Cindy E.
5-year Post Op check in
Oct 12, 2012
Five years. Five years?!!
I had my surgery 4 days after my youngest granddaughter, Molly, was born. My journey through post-op surgery has been a bit like watching Molly these past five years. There were the uncomfortable, colicky newborn weeks; the growing in confidence months as I grew stronger and weight started falling off, similar to Molly's confidence in growing her skills and abilities. And learning (discovering, really!) what I CAN DO ... just as Molly was discovering the world around her and how she can participate/interact with it.
I've had rough days and "Life" happens! We all have challenges in our lives. Mine have dealt with aging parents, finishing raising children, trying to help a child through meth addiction and starting her life completely over, losing a job I've held for 10-1/2 years, marriage counseling (we're surviving!), etc.
Life is not necessarily better because of weight loss surgery, because life is about what you put into living. I thought my weight was holding me back. Eventually my weight would have physically kept me from "living." But mostly it was my thoughts that held me back. Weight loss surgery has given me confidence, yes, but it didn't change who I was or how I thought. I highly recommend Byron Katie's book, Loving What Is. I think of all the books I've read, this has helped me the most in changing my thoughts and telling myself the truth.
The surgeons don't operate on our brains and mindsets. That takes conscious effort to work through. I think we need more follow through in that area of weight loss surgery. We need to know WHY we eat, how to avoid/overcome triggers, as well as learning a new way of eating along with a new way of examining what we are thinking/feeling.
I don't know if anyone reads this blog of mine, but if you do and you have questions, just shoot me a private message.
0 comments
I had my surgery 4 days after my youngest granddaughter, Molly, was born. My journey through post-op surgery has been a bit like watching Molly these past five years. There were the uncomfortable, colicky newborn weeks; the growing in confidence months as I grew stronger and weight started falling off, similar to Molly's confidence in growing her skills and abilities. And learning (discovering, really!) what I CAN DO ... just as Molly was discovering the world around her and how she can participate/interact with it.
I've had rough days and "Life" happens! We all have challenges in our lives. Mine have dealt with aging parents, finishing raising children, trying to help a child through meth addiction and starting her life completely over, losing a job I've held for 10-1/2 years, marriage counseling (we're surviving!), etc.
Life is not necessarily better because of weight loss surgery, because life is about what you put into living. I thought my weight was holding me back. Eventually my weight would have physically kept me from "living." But mostly it was my thoughts that held me back. Weight loss surgery has given me confidence, yes, but it didn't change who I was or how I thought. I highly recommend Byron Katie's book, Loving What Is. I think of all the books I've read, this has helped me the most in changing my thoughts and telling myself the truth.
The surgeons don't operate on our brains and mindsets. That takes conscious effort to work through. I think we need more follow through in that area of weight loss surgery. We need to know WHY we eat, how to avoid/overcome triggers, as well as learning a new way of eating along with a new way of examining what we are thinking/feeling.
I don't know if anyone reads this blog of mine, but if you do and you have questions, just shoot me a private message.
4 year Post Op check-in
Oct 12, 2011
Yesterday was my 4th surgiversary! Four years already! They've been growing years. I've learned a lot about myself. I still have bad days. I still eat the wrong things sometimes. I've had some regain, but I'm not unhappy. I'm still under the regain amounts I was given by my surgeon before surgery. The biggest difference in me is how I feel about myself. Don't misunderstand: I don't feel better about myself because of the weight I've lost. I feel better about myself because I'm working on myself ... instead of putting everyone else around me first and putting myself on the back burner.
These years have seen my mother have a few minor strokes and a major stroke related to diabetes; one of my children has experienced a serious bout with her bipolarism and developed a meth addiction. Living through both of these experiences (and we are still living it out) have been difficult and unexpected. At the same time, I am thankful for what I have learned through these trials. I appreciate the good in my life. I don't like the challenges, but they offer the chance for growth.
These tough day-to-day challenges could very easily lead me to self-medicate with food. To be truthful, on occasion I've tried that. This tool makes it difficult but not impossible to do. So to keep from abusing myself in that way, I am learning to cope in healthy ways ... exercising to release frustration, journaling to deal with emotions, attending support groups, etc. These tools are SO IMPORTANT!
