August Roll Call?

I'm not sure what to Tammy, Elissa, and now Joe, but someone is shirking their duty on getting the monthly check-in reports. Since I'm feeling particularly bubbly, I'll begin and get the ball rolling. I'm 10 months out and I weighed in today at 194.5 lbs (down from a high of 340 lbs. back in July 2003, and 325 lbs. on Oct. 6th 2003 - GSB day). My neck has gone from a whopping 22" to 15 1/2", and my waist from 54" to 36". Since the surgery I have heard 193 times that it is so much easier for men. Yesterday I did something I haven't done in 25 years (yes this surgery is much easier for people under 50). I was at the gym and after doing the elliptical trainer for 35 minutes and 5,500 steps I decided to hit the tread mill for the first time. I got on set it to 15 minutes and after about 3 minutes I noticed that I was running (feet actually came off the treads) and proceeded to run for the next 10 minutes. A year ago it was Celebrex, blood pressure meds, and high cholesterol. This year it's just vitamins and minerals. I'm now doing 30 miles every Sunday, and two hours of spinning on Wednesday as part of my training for the MS Bike to the Bay It's nice having control of one's life. Sorry to have to share all this with everyone, but it has been a lot time since I would actually want to share anything about myself. Hope to see everyone at the PMRI session with Brett. Next. Your bud, Rob...

*hanging head in shame* Yes, yes, I have shirked my job!!! Forgive me? First off Rob, let me say to you ... CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE!!! I couldn't be more proud of you!!! You have done an awesome job!!! Simply awesome!!! Oh, and I LOVE to see the bubbly come through your posts!!! I know just want you mean by running on the treadmill ... just a few short months ago, I could barely get my treadmill to move. Honestly, I could only walk about a mile an hour for just a few minutes (as in 2-3, 5 on a good day). Now I am running on it and am about ready to toss it cause it can't keep up with me!!! IMAGINE THAT? The treads will not move fast enough!!! How cool is that? As far as the weigh goes ... I am still struggling with this darn plateau. I want to lose more ... not sure it is actually going to happen for me. But I can honestly say that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing (except I may not be getting enough calories and am working on that) I am off all meds ... am able to do what I need to do and want to do. Worth a million dollars to me! And am feeling better than I have in years!!! My surgery - priceless!!! I am in awe of all my buds and buddettes!!! Each and every time I see each of you I know my mouth hits the ground. Physically, the transformations are no less than amazing ... but even more than that is the inner transformation that I see. It is such a blessing to watch you all come out of your shells and see the vibrant, loving person just beaming with happiness!!! The smiles I see on all your faces is truly priceless!!! I am so very happy for each of you and so very blessed to have met you, whether it has been in person or on-line. Continue with the good work ... my heart is simply filled with joy for your tremendous success!!! Hugs, Tammy

Tammy. I know that plateau thing is tough. I'm not sure if mine is a plateau or just that I have peaked and it doesn't come off as rapidly as the first six months. Have you tried to change the time you exercise, or the type of exercise. May help who knows, at least it keeps you from getting bored. Also what happened to your picture? You continue to inspire all of us with your success and attitude. Your bud.. Rob

Thanks Rob!!! The picture thingy is a problem with my server who hosts my photos. I should give them a call and find out what is going on, but to be totally honest ... I didn't really like my last photo, so I have been kinda lazy about jumping onto it to get it fixed!!! As far as the excercise goes ... I have tried to mix it up, change work-outs, tried to take some time off ... anything I could think of doing and still no real change. I will continue to push the fluids, protein, vitamins and excercise. Keeping my mind on my health rather than my body size. Which is the real reason I had this surgery in the first place. BUT, I wouldn't be honest if I didn't admit that I really want to get to an "acceptable body" size/condition also. I actually have a gal coming over on Thursday to help me develop an excercise program for my separated stomach muscles. She is a physical therapist and she told me that there is something I can do to help out that situation without further aggravating the hernia. AND she is willing to help train me!!! Needless to say, I am pumped about this. Really looking forward to being able to do some stomach training. My biceps continue to grow, but I want to get that six pack started!!! Hubby said that I now have GUNS on my arms!!! Me? With guns??? How funny is that? Thanks for your help and concern Rob. It is an honor to call you friend!!! Hugs, Tammy

Rob, You are an inspiration to all of us here on the boards. You always have words of support, and encouragement along with you wealth of knowledge that you are so willing to share with those who are still finding their way on this journey. Please know that YOU are greatly appreciated. Even though it is easier for you guys to "melt the pounds away", it still takes tremendous discipline to accomplish what you have in the short time you have been on this journey. I wish you all the best in your endeavors, especially the training for the "Bike to the Bay". Keep up the good work and keep telling us novices what you are up to since it is great encouragement. What are the other support groups that alot of you "old timers" go to, since I think that although the PMRI one is a help, that another group might have something different to offer. Keep peddling!!! Mama

