DreaNC

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Dec. 17th I had my 6th month check up (6 months would really be on 12/29- isn't that ironic!).  I lost 20 lbs since my last visit and 15 of those lbs was fat.  So that was good, but I could have done even better if I was eating more.  Had my labs done and got the call yesterday 12/21/09 from my bariatic doctors office.  My iron level is a 5 and the range is 15 minimum and 55 max.  So I don't remember anything else that she said about it, just that I had to have these iv iron transfusions.  I did write down that I need more protein and I need more Vit. d-over the counter. 

Then she said I would need to go there-Pinehurst-which I like, but it is  1 hr and 15 mins away.  So I had to find a Hematologist in my area, which I did and they are in network.  I was also told that I could have as many as 7 in a row, but the facility would really determine that. So I go on the 29th.  

Now let me say that I was freaking out.  First, because I thought I was doing everything right, taking the Vitamins eating and exercising.  So here I am at work and I just couldn't take it-so I started crying.  Our offices here have no privacy at all the walls are glass with a solid wood door.  I usually go behind the door, but I just couldn't move.  So I compose myself and start doing research.  Got the energy to post on the BAF board and I am thankful to those folks there!  I got some really good responses and info.

I am in a much better state of mind and know that i can handle this.  I have a list of foods that are high in iron and will taylor my meals so that I am using them in my meals more.  I went to prayer meeting yesterday night and that was helpful also.  I know that with God I can do all things and I can do this.  He has gotten me through all of this so far and I know he will continue with me on this journey.

I'll let you all know what happens and give an update on the 29th-all depending on how I feel afterwards.
Merry Christmas to all my WLS friends and to all some great protein!  LOL

Andrea

Well, I spent the first part of my day cleaning out my closet of clothes that are too big...it used to be clothes that are too small!   I like that difference.  What I was more into was cleaning out those old things that I had from when I was married. I'm happily divorced for 5 years now, but just didn't realize that I had some things from when I was married.  Clothes that I had for my honeymoon-that type of stuff.  Out, gone-donated!  I'm smaller than when I got married. Not that really feels good!!!

Just getting my thoughts out and finding that this holiday season is a bit different.  I'm not sure just yet, but it just feels different.  Thanksgiving was the best one yet so Christmas should be just as good. 

Take Care everyone-stay warm
Andrea

12/17/09
Weight: 245 lb
BMI: 38.4
Fat%: 44.3
FFM (muscle): 136.5 lb
TBW (water): 100 lb

Anyone who thinks that this surgery is the easy way out is out of their mind-they really don't know or understand at all!  I am enjoying the physical changes of my shape and figure. Now the bat wings are not that great, but I knew what to expect and I am working on those.  The emotional aspect was something that I read about and thought I was prepared.  Well in most cases I am.  Getting used to everyone complimenting you that did take some getting used to, but I'm good now.  I just smile and say thank you, it's all been a great blessing and experience.  Now the mental I'm still dealing with and probably will continue too.  I have much more confidence in many different things-from going out, wearing more form fitting clothes, wearing heals, smiling at guys and actually saying hello.

But there are times where I still feel like I am 325 and I'm 255(last official dr weigh in.  I did lose over Thanksgiving-248). So feeling like I'm 325 and feeling like I look like I did (that's all mental).  When I was in Ohio, it was cold and my sister had one of those coats that looks like a bubble down coats-well I refused to wear it, because it made me look like I did when I was 325 and I dont' ever want to look or feel that way again. 

Don't even get me started on my sex drive.  For months it was not there at all and I had prospects.  Now it's ready to go and no prospects!!!!  What in the world!  LOL  !!

Well those are my thoughts.  I had to get that out of my head!!!
Doctor's appointment on 12/17/2009. I will get the new official weight, fat, muscle and water numbers then. 

Until next time.

Everything has been great.  From traveling-walking through the airport with heels on!!!  No seatbelt extender and lots of extra space with the belt and in the seat!! 

Eating wasn't a problem at all at Thanksgiving.  I had my food portioned out and actually tried slivers of different pies without any crust. But mostly I had my sugar free pistachio puddingwith 1 can of crushed pineapple and I tub of lite whip topping-love it!  

My brother didn't recognize me at first when I got out of the car-so that was tripped out!   My parents are so very proud of me.
It's been fun to be able to move around and have lots of energy!

Take Care all!

I have had a few WOW moments that I just had to write down. 

~Size 18 jeans- I can now zip up and the two buttons are through the button holes! 

~Went to a place for lunch and kept telling the lady that the portions she was trying to put on my plate were too big, I won't be able to eat it.  She asked me if I had some stomach surgery or  something. I said, no I had gastic bypass wls and I can only eat smaller portions of everything .  She said, no really you look so normal  She made my day at that moment!!!!

~Able to buy XL t-shirts and I don't have to stretch the out at all!

~Bought  a new winter coat (going to Ohio for Thanksgiving) and got a size 18/20!!!!!