So are the basics and getting my labs done on a regular basis.
0 comments
These years have seen my mother have a few minor strokes and a major stroke related to diabetes; one of my children has experienced a serious bout with her bipolarism and developed a meth addiction. Living through both of these experiences (and we are still living it out) have been difficult and unexpected. At the same time, I am thankful for what I have learned through these trials. I appreciate the good in my life. I don't like the challenges, but they offer the chance for growth.
These tough day-to-day challenges could very easily lead me to self-medicate with food. To be truthful, on occasion I've tried that. This tool makes it difficult but not impossible to do. So to keep from abusing myself in that way, I am learning to cope in healthy ways ... exercising to release frustration, journaling to deal with emotions, attending support groups, etc. These tools are SO IMPORTANT!
So are the basics and getting my labs done on a regular basis.
3+ year post-op
Dec 10, 2010
It's really been over 3 years since my surgery? Time has gone so fast!
Life is good ... good thing I like roller coasters though. As for most everyone I know, good times and bad continue to form this life of mine.
Besides a bit of anemia requiring iron infusions every 6 months, my health is great. I'm up 18 pounds from my lowest weight, but I was expecting that. I just wish I hadn't bought so much clothing in that smallest size! :D Live and learn!
I'm still learning to cope with my old triggers for overeating and figure I cannot undo 40+ years of calming myself with food overnight!
Exercise is a challenge, but not like it was in the old days. I love to exercise, but that's where life's roller coaster has hit my life the hardest this past year. I haven't given up, and I exercise when I can, but it's not the focus it was in the earlier months of my weight loss post surgery. Family comes first so I continue to struggle with seemingly having to put myself on the back burner. Still trying to find a balance, but I WILL because I haven't come as far as I have to go backwards!!
My mom suffered a pretty bad stroke at the end of May ... resultant of diabetes and high blood pressure. It was so devastating to see my mom so scared and have to rebuild herself from some pretty severe deficits. I'm really proud of how she's done, but sure wish this had never happened to her. It's such a wakeup call to make sure I stay healthy to keep these diabetes issues from becoming my life. I hate to say that this stroke brought the two of us closer than we have been in many years, but it's true. Relationships have levels of difficulty, but they really are worth the effort to work out if it's a healthy thing to do ... and I believe this reparation was long overdue. I am so thankful for more time with her.
I hope all my OH pals are doing well. I'm so thankful for all of your support over the last 3 years.
0 comments
Life is good ... good thing I like roller coasters though. As for most everyone I know, good times and bad continue to form this life of mine.
Besides a bit of anemia requiring iron infusions every 6 months, my health is great. I'm up 18 pounds from my lowest weight, but I was expecting that. I just wish I hadn't bought so much clothing in that smallest size! :D Live and learn!
I'm still learning to cope with my old triggers for overeating and figure I cannot undo 40+ years of calming myself with food overnight!
Exercise is a challenge, but not like it was in the old days. I love to exercise, but that's where life's roller coaster has hit my life the hardest this past year. I haven't given up, and I exercise when I can, but it's not the focus it was in the earlier months of my weight loss post surgery. Family comes first so I continue to struggle with seemingly having to put myself on the back burner. Still trying to find a balance, but I WILL because I haven't come as far as I have to go backwards!!
My mom suffered a pretty bad stroke at the end of May ... resultant of diabetes and high blood pressure. It was so devastating to see my mom so scared and have to rebuild herself from some pretty severe deficits. I'm really proud of how she's done, but sure wish this had never happened to her. It's such a wakeup call to make sure I stay healthy to keep these diabetes issues from becoming my life. I hate to say that this stroke brought the two of us closer than we have been in many years, but it's true. Relationships have levels of difficulty, but they really are worth the effort to work out if it's a healthy thing to do ... and I believe this reparation was long overdue. I am so thankful for more time with her.
I hope all my OH pals are doing well. I'm so thankful for all of your support over the last 3 years.
2+ years post op
Oct 28, 2009
I've had a few people ask me where I've been the past few months, if not year. I've been busy!!!! ObesityHelp was such an important component of support during my time of research and the first year following surgery. I'm so happy this community is here! It really did make a HUGE difference in my journey. I cannot even imagine going through what I have without the support of such a fine community.
