*~*Jaci *.

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

You know that thing about bad things coming in threes?  Oye, I think it also happens in threes.

As many of you know I raise show rabbits.  They're my life.  I adore them and have been able to become quite the overachiever with my breeding program.  They've competed amongst the top breeders in the world and I've been able to come out on top mre than once

Now, they're in trouble.  They have a bacterial infection and its speading like wild fire.  Ive gone from 100 to probably 60 animals since Halloween.  It breaks my heart that I might lose them all.

I'm in the process of transfering to a 4 year university... yes, finalllly.  In hopes of gaining more opinions I sent my personal statement to many and I've received rave reviews except from two people.  Those two are major players in the pofessional world and I feel terrible that they don't approve of my writng.  I'm devastated.  I need to be accepted to this school, I need to get away... I need to live.

My dad has been laid off.  Major drama an politics play a part and in essance, his job was eliminated unlawfully.  My mother has rheumatoid arthritis and isn't getting better.  My grandmther fell three weeks ago and broke her hip.  We are one stressed family and I don' know how to relieve any of it.

Today we lost a calf.  It was the mother's first calf, so we expect some kind of issue, but never death.  According to the dairyman down the road, the calf passed away up to two days ago.  How incredibly sad.  Plus, my sister wasn't here to see or help in the birth.

That's the new stuff.  Old crap is the male species.  When do they have time to think up lines and moves?  I don't get it.  I have had my shre of crap and it still happens.  I'm smarter now and not falling for the easy lines.  They have to work a bit harder, but even then I seem to get burned more.  For example... this weekend some sweet talker talks talks talks and bam I'm like wow, he really could be different.  I'm a good girl and nothing but some kissing took place, but still I thought wow!  We texted Saturday... and nothing today.  WTF?  Ignring me, all that jazz.  Because I didn't give it up, oye.  I'm ready to join the convent.  This is rediculous.

Well... I do feel a bit better nowthat I just spilled all thatcrap.  thx.

I have to say I have been the passenger on life's largest roller coaster these past weeks... getting over the bad break, being just friends, appreciating myself, going back to school, having realistic goals and plans achieved and set and even just accepting change.

I believe that to get over T, I just wanted to hop onto the next train. I know now I went along the wrong route. Being relatively alone since the 8th (house sitting) I have had lots of time to look back on the past and evaluate the whys, hows, what ifs, etc. Now I know it wasn't right from the beginning. I know that now. I am completely ok. I am thankful he came into my life when he did and introduced me to everything and every part of who I am today. Do I regret anything, absolutely not. I'm just thankful. I hope he has a fruitful life like the one I will have.

The just friends... I believe my intense adoration for my dear friend was a rebound like issue. I developed this high while being with him... almost like it was dangerous, excitement I had never experienced before. With him I could do anything and still be awesome. I know- that makes no sense at all lol. It makes sense to me, though. I am glad he slowed it all down... I myself would have probably done something like that... but when, I don't know. The high itself was enough to burn out on eventually. So my dear friend is a bubbly work-o-holic who will fall insanely into love some day, I'm sure :)

Now Me.

My head has been rolled around in eighty different directions over the past nineteen months (give or take a few). Going from 400 pounds to 200 in that short time frame can do that. Early on in my journey I was so excited about the loss. I was cold all the time, I couldn't eat everything on the plate, I was getting compliments... life was great. 

Then the greatness began to fade. I was left with skin that reminded me of the not so wonderful times. Seeing myself in the mirror was painful. The compliments still kept coming... but the loss slowed and soon stopped. I began to pull away from everyone again... anyone remember this in high school? Ya... thought you might. I just went deep deep deep... began eating crap again and thinking bad things. Luckily I didn't get super deep like before WLS.

I began looking at plastic surgery January of this year. I know I wantd it and needed it, but geeze how was I going to pay for it? Two consults in January resulted in denials... either I wasn't at goal or the doc was just money hungry. At the time I was 212ish. My goal is to one day be at 175... but with Xamount of skin on my body, how do I get that goal? ya know? No real support rom the homefront, so the eating continued. I actually ballooned back up to 229 in roughly 5 months... ya, scary! That scared the shit out of me and I got back on track... my consult with Dr. Burnett in Fresno, I was 220ish and feeling better. June 21st I had my Tummy Tuck and weighed in at 219. Doc removed 12 pounds 13 ounces of skin and fat... WOW! So I was automatically down in weight- yippeee! But I didn't like the results. I loved that I no longer had the "front butt" I affectionally caressed each morning... but I wasn't smooth on the sides, I was bulbous, and I felt like crap :( I guess this is the time T decided I was ungrateful... well I was! I didn't look at the positive like I usually do. I just wanted to be perfect. I knew about the swelling, I knew I didn't give alot to the doc to work with and he did his best but, damnit... I wans't happy. I couldn't even fit into the clothes I was wearing at 229 pounds!

It has been nine weeks- today actually- since my tummy tuck and I have got say I am feeling wonderful! Yes, I am still conscious about the side issues I see... but that's me... I have to accept it one way or another. The compliments are coming back, my glow has returned and from what some say my smile is bigger than ever. I have never in my life been this happy. I can move, I can bend, I can run. Yes, run! I ran.. officially ran from the pavillion at Merced College to Petunia on Tuesday and felt like crying. I haven't run in over 5 years lol. It was liberating... I think I'll take up jogging. I am no longer afraid of people's reactions towards me when I do something stupid/abnormal/exciting in public. I am me and I'm going to dance to the cool song playing overhead in Taco Bell or flirt over the head set to my Jack in the Box customers. Yes... I've started the flirting ha ha ha!

"Hey baby, want some fries with the Jumbo Jack?" LMAO!

I need to go shopping. According to Patty- my Jack gal- I need new clothes lol. Anyone wanna join me?

How have I done all this soul searching and self acceptance you ask. Simple... wonderful friends and me forcing myself to change/improve. Laci, Chelsey, Rob, and everyone at Jack... you've completely improved me! You've seen me for me and pushed me to accept it. Because of you, I have let ME out and it's sooooo your fault he he.

I am back at school now. Classes every day and already smokin! My english teachers are intense men who think cussing rules and censorship sucks. I'm getting used to the open language... but still its pretty neat to be taught something by guys who didn't graduate high school (long story). My music teacher loves me he he. He's from Finland and is impressed that I'm a chick and can play the tuba! GO TUBA! I have him for History of Classical Music and Concert Band. I also joined Jazz Band and am playing trombone with John Albano... he actually has a CD! As far as performing... I am addicted. I LOVE it... and can't wait for my first concert- everyone better be there with posters in glitter saying "We <3 Jaci!" LOL That would be totally awesome. I am also on the college livestock show team. I have missed showing ever since I stopped school to veg. I am finally back and going to kick major ass in October at the Fresno Fair. I have two dairy heifers, 2 market lambs and probably a steer since my advisor is forcing me to at leat work with one in class. Gag me! lol Oh well, I'll rock it if I have to :)

Now what to wear?

...And yet so slow.  I know that made absolutely no sense what so ever... but still.

There has been some drama in my life the past couple of weeks.  And I've found writing about everything seems to help me see it all in perspective.

I sold a pair of rabbits to a new teacher at a well known high school before school started... so almost a year ago.  This teacher was very gung ho about starting up the rabbit program in the FFA established at the school... yea, she paid a pretty penny for my animals, but my animals were worth every bit of it (not trying to brag...)

All throughout the first eight months or so, she kept emailing me about the doe(female) not raising her litters properly.  She has had three litters in the short time the teacher owned her... rabbits only have thirty day gestation periods, mind you.  The rabbits were raised with chickens.  Before she took the animals home, she did ask if they would be ok... I advised her that they should be as long as they're seperated.  I was assuming she meant meat chickens that are housed on the floor (they're too big and bulky to really fly).  Well I was wrong and she failed to let me know... they had bantams- they're tiny birds that flit and fly and roost in high places.  The rabbits were being pooped on and everything!  After a visit to the facility... she invited me to an ag promotion day I told her again, the chickens and rabbits could not live like that.  That is most likely why the doe was not raising her babies to the fullest of her ability.  At that time she had her second litter and did have one live baby... it was probably 5 weeks old.

Fast forward to May... onoe of the fairs I regularly go to.  There she is with the rabbits and leaves them on the outskirts of the rabbit area and badmouths the breed to the rabbit judge WHILE he's busy judging animals that my 4-Hers as well as other exhibitors have worked hard at preparing for the show.  Thankfully the judge is wonderful and keeps his attention to the task in front of him... the youth and their rabbits.  She comes over to me (I'm clerking the table at that time... writing the comments the judge states about the bunnies as he places them).  She tells me the rabbits from me aren't right for her program and she's going to try and sell them.  Ok, you're bunnies, no worries.  I don't see or hear from her the rest of the day.

About 1 or so, the show is over.  The Poultry people have left for lunch and the rabbit kids are loading up their winnings and rabbits to go home.  The rabbits from me that she brought are sitting in the sun... I go over to check them out.  They're covered in bird feces... urine... they're terrible.  The doe is capable of weighing a good seven pounds when fully conditioned for show... she was barely five pounds- SKIN and BONES.  Her fur was hideous and she was mean.  The buck was thin and dirty also.  I didn't weigh him... the doe was in worse condition.

The teacher was no where in sight when I left... so I took the rabbits home.  I put shavings in the bottom of their cage to soak up the urine and I gave them fresh water.  They were in the sun when I was ready to leave.  At home I wormed and cleaned them up.  After two weeks I saw some change in their physical makeup and one week they were back to their loving selves.  After she was back in good health, as well as he, I bred her.  I wanted to prove she would raise her litter and take care of it properly in the correct surroundings.  Who would want to have their babies live in filth?

About three weeks AFTER the fair, my mom got an email from the teacher asking about the lops and other small animals she raises.  In a passing note she asked... "by the way did Jaci take home those spots?"  What the heck?  She asked three weeks LATER!  Obviously she didn't miss them did she?

Now, the doe is happily raising four babies of her own and two that I fostered to her last week.  Her babies were born the week of July 4th and the new ones are about a week younger.  She's doing wonderfully!  She hasn't lost any condition and is feeding all six equally.  She's loving and a great mother.

We just got done with our Summer Fair.  She talked to me on Thursday about the "Sitiution"  but I was busy with the rabbit show and told her how well she was doing with her litter.  Mind you, I was at the fair Saturday through the following Sunday and she had just enough time for me on Thursday... then she interrupted another meeting I was in on Sunday telling me she wanted something in trade, them back or something since she paid the money.  I told her I don't have any other animals to trade, she brought up cages... told her go to my parents... then she said then I'll take them back.  She said she'd call and make arrangements for next week.  Obviously she didn't remember the doe had a three week old litter at home!  Why uproot a doe and litter with two that don't even belong to her!?????!?!?!?!?!  Ugh!  I am so scared these animals are going to go back to the bad health they were in when I got them.

