Jennie M.

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Wow - only 5 months ago, I was up bright & early to take my shower with my lovely surgical scrub brush. Truly hard to believe how my life has changed for the better!! And how using the tool my surgeon gave me has allowed me to make so many changes to my life - both in eating habits and styles to coping strategies, etc.

So here's some quick stats:

HW: 339
SW: 228 (saw this in my surgeon's notes this past week)

1 mth post-op: 290 (-36 lbs)
2 mths post-op: 279 (-11 lbs)
3 mths post-op: 269 (-10 lbs)
4 mths post-op: 256 (-13 lbs)
5 mths post-op: 242 (-14 lbs)

TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS:  97 lbs

Using MY GOAL (of 175 lbs), I still have 67 lbs to lose.  Anything beyond that for me is vanity poundage!!  

So to use all the doctor-speak, I have lost to date 59% of my EWL as of today.

And as much as I wanted to get there before today, I am not quite at the Century club yet... hopefully this week!  3 lbs to go to hit the Century Club. It feels so close and yet so far right now. Two weeks of vacation away from home and eating out more probably slowed me down a tad but when I look at those monthly figures, my WL per month has INCREASED instead of dropping each month. LOL

Clothing:

All over the map now but I can say I'm solidly in a size 24 and not for long. I was told by the sales gal in Lane Bryant this week that my capris were far too loose! But I have 22's sitting all ready to go but they are just slightly too snug - does anyone make a 22.5?  LOL  I inherited an inordinate amount of clothing from 2 other very generous sleeve sisters this past week with lots of 22 & 24s in there and they will get some use for sure - the shorts have been a wonderful blessing now that summer's heat & humidity has found us.

Bra - my 40G is getting large - esp in the top half of the cup. Looks like the air is coming out of the balloon but there's still enough skin to justify the cup if that makes sense. Sad girls these days.  I did buy a 38H (different style & manufacturer) and depending on the day, my cup runneth over so like the pants, I'm right between sizes.

I did finally buy new undies though - first time since I started this journey and I bought some LB 22/24's (I had a few pairs to slim down to at home and they are now fitting really nicely) and 1 pair of 18/22 to slim down into - probably by Sept at the rate I'm shrinking right now.

Shirts - Definitely now into small 2X or an XL. My sleeve sisters and I went to Old Navy on our road trip to Ypsilanti this week and I bought a new t-shirt there (we all bought the same shirt in various colours) - was the deal of the week for $8 or something - can't pass that up. Well - I was skeptical and tried on the 2XL and it was billowy so I decided to work my way down to the XL so I can wear it into the fall as it's a 3/4 sleeve.  So as we shopped the clearance racks, I picked up a new nightgown and felt that for now, I still needed the 2XL... and the roll-waist yoga pants. Knowing my bottom half is still larger than my top, I again bought the 2XL and thought they'll be super snug but won't be for long. Um wrong... I tried the pants on yesterday and in the thighs they are almost baggy. I probably could have purchased the XL - holy crap!  And the nightgown is similar - the 1XL would have been just fine.  So now I know - I can shop in Old Navy with relative ease. If you'd told me that even 2 mths ago I would have laughed at you!

Some NSV:

* I can cross my legs and sit that way for awhile! I feel very lady-like that I can now do this!
* my wedding and engagement rings are barely staying on. My mom had to give me my great-grandmother's "keeper" ring which I wear between my e-ring and my knuckle to keep it all in place. A short term solution for now.
* I had my picture taken in a bathing suit this week and I didn't have a panic attack when I saw the camera (and that my mom sent the picture out to all my aunts & uncles!)
* Posting again - I can shop in many "regular" stores now if they have XL and 2XL sizing without having to go to specialty stores (apart from my bras).
* Started the C25K program again this past week - it's been 2 mths and almost 30 lbs since I first tried it and it was almost easy (comparatively speaking). I walked/jogged just under 2km in the 30 min I was exercising.
* Enjoyed the day at the African Lion Safari with my family in the heat & sun 10 days ago and didn't feel the need to sit at every park bench and look for an escape from the heat (or a/c!). Even splashed in the splash pad with the kids!