Howdy Mama, Thanks for the nice words. I'm blushing. I would check out the WLS-NDE (Northern Delaware GSB group) in Newport, DE. Nicky, Elissa, Ken, Shay, Edna, Hope from this site and between twenty to thiry other people usually show up each month (I apologize for anyone I left out). We meet the first Monday of each month (not sure about Sept yet.) It's a great group of people that do a lot of sharing. Last month one of the group talked about their participation in "Overeaters Anonymous". It was quite inspiring. At the meeting we spend more time talking with each other and less time with lectures which we get at PMRI. You can ask questions that you might be embarrased to bring up in PMRI, and you get a lot of information from some long-term bypass members. We pay a $2-3 contribution to the church to use their hall. It's well worth it. People also bring samples, swap clothes, books, anything you want to do. Here is a blurb from the website. Send Barbara an e-mail to get on-line or want to show up... WLS-NDE is a support network which was started to share experiences to those who have had Gastric Bypass Surgery, as well as those who are in the process, or just thinking about having the surgery. We are people just like you who need support thru the journey of surgical weight loss. We are an on-line support group and we also have monthly support meetings on the 1st Monday of the month from 7-8pm. If you are interested in joining our group, please send an email letting us know where you live, who you are, and where you are on the WLS path. Once your membership has been added please post an email to the group introducing yourself! Include any information you'd like, but most importantly, tell us where you are on the WLS path, when your surgery was/is, and who your surgeon was/is. Send an e-mail to request membership to [email protected]

Hey Rob, I am so proud of you!!!! As you know I am only a few weeks ahead of your surgery date. So let's begin, I was 269lbs before surgery and am now down to 147lbs! I went from a size 26 - 28 shorts/pants to a size 12 and from a size 3x top to a size medium. I had a goal of accomplishing a climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and on August 5th I made that goal a reality! Now I need another goal to accomplish. On August 19th I will be having my tummy tuck and thigh tuck done after a battle with the insurance company. Life is great and I can do so much more. My vacation last week proved my physical abilities are way above what they were last year. For those of you struggling with weightloss, I recomend reading some books over and over again. It keeps me on top of things when I think I am starting to struggle again. Can't wait to hear how everyone else is doing!! Peace~~~ Hope

Rob-Thanks for starting August Roll Call? It keeps us honest and in check. You are really turning into the exercise king-keep up the great work. I will be 18 months post-op on August 19, 2004. I have lost 140 pounds and survived two surgeries since then. I am currently back working out and have the go ahead to start weight lifting again, along with cardio and streching. I am feeling very balanced in my life...Right now. I will be starting my new job tomorrow, while I continue to fullfill my obligation to my old employer. I am also honored to be an angel for the first time. I have so long wanted to do it, but I was afraid to do it, in fear that I would screw it up. Well with the help of another angel, you really can't screw it up. Then I have made the decision and started the quest of going back to college. I have my first appointment with Immaculata University on Wednesday. My plans are to get my Masters in the Dietetic Department. So when I grow up I want to be a Registered Dietician specializing in Weight Management, Wellness and Pediatric Nutrition. I would have NEVER went back to school, had I not lost the weight. So my life is changing before my eyes (most of it this week). I have meet alot of great friend and support buddies in my last 18 months. For that I am truely grateful to all of you, for being there and giving unconditional support. My hats off to you. Can wait to see what the next 18 months will bring to me, let a lone the next month. Thanks Nicki

WOW........THAT IS AWESOME! Run? I can only spell the word right now. One I will be able to say the thing! I know my knees can't wait. I met you at PMRI and was amazed at how GREAT you look. I know your legs must feel like they don't even belong to you. CONGRATS! Keep it up - who knows you may consider doing the training.....One never knows............."ML"

Well Rob, You just are looking so fit these days. Imagine how jealous all us females are. You won't need to have a tummy tuck because with your exercise regime, you just won't need it. Life is good. Spandex man. I have accomplished my health goals of lowering my Blood pressure to 110/50. Off the BP meds. Lowered my Cholesterol from 275 to 183. Knees are not in pain 24/7. I still have arthritis in them, but with 105 lbs off, they don't hurt at all anymore and I'm off all those meds too. I'm 6 months out now and just finished my Actigall, YIPPPPEEEE!!!!. That is the nastiest stuff. I go to Kirkwood fitness 6 days a week. Do the weight circuit, treadmill and swim. I alternate days with the weights and treadmill. Swim every day. I feel good. I've gone from 5X to XL/18's. Life is good. Keep up the great job everyone. Welcome to all the new people. ((HUGS)) Elissa