katherinethegreat

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It is crazy that it has only been 4 months since my surgery!

This Christmas I ate everything I wanted and then some. I was worried I gained like 10 pounds, but ended up losing 2! I made sure that after Christmas Day, my niece and I wlked our dogs. This is the first time my niece and I have excersized at all together. It was quite special for me. She totally kicked my butt, but that was to be expected.

I need to go get ready for work so I will be brief. Lost all my hair. Totally freaking out. Did not meet 100 pounds by January 1, but met 95. Will lose the last 5 by Saturday. Still freaking out about hair. Three bald spots.

I am such a liar! This whole hair thing is freaking me out! I actually have a bald spot on the top right of my head. No more pony tails for me...I know I wrote I was okay with it, and I am still trying to remember that I am down 90 pounds, but it is weird to part my hair differently because of my BALD SPOT! I would post a picture, by my monster dog actually bit my camera and it is all wacked out. I called Susan (Dr.A's patient care) and inqured as to my hair regrowth, and she offered to give me the name of a great wig place. OMGoodness. I couldn't stand it. I am seriously contimplating chopping it all off an going all Van Diesel up in here. Patience grasshopper.

I had the stomach flu and lost 7 pounds! The whole holiday business is nothing but carbs, so I was not losing. I was maintaining, but not losing. Nothing like vomiting for two days to get me back on the horse. Soooo... I stuck to liquids and a light salad tonight. I need to get back into the zone. I have to lose 10 pounds by the 31, that was my goal. I can do it, I must focus.

I am wearing a size 24 now, and need 22s. What a difference 3 months makes! I started as a 32. I actually bought an XL shirt to wear. Alittle tight, but much better than the larger 2XL. I don't want to get comfortable wearing large clothes. Those days are over...nothing but properly fitting clothes from here on out!

I am tired, just wanted to update my progress and weight. I have - no lie- struggled the past two weeks. Stress and the holidays were made by thin people to torture me. I am postive of this fact.

I better get off to bed...shopping with mom tomorrow for last minute Christmas items.

Merry Christmas!

Okay- so I got through my first major holiday! It was awesome. I did not over eat and for the first time I think in my life, I WAS HUNGRY ON THANKSGIVING! I ate small portions and did not stuff myself and actually ate lunch and dinner because I was hungry. Skimped out on the carbs and focused on the fruit and turkey. What a coup! It was quite lovely to be in control.

I weighed this afternoon and am up 5 pounds. I would be upset, but let’s face it…I have not been drinking my water, have not been taking my water pill for my HBP, and have not been exercising. It was also a different time than I normally weigh. My eating is under control, but without the other variables, who in their right body would lose weight? Good news is that I am back home and back into my routine. As Weight Watchers says, you make the choices, you live with the consequences. New goal- 100 pounds by December 31. That means as of this instant, I am set to lose 24 pounds in one month. Risky- but I was at 83 on Thanksgiving day, so I am not scared.   I have noticed hair loss. I am pulling it out in strands, not clumps yet, and I am not scared or upset. I had major surgery three years ago and lost my hair 3 months after that one too. I have read all the sites that say dramatic weight loss triggers it, eat more B vitamins, etc....but I see it as a result of anesthesia. It has happened to me before, it was very dramatic then, but now I am totally cool with it. It will grow back! I have noticed that my head kind of burns too. My mom noticed this sensation when she was losing hair due to chemo. Same thing I think, but no big deal. Wigs don’t scare me…as a matter of fact…I have always wanted to try being a red head…I am still healthier- hair or not. My lipgloss is still poppin'   Back to work tomorrow, hit the grindstone. Back to ironing!

Yeah! We are out on break now from school (work) and so the fun begins! Yesterday we had an assembly that I had to dress up for, and I put on a size 24 dress that I totally looked hot in, but when I sat, I had too many rolls. I chose the larger (and baggier) size 26 dress with size 24 coat. ( I wore a size 32 jean to the surgery) I'll try to get a picture up when the get back to me. I am really excited to have rolls! Before surgery, I just had this one massive chunk o'stomach. Now, I have sections of stomach, which can be frustrating, but I've come so far!

