Connie44
One Year Post... Update posted on OH...
Sep 11, 2008
I can't believe that as of this morning, it's been 12 full months since I was getting prepped for surgery at Barix. Good Lord, where has the time gone??? If anyone had tried to tell me this first year would have flown by so quickly and so successfully, I would have found it hard to believe, to put it mildly.
But today is my 1st surgiversary and, although I'm shaking my head in disbelief, here I am. I started out my journey wearing a very, um- er- shall we say, "snug" 5X. I'm now a size L in most things... My hips/wasit area is generally a size behind the rest of me. But I can even fit into a size 13-14 raincoat my mother gave me! How incredible is that? I still want to lose about 45-50 more pounds but the weight loss has slowed down considerably over th epast few months. This, oddly enough, doesn't much bother me. I was sure I'd be irritated as hell when I reached this point, but I've discovered it's better to be accepting of it and see it as a sign that I'm far closer to my goal than I ever thought would be possible. I'm still continuing to lose inches at a regular pace so this also helps to remind me that I'm still making progress. In July I lost a total of 7 pounds... In August only 1... But here, in September, I can feel things are going to shift again in the right direction. So there's no reason whatsoever to feel anything but positive.
I can still remember the day, a couple of months ago, when I discovered that I could cross my legs again. I was sitting in a co-worker's office and it just happened! I didn't think about it... I just shift my left leg over my right one and pow! They were crossed and I was sitting there with this amazed look on my face. Eadie couldn't figure out my excitement until I explained to her that I hadn't been able to do that for over 20 years... well not without the stupid appendage snapping back to one side like it was attached to a rubber band.
I can fit in the chairs at my doctor's office without worrying that I'll take one with me into the exam room... or be covered in brusies on my hips from them. The were probably designed by a supermodel. My doc's so proud of me that he calls me his wls poster girl because my body took to the surgery so easily. Actually, lots of people like showing me off now, which feels a bit strange nw and then. Generally I have no problem talking about the operation or my post-op experience... But sometimes it can be a bit wearing on the nerves and you begin to feel like an experiment or something. This is not the way these people intend for me to feel, I know this. I do find myself feeling sensitive about it some days, however. It's all part of giving my head a chance to catch up with my body, I suppose. It's the attention aspect of it I'm simply not accustomed to... I should qualify that even more by calling it positive attention. Sometimes it makes me feel good but other times, usually when it's out in public like a restaurant, I feel too self-conscious to truly enjoy it, however well-intentioned it all is. I just want to tell everyone to stop looking at me and just enjoy my company... But I also understand, having said that, that this is all very new to them too... and they're thrilled and happy for me. Urrrrrrrrrgh... Just the double-edged sword...
Back to positives... I'm still frequenting Value Village for my wardrobe staples... But I can't describe to you how incredible it feels to be able to go into any store... ANY STORE AT ALL... for different clothing items and know I'll find something lovely to fit me. The best surprises are when I try on a size 18 and discover that a 16... or even a 14 fits better!!! Now that's worth the price of the ticket for this ride. It's all about having options, isn't it? And not being dictated to as to where to shop and what styles to by. I must confess that it's taken some time to get used to wearing more form-fitting clothes... after 3+ decades of wearing loose garments. But now I enjoy it. I just pick up the twins, dust them off, stuff them into a good bra and off I go, deceptively perky but happy nonetheless.
I still get sweet cravings, although the more fruit I eat the less powerful those cravings are. What kills me is that I no longer crave chocolate!!! This is an accomplishment of Olympian proportion... Everyone in my family is a chocoholic. When we all had a craving together the earth shook! Now if I feel like a munch of something sweet it has to be very mildly sweetened. I made myself some raspberry freezer jam, using no sugar added pectin that I founf at Canadian Tire... It's fabulous! But I only use very small amounts or I find it far too sweet. So, needless to say, the 4 jars I made will most likely be given away to family before it goes to waste.
The pain that has been plaguing me in my knees for years is all but gone now. My right hip still gives me some issues but is, for the most part, managable now. I know for certain that if not for wls I could never have had the energy or pain-free lifestyle needed to hold down the second job I secured about 6 weeks ago. It's been an adjustment for sure to be working so much. But I know it wouldn't even have been possibly a year ago so for this I am eternally grateful.
Which brings me to my final point (sorry for this post being so long). We have lost some wonderful, vibrant people in the past 12 months... one is too many. My moments of doubt are very few and far between but when they hit me I keep these incredible souls, whom I miss dearly, very close to my heart. "There but for the Grace of God go I." These are words I live by in those moments when I know I have to live my gratitude. And now our beloved Nicole has joined the ranks of angels. This fact at once breaks my heart and fills me with hope because I know that she'll be there to kick my butt whenever I need it kicked.
No one promised this journey would be an easy one. There's no written guarantee that all will go smoothly. I choose to look at the hiccups as reminders to be grateful for the blessings I've been granted. And I have to say, my hiccups, compared to most, have been fairly inconsequential. I've been violently ill for the past couple of days but my spirit still feels light and somehow I feel it's Nicole and all of our other OH angels giving me a nudge, reminding me of the joy there is in small things.
