On the pity pot
I really don't like this weather. It puts me in a really bad mood.
So I uploaded some pictures of me that I took this morning. Now I've lost 115 lbs at this point. It's amazing that even though I've lost that much weight, down below 200 lbs, and I look at the pictures and I see "fat kendra". Can't seem to wrap my mind around "thinner kendra." Can't seem to appreciate the fact that my 7 year old can wrap his little arms all the way around me for the first time in HIS life.
Guess I'm a little worried that I'm never ever going to see myself as "thinner kendra" no matter what weight I get to. It's interesting b/c I saw a college friend for the 1st time since surgery and he asked me if I wanted to go get a burger b/c it looks like i haven't been eating. Now he sees me as that thin and I see me as fat.
I'm in size 12 and/or 14 clothes and yet still see fat. The sun really needs to come out and chase the dark clouds away that I have developed in my head.
OK that's it. I've vented enough now. Thanks for letting me vent.
I've been in a mood also for a few days, maybe it is the weather and change of season... your upstate a bit, must be even colder. I gathered from your profile that your about a year post op... have you stopped losing weight?
I happen to think you look great. 
Our expectations of this surgery can often be misguided by what other peoples experiences are, the media, etc. I will NEVER be skinny.... just because I was way to heavy at the time of my surgery, it will never happen. I think you look normal, I wouldn't think any different by looking at you.
You know what I do when I feel like this... I try and go places where people knew me as heavy, it's a real confidence booster!
Stay happy!
David
Our expectations of this surgery can often be misguided by what other peoples experiences are, the media, etc. I will NEVER be skinny.... just because I was way to heavy at the time of my surgery, it will never happen. I think you look normal, I wouldn't think any different by looking at you.
You know what I do when I feel like this... I try and go places where people knew me as heavy, it's a real confidence booster!
Stay happy!
David Yes it's colder here in good old sullivan county, ny. It just seems lilke the weather in Monticello is always worse than anyplace else in the county. Oh well.
The weight is still coming off. It's funny b/c I often plateau and now it doesn't bother me. I'm not in a hurry to get the weight off anymore. I actually like it coming off slow. I believe I will have a better chance keeping it off. It's funny b/c I've given myself a goal. I want to be 30 lbs lighter by this time NEXT year. That way no stress, no pressure and I can be sensible about my new lifestyle. I really tend to believe that my yucky attitude is coming from this dreary day.
Some days I wake up and I believe that I look fantastic. Today I looked in the mirror and saw Jabba the Hut. I thought maybe some new pictures would help. Total opposite.
I think that going places where people knew me as heavy is an awesome idea! I'll have to see if I can get someplace where I know my ex-hubby won't be. That's a WHOLE other issue (smile)!
By the way, thanks for the compliment. I still find it difficult to accept compliments.
I lived in Rock Hill for a while, my family had a summer house there for years, I know the area very well. It's probably the weather 
You need to start accepting compliments better, open up, tell yourself you're beautiful and sexy and smart and that's how you'll feel.
The weather is partly cloudy and 55 for tomorrow. Get out and enjoy the day because it's going to rain on Sunday again
You need to start accepting compliments better, open up, tell yourself you're beautiful and sexy and smart and that's how you'll feel.
The weather is partly cloudy and 55 for tomorrow. Get out and enjoy the day because it's going to rain on Sunday again I'm going to try smiling even though the weather is yucky.
You sound like my girlfriends w/ the whole compliments thing. Geeze!! Ya know what - you make it very hard to stay on the pity pot. All I have to say is thank you very much (he he he).
Well, as for tomorrow, I'm working all darn day so enjoying the day is OUT! I'm hoping that if it rains on Sunday it's late afternoon b/c I have a football game to go to.
Thank you again for your words. They helped.
Kendra:
Hello! 
Vent anytime because this means you are allowing issues to come into full awareness, wher eu can do something about em!!!
Here is a nice article you may want to read...
Bariatric Bombshells
http://www.beyondchange-obesity.com/psychoSpeaking/bariatricBombshells.html
Mirror Mirror on the Wall: Body image and you
Anna Delany and Pat Fiducia
http://www.calorieking.com/library/articles/Mirror-Mirror-on-the-Wall-Body-image-and-you_Y
WlkPTYzOSZwaWQ9MTMsNjYmcHJpbnRhYmxlPXllcyZub3ZpZXdzPXllcw.html
I at 4 yrs out work daily on body image..it is doable but a long process. i have given a presentation to my support group on:
TRIMMING YOUR 'PSYCHOLOGICAL FAT' AFTER WLS
DEVELOPING A HEALTHY BODY IMAGE FOR HAPPINESS & LONG TERM SUCCESS
Here are a few excepts from my powerpoint presentation...
