Four Years Later -- And Happy!!

Jun 04, 2013

Well It's been 4 years.  A long time.  As I was told I would gain some weight back.  I have put on about 17 pounds and that was over a year ago.  I promise you if I would eat right I would still be loosing.  However I lost almost 100 pounds and my family thought I needed to add a few.  Now they say I look good.  I was in a 12 and some 10's.  I am now in a 14 and some 12's.  I was afraid for a minute but I go up and down.  Now I'm going down again.  The one problem I have had had been low blood sugar.  I was getting that about 1-4 times a month.  Other than that, things are good.  I am thinking about going back to get a tummy tuck and some fat sucked out of my upper belly.  I just haven't made up my mind when.  I was going this summer but have too many vacations planned. 

Well that's what's going on with me, 4 years later.  I think it's the best thing going.  By the way, my daughter had the sleeve done also, about 2 years ago.  She is really too small.  But she is happy.

Good luck to everyone and have a safe and prosperous journey.  Love You

 

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Finally Under 200

Oct 07, 2009

I have finally reached 199lbs.  I say finally, but truly it has not been that long.  It has been approximately 4 months and 5 days and 59lbs.  I feel better, look better and walk with a new step.  I have a new significant other, well not new but rekindled significant other.  Life is good!  Got to go.  I am praying for you all.

Love Donna
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Slow but Sure

Aug 18, 2009

Hi All,

Just wanted to say hi.  I have been updating my weight but not my blog.  I guess there is nothing to tell.  Everyone at work has told me how good I look and that makes me feel good.  It's funny, kids really do say the darnedest things.  I had one student come up to me and say "ooh, you look so much better" .  She meant well, it just didn't come out right.  I said to myself, how bad was I looking.  Well I am in a 18 and I bought 16s today.  The 16s do fit pretty good, which was a surprise.  Well keep me in your prayers and I'll do the same for you.  Tootles!
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30 Lbs. At Last

Jul 13, 2009

It really hasn't been that long but I guess I was anxious for the 1st 30 to come off since I was told I would lose 30 in a month.  I had my surgery on the 2nd of June so it will be 6 weeks tomorrow.  I did just get off of vacation for 10 days in Florida with my mom, sister, brother and 2 of his daughters.  So I did cheat, just a little and still managed to lose 5 lbs. 
Things are going OK.  These are a few of the things I find it hard to keep down.  Bread, French fries, chicken, oranges, pineapple, any type of fruit skin etc...  I find I have to eat things that can be chewed up really fine and I have to definitely EAT SLOWER!  I drank about a 1/2 a cup of beer and although it taste great, it seemed to give me a sensation of burning on the sides of my stomach.  Has anyone had that feeling?  Well that is it for now.  I will update you later.

Happy Journey
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Need Encouragement

Jun 21, 2009

Hi All,

Well it will be 3 week Tuesday since I started my transformation.  I can't say it has been easy but it has not been hard.  I guess I did not realize how much I looked forward to and enjoyed eating.  Now I sort of dread eating because I am not able to enjoy even what I like to eat.  However, I am still on the 30 day prescribed diet from my doctor.  Food seems to build up in my esophagus and sometimes I end of throwing it back up in order to feel comfortable.  I have not learned how to eat yet.  I realize I am suppose to eat slow but bad habits are hard to break and I hate eating food that is suppose to be hot, cold.  I have to do better because like I said, I prefer not to eat and that will cause other problems, I'm sure.  My niece who had the surgery in Aug. 2008, keeps telling me it will get better.  I certainly hope so. 

Well anyway I have lost 19 pound thus far.

Keep me in your prayers and I will keep you in mine.  However, I do need encouragement.

Thanks
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5 Days Post Op

Jun 07, 2009

Well today is the first day I have felt more myself.  I can't believe I have been so out of it.  The surgery, however went well but I swear that age must have something to do with how I have been feeling.  The day of surgery was fine.  I got up and did some walking like the doctor and everyone said but I'm sure not as much as I should have.  I did not have a lot of gas and had no pain with the exception of feeling out of sorts.  For example I had a headache and really could not focus ( I hate that feeling )  For me, it was like getting over a cold after taking a bunch of medicine and you need to flush it out of your system.  The second day, was horrible; to me anyway.  I could not keep anything down and was afraid to take the liquids because I was heaving my gut out.  That lasted for 2 days, then about Thursday afternoon I was able to tolerate some broth and juice.  I still did not feel that great though.  One thing,  I was always able to sleep well and I always felt better after a shower!  On the 3rd day (Thursday) they took out the leak tube, not that it made a big difference in how I felt; they told me that I would feel better.  I really did not.  Oh, I forgot to mention I had the leak test that morning. No Leaks!  I went outside Thursday and sat in the sun and felt the breeze which had me feeling stronger.  Later that night I did think that I'd be ready to leave on the designated day (Friday).  Friday, the long trip back home.  HORRIBLE!  I was traveling from 7:00 a.m until 11:30 p.m.  I was never so glad to get home, take a shower, and get in my own bed.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not using the Lords name in vain, I really mean Thank You Jesus. My daughter and I prayed before everything we were getting ready to do, every test, every procedure, our flight, my liquids staying down, EVERYTHING! And it worked.  Even though I didn't not feel the best,  I was never in pain, just out of sorts.

