August Roll Call?

Hi friends, I love hearing everyone's accomplishments. I am amazed at everyone's transformation. I'm so proud of everyone and so glad to have made so many new friends. I've lost 100 pounds since surgery 7 months ago. I am no longer taking medication for asthma or high blood pressure. I'm happy to say I was able to return the sleep apnea machine. I'm now wearing size 14 instead of 26-28. I exercise at a gym 4 times a week. I still struggle at times with the self esteem issues, but I remind myself of everything that I have accomplished. I have lost a couple of friends, they just can't seem to adapt to my new life style. One of my closest friends complains that I eat to slowly and that she was more comfortable around me when I was heavier, because she doesn't like the fact that I receive attention from people. Overall, I'm happier and healthier than I have been in along time. I owe alot of that happiness to you guys, my new friends. Best wishes to all. Love, Deb

WOW!!! So many fantastic accomplishments! Congratulations to everyone!! As for me... I'm almost 4 months out from surgery. I've lost 75 pounds (yeah, I know....MEN !!) I've lost 14 inches off of my waist. I bought a 42" belt 2 weeks ago, and am already on the third hole!!!! I have traded in my 3X and 2X shirts for a regular Large!!! I'm not losing much right now, but the inches keep coming off. I seem to be able to eat larger portions than I expect, I haven't had any problems with foods or sugar. I am down to one BP med that I think will go away soon. I have been getting light-headed sometimes. A call to the Dr is in order! Thanks to everyone for keeping me focused! Ken

Hi guys and gals. As you all know I am finally on the losers' bench. I feel great, no pain meds. I think that I am doing everything right. I'm very happy, alert, alive... I feel that my surgery and these days being newly post op have gone so well because of all the information I have received from you guys. I can't thank you all enough. I can't wait to see what the future holds. Oh Rob it's great you started roll call, but you don't have to wait til roll call to let us in on your awesome progress and your biking events. I love hearing about them. Everyone is doing so great! You are all my inspiration. Oh about the "easier for men" thing, sorry. I've said it. But it's not that I'm sad for me, I'm happy for you guys! Dianne

Rob, You are such an inspiration! I need to get moving more like you!!! I'm still around..but in now in Texas..been busy with my move. I have lost 105 since my surgery 5 months ago. The move has kept me busy as well as my kids. Now, I'm finding that I'm having a plateau...so, I need to get on my treadmill! Rob..send some of your vibes my way!!!! I just turned 40 this last week..and you know what..it wasn't bad...I look much better, but the best part..is that I FEEL BETTER! No more aches in my hips, feet etc. I can sleep now..no sleep apnea! Its just wonderful! I'm trying to get my fluids in better, and protein. I'm still losing a lot of hair, but do see some new growth..so thats promising! I miss all of ya'll...If you don't mind, I'm still going to hang out on this board. Hugs, Kimberly

Wow Kimberly 100 lbs. You're gonna need a new pic. I'll bet you feel awesome. This is like a miracle. Your roots will probably stay here with us in Delaware. But you lived in MD didn't you? Close enough. Health is better that's all that matters. No aches and pains. How's Texas? What part are you in? I'll be in Houston & Galveston around Columbus Day in October for 5 days. Have you found a Trader Joes's there? How about your vitamins & proteins? Up the proteins and you should stop loosing hair. I have been using the Nioxin products and have had not lost any hair yet. Okay Kimberly have a great day. ((HUGS)) Elissa

Hi everyone! I know it isn't much, but I am 22 days out from gbs and feeling a bit stronger everyday. I went to see Bert on Monday and I am down 23 pounds since surgery and 32 pounds since I first went to see Dr Wynn in Feb. 04. I am walking 30 minutes a day now. (slowly) I have taken much of everyones advice and have tried napping in the afternoon. I would not give myself permission before. ( I really am hard on myself). I am also sending off for the vitamins Nicki recomended (even though Brett thinks they are not that great -- at least I may be able to get some in). I also bought some chocolate shake on Monday at Dr Wynns and it is good -- not too sweet. That seems to be my other problem, guys. I never was a soda drinker and now I am trying to get the crystal light down. After a few sips the sweet taste and after taste get to me. I truly appreciate all the postive motivation and support from you guys. Now a need to learn how to add my photo.... See you soon. Peace and Love! Terre

