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HIGHEST WEIGHT- 260LBS (2005)

INITIAL CONSULT- 238LBS

FIRST DAY OF 10-DAY LIQUID DIET- 244LBS

PRE-OP- 229LBS

ONE WEEKS POST-OP- 225LBS

TWO WEEKS POST-OP-214LBS

THREE WEEKS POST-OP-206LBS

FOUR WEEKS POST-OP-204LBS

FIVE WEEKS POST-OP-204LBS

SIX WEEKS POST-OP-204LBS

SEVEN WEEKS POST-OP-197LBS

EIGHT WEEKS POST-OP-197LBS

NINE WEEKS POST-OP-195LBS

TEN WEEKS POST-OP-193LBS

ELEVEN WEEKS POST-OP-188LBS.

THREE MONTHS POST-OP-186LBS. (officially in a size 12!!!)

CHRISTMAS DAY 2007-183LBS.

FOUR MONTHS POST-OP-174LBS.

FIVE MONTHS POST-OP-168LBS. (can fit some 10's)

SIX MONTHS POST-OP-158lbs. (officially in a size 8)

SEVEN MONTHS POST-OP-153LBS. (officially in a size 6)

EIGHT MONTHS POST-OP-153LBS. (can fit a size 4, tight though)

NINE-MONTHS POST-OP-147LBS.

UPDATE!!!!! I JUST PURCHASED MY FIRST PAIR OF CAPRIS THAT ARE A SIZE 2!!!!!

TEN MONTHS POST-OP-144LBS

ELEVEN MONTHS POST-OP-144LBS

ONE YEAR POST-OP!!-145LBS

My mom and I actually went to a free seminar that is required for all of Dr. Gornichec's patients. It took about 3 hours and it was very informative. He was very intelligent, patient and it made me feel comfortable about seeking surgery because I didn't feel like this man was "selling" me weight loss surgery. Hopefully this process won't take long, but I am prepared if it does.


7/15/07-I have to print out and also fill out a ton of paperwork before my first appointment with the surgeon. I also had to write a letter on why I wanted to have surgery. I was kind of nervous writing this letter, but I did it and it ended up being two pages long.




7/20/07-I went for my first appointment with my surgeon. He was very nice and was not in a rush during this process. He was very in depth and wanted to know specifics about  why I wanted surgery and which surgery I decided to go with. When I told him that I decided to go with Lap RNY, he wanted to know the exact reasons why I wanted it. I then visited with the surgery coordinator who gave me a long list of things I needed to do. I have a few appointments to schedule and I also have to have a psych eval and meet with a nutritionist before they will submit my case to my insurance company.  I hope everything goes well with my insurance. The coordinator told me that they have never had any denials through my insurance. I don't have to have any medically supervised diets, although I have to submit an in depth description of my diet history. 


7/20/07-Since I work for the hospital were I will hopefully have my surgery, I was able to get some of my things done this same day. I had my x-ray, blood work, and my 12-lead ekg done today. It makes me feel better to have some of these things out of the way. I also contacted my pcp and told her that I have to have a letter from her supporting my surgery. I also told her that the surgeon needs a history of my comorbidities. I have to make an appointment to see her.



Can't remember the day, but I actually went to see my pcp and she was all for my decision. The only thing she wanted to do was to get some fasting blood work on me before she sent the letter and all of my info to the surgeon. She knows my surgeon and worked in the same building with him for years and she refers any one of her patients interested in weight loss surgery to him. This made me feel even more comfortable with him. Now, since my blood work that I had done for the surgeon was fasting blood work, they are just gonna fax her the results. One less, step, I'm happy.



7/25/2007- Well, today, I had my pulmonary function testing done and it went great. Since I am a respiratory therapist and pft's are a part of our department, they were able to just get me in. Glad for this as well. My coworker told me that all of my pft's looked really good. This was a relief for me cosidering I have really bad asthma. I'm glad it is being managed well.



