MsCristal
09.02.03 I have been overweight since the age of eight and am very concerned about the adverse side effects of being morbidly obese. I have a family history of Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. I don't to have the same fate as my father, his siblings, and paternal and maternal grandmothers. My husband David and I had our consultation today with Dr. Capps and his staff at the BTC in Wylie, TX. Things went well. It was determined that I am 111 lbs overweight (presently, I weigh 251lbs and I am 5'7 - somewhere, I lost an inch). David is 157 lbs overweight (he's at 314). So that means we both qualify. They took our insurance information and said it can take anywhere from 8 to 20 weeks to process. In the meantime, both David and I have to visit our PCP for blood work and psych evaluation. David has to obtain a referral to be tested for sleep apnea and I have to meet with cardiologist to see if there was any damage done to my heart when I took Phen-Fen. 09.23.03 Hi there! Well, I haven't updated in a few weeks, so let me tell you what's been going on: After my consultation, I was advised I needed to visit my PCP for blood work, obtain a referral to the Cardiologist. I've completed all of that and everything came back normal (except my cholesterol is on the "high-normal" end. No damage to my heart from the Phen-Fen (Praise God!!). While everything came back normal for David, he has since decided against the WLS and has opted to diet and exercise. I realize this road is not for everyone, so I will support my baby regardless. I just want him to be healthy! Besides, as soon as I get fine, he'll probably have second thoughts. ;-) Okay, because I am an impatient chick (I continue to pray for patience), I decided to call United Healthcare to find out whether or not they had received my pre-determination letter. They advised me that they had not, but it takes at least 2 weeks before it is entered into their system plus another 45 business days for review. BTC did advise me they sent the pre-determination letter on 9/15/03. I told you I was impatient! This site is such a wonderful resource and it's allowed me to communicate with so many great people. One person in particular is Amy. We live in the same town and met in person this past Sunday. I must've grilled her for 2 hours straight will questions and she was so sweet about it. She had a lot of really good information and was kind enough to loan me her BTC binder. Amy has lost 97 lbs and she is not even 4 months post-op. You go, girl!! The "Before" picture below is one with me and my best friend, Shamim. She is my girl! We have known each other since high school and been through out it all!! I love her like a sister. Shamim is the one who started me on this journey. She had been considering this surgery for awhile, but recently found out her company elected not to cover this procedure. I hate that. She jokes and says she needs to find a job where the insurance covers the surgery. I think she should stop joking and find another job! Please keep her in your prayers. Check out her profile: Shamim's Profile. As soon as I have more information, I'll update! Be blessed 10.03.03 Hi everyone! Well, as I mentioned before, I am an impatient chick and I just HAD to call United Healthcare for an update. I was informed that on 10.02.03, a letter was sent to BTC requesting additional information. Hopefully the additional information UHC is requesting are the results from my echo-cardiogram and blood work I had in September. I'll let you know how it goes! Until next time, be blessed. 10.09.03 I have wonderful news: I AM APPROVED!!!! THANK YOU, JESUS!! I called UHC and Irene told me I was approved and that my "window of opportunity" dates are 11.17.03 - 11.19.03, but BTC has advised that is for payment purposes and not the actual date of my surgery. I'm told BTC scheduling will be calling me to schedule surgery date, so hopefully that'll happen in the next week or so. Words cannot express the joy and excitement I feel. All I can say is when it is His will, it will be done. Be Blessed 10.13.03 Whew, things are moving so fast!! Jeanette from BTC scheduling called today to schedule my surgery and I had two choices: 11.25.03 or 10.20.03! That's next Monday!! Before I could give her answer I had to pray on it and talk to my hubby. I told her I would call her back in about an hour. David was totally cool with it and thru my praying, I felt that choosing the 10.20.03 date was the best for me. So, now I am scheduled for pre-op testing on 10.15.03!! In a way, I cannot believe this has happened so quickly!! But I know through Jesus Christ, ALL things are possible. I talked to my manager, and he was just fine with it and very supportive. I also contacted my HR department to advise I would be going on Short Term Disability. I am pretty confident that will be approved quickly as well. I just feel so blessed!! 