I have consulted some people that are more experienced in the business end of livestock than myself.  Technically these rabbits were abandoned... so I have that for me.  But... if she was reimbursed by the school, they are school property.  Do you see my predicament?  I am very scared for these animals.  Yeah, I feel a little better after writing it all down for you all to read, maybe some of you legal people can help me too... What do I do?

That was my major drama.......

The fair as a whole was great.  I was four weeks out from my tummy tuck Thursday.  I did get super tired and swollen at the beginning of the week... but then I decided to take it easy and have been ok.  The rabbit show was also on Thursday.  Anyone who knows me, knows the rabbits are pretty much my life, lol.  Over the past few months, I've worked with the local FFA chapter, my own 4-H group as well as another group that's about 45 minutes away.  The FFA chapter's meat pens did wonderfully!  One received Grand Champion and the other was awarded fourth.  The kicker is that my mom was the one who sold the pens to the kids!  They were all from her rabbits and breedings :)  Out of the top ten... she was 6, 5, 4,3,2, and 1st!  ALL her breedings!  How awesome is that!?  All the kids I worked with did great at the show... definately a pick up from last year ;)

This was the first time in years that the fair has had a great entertainment line up... Josh Gracin on Tuesday, Bowling for Soup on Wednesday, Phil Vassar on Thursday, The Tempataions on Friday, Collin Raye on Saturday, and Graciela Beltran on Sunday.  My sister, Julie, drug me to Josh and the Soup... both great performances.  Julie's favorite band was the Bowling for Soup and she was in the front of the mosh pit right in the middle!  She had a great time.  I'm glad she did... she deserved it.

Alright... I suppose I should just sign off now, lol... I've written a book comparable to Harry Potter!  LMAO

Bye for Now!

Jaci

April 6, 2007
I haven't done much updating have I? I suppose I haven't because,
frankly, I haven't been in the mood. I have been battling the voices in my
head for quite some time. Many people speak about everything being so
easy.... many say its physically hard, etc. I have been very blessed
that I have lost so much weight without really having to work hard or
have any kind of complications.

Now, I am constantly dealing with head hunger. Many times a day I
think about food... I think about what I'll have for dinner during
breakfast and what I'll have for breakfast tomorrow during lunch... I can even
find myself mindlessly shopping at the grocery store or fast food and
throw in some dark chocolate or whatever... I know it will make me
sick. Sadly, I don't dump... but I have a slight case of Hypoglycemia
which makes my sugar dip and I become super sleepy- I've even fallen asleep
at work twice! Does it stop me from eating those delicious pieces of
chocolate, or bread, or cake or pie? No... what the heck is wrong with
me? If its there, that's all I think about until I eat it and it's
gone. For some reason, I can't just throw it away.

I am still limited on intake, thank God. I can eat alot of softer food
items, but the real stuff like meat is still limited to a small
amount. Although I should eat more protein and what not, its so much easier
to reach for the chips or other softer items since it doesn't hurt as
much if I over eat :(

My parents are even starting to make small comments about my eating and
what not. Do they think I haven't noticed? They make innocent
comments about me eating "normal" amounts of food and didn't we fix it so I
wouldn't be able to do that? Well, the stomach does stretch... at least
I can't put down a double cheeseburger anymore.

Ok, enough of the sad poor Jaci writing. Let's move onto the good
stuff. I'm still with Tommy. We've been together for eight months and I
couldn't be happier! He's my everything... he's my supporter, my Hunny,
my best friend... everything.

In January, ladies from the January 2006 Board met up for our
Surgiversary in Las Vegas. We had an absolute blast! While we were there, a
group from the California Board was celebrating a member's birthday....
so I got to party with TWO Boards and had a great time

Even though I haven't lost any weight for about six months (I've
actually gained a bit) I keep changing. Every day it seems that people keep
asking what size now, whats the total gone, when am I going to stop?
Sometimes it truly annoys me, because I know the secret... no one else
does :( Well... except you now lol. My mother and I went to Old Navy
Wednesday and I am happy to announce I am now in a size XL there... and
no longer the XXL I thought I was..... It has a double edge to it
though...the XL are still revealing.... so I have to get a larger size to
help hide.

I am on the cusp of finding a plastic surgeon who can help me. I am in
dire need of a tummy tuck... I have a huge panni and absolutely hate
it. It hinders my mobility and I have rashes weekly from it. Its so
bad, I have to use the hair dryer to make sure it dries after showering
so I don't develop a rash. This is the only place I would like to have
taken care of yesterday... so to speak. Everywhere else, although they
can be better, I can live with... ya know?

But... I'm back to bumming you out hehehehe. All in all, this journey
has been the best for me... I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have
regained my life and enjoy it. I've taken the bad and made it good.
I've been shown the "reality" of the world and am still here :)

Until Next Time....

***September 4, 2006***
I had to stay home from Jack today again because of this killer
migraine I have... its the first big one since surgery, and I used to get them
every couple of weeks.... so one every 8 months is good to me! I'm
feeling somewhat normal today and have to go into Lane Bryant's later...
but that's only four hours of standing around compared to eight running
around like a chicken with my head cut off.

Before my migraine decided to explode I had a great time at my
college's band fraternity's 10 year charter bash. It was the 10th Anniversary
of the Kappa Kappa Psi Zheta-Ro Chapter and boy did they celebrate
Pirate style- MJC's Mascot is the Pirate. I have lots of photos to upload
and put on here, but I'll do that when I'm feeling better. Tommy even
came up for the bash and had a great time with my fellow band geeks.
We boogied, had great food (I had cottage cheese and cantaloup lol!),
drank yummy Modesto water, and boogied some more. Yes, and took
photos... boy I think we posed for everyone in our Pirate gear.... argh, shiver
me timbers! But, we had to leave early since my hands were going numb
:(

This morning was our weekly monday morning weigh ritual for the January
2006 Board. For the past two weeks my weight has flunctuated between
216 and 220.... it won't stay solid. Well.... I got on the scale today
and it read 213! I got on and off like 5 times in a row to make sure!
I even have gotten on it throughout the day today and its still 213
even with my drinking and eating... I can't believe I've lost 180
pounds! It's so surreal..... and to think eight months ago I was sitting
around thinking grave thoughts :(

I wrote this last week in response to a fellow 20something and her
thoughts on having excess skin and sagginess and she's only into her third
week of post-op newness... I got alot of responses from it too.... but
I wanted to share here as well...
*~*
"I'm glad you're ok Misty!! Congrats on the huge loss too!

In researching the surgery I knew about the excess skin and sagginess,
but I thought it would not happen to me or I wouldn't mind it, etc...
Well guess what.. lol... I do mind! I try not to obsess over it, but I
see the sagginess, the excess skin, the arm skin flapping in the wind or
when I extend my arm I see it swing. But you know what? I would do
this all over again. I'd rather have folds of skin that having them be
bulges filled with fat

I'm beginning to love myself- skin and all and hey... they have
surgeons eagerly awaiting our money to rid us of our skin.. so its all good
chickie!

I had surgery to save my life. I truly believe I would be dead by age
25 if I hadn't done it... I was 393, sad, miserable, in pain, sick all
the time and felt alone in the world, I was borderline diabetic and
hadn't menstrated for six years prior to add to everything else!

Now I am 217 pounds, in love with life, excited about the future, don't
have anymore pain and I've only been sick because I stuffed my face
with something bad lol. A huge plus? I no longer feel alone. I know my
parents love and support me, I have friends, I even have a boyfriend! Who
woulda thunk it!? I surely didn't.

Hang on for this ride, Misty, it's gonna be a wild one!!!!!

*Jaci*"
*~*

*~*September 5, 2006*~*
I'm getting ready to jet off to school, but thought I'd upload the
photos from the bash Tommy and I went to on Saturday and do my monthly
measurements!

*~*Monthly Measurements*~*
*12/20/05*~*2/6/06*~*3/5/06*~*4/4/06*~*5/5/06*~*6/5/06*~*7/4/06*~*8/6/06*~*9/5/06*~*Diff*
Weight:.......393….344.....324......298….275……253….242…221…213…….180
Neck:……...20".....18"......17”…..17”…16 ¼”….16……15…14 ½”..14 ¼”…5 ¾”
Under
Bust:.58".....50"......48”......47”….45”……42”…..41….39.…...39…......19”
Waist:..........61"....53.5"...51 ¾”...51”….48
½”…45”.….43….39……38……..23”
Right Arm:..20"......18".....17”......17”.....15 ½”…15”.…14 ½”14”….13
½”…..6 ½”
Left Arm:....19"......17"....16.5”....15”......15”…...15”..…14…13 ½”…12
½”….6 ½”
Right Wrist:..8".......7.5"...7.5”.....7.5”..…7”.……7”……7…..6 ¾”…..6
½”…..1 ½”
Left Wrist:....8".......7.5"....7.5".....7.5”…..7”…....7”…....7…..6
¾”…..6 ½”…..1 ½”
Right Thigh:.30"......27"....25”.....25.5"…25”…...24”…23 ½”…22…..20
½”…9 ½”
Left Thigh:...30"......27 ½”..25”....25"…24 ½”….24”…23 ½”…21 ½”.20
¼”....9 ¾”
Right Calf:..21 ¾”.............19.5”..19 ¼....18 ½”…17 ½”..17 ½”…18”…16
¾”….5”
Left Calf:…21 ½”............19.5”...18 ¼.....18”.......17”….17
½”…18”….16 ½”….5”
Right Ankle:............11".....11”......11”…10 ¼”…10 ¼”…10”…10”……9
¾”….1 ¼”
Left Ankle:.................11"..11”......10 ¾”.10 ¼”..10
¼”…10”….10”……9 ¾”…..1 ¼”
Total Inches Lost: 95 ½”


To refresh your memory... my Junior College's Band has a Fraternity and
it celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Recharter of Kappa Kappa
Psi- Zheta Ro Chapter. We had a Pirate Bash, man... HAD an Absolute
BLAST! And you know what? For the First Time EVER in my life... I felt
like I could compete physically with the other girls in attendance. I
felt hot in my dress and shoes and hair. I did it all myself and the updo
I did, people kept asking me to turn around so they could see it
lol... I just felt Gorgeous!!!! Ok, enough of the tears lol

October 3, 2006

Today is my father's birthday- he's in Colorado working and its only my
mom and I at the house since my sister moved out about a month a half
ago. My mom is pretty much alone this week since I worked until 11pm
last night, have orchestra until 9/10ish tonight, work late tomorrow,
and will be gone Thursday and Friday nights lol. Poor mom! Plus the
weather is really wreaking havoc on her bones and joints, I sure hope
she's ok...