7/27/07-Today I had my first psych eval. I talked to this guy for like an hour and a half. He was really cool and didn't make me feel nervous at all. We talked a lot about food not being used a comfort after surgery. He wanted to know how I felt about it. We also talked about my crappy relationship with my father. He told me that this could be one reason for me being overweight and he seems to think that when I lose weight, the issues might resurface. Not really sure if this is true.




8/5/07- Well this month will be busy. I have an EGD scheduled for the 27th, a sleep study eval scheduled for the 17th and a support group meeting scheduled for the 21st.  I am just ready to have all of this stuff completed. Kinda nervous about the EGD because they have to sedate me and I have never been sedated before. I have to get all of these things completed before my claim can be submitted to the insurance company. So, I am probably looking at a surgery date in early October, just before my 28th birthday. The only reason I say this is that it usually takes the insurance company about four weeks to make a decision. Lord knows, I hope I am not the first one my insurance company denies.



8/6/07-I talked to the surgeon's office and they told me that since I did have two months of doctor supervised diets with appetite suppressants,  I needed to have to have that info faxed to them. I called the Broadway Clinic and they gave me their fax number so the surgeon's office can fax them a release of medical information. Hopefully, they will get all of this information by the end of today.



8/8/07-Ok, so I called my surgeeon's office and found out that my pcp or the doctor from the weight loss clinic have not sent my medical records to them. This ticked me off! I will definately be calling them in the morning. As for everything else, I'm doing good but I am just ready to get all of the appointments over and done. I have two more and I can't wait.



8-14-07-So today, I called my pcp's office to find out why she hasn't sent any of my records to my surgeon's office. Turns out, she has been out of town and will not return until Monday. I don't know why she couldn't have just sent the darn things before she went on vacation. She already had the letter written and it only takes five minutes to fax something. So now, I have to wait until Monday to contact her office again. As for the weight loss center, I'm fighting a losing battle with them. I have called that darn lady I don't know how many times and she still has not faxed over my information. I know one thing though, all of my appointments will be completed by the 27th of August and if those damn papers aren't faxed to my surgeon's office, somebody is gonna have hell to pay!!



8-17-07-Today was my first meeting with the sleep study doctor. I actually have known this doctor for a while. He had a pretty important role during my clinicals when I was a student, so I knew that I would like him. Anyway, he had me do another set of pulmonary function tests. This was fine with me. This time however, I got to look at all the results. Some of my results dissappointed me because they were low and that means that my asthma is not being managed as well as it should be. So, when he noticed my values, he gave me a whole new regimen of asthma meds. I also had to admit to him that I have been addicted to Affrin nasal spray for about 5 years!! He then perscribed me a regimen of nasal medications to "get me off" of the Affrin. I knew this day was coming and actually, I am relieved. I am so tired of having to buy nasal spray every week. After we did all of that he then took a smaller version of a bronchoscope and looked down both of my nostrils. This felt very weird. I guess I got a taste of my own medicine since I'm always shoving things down patients noses and throats! He went ahead and scheduled my sleep study. I am doing my study on next Monday and Tuesday morning since I work night shift. I was so relieved to find out that they actually do sleep studies during the day. That helps me out a ton. So now, not only do I have to finished my sleep study on Tuesday, I also have to attend a support group on Tuesday evening. Thank goodness I am off for seven days. After this, I will just have to get my EGD done the following week and I will be done. Then, I can finally get all of my info to the insurance company. Lord knows I am praying for patience because this is something that I don't have and this process is about to drive me crazy. I know it will all be worth it in the end.



8-20-07-Well, this morning was the first phase of my sleep study. I checked in at 6am and by the time they got me registered, set up in the room and got all the monitors on me, it was about 730am. I didn't have a terrible time getting to sleep, but I kept waking up about every two hours having to go to the restroom. The last  time I woke up, which was at about 130pm, the sleep tech told me they had enough info on me. She told me that my tracking did show sleep apnea and snoring. This is kind of a relief to me because something had to explain me being tired all of the time. It doesn't matter if I sleep 4 hours or 24 hours, I always feel like I haven't slept in a week. I have to report back tomorrow morining at 630am and this time they are going to hook me up to all of those wires again, plus I have to wear a cpap machine to see if my sleeping is better with it. I also have a support group meeting tomorrow and then on Wednesday, I have to see the "sleep" doctor to go over my results.



