shellybug
Where to start....I am 30 years old, have been overweight since I was a little girl. I've always been active and outgoing, but my weight constantly hinders me. I have 2 beautiful daughters who are growing up fast, and there are so many things I want to do. My wonderful husband Ronn loves me unconditionally, and supports me 100% in my decision to have surgery...he has been the best cheerleader!
"The loves of my life!"
Hubby and I on my 30th birthday..about 2 months pre op (8/11/05)
10/01/05
Well, after 3 years, 2 surgeons, 2 insurance companies, and a myriad of tests, retests, and other obstacles, I have a date.......10/17/05... I am so excited! My family is so excited!! I have to get everything together in the next few weeks...WOOHOO!!
10/7/05
Bummer Day! I went to my second pre-op visit today. I woke up 2 days ago with some sinus congestion. Well I was coughing and not feeling the best today while at my meeting. Unfortunately my surgeon decided to postpone my surgery...I am soooo upset. I've waited so long for this and now I have to cancel for a stupid cold....I haven't been sick in over a year...figures! Well...on the bright side, I respect the fact he wants me 100% healthy for surgery. Dr. Simon says I need to be 10 days symptom free. I went to my PCP today and got on some antibiotics. My surgeons office said to call when I am symptom free and they will reschedule..she assured me they have several more appointments available soon...so we'll see what happens.
10/12/05
I called Dr. Simon's office today and they rescheduled me for 10/26/05....YAY!!! I am so glad I don't have to wait too long. I figure everything happens for a reason, and I am happy with that....2 weeks!!
10/17/05
My little brother got married this weekend. In tradition of our family we had a HUGE wedding...it was a lot of fun! I am so glad I am not having surgery today as originally scheduled, it would have been crazy...too much stuff going on! See...things happen for a reason!
10/25/05
So...surgery is tomorrow morning....I am a little bit nervous, but that is expected. My wonderful hubby is more nervous than I....he just wants everything to go ok. I am ready!
10/28/05
Came home from the hospital today! Now I can rest a bit!!! :o) Surgery went very well! I had the laparoscopic RNY as planned. Ronn, my mom and my aunt were all with me before my surgery until they wheeled me away...then, once I awoke, they were there to greet me. Within an hour of getting to my room, I was up and walking. This is part of my surgeons program he tells us about....we are up walking every hour during the day and every 2 hours at night. It was a little tough at first. I was very nauseous...and had the dry heaves....it was very unpleasant, and I felt like I was going to injure the surgery. I still walked. After several bouts of the dry heaves, they gave me some medication for it. It didn't help, so I was changed to another medication.....which knocked me out. I still got up faithfully every hour. My surgeon came to check on me and he determined it was side effects of the anesthesia. I felt so much better once it stopped.
My angel of a husband was by my side....and was so good to me. I couldn't have asked for a better nurse..LOL. He walked with me every hour, and hooked and unhooked everything for me. It gave all of the nurses a break while he was there...:O).
I had a lot of visitors those few days. It it so great to have so much love and support! I am so blessed with my wonderful family and friends. My room smelled heavenly with all of the flowers...the nurses even complimented they could smell them every time they walked by.
It's good to be home, good to finally take a shower, and get to be here with my family!!!!
11/4/05
Went to see my surgeon today for my check up. I am doing pretty well. I am concentrating on getting my protein, vitamins, and liquids in. It's a full time job! I am doing 2 protein drinks per day and usually 2 "meals". My meals for 6 weeks, consist of pureed foods in a 1 oz. portion. It's almost comical. I've been doing cottage cheese, refried beans, L/F, S/F yogurt, creamed soups, and any other foods I can stand pureed. Dr. Simon says I look great...I am down 10.1 pounds in 9 days. He has given me the go to start exercising. My only issue is that I feel fatigued and weak...he said this should resolve over the next couple of weeks. I will see him again in 4 weeks, so I am six weeks post op.
I am getting the routine down. I've had a couple of emotional moments, it's hard adjusting to not being able to eat anything I want to. I am not hungry...but my "mind hunger" is in full effect. I crave so many things..and I can't have them. I cried over pizza...LOL I was upset telling hubby that I felt like a failure for not being able to follow a diet and having to turn to surgery. We talked and I now realize, that I did need something more....something to help me, and this is it. Of course my hubby mentioned those few moments to my doctor..he just wanted to make sure I was OK. Dr. Simon says a few of those moments are expected, but to let him know if it continues. I feel it's normal to go through a few of those. :o)
I am so happy I had this surgery!
