Jodie R.
I thought it would be fun to post some things that I want to do when I'm skinny! I'll check them off as I accomplish them.
I want to:
Wear a bathing suit without a skirt. (checked off)
Shop in regular departments. (checked off)
Run or jog. (checked off)
Cross my legs. (checked off) Yippee!
Tuck in my shirt. (checked off)
Have a healthy baby. (checked off)
1/14/05 Well, it's a little over a year and I thought I needed to update my goals. I think that I have done well with the ones I set previously. I'm keeping the ones I haven't accomplished yet. So here it goes:
Wear a bathing suit without a skirt. (checked off)
Have a healthy baby. (checked off)
Wear a size 6.(This one might be a stretch!)
Maintain a healthy weight. (less than 135 for my height) (I did this for a long time, but have slipped a little)
Have plastic surgery. (checked off)
Stick to an exercise regimine. (This is a work in progress.)
12/12/03 Well, today is Friday December 12 and my surgery is scheduled for Monday the 15th. I will update again in a week or so and post some before pictures.
12/14/03 One more day before surgery. This website has been a big help. Thanks to all of you who have sent words of encouragement and are praying for me.
12/27/03 Well, I am 12 days post op and doing fine. I can't wait until Monday because I can finally have something other than chicken broth and clear liquids. I have an open wound that has to be packed every day twice a day and that is very aggrivating, but other than that I seem to be doing ok. I have lost 19 pounds so far and I am getting my staples out on Monday. I see Dr. N again on Friday. Everybody said that I wouldn't be hungry, but honestly, I have been this past week. Clear broth just doesn't stick very well. Maybe Monday things will get easier when I can eat some mashed potatoes. More later.
1/5/04 I've lost 26 pounds and I'm feeling pretty good. Still packing this open wound twice a day, but I can do it myself now. Saw Dr. Naziri on Friday and he was very encouraging. For some reason I have 2 huge fever blisters and they are very painful. My dentist says its from drinking too much orange juice, so I guess that's out and I have to find another juice. I've been a little down for a couple of days, but I think it's the pain from the fever blisters. I hope they go away soon. Anyway, I'll make it through. I go back to work on the 12th. I can't wait to get back to a normal routine.
1/16/04 I'm one month and one day out and my BMI has gone from 43 to 36 and I've lost 31 pounds. I'm really excited about it. Everybody at work has noticed and that makes me feel good too. I'm slowly moving into the solid foods. I can eat chicken and hamburger. I have not had any problems with getting sick and that is a blessing. I have felt bad for brief periods after eating, but I think that is due to not knowing how much to take in, but I'm learning. I returned to work on Monday. All I can say is thank goodness it's Friday. It hasn't been too bad, but it's hard to get out of bed at 6:00 am if you have had a month off to rest. My husband has started calling me skinny and that is an amazing feeling. By the way... he has lost 25 pounds since my surgery, moving from 230 pounds to 205. I'm proud of him too. More later.
1/23/04 I've lost 33 pounds now and my weightloss has slowed tremendously, but I'm only 2 more pounds from meeting my first personal goal. (to weigh less than 200!) I am going back to curves (women's exercise club) on Monday. I hope that will help to speed it back up. I am also planning to join a few ladies at my church in an exercise class on Tuesday and Thursday nights. I think my favorite thing to eat now is spagetti sauce. No noodles, just the sauce. I have an appointment with Dr. Naziri on Wednesday for a weight check and followup. I think they mentioned doing some labwork too. I'm in good spirits I think and my husband says I'm alot nicer since the surgery. I feel better physically and mentally and I think that has a lot to do with the switch in attitude. Also, I have no more reflux and I am now sleeping through the night. It feels great to get some rest.
1/28/04 According to my scale I have lost 34 pounds. I have an appointment with Dr. Naziri this afternoon. I'm a little disappointed in my weight loss. I know I am eating tons less than before the surgery but my weightloss has hit a standstill. I've lost one more pound this week. I weigh 201, and I'm stuck there. Maybe Dr. Nazirir will give me the go ahead to start exercising today. I hope so because I think that is what will help me more than anything. I'm doing pretty good about getting my protein in. I'm having a hard time drinking all of the water I'm supposed to. All I know is, I didn't go through all of this for nothing, and I have got to get a jump start.
1/29/04 I saw Dr. Naziri yesterday and he said I was doing great. I weighed 200 on his scale and this morning 199. That feels awesome. It's been 5 years since I weighed below 200 pounds. He gave me the go ahead to try foods and to exercise. I have to have my bloodwork done now and I go back to him in one month. He made me feel much better about my slowing weightloss. He explained that I was on average loosing about 3/4 of a pound a day and he said that I can not keep up that rate. We have set a goal of 125 pounds, which I can't even imagine right now. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Anyway, he's a great doctor. I am glad Michelle showed me the way to him. More Later.
2/7/04 Well, I'm still stuck at 199. I found a great protein supplement though and I am sure I am getting my protein in now. I don't think I was getting enough before. I also started going to curves last week and that made me feel a lot better. I have also promised myself that I am going to walk on my treadmill every day. My energy level is so much higher. I feel like a different person. I asked them to reweigh and measure me at curves last week. My printout showed that I had lost 2 inches in the bust!, 4 inches in the waist!, 10 inches in the abdomen!!!, 1.5 inches in my thighs, 2 inches in my arms, and 18.5 body fat pounds. I was very pleased. Anyway, Yeah for me!
2/10/04 Well, I have been getting in my protein and exercising daily and my plateau is over. When I got on the scales this morning, I had lost! (one pound) :)
2/13/04 194!! (Down 41 pounds) A major milestone for me. I'm finally losing again. I'm going to Curves on Mondays and Fridays and drinking protein shakes twice a day. I did have a horrible episode with dumping yesterday. It lasted 2 hours and I thought I was going to die. I won't eat turkey again, you can believe that!