And a not so pleasant NSV, my hips & outer thighs hurt when I wake up in the morning - no more (or certainly not as much) padding to lie on!!!

And lastly, I'm starting to notice that I can (if I want to some days) eat more food. Until this past week or so, I've been "stalled" in that I could only eat 2-2.25 oz of solid protein at dinner, etc and barely get in a bite or two of veg on the side. Well - I think (I didn't have my food scale) I ate 2.25-2.5oz of chicken (BBQ chicken thigh!) with a small boiled "new" potato (prob an inch in diameter) and half an ear of freshly picked corn on the cob. Thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Am mildly pleased and yet concerned that I can now eat more but looking at the numbers ending the week of my vacation, I'd say for now it's not affecting my loss... it might actually be increasing it (meaning I can eat my 70g of protein instead of still needing a protein bar or shake). So we'll be keeping a close eye on this!

A friend posted this as she is just under a week pre-op and I thought it was a good idea even though I'm post-op. I will "borrow" this and see how I'm doing.

Timeline goals to aim for to see if I am on track to lose 100% EWL:

25% EWL by two months
50% EWL by six months
80% EWL by twelve months
100% EWL by eighteen months

Take surgery weight and subtract  goal weight. This will give the EWL%. Then divide the EWL by the percentage to get the timelime goal.

surgery weight = 319
goal weight = 160
EWL = 159

25% EWL by two months = 40 (279 pounds) MET (277 lbs)
50% EWL by six months = 80 (239 pounds) On track to meet this by Sept 12. At 247 lbs Aug 2nd.
80% EWL by twelve months = 127 (192 pounds)

As of this morning, I would no longer qualify for weight loss surgery as I have a BMI of less than 40 (which also means I am no longer morbidly obese - just plain old obese) and I have no co-morbidities.  I am more than slightly tickled pink. :)  Next goal?  <250 and well - that could happen by the end of the weekend as I'm 251 as of this morning. Now if AF would exit stage right, I know I'll be <250lbs.  (This also means that I am back to my pre-pregnancy and children weight. Am sure I was 250 when I got pregnant give or take a few pounds!!)

Woo hoo!

OMG.. .OMG... OMG.... I am this close to no longer being in the morbidly obese "category". 

As of this a.m., I was 252.4 lbs and according to my ticker, that has me teetering on the BMI of 40.1. So by Monday, there is a great chance that I may have a BMI that would no longer qualify me for WLS.

I also wanted to post this so I don't lose it. This is the results from the VSG Conference held in March 2009 with long term results based on starting BMI, diabetes resolution and more.

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/matrix/bt_supp0609/#/24/OnePage


Lastly - I'm going to post this so I don't forget.  I have been having some "dumping" type episodes. I bought some Carnation Instant Breakfast shakes for those mornings when I just can't/don't have the time for real food.  3 times now, I have found that I have some forceful/explosive BM's within 60-90 min of having one of these shakes. These are not the S/F versions. Now I don't get the sweats, heart palpitations, etc that others describe as "true dumping" syndrome but this "sugar overload" has happened 3 x.  If nothing else, it helps clear the pipes (and constipation - as I haven't gone in the 3 days in between).  However, I had store bought birthday cake for my daughter's birthday yesterday - no issues whatsoever and I'm sure it has as much sugar as the shake did (I'm going to have to relook at the nutritional info!). I have a Tim Horton's double double (small) every day or other day without issue.   But these shakes cause gastric or intestinal distress almost - lots of gas, cramping and a sudden need to use the washroom.

Now on an odd aside, I've had 3 shakes in 7 days.  And in that time, I've lost 5.5 lbs. :)  So go figure?

