Joan M.
October 31, 2007
Oct 30, 2007
I know I am sooo bad about keeping up the profile. But with this new body came more energy and more activities. I am never just sitting still anymore and I am so grateful to the Lord for this new life. My current weight as of today is 131lbs and that means I have lost 159lbs!! Yahoo! I am wearing baggy size 4/6's. I do not want to go any lower because with having TT later on I will lose skin...and I do not want to be too thin. What a concept, worrying about being too thin. Never did I think that would happen, but I tell you the truth, you never stop working this wonderful pouch. Even with maintenance you must be sure to increase food amounts and keep up the portein and liquids. I still have trouble with meats and chicken is difficult for me. But I manage to get the required amounts in even if I have to add a protein drink. I tell everyone that in 1987 I was born anew in Christ. and in april 2006, I was born anew in the my physical body with WLS. I can never say how grateful I am for this chance at living again. I was so burdened by my weight gain and the stress it caused on my body. And now I am free again. I know the Lord heard my cry for mercy and let me have this surgery. I know there are many who struggle with dieting and when you are Morbidly Obese the goal seems so impossible, espcially with the long term goal and the small amounts you are able to lose. That is why I think for those who are over 100lbs or more oeverweight that this surgery is the best. You see consistent weight loss and at much greater level than with dieting alone. This is NOT an esay fix as a lot of uninformed people say. You must obey the "pouch" rules and exercise. I am very compliant patient and do want to be long term success story. With that said, I can only do this through the strength that Christ my Savior gives me daily. I am human and there are days I am tempted to try something with sugar and some days I do taste something. But I do not gover over the recommended amounts of 5grams of fat or sugar per serving so I do try things. But I stop...which before surgery, we all know we do not just stop at a taste of something.
I feel victorious and so happy now. There are many things society judges about the obese person, some are founded and some are not.
I pray that my sharing my experience will bless, encourage and draw you to make a decision right for you in your weight loss journey. I am not a medical professional so only listen to your doctor...but read as much as you can so you can be informed and then make your decision. But make a decision before it is too late.
The main decision you must think about and the reason my profile is even posted, is the decision where you will spend eternity. We all will spend eternity somewhere. Either with God or apart from God. Jesus said, He is the way the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father apart from Him. Please choose life...choose Jesus. He is waiting for you to call upon Him. He is near to those who call on His name. He died for each person...and wants to bring you into fellowship with the Father. Acknowledge your sin and need for Him. He loves you.....
If you have any questions, ask God to reveal Himself to you and He will, if you want to email me with any questions, please do. I made the choice you are wrestling with right now, an I have never regretted it.
In Christs' love...Joan M
July 13, 2007
Jul 12, 2007
Wow, it has been a long time since I posted here. Sorry..but now that I have met goal weight and even less, I am busy living the life that I once only watched passing me by.
I am at 137-138 pounds any given day. So that is 152-153 lbs lost since April 25, 2006. I wear size 4/6 or small and they are loose. I feel alive and it is wonderful to walk into a store and go to the 4/6's and know they will fit. I couldn't be happier with the results. No plastic surgery yet and do not know if I ever will. No tummy rashes except in Dec. of 2006, so was denied TT. My arms and legs are worse than tummy so I will just keep covered up and not worry.
The Lord is still my constant source of strength, help and hope. Without Jesus I would be nothing and He deserves all the credit for this surgery and the changes in my life. He is the Giver of every good gift and He enables the surgeons to perform this wonderful, life changing surgery and enables to to use this tool and obey the "pouch rules". I pray that as you read this that you would seek the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and let Him direct your path.
Until next time, and in His love,
Joan M
May 15, 2007
May 14, 2007
Good morning...it is a little chilly here in the south this morning. Only 7 more days of school and then I am off work. That is good since we are in the process of selling our home so we can move to Colorado. It will be wonderful to live with our daughter SIL and grandchildren. We showed the house last night and the woman's son is buying her home so we have to wait for him to come and check it out first before an offer but she did love the house and said she could see herself living here. So I will wait for the salavation of the Lord and be still and trust Him with the sale and the details of the sale. He sees all the things we can't and knows their finances and their intentions. So I trust Him to shield us from harm and to make the way straight.
As of this morning I now weigh 141.4. It must be all the work in the yard and in the house getting the house ready to sell....whewwww. But last year I could never have done this much work and not have had a hurting back or legs and been out of breath. But yesterday I climbed up and cleaned my ceiling fan in the kitchen, moped the kitchen floor, and put a sealer on it and did windows (again) and dusted, and so many more things before 11am! Before WLS I would have been dead doing all these things in a week let alone in one day..I am forever grateful for this surgery and the changes in my body. I wear mainly 4/6 and still have to wear my size 8's due to only having a few size 4/6's but that is OK. I would rather wear baggy 8's than tight 26/28's anyday!