2/19/04 Still hanging at 194. It's amazing how long I stay at one weight and then it comes off 5 pounds at a time. I had a biopsy done for skin cancer this week. I have a mole on my ear that has been changing diameter and shape. The biopsy didn't hurt until I got home and it's so sore now I can't stand it. Liquid tylenol has been helping some with the pain and swelling. The doctor said that when he did the biopsy it was deeper than he thought it would be. He gave me a 50-50 chance. If it is skin cancer, I will have to have part of my ear removed. I am praying real hard that it is not. I have another appointment with Dr. Naziri next week. More after that.
2/24/04 I got a call from my PCP today and my biopsy results were good. It's benign. I'm glad for that. The praying must have worked. I woke up this morning and felt fat. A shirt I have been wearing was tight and I thought... What the heck is going on??? So, I stepped on the scale and I was the same weight that I was yesterday. Maybe it got smaller in the dryer. *SIGH!!* I go back to Dr. Naziri tomorrow. He told me I should lose 5-7 pounds per month. I think I have lost 6 this month. I am getting my hair cut this afternoon. I'm gonna get my "hair is falling out doo". Short and sassy! Anyway, maybe that will be a pick me up. More after tomorrow.
2/26/04 My appointment with Dr. Naziri went well yesterday. He is such an encouragement. My labs were all excellent. I was a little worried about that. I'm down to 192 now. That's 43 pounds! I have 60 pounds left before I reach my goal. I went to Goody's yesterday and did a little shopping. My clothes are way too big now. They are uncomfortable. I felt like I deserved something new anyway. More later.
3/9/04 I haven't updated in a while, so I thought I would. There's not much going on. I'm down to 188. That's -47 pounds. I'm excited that I am losing. I have a lot of projects due now because it is the end of the semester. I wrote a 4 page paper last night. I've been going to Curves on a regular basis and I've been drinking my morning protein shakes. Things seem to be on the up and up.
3/23/04 Well, I'm down to 186. I've lost 49 pounds. I have an appointment with Dr. Naziri tomorrow. It would be nice if I could hit the big 5-0 before I go. Curves is really helping me out alot. I'm going 3-4 times per week. The people there are an inspiration. I really enjoy my time there. Jon has lost 28 pounds now and has gone from a 38 relaxed fit jeans to a 36 regular fit jeans. We both look and feel a lot better. I'm enjoying the new me.
3/29/04 183!! That's 52 pounds gone forever. I feel great except for this coughing hacking cold I have. I'm not sure what kinds of medicines I can take. I don't want to make myself sicker. Anyway, I had a good weekend. Only a week and 2 days before we get out for Easter. I need a break from work. I also have an interview on April 7 that I am real excited about. I need a change of venue.
4/5/04 Minus 54 pounds! I'm 181 today. I have an interview for a new job on Wednesday. My mom and I went and bought a suit for my interview yesterday and I got a size 18. Not an 18W, just a plain old 18. It is navy. It's really pretty. I'll have to get my picture taken in it and post it soon. Anyway, wish me luck on my interview!!
4/15/04 10 days later and just one more pound. (180) I feel like I have come to a stopping point. I know I am getting in my protein, it's just that sometimes I feel like I have hit a wall. 180 is great, but I want more. I'm 4 months today. I feel a lot better, and I'm going to try to be more positive. It's just that sometimes i get into a funk. Anyway, That job that I interviewed for... I GOT IT! I am very excited about that. I'm looking at about a 7,000 pay raise and I will be training teachers! I start on June 7. I'm also glad to see some sunshine today. The rain and cold was getting me down in the dumps a little bit. More later!
5/3/04 177 pounds. (-58)I went and bought some new pants last night at Walmart because my 22/24's are just too big. I bought 18's. I'm hoping they will get me through the end of the school year. I don't have but about 3 weeks left anyway. I'm going to have to do a little shopping to get ready for my new job, but I'm going to wait until closer to June 7. Jon is going with me to the support group meeting on Wednesday night. I've been trying to get him to go for a while. I'm glad he's going with me. Then we are going to get my rings sized. I'm scared I will lose them if I don't do it soon. My hair is really thinning out now. If it doesn't stop soon, I won't have any. I guess that's a small price to pay though. Eric (my brother)is graduating in 2 weeks from nursing school. My family is so excited. I know he will do great. More later.
5/10/04 175 pounds/-60 pounds.
5/18/04 174 pounds/-61 pounds. I'm losing 5-7 pounds a month and that is just fine with me. I am excited about my loss. It's not as fast as some others, but it's fast enough for me. My hair is still falling out and I really hope it quits soon. Eric graduated and starts work in June. He got a new truck this past week. I'm happy for him. The children get out of school Friday. I have to work the next week, but then I get a week's vacation before starting my new job. June is going to be a busy month! More later.
5/25/04 173/-62 I'm cleaning out my classroom this week and going through old stuff. Some of it I am going to stick in the attic and some of it I'm just leaving. Jon and I are on vacation next week and then I start my new job on the 7th. Jon and I went shopping Saturday night because I didn't have any shorts that weren't falling off of me. We bought a couple of pairs of 16's!!! I haven't been that small in over 8 years. I was so excited. I feel so much better about myself, and I have so much more confidence. More Later!
5/28/04 170/-65 I was so surprised when I stepped on the scale this morning. Just thought I would share the joy! More later.
6/10/04 It's been a while, but I've made some good progress. Today I weighed 165. That's minus 70!!!! pounds!!!! I think I am going to get there. I'll be 6 months out in 5 days. I have 40 pounds to go to reach my goal, and I really think it doable. I am so excited. I started my new job this week and I'm finishing up first summer session at ECU, so it's been a hectic week. I'll get it all done... I always do. More later!
6/10/04...about 5 minutes later. I just realized that I am no longer obese!!!!! Oh my gosh! It feels great to just be overweight! I am so excited!
