Roll Call and Updates

Amy, What a great request, thank you so much for suggesting it. I'll also take this chance to tell you that even before my surgery you've been one of my role models. I've been reading your profile and gaining hope and insight from it for months. I hope I get to meet you some day. My name is Rhonda and I had a laproscopic roux-n-y on January 19, 2005 at Celabration Health Resort & Spa! Last week I had my three month check up and I've lost 88 pounds and 21 inches. My surgeon is very happy with my progress. I started at 386 and I now weight 298! I'm in the 200's and out of the super obese category! Yee Ha! I work out twice a week with a trainer and I had committed to working out one other time in a week however after reading one of Amy's posts that she gets up at 5:30am to walk 3 miles I thought to myself, "If she can do that I can commit to working out 5 days a week instead of 3." So that's what I now do. I can't say I like it but I like the results! This website and the support group I attend every Thursday are vital to my success. I have to stay connected with people who understand obesity and weight loss and this surgery. I thank all of you for your stories and input. Rhonda

Hi all.......My name is Ruthanna. I had Lap RNY 12-15-03. My heaviest was 238, preop I was @ 226 and today I weigh 118. I'm 5'5". I'm a mother of three and a grandmother of three. My greatest testimonial to having had the surgery is a normal BP ........and w/o presciption meds. No more acid reflux, no more pain in my knees........and an abundance of energy........always a good night's sleep. I thank God for His care. LuvitsunnyVB~lo/goal

Hi everyone, Have not been on for awhile. Life got a little busy. Had surgery on November 22, 2004. Have lost 77 pounds. Only 43 from goal. Started at size 22. Bought a pair of size 10 Tommy Hilfiger jeans that fit perfect on Friday. It is truely amazing. Going to the gym about 3 times a week, hired a trainer for 2 of those days. No blood pressure pills, labs are perfect, feeling great. Only complication is the hair loss, started about 2 months ago. Just gonna end up cutting it. Chris

Hello. I'm Ruth. I had surgery 9/29/04 with Dr. William Todd Overcash. I was 286 and now around 201-205..keeps bouncing back and forth...due to ?? Maybe my body doesnt' want me to go beyond the 200 lbs mark - not sure if i'm in starvation mode, lack of protein, working out to much - is there such a thing? Could be hormonal too..not sure i'm investigating right now. But I do enjoy working out in the gym - running and doing weights. I couldn't do 60 seconds of jogging and now I did 4minutes the other day! now that's a WOW moment. I bend to pick up things from the other floor when before I was terrified to do it in front of people cause i would get flushed and out of breath - kinda scary to think that was possible..now i live life to the fullest despite some job related and home area problems. After my WLS I have not updated any personal stuff..it's boring and not (to me ) relevant, but thanks for asking. I would say to a pre-op that if they are ready to change their life for the better than this is the thing to do however it's not a cure all cause it doesnt' fix other emotional problems but it does have it's benefits. Good luck to those thinking about it.

Hi , I am very late getting in this so maybe no one will read this but here goes. I am Carol and living in Port St Joe, florida. That's the panhandle. I started my journey at 285 and I am down to 215. I had my surgery October 2004. 70 pounds is more than I ever lost at one time and like so many, I am tickled with my results. I am 51 as of April fools day this year and it is like a new me. I was wearing size 22/24 now I am in size 14. I haven't worn that size since middle school. I was taking meds for high blood pressure and diabetes and arthritis. Now I take vitamins. I have been very blessed with no complications and no problem with eating. I eat slowly and small amounts. I walk 5-6 days a week and I stay busy every day. I have more energy than I have ever had and feel more confident and more alive. My family is so excited and very supportive and we have enjoyed the comedy of watching fall right out of my clothing. I am on a plateau right now and haven't lost any weight for several weeks but it hasn't slowed down my enthusiasm. Life is good and I am very grateful to be a participant instead of a spectator of life. Carol 285/215/165

Hello Amy, I am also a food addict, I never would of realized what an obsession I had w/ food w/out this surgery. My surgery was on 10-20-04. Pre-op I was Diabetic, hypertensive, high cholesterol, high tryglecerides, and had the begining of sleep apnea. I couldn't walk out of my house to my car w/ out breathing properly, I was starting the first stages of lymphedema. My legs were in constant pain from how swollen (and red) they were and I could barley move. Today 6 months and 1 day out I am happy to report I am 98 lbs. down. I am off all my diabetic meds and I am down to 1/2 a pill from the three I took for my blood pressure. I walk 6 x a week 1.5 to 2 miles a day and can truly say I enjoy it. The freedom I have found physically has helped w/ some of the mental issues that being a food addict brings. I thank God every day for giving me the opportunity to have this surgery and the gift of "the tool". I also thank him for the will to work "the tool" every day. I look forward to the contiued journey and what lies ahead. I thank every one of you for your support pre-op and continued support post-op. Most of you don't know this but in-directly you guys are my therapy! Continued success to everyone who is on this journey and those to come!!!

Hi! I'm Kirsten and I had surgery on March 4th. I am down approximately 55lbs. I have already been out to Colorado to visit family and we went sledding in the mountains! I feel like I have a new lease on life and I am really looking forward to ever increasing energy and abilities. I haven't posted on this board before, I usually post on the main board, but I'd like to talk with people closer to home anyway.

Kirsten, kudos to you on the weight loss! Sounds like you are really doing well and enjoying the new life that is before you! I hope you post often and I look forward to knowing you. My surgery is May 16th!

Hello! Tomorrow is my third anniversary. I'm down 150 pounds from what I was. I have gained back a little of my weight but I still feel pretty good about myself. I have met some great friends and have a good support system. My main advise to anyone who asks me is to exercise exercise exercise. This is the biggest change in my lifestyle.

Hello Friends, My name is Melinda and I live in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. I had Lap RNY surgery 10/17/2003 by Dr. Tiffany Jessee. I feel wonderful. I was at an all time high weight of 285. I have lost 120 pounds depending on the day...lol. I feel like a new person. Have a wonderful day and keep up all the good work. Melinda