1/9/06
So..the holidays are over...and time to get back in gear. I am doing pretty well...but decided today I needed to get back in gear. Time to start exercising and really making sure I am getting in my protein and fluids daily. I am trying to avoid the scale, but it's hard!! LOL
I figure...if I can get through Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, all within a couple of months from surgery, I can do anything!! I actually think it was good for me. I learned that I can enjoy these times with family and friends without gaining 10-15 pounds and feeling yucky!! I will say I did try "treats" here and there and had no problems..unfortunately!! I was hoping that "dumping" would keep me in line, but I am coming to the realization that I don't "dump". Maybe that is a good thing, maybe not. Maybe it's the simple fact that I would eat a tiny piece of a "treat", instead of 3 huge portions. I feel that for the most part I made good choices.
So far I am down about 40 pounds...Yay!!! I get a little bummed when I see people losing faster than me, but then I kick myself. I can really see a difference in myself, and get told daily how great I look. It feels good!!
Our family has a traditional New Years Eve dinner, we all make a point to get together and toast the New Year...here is a picture of all of us toasting....
1/15/06
Scary...then Wow moment!
So yesterday I'm taking a shower...running late so trying to hurry...all of a sudden I feel a lump by my neck...a surge of panic runs through me ....and I thought...that wasn't there before...... It was my collarbone!!!!! WOOHOO!!! It's been awhile since we've seen each other.... I started doing the happy dance in the shower...then I made my hubby feel it!!! It's funny...sometimes it's just the little things that make me so thankful for this surgery!!
I've been going through my closet the past few days and I officially have no clothes!!! LOL I've been saving a few outfits, that I was actually excited to wear...but I missed the window of opportunity....they are too big!! I was bummed, but only for a second, then I realized how wonderful it is that my clothes don't fit...and because they are too big for a change!!! :o)
This Wednesday marks 12 weeks post op. I am excited to visit Dr. Simon and get my official weigh in. I am feeling great and since I started exercising regularly this week, I can see the scale starting to pick up!!
Tonight I tagged along with my girls for a bike ride. They were actually asking me to take the short cuts for a change. It's nice to not lag behind for a change!!
:o)
3months and 50 pounds gone...Yay!!!
3/7/06
Well, I am now 4 months from surgery and my routine has become pretty regular. I am now able to eat more things...some of which I shouldn't. I had my first "dumping" syndrome this weekend after eating a protein bar. After about 20 minutes, I was feeling very nauseaous, had stomach cramps and felt my heart pounding. I immediately laid down and went to sleep...when I woke up I felt fine. It was very strange since it was a protein bar with only 3g sugars, and I had eaten the same one many times, but I think it may be the sugar alcohol content.
A few weeks ago, I got to go to Las Vegas with a friend of mine for a convention. I was kind of excited to get in a plane for the first time since surgery. My luggage was 12 pounds over the weight limit, since I had to take all of my protein supplements...those AchievOne bottles get heavy!!! So I had to rearrange at the counter. It all worked out and we headed to the gate. Then it was time to board. As I walked down the aisle...I noticed that for the first time in years, my hips didn't hit every seat, (or person for that matter), that I walked past. It felt so good!! I actually sat comfortably in the seat without "spilling over", and the seat belt had EXTRA belt left!!!!! When we landed, we waited to be one of the last to get off and I said "watch this" as I raised my arms and ran down the aisle without hitting anything...it was awesome. My friend Carol was laughing with me...she knew what an accomplishment it was for me too!!! That week I also realized how different alchol affects me. Two glasses of wine is all it took!! That's all I will say about that!!! haha!! Just a few of the wonderful little things I notice on a daily basis!
It's definetely more difficult to stay "on track" these days. The weight loss has slowed a bit, and it's easy to forget the things I'm supposed to be doing like taking vitamins and exercising. It's time to get back on track!!
My husband and I went out of town to celebrate our anniversary and were having a wonderful weekend together until a truck made a left turn in front of us. Our truck is pretty munched up and we are both really sore. Thank goodness we are okay. I took my 4 month picture the night before our accident. We went out to a nice dinner to celebrate!! I have so many things to be thankful for....a wonderful husband, beautiful children, and an amazingly supportive circle of family and friends that I couldn't do without!!
