It's been a long time and all is well!

Jun 03, 2007

My apologies for being such a slacker and not updating my profile!  Although I'm on this site regularly, I much prefer to read the profiles of others.  What can I say, when it's your own life, it doesn't seem as interesting!  Here's the latest on my journey....

I've made it to onerderland!  Praise God, can you believe it!!  As of now I'm down almost 65lbs!  It feels wonderful, words cannot describe how much better I look and feel.  Likewise, I am rejoycing in the fact that I am in great health and to date have not had any complications!  I am so incredibly thankful that this journey has been smooth sailing thus far.  

One of the absoulute best decisions I have made in addition to having this surgery has been to hire a personal trainer.  In April, I began working out with my trainer two days a week.  He comes to my house early mornings and beats me down before I go to work.   The first month I lost 15 pounds, but more importantly I lost over 15 inches!  I was thrilled!  Although the weight is coming off slowly, I am toning up nicely and dont have any sagging skin.  Last week my trainer and I began working out three days a week, we do strength trainning and cardio two days and cardio and abs one day a week.   We have also recently added running to my work outs, incredible, huh.  Overall, the results have been terrific!  I can now wear sleeveless tops and not feel self conscious about my arms because they are now toned.  Although they are far from perfection, I can see muscle definition, etc.  Likewise, my butt is much smaller and more firm.  My abs are a work in progress.  My tummy is deflating and looking much better, but lord knows there is much work to do in this area.   I just keep at it, hopefully it will continue to flatten and deveolp some definition.  I am pleased that my skin isnt sagging and I dont think I'm going to need major plastic surgery.... but we'll see, I have a ways to go.  My thighs are still huge, but looking better each day.  What can I say, my inner thighs are going to need a LOT of work.  Thankfully, getting in cardio 5x a week should really help.  I've set a goal to run a 5k eventually.  I'm sure if I keep working toward that goal my thighs  and abs will tone up.  One of the most thrilling things about my lose so far is loosing a chin or two.  My face is significantly thinner that it was.  I have much more of a jaw line and my face looks more chiseled.  The difference in my facial structure is amazing!

I am pleased to share with you that I purchased my first size 12w from Talbots!  I picked up this denim skirt because it was on mega sale.  It was a 12w petite and I didnt think it would fit, but I thought i'd try it on for size anyway.  To my surprise it fit!  What a happy day for me, I could not believe it!    

Well, I'm in the process of setting some new short term goals since i've accomplished some of the ones I previously set.  As I clarify them for myself, I'll post them and let you know how it's going.  Until then, be blessed!

Felicia 


Still Making Progress

Feb 11, 2007

It's been a good while since I posted.  I am on this site all the time, but I'm pretty bad about updating.  I went back home for my 1 month appointment.  We met with the with the nurse, nutritionist and pshychologist.  Following that I stayed for part of the support group meeting.  We got our second month diet.  Thankfully, we were able to introduce fruits and vegatables... yipee!  I lost 22lbs., although I was hoping for more, I'm still grateful.  Three other women that I met in the hospital had lost 42lbs, I was excited for them and green wih envy at the same time.  As we talked, I learned that all three of them had been sick the entire month, lots of nausea and vomitting and had zero energy.  One of them had been re-admitted to the hospital because she had an infection.  So, I made peace with the fact that we are all going to loose at different rates and our starting weight has a good bit to do with how fast we loose.   This journey is so individual, it's difficult to compare yourself to others.  I'm simply trying to embrace it and make it work for me.  Still I admit that I often comb this site for success stories and look at the rate they lost in the first few months.  What can I say..... I'm a work in progress!  To date I'm down about 33lbs since surgery, I am so grateful!  It's been a long time since I've successfully lost this much weight.  Most importantly, I have not been sick or felt bad.   I completely bounced back after surgery, the only complication I've had is a cronic potassium deficiency and I had that before surgery.

Confessions
I'm still struggling with the protein drink thing.  I ordered some of those whey protein vials that have 42 grams of protein.  Although the taste is pleasant , I cant say that I have consumed an entire vial as of yet.  It's been two weeks since they arrived.  I am going to try them in my water, I got that suggestion from someome on the boards.  

Also, while I'm spilling my guts.... I have not been faithful about getting my vitamins in lately.  I need to be smacked!  Today is a new day and I'm going to do better.  Friday is my two monthanniversary so I'll post again then.

Until next time..... be well and be encouraged!

Felicia

Happy New Year!

Jan 01, 2007

Well, this is the beginning of a new year and hopefully a new me!  I am excited to see what changes this year will bring.  So far I'm a little over two weeks out and I feel fine.  As a matter of fact I feel almost 100% recovered.  I am definitely not hungry, but do feel the head hunger at times and the desire to snack at night.  I suppose old habits die hard.