My nine month surgiversary is Friday. I have so many mixed emotions
right now, its not even funny. In the two months I've been with T, I've
only lost 21 pounds. I know I know, *only* !? When else can I say
I've lost more than that? I just wish this weight would come off... even
though I'm so not helping it along with starbucks and popcorn chicken.
There are times when I want to eat a whole pizza and everything in
sight... it is just so frustrating that I can't.... but then I wake up
from my glazed view and ask myself do I really want to weigh 393 pounds
again? I think not! I've lost 182 pounds in 9 months... people are
always amazed at the loss... I've said it before, and I'm going to say it
again.... I think it came off too fast. I am so suffering from body
image woes- is it called body dysmorphic or something like that? I,
thankfully, no longer see the fat girl, but I see someone still larger than
what I truly am. I don't know how to get rid of her. I'm constantly
playing with my skin, seeing how I can make myself look better... or
wow, if only that freckle wasn't there or that fold of skin. My inner
thighs and stomach are plagued with folds of skin that gross me out every
day. When I walk fast, the skin slaps against my legs and actually
hurts a bit! I have to buy bras larger than needed because of my skin...
I stuff it in the bra and it somehow makes natural looking breasts
lol! But I accept it... I really do! I would take the skin, the lack of
youthful breasts, and freckles I never knew I had over the 393 pound
hell I was in 9 months ago! My life as a whole has improved so much! I
can walk, I can jog, I have a job, I have a boyfriend, I have friends,
I have confidence and I love life- finally! I have done more
socializing in the past 2 months than I have my entire life! Anywhere from
parties, to BBQs, to hanging out... and one cannot forget GIRLTALK LMAO!

It's so awesome being a girl... but yet, it totally sucks. Pre-op,
show me something sad on the boob tube and NO reaction from me in the way
of sadness what so ever! Now, omg, I hear a song and it reminds me of
something and I'm babbling. What the heck!? Along with my BDD (mild
case, I guess) I constantly fight the voices in my head about my
relationship with Tommy. The fat girl is still here and she is always saying
how could someone like you for what you are inside, look at your
outside! She says such horrible things. She makes me question how I can be
so desirable to someone... but yet I don't feel it myself. Does that
make sense? I don't think so, but I don't know how else to put it. I
have alot of thinking and planning to do... I'm anal about that lol.
But in the mean time, I'm going to focus on living life and having some
fun while I'm at it...

*~*October 12, 2006*~*
Before my surgery in January, I was always the jolly fat chick who
everyone could pick on and mean to. I wouldn't ever let the hurt and pain
show on my face when they'd shout their taunts or make faces... I just
act as if it just rolled off my back and didn't stab me in the heart.
Back then I was deathly scared of sitting in those flimsy deck chairs
or any mobile chair for that matter. I never sat at gatherings unless
there were sturdy arm chairs or folding chairs made out of metal in
attendance with me. I would eat super fast so no one would see what all I
had plopped on my plate. I would spend just minutes in my room looking
for a tent to put over my bulging belly, I never found pants.... I had
the same 3 pairs the whole entire time. I NEVER wore jeans... except
when I was forced to wear them while showing in FFA or the ag show team
at Merced. FFA require WHITE jeans... do you know how hard it is to
find size 30 jeans in WHITE that don't make a fat girl look any fatter?
Ugh, thank God for Walmart and Just My Size, I guess.

As my waist line has shrunk (61" to 38") I have gained so much! I have
friends now... Yes, I had friends prior to surgery but now I
appreciate them so much more and love them with all my heart. I feel special
when I'm with them... I no longer feel like a third wheel when we're out
and actually feel like I am part of the group and included in
everything.

Of course there are things some people don't quite get until I explain
it to them, but that is totally understandable. I don't think many
people can understand what its like to be a 393 pound 21 year old
female....

* Sitting in Chairs of all kind is still scary. I take like 3 minutes
to completely sit down in a chair to make sure it won't break. It
drives some people crazy, but its all in my head... I still think the chair
is going to break under my weight, even though I weigh pretty much what
the rest of the world weighs.

* I can move. T love ultimate fighting and I tried kicking his butt
last time I was there. Well, dudes, he can fling me around like nothing.
When he did that the first time, I was so shocked... I never thought
anyone would be able to do that! I can be flexible too. You should
see what I can do.

* New School/Friends... I am so not used to me walking into a building
and people stopping what they're doing to jump up wave hi to me. It is
an amazing feeling and so very overwhelming at times. Why did it take
so long for this to happen to me? Why did I have to lose a whole
person to be treated so well?

* Joy... I am so filled with Joy it isn't even funny.... even though I
have tons of stress in my life and lack of money is high on the list, I
am still happy as a clam. I love my life, I love my boyfriend, I love
my friends, and I'm beginning to love me. I can't wait for more to
come!

T and I went to a costume part on the 6th! It was a birthday bash and
boy was it fun!!!! I had my Miss Livingston dress altered and went as
a princess. Tommy went as a knight. My coworker from work, Yvonne,
did my hair... I have no idea how she got it so curly!!

*~*October 16, 2006*~*
I finally decided to sit down and do my measurements for my nine month
surgiversary... I keep forgetting! Either I am measuring wrong, or my
skin is bulking up in places lol. I only lost half an inch overall
this past month.... but lost in my ankles, thighs, bust, and neck. I
gained some inches also... I think its water retention/bloating from not
watching what I've been eating for the past 3 or so weeks. I've just
eaten whatever, whenever because I wanted to test the water. Today is a
new day and I'm going to get back on track so I can lose my weight by
January 6. Thirty five more pounds, baby!

*12/20/05**2/6/06**3/5/06**4/4/06**5/5/06**6/5/06**7/4/06**8/6/06**9/5/06**10/16/06**Diff*
Weight:…..393….344…...324…......298…...275…….…253……...242…..…221………213…….210……….183
Neck:……...20".....18"......17”………17”……16 ¼”…….16………..15………14 ½”….14
¼”…..14”………..6”
Under
Bust:.58".....50"......48”......47”……..45”….……42”……….41……….39….…...39….....38 ¾”….19 ¼”
Waist:........61"....53.5"...51 ¾”....51”.…..48
½”……..45”……….43……….39…….…38………39………….22”
Right Arm:..20"......18".....17”......17”........15 ½”……15”.……14
½”……14”…….13 ½”….13 ½”…..6 ½”
Left
Arm:....19"......17"....16.5”....15”.........15”…......15”…...…14……..13 ½”……12 ½”…12 ½”..…6 ½”
Right Wrist:..8".......7.5"...7.5”.....7.5”..……..7”.………..7”………..7……….6
¾”……..6 ½”…..6 ½’…….1 ½”
Left
Wrist:....8".......7.5"....7.5".....7.5”………7”….........7”…….....7……....6 ¾”……..6 ½”…..6 ½”…..1 ½”
Right Thigh:.30"......27".....25”.....25.5"……25”……....24”…….23
½”…….22……....20 ½”…..21”..………9”
Left Thigh:...30"......27 ½”..25”....25"……..24 ½”……24”…….23 ½”…..21
½”…...20 ¼”…..20”……...10”
Right Calf:..21 ¾”............19.5”….19 ¼....18 ½”….17 ½”…..17
½”…….18”………16 ¾”….16 ¾”…...5”
Left Calf:…21 ½”.............19.5”....18 ¼.....18”.........17”……...17
½”……18”………16 ½”....16 ¼”….5 ¾”
Right Ankle:............11".....11”......11”……10 ¼”..…10
¼”………10”……..10”……..…9 ¾”…..9 ½”……1 ½”
Left Ankle:..............11"…..11”.....10 ¾”...10 ¼”…..10
¼”……..10”……...10”…….…9 ¾”…...9 ½”…..1 ½”
Total Inches Lost: 96

November 8, 2006

I took my measurements this morning- after eating and drinking, so my
waist *might* be a bit smaller… maybe. I’m not too thrilled with the
rate I’m losing… but I have to be honest, I’m not really doing anything
to help it along either. This morning I had mac and cheese for
breakfast- come on Jaci. Do you really think you can lose weight if you start
the morning off with a big bowl of carbs? Aye, old demons! So later I
made me an orange and vanilla drink mix with added protein… it was
alright, not too wonderful, but gave me some protein. I’m so thankful for
at least losing 2 inches this past month… that is a blessing in
itself. I am proud to say I am now solidly in a size 16 and can wear hats!
I was never a person that looked good in hats… my head was toooooo
round. Now, I can wear them and not look stupid! YEAH! I do have a
confession. Last month I didn’t weigh 210… I don’t remember what I did, but
I know it had to be higher at the time I took the measurements. I
gained like 9 pounds last month because all I really ate were carbs and
tortilla chips. I’m happy to have lost that extra weight… got down to
206, but when I started to throw carbs back in, I got back up to 210.
So, my mission this month… find a good way to add carbs, but on a low
scale and be in Onederland for Christmas! How exciting that would be!

*12/20/05**2/6/06**3/5/06**4/4/06**5/5/06**6/5/06**7/4/06**8/6/06**9/5/06**10/16/06**11/8/06**Diff*
Weight:…..393….344…...324…......298…...275…….…253……...242…..…221………213…….210…………210………183
Neck:……...20".....18"......17”………17”……16 ¼”…….16………..15………14 ½”….14
¼”…..14”…………14”……….6”
Under
Bust:.58".....50"......48”......47”……..45”….……42”……….41……….39….…...39….....38 ¾”………38 ¼”…….19 ¾”
Waist:........61"....53.5"...51 ¾”....51”.…..48
½”……..45”……….43……….39…….…38………39…………..39 ½”……21 ½”
Right Arm:..20"......18".....17”......17”........15 ½”……15”.……14
½”……14”…….13 ½”….13 ½”………13”…………7”
Left
Arm:....19"......17"....16.5”....15”.........15”…......15”…...…14……..13 ½”……12 ½”…12 ½”..……12 ½”……6 ½”
Right Wrist:..8".......7.5"...7.5”.....7.5”..……..7”.………..7”………..7……….6
¾”……..6 ½”…..6 ½’………6 ½”.……1 ½”
Left
Wrist:....8".......7.5"....7.5".....7.5”………7”….........7”…….....7……....6 ¾”……..6 ½”…..6 ½”……6 ½”………..1 ½”
Right Thigh:.30"......27".....25”.....25.5"……25”……....24”…….23
½”…….22……....20 ½”…..21”..………20”………10”
Left Thigh:...30"......27 ½”..25”....25"……..24 ½”……24”…….23 ½”…..21
½”…...20 ¼”…..20”…….....20”........10”
Right Calf:..21 ¾”............19.5”….19 ¼....18 ½”….17 ½”…..17
½”…….18”………16 ¾”….16 ¾”…..16 ½”....5 ¼”
Left Calf:…21 ½”.............19.5”....18 ¼.....18”.........17”……...17
½”……18”………16 ½”....16 ¼”……16”……….6”
Right Ankle:............11".....11”......11”……10 ¼”..…10
¼”………10”……..10”……..…9 ¾”…..9 ½”……9 ½”……..1 ½”
Left Ankle:..............11"…..11”.....10 ¾”...10 ¼”…..10
¼”……..10”……...10”…….…9 ¾”…...9 ½”……9 ½”……..1 ½”
Total Inches Lost: 98

*~*December 6, 2006*~*
Well, today is my eleven month surgiversary. I am still bummed about
losing the same 5 pounds over and over again, but I am happy the inches
are continuing to slowly fall away too. I', back to 210 after fighting
from 216... ugh, why won't the last 35 come off!? I took my
measurements and have lost a whopping 100 inches! 183 pounds and 100 inches,
WOWZERS!