8-21-07-Today was kind of a busy day. I had to complete my second part of my sleep study. I reported there at the same time as I did yesterday. They hooked me up to the same wires, but this time, they went ahead and hooked me up to the cpap machine. At first, I was a little hesitant, but I know that some people live with cpap machines everyday of their lives. Also, I have set up a ton of cpaps at work, so again, I got a taste of my own medicine. I wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It was also very nice to wake up refreshed and in the same spot that I feel asleep in. I haven't done either in years! I have to go see the sleep doctor tomorrow so we can go over my results and what he suggests I do. He's cool, so it will be fun. I
I also had my first support group meeting tonight. It was held at the hospital that I work for, so that was cool. Anyway, there were about 25 people there, which most of them were pre-op. That was kind of suprising to me. I think there were only about 10 people who were post-op. I figured that since they only have support group twice a month, and you have to attend at least one before surgery, I figured everyone was getting it out of the way. We talked about all kinds of things and I thought it was a really good session. Since mostly everyone was pre-op, they just opened the floor for questions. And I am here to tell you, I am still learning things.  They even gave out samples of protein drink mixes and calcium chews. That was nice. I really enjoyed it and I plan on attending some more post-op.



8-22-07-Today, I had to meet with the sleep doctor to go over my sleep study. He told me that I had a very mild case of sleep apnea, but the point is, is that I have it. I had 7 periods of apnea and 2 snore arousals. That was enough for me, actually too much. Anyway, he did write me a perscription for a cpap machine. I will turn that in next week. Hopefully, my insurance will pay. One of my coworkers told me that our insurance paid for her cpap 100%.



8-23-07-Well, today is my first night back to work in 7 days. Dang, those 7 days really went by fast! I guess because those days were full of doctor's appointments and sleep studies. I don't know why I didn't turn in my perscription for my cpap yesterday. My sleep this morning was horrible. I tossed and turned all freakin' day! Now that I know what good sleep feels like, it bothered me like hell trying to sleep without the cpap. However, I did something today that I haven't done in 2 months; I exercised!! Can you believe that??!! I haven't lifted a finger to burn any kind of calories in two months and even though I slept like crap, I got my fat butt up and did some cardio for 20mins. This motivated me, so from now until I have surgery, I will do some kind of exercise everyday. It kind of reminded me of how I used to feel when I would exercise everyday. Felt good.



8/24/07-So today, I called my surgeon's office and they told me that they still haven't recieved my papers from my pcp. This is really starting to piss me off!! I have been calling them since the beginning of August and it is almost September. She told me that she would fax them today. We'll see.



8-27-07-Today, I went for my first EGD.  I had to be at the hospital at 0730. By the time they got me registered and settled, it was about 0900. I ended up getting stuck twice for an IV because the first one came out. They gave me versed and demerol. It felt really good!!! It lasted for about 30 minutes. The Dr., by the way was really cool, told me that I didn't have any scarring from my reflux, but to keep taking aciphex. He did however, dialate my esophagus because I told him that I have an extremely hard time taking pills and food gets stuck pretty frequently. It all went well. I also went and picked up my cpap machine and I am finally getting good sleep!!



8-29-07-Ok, I have just about had it with my pcp's office! I called yesterday and they told me that they still haven't faxed my paperwork and that they were going to get it together and call me back. Now, do you honestly think they called me back?! So, today I woke up a little earlier that usual and I called the office. I told them that I was sick of dealing with them and that I would come and pick the darn papers up myself! So I got dressed for work early and went and got a copy of all of my medical records and I will sort through them. I will pick out things that will help me prove my case. Luckily, I have good documentation of my comorbidities. I am hoping that I can get the stuff sent off by the beginning of next week. And then it is the waiting game.