6/17/04 This morning I weighed 162. (-73) I am so excited. This is really working. My self confidence has really improved. I feel so much better about myself. More later.
7/1/04 160 and counting (-75) I have been a little under the weather. I had a kidney stone. That was terrible. I'm feeling a lot better now though. Dr. Naziri wants me to go to another doctor just for some followup. I am going to make that appointment today. Graduate school is over until the Spring, so that is some stress off of me. I am heading up VBS at church in 2 weeks. That's a little stressful, but that will work out too. Things are going good and I have my new office! I have to wait for someone to move out before I can move in, but that's ok too.
7/22/04 158 (-77) It's been a while, but there hasn[t been much to say. Weightloss is slow, and I have been very busy. School startsback for the teachers next week and my work will
pick up. I'm glad of that. I'm tired of doing paperwork and purchase orders. I want to work with and see some real people. I have moved into my new office. It's huge. I'm really enjoying that. Well, more later... and sooner next time.
8/9/04 158 (-77) Ok, What's the deal? I'm still at 158. I think I've hit a true plateau. I guess I need to step up my exercise a little. It's frustrating. More later.
8/20/04 155 (-80) I have been exercising more and my weightloss has picked up. I am wearing a size 14 pants and Large shirt now. I have shreaded my Lane Bryant credit card. That was a great feeling! I have a horrible cold. I really need to get some rest and get over it. I am giving a testimony in church on Sunday about how weightloss has affected my life and my Christian walk. I am not very good about standing up in front of others, so I chose to write a letter to the congregation. I will post it on here soon so you all can read it.
8/22/04 153 (-82) It's coming off again. I'm so happy about that! More later!
8/29/04 152 (-83) I said that I would post the letter that I wrote to the congregation at my church and here it is...
To My Dear Friends and Family,
As I sat in church tonight, I felt a strong urge to share some things with you. God was pulling at my heart and I wanted to speak up, but could not find the strength. So, I decided to come home and write it down. First of all, I would like to thank all of you who have stood by me through all of the changes in my life. Secondly, I want to share how God has been working in me and affecting my life.
I began my journey with weight as a child and it has been a long one. I have had ups and downs, physically and emotionally. I have always seen myself as a happy and outgoing person and I truly think I was. But, I have never been as happy as I am now. I believe that there is a reason for everything that happens in our lives. I believe that my true happiness has come about within the last year. It all started on a July night at VBS. Michelle shared with me that she was thinking about having gastric bypass surgery. I had heard about it and was very curious about it. I thank God that she trusted me as a friend. I knew her plight and she knew mine. I wondered if this could help me. You see, I have struggled with food addiction for a long time and I honestly could not beat it on my own. Michelle gave me a business card and on that card was the name of a man that has truly made a difference in my life. Don’t get me wrong, I give God all the glory because I know HE is the one who enabled Dr. Naziri to change my life. I talked with Jon about what this could mean for me and he has been behind me all the way. Jon has loved me through thick and, now, thin and for that I am so grateful. The very next day, I called and scheduled an appointment. Dawn accompanied me to the doctor’s office because I was so nervous and scared that they would say no. The nurse told me that I was an excellent candidate and the race began. I saw so many specialists that I cannot even remember them all. All were very nice and each one that I saw encouraged me to remember to follow my heart. My heart said, “You want a better life.” So, I went for it. I finished up all of my appointments and then it became a waiting game. I waited and prayed so very hard that my insurance company would come through for me. And it did! Dr. Naziri’s office scheduled me for gastric bypass and gall bladder surgery on Monday, December 15, 2003. That was the day that God gave me a new start.
I feel so much better now, physically and mentally. I know that I am a nicer person. I can see it in people’s reactions to me. People have even commented on how happy I seem to be now. It’s great to know that I can affect other people through my actions and words. I think that God has given me a new gift and that is the gift of loving myself. I honestly feel that if you do not love yourself, then you cannot truly love others as God would have you do.
So many of you prayed for me. Some of you did not even know I was having surgery. I chose not to announce it because I think that it is a personal decision. Now, I love to share my experience because I feel like it is God who has allowed me to have this experience and I think that to hold that in would be wrong. God has given me a second chance. He has given me the strength to love myself. He has given me the confidence to walk into a room without wondering if people are looking at me. He has given me the courage to hold my head up and look people in the eye when I am speaking to them. He has given me the power to say NO to foods that are not healthy. God has provided me a way out. Prayer is a wonderful tool. It helps me to resist. God encourages us to treat our body as a temple. For the first time in my life, I see my body as a temple and not as a tent. For this I am eternally grateful.
I have received so much encouragement from friends and family. I count you all as blessings. My journey is far from over and I still need your support and encouragement. Thank you so much for loving me unconditionally and whole-heartedly.
With Much Love,
Jodie
9/27/04 148 (-87 pounds) I have 20 pounds to go. I hope to get there before Christmas. That's my goal anyway. A bunch has been going on. My new job is real hectic and I haven't had a lot of time to update lately. I'm in some size 12's now. I can't believe it. I am going through clothes like there is no tomorrow. I'm hoping to get some hand me downs from mama. Anyway, I'll update again soon.
Jodie
9/28/04 147 (-88) It is so hard to believe that I only have 19 pounds to go before I am "Normal". I can't tell you in words how awesome that makes me feel. My sizes are changing about every 3 weeks. I was trying to think back this morning about the last time that I was this size. When I was in sixth grade I was going to weight watchers and was 130. So, I am kind of thinking that I was this size in about the seventh grade. It's really hard to remember a time when I wasn't big. I've seen the pictures, but I really don't remember it. When I talked with Dr. Naziri last week, he encouraged me again to think about plastic surgery. I don't think there is much to think about. I have made up my mind to do it. I am not even counting on BCBS to pay for it. I've been saving my pennies and as soon as I have a healthy baby...I'm gonna do it. I think I owe it to myself and Jon thinks that too. Well, I better get back to work. My break is ending. (Too quickly) More later.