4 months post op and 67 pounds gone...Yay!!!
April 3, 2006
So..it's back to the basics!!! It's easy to get "off track" these days! I was getting off of the path a little bit. I've been exercising again and I feel so much better when I do that. I am up to 30 minutes on the elliptical machine...which is amazing to me considering I started at 2 minutes!! I've also been doing some weight training and strength training to help "tone things up". Although...I may need a plastic surgeon to really do the job!! :o)
I can really tell a huge difference in my body. I am moving through the clothing sizes and everything is in different places except my butt!!!! (I don't know if that is good or bad)!! :o) At the end of the day my feet and legs aren't throbbing and I have soooo much more energy. My hair has been falling out for the last month...I'm trying a couple of things to help with that, but I know that is part of the deal...and it will come back. Hopefully all thick and luscious....but probably not!! :o)
It's fun to see people I haven't seen in a while. I like to share my story with people. After all, that is how I found out about this wonderful surgery. If I can share information with other people, then maybe it can make a difference in someone else's life...as it has in mine.
Food wise....well I try to think of food as fuel...and nothing more. Although I have to say...that is tougher than you think. I still don't eat much carbs. I haven't had bread, pasta, rice or anything of the sorts since before surgery. Another friend of mine...diet coke..has been laid to rest as well... not a drop since October 25, 2005. I never thought I could have lived without that stuff...but guess what....I HAVE!! Not to say it's not on my mind...but I know it just doesn't work. Occassionally I'll eat lite popcorn or some wheat thins...but only a few and I'm done. I'm really into the AchievOne coffee protein drinks right now...it's my Starbucks fix. I've really been trying to cook stuff for the family, that fits my needs as well. This way we are all eating better!! It's a constant struggle...and always will be. As they say....this isn't brain surgery...unfortunately you still have all of the food issues to deal with. I see my doctor for my six month check up in about 3 weeks, I'm anxious to see what he has to say!!
5 months post op.....75 pounds gone..WOOHOO!!!!
5/8/06
This weekend marked a huge milestone for me....I'm in "Onederland"...no more 200's.....EVER!! Yay!! I'm over 1/2 way there, and that feels great!
I went to see Dr. Simon a couple of weeks ago, for my 6 month check up, and I am doing well. My bloodwork results were all great, and he encouraged me to continue doing what I'm doing. My hair has finally stopped falling out, thank goodness that was short lived! :o)
I was thinking about a few wow moments these past few months and thought I'd jot them down. These are little things I've done, that are so different for me these days, thanks to this surgery.....
-Sitting in one of those folding camping chairs without the fear of falling to the ground
-Comfortably buckling my seatbelt in the back seat of a car
-Riding in an airplane seat...without "sharing" the seat next to me
-Bra shopping at a "regular" store (Is that good or bad...hehe)
-Putting on a pair of my work scrubs and having them fall off, realizing there is no way I can "get away" with wearing them anymore
-Being called "skinny" as a term of endearment :o)
-Painting my toenails myself, without getting into a new "yoga" position
-Crossing my legs and maintaining blood flow to the toes
-Fitting comfortably in a booth in a restaurant
...there are so many more I'll have to add as I think of them...this is just a few off of the top of my head. I am so thankful everyday, that I had the opportunity to have this surgery and be as happy as I am today!! :o)
7/16/06
I'VE LOST 100 POUNDS!!!! Yay!!!
So..we just got back from vacation. We went to Lake Tahoe, and had a wonderful time!! We ran a 3 day, 2 night four wheel drive trail with a bunch of our friends from all over the country. We camped and enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Rubicon Trail. Wow...what a difference it is 100 pounds lighter....from hiking to sleeping on the ground in our tent...I really enjoyed myself so much more.
Hubby and I in Tahoe
We then spent a few days in Lake Tahoe. We rented a ski boat, and get this........
I RODE THE INNER TUBE BEHIND THE BOAT!!! Woohoo!!
Never before would I have attempted that one!!
After a few days in Tahoe, we decided to stop in Las Vegas on the way home, so our girls could see the town for the first time. Las Vegas Buffets have a whole different meaning now....one trip and that's it!!!! :o) I missed all the yummy food for a second...then quickly realized how much I like the changes in my body and the changes in my whole life....and it's soooo worth just one trip to the buffet!!