*12/20/05**2/6/06**3/5/06**4/4/06**5/5/06**6/5/06**7/4/06**8/6/06**9/5/06**10/16/06**11/8/06**12/6/06**Diff*
Weight:…..393….344…...324…......298…...275…….…253……...242…..…221………213…….210…210…210……183
Neck:……...20".....18"......17”………17”……16 ¼”…….16………..15………14 ½”….14
¼”…..14”…14”…13 ½”…….6 ½”
Under
Bust:.58".....50"......48”......47”……..45”….……42”……….41……….39….…...39….....38 ¾”…38 ¼”…38”….20”
Waist:........61"....53.5"...51 ¾”....51”.…..48
½”……..45”……….43……….39…….…38………39…39 ½”…39”…21 ¾”
Right Arm:..20"......18".....17”......17”........15 ½”……15”.……14
½”……14”…….13 ½”….13 ½”………13”……13”……7”
Left
Arm:....19"......17"....16.5”....15”.........15”…......15”…...…14……..13 ½”……12 ½”…12 ½”..……12 ½”……12 ½” 6 ½”
Right Wrist:..8".......7.5"...7.5”.....7.5”..……..7”.………..7”………..7……….6
¾”……..6 ½”…..6 ½’…6 ½”.……6 ½”…1 ½”
Left
Wrist:....8".......7.5"....7.5".....7.5”………7”….........7”…….....7……....6 ¾”……..6 ½”…..6 ½”……6 ½”…6 ½”……..1 ½”
Right Thigh:.30"......27".....25”.....25.5"……25”……....24”…….23
½”…….22……....20 ½”…..21”..………20”……19 ¼”…10 ¾”
Left Thigh:...30"......27 ½”..25”....25"……..24 ½”……24”…….23 ½”…..21
½”…...20 ¼”…..20”…….....20”......19 ¼”..10 ¾”
Right Calf:..21 ¾”............19.5”….19 ¼....18 ½”….17 ½”…..17
½”…….18”………16 ¾”….16 ¾”…..16 ½”....16 ½”…5 ¼”
Left Calf:…21 ½”.............19.5”....18 ¼.....18”.........17”……...17
½”……18”………16 ½”....16 ¼”……16”……16 ½”….5 ½”
Right Ankle:............11".....11”......11”……10 ¼”..…10
¼”………10”……..10”……..…9 ¾”…..9 ½”……9 ½”…9 ½”…..1 ½”
Left Ankle:..............11"…..11”.....10 ¾”...10 ¼”…..10
¼”……..10”……...10”…….…9 ¾”…...9 ½”……9 ½”……9 ½”..1 ½”
Total Inches Lost: 100

*~*July 4, 206*~*
June just flew right on by! I know it happened since my calendar is
blocked out in ink and my credit card statements are rolling through the
mail slot, but wow, where did it go!? So much has happened for me in
the last month alone, I am truly blessed by God to have been fortunate
enough to have this surgery. It has been a lifesaver.

Yea, I’m a bit bummed about my lack of weight loss, but hey, I still
loss right? It was probably due to the stall I was on and then my brain
deciding if I don’t eat maybe I’ll jumpstart the loss…yeah right! My
body needs the calories and protein to lose weight. So the past week,
I’ve been stuffing my face with protein and drinking as often as
possible… so far doing well. Down to 242 from 393! I always feel full, but
I’m eating, so hopefully it’ll kick-start my loss for the summer.

Looking back I never really saw a difference in my appearance until I
looked at my profile here on OH or regular photos. I always saw the fat
ugly chick with the nappy hair. This month, I am proud to say I see
the most change in my face and upper body. My face is more angular and
yes, that is a jaw line you see! I now have protruding collarbones I
don’t know if I was even born with protruding bones LOL! I love running
my fingers along the bones in my shoulders… they’re so sharp! And
yes, I can feel some waist! Around there are hipbones waiting to be shown
off! I often find myself staring at the person in the mirror every
morning. Wow, where’d she come from? She has a great big toothy grin
(something I’ve always envied), she knows how to do her hair, her eyes
are sparkling, her skin seems to glow… and then I realize it’s me! I
really am not trying to be vain… but it has taken me 22 years to begin to
like what I see in the mirror every morning.

Everywhere I go, it seems that I have to run into at least one person
who knew me “before.” Before I walk into a building, my heart seems to
skip a beat in anxiety or excitement; probably a bit of both… what am I
going to say, are they going to comment? Will they even recognize me?
It seems that no matter what the rest of the conversation entails,
the person always without a doubt tells me “you look so much more happy!”
Why thank you, I truly am happier. I think pre-op it was a cover-up.
I was miserable. Yes, I was active, I smiled, I did stuff… but that
was part of the show. At one point, I wanted to die… yeah you read it
right, die. Now, death is as far from my mind as it can be. I am
whole heartedly happy with my life- of course I’d love more money, the
ability to move out of the parents house with my dog and rabbits and do
whatever in the world I wanted, but that comes in time… good job=more
money=moving out=whatever I want LOL! Lets pay the debt first!!

I have never considered marriage or romantic relationships as an option
for my life. Again, the ugly fat chick with nappy hair was in charge.
Over the past month something explosive has erupted from within and
man oh man, I am beginning to notice the opposite sex. I have always
seen them and yea, the honest oh he’s cute has always crossed my mind,
but I haven’t had any kind of crush for like six years! So yeah, I’m
noticing guys and it seems that they’re starting to notice me- which is
quite frightening if I say so myself. I mean I’m 22 years old have never
done anything! Everyone my age usually experiences a first kiss, cute
hugs, etc in high school, I was lucky to go to some formal dances with
coworkers or relatives! LOL I work at a fast food joint and usually do
the drive through window. Pre-Op, all the chicks were super nice and
friendly… the older guys were nice as long as I got their drinks out
fast enough… now, the chicks can be a bit snotty and the younger guys are
SMILING at me! LOL I know that’s like a puny wow moment, but it’s a
wow all to itself. I have never had random guys smile at me or for
example- give me a tip! “Mr. Wonderful” came through around 6 am and paid
for his food plus a buck… I tried giving it back, but he said it was
for my beautiful voice, all together now, awwwww. LOL! So yeah, there
is a new and exciting chapter out there starting to crack open and I
really happy about it, but oh so scared. So… I’m just gonna go with the
flow and keep lookin’ cute :)

Sorry I wrote a book for my six month surgiversary, but I had a lot to
share and am glad you were able to enjoy it!


*~*Monthly Measurements*~*
*12/20/05*~*2/6/06*~*3/5/06*~*4/4/06*~*5/5/06*~*6/5/06*~*7/4/06*~*~*Diff*
Weight:..........393….....344.....324......298…..275……253…….242………151
Neck:……….....20"........18"......17”…….17”.…16 ¼”….16………15…………5”
Under
Bust:.....58".......50"......48”.......47”……45”……42”……..41……..…17”
Waist:............61".......53.5"...51 ¾”....51”…..48
½”…45”…….43………..18”
Right Arm:.....20"........18".......17”......17”…...15 ½”…15”.…14
½”…….5 ½”
Left
Arm:.......19"........17"......16.5”....15”…...15”……..15”...…14………….5”
Right
Wrist:....8".........7.5"......7.5”.....7.5”……7”.………7”………7…………..1”
Left
Wrist:......8".........7.5"......7.5".....7.5”……7”….......7”……..7…………..1”
Right Thigh:...30"........27"......25”.....25.5"……25”…...24”……23 ½”…….6
½”
Left Thigh:.....30"......27.5".....25”......25"……24 ½”….24”……23 ½”…….6
½”
Right Calf:.....21 3/4".............19.5”...19 ¼....18 ½”…17 ½”..17
½”……4 ¼”
Left Calf:….....21 1/2"............19.5”...18 ¼....18”.......17”…….17
½”………4”
Right Ankle:...............11".......11”.......11”……10 ¼”…10
¼”…10”………….1”
Left Ankle:.................11".…...11”......10 ¾”…10 ¼”..10
¼”…10”………….1”
Total Inches Lost: 75 ¾”

*~*July 7, 2006*~*
This is my post to my fellow January post ops yesterday, I just thought
I'd repost it here....it pretty much sums up how I still feel :)

"Well, it was supposed to be tomorrow, but they called yesterday and
asked if I could come in today so I could meet with my surgeon. Um duh,
I'll be there! I usually have to meet with the PAs, but if Dr. Coirin is
gonna be available, heck yeah... I'll be there!

So I get there early like always and Sonia is so excited I have my
packet filled out lol. I guess alot of peeps don't do their homework- it
basically asks about portions, birth control (he wants 2 methods, well I
have one, lol!), vitamins, etc.

We weigh first... I was kinda dreading it... I didn't want to see 244
again..... remember how it was 242 on monday, well it has been 244 since
then! I get on, and OMG it says 240!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have lost 142
since surgery and 153 since December 20 when I had my consult for the
first time. I was ready to do back flips! According to their records,
I've lost 58 pounds since my 3 month check up too!

I'm now in the exam room waiting for my doc and after a while, he comes
in and just looks at me lol. He's like wow, you've done wonderful! He
told me his patients basically have 1.5 years to lose the weight....
I've lost enough to cover that whole time frame lol! I asked about goal
weights and BMIs... he said that if I hit 190 (BMI of 29),
statistically, I'm a success.... will I make it? He said definately lol. He said a
phenominal loss would be getting down to 150-175, I believe the BMI was
20-25.... I'm shooting for that ;) He couldn't get over how well I have
done and it really made me feel really good... since I never talked to
him except 30 mins before my surgery He also said my hair loss should
start to slow down, thank GOD!