Jodie
10/15/04 144 lbs. (-91) Well, I'm ten months out. I never imagined I would be 144 pounds in just 10 months. It's amazing.
10/19/04 143 (-92) I am setting a goal for myself to be at my goal weight of 128 when I go back to Dr. Naziri's office on my one year anniversary of the 15th of December. I have 15 pounds left to lose. It's going to be tough and I might not make it, but I want to at least be close. His scales are always different than mine anyway. At the very least, I want to be -100 pounds by Christmas. I think that is a very doable goal. More later!
10/27/04 141 (-94) My cat is very sick. We took her to the vet yesterday and he said to bring her back if she wasn't any better this morning...and she wasn't. He said he would have to do some blood work to find out what is going on with her. I feel sorry for her. She was so miserable last night and this morning. Jon carried her to work with him and he is going to drop her off at the vet when they open. More on Muffin later...
Jon took Muffin to the vet this morning. It wasn't our normal vet, but that's ok. Sometimes it's good to get another opinion. She seemed to think that Muffin may have a collapsed lung, a bruised lung, or a fatal disease. She said we could carry her to another vet and get xrays if we wanted to. They would indicate whether or not her lungs were collapsed or just bruised. I love Muffin, but her prognosis is not good. I just don't see spending $300.00 on xrays and another opinion. It's really sad, but if she isn't better by Sunday night, I think we need to have her put to sleep. I hate to see animals suffer like she is...
10/28/04 Muffin was doing better this morning and she is eating some. I hope that this is a good sign. When you don't have children, your pets become so important to you. More later...
11/1/04 Muffin is much better. I saw something this morning on my way to work that struck me. I thought, "What an awesome statement!" A man was walking beside the road carrying a large white cross on his shoulder. I thought to myself that our love for Christ should also be that obvious to those around us. I'm not saying we should drag eight foot crosses around on our shoulders every day, but we should make a bold stand and let our cross be seen through our actions and reactions to people. That man said nothing and everything at the same time. There is no telling how many people he affects just by walking down the road. What a wonderful testimony to God's love for us.
Jodie
11/9/04 Still 141 pounds. It appears I'm stuck in the 140's. I bounce back and forth between 141 and 144. I have been teaching in the classrooms lately. I really miss doing that. I had a great time yesterday. The kids think I'm a nut. I try to be real enthusiastic and I think they like it. I'm doing an activity again with them this morning and then I have some observations to do. Well, it had been a while so I decided to update.
11/12/04 140 pounds (-95) I'm getting so close to the 100 pound mark. I'm so excited about getting there. People are starting to tell me that I don't need to lose any more weight. I would love to get to 128 pounds. That is the goal that Dr. Naziri set for me in the beginning. I run across people every day who don't know who I am now. That is an amazing thing. It's so neat to see their expressions when I tell them who I am. A few weeks ago, Jon and I were sitting at a restaurant that has mirrors the whole way around the walls. He got up to go to the restroom and I look ahead...Then I turned around to see who the lady was behind me. IT WAS ME!!! I didn't even recognize myself. I guess I still see myself as I was. It would be nice if my head would catch up with my body. It was a funny thing. I notice now that people don't look past me, they look at me. I know this because I wear a necklace that has a really pretty coin on it. I have worn it for about 7 years. Nobody used to comment on it at all. Well, I bet in the last 3 months 20 people have mentioned it to me. I have wondered if people don't look at large people because they feel uncomfortable doing it. If people realized how much it hurts when they don't make eye contact with you...I don't know, I guess I'm just rambling now. More later.
11/16/04 11 Months and 1 day out. 139 lbs. (-96) I am planning a Thanksgiving Luncheon for the teachers at my school. I am so excited about doing it. I am going to fix a huge pot of vegetable soup and we are going to have sandwiches and chips. I'm planning to fix Michelle's low sugar angel food cake for dessert. I sent out 30 invitations and I have gotten 20 responses so far. I think that most people will come. They all seem excited about it too. More later!
11/23/04 137 lbs. (-98) I'm getting closer and closer to my goal. I am so excited. I stepped on the scale this morning and just knew that my weight had bounced back up in the 140's. I was pleasantly surprised. I am feeding the teachers I work with today for Thanksgiving. I felt like they deserved something for all their hard work with the children. We are having homemade vegetable soup, ham sandwiches, chips, and lots of desserts. I cooked a ham on Sunday and sliced it. It was really good. I figured that would be cheaper than buying that thin deli meat. I'll let ya know how it goes later.
12/10/04 I finally made it. -100 pounds!!! I'm only 7 pounds from my goal weight. This morning I weighed 135. I was so inspired that I went into my closet and pulled out a size Large dress and tried it on. It fit!! I know it's dress down Friday, but I decided to wear it anyway. Our coach's Christmas party is today. We are all meeting for lunch at the new Olive Garden. I've never eaten there, but I am sure it is very good. I am also planning to swing by the hospital to see Tonya. Jon talked to Chris last night and he said she was doing well. I'm excited for her. It is such a wonderful (but not easy) journey. I'm having some issues now with people telling me how great I look. In the beginning, I kind of enjoyed the attention because I wasn't used to getting so much of it. Now, it's a little overwhelming. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate people's encouragement, but I think I am ready to get on with a "normal" life. At Thanksgiving I went to another church for their Wednesday night Thanksgiving service and I saw one of my teachers from a long time ago. She asked me about my weight loss and I told her I had gastric bypass. She squealed out and said to her sister, "Come here sis, Jodie has had gastric bypass, doesn't she look great!" (And she said it loud too.) It's just a little embarrassing sometimes. I'm not embarrassed that I had it.. I'm embarassed by people reactions sometimes. Most of the time I just say "thank you" or "I feel so much better now", and just move on. I think people are just curious.
