Long overdue update with pics....

It seems like forever since I've been on here. I have been so busy living life since I have lost weight and become more mobile & independent. Since starting my weight loss journey nearly 3 years ago I have lost over 357 pounds and gained my life back. I am now going through a divorce after nearly 15 years of marriage. I have never been alone and always feared it but I'm actually loving it. I am in my second semester of college studying accounting & getting good grades. I can drive, play with my boys, even fit on a swing at the park. If not for my weight loss I would still be stuck in a horrible marriage & pretty much trapped in my home, sitting in a wheelchair and being cared for by family members & home health aides. There have been so many ups and downs along the way but I don't regret a thing. I've gone from being stared at & laughed at in public to being hit on and asked out by guys as young as 21. Talk about flattering lol. Each day I learn something new & write a new page in my journey which is far from over. But I am loving life and living each day to it's fullest. 

This is how far I've come from July 2010 to March 2013...

May 2010-572 pounds                                                                             June 2010-572 pounds

     

 

July 2011-393 pounds                                                                   April 2012-321 pounds

  

January 2013-221 pounds                                                      February 2013-216 pounds 

 

June 2013-572 pounds                                                                      February 2013-216 pounds

     

 

 

 

I remember you from when you very first had surgery. Your transformation is almost beyond belief. You are absolutely amazing!  iI can't think of enough superlatives. You are truly amazing.

Life must seem so wonderful!

Kate

I'm glad your absence has been due to the demands and joys of your new life, but it's wonderful to see you again. Your pix are so inspiring. And hey, if I was a guy, I'd be hitting on you too!

Thanks for sharing your story.

Jean

Wow beautiful should be your new name, not airhead!

You look amazing and what a feat, but YOU did it!!!!!
Congratulations on your weightloss and your removing that dead weight too!
Prek3

Wow!!!!  I was wondering where you were!  I'm so happy for you....you truly have your life back!  Keep it up!

Thanks so much for the encouraging words and support. My goal is to be on here more to encourage others the way you have all encourage & supported me. That made all the difference when I was struggling and ready to give up.

I too, remember your first posts.  To be honest, I worried that the LapBand wouldn't be sufficient, but you sure proved me wrong!!  WOW!!!  You rock, girl!!!  I am so damn happy for you!!

It wasn't' sufficient Melly, in fact she had band issues. I'm very excited for her new and healthier life, but she needs to clearly state all of her WLS history for her " sharing " to be " an informative and thorough " share " otherwise it leads to misinformation about the lap band.

I congratulate her on an AMAZING and a well deserved, and we all know it isn't the " easy way out " when you have WLS, WLS journey. She deserves major kudos for all her hard work, no matter which surgery she had.

 

Topic: RE: port replacement 1 month out...

On January 10, 2011 I had and experimental procedure consisting of the lap band with plication. I lost 102 pounds before my surgery & around 175 pounds following surgery. But as most of you know the band is not intended for the super obese. So our game plan was to convert to another procedure once y weight loss came to a halt.  year after surgery my weightloss was down to a crawl so it was time to submit to my insurance for the DS. After they finally approved it 6 months later my surgery date was set.

August 20, 2012 was my surgery date. It wasn'ta full conversion. I had the intestional part of the DS my I kept my band and plication. We felt that was a better option than cutting and shrinking the stomach when it was already smaller. I also had to have to have a port replacement. I have done well since my surgery losing over 30 pounds so far. But it's not without complications. Last week I was admitted into the hospital with an infection around my port. My body just doesn't want I guess. I saw my surgeon Wednesday. I still have an infection but it has gotte a little better. I have an appointment to see my surgeon again in 1 month. If the infection continues my port may have to be removed.

I know many a skeptical of new or experimental surgeries. But think of it this way, each and every one of these procedures had to begin somewhere. People had to be willing to be an experiment subject in order to create & perfect these procedures. I have no regrets about my choices. These procedures have helped me lose a total of 308 pounds and still counting.

Lap Band with Greater Curvature Plication 1/10/11, Conversion to DS 8/20/12

WOW you have done fabulous, who says one can not loose a lot of weight with the lapband.  Congrats and enjoy all of your accomplishments.