Hi there everyone Thanks for the roll call Rob and congrats you always are an inspiration. Especially with the exercise!! I myself have finally started a strict exercise program. yay!! This will be my second week and I really love it I feel great just in 2 weeks! I trained with the fitness director at the gym and she set me up on a whole weight lifting schedule and cardio schedule. I do my weights monday, wednesday and friday and the eliptical machine (like a glider) on tues and thursday. Stretch on the weekends. I have felt sooo much better. BUT even though I have been working out every day I am super stuck on a plateau. 'sigh' ah the tricks your body plays on you. BUT I am down 77 pounds in 5 months. I feel soo much better! I have been on these boards for a long time and actually have attended the meetings in newport but havent really met alot of you in person. Rob I have seen you at the meetings but never really got a chance to speak with you. I missed the last few meetings something always seems to come up lately. Too bad we dont meet twice a month ;) Well congrats everyone on their awesome weight loss! I wish all of you continued success! Hope to see some of you at PMRI or at one of the delaware meetings! Best wishes Elizabeth M

Thanks Rob - everyone's acheivements are great. So much to be proud of!! Well, this month on the 15th I will be *10* months out of surgery - wow. You know I'd like to 1st remember where I have come from. I remember what I was feeling a year ago. I was just waiting around. I felt like I was in a limbo, waiting to live - or even to die - just waiting. I was sick all the time, nearly every day mostly from my gallbladder & it contributed to my overall willingness to put my life into Dr. Wynn's and ultimately God's hands. I all but hated myself. Who I'd become both emotionally and physically, my weight had changed who I was inside. How I interacted with my friends and family. (And honestly I have not totally come back out of my shell). I was scared of leaving my husband and children behind because of a surgical complication. But I was more afraid of the wife, mother and friend I would be if I continued along my path. I never, ever thought I could be someone who weighed 336 lbs. So what was really stopping me from the weight climbing to 436 - or higher? I was living at best a shell of a life. You all probably are not interested in all of that but it is important to me to remember. Now.. my results are not typical and this is a disclaimer that much of this is about Amber. Most of you know I got pregnant in January just a few months after my WLS. Because of that the doctors have followed me pretty closely, I see everyone on a monthly basis. I've had a lot of pain, mostly under me right ribs, because of my gallbladder and hernias and I've been on Tylenol with codeine for pain for much of the time since my surgery. I have concerns about that but it is the lesser of two evils of medicine verses surgery while pregnant. Still, I had to have surgery when I was 5 months pregnant and thankfully that turned out well. My intestinal hernia was repaired but since then I've developed an abdominal one right at the edge of my ribcage. Despite any complications, I am thrilled to be getting my life back. Slowly, I'm regaining my self-confidence that had been all but lost. I am 30 weeks pregnant with a wonderful baby girl that seems to be thriving despite the starving conditions she has grown in for so long! I'm finally able to start eating more and have recently stopped being nauseous most of the time. I still get sick (throw up) about 1 or 2 times a week but I honestly contribute that to the pregnancy. I struggled a lot to get pregnant with my second son, going so far as needing some of the more minor fertility treatments. So to become pregnant so easily not only without trying but not even considering the possibility well, we were shocked to say the least. I have no doubt that without having had this surgery, I would not have become pregnant when I did. For that reason we are naming her Amber Wynn in honor of my wonderful surgeon. So my experience has been different because so much of it has also revolved around a pregnancy. I'll be interested to see what WLS is like without being pregnant. I've managed to have some weight loss success anyway. I've gone from 336 to about 205- 210 and I've stayed around that area for a while now. I am concerned because I have not developed great eating habits during this window of surgical opportunity. It was very important for me to get in calories any way I could - the healthier the better of course. But I have no****ched fat intake or carb intake ¡V or even caloric intake in anyway except to hear the nutritionist say my calories are too low. So, hopefully, my eating habits will not be too off track after Amber is born. As far as exercising. well I don't. Brett says at least I have a reprieve for that till after she is born - I'm taking full advantage. I do look forward to exercises. I look forward to moving my body and it feeling good. I want to move to music. Oh - btw - Amber will be coming to visit bright and early on October 5th, 2004 - just 10 days before my 1 yr. WLS anniversary! My mom called me tonight about having a shower for her (me) but wants to have it at my house. If anyone wants to come, just send me an email with your address. I was shopping & got some girl clothes & it was so exciting! I was never like that before but I guess boys & girls are truly different! I am so psyched! I've lost about 125 lbs and have gone from wearing a 32 to about a 20 - or a 22. I think that may change a bit but it is hard to tell right now. I will absolutely need some plastic surgery. My upper arms are really bad and my legs too. My belly too of course but with Amber stretching that out a bit I can't tell just how bad. I won't get anything done to my abdomen until I know I am done having babies¡K which I may just be this one has wiped me out. But I may consider my arms & legs sooner, time will tell. Last week my husband and I looked at 2 of my pre op pictures and neither of us could remember me looking like that. Thank God for pictures because while I hate to look at them, I never want to forget.

Hey Kathy, Great post... Wow, you have been through so much, and have kept forging ahead. October 6 would be a better date for Amber's birthday (that's my surgery birthday). It's hard to believe that we were rookies going through the first part of this only ten months ago. Look forward to continuing the journey with you. Your bud, Rob