12/14/04 Tomorrow is my one year anniversary. I have lost 100 pounds and I am so happy with the new me. I have an appointment with Dr. Naziri tomorrow. I will probably have bloodwork done too. I am kind of curious about my levels anyway. I haven't had as much trouble with nausea lately. I am now off of my birth control and hope to fulfill one of my goals at the top soon. Jon's office Christmas party is tonight at Deadwood (local steakhouse). I'll let you know how my doctor's appointment goes tomorrow.
12/15/05 One Year today! I woke this morning to the singing of an angel in my ear. (Michelle called me singing Happy Anniversary!!) She is the sweetest friend. I went to the doctor today and had my labs done. Dr. Naziri was pleased with my progress. I had this knot in my belly and I asked him to feel it. I laughed and told him it might just be a bone that I never felt before. He snickered and said it was just a nodule. He said I probably never felt it before because it was deep under (well, you know...) Anyway, I talked with him about all of my loose skin and he said we would discuss plastics when I come back in one year. He also gave me the go ahead to try for a baby. I was hoping he would. (I was planning to do it anyway.) :) More later.
12/16/04 133 lbs. (-102) Yippee!!!! It always happens the day after I go to the doctor. I don't know why I expected anything different this time.
12/28/04 Still 133 pounds but wearing a size 10! Yes, I said 10! I can't believe it! I went today and bought a skirt (size 10), a pair of jeans (size 10), and a Medium shirt! It's such a great feeling to be able to share clothes with my mom. We haven't done that since I was around 11 years old. Anyway, just thought I would share. More later!
1/5/05 131 pounds (-104) I'm 3 pounds from my goal weight of 128. I was beginning to wonder if I would get there. I don't know how I managed to maintain and lose weight through the holidays. I have been avoiding my scale like the plague. Michelle asked me to share my "story" at our support group meeting tonight. I put together a book with before and after pictures. I am planning to talk some about setting "doable" goals and writing them down. I think it's important to see them crossed off of a list. I am also going to share the letter that I wrote to my family and friends. (see above) I hope I can get through it. I've been praying about what I am going to say. I think it will work out fine.
School starts back today for the children and I have a lot of assessments to finish up with them. I didn't get them all done before we left for Christmas break. It's kind of monotonous listening to them all (154 of them) read 3 stories each. Well, better get to it. More later!
1/14/05 Still bouncing between 131 and 132...and that's just fine with me. I think the support group meeting went really well. Jon and I are going to a tractor pull tonight. We always go and it's usually a lot of fun. The ruritan sale is on Saturday too. I love to go there and get Brunswick stew. It's so good. I started my last semester of graduate school on Tuesday night. Thank goodness it's almost over. Other than all of that, not much is happening. (LOL) Anyway, more later.
1/28/05 Still bouncing. Yesterday I was 130. This morning I was 133. It really doesn't matter to me. If I could keep it below 135, I would be perfectly happy. Graduate school has been kicking my butt. There are so many projects that are going on at the same time. It's hard to work full time and keep up with it. It's the last semester, so I guess I can put up with anything for a few months. It doesn't help that one of my professors talks in complete circles. She confuses all of us. My job has changed a little bit and I will be going to the primary school to work with some teachers over there too. I think it will be good to get a break and be able to have another setting sometimes. I'm still going to try to spend most of my time with my teachers. Jon has an interview for a leadership training on Monday. I hope he gets in. with the training, he could move up in the company and the money would sure help us a lot. Still working on my goals. Hope to get more results soon. :) More later.
1/31/05 Don't know why I decided to update, but here it is...(Ramblings) I'm still bouncing in the lower 130's. My before and after pictures were posted this weekend. I was glad to see them there. Deanna and I went shopping this weekend and I bought three outfits for $42.00. I used to go with my mom and she would have the easiest time finding clothes that fit. It really does feel good to be able to do that. The clothes in my size(8-10!!!)are a lot cheaper now too. I can actually find clothes on the sale racks!! All of my shoes are too big now and I need to do a little shopping for some navy blue dress shoes. I read the Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom this weekend. I cried like a baby at the end. It was a fantastic read. It didn't take me very long to get through it. Deanna and I also worked on our project for class on Tuesday night. It was a busy weekend and gosh was it cold. I am so ready for April. I just can't seem to get warm now. My feet and hands stay cold all the time. Michelle told me about an electric blanket (throw) she got and I've been looking for one. I'm not a big fan of electric blankets on beds but I think I'd like one for sitting in front of the TV. Well, I guess I've rambled long enough. More later.
2/16/05 More Ramblings... I'm still 131 pounds. I've been here for 2 months. I guess this is where I'm meant to be and that's just fine with me. I am so ready for spring to get here. I look forward to getting outside and digging in my flower beds. My graduate work is really time consuming this semester. Thank goodness it's my last one. I'll graduate on May 6th. It's been a long time coming. I've been in college since 1995 in some way or another. We are supposed to have our high school class reunion this year, but no one has contacted me about it. I told the girl that is in charge of getting it together that I would be glad to help her with it...still nothing. I was really getting excited about it because I finally look like a normal person. Jon could care less about going, but he'll go for me. Still nothing on the pregnancy front. (In God's Time...not mine)I'm praying about it. We're going on a ski trip in a couple of weeks and I'm getting excited about that. Jon and I don't ski so we are planning to tube and snowmobile. It should be a good time. Two other couples from church are going with us. Life is Great!! More later.
2/25/05 I posted this post on the message board today. I got some really great resonses. Thanks to all of you who encouraged me.
Hello guys and gals,
It is so out of character for me to post like this. I really don't know how to start. This is kind of a venting post and kind of a seeking advice post. Anyway, I'm 14 months out and I am at goal (129 lbs). I have several issues.
