It's been 9 months, -248lbs!
Goodness I don't know where the time has gone.
Things in my life are starting to feel so much more normal now. I do so many things that are simple tasks and can't believe how easy it is to do. I love cleaning my house each day and the feeling I get knowing I can do this all myself. I don't have to depend on anyone anymore. I get up every morning so happy that I'm alive and able to have no back pain, hip pain, knee pain. I went for my check up last week with my surgeon and my blood pressure is in normal range. I don't have to take any blood pressure meds anymore. I just got a new job that I will be starting soon and it's something I know I will love. I'm so thrilled about working again and the added bonus of it being something dear to me 
I've finally taken the plunge and I'm starting a support group in my area. This is a big challenge to me cause I'm not one for getting up and talking to people, but through this journey I've learned I really love talking with other people about surgery. I still remember the excitement I would get talking with someone who was post-op. I remember the comfort that I felt in knowing I was not alone. That's why I guess I enjoy it so much. I feel a renewed sense when I can help others and that's something that makes me happy. I never thought I would be to the point I'm at and knowing that I don't have to rely on a wheelchair anymore. I can't even remember the last time I used it. I've pushed myself to make this work the best way possible. Even when I feel tired or think I might need to sit down I keep going. The other day I was washing dishes and talking on the phone. It didn't really occur to me that I was even doing that. Before I couldn't even wash dishes standing up and let alone talk on the phone. I would be so out of breath. I look at myself in the mirror and smile cause I can't believe what's happened to me. The excitement I feel everyday is something that motivates myself. I've lost a total of 248 pounds and although my weight loss has slowed down what really helped me keep losing has been the exercise.
Here are some things that have helped me a long the way.
What I do: Besides the regular stuff
(Water, Protein and Exercise (key thing), I also do the following.
1. Make small goals (example: first 50 pounds, get under 400,300,200 etc)
most importantly is not the number but WHAT you can do now....
Tie my shoes, swim, walk....etc
2. Keep a journal
When you read back you can see how far you've come! This has helped me so much. I'll read back on a sad day or I'll remember something I did for the first time and relive the joy all over again.
3. Take pictures!
As much as you hate seeing yourself in the beginning pictures are VERY important, this is also a reminder of who you once where.
4. When it comes to the evil scale....
I weight ONLY once a week. If you become a scale slave you will torture yourself with ups and downs.
5. Plateaus DO happen...
When you have a plateau don't beat yourself up over it. Keep on track and don't get depressed. What will depression do for most of us? We want to eat! BAD BAD BAD!
6. Do NOT compare yourself to others
We are all different. Our bodies work differently after surgery, it doesn't matter if so and so is losing faster than you, in the end we all catch up.
7. Don't kill yourself over having a cookie, a few chips, a CARB....etc
Ok so you've made a mistake in your book, I don't look at it this way, this is where relearning comes from. It's not really a cookie, it's the amount, we have to relearn what our limits are, I'm not going to get upset because I ate a cookie, I make adjustments in my diet to allow for something special if I want it and feel good with myself knowing when to stop!
8.Always always follow what YOUR surgeon/nutritionist told you.
It's wonderful to get advise from those who've lived it, but our surgeon/nutritionist knows what's best for US. Even those who go to the same surgeon/nutritionist can get different advice. Example: What one person's weight calories wise requires another person might need more or less calories.
9. Attend support groups!
Why you might ask? It gives you a comfort zone and a place to know you are NOT alone, there are others struggling. You learn good information and for me it's keep me motivated to do even better.
10.Be happy with yourself.
For some of us that might mean having to see a therapist. Sometimes we can't work thru issues on our own and need the additional support, if you are post op and find yourself extremely depressed, it might not be the surgery it might be you are not happy with you. For you to be more successful you have to know YOU ARE WORTH IT.
Amy
615/367/Healthy (-248lbs)
I've finally taken the plunge and I'm starting a support group in my area. This is a big challenge to me cause I'm not one for getting up and talking to people, but through this journey I've learned I really love talking with other people about surgery. I still remember the excitement I would get talking with someone who was post-op. I remember the comfort that I felt in knowing I was not alone. That's why I guess I enjoy it so much. I feel a renewed sense when I can help others and that's something that makes me happy. I never thought I would be to the point I'm at and knowing that I don't have to rely on a wheelchair anymore. I can't even remember the last time I used it. I've pushed myself to make this work the best way possible. Even when I feel tired or think I might need to sit down I keep going. The other day I was washing dishes and talking on the phone. It didn't really occur to me that I was even doing that. Before I couldn't even wash dishes standing up and let alone talk on the phone. I would be so out of breath. I look at myself in the mirror and smile cause I can't believe what's happened to me. The excitement I feel everyday is something that motivates myself. I've lost a total of 248 pounds and although my weight loss has slowed down what really helped me keep losing has been the exercise.
