Popping back in!!!

I haven't been on here since last September, things got super busy with work and I just wasn't here as much.  Since I just had my one year surgiversary appointment with Dr Evanson, I thought I'd stop in to see how everyone is doing!

I'm doing very well...I hit 160 at Christmas, just 8 months post op, and have been within 5 lbs of that weight ever since.  I initially wanted to get to 135, but am really comfortable where I am now.  After talking to Dr E last week, he's thrilled; he said I've lost about 87% of my excess weight and have been maintaining that for a while, so we're ready for the next step: hernia repair.  I'm hoping for an early August (like August 3) surgery date, as my girls go back to school Aug 12...with a first grader and a kindergartner this fall, I need to be on my toes! I will have some excess skin, I have quite a substantial hernia below my belly button, which has prevented my panni from shrinking.  After a lot of thought, I've got a consultation with a plastic surgeon on June 2 to see if insurance will pay for a panniculectomy along with the hernia repair.  I really hope so...I've got a lot of irritation from my c section scar, and now that I run regularly, I'm having chafing/sweat issues...the surgeon's office said that will help my case with insurance.  We shall see!

Food wise, I can pretty consistenly get in the 4 oz of protein at each meal, along with my fruits, veggies and starch, and really, there isn't anything I can't tolerate in small quantities.  Exercise has been the biggest key...it is such a major part of my life now! I get up every day Monday through Friday at 5am and am at the Y by 5:20.  Three mornings a week I run...I just completed the c25K program, and am running a 10 minute mile, 2.5 to 3 miles each day.  Unbelievable!! The other days I do weight lifting and am seeing great results. 

Clothing...it varies depending on style.  I've lost 12 inches off my bust and waist, 15 inches off my hips, about 10 inches off each thigh...but not a darn thing off my calves.  Jeans I'm mainly in a 10, but they are too big in the waist...I need the calf room.  I do have one pair of 8 jeans.  Capris I love, because I wear a size 6 in capris!!! A year ago, I was in a 22/24.  Love shopping these days!!

So that's about it from here...just wanted to pop back in and see how everyone's doing, and start researching panniculectomy/hernia repairs....the fun never ends!

OMG look at you! Wowsie, is All I can say. You look fantastic. Welcome back and don't be a stranger.
shanna

Amy,

I have been wondering about you, since you had your surgery just before me and you're from Kokomo too!!  You look great and I really believe the exercise is the key.  This is an amazing journey isn't it?

Barb