~Resturant booth -Wed 11/11 and 11/13- I did not need to ask for the table to be moved up!!!!! I had plenty of space!!!! I just smiled to myself!!!!   YES!!!!

Take Care all,
Andrea
As you can see I have lost muscle weight and not a lot of fat at all.  I'm working on that.
11/09/09                                
Weight: 255 lb
BMI: 40
Fat%: 44.8
Fat Mass: 114 lb
FFM (muscle): 141 lb
TBW (water): 103 lb
Protein Mass: 38 lb

10/13/09                                
Weight: 261 lb
BMI: 40.9
Fat%: 44.1
Fat Mass: 115lb
FFM (muscle): 146lb
TBW (water): 107 lb
Protein Mass: 39 lb
 

I know I feel like I am the only one going through this sometimes, but I know I'm not....How I look now and getting used to the new me.  Looking at pictures that I took yesterday. Ok-I don't like my hair cut-just tooo short!  It is taking me a while to get used to my face and how it has changed a bit.  It's got me thinking should I grow my hair a bit?  It. will grow and I'll feel better about that

Getting used to the new me is taking some time.  I like how i am able to do more and fit into smaller sizes, its just getting used to looking at my face and the changes.
Just my thoughts at this time of day.  Thanks for reading

Andrea

Ok-I have had this pair of size 18 jeans for 2 months now. got them on a clearence sale at Macy's   I've tried them on and walked around in them, but could not zip them up or button them up.  A couple of weeks ago I got them on, but couldn't zip them up or button them.  Then I could button and zip a little.  So this morning I decided to put them on and wear them to work...well, I could button them up and zip them more than half way, so I wore them to work-mind you that my shirt was long and went over the open bit, so I was cool.  I was so excited about how I looked in the jeans.  I think they were a bit tight in the thigh, but I loved them!!!!!  My next goal is to wear them home  for Thanksgiving all zipped up!  lol

I felt so sexy in them- you couldn't tell me anything!!!!!

So get your mini goal pants or a certain size to work towards to help you make those goals!!!!!
Keep up the good work everyone. 

Ok- this was like the oddest thing that has happend to me since beginning my journey!   It was really cold here in NC and I was cold all night.  Went to the coffee shop to have tea and get some Tupperware work done-still cold.  Got home it was 76 in my place and I was really cold.  put sock, long pajama bottoms and a long sleeve shirt on-still cold!  Then I got to thinking-girl you have lost a total of 57lbs of body fat since 11/11/08!!  No wonder your cold- you lost your natural insulation!!!  I called my sister in Ohio and we were cracking up!  Never thought that type of thing would happen.  I am from Ohio, so I'm used to the cold.  When I go back for Thanksgiving I am going to really dress warmer that usual!

I'm going to take some more pics, since I have not done my 3 month photos yet.
That's all folks.

Ok-Mornings are a bit frustrating at times.  I am so happy that I am losing weight and all, but my clothes are now too big.  So I have got to get to taking them in with my sewing machine.  I did with two pairs of pants.  Wore the dress pants today and got so many compliments, because you can actually see the changes, when I'm not wearing these really big size 26/28 pants.  I can get into a size 20 pants great.  Size 18 jeans-but can't  button them yet.  My mini goal is to be able to wear them home for Thanksgiving!!!  A size 18!!!!

One of my favorite tops that was tight, I waited to long and no it's too big!  LOL  So know I'll need to put some darts in the back or take in the sides.  I just don't want to buy too many things, because I keep losing.  I've bought just a few things-but I always make sure they are on clearence or deep discount. 

Well I'm off to take in some more pants and shirts!

My thoughts for the evening. 

I am so excited that my friend from church met me at the info session last night.  I know it was a big step for her and I am there to help her in anyway. 

So I got weight, which is great, so I can keep track of how I am coming along.  I don't weigh myself at home at all because I know it is not accurate at at the doctors-since they have the body compositoin analyzer.

I use the health tracker, but it doesn't have as much detail as I would like so I'm going to add some number to my blog entries.  I look at the numbers and I am so happy that the work that I am doing is working.  But then I also look at them and think, I can do even better.  At my doctors office, we concentrate on fat loss also.  It's important to loose body fat and gain muscle.  Here's an explaination of the terms used below:

Fat Mass is the amount of your weigh tthat is body fat, in pounds.  This is what you want to lose!

FFM stand for "fat free mas." This is everything on your body that is not fat: bones, muscles, organs, and water. Avoid losing FFM!

TBW stand for "total body water." This is the amount of water on your body. Avoid losing TBW!

FFM contains TBW; so to find out how much protein mass (bones, muscles, organs) you have , subtract your TBW from FFM

10/13/09                                
Weight: 261 lb
BMI: 40.9
Fat%: 44.1
Fat Mass: 115lb
FFM (muscle): 146lb
TBW (water): 107 lb
Protein Mass: 39 lb


9/21/09
Weight: 265.5 lb
BMI: 41.6
Fat%: 47.1
Fat Mass: 125 lb
FFM (muscle): 140.5 lb
TBW (water): 103 lb