Here is a weight loss breakdown by month:
October & November total = 47
December = 14
January = 18
February = 11
March = 15
April = 12
May = 12
June = 10
July = 6
August = 2 (so far)
_________
Total -147
(Since beginning of Pre Op diet on 10-11-06)

9 Month Pictures

Weight in top pictures 384 on October 11, 2006.
Current weight 242 on July 20, 2007.

8 Month Pictures

Busy Weekend

Weight 248

The last couple of days have been a blur. My 1st cousin got married on Saturday. It was a beautiful ceremony.

She asked my husband and I to cut and serve the cake. Neither of us were even tempted to try a bite. What was amazing to us was how driven people are by what kind, the size of cake and how much frosting is on each piece. These people were like addicts. I know I used to worry about the same stuff. I'm proud to say that I've been refined sugar free since October 11, 2007. (Of course there is natural sugar in many foods.) I've also not had any caffeine since then either. My last alcoholic drink was sometime in June 2006. GO ME!

I'm always surprised by how many people choose to talk to me now. People who wouldn't give me the time of day or look me in the eye before. Most people were very respectful in their compliments to both Tim and I.

Our family reunion was today. Let me just say that I did very well with my food choices. However, when I put everything into FitDay, I was shocked to see that I had eaten over 1000 calories and hadn't even had dinner yet! Yikes!

I decided to wear a tank top even though I hate my arms. People like to touch bare skin. That's pretty creepy to me. I don't like people just walking up and running their hand over my shoulder or bare back. That's just weird to me. I've never had to worry about this since I've always been covered up completely even in the summer.

Here is a before picture taken in 2003.
My weight was around 350. Tim's was around 330.




Tim and I before the wedding, June 23, 2007.
My weight is 249. Tim's weight is 237.

June Measurements

Click to enlarge

The forearm category is actually my under bust measurement.

Being Accountable

Weight 254- down 130 pounds!!!

Things aren't moving too quickly on the weight loss front. I'm trying to be patient.

Felicia got my lazy butt to start being responsible for what I'm putting in my mouth. I've been brutally honest with myself by keeping track on FitDay. I haven't gone over 1000 calories yet, but my carbs are high at around 50. I'm getting in 65 grams of protein on average a day. I've also been getting more water in. I'm still only at about 60 oz. per day.

Here is a picture a friend took of me today.

Monthly Weight Loss Totals

Weight 255

Here is a weight loss breakdown by month:
October & November total = 47
December = 14
January = 18
February = 11
March = 15
April = 12
May = 12
_________
Total -129

6-8-07

6-7-07

6-6-07 Food

I'm being honest with myself about what I'm putting into my mouth. Felicia challenged me to post my food log for a week.

(click to enlarge)

Food 6-5-07

Food Logs

6-2-07
6-3-07
6-4-07

Morphing

7 Month Pictures

Current Weight 258

Keep in mind how much I hate the green shirt as it's so tight. It has spandex in it. But, it is what it is (thanks Felicia).

Before (10/06, Weight 384), April 07 (Weight 267), May 07 (Weight 260)
















Highest Wt: 384
Surgery Wt : 366
Current Wt : 258
Goal weight : 180
Lost this last week: 3
Since Surgery : 108
Lost So Far : 126
Left To Go: 78
% Body Weight Lost: 32.8%
Current BMI: 41.6

Weigh In Day!!, 5/21/2007

Highest Wt: 384
Surgery Wt : 366
Current Wt : 261
Goal weight : 180
Lost this last week: 2
Since Surgery : 105
Lost So Far : 123
Left To Go: 81
% Body Weight Lost: 32%
Current BMI: 42.1

May Measurements

(3-11-07):
Bust=50"
Under Bust=44"
Hips=55"
Waist=53.5"
Thigh=32"
Calf=22"
Arm=17"

(4-7-07)
Bust=46"
Under Bust=41"
Hips=55"
Waist=50.5"
Thigh=31"
Calf=22"
Arm=16.5"

(5-17-07)
Bust=48" (+2)
Under Bust=40" (-1)
Hips=53" (-2)
Waist=46.5" (-4)
Thigh=31" (0)
Calf=21" (-1)
Arm=16" (-1/2)

Ugh on the breast area!

