7 MONTHS ALREADY!!??!!

Yesterday was 7 months since surgery! WOW! I can't believe how my life has changed in what I consider a very short time. Today I went to see my PCP who had not seen me since my leg infection 7 weeks post-op. She saw Kenneth, but didn't really recognize me! She was so happy for me. She said "you look great, what amazing results" She took some blood work for my thyroid and also took a look at my levels my surgeon took back about a month ago. She said my folic acid level was a little low. She wants me to now take prenatal vitamins on top of what I'm taking now. She said it was not very low, but she wanted to make sure I'm getting what I need. It seems she is also telling me I have PCOS Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. She said she felt things would greatly improve with more weight loss for the PCOS. Since surgery my cycle is much more irractic, in fact it's been 6 months since I even had one. She said it's very common in obese women. Thinking of all the awful things obesity does really opens your eyes. So she ordered some blood work to check some hormone levels. I would have to say the most exciting part was I walked all over the hospital today. I would tell Kenneth, I don't think I can make it, then the next thing I would know I would be there! I had so much fun, I cooked dinner for my family tonight (parents & hubby). I even went to the store and didn't have to use a CART, walked all over! It's like I'm in a whole new world, I see things from a different angle now, it's weird to me to shop standing up! LOL! I know I must have walked about 2 miles today. Praise God! This morning my mom said I looked "normal". I told her I felt normal too. To me normal is living, and being able to do things for myself. I was able to sit in a chair with arms without a second thought, I looked people in the face today and smiled, you know what? They smiled back. I'm still obese, but the way I see myself, the way I feel about life has drastically changed. I no longer think about what others are thinking of me. What good is it going to do to please everyone else? It's done nothing in the past, but cause stress. I'm quite happy and content with who I am. I couldn't be happier with how things are going in my life. This second chance at life is such a blessing. Soon I'm taking that plunge and going to get out and go swimming at the YMCA. This will be one of the biggest steps I've taken in this journey, but because I want this tool to work I'm going to do it. Good bye 220 pounds forever!! Goodbye high blood pressure! Ps. Kenneth is still awaiting insurance approval. They are requesting cardio clearance, which shouldn't be to hard to get since he had extensive work up not to long ago. Amy 615/395/Healthy

Amy you have done really great and have been a big inspiration to me and to many others I cant believe I only have 7 hrs to go I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am instead of 6:30 Im really not as nervous as I thought I would be,I have put it in Gods hands and he has never let me down...I will see ya on the other side....love Amy C.

Amy, Yes your time is almost here. I'm so happy and excited for you. Remember to always keep a positive outlook and this journey will be so much nicer for you! I can't wait to see you on the losing side. Amy

Amy, I am so proud of you! Anyhoo, welcome to the "club." The PCOS Club that is...lots of us chunky gals have it...a great site that I frequent a lot is soulcysters.com They have a ton of boards and great articles and info on the subject. You will feel great and light in the water at the Y. Great job on getting your blood pressure down. Has your doctor put you on any BCP to regulate the cycle? I'm on Yasmin. If you aren't seeing an endocrinoligist, you might want to see one for the PCOS. You are doing all the right things...especially losing the weight. Is she POSITIVE you have it? Did you get an internal ultrasound done? I'm probably asking too many questions...anyhoo-if you need anything give me a holler! Sherry

I know she wants to do some more tests and I think an ultrasound was something she mentioned. I think right now she's going on just what I've told her about how irractic it's been for many years now. Amy

Amy girl, if ever there was a poster child for the miracles and successes of this surgery, YOU ARE IT!!! I'm so happy for you Amy...you deserve all the blessings you are currently receiving. God Bless you and Kenneth! -Tami

Amy, First I have to say you are truly and inspiration to me. Our Surgery dates are 3 days apart - so I feel that this journey we've gone on basically at the same time has been an incredible one. I watch the amazing changes you've made in your life and I smile because it's like wathing a re-birth for you literally. I know the changes you have made have certaily brought a smile to your face that could light up a city. I couldn't be happier for you Amy!!! I know how it feels to see the "little" accomplishments like sitting in a chair with arms and saying good bye to high blood pressure!!! Keep up your fantastic work!!!! I'll keep trying to follow in your footsteps!!!! Dee Dee

Amy, I'm very happy for you! I saw your post and I felt compelled to answer because I've been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome as well. I've been trying to get pregnant for the last year and a half with no luck. If you're trying to get pregnant soon, let me give you some advice that I've learned in my reproductive saga: First, don't listen to the Dr. when he/she says that weight loss will completely get rid of your PCOS. It's not a guarantee as many thin women have it too. Next, get a complete reproductive blood work done including FASTING glucose with insulin. The insulin is what keeps your ovaries from producing viable eggs...and sometimes it prevents your ovulation completely. If your insulin is over 10...then you need to ask your Doc. about getting on metformin (glucophage) with Avandia...as soon as I got on it i started ovulating normally and having my monthlies. I've not been able to get pregnant because my insulin is affecting the quality of eggs that are being developed. I'm trying to combat that with a low carb diet. You should also have a hysterosylpingogram done to make sure that your tubes aren't blocked. It's fairly painless where they run dye through your tubes to make sure that they are not blocked. Last piece of advice....don't let them put you on CLOMID (a fertility drug****IL you've been on metformin for awhile....until you get your body straight then the Clomid will only raise your chances of getting ovarian cancer. Two EXCELLENT doctors that I've been to are Dr. Eric Scott Sills at the Georgia Reproductive Specialists and Dr. Carla Roberts at Emory Clinic. YOUR REGULAR OB WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HELP YOU!! Trust me....I wasted a year of my life learning that the hard way!! Anyway, I hope this helps! You look beautiful and everyone is really proud of you. I saw you on MTV and certainly sympathized! Take care! Michelle (Travis's wife)

Amy, you are incredible. I know so much of what you've been experiencing, both the highs and the lows. I've had blood work done by an endocrinologist and go back for the results on January 7th. They believe I have PCOS as well and she's also checking me for Cushings Disease. I'm hoping that as time goes on and more weight comes off that my blood pressure will normalize as well. I feel like it's better now, but not completely gone. Now if I could just get my sugar levels down and get off this dang diabetes meds I'd be ecstatic! Keep up the good work and please continue to share your experiences with us! Kelle