Ethel wants to know April Buddies

Hello all of you April Buddies...well, so we will never forget where we came from and also to keep our eyes on where we are going in our new lives after weight loss surgery, I want to ask some questions. 1. What was the most recent or most memorable wow moments or changes that are made possible due to WLS. 2. What does an average day's meal menu consist of...remember "Ethel" wants to know? 3. Before/goal/current weight So me first because I asked. 1. Ladies at church showing church photo album of events to new people and I was in there many times and people that did not know the "before" could not believe I was ever "that heavy". Thought I looked so much younger..truly a different person. Changes...hmmm..my whole life is changed and I must say for the better. I walk, clean, scrub floors, climb over washing machines, climb on ladders and stepstools w/o worrying they will break, shop in petite ladies department at Hamerick's and buy size 4/6. Walk in front of storefront windows and can't believe the woman there is truly me. Not embarrassed to walk on stage now and speak before room full of women. I look "normal" not "morbidly obese". Forever grateful to the Lord for answering the cry of my heart for help. 2. Always protein first.... B - Protein shake and vitamins S - cottage cheese with SF Blackberry Preserves (yes, still love it or fruit) L - protein like turkey, chicken and cheese and salad or soup S - protein bar or shake or more soup D - turkey, fish, chicken or shrimp and salad or vegie..sometimes 1/4 of sweet potato or 1/2 of small baked potato S - cheese or rice cake (caramel) or SF Dove choc candy (1-2 pieces) And always drink liquids 46 oz minimum. 3. 290/132/132 Dr.s goal was 150 but I am only 5'1" and that was too heavy. Thanks in advance for joining in and sharing. In Christ's love, Joan Mc

Hi Joan and Ethel - I'll play along... 1. Most memorable/WOW moment: Went to an amusement park this summer. So much FUN!!! The last one I was at was Disney and I couldn't fit on any of the rides - so embarrassing! But had no problem this summer and can't wait to go to more. Also I'm painting my bedroom right now and it's all bending over, sitting on the floor, going up and down stairs and stepladders. I NEVER could have done this before, no way - but I'm halfway done and have done it all myself! 2. Menu: usually a protein bar or shake for breakfast. Lunch is deli meat and cheese with some crackers or pita bread. Dinner is chilli/soup, frozen meal of some sort. Snacks can be banana's and peanut butter, sugar free puddings/cookies, whatever. I can eat just about anything these days which is good and bad. Still can't do lettuce though so there aren't any salads. 3. Highest weight: 401, Surgery weight: 368, Current Weight: 233, Goal weight: 189. Will I ever reach it???? That's the question these days, I've not lost anything in over 6 months. I'm losing inches though. So that's encouraging somewhat. Thanks for asking, sarah

I have measured since the day of surgery and am amazed at how our bodies change monthly. When we do not lose pounds the inches come off or redistribute. You have done incredibly well. Just look at that beginning weight...and smile Girl you did it!!! Thanks for stoppoing in Sarah...hope to see more of you...BTW where is your picture? Joan

Hi Joan and all the rest of you April buddies. I have had many wow moments, but what continues to amaze me is running into someone I haven't seen in a while(pre wls). Most don't recognize who I am, and it is not until I say hello and start talking that they realize who they are talking to. It is hard to believe they can't recognize me. I am still the same person. Now I do things without asking myself, can I do that? Everyday activities are no longer a chore to perform. I just do them without thinking and am no longer exhausted from the effort. My health has improved tremendously and can now hope to live a longer and more fullfilling life. starting weight 269 (highest weight a few years before was 350) goal weight? never received one, but my personal goal would be to carry 140-145 lbs on my 5'3 1/2" frame. current weight 154 daily food usual breakfast is a protien smoothy made with yogurt and ff milk and a scoop of unflavored protien powder. lunch is maybe some soup or salad with protien dinner is a protien (either chicken, beef, pork, fish, occasional pasta) vegetable, and maybe 1/2 potato or 1/4 cup rice snacks could be either a protien bar. homemade muffin or froz fruit bar. Once every other week or so I have some chocolate (one serving) I do not dump on a normal portion of sugar, have more problem with fats. I track my food each day on spark people average daily totals 1100-1300 calories, 64 oz water, 80-100grams protien. My body has still been changing. In the last six months I have gone down almost two sizes in clothes and have lost about another 20 lbs. I will make my goal in time. All the best to you all. Sher