I just realized that today is my 4 month surgiversary. WOW!   And I just realized that I have lost 50% of MY EWL.  Holy smokes!!  82 lbs gone for good.

I am still shooting for 100 lbs gone by my 6 mth surgiversary and with 18 lbs to go, that's entirely do-able. I need to really get back on track (although how can I honestly complain that in 4-5 wks, I lost 12-13 lbs?) as I know I've not been following the rules as much lately. I'm still eating protein first at meal time but I do find myself snacking and that's getting to be too easy. Thankfully the brownies are out of the house. Dangerous little things... Need to make the kids treats that don't tempt me somehow.

And I debuted my bathing suit at the beach on Friday - it was that hot (er... outside... need to clarify that one!). I was a little shy but really it was more a self conscious thing. Funny how being 75 lbs heavier wasn't a big deal - I would have been there in a suit but now that things are sagging and drooping, I'm not as confident. Odd... I do find my self image is taking a beating. I have moments where I think that reflection can't be me - too slim and then I see a picture of me and I think - ick - haven't changed much at all. All this work for just that little change? How's that for screwed up?

OK - off to finish my protein shake. I'll try and get some pics taken later on today and do my measurements.

STATS:

Consult wt: 329 (17/11/08)
Highest wt: 339 (mid Jan 09)
Surgery wt: 319
1 mth post op: 294
2 mth post op: 279
3 mth post op: 268
Today's wt: 257

Pants:
Started in loose 30 / tight 28
Today in loose 24/ tight 22s

Shirts:
Started in 4x/5x depending on the cut
Today in loose 3x- snugger 1x depending on the shirt.

Bra:
Started in 44/46 G/H. Sports bra: Enell size 7
Today: 38H (little snug/full) or 40H (little loose in band and cup not full anymore). Enell size 4.

At surgery, I could just get my engagement ring on and my wedding ring was comfortable but snug/left a dent on puffier hand days.

Today, my engagement ring slides easily up to my knuckle and certainly doesn't leave a dent. Wedding ring is only staying on because my E-ring is 1 size smaller. :)  I honestly don't think I'll be able to wear them daily by my 5 mth surgiversary.

I just came in from the store and I bought a pair of capris to get through the rest of the summer in size (drum roll please) 22!! This is in a store I was too (ahem) fluffy to fit into pre-op at a size 30/snug 28. And I had to buy new bras too - down from a 46/44 G/H (and close to overflowing) to a 38 H today. I couldn't believe it!

And a last quick one that happened on Canada Day last week - I went on a swing at the park. For the first time in 10 yrs, I went on a swing and could swing without wincing and leaving bruises. It was pure bliss!

(And as an aside, I've been in a small plateau/stall since June 27 and finally saw the scale go down 1 lb today, it was super exciting to obviously be losing inches so don't despair at stalls folks!!)

So I got a quick email from Dr. F today... bloodwork taken June 18th is in.... drumroll please... (this is from his email):

Everything looks fine.

Regards,

Yoni

I saw the email come in and I thought - ok - here goes. How bad is it going to be and I got this??  I was sure I was anemic or very close to it. I know my B12 was borderline pre-op.... and I was taking vit. D as my bloodwork in the fall of 2007 was on the low side (when I started with Dr. F at BMI). I have struggled seriously since surgery - and I would honestly say I've been averaging 1 x vit D a week, 1 x iron a week and maybe 1-2x multis a week. That's it.  (And this is honestly one of the reasons I was leaning towards the VSG over the DS - I have never been good at taking vits... )

So I'll keep an eye on what I'm eating to keep it balanced (I think having more milk compared to pre-op has helped my calcium & vit. D), get some sun this summer (even with sunscreen) and keep eating that red meat 1-2X a week to help with my iron.  And I'll reassess at 6 mths to keep an eye on things!

Wow... and to reach my pre-plastics goal of 180 or so, I'm now at 50% of my EWL gone.  (AND to boot, AF showed up late last night so I'm probably a little lower than that but that will show in a few days!!)

