WLS Tatoo

Apr 10, 2007

I think I'm going to get a tatoo to celebrate my WLS when I reach 50 pounds and then when I reach 100 pounds. Any ideas...

"One day at a Time" in Japanese?
A butterfly for transformation and renewal?
A giant arrow pointing to my big lap band scar under the phrase, "port this way"
"You are What you Eat" in Gaelic
"Objects in the Mirror are Smaller than they Appear" on my butt

What do yo think? -Jenn C. in Chandler

p.s. Not totally kidding-- I'm thinking about the Butterfly


Rough Patches

Apr 04, 2007

Here's Counselor Jenn's two cents on rough patches... 

Everyone has a personality that is as unique as a fingerprint. Each quality of our personality is like a two sided coin. Someone who is energetic can appear hyper. Someone with great leadership qualities can seem bossy. A social butterfly can light up a room or annoy everyone around them. A nurturer can become clingy...a kind person may become a co-dependant doormat...

There is a good article in People magazine this week about people addiction swapping after WLS. Instead of eating, some people shop too much, too much sex and too much drinking. Most of us will not hit this low but there will be tough times. Whether we are on the beginning of our weight loss journey or far along on the path, we need to remember how and why we became obsese and why we choose to change. We also need to make our qualities work for us and fufill our needs in healthy ways. With that said, I'm at the beginning of my journey and I'm on my first rough patch. I miss Coca-Cola, I miss sourdough bread and I miss peanut butter... The honeymoon is over. I'm eating a little too much and moving too little overall this week. I'm getting hungry before my first fill next week. I'm so glad that our board is a safe place for our WLS buddies to share the highs and the lows!!!


Move Your Booty for Charity!

Apr 03, 2007

Hi All - Some of you may know my story and some not. I did a lot of press during the Baseline Rapist and Serial Shooter cases in Phoenix last year. I am a adult survivor of childhood abuse and trauma. My Mom and I went into hiding for several years until my father and Step-Mother were eventually arrested for multiple counts of homicide. I'm now a Child Therapist and I advocate for kids impacted by violence. If you are interested in my story, I've placed a link at the bottom of this post for a video of me on "Good Evening Arizona".

I'd like to encourage all 'OH'ers to do a local 5K Walk, Bowl-a-Thon or another event for Child Abuse Prevention Month. I will be doing the  5K Walk to End Domestic Violence in Phoenix. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and all of us OH buddies need to keep each other MOVIN'-- so, do it for a good cause!! If there is no event in your area, throw a party at a Bowling Alley or Mini-Golf Course or wherever! Ask everyone to bring a blanket or toys to donate to your local Domestic Violence Shelter. 

For my interview on Ch. 3, click on the link that says Carey Pena reports next to a camera...  It will play a video of an interview that I did for "Good Evening Arizona".

http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/stories/KTVKLNews20060227.6cf7261e.html


My Letter to Pre-Surgery Buddies!

Mar 27, 2007

A really sweet OH buddy just let me a message that she was nervous about surgery. Since my surgery was so recent, I really felt for her and I just prayed for her and sent her this e-mail. I thought that I would share, 

"Dear Nervous Sweetheart-
 It will be a hard few days  right after surgery but kinda like child birth, you are going to have a blessing for the rest of your life after just a couple of painful days. The Lord wants you to be healthy and happy. You are beautiful instead and out. Just a couple of weeks after surgery, you will be lighter and have more energy. Focus on why you are having the surgery and what you will enjoy will you are lighter. I haven't riden a horse since I was a little girl on my uncle's farm. I've lost 26 pounds already only weeks after surgery. In 40 more pounds, I'm going to go ride a horse!! Good Bless! "

Post-Op Hot Air Balloon

Mar 21, 2007

I got out of the hospital a week ago. I was in more pain than I expected. The incision with the port was hurt but the carbon dioxcide used to inflate your belly to separate organs was my biggest enemy. For 3 or 4 days after surgery, I felt like a giant helium balloon. The pressure was very painful but it finally subsided yesterday. Today, I feel like I'm back to my old self. I'm thankful to be an educator on a 2 week school break because I don't know how anyone returns to work after 1 week. 

On a more positive note, it is incredible to have very little appetite and it's awesome to lose weight. 

-26 lbs (after the 2 week pre-op liquid diet & 1 week post-op)

Beauty Comes in S, M, L and XL!

Mar 08, 2007

I am just 3 days from my Lap Band procedure and I am reflecting on why I want to take this step to reduce my weight. I don't want to look skinny. I don't care if I wear a bikini again. I want to be healthy but I also want to look healthy. I think curvy is beautiful. I think Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifa are stunning. I think beauty isn't limited to a small size but I do think think that I will feel most beautiful when I can comfortably run, jump, dive, sit, stand, breath & live!


7 Days Until Surgery!

Mar 05, 2007

I'm having surgery on March 12th. I'm feeling nervous and a little overwhelmed. I'm basically trying to stop worrying by getting everything together. I filled the frig with clear liquids for my pre and post op diet. I also put together a basket with everything I will need after the surgery like my meds, liquid tylenol and so forth. I also bought a couple magazines, mystery novels and a few DVDs. I'm going to pretend post-op is like a vacation. A vacation with pain, chicken broth and a heating pad. I'd really appreciate some empathy or advice!!

About Me
AZ
Location
Surgery
03/12/2007
Surgery Date
Oct 18, 2006
Member Since

Friends 25

Latest Blog 17
Obesity Charity Walk
Inspired by Auto-Bio of a Bander
37 Pounds Down in 3 Months : ) Slow but Steady!
WLS Motivational Songs
5K End Domestic Violence Walk
Fat is a Temporary State
My WLS Tatoo
First Band Fill
WLS is Not the "Easy Way Out!"
WLS Book Resource List

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