How are we doing at 17 months out?

Hi there! I'm doing pretty good thanks. I got to my goal of 145 the week of my surgiversary, then crept up to about 150 over the next few weeks. I stayed around 149/150 for about 4 months, then at the end of Feb I had emergency surgery for an internal hernia that was trying to strangulate my intestine! I got into surgery just in time, it was pretty scarry. But I'm just fine now, recovery was very easy and it sure was easier being in the hospital this time NOT weighing 300 lbs!!! Anyway after that I got back down to 145 and now I'm about 147 every day. I have about 8-10 lbs of abdominal skin that I'm real anxious to get off, my arms need to be done, I desperately need a neck lift and the girls, well - what's left of them need to be lifted and slightly augmented. The thighs are whoa flabby too, but I just wear bermuda shorts to cover them. I'm anxious to start plastic surgeries and hope to get going on that by the end of the summer. Not thrilled about more surgery - but really feel like I need to get this extra skin taken care of or I'm not "done". It's strange to be a "normal" size and weight and not be able to wear tank tops or short sleeve shirts because of my arms, or a bathing suit or short shorts because of my flabby legs! I really feel like a success - but need to get some "fine tuning" done! I eat well, I drink a protein shake still every day, religiously drink my water and take my vitamins and calcium and I walk. I'm not real adventurous with food, I seem to eat a lot of the same foods daily simply because they taste good to me and don't upset my pouch. I hate that brick in the chest feeling when something doesn't agree with me, so I kind of stick to the same foods! I eat a lot of chicken, fish, shrimp, deli ham and cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt. I do eat some "bad" carbs like goldfish crackers and pringles and I do enjoy a tiny bit of chocolate almost every day, like 2 hershey kisses or a few m&m's. I've never dumped but I've never really pushed it either. I still thank God every day for this surgery and I'm still in awe when I see my shadow and realize how small I am, or when I see someone who I haven't seen in a very long time and they don't recognize me! I wish this board was more active too. It was a great source of help for me, still could be if we'd check in more! Take care now, thanks for posting! Jeanne

Hi Kellie, I look at the board everyday. I too would like to hear how everyone is doing. I stay active on my state board. I have done fantastic Highest wt was 311 day of surgery 296 Today 153. I have been as low as 149 but I stay between 155-160 I have even seen 163. But I don't freak out when it goes up because I know I am following the rules. I still do a protein shake every morning. I usually eat a string cheese or fruit. Lunch is half PB sandwich, snack is a small yogurt and I eat what I fix for the family just a smaller portion. I do dump but seems like greasy foods will trigger it. I can eat sugar but I also have dumped on sugar. I am so active. I do not count calories. I shoot for protein first and make sure I get my liquids in. I have gone from a size 28 jeans to a size 6-8. I am going to be in a fashion show on 4/14. The all day seminar is called the First Annual Surgical Weight Loss Health Fair. Since having this surgery my niece, older and young sister have also had surgery. We all are in the fashion show which is being put on by DressBarn. I am really excited. My life has changed so much and I couldn't have made it if I didn't have such a wonderful husband and my girls who are 9years old. They have been my biggest cheerleaders. And of course with having the entire family do this we all have been there for each other. I felt the presure to be a success and I was which inspired my sisters to get healthy with me. So thats my story..... Jane

Hello everyone. While I have never really been very active here I do however read this board daily to see how my October 2005 brothers and sisters are doing. My start weight was 212 pounds at 4'11" My goal from docs was 130, my personal 120 Currently 127-130 and very happy. My typical day is coffee at wake up with protein in it Breakfast is usually an egg with cheese, half banana and sometimes a piece of toast or bread not always Coffee again A cheese sandwhich, thin crust pizza, or some kind of chicken salad, all depends on the day. Coffee again EEKS but i need my coffee Dinner is usually some of what the house is eating, usually some kind of chicken dish. Snacks can be apple, banana, crackers, popcorn, cheese pretzles soemthing along those lines. I try to walk every day no matter what, treadmill sometimes...chasing kids all the time lol... I had a tummy tuck 3 mths ago. It was by luck i was able to have one. A tumor was found in my abdomen that required reconstruction of my tummy and the muscles due to the tumor therefore it was covered! I am feeling great wearing a size 2/4 depending on the cut of the clothes and if i am at the higher end or lower end of the 127-130..lol.... You guys are all doing wonderful and I love reading about you all.....We really need to try to be more active here because support really is key to success. Thanks for listening and thanks for the post. LisaMarie