8-31-07-So today, I go into my surgeon's office to take my medical info from my pcp. One of the nurses took my info and put it in my file. We started talking  and come to find out, my case was submitted to insurance on the 17 of August!! With my insurance, they only needed the basics to start the approval process, so the surgeon's office went ahead and sent it in. Can you believe that?! I thought that once I turned in all of my med info, then they would send it off and I would have to wait 3 weeks. Well, when I called the insurance to see if they really had all of the info, she told me that it was in the third stage of approval and I should hear something within the week. I almost feel to my knees!! So, instead of me starting the apporval process, it has already been in process. I'm so excited and will be even more excited when they give me the ok. The nurse told me that all of the other stuff they need is just records to use as backup for my case. So, we will see at the end of the week what they say. Pray for me.



9-4-07-So, I have definately been anticipating my approval letter sometime this week since that's when the insurance company told me I would. I am trying not to get to excited but I just can't help it. Just when I thought the anticipation was going to kill me, I wake up today and looked at the caller id. When it said Integris Health, which is where I work and plan to have my surgery, I got mad. I was thinking, why would they be calling me and I am on my way to work. Well, little did I know  it turned out to be a call from my surgeon's office. Kim, who is the coordinator,left a message saying that I had been approved for surgery and they were looking at a date around the 24th of this month! I started dancing around the house and  yelling. Someone would've thought I was a mad woman!!! I cannot believe that it went so fast!! I am so excited and nervous all at the same time. I got scared when they told me last Friday that I would here something within the week, but I didn't know it was going to be this fast. Thank you Jesus!!! I can know plan my life around being on the loser's side! Kim also told me that I would have to do a pre-op nutrition class and the next one is tomorrow at 10 or 3. I'm going to call her in the morning and see if I can do the 10am one. Hopefully, I can stay awake because I will just be getting off work at seven.



9-5-07-Well, I talked to my surgeon's office as soon as they opened this morning and turns out, I can participate in the nutrition class scheduled for 10 this morning. This is great. I can get done and I will be finished with everything I have to do before I become a loser. The nutritionist was great, of coarse thin as a rail!! However, we went over a lot of things that were very helpful as far as the 10 day pre-op diet and post-op.  Since I was the only one in the class, I think it was more informative and I got to ask a ton of questions. After my 1.5 hour class, I talked to the nurse and she put me down in the books for an official date of Septmeber 25!! I am indeed excited and very nervous. It all went so fast, but I like it because I am very impatient. But back to they nutrition class, I was kinda thrown aback when they told me the class was 50 bucks!! I almost wet my pants. But since I am an employee, I was able to just payroll deduct the fee. I sure was glad because I really didn't have the 50 bucks to begin with!! Now, I am starting to plan everything out, making lists of what I need to buy as far as food, and what I need to take to the hospital. I also made a list of things that I need to get done before I go under the knife, like paying bills, cleaning, etc. I am so ready for this, but all kinds of things are going through my mind. I know that my family has been praying that everything will go ok, as have I. If you are reading my posts, I ask you to say a little prayer for me that everything goes well pre, during and post-op.



9-12-07-Well, my surgeon's office called me today to remind me of my appointment on Friday.  I asked them if they had a time for me and she said that they would go over all of that information on Friday. I have to have my mother present at this appointment because they absolutely have to know that you have a support system, and as of right now, my mom is the major player in my support system. I think they told me that she has to sign some papers stating that she is the primary support person for me post-op. I'm gonna be in a little bind for my appointment on Friday because I have to work Thursday night and I have to go to work Friday night. I know I am going to be very sleepy, but it's gonna be worth it!! Only 16 more days until I join the losers bench!!



9-14-07-I had my pre-op appointment with Dr. G today. We got to talk in depth about the surgery and he got to talk to my mom about the procedure. He asked her how she felt about the surgery. She told him that at first she was nervous, but she feels better about it. I think she actually felt better after she got to talk to the doctor. I have to call and set up a time with the hospital for my pre-op blood work. I hope I can go next Friday. It has to be 3-5 days before my surgery.  Well, I only have 11 days left to be on the loser's side! Please pray for me that I have an uneventful surgery.



