Deb Assaff
August 13, 2007
Wow it's been 4 1/2 months now and so much has happened...
I'm at my goal size..10!
Only 8 lbs away from my weight goal...140.
Yes I've worn a bathing suit and gone to a water park...whoo hoo!
And my husband can't keep his hands off me...hee hee...
My surgery date and my "before" life is becoming a memory. I'm amazed how far I've gone this fast. So if you're looking to have it done...hang on it's going to be a wild ride...give yourself a few months and you won't recognize yourself! I should post a new picture soon because I've lost weight since the June picture. My weight has pretty much stabilized. I lost a lot of weight real fast and things have slowed to a crawl the past month but who am I to criticize?
Get used to the guessing game for what you can eat & when...someone in our post-op group was 6 months out last month and still has no idea when she'll be able to eat certain things and not others. Sometimes I can eat certain things other times I can't... it's weird. It's like a constant state of flux. Hummm...What can I eat today???
I do admit I miss meat. So many people say, "I'm not a meat eater"...I Love Meat! Give me a steak or ribs any day! I still have a month & a half to go before I could try it again and wonder what would it be like??? I realize that having a big steak is out of the question so portion control is the answer. We celebrated Greg's (our sons) birthday last week at Outback - there were 3 guys eating prime rib & steaks and here I was with seafood. Don't get me wrong I love seafood but I really wanted to grab Ben's (other son's) prime rib it looked so tender. But I try to abide by the rules, and with the trouble I've had I want to take it easy. My husband bought pecan sandies cookies, he knows I like them, I read the label and ate one...that's it. It was good and I enjoyed it but tonight I opted for less fattening popsicle. I still remember what I felt like being heavy and don't want to revisit that again if I can help it. And I have to also admit I miss not drinking water & eating at the same time...I won't do it because I can't and know why but it does get to be a pain. But the more I practice the rules the easier it will be for me in the long run so I wait...tic tic tic... I pray that I'm able to keep this up and I project any visions of a future me as slender so it becomes ingrained in my psyche. That's how I've become who I am today...Visualization!
My main concern is how is my Rheumatologist going to treat my arthritis this winter? Part of what got me through last winter were anti-inflammatory injections. Those are gone and I don't want to go on Prednisone because I don't want to gain weight. I haven't won the lottery yet so moving to the Bahama's are out. 
Anyone with experience or insight please let me know.
The past month has been easier than the one before. The previous month was easier than the one before that and so on...And with time I hope I can learn new habits so that the results with be lasting. I am conscious of what I do when, all the time I'm calculating in my head...how much water...how much protein...have I taken my vitamins...how about calcium??? I'm forever diligent with my goals. Each meal is a goal...each glass of water...each gram of protein... it all adds up. Click goes the counters in my head all day long. So I guess in a way, it's already becoming a habit and that's a good thing.
By the way I've checked Michelle's site and I've now lost enough weight to put me between the largest ball of tape and a new born calf...still shooting to a 2 month old horse or somewhere close to it. You have to visit M.V.'s site to know what I'm talking about.
Take Care All
Deb
Happy 4th of July!
Things have kind of been rough on & off. Thank you to everyone that posted a response. I appreciate all the encouraging words.
I've hit a plateau but I'm not complaining...How can I complain about a size 12 and an 80 lb weight loss? I don't look like the same person. I saw a picture of myself from last Christmas and didn't recognize myself! Holy cow I can't believe it!
June 14, 2007
Well here I am three months out and I'd never dreamed that I would be this thin this fast! I started this year wearing a size 22 and now I'm a 14 and 73 lbs gone! I feel fantastic this is incredible. Any of you reading this thinking or planning on having this done...get used to switching out sizes ALL THE TIME! And what a wonderful problem (if you can call it that) to have.In the past month or so I've gone from a 18 to 16 to 14. Everyday I look in the mirror and I swear I can can see the changes.
To date I think I've given away 10 bags of clothes...this is garbage bags. I either go to the resale shop in town or look for incredible buys at stores...like the $5 jeans I bought on clearance at Kohls. I fit in them last week even though I bought them a month ago...I buy Future Sizes. I see a really low price, I grab it. I now have size 10's in my closet waiting for me to wear them (that's my goal).Today I found a $30 pair of capri's for $7. So grab the values when you can find them.
I've had people ask me ... Wonder if you keep on losing? The way I see it is you hit bottom then gain about 15 lbs back so if I go under...Great! Then once I stabilize I hope I'm at my goal...or close to it. I am beginning to wonder...Just how low can you go???? Guess I'll find out...Like I said...What a great problem to have!
May 26, 2007
Wow a month has gone by and I feel like the incredibly shrinking woman! Over 14 lbs and 18" lost in one month! This is truly amazing!!! I feel blessed to be given this second chance on life. I've read that before on other's web pages and didn't understand what it meant, now I do. My comorbid diagnoses are gone!!! Diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides all Normal!!! Whoo hoo!
It hasn't been an easy road but I'm finally feeling better and man is it worth it!!! Let's face it, it's fun shopping for new clothes especially when they're smaller and more stylish.
I have to admit I've been pretty leery about starting new foods.My stomach's been pretty sensitive compared to others since the surgery but I'm finally ready to give things a try and guess what...I'm doing great. I've actually eaten salad and pizza...YUM! Funny how everyday foods can be a treat again. Yes there is life after protein shakes!
