mjorak

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10/31/03-
Met Dr. Reinhold today, he was soooo nice. I felt very comfortable with him and he made me very confident. My husband liked him very well too! His staff is very pleasant and thorough! Our next step is to arrange appointments for our nutrionist eval and our ketosis. :) I am so excited!

11/12/03
Well, My profile is finished. I love it, Thanks to Sherri the volunteer who helps build these beautiful profiles. there are so many great people I have met on here. It is wonderful to have such a nice support system. Tommorrow Tom and I have an appointment with Diana Rosa the nutritionist. She will evaluate us and then give us a protein sparing diet which we are to follow for 5 days in order to go into ketosis. I guess we will be able to see if we can hack what it will be like after surgery. I have never been more determined in my life to make changes. Unless you have been here (overweight) people do not understand what it is like to live each day . My mom is so scared for me to have this surgery, we got into a little disagreement the other day. She told me I don't need this surgery and that I can lose the weight, my brother and sister-law are. But, the thing she does'nt understand is that I have so much more weight to lose than them, and I am tired of losing and regaining, and my medication I am on is preventing me from losing weight easily, even my bariatric surgeon along with my PCP told me that. It makes me feel so bloated. The thing my mom is most scared about is the complications, she is afraid of me dying. Well, if it were'nt for my father and her, I would not have the strength to go through this. Both of them had open heart surgery, she should be the one talking right! LOL I am going to be strong and I know I will do good. I have to! I also have my husband behind me 100% who is going on this journey with me as well. So together I think we can both kick major butt! Till next time , Take care everyone and stay strong!!!!!

11/13/03
Hello, What a day, I tell ya! Everything is just happening so fast. Pinch me please!!! Tom and I went to the nutritionist today
and she was very nice, and easy to talk to. Very understanding and supportive and she highly recommended us both for the surgery. She gave us a protein sparing diet which we are to follow for 5 days and then we have to go get a urinalysis done. She gave us a prescription for potassium becuase for 5 days we are only allowed to drink liquids (sugar free), broth, and 9oz. of protein (meat) everyday. She said we will probably lose 10 pounds in 5 days. This is to see if we can hack it! I also got a call today from the psychologist Chris Lodi and we set up our appointments for next Tuesday November 18th. We are really moving along. I am so excited. Diana also told me about my medicine I am on for diabetes, it is called Actos, and that it is very good for controlling your sugar but, for the wieght part it is very bad. I also had to tell her about my history with my weight problem, and she actually told me something that I have beleived for a while and her confirming it made me feel so much better. She told me it sounds like the weight problem I have is probably genetic , comes from my family genes. I always thought it was weird that only one brother and myself have always had a weight problem while no one else has in the family. My grandmothers were both larger woman and also one of my aunts, so I thought it was in there! YES Bob, We can blame it on those genes...LOL (that is my brother) He is one of the ones in my famly that knows what it is like to be one of us! He is doing great though, he has recently lost weight and I am happy for him. Anyway, I wanted to update! Busy week next week, I have Psych eval on Tuesday, Support meeting on Weds. and thursday go back to office for Ketosis. Until next time! All of you out there who have had the surgery...keep up all the hard work! All of you who are going to have the surgery (I met some today) good luck to you all and God Bless! -MaryJo

11/16/03
Today is the day, we start our Modified Protien sparing Diet. It is going to be tough, but we both want this so much that we will make it through. Good thing it is only 5 days...LOL I was listening to a new CD I bought. It is Martina Mcbride, well she has a sing on there called "Butterfly". If any of you ladies out there want to hear an inspirational song you need to listen to this one. It is sooo beautiful, it is how we will hopefully feel after surgery! I am putting the lyrics on her for you all to see.
I wanted this song as the song for my page, but it is too new. Here ya go! Here are the lyrics:

She remembers when she first got her wings
And how she opened up that day
she learned to sing
Then the colors came, erased the
black and white
And her whole world changed
when she realized
She's a butterfly, pretty as the crimson sky
Nothing's ever gonna bring her down
And everywhere she goes
Everybody knows she's so glad to be alive
She's a butterfly
Like the purest light in a darkened world
So much hope inside such a lovely girl
You should see her fly, it's almost magical
It makes you wanna cry, she's so beautiful
God bless the butterfly,
give her the strength to fly
Never let her wings touch the ground
God bless the butterfly,
give her strength to fly
Never let her wings touch the ground

Well, there it is! I will keep you updated on how our psych visit goes and our "diet". Take care everyone and God Bless!
MaryJo

