Nancy H.
It's been a really long time
Jan 30, 2011
I am now 4 years and a month out, and I have managed to stay at or near my goal weight. I was a bit too thin in the beginning, but I did not see it. My friends did though, and I finally decided to put on a few pounds. A woman 5'10 should not be a size 4. I just added bananas and peanut butter each night, and gained some weight until people thought I looked healthy. I always need to remember that I do not see my body the way others do. That is still eye-opening to me.
This past year, I fell in love with a great guy with bad eating habits and I put on some weight. I finally got smart and dumped the guy. Then I set about losing the weight I had put on. I was amazed that I could set a date and tell myself I was going to go back to following the WLS rules and then do it, but I could! That had never happened before. I always felt that food controlled me, not the other way around. So I am losing weight, 7 pounds so far, somehwre between 5 and 10 to go. I just want to be comfortable as a size 8 for the rest of my life. And I want to be at the thin side of 8, not the tight side. I just want to know I am a bit more normal than I have ever been before. I have gone off sugar totally as that is a definite trigger food for me. I put protein first again, and then I just count and count my calories. I lose if I stay at 1200 or a bit below; I stay the same at 1800 or so, but I am taller than most.
I am happy and thankful and still so glad I did what I did.
0 comments
This past year, I fell in love with a great guy with bad eating habits and I put on some weight. I finally got smart and dumped the guy. Then I set about losing the weight I had put on. I was amazed that I could set a date and tell myself I was going to go back to following the WLS rules and then do it, but I could! That had never happened before. I always felt that food controlled me, not the other way around. So I am losing weight, 7 pounds so far, somehwre between 5 and 10 to go. I just want to be comfortable as a size 8 for the rest of my life. And I want to be at the thin side of 8, not the tight side. I just want to know I am a bit more normal than I have ever been before. I have gone off sugar totally as that is a definite trigger food for me. I put protein first again, and then I just count and count my calories. I lose if I stay at 1200 or a bit below; I stay the same at 1800 or so, but I am taller than most.
I am happy and thankful and still so glad I did what I did.
At One Year and at Goal
Dec 19, 2007
Whoever thought people would call me skinny! Not ever me, not in my wildest dreams. But here I am one year later at 160 pounds and 5'10" tall.
So what's going on in my head these days? For months I thought I would never be able to eat anything other than bird-sized bites and amounts. But for those of you new to this, your body is an amzing machine. In just the last month or so, just when I was beginning to worry that I might not be able to stop losing, my pouch started letting me eat more. I can now do 1000 calories a day and still feel good about every thing I take in. I discovered Starbucks Vanilla Lattes about a month ago, and now I begin every day with one - I get mine nonfat, decaf and sugarfree - that's 16 ounces of liquid and 16 grams of protein for 160 calories; I am hooked. Sometimes I even have two on really cold, busy days.
I never thought of myself as one of the invisible 'fat people' before my surgery, but now I really notice people giving me extra kindnesses and smiles that I don't think I got before. I appreciate every single one and I make sure I am extra kind and smiley to those still where I used to be. I am so thankful not to be fat any more.
I can wiggle my butt from one side of a chair to the other cuz I no longer have hips that stick out beyond the bottom of a seat, and even with my long legs, I can cross them over each other on a plane (two years ago when I flew cross country, I bought two seats).
I cancelled all of my fat store credit cards, and I just stood with my breasts bare, and still a bit too saggy but I am 55 so I don't care, and let a Nordstrom's bra-fitter help me pick out bras that really fit my new body. No more 46DD; I was hoping to stay a D, but I am happy now as a 36C. I wear some shirts tucked in and I bought a great belt with a shell buckle for a waist I can now see. I shop and shop for hours, but I only buy what I truly love. My new favorite jeans are J JIll Talls and Not My Daughters Jeans which fit so well.
I can't say that my brain has caught up with my loss yet. I don't always see a skinny person in the mirror, but sometimes I see my shadow and marvel at its long tall shape. My face is still pretty good, and I had a Bare Essentials makeover and fell for the mineral look which lasts all day. I no longer sweat, so I don't have to wipe my brow and face either. Life is good in so many little ways.
I still make sure I get all my vitamins and water and protein in every day. If I don't drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, I get leg cramps at night. The thought of those keeps me focused and thoughtful of my body all day. Every morning I take biotin, iron, B12 sublingual, Vitamin C and multiples. Every night I take calcium, potassium and magnesium. Because I had too much gas and sometimes it smelled (I was one blessed with lots of burping; it has lessened but not disappeared), I also take 2 Devrom and 1 Colace each morning and night .
