Sara Lynne
7/1/04 I'm currently just in the process of finding out about the surgery. I've been researching for awhile but just got serious about persuing it. I contacted my insurance who say they do approve this procedure as long as its medically necessary. So as of now, Im collecting more data and getting ready to take the next steps in finding and getting an eval with the surgeon.
7/15 - I went to the informational meeting at Park Nicollet and I really liked the nurse. Barb was really funny and put my mind at ease about alot of things. Ive heard nothing but good things about Park Nicollet and amd going to persue it further. So I just need to send in my informational packet and wait for a response.
8/2 - Sent in informational packet.
8/11 - Got a call from Park Nicollet, set up my first appointment with the bariatric nurse , its scheduled for Monday
8/16. Im so nervous, but really excited. They said to expect to be there for 3 hours!? I inquired on the message boards about this and they said its normal...You meet with the nurse to go over medical history and family history and to get measured. Then meet with a dietician and then take psych exams. So that should be fine. Wow...seems to be moving quickly. EXCITING!
8/16 - This appointment went without a hitch! Soo good and made me feel really comfortable. The nurse from Park Nicollet is AMAZING, and she really made me feel at ease. She seemed like not "just a nurse" , she's a real person, and she can talk from experience. Then after that I took 2 psych evaluations and that was the long part. The questions were interesting. Asking if I hear voices in my head, or see things other people dont see...I was like..."uhm okaaaay then". So that was fine. No dietician this time, that will be at my next appointment on Sept 3. A 4 hour long appointment!
This is Me Aug 2002
9/3 - So today was my BIG appointment, I had to be at the office at 8. Firstly, I met with a dietician who had me fill out a 3day meal tracking. She was floored by my eating habits. Or lack of habits maybe is a better term. I dont eat consistantly, and I dont eat alot. She said she was surprised Im not ALWAYS hungry. I dont eat breakfast because in the mornings Im just too tired to eat... I just dont have alot of time to eat in the evenings, I grab snacks if anything. I always eat lunch though. Anyways she wants me to start eating 3 meals a day consistantly, she said they dont have to be a full meal, but I need to maintain those time during the day and devote them to eating. Also, no eating out, 1 time or less per week and drink LOTS of water.
Second, I met with the psychologist. Im not gonna say alot about it cuz, I didnt really do anything important. I think IM pretty normal, and reasonable and as far as I could tell she was satisfied with all my answers. She was a really nice lady.
Third, met with a physician. We went over medical history , she took my stats again. Asked lots of questions about any pain I feel. (Knees, joints, or bones, skin problems, allergies, surgeries) Then had me change into a gown and she did an exam. Just a simple one, listened to my breathing, looked in my eyes ,ears and mouth. Then she felt around my stomach just to make sure organs are all in check, and did the same on my legs and ankles. I dunno what she was doing. That was pretty much the extent of it.
Lastly I met with a physical therapist named Nia. A very very nice lady, she was just really cool and down to earth and made me feel really comfortable. Asked alot about joint pains and exercise and whether or not I do it consistantly. She talked about three kinds of exercise, flexibility, strength and endurance and wants me to work in those areas and gave me alot of ideas for them. Then we talked about an average heart rate for while your exercising. She then took me on a walk for 6 min and told me to walk at a normal pace I would while walking for exercising. My heart rate didnt reach the goal rate so she just said to step it up a bit. Then she had me do some stretches and we talked about goals. She said I could make another appointment with her if I wanted to just to follow up and see how goals are.
My next follow-up appointment is with the psychologist on Sept 16th. From there they will submit to insurance. I cant believe how crazy this all is, its moving quickly.
September 16 - Followup with the psychologist. Went really smoothly, nothing really overly exciting. We talked about stress habits and if anything leads to eating...Not really. Im not one to run to food when Im not feeling ok...Im the opposite, I have less of an appetite. Anyways, she said she'd submit to insurance within 2 weeks. So now its just a waiting game - lets hope it goes quickly.
Sept 29th - I called Healthpartners to see if they had recieved anything yet, they said no. I'll give it a bit long before I call the dr's office, they said it could be up to two weeks. So that means I should techincally wait til next Monday. Im just ready for this all to begin.
Things to look forward to once this is all over:
Wear a belt and actually have it showing
Tucking my shirts in
Be able to go running for exercise (and keep up with others)
No more knee, ankle or joint pain
Not being paranoid about whether or not I'll fit
Shop at more little people stores
Have my picture taken and have it LOOK good
Try Yoga
Gap, American Eagle and Victorias Secret - here I come...AGAIN
Look in the mirror and really be able to see the real ME
Not just another pretty face
....So I talked to my boss, because I want to have the surgery this yr. But with how our STD (short Term Disability) works is you have use 5 days of vacation and then your salary continuance would start up. I was worried because after all the appointment, I dont have 5 days left. But she said thats no problem. I can use what I have and take the other days unpaid. I was also worried about having it during the holiday season, but Im not so much anymore, at this point we'd have to see. Im thinking either the beginning or November or the beginning of December. We shall see. Im really excited, I just want to get this STARTED!!!
10/7/04 - I called HealthPartners to see if they had recieved anything and they said nothing as of yet. Bitterness!! Park Nicollet said it would be less than 2 weeks, its been almost 3. Oh well. I'll give it til Monday and if they dont have anything, I'll call the clinic. Yep, thats about all the update for now :)
10/11/04 - Called PN and they said the psychologst had taken longer than expected on getting the report typed, and that she had just gotten it and would fax it that day. So..more waiting.
10/18/04 - I've been calling Healthpartners almost everyday since last week to make sure they recieved it. As of today, still nothing. And Ive been receiving comflicting information! Grrr..I called the clinic, of course, got viocemail,told them to refax it. So, the waiting game continues. I really hope they don't drop the ball here. Everything has gone so great so far.
