I'm Coming out!

Nov 23, 2008

Hey friends,
I have had two really geat experiences this month.  The first was at Homecoming at Tuskegee University which I attended with a friend who went there.  It was an opportunity for me to practice my flirting and not care about what people were thinking.  I am never wild but it did get plenty of attention from men which felt really good. 
Secondly, I attended a wedding in my hometown.  It was my first visit since the surgery and it was so interesting to see how many people didn't recognize but were saying you look so familiar to me and then were shocked to find out who I was.  For the first time in my life, I am the hottie that returns home and looks better than everyone else. Maybe that's a little cocky but I have worked hard to get here and I can be cocky for a minute or two! 

It's been a while!

Sep 26, 2008

So much has happened since my last post.  i am under 200lbs for the firt time in so many years and I feel great!  I am a little behind my doctor's schedule but I work out 3times per week minimum.  I don't have much saging skin, THANK GOD!   Only my arms are loose other than that I am losing proportionatel all over.  I can wear a size large in most clothes.  My relationships with my friends are changing.  Some are completely supportive while others see my success as a reflection of their failures in losing weight. New pics coming soon.


Protein supplements I loved and then hated.

Jun 24, 2008

Prior to surgery I loved the Atkins Advantage Vanilla Shakes - 15grams of protein and only one carb.  After surgery, I couldn't stand them because it took me so long to finish them that they were warm and the smell made me ill.  So I switched to New Whey Protein bullets in 42grams and 25 grams.  My goal is two a day but sometime I just can't do both.  I use them to take my crushed meds though and that works fine and masks the nasty taste of the meds.  I can't wait to get to actual food.  I have the Unjury protein as well and the unflavored has mixed well in my soups.  I want to try it in mashed potatoes and hot cereal when I get to that stage. 

June 23, 2008

Jun 24, 2008

Whew, time is flying!  I have been in Michigan for almost a week and have seen all the family and friends in Kazoo. We usually all go out to eat when I am in town so it was different this time but I think we will all adjust eventually.  Today is the first day I felt like myself again.  I was able to get in a whole jello cup for the first time and I walked a mile in my parent's neighborhood and then walked at the mall for another hour or so.  At the mall I was able to fit into a size 16 dress for the first time in many, many years.  It was extremely different picking up clothes in sizes I have not worn since the early years of college.  I am excited about shopping the regular women's section and not the plus sizes.  I need to get back with my trainer though as soon as I return to MD.  I want to try to avoid the skin issues as much as possible.  I have no clothes to wear when I return to work on the 7th so I will be doing some serious shopping when I get home.


June 17, 2008

Jun 17, 2008

Today I had my drain tube removed and it hurt like he**!  It was the source of the weird pain I was having.  Once it was out I could move around much better and stand straight up for the first time in a week.  I also lost 6 pounds in the last week.  Clear liquid diet for the next two weeks as well.  I tried to get the doctor to let me have some eggs or cream of wheat but he wouldn"t budge.  He did say that next week I could have some egg drop soup Hooray!  Any change from broth will be great. Tomorrow we get on the train to Michigan for the next week.  I can't wait to see my family and friends in Kalamazoo.  
Michele

June 16, 2008

Jun 16, 2008

Tomorrow is my follow up with Dr. Cantor.  I can't wait to see how much I have lost this week.  Today my mom and I went through my closets and pretty much everything I have is too big now so I seriously have nothing to wear.  We went shopping to look for some stuff to get me through the next month.  I was able to fit into a dress two sizes smaller than normal already.  When I see myself in clothes that actually fit I can imagine what I will look like at my goal weight.  I think it will be good!
Michele

June 15, 2008

Jun 15, 2008

Happy Fathers Day!

Today is six days post op!  My mind is finally clear and we can recap.  On the day of surgery I had lost 13 lbs on the pre-op liquid diet.  Total, I am down 33 lbs from the beginning of this process in June 2007.  I don't have a scale at home so we will have the first post surgery weight on Tuesday with Dr. Cantor.  I have not been getting in enough protein and water since surgery.  I underestimated how difficult this would be with my new pouch.  I got some 42gram and 25gram protein bullets from a friend yesterday and I love them.  I will be able to get in my protein now and I can focus on water.  My parents came in for the surgery and my mom will be here with me until the 18th when we both return to Michigan.  Thank God for my parents!  I am so unbelievably blessed with all my family and friends!
Stay tuned for more updates!

June 10, 2008

Jun 10, 2008

I am home following the surgery.  The pain is manageable and it is amazing how much better I felt when they said I could leave the hospital.  There is pain and the gas is adding to that.  I just want to sleep for now.  Thanks to everyone who was praying for me.  The surgery went very well and Dr, Cantor was wonderful.  More updates soon!
Michele

June 2, 2008

Jun 02, 2008

Today is day 8 of the pre-op liquid diet.  Contrary to popular opinion it does not get easier after the third or seventh day, LOL.  I had only lost two pounds as of day 5.  My pre-op appointment with the surgeon is tomorrow hopefully I will be on track to lose another 5 pounds prior to the surgery.  Today I had My consult with the anesthesiologist.  No surprises there and i didn't really have any questions for him.  Thre reaction I get from people who I tell about the surgery is interesting.  Most people are supportive but there are those who question why I need the surgery.  I always give them my standard answer about my knees blah, blah,blah but lately I feel like crying when I say it.  My knee has been hurting pretty bad since Monday.  It totally reinforces the reasons why I a m doing this.  I am tired of the pain during regular life functions like walking up the stairs and getting in and out of my car.  I would love to be able to jog with my dog just a little bit.  You don't realize how tired you are of things until you have the opportunity to change.  I heard someone today talking about how everything costs you in some way and are you willing to pay the price.  It makes me wonder what this surgery will cost me and I pray that it is worth it.
Later!


May 28,2008

May 28, 2008

Today is my third day of the pre-op liquid diet.  It is not easy but I will make it.  I have had lots of protein powder, broth, crystal light, SF jello and SF popsicles.  I need to let everyone know that I don't even like popsicles.  I have decided to think of this as a spiritual fasting experience.  I am praying for change in many areas and for the strength to complete this journey.  I am blessed with tremendous support from everyone I know.  I do wish that I had taken some time off work in advance of the surgery because I have so much to get done at home. 

About Me
MD
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26.4
BMI
Nov 11, 2007
Member Since

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Latest Blog 19
I'm Coming out!
It's been a while!
Protein supplements I loved and then hated.
June 23, 2008
June 17, 2008
June 16, 2008
June 15, 2008
June 10, 2008
June 2, 2008
May 28,2008

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