9-15-07-Today is my first day of my liquid diet. It is already torture. Plus on top of this diet thing, I have been really under the weather with bad allergies. I actually stayed home from work Friday because I didn't feel well. I hope this doesn't last long, because I cannot have surgery sick. I had to start the first day of my diet at work. I hate that. There are all kinds goodies around here, of coarse. Luckily, I only have to work 4 days out of the 10, so when I'm off, I will just drink and sleep! The countdown is on!! I know I can do it, I have no choice. Only 10 days left!!!



9-19-07- I AM STARVING!!!!!!! I am starting day five of my liquid diet and of course, I am at work with all kinds of goodies in my face. I wonder do they make you do this for a psychological effect as well as shrink your liver?? I am trying my hardest to stay focused and strong. This diet is torture. I want to chew. Anyways, I got an email from HR saying that they approved my FMLA but I needed to get another form in by Oct. 3. This is the form that the surgeon has to fill out. Luckily, I gave that form to them last week. I will check with them in a couple of days to make sure they filled it out. I also had to make an appointment for my pre-op testing. I will have to go when I get off work Friday morning. Luckily, I will just have to go from the 10th floor to the 2nd floor. Talk about convienence!! After that, I am done until the big day.



9-21-07-Well, I get off work at 7 this morning and I have to wait around, without falling asleep, until 815. When I got down to SAU, they were really nice. They took some blood from me and went over all the paperwork, and what meds to keep on taking, etc.. But then the nurse said, "Ok, I have you scheduled for 730 and you should be here at 530." Now, I was sleepy, but not that dang sleepy! SO I told her that they surgeon's office said my surgery would be at 930. She then went to call them and double check. Turns out, someone cancelled and now my surgery was moved to the first one on Tuesday morning. It's ok with me considering I can't have anything after midnight!! I only have to suffer for 5 hours intead of 7. It's also good, because the quicker I have it done, the quicker I can get to recovery, and then, my room!! The nurse also told me to go ahead and pre-register this morning in admitting. This is also good because now I can just report to the surgical unit instead of waiting on the slow people in admitting!!! It's getting close and I am a nervous wreck!!



9-23-07-Ok, I am on day 9 of my 10 day liquid diet. I think my stomach has finally given up on being really hungry. That helps me out a ton. I want to chew something bad!! I keep telling myself that it's almost over and that I can do it. Then a couple of minutes later I realize that I have 2 more weeks after surgery of liquids. I don't think it will be as hard when your stomach is the size of an egg though, at least I hope not. I will again ask anyone that is reading this, please pray  for a successful surgery and speedy recovery for me.



9-24-07-Well, this is the last night before I become a loser. Can't wait!! I really don't know how I am feeling right now. I've had people call me and wish me luck today which is very encouraging. I really don't think that it has really hit me. I think it will when I have to report to the hospital at 5am. I also got an unexpected visitor today, I started my period!!! I just knew I had at least 5 days before my visitor was supposed to show up. I hope that doesn't mean I have to reschedule my surgery. That would really piss me off!! But hopefully it won't and I will make another post when I get home. Wish me luck!!



9-25-07-Well, so much for posting after I got home. Right after writing the last post, I got a call from my sister telling me that my grandpa had passed away. I then had to rush to the hospital and be with my family. I kinda knew in the back of my head that it was coming pretty soon, but you are never really prepared for the loss of a loved one. I kinda got scared, like is this a sign telling me not to have surgery, but I dismissed that thought and told myself that I was still going through with it. So, here it is after midnight and I have to wake up at 345am because I have to be at the hospital at 5am, and I can't sleep. Maybe I will at least get an hour of shuteye before I have to leave. Then again, this is when I am usually awake anyway!! So, pray for me please to have an uneventful surgery and I will post when I get home.


