Stuart Langston

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As of today, June 10 2007, I have lost 96 pounds.  This past week saw 7 more go away.  Strange how some weeks will see very little in the way of weight loss, and others it just melts away.  Guess my body is just adjusting and doing it's thing.  

My wife traveled to Dallas this weekend for a wedding, leaving me with our 3 children.  Were I still at 360 pounds plus, I would not be able to handle the pressure to taking care of and entertaining 3 youngsters, but without the weight, just a fun challenge.  That is the main reason, other than my health, for having the surgery.  It has already been a great summer and it is sure to get better as I get smaller.

Things are going very well with my recovery and new habits.  I find that I cannot eat much at breakfast so I stick with Atkins protein bars or an Atkins shake.  Lunch is sometimes hard to get down, so I don't eat much at lunch.  But by dinner, I am hungry and eat a normal meal, then snack on cheese and crackers or soy snacks.  

I tried a Zone protein bar on the suggestion of a co-worker and didn't check the label for sugars before I had eaten most of it...17 grams of sugar...yikes.  I waited and waited for the dumping to begin, but luckily no issues.  But it scared me enough to remember to read all labels before buying or eating.

I will post more photos when I reach the magical 100 pound weight loss which, with any luck, will be next week.

Weighed today and have lost 6 pounds since last week's post...86 so far.  My personal goal to loose 100 by my birthday (July 31) is still within reach.  Had a good Memorial Day weekend.  Got to swim a lot and did some boating.  Monday was filled with activity, and although tired at the end of the day, I felt great.  Even though I still have a ways to go, if it all stopped today I think I would still consider the surgery a success.  And I know it only gets better from here.

My 3 month check-up with Dr. Mailapur went very well.  I had lost 75 pounds (down 80 now) and my vitals were all good.  Will have to do blood work for my 6 month check-up to be sure I'm getting all the vitamins I need and that I'm ok in other areas.  Still feeling great.  Dr. Mailapur was pleased with my 75 pound weight loss, and said I only have 114 pounds to go.  114?!  He said that I needed to lose as much weight as I can in the first 12 to 18 months to ensure I get close to my goal weight.  After that time, it becomes hard to lose any additional weight.  If things continue to go as they are now, I don't see a problem with that, but I can't imagine myself below 200, yet alone below 180...we'll see.

My 3 month follow-up appointment with Dr. Mailapur is today.  Hard to believe that with all the changes, it's only been 3 months since surgery.  This past Sunday night I commented to my wife that I thought I was looking younger.  Then on Monday, one of my co-workers out of the blue says "I think you look younger".  Now that's a nice added perk to this whole thing.  Once you hit 40, you don't expect to hear that.  I have lost, according to my scale, 75 pounds so far...we'll see what the "official" word is later.  

Got a very nice note from one of my listeners to my radio show about her husband who had the surgery.  He weighed over 500 pounds and has lost 180 so far.  It's stories like that which are so inspiring.  No matter how bad you think you have it, there's always someone else who has it harder.  Thank goodness for this remarkable surgery.

The problem I was having eating seems to have taken care of itself.  I spoke to my doctor and he advised a liquid diet for a couple of days and then to try again.  It worked.  I have now lost down to 288...that's 73 pounds since Feb 12, 2007.  I bought some 44 waist jeans last night and can put them on, but they are a little snug to wear...maybe in another week they'll fit ok.  

I posted some new photos of myself taken yesterday....I'm beginning to look like I remember myself looking.  Now the fun part...losing down to below where I remember and really experiencing the new me.  

More later.

This has been an interesting week.  I have lost down to 295 which is great (66 pounds since surgery).  But I have had problems eating this week.  Not sure of the issue.  I can only eat very small amounts of any food before I get a really full sensation...almost too full.  Not much pain, just pressure.  It has seriously hampered my ability to eat enough protein.  But I am feeling great otherwise and I am hopeful that this is a temporary setback.  If it continues for another day or so I am calling the doctor.  

If the scales are right, I have see the last of the 300's...299 and falling!  What a fantastic feeling to know that I will never again weigh in the 300's.  Still eating well for the most part.  Enjoying Stouffers meals lately.  Yesterday tried the baked chicken with mashed potatoes...20 grams of protein and only 225 calories....and I was stuffed.  

Trying to find some new clothes on Ebay...my "skinny" clothes look really funny on me now, and my fat clothes...let's just say I'm moving on.  

My goal to be down 100 pounds by my birthday is right on track...it's been 65 days since my surgery and I'm down 62 pounds...only 38 to go to reach 100.  What an incredible thing this surgery is.

Had a great weekend.  Friday night, took my two boys to a football game (our community has an Arena Football 2 team).  I fit in the seat at the civic center for the first time in 10 years.  Had 2 bites of a hot dog and a few bites of popcorn.  Saturday, went to see the movie "Blades of Glory".  The last time I went to this theater, I had to squeeze myself into the seat.  Not this time.  I was surprised how much room I had .  I told my wife I could not believe how big I must have been.  What a great feeling.  Tonight, I ate scallops, rice and 2 bites of a cheddar bay biscuit.  

9 weeks post op and down 58 pounds.  Feeling great.  Why did I wait so long to have this life-changing surgery? 

What an amazing 2 months.  55 pounds lighter, 6 inches gone from my waist, BP now at 114/73 without meds, resting heart rate down from the 90's to 59 at last check, sleep apnea gone, engery level up.  So what is the negative side to all of this?  I still have cravings for certain things that I can't have right now.  Harder to find food to eat.  Having to find clothes that don't fall off.  I'm sure there are other things, but all in all this is the best decision I could have ever made for myself.  

Today was interesting as far as food goes.  I have been drinking the Atkins shakes for breakfast each morning.  I took a late lunch so I could see my son Ryan's pre-school class' musical performance and had to grab some food on the road.  Went to Wendy's and got the 5 piece chicken nuggets and small chilli.  Was able to eat all 5 nuggets and saved the chilli for later in the afternoon.  Felt good to get that much food in today...the more protein the better.  

My goal is to be down 100 pounds by my birthday on July 31.  That would put me at 261 pounds.  Wish me luck!

Went to see our double A minor leage baseball team play last night, and was very pleased that, even though I had on a heavy coat, that I fit in the seat!  Not only that, but enjoyed a hamburger, sans bun.  It was the first time I have really enjoyed going to something like that in many years.  

Enjoyed the local support group meeting Thursday night and got some good ideas on increasing my protein intake.  I am definately not getting enough.  Going to try the Isopure at GNC.  Hopefully I can get my intake up soon.  Unfortunately, I am only 8 weeks out and having to suppliment with protein shakes (yuk!).  Oh well, it's not forever.

Happy Easter!