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40.....   The past work week has been hectic, stressful, exhausting, stimulating, enlightening and intellectually challenging. I do consider myself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work for an great company, as well as to learn from the best in the FDA.  

As I write to you, I am now on my 40th day post-op from my Gastric sleeve procedure. WOW ! Like my experiences with my career, I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to follow so manyWLS blogs, watch WLS YouTube videos, look @ all the Before and After pictures for motivation and, most of all, learn from YOUR experiences (good, bad and the ugly) and to those who graciously shared their experience with us in all these forums.   The "40's" can be a magical time in a women's life. I've always embraced getting older. I've looked at it as an a kind of eliteStatus. Through all my life experiences I have gained a wealth of knowledge and confidence, and I have learned to know ME. As I ventured through each of these toll-gates in my life, I learned some very powerful life lessons : Marriage, Relocating Out-of-State, Health Concerns, Infertility, High-Risk Pregnancies (x 2), Divorce, local Relocation, Single Parenting, Dating in my 30's, Re-Marriage, Co-Parenting with x-Husband, Teenagers, Child's Marriage, 1st Grandchild, Empty Nest, and now this Life Changing adventure on this amazing Weight Loss Journey.  

Just think, If we were given a military type uniform that had a badge on the chest for every life challenge you overcame and represented your growth as a person in every way, I know I would wear it with pride. I'd even march in a Parade ! I tend to look at aging or getting older in this same way. At 47 years of age, I feel more confident, wiser, secure, and most of all, more beautiful inside and out as each day passes.

I believe it is around the 40's when women in general come to feel "comfortable in their own skin". You don't compare yourself with other women as much. You know, reasonably, what you can and cannot change. Believe it or not ladies, there are still things out there that you can't buy or botox your way out of. Remember this ... a wonderful, caring personality and a women who embraces THEIR beauty, inside and out, is the one everyone wants to be around...    Love Yourselves !    

I had surgery yesterday @ UCLA Medical Center and I'm recovering now with my new best friend... the morphine pump !!
I'm waiting for the doctor to come in and do his post-op, so I'll write more later...  

Hi Everyone,

As I mentioned a few days ago, my gastric sleeve procedure is scheduled for Monday, June 22nd.   I am so excited and ready to start this adventure in my journey to health and wellness..  I've been stocking up on all the things UCLA advised and getting the family organized so I can have the time to focus on myself, recovery, exercise and getting healthy.

I plan to be posting updates weekly after surgery, so check back on here and youtube  to see my progress and share your ideas with me.

Have a beautiful week,
Maria

Hi Everyone,

My surgery date is scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2009 @ UCLA.  I'm so excited, yet a bit nervous as well.   I can't wait to begin this amazing journey and see what all I can achieve.  The things I love most in life, besides my family, is being active and trying new things.  I'm looking forward to doing all the things that I couldn't because of my weight.....  

I'll try to post weight loss updates here and on youtube, however, if you are interested in what I am doing you can also check out my website and travel blog @ www.marianaultphotography.com

Have a beautiful Day !
Maria

Hi Everyone,

It's been some time since I've been able to get online due to work because of all the fires out here in Southern California.  

I'm starting my 6th week (of 24)  of Pre-Op w/ Kaiser & attending classes once a week.   To date I've lost 13 lbs so far.    I'm doing well so far with making the changes that are required prior to surgery.

Happy Holidays !!

will update when I get home

This was my 1st event with Obesity Help and I am so glad that I attended. (Thanks Yvonne for encouraging me to go).  I met some of the most amazing people  like: Bette Sue (Ali's Mom & Partner from the Biggest Loser), Melting Mama & Egg Face were hilarious (I can't believed how much I laughed this weekend), Joanne (Event Host), not to mention dancing the night away @ Casino Disco night was a hoot.. 


(more to come)

I had my 1st appointment with Dr. Sami Alskaf @ Kaiser Panorama City.  We discussed my medical history and how my Systemic Lupus & Fibromyalgia would be negatively impacted if I pursued the RNY procedure.  He is worried that if I have a relapse the doctors would not be able to medicate me appropriately given you can not have most of the medications required after the RNY.  However, he said the Gastric
Sleeve might be the best option.   So, I'm not giving up hope !!   I had an EKG and was scheduled to start the 6 month Pre-Op program beginning November 3rd, 2008...... 

** I am certainly learning more patience going through this process.** 

** I will be attending the Obesity Help Event in Los Angeles on Oct 31-Nov 2nd.... If anyone else is going, please let me know because I would love to meet you **

Current Status:  I start my 6 Month Pre-Op Program on 11/03/08

11/03/08 = Start Pre-op Program (ends on 04/27/08)
10/31/08 = Attended Obesity Help Event in Los Angeles,CA
10/07/08 = Medical Clearance Appt w/ Bariatric Medical Director
08/18/08 = Attended Bariatric Surgery Orientation
07/11/08 = Labs Drawn per request of Bariatric Clinic
07/10/08 = Appt w/ PCP @ Kaiser & submission of request for Bariatric Surgery.