Here are some things that have helped me a long the way.
What I do: Besides the regular stuff
(Water, Protein and Exercise (key thing), I also do the following.
1. Make small goals (example: first 50 pounds, get under 400,300,200 etc)
most importantly is not the number but WHAT you can do now....
Tie my shoes, swim, walk....etc
2. Keep a journal
When you read back you can see how far you've come! This has helped me so much. I'll read back on a sad day or I'll remember something I did for the first time and relive the joy all over again.
3. Take pictures!
As much as you hate seeing yourself in the beginning pictures are VERY important, this is also a reminder of who you once where.
4. When it comes to the evil scale....
I weight ONLY once a week. If you become a scale slave you will torture yourself with ups and downs.
5. Plateaus DO happen...
When you have a plateau don't beat yourself up over it. Keep on track and don't get depressed. What will depression do for most of us? We want to eat! BAD BAD BAD!
6. Do NOT compare yourself to others
We are all different. Our bodies work differently after surgery, it doesn't matter if so and so is losing faster than you, in the end we all catch up.
7. Don't kill yourself over having a cookie, a few chips, a CARB....etc
Ok so you've made a mistake in your book, I don't look at it this way, this is where relearning comes from. It's not really a cookie, it's the amount, we have to relearn what our limits are, I'm not going to get upset because I ate a cookie, I make adjustments in my diet to allow for something special if I want it and feel good with myself knowing when to stop!
8.Always always follow what YOUR surgeon/nutritionist told you.
It's wonderful to get advise from those who've lived it, but our surgeon/nutritionist knows what's best for US. Even those who go to the same surgeon/nutritionist can get different advice. Example: What one person's weight calories wise requires another person might need more or less calories.
9. Attend support groups!
Why you might ask? It gives you a comfort zone and a place to know you are NOT alone, there are others struggling. You learn good information and for me it's keep me motivated to do even better.
10.Be happy with yourself.
For some of us that might mean having to see a therapist. Sometimes we can't work thru issues on our own and need the additional support, if you are post op and find yourself extremely depressed, it might not be the surgery it might be you are not happy with you. For you to be more successful you have to know YOU ARE WORTH IT.
Amy
615/367/Healthy (-248lbs) 
Amy,
I just want to tell you THANK you so much for your post. I have just recently been approved and am scheduled for surgery on March 22nd. I have looked to see what everyone has done to help them out, but your writing here has been such an encouragement. I cannot believe you have lost so much weight in 9 mths time, that is absolutely wonderful. Although I do not weigh even close to what you did, I hope to lose a large amount of my weight. I have tried to work on reading labels and getting things set for when my surgery takes place, but when it gets here, it will be the most joyous time for me, besides my children's birth and my marriage. I have been heavy all my life since the age of 8 yrs old, and I am looking forward to being able to have a normal physical life again where I can play with my kids and run without being out of breath.
Thank you again for your post and I definitely use it as a reference for the future when I have surgery.
D'Lynn
You are truly an inspiration to many people. I am going to copy your list and keep it in my journal for reference!
Susan 
Amy
Congratulations on your success, you have been an inspiration to many on the boards, I am also 9 monrhs post op. I have lost a total of 132 lbs. Life is so much better for me now that I have dropped the weight. I do not get tired and out of breath with simple tasks any longer> I totally agree with your list. I started a support group in my community last October. We have a growing, very active group. I know I have gained so much by being involved with the support group and I have met a lot of wonderful people. Keep up the good work and give Kenneth my best.
Carolyn
-248?!?! WOW! YOU GO GIRL! Thats wonderful! Your tips on things to do along the way sounds pretty good, I will have to copy that and remember them when I am post-op. Hopefully in the next 2 weeks my package will be submitted to my insurance, and hopefully it will be approved! Thank you for deciding to do a local support group, I know I will be there and I really look forward to hearing about other peoples jopurneys! See you Tuesday!
Kathy 
Hey Miss Amy,
You truly are an inspiration! Its quite amazing how God puts you at the right place at the right time. And I am thankful you are a part of my life.
I wanted to ask you about your new job... what is it??? I've been reading about it but never found out.
May God continue to bless you,
Barb
Amy,
You are so wonderful. I needed to read your post today. You have changed so much since I first got on the board year ago. Your our little butterfly that has spread her wings and made all of us nurtured and shine. I am so happy for you and Ken. All these positive things happening in your life right now you so deserve. Thank you for getting out of your comfort zone and helping others. You encourage us all.
Lynn
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