Oh,  I just want to take this opportunity to especially thank my daughter (Charla) for the love and gentle care she gave me during this process.  She is the BEST!.  She waited on me hand and foot and I can be a chore when I don't feel well.  I also woke to beautiful roses, that she walked around a foreign country to find for me.  However, I don't like the idea that she was walking around Mexico by herself, looking for a florist. 

I also want to thank my 2 nieces and 1 great niece.  Keeley, who took us and picked us up from the airport and that's a lot considering how she lovessss her sleep!  And the sweet Whitney who when I returned home had a gift bag of soups, juices, Crystal light and a get well card waiting in the center of my bed.  My great niece Colleen, who came with her mother Keeley for the ride to and from the airport, just to show her support.  I love you Boo!

I appreciate my mother's love and encouraging words,  My sister Debbie, going to the store for me yesterday to get me a stimulant.  My sister Jan and niece Imani, who lives out of town, for checking on me continuously and having a force of prayer warriors in Florida praying for Charla and me.  My brother, who is the baby, going to get me some soup (broth) from Bread Company.

I also must not forget my niece Alexis (age 12) who was taking bets about me retuning with the H1N1 virus.  Atleast she was betting that I would not return with it.  Way to go Lex!  Auntie is fine.

Although they are not here physically, I also want to thank my dad Thomas and my sister Sandy who I know are up in heaven making sure God sends every blessing I need.  I Love You both so very much!

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Off to Mexico!

May 31, 2009

Well tomorrow morning my daughter and I will be off to Mexicali Mexico to have my WLS.  It is now about 1:30 a.m. central time and I certainly did not plan on being up this late ironing and packing.  I had a very busy weekend though and up until yesterday, you would've thought that I was not going anywhere.  My niece told me that she could hardly sleep but I have not been anxious at all.  Usually, I am all excited about big things that are or will be happening in my life and you can't hardly get any bigger than this.  Well one more pair of pants to iron and a last minute check to make sure I have everything and off to bed for a couple of hours.  Our flight leaves at 6:05 a.m. and we are leaving home at 4:30.  My daughter is taking her lap top and she will update you guys on how I am doing on my day of surgery.  I will update you tomorrow after all of my pre-op stuff and also let you know what I think of the staff, doctor and hospital.  One other thing,  my family is awesome and so encouraging!

Pray for me and I'll pray for you!

Love Donna
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My Journey Begins

May 25, 2009

    This time next week, I will be in Mexicali, Mexico having my pre-op completed.  My surgery is scheduled for June 2nd.  I have been thinking about surgery for at least 3-4 years.  However, I have never given it serious thought until my niece had the lap band procedure August 2008.  When she told me that she was going to Mexico to have the surgery I was very concerned.  She was determined to go to Mexico and had thoroughly done her research.  Upon her return she had nothing but positives to say about Dr. Aceves and his staff.  At that time, I purposed in my heart that I would have surgery that December, however my father passed on December 14th and I put surgery out of my mind.  I always believe things happen when the timing is right.  About 2 months ago one evening, I was getting up out of bed and it just hit me the time was right for the surgery.  I called my niece, told her that I was ready to have WLS and wanted her to give me her doctors web site information.  At the same time my niece told me about VGS and that if she had to do it over again that's what she would have done.  VGS seemed perfect for me because unlike the lap band, there is no maintenance, something which I'm horrible at.  The following day I did my application on-line and within a couple of days received an affirmation that I was indeed a candidate for WLS.  
    I am somewhat a  believer in Murphy's Law and had already been creating situations in my mind and telling family members of various scenarios where something would go wrong.  You could just imagine when I heard about the H1N1 virus and it being throughout Mexico, I just knew it.  My fears have subsided for me, but I am concerned for my daughter who is accompanying me to Mexico.  My family has been very encouraging and have not planted any seeds of doubt, however my niece who was going back for a fill, did cancel! 
    A little history of my weight:  for my height I never was what I or others considered fat, up until I started gaining about 10 years ago (i am 54 years old).  My weight always hoovered around 160-165, but again my height is 5'8" and a size 14-16 was good for me.  I began putting on weight and I remember so well being so mad when I got on the scale and it said 172, I'd kill for that now (smile).  The next thing I know I was 190, then 220, and then I stopped smoking.  Then I looked up and I was 250, maybe a couple pounds more.  
    So here I am one week before my reclamation of my old self.  It will be so nice to be in a size 14 again and I can't wait! 

    Keep me in your prayers and I will keep you in mine and updated on my journey.

Love, Donna

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About Me
Location
26.8
BMI
VSG
Surgery
06/02/2009
Surgery Date
May 02, 2009
Member Since

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