than that. Of course it's still protein, then veggies and then fruit if I want, but just knowing I CAN makes all the difference!!! We haven't had fruit in the house even for 6 months, so it will be nice to get some. Too bad it's not the season for any fruit right now...lol. She did say I should be wary of watermelon because lots of people dump on it because it's such a dense chunck of concentrated sugar. I think I will start small and go from there.
I was most happy to see Dr. Trieu. He walked into the room, took one look and me and said, "holy shit!!!" I was laughing... I just love him!!! He said I am doing great, and we talked about my goal and where and when I wanted to be. I told him I wanted to be at 180, and that was about 55 pounds away. I said I wanted to be there by my birthday in July, and he said he wouldn't be surprised if I were there by the time I see him next in May. I won't count on that, I am leaving my goal at July, but won't be disappointed if it happens early.
The whole office is very happy with my progress, officially 116 pounds lost in the past 6 months...amazing!!! Lori even asked me to start speaking at their Informational Seminars. I told her of course!!! I love talking about my RNY, I love talking about Dr. Trieu and the whole office, so put those together to talk to people who are contemplating changing their lives with this surgery, and I am surely in!!!
I also went and had my 6 month bloodwork done. Having b/w done when you are 116 pounds lighter is an interesting experience. I felt the needle stick me, and not becuase the nurse was bad...I just have less padding. My hand and arm were also cold afterward for about 30 minutes. I didn't feel lightheaded or anything, but I have never felt a blood draw before...this was definitely different. I can't wait to get the results to see if I am really as healthy as I feel like I am.
I am kind of bummed that I don't go back for 6 months, but I guess I will be seeing all of the staff at the informational seminars. I just owe so much to that office and those people...I feel like they are my family and have been so blessed to have them as part of my life!!!
I met with Jackie for an hour, and shared my two cookbooks with her. She was very happy with my progress, and loved that I was finding a way to eat normal foods. She said I can eat fruit, FINALLY!!!! In the plan, it says not until 12 months out, but she said that was really reserved until you have losy 50% of your weight, and I have lost a little more than that. Of course it's still protein, then veggies and then fruit if I want, but just knowing I CAN makes all the difference!!! We haven't had fruit in the house even for 6 months, so it will be nice to get some. Too bad it's not the season for any fruit right now...lol. She did say I should be wary of watermelon because lots of people dump on it because it's such a dense chunck of concentrated sugar. I think I will start small and go from there.
I was most happy to see Dr. Trieu. He walked into the room, took one look and me and said, "holy shit!!!" I was laughing... I just love him!!! He said I am doing great, and we talked about my goal and where and when I wanted to be. I told him I wanted to be at 180, and that was about 55 pounds away. I said I wanted to be there by my birthday in July, and he said he wouldn't be surprised if I were there by the time I see him next in May. I won't count on that, I am leaving my goal at July, but won't be disappointed if it happens early.
The whole office is very happy with my progress, officially 116 pounds lost in the past 6 months...amazing!!! Lori even asked me to start speaking at their Informational Seminars. I told her of course!!! I love talking about my RNY, I love talking about Dr. Trieu and the whole office, so put those together to talk to people who are contemplating changing their lives with this surgery, and I am surely in!!!
I also went and had my 6 month bloodwork done. Having b/w done when you are 116 pounds lighter is an interesting experience. I felt the needle stick me, and not becuase the nurse was bad...I just have less padding. My hand and arm were also cold afterward for about 30 minutes. I didn't feel lightheaded or anything, but I have never felt a blood draw before...this was definitely different. I can't wait to get the results to see if I am really as healthy as I feel like I am.
I am kind of bummed that I don't go back for 6 months, but I guess I will be seeing all of the staff at the informational seminars. I just owe so much to that office and those people...I feel like they are my family and have been so blessed to have them as part of my life!!!