11/18/03
Wow, another step finished today. Tom and I met with the Psychologist Chris Lodi tonight. He was very nice, and very easy to talk to, made me feel very comfortable and he highly recommended us both for the surgery, we passed with flying colors. He did say the only thing he was concerned about is it seems I am slightly and emotional eater, but I already knew that. I just have to be careful after surgery while maintaining this for the rest of my life. There is so much support out there so with that I don't think I will have a problem! Tomorrow night we go to the Post-op support meeting at St. Raphael's for another step. I am hoping to meet Carla who is my new buddy I met through here. It is so nice to have others that are going through the same thing, and that can help support each other.
We are on day 3 of our 5 day diet. Each day it actually gets a little easier, but if you can make it through this, you can make it after the surgery. At least after the surgery your belly will get full quicker and it won't be rumbling...LOL and also we are able to eat alot more variety of things other than just broth and meat. Only 2 more days to go! I just keep thinking about no Diabetes and size 10 pants...LOL Good luck to all of you having your surgery tomorrow! You will be in my prayers, Take care everyone! MaryJo

11/19/03
Tonight we went to the seminar at ST. Raphael's Hospital for pre-op and post-op patients. It was somewhat informative, I know it is great to ask questions, but some people just ask the same ones over and over after they have answered them sometimes it gets annoying...lol I got to meet Carla who I have been talking to. She is soo nice! Carla I am glad I got to meet you and sorry we could'nt stay and chat, Tom had to go to work and he was paranoid with the fire alarm going off...LOL. The fire alarm went off when we were in there and the meeting kinda ended abruptly. Next step is friday morning, we go get our ketosis test done. I have lost 11 pounds in 4 days, but most of it is water if not all. Last night during the night I was starving and my belly was rumbling and i got cold sweats, so I had to get up at 4am and eat broth and I felt better. I'll update you on Friday and let you know how I made out, that is our last step and then they will contact us to meet with Dr. Reinhold and set up a surgery date. It is feeling so real now, everything is happening so fast! Take care everyone!- MaryJo

11/21/03
Hi Everyone!
Well, Tom and I went to Dr. Reinhold's office this morning. Yesterday it was our last day for our diet. We did our test this morning and we passed with flying colors. What a relief!!!! I lost 10 pounds!!!!! Tom lost 6 pounds. Usually it is the other way around for men! I was excited! I would really like to lose 20 more before surgery, so I am really going to behave. I do feel really well though right now, although the past few days I felt kinda weak. Now we have to wait for his office to get back to us. They say like 2 weeks or so, then we will go for another appointment and hopefully schedule a date! WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I beleive Tom is going to go first! Not that I am a chicken, but I work for a school system and I have February vacation and hopefully we can get a date that falls in there somewhere so I don't have to miss work. Then they told meto wait 6 to 8 weeks after him to get mine. So mine might be in early April, just in time for my 30th birthday! What a great present, I really mean it. I think we both made our decisions to have open RNY, after learning of those 2 incidents of people dying from this surgery in Mass. and Rhode Island they were done laproscopically, this way Dr. Reinhold will do it, and he is a very experienced doctor. Well, that is all for now! Hey Carla! Hope your feeling well! Hang in there! talk to you soon! Take care everyone! and if I don't post before Thanksgiving then everyone have a very safe and HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Remember Protein first!! Gobble Gobble! -MaryJo

11/25/03
Well Hello All!
I have been home sick the past couple of days and will probably take one more day off tomorrow. I have a bad cold, sore throat, flu like thing going on. The more I rest the more I feel better though. Today I got a call from Jesse the nurse practicioner from Dr. Reinhold's office. Boy are they quick, we have an appointment do discuss our dates for surgery on December 9th. She said they are currently booking surgeries into late January which works out great, so by the time we get there it may be what we wanted, around February vacation. The only thing is, I was telling her about April for me and I guess the Dr. goes away in April sooo, she said I might not be able to wait the 8 weeks afer Tom gets his and I might have to go sooner , so that isn't so bad. I told her I have a wonderful family and both of my sister-in-laws offered to take care of us if we needed it. Thank god for family! God, Now it is really setting in, becoming more real. I am so excited and a little nervous at the same time. But I know I have my dad up in heaven watching over me and everything will work out ok, he is the one I think that gave me the courage to get here in the first place! Everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving! God Bless- MaryJo

12/09/03
Wow, it has been a little while since I have last updated. Well, Tom and I went to Dr. Reinhold's office today and we got our surgery dates. Tom will be having his surgery Janurary 21st and myself will be going on March 3rd, 2004. We are sooo excited to start this journey and to have a new life. I just can not imagine what it feels like to be a thinner person, I think the lowest I have been was in 6th grade it was like 150 pounds. I still have some family members saying I should'nt have it done, but they don't understand that if I don't it is more of a risk being our size than it is to have this operation. Everyday you have a risk when you drive your car. You just never know. I know we are in good hands. I did get that nervous lump in my throat at the Dr. today, it is real now, we made it, and we are going to do it. Well, I will let you know what happens next! Next week we are going to the pre-op small group meeting. Everyone take care! -MaryJo