My girls and I in Vegas
My weight loss still continues..although slower than before. I've been neglecting the elliptical machine (bad girl). I will be dusting her off tomorrow and getting back in the groove!! I will be visiting Dr. Simon in the next few weeks for a checkup.
Also...a good friend of mine will be having surgery this week with Dr. Newhoff and I am so excited for him! He has done so well at preparing for surgery and I can't wait to see the changes in his life!! I can't wait for you to be a Big Loser with me "JB"!! :o)
8/21/06
So, I am just short of 10 months post op and LIFE IS GREAT!! I am now down about 110 pounds. The weight loss is definetely slower, but although the scale may not move, I am losing inches. I can tell a change in my clothes everyday. I have to get new clothes monthly now.
I just had my 31st birthday and am so thankful for this past year of life and all of its changes.
One of my daughters and I went out shopping the other day and of course I went to Lane Bryant...my favorite store...for a huge sale. She likes to help me pick out clothes and run and get different sizes for me, (a natural shopper). As we were checking out she said, "Mom...you are in the smallest size at this store" (14/16). I smiled at her and said, "I know..isn't that awesome?". She got all worried and asked me, "Well...where are you going to shop now?". I just laughed and said, "Anywhere I want!!". She got so excited! I have actually had the opportunity to shop at a store other than Lane Bryant...I haven't done that since junior high or high school. As much as I love that store....I am excited for all of my new opportunties :o)!!
I am working out on the elliptical machine. I don't particularly enjoy exercising, but I do feel awesome after I finish, both physically and mentally. I am up to 45 minutes...amazing to me considering the first time I could only go for 2 minutes!
My friend JB is doing awesome after surgery and I'm so happy I've had the opportunity to share the experience with him. I also met another OH friend, who will be having surgery on 8/29. I am excited for your new life Carrie!!! :o)
9 months post op
10/9/06
At the end of this month, it will be one year since my surgery. I am absolutely amazed at how fast the time has gone, and how amazing this past year has been. I have lost 115 pounds. I think my body likes this weight....HaHa!! I would still like to lose at least 40 more pounds. I know if I keep on track and keep exercising, I will eventually get there. I think I'm in an "adjustment phase".
The exercising is going well. I continue to do the elliptical machine, but have also thrown in a little more variety. We have been going on bike rides and geocaching on bikes as a family. We have averaged about 10 miles each trip and are doing the big trips 1-2 times per week. It has been so much fun and so good for the exercise for all of us. I have also started doing Tae Bo again. It is so much easier to "try" and do these kickboxing moves minus 115 pounds. I never said I was graceful...but Billy Blanks does whoop my bootie!!
In September we took a trip to Chicago to attend my cousins' wedding. We had a great time although the trip was a little too quick. It was so nice to see all of my family that I haven't seen since my brothers wedding last year right before surgery. All of the compliments felt so good....as did my LITTLE BLACK DRESS!!!
So...had to get a dress...dreaded going shopping and held off until I absolutely had to find something, (still have shopping anxiety, for fear of not finding anything or having things not go up that high in size). I went to Dillards for their huge dress sale. I took about 20 different dresses into the dressing room...but just HAD to try the black one on first. It was a size 16...and I thought.....no way is this gonna fit. I slipped it on...and it DID!! It was a "regular" dress....not something to hide my butt or my thighs, or to make me look "smaller"...but a real cocktail dress. After posing in the mirror a bit (oh you know I did), I noticed a huge snag across the front of the dress. I was so bummed. The fitting room attendant asked if I needed help and I showed her the snag. She said she'd go find another one. She came back in a few minutes discouraged saying she only found a 14. I was so bummed. She encouraged me to try it. I thought.....no freakin' way!!! I put it on...and it looked AWESOME...it fit..it really did.....a 14!!! Looking in the mirror...my eyes welled up with tears....I was so happy!! I didn't try on another dress. It was my first "little black dress". Of course I needed some black strappy sandals...and went to the shoe department and found just what I wanted. This was the best shopping trip ever!! I came home and modeled for my hubby....and when I walked out of the bathroom....his jaw dropped....and all I could do was smile and "walk the runway" in my new sexy dress and sexy strappy shoes!!!
Needless to say...this shopping trip helped to alleviate the shopping anxiety that I had grown to know so well!
The "little black dress"...and the handsome hubby
My family
One of my sisters and I doing our "Marilyn pose"