I've especially enjoy communicating with others who know what you're going through. This web site has connected me with wonderful people. I don't know what I would do without you.
Let's see, according to Michelle's site I've lost ...the fat's & oils an average American eats in a year. Yuck! I'm still shooting for either a new born calf or a 2 month old horse. You'll have to check out M.V.'s site to know what I'm talking about.
April 21, 2007 Saturday
I can't believe how quickly I've gotten to the half way mark. I would have never dreamed that I would drop weight so quickly. It hasn't been an easy road and I'm looking forward to the 6 week mark. Seems everyone in group says that's when they started to feel better. In the mean time whooo hooo! This is awesome!
I can't wait to get some lab done and see how many of my comorbid diagnoses has improved. I bet a lot! This is what I'm looking forward to...a healthier leaner me!
Heres to looking forward to a fun summer spent in shorts and a new bathing suit!
WORDS WOMEN USE - This was forward to me by a friend and I can't help but laugh every time I read it...
FINE - This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
FIVE MINUTES- If she is getting dressed, this is a half hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given 5 more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
NOTHING - This is the calm before the storm. This means "Something," and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with "Nothing" usually end in "Fine".
GO AHEAD - This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it!!!
LOUD SIGH - This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is waisting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing".
THAT'S OKAY - This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can make to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants you to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
THANKS - A woman is thanking you. Do not question it or faint. Just say you're welcome.
"WHATEVER" - ....it's a woman's way of saying *!#@ you!
April 6, 2007 Friday
An amazing thing happened when I stepped on the scale ...it shows that I'm down 39 lbs from my highest weight (last Thanksgiving)! That's 28 lbs down from beginning of the bariatric program. This is awesome and I can't wait until summer! Just think how much thinner I will be by then. Unfortunately the hernia repair continues to be touchy, without that everything would be great. Oh well I'll be better off. I can't help but smile!
March 30, 2007 Friday
Wow, what a week. It's been long and at points crazy but I keep telling myself that each day it will get better and it does. I hope I forget the surgery & recovery fast. At least it's now out of the way. Whew! I'm looking forward to feeling better and having fun tracking my progress...this should be the fun part. I'm on the losing side now... whooo hoo!
March 25, 2007 Sunday
Wow! Tomorrow's the big day and I can't believe how calm I am...the whole day. Even now I sit here and wonder why! Maybe because it's been so long in the making that that I'm just happy it's finally here. I think of tomorrow and just know it's not going to be any fun so I'm just enjoying today. My husband has been more nervous than I. He's been wonderful. Thank You Tony. What would I do without you.
March 24, 2007 Saturday
Wow, tomorrow I start my surgical prep I can't believe it's here. Some nerves are starting to rattle but I know I can make it. My husband is even bringing me small glasses of water, even he's in Bariatric mode! If I get any sleep between now and Monday it will be a miracle! I can't believe it's here.
After visiting many web pages of members I wonder about the transformation that will take place. I wonder what I will be like by my birthday...near Halloween, and all the things I will encounter along the way.
I've had my resolve tested more than once during these two prep weeks. Like coming home Thursday to the smell of bacon to think, "That's OK I'm going to a seminar", then when I get there here's a beautiful spread complete with carved beef and carved ham...and oh how I love ham. But I resolved that this too was only temporary and I will prevail. I went home hungry but stuck to the liquid protein diet and happy I did the right thing for the right reasons. It made me feel good.
My husband laughed at me today when he came home from grocery shopping and I said, "Oh, I remember food." Well I will be able to enjoy food again but this time it will be as Sherlynn says, "Quality over Quantity".
March 16, 2007
My story starts 3 years ago with a different insurance company and doctor. It's been a frustrating run but I wasn't about to give up.
Sometime it seems it would never get here but now it's here - surgery is scheduled for March 26,07 at Ingham Regional Medical Center. It took the tenacity of one woman who made it happen and I have to thank her personally - Mary Wolf, Bariatric Coordinator at Ingham Regional. Without her help I'd still be waiting. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
A couple years ago I attended Bariatric meeting at another hospital. I wasn't picked for their program purely on looks...I wasn't 40 BMI but 38. I had 13 of the co-morbid medical conditions of which I was on PLENTY of medications but this made no difference to them. So for two years I fought to no avail.
So those people out there it may take you time to fight for what you want but don't give up. If you need to change insurance do it. Find a doctor who will work with you.
Thank you Dr. John Wenzel who was crazy enough to take me back as a patient. Poor man just shakes his head and says, "What are we going to do with you?" But here is a doctor that understands and with his help I was able to be accepted for the program by a new insurance company. He's a soft spoken, and what Texans would call-A tall drink of water, with a wonderful sense of humor...he laughs at my jokes. I will be forever grateful.
I am so looking forward to becoming a healthier, better me. Who knows, it just might take a few years off my age...Have you seen some of the people on this web site? Their before & after pictures looks like they went from looking like a parent to looking like the kid! It's truly amazing. I hope to look like that...a younger version of myself and have energy! I used to have energy once...
Now I'm in the middle of the two week prep drinking my shakes and enjoying chocolate for breakfast. I won't lie, it's not easy but definitely worth doing! Just think - short term. This is only short term. Oh I'm sure from time to time I will want to go back on the shakes a while to lose a few pounds, but this is the start of something good. I just hope I can change my eating habits enough so I will avoid the eating problems because lets face it...They're making your stomach smaller not your mouth.