I have never dumped or had a frothy and I vow to be careful forever. I eat no red meat and most things with sugar just taste way to sweet for me to want more than a bite. I hope to stay lucky like that. Last night I had my first pasta in a year, some mac and cheese as a side at El Pollo Loco.
I don't exercise enough. I am a total extrovert and I need a partner to join a gym with me and then I need to make the time every dasy to workout. For a while, in the summer, a friend and I were walking 4 miles every morning, but when school started and things got hectic, I gave up the walking. I wish I was rich and had my own heated pool; that would be heaven. I do walk more each day though. It always surprises me still how much energy I have and how walking a long parking lot and a big mall don't waer me out or make me sweat. If arm and leg lifts while trying on clothes could count as exercise, I would be up there with the bast of them. I did walk the LA Aids Walk, and I plan on doing several other charity walks.
I am so happy I did this for myself. I will never be able to thank my Angel Lori C. enough. I have my first angelette noe. Tanya was due to have surgery January 7, but Dr. Chin asked her to lose some weight first, so she has put it aff until the end of the month. She is so happy just thinking about it. I love sharing my story; I see no reason to hide how I lost 138 pounds. I think sharing will help me make sure I keep it off. Here's to my best year every, I hope....maybe I'll let romance come my way...a bit scary, but maybe. I'll put it out there and see what happens.
So what's going on in my head these days? For months I thought I would never be able to eat anything other than bird-sized bites and amounts. But for those of you new to this, your body is an amzing machine. In just the last month or so, just when I was beginning to worry that I might not be able to stop losing, my pouch started letting me eat more. I can now do 1000 calories a day and still feel good about every thing I take in. I discovered Starbucks Vanilla Lattes about a month ago, and now I begin every day with one - I get mine nonfat, decaf and sugarfree - that's 16 ounces of liquid and 16 grams of protein for 160 calories; I am hooked. Sometimes I even have two on really cold, busy days.
I never thought of myself as one of the invisible 'fat people' before my surgery, but now I really notice people giving me extra kindnesses and smiles that I don't think I got before. I appreciate every single one and I make sure I am extra kind and smiley to those still where I used to be. I am so thankful not to be fat any more.
I can wiggle my butt from one side of a chair to the other cuz I no longer have hips that stick out beyond the bottom of a seat, and even with my long legs, I can cross them over each other on a plane (two years ago when I flew cross country, I bought two seats).
I cancelled all of my fat store credit cards, and I just stood with my breasts bare, and still a bit too saggy but I am 55 so I don't care, and let a Nordstrom's bra-fitter help me pick out bras that really fit my new body. No more 46DD; I was hoping to stay a D, but I am happy now as a 36C. I wear some shirts tucked in and I bought a great belt with a shell buckle for a waist I can now see. I shop and shop for hours, but I only buy what I truly love. My new favorite jeans are J JIll Talls and Not My Daughters Jeans which fit so well.
I can't say that my brain has caught up with my loss yet. I don't always see a skinny person in the mirror, but sometimes I see my shadow and marvel at its long tall shape. My face is still pretty good, and I had a Bare Essentials makeover and fell for the mineral look which lasts all day. I no longer sweat, so I don't have to wipe my brow and face either. Life is good in so many little ways.
I still make sure I get all my vitamins and water and protein in every day. If I don't drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, I get leg cramps at night. The thought of those keeps me focused and thoughtful of my body all day. Every morning I take biotin, iron, B12 sublingual, Vitamin C and multiples. Every night I take calcium, potassium and magnesium. Because I had too much gas and sometimes it smelled (I was one blessed with lots of burping; it has lessened but not disappeared), I also take 2 Devrom and 1 Colace each morning and night .
I have never dumped or had a frothy and I vow to be careful forever. I eat no red meat and most things with sugar just taste way to sweet for me to want more than a bite. I hope to stay lucky like that. Last night I had my first pasta in a year, some mac and cheese as a side at El Pollo Loco.
I don't exercise enough. I am a total extrovert and I need a partner to join a gym with me and then I need to make the time every dasy to workout. For a while, in the summer, a friend and I were walking 4 miles every morning, but when school started and things got hectic, I gave up the walking. I wish I was rich and had my own heated pool; that would be heaven. I do walk more each day though. It always surprises me still how much energy I have and how walking a long parking lot and a big mall don't waer me out or make me sweat. If arm and leg lifts while trying on clothes could count as exercise, I would be up there with the bast of them. I did walk the LA Aids Walk, and I plan on doing several other charity walks.