For those waiting for weight loss surgery approval, or the date and need encouragement, please seek the Lord Jesus...He has been my Rock when all else looked like sinking sand. He is there waiting for you to call out to Him in meekness and in sincerity. He will answer you cry for salavation and then be your all in all.
Any questions, please email me.
In Christ's love and never ending grace,
Joan M
April 15, 2007
Apr 14, 2007
Good Sunday Morning!!! This is a special day for our family...our wonderful son-in-law is 39 years old today!! We love him so much and can't celebrate with him and and our daughter and grandchildren because we are in SC and they are in CO...but our love and hearts will be with them today!! God is good and when we sell our home here we will be moving to live close to them. So we finished our porch yesterday thanks to a dear friend from church Terry. Terry you rock! Now we just have to paint the railings and paint the front of the house which would have been a much more daunting task last year at 290lbs then it is today at 146lbs! Praise God I hit 146 this morning...I have been adding more carbs and food in general and have started to see a loss again. I already hit the surgeon's goal and would still love to have a normal BMI but am not trying to lose but trusting the Lord to get my body to where it wants to be.
Well, we have to get ready for church and there is a thunderstorm today so I need to get off of here. Hey...maybe this is the day for you to go to a Bible teaching church for the first time....give God a try He loves you and wants to fellowship with you.
In Christ's love and grace,
Joan M
April 2, 2007
Apr 01, 2007
Good morning everyone...well, I better update since my WLS Surgeon's visit on March 28, 2007. But before that I would love to say that this week before Easter is my favorite. As I reflect on what Jesus did on the cross on my and your behalf it overwhelms me with love for Him. John 3:16 says it perfectly..."For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that who ever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." If you have not received this free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, do not wait another minute because we never know if this is the day our life will end and we need to have assurance of salvation and that is only through Jesus Christ. And it is very easy for us to receive...just confess with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord and ask His forgiveness for our sin and aks Him to come into your heart and change you into what He desires you to be and He will do all of that and more. Any questions, please email me. I love you but God loves you more and it is not an accident that you found my profile.
Now to the update...went for my 11th month check up Mar 28, 07 which they call one year and my surgeon was amazed at how well I have done...I AM AT HIS GOAL! He said with tummy skin removed he doesn't want me to lose anymore weight. I asked about the BMI and he said that is toooo stringent and is for insurance not for real people. So I asked if I should try to get to 145 and he said NO... you are so tiny now. I weigh 148 today and he said with skin removal of tummy I will lose weight too. Also, he said he can tell by my bloodwork that I am using the tool the way it was designed and that is why I am successful ....I obey the rules. And all the labs were excellent! He could tell I was eating healthy. We all know I am a rule follower and it paid off. So I guess I am on maintenance...they took pics of my tummy and he is writing letter to insurance for pannilectomy for me and he will do it! I have to call and check with his ofc in three weeks to see if I got approval. So please pray that I get approval from insurance and then I will check into slight breast reconstruction...just lift which he can do also.
Have a blessed day and blessed Easter...until next time...Joan M
March 24, 2007
Mar 23, 2007
Good morning everyone and it is a great morning here in SC. The windows are opened my husband and I just read Psalm 23 together and are trusting the Lord with the breakdown of our Toyota yesterday. We have spent our tax refund on home repairs and now we are facing car repairs but we have a Father in heaven who knows our needs and is more than able to meet those needs. I never have to fear although I do still struggle with fear but I KNOW God loves me and will provide for this need also. I have over 20 years of walking with the Lord to look back at my "stones of remembrance" and He has never let me down or failed me...unlike me who fails everyday to be what He desires me to be, which is like His Son Jesus Christ. But I hang on to Him and His Word and try to obey Him and when I fail I confess my sins and repent and get back on the right path again. What an incredible God that forgives our transgressions and desires to see us walk a walk worthy of His calling. The idea that one day and I believe with the signs of the times that it will be soon thatJesus will return to call His church home and then I will see Him face to face and my heart's desire more than weight loss, success, notoriety or any other earthly accomplishment, is to hear Him say to me in that day..."Well, done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord". Oh precious will be that day to me! If you do not know God that way and want to...we all have access to the Father through His Son ( it is the only way, God said it I didn't) If you ask God to forgive your sins and cleanse you He will, trust in the finished work of the Cross on Calvary and ask Jesus into your heart and to make you what He wants you to be. He will, it is a life long process but you don't have the power to do it w/o Him. He will do it through you in His power and it is an incredible thing to behold...new life, free life, joy filled life even in the midst of trials...if you want to talk..email me I will try to answer your questions.
Now to my update which has been a long time.
