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6/29/05 - Jackie from Dr. D's. office called, and scheduled my first consultation for 7/20/05.

7/2/05 - Went for my sleep study last night, and I do have sleep apnea. I have to go back tonight to sleep with the CPAP machine.

7/3/05 - Had an awful night yet again. Went for my second sleep study wearing the CPAP machine, and boy oh boy talking about uncomfortable. I can tell I am not going to like this at all. Oh how I hope I am able to have the surgery, and that it will improve the sleep apnea enough that I will not have to wear the CPAP machine for long.

7/18/05 - Well it has been two weeks since I last posted, and there really is not much to add. However I have had the CPAP machine now for just over a week, and I absolutely hate it. It is not working that well for me - I just can not get comfortable with it on. Well here is hoping that I will not need it to long.

On another note I just got back from vacation where I took my two children, and my Dad to Disney World. They had so much fun, and we went to Sea World too. Talking about fun - the children had a blast, and so did I.

It was a little hard for my Dad since it was his (and our) first vacation without my mother. But I think he enjoyed being with his grandchildren.

I have my consultation in two more days so I will post after that.

7/21/05 - Well I went to my first consultation with Dr. Duncan's office yesterday, and things are really on the ball now. I was told I needed to loose 10 pounds before surgery. Should not be to terribly difficult. I hope.

I have an appointment for my Nutrionalist eval. on Aug. 2nd. I also hope to have an appointment for a psych eval. by then as well. I already have my PCP letter of necessity, blood work, EKG, and a few others completed. So once I have the Nutrionalist eval and the psych. eval. it is off to the insurance for approval.

Please keep me in your prayers. I hope to have a surgery date by end of September. I weighted in at 245.5 pounds with a BMI of 40.2. Talking about GROSS. Oh, and I am only 5'5" 1/2. Well if I loose the 10 pounds before hand that will put me at 235.5.

I look forward to updating you all soon with some positive news.

7/25/05 - Just an update to let everyone know that I have an appointment this Friday, July 29th at 12:30 to get my Pulmonary pre-opt clearance letter.

I really can not believe that things are falling into place as they are. I only need to get a Pyschological evaluation set up, and then it is off to insurance for approval.

I will be going to the support group metting on August 9th, and hopefully will have a date by the end of September as hoped.

Please keep me in your prayers.7-27-05 - Talking about fast...I got a call from the psch. doctor, and have an appointment for this Friday (7/29/05) at 2:00. I was astonished when he said he could see me that soon. I just got the call last night. So I go for the pulminary pre-opt clearance at 12:30, and then the Psch. eval. at 2:00 both in the same day (7/29/05), and then on Tuesday, Aug. 2nd I go for the Nutrional eval., and then I am done with what is needed for the approval process.

I am getting so excited because with getting every thing done by the first week in August my approval should be done by the second week. Usually only takes 24 to 72 hours to receive approval, at least from my insurance carrier. So maybe I could even get a date as early as the end of August. Oh how wonderful that would be.

So please, please, please keep me in your prayers that this will happen soon.

On another note - due to the back pain that I have - which weight makes worse, I had to have a Epidorial Cortisone injection in my lower back yesterday. Talking about painful. I will not be doing that again. I will just opt to have surgery for two reasons. One the pain of the shot was to traumatic for me, and two the only thing it does is mask the problem, and then 4 to 6 weeks later the pain comes back. I do not want to go through those injections every 2 months. So pray that as I loose the weight this will help eliviate some of the pain.8/1/05 - Well I just thought I would update and say that my pulmonologist pre-opt clearance letter is complete, my Psych. eval. is complete, and I have lost 5 of the 10 pounds told to loose before I can have surgery. YEAH!

I have started taking my vitamins daily, and am drinking two protein shakes a day which is 40 grams of protein. Of course I still eat a small lunch and dinner, and that is where the rest of my protein comes from. This is really going rather well so far.

I go for my Nutrionalist eval. tomorrow (Aug. 2nd) and then once I receive the letter it is off to insurance. I am so looking forward to receiving a surgery date.

8/3/05 - Well I have completed all tasks for surgery now so once all the letters are in it is off to insurance for approval. Please wish me luck in that I can get a surgery date by September.

I will post again after I know everything has been sent to the insurance company.

The nutrionalist was great - She told me that I was on track and ahead of the game. Which of course was good to hear. The only thing I need to do now is work on my exercise. I also have now lost 7 of the 10 pounds I am suppose to loose. Can we say YEAH!

8/10/05 - I wanted to update everyone with my status. I went yesterday for my pre-opt support group meeting, and it was informative. What I think I liked the most is that there were both pre-opt and post-opt patients. How wonderful to be able to talk to both people going through what you are going through as well as those who have already been through it.

I did meet this one young lady who was very sweet, kind, and funny. Monique this is to you - Hello - don't forget to call me. We are both at the same point in our journey, and that is something else that was nice to know.