I hope you all have a wonderful week! Thank you for letting me share my first anniversary observations with you... You're all very special to me...
Hugs and love,
Connie
But today is my 1st surgiversary and, although I'm shaking my head in disbelief, here I am. I started out my journey wearing a very, um- er- shall we say, "snug" 5X. I'm now a size L in most things... My hips/wasit area is generally a size behind the rest of me. But I can even fit into a size 13-14 raincoat my mother gave me! How incredible is that? I still want to lose about 45-50 more pounds but the weight loss has slowed down considerably over th epast few months. This, oddly enough, doesn't much bother me. I was sure I'd be irritated as hell when I reached this point, but I've discovered it's better to be accepting of it and see it as a sign that I'm far closer to my goal than I ever thought would be possible. I'm still continuing to lose inches at a regular pace so this also helps to remind me that I'm still making progress. In July I lost a total of 7 pounds... In August only 1... But here, in September, I can feel things are going to shift again in the right direction. So there's no reason whatsoever to feel anything but positive.
I can still remember the day, a couple of months ago, when I discovered that I could cross my legs again. I was sitting in a co-worker's office and it just happened! I didn't think about it... I just shift my left leg over my right one and pow! They were crossed and I was sitting there with this amazed look on my face. Eadie couldn't figure out my excitement until I explained to her that I hadn't been able to do that for over 20 years... well not without the stupid appendage snapping back to one side like it was attached to a rubber band.
I can fit in the chairs at my doctor's office without worrying that I'll take one with me into the exam room... or be covered in brusies on my hips from them. The were probably designed by a supermodel. My doc's so proud of me that he calls me his wls poster girl because my body took to the surgery so easily. Actually, lots of people like showing me off now, which feels a bit strange nw and then. Generally I have no problem talking about the operation or my post-op experience... But sometimes it can be a bit wearing on the nerves and you begin to feel like an experiment or something. This is not the way these people intend for me to feel, I know this. I do find myself feeling sensitive about it some days, however. It's all part of giving my head a chance to catch up with my body, I suppose. It's the attention aspect of it I'm simply not accustomed to... I should qualify that even more by calling it positive attention. Sometimes it makes me feel good but other times, usually when it's out in public like a restaurant, I feel too self-conscious to truly enjoy it, however well-intentioned it all is. I just want to tell everyone to stop looking at me and just enjoy my company... But I also understand, having said that, that this is all very new to them too... and they're thrilled and happy for me. Urrrrrrrrrgh... Just the double-edged sword...
Back to positives... I'm still frequenting Value Village for my wardrobe staples... But I can't describe to you how incredible it feels to be able to go into any store... ANY STORE AT ALL... for different clothing items and know I'll find something lovely to fit me. The best surprises are when I try on a size 18 and discover that a 16... or even a 14 fits better!!! Now that's worth the price of the ticket for this ride. It's all about having options, isn't it? And not being dictated to as to where to shop and what styles to by. I must confess that it's taken some time to get used to wearing more form-fitting clothes... after 3+ decades of wearing loose garments. But now I enjoy it. I just pick up the twins, dust them off, stuff them into a good bra and off I go, deceptively perky but happy nonetheless.
I still get sweet cravings, although the more fruit I eat the less powerful those cravings are. What kills me is that I no longer crave chocolate!!! This is an accomplishment of Olympian proportion... Everyone in my family is a chocoholic. When we all had a craving together the earth shook! Now if I feel like a munch of something sweet it has to be very mildly sweetened. I made myself some raspberry freezer jam, using no sugar added pectin that I founf at Canadian Tire... It's fabulous! But I only use very small amounts or I find it far too sweet. So, needless to say, the 4 jars I made will most likely be given away to family before it goes to waste.
The pain that has been plaguing me in my knees for years is all but gone now. My right hip still gives me some issues but is, for the most part, managable now. I know for certain that if not for wls I could never have had the energy or pain-free lifestyle needed to hold down the second job I secured about 6 weeks ago. It's been an adjustment for sure to be working so much. But I know it wouldn't even have been possibly a year ago so for this I am eternally grateful.
Which brings me to my final point (sorry for this post being so long). We have lost some wonderful, vibrant people in the past 12 months... one is too many. My moments of doubt are very few and far between but when they hit me I keep these incredible souls, whom I miss dearly, very close to my heart. "There but for the Grace of God go I." These are words I live by in those moments when I know I have to live my gratitude. And now our beloved Nicole has joined the ranks of angels. This fact at once breaks my heart and fills me with hope because I know that she'll be there to kick my butt whenever I need it kicked.
No one promised this journey would be an easy one. There's no written guarantee that all will go smoothly. I choose to look at the hiccups as reminders to be grateful for the blessings I've been granted. And I have to say, my hiccups, compared to most, have been fairly inconsequential. I've been violently ill for the past couple of days but my spirit still feels light and somehow I feel it's Nicole and all of our other OH angels giving me a nudge, reminding me of the joy there is in small things.