November 25, 2007
Nov 24, 2007
First Thanksgiving post-RNY....what a difference!!! I have always looked forward to Thanksgiving. The ONE day of the year where everyone ate like me. I didn't stand out with the huge mounds on my plate, or the second helpings, or the slice of every kind of dessert. I could be myself and no one would look at me the way they did every other day of the year. We had Thanksgiving this year at my in-laws and my MIL asked if she should pare down the offerings for the meal. I told her if she did, I wouldn't come. I really, really dislike people making food changes just because I am going to be there. I can handle my own food choices, and if I make a bad one, then I pay the price. So all of the usual suspects were there...two turkeys (one baked, one fried), two kinds of stuffing, two kinds of potatoes, all of the appetizers....if it was ever served at a Thanksgiving meal anywhre in history, it was at the in-laws. I was so happy with myself. I took a small amount (prob 4 oz or so) of dark meat turkey (I just can't do white meat of any poultry, but dark meat is fine) and a spoonful of jalapeno stuffing. I didn't even make it to the stuffing, and didn't finish the turkey. I made the comment that Thanksgiving looks a whole lot different when you only take 5 bites, and it's all turkey. It was an amazing day, I did have dessert...a SF cheesecake that I made and brought over. I was so happy to spend time with my family and not have it be all about the food. What am I thankful for this year? I am thankful for RNY!!!!!
November 14, 2007
Nov 14, 2007
What a blog-slacker I have been!!! Two whole months without a post...sheesh, talk about abandonment!!!
Today I find myself 6 months post-op, and 115 pounds down. I weighed in at 235 this morning...seriously????? 235????? What a glorious day! When I did Optifast and lost 100 pounds about 4 or 5 years ago, I got down to 242. So that was a big goal for me for a while, and I just blew past it. I think I was 242 for literally a day. I hit this HUGE stall in September/October, but have been losing pretty steadily for the past couple of weeks. I am anticipating another stall, but am okay with it. I would love to be at 120 pounds lost before it happens, but whatever. Looking forward to Thanksgiving, it should be an interesting time. My mom is here from Texas, and has commented on how well we eat and how she's probably going to lose weight while she's here. Life is wonderfully busy, and I don't think I could be happier!!! Happy Surgiversary to me!!!
Today I find myself 6 months post-op, and 115 pounds down. I weighed in at 235 this morning...seriously????? 235????? What a glorious day! When I did Optifast and lost 100 pounds about 4 or 5 years ago, I got down to 242. So that was a big goal for me for a while, and I just blew past it. I think I was 242 for literally a day. I hit this HUGE stall in September/October, but have been losing pretty steadily for the past couple of weeks. I am anticipating another stall, but am okay with it. I would love to be at 120 pounds lost before it happens, but whatever. Looking forward to Thanksgiving, it should be an interesting time. My mom is here from Texas, and has commented on how well we eat and how she's probably going to lose weight while she's here. Life is wonderfully busy, and I don't think I could be happier!!! Happy Surgiversary to me!!!
September 14th
Sep 13, 2007
Wow!!! Four months already!!! How does that happen??? I am down 96.6 pounds as of this morning. About a week ago I said that I wanted to be at 100 pounds lost by 4 months, but this morning I was soooo NOT disappointed. I mean I am so close, and anyway, who loses 96 pounds in 4 months...that's a victory, too!!! I am so happy with my decision and how things are working out for me. I am truly blessed.
July 23, 2007- AKA, How I Met My Hubby
Jul 23, 2007
Okay, I get it...lol. Here is the story of how my hubby and I met, fell in love, and married 20 years later.
