2 yr anniversary!
So here I sit... 165lbs less than I was 2 yrs ago today! What an amazing surgery the DS is! This is a long post, but I have a lot to share, so thank you for your time!
I was 40yrs old, had joint problems, the start of high BP and knew I was going to face the potential of being a diabetic.. I was scared and knew I needed to get healthy! I went into the seminar at GHP thinking I wanted the lapband and left knowing I wanted the DS!
I have so many people to thank... Dr. Kemmeter and his staff and Saint Marys, they have an awesome program and thanks to Kimberly, she encouraged me to go to
Saints!
I was one week pre-op when I met some local DS'ers for dinner, they all helped me feel so much better about my choice. I remember watching Lisa eat a big huge steak and she's just a teeny tiny thing! Kimberly and Julie R and Chris U and Larry, you all gave me some peace of mind! And Jillian... she gave me these great words- it doesn't have to be as hard as some people make it. That carried me through my recovery... of course I didn't have any complications, so please don't take that wrong. I was ready for anything and just took things as they came.
Over these past 2 yrs I've been fortunate to meet some AMAZING people here and IRL! I am so happy to have met and formed relationships with everyone of you! I love that we have what feels like a secret group!
I really enjoy being part of the boards in my own way and I've learned almost everyone has something to offer, we all offer it up in different ways. Best advice for newbies or anyone for that matter, take what you want from the boards and leave what you don't want... and do not burn bridges! Those bridges you burn may have the help you need on the other side!
Okay, so my stats- I started at 316lbs 6ft tall, right now go between 151 and 155, I'm still 6ft tall! hehe I started as a size 24/26 and now, depending on where I shop I wear a size 6/8 with an occasional 4/10.
I am not a scale ***** cause it messes with my mind! I don't care about the few lb fluctuation, I think thats normal! I reached a normal BMI in 10months, they told me I lost weight at a mans rate, whoulda thought! I worked my way down the scale by low carbing, less than 50 grams a day. In Jan 2011 I had an extended TT and breast aug done, I love not having the panni hang and I love my new boobies! Insurance covered all but $2000 for the TT and the boobs were $5500, silicone under the muscle. I know I'm fortunate to have had it done, and I'm very thankful, it's made a huge difference for me mentally!
Onto the mental journey, no one can ever prepare you for the ride of the DS! Not in the physical manner, but specially not in the mental arena! I believe it's different for everyone, but I did struggle. As I lost weight and my body changed and my clothes fit differently I was seen differently by society, I was not bitter at all, but at the same time I wasn't used to being treated like a normal person. At times I still feel like I'm an imposter in the average sized woman's club... I still look at clothes and think they won't fit cause they look too small to me. I have gone from being very outgoing and always the fun one, to what I feel is almost shy at some points, I think it's all part of the adjustment of me learning how to be me in this new body. I am very happy with my DS, I think it's made me be less of a "yes" person and maybe a little more *****y?? But not in a bad way! I'm still waiting for my mind to catch up with my body, someday!
When I lost my boobs it was really hard for me, I know that may sound vain, but I went from a nice full C cup to less than a A. It made me feel like an alien with my boobs that were basically skin and a stomach that hung down over my thighs, so yes the plastics really helped me in the mental part of this ride! When I had wls surgery I told myself I wouldn't care about the extra skin, this surgery was and is for my health... but I had no idea how it would effect me. I remember going on vacation and I couldn't find a bathing suit that my stomach didn't hang out of... it was bittersweet to say the least. But again, this is all just a part of my journey and I know I'm fortunate to have had the work done. I still have batwings and my thighs are saggy... but I look really good in clothes! My relationship with my husband has grown stronger! I've found out my real friends and family were, those were some hard pills to swallow... wasn't prepared for that.
I've had so many wow moments!!!! It blows me away!!!
Oh to be a normal size it's a wonderful thing!
I fit in an airplane seat, I was rode behind our boat in a innertube, I've got a pair of size 4 pants in my closet, I don't get sweaty doing normal functions, I can move so freely, I don't have that fat girl embarassement, I can easily walk across a restaurant and not feel funny about it or that anyone is staring at me in a negative manner, I love to shop, I can keep up with my family, ride roller coasters, my ring finger is the size of what my pinky used to be, I don't worry about breaking chairs, there are so many, I could list them for days!
There are a few things I'd change pre-op-
I'd have brought my D up and gotten a Dexa scan
My post op food life seems pretty normal! I eat high protein and fairly low carb, I find a nice balance. I like to have some sort of chocolate everyday, and I really like dessert too! I don't feel like I'm ever on a diet! All that being said, I stay away from things that give me gas and just generally try eat a healthy DS diet. You won't see me eat poptarts and pasta, too much potential for issues there!
If you've made it this far into my post I thank you for your time! Please take a look at my pictures to see my ride down the scale.
I am so thankful for the DS and everything that has come with it!
Hugs,
Lisa
I was 40yrs old, had joint problems, the start of high BP and knew I was going to face the potential of being a diabetic.. I was scared and knew I needed to get healthy! I went into the seminar at GHP thinking I wanted the lapband and left knowing I wanted the DS!