6 Month Anniversary

I've lost 117 pounds so far. Here is my progress:

(click to enlarge)

Hooray For Dumping

Weight 269

I lost another one!! I'm sure I lost more today since I had dumping syndrome all day. It's really the first incident like that I've had. I started sweating and then thought my stomach was going to blow and blow it did. Unfortunately, this all took place for 3 hours during my youngest daughter's birthday party. :(

Small World

Weight 272

My body finally decided to give up trying to hold on to the fluid it retained during my recent gall bladder surgery.

I've been eating pretty normal foods (for me) but have had a hard time getting more than a few bites of anything down. This is where supplementing has saved me. Felicia turned me on to Pro Complex. It can be mixed in as little as 4 oz of fluid so it's easy to get down. The best part is that it tastes like chocolate milk.

On a different note, I received an email yesterday from a woman who had taken me under her wing when I attended my first support group meeting before surgery. She was so sweet and caring and kept in touch with me after my surgery. I hadn't heard from her for a while when I got this email:

Jenn, don't know if you remember me, but I met you at the support group meeting at MMPC before your surgery and talked to you quite awhile. I saw that you had gall bladder surgery on Friday. You're not going to believe this, but I did too. I think we were recovering together. YES, I was the grumpy one across from you. I didn't have my glasses on so I couldn't really see you. All I know is that I was not feeling the greatest and I couldn't believe you were so upbeat and chipper. Sorry I was so grumpy! Anyway, this is quite ironic don't you think?

I can't believe what a small world it is!

Connect The Dots

Weight 278 (gain because of surgery fluids)

I thought I would give you blow by blow details of my gall bladder removal adventure.

• Friday the 13th, 3:00 am wake up call. Finally get Mr. Sign to haul his butt out of bed at 3:45 am.
• 5:30 am, get to the hospital after missing the the road it's on.
• Register just ahead of 10 other people. Yay, no waiting for me.
• Give a urine sample (hooray, I'm not pregnant!)
  
• Receive the largest gown the hospital has. It looked like a strapless gown since the neck hole was so large.
• 6:30 am, I'm taken to the surgical holding area where I watch the rest of the room fill up.
  
• The nurse, EKG tech and the surgeon all decide to come talk to me at the same time. The surgeon wins. He explains that he will be doing some exploratory diagnosis while he's in there. He even draws me a picture. I ask him if I can keep the gall bladder. He says that it's no longer allowed because of bio hazards. He says he can only imagine what I would do with it.
• 7:20 am, nurse tries to start an IV. I've had at least a hundred IVs in my day and show her where she will be successful. She picks a different spot. She says the new catheters are not sharp and it hardly pokes through my skin. The vein rolls and she has to call in enforcements. The new person tries a different spot and fails. I show her my spot. She doesn't like it but tries and gets it in. Yay! I only have one black and blue arm.
• The nurse anesthetist comes in to talk to me and she has the most comforting voice. She explains exactly what will happen and then gives me some "la la juice".
  
• She rolls me to the OR. I slide over to the operating table (which feels much bigger than it did last time) and she tells me we are just waiting on the anesthesiologist. We waited for 10 minutes. I got to have conversations with everyone, including the surgeon who was joking about letting the Physician's assistant do my surgery.
  