Once I left the support group meeting I went down to Tracy's office to give her my signed copy showing that I attended the group. I also checked to see if she had received a copy of my psych. eval. yet. Of course no such luck.

Once I left the office I called my psych. doctor back for the 5th time, and left a not so nice message. He finally returned my call that night, and said that he would fax my eval. over the next day, which happens to be today. Of course as of yet I still have not received it but the day is young. Patients - Teena - Patients.

Once I get this eval. Tracy said that it would be off to insurance. Oh happy day. I say this because of how fast my insurance usually approves things. I am so looking forward to receiving a date in September if not by the end of August.

Please continue to pray for me and wish me luck.

8/11/05 - Can we say YEAH! I received the fax from my Psych. doctor, and it was my eval. I faxed it right over to Tracy this morning, and now all I have to do is wait for insurance approval.

WOW! I am almost there. Hopefully I will hear something from my insurance by next week. I am hoping and praying that is the case.

I will try and call Tracy again in the early afternoon to confirm she received my psych. eval., and to get an estimate of how long it will be before my packet is sent to my insurance. If she can do it by tomorrow, I should have approval by Wed., and get a surgery date next Friday. Oh how awesome that would be. I will keep you all posted as soon as I find out my status.

Wish me luck.

8/15/05 - Tracy called me today, and told me that my packet had been sent to my insurance for approval. WOW! Now I simply wait to hear the approval has gone through, and then can get a date. I will post as soon as hear something.

For all those out there who are in the process of getting WLS stay strong and patient things will work out.8/18/05 - APPROVED!!!!

Hurray for Me! I just got a call from my Insurance case worker, and she had wonderful news. After only one day I was approved. I received my approval letter, and faxed it right over to Tracy. I will call this afternoon to confirm that she received the approval letter.

Called this afternoon, and Tracy had received it, and was taking it over to Dr. Duncan's office.

By the time I got home from work there was a message on my home phone from Jackie form Dr. Duncan's office. 8/19/05 - I called Jackie at Dr. Duncan's office back this morning, and she scheduled me for my Pre pre-opt. appointment. It is for Monday, August 22, 2005 at 3:00. Wow I can not believe how fast this has been. Hopefully I will be able to get a surgery date real soon. I am looking at possibly getting it if not by the end of August the first week in September. How cool would that be?

I will post again after I go to my pre pre-opt. on Monday.

Good luck to all the rest of you who are going through this process. It will happen just continue to work at it.

8/22/05 - I HAVE A DATE!!!!!!! And a very soon date at that. MY NEW REBIRTH DATE IS SEPTEMBER 1, 2005.

I can not believe how fast this is going. I will be having my surgery on the 1st which is next Thursday. Oh my!

I go to Dr. Duncan's class to try to talk you out of surgery on Thursday of this week (Aug. 25th), and then pre-opt on Friday (Aug. 26th)

I can not believe this is really going to happen, and more so that it is going to happen this soon.

Will let you all know how things go after the class on Thursday.

8/29/05 - Sorry for the delay in updating my profile but have been really busy trying to get everything ready for my surgery. With less than two weeks to prepare I am sure you can imagine how busy I have been.

I went to the complications class with Dr. Duncan on August 25th and found it even more informative. The go over all the complications from major to minor in complete detail. That I really appreciated because obviously you read of all the complications but it is nice to hear the details straight from the doctors mouth.

I then had my pre-opt appointment on August 26th and that was the worse. First of all I had to sit and wait for over an hour before the staff at Dr. D's called me back. Then when I got back in the room I sat for another 15 or 20 minutes before anyone came in. After that it was only about 15 minutes and we were through there and off to the hospital. Once I got over to pre-registration I had to wait another 30 or 40 minutes. After you register they send you back for pre-testing to include more blood work, chest x-rays, etc.. You also fill out more paperwork and speak to the Anesthesiologist.

My appointment was at 11:00 a.m. and I finally left the hospital at 4:30 p.m. So instead of the 1 to 2 hours they tell you I was there for 5 1/2 hours. What a major pain. None the less I am now ready with the exception of the bowel prep which I will have to do on Tuesday and Wednesday. Not sure how that will go but you know the story - do what you have to do.

Hope all is well with everyone else on their journey, and I look forward to talking to you on the loosing side.

8/29/05 - OK I only have two days before surgery and I still do not have an ANGEL. Anyone interested? I could use the additional support.

8/29/05 - I am so disappointed. My surgery got moved - but the good news is that it is only 1 day. So instead of this Thursday, September 1st it will be this Friday, September 2nd.

8/31/05 - NASTY - man that Fleet is some bad stuff. I took my first dose of it this morning and it almost came back up. Of course then it went straight thru me. Sorry for the details but if you are in your own journey this is something you will go through too. Then not to mention you have to do it again the very next day - YUCK! I hope I do not have the same struggle to morrow but I suppose we will see in the morning.

I am starting to get a little bit nervous now. I am still very excited to be on the loosing side, and to a brighter and better future with my health. However, the nerves are beginning to kick in a bit and reality is setting in. Only two more days and I will be on the loosing side - WOO HOO.