I also took a picture with him...and its really cute lol. I can't wait
to share it! Its in my camera and I'm house sitting, so I'll upload it
tomorrow when I get home... I have alot of photos to upload

When I got in my car, I looked at the pics again... and started
bawling. Now I know how embarrassing it is to cry croccodile tears in public!
lol! I actually thought I was pretty!!!!! I guess I've always thought I
looked nice, but right now, I'm actually feel pretty lol.... its kinda
hard to explain, but it hit me like a ton of bricks...."

*~*July 12, 2006*~*
I just hopped on the scale to see how much gain I've had in the past
day... my trend seems to be gain a bit throughout the week and then drop
it for Monday. Well this am I hop on and it says 232! OMG! I have
dropped more pounds and it isn't Monday. I think I know the culprit
though lol. I'm going on my first ever date tomorrow (Thursday) and my
heart has been beating a mile a minute since he asked me lol. Due to
that, I also can't sit still... so I'm like constantly fretting and
moving... LMAO, RELAX!!!! I so don't wanna jinx anything, so you'll have to
wait until Friday for the scoop.... but its gonna rock. He has so much
planned, I'm stoked! ;)

*~*August 2, 2006*~*
Wow how time flies when you're having fun! I have had an absolutel
blast this past month and I hope it continues. My date went fantastically
well! In fact I've been seeing him alot lately, and I guess I could
label us a couple lol- lets make that effective July 23, LOL! So that
is two weeks this coming Saturday- lemme tell you its been a whirlwind
of a ride, but I'm loving it.
*~*
The next week was our county fair. I have been helping a local girl
for two years in showing sheep and she did a fantastic job! This year
she won her junior showmanship class.... it is unheard of for an independent showman to beat a 4H member. I am soooo proud of Sofia.

*~*August 6, 2006*~*
Took my monthly measurements today. I cannot believe I have lost over
85 inches!!! OMG! Here they are:
*~*Monthly Measurements*~*
*12/20/05*~*2/6/06*~*3/5/06*~*4/4/06*~*5/5/06*~*6/5/06*~*7/4/06*~*8/6/06*~*Diff*
Weight:..........393….....344.....324......298…..275……253…….242….…221……172
Neck:……….....20"........18"......17”…….17”.…16 ¼”….16………15……14 ½”……5 ½”
Under
Bust:.....58".......50"......48”.......47”……45”……42”……..41…….39.……...19”
Waist:............61".......53.5"...51 ¾”....51”…..48
½”…45”…….43…….39………..22”
Right Arm:.....20"........18".......17”......17”…...15 ½”…15”.…14
½”…14”………..6”
Left
Arm:.......19"........17"......16.5”....15”…...15”……..15”...…14……13 ½”..….5 ½”
Right Wrist:....8".........7.5"......7.5”.....7.5”……7”.………7”………7……..6
¾”…...1 ¼”
Left
Wrist:......8".........7.5"......7.5".....7.5”……7”….......7”……..7……..6 ¾”……1 ¼”
Right Thigh:...30"........27"......25”.....25.5"……25”…...24”……23
½”…22…………8”
Left Thigh:.....30"......27.5".....25”......25"……24 ½”….24”……23 ½”…21
½”….8 ½”
Right Calf:.....21 3/4".............19.5”...19 ¼....18 ½”…17 ½”..17
½”…18”…….3 ¾”
Left Calf:….....21 1/2"............19.5”...18 ¼....18”.......17”…….17
½”…18”……..3 ½”
Right Ankle:...............11".......11”.......11”……10 ¼”…10
¼”…10”……10”……….1”
Left Ankle:.................11".…...11”......10 ¾”…10 ¼”..10
¼”…10”……10”………..1”
Total Inches Lost: 86 ¼”

*~*August 15, 2006*~*
Yep, you guessed it, I have more photos to share! But I didn't post an
official seven month photo! This is from today. The shirt and tank
are 14/16 and city shorts are 18. I felt so awesome today in that
outfit, everyone loved it!

*~*August 31, 2006*~*
Its the last day of August and man has it just flown by or what!?
School started Monday and I couldn't be any more happy with my professors
or classes! I am in a million ensembles and have three "thinking
classes" as my grandmother would call them he he.

I'm in:
Pep Band- Tuba
Orchestra- Tuba and Trombone
Symphonic Band- Tuba
Jazz Band- Tenor Saxophone
AND I'm taking private lessons from my Band Instructor- whooo hoooo!

In addition to all the music, which will definately have me doing
cardio everyday.... I have a pilates class Tuesday and Thursday... oh yes...
I'm going to get limber and toned! Hopefully this will help spur my
weightloss... I'm kinda plateauing at 218/220... Whooo hoo!

On the the juicy stuff now! LOL!!!

On August 23, Tommy and I celebrated our One Month Anniversary. I know
its not that big of a deal to some, but to me it was a huge deal.
I've never had a one month anniversary with anyone and to be frank, I
never thought I would. I never thought I'd ever see myself as pretty or
beautiful, have a boyfriend who adores the heck outta me, or even have
the possibility of marriage, kids and the whole white picket fence in the
suburbs thing! I was telling T this about a week before our big day
and it totally caught me off guard, I started crying and couldn't stop!
He's so sweet, ya know? Offering his shoulder even when he knew I'd
smear my makeup on it lol. He's all, that's what bleach is for!

I didn't know if we were doing gifts or anything, but I wanted to get
him something... so I made him a memory book filled with remnants of all
our outings together- our first date, the fair, movies, concerts,
parks..... you name it, its in there... and I'm going to add new pages each
month :) He DID get me a gift... in fact, he got me three! I have a
new strand of Freshwater Pearls for my neck and wrist. The bracelet
has blue sapphires in it to match Petunia :) He also gave me a magnetic
bracelet that is just as blingy. I love them!

Along with our anniversary, we went to the Gala hosted by Dr. Coirin
and Coates (my surgeon is Dr. Coirin)... I wore my pearls and everyone
kept commenting on them.... I do admit, I couldn't stop feeling them lol.
The Gala was awesome, I hope next year to be a model for the fashion
show. I never thought about a job in the beauty industry and have
always been a fan of America's Next Top Model..... hey you never know, I
could be a model one day! I'm tall enough! :-D

Last weekend, T and I went to a friend's wedding. It was so perfect!
I must say since surgery, I have become an emotional girlie girl!
Before surgery you couldn't get a tear outta me if you hit me! Now, even
the littlest thing makes me tear up lol!!! The wedding was gorgeous....
and the songs, omg... too perfect!!!!!

***April 3, 2006***
Tomorrow is my Three Month Check up.... I stopped by Dr. Enad's to
check my weight and was so happy!!!! I broke the 300 pound barrier!!!!!!
299.5 baby! lol I can't wait to see what it'll say with a digital
scale, all the ones I've been using are the weight and measures one that you
have to move a bar to the 100, 150, 200, etc... :(

*~*April 4, 2006*~*
Today I had my Three Month check up with Dr. CoirinEI posted about my
day on the January Board, but here’s a snippet of my check up :)

“My morning started off with my appointment up in Modesto with Dr.
Coirin's PA Dianne. She said she was so happy for me and that I had made
her day with how well I'm doing. I've lost 84 pounds since surgery and 95
in total since December 20, 2005. I guess I'm #2 for the record at
three months. Another lady lost 96 pounds for her three month check up-
she was also working out 6 days a week, wow! She was super happy about my
labs and blood pressure too; I guess they're back to normal and
stabilizing.

Monthly Measurements

*~*~*~*~*12/20/05*~*~*2/6/06*~*~*3/5/06*~*~*4/4/06*~**~**~*Diff*~*~*~*
Height:...........5'10"..............5'10"............5E0E........5E0E...........*
Weight:..........393...............344...............324.............298EE95
Neck:.............20"..................18"...............17E............17”…E..3"
Under
Bust:.....58"..................50"..............48E............47”…E11"
Waist:............61".................53.5".............51
¾E.........51”…E10E
Right
Arm:.......20"..................18".............17E............17”…E.3"
Left
Arm:........19"...................17".............16.5E..........15”…E3"
Right
Wrist:.....8"....................7.5".............7.5E...........7.5”…E1/2"
Left
Wrist:......8".....................7.5".............7.5".............7.5”…E/2"
Right
Thigh:....30"....................27".............25E............25EE5"
Left
Thigh:......30"...................27.5"...........25E............25E.E"
Right Calf:.......21
3/4"...............................19.5E..........19 ¼E.2 1/2"
Left Calf:........21
1/2"................................19.5E..........18 ¼......3 1/4"
Right
Ankle:............................11"...............11E...........11”…E...*
Left
Ankle:..............................11"................11E..........10 ¾”…E/4E

*~*~*~*Total Inches Lost: 47*~*~*~*

*~*April 11, 2006*~*
I just wanted to post that I am now a member of the Century Club!!!!!
I weigh 293- exactly one hundred pounds less than when I started this
wonderful journey! Just for kicks, I tried on a size 24 pant and was
able to button and zip it up! I didn't look wonderful, but they fit!!!!!
I am almost below my highschool freshman weight and clothing size!
Only 118 pounds to go until I'm at GOAL!!!! Almost half way there!
Yippeee!!!!!

*~*April 15, 2006*~*
It's Easter weekend and the sun is shining! We've had ugly black
clouds and rain hanging over us for a couple weeks, but anywho, I like rain,
so it's ok with me! Yesterday, my community put together a Good
Friday celebration that was open to the entire area... the church was packed
to the gills! Our church was performing a piece entitled "God So
Loved The World" and other churches were performing musical selections as
well. One fantastic group was a worship team from Winton...they were
fantastic! One guitar, one bass, one keyboard, one drumset, four
singers... amazing! I accompanied my grandmother's choir in their song on my
flute and got so many compliments! LOL, no one really seems to notice
my playing other than the same people every Sunday, he he. But all
these people from other churches were like wow, wow, you're were great...
its hard to take those compliments... I don't know why. The Trombonist
said I was good and all I could manage was you were good yourself and
scurried away- what the heck was that!? LOL! The group also asked me
to join them! How exciting!! I guess my grandmother was eavesdropping
(:) and ran over to tell them that they couldn't steal me, she wasn't
giving me up lol! So the worship team has my contact information if
they need me lol. Now I have to get back to playing my Tuba for the
Fourth of July Celebration- I have NO idea what I'm going to play!

