NEW YEAR RE: INTORDUCTIONS

Hello all...I will start, My name is Beth M and I am almost 18 months post op. I had my surgery July 15,2005 my starting weight was 327 and I am down to 193.so a loss of 134 lbs. Before I was wearing a size 26/28 and now I can get into a size 16 and if I try hard a size 14 but I like to breath..haha...... I still have food issues but I still am finding things I use to be able to eat and now I can not. I have been having wow moments and I embrace everyone I have from the tiniest to the biggest when my boys could put there arms around me. Also all the nice things my husband says daily to me. So I guess that is me ...So lets hear from the rest of you all long or short let get reintroduced.. Since the board seems to be slacking off....Love to you all Beth Martinez es

Hi, Beth...I miss everyone. My name is Stephanie. I'm almost 18 months post op as well. I had surgery on August 24, 2003. My starting weight was over 350. I'm now at 190. I went from 30/32 to 14's and XLs! It is amazing. I agree with Beth...one of the greatest things is playing with my son. He thinks it is so neat that mom can run and play now. This surgery has been the best thing I have ever done. I'm also the facilitator for the Henry County Support Group. So, if anyone is interested, let me know. We meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at Henry Medical Center's Education/Foundation Building. I appreciate all of the people on this list. The journey would have been so difficult without them. I'm at a place now where I have to work to lose anymore weight. I have been at 190 for several months. I haven't been exercising like I'm supposed to, and my eating habits could greatly improve. But, I'm getting back on track. My husband and I are talking about trying for another baby...so, I have to get my body ready for that. I'm nervous but excited. I'm also going to try to be a bit more active on the board. It gets difficult sometime to keep up with everything...I know you all understand. Good to "meet" everyone! Stephanie

Great idea Beth!!! Ok..Hi, I'm Tami aka Modean (nickname). I had my surgery on July 13, 2004. My starting weight was 340 and I have lost 140 pounds. I was wearing 30/32's and now wear 18's. I didn't get to my goal, and I believe the biggest reason was my lack of exercise during the "honeymoon" period. However, I now have a LIFE, whereas I know I was going to die within 5 yrs. I still have food issues, and as Beth said, I do find now there are certainly things I can no longer eat. NO sodas, very low doses of heavy sugary items. I am finding I am now lactose intolerant. However, who cares about FOODS I can no longer have. I can now participate in my children's activities, be it Keith's crazy hardcore concerts (with earplugs of course) or Christopher's marching band activities. I also have a WONDERFUL man in my life, and I NEVER saw that coming. I am so amazingly blessed, as not only do I have all these things, but I have SOOOO many new friends, some VERY close, who will be lifelong friends, all thanks to OH!!! Love you folks!!! Tami

Hi everyone...My name is Pat and I am pre-op. I just got my insurance approval on the 28th of this month and I should hear back from my surgeon within the next two weeks with a date (I hope). I will be at the next Henry County Support Group. I can't wait to meet everyone and start on this exciting journey. I have two beautiful granddaughters that I would love to be more 'active' with. I hope everyone has a "Happy New Year" I know I plan to! ~~~Pat~~~

WOW - GREAT Idea! I'm Dee Dee. I will be 3 years post op on May 24 and have just past my one year TT anniversary. (Dec 29th to be exact!) I started at 350 and weigh between 175 - 185 but my lowest was 160. I'm happy, healthy and very greatful to God for bringing me this far into this journey. I went from being a couch potato to teaching at my gym and LOVE being there! Like Tami, I have met a wonderful man who loves me for me....and I enjoy doing things again. I no longer live to eat...I eat to live. I'm here for anyone who needs a shoulder to lean on and I'm glad to offer any advice that I can! Dee Dee

