June rollcall

1. I am healthy 2. I look better than I have in YEARS 3. I can go up and down stairs without needing to puff on an inhaler! 4. The seatbelt actually feels good to wear 5. I can sit in an airplane seat and stuff both hands next to my thighs and still not touch! 6. I wear a size 6-8 in most clothes 7. I've lost 103 pounds in just a little over 7 months 8. I'm happy with who I am on the outside now. 9. The dog can sit between my legs and not crowd me off the chair 10. I've made ALMOST every goal I've set for myself. 11. I've given courage and inspiration to those that need it. 12. I had a hellacious surgery and survived it only to realize I'd do it all again with all the same problems 13. I've gained some great friends here at AMOS 14. - I BOUGHT A HOUSE AND I CLOSE THURSDAY - it's OUR FIRST!

I weighed in on surgery day at 354 pounds, I currently weigh in at 193. I no longer have to take any diabetic medication for my Type II diabetes, my sleep apnea has disappeared, I have all kinds of energy. At my last check up the Dr. said I was one of his star patients because of the 161 pounds lost since surgery. I ride bike almost every day with my wife. Am fighting with high blood pressure now-if anyone else has had this happen after weight loss let me know please. I was wearing a tight size 50 jeans-stretch too boot when I had surgery. I had picked up a pair of new jeans last week that were labeled size 34. When I put the jeans on they felt tighter than they should have. I checked the inside label and instead of being size 34, the jeans were a size 32 and the jeans fit. Been having problems also with arthiritis and brusitis in my right shoulder. Just take ibuprofen for the discomfort. Been keeping busy, painted my tractor, did some electrical wiring and today powered washed the deck and lower portion of the outside of the house. Lester

Okay, some of the changes in my life... 1. I will let someone take my picture now and I usually actually like the way it turns out. 2. I can seleep the whole night through without waking up choking or with a bodacious headache. 3. I am not obsessed with food, it's not on my mind 24/7 like it used to be. 4. I can cross my legs (for the first time in 10 years at least). 5. I can sit in a booth at a restaurant and not have to ask for a table instead. 6. I have given up Diet Coke. I know the carbonation is bad... and I was addicted. I thought I'd probably have a seizure without it but I didn't... lol. 7. I no longer have to take medication for high blood pressure and diabetes and they are both under control. 8. I can buy pretty clothes because I like them and not have to settle just because I found something that finally fit me. 9. I feel like doing yardwork and making my house look nice. 10. I am no longer so self conscious and love that I'm not the biggest girl in the room now. These are only a few of the things that I've thought of over the last few months. I am so happy that I had this surgery... it was the best thing I've ever done for myself. Pam Open RNY 10-13-03 309/228

What's changed in my life since surgery? 1)...I've lost 117 lbs...was 362 the day of surgery (my all time high was 386.5) and today am 245. 2)...I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that I have made LIFE changes that will allow me to get smaller and be healthier for the rest of my life. 3)...I look forward to going to the gym and even to being a little sore after lifting weights 4)...I don't cringe anymore when I see my reflection in the window or glass door of a store front as I approach, instead I smile an think to myself..."DAMN!!!...that's ACTUALLY me...how cool is that?!!!" 5)...No more glucophage, all my bloodwork levels are great...cholesterol, blood sugar, protein, b-12, iron...all good! 6)...enjoy all the little things...tying my shoe laces straight, crossing my legs and putting my purse in my seat beside me at the movies (okay, it's a REALLY small purse but it still counts), being able to squat in my kitchen when I need a pot or pan from a low cabinet instead of calling my son to come and find it for me...and then being able to actually stand back up without help after getting into that squatting position. 7)...I'm a tub person...love me some hot soaks in my bathtub...love being able to just get up and out of the tub easier instead of having to get onto my knees first and push up off the side of the tub. 8)...I just enjoy feeling like a more "normal" sized person. Paula Lap RNY 10/14/03 362/245/

Hi Kathy, 1. I am now at goal down 101 lbs and feeling a little lost , this weight loss has been my obsession for the past 8 months, now what? I've never been able to maintain my weight before and this is a scary new territory. 2. I exercise every day for a minimum of 30 minutes 2. I have gone from a size tight 22 to a comfortable 8 3. I had a new haircut I just love 4. I started working for Curves (part time) just for the fun of it 5. I have more strength and energy 6. My bones don't hurt anymore 7. I became a shoppaholic... I whish to thank everyone in this group, though I don't contribute much, I keep reading the posts, and it has and still is helping me in my journey. Lucie