As is common, now that I've lost the majority of my weight, my life has changed so much ... for the better! I spent so many years being afraid to try things because of my weight and limited physical ability and pride. I'm just really starting to seriously consider what some of those things are that I would never have tried a year and a half ago, let alone for the last 25+ years. It makes me sad to think of all the things I was afraid to try. How many experiences I robbed my family of because of these limitations. It's not that my life lacked any quality, it's just that I didn't know what I was missing because I didn't seriously entertain doing anything different than what I was doing.
One key to success in maintaining the weight loss is exercise. Plain and simple, it just has to be a part of my life now. So my goal is to find things that I like to do for exercise. Because, let's face it ... if I don't like what I'm doing, I'm not going to be doing it for very long! That's just the truth!! So I've been on a mission to try different things to find at least 1/2 a dozen activities that I enjoy. I'll always have my treadmill and elliptical machine for the everyday. But I need more excitement than that.
One of the activities I've thought about trying for a year or so is kayaking but I have a genuine fear of deep water and a fear of the kayak flipping. A friend of mine who also had WLS (she's 2 years ahead of me on this journey) recently purchased 2 double kayaks and she had the same fears until she tried it. She loves kayaking now. They have a home a couple hours away on a bay where the water is calm and shallow and it's the perfect environment for beginner kayakers. She is going to take me kayaking in the spring when the weather has gotten better! I cannot wait!!!
I was at Costco the other day and walked past a display of showshoe sets after talking to the same friend above just that same day. I stopped, turned around, and promptly stuck a set of snowshoes in my cart!! I called my husband and asked him if he would like to give it a try, too. And then called my son ... they both said sure! That evening on the news the weather person was forecasting snow for the mountains, and I got so excited! I am literally a short time away from giving this a try! I cannot remember the last time I've gotten this excited about trying something new.
I did some research online about snowshoeing and it's amazing the number of calories you burn in an hour doing this. So aerobically, I'll be doing something great for my health. I love photography, and what better way to get close to nature then to be IN IT! And the fact that the men in my life want to try this with me is just a HUGE bonus!
I really feel like, at 47, I am just beginning to live. Goal setting has actually become a new activity for me, as well.
So that's where I've been ... learning about myself! I hope you are, too!
0 comments
As is common, now that I've lost the majority of my weight, my life has changed so much ... for the better! I spent so many years being afraid to try things because of my weight and limited physical ability and pride. I'm just really starting to seriously consider what some of those things are that I would never have tried a year and a half ago, let alone for the last 25+ years. It makes me sad to think of all the things I was afraid to try. How many experiences I robbed my family of because of these limitations. It's not that my life lacked any quality, it's just that I didn't know what I was missing because I didn't seriously entertain doing anything different than what I was doing.
One key to success in maintaining the weight loss is exercise. Plain and simple, it just has to be a part of my life now. So my goal is to find things that I like to do for exercise. Because, let's face it ... if I don't like what I'm doing, I'm not going to be doing it for very long! That's just the truth!! So I've been on a mission to try different things to find at least 1/2 a dozen activities that I enjoy. I'll always have my treadmill and elliptical machine for the everyday. But I need more excitement than that.
One of the activities I've thought about trying for a year or so is kayaking but I have a genuine fear of deep water and a fear of the kayak flipping. A friend of mine who also had WLS (she's 2 years ahead of me on this journey) recently purchased 2 double kayaks and she had the same fears until she tried it. She loves kayaking now. They have a home a couple hours away on a bay where the water is calm and shallow and it's the perfect environment for beginner kayakers. She is going to take me kayaking in the spring when the weather has gotten better! I cannot wait!!!
I was at Costco the other day and walked past a display of showshoe sets after talking to the same friend above just that same day. I stopped, turned around, and promptly stuck a set of snowshoes in my cart!! I called my husband and asked him if he would like to give it a try, too. And then called my son ... they both said sure! That evening on the news the weather person was forecasting snow for the mountains, and I got so excited! I am literally a short time away from giving this a try! I cannot remember the last time I've gotten this excited about trying something new.
