4-Month Checkup

Hi, All! Tuesday afternoon I had my 4-month checkup with Dr. A. While sitting in the waiting room, I spoke with a couple of women who were there for their initial consultations with him and I answered a number of questions for them. One of them was called in to see Dr. A. and I continued speaking with the other one. I was just telling her about this website and especially how friendly and helpful everyone is on this message board when Chocolate Toy walked into the room. I immediately got up to greet her and we exclaimed joyously as we hugged. I then turned to the woman and explained that in addition to being patients of Dr. A., we knew each other from this message board. I couldn't have timed an example of how we support each other any better if I'd tried. Dr. A. said that my test results were all good and he was pleased with my weight loss so far. In fact, he said that my loss is above average. That was nice to hear since when I compare myself to others who had their surgery around the time I did, I often find that they've lost more than I have. I guess they're even more above average than me. But then again, I guess the average weight loss is brought down by people who don't go to support group meetings and/or get support from sources like this wonderful group of people we have here, and may not be as compliant with what they're supposed to be doing after surgery. In general, I think that the people on this message board tend to be more compliant and therefore we're more likely to have above-average weight losses. According to Dr. A.'s scale, I weighed 260.6, so that's 61.4 lbs. since surgery and 79.4 lbs. since I first saw him in October. In total, that's a little more than half of what he expects that I'll lose and a little less than half of what I'd like to lose. And I keep feeling and seeing the loss in other ways, too. On Sunday I saw an old friend from college whom I hadn't seen in about 20-25 years. According to her, I look about the same now. Also, yesterday I tried on some old clothes in smaller sizes to see what I might have that fits now. I found a blouse that I remember buying while on vacation during my 1st yr. of marriage -- about 15 yrs. ago -- and it fit! It hasn't fit since a yr. (or less) after I bought it, so that felt great. My feet are shrinking, too, which I discovered last wk. when we had that brief warm spell. I put on sandals which I haven't worn since last summer and had to tighten the straps because they were too loose when buckled in the same holes I'd used when I last wore them. It's also good for my ego when I run into one of my neighbors who greets me by saying, "Hi, Skinny!" And last weekend when I was at my sister's house for Passover, I could choose my seat at the table by deciding who I wanted to sit next to, instead of where there was a chair without arms, and I didn't have to avoid the side of the table by the wall because there didn't use to be enough room for me to pull the chair far enough away from the table in order to sit down. I was so used to making adjustments in what I did and how I did it for so many years, that it was just the way life was. It's only now that I don't have to make all those adjustments that I realize how much my weight limited me. Have a good weekend! Debby 340/322/260.6/194/174 1st saw Dr. A/surgery day/now/Dr. A's goal/my goal (overweight, not obese)

Hi Debby, Congratulations on all of your succeses!! Your hard work has really paid off. Now we need a to see a new picture! Time to post an updated one!! Keep up the good work! Nancy K

Hi, Nancy! Actually, this picture is relatively new. It was taken at the Spring Fling, March 18th. By the time Joanie posted the pictures, I submitted this one to the people on this website and they got thru their backlog of pictures, it appeared about a week ago. Since my prior picture was from Nov., before surgery, this one's better. Without a digital camera, I'm at the mercy of friends who do have one, so I guess it'll be a few months between each new picture for me. Debby

Debby, Went to your profile and saw your new pictue - you look great!! What I meant was the photo in your posts was the same one you've always had. There is such a difference in the 2 pictures - like I said all your hard work is paying off - it really shows! Keep it up! Nancy K

Hi, Nancy! The photo in my posts now IS the new photo, which replaced the old one in my posts about a week ago. In my old posts I'm wearing a solid, blue shirt and am standing in front of a multi-colored background. In the current ones, I'm wearing a black and white print shirt and the background is white. But anyway, thank you for the compliments. Debby

Debby: Hey there skinny, congratulations on your success. You are looking wonderful! You must be so excited about the old stuff fitting. I know how it feels and its great. Your doing fantastic, keep up the good work kiddo. Can't wait to see you at the Summer Gathering, its gonna be so much fun. You take care and congratulations again! God Bless Hug KimC 324-night before surgery/252-now/150-my goal

Congratulations! Sound like you are doing fabulously and your picture is great! It is so great to hear these kind of success stories, especially of people who deserve it so!! Take care and keep up the great work! xoxo, Phyllis

Hi Debby I am glad your apt with Dr A went very well and keep up great work! True about meeting new people from this board and group support too! Cannot wait to see you again tomorrow!!! hugs Kathy K