10/22/04 - COuld waiting be any more frustrating...Let me try an explain this...I called on the 11th, my nurse said she had just gotten the report and was faxing it that day. Great right? Nope. I called that whole week and last, Health Partners said they didnt get it. So I call back the nurse. What happens? My twin sister gets a call back (who never called in the first place) saying her stuff would be submitted. So by this time Im totally ticked off...so I call AGAIN (19th) , ask why mine hasnt been submitted. She said she just got the reports and she'd fax later that day. WHAT?? You told me you got the report 11 days ago? Im confused. I had my followup appointment over a month ago, by now, I should have been approved dont you think? Ugh. So I call Healthpartners, they still dont have it. BUT, oh get this....they have Erins. My twin sisters. Her last apopointment was 3 weeks after mine. Does that make any sense? So Im waiting, if its not there today, Im gonna be more than ticked off. Im so frustrated as to why the whole process has been fine up til now, but all the sudden the ball is dropped on mine. Its not fair. Life isnt fair though. It doesnt make it suck any less..
10/26/04 - Healthpartners got the paperwork. Thankfully. I was getting so stressed out. Why? I dont know. I dont feel like im in an overly big hurry...but its just exciting to be in process for the approval. I'll write more once I hear anything about it!
10/29/04 - FINALLY!!!!! I HAVE MY APPROVAL!!!! Yay! It was a good way to end my week. The girls at Healthpartners have been so good at keeping up with me and the status of my claim. So thats been good. Gotta love when you get GREAT customer service!
11/1/04 - Barb called for me to set up my consultation, Im really excited! Erins is scheduled for 11/3 and I was hoping to get in at the same time, but, no such luck. Mine is scheduled for 11/10. Which is only another week. I also have to have an abdominal ultrasound. So thats scheduled for the 11th. Yippeee. Erin got her date, its Dec 28th. Im going for Dec 17th, so Im hoping that date is still open once I get there! Im sooooooo excited :)
11/10/04 - I had my consult today with Dr Svendsen. AND, I GOT A DATE!!!!! YES!!!! Dec 17th 2004 at 7:30 am....Dang, Im so excited right now Im almost jumping out of my skin. Well thatd be weird, but Im excited none the less - whooooooohoooo!!!
Dr Svendsen was SO great, he was really funny and made feel completely comfortable, and thats a great thing. He seemed like he really cares about my outcome. He was super easy to ask questions to also, I thought Id be extra intimidated and nervous, but it didnt turn out that way. To anyone looking to use him as a surgeon, even though I havent had my surgery, Id already reccomend him...He's not just a "wham bam thank you maaam" type, and I adore that. And Barb, well, bard is barb and I LOVE HER!! Its nice to have a Dr/nurse team that is so great.
So , thats about it. I had my abdominal ultrasound tomorrow, and it seems like I have SO much to do with surgery in a month. So Im busy busy busy filling out paperwork and getting it all back in on time. But still, YAY!!!
11/11/04 - Okay the ultrasound part is OVER. Thank God, it wasnt too bad, but the girl seriously was rough, it hurt like a mug and I dont think it was supposed to. I swear she almost broke a peice of my rib off. Oh well, its over. AND, its normal, so they dont have to remove my gallbladder. Yipeeeee!
11/19/04 - Wow, time is seriously flying. I have surgery in less than a month. I have to keep telling myself that so I dont forget or to make sure its real. Ive been going crazy the past few days trying to make sure Im really educated on food and things for afterwards, and for my liquid diet. Weird to think Im starting that in like 2 weeks. Yowsers. But Ebay has been a great friend. I found Viactiv chews for like .99...Hello cheap! Im all about that. I really need to get a blender and food processor too. I started tasting some sugar free stuff and to my surprise, its actually pretty good. So that makes me feel a bit better. I have my appointment with the dietician on Monday, and then nothing until my pre-op physical on Dec 14th...Wow, the word pre-op suddenly makes me nervous!! I cant waiiiiit!! :)
11/22/04 -Had my last dietician appointment before surgery! It was a breeze. I mean, she really went over everything I had already read and studied up on , so it was like hearing it for the 100th time. SOmetimes I feel like Im overeducated on the subject of WLS and I couldnt possibly put one more WLS fact or way of life into my brain or it might explode! But Im doing good. The nerves are still here as the date appraoches. Its weird, in like 2 weeks I'll be into my liquid diet and preparing for the operating room. I know this is the right thing to do, just the nerves are settling in. Like..this is a real HUGE life change....but Im ready. OH has been such a point of refrence and support for me. Its changed my view on alot of things and helped me overcome alot of things. Thanks to all the people who care enough about me to listen to me, to answer my questions and to back me up during such a crucial and pivitol moment in my life. You have no idea how much of an impact that has made on me.
Me with my family at Thanksgiving
12/1/04 - Well, December is here. I can't believe it. Time is moving so quickly. Seventeen more days til Surgery. A week from yesterday I start my liquid diet. CRAZY! People have been asking me if I'm getting nervous, weirdly enough, I'm not at all - at least not about the actual surgery part. The nervousness comes from wondering if I'll succeed at this, if I'll be able to figure out all the rules after the surgery. But my excitement far outweighs that nervousness. I have so much support, and so many people who have offered advice, I think I'll be okay. The big stress lately is trying to get everything done before surgery. In some ways, 17 days feels like a long time. But we all know with the crazyness of life, it can go by in the blink of an eye. So Ive been madly trying to get my house in order, and get everything I'll need, not to mention try to hand off some responsibilities to other people while I take a break. Its been like a juggling match between everything. But slowly and surely its getting taken care of. Yaaaaaaay!!! 16 days!