10.17.03 Well, I had my Pre-op testing this past Wednesday and things went well. I was there about 3 hours and I have to say (thankfully), BTC is VERY thorough. I had to fast 8 hours before the appointment because they draw blood and require a urine sample. They also checked my gall bladder, and I had chest x-rays. After that, I met with an internist (doctor) who did his thing and asked a lot of medical-related questions. I also met with a Respitory Therapist who did an EKG, some test to ensure I can tolerate anesthesia, and he also gave me a funky breathing contraption to use while I'm in the hospital. It helps prevent hospital acquired pneumonia. Lastly, I met with a nutritionist who explained the types of foods I'll be eating for the next few weeks. I found out yesterday that my check in time on Monday is 7:30am. I am so excited! My prayer is that Jesus guides Dr. Capps' hands and that my surgery and recovery is uneventful. Until next time, be blessed 10.24.03 Hi All! I'm post-op and feeling pretty good. It seems my prayers were answered; my surgery was uneventful and my recovery has been very smooth. Thank you, Lord! I won't bore you with all the details, but I will say the BTC is a first class facility. I was treated so nicely the entire time. My surgery began around 10:30am on Monday, October 20 and I was released to go home on Wednesday evening, October 22! I truly feel better than expected and I want to thank everyone for their supportive e-mails and kind words. 10.26.03 Hi there! I really don't have much to say except that I woke up this morning feeling better than I have in a week. That's a blessing!! I also wanted to tell you that my hubby has been so very supportive during this journey. He told me yesterday that he was very happy for me and so proud of me! That made me feel so wonderful. I love that man!! 10.31.03 Okay, yesterday was a rough one for me personally. I received a call from my company's HR department and was laid off via phone. I didn't think that could happen while on Short Term Disability. I am going to find out about that thru the TX Workforce Commission. I don't necessarily want my job back, but I can't sit back and be taken advantage of either. I am not sure what God has planned for me concerning my career, but I am still trusting in and praising Him. Please keep me in your prayers concerning this. After all of that, I am glad I went ahead and had surgery when I did. Still no regrets. I am feeling stronger everyday. No pain, and a lot more energy. 11.06.03 --233lbs Hi there! I had my 2-week check up with Dr. Capps yesterday and he said I am doing just fine. My incision looks really good and his is pleased with my weight loss. I have to admit I am a little disappointed about the weight loss, but even before surgery, I managed to lose about 8lbs. So, it's all good; a loss is a loss. Good news! I received a call yesterday for an interview today, so please keep me in your prayers! 11.15.03--224lbs Greetings all! Well, I didn't get the job, but it didn't feel like it was for me anyway. On a positive note, I am down to 224lbs (without shoes) and I really feel great. I truly need to start exercising on a regular basis, but I can't seem to get it together! I'm almost 4 weeks post-op and I haven't come across a food that I am not able to tolerate. I do make good choices because I didn't have this surgery to make bad food choices! I just feel so blessed to have had this surgery and I have to give all the glory to God. I know it will take time because to quote someone else "the surgery is an EVENT, but the weight loss is a PROCESS". I have to keep that in my mind so that I don't become impatient. Until next time, be blessed. 11.27.03--224lbs HAPPY THANKSGIVING, ALL!! I had my 6 week check up with Dr. Capps yesterday and he said my weight loss is going very well. At the 6 week point they expect you to have lost between 10%-15% of your excess body weight; I've lost 18%, so I am a little ahead of the game. It still doesn't seem like it's coming off as quickly as I would like, but I'll take what I can get ;-) According to his scale, I weigh 224 with clothes and no shoes. My scale says 221. I'm sure I am retaining water cuz my friend is scheduled to visit. I know I need to exercise and drink more water and eat more protein. I am my own worst enemy. I promise to do better. I have great news: I got a job! Thanks to a friend of mine. It is a temp position, but the work is guaranteed for 2 years. My supervisor called me in her office yesterday, and I was thinking "now what'd I do?!?", but instead, she said they are looking to fill 4 permanent positions and based on the feedback she received from her lead, she would like for me to update my resume and interview for one of those positions! She also told me that this is NOT being offered to all of the contractors and to keep it confidential. Please keep me in your prayers! This job would afford me the opportunity to go back to school. I tell ya, God is always on time. 12.03.03--217lbs Hey there. Well, I decided to jump on the scale this morning and see if I had lost more weight and I have! I now weigh 217lbs. My clothes are getting too big and I am beginning to look like a vagabond. My best friend, Shamim e-mailed me today and offered to send me all of the clothes she has "grown" out of so that I can transition without going broke. That really touched my heart. She wants this surgery so bad, but her insurance has an exclusion for Gastric Bypass. We are still hopeful. I am slowly getting better with my exercising (I constantly have to pray for motivation), and I am working on the protein thang. I have to keep reminding myself that this is NOT a race, but a journey. God is good! 12.11.03--214lbs Hey there. I guess the protein thing is working! I've lost another 3lbs and I feel great! I am praying that I reach my 1st "mini goal" of being under 200lbs by 01.31.04 (or better yet by 01.20.03- which is my 3 month post-op date). I think it is a reasonable goal. Still praying on the exercise issue. I have got to get motivated! I really want to take up Tae Kwon Do or Karate, but money is funny; change is strange right now. It's weird, but I can imagine myself jogging, but if someone put a gun to my head to to actually physically do it...well....Anyway, I'm still praying. 01.20.04 --203lbs Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I'm currently at 202lbs and have been hovering around this weight for about 2 weeks. I guess I've hit my first plateau. As long as I am not gaining; I'm cool. I know if I continue doing what I am supposed to do, I'll eventually lose the weight. Slow and steady is cool with me. I'm still prayerful I'll reach my 1st mini goal of being under 200 by 01.31.04. I had my 3 month check up with Dr. Capps on 01.13.04 and all is well with the exception of my iron levels. I'm anemic, but I was before the surgery so it came as no big suprise. I've started taking an iron supplement (the kind that is gentle to the system and does not constipate). I also decided that I am worth it to spend a little more and buy a vitamin designed for women from The Vitamin Store. I got a 4-month supply for about $16.00. This vitamin has Biotin (which is supposed to help with hair loss - something I have just started experiencing, but it isn't too bad). I finally decided to get my butt in gear and really make this tool I've been blessed with work for me. I am happy to say that the past two mornings began with me working out to Leslie Sansone's walking DVD. It's a start! Well just wanted to check in. The next time I update, I'll be under 200lbs (hopefully that will be in the next few days ;-) Be blessed. 01.26.04 --199lbs!! Greetings! I just wanted to update and tell you that when I got on the scale this morning it read "199lbs". Thank you Jesus! I am so glad to have reached my "mini" goal before the end of January. Now I'm pressing towards that next goal: 175lbs by April 30th, 2004. Until next time. 02.02.04 --194lbs Hey ya'll, I just wanted to check in to say I've lost another 5lbs! I've been exercising 5 days a week, upped my protien and water intake and continued to pray and praise the Lord. I am determined to maximize this tool I've been blessed with. Until next time, be blessed. 02.06.04 --191lbs Quick update to say I've lost 3 more lbs!! 02.09.04 --185lbs I jumped on the scale yesterday morning to see that I had dropped another 6lbs!!! I am trippin' out! I am enjoying it cuz I know it will slow down very shortly. I am fitting into some 14's, but mostly 16's and XL shirts. Pretty soon no more Lane "Giant" (Bryant). 02.20.04 - 185lbs Just wanted to pop in to say that today is my 4th month and I am weighing in at 185, PMS-ing and retaining lots 'o water. My Hubby took me clothes shopping for Valentine's Day and so happy to discover that I am now a size 14 and wearing mostly size "L" shirts. I am still exercising EVERY weekday morning and making sure I get my protein in (usually 70-80 grams/day) There are days where I feel like I am eating too much, but I try and listen to my body (except when I am PMS-ing and all bets are off then!!) I feel so blessed to have had this surgery and if it weren't for guidance from Jesus Christ, I don't know what I'd do. Be blessed. 