A few NSV this weekend up at the Lake:

* walked just about everywhere on the campgrounds (and in 80-85 degree heat which is warm/hot to me!!) - to & from the beach 3-4 times (where I would have driven and avoided leaving until I was ready to go back)

* went on the swings with my kids!!  There are 5 swings and my four kids each had one and I thought I'd try - figured it would hurt my thighs like mad (think I tried it 2 summers ago?) and nope - it was great! Such fun!!

* didn't take my food scale and am pretty sure I stayed within my guidelines - esp. since I can see the results on the scale this a.m. (since Friday's weigh in).

So all in all, a successful weekend.

WOOHOO!!

Finally.... I've been struggling to get this last 5 lbs off since almost the beginning of the month!!  Funny enough, an OH (and IRL) friend PM-ed me yesterday to say I was at this milestone weight loss and I had to tell her nope - only 1 lousy lb to go.

Well this morning, I skipped right over the elusive 75lb mark and went straight to the 76 lb lost mark!  263.4!! And with that, I have lost 46% of my EWL. And today marks my surgiversary - it's been 15 wks today. And if I go by my weight at the beginning of March (so 17 wks), I was 326 so I'm down 63 or so since my 2 week pre-op diet!

I really need to get off my ass and move more - I know my losses have slowed this month because of this. However, I am still on track to lose 10-12 lbs this month. That means I'll be sitting at my pre-plastics goal by New Years. How can I complain about that?? I sure don't feel like I'm on a diet (and I'm not!!).

My sleeve rocks and sure helps keep my in check.

Yep - I hit 265 on the scale yesterday morning to my complete surprise. Woo hoo!! 

Got up and at 'em fairly early this a.m. and took two kids with me to Canadian Tire - without even thinking, I pushed my way through the turnstyle thing-y at the front entrance and went through without even touching the thing. {{faint}} I stopped, looked back and realized that I hadn't needed to go through on tiptoes to fit... or even go through while touching and it being snug... I just waltzed right on through!  Holy crap!

Also bought two new fold up deck chairs for on the deck at the lake - I tried them out gingerly in the store - hoping I wouldn't get stuck in it or break it right then and there in the store. Um - nope... not even close! There's almost room in the chair beside me for the daughter to sit BESIDE me. Woo hoo!!

And then today, I spent the morning and early afternoon purging my closet. Thought to myself, "You have enough clothes here in so many sizes... time to put them in sizes and put them away until you are ready for them." So I did just that. Some of them were hand me downs from other kind OH-ers in Ottawa and some had no sizes in them so I wasn't sure what to do with them so I tried some on.  I'm 99% sure they are size 24!!!  They have some spandex in them but who cares - I now have 3 pairs of wonderful size 24 pants hanging in my closet (that I'm sure wouldn't have fit 2 weeks ago). Have to wear my Spanx with them but I don't care - they go on !! 

Also found an outfit in a box that I wore on my first date with my husband and it fits about 95%... the bottom 2 buttons on the "jacket" won't yet do up but hey - I've had 4 kids since then!!  I was pretty darned pleased to see that outfit go on.

I also purged - big time.  3 bras that I've had for far too long - too big and far too stretched out. Had one on today for "comfort" and really?  Didn't make a difference - yep - that stretched out. I now have 2 garbage bags of clothes to go to Value Village for the Ont. Fed of CP (they helped us pay the balance on Andrew's $17K power wheelchair - yep - so I like to give back when I can). I was even resolute enough to put in clothes that I still wear - they are too baggy (read: comfortable) and it's finally getting warm enough out that I don't need 5 pairs of elastic waist yoga pants anymore and my fall when it's cool enough, they won't fit so out they go! 

So Ottawa gals (and guys - there were a few big shirts from my DH goign in the bag), they'll be at a Variety Village near you soon. Now to purge my kid's closets....