*~*April 17, 2006*~*

Went to a Modesto Area OH gathering today!!! It was so fun! I got to
meet Kristin, Melissa R, Sharon M and some of their friends and family.
We met at Fresh Choice, a buffet style salad bar. You make your own
salad, then get a drink, then if you'd like help yourself to some
pasta, desert or soup!

*~*April 27, 2006*~*
I finally am down to 275! I only have 100 more pounds to go! Whooo
hooo! To top it off, Michelle finally got my Century Club Card added to
my profile, how exciting! This past week was very fast for me. I went
to a bigger mall and visited a store called The Gap... yes, I know, THE
Gap! LOL I tried on an XXL shirt and it fit! ACK! I had to buy it,
so I now own a XXL shirt from the coveted Gap store! I am also
officially in 22/24 clothing. I have tried clothes from Lane Bryant, Wal
Mart, Target, everything and the 24s fit wonderfully. There are still some
designers that run small and I'm in a 26/28 with them. I did try on
some stuff at Ross and their clothes DO run Small and was able to fit
comfortable in a 3X in shirts and the regular 24s in pants and dresses-
yes, DRESSES! Our County Spring Fair is this coming week and I am very
excited to see what kind of reaction I'll get if any. I've noticed
this week that more people are seeing me- actually acknowledging my
presence- in the form of holding doors, glances, smiles, the nine yards!
Whoooo hoooooooo!

*~*May 5, 2006*~*
Tomorrow is my Four Month Surgiversary. I am so happy with my progress
right now! 118 pounds gone forever! Whoooo hooooo! I've updated my
measurements and am very happy with them too. I've lost 10 1/4 inches
this month alone! Whooo hooo!

Monthly Measurements

*~*~*~*~*12/20/05*~*~*2/6/06*~*~*3/5/06*~*~*4/4/06*~*~*~*5/5/06*~*Diff*~*~*~*
Height:…............5'10"………...5'10”…......5’10”……....5’10”………….5’10”…....*
Weight:.......................393…..........344...........324...........298…………..275…………..118
Neck:……………….....20"...............18".................17”……...17”......…16
¼”…….3 ¾”
Under
Bust:…......58"..................50"..............48”............47”………45”……..13"
Waist:...........................61"............53.5".............51
¾”.........51”…………..48 ½”……..12 ½”
Right
Arm:.................20"................18".............17”............17”……………..15 ½”….4 ½”
Left
Arm:...................19".............17".............16.5”..........15”……………..…15”……..…3"
Right
Wrist:.....8"....................7.5".............7.5”...........7.5”………7”.…1"
Left
Wrist:...........8".....................7.5".............7.5".............7.5”………7”…...1"
Right
Thigh:.......30"....................27".............25”............25.5"…………25”….5”
Left
Thigh:.................30"...................27.5"...........25”............25"…………..24 ½”….5 ½”
Right Calf:...............21
3/4"..............................19.5”..........19 ¼…………18 ½”……3 ¼”
Left Calf:….......21
1/2"................................19.5”..........18 ¼..........18”......3 ½”
Right
Ankle:......................................11"...............11”...........11”…………10 ¼”…………..3/4”
Left
Ankle:......................................11"................11”..........10 ¾”………10 ¼”……..…1/2”

*~*~*~*Total Inches Lost: 57 ¼”*~*~*~*

*~*May 10, 2006*~*
Today I did an amazing feat! Today I rode my horse, Teddy. It wasn't
for very long, but I rode him and he was fine. I haven't been on him
since at least my Sophomore year of high school lol. It was amazing!

*~*May 14, 2006*~*
Ok, long time no post but I have alot to post today! :)
I cut my hair on Friday and absolutely LOVE it! I also traded in my 2004 White F 150 Truck (Sofie) and got a 2006 Sea
Blue PT Cruiser (Petunia)! Sofie was bare bones- no power anything,
vinyl seats, plastic floors- your basic work truck. Petunia on the other
hand is loaded (at least for me!) She's got power locks and windows,
a cd player, cloth interior! Whoo hooo! AND I'll be having the same
payment as Sofie! How cool is that!

*~*May 17, 2006*~*

May is definately my WOW Month isn't it!? My weight loss has started
off again, thanks to Dawn who told me to make sure I get in OVER 64 oz a
day... on average, I'm getting anywhere from 75-90... pretty coool!
I'm now 266!!!!! I don't remember 266 ever- but I could have just
skipped right over it lol. I only have 23 more pounds to go until I'm 243-
which will be a total loss of 150 Pounds! ONE HUNDRED FIFTY POUNDS!!!!
OMG! I have asked for a gorgeous dress to celebrate the loss... I know, I probably wo n't be able to wear it for long, but we can tailor it as I get smaller!

***May 30, 2006***
Well I sure haven't updated in awhile lol! I am down to 255, only 12
more pounds to go until I have lost 150 pounds- FOREVER!! Whooo hooooo!
Should be able to do it in a couple weeks... *crossing fingers!*

***June 4, 2006***
Another month in the life of weightloss surgery! I have found myself a
Themesong, thanks to Jersey Mom who posted the question. Its called
Move Along by The All American Rejects.


*~*June 5, 2006*~*
Tomorrow is my Five Month Survigersary. I have lost 140 pounds since
December 20, 2005 and feel absolutely fantastic! I cannot wait for
another ten to drop... I sure hope it falls before my 6 Month appointment
in July, that would be totally awesome! I also took my measurements...
I lost 9 3/4 inches from all over my body this month for a whopping 67
gone forever! Whoooo hoooo!

Monthly Measurements

*~*~*~*12/20/05*~*~*2/6/06*~*~*3/5/06*~*~*4/4/06*~*~*5/5/06*~*6/5/06*~*Diff*~*
Weight:..............393…..........344...........324...........298…………..275………253…..140
Neck:……….....20"...............18".................17”……...17”......…16
¼”…….16……….4”
Under
Bust:.....58"..................50"..............48”............47”………45”……….42”…..16"
Waist:................61"............53.5".............51
¾”.........51”………..48 ½”…….45”…...15”
Right
Arm:........20"................18".............17”............17”………..15 ½”……15”…….5”
Left
Arm:..........19".............17"..............16.5”..........15”…..……..15”……..15”…..…3"
Right
Wrist:.....8"....................7.5".............7.5”...........7.5”………7”.………7”………1"
Left
Wrist:.........8"..................7.5".............7.5".............7.5”………7”….......7”………1"
Right
Thigh:......30"....................27".............25”............25.5"……25”……..24”……..6”
Left
Thigh:.........30"...................27.5"...........25”............25"……..24 ½”…..24”……..6”
Right Calf:......21
3/4"................................19.5”..........19 ¼……..18 ½”…17 ½”.. 4 ¼”
Left Calf:….....21
1/2"................................19.5”..........18 ¼..........18”.........17”….4 ½”
Right
Ankle:............................11".............11”...........11”………10 ¼”……10 ¼”…3/4”
Left
Ankle:...............................11"................11”..........10 ¾”…10 ¼”..…10 ¼”……1/2”

*~*~*~*Total Inches Lost: 67”*~*~*~*

***June 19, 2006***
I made this Blog tonight for my MySpace and wanted to share it with my
OH family:

"Today had to be one of the best days in my musical life! I played my
Tuba for like the second time ever this year and the music that flowed
was like listening to the radio. Yeah, I worked my chops a bit, but it
felt soooooo good to be back in the saddle- so to speak. I can't believe
I stopped playing for like 2 years, could I be any more stupid!?



I played a piece entitled Honor and Arms by Handel... its pretty fast
and piano accompanist kept going on and on about how light and pretty I
make the Tuba sound. Most of you know the Tuba is the low low whole
notes you hear in most songs and they don't get the recognition they
deserve. I don't know what I do differently, but I LOVE the TUBA! Maybe
instead of Music Ed, I'll just stick with Performance... Anyone need a
Tubist? LOL

FYI

If you want to hear some great patriotic music and hear my solo- Honor
and Arms with Piano played by Earleen Monahan, send me a message. The
performance is July 2 at 4 pm... Atwater Baptist Church. ITs gonna rock-
plus, I'll be wearing a dress and high heels! LOL!!!!

Muah!

***June 20, 2006***
Its going to be another great day, I can so totally tell lol. I got up
this morning and found out my stall finally broke! After 2 weeks of
losing ZILCH, I lost FOUR pounds this week! Whooo hooo for me!!!! I
only 74 pounds to goal until I'm at Goal- think I can do it by year's
end?????

January 5, 2006
Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am very excited about this upcoming
year... its a beginning of my new life. My new "birthday" is tomorrow,
Jan 6..... I can't Wait! But let me tell you a bit about this week and
see what happened.

Tuesday, January 3, 2006- Had my pre-admit with Memorial Hospital this
morning... Met with Lynda who explained what would happen and how to do
my bowel prep and where to purchase it. After the meeting, I had
another EKG done and blood was drawn. The nurse that took my blood was
awesome! She was so quick, I didn't even know it and three vials were
filled up before I even looked down, lol. Usually people have to dig for
my veins and I end up having a lot of bruising. She took her time
tapping and puching on the skin and then found one, I only have a little
bruise LOL. After the admit tests, I went to the Pre-Op Education class.
It wasn't 3 hours as expected, but Four! LOL I didn't mind, it was
chock full of excellent information. Adina, bariatric nurse, was
awesome. She truly has a love and respect for the surgeons, hospital, and
life, she rocks lol. Arun came in around 2pm and discussed the post-op
diet and excersize. He was off on a bumpy start, but then everyone
warmed up and he began to relax and had fun :) Thanks Arun and Adina, I
learned alot!!!!! After the class, I went and got my hair cut. Boy did
it need to be pampered! I love my new cut... I'll try and get a
picture of it tonight and show you... Thanks Ingrid of Cocomos!!!!!!!

Wednesday, January 4, 2006- I was busy tying loose ends on Wedesday.
School starts on the 17th and I decided to change my classes to internet
courses so I didn't have to squeeze into little desks and not worry
about not attending in case I didn't have engery, etc. I got all but 2
through the internet! YEAH! So now, I'll be going into the class at
5:30 M-Th and probably staying until 8 or so.... exciting. I decided to
take a nutrition class this semester to help with the diets I'll be
preparing... hopefully its what I expect lol. After I changed the
classes, I then got to get a pedicure. I know, I know..... but my feet needed
to be looked at too! They were horrible. Now, I shouldn't be laughed
at too much while being operated on or cut the bed sheets lol.
Finally I had my pre-op appointment with Dr. Coirin. Unfortunately, he was
busy and I wasn't able to meet him, but I did meet with Dianne. She was
nice in a motherly way.... you know, kinda stern but still likable.
She said I had a nice healthy heart beat lol.