Hi! My name is Kim and I had my surgery on August 31st, 2005. I was 240 pounds wearing a snug size 24. I am now around 16 months out and have lost a total of 110lbs. I almost reached my goal, but my goal was not what the doctor wanted. But I did meet his at 134. I have been able to maintain for the last 6 months within 10 lbs. I have lost over 74 inches total (over 6 feet of fat GONE!). I feel better than ever! I love that my youngest runs up to me, puts her arms around my waiste and says, "Look mama! I can put my arms around you and have ALL THIS ROOM left over!!!!" My husband has been so supportive. He loved me when I was over weight, loves me the same "skinny", lol My weight has never been an issue with him. I haven't really had any major food issues. My only problem is that I have done the math and I know how much sugar I can eat, how long I can wait to have more! My biggest weakness is cookies. I am starting to put some inches back on and I know I have to get ahold of this again. I have started walking again and I climb 24 stairs about 12 times a day at my office. Hey, every little helps!!!! I am so thankful for where I am in my life. I have lost the weight, gotten a real job with a real career and I bought a house! Whats left?!?! We want a baby too! My husband has mapped out my "fertile" time and is making plans on taking leave for that time! lol Oh, and for wow momments. I still turn around and look when someone makes a comment on how small or tiny I am! I am thinking, "Surely they are NOT talking about me!!!" It's a trip. I guess I just dont see myself as others do. I have been fortunate that my skin has tighten up somewhat. The more stairs I climb, the better my skin looks. I have noticed my rearend doesnt hang as low, lol hahahahaha Well, thats about me! Hope everyone has a WONDERFUL and SAFE New Year Holiday! We are heading to Columbus, GA to visit with friends! Love much! Kimberly

Happy New Year! My name is Judy, I'm from Evans Ga, which is near Augusta.. I had my surgery Roux N Y on August 22, AND HAVE lost over 100 pounds.. I have appx 80 more to go... to my gaol fo 150..well 86... I started at 338 down to 236 whoohoo

Hello Sweet Beth! My name is Lorie Brown and I had surgery on August 2nd and I have lost 99 pounds so far! I am so happy I had this surgery and have really turned a corner lately from that horrible tired feeling I have had for 2+ months. The more I exercise the more energy I have!! Who would have thunk it LOL!!! I thank God everyday for this chance and I am so fortunate to have found this board and hope to be more active in the coming year. Beth call me!! Lorie

Hi, All, I am Sandy in Acworth, and I had the Mini-Gastric Bypass in North Carolina 2 1/2 yrs. ago. ( I chose this surgery after much research and being convinced by the statistics regarding shorter surgery and recovery time, the less-invasive technique, the better mortality rate and the fact that it is reversible. I have had no regrets about my choice.) I have gone from being 392 pounds and in a wheelchair to 180. I have gotten back all the things I missed at such a high weight, like going to movies, shopping, attending sporting events and school activities with my nieces and nephews, going to yard sales (when the weather is good), and just generally getting out and enjoying life! I even rode the Tilt-a-Whirl at the fair this year! If someone had told me I'd be doing that ever, I would have thought they were nuts! Anyway, I am truly enjoying my new-found freedom from obesity even though I did not reach my goal weight. I know plastic surgery might take away up to about 20 more pounds, so I am looking into that. For those interested in learning more about the MGB, a show will be airing on the Discovery Health Channel about the actor Gil Girard having this surgery I am really looking forward to seeing this! It will air at: 10:00PM on 1-10-07 1:0 AM on 1-11-07 7:00 PM on 1-13-07 Best wishes to all for a happy 2007! Sandy

I had lap RNY 22 months ago. High weight 262. now weigh 132 yea!!! I have lost half my weigh. I am 5'2" charts say I should be 122, but I don't think I am going to get there. Made it through holidays without any major weight gain. I did get into the sugar and am giving it up again. Just can not handle the stuff. Can not stop when I start. Had TT, BA,BL 8 weeks ago. Had infection and my scar is not to my liking, but I am glad I had it. Trying to get out the door to gym this morning to walk on treadmill. Have not been there for months and months.