BODY IMAGE DISTRESS
HIGH among the obese.
The brain is a hard/slow organ to change...can't keep up with the rapid physical changes. MAY TAKE ~2-3 yrs!
DISTRESS can become a preoccupation that excludes one's ability to acknowledge any other POSITIVE personal characteristics.
Many have the MISTAKEN BELIEF that ALL their problems are related to their obesity and are DISAPPOINTED when these psychosocial issues remain.
Difficulty INTEGRATING these changes + THE DISAPPOINTMENT of continuing problems can lead to SABOTAGING EATING BEHAVIORS!
THIS IS MY TRICK that helps ME!
MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL...
BEFRIEND the mirror on your journey!
DESENSITIZATION.. Doing something anxiety producing for increasing amounts of time...tried and true method to conquer phobias, clarify reality/dispel distortions.
Start fully clothed 30 seconds, focus on areas you like/are acceptable, daily by 1 week should feel more comfortable.
NEXT try with more form fitting clothes, breathing deeply while gazing at self.
Increase time, continue daily to more flawed areas, to eventually unclothed. *progressive*
FINALLY IT IS NOT HOPELESS...IT JUST TAKES TIME AND EFFORT!
CHANGING YOUR SELF IMAGE INVOLVES A CONCERTED EFFORT:
AT TREATING YOURSELF WITH RESPECT
INSITING OTHERS RESPECT YOU
CHANGING YOUR NEGATIVE SELF-TALK
CHANGING YOUR BEHAVIORS...PRACTICING NEW SKILLS
ADOPTING RATIONAL/ REALITY BASED PERSPECTIVES OF YOURSELF (YOUR NOT REALLY A BFUS!)
*ITS NOT A W/E PROJECT! IT'S A JOURNEY NOT A DESTINATION....
If you want the PPT slides email me I can send it all! HUGS!
~~~~~~~
Oh one more article u may like:
Gaining Perspective
Lessons Learned From Long-Term Losers
(As featured in WLS Lifestyles Magazine, To subscribe Click Here
By Colleen Cook, President, Bariatric Support Center International
She was the only one left standing in a room filled with nearly 75 people. All eyes were upon her and all ears listening intently to the story she would share.
As is often the case, I began this particular support group by asking all of the WLS patients in the room to stand. Then, I had them sit down by group according to how long they had been a WLS patient. "All those who are within three months of surgery may sit down. All those within the first year, sit down. All those within two years sit down, five years...ten years, fifteen years", (I was sure I would get her with that one), yet still, she remained standing. As everyone turned towards the back of the room to see why we were continuing on with this exercise, I quickly glanced at a friend from the bariatric surgeon's office, who shrugged her shoulders, with a clear, "I don't have any idea who she is" response. "Welcome," I said. "We are happy to have you here tonight. And, how far out of surgery are you?" "Eighteen years" she proudly replied. "Eighteen years! I repeated, (keep in mind this was 1998) Wow, you look wonderful. Won't you tell us a bit about your story."
Stories of WLS successes abound these days. Stories of life-long dreams coming true, stories of weight loss, health returning, wheel chairs abandoned, oxygen tanks out of the picture, medications history. All are exciting and inspiring. These stories make great news items, create interesting magazine features and even have become the focus of a reality show. But I, like you, have read and seen hundreds of stories, but as the years pass, I find myself asking, "so where are they now?" Where are those infamous losers who were featured on the cover of People Magazine in 1998? Where are last years, "Biggest losers?" And more importantly, have these weight-loss winners maintained their weight loss? Are they healthy, are they happy, have their relationships changed, have they had complications?" Would they do it again? What have been their challenges?
I just celebrated the ten-year anniversary of my weight loss surgery. It is a significant milestone for me and a cause for intense evaluation, reflection and of course, a medical check up. As I see new WLS patients experiencing their own journey, writing books, lecturing, starting foundations, companies and selling products, it is exciting to see the energy and the great desire to give back by paying it forward, but it also causes me to feel like I am now viewed as one of the 'old bariatric broads."
But with that title has come a sort of wisdom that only time and experience can provide. Ten years as a WLS patient has provided a unique perspective, cultivated a new and deeper understanding of what it takes to maintain the weight loss prompted by a surgical treatment, what it takes to stay healthy, and what it takes to identify and truly change habits for a lifetime of success.
