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I've obviously not kept up with my blog so will try to catch up from the past two years.  Alot has happened since my surgery and everything is going very well for me healthwise.  I've set goals for myself and managed to attain those goals, which is a huge accomplishment for me!

My overall health has been good, with the exception of about four months where my digestive system had some issues.  Between my bariatric doctor and an internal medicine doctor they determined I had c-diff virus.  The symptoms I had were loss of appetite, upset stomach, water retention, constant diarrhea and stomach cramping.  I was treated with two types of antibiotics and had a colonscopy.  The outcome seemed to be a bacterial virus.  I feel much better now thankfully! 

In 2009 I started contemplating having plastic surgery to remove the excess skin that was left from my weightloss.  I originally had lost 146 lbs so there was alot of skin that would not bounce back.  I consulted with 3 plastic surgeons in the Cincinnati area and finally selected one.  I opted for a lower body lift and breast augmentation.  On October 19, 2009 I had my surgery.  I weighed 170 lbs the morning of that surgery.  As of January 31st, 2010, I now weigh 152 lbs.  I have healed from my surgery and look and feel great!  I still would like to have my arms and inner thighs done, but will have to wait for that financially.  This will complete the transformation process when this is completed. 

I lost my job Dec. 31st, 2009 due to a massive layoff so I am now ready to begin looking for a new career and feel that how I look and how I feel about myself will just enhance the opportunities I have ahead for my career!  Having gastric bypass surgery has changed my life is so many wonderful ways!  I am so grateful for everything!

Well, I have not been good at keeping this updated so will try to catch up.  I'm officially 24 mos out post-op and now weigh 164 lbs.  I have lost a total of 140 lbs since my surgery and am so happy!  This was without a doubt the best decision I ever made.  My eating habits have changed so much.  I am focused on taking care of myself, not eating.  This surgery was the best tool for me to learn.  My hair finally starting growing back and filling in again after 12 mos and I am very relieved about that.  That was a hard adjustment to make.  I can actually go shopping for nice clothes in "normal" stores, which is awesome.  My family is continually amazed and how I've changed on the outside.  The only change on the inside is that I really like who I am.  I am pleased with how I look now, except for the excess skin, which really isn't a whole lot.  But I would like to have some plastic surgery someday.  Meanwhile, I am enjoying my life and have tons of energy.  Last Feb I went to Hawaii with my best friend and we climbed an old volcano!  I never would have been able to do that before.  I didn't have any problems sitting the airplane seat, which was a great relief!  Life is good again and I'm so very happy with how my surgery turned out for me.  Thanks to Dr. Martin!

Well, it's been a couple months since my last update.  I'm continuing to notice major changes in my body since the surgery.  It's hard to keep from getting on the scales more than once a week, but I am trying.  I continue to lose weight.  My weight as of Oct. 16th is 201 lbs.  I have noticed the weightloss is slower, but that's okay.  I have trouble getting all my fluids in most days, but I try every day to increase it.  I have noticed my quantity of food has increased a little bit.  I understand that is normal, but I just don't want to stretch my stomach out.  I also would love to get some new ideas on fixing new foods.  Sometimes the food I eat is repetitive because I know the protein is high and the sugars are low.  I am supposed to get with the nutritionist very soon, so maybe that will help.  I have an excellent support system in my family, friends and co-workers.  For the first time in my life someone actually told me I looked "hot"!  I have never been told that in my entire life!  I don't really think I'm that in any way, but it's still pretty awesome to hear.  I'm working at getting some pictures uploaded.  In February it will be a year since my GBP procedure and I'm celebrating by going back to Hawaii with a friend who also had the GBP surgery!  I can't wait!  It will be nice to ride in an airplane without a seatbelt extension!  More to come soon......

Hello!  I'm trying to get caught up as it appears I failed to post an update since my surgery!  I went to see Dr. Martin for my six month checkup and to review my bloodwork for the first time.  My bloodwork came back great!  The morning of my surgery I weighed 302 lbs.  Since then up until my appt on August 17th, I now weigh 216 lbs.  That makes a grand total of 86 lbs.  I can tell a huge difference in my clothing and in my face.  Many people are noticing changes in me already!