Busy Offline - Sorry it's been so long!

Ok, I admit it, I got surgery, got thinner, got healthier... and lost some of my bad habits, including SITTING for hours on end at a computer for FUN. I'm a much more "up and attem" kinda gal now... so I got a request to update on me, here it is. :)

Today is 7 months & 2 weeks... I started at 345 lbs, I am now 232 lbs!! So I'm down 113 lbs from the start. I started in a size 30, and as of 2 months ago, I'm bordering 16 & 18. I haven't seen any further drop in size, but I think that's because the panni is just about as small as it's going to get. I'm looking into plastics now, because I expect that if I had that part done... I'd lose another 40 lbs of skin, and I would be only 20 lbs from my goal!!

As for what's different? WOW... everything!! I don't get out of breath just walking, I FEEL sexy (despite the ugly skin, which I hide well). I am active and very rarely stay home now (thus the dramatic decrease in my online time). I am working full time as a Bariatric Coordinator now and LOVING IT!!! My whole life is about this surgery, but it's a GOOD thing, because it reminds me daily to stay on track, take my vits (mental block against those, it's a struggle), and get in plenty of protein and water...

The most satisfying part? That my son is not ashamed to hang out with me now... and he's 15!! The next most satisfying part... is being able to help others to reach these same new "firsts" that I am finding so much delight in.

Kat

You've done an awesome job! It's great that you've become a Bariatric Coordinator....you can really relate to the people your helping. Congrats to you on your new life.

Hi Kat, haven't talk to you in a long time. You are doing awesome. I have been doing very well. I am down to 281 from 365 on day of surgery, gone from a 32/34 jeans to a 22/24 jeans like you said would be smaller but my panni is too big. Have to cover it up. No problems with any food or vits. so far hopefully won't.

Its wonderful to see you again Kat...i'm so glad that your life is forging ahead so wonderfully...congratulations on your weigh loss and all your achievements and hopefully soon you will be able to complete your journey with the plastics...its great that you are not only active in helping others but also finding it such a fulfilling aspect in your life that also acts as a duel accomplishment...Blessings to you and your son sis...it wonderful isnt it!...take care, Dreamz

I'm so happy you updated. I've been thinking about you. We had a really good support group meeting Tuesday, and I thought about you. Do you ever get back to this area? Congratulations on your weight loss. You are doing great.

Thanks!! I do sometimes but probably not for a long while yet :) I'll be looking to come down around Mardi Gras again... not sure of what maybe between now and then :)

Hey Sweetie!! I miss you soooo much,, Its soo great to hear your doing soo good,, I wish I could say I was doing as well,, I had to have that knee surgery and it was alot worse than they thought, Had to have microfracture surgery,, knee was Fu@$@# up, lol,,, I am SOOOOOOOO proud of you and am sure you look amazing,,,You already looked wonderful when I saw you last. I would love if you sent me some pics!! I am doing so so with my weight,, since I can't exercise and was on best rest for 6-8 weeks , which unfort. I have fought and am now walking on a little,, I have gained a little weight back. I was down to a 10/12 and now am in my 12/14,, but the good news is I have started upper body workout and have already lost 2pds,, can't do anything cardio so I feel lost, and I tried the protein shakes for breakfast and lunch and then eating a dinner,, But I was starving,, Any suggestions?? Well please email me , would love to talk more!!!

Be sensible... have protein shake before breakfast, then have a breakfast of solid food (it leaves you satisfied longer than a liquid can). For lunch, have a salad topped with a low carb low fat dressing, some egg and either tuna or turkey. Then for dinner a sensible serving of protein, then all the veggies you want. I would limit your carbs (the more you eat the more you want). As for exercising... do strength training chair exercises. Build muscle because that way you increase your basal metabolic rate. you can do a lot... talk to the PT about it, get a list of chair exercises you can do that do not stress or harm the joints. You'll do fine... don't focus on cardio... it's like a guy... short, fast... done... your calorie burning returns to basal rate when you're not doing the cardio... to increase your basal rate you need to increase the muscle mass :)

Isn't it funny how pre op we spent so much time online?  I too don't post much, way to busy enjoying life.  Congrats on a job well done.  I so understand your statement about your whole life is about this surgery.  Almost 2 years out I feel the same way, not a day goes by that I don't reflect on the surgery and the good in my life because of it. My kids and husband are so proud of me and that make me even happier....never realized how much being overweight affected the whole family....Like my daughter said to me when I was about 8 months out, "Mom you are the mom I remember from being little, your fun and happy, you have not been like that in a long time"  that comment broke my heart because I didn't realize just how unhappy I was or  that my kids saw it too. Again congrats on a  job well done. 

Wow Kat, it's great to hear you're doing so well!  Something drew me to the LA board.  I don't often stop by here.  My hang out is the Over 50 Forum, you know the grandma group.  Anyway, congratulations on your success thus far.  I knew you'd be a true success story!  It was a long time coming, and you so deserve it!  You're working as a bariatric coordinator, just like you to help others achieve their dreams!  At 3 yrs post-op, I'm about the same - gain a few lbs and lose them right back thankfully.  Some old habits are trying very hard to return - munching, drinking with meals - gotta stay mindful of the rules!  One of my sons is 31, we went out to lunch - the waiter thought I was his girlfriend!  Made my day! Debbie