Here is a Big Congrats on your Tummy. My process fell through so for now I am wearing alot of spandex and what ever. We have all done so well. I too wonder about the old bunch. Kiki, Dennis, Erin, Landy Di, Violet. I hope and pray everyone is doing well. Jane

I try and check in once a week but just don't post much. It is good to see and hear how well you all have done. Her are my stats: Starting weight: 298 Current weight: 187 Total weight loss:111 It seems I have to work for every pound lost now. I walk 3 miles per day and am so glad for this surgery. I hope to make goal one day soon but if not I am so much healthier than before. Nice to hear from everyone.

Hi, all! Glad to see everyone again. I know! I've been missing in action here on the boards for awhile. Life has really gone bonkers for me since surgery! Hours whirl away in a blur every day. I have also stalled in weight loss. I'm content where I'm at, but one day soon want to try and lose the remaining 15 pounds. I've reached my doctor's goal for me and he is pleased with my weight loss. Hubby likes this new me, too. : ) Hubby has a new job on St. Croix, Virgin Islands! Lil' ole me! Living on an island. Who would have thought? We'll be there for at least two years and maybe eight if the company he works for gets the five year renewal contract. We live near one of the bays and when my winds are open, I can hear the waves lapping at the sand near the boat lauch. I watch sailboats go by all day long from my drawing table near the window in the living room. At this present time, though, I am back in Louisiana helping my daughter plan for her wedding on May 26th. Next weekend I'm throwing her a bridal shower. Fun, fun, fun! Her wedding will be here at home outside. We've rented a big tent in case it rains. She wants a country-style wedding. It's going to be beautiful with all the spring flowers coming into bloom. The same weekend, on May 27th, my baby boy graduates from high school. (The reason for the two big events on the same weekend is because hubby can only take a week off since he's just started a new job.) I can't believe my baby is going to be in college next year! June is my artshow here in Lake Charles, LA! I'm still working on paintings to sell. I have plenty of graphite sketches to show, but need a little more color to hang to make the show a little more lively. Fun, fun, fun! July and August I'm heading back to the island to be with hubby. I can't wait!!! I have a couple of friends who have recently started playing golf. I'm going to take back my clubs and start playing again. I took lessons several years ago, never was very good but had lots of fun. Mid-September I'll be back in Louisiana because my first grandbaby will be born! Yup, my daughter is not only getting married, she's gonna have a baby, too. On May 7th, hopefully we'll find out if the baby's a boy or girl. Then I can start spoiling him or her by going shopping. I'll get to go back to the island to spend the holidays with friends and hubby. Next year I don't expect to be traveling back and forth between Louisiana and St. Croix so often. I always wanted to travel...they say be careful what you wish for...lol. Oh! My book Tempest Roars is being considered for publication with The Wild Rose Press. I'm working with a wonderful editor to get my manuscript ready for print. Keep your fingers crossed that next year my book will be available for purchase! I pray that everyone here is having as wonderful a life since surgery as I am. I would never have dreamed this life I now live would ever be! It is so exciting to wake up and find out what the day holds for me. Congratulations everyone! We've come a long way!!! Hugs! Peggy B. www.peggyborel.com

Hey Everyone- Sorry I don't get online all that much- school has been going nuts this semster. So how am I? I started this whole thing hovering around 280 and am usually down to 135-140. At least, that was until I turned up PREGNANT. Yep- I am 8 weeks pregnant, holding at 138 for now. Not so worried about the weight as I am about baby development. I honestly was on my patches (like Dr. F. told me to!) but somehow...well, we all no nothing is foolprrof except abstinence. Husband is over the moon but a little worried. Daughter is taking it in stride so far, but I expect we;ll have the "sibling rivalry" stuff sooner or later. I remember what it's like to all of a sudden hear there will be a new baby. So, this is plain weird. Queasy all the time- I try to eat, but not much wants to go in and stay there. LOTS of soups, protein shakes are tolerated well (especially Elite Mint Chocolate, but only hot) and as much other stuff as I can eat. Al total? Probably less than 1000 calories a day. But that should change soon. I hope ya'll are doing well! I wouldn't change a thing. Rachael