Things are happening

Hi everyone, Can't believe the changes in the past few days. The other day I wore a shirt that used to be real snug around my stomach, and suddenly it didn't even touch my belly. So I got out the trusty tape measure. As you might remember, I am an avid quilter and we quilters use these really long tape measures--120" long. That is what I had to use to measure my hips and belly. But now I can measure with a regular tape measure. That is something I have not been able to do in almost 20 years. I am ecstatic. Today at my daughter's shop (I tend store while she's in school) I put on a Neil Diamond CD (he is my all time favorite recording artist) and was dancing around the store. Not when customers were there, but I did find myself swinging and sashaying as I was cutting fabric for a lady. One of the customers said I looked so good--she had not seen me since surgery--that I had been gray last summer. Now I have a nice rosey complexion. She can hardly wait until she has surgery next month. Tonight I did the Gazell for 40 minutes. True, I counted only 1.1 miles, but that is such an improvement. I can't remember who talked about the Q-Smart Snack Crisps, but I found them in Safeway earlier this week and they are so wonderful. I have to have a bedtime snack or I wake up ravenous and eat too fast and vomit. I had been having string cheese, but this is so much better and it has crunch. Sorry this is so long, but I am so excited about everything that is happening. Monna 389/269/150

That's wonderful Monna you go girl !!! I'll have to check out the Q-Smart Snack Crisps thanks. I can relate to the tape measure I don't quilt but I do sew! I haven't really measured tho I might try that. I can usually tell somethings happening by how loose my clothes fit ... Sue

Monna I don't want to seem stupid. but i quess i am, LOL. What is Gazell??? Way to go girl, keep up the good work and keep feeling like dancing, Myrna

A Gazelle is an exercise machine that simulates walking and is easy on your knees. There used to be advertisements on TV for them. Monna 389/268/150

Myrna, If you check out either HSN.com or QVC.com, you can find a listing for the Gazelle. It is designed by Tony Little. Hope that helps you. Kristen

thats so wonderful Monna! Congratulations! Your doing so awesome. I often feel like dancing myself! WTG on the gazelle too! Deejay 257/174/150 -83

Monna!! You are doing so well! Doesn't it feel great to exercise? what a fantastic accomoplishment to be able to measure youself with a smaller tape. I hope you don't mind my asking, but what is your age, Monna? I am 33 and my mother is interested in having the surgery (she is 61, --I just love her to pieces). She is concerned regarding changes to her life post WLS and her recovery time. Any advice? Congrats on a job well done and keep up the great work! Diana

Diana, Thanks for your nice words. I am 59 and will be 60 in June. My recovery was very similar to most of those I have read of on this board. The exception is that I had a GI bleed 12 days after surgery, but that was due being restarted on coumadin (blood thinner) too soon after surgery and it corrected with transfusions and massive amounts of vitamin K. I have not had a lot of problems others have had--no vomiting except when I overate and ate too fast. I can eat almost everything, but I have to be very careful with things with sugar, sugar alcohols, and Splenda as they cause dumping syndrome. I would encourage your mom to have the surgery, especially if her physician approves. I don't know what other health issues she might have. I am diabetic, have pulmonary hypertension, mitral valve prolapse, and atrial stenosis. I had to fight with my pulmonologist to clear me for the surgery, but he realized I was not long for this world without the surgery. My cardiologist had always supported my decision as did my PCP. As far as I am concerned this surgery has been a miracle. I can sit on the floor and play with my grandchildren, I can take a walk in the neighborhood, I can dance. In short, I am alive again. Monna 389/268/150

Boy Monna - what a difference, huh?? You are doing so well!! I also find myself a lot - it's nice to be able to move around without groaning!!! Thanks for a post to remind me realize how fortunate I am to have had this surgery!!! Hugs, Nancy -97

Monna, that is awesome! Way to go! It is so cool to hear how this surgery can have so many positive effects on everyday life! Keep up the GREAT work! Jeff -107