Today, January 5, 2006- I had eggs and chicken wrapped in a tortilla
for breakfast and then am stuck on liquids all day long. Around 1pm, I
get to take my magnesium citrate and drink more water lol. I'm very
excited.... and nervous.... but I think more excited, lol. I think
that's enough reading for now, lol... ciao!

***January 10, 2006***
Well, I came home on Sunday, two days after my surgery. Surprisingly,
I didn't have alot of pain, maybe the highest was a 2 on a scale of one
to ten. On Sunday the staples came out and the nurse put something
with betadine on my incisions and now I am itching like a maniac! Argh,
so I gotta run to the store and get some benedril to stop the itching.
I put powder on this morning and its a little better, but not much!
I'm on clear liquids until Dr. Coirin says go to the next stage
(probably until Friday). I'm in love with the Orange Crystal Light LOL. Just
thought I'd update a little bit. OH! I lost another 3 pounds before
the surgery, so a total of 14 pounds were lost in preperation for the
big day, I'm so excited!

***January 14, 2006***
I went in for my week Post-Op yesterday and guess what! I lost twenty
more pounds! TWENTY Pounds in only one week, outrageous! LOL Don,
one of Dr. Coirin's PAs is calculating 22 pounds since I was 2 pounds
heavier at the office visit, but lost weigh for the day of surgery lol.
Oh well, 20 vs 22 not too big a difference! :) I also got to start my
pureed/super soft diet yesterday. For lunch I tried a scrambled egg-
yum! I ate about half, didn't want to push myself too much. For Dinner
mom made chicken and rice. I took 1.5 ounces of the chicken and put it
in my blender and did two pulses, which chopped my chicken into teeny
tiny pieces and ate almost all of it! I could eat the remaining two
forkfuls, so I gave that to my dog, Midnight. She's eating well these
days! :)

Today is the first day for me to have food all day long (6 MEALS!)...
Breakfast: 1 Scrambled Egg, all of it 7g protein
Midmorning Snack: a Protein shake: 8oz 1% milk, 1oz banana, 1 sc
unflavored powder, 3 ice cubes- 20g protein
*** the shake was a bit bland, but it was my first one lol, so we'll
see how I advance in my shake making skills in the future***
Lunch: Nothing :(
Afternoon Snack: Nothing :(
Dinner: 1 Egg with tuna- didn't taste too bad! But it was too much,
now I know what it feels like to over eat with my new silastic band :)
Evening Snack: Protein Shake- 8 oz Water, orange Crystal Light, 1 oz
Banana, 1 sc unflavored Powder, 2 ice cubes

***January 19, 2006***
I went to my first Support Meeting tonight. A group of probably 10
women and a few men were in attendance. Everyone introduced themselves
and discussed general WLS topics. Hopefully more people will attend next
month :)

***January 25, 2006***
I went to the post op class yesterday, very informative. Arun
discussed the diet and the importance of taking our vitamins every single day
for the rest of our lives. I have to have 80-90 grams of protein a day,
whew, that's going to be a toughie lol. I'll just push it. I did get
on the tameter scale that displays the percent body fat and everything
and I lost another 8 pounds! Whoo hoo!!!!!

***January 30, 2006***
Wow, I was tired this weekend! Last week I delivered phone books for
SBC and it was so tiring! It took me 3 days plus I had help from my
father on the last two. Ugh. Hopefully all that walking helped my
increase some weight loss. I go in on February 6th for my 1 month check
up.... hopefully I'll be down 50 pounds! Because everything happened so
fast, I'm counting my weightloss from the time I started my diet-
December 20th. That's the day that I was told to lose some weight to get my
BMI down to 55 (from 56) and I'd get a date. Between December 20 and
January 6, I lost 13 pounds. Since January 6 I've lost 28 pounds... for
a grand total of 42 Pounds! Yippee!!!!!

***February 3, 2006***
My first update of February and I feel great! thanks to the ladies on
the main board I was able to make my own Virtual Model. She doesn't
look exactly like me in the face area, but oh well :)
***February 5, 2006***

Tomorrow is my one month anniversary! I am so excited, I cannot wait
for 10:15 am to roll around so I can weigh and see how much weight has
melted off since January 6th. I can definately see a difference in my
clothes- I'm wearing my JEANS and JEAN JACKET again! I am also wearing
clingy shirts since my tunics look weird now. I still can't get over
the fact that I'm wearing my Jeans lol.

I finally had my first bad moment on Friday. My family got Chinese
from the local grocery store where we always get chinese. I asked them to
bring me some broccoli beef since I had tolerated broccoli and beef
before seperately. Well, I didn't weigh my food and ate too fast, thus
stuffing my face full of food. I ate too much too fast and became sick.
It took me like 2 hours to throw the stuff up and feel a little
better. I was up until 3:00 am with an upset stomach. Luckily, I took some
tums around 2:30 am and finally felt well enough to sleep.

Ciao!
Jaci

***February 6, 2006***
I am so happy right now! I just got back from my 1 month appointment
and I have lost a total of 49 POUNDS since December 20th, 36 from the
surgery alone! I am so excited. My PA was Dianne and she said my
weightloss was amazing. I guess I'm doing well and lossing faster than
anticipated lol.

***February 7, 2006***
I did my measurements last night... here are the comparisons:
December 20, 2005 .......... February 6, 2006
Height: 5'10"....................5'10"
Neck: 20"........................18"
Chest, under Bust: 58".......50"
Waist: 61"........................53.5"
Right Arm: 20"...................18"
Left Arm: 19"....................17"
Right Wrist: 8"...................7.5"
Left Wrist: 8"....................7.5"
Right Thigh: 30".................27"
Left Thigh: 30"..................27.5"
Right Calf: 21 3/4"
Left Calf: 21 1/2"
Right Ankle:......................11"
Left Ankle:.......................11"
Weight: 393 Pounds...........344 Pounds

***February 18, 2006***
I haven't posted for quite some time! Lately, I have been feeling so
good! I actually feel pretty! *Gasp!* This surgery was the best thing
I ever did, I feel alive again! Yeah, I had a bit of the down in the
dumps blues a few days ago, but it was Valentine's Day lol. But now,
its all good! Tons of people saw the difference in my weight today when
we were at the rabbit show, it was incredible

*~*February 25, 2006*~*
Today I took my 4-H members to the local rabbit show to pick up their
new bunnies. I guess my weight loss is really apparent since
practically everyone I hang out with at shows said I looked great, etc etc....
(Revision 2/28) I don't feel open enough to tell them I had surgery, so I
tell them I'm eating better. I think I'm afraid of jinxing myself
lol. But one person, a great judge and I'm happy to call him a buddy,
knew I had the surgery! He wouldn't give up his source. Ray, you better
tell me! We had a nice chat though. I don't know if I'm losing weight
right now, but I am definately losing the inches. Pants that fit
comfortably last week are now so baggy I gotta find my belts! But its an
amazing journey and I'm so thankful!!!!!!

***February 27, 2006***
My scale hasn't been very nice lately. It refuses to give me a weight,
instead it errors out. Well, today, it didn't error out! I tried it
multiple times too, just to be safe. I have lost 65 pounds since
December 20th! How exciting! Thirty five to go until I will be a member of
the Century Club!!!

My Two Month Surgiversary is tomorrow! YEAH! I have lost 68.5 Pounds
since December 20, 2005! I'm averaging about 1.5 pounds a day which I
think is fantastic.
Here are the new measurements:
*~*~*~*~*12/20/05*~*~*2/6/06*~*~*~*3/5/06*~*~*Diff*~*~*~*
Height:...........5'10"..............5'10"................5E0E...........*
Weight:...........393...............344..................324.............68
Neck:.............20"..................18".................17E............3"
Under
Bust:.....58"..................50".................48E............10"
Waist:............61".................53.5"..............51
¾E.........9 1/4"
Right
Arm:.......20"..................18".................17E............3"
Left
Arm:........19"...................17"...............16.5E...........2.5"
Right
Wrist:.....8"....................7.5"................7.5E...........1/2"
Left
Wrist:......8".....................7.5"...............7.5".............1/2"
Right
Thigh:....30"....................27".................25E............5"
Left
Thigh:......30"...................27.5"...............25E............5"
Right Calf:.......21
3/4"..................................19.5E..........2 1/4"
Left Calf:........21
1/2"...................................19.5E..........2"
Right
Ankle:............................11"...................11E...........*
Left
Ankle:..............................11"...................11E..........*
*~*~*~*Total Inches Lost: 43*~*~*~*

***March 5, 2006***
Happy Two Month Surgiversary to me! Whoo hoo! I feel great!
According to my unreliable scale, I've lost 58 pounds since 1/6 and a total of
71 since December 2o, 2005. I absolutely ecstatic! I had my mom take
a pic of me wearing a black blouse I bought two Christmases ago. The
shirt was awesome... everyone commented on how nice I looked. I felt so
great today at church!

***March 6, 2006***
I have to post a correction to my posting last night. I went to my PCP
today t weigh myself on their scale just to double check my home
one... it's not completely reliable. Well, it definately isn't! Our scale
is like 5 pounds heavy! LOL I actually weigh 316, not 322! Whoo
hooo!!! I've lost 64 pounds since January 6 and 77 since I started this
journey with Dr. Corin on December 20, 2005. This completely rocks!


***March 13, 2006***
March is the month of Birthdays for my family and family friends. My
mother's birthday is Friday (St. Patty's Day), she shares this with a
local Dairyman. Mine is the 21st and I'll be 22, whoo hoo! There are 2
other members of the Dairyman's family that share dates of birth in
March as well. Instead of having multiple get togethers, we usually go
out in the middle of the month and celebrate. I haven't heard any plans
yet, but it should be interesting since that family isn't too keen on
surgical assistance for weight loss. Oh well, they'll definately know
when I don't get pie! LOL

I was able to show my sheep at the Great Western Livestock Show and
Exposistion this weekend. I took a yearling ewe and a market lamb.
Usually in the past I would be hot and sweaty while showing and couldn't
wait to get out of the ring. This weekend I was freezing and able to show
my sheep without mentally begging to get out of the ring! I think
that's why I did so well! I places in the Top Five both days for
Showmanship (when your skills are being judged) and my Ewe took Reserve Grand
Champion and the market lamb was 6th! I had a great weekend and can't
wait for the next show!
***March 17, 2006***
Happy Saint Patty's Day! Today is my mom's birthday, also! We're
going out to celebrate her day with family tonight and I wanted to have a
total weight lost in case the subject came up... so I went to my pcp to
use their scale (since ine is wacko). I jumped up and almost cried!
My weight was 311.5!!!!!! I've lost 81.5 pounds!!! I might be able to
make under 300 for my three month appointment in April, I am so
excited- maybe I'll be down 100 pounds, only 18.5 to go!