Well, I have been stalling for the past month between 153 - 155 pounds.....yikes!! As an example here are the weights and dates from 2/26 to today:
2/26/07 - 156
3/4/07 - 155.4
3/7/07 - 153
3/12/07 - 153.4
3/19/07 - 155.8 at Dr.s ofc w/clothes
3/21/07 - 153.8
3/24/07 - today 149.6!!!!!! Yea out of the 150's!!!!
I could only dream of being in the 140's again and now it is a reality! I am so happy I made this decision to have the surgery. I am getting ready to go to a Ladies function at one of our sister churches and I cannot wait for the ladies to see me because some of them haven't seen me since I was 300lbs when I was in charge of a Women's Retreat at our church and was on stage making all the announcements. I was so embarrassed to be in front of them then but I am so happy to be able to see them now. They all love me no matter what I weigh but this will be so fun! Me and my Pastor's wife (my Dear Friend whom I love) are driving together. She has been such an encouragement to me and never made me feel guilty for wanting to do this. She is health conscious and I think that helps. And she is gorgeous! My BMI when I went to Surgeon's ofc for the consult was 54.8 and today it is 28.2...normal for 5'1" is 25!!! Not too much farther to go...I still have a month before my surgiversary April 25th so I am hoping to lose at least another 5lbs by then. He has never given me a goal but I will ask him this time. I know I probably won't go much smaller because my bones are easily felt and visable now. It is freaky to feel bones that have been hidden under layers of fat. I am wearing a size 8 capri that are zipped on the side and I feel cute...me..cute....never would have dreamed that I could feel pretty and feminine again. God is forever showing me that He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than I could ever ask or think as Ephesians 3:20 says in the Bible. He restored the years the locusts have eaten...and when we feel discouraged by our weight we feel like we are being robbed from living, I know I did. I always say I felt like a spectator to my own life. But now I participate in my life actively!! Me active again! If you are just researching, please continue to do so...read, read and read some more. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and proceed. You will never know if the door will open until you take the first step towards the door and then the next until the door opens. And you come through the other side. I pray you have been blessed, encouraged and built up by reading this profile. If I can point one person to Jesus it would be worth it all. If one person could make a decision to change their life it would be worth it all. Maybe you are that person. May Jesus guide you and call you to Himself and may your life be as He has planned it for you since before the foundation of the world.
In Christ's love and until next time...
Joan M
Now to my update which has been a long time.
Well, I have been stalling for the past month between 153 - 155 pounds.....yikes!! As an example here are the weights and dates from 2/26 to today:
2/26/07 - 156
3/4/07 - 155.4
3/7/07 - 153
3/12/07 - 153.4
3/19/07 - 155.8 at Dr.s ofc w/clothes
3/21/07 - 153.8
3/24/07 - today 149.6!!!!!! Yea out of the 150's!!!!
I could only dream of being in the 140's again and now it is a reality! I am so happy I made this decision to have the surgery. I am getting ready to go to a Ladies function at one of our sister churches and I cannot wait for the ladies to see me because some of them haven't seen me since I was 300lbs when I was in charge of a Women's Retreat at our church and was on stage making all the announcements. I was so embarrassed to be in front of them then but I am so happy to be able to see them now. They all love me no matter what I weigh but this will be so fun! Me and my Pastor's wife (my Dear Friend whom I love) are driving together. She has been such an encouragement to me and never made me feel guilty for wanting to do this. She is health conscious and I think that helps. And she is gorgeous! My BMI when I went to Surgeon's ofc for the consult was 54.8 and today it is 28.2...normal for 5'1" is 25!!! Not too much farther to go...I still have a month before my surgiversary April 25th so I am hoping to lose at least another 5lbs by then. He has never given me a goal but I will ask him this time. I know I probably won't go much smaller because my bones are easily felt and visable now. It is freaky to feel bones that have been hidden under layers of fat. I am wearing a size 8 capri that are zipped on the side and I feel cute...me..cute....never would have dreamed that I could feel pretty and feminine again. God is forever showing me that He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than I could ever ask or think as Ephesians 3:20 says in the Bible. He restored the years the locusts have eaten...and when we feel discouraged by our weight we feel like we are being robbed from living, I know I did. I always say I felt like a spectator to my own life. But now I participate in my life actively!! Me active again! If you are just researching, please continue to do so...read, read and read some more. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and proceed. You will never know if the door will open until you take the first step towards the door and then the next until the door opens. And you come through the other side. I pray you have been blessed, encouraged and built up by reading this profile. If I can point one person to Jesus it would be worth it all. If one person could make a decision to change their life it would be worth it all. Maybe you are that person. May Jesus guide you and call you to Himself and may your life be as He has planned it for you since before the foundation of the world.
In Christ's love and until next time...