Despite the fact that I know I should not become a slave to the scale, I cannot help getting on it daily and it's stressing me out because it is not moving very fast.  Some days I'm up a half pould somedays I'm down a pound.  It is just driving me nuts!  Although the scale only says I've lost 10lbs I can tell that I'm loosing inches and my clothing is fitting much better.  Prior surgery, my size 22's were getting tight and my 20's were too tight.  Now I can wear my 20's with ease.  That is definietly a blessing!

To jump start my weight loss I joined the gym and started working out a couple days ago.  I am proud to say I can do 40 min. on the elliptical machine and still walk afterwards.  I hope to begin using the weight machines after I get clearance at my 1 month post op appointment.  I really need to start doing some sit ups and crunches to tighten my lower abdomen.  I want to minimize the sagging stomach as much as possible.

At this point I am still on a soft protein diet, and I am ready to have something more substantial.  Cant wait to eat something with some crunchy texture!  I can only get in about 1-2 oz each meal which I know is not enough food, since we are only supposed to eat 3 meals a day and no snacking in between.  Also, my greatest concern is that I cannot get the protein shakes in.  I need to find some kind of protein I can stomach.  I know everyone says you need to get atleast 60 grams of protein in daily.  I'm just not able to do it yet.  I plan to e-mail my nutritionist  tonight and get some advice.  

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers.  I am open to any advice and suggestions.   God is so good and I cannot wait to se what He is going to do next!

Be Blessed!

4 Days out, so far, so good

Dec 19, 2006

Well, I've bounced back well from surgery so far.  I am back to normal for the most part.  The only weird thing is the feeling of trapped gas, which I understand is perfectly normal.  Today, we had our first post op class where we met with a psychologist, exercise therapist and nutritionist.  They fed us our first meal and most of us were pretty paranoid about getting ill from over eating or not chewing the food well enough.  The menu consisted of refried beans, cottage cheese, a boiled egg and tofu.  I was able to have about an ounce of the refried beans and didnt have a problem.   They explained the importance of following the 30-20-30 rule.  Following the pre-op class, I met with Dr. Blackstone she is truly wonderful, I really really like her.  All the headaches with the approval proces and flying across the country paid off.  I feel that I made a the absolute best choice for me in selecting her as my surgeon.  Anyway, my pre-op appointment was very positive.  I'm feeling great and lost 7pounds so far.  I am concerned about getting the protein shakes in, I tried the first on this evening, and I'm certain that I dont want to continue with the brand I have even though I purchased 5 of them @ $3  today.  It's money wasted, because I am not drinking them.  Oh well, well try something different and see how that works for me.  Today was also the day I started taking my vitamins, and that went ok.  We'll see what tomorrow brings!

Thank You Jesus!!!

Dec 15, 2006

Good morning friends,
I made it thru surgery successfully with no complications so far!  Praise the Lord! So far, evething has been wonderful, that includes the: surgeon, anesthsiologist and the nursing staff.  I'm a little sore on my left side, but all is well.  I am so glad to be starting this jouney and grateful to all my OH friends!  Wish me luck in the days, months ad years to come.   

A New Beginning is Almost Here!!!

Dec 14, 2006

Ok.  My surgery is scheduled for 10:00a.m. tomorrow morning.  I am absolutely jazzed about the whole thing!  I have completed the entire battery of tests, and I'm ready to begin anew.  I have absolute faith in God and know that this is the right decision for me.  Likewise, I have full confidence in my surgeon (as a matter of fact, I think she's great!)and my family is supportive.  What more could one ask for?  I hope to do a better job posting in the future.

Keep me in your prayers!

Good News!!!

Oct 18, 2006

Oct. 18, 2006
After seven months of waiting I was finally approved!  Praise God!!!  I received the good news on Monday, Oct. 16.  I am elated and a bit nervous because I have not yet received my letter from the insurance company.  However, I have received verbal confirmation from the insurance company and the surgeon.  Most importantly,  I HAVE A DATE!!!!  Dec. 15, 2006 I am scheduled for surgery.  I am ready to conquer obesity and thiis my official new beginning!  I am hoping that I can buckle down and lose about 20 pounds and establish a work out routine before then so I'll be well on my way.  Please pray for me.  

This site has been such a blessing!  I am encouraged by reading the blogs and inspired by the before and after pictures!  Talk about amazing!!!   Good luck to everyone who is stuggling with the approval process... my experience was very challenging despite the fact that my insurance covers the procedure!  Go figure... 

About Me
Middle of Nowhere, PA
Location
31.6
BMI
RNY
Surgery
12/15/2006
Surgery Date
Sep 24, 2006
Member Since

Friends 27

Latest Blog 7
It's been a long time and all is well!
Still Making Progress
Happy New Year!
4 Days out, so far, so good
Thank You Jesus!!!
A New Beginning is Almost Here!!!
Good News!!!

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