In addition to sharing with you insights from my own experiences, (including some intimate details) I am also pleased that in future issues of WLS Lifestyles magazine I will introduce you to several other WLS veterans who will also share their stories of their own long-term challenges, successes and the truths about their life, their health and their perspective today on weight loss surgery.
The End of Invincible
Yep, the honeymoon ended. Some time between years two and three. I found that I had to be much more careful with what I ate. As soon as I let refined carbs back into the picture, maintaining my weight became a challenge once more. I had to start paying attention to fats, calories and exercise. Throughout the first year it seemed that I could do and eat anything and my weight continued to drop. Once I reached my goal, exactly one year later, I felt that I had it made. That was true, for a while. I know differently now. As you can see from my 10-year weight loss progress chart, my weight has fluctuated 15-25 pounds or so through the years. And my weight has proven to be a very accurate reflection of my focus and commitment to each of the Success Habits? principles and visa-versa.
In addition to compliance with the Success Habits? principles, I also have also had to "learn" how to maintain. I, like most WLS patients, have spent a lifetime in a losing mode. Consequently we have learned how to lose, but we have never learned how to think/act/be a thin person. I have had to learn, and I am still developing a "maintenance mentality."
Lesson 1: Develop a maintenance mentality.
Body Image Issues
For the first several years, I'll admit, I was nearly obsessed with what size I was wearing, how I looked, what people thought of me. Year one was quite a trip. From a size 22/24 to a 6/8 I didn't stay in one size very long. It scared me to death when the compliments and comments about how great I looked stopped. I was no longer a novelty, but rather, I blended in to normal. Then I began to fret over thoughts like, "I wonder if I look fat in this? Do I look like I am gaining weight? What are they thinking? Why don't they say something?
At only 5'2" every five pounds shows. Worrying about what others think may be vain and may be considered "unhealthy", but the truth is, what people think, does matter to me, and that serves as a very powerful motivator for me to work to stay within my goal weight range. Am I a size 6 today? Nope. I am 46 years old, I wear 8's and sometimes 10's and though I have not had a tummy tuck, or thigh lift, I did have my breasts put back where they belong.
Now, I know that these sorts of things are not important to everyone, but I do believe it is important to feel good about oneself and to make the changes necessary to have a positive and healthy self image and sense of well-being.
Lesson 2: Image can be a powerful motivator.
Fear of the Scale
As I have researched and prepared for this article, I have been quite surprised, that given the fact that I have a scale within 20 feet of my office, I have not kept a close record of my weight throughout the years. You see I am one, who fears the scale. Though I know that weighing regularly is one of the most vital habits for long-term success, still I struggle with it. Prior to surgery, I spent many years not knowing what I weighed. Thinking that if I did not know what it was, then it wasn't what it was! Well, it is what it is and I have learned that the only way to control my weight, is to know exactly where I am and take responsibility for what I weigh and adapt my behaviors accordingly. Our 1998 Success Habits? Study revealed that the most successful long-term weight-loss surgery patients weigh at least once a week. That habit alone, my friends, will serve you well for a lifetime. By weighing in weekly, you will be able to adjust your calories in and calories out and effectively manage your weight. Ignore it and it will surely sneak up on you.
Lesson 3: Weigh once each week .
Exercise
As much as I hate to admit it, to myself and everyone else, exercise works for me. Through the years I have exercised on and off and my weight has responded accordingly, (See 10-year weight-loss progress chart). There seems to be no down side to regular exercise. I look better, feel better, eat better, handle stress more easily, and have a much-needed sense of well being when I exercise. But never the less, it continues to be a struggle for me and likely always will be. It is hard work, time consuming and not much fun, but experience has taught me that it is an absolute must.
Lesson 4: Exercise is a keeper.
Six-year post-op complication Just as I felt it was important to include this information in my book, The Success Habits of Weight-loss Surgery Patients, I feel it is important to include it here in my 10-year retrospective report. At six years post-op I was hospitalized for a very rare and serious complication. The diagnosis was a 'reverse intrasuseption.' As I understand it, that means that my bowel had kaleidoscoped into itself just below my stomach pouch. Part of my bowel had to be removed and I received two blood transfusions. All is well, but please know how critical bowel obstructions can be, and never think you are immune to complications from weight loss surgery no matter how far our you are.
Lesson 5: Never ignore abdominal pain, ever!
