Traci72
Summer's almost over
Aug 04, 2008
Well, I'm now 2 1/2mos postpartum from my surrogate pregnancy and have 4 1/2lbs more to lose to reach my pre-pg weight, but I'm shooting for my goal weight, so that's just under another 12lbs. We'll see how long it takes me to lose it. On my surrogacy boards we're doing our version of the 'Biggest Loser', so that's been helping me stay more accountable. (have to post a pic of me standing on the scale and the actual #'s!!) I'm still providing the baby w/breastmilk, which has made it a little harder w/the WL, but I'm "weaning" myself off the breastpump over this coming month and that should help too.
I just attened the OH event at the MOA in Minneapolis and had an incredible time! To think I almost didn't go! I was so nervous because I didn't know anyone there...it sort of felt like going on a blind date. I met some incredible people and heard some amazing stories and they all just touched me so much and were inspiring. Only regret is that my coffee was made w/regular instead of decaf, so I had to toss it. Total waste of coffee...I wanted to cry! Dinner was fabulous and I loved hearing all of our speakers. It was especially nice to hear some of the stories of others that were there, and I even shared a small part of mine. I have to say it was rather funny to me. I'm very outgoing and talk A LOT and to EVERYONE. I am soooo NOT shy! Yet once that mic was in my hands, I started shaking sooooo bad. I'm suprised that I didn't drop the mic at all. I also rambled on (not a ton of coherence) because of my nerves, but I still was able to share some. At the end of the nite they were drawing for door prizes and then were going to draw for the Angel Award. That part I didn't know, and wasn't sure what it really meant, but hey, I'm game for anything. Turns out you were supposed to choose someone that was there that nite that touched or inspired you in some way, then all the 'votes' were tallied and they announced the winner. Joanna started reading some of the reasons why this 'person' was being voted for, and by the 4-5 one I realized that there were a lot of people looking at me, and by the 6th I realized Joanna was talking about ME! I was bawling like a baby and in total shock. I just couldn't believe it.
I have never felt that Ive done anything inspiring, that I've touched anyone (other than my immediate family) or made a difference in some way. To know that there were people there that felt they could relate in some way to anything I shared, or that I provided hope or encouragement, insiration in any way.....it's just mind blowing to me. Those people that were there, and here on OH as well, are inspiring to me and I owe much thanks to all for the support and encouragement they've given over the years. I don't have a support group I can attend (been w/out for over 2yrs now) and I know part of my success belongs here. Couldn't have done it w/out all of you here!!!
I just attened the OH event at the MOA in Minneapolis and had an incredible time! To think I almost didn't go! I was so nervous because I didn't know anyone there...it sort of felt like going on a blind date. I met some incredible people and heard some amazing stories and they all just touched me so much and were inspiring. Only regret is that my coffee was made w/regular instead of decaf, so I had to toss it. Total waste of coffee...I wanted to cry! Dinner was fabulous and I loved hearing all of our speakers. It was especially nice to hear some of the stories of others that were there, and I even shared a small part of mine. I have to say it was rather funny to me. I'm very outgoing and talk A LOT and to EVERYONE. I am soooo NOT shy! Yet once that mic was in my hands, I started shaking sooooo bad. I'm suprised that I didn't drop the mic at all. I also rambled on (not a ton of coherence) because of my nerves, but I still was able to share some. At the end of the nite they were drawing for door prizes and then were going to draw for the Angel Award. That part I didn't know, and wasn't sure what it really meant, but hey, I'm game for anything. Turns out you were supposed to choose someone that was there that nite that touched or inspired you in some way, then all the 'votes' were tallied and they announced the winner. Joanna started reading some of the reasons why this 'person' was being voted for, and by the 4-5 one I realized that there were a lot of people looking at me, and by the 6th I realized Joanna was talking about ME! I was bawling like a baby and in total shock. I just couldn't believe it.
I have never felt that Ive done anything inspiring, that I've touched anyone (other than my immediate family) or made a difference in some way. To know that there were people there that felt they could relate in some way to anything I shared, or that I provided hope or encouragement, insiration in any way.....it's just mind blowing to me. Those people that were there, and here on OH as well, are inspiring to me and I owe much thanks to all for the support and encouragement they've given over the years. I don't have a support group I can attend (been w/out for over 2yrs now) and I know part of my success belongs here. Couldn't have done it w/out all of you here!!!