• Finally, the anesthesiologist shows up and says that he was trying to drink his coffee in peace but the OR kept interrupting him. I'm assuming he was kidding because he laughed.
• The nurse told me to think about Hawaii and drift off to sleep.
• 9:15 am (I can see the clock). My eyes are open and I finally figure out where I am. I'm shaking violently and I hear the nurse say, "give her (fill in the blank [I was on drugs, I can't be expected to remember this stuff])". They also piled 5 warm blankets on me and I was in heaven.
• The nurse gave me ice chips and I called her a goddess.
• 10:30 am, I'm returned to where I started, only there are differnt patients. I'm doing better than all of them. The rest were grumpy.
• 11:30 am, I'm told to get up to go to the bathroom. They get my clothes and tell me to get dressed. I have a feeling I'm being kicked out. As I'm in the bathroom, I notice that I've started my period. The joys of abdominal surgery!
  
• 11:45, a little tiny old lady comes with a wheel chair to try to escort me out. She hits 3 walls and can't get me into the elevator. I told her I would walk so I got out of the chair and onto the elevator. I turned around to thank her and she was already gone. Hmm..the Little Old Lady From Pasedena just sped away.
• 1:00 pm, we arrive home. I'm in total disbelief that I had surgery just a few short hours before and now I'm home lying on my couch. It's amazing that you can lose a body part and still be sent home in a matter of hours.

This surgery was so much easier than the last. Pain has been minimal. I still have some pain where the gall bladder was, but it's no worse than it was before surgery.

The surgeon took the time to look around in my abdomen since he was there. He was able to use two of my old incisions but had to make two new ones (for a total of eight beautiful scars. I didn't think I'd ever be a bikini model anyway). He checked on the previous gastric bypass surgery that he had performed. He shot dye into my liver to check the ducts for gall stones. The last thing he did was to check on my intestines for hernias. He said everything looked excellent. I'm so relieved. he also said that it was definately my gall bladder that had been causing me all the trouble. He told me all of this in recovery and said I wouldn't remember any of it. I guess I come out of anesthesia easily because I remember everything in vivid detail.

The doctor did say he would like to see me take 2 weeks off work but I'm going to see how well I do after a week. I can't lift anything for a while which won't help me at my job.

Who Are You?

Weight 274

A friend and I were talking at the kids' school when another mom approached us. This woman's children had gone to school with ours but had left the school 2 years ago. She was visiting our kids' school because she does vision testing.

The woman hugged my friend and immediately began conversation. She completely ignored me which I found strange because in years past, we had spoken pleasantries every day.

I stood back and watched the exchange between the two women like I was invisible. She hugged my friend and left. I couldn't imagine why she hadn't spoken to me.

My youngest daughter came bounding out of the school and asked if I had seen "Mrs. Friend" because she had asked about me and even told daughter to make sure she told me "hello".

It took me a second to figure out that she had now clue who I was when I was standing there. She was looking for the "old " me.

So, I've officially had my first incident of not being recognized because of my weight. Weird.

Happy Easter

Weight 274

Wooooo hoooooooo!!!!!! I'm on a roll, baby!! That's 5 pounds in 4 days. 9 if you count this week's gain to 283.

I know it won't last so I'm celebrating today.

Happy Easter!

Measurements

Weight 276

I know, I know! You are all telling me not to weigh myself every day but I'm obsessed you see! If I hadn't weighed myself, I wouldn't know that I've lost anything. This puts me at -108.





I took the time to take my measurements this morning.

Here are last month's (3-11-07):
Bust=50"
Under Bust=44"
Hips=55"
Waist=53.5"
Thigh=32"
Calf=22"
Arm=17"

This month's (taken 4-7-07)
Bust=46"
Under Bust=41"
Hips=55"
Waist=50.5"
Thigh=31"
Calf=22"
Arm=16.5"

As you can see, I'm losing much faster on my upper half. I'll take it any way I can get it. I have no choice.

That's Better

Weight 280

I wonder what weight tomorrow will bring?

The picture on the right was taken in July 2003 at a family reunion. The picture on the left was taken in March 2007.

I still can't believe we looked like that!

Ugh!

Weight 283

Yes, that's a gain of 4 pounds! I have no idea what is going on. Nothing has changed except that I've been taking Vicoden. I'm seriously freaking out here.