Annual Blood Work As you likely know, having your blood work done each year is essential for your good health. I have been fairly committed to that resolve. Good thing! At seven years post-op, my annual blood work revealed that my B-12 level was 151. Dangerously low, I began weekly shots and within one year, my levels were up to 1040. I backed off a bit, and gave myself a B-12 shot once each month, or so. Within one year, levels were still ok, but had rapidly dropped to 596. The following year, my B-12 level dropped again to 276. Obviously, absorbing B-12 is an issue for me, and one that will require close monitoring and treatment.
My blood pressure is also a challenge for me to keep under control. I was put on blood pressure medication prior to my surgery in 1995 and my hope was that once I lost the excess weight, that I would be able to discontinue taking it. I have tried off and on to do without it, but it seems that blood pressure meds will always be part of my regime.
Lesson 6: Have your blood work done annually.
It has been quite a journey these past ten years and I am pleased to be able to share with you these few personal insights and experiences. I have had the wonderful opportunity of working with literally thousands of WLS patients throughout the country. Each WLS patient has their own, unique goals but we all share in one common dream - the hope that our decision to have weight loss surgery will be one that will serve us well throughout our lives. I am excited about my upcoming interviews with other WLS veterans and looking forward to sharing with you their wisdom, insight and perspectives.
As always, yours for greater health and happiness,
Colleen
BSCI eNewsletter - May 4, 2006
Bariatric Support Centers International
www.bariatricsupportcenter.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Take Care,
Jamie
Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh
320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"
Vent anytime because this means you are allowing issues to come into full awareness, wher eu can do something about em!!!
Here is a nice article you may want to read...
Bariatric Bombshells
http://www.beyondchange-obesity.com/psychoSpeaking/bariatricBombshells.html
Mirror Mirror on the Wall: Body image and you
Anna Delany and Pat Fiducia
http://www.calorieking.com/library/articles/Mirror-Mirror-on-the-Wall-Body-image-and-you_Y
WlkPTYzOSZwaWQ9MTMsNjYmcHJpbnRhYmxlPXllcyZub3ZpZXdzPXllcw.html
I at 4 yrs out work daily on body image..it is doable but a long process. i have given a presentation to my support group on:
TRIMMING YOUR 'PSYCHOLOGICAL FAT' AFTER WLS
DEVELOPING A HEALTHY BODY IMAGE FOR HAPPINESS & LONG TERM SUCCESS
Here are a few excepts from my powerpoint presentation...
BODY IMAGE DISTRESS
HIGH among the obese.
The brain is a hard/slow organ to change...can't keep up with the rapid physical changes. MAY TAKE ~2-3 yrs!
DISTRESS can become a preoccupation that excludes one's ability to acknowledge any other POSITIVE personal characteristics.
Many have the MISTAKEN BELIEF that ALL their problems are related to their obesity and are DISAPPOINTED when these psychosocial issues remain.
Difficulty INTEGRATING these changes + THE DISAPPOINTMENT of continuing problems can lead to SABOTAGING EATING BEHAVIORS!
THIS IS MY TRICK that helps ME!
MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL...
BEFRIEND the mirror on your journey!
DESENSITIZATION.. Doing something anxiety producing for increasing amounts of time...tried and true method to conquer phobias, clarify reality/dispel distortions.
Start fully clothed 30 seconds, focus on areas you like/are acceptable, daily by 1 week should feel more comfortable.
NEXT try with more form fitting clothes, breathing deeply while gazing at self.
Increase time, continue daily to more flawed areas, to eventually unclothed. *progressive*
FINALLY IT IS NOT HOPELESS...IT JUST TAKES TIME AND EFFORT!
CHANGING YOUR SELF IMAGE INVOLVES A CONCERTED EFFORT:
AT TREATING YOURSELF WITH RESPECT
INSITING OTHERS RESPECT YOU
CHANGING YOUR NEGATIVE SELF-TALK
CHANGING YOUR BEHAVIORS...PRACTICING NEW SKILLS
ADOPTING RATIONAL/ REALITY BASED PERSPECTIVES OF YOURSELF (YOUR NOT REALLY A BFUS!)
*ITS NOT A W/E PROJECT! IT'S A JOURNEY NOT A DESTINATION....
If you want the PPT slides email me I can send it all! HUGS!
~~~~~~~
Oh one more article u may like:
Gaining Perspective
Lessons Learned From Long-Term Losers
(As featured in WLS Lifestyles Magazine, To subscribe Click Here
By Colleen Cook, President, Bariatric Support Center International
She was the only one left standing in a room filled with nearly 75 people. All eyes were upon her and all ears listening intently to the story she would share.