I hit 80 pounds this week! YEAH! My personal goal is 83 by Thanksgiving, but it has been too freakin' cold to take Coco on her walks, and it gets dark like at 2:30 (5:30 really) and so it is a rush to get home and get out...I feel like I hear the Charlie Brown teacher in my head- wah wah wah waahhhh...I know...excuses. I'll shut up an put up. I will go do my sit-ups and a Shimmy.

I had an interesting conversation with my parents about goals and thanksgiving. When my mom asked me what I wanted to get down to, I said 130. She said that was too small, that I am a big boned girl. I heard my dad in the background chastizing her for argueing with me. What a different world I live in now...he came on the line and said I should do what I want to do and that I CAN do it, and asked if I had any special dietary concerns for Thanksgiving. (My dad? Who knew?) Mom was apologetic and of course meant no harm, and I totally understand where she comes from. She is in a place of 65 years of food patterns and beliefs and is having to adjust those beliefs- at least for me now. My friend also argued with me saying that 130 is too small for my 5'7" frame so I will have to research that. I really don't care what WEIGHT I am, I just want to be healthy and happy.

OH!!! This week at work, I did something I haven't done in 3 WHOLE YEARS! Wait on it..........I SAT IN A STUDENT DESK!! Yeah! I was totally stoked. I went into a classroom for an inservice, and I went to take my place sitting on top of the desk, and thought I would be brave. When I slipped into the desk, I FIT!!!! I let a little whoohoo slip and the instructor looked at me funny. I explained and it was a little celebration right there. Who would have thought something so simple would be so fantastic?

So it has been pretty crazy this past week! I went on a retreat and had a blast. They serve TREMENDOUS food for 3 square meals a day. The sweet potatoes would make you slap your momma. I had a small bite of Sonya's, not a serving. That was good for me to balance, but there was a time of too much when I was convinced to try the dessert. TOO MUCH FOOD! Yuck.

I ate the protein and focused on the P's- protein and produce. I also drank my water, but I didn't lose or gain weight. I did eat more than normal, but we got some good excersize in. Last year at the same retreat, I took the "easy" hike and it was difficult for me. This year, I took the "easy" hike and was bored to tears. There were tricky times on the rocks, but I only was out of breath once. No real excersize I guess.

When the Night Hike came up, they had three groups- the stand in the field and talk, the somewhat adventurous, and the most adventure. I chose the most adventure! Yeah me! Me and my friend Sonya went together and had a blast. The funniest part was when we came to a creek crossing and we were about 6 people back. The guide said there was a rope bridge and we had to go two at a time. I was thinking a wooden bridge with ropes on the side. Boy was I wrong! It was a lattice of ropes that you had to cross the bridge!! Ahhh! I yelled up to the guide, " can big girls do this?" And he was totally supportive (thanks David). The girls who went before me were totally coaching me, "keep you feet in the center, your hands behind your feet, you can do it!" It was awesome. Needless to say, Sonya and I both crossed and did it! GO GIRLS! I would NEVER had done that hike before surgery. It was a really fun night and a really fun step to my new self confidence.

I do see myself changing alittle wierdly though. I am moving in a different direction than some of my friends now and I see myself creating a distance. It is kind of hard to explain. I am gravitating toward different people. It is like I am trying to be postive and move toward something new and they are staying where they always have been. Is that snobby? I love them and know where they are, but I am just doing different things. It hurts my feelings when they don't want to do things like I do now. How crazy is that?

Enough pyscho babble, I am down 76.6 pounds. I will resume my routine of eating and walking, so I am hoping to be down 83 pounds by thanksgiving. I can do it. Water and excersize. I can do it.

Okay, so I was merrily celebrating 70 pounds when Halloween hit. It is like I lost my blooming mind! For breakfast on Friday I had a piece of fudge, for lunch I had a cookie, and for dinner I had popcorn and two mini Twix. I did not walk, nor did I do my sit-ups, etc... What on earth??