***March 19, 2006***
It finally happened... a skinny person asks me about the surgery so
they can have it themselves. I told her for Dr. Coirin, she had to have a
BMI of at 35 and 2 Co-Morbidities or at least a BMI of 40. So we'll
see what happens.

Anywho, my 22nd birthday is on Tuesday. I am so excited! My buddy
Michelle and I are going out to party non-alcoholic of course! I can wear
my jean jacket again! I can almost button it! I wasn't able to
button it when I bought it....

*~*March 22, 2006*~*
I have been going to my college's fitness lab this week as part of my
PE requirement to graduate. I am planning to attend three times a week-
MWTH or something like that, I work on Friday so won't be able to make
it. My sister and I go together! She's actually happy when we're
done, so I feel happy for her! In our routine, we start off doing
weights- I haven't a clue what the names of machines we're using are, but
they're pretty intense! After about 30 minutes with the weights, we head
over to the aerobic parts- she does the treadmill and stair climber
while I do the treadmill. Today I averaged 2.5 mph, walked 1.1 mile and
did it in 23 minutes! Whoo hoooooo!!!!!!! To top it all off, I've lost
another 2 pounds since Monday bringing me 308 pounds- total loss: 85
Wonderful Pounds!! Yeahhhhh!!!!!!

Sunday *May 29, 2005*
Well I have done all the required tests and procedures required by my
surgeon Dr. Keith Boone of Valley Surgical Center in Fresno, California.
Valley Surgical required a Psych exam (saw Stanley Bunce of Merced),
up to date pap- due to my age never had one and saw an OBGYN (Samuel
Laredo of Merced), also spoke with Nutritionist Kim Wilkerson about life
after the procedure and due to a faint heart mermur, saw Dr. Mani of
Merced Heart Associates. Its a great feeling to finally have everything
done- now I'm just waiting for insurance approval. I am insured by
United Health Care.


Of course as I'm getting closer to surgery, I am becoming more and more
nervous. I mean, I am about to undergo a life threatening and
changing procedure! I want everything to go well and smooth... I think
excitement is just as good a word as nervous lol.

Until Next Time...
*~*Jaci*~*

***June 3, 2005***
Well its been a week and still haven't heard anything from the
insurance company. I called my doc's office, the lady I usually deal with is
no longer working there- GREAT! Now, I don't really know what's
happening. I called the insurance and was on hold for 20 minutes... had to
hang up. I'm not looking foward to calling them again. I don't know
why, but I'm having a bad feeling about this...


***June 14, 2005***
Still haven't heard anything from the insurance company... I am
planning on calling them in the morning...


***June 24, 2005***
Still waiting! It will be thrity normal days on Sunday, and still
haven't heard anything. Thirty businessdays is a bit father away, I am
just so anxious!!!!

***June 30, 2005***
Well After I called the insurance and then bugged the Dr.'s office, I
finally got them to give me some information... DENIED. My insurance
company has an exclusion... which I informed them of at my consultation
and was given an AOK for it... Now I am SCREWED... I am so upset right
now, wasted all this time WAITING for a NO! UGH.....

***November 29, 2005***
Its been about 4 months since my denial from the Insurance company. I
no longer work for the previous company, so I've decided to go through
the process again. I'm planning on calling the office today or
tomorrow and see what needs to be done to get the huge ball rolling again.
Wish Me Luck!

***December 4, 2005***
I hadn't heard anything from Dr. Boone's Office since Thursday so
decided to call them again. Spoke with Ruth who told me the next available
appointment to even see Dr. Boone was in April 2006- ACK! I can't wait
that long, I might have a brand new insurance again. But then again,
it could be longer, so I snagged an April appointment. I then asked
her about all of the tests I had already done... do they expire? She
said I would have to do them all over again if its been over a year. I
started this in March 2005, so its more than likely be over a year. I do
not want to do those tests over again- for one, they were pricey and
two, they were quite invasive to me. I was not comfortable at all in
any of them, but then again, I haven't been comfortable in a long time.

I started to look into different surgeons just in case. There is a
center in Modesto, Central California Bariatric Surgery run by Dr. Antonio
Coirin and Dr. Patrick Coates. I've signed up for a seminar on the
14th, so we'll see where that goes.

***December 12, 2005***
Got an appointment notice from Dr. Boone's office. They scheduled a
consultation for December 22 (guess they had an opening), but made sure I
knew I'd have to do everyhting over again. So we'll see what happens
at Dr. Coates/Coirin's seminar.

***December 15, 2005***
Okie Dokie... Went to the seminar last night- was Fantastic! Dr.
Coirin was the presenter. He was funny, informative and explained the risks
and great outcomes that are associated with surgery. Dr. Coates
arrived in time to answer questions. He is funny too. Both doctors seem to
be great men and know what they're doing. They've been doing the
surgery for three and a half years and have done over 2000 surgeries.
After the doctors spoke, they had the house psychiatrist come in and
explain what happens during the psych evaluation.... he seems great as well.
To finish the night, five patients of Dr. Coates and Coirin came in
and answered questions from a patient's view. They gave great insight.
I am even more excited about the surgery!

I called the office this morning to make my appointment for the
consultation. I have an appointment on Tuesday, December 20 at 2 pm- SO
exciting!!!!!!

***December 16, 2005***
Finished my packet for the consultation today. Wow, it sure asked alot
of questions, but also gave me great insight on my genes and family
tree. Got in contact with my PCP and the bloodwork, Pap, and heart
results are on the list to be copied and faxed to me so I can take them with
me to the consultation. I just have to get through with the Psych
office! This is becoming more real to me, its so weird. I am SO happy to
be with the Modesto doctors, I've already learned new things!!!!!!!

***December 20, 2005***
Well, today was awesome. I was able to get copies of all the tests I
did earlier this year for Dr. Boone's office and compile them for Dr.
Coirin's office. Yes, I have a doctor! When I made my consultation
appointment, I said who ever was available since both were at the seminar
and they seemed equally nice and informative. Well, at my consultation,
I asked who I was assigned to and the nurse said Dr. Coirin!!! Whoo
hooo... he was the presenter and sure has a sense of humor :) I
mentioned the consultation- went in this afternoon at 2:15 and spoke with
Darryl and went over the whole thing. I learned I've gained about 10
pounds since March and to keep my BMI under 55, I need to lose at least 15
pounds, but am shooting for 20. To do this, Darryl said to go on high
protein, no to low carb- pretty much Atkins. I'm planning on walking
alot, drinking tons of water and eating all day, but keeping everything
to a minimum.... I think part of my problem is I snack with the wrong
foods. Maybe if I start now with multiple tiny meals, it'll be easier in
the long run. After the consult, I spoke with Hillary and she said I
had everything I needed and would submit for approval today!!!! She
said it takes about seven business days to hear from Blue Cross with a
yeah or a neigh. Hopefully, it'll be YES. Hillary said she was
scheduling for January 23rd today, so if everything is peachy, I should be
scheduled for late January or early February. *Crossing my fingers!*

Day of Consult Information:
Height: 5'10"
Neck: 20"
Chest, under Bust: 58"
Waist: 61"
Right Arm: 20"
Left Arm: 19"
Right Wrist: 8"
Left Wrist: 8"
Right Thigh: 30"
Left Thigh: 30"
Right Calf: 21 3/4"
Left Calf: 21 1/2"
Weight: 393 Pounds - Weird thing- the nurse who weighed me said she'd
never guess I was that much. Was that a compliment? lol

Until Next Time,
*~*Jaci*~*

***December 23, 2005***
Oh my Gosh! I was approved! I had the consult on Tuesday and Hillarie
from Dr. Coirin's office called Yesterday to tell me the great news!
I wasn't home and she had to leave a message, I just checked the
machine and Whoa!!! Now, all I have to do is lose Twenty Pounds, and we can
schedule the surgery. I am so excited. What a great beginning to
Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!

***December 26, 2005***
I have been on a strict diet of chicken, salad and some extra goodies
(cheese and dressing, etc) since Tuesday so I can lose the 20 pounds I
need to lose for the surgery. I have rabbits and needed to weigh a
litter of eight, so I took them into the vet's office to weigh. Side note-
they're all a great weight, 5.8-4.1 pounds, nice and average! :-)
Well, I decided to hop on myself and test the scale lol. When I hopped
on, I was 370... which is down 23 pounds.... in six days? I don't think
so lol. So I'm going to run up the Dr. Coirin's office tomorrow and do
an official weigh in. If my BMI is 54 or lower, I can get my surgery
date!! I am so excited! Stay tuned for my weight tomorrow...
*~*Jaci*~*

***December 27, 2005***
Called Memorial Health to schedule the three hour class for pre-op
surgery information. I already have a class set! It's set for Tuesday!
Only one Week away! Wow, this process is going so fast!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh Whoa, Holy Moley! I have a DATE!!!! I went in today to weigh
myself. I don't have a big enough scale so have to drive into Modesto to do
it, yesterday I did on the vet's scale as you remember. Well, I am
officially 382- 11 Pounds GONE! So, I got to have my surgery date
scheduled since I'm below a BMI of 55. The date.... *drum roll*... JANUERY 6.
That is NEXT WEEK!!!!!! So much to do, I am so excited!!!!! Look
out World, here I come!
*~*Jaci*~*

***December 29, 2005***
Diego from Memorial Hospital called today to schedule my Hospital
Pre-Op appointment- I go in on Tuesday at 9:45, after that I attend the 3
hour class held at the hospital through Dr. Coirin's office. Very
Exciting, this is moving SO fast! So, here's my time line:

December 14- Seminar given by Dr. Coates and Coirin
December 20- Consultation, start diet to go under BMI of 55
December 20- Request for surgery sent to Blue Cross
December 23- Received Approval
December 27- weighed in and was under BMI of 55, so given a Surgery
Date
January 3- Hospital Pre-Op and 3 hour hospital class
January 4- Dr. Coirin Pre-Op Appointment
January 6- SURGERY!

Everything was done within a month, how great is that! I got it done
so quick because I had everything done that was required already- Psych,
Nutrition, Bloodwork, Heart Tests, etc.

I truly pray that I'll come through the surgery with flying colors and
be back on my feet so I get to school asap. The semester starts on the
17, luckily all but one of my classes are online. I just have to
drive 30 minutes for one little math class.... hopefully, the seats will be
ok with my incisions. I have orientations for my online classes the
week after, so it gives another few days to get better :D.