12/7/04 - Well 10 days til Surgery. I started my liquid diet today. I got all prepared, went shopping for things I could eat, emptied my refridgerator and cupboards that I knew would tempt me. Ive been spending alot of time getting thigns prepared around the house so that I know I will succeed at this. So...today was lot harder than I suspected it would be, I thought itd be no problem. I had no idea what head hunger was til today. Its like, food doesnt matter to me, until I know I cant have it. That sucks!! So Carnation Instant Breakfast was my saviour all day long. I just keep telling myself there's only 9 days left...and then you'll be starting your new life. YAY!! So thats the positive. Also...Ive never realized what a strain this can be, I felt nothing but chaos for the past week or two, and its been crazy. So Ive been trying to spend alot of time at home, just having "me" time. Doing this has even put some stress on relationships...which has sucked. I dont wnt the people Im closest to to feel like Im abandoning them, but I want them to understand I need this for me. But, Ive realized communication is the key, I guess we always know that, we just sometime failt to live by it. So things are looking up. I dont want this to stress out my relationships, I dont want to be another statistic of WLS of relationship falling apart, so Im determined to do everything I can to make sure things only get stronger.
A special thank you to everyone who has been supporting me through this. Your notes letting me know Im in your thoughts and prayers have been so appreciated. Much love in your direction!
12/8/04 - Well I made it through the first day of liquid diet...Umm yeah, can we say starving? Ahh well, Im still alive and thats what counts right? I went to my first support group last night, and it was really good! I got to meet a bunch of the girls off the MN message boards that I talk to on almost a daily basis, and that was really great - its nice to actually talk face to face...and of course put names with actual faces. Lots of advice was given ...and of course, they said the liquid diet gets better as you get used to it - so Im hoping thats soon. Jess gave a good idea of drinking SOMETHING every hour on the hour, whether it be sugar free Jello, or water or Carnation. So I think Im going to try that for the next couple days til I get the hang of it. I met a lady names Chris who is having her surgery this Friday with Dr Svendsen, she invited us to come up and see her, said that she wishes she could have gone up to he actual hospital facility to check things out before hand, so Erin and I said we may do that. Also, we met Teri R - who had surgery with Dr Svendsen back in Sept but had some pretty severe complications, and now she's doing awesome!! She's a great lady, and it was so nice to meet her and talk to her! All in all, it was a really good evening, and Im now on Day 2 of the liquid diet, whooohoo!! That means 9 days til surgery! I was thinking last night, which Ive probably said it before, I feel like my head is so full of knowledge that I couldnt possibly learn anything new about WLS that I didnt already know...but now that its getting closer I feel like I dont know anything, or maybe not so much that I dont know anything, but that I cant possibly know things until I actually experience it. Starting the liquid diet has put me into perspective that Im really doing this. And it makes me so excited!! Thats all for now, more to come Im sure.....
12/13/04 - Well Im quite a way into my liquid diet. Just thought Id update. Everything is going well, actually very good. Im not as hungry as I was when I started and thats always nice - since the first 3 days I wanted to chew off my arm :) Anyways, I cant believe Im 4 days away from surgery. I know the next few days are going to be a blur, they all seems like they packed full of things I have to do. But, I'll make it. I spent some time this weekend just reflecting on the past few months and all that has happened and how things are going to change in the coming time. The emotions are almost dizzying as I think about it. I sat and wrote the "what if" letter to my family and friends....Oddly enough it brought me alot of peace to write it. So, I feel like Im pretty much set. I have to go shopping for the things I'll need directly after surgery and pack my bag and get the antibiotics I have to have for Thursday. Pre-operative physical tomorrow. THen Im a roaring to go. I must thank everyone once again for their overwhelming love and support through this all, its been amazing and I truly dont think I could have made it this far without it. So thank you. And uhm if your reading this and its before Dec 17th, say a little prayer for me!! :) Lots O love to you. ~ Sara
Me at Christmas
12/29/04 - Wow, I am SO bad for not updating this profile sooner. Please forgive me!! Well, the surgery is over, and let me just say, it was SO good. Very exciting to finally have it over. I went into surgery and really wasnt nervous at all, I knew I was in good hands. It actually was a breeze for me. I was in very little pain, had a generally good attidtude. The nurses and staff at Methodist are amazing. So if you're thinking about using them , your definately on the right track. And let me say Dr Svendsen is the best surgeon around. I lost 20 lbs on the liquid diet and am currently down a total of 30 lbs. Hey 10 lbs in 10 days isnt bad I dont think. I just made a goal of 60 lbs by March and Im sure I can hit that. When I came home from the hospital I struggled with getting in all my liquids. 60 ounces is harder than it seems, but slowly and surely Ive been hitting that almost every day. Food wise, everything is going alright. I was on liquids for the first week, then on full liquids. And let me tell you it was nice to be moved onto full liquids. Adding cream soups and such saved my life. Ive just moved to puree foods, which let me tell you, puree turkey is nasty - BUT, I'll eat it. It feels like it has substance even though its gross to look at. The refried beans and cheese has been SO good. Christmas was interesting, i learn more and more everyday that this food "war" is really a huge head game. Im not hungry but when other people have food , I feel like I should too ...Ive also realized Im a boredom eater. I went to Renewal last night and someone said she didnt have problems when she was in public, but when she was by herself at home. And thats been the same for me. I spose Im so new I havent had a chance to be in public at all, but I know after doing some reoccurances of the past years, thats how its been for me. So Im being really careful when Im at home to stick by all the rules, meausuring and whatnot. I got a membership at a local health club and went today for the first time. It felt good to work out and even better to get on the scale and have lost 7 lbs since last Thursday. Yay! I can only hope this continues. My biggest fear so far is that Im going to be a failure at this too. So Im really playing by the rules. Im a routine person, so I know once I force myself into these habits, they will stay that way. My whole perception about things are changing, slowly but surely. Its a good thing. My twin sister had surgery yesterday and hers was also a success. People on here have been so supportive, and are truely great friends. People genuinely care about how Im doing, and about our well being. As well as the fact I care about theirs. Denice came up to see Erin at the hospital, (she came and saw me too) and, it was just so neat to see what a support system we have here on OH. Denice and I visited from room to room, other OH ladies, and even one lady that wasnt from OH, just someone we met while in the waiting room......Its so cool to be apart of something like that. I hope this is something Erin and I both work SUPER hard at...and achieve all our goals. I think this is one time in life that being an over achiever may be a good thing. I'll update again soon. Lots o Love!