12/15/03
Hello Everyone! Well guess what! It has been decided that I will be going first for my surgery! So, my date will be January 21st, 2004. I need it now more than ever, the way I have been feeling lateley, I don't even want to go out of the house I feel so ashamed. I have never been this big in my life. I hate this medication, it just bloats me soooo much. So, the sooner I can get off of it the better I will feel. I am always petrified of what people are thinking about me or saying about me whenever I go out, I can never really enjoy myself. It is so sad. Men are different in some ways, like my husband for instance. He does'nt care what he wears or what people think of him, I am totally opposite. I have a very low self-esteem, but I know once I am on the long journey and start "losing" it will change. People see me as the girl that is always happy and always smiling. They really don't know that I am not, and I cry alot and once I get some weight off all those smiles will be "real". Well with that said, keep me in your prayers. I can't wait for a "new" life.
Take care!!!! MaryJo

12/19/03
Hey guys! Well, I am home from work today, it had been on and off for the past week. I tore a ligament on the bottom of my foot and have it taped up. I have had it like that since last Thursday. I did'nt realize how much of my job is actually so physical, always standing alot and running around, lifting up the little boy I take care of and tranferring him to different wheelchairs, etc, and changing him, and wheeling him around and putting him on the bus and taking him off. It is alot, and when you have 300 pounds of that plus 70 pounds from the weight of the little boy, my poor foot....LOL
Anyways, Tom and I went to the Pre-op meeting last night. We got all our papers and instructions for what we are supposed to eat and are stages after the surgery. Very interesting! it all does'nt seem too bad, the ony stage that seemed a little gross was the pureed stage. Thank god it is onyl for 2 weeks...LOL Some of the things they want you to puree sound nasty, but you gotta do what you gotta do. It will all be worth it in the end.
Everyday is becoming more real, the past two night I have'nt been able to sleep good becuase I am so excited. ONLY 34 MORE DAYS!!!! it is going to fly by! After our meeting we went to see my mom. I did'nt even see her tree yet. My sister-in-law made chocolate chip cookies and boy were they good, she was yelling at me for eating them , but I told her it would be my last time to eat these, so she backed off...LOL
Right after christmas I am going to start behaving and get myself into a little better shape the few weeks before surgery and walk on my treadmill , then 5 days before surgery you have to go on a special diet. They say whatever you can do before the surgery will help you recover quicker and make everything go more smoothly! Anyway, I am in the process of making a list of goals I want from this surgery and as soon as I complete it I will post it on here so I can celebrate each on I make it to!
I will be busy until Christmas running around as usual, trying to bake all my cookies for family members and spending time with family. So If I don't get on here, Everyone have a VERY MERRY Christmas and a SKINNIER NEW YEAR!!!!!!- MaryJo

MaryJo's List of Goals after WLS:
1)Wake Up from and uneventful surgery- DONE
2)Get off all my diabetes medication-DONE
3)Lose 100 pounds in the first 6 months-DONE
4)Be able to look down and actually see my feet-DONE!
5)Not have to struggle to tie my shoes-Done
6)Be able to get off the floor with out all my joints cracking and not holding onto the couch.-Done
7)Wear a bathing suit without a T-shirt over the top of it. Done , I'm wearing a bikini
8)To have a bigger self esteem with every pound I lose. It's happening! Oh Yeah!!!!!
9)To go to the movies with out my ass getting stuck in the seats and having to wait until everyone leave the theatre to get up so I won’t be embarrassed.-Done
10)Not have to look at a seat before I sit down wondering if I will fit in it or not. People and men look at me all the time becuase I look good now..hahahahaha
11)Be able to cross my legs and sit like a woman-DONE
12)Not having a problem getting out of a chair-Done
13)Be able to fit in a Go-cart because I was not able to when my niece was younger to go on with her and ride it, but now she is older so at least when I have children I will be able to do it. Hav'nt tried it yet but I am sure I can!
14)Walking into a room and getting compliments of my accomplishments and not worrying about everyone looking at me because I am the hugest person in there. Getting compliments all the time!
15)To be able to paint my toenails without struggling for a breath and straining to reach down there.-Done
16)To be able to go up 3 flights of stairs without not worrying about having a heart attack cause I can’t breath once I get to the top flight.-Done
17)To be able to buy “normal” size clothes at like Old Navy and other cool stores and not have to go on the PLUS side! Size 12/14 now! :) no more plus sizes!
18)In one year to lose close to 160 pounds, that is my ultimate goal and anymore will just be icing on the cake. Didnt make this goal but I know it is achievable and around the corner!
19)To fit into a size 9/10 pant, if I get to size 8 then at least I can show one of my aunts who said I would never be a size 8 that it “can” be done.
20)To fall in “love” with my husband all over again because we will be like 2 different looking people. It is happening!
21)Last but not least hopefully have a child either by nature’s way (getting pregnant)-Done it was a miracle! or God’s way (adoption). DONE- ADOPTION :) Now we have 2 beautiful boys!
22) To be able to go to a resteraunt and put the napkin on my lap, the proper way. Most of us people don't have laps. :)Done and also I cant fit into all Booths without having to worry!
23) To go somewhere tropical, I haven't been to the beach in so long. (still waiting :)
24) Try and have my own child(we will see on this one, if it happens it happens! ) Well, we had a baby boy on 5/27/05, but unfortunatley he was stillborn at 38 weeks full term, Austin Micheal, but we will try again! He is our ray of hope! :)
25) Ummmmm kinda private sex life things....hahahahahaha -still waiting for that too...
When I think of more I will update!!!