Click to visit A Longer Road

For those who started their WLS journey at or above 350lbs.

Weight Breakdown

Weight 279

I was feeling upset that I hadn't lost more weight this month so I figured out my monthly losses. Because I was afraid to document my weight here on OH at first, I only know my total loss for Oct. & Nov. combined.

October & November total = 47
December = 14
January = 18
February = 11
March = 15
__________
-105 Total

I was very pleased to see that I had done so well in March. I'm glad I sat down and figured it out.

I'm still hanging in there with the gall bladder pain. I took Vicoden all weekend and that seemed to help. I can't take it during the day if I have to drive :( I can't wait until the 13th. It can't get here fast enough.

Keep On Keeping On

Weight 279

I still have pain constantly, but yesterday there were no "twinges".

Today the pain was quite excrutiating at times. I'm still working and today we were putting the lettering on our trailer. I was doubled over several times.

I can't believe I have to wait two more weeks to have this pain gone.

My other option is to go to the ER (one hour away). If I do, and they decide to keep me in the hospital, I have to pay a $500 co-pay.

I'm taking the Vicoden they prescribed right now.

Pain Update

Weight 280

I called the surgeon's office after the pain in my right side got worse. Apparently, they take this stuff pretty serious. They sent me immediately to have blood drawn.

I had an ultrasound. The technician was training someone so she talked the entire time. I knew immediately that I had gall stones because she pointed them out to the trainee.

Tim, my husband, had his 3 month appointment so they worked me in with the physician's assistant. I saw Dr. Kemmeter in the hall. He said that I had been the topic of discussion. He asked what the ultrasound showed and said I would need surgery. He almost seemed excited. I asked if he would do the surgery and he said, "Of course!".

The only problem is that I have to wait until April 13th (Friday) to have surgery. I'm in pain and the idea of having to wait that long is killing me.

I had to have a chest x-ray to rule out pneumonia because of this crazy virus I've had for 2 weeks.

The PA was very excited about my weightloss. He did my pre-op exam so that I don't have to come back. That was the only good thing that came of this whole thing.

It's so strange because my head wants to be excited about my weight loss, but my body's not co-operating. I can't wait to feel better.

Woe Is Me

Weight 280

The virus still has it's grips on me, but, I'm feeling quite a bit better that way.

About five days ago, I started to feel some abdominal pain. It's dull, but constant on my right side just below my rib cage (I can actually feel my ribs!). Once in a while there is a sharp twinge. I was hoping it would go away.

It seems to be getting worse rather than better so I called the surgeon's office. I was instructed to have blood drawn immediately so I did. I'm scheduled for an ultrasound today and also with the physician's assistant. Of course, they think it's my gall bladder. I'm hoping it's not.

I'll be so mad if it is since I told them I had had problems in the past. The surgeon said he would check it when he did the RNY. He said at the time that it looked fine. I don't want another surgery but I do want the pain to go away.

More 5 Month Pictures

5 Month Pictures

Weight 281

(All pictures can be clicked to enlarge)












I tried as hard as I could to get these to be the same size, but couldn't get it right. Because I've got so many pictures, they have to be split in half.

I can finally notice that my stomach is getting smaller *sigh*.

On a happy note, the jeans in the final picture are a size 24. I just bought them today. They are my favorite Denim Lite jeans from The Avenue. I don't think a regular 24 would fit so well.

Tomorrow I will post my pre-op pics vs. my 5 month pics.

What Did I Do To Deserve This?

Weight 281 (-2 since yesterday, -103 total)

I'm not sure what I'm doing differently, but I'm back on the losing track. It could have something to do with this crazy virus that is kicking my butt. I can't seem to eat much real food. I take two bites and feel sick.

I still don't think I've had an actually full blown dumping experience. Yesterday, I made cube steak and it was really tender. After just a few bites, I knew it wasn't going well so I pushed it aside. An hour later, it revisited. I didn't feel particularly bad, just like something was stuck. Once I threw up, I felt much better.