9/1/05 - Well tomorrow is my big day, and I can not believe how fast it as went to get to this point. I took the rest of the Fleet this morning, and after someones advice it was much easier today than yesterday. Yesterday I just took it straight followed with 8 oz. of water. But today I mixed it with 4 or 5 oz. of apple juice and it was much easier to take. Still nasty mind you but at least I did not gag on it today.

Now I just pray that I get through the leak test with out loosing it the first go round. I would really hate to have to drink that stuff twice because I could not keep it down. Please with me luck, and keep me in your prayers more so.

Let me also take a few minutes just to simply say thanks to everyone for all the love and support you have given me during my journey thus far. I do so look forward to continued new found friendships. I wish you all the best where ever you may be in your journey. Good Luck to all, and may God Bless each and every one of you.

Will see/talk to you guys on the loosing side.

9/9/05 - Hello all! I am now an official looser! woohoo.

Today is exactly one week from the day I had surgery, and I am doing absolutely wonderful. No complications, no complaints, and very little pain.

I thought I would do like I have read in other profiles and give you a complete run down of my experience from day of surgery till today.

On Friday, the 2nd I went to the hospital at 5:30 a.m. with my Dad. Upon arrival I met a very dear friend now her name is Perra. She arrived within in minutes from me. We went back to where we were to check in and there we waited. Another lady showed up minutes later, and we waited till they came out to give us our wrist bands. Perra and I were the first two scheduled for surgery. Hers was at 7:00 with Dr. Hobson, and mine at 7:30 with Dr. Duncan. They took us to these holding rooms where they gave us our gowns, and we waited for our IV's. At this point I really began to get nervous. My Dad talked me through it, and about that time they came in to put my IV in. No problems with that she got it in on the first try. After about 5 minutes she then rolled me around to the holding area for surgery and I kissed my Dad good bye.

My friend was right beside me and we talked for a brief 5 or so minutes when the meds doctor came to her and gave her the I don't care stuff. I kept asking when they were going to give me mine and she said shortly. However the next thing I know is they are rolling me in to the operating room, and I still have not had my I don't care stuff. Of course I was really caring and begining to get scared. Within about 5 to 10 minutes the meds doctor came in and I asked why I had not received my I don't care stuff. He had to put my arm out on a board because my IV was in the bend of my arm. Then as soon as he said that he said I am giving it to you now. Of course they just skipped the I don't care stuff because after he said he was giving it to me now the next thing I remember is waking up in recovery. I do remember Dr. Duncan coming over to see me and how I was doing. I only remember seeing him nothing more. It did not take me long in recovery and I was being taken up to my room.

Once in my room which was about 11:30 a.m. I was asking my nurse to please take out the cath. so I could go to the bathroom and walk. She said I had to walk first, and I told her I was not walking with the cath. in. She said I had to at least be able to walk to the door, and I got a little teary eyed (I have had a very bad experience with caths. so I do not like them at all) so she called down and spoke to the head nurse who informed her she could go ahead and take it out. She did and as I had promised her I got up went to the bathroom, and was on my first walk around the floor. With in thirty minutes I was up and on my second trip around the floor. An hour after that I was on round three. All the nurses were talking about how wonderful I was doing. I did have a little pain and a lot of gas but nothing that I could not tolerate. Oh and I did not have the morphin pump because I have sleep apnea. So I had to request any pain medication if I wanted.

I did so well that one time I asked if I should walk my nurse just told me to rest. She said we are lucky if we get WLS patients up to walk twice in one day and you have already made 7 or 8 laps around the floor. I just laughed and told her I did not want any blood clots and that I was ready to go home.

Later that evening around 7:30 or so Dr. Duncan came to my room to check on me and I was doing wonderful and told him so. He was please with how well I was doing. He gave me a hug and told me he would see me at my post op.

I did request pain medication through out the night because I could not get comfortable enough to go to sleep. Then finally at 6:00 my night nurse was so sweet she came in and told me that I could wash up, and put on my own pajamas if I wanted too. I did so, and then took my first morning walk. Then at around 8:00 they came in and took me down for my leak test. This was the worse I think of everything I had experienced so far. They rolled me down to do the test, and I sat there for an hour before they took me in the room to actually start the test. So of course sitting still in a wheel chair for over an hour just after surgery is no fun. Then I go in to the room for the test, and the doctor comes in tells me what all he is going to do. He walks me through the entire test, and says take a drink, dont breath, breath, take a drink, dont breath, breath, turn, take a drink, dont breath, breath. Then I have a different drink, and he does the same thing again. So basically you have two different liquids that you have to take three swallows of each a total of 6 nasty nasty nasty swallows. Oh and of course you have a stomach the size of a golf ball now, have had nothing but 1 oz of ice chips every two hours the day before and now they expect you to drink all that. YUCK is all I can say. I almost lost it three of the six times. I wish you all luck on this one because there is nothing I can say to help.