1/11/05 - Well, here I am, almost a month post-op. I cant believe how the time has literally flown by. I had my month post-op visit with Barb about a week early, it was last Friday. Everything looked good. She measured me and actually measured my wasit twice because she didnt think it was rightthe first time, but it WAS! Ive lost 2.5 inches on my waist, and 3 inches off my hips. Thats pretty great for being 3 weeks post op I think. It was encouraging, because as of yet I still see no changes. Everyone says they can see thinning of my face and waist, but I dont see it. So its encouraging to have the numbers. I havent weighed since the appointment, Im going to wait until Friday on my anniversary. As for eating, everything is going well, they graduated me to mashed foods, so I can have tuna, cheese, eggs, chili, etc, so thats been nice to have some variety. Im eating 4 TBS per meal, but I dont feel full. Which sucks. So Im careful about measuring because I dont wanna be eating too much too fast. THough I am cogniscent of the fact I can eat more of some things than others. Like eggs, I can eat a little more of. But chicken, nope. Exercise is going well also, Ive been going about every other day and walking between 1 and 1.5 miles. I think thats okay, I'll gradually work it higher once I can. The only problem ive dealt with lately has been my unability to sleep at night. Im exhausted, but I toss and turn ALL NIGHT...which sucks, because now that Ive just started back to work, I have to be up at 5. Its no fun being tired. So, thats about it for now.
1/17/05 - Wow, I can barely believe its one month post op today. Time flies when our losing weight huh? :) THings are going really well, and its exciting to be embarking on this incredible journey. Ive tried not to weigh in to often as Im afraid I'll become a slave to the scale and Im not ready to do that. So Ive been weighing once a week or so. I think today would be a good day to do that, I'll post the results later. Food wise, all if well, I was graduated to soft foods and those have been fine. I did have an incident last thursday, my first and hopefully only one. Im not ever looking forward to that again. Im not even sure of the cause, I ate 2 bites of tuna and a bite of cottage cheese. Both, were eaten at what I thought was a fairly slow pace and chewed well, but about 3 minutes later I felt REAL sick, so I threw the rest away and just sat there. I thought about making myself throw up to relieve the discomfort, because I assumed that would be the end result anyways (getting sick) but I decided not to, sticking a finger down my throat makes me feel sorta like a bulemic and I dont want to do that either. Anyways, 10 minutes later I was getting sick. I thought Id feel better after that, but I really didnt. The next morning I woke up still really nautious, had to pull over on the way to work because I thought I was gonna get sick in my car. Yeah, not a fun experience. By mid morning it had passed and all is well again. Ive been using Fitday.com to keep track of food and water intake and thats been a big help. Im intaking anywhere from 350-450 calories a day. Im having trouble getting in all my liquids, and averaging between 40-50 ounces. But thats mostly out of lazyness, and not that I CANT, sipping all day seems so repetative. So thats a goal of mine. Exercise is going well also, except that I need to do it more often, but Im getting back into the swing of things, so that will be part of a routine. I started back to work and all is well there, Im part time through the end of this week. Its been good except that I get extremely tired when I get home. This too shall pass. I got my first B12 shot and was taught to give them to myself. So that'll be good. Also, for the female population, I got my first period since surgery and it was right on time. But unusually heavy. And let me tell you cramps are NO fun when all you can take is liquid childrens tylenol. Do you know how much of that stuff ya gotta take ???? good lord. So the first 2 days of it were agony. But, we're used to that huh ladies? I cant wait to get back to my regular tylenol gelcaps. They are my friend :) Thats all for now. I will post back later with my weigh in results ~ Love ya!
The Girlz , a send-off part for Jess before she left for Cancun. Tatum, Erin Hilston, Me & Jess!! 1/28/05 Jenn, Jordana, Kathi and Cheryl all get honorable mention cuz they werent around to be in the picture :)
2/1/05 - I totally forgot to respond with my total loss as of now. OOpsy, I'll do it now. As of yesterday I am down 47 lbs. Yay! Its pretty exciting. Nothing is really new, Ive gotten sick a few more times...mostly from food just not agreeing with me, or maybe eating too fast and not realizing when Im full. Exercise has been good and Ive been making it to the health club about 3-5 times a week, and its gotten to the point where I look forward to going...Im going for a trip over Valentines weekend,and Im hoping to be down 8 more lbs. We'll see if I make it. I'll keep ya posted. Literally :) Love yas!
2/16/05 - Well Im home from my trip. And Happy to announce that I made my goal of being down that additional 8 lbs. YAY! I was nervous about it, but I weighed about 3 hrs before I got on the plane and I was like 4 ounces under where I wanted to be ! woohoo! It was exciting. All is well here, still eating good, still dropping weight. Exercise has been going so great, Im lucky to have a great workout partner and we always meet up to. So thats been really helpful to me to have some accountability in that part of my life. I think exercise has always been one of the hardest things in my life to get into routine on, but now if I dont go, I feel a bit guilty and like I missed out!! I love going! So yeah, all is well. I weighed again before I came home from my trip yesterday and it said I was down almost another 10 lbs?? Im going to the health club tonight to see whats up and see if that scale is the same here...hey, I'll take it if it is, it just seemed a bit unbelievable!! - Everything else is good in life...and I mean...really good. I love life, and things keep getting better and better every day it seems.