I have so many people to thank... Dr. Kemmeter and his staff and Saint Marys, they have an awesome program and thanks to Kimberly, she encouraged me to go to
Saints!
I was one week pre-op when I met some local DS'ers for dinner, they all helped me feel so much better about my choice. I remember watching Lisa eat a big huge steak and she's just a teeny tiny thing! Kimberly and Julie R and Chris U and Larry, you all gave me some peace of mind! And Jillian... she gave me these great words- it doesn't have to be as hard as some people make it. That carried me through my recovery... of course I didn't have any complications, so please don't take that wrong. I was ready for anything and just took things as they came.
Over these past 2 yrs I've been fortunate to meet some AMAZING people here and IRL! I am so happy to have met and formed relationships with everyone of you! I love that we have what feels like a secret group!
I really enjoy being part of the boards in my own way and I've learned almost everyone has something to offer, we all offer it up in different ways. Best advice for newbies or anyone for that matter, take what you want from the boards and leave what you don't want... and do not burn bridges! Those bridges you burn may have the help you need on the other side!
Okay, so my stats- I started at 316lbs 6ft tall, right now go between 151 and 155, I'm still 6ft tall! hehe I started as a size 24/26 and now, depending on where I shop I wear a size 6/8 with an occasional 4/10.
I am not a scale ***** cause it messes with my mind! I don't care about the few lb fluctuation, I think thats normal! I reached a normal BMI in 10months, they told me I lost weight at a mans rate, whoulda thought! I worked my way down the scale by low carbing, less than 50 grams a day. In Jan 2011 I had an extended TT and breast aug done, I love not having the panni hang and I love my new boobies! Insurance covered all but $2000 for the TT and the boobs were $5500, silicone under the muscle. I know I'm fortunate to have had it done, and I'm very thankful, it's made a huge difference for me mentally!
Onto the mental journey, no one can ever prepare you for the ride of the DS! Not in the physical manner, but specially not in the mental arena! I believe it's different for everyone, but I did struggle. As I lost weight and my body changed and my clothes fit differently I was seen differently by society, I was not bitter at all, but at the same time I wasn't used to being treated like a normal person. At times I still feel like I'm an imposter in the average sized woman's club... I still look at clothes and think they won't fit cause they look too small to me. I have gone from being very outgoing and always the fun one, to what I feel is almost shy at some points, I think it's all part of the adjustment of me learning how to be me in this new body. I am very happy with my DS, I think it's made me be less of a "yes" person and maybe a little more *****y?? But not in a bad way! I'm still waiting for my mind to catch up with my body, someday!
When I lost my boobs it was really hard for me, I know that may sound vain, but I went from a nice full C cup to less than a A. It made me feel like an alien with my boobs that were basically skin and a stomach that hung down over my thighs, so yes the plastics really helped me in the mental part of this ride! When I had wls surgery I told myself I wouldn't care about the extra skin, this surgery was and is for my health... but I had no idea how it would effect me. I remember going on vacation and I couldn't find a bathing suit that my stomach didn't hang out of... it was bittersweet to say the least. But again, this is all just a part of my journey and I know I'm fortunate to have had the work done. I still have batwings and my thighs are saggy... but I look really good in clothes! My relationship with my husband has grown stronger! I've found out my real friends and family were, those were some hard pills to swallow... wasn't prepared for that.
I've had so many wow moments!!!! It blows me away!!!
Oh to be a normal size it's a wonderful thing!
I fit in an airplane seat, I was rode behind our boat in a innertube, I've got a pair of size 4 pants in my closet, I don't get sweaty doing normal functions, I can move so freely, I don't have that fat girl embarassement, I can easily walk across a restaurant and not feel funny about it or that anyone is staring at me in a negative manner, I love to shop, I can keep up with my family, ride roller coasters, my ring finger is the size of what my pinky used to be, I don't worry about breaking chairs, there are so many, I could list them for days!
There are a few things I'd change pre-op-
I'd have brought my D up and gotten a Dexa scan
My post op food life seems pretty normal! I eat high protein and fairly low carb, I find a nice balance. I like to have some sort of chocolate everyday, and I really like dessert too! I don't feel like I'm ever on a diet! All that being said, I stay away from things that give me gas and just generally try eat a healthy DS diet. You won't see me eat poptarts and pasta, too much potential for issues there!
If you've made it this far into my post I thank you for your time! Please take a look at my pictures to see my ride down the scale.
I am so thankful for the DS and everything that has come with it!
Hugs,
Lisa
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning, the devil says "oh crap! she's up!
Great post! Thank you for all that you do for us newbies, and thanks for the update... we always love to see the wonderful success stories. Congrats on your new life, I can't wait to find mine 
*Edited for my horrendous spelling*
*Edited for my horrendous spelling*
~April~ 5'7"
2 Part DS BMI: S/C/G 59.3/33.5/24.9
Part 1: 3/14/11 HW/SW#1/SW#2/CW/GW
Part 2: 7/14/11 379/366/319/214/159 
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