I passed my leak test with no problems and was sent back up to my room. I was given my first amount of juice - one ounce and was told if I could keep it down I could go home. I had that 1 oz. and another 1 oz. and then I was released to go home. So for the ride home they gave me the Loritab elixir which is what our prescription is for. That too is some nasty stuff and I almost lost it on that, and still have trouble when I have to take it.

Got home on Saturday afternoon, and of course was on clear liquids. Had a little gello - 4 or 5 little bites, had some chicken broth - maybe 2 - 3 oz. and did well on everything.

Sunday the 4th I was doing so well and again stayed on the clear liquids of gello, broth, water, diluted juice, etc.

Monday the 5th I was starving so since I was doing so well I dared the unspeakable. I made my son and his friend breakfast to include eggs and grits. So I had to have me just a little bit of eggs and grits. I had about a tablespoon of each. Oh and how yummy it was. I did not have any problems at all. So I stayed with the clear liquids after that until dinner and again I dared the un-thinkable. I had about 1 oz. of salmon, and 1/2 tablespoon of instant mashed potatos - yummy to my tummy - and no problems to boot.

Tuesday the 6th I had a little bit of grits for breakfast, clear liquids till dinner, and for dinner I made my son a lasagna. I pulled out the noodles and had the sauce and cheese and it was yummy. I only had about 1 1/2 tablespoons of this. Again no problems at all. I also started my protein shakes today and was able to drink one which was 20g of protein.

Wednesday the 7th was a little harder on me because my Dad had surgery - a hernia repaired - and I had to take him to the hospital. So I was at the hospital all day. I did have all my liquids with me, and around lunch time I got a bowl of chicken noodle soup from chick-fil-a and ate about 6 to 8 little bites of it, no noodles of course. Again no problems, and for dinner that night I again had salmon and potatos.

Thursday the 8th I had applesauce for breakfast, salmon and potatos for lunch, and a little of Wendy's chili for dinner. All went down wonderfully.

Now to today, Friday the 9th....I am back at work, and am feeling wonderful. I had a little yogurt for breakfast, and for lunch I am again going to have the last of my salmon and potatos.

I really can not say how wonderful I am doing and according to my scales at home I have lost 15 pounds already. In fact one of my co-workers said it looked like I had lost some weight since she saw me last week.

Again thank you all for the prayers and words of encouragement. I now wish all the pre-ops much success, and to all the post-ops lets keep on loosing.

God Bless you all! God has truly blessed me so.

9/19/05 - I just went to my 2 week post-op appointment and I have lost 12 pounds since my pre-op weight. Of course I know that I probably gained a few pounds between that weight in and the actual day of surgery but I am still happy with 12 pounds lost, and a total of 17.5. I am now down from 245.5 to 228 and loosing.

Still have had absolutely no complications and was released to do some weight resistance training - upper and lower but no abdominal.

My next appointment is October 13, 2005 so I will try, and post at least once a week with my progress. Again thank you to all for the love and support you have given me. If you ever have any questions please feel free to write me.

9/23/05 - I am trying to not to get on the scale until I go to my next post-op appointment which is not until October 13th. Of course I am not sure if I will wait that long. I might just have to get on the scale on Oct. 3rd. That will be two weeks since my first post-op appointment.

I know that I am doing wonderful, and still to date have had no problems at all, well let me not tell a story. I did have one little episode that I promise will not happen again if I can help it. A few days ago I went to chick-fil-a with my Dad and my son. I had had there soup, and 2 nuggets without getting sick so I thought I would try something different. Of course I was not thinking and I ordered the chicken pot pie. The chicken, carrots, potatos, peas, and soup mixture was wonderful. However what I forgot about totally was the topping (crust). Boy did that make me sick - I dry heaved (sp) 3 times, and felt like crap for about an hour. So other than this one little episode I have had no problems what so ever.

I am struggling to get in my liquids, and water does not suit me to well. I can only drink about 16 ounces of water. So I am having to try and find other things that I can drink to make up the consumption. Though as I said I am struggling with this.

Enough for now. I will post again soon.

I wish you all the best, and may God Bless each of you.

10/26/05 - I am sorry that I have not updated in a few weeks. I am still doing absolutely wonderful. I have had no major complications with the exception of the dehydration a while back. I am able to eat most things with out any problems, still avoiding sugar, rice, and pasta. I eat very little bread if at all but will have a half a piece with peanut butter for breakfast once in a while.

I had to take my son to the doctor today, and I weighed 213. So I am loosing slowly but still loosing. 5 pounds in two weeks is not to bad but I would love to drop more than that. However I am now in a size 14/16. So when I bought that size 14 jeans at Wal-mart in the misses department I was excited. So I will not complain much more. I know that I am loosing it slowly, and I am ok with that.

11/2/05 - Well again it has been a week since I last posted and I just wanted to check in with everyone. I am still doing wonderful, and according to my scales I am now at 210. Of course I do not trust my scales and need to buy a new one that is more accurate.
 