1/02/04
Well , HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
I just received my aproval letter! I am approved for my surgery on January 21st!!!!!! Yahoooooooooooo! Wow, it is just around the corner. In the begining it was slowly going by, and now things are moving so fast . Go for all my Pre-op testing on Monday! I will update more later... Take care everyone!!!! -MJ

1/3/04
Good Morning! I just want to "Thank" all you AMOS members out there who keep sending me emails or posting well wishes to my page. It really means alot to me when I sign on and I have emails like that. Also, Carla! I would love for you to be my "Angel", the more the merrier! Thank You!!! and again THANK YOU for all the support my fellow members!!!! :) MaryJo

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined. Dream what you want to dream. Go where you want to go. Be what you want to be because you have only one life and only one chance to do all the things you want to!!
This message was sent to me by Sharon N. a fellow amos member, I truly beleive in this!!! We all have to think this way! -MJ

1/05/04
Hello Everyone! Well, Today I spent the majority of the day at the hospital. I went for all my pre-op testing, well at least what they got done of it b/c of a discrepancy down in the priority lab. LOL
I got there at 11:30 and they took me in at 12 and did a chest x-ray, then my blood work (this was the only part that sucked. I tell the person where my best vein is b/c I have hard to find veins and she doesnt listen to me so after 3 attempts all over she finally goes for the one I told her to do), then it was time for my EKG, but they had an old woman in there that could'nt walk so instead of helping her get up they let her sit there for 45 minutes and backed the whole place up. It was like 1:15 and I had to be in another part of the hospital at 1:30 to get my endoscopy so they did a quick EKG, then I was supposed to have my history and physical and meet with the anesthiesiologist but we had to run over to get my endoscopy. So got to the GI lab and got changed into my gown and layed on the stretcher and the nurse came over to put in my IV and she asked if I was in World War 3 b/c of all my band aids and gauze and tape from my bloodwork attempts. I was laughing, I am still a good sport, so she was cursing the people who did my bloodwork and we were laughing. She found a good vein after 2nd try, then they pumped some good relaxers into me. We went down to lab she put somehting in my IV and I felt really good, then sprayed my throat twice with a banana flavored numbing agent and then met Dr. which was very nice and next thing I knew he told me to swallow and my eyes were open but in a daze and then the next thing I knew it was all over. I was like that's it??? It was nothing. They said that I was the best patient so calm and nice attitude, so that made me happy. I try to be like my dad. So then they let me rest for 1/2 hour and sent me on my way home. So next week when I get an ultrsound of the gallbladder I have to get those 2 things done that they did'nt finish. Eveything was fine and dandy in my stomach so they said it was a go !! That made me happy, no ulcers or acid reflux, etc. I came home and rested and pulled off my battle tape...LOL and now I am here typing. So if anyone has any concerns or are scared about endoscopy's don't worry, it is a piece of cake!!!! :)
Well, I am off, the hubby needs the computer. I have 2 angels my friend Carla :) and my awesome hubby TOM ;)
Everyone take care! Until my next update! Hang in there!

1/21/04
Well, The big day is here! Wow, pinch me please! It is 1:10 am in the morning. I just woke up becuase i can't sleep that well. Only a few more hours and I will have to wake up. I have to be at hospital at 7am for 9am surgery! Whooooohoooooo! I tell ya I am very excited, I though I would be alot more nervous than I am but I really am not. Just want to get this over with. Thank God for family and friends. I got so many phone calls tonight or messages on the computer. Thank you to everyone one of you! You all know who you are! Well, I am off to go see if i can fall back to sleep. It will all be over soon and I will be a LOSER on the Other side! Can't wait to see what it is like! Take care everyone and may god bless you all and take you in the palm of his hand. Also, a big "thanks" to my husband who has been so good to me through all of this "I Love You" and my sister-in-law Linda and my "godmother" as well who will be there with me before I go in, "you r the best". Mom, I know you would be there if you could in the morning but I know how nervous you are. Just be there for me in the evening, I know I will want "my mommy".. :) Love you all!- MaryJo