In reflection, I am still so thankful because two months ago, that would have been a container of fudge, pack of cookies, and candy for dinner. I guess I know I did not do well, and have gained 3 pounds since, but I know what I need to do to get back on track.  My friend Marni's mom has a theory about new weight being easier to lose than old weight...so I am banking on that this week for my three pounds of stupid sugar. True or not, at least I can psyche myself up for it!

I was fairly good yesterday and ate small, slow portions, but overate last night a friend’s house. I am not sure what possessed me, maybe stress from a long week, but I ate three bread pieces with dip, a bagel bite, AND a small piece of pizza. Oh- don't forget the potato skin.   Talk about pucksville! I wanted so badly to just lose it, but I walked around instead. I am curious to know if bulimia can manifest itself through this type of surgery. I am not a doctor and do not play one on tv, but the thought did cross my mind and it has NEVER crossed it before. I think stress is encouraging me to revert back to my old habits again is really testing me.

Soooo....this morning Coco Chanel and I woke up, got it together, and went on a walk.  We came back and vacuumed, swept, and cleaned the place up some. Thank goodness for the extra hour.  I don't think dogs care, so we were up and running by 7:30. I have had a small piece of quiche, and am trying to drink my weight in water today. I plan on taking her out again tonight and get some more exercise in before the day is over.

I did learn a lot over the past few days...it is more than a new stomach and this week has tested that for me. I was not all that successful, but I know that if I can learn to recognize the signs, at least I frame it better and deal appropriately. Okay, so I was merrily celebrating 70 pounds when Halloween hit. It is like I lost my blooming mind! For breakfast on Friday I had a piece of fudge, for lunch I had a cookie, and for dinner I had popcorn and two mini twix. I did not walk, nor did I do my sit-ups, etc... What on earth??

In reflection, I am still so thankful because two months ago, that would have been a container of fudge, pack of cookies, and candy for dinner. I guess I know I did not do well, and have gained 3 pounds since, but I know what I need to do to get back on track.  My friend Marni's mom has a theory about new weight being easier to lose than old weight...so I am banking on that this week for my three pounds of stupid sugar. True or not, at least I can psyche myself up for it!

I was fairly good yesterday and ate small, slow portions, but overate last night a friends house. I am not sure what possessed me, maybe stress from a long week, but I ate three bread pieces with dip, a bagel bite, AND a small piece of pizza. Oh- don't forget the potato skin.   Talk about pucksville! I wanted so badly to just lose it, but I walked around instead. I am curious to know if bulemia can manefest itself through this type of surgery? I am not a doctor and do not play one on tv, but the thought did cross my mind and it has NEVER crossed it before. I think stress is encouraging me to revert back to my old habits again is really testing me.

Soooo....this morning Coco Chanel and I woke up, got it together, and went on a walk.  We came back and vaccumed, swept, and cleaned the place up some. Thank goodness for the extra hour.  I don't think dogs care, so a cold nose at 7:30 and we were off. I have had a small piece of quiche and am trying to drink my weight in water today. I plan on taking her out again tonight and get some more excersize in before the day is over.

I did learn alot over the past few days...it is more than a new stomach and this week has tested that for me. I was not all that successful, but I know that if I can learn to recognize the signs, at least I frame it better and deal appropriately. I see the new pics to the left and thank God I am where I am. I will never learn good habits without tests, and I might not have done well this time, but am better geared now to fix it for good. Overall, I walked 5 out of 7 days and did well. One day and one meal are not going to sabotage me like they would old Kathy.  Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again!

Check out the pictures of Coco and I in the pumpkin patch and my new picture in the living room. I know, I put my hands on my hips and that outlined it better that in the Pre-Op pic, but come on...give a girl some credit. That was after we went walking and searching for the great pumpkin.

Well, off to see High School Musical 3 with Kelli! Don't worry, I have sugar free gum and raisins to take with me!

Well, it has been a while since I have written, but it has been crazy at work. Sufice it say that God is working in mysterious ways and I wish He would just go ahead and get this growing stuff over! It was interesting to go through stress when I could not eat chocolate and drink myself silly. I did stop fitness, so I could have handled it better and I ate alot of carbs.