03.21.04--175lbs Hello! I wanted to check in and let you know that I am feeling great and weighing in at 175lbs. I wear size large in shirts and 12 or 14 in pants. I was on a plateau for about 3 weeks and I gotta tell you they SUCK! Still no loose skin (Thank God!), but I have a feeling that my bootie, hips and thighs are not gonna look like I want them to unless I start doing some target weight training. I am still working out every weekday morning, getting my protein in and drinking plenty of water. I found that it is much easier for me to get my water in if it is room temperature and not ice cold. It just hurts my lil' pouch. I am looking forward to the warmer weather because I stay cold all the time. Until next time, peace and God Bless. 04.22.04 --169bs Hello there! I cannot believe it has been 6 months since surgery!!! I am down to 169lbs and pretty much wearing size 12 in everything. I think I still buy my clothes too big, so I am working on that. I feel so wonderful and most of all blessed. I am still exercising every weekday, but I don't always eat like I should. I tolerate sweets way too well :-( I am considering changing my goal weight to 145lbs, but we will see. I still want to have curves. I would like to have PS, but I'm not sure that's gonna happen because I really don't have any loose skin anywhere. The boobs have gone south and have NO volume. I guess I'll have to start saving for that! I have some great news: My hubby David has decided to reconsider WLS! (I told you he would ;-) ) Anyway, he has a consultation with the BTC on Friday, April 23. I am so excited and happy for him. I will be sure to keep you updated. Until next time, God Bless. 04.30.04 - 165lbs Just a quick update to say that I weigh 165. My BMI is 25.8 and so close to being in the "normal" range. I feel wonderful! Only 30lbs to go!!! I hope to reach that goal by 08.13.04 (my birthday). 05.20.04 - 160lbs (7 months post-op today!) Hey there. I am feeling wonderful! My weight loss has slowed, but that's to be expected. I am wearing size Medium shirts and 10 or 12's in pants. I have never been this small! I give all the praise to the Lord. I thank Him everyday for this tool and for how smooth this journey has been for me. More importantly, my health is great! I find it difficult to know where to shop for clothes. Typically, I buy my clothes at Ross, Marshalls and T.J. Maxx. I guess I am used to buying clothes from Lane Bryant and The Avenue. I haven't figured out my style yet. It's really weird... One of the OH volunteers added my before/after picture (I really wasn't expecting that because I just wanted the picture seen on the message board updated). Anyway, here's the link: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/bandafter.phtml?Member_ID=M1062450037 my hubby, David, has a WLS symposium to attend tonight and I am going with him. I am so excited that he has finally come around. I am praying that the approval process for him is just as speedy as it was for me. I'll keep you posted! Be blessed. 06.21.04 155lbs (8 months post-op) Hey everyone! I went to the Doctor last month for my well woman check-up and all my blood work is great (cholesterol is at 150, protein levels great, blood pressure - perfect) with the exception of my iron. I am slightly anemic and my parathyroid levels are a bit elevated. The normal range is 10-65 and mine is at 50. My PCP said the best thing to do is to re-check it in the fall and if it hasn't changed, no action required. If it has gone up, I may have to consider surgery to remove one of the parathyroids. I have given it to the Lord and will trust Him. I weighed myself this morning and I am at 155lbs! I cannot believe it! I feel absolutely wonderful. So much more energy. It trips me out that folks are now telling me to "stop" losing weight. I knew that would happen, but it is still weird. My surgeon's goal weight for me was 140lbs, my personal goal is 135lbs. But I want to be a healthy, tone 135lbs. Gotta keep those curves and build muscle. My boo doesn't want a stick woman and I don't want to be one! I went to Target last night (one of my favorite stores) and bought an outfit for $15.00. What is really strange is that it is something that I would've never worn before. Kinda clingy. Very cute. It feels good to receive compliments every once in awhile. ;-) David finally submitted his paperwork to his surgeon's office assistant. Hopefully they have all the information they need. Since we now have Cigna HMO, and they are more difficult to obtain approval from, I pray this won't be a long, ugly process for him. David has a profile as well. http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/profile.phtml?N=M1084477518&NoStatic=1 Until next time, be blessed. 