Eight Months Today

Hi, All! Today is exactly 8 months since my RNY. I saw Dr. A. on Wed. and weighed 250.6 pounds, so that's 89.4 lbs. lost since I 1st saw him on 10/8/04 and 71.4 lbs. lost since the day of surgery. At my last visit, 4 mos. earlier, Dr. A. had said that my weight loss was above average. He didn't comment on it this time, so I reminded him of that and asked him how I was doing. He said that I'm "on track". When we see posts of people who've lost 100 lbs. in 4 months or 8 months, we tend to feel disappointed or discouraged when we've lost less in the same length of time or longer. But today I figured out that since surgery I've lost an average of 2 lbs. per week. That's week after week after week...for 8 months. Something I've never done before. Not that I've lost every week. I've been on plateaus where I've gained and lost the same few pounds over and over. And between the last 2 appointments with Dr. A., I lost exactly 10 lbs. in almost 4 months. (I think that part of that is due to the lymphedema in my legs. My measurements indicate that I've consistently been losing inches everywhere from my hips up, but from my thighs down, although I'm smaller everywhere than I was just before surgery, over the past 4 months I've regained some of the inches I lost during the 1st 4 months as a post-op. I can only attribute it to the pooled lymph fluid in my legs. But, of course, I have no way of weighing my legs separately from the rest of my body.) But in that same period of time, I've moved into smaller sizes of clothes, people keep commenting on how I keep losing weight, I can see that my face has gotten thinner and my collarbone has appeared. Also, since just the other day, I finally am able to wear my original wedding band that I outgrew about 10 or 11 yrs. ago. The engagement ring is still a little too tight...it goes on, but then my finger starts turning a little red, so I take it off. Since I'm getting divorced, before too long I won't be wearing those rings, but since I'm still technically married, I've continued to wear the ring. I think part of the reason too was that I wanted to finally be able to wear the original one again...even if only for a few months or weeks...after all the years when I kept joining Weigh****chers over and over and kept telling myself that "this time" I was going to stick with it and lose more than 20 or 30 lbs. and I would shrink back into my ring. I have mixed emotions when I look at that ring on my finger, but it does feel good to see that proof of what I've accomplished (not marrying him and getting the ring...losing enough weight to be able to wear it comfortably). My BMI started out in the "super morbidly obese" category and I'm still in the "morbidly obese" category. I hope to lose enough to just get down into the "overweight" category. I played with the BMI calculator and I see that in order to be overweight I don't need to lose another 77 lbs....I need to grow 13 inches ...at 6'5", my current weight would make me overweight instead of obese. Debby 366/340/322/250.6/194/174 highest ever/when I 1st saw Dr. A/day of surgery/now/dr.'s goal/my goal

Debby, Being someone who has not had surgery yet, I have to say that an average of 2 pounds a week sounds fantastic to me! I think everyone has to be proud of their accomplishments and remember that no 2 people are alike. Everyone has different co-morbidities and I am sure that affects the weight loss as well. Keep up the great work, be proud of yourself (as it sounds you are) and just think if you never had the surgery, what shape you would be in! At 5'0, I need to grow a few inches myself - I'd be happy with 3 additional inches!!! Take Care and enjoy your individual accomplishments - Nancy K

Morning Deb, Keep up the good work! The important thing is that you can look in the mirror every day and see the progress you are making. We are all different and lose our weight at different paces.I have felt the frustration on losing and gaining those same 5 pounds for like seems like ages before that scale starts going in the right direction. I have to remind myself that compared to where I started my journey to where I am I have come along way. So just be proud for all you have done and what you will keep doing. "You have come a long way Lady! Take care and be well, Julio

Hi Debby, I never forget how we met first time at support group and I can see how much you change alot from your processing since you had this surgery. your face is more glower than before. Keep your hard work up I have a picture for you to give you on Sept 6th. Looking ofrward to see you agian! Hugs Kathy K

Great job Debby! I am glad to hear you are doing so well! I see Dr. A in a few weeks and hope to have a positive appointment! Have a great weekend and see you at an upcoming meeting! Kristin

Hi Debby, Congratulations on your tremendous weight loss over the past eight months! I think you are doing fantastic. I tend to get a little discouraged also, as I am having a very hard time with these last 10 lbs I want to lose but I am so much better off then when I started and even if I never lose the last 10 I am still successful with this surgery! Keep up the good work! Love, Sandy

Hi Deb, Congradulations! You are doing a great job! You're right, it is hard when you compare your weight to others! But just think of all the people that have actually had this surgery. There's bound to be people that are losing a little faster, but there are also those who are losing slower! Everyone goes at a different pace and it's all up to your own body. There are so many different factors to consider. I think you are doing awesome! Keep it up! Christine

Congratulations Debby: Your doing a great job. You should be very proud of yourself for your success in your journey to the losing side. I am so proud of you. Keep up the good work, we are all behind you and your always in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs KimC

Hi Debby To my angelette. I am so proud of you. You have done such a wonderful job. I didn't read in your post where you braggeed about beign off diabetes and BP meds...THAT you should be most proud of. Its been a difficult year for you and there are lots of changes for you ahead. You are a strong person and you are going to make it. Its a healthier Debby dealing with this stuff...I know you will be ok. I am glad to call you my friend. XO Joanie

I think the thing that I like the most is the part about the ring. Its the milestones that make this process so much more special. Doing something that you wouldn't have been able to do without the surgery, that can really put a smile on your face. It is such an accomplishment! I'm very happy for you!