I did some research online about snowshoeing and it's amazing the number of calories you burn in an hour doing this. So aerobically, I'll be doing something great for my health. I love photography, and what better way to get close to nature then to be IN IT! And the fact that the men in my life want to try this with me is just a HUGE bonus!
I really feel like, at 47, I am just beginning to live. Goal setting has actually become a new activity for me, as well.
So that's where I've been ... learning about myself! I hope you are, too!
Coming up on 18 months
Apr 09, 2009
I'm quickly approaching the 18 month post op point this weekend, and am also having a birthday on Sunday. I have bounced up between 3-5 pounds from my lowest weight ... this all happening in the last 3-1/2 months. It's so much easier to battle these 5 pounds than 25, 50, 75, etc. I am battling the Starbucks and snack monsters. It doesn't matter, come to find out, that a snack is a "safe" snack if you keep reaching for it. It doesn't help that I am bored to tears at work and I often reach to put something in my mouth when I'm bored. The weather is starting to get better around here, so my ambition level is slowly rising. I didn't work out at the gym as often as I should have and am now starting to institute the habit of going at least 3-4 times a week. I'm hoping that the habit will stick this time, but am also a realist ... I know that no matter if this becomes habit or not, it is something that I MUST keep up. It's just my way of life from now on.
I keep checking up on "my friends" here and it looks like you all are doing great. If you need me, just shoot me a message.
Cindy
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I keep checking up on "my friends" here and it looks like you all are doing great. If you need me, just shoot me a message.
Cindy
SURGIVERSARY!
Oct 12, 2008
One year ago today I was checking out of the hospital, had had RNY surgery the day before. Life is different ... better in a TON of ways! My marriage is much improved because my attitude is much improved. I have hope for the future. I feel better about myself. I still have plenty of issues, but I feel like I have more courage to take them on and DO something about them.
150 pounds are GONE! 85+ inches are GONE!
I exercise almost every day now.
I've even joined a gym ... and I actually GO!
I ride a bicycle again ... it's been about 34 years since that happened last.
I'm looking at buying a pair of skates for me and some for my grandkids so I can teach them how to roller skate.
I'm looking forward to begin training to do a 5K.
So much more ... too much to post!
Back to living ...
Highest 299.7 / DOS 272 / Current 149.7 / Goal 145
150 pounds are GONE! 85+ inches are GONE!
I exercise almost every day now.
I've even joined a gym ... and I actually GO!
I ride a bicycle again ... it's been about 34 years since that happened last.
I'm looking at buying a pair of skates for me and some for my grandkids so I can teach them how to roller skate.
I'm looking forward to begin training to do a 5K.
So much more ... too much to post!
Back to living ...
Highest 299.7 / DOS 272 / Current 149.7 / Goal 145
Sept. 24, 2008
Sep 24, 2008
Only 2 - 1/2 weeks until my surgiversary. Wow! What a year!
I seem to be done losing and I'm cool with that! I'll take my measurements on my surgiversary date and post the results then. To go from a size 28 to a size 6 or 8 is amazing to me. To be half the size I was a little over a year ago still blows me away. I had hoped it would come off fast, but I wasn't completely convinced it would just melt off.
Now I'm in the maintenance phase. Graduated to learning how to keep it off and continue to make the right choices not only about food, but also exercise, mental health, and the future.
I don't post very often because I'm busy living life ... away from the computer, the TV, or just plain 'ol sitting on my a**. I'm loving my new life!
Highest 299.7 / Pre-op 272 / Current 147 / Goal 145
I seem to be done losing and I'm cool with that! I'll take my measurements on my surgiversary date and post the results then. To go from a size 28 to a size 6 or 8 is amazing to me. To be half the size I was a little over a year ago still blows me away. I had hoped it would come off fast, but I wasn't completely convinced it would just melt off.
Now I'm in the maintenance phase. Graduated to learning how to keep it off and continue to make the right choices not only about food, but also exercise, mental health, and the future.
I don't post very often because I'm busy living life ... away from the computer, the TV, or just plain 'ol sitting on my a**. I'm loving my new life!