My 14's fit nicely now, and I will hopefully be in a 12 by Christmas - that is my new goal.11/14/05 - Hello to all my friends! I just wanted to update and let every one know that I am doing wonderful. Of course I still feel as if I am the slowest loser but that is ok too. I am down to 205 and I feel wonderful.

I started riding my bike with my son again and he loves it. Boy I will tell you this... you never forget how to ride but you sure do forget how hard it is, especially since I have not been on a bike in over 15 years. LOL - I do not make it very far but we ride for about 20 to 30 minutes every day. Up and down hills, and the hills make my legs feel like jello afterwards. AND WE USE TO LIKE THIS AS CHILDREN! Lord what hard work! Anyway we have a blast with it and it is wonderful exercise.

Well I am in a solid 14 now and love it. I do hope to be in a solid 12 by Christmas. I just get discouraged sometimes because the scale is really moving slow. None-the-less it is moving so I am ok with it.

Take care to all and good luck on your journey wherever that may be.

GOD BLESS!

11/29/05 - I really am loosing slowly because the scales are only saying I have lost 2 pounds in over 2 weeks. I am going to the Doctor Friday for my 3 month check up so I will get an accurate weight then. As well as discuss some issues and concerns that I have.

All in all things are going well, and I feel wonderful. Again just a little post to say hello, and to update on my status.  

12/5/05 - So I went to the doctor Friday for my 3 month post-op check up and it went well. I have official lost 41 pounds since surgery and 47.5 pounds from my start weight. So I am doing great, and I feel great too.

However I do have a little issue that we are trying to resolve, and that is I have been having some pains in my left quadrant area. They are going to do a PO/IV CT Scan on me, because they feel as if it might be my gall bladder. I am having that done on Saturday the 10th at 9:00 a.m. I am not to worried but I have to admit that at only 3 months out I would hope that it is not my gall bladder. I would like it to be much later so that I can have something else done at the same time, like PS.

Well none the less I am doing wonderful, and I feel even better. I will tell you that it feels so good when I am playing with my 6 year old and she says "Mommy you can run again!" It is just cute how she says it but also the reality is that she saw how Mommy could not do much before, and now can even run. LOL I love those WOW moments! Also I went to my work Christmas party this past Saturday night, and again got some really nice WOW moment remarks. I had not seen a lot of these people since last years Christmas party and got some really nice compliments. LOVE IT!

Well to all those pre-ops keep striving, and you will be on the loosing side soon. For all those who are post-op keep your head held up high and keep on keeping on.

12/6/05 - I am a little annoyed with Dr. D's office at the moment. I was told on Friday that they were going to do a PO/IV CT Scan, and yesterday they called me and said they wanted to do an upper GI first. So I have to drink that nasty stuff again tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m. I suppose this will be good so they can see how my new little pouch looks as well.

I will keep you all posted, and please pray for me.

12/7/05 - I had to do the upper GI this morning - "NASTY LEAK TEST" for those of us post-ops. Of course I do not have a leak, and I am still confused as to why I had to have it done. I will up date as soon as I know what is going on myself.

I can say this, and that is I know for a fact I do not have a leak. The doctor who did the test was confused as to why I would be having it done as well, and said to the tech. there was no leaks. Not sure what is going on just yet.

12/28/05 - I have not updated in a while, and wanted to take the time to see if everyone had a Merry Christmas. I also wanted to wish you each a Happy New Year!

As for me... I am now down to 190 give or take a pound or so (my scales are not always accurate). I had hoped to be in a size 12 by Christmas, and guess what? I am. I have to admit that some 12's are still a little snug but I made it.

I did however get a call from Dr. Duncan's office saying that they wanted me to repeat my blood work in a month due to my potassium being a little high. She said everything else looked great but that my potassium was too high. I told her about this banana/strawberry smoothie kick I was on, and she said to stop eating the bananas and will see if that is all it was. So I have only had one smoothie since she said that. I will let you all know the results of the next set of blood work as soon as I have it done and get the results.

As for the Upper GI still not sure the results or what is going on. Dr. Fields said that it may be an ulcer. Again still waiting and will let you know when I get the results or answers.

Until next time take care and may God Bless you all!

1/10/06 - Happy New Year! I have submitted some updated photos that I had taken to show a comparison from my before picture. The picture is not great but I am in my size 12 jeans and a medium/large shirt and feeling great. My weight is 185 or less. I will take more photos in another month or so. I am just over 4 months out now, and can not believe how great things are going for me. I been so blessed with this whole process. I thank God for the beginning He has given me.

1/12/06 - I went to my PCP today to get my B-12 shot and a prescription for a monthly shot that I can give my self at home. I weighted in at 184 on their scale. So doing great.

I have just this week started loosing a little hair. I can tell this is going to be rough, but I hope it does not last to long. I run my fingers through my hair and strands upon strands come out. A little hand full. Yuck. I drink 2 to 3 protein shakes a day but looks like I will be upping that to 3 to 5 to stop the hair loss.