Me and Erin...Can you tell we're twins? Taken 2/16/05
2/21/05 - Well here's another quick update. Not much to report though. THe week has gone well. I was sorta bummed that the scale was off and I really only lost like 2 lbs last week! Grr...but 2 is better than none right? I think I need to start changing up my routine a bit, so I think Im gonna start taking days off from working out, and maybe changing around some eating stuff? But Im not really sure how to do that. So we'll see. Life is good right now though, everything is falling into place as it should. Its been weird getting compliments on how I look, I think mainly because its hard for me to accept them. Im working on just saying "thank you" instead of abruptly rolling my eyes and trying to squirm out of the conversation. But, its no longer just people who knew I had surgery, its other people. And thats weird. Mostly because I still look in the mirror, and feel really fat - but I do see changes and I think thats the first step. Just trying to catch my eyes and head up to where my body is. Some days I think I look hot, LOL, the next I think that if they made life size paper bags, thatd be my best bet. It varies. And Im sure Im not the only one who feels that way- its normal. So I take comfort in that. Anyways, thats about all for now. Oh...and can I just say....I LOVE MY OH GIRLS!! Here's a pic from Porters on Saturday. I have so much fun with my ladies! You know I love you girls!
The GIRLZ at Porters 2/19/05 (Jess, Jen, Tatum, Sara)
3/7/05 - Nothing much new here. Life is good, getting busy though. Or should I say..busier. But Ive been doing good in making sure that WLS is still my number one priority. Today Im down to 243. From my highest of 314. THats a loss of 71 lbs. Its UNREAL to even think about. Its only been 2.5 months. Im so happy with how far Ive come...its really exciting. But Im more excited to see where Im going in the future. Food wise, things have been a bit shaky the past couple weeks...Last week I think I threw up 2/3 of my meals...And Im not sure why. I was eating chicken, pretty slowly, and chewed well...its a mystery. So Im tryin even harder to be careful...On to the next thing. -This weekend I fit into my first pair of GAP jeans since before High School. How cool is that ? I bought a couple new outfits from there...and I bought a really cute goal dress for another month or two and Im really excited about wearing it (and looking good in it). So thats about it.
Me -
Me - March 9, 2004
3/18/05 - So today was my 3 month check up appointment, and yesterday was the actual anniversary. I dont have much to say, but I posted on the boards so I'll copy it here so y'all can read it :)
"I so cannot believe its been three months. Yesterday was my actual anniversary but, I had my appointment with Barb today so I held off in posting. Its been such a great journey thus far, and I am feeling so great!! My blood pressure is normalized, my knees havent been hurting. I, for the first time in my LIFE have been working out on a consistant basis. Its a great feeling. Looking great is just an extra added bonus. I am so grateful for the people on this site who have been here to support me and talk me through this whole process, from beginning til now. And for the people Ive met that have become such GREAT friends, I dont know what id do without you. Thanks for always encouraging me!
So here's the technical stuff ~
Beginning (Heighest) Weight: 314
Todays weight: 239 (im stuck there!! uggh! But Im down 75lbs)
Beginning BMI - 48.8
Todays BMI - 35.6
Beginning Waist Measurement - 48.5
Todays Waist Measurement - 40
Beginning Hip Measurment - 60
Todays Hip Measurement - 52
4/11/05 - Yowsers, almost a month since I updated. Crazy. Its weird, since there isnt much to update but it always feels like things are changing. Life is so good right now, I really couldnt ask for it to be much better. I realize more and more every day how lucky I am to have had the opportunity to have this surgery. Beyond the surgery, how lucky I am to have the support that I have with not only OH, but Renewal. And the many friends I have made throgh this process. I realize that without that , there would be so many times that id feel lost and confused. Its so great to be encouraged by people who understand, and to be able to encourage them back through their journeys and to watch the transformations taking place. Its truly a blessing. I thank God everyday for what He has given me, the people He's placed in my life, and the bright future I know He has in store for me. >
5/3/05 - WOOOOHOOO!!! I have reached the century club!! I am so so so excited!! Life is good. At 4.5 months out and down 100 lbs, who wouldnt be happy? From 314, to 214- I finally took some full body shots, I was way too scared to before, but, here goes nothing. I realize the REAL problem areas I need to work on, yowsers. The arms need to go!!
Taken Mothers Day - May 8, 2006
Me and my little sister Kati
5/19/05 - Well time to update again, 5 months update! Wahooooooo! I cannot believe its been 5 months, some days it feels like just yesterday, and then other days, it feels like YEARS ago. As of Monday May 16 I am down 106 lbs and weigh in at 208, down from a high of 314. Yowsers, cant believe it. My BMI is 29.8...that puts me in the "overweight" catergory - Ive never been more happy to be overweight. Hahaha. Its exciting. Im hoping by my birthday on June 2nd I'll be undr 200. Ive been working out every day to get to that goal, I'll be so happy! Once I get there, I'll only have 40 lbs til goal! Yay!! Its nice to feel like goal is within reach. 160 is my goal...and if I get down to 150, I'll take it. Im hoping by the fall I can be down there. We shall see though. Weight is for sure coming off slower, but Im hoping being active during the summer will help me. But yeah, all is well! The closer I get to goal the easier it is to be motivated to keep it going STRONG. One more month tilt he 6th month annversary!! Yay!! Cant wait. Its been a great 5 months and I cant wait for the next 5!!
5/31/05 - Im down to 201. UGGGH!! I wanna lose 2 lbs in 2 days. We'll see if I make it. Oh well, Im close - and thats what counts.