07.02.04--155lbs Hi there! Still holding at 155lbs. Today we are leaving to travel to Phoenix, AZ to see David's family. I am really looking forward to it. We haven't been back home in a year and a half and a lot has changed. Most of the family hasn't seen me, so I'm sure I'll look a lil' different ;-) Lately I've noticed that I can eat a bit more and it kinda scares me. I don't dump on anything and I sometimes find myself falling into some bad habits. I LOVE sweets!!! I want to reach my goal and more importantly, once I get there, maintain it in a healthy way. 07.20.04 --149lbs 9 months post op (today!!) Hey there! I cannot believe that when I jumped on the scale this morning that I actually weighed 149lbs. I cannot remember a time when I weighed 149lbs! I feel wonderful. I think I am now a size 8 (although I don't own any size 8 clothing). My 10's are getting baggy, and I am not able to purchase anything new right now, so I will be sporting the 10's for a little while longer. I cannot praise the Lord enough for the blessing he has given me. I hope I can be an inspiration to someone. Be blessed. 08.20.04--147lbs Today I am 10 months post-op and I am officially 100 lbs lighter!! I turned 35 on August 13th and I cannot praise the Lord enough for these accomplishments. This journey has been such a blessing to me. I feel so healthy and strong. For the past 4 weeks I have been messing around with the same 5 or 6 lbs and I guess my body finally decided to let go of those 2 lbs. I am only 7 lbs from my doctor's goal weight and 12 from my own goal. I know I will make it, and if I don't by my year anniversary, it's all good because I feel like I am already a success. I recently went into The Limited to try on clothing just to see what size I was and it was such a trip. I tried on a pair of size 6 pants and they fit. I'm talking about "I-can-wear-out-in-public" fit! I also tried on a couple of suits in Foley's and they were size 6. I just kept thinking "these clothes must run big". And if they do, they were still size 6. I can't wait to start buying some Fall & Winter clothes. I work out every weekday morning and I faithfully take my vitamins (and have from day one), I also drink at least 80oz of water and I am still eating 4, 5 maybe 6 times a day. This includes fruits, veggies and complex carbs. I am pretty regimented during the week about what I eat but I give myself the weekend to eat what I want. That way I don't feel slighted. I only weigh myself once a week. This seems to have worked for me pretty well. See ya next month! Be Blessed. 09.20.04--139lbs Hey everyone! Well today I am 11 months post-op and I continue to feel blessed. I physically feel better than I did when I was a kid. I have never been this weight in my adult life, but more importantly, I feel healthy. I am scheduled for my 1 year post-op appointment at BTC on 10.29.04, so I will be sure to let you know how that goes. I can tell you that my surgeon's goal for me was 140lbs and I have surpassed that by 1lb!! I really don't want to get much smaller because I think this is a good weight for me. I have a cute story to tell: This past Saturday, we were at our son's football game and I saw one of the moms from a team we were on a few year ago. This was the first time I had seen her since last season, but David and I had seen and talked to her husband a couple of weeks ago. She told me that her husband said to her "Honey, I think Dave (my hubby) has a girlfriend, cuz that's not Cristal". I thought that was really comical because I don't think my face looks all that different, but I guess it does. I am looking forward to the upcoming Fall/Winter season. I have always loved dressing for the cooler weather. Unfortunately, it hasn't begun to cool off yet. It's still in the 90's and upper 80's. I am so looking forward to buying some long boots (I've never been able to wear them because my calves were too large). I need EVERYTHING. A new coat, jacket, sweaters, etc...I am just glad for the first time that I am forced to buy new clothing because I've UNDER-grown them; not OVER-grown them! As I transition to the maintenance phase of my journey, I realize that it is very easy to fall back into old habits. I am an emotional eater and tend to eat when I am not hungry, so I really have to make myself aware when I begin to fall into those habits. Many times I give in to those feelings, but I make better food choices when I do as opposed to pre-op Cristal. I do sometimes make poor food choices, but I don't beat up myself for it because 85% of the time, I do make the right choices. I continue to exercise every weekday morning, ensure I am consuming at lease 64oz of water everyday and take my vitamins without fail each day. This is something that you have to work on and be conscience of EVERYDAY. I continue to pray and praise the Lord for this blessing and understand that without His hand in this, I would not have been as successful. I've had so many people ask me to tell my story and it is humbling to know that I am an inspiration to some. I am very open when it comes this my WLS story because you never know who you might be able to help or encourage. Until next time, be blessed. 