Pam M.

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So here I am, exactly 10 months out, and I have lost about 110 pounds. I’m down to about 161 pounds, which is a very good weight for my height (5’ 7 ½”). I’ve been at the same weight for about 6 weeks, but for me this is pretty typical. My entire weight loss experience has been long stalls followed by big drops in weight. My last stall lasted about 6 weeks through the holidays, where I was stuck around 173. I thought I was done losing, and then one day in January the scale said 166, overnight it seemed. Now, at 161, and only 10 months out, I’m not sure if I am finished losing. My surgeon tells me that height/weight charts would put me as low as 145, so not to be alarmed if I lose more. Besides, since some people tend to bounce back and gain some weight back after reaching goal, getting to 145 gives me some breathing room.

 My current bra size is 34D (I just bought some new bras last night). Pre-op, I was a 44DDDD, or 44G.

My current pant size is an 8-10, depending on the brand. I bought some cropped pants at Nordstrom in a size 10, but then bought some Bermuda shorts (Jag brand) also at Nordstrom, and had to buy a 4! (Yes, they are cut big, but still, a 4????) I bought a pair of premium denim jeans (Hudson brand) in size 28. That would be a 28 waist, not size 28 plus size! I’m actually feeling pretty good about my size, although sometimes I get alarmed when I see my bones (collarbones, ribs, hipbones). It’s weird to me. 

Yes, I will need plastic surgery. I will most likely need a lower body lift, and a breast lift with implants. Those are my 2 priorities. It is weird to think that I may need implants after having been a G cup in the past, but right now my breasts are 2 empty sacks of skin. The plastic surgeon’s office patient coordinator told me to not be alarmed if I needed implants. Most post-weight loss women are surprised that they will need implants with their breast lift. I would like to also have an inner thigh lift and an arm procedure to get rid of the batwings, but that is a lower priority, when I have the funds. The lower body lift and the breast lift/implants are a higher priority for me.

I can eat pretty much anything, including pizza and rice. I don’t really eat much pasta, as it doesn’t fill me up. And pizza is a treat. It is sometimes difficult for me emotionally, because my head still wants to stuff 5 slices down my throat, but my body will only allow one slice. But I’m relieved to know that I can still have my favorite foods, although in much smaller quantities. I can even have the occasional piece of chocolate, but I do have to be careful. I have my very own built in conscience! If I eat 2 Reese’s peanut butter cups, I’m fine, but if I reach for the third one, I start to dump. So yeah, I still indulge in treats once in awhile, but I just can’t eat them like I used to, which is the whole point, right? So I do dump, but only when I overdo it. Some people are very sensitive to sugar and fat and will dump at the slightest amount. I am not one of those people. However, I will dump if I start to take in more than my body should have, so overall I’m pretty happy, as I can still have a bite or 2 of forbidden foods, but I can’t pig out on them. The only thing I really avoid is fried foods. I can’t stand the taste or smell of them.

So I'm nearly 9 months out, and I have lost 108 pounds. The "you're too skinny" and "you're not going to lose anymore, are you?" comments have started. I feel wonderful, I eat well and I enjoy food again. My appetite is back! I still struggle with constipation, but I think I have found my solution:

1 stool softener in the am.
1 calcium oxide in the middle of the day
1 stool softener in the evening.

It seems to work, but sometimes I still have to put some effort into going. I might try adding either a dose of Miralax in the evening, or upping the calcium oxide. Otherwise, I think I'm close to finding my solution to this problem. It is no fun!

I started dating Paul in October of 2009, and he is the love of my life. I feel like I have met my soul-mate. I adore this man, he is very good to me and I am so lucky to have found him. He is very supportive of my new lifestyle, and I have gotten to where I'm not self-conscious about the extra skin in front of him. In case you are wondering, the body looks much better clothed than naked! There will definitely be some plastic surgery in my future!

I hit the 10 week mark this week, and this is the first week that I actually am starting to feel normal. I remember starting a thread some time ago asking people when the energy returned, and when did the nausea end. I remember someone saying that between 2 and 3 months they just started feeling better.

I've experienced some awful, painful constipation in the past couple of weeks. It was frustrating and infuriating. It finally dawned on me that I was eating mostly protein (in the form of shakes) and was not eating much due to lack of appetite. With no fat, fiber, or carbohydrates, and difficulty getting in my liquids, it is no wonder I was constipated! The nausea has pretty much disappeared, but I still lack appetite. I do feel hunger, so I make myself eat when I feel hunger, even though nothing sounds good. Thank goodness that once I take a bite of something, it tastes good! Now that I'm getting in more calories and drinking more, I'm feeling so much better. The lightheadedness and faintness that I have felt for weeks seems to be gone. I know we are supposed to eat low carb, but that does not mean no carb!

I tried to go to the gym about 2 weeks ago, and I could barely finish the class I took, I felt so faint and lightheaded. Now that I'm feeling better, I'm going to go to a spinning class on Sunday. Prior to my surgery, I did exercise, so I'm excited to get back in the saddle!

Today I had my 3 week follow-up appt with Dr. Lauter. I was down 22 pounds, and Dr. Lauter seemed pleased with my progress. I have been cleared to start progressing to solid foods. The only issue I have had up to this point is fatigue and low energy. I'm having trouble getting in my 750 calories a day, so he suggested adding maybe some nuts, or even peanut butter. I will need to keep track, though, because a year from now, when I am able to eat more, there won't be room in my daily calorie allotment for nuts! I bought some macadamia nuts on my way home from my appt, and ate 1/4 cup of them when I got home. I already feel better.