1/25/04
Hello Everyone! Well, Guess what? I am officially on the other side!!!!!! WOW! I came home yesterday 1/24/04 . I was in the hospital for 3.5 days. The doctors said I did so well and I was such a good sport and not a complainer. I thought that was nice! Let me tell you this. There is alot of pain involved in this , but you can not let that scare you or get to you. You just have to keep thinking positive and each day it truly gets better. Just think of the outcome and how awesome it will be. Also make sure you follow everything they tell you to do. Right now basically the only thing that bothers me is the incision and when I move certain ways , and gas pains, you get alot of gas afterwards, but they tell you to walk walk walk! So I do and it sure does work very well!!! Make sure you also drink alot, that is so important. My mouth was getting dry yesterday becuase the nurses werent bringing me water, but when i got home I mad eup for it and I feel so much better now. I want to thank all of my family and friends who called, and visited and for thier prayers. All the prayers worked very well. I know my dad was looking out for me too! Mom-I love you so much, and I told you I would be ok and now you know I will. Tom -you are such a great husband-I truly don't know what I would do without you! Thanks for taking such good care of me. Carla-you were an awesome angel thank you for your nice card and visiting me and the great updates! Again to my family and friends (you know who you are) that were by my side love you all and thanks! OK getting teary eyed here and belly needs to lay down for now! I will keep you updated! WOOOOOOHOOOOO I am officially a "loser" now! :) I never though it would feel good being able to call myself one-haha. Until next time- God bless,
MaryJo

2/9/04
Hi Everyone!
Wow, I am so sorry I have not updated in a while. So much has happened in the past few weeks it is unbeleivable. First off I have been doing really well, incision is healing well and last Tuesday I got my stitches out. In 3 days I will be 3 weeks post op and I have lost 27 pounds so far. I am very happy with that.
I weigh myself every Friday now so I keep a chart I will get on here one of these days. OK for the next part, I was in Dr. Reinhold's office 1 week post-op and was in the waiting room. I heard the secretary say yes there is a MaryJo Rak here. So they said I had a phone call. I picked up the phone and it was my social worker saying we just got a baby boy to adopt. I felt like I was dreaming. It was a friday afternoon and I got home and called her back for all the details. They asked if we could pick him up on Monday. Nothing like rushing over the weekend. I could'nt beleive this was all happening. So on Monday we picked up our beautiful baby boy Logan Joseph. He just turned 6 months old on February 6th. He has big beautiful blue eyes and blonde peach fuzz hair. My hubby took an extra 2 weeks off cause there was no way I could do all of this at only 2 weeks post-op. He had a crash course in being a daddy and is doing an awesome job.
Nothing like everything happening all at once, but it is a good thing. All our dreams are cmoing true. The only thing is that Tom had to postpone his surgery until I am out of school in the summer. But it will be here before you know it. Well that is all for now. I am doing very well, I will kepp you all updated! Until next time! Take care-MaryJO

Hi Everyone!
Well , I went for my first official check-up today with Dr. Reinhold. Tomorrow will be 6 weeks post-op and I am down 36 pounds. I really feel great! I am so happy I made the decision to have this surgery. I am off all of my diabetes meds, I have so much energy now. My clothes are starting to get baggy and I am much happier. I hit a plateau for 2 weeks and didnt lose anything, but now it has started again! I started walking outside becuase the weather was feeling like spring, so the baby, hubby and our dog went for some nice walks but now it is snowing. Can't wait for spring! Good thing I have a treadmill. We are joining the YMCA becuase my hubby get free membership for being witht he fire dept. and I only have to pay 100 bucks a year and they have a pool too! I think withing the next 2 weeks we are doing that so I can't wait to go. I go back to work April 5th, and hubby had to postpone his surgery until June 23rd becuase of the work situation and the new baby we adopted. The baby is a heaven sent becuase he keeps me so busy! Don't even have time to think about food! I have to admit though I really am having a hard time getting down all my water, protein is not a problem. Also I was on a cracker kick, that was the only thing I craved. Not that I pigged out on them but I would have like 3 Ritz every other day. That is a BIG no-no. Once a week the DR. told me is ok. So I ordered these yummy portein bars to take thier place. They taste like candy bars! I have not gotten sick yet from anything just tried a little peanut butter and it got stuck. Ouchy! Won't do that agin for a while! So far so good though! Next week my angel Carla is having her surgery on ST. PATTY"S DAy! I want to wish her all the luck the world can hold and I hope I can be as good an angel as she was to me! Until next time! Everyone stay positive and HAPPY ST. PATTY"S DAY!!!
HUGS- MaryJo
>

Hello Everyone!
Well , 8 Weeks post op and down 41 pounds!!! YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH

4/18/04
Hey Everyone! Hope you all had a great Easter! I am 12 weeks out now and I am down 53 pounds. I feel awesome!!! I have so much energy and I am so happy. So many things I can do easier with just that amount lost, it is amazing. I can't wait to reach 100 pounds and even feel more amazing! I am so happy I had this surgery. I go to the Dr. on Friday April 23rd, for my 3 month check-up. I can't wait to get weighed in on thier scale. I also went back to work on April 5th, it is so much easier! I work with a little boy who has Cerebral palsy in the school system and I lift him all the time etc, and my legs and knees and feet would kill me, they don't anymore, very rarely! My husband is having his surgery June 23rd. So things will start rolling for him! Our baby is doing great! Take care everyone! be good and God Bless!