#1) I am so scared that I will backslide and gain my weight back. For the most part, I'm following all the rules. I'm getting my water in (70-80 oz per day) and I'm getting in all of my protein. Exercise is an issue and I know I need to address it. Yesterday, I had a bad day. I ate all the wrong foods. I have had very few days that this has happened. I felt so guilty about it. Here's what I ate. For Breakfast: Chick Filet sandwich...Bread and all. I couldn't finish it. Snack: 100 cal. snack thingy. Lunch: 2 chicken wings, green beans, a couple of bites of slaw, and 1/2 of a corn stick. Dinner: 1/2 baked pork chop, cabbage, and 1/2 boiled potato. Snack: 1/3 cup of peanuts. Well, this morning when I got up, I decided to brush myself off and start anew. I've had a much better day today.
#2) Body Image!!! People keep telling me how small I look and honestly... I don't see it. All I see is skin. I wasn't having this problem last summer when I was wearing a size 16. I was so happy with myself then. Now, at a size 8-10, I'm having issues with how I look. I have to get up 30 minutes earlier every morning because I try on 4-5 different outfits. I can't seem to find one that I feel comfortable in. I ask my husband all the time... Am I that girl's size? He always says...No, Jodie she looks 30-40 pounds heavier than you. I know I don't need to compare myself to others. I just want to know what other people see when they look at me. Frankly, I think this is my biggest issue.
#3) My coworkers are worried about me. They came to me this morning and asked if I had stopped losing weight. Three of them came to me and said that I don't need to lose any more. They are worried that I will get too small. That's funny to me because I am worried about just the opposite. I wasn't sure how to respond to them. They are all very close to me and I appreciate their concerns. I just didn't know what to say to them. I guess them coming to me, on top of my screw up with eating yesterday, is what has got my mind going 90 miles a minute.
Anyway... I have more issues, but this is all I can handle talking about right now. I know I have a food addiction and I struggle with head hunger all day, every day. Please help. Thanks for listening.
Jodie
3/11/05 Well, I am feeling a lot better now. I think I was just stressed out a couple of weeks ago. I have too much going on right now...work, finishing graduate school, trying to get pregnant, church stuff, etc. I'm still in the 130's. That's fine with me. I would like to keep it under 135. Still battling head hunger. Some days are better than others. It all depends on how busy I am. Tomorrow will be our 6th wedding anniversary. We are planning to go out for dinner. I've been writing lots of papers and preparing for the end of the semester. I'm staying so busy. Hadn't updated in a while and thought I would. More later!
3/18/05 129 lbs. (-106) Wow! This has been a heck of a week. I had kidney stone start up last Friday (11th) and was miserable all weekend. I went to the doctor on Monday and he put me on pain meds and phenagren for nausea. I passed the stone on Wednesday morning, but now I have a kidney infection. It's just been a miserable week. I am so physically drained. It's Friday and I am back at work. I'm tired and I still don't feel 100%. Now, I have so much to do. You wouldn't believe it. The lady from the lab that did my bloodwork for the stone called me yesterday and said she had messed up and needed me to go back, so I have to drive all the way back over to Greenville after work and get more blood drawn. My Dr. is trying to figure out where these stones are coming from. I have had 6 in the last 10 months and none before RNY. Anyway...More later.
3/24/05 Still 129 lbs. It's supposed to be a beautiful day today and I am so excited!! The end of the year and graduation are fast approaching. I finished up my portfolio last night but I still have to answer my questions to turn in. I'm planning to work on that over the weekend. I ordered my graduation announcements yesterday. It's just so exciting!! I've been in school in some way or another since 1980 and I think it's just about time to take a break! :) Our county has school tomorrow. That's a bummer. I don't know another system who has school on Good Friday. It's just not right. Anyway, I'll just suck it up and come in. I have been feeling much better this week. It's amazing how kidney stones reek havok on your body. It sure took a toll. Deanna and I are going out to dinner tonight. Not much else is going on. I'll write more later.
3/31/05 127 lbs. (-108) Woohoo!! I'm below goal!! I have enjoyed my week off from work. I finished my portfolio for graduate school. I only have one month before graduation. It's still going to be a busy month. Spring is finally here and I'm happy about that. I'm going shopping tomorrow because I don't have any shorts. Last year I was wearing a size 16. I'm in an 8-10 this year. I'm still having some kidney troubles. I wish they could find out what is going on with me. I'm tired of hurting all the time. Anyway, I'll write more later.
4/8/05 126 lbs. (-109) GREAT NEWS!!! I am pregnant!! I'm 4 weeks and 4 days today. My estimated due date in Dec. 12. I'm so excited. Just couldn't hold it in. I have been praying so hard for this. Anyway, I'll write more later. Love you all.
4/12/05 126 lbs. (-109) 5 weeks and 1 day pregnant! I'm still doing great. I haven't been sick at all. I am battling with insomnia but I'm not sure if it's a side effect or if I'm just excited. I'm really tired and yawning all the time. I guess that just goes with the territory. I am doing my LAST presentation for graduate school tonight. Finally, the end is in sight. Deanna came over last night for dinner and we worked on it. I think it will be good. We only have 3 more classes including tonight and I only have one assignment left for my online class. Things are shaping up.
I was just thinking this morning that my life has really changed in the last 16 months. We built a new house. I had surgery. Lost 109 pounds. Got a new job. Finished graduate school. And now, I'm pregnant! Woo wee, that's a lot of change!! Change is good though. Life is great right now. More later.
4/22/05 Still 126. The morning sickness started up on Monday. It's not happening in the morning though. It's mostly in the afternoon and I've figured out that it mostly happens when I get hungry. I've been trying not to let myself get hungry so it won't happen. I'll be seven weeks on Monday. I'll feel more at ease when I hit 12 weeks. Anyway, It's Friday and I'm so glad. There is a lot that I want to get done this weekend. Graduate school is coming to an end. I have one more 2 page paper to write and I'll be done. Graduation is on the 6th of May. (Two more weeks!) Mama and daddy are planning to have a cookout for me that night. I'm excited about that too. I'm planning to finish up some testing with the children this afternoon. I've done most of it, and there shouldn't be a whole lot left. More later!