Highest 299.7 / Pre-op 272 / Current 147 / Goal 145
2 months to lose 5 pounds
Aug 30, 2008
I knew the weight loss would slow down. But I really thought I was done losing. Just in the last couple weeks I have been losing again. So maybe what I'd been experiencing was a longer plateau than I've usually experienced. Whatever is happening, I do know that I'm happier than I've been in a long time. My marriage has done a 180 degree turn around, my confidence is soaring, and my attitude truly determines how I respond to things and people around me. That may be common knowledge to most people, but it's been an epiphany for me!
Highest 299.7 / Day of Surgery 272 / Current 147.8 / Goal 134 ... 13.8 # to go!
Highest 299.7 / Day of Surgery 272 / Current 147.8 / Goal 134 ... 13.8 # to go!
July already?
Jul 01, 2008
Hard to believe it's July already! CJ will be sixteen on Sunday. He's driving ... that's a little scary, but not something I'm freaking out about this time around! Summer weather has finally arrived and it's nice to be able to enjoy the heat and not curse it! ;-)
Life for me is more active. And learning to eat to live and changing some very bad habits is hard but very rewarding. Would I do this again? In a heartbeat!
Here are my stats:
Highest 299.7 / Day of Surgery 272 / Current 152.4 / Goal 134 ... 18.4 # to go!
Life for me is more active. And learning to eat to live and changing some very bad habits is hard but very rewarding. Would I do this again? In a heartbeat!
Here are my stats:
Highest 299.7 / Day of Surgery 272 / Current 152.4 / Goal 134 ... 18.4 # to go!
June 15th
Jun 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day to all the fathers in our lives!
It's been a month since I posted last? Where has the time gone?
The weight loss is changing because there is less and less to lose. I still have saddle bags to lose, but they're coming off!
I just got my May lab results back. My vitamin A and D are still down, coming up but still low. Same with my iron. So I will continue to take additional supplements. And my surgeon wants me to increase my protein to 150g a day. The numbers are getting better but still need improvement.
WOW moment:
Had to buy a nice outfit last week for my boss's memorial service. So I brought a size 10 into the dressing room (because that the size of jeans I've been wearing for the last month or so and are getting saggy in the butt) and two 8s because I was hoping to be able to get into them. So I tried on an 8 first ... they were sooo big! Tried on the other 8 which was a different brand/cut. Still too big! So I had my daughter go grab a 6. There's a little extra room in the back of the waist, but they fit everywhere else. A six ... my daughter and I both were freaking out! :-)
Stats:
Highest 299.7 / Pre Op 272 / Current 155.6 / Goal 134
Moment to think:
Since Bill's memorial service I've thought about what a beautiful family he has and the legacy he has left them. What a wonderful example he was to all of those who knew him. He was human, yes, and had faults, but he did a lot of good in his short 65 years. I hope to leave a better legacy to my family than I have in the past. All I can do is do better, right? Thank you for all you taught me, Bill. I miss you.
It's been a month since I posted last? Where has the time gone?
The weight loss is changing because there is less and less to lose. I still have saddle bags to lose, but they're coming off!
I just got my May lab results back. My vitamin A and D are still down, coming up but still low. Same with my iron. So I will continue to take additional supplements. And my surgeon wants me to increase my protein to 150g a day. The numbers are getting better but still need improvement.
WOW moment:
Had to buy a nice outfit last week for my boss's memorial service. So I brought a size 10 into the dressing room (because that the size of jeans I've been wearing for the last month or so and are getting saggy in the butt) and two 8s because I was hoping to be able to get into them. So I tried on an 8 first ... they were sooo big! Tried on the other 8 which was a different brand/cut. Still too big! So I had my daughter go grab a 6. There's a little extra room in the back of the waist, but they fit everywhere else. A six ... my daughter and I both were freaking out! :-)
Stats:
Highest 299.7 / Pre Op 272 / Current 155.6 / Goal 134
Moment to think:
Since Bill's memorial service I've thought about what a beautiful family he has and the legacy he has left them. What a wonderful example he was to all of those who knew him. He was human, yes, and had faults, but he did a lot of good in his short 65 years. I hope to leave a better legacy to my family than I have in the past. All I can do is do better, right? Thank you for all you taught me, Bill. I miss you.
About Me
Edmonds, WA
Location
28.3
BMI
Surgery
10/11/2007
Surgery Date
Feb 16, 2007
Member Since