1/30/06 - I am doing wonderful with everything, of course I feel like I have been a slow looser since the beginning. However I am now at about 175 maybe less, and feel great. I hope to make it to 145 by July because I will be going to Florida on vacation and would like to at least look decent in a bathing suit. LOL I hope all is well with everyone.

I still continue to pray for those who are facing the approval challenge, and pray for a quick and easy recovery for those of have already had the surgery. May God bless you all!

PS: I am trying to add an updated picture but am having serious difficulty. I have asked for help from the volunteers so we will see what happens.

2/8/06 - Just wanted to update since it has been a little while. My weight loss is still slow as ever but it is a loss none the less. I am now down to 175. I bought my first pair of 10's and they fit - WOW is all I could say. I have to admit I also bought a pair of 8's just because I know that I will work hard and be in them before long. I can't wait until I can post and say that I am wearing an 8. A single digit - no way - have not ever been in a single digit since elementary school. As I said I will continue to keep you all posted.

I want to also add that I am so pleased to know that there are so many people that read my profile, and I do hope that it helps in some way. If ever I can help anyone or answer a question do not ever hesitate to contact me. I have been so blessed with this surgery, and I just pray for all those who either have had the surgery or are awaiting to do so. Stay focused on your ultimate goal.

2/28/06 - I suppose I am at that terrible plateau every one talks about. I have only lost like 2 pounds in the last 3 weeks. It is driving me crazy, however I see the inches faded so that makes up for it. I am still in 10's but the 8 jeans I bought now fit. I have never worn a size 8 since I can remember so you have to know how excited that makes me. Oh get this... I was at the store the other day and they now have their bathing suits out on display. Well obviously I know by the summer I need a new bathing suit because I can not wear the one I wore last year (To Big). While I was looking I found one that I thought was the balm and bought it. Now here is the kicker. It was a medium (two piece) hot looking bathing suit. It is not the real skimpy ones but the type that has the little short shorts and regular bikini top. It is so cool. Anyway I bought it because I still have 4 full months before my vacation at the end of July. I got home and decided to try it on and see how bad it looked if it fit at all. Oh my goodness - it fit! Of course I will not wear it until I lose at least another 20 pounds. I had little buldges here and there. Didn't look gross but by far did it look good. I think in 20 pounds it will look good, and if so I will have a picture made to post.

Pray that I continue to lose and that I am not stuck at this weight. My goal weight, according to the doctor, is 142. Of course I would like to get down to about 135 but we will see.

On other things.. My son had his birthday this past Saturday, February 25, 2006. He is now a teenager (13). We had a skating party where he invited 20 of his friends to attend, and then 5 of his male friends came over after skating and spent the night too. Needless to say he had a wonderful time. They kept me up until around 3 I finally went to bed, and I think it was another 30 minutes or so before they finally crashed. Of course they were back up by 9:00. Do they every sleep? Oh yea school mornings is when they can't seem to get up. LOL.

Hope all of you are doing well.

3/6/06 - Went for my 6 month check up and have lost a total of 73.5 pounds. I am now at a firm 174, and the doctor wants me to lose another 34 pounds. Also she wants me to increase my exercise to lose this last 34 pounds. This will be more of a challange for me now.

Wish me the best because I have been stalled for a month now. The only thing I know I can do is increase the exercise, and drink more water.

I will be posting in a month so that we can see if I have broken this plateau.

3/7/06 - OK I thought I would go ahead and post and say it is time to get real. I have lost the easy 73.5 pounds but the rest will be entirely up to me and my attitude. I have been working out to some degree but now know what I should be doing. So today I got real! I went to the Curves near my work and joined. I will be going at least three times a week if not more, and I will continue the things I have been doing such as riding my bike, skating, walking, etc. I just know I need to be dedicated and committed to something that will hold me accountable. Please pray for me, and from time to time ask me how I am doing.

I am currently at 173 and would like to be at 140 by July 10th which is 4 months. I know I can do it if I stick to the regimine. Keep me in your prayers, and please if you have any advice send it my way.

3/17/06 - Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Just thought I would write in and let you guys know that the scales have dropped again. Just a little, but the positive thing is that it is dropping again. I have lost another 4 pounds in the last week and a half. Guess that increase in exercise did the trick. LOL

I really hope that some of this loose skin will start to tone on up as well because it is beginning to look like Plastics will be in my future if not. They will be any way because I want to have a lift and implants, and remove my bat wings (under the arms) as a lot of us call them. Tummy tuck too more than likely. I guess we will see in another 3 or 4 months if I will need it or not. I hope that extra exercise will tone it up more.

I am so excited with how things are going now for me. I have not had any problems, with any of my co-morbities with the exception of the sleep apnea, since about 2 to 3 months out from surgery. I have lost 77.5 pounds and I feel great. I can wear a size 8/10 pants and a 4/6 top. I have a wonderful man in my life now, and I think he will be proposing to me by, if not mid April, late April early May.