As is often the case, I began this particular support group by asking all of the WLS patients in the room to stand. Then, I had them sit down by group according to how long they had been a WLS patient. "All those who are within three months of surgery may sit down. All those within the first year, sit down. All those within two years sit down, five years...ten years, fifteen years", (I was sure I would get her with that one), yet still, she remained standing. As everyone turned towards the back of the room to see why we were continuing on with this exercise, I quickly glanced at a friend from the bariatric surgeon's office, who shrugged her shoulders, with a clear, "I don't have any idea who she is" response. "Welcome," I said. "We are happy to have you here tonight. And, how far out of surgery are you?" "Eighteen years" she proudly replied. "Eighteen years! I repeated, (keep in mind this was 1998) Wow, you look wonderful. Won't you tell us a bit about your story."
Stories of WLS successes abound these days. Stories of life-long dreams coming true, stories of weight loss, health returning, wheel chairs abandoned, oxygen tanks out of the picture, medications history. All are exciting and inspiring. These stories make great news items, create interesting magazine features and even have become the focus of a reality show. But I, like you, have read and seen hundreds of stories, but as the years pass, I find myself asking, "so where are they now?" Where are those infamous losers who were featured on the cover of People Magazine in 1998? Where are last years, "Biggest losers?" And more importantly, have these weight-loss winners maintained their weight loss? Are they healthy, are they happy, have their relationships changed, have they had complications?" Would they do it again? What have been their challenges?
I just celebrated the ten-year anniversary of my weight loss surgery. It is a significant milestone for me and a cause for intense evaluation, reflection and of course, a medical check up. As I see new WLS patients experiencing their own journey, writing books, lecturing, starting foundations, companies and selling products, it is exciting to see the energy and the great desire to give back by paying it forward, but it also causes me to feel like I am now viewed as one of the 'old bariatric broads."
But with that title has come a sort of wisdom that only time and experience can provide. Ten years as a WLS patient has provided a unique perspective, cultivated a new and deeper understanding of what it takes to maintain the weight loss prompted by a surgical treatment, what it takes to stay healthy, and what it takes to identify and truly change habits for a lifetime of success.
In addition to sharing with you insights from my own experiences, (including some intimate details) I am also pleased that in future issues of WLS Lifestyles magazine I will introduce you to several other WLS veterans who will also share their stories of their own long-term challenges, successes and the truths about their life, their health and their perspective today on weight loss surgery.
The End of Invincible
Yep, the honeymoon ended. Some time between years two and three. I found that I had to be much more careful with what I ate. As soon as I let refined carbs back into the picture, maintaining my weight became a challenge once more. I had to start paying attention to fats, calories and exercise. Throughout the first year it seemed that I could do and eat anything and my weight continued to drop. Once I reached my goal, exactly one year later, I felt that I had it made. That was true, for a while. I know differently now. As you can see from my 10-year weight loss progress chart, my weight has fluctuated 15-25 pounds or so through the years. And my weight has proven to be a very accurate reflection of my focus and commitment to each of the Success Habits? principles and visa-versa.
In addition to compliance with the Success Habits? principles, I also have also had to "learn" how to maintain. I, like most WLS patients, have spent a lifetime in a losing mode. Consequently we have learned how to lose, but we have never learned how to think/act/be a thin person. I have had to learn, and I am still developing a "maintenance mentality."
Lesson 1: Develop a maintenance mentality.
Body Image Issues
For the first several years, I'll admit, I was nearly obsessed with what size I was wearing, how I looked, what people thought of me. Year one was quite a trip. From a size 22/24 to a 6/8 I didn't stay in one size very long. It scared me to death when the compliments and comments about how great I looked stopped. I was no longer a novelty, but rather, I blended in to normal. Then I began to fret over thoughts like, "I wonder if I look fat in this? Do I look like I am gaining weight? What are they thinking? Why don't they say something?
At only 5'2" every five pounds shows. Worrying about what others think may be vain and may be considered "unhealthy", but the truth is, what people think, does matter to me, and that serves as a very powerful motivator for me to work to stay within my goal weight range. Am I a size 6 today? Nope. I am 46 years old, I wear 8's and sometimes 10's and though I have not had a tummy tuck, or thigh lift, I did have my breasts put back where they belong.
Now, I know that these sorts of things are not important to everyone, but I do believe it is important to feel good about oneself and to make the changes necessary to have a positive and healthy self image and sense of well-being.