4/28/05 124 lbs. (-111) I am really not trying to loose any more weight. It just continues to come off. I've been very nauseated lately and I haven't wanted to eat much, but I've been trying. I'm even eating a cheese biscuit every morning from Bojangles. (I know that's loaded with fat, but it seems to be the only thing I can keep down.) Jon and I are going somewhere to pick up something tonight. We haven't done anything together in over a week. Life has been hectic and he stays in the shop a lot. I'll be 8 weeks pregnant on Monday. I have a doctor's appointment on May 12. Mama is planning to go with me and I hope we will be able to see the heartbeat on an ultrasound. Well, just wanted to update, better get back to work. More later.
5/13/05 I had my first doctors appointment yesterday. It was a long visit. They did a full work up and tested me for every STD known to man. Did you know that's a state law now? I had a vaginal ultrasound. That was interesting. We saw the heartbeat and I have pictures. The baby is standing on it's head and looks like a little bat hanging upside down. It was a nice visit. Dr. O’Neal confirmed that I am nine weeks and she gave me several things to try for nausea. (Thank goodness)!! I go back in four weeks for my next visit.
5/26/05 122 lbs. (-113 lbs) Just thought I would update because it's been a while. I will be 12 weeks on Monday. I am so ready for this first trimester to be over. The morning sickness has gotten a little better this week BUT I had had some other issues. I was so constipated this week that they were considered putting me on an IV if I didn't have some movement. It was aweful. Needless to say, things moved and I'm feeling better. I really hope I NEVER get that way again. I go back to the doctor in a couple of weeks. We should be able to hear the heartbeat at that appointment. Mama is planning to go with me. Deanna's baby won't be too long coming now. I'm excited for her. I just hope I'm here when it happens. I will be gone a whole lot this summer. Well, I have lots of work to do...more later.
6/2/05 121 lbs. (-114) Been a little while so I thought I'd update. This morning I was 121 pounds. I'm really not trying to lose any more weight. It's just happening. I am eating and my morning sickness is easing up a little bit. That is a blessing. It's a cool and rainy day for June here in NC. We needed the rain. The disc golf tournament is this weekend and it's supposed to clear out. I think we will have a big crowd this year. I always look forward to seeing everybody. Well, better get back to work. More later!
6/15/05 Yesterday I went to my 2nd OB appointment. Mama went with me. We heard the baby's heartbeat. It was between 150-160 beats per minute. Dr. Ferguson was a little concerned that I was still losing weight. She said that she wouldn't be concerned if I didn't gain any weight, but she doesn't want me to lose any more. She suggested boost, ensure, or protein shakes. She also wants me to increase the number of calories I'm taking in. I asked her about the glucose test because I really didn't want to do it. She said there was no need to subject me to that and she suggested that I begin checking my sugar at 28 weeks. Jon and I go back in three weeks for a weight check, testing for birth defects, and an ultrasound. She said that we should be able to tell the baby's sex by then. I am so excited about that.
Mama and I also went and bought me some maternity clothes at a consignment shop. We did really great there. I got about 6 shirts and 4 pair of shorts for $100. Then we went to Penny's and target. I couldn't find anything I liked there. We did buy the stuff to start decorating the nursery and mama bought the baby his/her first outfit. We are using classic pooh in the nursery. I'll update again soon. THIS IS SO EXCITING!!!
7/6/05 It's a GIRL!! I'm so excited. Jon and I went to the doctor yesterday and I had my second ultrasound. She was balled up in a tight ball and wouldn't let the lady measure her. We couldn't see anything. The lady was giving up on the sex and I think that I looked so disappointed that she gave it one more shot. The baby turned and we could see that it was a girl. They are going to do another ultrasound the next time I go because they couldn't get some of the measurements that they needed because she just wouldn't cooperate. I'll go back in 5 weeks. I had gained a pound and they were fine with that. I just need to keep doing what I'm doing. I feel like I eat all the time. Anyway, just wanted to update. Bring on the PINK!!
7/19/05 I haven't updated in a while so I thought I'd drop by and do it. I am 19 weeks and 2 days. I have gained a little more weight. I was around 128 pounds when I found out I was pregnant and I lost down to 121. I'm back up to 128, so that's good. We painted the baby's room celery green. It's really pretty. I also ordered the crib, changing table, and a 3 drawer dresser. It's really pretty. I got a new glider rocker for the baby's room too. Jon put that together on Saturday night. We decided to name the baby Audrey Nicole.
I am leaving on Monday to go to New Orleans with work. I'll be back on Friday. I'm really looking forward to the trip. The heat is going to be an issue though because I'm not tolerating it well this year. I'll just have to stay in the air conditioning. Anyway, I'll update again after my trip.
8/4/05 Well, I'm back from New Orleans and I had a fantastic time. Jon and I are planning to go there sometime in the not so distant future. Maybe for our anniversary??? Anyway, Jon met me at the door yesterday with a name for the baby that he likes, so we may be changing it. He wants to name her Megan Leigh. The Leigh part is after me. He found Megan in a baby book. He really didn't like Audrey and I could tell...Anyway, we'll have to hash that out and I'll let ya know later what we have chosen. I have another ultrasound scheduled for Tuesday. I'll update again after that.
8/10/05 22 weeks pregnant! I went to the OB yesterday and had another ultrasound. Eric, my brother, went with me. We looked at her heart and the ultrasound tech said she has a "perfect 4 chamber heart". They also measured her for growth and she is right on target. I had gained up to 132 pounds. According to their records, that's a 6 pound total gain. She was very pleased with that gain. I go back again in 4 weeks and then 3. After that appointment, I will be going every 2 weeks. This pregnancy is really flying by. I think she mentioned doing another ultrasound at my next visit because there was something that they couldn't see this time. I asked the tech to check again to make sure it was a girl and it is. More later!