I hope you all have a wonderful week! Thank you for letting me share my first anniversary observations with you... You're all very special to me...
Hugs and love,
Connie
This Deal Comes With Hiccups!
Aug 17, 2007
Hi there everyone...
Well, my surgery date ended up getting post-poned due to a problem with my bloodwork back in July... I can't say it was an easy thing for me to have to turn back and come home after being so close. Poor Mallory, I know I was rotten company for her on the way back.
There were so many emotions going through my head that I was numb for about 2-3 days afterward... But everything's worked out great. My bloodwork issue was nothing serious at all and has already been corrected. And I've received a new surgery date of September 11th, with an abbreviated PATS on the 10th. All my tests results from my July PATS, except the bloodwork, are still good so I just have to see the internist again and get fresh bloodwork done and I'll be good to go.
My in-laws are going with me this time, so Mallory, you're off the hook!!! Today's your lucky day... no more trips with sourpuss in your immediate future... :-)
I'm keeping an extremely low profile this time. I really feel like I hyped it too much the first time around and I'm afraid to do it againthis time... So I'm staying away from posting and just PM-ing people when I want to respond to their posts... or when I feel I have something to offer them that will help...
At any rate, September 11th is coming on fast. I feel so much calmer this time around though and I think that's a good fisgn for sure... Wish me luck!!! Dr. Kam, get those hands washed baby 'cause I'm headin' your way... :-)
Well, my surgery date ended up getting post-poned due to a problem with my bloodwork back in July... I can't say it was an easy thing for me to have to turn back and come home after being so close. Poor Mallory, I know I was rotten company for her on the way back.
There were so many emotions going through my head that I was numb for about 2-3 days afterward... But everything's worked out great. My bloodwork issue was nothing serious at all and has already been corrected. And I've received a new surgery date of September 11th, with an abbreviated PATS on the 10th. All my tests results from my July PATS, except the bloodwork, are still good so I just have to see the internist again and get fresh bloodwork done and I'll be good to go.
My in-laws are going with me this time, so Mallory, you're off the hook!!! Today's your lucky day... no more trips with sourpuss in your immediate future... :-)
I'm keeping an extremely low profile this time. I really feel like I hyped it too much the first time around and I'm afraid to do it againthis time... So I'm staying away from posting and just PM-ing people when I want to respond to their posts... or when I feel I have something to offer them that will help...
At any rate, September 11th is coming on fast. I feel so much calmer this time around though and I think that's a good fisgn for sure... Wish me luck!!! Dr. Kam, get those hands washed baby 'cause I'm headin' your way... :-)
Oy, What a Journey...
Jun 20, 2007
I have finally got a surgery date! What a journey this has been already... I can't believe how far I've come... with the surgery, my family... everything.
Now the surgery's booked and the family's on board. What a turnaround. For those of you out there having difficulties bringing your family and friends on-side with your decision, don't give up. Just put it to one side and concentrate on moving forward. Once they see your determination they will adapt, I promise. Just keep the negative energy away and let them know that you love them but it won't be tolerated. That's what did it for my family. And now they're tripping over themselves to be wonderful. They've always been wonderful, just worried about this operation being such a major step and being done so far from home.
I can't wait for July 23rd, my travelling day. PATS are on the 24th and surgery the 26th with the lovely and vivacious Dr. Kam at Barix in Ypsilanti. What a wonderful doc. You know, Canada has one of the greatest healthcare systems in the world for my money, but our doctors could stand to learn a few things from surgeons like Dr. Kam. He's not so business-like that he masks his compassion. In fact, he goes well beyond what's normal north of the border here, to get things to work smoothly for you. I would recommend him to anyone. I'll probably glow even more after my actual operation... :-)
Anyway, that's it for now... take care everyone!!!
Connie
Now the surgery's booked and the family's on board. What a turnaround. For those of you out there having difficulties bringing your family and friends on-side with your decision, don't give up. Just put it to one side and concentrate on moving forward. Once they see your determination they will adapt, I promise. Just keep the negative energy away and let them know that you love them but it won't be tolerated. That's what did it for my family. And now they're tripping over themselves to be wonderful. They've always been wonderful, just worried about this operation being such a major step and being done so far from home.
I can't wait for July 23rd, my travelling day. PATS are on the 24th and surgery the 26th with the lovely and vivacious Dr. Kam at Barix in Ypsilanti. What a wonderful doc. You know, Canada has one of the greatest healthcare systems in the world for my money, but our doctors could stand to learn a few things from surgeons like Dr. Kam. He's not so business-like that he masks his compassion. In fact, he goes well beyond what's normal north of the border here, to get things to work smoothly for you. I would recommend him to anyone. I'll probably glow even more after my actual operation... :-)
Anyway, that's it for now... take care everyone!!!
Connie
