grajuit
Close to 10 months out
Nov 02, 2008
I am dealing with some old eating habits that I need to conquer. I have started to snack more between meals; even more noticeable under pressure or stress. I need to get back into support groups to help me combat this bad habit and get the support from others who are faced with this.
I love the new me -- I love to shop..
5.5 months out - 75 lbs down
Jun 29, 2008
Just yesterday I was faced with another WOW moment - I got into a size 8. Wowsers - I have not been a size 8 (or maybe never a size 8) in all of my adult life. It feels fabulous. Although the weight loss is somewhat slower, I can now focus toward all of the mental challenges associated with weight loss. I have learned to master those cravings of sweets, chocolate and candy. I have learned to select healthier versions of food -- those that do not make me feel guilty and gain weight. I do have to admit that I picked up some old habits along the way that I would like to combat. Habits such as grazing. Not good - I love those cheeze its and crackers! I have learned that when I eat too much, my stomach feels yucky and I no longer am interested in my meals.
The pics that I have posted are not updated. As soon as I can get some uploaded on more recent pics....I will.
It's been awhile -- May 13, 2008 - Close to 4 months Post Op
May 13, 2008
Howdy All! It's been awhile since I have last posted any pictures or blogged on this site. Where do I start? So far, I have lost a total of 68 lbs since I started this program~ I am down to a size 10 (with some 12's) and I feel fantastic! It seems like I reduce a size every month; I am passing my older clothes (different sizes) to my dearest friends. I can honestly say that I have not been this size in at least 20+ years.
I am having some challenges with the change -- nothing Earth shattering..just feelings of disbelief. The weight loss has been so rapid, that my emotions have not caught up with how I am feeling physically and mentally.
My husband has been very happy and supportive about my new journey -- he has always been loving and supportive, but is even more loving and affectionate than ever.
People that I have not seen in a few months are pleasantly surprised and shower me with compliments. I have learned to finally enjoy the compliments and share my fondest thanks.
Eating has reduced during meal time -- almost able to eat more and more -- I started to snack some and need to do more with that. I do not want to get back to my old habits of grazing. I also need to refocus on chewing and eating more protein -- I am losing my hair, which I do not like. thank goodness for thick hair! :)
My BMI is about 28. I go for my 3 month post op appt on June 5th.
Two months post op - 03/17/2008
Mar 16, 2008
Ok - not quite 2 months exactly, shy by one day. Pretty close though. Welcome Size 12's (and some 14's) Woot Woot - I have not been this size for at least 20 years. The most exciting part is going clothes shopping and by- passing the plus size department and headed to the misses sizes. What a great feeling! The second greatest feeling (when I can take the compliments) is when I hear people compliment me and call me skinny. Ok....skinny to decribe ME was not a reality in the past. I sincerely believe my new pouch is adjusting. Can only eat a couple ounces at a time compared to being able to eat more right after surgery.
The will power is at its strongest. Saying no to bad things for you including sweets. Cravings are subsiding.
My husband loves the new me and can barely keep his hands off. He loved me the old way too~ My son was nearly in tears when I had dinner with him last week (it had been 3 weeks since I last saw him); he was very happy with my accomplishments.
Love the feelings!
Oh forgot to mention. I am down 41 lbs since surgery and close to 55 pounds since I started the weight loss program.
One Month Post Op -- 02/17/08
Feb 17, 2008
Well...here I am at 1 month post op. In total, I have lost close to 30 lbs since surgery. I am currently following stage 3, step 1 diet. I did have a few episodes of heart burn and nausea, and I did get sick once this past weekend. I blame it on myself for not spacing out eating and drinking. I am taking all the required vitamins and am doing my best following the diet. In fact, I pat myself on the back for not blowing it. I do my best to get all my water in and my protein. Some days are better than others.
As far as excercise is concerened, I have been able to ride my bike once in the last two weeks, taken many walks and even went bowling.
Take a look at the before surgery pics and one month post op pics. I beleive you can tell the difference!
2 Week Post Opp Appt (2 days early) 1/29/08
Jan 29, 2008
I had my 2 week post op appt with Dr. Li today. It went very well on many different levels. First, I had a good report for him which included my weight loss since surgery (22 lbs (9 lb weight gain from hospital stay, 13 pounds from goal weight), reporting that I have had no experiences with dumping syndrome (yay) and minimal soreness and energy to the fullest. Dr. Li also said that my weight loss was on track and was happy to see I was doing so well.
I was also very happy to hear that I could progress to Stage 3, part 1 diet. So much different from Stage 2. With that said, I was able to test my new pouch with the introduction of some new foods. I had a very small piece of an omellete (with bits of ham and cheese) for lunch and I did not even get sick. For dinner tonight I had tuna and crackers with a piece of cheese. Yummo~
Onward and upward to my weight loss journey. On Thursday, I will track my weight and my new measurements.
One Week Post Op Entry - 1/24/08
Jan 24, 2008
Mentally....I feel terrific! Working with the many challenges of weight loss and dieting. Using will power to fend the thoughts of heading to the cupboards and frig to indulge in something not on my Stage II diet.
Physically - I feel pretty good..close to great. In terms of weight loss, I have lost 14 lbs since Saturday. (9 of which were gained while in hospital -- 5 lbs lost since my last weight in)

The soreness of my abdomen still exists, but it really is not too bad. I am able to get out of my bed on my own and sleep on my side.
Nurse S. tells me that I am overdoing it for the first week. Too much housework and walking too long of a distance. Need to slow down.
Loser's Bench Here I Come
Jan 22, 2008
Try to avoid food commercials and the Food Network - you will get some cravings.
I am home - surgery was a success!
Jan 20, 2008
Well -- here I am resting and at home. Surgery was scheduled for 12:30PM on 1/17/2008 -- they started performing surgery at 1PM. Surgery was completed within 2 hours and into recovery.
I remember feeling pain, nausea and of course had dry mouth. The poor nurse -- she quickly administered my meds.

My husband and son were waiting for me in the room. I said my hellos and went back to sleep. The nurses took very good care of me -- remember sleeping a lot and being awoken every 2 hours for med administration and to take vital signs.
My stomach was sooooo bloated. I even gained 8 lbs from the has induction. I think that is normal??? Through stage II dieting, I lost 4 of the 8 lbs.
I do have soreness in my abdomen area, but am I able to get around pretty well. Walking seems to help with the gas pains.

I look forward to when I can sleep on my side again. I am sure I will get to experience that soon.
Will keep you all posted in a day or so. For now - take good care and thank you all for your kind words and thoughts.
1 day and counting
Jan 15, 2008

Well all, it's one more day and counting! I must admit that I was feeling nauseous last night -- yes, butterflies in my stomach. I know that things are going to be great. Today, I feel on top of the world, yet also feel somewhat scared. The happier me outweights the fearful me. I take the drive down to South San Francisco to do a few more lab tests. I should know what time my surgery is tomorrow by calling between 1 and 5. I am very much looking forward to the start of a new life -- a much healthier and energetic me.
Take care all - and I will drop a quick note when I return home this coming Saturday.