10.20.04 --139lbs Hey there! Today marks my 1-year post-op anniversary, and I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown. As I write this reflecting on all of the marvelous changes I’ve gone thru physically, emotionally and mentally, I am in awe. I cannot take any of the credit because all the glory goes to Jesus Christ. I am thanking Him for giving me the opportunity to have this amazing surgery, being with me during my surgery and He continues to guide me on this journey. With that said, my husband David also deserves a very heartfelt “Thank You”. He has been with me thru the whole thing. This man put up with me when I wasn’t a very nice person to be around. He has cooked for me to make sure I was eating as I should and more importantly, he has been my biggest fan by being encouraging, complementary and so very proud of this accomplishment. To date, I’ve lost 108 lbs, but gained so much. I am HEALTHY. My knees don’t hurt, I don’t feel lethargic and sluggish, and I don’t wake up every morning feeling depressed and like a failure because of my weight. My confidence has increased, I am a better wife and mother and I’ve met some great people. This has been such amazing journey for me. I’ve had no complications, no sickness, and no pain. I will say that the further out you get, those food demons will try and rear their ugly head. 85% of the time I am able to fight them off, but that other 15%? Humph, humph, humph. Sometimes you just gotta give in! I still plan my meals and eat well; focusing on protein, water and vitamins, but I love sweets and they are still a part of my diet. I do not count calories, but I concentrate on protein grams VS carb grams. I tolerate everything with no problem with the exception of soda. Here is a sample of what I eat each weekday: Before/During/After workout: 48oz water Breakfast: 4 slices of Canadian bacon, 2 egg whites, and 1 slice of wheat toast AM Snack: 6oz of Splenda –sweetened yogurt, half or (sometimes a whole banana) Lunch: Chicken Stir fry (3-4oz) with ¼ cup of rice 34oz Kool-Aid PM Snack: String cheese (1 or 2 depending on how hungry I am) Dinner: 3-4 oz of chicken, or beef, or pork or fish, veggies, and ¼ cup of a starch. 24 oz of Kool-Aid or Crystal Light 16oz of water All in all, this has been a wonderful journey. I would still like to lose 5 more pounds, but If I don’t I am fine with that too. My prayer is to maintain this weight for the rest of my life. I would also love to have PS (boobs, bootie tummy and thighs), but I really don’t think I have enough loose skin for my insurance company to justify paying for it. I will just have to save up! Until next time, be blessed. 11.05.04--139lbs Hey everyone! Just wanted to pop in and tell you that my 1 year post-op appointment went well. My surgeon has since left BTC so met with Dr. Rolin Thrift (a brotha) and he was cool. It was a trip because everyone from the chick who weighed me and took my BP to the patient counselor and nutritionist tripped out on how I looked. Even the doctor was like "you look good, girl!" LOL...The chick who took my vitals asked me if I'd had any plastic surgery and I told her no, and she was like "well you toned up very well". Those were nice things to hear. All of my labs came back normal with the exception of my iron (no surprise). My bad cholesterol was at 180. I believe anything below 199 is in the healthy range. I was hoping it was going to be a little lower than that. He did say my good cholesterol was excellent (I guess cooking with olive oil helps). He told me that I need to start incorporating more complex carbs (rice, potatoes, fruits and veggies) into my diet because he didn't want me to lose anymore weight. Their scale weighed me at 150lbs (in the middle of the day with clothes and shoes on) and PMS-ing. I normally weigh myself in the nude, 1st thing in the morning. I'm not stressing over the extra lbs, but I sure would like to see that scale say "135lbs". I did ask about my pouch and he said they normally make them 30cc's. That was pretty much sums it up and my next appointment won't be until next year. I also want to mention that my best friend, Shamim--Check out her profile: Shamim's Profile. will finally be having surgery on Monday, November 8th. Praise