June 7, 2005 -
Well I made it past my birthday, I hit 199 for a day and have been bouncing between 199 and 201 since. Ugh. Its getting depressing...or maybe its just the fact , that I, in general , am depressed. There have been alot of things going on in my life the past few weeks, I realize the impact this whole process has had on my thoughts and my life. I feel right now that my life is in a bunch of broken up peices and Im trying to slowly figure out how to put them back together...I realize that even though the outward process of this may seem to be easy, the effects on your mind and views and inward self, sometmes are the hardest thing to deal with. I told myself Id never change, Id still be the same person I was before surgery, and I guess while I knew that wouldnt be completely true, I never dreamed it would be like this. I'll get through it right? I only ask that question because at the moment things seem hopeless and I cant answer that question for myself. Im so thankful to have people in my life that constantly tell me it will be.
You're in one of those seasons
Everything seems to go so wrong
Wish I could give you a reason
But even I'm barely holding on
When it's hard to find the answers
Let this be your hope
God only knows all your broken pieces
Only He knows what you're going through
God only knows what you hide inside
And He's holding onto you
God only knows
You've had your fill of questions
There's so much that you need to know
I don't blame you for asking
But it's time to let go of control
And I'm sorry for what you're feeling
Please hold on to this hope
Come on, come on, He knows your pain
Come on, come on, hold onto faith
Come on, come on, you're on your way
My friend, your struggle has an ending day.
June 12, 2005 -
Quick update! First of all, the scale has moved AGAIN!! YAY! Im down to 196 today, and I NEVER plan on seeing that retarded "2" in my weight again! Ugh it feels so good. I think life is looking up for me... The weekend gave me alot of soul searching time, but also time to be ME. I think its one of the best weekends I had in a really long time. It was really nothing special, but it was great.Friday I had my underwater weighing with Dr Dan CAREY. I would suggest this for ANYONE! It was great to hear things in number formation, it gave me alot of perspective. Plus tatu, came with, so we hadfun in the process. He weighed me in at 200 lbs exactly. And said that 160 or maybe 150 would be reasonable. Thats only 40 lbs!! YAY! I'll take it. He said for us to come back around 170 lbs and he would retest to give a more accurate number. Also, I went shopping...decided I would try on the 14 pants and see if they fit...OH YEAH, they sure did. So I bought em, went home, got the 16's and took em back. Then, I played Ultimate Frisbee yesterday, 80 degrees, sun shining, hot...and I ran my TAIL off!! Oh, and I didnt really get tired! It was so fun!! I havent been able to do that in such a long time, it felt awesome. Then Saturday I went out with a bunch of girls to a party, it was so fun to just hang out and be normal. Do normal things, hang ut with great friends and just have a great time. I needed that, and I got it. Life is good. I realize even though there are bumps in the road , Gods always watching out for me. The infmaous saying "This too shall pass" comes to mind. And it is passing, slowly but surely. Thanks y'all. Here's some pics from the weekend!
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Tatum and Sara BESTEST FRIENDS!!
6/20/05 -
Wow, So its just went right by my 6 month anniversary. Not much new to report, my 6 month appointment with Barb isnt until July 1, so I will give a full report then. As of now, Im sitting at 195 lbs. Ive only lost 5 lbs this month so far, which WHOA, is a major slow down for me. But its ok. I was on a 10 days plateau right prior to June, and then I got my period, and well, I never lose weight the week after my period, so Im hoping it'll maybe start up again Itd be nice if I could lose another 5 lbs before the end of the month, but Im not gonna hold my breath. Anyways, Im in size 14, which is crazy to me, I think my "goal" size will be an 8 or 10. But yeah, Life is really good right now. Things are going well and Im confident they will only get better. Here's a couple pics again. Hopefully y'all arent sick of me and tatum pictures.
Living on day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.
Taking as He did , this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it.
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will.
That I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him in the next.
God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change,
The courage to change things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference.
7/3/05
Well, its my 6.5 month anniversary. I had my 6 month checkup with Barb. Not much new to report, life feels good right now. All on the up and up. Im amazed at the changes in my life in just a few short months and am excited for whats to come.
Okay so here's the official numbers stuff.
Beginning Weight: 314
Today: 188.9
Total Loss: 126 lbs
Starting BMI - 44.0
Todays BMI - 27.0
Startng Waist Measurement: 48.5
Now: 34
Amt Lost: 14.5"
Starting Hip Measurement: 60
Today: 46
Total loss: 14"
Its so exciting. Im 28 lbs from my Dr's goal of 160. 38 lbs from my personal goal of 150! CRAZY!! Im hoping to get there by october. We shall see. Im now wearing a size 14, some 12's. Almost unfathomable to me. I want to get to a size 8 I think, I guess I'll decide when I get closer. I dont think I want to go much below 150, but we'll see when we get there. I figure if I have another 5 or 6 months of losing I could *maybe* get below 150 - thats if I lose 8-10 lbs a month with no big plateaus. SO we'll see how that works out.
A few things I can do now that I couldnt before.
1. Shop normal stores (Gap, American Eagle, etc etc)
2. Victoria Secret
3. Wear a belt, have extra loops, and have the belt actually showing.
4. Not worry about fitting into anything. Chairs, rides, airplane seats, etc.
5. cross my legs under the desk
6. run (enough said)
7/7/05
We went to Michelle and Lisa's FFF last night. Here's a couple pics from it :) And of course a new head shot of Moi. :)
July 15, 2005 -
Yesterday I braved a public place in a swimsuit. Yes ladies and gentleman, I did it!! And wow, it was fun :) Definately gotta do that more often. We had so much fun!!