I just hope the losing continues and I can get rid of this horrible virus.

Century Club

Weight 283

It's Official!

Weight 284





I have lost 100 pounds!!!!! I made it!!!!

I can't wait until I lose 100 more!!!!!!!!

My youngest (who is sick too) did a modified happy dance this morning. It's also the first day of my period so I'm hoping to be down more in the next couple of days.

This all seems surreal that in less than 5 months, I would lose this much weight. Now the hard work begins.

Weight Loss Talk

Weight 284

A conversation over lunch with my stepdad, Ted, yesterday sparked some thoughts about losing weight. Obviously, I have no clue about what really works since I had to cut into my gut to make a change.

My mom and Ted have been on a diet for the last three weeks.

Ted has a metabolism like a hummingbird. He eats constantly to keep up with his intense physical movements. He's small but works out voraciously to keep himself at a constant weight. He has lost 10 pounds on their diet.

Unfortunately, I got my metablolism from my mom. My poor mother has only lost 3 pounds. I tried explaining to Ted that when someone follows a diet and doesn't see results, it seems like it's the end of the world. He insisted that someone on a diet needs only to think about the moment, not the rest of their life. I disagreed because when I'm on a diet, that's all I can focus on, what I'm depriving myself of.

I should explain that Ted is a recovering alcoholic (28 years of sobriety). He has always equated overcoming alcohol with being able to lose weight. He says that addictions are the same. I have tried to explain to him that it isn't the same. We have to eat in order to survive. Just trying to eat a little is like telling an alcoholic to have one drink.

Another major difference in trying to lose weight is that almost everything we do in life is based around food. All gatherings revolve around what's being served. Just walking up to someone's desk can be difficult if they have a huge jar of candy in your face.

What has changed for me since surgery is that I can no longer eat huge quanities of food, even if I wanted to. I have been forced to change my eating habits. If I don't, I must suffer the immediate consequence of throwing up. Even if my head tells me to eat more, I can't. Why couldn't I just eat smaller portions before surgery? Because my brain wouldn't let me. If food was there, I would eat it.

I'd love to say that I've overcome obsessing over food, but I'd be lying. What surgery has taught me is that I must now focus more on what I'm eating as well as how much. I have to get enough protein and water every day or I will suffer for the rest of my life. Being aware of every single morsel I put into my body for the rest of my life, is the only way I will overcome obesity.

-98 Pounds

Weight 286

I'm finally down a pound. It's been 7 days since I lost anything.

I spent yesterday obsessing about what I was going to eat. I had to tell myself a couple of times that it wasn't time to eat.

I have a horrible chest and head cold. The first since before surgery. I guess I usually eat to try to make myself feel better.

I started logging in to FitDay.com again. I'm usually pretty good about keeping track in my head. My calories fluctuate from 400-800 a day. Still too low.

Victory!

Weight 287 (Still!)

The weather was absolutely gorgeous yesterday. It was a warm 70 degrees F and the whole family had the day off.

Tim took the girls to the bookstore and I got myself together and trekked outside to do some yardwork. Keep in mind that last year, I was so mad about not having weight loss surgery that I didn't do much of anything. I was so focused on having surgery during the summer that really nothing else mattered.

I started out pulling last years dead flowers and leaves out of the front raised flower beds. As I stood on top of the landscaping bricks uncovering tupils and daffodils, I felt like I was a king on a mountain. I can bend and move like never before.

Tim came home and helped me tackle the garden. It was funny because there was still some snow on the ground and yet it was warm.

(Our youngest shoveling the deck in shorts)

As we finished up, I realized that it was indeed a good thing that I didn't have surgery last summer. I would have never felt as good as I do now and I get to spend the whole summer feeling great.

Whoa!

Weight 287

I was going through some pictures on disk and came up with some horrible before pictures. I hope I never end up like this again!

All of these were taken in 2003. I'm guessing my weight to be around 370. Not even as big as I got.