Getting to know you!

I haven't been on much lately, but I think I need to come back to get support and stay on track with my weight. I just want the comraderie too. You guys are the greatest bunch ever.

I noticed there's alot of people lately I don't recognize though. I just thought I'd start a thread, instead of going to so many different pages. Tell us about yourself?

My name is Linda. I am going to turn 33 in a week. I had a RNY in 11/2006 with Dr. Inman at St. V. I lost about 150 pounds total, but have put a little back on, that I'm dedicated to getting back off. I am in Terre Haute, but originally from Hammond, IN. I am married for 12 years to Mike, who is a really good guy. We have had three children: Mikey, Lucy, and Maggie. Mikey is going to be 12 years old on the day after my birthday. (Yes, I was in labor for my 21st birthday.) Sadly, neither of my girls are with us. Lucy died at age 5 weeks in 1999 from SIDS, and Maggie died at age 5 1/2 in February this year from a severe auto accident. I am a graduate from Indiana State University, and I work for the state as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, but I also have a part-time gig at Sears to help pay the bills.

Linda,
Great idea you had. There are so many I still havent met yet and so maybe this will help me!

I am Kristie Allen and I recently turned 46 in August. I had RNY with Dr. Huse on June 11, 2009 and it was the best thing I have ever done. Now 6 weeks out I was NOT saying that but after 4 months I feel I can. I have lost almost 29 inches since surgery and feel better each and every day. I am in college in Terre Haute working on a degree in Human Services at Ivy Tech (where I work part time) and then in the fall of next year a bachelor's in Social Work at St. Mary of the Woods.  I want so much to give back all the blessings I have been given. I have three children ages 25, 20, and 5. Yes you heard right 5! We adopted him three years ago and he is such a blessing to our lives. Drew is a special needs child who smiles big beautiful healing smiles! I also have a precious granddaughter who makes Grammie feel warm!  I was born and raised in Texas moved to Indiana about 6 years ago because of love.

Great idea Linda!!

I am Melissa Hess. I am a 33 year old mother of 2 (going on 3). I had RNY December 17, 2008 with Dr. Evanson. I have lost 95 pounds to date. I am about 15 pounds from goal, but about 8 weeks ago we found out we are shockingly pregnant. I have continued to lose so far in my pregnancy. We used major infertility treatments to have our 2nd and were told we'd never conceive without medical intervention (because of both my husband and I). Guess weight loss fixed me and God fixed Gary, cause our miracle baby is due April 19, 2010.

We live in Danville on the west side and I am an RN in the ER at Riley Hospital. My post op course has been a bit rocky (dehydration, stricture, ulcer, TPN/PICC line) but I would still totally do it over again.

Okay...I'm 48. I had my RNY 5 years ago and have been here on OH..ummmm...over 6 yrs I think. I'm married to Bill and we have a german shepard mix, Lotus, that we love to spoil. I have two grown kids from a previous marriage; Tiffany who is married to Rod and has three kids (Chance, Myranda, and Rodney Jr) and Jay who is with his gf Nikki and her three kids. Bill also has a grown daughter, Shellie..who has a daughter (Shyanne). On 11/24th, it will be 9 years that Bill and I have been married. We enjoy going to the races at Kittley (small track), rv'ing, amusement parks, and dining out.

My WLS journey has been anything but smoothe. I had a small bowel obstruction that put me in a coma 2 years ago (ALL of my small bowels lost their blood supply and were black). It seems like every time one thing is fixed, something else 'breaks'. Right now, I have three hernia's...and the surgeon seems to have no idea of what the best course of action would be for my situation because of how my body has reacted to everything that has been tried so far. I have gone from being a 'unique' case to a 'difficult' case and now am classified as a 'complex' case. Trust me, if it were up to me, I'd had much preferred to be a simple case! My highest weight pre-op was 352 lb. My lowest...which was not too long after the coma ordeal was 142 lb. Right now, I'm at 165 lb. Considering I haven't been able to exercise in over two years and walking even is exhausting for me, I don't feel bad over that few pound of re-gain. Besides, when I went down to 142, it was because of VERY unhealthy  cir****tances.