9-25-07-So, I only got about 3 hours of sleep before I had to get it to the hospital. When I got there, I felt really strange, partly because I had started my cycle and it was full speed ahead!! But anyway, I checked in, they called my back and took all of my vitals. Then they took some more blood and sent off preganancy test!! After that, they started my IV, which had two attempts like everytime  I go to the hospital. After that,  I got changed into my gown and met with a few people.  I met  with my or nurse and the anesthesiologist. They were both very nice. Then, Dr. Gornichec came in and told me that I had lost 15lbs and went over the procedure again with me. Then, everything else that was needed to be done, it was done and then I was wheeled off. After I was in the operating room, some more things were explained to me and the nurse told me that she would wait until I was put to sleep to put in the infamous foley catheder. The anesthesiologist then put a mask over my face, and I was out. 
The next thing I knew, I was awake in recovery and being wheeled to my Icu bed. Dr. G had talked to my mom and sister and said everything went good. But, there was an instance where the staple gun misfired and I had to get one row of my staples sutured instead of stapled. Because of this, I had to have an NG tube in my nose until I had my leak test.  He told me that they used to use sutures for all surgeries, but they staples are a lot better in the long run. So, luckily it is only one row that is sutured. I stayed in the icu for 1 night and then was transferred to a regular room after that. I stayed there for 1 night all day the next day. I had to pass gas and/or have a bowel movement before he would let me go home. Needless to say, I did. I was ready to do the rest of my recovery at home because those beds were so uncomfortable. I came home with a butt load of meds. I even have to inject my stomach with lovenox for 10 days!! But I'm doing better each day. I cannot wait until I can get this weight off!!


10-18-07-I haven't updated in a while. It's hard to believe that it has been three weeks already!! I am scheduled to go back to work next week. In a way, I am eager because I just sit at the house. On the other hand, I'm wondering how I will tolerate work because I kinda get tired fast. I mean, I have energy but after doing things around the house, I get tired. I am praying that everything will be ok, because once I go to work, that is 12 straight hours of continuous work. I am slowly starting to feel like my normal self. This surgery took a lot out of me, but I'm getting better. And I am finally getting to eat solid food, so I am very excited about that.


11-8-07-I know it has been a while since I've updated. Well, it has truly been a change. I was kind of having a hard time with getting all of my protein in, but the more regular foods I could eat, the better my protein intake. I am finally getting in the protein that I need. Work has been good. I am feeling "normal" again and it feels good. The transformation from chewable vitamins to liquid has been great. I can tolerate the liquid vitamins a lot better than those nasty chewables. Since my surgery, I've only vomited twice, both times at work. I don't think I was paying attention to what I was eating and eating it way too fast. I am rarely nauseated, however, I do have an issue were I get really light headed when I stand up to quickly. But as a whole, my life is not that much different. It's nice to get a compliment every now and again. People keep telling me I am going to disappear if I don't slow down. I always think to myself, I've only lost 42lbs, so what will they say when I lose another 50lbs!!


11-26-07-Well, it's been just a little bit since I have posted. I actually had a really good Thanksgiving. I was able to taste a tiny bit of everything and it felt good to do that. I even had a tiny piece of cheese cake, did I mention it was tiny?!! So, as of today, I have officially lost 49lbs. I am so excited. My body is changing and now people are starting not to recognize me. I even had a friend of 20years walk right passed me in a club and did not know who I was! It is really interesting to see people's reactions to the changes that my body is going through. I feel like I actually have a face and people can actually see my face now. As for everything else, so far so good. I pray that it continues that way. I've only thrown up twice since having surgery. I really try to play it by the book though. I think I actually got a piece of ham stuck the day after Thanksgiving. I was only uncomfortable for about and hour then, I was able to keep my liquids down. I had some labs drawn at my last dr.'s appointment and I am praying that they are normal. I guess we will see.