Long time no update!
Jan 16, 2008
Funny how a person goes through phases in their life and focus changes so much. For the 1st 2yrs just before my WLS and after, I was on OH daily and sometimes 3-4 times per day. Over the last year and a half, I haven't been at all. It's like missing an old friend. My excuse if you will, is a new "passion" I guess you might call it. 2yrs out from surgery I started looking back into becoming a surrogate and signed w/a local agency. Surrogacy has been consuming my time for the last 1 1/2yrs and my focus has been there.
I am currently 21wks pg w/another couple's child and very excited! We just found out that they are DEFINATELY having a baby girl, and are allowing themselves to start feeding into the madness of baby shopping. (and of course I'm encouraging it!!) Many ask me how I can "give *my* baby up", but it's an easy answer for me. It's not my baby. None of my genetic material is in this child, there is absolutely NO biological connection whatsoever. They provided the sperm and egg, me just a place to "incubate" the embryo. I had experienced my own fertility issues in my early 20's and believed that I would never have children of my own. Now 4 kids later and proving the Dr's wrong, the offer I made to my best friend to be her surrogate has come to fruition.
This journey has been absolutely incredible so far and has really helped me feel a sense of purpose in the world. My DH and I had talked even before I was matched w/this couple, that if I had a good journey, we'd like to do this at least twice. Funny guy has now asked me how many times I can do this before I'm "too old".....I'm thinking almost along the same lines as him, but taking it 1 surrogacy at a time. I know we'll do this a 2nd time and if that goes well, we'll try a 3rd. 3 is enough though I think, max.
Anyway, as far as WL goes, I fluctuate between 127 and 132 (so I'm still maintaining a WL of about 118lbs) and am comfortable w/that. I'm consistantly in a size 4 and at times a size 2. Remembering that the last time I was 130-135 I was in a size 9, this just reinforces to me that the clothing industry has inlarged their sizes to accomodate our growing egos. Of course the feeling I get inside when people ask me what I wear and I say "A 4" is wonderful!! I'm still cheating some, which is why I've put some weight back on, but I don't allow myself to all the time. Sometimes I'm drinking w/my meal, sometimes it's stretching my meals out to 40-60mins instead of 20mins and me being full. I do eat candy, but will pay the price if I overindulge as I still dump hard when it happens. Overall I feel that I am a success to myself and to my surgeon/program and thank them constantly for giving me this opportunity.
I am currently 21wks pg w/another couple's child and very excited! We just found out that they are DEFINATELY having a baby girl, and are allowing themselves to start feeding into the madness of baby shopping. (and of course I'm encouraging it!!) Many ask me how I can "give *my* baby up", but it's an easy answer for me. It's not my baby. None of my genetic material is in this child, there is absolutely NO biological connection whatsoever. They provided the sperm and egg, me just a place to "incubate" the embryo. I had experienced my own fertility issues in my early 20's and believed that I would never have children of my own. Now 4 kids later and proving the Dr's wrong, the offer I made to my best friend to be her surrogate has come to fruition.
This journey has been absolutely incredible so far and has really helped me feel a sense of purpose in the world. My DH and I had talked even before I was matched w/this couple, that if I had a good journey, we'd like to do this at least twice. Funny guy has now asked me how many times I can do this before I'm "too old".....I'm thinking almost along the same lines as him, but taking it 1 surrogacy at a time. I know we'll do this a 2nd time and if that goes well, we'll try a 3rd. 3 is enough though I think, max.
Anyway, as far as WL goes, I fluctuate between 127 and 132 (so I'm still maintaining a WL of about 118lbs) and am comfortable w/that. I'm consistantly in a size 4 and at times a size 2. Remembering that the last time I was 130-135 I was in a size 9, this just reinforces to me that the clothing industry has inlarged their sizes to accomodate our growing egos. Of course the feeling I get inside when people ask me what I wear and I say "A 4" is wonderful!! I'm still cheating some, which is why I've put some weight back on, but I don't allow myself to all the time. Sometimes I'm drinking w/my meal, sometimes it's stretching my meals out to 40-60mins instead of 20mins and me being full. I do eat candy, but will pay the price if I overindulge as I still dump hard when it happens. Overall I feel that I am a success to myself and to my surgeon/program and thank them constantly for giving me this opportunity.
