kathyb

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1/14/04 
I updated on the 10th but it didn't take. Let's try again. 11 months out. No change in my weight. Big change in my appetite. I'm blaming it on a new medication I started in December - neurontin for the femoral neuropathy. I actually called the doctor on Monday and in the process of getting off of it. Don't like it - plus it wasn't doing it's job. We'll see what happens to my appetite once I am off the medication. I find myself overeating at meals - I am constantly starving. Then I am left feeling sick for the next couple of hours. Also, a major problem with gas - and it stinks! Got to talk to the doctor about that. But still wouldn't change a thing - I could never have gotten to where I am without the surgery - and then kept it off for more than a couple of days - never mind a couple of months!

12/10/03 
10 months out. Down 90 pounds - actually up a pound and a half since last month - not too concerned. I've been fluctuating all month between 123.5 and 125. I am very happy where I am and don't care if I don't lose another pound. Definitely having problems with a much larger appetite this month. I am fighting food demons constantly. Trying to make healthy choices - sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. My ulcer is back - not good. So, back on meds for a while. But, life is good and it feels good going into the holidays not worrying about gaining the usual 10-15 pounds. Won't happen this year.

11/11/03 
Nine months out. A day late - my computer was down. Down 91.5 pounds. Really slow month. My primary care wants me to lose another 8.5 pounds to get to his goal. I think I can do it with time. If I don't, I'm perfectly happy where I'm at - I never thought I would get this low. I started a new second job and it keeps me running all the time. So, I think that accomplishes my goal of exercise. Six to eight hour shifts of running around the store cleaning up after customers. I've noticed a few bad habits sneaking back - I've got to become more vigilant. I find that when I'm tired my defenses are down. So, that's my challenge for this month.

10/10/03 
Eight months out. Down 88 pounds since surgery. Incredible process. I talked to my nutritionist last month since I passed my first goal and it looked like I would pass my second goal as well (which I have since done). She said I have a really small bone structure which was hidden under the weight, so I may still keep on losing for a while! No problem for me! I do notice I can eat more now - but I'm still sticking to protein first, then vegetables and fruits and maybe a little bit of carbs. Life is good. Still need to find time to add more exercise to my life, but haven't figured out how yet. I'm still a work in progress.

9/10/03
Seven months out and down 80 pounds since surgery. Only five pounds to go to my new goal. May change my goal again - I'll wait and see what my body says about it. There's still plenty of time and I'm still losing so no rush to decide. I never thought I would make it this low - don't ever remember in my life being this small weight-wise. Funny thing is - when I look in the mirror, I still see a big stomach. So, we'll see. Ulcer is healing nicely - no flare ups recently. Feeling really good. Getting ready to move in a couple of weeks. Can't wait. This place is just too small and too expensive. New place will also be more convenient. Now if I could just get myself busy packing...All in all life is looking good since surgery. I'm very happy with everything.

8/10/03
Six months out from surgery and down 70 pounds. Ulcer seems to be doing better. I've got to go for a follow up endoscopy tomorrow to see if it's stating to heal. If so, great. If not, change the medication. I'm thinking positive. What a great journey this has been. I have gained so much this past six months. I feel so much stronger emotionally since I started. I've got a lot of stress going on in my life, but I can handle it now without resorting to food as my crutch. It feels really great. I have found out I can eat a little bit of my favorite (ice cream!) and be satisfied. I tried it last night - a half a scoop and I was satisfied and it felt like heaven. As a rule, I follow the diet strictly still. Still minimal appetite - I'm taking advantage of that while it lasts.

7/10/03 
Five months out and down 62 pounds. I had to go today for an endoscopy. I developed an ulcer this past month. It's extremely painful. I don't feel like eating much of anything. I'm trying to keep it to very bland foods but I'm getting tired of cottage cheese, yogurt and cheese. I'm sure this will pass also. I'm still pleased with the surgery - just not feeling too great today. I'm sure the next month will be better. Only thirteen more pounds until goal!

6/10/03 
Four months out already. I can't believe it's been so long. Down 55 pounds and feeling good. I'm starting to get a little bit of an appetite again - but I'm still very quickly satisfied. Amazing. When I went to the dietician the last time, she told me I wasn't eating enough, so I've been eating more and it seems to be doing the trick. I'm also down from 3 to 2 protein drinks a day - which is good since they can get expensive. My new job is going well. I think I've got a lot more self-confidence now than I did 55 pounds ago. I did end up having to tell a couple of people in the office about the surgery because of things that came up around food (it seems that the group has a lot of food rituals, unfortunately none of them are healthy so I have to bow out.) But everyone is understanding. Would I do it again? In a second!

5/10/03 
Well, it's been 3 months since my surgery. So much has happened. I graduated from graduate school last week and I start my new job on Monday. I feel great. I've had to buy a lot of new clothes as my old clothes just weren't doing it any more. I'm down 44 pounds and feeling great.

4/9/03 
Life's been hectic, as usual, but I'm still doing well. I'm now down 34 pounds - my clothes are all falling off of me. Time to buy a new wardrobe!