I will continue to pray for all who are facing this journey at whatever stage. May God always be with you, and that you trust in Him.

3/24/06 - This has been a great week for me because the scale has really moved. I am now down to 162, and can really see the difference in the pounds lost now. You know when you weigh almost 250 and lose 10 pounds there is not much difference, but when you are 170 and lose 10 pounds you can really tell. Woo Hoo

I feel like I should have gained 10 pounds based on how my old self would think. I eat 5 or 6 meals a day, drink 3 to 5 protein shakes a day, and take all my vitamins. I use to think eating so much would make you fat but how wrong I was. I will be taking some new pictures, and update my profile with them next week (I hope).

Take care to all, and if I can ever help any one in their process please feel free to contact me.

4/1/06 - Today has been a very hard day but even with it being a hard day I did have a major wow moment. My mother passed away a year ago today! Enough said about why it was such a hard day for me and my family.

Now for the WOW moment. I went to see my brother who lives in the Dublin, Georgia area. Unfortunately due to my schedule and his I have not seen him since my mother passed away. So when I went to see him on the 1st it was only 1 day shy of being a year since we last saw one another. Well of course the last time he saw me I weighted almost 250 pounds. Well my Dad and I decided to try and fool him, and had me standing around some vending machines where we met him at. As he was approaching my Dad he was checking out the two ladies at the vending machines. However one of those were me, which kind of grossed me out to think my brother was checking me out. So I turned around and started walking toward him, and he still did not know it was me. As I continued making eye contact, walking straight at him, and then smiled - His eyes got so wide and mouth opened. LOL I said suprise and he said yes it is.... He was so shocked at how much weight I had lost. Since he saw me a year ago, and my surgery in September, I have lost over 80 pounds. Knowing that my own brother did not notice it was me at first really tells me how much weight I have lost. He said SIS you are hot!

Just thought I would share my sorrows and my joys of this day. I continue to pray for all who are on this journey.

4/15/06 - Today is my 35 birthday, and I feel better than I have felt in the last 20 years. I have lost a total of 94.5 pounds and weight in at 153 now. I wear a size 4/6 in tops and some pants but mostly 6/8 in pants. I am loving life, and feeling better every day.

I hope every one has a Happy Easter tomorrow.

PS: I am no longer considered overweight I am in the normal weight range. WOOHOO!

4/24/06 - I just wanted to post to let everyone know that I went to my first OH meeting/gathering this past Saturday and it was a blast. Well with one exception, and that was my son was bitten by a spider. The doctor's think it might have been a brown recluse (Sp?). They had to lance it, remove the poison, and now he has a little whole in his leg. Poor guy. None the less we had a great time at the meeting, and I so look forward to the next one.

Dee Dee was a wonderful host, and I was so glad to finally get to meet her. There were so many people there that I had the opportunity to meet and exchange stories. It was great! I should have done this a long time ago.

Hello to Rebecca and Elisa.

See you all soon.

5/23/06 - Sorry for the delay in updating my profile but I have been terribly ill. I was in the hospital emergency room back on May 3rd with a severe kidney infection called pyelonephritis, and have been sick every since. I have a reflux in my right kidney and will be having surgery sometime next month. Unfortunately with being sick, I have not been getting in the needed protein and it showed in my bloodwork. My levels have droped to 5.6 total protein. I need some advice as to how to not only keep it stable but to increase it now that it has dropped. Any adive would be greatly appreciated.

I am holding out at about 152 give or take a few pounds now, and think this is a pretty good weight for me. Knowing that PS is a must that will be around another 10 or so pounds. I do not want to lose much more than that.

Please pray for me, as I will be for each of you.

6/5/06 - I am sorry that I have not been better with my posts but wanted to update now. I am now at 148, and wearing a 2/4/6 in my clothes. A total of 99.5 pounds lost in 9 months - WOW - is all I can say. Only 1/2 pound before I reach 100 pounds lost which just blows my mind. Most people say they can not believe that I had that much weight to lose. I say just look at the before and after pictures - LOL. I feel much better but still having issues with my kidneys. I will have surgery this month to correct that problem. Besides that I am doing great.
I will post more later when I have more time. Take care to all, and hugs for all the support.

6/12/06 - I am officially under 100 pounds lost since surgery. My starting weight was 247.5 and I am currently at 146, a total of 101.5 pounds lost. I love this new me. I feel great and am having no problems with any of my previous medical problems (High Blood Pressure, Diabeties, etc.). Also all the WOW moments just keep blowing me away. LOL - I had another sexy young man hit on me Friday night. He was 28 and thought I was in my mid 20's. We ended up spending several hours hanging out and talking, and then on Sunday we went to Centenial Olympic Park and walked around, left there and got something to eat, and then I went home. We are planning to get together again this weekend. Loving life and loving me.

7/6/06 - Sorry my OH Family that I have not been better at updating my profile. I had my kidney surgery back on June 20, 2006 and everything went great, and I am doing so much better now.