Joey Donley...the absolute love of my life from the moment I saw him walk into the gym his first day at his new school in 7th grade. I was in 8th grade, but I didn't care!!! I was so happy that weekend at church when I noticed the new family in town...Joey was the middle child of that crew, and I knew I loved him before I even met him!! I smiled at him every day, and we met but didn't talk in Sunday school, but I never made a move. Fast forward two years to my sophomore year in high school. There was church youth group where Joey's older borther, Chris and I became great friends. We were together ALL THE TIME!! I still had my little crush on Joey, but never told anyone. Well, driving home from youth group one night, I decided to divulge my secret to Chris and he squealed like a little girl (he's gay...should have known then...lol) and said he was so excited because Joey had told him that he liked me, too. So that weekend I had a bunch of people at my house to watch movies, and Joey came with Chris. We decided that night (with some prompting from Chris) that we would start dating. We dated for a while, and then my senior year, my friends informed me that he didn't "fit" in our group. Being in the popular crowd, I did as I was told (what a sheep I was...no longer!!!) and broke up with him. I was HEARTBROKEN, but that was what my friends had convinced me was right. I began to date an "approved" member of our clique, and we later got married while we were in college. That marriage broke up years later, and through a mutual friend of mine and Joey's that I had only been in contact with for a short time, I was able to get Joey's email address. Our friend gave it to me with the warning, "but don't expect anything, he's married." I told him I wouldn't expect anything, although I was a little disappointed. I emailed him and learned that he, too, was going through a divorce. He was about to be transferred from Rhode Island to San Diego, and would be driving and asked if he could stop and see me on the way. (I was in Houston, TX) I told him sure, and a couple of months later, he arrived and we spent two glorious weeks together. I still loved him, and all of the old feelings came back. At the end of his visit, he asked me to come to San Diego with him, and I told him I couldn't do that. There was still too much up in the air. Neither of our divorces were final, I had just rented a house in Houston and taken a teaching job. Plus, he was going to San Diego to be on sea duty, and I did not want to start a new relationship while he was going to be gone a majority of the time. We spent the next five years having a long distance relationship, although not exclusively. I dated a couple of people, and so did he, but we just kept coming back to each other. About two years ago he told me that he was up for orders to move to Maine, and it would be shore duty. He asked if I would come with him, and this time I said YES, YES, YES!!! He moved to Maine in January of 2006 and I finished my school year in Houston and moved in with him here in May of 2006. He proposed to me this past February, and we were married on 7/7/7. It's been quite a ride, and it makes for a great story!!! I love him just like I did the first day I saw him walk into that gym...he is totally my soul mate and the love of my life!!!!
Joey Donley...the absolute love of my life from the moment I saw him walk into the gym his first day at his new school in 7th grade. I was in 8th grade, but I didn't care!!! I was so happy that weekend at church when I noticed the new family in town...Joey was the middle child of that crew, and I knew I loved him before I even met him!! I smiled at him every day, and we met but didn't talk in Sunday school, but I never made a move. Fast forward two years to my sophomore year in high school. There was church youth group where Joey's older borther, Chris and I became great friends. We were together ALL THE TIME!! I still had my little crush on Joey, but never told anyone. Well, driving home from youth group one night, I decided to divulge my secret to Chris and he squealed like a little girl (he's gay...should have known then...lol) and said he was so excited because Joey had told him that he liked me, too. So that weekend I had a bunch of people at my house to watch movies, and Joey came with Chris. We decided that night (with some prompting from Chris) that we would start dating. We dated for a while, and then my senior year, my friends informed me that he didn't "fit" in our group. Being in the popular crowd, I did as I was told (what a sheep I was...no longer!!!) and broke up with him. I was HEARTBROKEN, but that was what my friends had convinced me was right. I began to date an "approved" member of our clique, and we later got married while we were in college. That marriage broke up years later, and through a mutual friend of mine and Joey's that I had only been in contact with for a short time, I was able to get Joey's email address. Our friend gave it to me with the warning, "but don't expect anything, he's married." I told him I wouldn't expect anything, although I was a little disappointed. I emailed him and learned that he, too, was going through a divorce. He was about to be transferred from Rhode Island to San Diego, and would be driving and asked if he could stop and see me on the way. (I was in Houston, TX) I told him sure, and a couple of months later, he arrived and we spent two glorious weeks together. I still loved him, and all of the old feelings came back. At the end of his visit, he asked me to come to San Diego with him, and I told him I couldn't do that. There was still too much up in the air. Neither of our divorces were final, I had just rented a house in Houston and taken a teaching job. Plus, he was going to San Diego to be on sea duty, and I did not want to start a new relationship while he was going to be gone a majority of the time. We spent the next five years having a long distance relationship, although not exclusively. I dated a couple of people, and so did he, but we just kept coming back to each other. About two years ago he told me that he was up for orders to move to Maine, and it would be shore duty. He asked if I would come with him, and this time I said YES, YES, YES!!! He moved to Maine in January of 2006 and I finished my school year in Houston and moved in with him here in May of 2006. He proposed to me this past February, and we were married on 7/7/7. It's been quite a ride, and it makes for a great story!!! I love him just like I did the first day I saw him walk into that gym...he is totally my soul mate and the love of my life!!!!
July 14, 2007
Jul 13, 2007
Today is my 2 month surgiversary. I am officially down 61.2 pounds and feel great!!! This has been a great month for me. On July 5th I turned 35, on July 7th I married my first love (20 years later) and today I am 61 pounds lighter than I was 2 months ago. I love this new life!!!