Hey Sher!!! Wow, you have done great...I know it still amazes me that I don't have to say...can I do that or will I fit...I CAN AND I DO!! Did you ever think when we all started talking to each other during this process in April 2006 that we would be where we are now? me either! Keep checking in...I am determined to not let us forget each other. In Christ's love, Joan M

Hi Joan and all my April Buddies---I am 18 months out today. Wow what a year and a half!!! My WOW moments lately have been seeing several people who have not seen me for awhile and having them respond to my weight loss. Also I never felt I lost much weight in my feet until fall came around and I tried to wear some fall and winter shoes I had and they didn't fit anymore. One pair I didn't even remember having at first and called my Daughter-in-law to see if she had left them here--but no they were mine and way too big. I like them too!!! My average meals have not been the best---I drink a mocha--sugar free and fat free each morning but the carbs are too many as I have a 20 oz drink which has 16 oz of skim milk in it--------so today I am starting to cut them out (save more money for new clothes and shoes!! I am having a protein drink at home instead. I generally eat protein at lunch and dinner. Need to hit the vegetables a little more. A night time snack of Dannon light and fit Yogurt with almonds or another protein drink. Before surgery weight 321 Surgery weight 318 Current weight 158 Goal 147 that would put me in a NORMAL BMI catagorie!!! Current BMI 26.7 Starting BMI 54.2 Good luck to all. Julia

Julia...isn't it amazing how even our feet change? My shoes are too big too...really loose. My 8/10 pants from last winter are soooo big...never thought I would say an 8 was too big!! You are doing great and you will get to that number that is right for you. Thanks for sharing with us. Joan M

Hi Joan and April-lites! 1. Most memorable/WOW moment: Every day is a WOW moment for me. I still can't believe that I am in the land of the "normal"! Today I am wearing size 4 pants and boots that go up to my knees. The boots zip up OVER my jeans! I remember barely being able to zip up boots past my ankles. I am tentatively scheduled for surgery in Jan. for my arms and stomach. I am working with my surgeon and my bosses on how I am paying. Insurance and self pay. I am excited because my arms are very embarrassing. Other parts too, but I can deal better with them. 2. Menu: I usually do bacon or luncheon meat and cheese for breakfast, peanuts or 100 calorie things for snack, ham, turkey and cheese for lunch, and something similar for dinner. I do vary, but I am pretty much a creature of habit. 3. Highest weight: 326, Surgery weight: 326, Current Weight: 141, Goal weight: 145. I wanted to get down to a normal BMI and I fluctuate between 140 and 145 which is normal BMI for my height. I rejoined the gym and walk a lot and feel like a teenager sometimes! Thanks for the post! Sue

Susan..Susan >>>Susan...I am amazed...sweet little Susan in size 4 and boots!!! WOW for sure!! We have come a long way Baby!! Good for you an dI will have to check your profile to see if there are any new pics..w/boots (smile). Keep checking in!!! Love...Joan M

1. What was the most recent or most memorable wow moments or changes that are made possible due to WLS. I have so many wow moments now! Having people not know who I am. Most memorable would have to be being referred to as "that hot blonde" by the band over the microphone at a event we were at this summer! Wearing knee high black boots with a high heel. Just being active and pain free every day is amazing to me! 2. What does an average day's meal menu consist of...remember "Ethel" wants to know? I eat a lot of different things, I stick to my protein shakes 3 a day, vitamins, try to eat like South Beach Diet. 3. Before/goal/current weight 333 then 181 now. I was a size 30/32 and I'm now a 12/14. I'm 5'6 1/2" tall so this is a good size for me. I feel amazing Lizzie