Joan M
Feb. 25, 07 10th Surgiversary
Feb 24, 2007
Good morning...10 months ago today I was in surgery having my Gastric Bypass (RNY) surgery. It was and still is the best decision I have made regarding the weight loss battle I was trying to fight w/o the necessary tool I needed. This surgery has given me that tool and I will be forever grateful to the Lord for providing the way and means for this life changing surgery. Today I am wearing a size 4/6 that a lady from church gave me and it fits! Yes...it fits me...the one who wore size 28's and 30's. I can't even fathom it in my mind but the truth is this pant suit fits...the pants are even a little loose. I am not sure where the Lord will have my stop but I am happy right here...I was happy at size 8....I just don't want to look too thin or sickly. I see surgeon again the end of March and will get what he says my goal should be. For a normal BMI I should weigh 132. I would like to see 135...which would be overweight still...isn't that weird size 4/6 and I am moderately overweight...no wonder teenagers have such a distorted image problem.
Hope all of you seeking this will do research and talk with family. And then do what you feel is right for you. This was my answer and I knew it because I prayed for wisdom from the Lord and for Him to open doors if this was His will for me.
Until next time...Joan M
Feb. 16, 07
Feb 15, 2007
Good morning whoever you are and may the Lord bless you today as you read my profile. I pray that if you do not know Jesus christ as your Lord and Savior that my profile will help you understand Him a little bit more as well as encourage you as you research WLS. WLS has been a miracle to me and I am in awe of the changes not only in my body but my attitude and my physical well being.
I have lost again this week and am praising the Lord for that also. This morning I weighed in at 157. God is good! I have increased my carbs as the nutritionist suggested so that increased my calories which I believe helps us to lose, especially if we are not taking in enough...who would have thought that I would have to eat more to lose more :)
Well, busy day and cold one here in SC but it is Friday and I am glad!
Have a blessed day and press in to the Lord and for your WLS or continue in your journey wherever you on this Journey to a healthy and active life.
In His love....Joan M
Valentine's Day 2007
Feb 13, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Well, it is going to be windy and cold today but who cares...we should expect that in February unless you are in Hawaii!
I uploaded new pictures yesterday and got wonderful response from people and it really blessed me..thanks so much to each of you for the encouragement. Down another pound since last time. Much slower loss now as I approach my goal weight of 135lbs. But for 9 1/2 months out I cannot complain at a 131lb loss!
Was a Surgery Angel yesterday for the first time. And my sweet lady did great!! Good job Melanie!
The Lord is faithful to complete the work He starts in each of us if we just surrender to His will. I hope that today being Valentine's Day that you know the Lover of your Soul...Jesus Christ. If not email me and I will be glad to tell you about His wonderful love for you.
Until next time...
In His love,
Joan M
Feb. 7, 07
Feb 07, 2007
Good afternoon! Well, another pound gone!! That is 130lbs gone since April 25, 06 and only 25lbs to goal of 135lbs...not even a year yet! God is sooo good. I am amazed at the change in my body and my health. I am trying so hard to add new foods and to increase my calories but it is not as easy as it sounds. Not a lot of meats agree with me and even the ones that do I can barely get 2oz in me before I am full and pouch feels uncomfortable. But I try and then there is always cottage cheese...my favorite standby food that I still love. Praise God because w/o it I would starve. I did do something that our nurtritionist suggested. I went to chick-fil-a for breakfast and ordered 4 nuggets for $1.28. I could only eat 2 1/2 and saved the other two for lunch...for a total of 145 calories, 7 fats, and 14 proteins!! Hooray!! Not bad and very inexpensive meal!! I am drinking my second protein shake for the day and will have another one tonight. And I am also having cottage cheese w/SF jam later. So very good protein day...plus I will try to add a small salad w/romaine, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms with Kraft FREE Italian Dressing. Yummm
I went to renew my driver's license today and get new picture taken and it is soo cool. The lady that took my pic asked how I lost the weight and I told her WLS and she said me too. She had her surgery in 2003 and has only one more plastic surgery until she is finished. She was over 300 lbs and look incredible. She said it was the best thing she did and I agreed as well.
I get to see my sister Thelma this weekend for my birthday and we are all excited..It will be fun to be family for my birthday and will make turning 57 easier and enjoyable. Hope you are all doing well whatever stage you are in on your WL journey. Remember that God is available to those who call on His name...He sent His Son to die on your behalf and He truly cares about your life. Any questions about a relationship with Jesus? Email me and I will try to help you.
Till next...Joan M
About Me
Lexington County, SC
Location
24.9
BMI
Surgery
04/25/2006
Surgery Date
Jan 21, 2006
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
Before surgery picture April 25 2006 weight 290
290lbs
9 months after surgery and size 8
156lbs