1-17-08-Well, I know it's been a while since I have posted. I had a really good Christmas and a pretty good New Year. Wow, I cannot believe how fast time is passing. I will be six months out in 2 months. I can't believe it!! So far, I have been very blessed. I haven't had any problems, thank you Jesus! I was having some pain close to my navel, where  I have a scar, and the doctor told me to watch it but more than likely, it was scar tissue breaking apart. He told me to let him know if the pain got any worse. Well, thank the Lord that the pain is back down to a minimum. I think that it really was scar tissue. I had a doctor's appt. on the 4th of this month and all of my labs were normal. Thank you Jesus again!! He told me everything looks good and to keep up with the good work. Everyday it gets easier for me. I really love my pouch. I now enjoy the fact that I can't eat a whole lot. I have spent my whole life eating rediculous amounts of food, so I am loving the change. I think I felt my stomach growl for the first time since surgery. It's not nearly as bad as pre-op, but it felt weird because I haven't felt that In four months!! I am down to 175lbs and I officially have 30lbs. to go!! I can't wait. My body is totally changing. I don't even recognize myself half of the time. I am actually buying clothes out of the juniors section of clothing stores!! I feel so great and I am thankful everyday that I chose to have gastric bypass surgery. It has given me a new leash on life. It feels good to feel normal again.


3-3-08-Well folks, it's almost been six months!! I cannot believe how fast the time has gone. I feel absoulutely amazing. My pouch has been my best friend! I am down to 165lbs. today and I am thanking God. I only have about 15 more pounds to go until I get to my goal weight. 15lbs? Are you kidding me?! I have never been 15lbs away from my goal weight! It's almost like I am living outside of myself. Like I'm dreaming, but it's real. Everyday, I still have a fear that I am going to wake up and be 260lbs. Sometimes I am afraid to look in the mirror! I also have a fear that everyday I'm stretching my pouch. That's probably not healthy to think that way, but I can't help it. I have really kicked in with exercise with my hard core Turbo Jam, Tae-Bo, Spinning. I am starting my weight lifting again this week. I have been doing some light strength training, but I'm going hard core with the weight lifting now.  I wanted to get close to my goal weight before I started. I feel like I am close enough to my goal weight and close enough to being six months post-op to start. As far as eating, I can have pretty much anything. I have to watch myself though, because I am not sensitive to sugar, so it makes it a little tough to make decisions on sweets. I have only vomited 5 times since surgery and they have all been my fault! I have noticed that 90% of the time I go shopping, I find myself in the juniors sections of every store! That is so exciting and continues to be a "wow" moment every time I do it. I no longer get looked at funny when I go into Victoria's Secret!! People are nicer and I have more doors held open for me than ever. Isn't that funny?! I feel like the outside of me finally matches the inside. Lord knows I don't ever wanna see the fat me anymore and I will do anything I have to do to keep myself fit and healthy.  I thank God every single day that he pulled me through surgery without any complications. I also thank Him everyday I continue to not have complications.  And I say to all of my GB family, keep up the good work and together, we can make this happen!!


4-09-08-It's been a little bit since I've posted, so here it goes. Things are going good. Again, I thank God everyday that I am not having any complications. My six month check up went well. Dr. Gornichec told me that I have lost 90% of my excess body weight in six months and it usually takes people over a year. He told me I was one of very few. My labs came back fine, except my iron was low. The same day the nurse called about it, I immediately started takin feosol. The pills are tiny, so I like that. I still feel like I can eat more and that's kind of scarry. I just have to make sure I wait my 30mins before and after. I have to admit, I have been slackin on this. I always wait 30min after I eat, but sometimes I don't wait 30min after I drink to eat. Today, I weighed in at 156lbs! I haven't weighed that since the 6th grade!! It feels so good, and Lord knows I don't wanna ever see anything passed 160lbs. A few days ago, I was in Marshall's and I bought my first size 6 pair of jeans. I couldn't hardly believe it!! It's like I'm dreaming or I'm on the outside watching this "girl" lose weight. I have never in my life bought a size 6 anything. I was very excited.