I have never regretted having my WLS (or my plastics)..but....for any one who thinks that either is a simple fix for a weight issue or skin issue, I cringe. It's simple IF all goes right...but life doesn't guarantee that all will go right so before anyone decides to have WLS or plastics done, they need to KNOW in their heart that they are prepared for the just in case...because the just in case doesn't just happen to the 'other guy'.

If you want to know more...I have quite abit on my profile....

Sherri

Great idea Linda
Hi my name is Lisa i am 46 years young i am married too my best friend Neil for 18 years now.
I have 3 sons 26,17,16. I have 2 dogs and 2 cats...I recently went to work for the first time in many many years....
I had rny with Dr.Sonnastine in Feb 2008,and had a panni removal in Feb09 with my hysterectomy.
At my highest i was 526 i have since lost 255 pounds and no more diabetes meds...
I have more to lose but right now i am happy to have my life back i never know which way to turn know ,life is fun and my rny was he best decision i have ever made.
Most of my weight came off fast now its learning to my new tool and follow the guidelines and just be good to myself in general.

Hi... my name is Dani... I am 36, married to a wonderful guy named Brian, have a 3yr old boy named Nathan, and a precious little girl due in December.   I haven't been on the boards much lately but am planning on staying around this time.  

I work for the State at the Indiana War Memorial and love my job.  Brian is currently laid off and has been playing Mr. mom for 5 months now.

I had my RNY 10/14/08 and got pg at 5.5 mos out.  I lost 80 lbs prior to getting pg but have put 20 back on since then... I am now 50 lbs from goal.  sigh..  staying on track while pregnant is hard and I haven't been winning the battle.

Dani!! So excited to see you post. I've been wondering how your pregnancy is going?? A little girl? How fun!! What is your due date. I'm almost 12 weeks and am still losing weight. It worries me a little (and my family a lot). I'm trying to eat enough, but I guess my body is still in the losing phase. Would love to talk to you about your pregnancy journey so far.

Melissa

Hi Melissa... I am 27 weeks and doing great so far.  My due date is Jan 2nd but it will be late Dec hopefully.   Scheduled C-section. 

I will admit that I am jealous... my weight gain and eating has been horrible.  I am gained too much.   It's my fault I know... I don't dump and can eat more than I should. 

As long as your baby is growing on target and you are eating enough, i would try not to worry....

12 weeks is a great milestone...congrats... if you have any questions, just ask

What a good idea Linda.  I haven't been on much lately and I've missed a lot.

My name is Cindy.  I had an RNY 4/7/06.  I lost 80 lbs and I've been battling weight gain ever since.  The only problem with the surgery is that it doesn't fix your head!  But I no longer have diabetes and I'm much healthier now than I ever was.

I am 50 years old and I'm 10 years married to my favorite pain in the butt .  I have two children,  a son 15 and a daughter 8.  I have a very challenging job as an accountant with U.S. Customs and Border Protection which I enjoy very much.  I love to read and hate to work outbut I do it anyway (usually at the same time).  I really enjoy getting together with my friends from OH.  I have never met a more caring, giving group of people.

Oh, and just in case anyone was wondering, Melissa is a great nurse.  I saw her in action this weekend when I had my daughter I Riley.  She really made my daughter feel comfortable. 

To all you newbies, you've found a great place and a great group of people.

To all you oldies, I've missed you and can't wait to see you all again at the clothing exchange later this month!

Cindy, you're sweet. I'm so sorry I couldn't put a name with the face, I'm bad about that. Hope all is better with your sweet little girl. I'm sorry the first time we met in person it was so that I could hold your daughter down while we poked her! :)

Melissa