Lesson 2: Image can be a powerful motivator.
Fear of the Scale
As I have researched and prepared for this article, I have been quite surprised, that given the fact that I have a scale within 20 feet of my office, I have not kept a close record of my weight throughout the years. You see I am one, who fears the scale. Though I know that weighing regularly is one of the most vital habits for long-term success, still I struggle with it. Prior to surgery, I spent many years not knowing what I weighed. Thinking that if I did not know what it was, then it wasn't what it was! Well, it is what it is and I have learned that the only way to control my weight, is to know exactly where I am and take responsibility for what I weigh and adapt my behaviors accordingly. Our 1998 Success Habits? Study revealed that the most successful long-term weight-loss surgery patients weigh at least once a week. That habit alone, my friends, will serve you well for a lifetime. By weighing in weekly, you will be able to adjust your calories in and calories out and effectively manage your weight. Ignore it and it will surely sneak up on you.
Lesson 3: Weigh once each week .
Exercise
As much as I hate to admit it, to myself and everyone else, exercise works for me. Through the years I have exercised on and off and my weight has responded accordingly, (See 10-year weight-loss progress chart). There seems to be no down side to regular exercise. I look better, feel better, eat better, handle stress more easily, and have a much-needed sense of well being when I exercise. But never the less, it continues to be a struggle for me and likely always will be. It is hard work, time consuming and not much fun, but experience has taught me that it is an absolute must.
Lesson 4: Exercise is a keeper.
Six-year post-op complication Just as I felt it was important to include this information in my book, The Success Habits of Weight-loss Surgery Patients, I feel it is important to include it here in my 10-year retrospective report. At six years post-op I was hospitalized for a very rare and serious complication. The diagnosis was a 'reverse intrasuseption.' As I understand it, that means that my bowel had kaleidoscoped into itself just below my stomach pouch. Part of my bowel had to be removed and I received two blood transfusions. All is well, but please know how critical bowel obstructions can be, and never think you are immune to complications from weight loss surgery no matter how far our you are.
Lesson 5: Never ignore abdominal pain, ever!
Annual Blood Work As you likely know, having your blood work done each year is essential for your good health. I have been fairly committed to that resolve. Good thing! At seven years post-op, my annual blood work revealed that my B-12 level was 151. Dangerously low, I began weekly shots and within one year, my levels were up to 1040. I backed off a bit, and gave myself a B-12 shot once each month, or so. Within one year, levels were still ok, but had rapidly dropped to 596. The following year, my B-12 level dropped again to 276. Obviously, absorbing B-12 is an issue for me, and one that will require close monitoring and treatment.
My blood pressure is also a challenge for me to keep under control. I was put on blood pressure medication prior to my surgery in 1995 and my hope was that once I lost the excess weight, that I would be able to discontinue taking it. I have tried off and on to do without it, but it seems that blood pressure meds will always be part of my regime.
Lesson 6: Have your blood work done annually.
It has been quite a journey these past ten years and I am pleased to be able to share with you these few personal insights and experiences. I have had the wonderful opportunity of working with literally thousands of WLS patients throughout the country. Each WLS patient has their own, unique goals but we all share in one common dream - the hope that our decision to have weight loss surgery will be one that will serve us well throughout our lives. I am excited about my upcoming interviews with other WLS veterans and looking forward to sharing with you their wisdom, insight and perspectives.
As always, yours for greater health and happiness,
Colleen
BSCI eNewsletter - May 4, 2006
Bariatric Support Centers International
www.bariatricsupportcenter.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Take Care,
Jamie
Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh
320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!" 
(deactivated member)
on 10/20/06 3:05 am - MT
on 10/20/06 3:05 am - MT
Kendra,
hun this is very common and I know it takes time for us to get used to our NEW looks. I know I am 16 months out and STILL do not see me others do. I look in the mirror every morning and it seems to be helping some but of course I see all the extra skin that is hanging around as well.
This is something that we will be working on for a while, sometimes when I sit and think about how much I lost (127 lbs) and what size I am in I don't believe it but it seems to not really sink in. 
Almost like I am worried to admit it, if that makes sense.
Well keep us posted hun and read what Jamie has posted, I will be doing that as well.
Debra P 
This is something that we will be working on for a while, sometimes when I sit and think about how much I lost (127 lbs) and what size I am in I don't believe it but it seems to not really sink in. Almost like I am worried to admit it, if that makes sense.
Well keep us posted hun and read what Jamie has posted, I will be doing that as well.
Debra P Most Active
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