8/29/05 -
Wow, how time flies when life is CRAZY! Life has been , well its had its ups and downs and I think Im currently on an upswing and things are pretty great! Its weird to type and not really have alot to say. Life has changed, for the better I believe. I feel like a completely new person. I had my 8 month anniversary earlier this month which is SO weird to me. THis past weekend I went to a family reunion and people were amazed. They didnt recongnize me. That was crazy, but cool. Some good friends from out of town came in too and kept telling me how beautiful I am. So weird. But yes. Life is good. Im single at the time being but I plan to start dating. Things in the relationship area have been really sketchy, and I think I was holding onto a fairytale that he decided would never work out. So...I move on. Do what you have to do right? So yeah, a few prospectives are under way, and Im having fun just getting to know people and in the process, get to know myself. I wont settle for anything than the best for me. As for weightloss, its been weird. I notice if I do eat wrong I WILL gain weight, which tells me this IS something I have to work for. And I have. Earlier this month I gained 5 lbs. Went from 182 to 187. I didnt weigh for about 2 weeks and when I weighed last week I was down to 179. And then down to 176. But alas, I ate poorly this weekend and am back up to 179. So my goal this week is to get back on track with good eating and lots of exercise! Anyways, thats about all for me. Here's some new pics I took this past weekend. Tatum came with me to my family reunion and HELLO, we had a blast as always. Im so thankful for her, she has quickly become my best friend in the world and I wouldnt give her up for anything. :) Love you guys!!
Sept 13, 2005 - All is well. Not much newto report, Im sitting at 175, so I need to get my tal in gear. 3 months to be at goal! That gives me 3 months to lose 15 lbs. Im confident I can do it. Just keeping otivated is difficult. Anyways, here's a few new pictures. Tatum and I went and tried on some fancy evening gowns at Marshall fields...a size 11 baby!! YAY!! It was really exciting. Earlier that day we had gone to try on bridesmaid dresses, every dress I tried on was a 10. That was so crazy to me, I beemed al the way out of the store, almost in tears, its been a LONG time since Ive gotten into a size 10. My goal is a size 8, and then plastic surgery. So, not too far to go. Im really excited. Life is good. Im dating, well pretty much exclusively with a guy who I met with a bunch of my OH girls. Thanks ladies, your the best. I found a good guy, actually he's pretty amazing - We havent had the boyfriend girlfriend whatever talk, but things are progresing well, and things are good. Im happy with the pace. YES! Here's a few pictures, ENJOY!
Oct 14, 2005
Crazy. Its almost my 10 month anniversary. Im about 12 lbs from goal. Thats crazy to say! But all is good in life. Well mostly. I have had alot on my mind lately...things get complicated but ya keep pushing through. Things have been so busy I barely have time for anything including WLS things. Which is bad. I recently moved in with my best friend Tatum and we're jumping back on the WLS rules band wagon, we're determined to get to goal!!! Im currently 173 lbs and wearing a size 10 or 12. Which is completely unheard of for me to say, crazy. I would have never guessed that Id be here 10 months ago. But Im glad I am. So yeah, thats about it for now.
12/9/05
Wow, I can barely believe Im almost a yr out. Who would have thought that in one yr things could be SO drastic. Surely not me. Almost a yr ago I weighed in at 314 lbs. How crazy? I was getting ready to start my liquid diet and a journey that would forever alter my life. I sat in the kitchen this morning talking to my roomate and best friend, Tatum, who I met through surgery. Again, who would have thought? We talked about the weird things that have happened since the start of this and about how different life is. Mostly, how great life is, and how its only going to get better. This past summer was probably one of the best of my life. I dont ever remember being so happy. I fit into a size 14 pants, WHAT??? Me? Yes. Me. I did. Now here I am, in a size 10 pants. 6-8 lbs from goal, Dr Careys goal, 15 lbs to my own. I never dreamed I would have gotten here. Never. I go to tears almost everytime I think about it. Change, is inevitable, always, in every path of life. This, I have found , but never did I know that my life would change like this, and mostly...just be great like it is. Im so greatful for the opportunity to do this. SOmeone asked me if I feel like Ive changed since surgery. Im still me, the same sorta shy, smiley, halfway brilliant, wanting more from life , out there girl I was a yr ago, but my perspectives on so many things have changed. I believe firmly that I was given a second chance. And no, this isnt easy, it hasnt been and I realize it only gets harder. Do I look in the mirror and see a gorgeous super model? No. I dont. I struggle daily with wondering if I'll ever realize Im not 300 lbs anymore...I still see that...and I wonder if other people see me that way. But day by day things progess an Im hoping one day I'll see myself how other people say they see me. Being told your thin and skinny and you really shouldnt lose any more weight cuz your going to start looking "sick"....haha, I laugh everytime I hear that. Anyways, I'll update again on my year anniversary. Thanks to all who have loved and supported me on this trip. Its been a wild ride and I couldnt ever imagine doing it alone. Much Love.
12/19/05
Wow, I just pased my 1 yr anniversary. How time flies when your having fun..r working your tail of to get to a goal :) I think i said alot of what I wanted to say in my last post. I am so blessed to be where I am...but I realize I have a long ways to go. Well...11 lbs, which feels like forever. I weighed in at 166 today. Thats 6 lbs from Dr Careys goal, 11 lbs from my own. Im hoping I can hit this by Frbruary. Im going to kick up the exercise and see where I can go. Like I said bfore, this has been totally worth it. A friend of mine had this surgery this past weekend and automatically asked herself "what have I done"...I had to remind her the end result was the prize. When your sitting in the midst of not being able to eat, or figure out whats going on with your body, it sucks. But...here I am a yr later, after all the wondering...now knowing why I did this.Hardly any knee problems, no blood pressure problems, no worrying about fitting, or not fitting into things, no fears of being winded after running a little bit, no fear of walking into a normal store and not fitting into the clothes. Wow, who would have thought Id be saying that ? The year has flown by and so many things have happened. I feel like a new chapter in my life has really opened up in front of me. Some days I feel invincible. Other days...not so much. I do realize its a struggle though. I was at a wedding thing weekend and heard constantly "dang skinny girl" , "whoa, you are getting so little" , "Oh my gosh, your almost smaller than me" .. . . Its goo to hear, but then you go look in the mirror and see,....Well, yuk. Its a constant battle to overcome things your mind thinks...And somedays i think thats even harder than adjusting to the food and nutrional habits. I never knew the grip a little peice of glass called a Mirror could have on ones self esteem, ones mood, and ones life. I realize though, that its a battle worth fighting. Im me, Imnot going anywhere, and so far, Im winning. Im proud of myself for how far Ive come and even to where Im going. I know it'll be worth the effort. It always is. Nothing great ever comes easily. Its the truth. Even with this. Cheers and a Happy new years to all. Much love, Sara
here's some pics from a wedding I was maid of honor in over the weekend.