4/23/04
It's me again! I went to Dr. today for my 3 month check up. I am down 56 pounds! Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhh! He said I am on target! I was so happy! and he was happy with my progress! I told him this was the best thing I have done in my life! I had to pack up so many clothes already. It is weird going into my closet and all the clothes that were so tight now are so big and just giving them away is funny cause I will never be this way again NEVER! I am never going back to that fat girl! I go for my next visit July 2nd. I am going to try and hit my goal of 100 pounds in 6 months, that would be so awesome! My 30th birthday is in 4 days! What a way to start off the 30's feeling great and looking good! We also got a call from the surgeon about my hubby's date. They have moved him up for May 20th! It is going to be here before we know it! I can't wait to see how well he progresses! Well, that is all for now! I'll keep ya all updated!
MaryJo

5/7/04
Well I hit the 60 pound mark today and I am doing a happy dance!!! I am in a size 22/24 I am soooo excited! 2 more sizes and I can wear some Old Navy and Gap clothes! woooohooo! Tom's suergery is just around the corner i can't wait and I am so excited for him to finally be on this journey with me.

5/24/04
WoooooHoooo I am down 68 pounds now! and Tom is on the other side! He had his surgery 5/21/04 and he came home yesterday! He is doing so well!!! I am so happy for him! I can't wait until he starts losing! We are going to be so happy and healthy together! I am in a size 22 so only one more size to go and I can shop at Old Navy!!! I can't wait!!!!! Take care everyone!

6/4/04
It's me again! Well I am down 71 pounds! I have 4 more to go I hope to lose by the get together next week so I can say I am down 75 pounds!!!! Then I have to get to my century mark by July 21st so there will be alot of hard work in the upcoming weeks! Tom got his stitches out on Tuesday and has already lost 23 pounds since May 20th and he has lost 20 pre-op from exercising with me and becuase he was not eating bad stuff like he used to. I feel better everyday! I still can't believe it. I am looking froward to the summer get toegether on June 12th! Hope to see you there! Be good until next time-MaryJo

6/11/04
Well, I DID IT! I hit 75 pounds today! The exercising and drinking more protein really helped me. I lost 4 pounds this week! My next goel is to lose 25 pounds by July 21st which will be my 6 month, so hopefully I can be in the century club!!! Tom, is doing great as well, he was 2 weeks post-op and down 30 pounds. Can't wait to meet everyone at the get together! Take care!

6/25/04
Hey Everyone,
Today I went with Tom to the dr. for his 6 week check up. He is down 50 pounds already! The doc said men lose much faster, no FAIR! LOL I got weighed as well and I am down 80 pounds. We both joined the YMCA and are going to start tomorrow so hopefully by July 21st which would be my 6 month I can be down 100 pounds! that was my goal. Now that I am out of school and have the summer off I will hopefully be able to workout everyday! It has been crazy and I missed the get together and I feel so bad. My mom has been sick and has been going thru all kinds of tests and we still don't now exactly what else is wrong with her. I just keep praying it is nothing serious! Well, until next time! I will probly update after my 6 month visit! Take care and God bless!

7/9/04
It's me again! Well, I am now down 88 pounds. I am definitley losing more since I have been going to the YMCA, these past 2 weeks. I only have 2 more weeks until my six months. I know I won't hit my 100 pound loss, but I am hoping to be close! I am not going to be upset about it, I will make it there it may be a week or 2 later though. I have to be pround of my accomplishments becuase this is the most I have ever lost in my life. I am also is a size 20, which I havent been since high school. My ultimate goal is to get into a size 10/12. I would love that! I know I can do it becuase I am so determined. Tom is looking so good as well! He is down 55 pounds in 7 weeks, and he lost 20 before surgery. He feels great as well. Pretty soon when we go places people won't know who we are. That is it for now. I will probably update after my 6 month check up in 2 weeks. Be good! Until next time! -MaryJo

7/20/04
Well, tomorrow will officially be 6 months since my surgery. I went for my follow up with the Dr. and I am down 90 pounds. He was very pleased and said I am doing a great job. He also said I have about another year and after that the weight will just stop coming off, and that I will be that weight. So I would love to lose another 70 pounds and I will be so happy. I was hoping to hit 100 pounds, I am not going to get discouraged because I think I have come a long way! I will get there soon enough. I have to go get all bloodwork done, so I can't wait to see the changes in that. Tom is also doing well. He is down 57 pounds. He got contacts yesterday. It is so weird looking at him becuase he is shrinking so fast and he looks so different. I have to get used to it. He is in an XL shirt now from a xxxl. Also from a 52 to a 44 pants. He feels so good, we both do! This is the best decision we could have ever made to have this surgery. ONce I hit the 100 pound mark I am going to update my pic on here, I will get one of Tom and I before and one after 100 pounds. Take care everyone and God Bless! -MaryJo