God! I am so excited for her. I know she will do just fine and will be very successful because she is determined and has put her trust in the Lord. She will be having it lap and plans to be out for 2 weeks. Please visit her profile and sign her surgery page. Let me also give you an update on my husband, David. Please check out his profile David's Profile. We are still trying to get him approved thru Aetna (it's less out of pocket for us). He has to meet with a nutritionist 3 times. He has met with them once and has an appointment on 11.24.04 and plans to met with them early in December so that we can submit for an appeal and get scheduled and have surgery before year-end. Otherwise, we will seek approval thru UHC when my new benefits kick in January 2005. Please keep David in your prayers. I truly believe prayer works and he is so ready to have the surgery now. Until next time, be blessed. 11.24.04 - 140lbs Greetings all! Just wanted to check in and let you know I am still doing well. I am holding at 140lbs and feeling great! I still work out every weekday morning and eating pretty well. I do have an addiction to cinnamon candy from Wal-Mart, but other than that, I'm good. I am loving clothing and I am not ashamed to say that I LOVE thrift stores! You can really find some amazing deals I am still wearing size 6 and have managed to wear a couple of size 4's. Update on my husband, David. Yesterday he went in for his second appointment with the nutritionist so he only has one more to go and it is scheduled for 12.10.04. After that, we are going to submit his paperwork for approval. Please keep him in your prayers. My best friend Shamim is doing awesome. She is almost 3 weeks post-op and is back at work, eating well and getting active. I am so proud of her. I know she is going to be an inspirational success story. Have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving Holiday! 12.20.04--140lbs Greetings everyone! 14 months post-op and only 5 days left until Christmas. I cannot believe another year is almost gone. I am still feeling great and seem to be maintaining this weight. I am doing the same as I have been for months: protein, water, exercise (5 days/week) and vitamins. It's working for me. I had hoped to drop down to 135lbs, but I really think I like the sound of "135lbs" but I don't believe I would look all that hot at that weight. Besides, I think I already look like I weigh 135lbs...I am still wearing a size 6 and some 4's and that still trips me out! Let me give you an update on my husband, David: He finished his 3 month surgical prep with Dr. Kim and Pam (Dr. Kim's assistant) submitted his paperwork for appeal this past Friday (12.17.04). We are claiming the victory and his surgery is tentatively scheduled for 12.27.04. Please keep him in your prayers. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Remember the reason for the season. Praise the Lord!! Be blessed. 01.04.05--140lbs Happy New Year, everyone! Just checking in to let you know that David did have his surgery on 12.27.04 (Praise the Lord) and he is doing wonderfully! No soreness, sickness, nothing. He is eating well, getting in that water, those vitamins and walking. I am sooo happy for him! All the glory has to go to the Lord because without him, none of this would've been possible. I am feeling pretty good. I have been experiencing a dull, nagging headache since Saturday (01.01.04). I have been taking Tylenol, and the pain goes away for a time, but it comes back. It's almost like a stress headache because it seems to have moved down to my neck. Very strange. To my knowledge, I am not stressed, but who knows. I did recently begin taking sublingual B-12 drops and liquid calcium. I don't know if that has anything to do with it. Anyway, that is my only complaint. 01.20.05--140lbs--15 months post-op Hey there! Just wanted to drop in since today is my 15-month post-op anniversary. I am still holding at 140lbs and wearing a size 6 (and some 4's). I would still like to lose 5 more pounds, just say that I weigh 135lbs. LOL. But if I don't it's still all good. Just to let you know, I haven't had any more headaches since I mentioned it in my last posting. I am feeling GREAT! I guess it was stress or the liquid calcium. I haven't had that liquid calcium since. My husband David is doing wonderfully! He is eating solid foods, exercising, getting his 64oz in and taking those vitamins. He kills me because he rarely gets on the scale. Me? I have to get on once a week! He is losing so many inches. You can really see the change in his face. I am so excited for him. I know with the Lord's help, his journey is going to be awesome. Until next time, be blessed. 