I am now at 143 which is only 1 pound above my doctor's goal weight. So the exciting news is this.... I had a consulatation yesterday, July 5, 2006 with a Plastic Surgeon, and have scheduled my PS surgery for September 7, 2006. He said I look great, and that a partial tummy tuck is really all he thought I needed. Of course he agreed with me on the breast implants as well, and we are going to do liposuction on my arms and legs since they are not that bad. He said if I was not happy with that, 3 months afterwards he would go back and do the skin removal on the arms and legs. Although he feels confident that due to my size the lipo along with the partial tummy tuck, and implants are going to do just what I want. I am so excited and yet nervous as well. Of course my insurance will not pay for any of it so I have to come up with $14,905.00 to self pay. Please pray for me.

I will probably lose another 10 or so pounds with all of this which will put me under doctor's goal, and give me that 5 pound up or down flexibility you hear so much about.

7/6/06 - After posting earlier with my PS date of 9/7/06 they called me and asked if I wanted to do it on 8/7/06, so looks like I will be having my surgery on 8/7/06.

8/1/06 - Not much going on other than enjoying life. I saw my brother again... saw him last on April 1st, and again he was blown away with my appearance. First thing he asked me was where was the other half of his sister. It was so funny - he just kept on and on about how he could not believe how I looked, etc., etc., etc.. I am starting to get a little nervous/scared regarding the pain/recover of PS. I have my pre-op appointment the 30th of this month, and the surgery September 7th. Please be praying for me, and if there is any advice you would like to offer please do so. I will keep you all posted on how things are going.

Hope all are having a wonderful summer, and for those of us with children - school is right around the corner.

Take care.

8/30/06 - Well today is my pre-op appointment for my plastic surgery and I am still nervous but getting really excited as well. I do so look forward to when it is all over and I can see the end results. Next Thursday is my big day so keep me in your prayers.

I have to mention that I saw my dear friend Pam Pruitt Monday at the hospital after she finally had her RNY and she looked absolutely beautiful. She was in such great spirits and I know that God is with her. She was doing great and had not had any complications what so ever as of yet. Please pray for her as well that she will have a very smooth recovery. Pam your a sweetheart and so are your sisters and mother!

Hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to updating after my surgery next week.

9/5/06 - So I missed my actual one year posting by 3 days. My 1 year WLS anniversary was 9/2/06 and I have been at goal for 3 months now. I am so happy with the results and in fact my plastics are scheduled for this Thursday, September 7th. This will complete the final steps to my journey, and I am so ready.

I am currently holding at 141 and will be anxious to see what my final weight will be after my TT. I will of course keep you all posted on how things go, and once the swelling has subsided give you that ending weight.

Please keep me in your prayers as I will each of you.

Again trust in the Lord for if he brings you to it he will see you through it.

9/18/06 - Well I am back you guys and ouch is all I have to say about that. I had my plastics on 9/7/06 and everything went wonderful. I have very little swelling and believe this no brusing. My tummy is as flat as a board and my boobs are, for me, huge. The doctor did a great job and I can not wait to see the after pictures once all the swelling goes down. The liposuction was nothing really but I can not really tell the difference from that but he says it takes a few weeks for the fluid and swelling to subside to see. But all and all I did great! I am back to work after only a week, and my pain is tolorable. Not sure how much the skin he removed weighted but plan to ask when I go back to my next post op appointment next week. I hopefully will be down to about 135 once all the swelling subsides which is what I wanted. I really am thrilled and once I have both the before and after photos I will share them with you guys to see the changes.

10/9/06 - Just wanted to give my OH family a short update. I am just over a month out from my plastics now, and I am doing great. Mostly just discomfort in areas and the numbness is driving me crazy. I am very pleased with the outcome, and now I just can not wait until I can start exercising again. It has been just over 4 weeks and it is killing me. I just want to make sure that I don't get lax and lose all of what I had worked so hard for and now have.

I will try and get a new photo uploaded soon so you guys can see where I am at now. I think my current weight is beetween 135 and 138 according to my scales.

10/26/06 - I am 7 weeks post plastic surgery and doing wonderful.  I currently weight 135 to 138 depending on the day and the time.  I wear a size 0/2 (Extra Small) in shirts and a size 2/4 in pants.  I am doing great and all is healing well with the exception of the numbness, and that is driving me crazy.  I know they say it takes time but I sure do hope it hurries up.

11/15/06 - Just wanted to take a few minutes to say hello and update my profile.  I am just over 2 months post PS and am doing excellent.  I am still having issues with the numbness, and my right breast not wanting to cooperate completely with the settling.  All in all things are good, and the doctor says everything looks good and to just give it time.  I am still holding out at 135 to 138 and loving it. 

I take all of my vitamins, iron, magnisium, biotin, calcium, b-12 injection once a week, and protein, protein, protein.  I have had no complications and feel better than I did when I was in my 20's.  Life is good, well for the most part... now if I could just find that right someone.