Feb 16 2006
Well here it is February already. Im down to 165. Here's themost recent pic of me taken February 4th :)
March 9 2006
Well Im staying stable at a weight of 165. I wish itd move and go down, but what can I do. I need to start kicking up the exercise, but with working two jobs and everything I barely have any spare time, and sadly the spare time I do have, I dont wanna spend on a treadmill :( Dumb, I know. Anyways here's a couple pictures :)
Me - March 7, 2006
Me snow shoeing at Wolf Ridge up by Duluth and Grand Marais
March 24, 2006
YAY! My scale is moving again and Im convinced its because of my hard work! I decided I was going to make healthy choices in diet and I was going to exercise everyday. So...first I went to Montana and skiied...I made healthy food choices and obviously worked my tail off on the slopes. SO FUN!! I realize exercise shouldnt be the enemy. DO fun things that you like!! It works. ANyways, I came home and I started going to the gym everyday. I realize that once im at the gym, Im SO motivated to workout, its just getting myself TO the gym that I need motivation to do , so Im workin on that. My scale has gone from 167 to 160 in the past 2.5 weeks, so thats exciting. THat leave me about 5 lbs from my goal. How exciting. I wonder if I'll be happy at 155? We shall see. gotta get there first!! Anyways here's a couple new pictures. :) Love yas!!
April 11, 06
Newest picture. The girls in bridesmaid dresses. Im the 3rd one from the right in the pink dress. Erins right in front of me :
06/01/06 -
WOW! Life is good. I turn 25 tomorrow and I couldnt be happier. Life has changed so much over the past yr and a half and I am still so fortunate to have stumbled along this whole plan. Anyways as for weight, I have stuck stable, losing here and then. I go up and down on the same few lbs. Right around 160. Life is good. Here's a couple new pictures.
Gus and I may 06
Me and a baby! NOT MINE!!!
Erin and I 05/31/06
here's a new pic of Erin and I taken June 20th I think. :)
UPDATE!!! August 14, 2006.
Wow, life is good! I cant believe its almost the end of the summer. Things have been so busy, but so great! Update on my life. Weightloss, things are great. Im pretty much staying steady between 158 and 162, which is right where Im supposed to be. I had my 1.5 year checkup with Barb not too long ago and things were all good. I still need to do my bloodwork though :) ..... Well, Ive been dating an amazing man for over a year, a man some of my favorite OH girls hooked me up with. I couldnt be more happy. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. My twin sister, Erin got married just about 1.5 weeks ago, and things went off without a hitch. Her wedding was gorgeous, she was gorgeous, everything was perfect. Other than that, life has just been so busy lately, which it always is, and I feel like Ive been running a mile a minute. My roomate recently moved out andleft me somewhat stranded so Im trying to deal with the stress of that at the moment. Im convinced things happen for a reason, and this probably isnt an exception. Its just stressful when there is so much going on in life...something big like this doesnt need to be added, especially when its someone you thought was a really great friend. But what can you do? Smile and move on. Anyways, I missall my OH ladies and gentlemen, we must do a dinner or get together, real soon. Lots of Love. And here's some new pictures :) If you click on the picture you can get a full size image!
Dec 14, 2006.
Can I even believe that its almost been two years? How great is that? Life is good and I have my two year appointment scheduled with Barb right after New Years. Life is so great and has been for quite some time.
I still go on the binge of wanting to lose an extra 10-15 lbs, but it isnt completely necessary and I know that (which is maybe why I cant get myself motivated?) Anyways, as of this morning I am 159 lbs and have stayed pretty consistant for the past year. I guess Im lucky, I have never gained that 10-15 lbs everyone says you gain...I am 5'10 inches which put my BMI in the 23's making me "average" . I wear a size 10 in most pants and a medium top. Here's a current photo of me taken at Thanksgiving. Nov 24th, 2006. 
I have an amazing boyfriend whom I adore. I was actually set up with him one night while going out with some of my great OH girls. We have been unseperable ever sinse. No marriage talk yet, but Im hoping it will come when I least expect it. Here are a couple current pictures of us.
Last night I was watching The Biggest Loser finale, and really realized how proud I, and everyone that has done this, should be. I laid on the couch with my boyfriend in unbelief at how far Id come in just 2 years. The sweat and hard work pays off, and continues to pay off even now, two years later. This thing still works...and there are days I utilizeit to the ebst of my ability and days where I forget, and dont. But its there and my choice to put it into use. I found some old pictures that made me really look back and be excited about where I am. BEFORE PICS TAKEN SUMMER 03
THIS JOURNEY IS WORTH IT!!! EVERY MOMENT!! DONT GIVE UP!! Thanks to everyone who has supportedme , cried me, and laughed me through this. Im so glad I did it.
Love, Sara
12/18/07
3 years surgery anniversary! I weigh the same as last time. Anywhere between 157 and 163, depending on the week and how weird my body wants to be :) Life is GREAT!! I love every second. How can you not?? Here's some new pics all taken in the last few months. Much
