SOME WEIGHT IS GONE

TO ALL THE WEIGHT LOSERS OUT THERE IN THE WORLD. I WEIGHTED MY SELF TODAY . AND HAVE LOST 20LBS, SINCE JUNE 26TH ,2004. I DO NOT FEEL LIGHTER. BUT FAMILY MEMBERS SAY I LOOK THINNER IN THE FACE & ARMS. TO GET THE PROTEIN IN ,TAKES ALOT OF WORK, AND TO DRINK ALL THA****ER. I NOW TRY AND DRINK 4OZ EACH 1/2 HOUR. SO IT DOESNT UP SET THE TUMMY. I STARTED WALKING OUT SIDE YESTERDAY AND WALKED 1/2 MILE IS THAT TO SOON? I WAS VERY TRIED AFTER THE WALK, BUT GOT IT DONE. WELL NEED TO GO TODAY AND WALK AGAIN . WILL EMAIL LATER. THANK TO ALL WHO WRITE BACK . I REALLLY HELPES. GILDA OPPERMAN

Gilda ~~ congrats on the loss. When I started walking I did what was comfortable as it will vary from person to person. At one month out I was able to walk 1/2 an hour or about 1.25 miles. Do what feels right for you though. It seems that faces show the weight loss first -- learn to accept compliments as I'm sure you'll have a lot coming your way!! Keep up the good work!! Janie

Great job, Gilda! Keep up the good work. Walk to the point that you feel comfortable. Don't push yourself too hard - you're not too far out yet. Good job and God bless, Andrea

Hi Gilda good for you 20 pounds is alot! I know what you mean everyone noticed it from my face and chest first. I kind of wanted to keep my chest! Anyway I hope everything is going good. I see your on the schedule to come back next Friday talk to your surgeon about being on a weight restriction for at least another week. Theirs plenty you could do on light duty. I just don't want you to over do too soon! I came back with a weight restriction. Keep it up and I will mail you later Kim

Gilda, You're doing just awesome! You'll have plenty of time to get your walking in, I don't think you need to ru**** You might want to break it into 2 walks, you know, 1 morning and 1 evening or something like that. It might be easier and you should get just as much benefit from it. There are times I still don't feel lighter - especially when I look at what's left of my tummy - sure looks a lot like bread dough!! Even after 80 pounds! It takes a while for the mind to catch up to the new body. Keep up the good work! Don't wear yourself out though, you're still healing and this was major surgery. Keep us posted! Take care now, Deb W.

Hi Gilda, I am soo happy for you! From experience the face seems to get thinner very quickly, on a happier note I personally lost my butt... (literally!), I know of a couple other who lost in the rear region fairly fast also. It seems though that weight loss is an individual adventure, some common bonds will exist between us and then some things will be uniquely yours. Walk or try to get as much activity as you can without causing pain, I know when I got out of instensive care I couldn't even make the all the aisles at the HYVEE and now I can walk 2 miles without breaking a sweat. This is a great adventure ... TTFN: Paula