April Buddies Check In!

Hello April Surgery Buddies..I know with the loss of weight we get active but we can still take 5 minutes to give updates on how we are and what is happening...so come on check in: Current weight: 135lbs Pounds lost since surgery: 155 What new thing are you doing since surgery: climbing over washing machine to check exhaust filter..can't believe I could do it...too funny! Are you still glad you had surgery: Oh yes...a million times yes. What do you wish were different?: That I would have exercised more in the beginning and maybe the wrinkles wouldn't be so bad. Please check in so we know you are all well. Remember how important each of us were to each other 16-17 months ago...you still are! Love, Joan M

Hi Joan! Waving at my surgery twin! Current weight: 138lbs Pounds lost since surgery: 188 What new thing are you doing since surgery: I went swimming for the first time in years, I bought a two piece, but worse shorts over the bottom half because my stomach makes the bathing suit bottom not fit really well. I rejoined a gym yesterday in order to prepare for PS in a few months and the girl that walked me around commented on my small frame -- small frame???? Are you still glad you had surgery: Oh yes...a million times yes. (Copying Joan's response here!) What do you wish were different?: I wish I didn't have the initial complications that I had, but other than that, I am very happy with my progress. And I agree, you are all still very important to me. Take care, Sue PS - Thanks Joan for posting this, hope we see a lot of people checking in!

Hello Sue..you have done so well...And I know you will be happy with the results of the PS..you are doing body lift right? We had a PS Dr at our support last night and the price really scared me from thinking I could ever have any surgery. I have only had one rash under my tummy so I can't get that unless things change. Thanks for responding and it sounds like you are enjoying this new life! Missed you all..Joan

Current weight: 110bs Pounds lost since surgery: 140 What new thing are you doing since surgery: I do a *new* thing daily.....from playing with my kids to feeling like I am finally matched on the outside how I have always been on the inside. Are you still glad you had surgery: Not a day goes by that I dont say a word of thanks for this....and praise my surgeon....lol. What do you wish were different?: That I had stuck out my hairloss, and not cut my hair short.....it's taking forever to grow it back! Take care everyone~ Jen B Please check in so we know you are all well. Remember how important each of us were to each other 16-17 months ago...you still are!

Jen..where is your picture? Wow, you are tiny thing aren't you? So glad you are doing well..sorry about your hair but it will grow even though it is slow. Thanks for responding...now where are the rest of the gang? Joan

Hello to all you April buddies! Just checking in. Current weight 158 pounds lost since surgery 111 Basically I am now living life as I should be, not sitting and watching. I often think about something I might have just done. A simple thing like going up stairs, getting the mail or grocery shopping. I just do those things now without even thinking about them. Before I avoided the stairs, walking to the mail box and used a ride on cart to shop. If one wasn't available I'd go home. I am really enjoying being able to be an active grandmother with my 7 year old grandson. Am I glad I had surgery, you bet I am. I only wish I could have had it years ago. Am planning my second PS consult in a few months and planning on having L knee replacement surgery in Jan 2008. As for the wrinkles Joan, at my age I don't think any amount of exercise would help. I had been carrying around so much excess baggage for too many years. The skin is no longer elastic and won't get back in shape without some ps. Hope everyone stays well and is staying on track. HUGS Sher

I know Sher..it is amazing the simple things before surgery that were monumental to us and made us not even live. Now it is so things that we don't even think about. I had a moment like that the other day at support group. Going to the restroom and not even worrying about the handicapped stall being used because I could fit in regular stall now. What bondage we were under before. And now we are free. as far as the wrinkles go...Oh well...it is my fault for staying heavy so many years and they will be a battle scar to me to remind me never to go back to the way it was. Thanks for responding. And you are doing and have done great!!! Joan

Hello everyone. Glad to hear from those that are out having fun this summer! Isn't it great. Current weight--163.8 Pounds lost since surgery--157.2 I am 3.3 pounds from losing 1/2 of myself. What a monkey on my back!!! Like carrying another person around all the time. How did we ever do that?? Not well I am here to tell you. So glad that other person is gone! What new thing am I doing now that I did not do before---So many things---climbing stairs, walking easily and I make a big point of wearing heals to work 1 to 2 times per month. Are you still glad you had surgery---well DUH---you bet I am! What a great change in my life---basically extending my life span by many more years than I could have ever expected before. What do I wish were different. Wish I loved to exercise. Don't mind it once I get to the gym but the getting there is hard. I know I need to do that to keep myself heathly. As others have said---wrinkles are horrible but I will eventually take care of that--insurance or not. Wish I had done this years ago but the timing wasn't right--had to hit close to bottom---hopeless that I could ever lose the weight. Thanks Joan for asking for updates---we should do that monthly. I find that the more I am associated with people who have had or are having surgery, the more it helps me stay focused. I think as time goes on we will need each other more and more to keep our new life on the straight and narrow. I sound like AA huh!! Julia W.

Julia...thanks so much for responding. You are right about really living now. You really have done well and are still doing well. I really appreciate all of the gang from this board that really got me through that very hard first year. And I agree we should do this monthly. Have a great day and exercise Girl! Maybe we could go together...don't I wish! Joan M

Current weight: 184 lbs Pounds lost since surgery: 149 lbs What new thing are you doing since surgery: SO MUCH! I feel like I'm living my life instead of watching it pass by. I've also decided to go back to school to become a Licensed Massage Therapist. Something I never could have done had I not lost all this weight. Are you still glad you had surgery: Oh my gosh... YES! YES! YES!!! What do you wish were different?: Nothing. I'm very happy with my results.