Starting weight 340 Current weight 241 -- Almost 100 pounds! Life is a miracle today. My favorite saying is "I feel like a Super Hero; I can go anywhere and do anything!" I am continuously amazed by my stamina. I have accomplished more in these last few months than I did the 2 years before. 1. Fit in the rides at Valley Fair. 2. Running up and down stairs. 3. Crossing my legs. 4. Painting my toe nails. 5. Being able to reach my feet! 6. Shaving my legs. 7. Cleaning myself after using the facilities! (sorry...) 8. Bending over the sink to wash my hair. 9. New glasses 10. New haircut. 11. Being able to clean house. 12. Cutting grass is EASY! 13. Shopping is a BREEZE! 14. Sitting in a booth in a restaurant. 15. Looking at myself in a mirror is a joy! 16. Weighing myself is exciting! 17. Exercising is FUN! 18. ENERGY, ENERGY, ENERGY, ENERGY!!!! wooooooo hooooo 19. LOVING MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!! 20. No more Sleep Apnea! Yeah no more Snufflelufagus! 21. Opened a "dot.com" 22. Fitting in an aisle with a stranger. 23. Get this -- Got MAULED by the neighbor. (I think he thought I must have just moved in!)

Kathy, I'm a little late to post, but oh well... I have lost 98 lbs since my revision on 10/23 for a total loss of 184 lbs from my highest. I am at 212 now which is far less than I weighed even in high school. Here's what's changed... 1. I teach junior high.. I can fit in a student desk. Not only can I fit, but I don't touch! 2. I went all over the riverwalk in San Antonio today... up and down the stairs, etc... in the heat and I didn't even think about the physical aspects of what I was doing. I was just enjoying myself. 3. When I buy clothes... I don't have to look at the size first. I can look at the style/color, etc. From a 32 to a 18 (some 16's). 4. I can actually see that I may eventually reach my goal of being a size 12. 5. I had the guts to quit my job. I have a new one starting July 1st. 6. I'm starting to like myself. 7. I love my husband more today than ever (and we've been married 17 years). Jackie

wow, i guess i'm kind of the opposite on some things. here's what's changed for me... 1. i'm tired more now than before my surgery. 2. i need to have a restroom close by at most times 3. i have no sex drive 4. i can eat the same thing two days in a row, one day i'm fine, the next day i'm running to the restroom! 5. i can cross my legs comfortably 6. i can shop wherever i want 7. i definately look good, i just don't feel great.

Well, so many changes.... here are just a few.... 1) From size 30/32 to 16 2) Sooo much more energy, workout 4x a week easily. 3) I can now look at myself when I pass by a mirror or a window. 4) People who haven't seen me in a while don't even know me. 5) I was sad when I just had to go back to the hospital for emerg. hernia repair, but I did notice I didn't have to be on the "obese size" gurney when they took me to surgery. Have a great month everybody!

Hi Kathy- thanks for making me think about all the positive results I have had from my WLS. Here are a few of the happy changes: 1. I have lost 89 lbs and gone from size 28 pants to size 18, from size 3X top to an XL (I did have a difficult time finding clothes when I couldn't shop in the fat chicks section anymore- I had no idea what section to look in!) 2. This year I attended 3 basketball games and could actually fit comfortably in my seat! Go Kings 3. My cholesterol went from 250 to 148 4. Although I am still taking blood pressure medicine, I haven't had to increase the dosage like I would have without the surgery. 5. I have taken over the vegetable garden from hubby this year and am actually enjoying it! 6. I no longer wake in the middle of the night due to knee pain, or the pain in my side that comes when hubby pokes me and tells me to stop snoring. I even stopped taking my arthritis medicine for my knees and no longer need my handicapped parking. 7. I can keep up with my best friend while we are "power shopping" and I am looking forward to Christmas shopping for the first time in a looong time. 8. I can wear my wedding ring for the first time in 16 years. 9. I can tie my shoes without unzipping my pants first. 10. I can clip my toenails without going into a contortionist act to reach around my belly. I am sure there are many more, but these are the first 10 I thought of. My goal weight for myself is 180, so I have 51 lbs more to go. Janice