8/11/04
Well, I am down 96 pounds! 4 more to go and I hit the century club. My goal is to lose those 4 pounds in the next 2 weeks before school starts again. No one from work has seen me all summer. It would be awesome. Ideally I would love to lose another 60 pounds, if it comes off slow then that is fine too. As long as I can get there and I think I could that would just be awesome, like a dream come true. This surgery is the best thing I everdid in my life. I feel so wonderful now. I can do so many things I could'nt do before, I am also coming out of my shell. Tom is down 77 pounds as well. He is doing great. When I look at my new before pic on here, I can't believe what I see. I see a desperate, depressed person who needs help and doesnt want to live like that anymore. I am loving life now! I can't wait for each new day! Anyone who is thinking about having it done I would go for it!!!! I'll see you at 100 pounds! Until then be good! -MaryJo

8/27/04
Hello!!!! Well, I am 7 months out and just got weighed and I am officially down 101 pounds!!! YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! It feels sooo good! I started back at work yesterday after the summer break, I work for a school system and everyone made me feel so good with all thier compliments! I wanted to update you all! Also please pray for my angel Carla who is also a wls surgery recipient, she is having another surgery very soon and I wish her all the luck in the world right now and she will be in my prayers! Unitl next time all you losers keep up the good work!
-MaryJo

10/9/04
Well On October 21st, I will be 9 months post -op. As of today I am down 112 pounds. I finally broke my 3 weeks plateau and I lost 5 pounds in one week. I am in a size large/xl top and size 16/18 pants. It is unbeleivable how I feel. This is still the best thind I ever did. We really have to be careful now becuase you can eat a little more and sometimes those foods come back to haunt you. You still have to watch everything you eat. This is just a tool and we have to use it right or else we can mess it up. I would love to get to a size 10/12 and lose about 50 more pounds. That is my goal for the New Year! I have to excercise a little more, I have been walking and I really need to get back to the gym and start lifting some weights. Bat winds just would'nt look good on me. Tom is doing awesome as well. He is in a size 38 pants form a 52 and large shirt from a xxxl. I am so pround of him! He looks 15 years younger. We are both so happy! I will update again after my 9 month Dr. visit. , we are also getting another baby! So We are going to be parents again! We are so happy! They are only 10 months apart. Another little boy and he is actually our sons brother.
This has been the best year of my life so far! God bless everyone! Take care! MaryJo

10/20/04
Tomorrow I will be 9 months post-op. I am down 115 pounds as of today. The weight has slowed down coming off, but at least it is still coming off. Today I weighed 209, I would love to get under 200 by Christmas, if I could lose more than that too that would be the icing on the cake. 9 months ago, I weighed 324, and I was so depressed. Today I feel awesome, have a self esteem, have no more diabetes, and I have one beautiful little 14 months old boy and on thid Friday we are getting his 4 month old brother. This has been the best year of my life. Everything is finally happening for me. Just remember this is a tool, you have to use it right as well or it won't work. It is also getting harder and you have to make sure you make the good choices on eating or else. Take care eveyone and until next time! I'll see you under 200!-MaryJo

1/25/05
Hello Everyone!
Well 4 days ago, it was my 1 year anniversary since surgery. I went for my check up today. I am officically down 126 pounds. I am weighing in at 198. The Dr. was very pleased with my success and he said I will probably lose more before my 18 month window of oppurtunity slows down. I would love to get to 165, then get a tummy tuck. Not too much more to go! Tom is down 100 pounds in 9 months which he was pleased with very much! We are both doing great. The 2 babies keep up so busy now, the only thing we have to exercise more so more weight will come off. It is hard now with it being winter and having 2 kids. but we will get there eventually. I am in the process of taking more pictures and of Tom to to update them on here. This year felw by so quickly, and I am so happy I had this surgery. The surgeon wants Tom and I to be guest speakers at thier April support meeting. I accepted and said I would. -Talk to you all soon! until next time!