02.25.05--149lbs Yeah, can you believe it? I weighed in at 149lbs this morning. I know I am retaining a lot of water as I am currently on my cycle, but I have also been eating too many carbs as well. I feel bloated and puffy. All my clothes fit fine, but I have that icky, full, tight feeling. We all mess up, but it's time to reel it in. I do not want to mess up this blessing. I pray the next time I update; my weight is back to 140lbs. On a positive note, David is doing awesome! He is down to 265lbs from 302lbs pre-op. I am so proud of him. A friend here at work, Sharon, had her surgery on 02.14.05 and she is doing fantastic as well. She is still at home recuperating from the surgery. I know she is going to do a great job. 03.23.05--143lbs Well, I dropped those extra pounds, but I think my body is happy weighing 140-145lbs and that is fine with me. I am still a size 6 (sometimes a 4) and I am healthy and that the most important thing to me. I am still working out 5 days/week and getting my protein, vitamins and liquids in daily. I totally love the Wal-Mart's version of "Crystal Light To Go". They have Raspberry, Lemonade, and my personal favorites: Tang flavor, Fruit Punch and Peach Tea. You simply pour one of the packets into a 16.9oz of bottled water and go. They have no calories, low in sodium and no aftertaste. I usually mix 2 bottles to take to work with me and put them in the freezer. I love it when they are slushy. I had a PS consultation yesterday and the PS basically told me that the tummy tuck and the breast augmentation would be considered cosmetic (no big surprise there...). He said considering I'd lost 110lbs, I had very little loose skin. The total cost for both procedures was $11,800. Guess I'll work with what I've got, cuz that ain't happening at this point in my life. I do have to praise the Lord because we bought a home and will be moving in May. I gotta tell you that it was nothing but the Lord who made that possible. Hallelujah!!! 04.20.05 Whoa, I am 18 months post op today. I cannot believe how quickly the time flies by. I am feeling great and maintaining my weight pretty well. I still have times when I don't make the best food choices, but I stay focused most of the time. I am stil exercising every weekday morning and getting my protein, water and vitamins in. These things are so important and to be taken very seriously. My husband, David is doing great. He looks so good and feels even better. He is down to 245lbs (from 322lbs) I am so proud of him! I am also proud of my best friend, Shamim. She is doing awesome. She is officially under 200lbs. Well, the next time I write, we should be moved into our home. I am so excited!!! Until next time, be blessed. 05.31.05--143lbs Hey Everyone! I'm a few days late and I cannot believe I forgot to do my monthly update, but I guess that's what happens the further out you get. I have been busy getting all unpacked and moved in to our new home. It is such a blessing and all the glory has to be given to the Lord, because without Him, it would not have been possible. I am doing very well. Feeling great. Maintaining my weight. I tend to fall between 140lbs-145lbs. Still wearing size 6 (some 4's), still exercising every weekday morning, still taking my vitamins and getting in at least 100oz of fluids a day. My eating is good, but it could be better. I make sure I get plenty of protein, veggies and fruit, but I LOVE sweets. I continue to pray about that because it is a daily struggle. It is amazing how your old eating habits try and rear their ugly head, so this is something you must stay on top of because it is so easy to become complacent. My baby "graduated" from the 5th grade last week and I am so proud of him! I cannot believe my youngest will be attending middle school next year. Time flies by. My husband David is doing and looking awesome. He is down to 230lbs from 322lbs in less than 6 months! Don't men sometimes make you sick?!? LOL. I am so humbled and I thank the Lord daily for this blessing He has given me and my husband. I pray I use it to glorify His name. Well, I know this is short, but I better get back to work. Until next time, be blessed. 07.15.05--149.5lbs Okay, as you can see I've put on a few lbs. I am praying that it is because I am on my cycle, but been eating a few too many carbs lately too. This is stopping today! I am learning that WLS is only a tool and I must 'work it'. All of my clothes still fit just fine, but I feel a little thick. Don't get me wrong, I like what I see in the mirror, but 140-145lbs is my 'fighting' weight. I still continue to work out every weekday morning, drink my 100oz of water, get that protein in and take vitamins.
About Me
Before & After
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