6/11/08-Hey everyone. Wow has it been a journey. To date, I am 147lbs!! I am so excited, I don't know what to do with myself. I actually went to the doctor last Tuesday and weighed in at 153lbs. I have been this way for a month. I was really excited. I had to give blood once again to make sure my labs were ok. I think all is fine. They haven't called me with anything and they are usually good about that. Well some time between Tuesday and Friday, I managed to lose 6lbs, bringing my weight down to 147lbs. I could not believe it!! I still haven't had any complications, thank you Jesus. I feel great! I started a new exercise routine, P90X. Its extremely hard core and it's a 90-day regimen. Did I mention it was hardcore!!! I am ready to get ripped now that I have gone below my goal weight. I am tired of jiggling!! So hopefully I will be able to finish this regimen.


10/1/08-HAPPY SURGIVERSARY TO ME!!! Well guys, its been a year. Actually, it's been a year and 5 days. Wow!! This year has flown by. I cannot believe it's been a year already. I feel absolutely amazing and when I look back, it's hard to believe that I even looked the way I did. I am a totally different person, inside and out. It still feels like I am watching someone else's life change. I have to admit though, sometimes I will walk past a mirror and I can still see the old me. I have to pinch myself and say, that's not you anymore. My labwork all looks good, however, I think I may be developing hypoglycemia. I'm gonna monitor this very carefully. One thing I need to do is stop eating sugar. Even though I dump, I still manage to eat some sugar. Skittles have been the culprit!!! But other than that, I feel absolutely great. Hopefully,  the years to come will be amazing.


7/5/09-I know it's been a long time since I've blogged. It is still quite a journey for me. I still can't believe I'm a skinny girl!! It will be 2 years in a couple of months and it doesn't seem like its been that long. I still look at my old pictures regularly, especially when I don't feel like exercising! I have settled in at around 150lbs and it looks pretty good on me. Everyone says I look like I am much smaller than that. It's not often that you see a girl that weighs 150lbs and can fit into a size 4!! And to think, I was just wanting  to get into a size 12 before surgery. I am still thankful everyday that I haven't had any problems. I am truly blessed. Downside: I think I've stretched my tummy just a little bit. I don't know if it's normal for it to be this size 2 years after, or not. I've gotten to where I can eat 1.5 slices of pizza in one sitting. I remember when I could only eat half of a slice. Kinda want those days back because I get worried that one day my tummy will be like it was before. I've also started to drink wine and quite a bit of it. My doctor told me alcohol in moderation is ok, but I don't think every weekend is "moderation"! I also think I'm dealing with body dysmorphic syndrome. I still see fat when I look at myself. Now grant it, I don't see the 260lb fat me, but I still think I look fat. I'm always thinking someone is looking at how big my stomach is. It doesn't register in my brain that obese people cannot fit into a size 4. Having major issues with that. Also, got kind of depressed when I bought my swim suit. I just keep saying in my head, "how does a person who loses pver 100lbs still not be able to look good in a swim suit?" I am having issues with "fat pockets" in different places on my body that will not go away with exercise. So, I get down and out, but then I remember to pull out my "fat" photos and tell myself, "you could still look like this." Anyway, I get over it. I am still working out 5 days a week. I am a huge fan of weight training! Not so much of a cardio fan. I like to see muscle changing with weight training. I've come a long way. Even though I have fat pockets, I can see a lot of muscle definition. All in all, it's been one hell of a ride, but I am enjoying every minute of it.


1-21-10-It has definately been long time OH. I am still doing good and I am still truly blessed. No complications to date, thank you Jesus!! I went to the doctor in December and I was in shock. In the 15 months since my last appt., I have managed to gain 10lbs back!! WHAT??!! That kicked me right in gear. I had started slacking on my diet and exercise, but that was indeed a wake up call. 10lbs, are you kidding me?! It's weird though, cuz none of my clothes fit any different and my waist is the same size. The PA at Dr. G's office told me a lot of it can be muscle. The last time I went to the doctor, I looked like a crack head!! No muscle tone what so ever. Now, I have a lot more and I'm hoping that is the reason for at least half of those 10 funky lbs!! So, I am weaning myself off of wine and sweets!! I wanna look good this summer!! Hopefully, I can get the scale to move!!