I am so happy I did this for myself. I will never be able to thank my Angel Lori C. enough. I have my first angelette noe. Tanya was due to have surgery January 7, but Dr. Chin asked her to lose some weight first, so she has put it aff until the end of the month. She is so happy just thinking about it. I love sharing my story; I see no reason to hide how I lost 138 pounds. I think sharing will help me make sure I keep it off. Here's to my best year every, I hope....maybe I'll let romance come my way...a bit scary, but maybe. I'll put it out there and see what happens.
9 Months catch-up
Sep 19, 2007
It just still seems all too easy. I am 5'10'' and I am down 113 pounds. I have never been sick, and I feel very much like a normal person until I sit down to eat with one. I still eat very little. But I am walking 4 miles at least five days a week and I do it at 5 in the morning so I am learning a lot about the moon, the stars and God as I go. Everything just seems to be better, in all aspects of my life. Shopping is wonderful - so many stores, so much money I want to spend. I am truly thankful I am a teacher and have the bucks to spend on myself. I have energy and I am nicer than I've ever been before. This surgery changes you in ways you can't imagine. My students call me Ms. Bones and I love it. I am thinking it is almost boyfriend time and the thought scares me a bit, but maybe I will find a guy who will treat me right, now that I have a new way/weigh with myself. I still step on the scale every day and it is still going down. Yea! Happy New Year to me!
June 1, 2007 - 80 pounds gone
Jun 01, 2007
It's been almost 5 1/2 months, and I continue to be happier and healthier than ever. I am about to grow into size 16 pants - I am already there in shirts, but these hips are still a bit 18ish. I hit the 2teens this week and it feels great. I actually do not feel fat anymore, but according to the charts, I still have about 20 pounds to lose before I leave obese for slightly overweight.
I am still never really hungry. I seem to be either eating or drinking ,or waiting for the half hour to go by in between the two, all the time. My favorites are Dennison Turkey Chili, tuna and turkey jerky, all things cheese and Trader Joe's BarBQ Soy Chips. For protein I do the grape bullets and Mighty Milk Lite in chocolate mint.
I am down 80 pounds and it's not quite 6 months. Some have lost more, but I am happy. I still have all my hair and my skin seems to be shrinking along with my body. I just consider myself the incredible shrinking woman. I have no thoughts about the weight coming back - those seem to be in my past, and I plan to keep them there.
I have really noticed that more people pay positive attention to me than ever before. People talk to me as I walk the halls - people who didn't before. It happens everywhere I go, and aI am still far from skinny. But I am smiling and liking life a lot more.
I thank God and my angel Lori so often. I don't know what to say though when people tell me I have a lot of courage - I think this took no courage at all - I had to do it or die. That person does not seem to be me anymore. I am looking forward to shopping more and more in the regular sized clothes department. I have already given up on Lane Bryant and Avenue. Yea!
I am still never really hungry. I seem to be either eating or drinking ,or waiting for the half hour to go by in between the two, all the time. My favorites are Dennison Turkey Chili, tuna and turkey jerky, all things cheese and Trader Joe's BarBQ Soy Chips. For protein I do the grape bullets and Mighty Milk Lite in chocolate mint.
I am down 80 pounds and it's not quite 6 months. Some have lost more, but I am happy. I still have all my hair and my skin seems to be shrinking along with my body. I just consider myself the incredible shrinking woman. I have no thoughts about the weight coming back - those seem to be in my past, and I plan to keep them there.
I have really noticed that more people pay positive attention to me than ever before. People talk to me as I walk the halls - people who didn't before. It happens everywhere I go, and aI am still far from skinny. But I am smiling and liking life a lot more.
I thank God and my angel Lori so often. I don't know what to say though when people tell me I have a lot of courage - I think this took no courage at all - I had to do it or die. That person does not seem to be me anymore. I am looking forward to shopping more and more in the regular sized clothes department. I have already given up on Lane Bryant and Avenue. Yea!
It's been an amazing month
Jan 22, 2007
At two weeks, I had lost 18 pounds, but my scale doesn't match the doctor's office, so I can't say where I am right now. But I am not worried because I know now that it's coming off, it's going to stay off forever. I am eating pureed foods and they feel almost normal. I can eat chili, Dennison's no-fat turkey, and last night I had my first sweet potato, and yummmmy! I am pain free all day, and I can almost sleep on my tummy - I can feel it is so close! I have not been hungry yet, and I thank God for those new 42gram protein miracles. I am having trouble with protein powders - they make my tummy gurgle and thrash a bit too much. I seem to be living on about 12 ounces of real food a day, and I just love it. I'll admit to having a bit of trouble getting all of my liquids in, especially when I am teaching - I just miss too many sipping opportunities. But my energy is good and except for the gassy stomach - could I be eating too fast, it doesn't seem possible, but..., all is pretty perfect. I just keep trying different things each day. I love it when my tummy is just totally quiet!