June 23, 2007
Jun 23, 2007
What a great bunch of "wow" moments I have had lately. First off, I was able to fly to Texas, three weeks post-op, and did NOT need a seat belt extender!!!!!! OMG, I was so happy about that, it's the first time in YEARS!!!!
My period did show while I was on vacation, but it wasn't a big deal. I still managed to take the neice and nephew to the beach and had a blast!!!
The wedding is 2 weeks from today and I went for my first dress fitting earlier this week. We ordered the dress 2 sizes too small about three weeks before surgery, and I tried it on at two weeks post-op and it wouldn't even come close so zipping, so I was pretty bummed. When I tried it on at the fitting this week, it was too big!!!!! I couldn't believe it...they are having to take it in...I have never owned ANYTHING that had to be taken in...lol. It just makes it that much better that it's my wedding dress.
I am having difficulty getting in all of my protein and supplements. I am trying, it just doesn't happen. I am soooo over protein shakes, so I have switched to the Isopure drinks and they are great. I will have to find more protein somewhere since the shakes were 50g and the drinks are 40g. I am having a pretty good time handling things. If I eat too fast or too much, I see it again and that part sucks!!! I find I am able to tolerate most things right now, though if I take small bites and chew thoroughly and listen to the pouch about when it's full.
That's about all I have for now...busy two weeks ahead. The in-laws come in on Tuesday, and then the relative wedding onslaught begins.
My period did show while I was on vacation, but it wasn't a big deal. I still managed to take the neice and nephew to the beach and had a blast!!!
The wedding is 2 weeks from today and I went for my first dress fitting earlier this week. We ordered the dress 2 sizes too small about three weeks before surgery, and I tried it on at two weeks post-op and it wouldn't even come close so zipping, so I was pretty bummed. When I tried it on at the fitting this week, it was too big!!!!! I couldn't believe it...they are having to take it in...I have never owned ANYTHING that had to be taken in...lol. It just makes it that much better that it's my wedding dress.
I am having difficulty getting in all of my protein and supplements. I am trying, it just doesn't happen. I am soooo over protein shakes, so I have switched to the Isopure drinks and they are great. I will have to find more protein somewhere since the shakes were 50g and the drinks are 40g. I am having a pretty good time handling things. If I eat too fast or too much, I see it again and that part sucks!!! I find I am able to tolerate most things right now, though if I take small bites and chew thoroughly and listen to the pouch about when it's full.
That's about all I have for now...busy two weeks ahead. The in-laws come in on Tuesday, and then the relative wedding onslaught begins.
May 31, 2007
May 31, 2007
Today was my 2 week visit with Dr. T and is was great!!! Officially lost 38 pounds, and feeling pretty good. I have to go back on Monday for the nurse to show me how to give myself the B-12 shot. I explained to them that I gave myself fertility med shots for a year, and that I was pretty okay jamming a needle into my person, but she wants to be sure. She told me that she wants to check my technique to see if she can learn anything...lol. I love the people in that office!!! He said I was okay to fly, and I told him good because I already had my ticket, and he said that in that case, the answer was no...lol. As I was waiting for a letter I need to be able to return to work, he came into the front office eating M&M's and said, "OMG, I shouldn't be eating those in front of you, I'm so sorry." I told him it was no big deal, that I had an hour drive home and dumping on an M&M was not in my travel schedule. I don't see him again for three months, I can't wait to see what that three months brings.
I am worried a little about constipation. I haven't gone in three days even with fiber added to my protein shakes. I don't know when to get concerned about that. I don't feel bad, but I also don't want to get that "that place" where you know you are constipated and it's miserable. I also haven't seen my period yet...I guess she's staying away this month. Maybe she's angry that she wasn't the worst thing I had to deal with this month. I do feel certain, though, that she will make an appearance while I am on vacation, wanting to take the kids to the beach. Uggghhh...I hope it's not painful.
I am worried a little about constipation. I haven't gone in three days even with fiber added to my protein shakes. I don't know when to get concerned about that. I don't feel bad, but I also don't want to get that "that place" where you know you are constipated and it's miserable. I also haven't seen my period yet...I guess she's staying away this month. Maybe she's angry that she wasn't the worst thing I had to deal with this month. I do feel certain, though, that she will make an appearance while I am on vacation, wanting to take the kids to the beach. Uggghhh...I hope it's not painful.