Personally, I have never been better. I am still adjusting to the smaller portions and drinking slowly. It has been tough to get used to eating slowly.

I mostly eat protein now and I got stuck in a plateau during the stress. I was stuck for 2 weeks, so I called my buddy Christi. She had the surgery last year and is down 130 pounds. She advised me to drink and excersize more. I did, and it is melting off! As of today, I am down 69 pounds. It will be 2 months on November 4th.

My saving grace are little tortilla pizzas. I take a half of a protein packed tortilla, top it with a spoon of tomato sauce, and put low fat cheese and turkey pepperoni on it. Perfection and fast.

The only way I made it through the last week was my mom's clam chowder. She made a huge pot last Sunday for me to get the broth and it was my manna from heaven.  I couldn't take broth or soup for one more day- the thought made me sick... she kept adding milk for me to skim off. I've got the best momma in the world! I ate that for four days at night.

I am so stoked...I had applesauce this morning! I think in the beginning I took too large of bites, as I felt it go all the way the down and then hit my stomach! I slowed down, took smaller bites, and used my baby spoon.  This is the beginning and I have to stop and think sometimes about my new stomach. I was really thirsty though...so I am trying to sip, sip, sip as Susan says. Oh- the gerber baby foods are in a 2.5 ounze container...I am buying some to re-use and judge my portions correctly until I get used to it.

I think the last 3 weeks of recovery have been so great for me personally. I have really had to focus on my priorities and what I want. It really humbles you when you force yourself to sit and "eat" lunch with co-workers and friends while you drink your Crystal Light.  I tried Slim Fast this past week, but I really couldn't stomach it. I will try a different flavor this week.

I already feel sooooo much better. I am sleeping all the way through the night, I am not exhausted at the end of  my day, and everyone is telling me that I have a "glow." I have lost 53 pounds as of this morning. That is kind of tricky becuase I started a liquid diet 3 weeks before surgery...so I dropped 31 pounds pre-op.  Post-op I have dropped 22 pounds. I am working out four times a week...DVR ROCKS! I record different shows from Fit TV and then do them at my leisure. I am in love with Shimmy- the belling dancing show. Of course, I do it alone- it is way to embarassing, but my friend and I have a pact that when I hit goal, we will be belly dancers for Halloween! She likes the show as well...

Tonight some friends are coming over for a game of Munchkin and everyone is bringing a soup! I have a low fat cheddar soup (pureed of course) that I am making, and they are all so great to bring soups I can puree later. My peeps rock. If you never played Munchkin, your life is a little less fun. You can get it at hobby stores, some bookstores, and on-line.

I am uploading photos this afternoon so please check them out. I think I already look so much better. As my best good friend Heather says... Enough about me- what do you think of me?

Well...I am three days out and having a time. I had my surgery in Mexico with Dr. Alverez on Thursday. I finally just bit the bullet, gave up with the insurance appeal and decided to take one for MY OWN team for once.

The surgery went really well; I had a great team in place to get me through it. His staff is fantastic, and I have no complaints about the process. (Except...I booked hotels.com for my flight anfd they really messed me up. I do not recommend them at all. They are not out to help their customers, even when they admitted it was THEIR fault my friend didn't have a ticket...)

Anyway...I am at home now and really frustrated with my body signs. I am not sure if it is gas from the surgery, too big of gulps of my water, or hunger pains. Can you get hunger pains from a new stomach or am I just cracking up? I am feeling like I will never get normal food again. I was on a liquid diet 3 weeks before my surgery and now I am still on that diet, and I am lossing it. I really want real food but will probably just go onto the forums to get some advice.

I'm going to post the pictures that I can from the surgery. I will also try to get my video up on here.

I have BCBS of Georgia and was turned down. Sooo....I opted for Dr. Alverez after seeing a friend who was a patient of his. 
Now, I check the sites here and the doc my internest reccommended has people who were covered?? Do I have to literally be dying BEFORE they will approve it? Any advice?