7/1/05
Wow, it has been a long time since I have updated! I am so so so sorry, I have been on a rollercoaster ride for the past few months. Let's see where I should start. OK, well, I never got a hcnace to speak at a support group meeting for our surgeon, but we will do it eventuelly. We did however make it into St. Raphael's Better health magazine May/June issue, with our story about our surgeries and adotping our 2 kids. Well, AFter Easter I was feeling kinda crumby and thought I had a hernia, becuase I was on a dreaded plateau and would fluctuate a few pounds in my weight up and down. To make a long story short, I went to the DR. and found out I was pregnant, but that was not the biggest shock. I was 6 1/2 month pregnant and didn't know it. So, in my 1 year WLS pics on here from January, I was 4 months pregnant, no wonder I was on that dreaded plateau. I had alot of testing done and everything was ok with the baby until I reached full-term, at 38 week appointment They could not find a heart beat, and the baby had passed on, but it was only in the previous 24 hours. We were so devastated, we had the nursery and everything ready and my family had a baby shower for me. I delivered our angel Austin Michael on 5/27/05. It was an easy delivery and I would do it all over again and he was a good size baby. They say everything happens for a reason, but sometimes we keep questioning why. We were never supposed to be able to get pregnant so I look at this as a sign of HOPE, so far tests have come back and there was nothing wrong with the baby nor I, so it was just nature I guess. We have accepted it, and we are so thankful for our 2 babies we have that we adopted. We will try again though for one more, this time I will be montitored very closely, also I want to add that the babys death was not caused form having this WLS, if anything it had helped my husband to become fertile and myself more fertile, and I had diabetes pre-op and never had it when I was pregnant. I was so healthy. So go figure! I gained 30 pounds during the last 3 months being prego, but it came off 2 weeks after the baby was born. Now I am 5 weeks post baby, and I am at 198 again my weight before I got prego. I am on a plateau and I am going to get back to the gym etc, I have to wait one more week to get cleared from my DR., Tom is doing good as well,His 1 year was in May and he is down 110 pounds, he has been on a plateau as well, so we both have to get on track again. That is my update for now! SOrry it took so long but now you can see why! I want to thank eveyrone on these boards for all thier thoughts and prayers through our difficult ime and it gave us comfort in knowking all the love and support and friends we have made on here! Until next time GodBless and take care! -MaryJo

Family Picture November 2005


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12/03/05 Update:

Well, i got approved for half of my tummy tuck. I know weigh 194 pounds and with the extra skin taken off, I can lose about 10 more and i will be very happy with that. I go for my tummy tuck 1/3/06. I would love to lose 10 pounds before then to bring me to 184 then after they remove the skin I would be 174/175...That is my goal....It would be awesome and make me happy and I am going to go for it! We have been busy with the boys, they keep us busy. They are now 27 months and 17 months. They are so much fun! Tom is doing great as well, he is down 110 pounds and still fights with the same 4 and 5 pounds up and down. I am in the process of updateing pics on here so you can see! I'll update more later.
~MaryJo

12/3/05
Ok, I put some pics on here! Finally some new ones!
I am soooo excited for my tummy tuck, i know it will make such a difference, in how I look and feel. I have so much hagning down there it isnt funny and it is hard to find pants as well. So, I am looking forward to the next part of my journey. Whoever says this is easy beleive me....you have to remember that what we have is a tool! We still have to put the right things in our mouths. The first 6 months you lose most of your weight, after that your mind starts playing tricks again....you still have to be careful of what you eat and what goes in your mouth, this is'nt the easy way out,,,it just helps. I have never been able to lose this much weight in my life and maintain it as well, so this was really a lifesaver for me. There are ups and downs but I would not trade this oppurtunity for the world and I would do it all over again! I am a brand new person!
I am so thankful for the people I have met on my journey who I have become friends with or people who have inspired me.....some of them being Kathy K,Joanie, Sweet Kimmie C. who has become such a good friend, and Bethany who could be my sister we are so much alike! So many others you know who you are! ~ I will keep you updated more often, I have been very lazy in updating my profile! Take care everyone and God Bless!
~MaryJo~


12/30/05
Only 4 more days until the second art of my journey which will be my abdominoplasty. I just want to thank everyone who has been there for me and who has been so supportive....you know who you are! I can not wait to be the person who I have been trying to become all of my life.......to look in the mirror and not see that "fat" girl anymore....to feel beautiful inside and out. I have waited all my life for many things.....soo many things......and one by one each dream is coming true...so very true! I pray to God and my dad and my angel baby Austin to watch over me and protect me and get me through this second part! I am soo excited and nervous at the same time! I will update agin very soon! I wish all my family and friends and OH members the happiest and healthiest 2006! May God Bless u all and may all our dreams continue to come a reality! ~MaryJo

2006

Happy New year Everyone! Happy 2006! Well, I did it! I had mt full abdominoplasty on January 3rd, 2006, and today is January 7th. I am doing really well. It is alot more painful than wls, but it will be worth it in the end. I am already so pleased with the results. My Doctor took off 17.5 pounds of skin and fat. I thought and he thought it was only going to be more like 8 or 9. So this is awesome! I can not wait to get weighed in 2 weeks to see what my weight will be. I am so small already...it is unbeleivable! Tom took a pic 2 days post op check it out and there is my belly before. I have a belly button now and I am so flat. WOW...I am so happy. I just wanted to update everyone. I'll post more before and after pics. I just want to thank everyone who had supported me through this and all of my family and friends and you all from OH who have given me support...thank you all...it means so much..I have met so many new friends from here and wonderful people! God Bless~ Until next time~ MaryJo

Before belly and 2 days post op with 17.5 pounds off!