Paula R.

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Okay, so I haven't posted in a long while.  The best news is that I am now officially normal weight!!!  For my height, I had to weigh below 155.  It's impossible to describe how much better that I feel. I am less than half the woman that I used to be.  I started this journey at 320.   My thighs don't rub together, my breasts don't touch anymore, and I have loads of energy.  My diabetes is in remission.  My blood pressure is normal, and my ankles don't swell.  My knee pain is mild. This last year has see my life improve immensely.  I can wear a size 10 pants.  The down side is that I do have some saggy thighs, arms, and breasts.  My belly isn't flat, but I can attribute most of the sag there to having babies. I am most self-conscience of my flabby thighs.  My husband said it doesn't bother him that he loves me thick or thin.  It's a good thing, because I just don't think I want surgery to correct it.  I had to work myself up to having the RNY.  I have heard that plastic surgery recovery can be very painful and right now I just don't want it. I am content with the flawed body that I have right now.

Wow--I never imagined that I'd ever be below 200, let alone close to my origingal goal of 170.  On friday morning, I weighed in at 177.  I feel so good.  My doctor told me before Christmas that I could stop my insulin.  My fasting blood sugars are higher than I think they should be, but I am so happy to be off of it.  I feel so good.  I have lots of energy and my husband commented that I cook more now than I did before surgery. Of course he also told me that I have a saggy butt!  But he can live with it, and so can I!  I am working out at least 3 times a week.  Life is good.

Ok so I weigh every friday morning.  Last friday, I needed 6 more pounds to get to have lost 100 pounds.  I figured there was no way to reach it this week.  When I stepped on the scale yesterday morning, I looked down and thought that there must be a mistake, so I stepped off and stepped back on---it was the same.  After a couple of weeks of slower weight loss, this week was a biggee!  So as of October, 7th 2011, I have lost 100 pounds.  I just wanted to document this on my profile.  I still have 50-60 pounds to go, but I feel so much better.  My husband now calls me, "slim".  I like it of course, but I somehow feel that someone with so much weight to lose still isn't slim.  Someone at work asked me if I wanted to lose much more and I said yes.  The person said that I didn't look like I had that much weight to lose.  It just tickles me that people would say that to someone who still weighs over 200 pounds. I am so glad that I had this surgery.  My only complaint is that my hips hurt if I stay in bed for too long.  I guess I don't have as much padding as I used to. LOL.

Yesterday I went in for my 3 month post-op visit.  I have lost 65 pounds since my surgery!!!!!!  I am amazed.  I did not have to do a 2-3 week liquid diet pre-op like so many on OH.  I did a one day liquid diet.  I feel so much better.  My knee doesn't hurt as much, my diabetes meds are down to a small dose of Lantus, and my blood pressure meds are under half the dose prior to surgery.  The great thing is that I don't feel like I am suffering. I don't get hungry very often and I get full fast.  I had to go bra shopping a few nights ago and I need to buy a few pairs of pants. I can take off my current pants without unbuttoning them, but I love having baggy pants.  They are a lot better than so tight I can hardly breathe pants. I have been very lucky because I haven't had any complications.  I pray that I continue to do well.  I never thought I'd see the weight that I'm at now. I actually weigh less now that when I was pregnant the first time. I need to start doing some weight training so that I won't be so flabby.

I went to the surgeon's office today and found out that I've lost 15 pounds--in 1 week!  I am so happy.  I am thrilled that my blood pressure was normal and I'm off most of my diabetes meds.  The swelling that I've had in my ankles seems to be subsiding. The main reason that  I had this surgery was my health.  Maybe it's all in my head, but I feel better already.

My surgery was 4 days ago.  I am feeling good.  My incisions are healing well and I am doing my best to get my liquids and proteins in.  My Mom came and stayed with me until this morning.  She was a godsend.  She's a retired nurse and she spent the night with me in the hospital and took great care of me.  I guess we are never too old to need our mom.  It is a beautiful time of year to be home for a few weeks. 

I finally received my 2nd approval (the first one was only good thru Dec 31, 2010)  from the insurance. My surgery is scheduled for April 25th.  I am excited and nervous. It's only about 2 weeks away.

Just got the news that my surgery on monday, Jan 24th has been canceled.  I have to do 3 months weight loss with my PCP to now qualify.  Looks like it won't happen until after March. I'm really disappointed, but still moving ahead.

I have been mentally preparing myself for weeks now, but today I rec'd a call from my surgeon's office.  It seems that since my approval was in Dec 2010 and it is now Jan 2010, my insurance has to be resubmitted for approval.  I only hope that can be done soon, I really don't want to re-schedule.  I am almost 10 days away.

I just went for my pre-op appointment yesterday.  I am excited and nervous at the same time. I met several people at the office that were very encouraging.  Thanks to the girl in pre-op that said I have a great surgeon.  I needed to hear that.  And to the lady that spoke to at the surgeon's office, you were inspiring.  You said that this is the best gift I will ever give myself.  I pray that you are right.  Getting this weight off will give my back time with my husband and boys.  I am so tired of living with diabetes.  Everyone please pray that God guides Dr. Clement's hands on Jan 24th!