9/7/05 26 weeks! Jon and I went to the doctor yesterday for my 26 week appointment. Baby Megan was very active during the ultrasound and we were able to see her moving around in there. She is right on target with her growth. Dr. Jones said she weighs 1 pound 12 oz and she is in the 50th percentile for weight. I have been having some trouble with what I thought was a kidney stone and bladder infection, but the doctor says that she sees no sign of either. She thinks that it's just pressure on my bladder and lower back pain from being pregnant. She told me to take tylenol and she said if the back pain gets worse she'll give me something stronger. I really want to avoid taking anything if I can. I made an appointment to go back in two weeks. I will have to start monitoring my blood sugars at that point because I chose not to do the glucose test. It was a great appointment. Anyway, I'll update again soon.
9/21/05 28 weeks pregnant! I went in yesterday for my OB appointment. I found out last Friday that I had an abnormal pap at 9 weeks. They didn't tell me "because they didn't want me to be alarmed." The only reason I know now is because I questioned them because I knew my insurance wouldn't pay for 2 in one year. Anyway, that's water under the bridge now and I have to call them on Friday to find out the results of the pap from yesterday. Megan is measuring at 26 weeks. I'm 28 weeks, so she's a little small. They are going to do another ultrasound at my next visit on October 6 to check her growth. The doctor wasn't alarmed about this at all because of my "small stature". (who would have thought I would be small??) I had gained 4 pounds since my last appointment 2 weeks ago, so that's a total of 10. Doc was very happy with that. Anyway, just wanted to update you all on me and Megan. Love ya!
10/6/05 I had another appointment today. Mama went with me. I'm 30 weeks and 3 days now and I've gained 12 pounds. Megan is measuring small and is in the bottom 10th percentile. She's weighing 2 pounds and 14 oz. She should be around 3 pounds 6 oz. I will have another Ultrasound when I go back in 4 weeks. The doctor didn't seem really concerned and I'm not going to worry until I'm told to worry. Mama and I saw her little round belly, her feet, and we got a good look at her head and spine. They also measured the fluids around her and that looked good. Just wanted to update you all. I'll update again after my next visit.
11/4/05 148 pounds!!! Yikes!!! I had my 35 week appointment yesterday. Time is really flying. You may remember that at my last visit Megan was very small. The doctor told me to eat more and that's what I did. Along with a lot of prayer for her to grow. Well, she did! We are back up in the normal range and the doctor wants me to slow my eating down. I've gained 19 pounds now. We had an ultrasound. Jon's mom and my grandma went with me to see her. She had the hiccups and was moving around a lot. Megan now weighs 4 pounds 12 oz. Just perfect! The doctor estimated that she would be about 7 pounds at full term. I'm getting so excited and so nervous at the same time.
Dr. Ferguson also warned me that I HAD to slow down or she's going to take me out of work early. She said I looked very tired to her and I needed to take some time for myself. That is so hard with so much to do. I have been ordered to get a massage before I go back in 2 weeks. :) Anyway, I just wanted you all to know that your prayers worked and we are both doing great.
***Oh, I also saw Dr. Naziri (my Surgeon) yesterday. I went by there to get my B12 script and I asked if I could see him. He is so wonderful. He hugged me a bunch of times and showed me all the pictures of his children and wife. I didn't know photography was his hobby. Anyway, I talked with him about my weight and that I was a little nervous that it wouldn't come off. He assured me that it would. He said that 5 pounds of my 19 pound gain was Megan and 10 more of it is water. I was crying when I left Dr. Ferguson's and he made me feel so much better. He really has been such an important part of my life.
11/16/05 147 pounds. I had my 36 week appointment with the doctor yesterday. I had lost one pound since the last visit. I am having a little discomfort and nagging pains in my pelvis now, but that is to be expected. I'm also having a little swelling in my legs and I've been encouraged to put my feet up at some point around mid-day for a while. They estimate that Megan weighs about 5 pounds 12 oz. now and she will be considered full term in 4 more days!! I was 1 cm dialated and Dr. Jones said I would probably go to 38 or 39 weeks, but nobody really knows. I am going weekly now to the doctor. One of my doctors (Dr. Jones) is moving to Fayetteville, so I know Dr. Ferguson will be delivering Megan.
Jon and I also went to our childbirthing class last night. That was interesting. The guys in the class wouldn't stop laughing at us. It was hard to practice breathing and laugh at the same time. :) We take a tour of the hospital next Monday night and I go back to the doctor again on Tuesday.
12/2/05 147 pounds. I went to the doctor on Wednesday and I was measuring "small". Dr. Ferguson checked me. That hurt like crazy. My cervix was thin but I was still at 1 cm. I go back on Tuesday and she said that she would look at putting me in the hospital for induction at the end of the week. Probably next Thursday or Friday. She said Megan is about 6 1/2 pounds now and will be pushing 7 pounds by then. We were told in the beginning that I have a very small pelvis and I'm small boned and very petite. If she gets much bigger, they may have to do a c section and I really rather not. Dr. F also said that Megan has NO room in there and that's why she's been hurting me when she moves. (And she moves alot). Just wanted to let you all know what's going on.
1/18/06 126 pounds! Megan and I have been busy bonding and loving on each other. She's such a good baby. She sleeps about 9 hours each night with one feeding in the middle. She is a little demanding during the day and wants to be held all day. I guess I should thank my stars that she's sleeping at night.
Yesterday we went in for her 1 month check up. She's doing great. She weighed 7 pounds 11 oz and she was 20 inches long. She's breastfeeding wonderfully and has almost doubled her weight since the Monday after her birth. We are so excited about her. There is a new picture of her at the top of her webpage. Take a look.
http://www.rawlsm.blogspot.com
May 2, 2006 (127 pounds) It's been a long time since I updated. Things are going well. Megan is growing and is just as sweet as she can be. She's 11 pounds now. She rolled over twice last week, but hasn't done it again. She's eating cereal, fruits, and veggies now. Time sure flies! Life is good and I'm treasuring every moment.