After 21 hours at home
Dec 25, 2006
Well, I'm feeling pretty darn good abvout things. I can feel the Tylenol running thru my veins, a new sensation, kind of like alcohol before. I am working my way thru my first 30 oz. bottle of protien drink and a big bottle of water. I am totally not hungry, and except for a bang of pain on my lower left side when I go up or down, I am pretty much pain free. I feel a bit stiff but I am keeping myself warm and cozy and enjoying the peace and quiet of my little house. My walking has not led me outside yet, but I am up hourly thanks to required liquid intake. It's not my normal Christmas day but I am glad to be having it. I just feel lucky and alive!
I'm on for tomorrow
Dec 20, 2006
I have been fighting a cold for a week but it seems to be gone enough to be officially pre-op. I just swallowed 2 ounces of milk of magnesia and now I am waiting for the results. But I feel so full of energy that I know (hope) all is perfect when Lori picks me up at 4:15 tomorrow morning. Reading the posts on the forums helps me a lot. I was scared this morning but then read a couple by people who had surgery just a week ago and have already lost 20 pounds and they feel great. And others who are 5 months out and down 80 to 100. They all have the smiles I WILL HAVE very soon. I appreciate all my friends and well-wishers who sent all their good luck wishes my way. They worked! I was just remembering my back surgery and how I was up and out of bed the day of my surgery. I hope I am one of the lucky, high-tolerance pain people, but if not, I know the morphine is there.
A different but good way to spend Christmas...with a present of helath and happiness to me and to all others.
A different but good way to spend Christmas...with a present of helath and happiness to me and to all others.
Did the Doctor visit yesterday
Dec 05, 2006
December 5,
I saw Dr. Chhin last night for my one-on-one. Lori went with me and we waited almost two hours. But in the end, all my blood work was okay and I am ready to go. I will be his first surgery of the day on Dec. 21st. I am taking iron and I can't wait to stock up on protein powders and liquid vitamins. That will mean my re-birthday is so very close. The December board is now up and I am in contact with people all over the country. One woman even has my date! I am excited and not afraid at all. I told 2 of my brothers last night, but they are not much for words, so their responses were short and under-emotional. But I expected this so I am okay. I told my best friend in the whole world too, and we talked for almost an hour. That's why God gave us friends.
I saw Dr. Chhin last night for my one-on-one. Lori went with me and we waited almost two hours. But in the end, all my blood work was okay and I am ready to go. I will be his first surgery of the day on Dec. 21st. I am taking iron and I can't wait to stock up on protein powders and liquid vitamins. That will mean my re-birthday is so very close. The December board is now up and I am in contact with people all over the country. One woman even has my date! I am excited and not afraid at all. I told 2 of my brothers last night, but they are not much for words, so their responses were short and under-emotional. But I expected this so I am okay. I told my best friend in the whole world too, and we talked for almost an hour. That's why God gave us friends.
Got my date today
Oct 31, 2006
I got brave just a month ago and emailed my angel (though I didn't know it then) Lori C. I asked if we could meet to talk about her happiness and she gave me such a perfect response that I felt all the better. I told her I wanted to watch her eat and we met for breakfast at my favorite place, Schooner or Later on the docks in Long Beach. We talked and I watched Lori eat a quarter of a waffle, an egg and the "meat part of her bacon." I wanted to be her, all smiles and contentment. I listened and questioned for 2 1/2 hours and I left all encouraged and ready to start life as a newbie right then.
I called Lite Dimensions on Monday and signed myself up to follow Lori's success exactly as she did it. I took her doctor and her hospital, and her advice and watchful eye has been following me all month. I have taken my classes and just yesterday, October 30, Blue Cross called to tell me my date, December 20 (I am hoping to up it to the 18th) was okayed and set. I am anxcious to go through all the doctor appointments, not willing to trust I am really accepted until I have passed all the tests. I have read some profiles where doctors discovered cancer and other things, and that scares me a bit. Every time I feel a twinge in my belly, I think cancer or some almost-as-awful thing.
So now I wait. I went to the Long beach Coffeehouse on Saturday and met my Angel Grandmother, Stacie and ten others in all stages of the process. I long to be 'two months out' and on my way to scrawny.
I have told most of my friends but not my family. I am just not quite sure that they can say what I need to hear. Silence is sometimes good in my family, and I don't use it very often.
Today is Halloween and I know my angel is not in costume but has big wings anyway. Thanks Lori for being my Ms. Wings!
About Me
CA
Location
31.3
BMI
Surgery
12/21/2006
Surgery Date
Oct 25, 2006
Member Since
