I can't believe I'm here...

Feb 17, 2009

Hi everyone... I've been away for a while, but I've been lurking lately.  Wanted to shout out an update for anyone interested, and words of encouragement for anyone who might need them.

First, I wanted to say "THANK YOU" to all of you for the words of encouragement, the advice, and the unlimited support you all gave me during my research, my recovery, and my weight loss journey!!  Without you all, I'd have gone completely crazy!!

I had my VSG surgery on April 11, 2008.  I was 217 pounds and a size 22, with a BMI of 37.2.  My goal was 140 pounds.  In November, 2008, I stopped losing weight when I reached 130 pounds.  I talked to several reputable doctors in Houston, and was told that as long as I wasn't planning to lose much more weight, I could have my tummy tuck.  So on January 20, 2009, I had a tummy tuck and breast augmentation.  They removed 4 pounds of skin (and put a little over 3 pounds back in with the boobs).  So I am now 129 pounds, holding steady, at a BMI of 22.1.

The milestones were the best part.  I was down to a size 14 when I took my son to Disneyworld this past summer.  I was able to do more with him than I'd ever been able to.  It was actually the first time he'd ever seen me in a bathing suit!!  The day I put on a size 10 jeans, and they FIT... I started crying in the JC Penney dressing room.

I lost the weight much faster than I (or my doctor) thought that I would.  I know that my results are not typical.  But I can tell you this:
1)  My blood pressure is now NORMAL.
2)  My cholesterol is now NORMAL.
3)  My sleep apnea is GONE.
4)  I don't snore AT ALL any more!!

My fiance keeps my "before" picture in his Blackberry.  If we're dining out, and the waitress looks at me funny when I order only an extra plate (so I can just eat some of whatever he's having), he shows her the picture.  Just recently when I've been buying clothes, and I get funny looks when I tell the sales lady that I don't know what size I am.  You'd be amazed at the wonderful, positive reactions from perfect strangers!  Today, I am finally recovered enough from my cosmetic surgery that I could go shopping for bras and clothes... I was crying again in the dressing room.

I am so happy to have my health back.  I am THRILLED to be able to do ACTIVE things with my son, my fiance, and his boys.  I want everyone to know.... this surgery was SOOOO worth it!!!  Best wishes and much love to all of you!! 
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January 2009 - New Year, New ME!!

Jan 11, 2009

Well, it's been a while since I posted my measurements, so here goes:

Current Weight - 131 (Loss of 86 pounds)  That puts me weighing 9 pounds LESS than my original goal weight!
 

Waist -        33 in.          (total loss of 13 inches!!!)
Hips -          35-1/2 in.    (total loss of 12-1/2 inches)
Thighs -       20-1/2 in.    (total loss of 5-1/2 inches)
Calves -       13 in.            (total loss of 2-1/2 inches)
Boobs -        35 in.           (total loss of 11-1/2 inches)
Rib Cage -    31 in.           (total loss of 7 inches)
Upper Arm - 11 in.           (total loss of 4-1/2 inches)
Neck -          13 in.          (total loss of 4 inches)

Grand total of inches lost:  73 inches

I have not lost any additional weight since November, and I am scheduled on January 20th for a tummy tuck and breast implants. 

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4 months

Aug 10, 2008

Current Weight - 157 (Total Loss of 60 pounds!!)

 

Waist -        38 in.         (same)
Hips -          40 in.         (additional 2-1/2" gone)
Thighs -       22 in.         (additional 1/2" gone)
Calves -       14 in.          (same)
Boobs -        40 in.         (additional 1" gone)
Rib Cage -    34 in.         (same)
Upper Arm - 13 in.         (additional 1" gone)
Neck -          14 in.         (same)



3 Month Surgiversary - Update

Jul 12, 2008

Current Weight - 169 (Loss of 48 pounds!!)

 

Waist -        38 in.          (total loss of 8 inches!!!)
Hips -          42.5 in.       (total loss of 5-1/2 inches)
Thighs -       22 1/2 in.   (total loss of 3-1/2 inches)
Calves -       14 in.          (total loss of 1-1/2 inches)
Boobs -        41 in.          (total loss of 5-1/2 inches)
Rib Cage -    34 in.         (total loss of 4 inches)
Upper Arm - 14 in.          (total loss of 1-1/2 inches)
Neck -          14 in.          (total loss of 3 inches)


Measurement Update... OMG!!!!

May 18, 2008

OK so it's been 6 weeks since I started my pre-op diet.  My NEW measurements are:

Waist -        40 in.          (Loss of 6 inches!!!)
Hips -          46.5 in.       (Loss of 1 1/2 inches)
Thighs -       25 3/4 in.   (Loss of 1/4 inch)
Calves -       15 1/2 in.    (Same)
Boobs -        44 in.          (Loss of 2 1/2 inches)
Rib Cage -    36 in.         (Loss of 2 inches)
Upper Arm - 14 in.          (Loss of 1 1/2 inches)
Neck -          14 in.          (Loss of 3 inches!!!)

I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!!!!



Measurements.... YUCK!!

Apr 06, 2008

Well I finally got up the nerve to take my measurements.  I keep telling myself that it's important to know where I'm starting, so I'll better be able to see my progress.  So here goes:

Waist - 46"
Hips - 48"
Thighs - 26"
Calves - 15 1/2"
Boobs - 46 1/2"
Rib Cage - 38"
Upper Arm - 15 1/2"
Neck - 17"

By comparison... In the picture of me from 1991, my measurements were:

Boobs - 36"
Waist - 26"
Hips - 36"

OK, so I don't really want to be THAT small again. But I gotta get down from where I am right now!!

About Me
Southwest, LA
Location
21.5
BMI
VSG
Surgery
04/11/2008
Surgery Date
Mar 25, 2008
Member Since

Friends 32

Latest Blog 6
4 months
3 Month Surgiversary - Update
Measurement Update... OMG!!!!
Measurements.... YUCK!!

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