Where are you now?

Some of us are just considering WLS, some are newbies, some of us are old timer's. No matter where you are in your journey, why don't you poke your head in and let us know where you are in the process.

Surgery Status?
Surgery Type?
Surgery Date?

Weight

Highest:
Current:
Goal:

Starting Sizes:
Pant:
Shirts:
Shoes:

Current Sizes:
Pants:
Shirts:
Shoes:

How do you feel?

Any WOW moments?

Do you have any concerns?

Some of us are just considering WLS, some are newbies, some of us are old timer's. No matter where you are in your journey, why don't you poke your head in and let us know where you are in the process.

Surgery Status?

Post op

Surgery Type? 

RNY

Surgery Date? 

June 07

 

Weight

Highest:

264

Current:

132

Goal:

140 to 145

Starting Sizes:
Pant:

22 - highest was 24

Shirts:

22 - highest was 24
Shoes:

9.5/10 W

Current Sizes:
Pants:

4/6

Shirts:

6/8
Shoes:

8/8.5 M

How do you feel?

I 'feel' decades younger. I am much more physically active because it's so much easier to get around. I walk everywhere now. Instead of looking for the parking space closest to the door, I look for the one that has the most shade, no matter where it is. I handle the heat so much more easily than I ever did before; I probably will never really like the sultry, hot summers in NC, but at least now I can handle them. I doubt that I will ever truly enjoy yard work, but I enjoy being 'able' to do it.

Any WOW moments?

My son just got married last weekend. I had purchased a gown for the event last summer and had taken to my tailor for the minor alterations. I had to take it in again so that they could alter it down because I'm smaller this year than I was last year. 

My son lives in San Jose CA, which is where we are from and we moved to NC about 9 years ago, so many of my friends have seen me once or twice, since the weight loss, but not often. When I went to my old hair dresser to have my hair done for the wedding I was at the shop before it opened, my hair dresser has known me more than 25 years and she said that she didn't recognize me when she saw me sitting in the parking lot. 

Do you have any concerns?

I found that when I was so very stressed with the events of the past few months that I was missing many of my medication and supplement doses. I'm working on getting that back on track. I realize that being sure to be compliant with my supplementation is critical to my long term health. I know that being well is not just about wearing a smaller size, but about taking care of my body and I'm working on doing just that. 

Surgery Status?  Post OP
Surgery Type?  LapBand
Surgery Date?  Oct 1, 2007

WeightHighest:  267
Current: 162-165
Goal: 150

Starting Sizes:
Pant: 28
Shirts: 28/30
Shoes: 10

Current Sizes:
Pants: 14
Shirts: L
Shoes: 9

How do you feel?  FANTASTIC!!

Any WOW moments?  Tons of them. Seeing myself in a mirror at the store and for just a moment, not realizing it was ME. Each time I was able to buy a smaller size. I could go on and on.

Do you have any concerns? YES!! I have been through surgeries and chemo and radiation  for my gallbladder cancer. I was unfilled and gained 25 pounds. I STILL don't have proper restriction. I am working on will power and that doesn't last too long. My oncologists are all happy I have gained weight and that does NOT make it easier for me!! 

Hi All-  Below are my current stats:


Surgery Type: RNY
Surgery Date: 4/28/10

WeightHighest: 416
Current: 334
Goal: ?  Where ever it stops!

Starting Sizes:
Pant: 34/36
Shirts: 30/32
Shoes: 12w

Current Sizes:
Pants: 26/28
Shirts: 22/24
Shoes: 12w

How do you feel? Fantastic!  I had several complications early on.  10 days post-op, I had  a blood clot on my messenteric artery in by bowel, which put me back in the hospital for 8 days.  Three weeks after I was released, I was readmitted for a beezor--something caught in my stoma.  They did an endoscopy to remove it.  Despite all of that, I would do it again in a minute.

Any WOW moments:  Just today someone I have known for years did not recognize me at first---LOVE IT!!!

Do you have any concerns? I only wish I could have afforded to have this surgery 10 years ago.  I work for Duke and they just started to cover gastric surgery (however there is a sizable co-pay) in January 2010. 

Feel free to e-mail me and ask any questions.  I am 3 months post op, have lost 82lbs and feel like a million bucks!!  First several weeks are really difficult, after that things are great.

Dear. Ms. Sparkles!

Congratulations on your considerable success. You have really rocked your tool and are making some phenominal progress. I am sooooo glad that Duke now covers WLS for their staff. I'm aware of the sizeable copay, but I also know that it is allowing Duke employees to now have this life changing surgery and I'm glad that you are among them.

As many have shared, even with complications and difficulties, it's a journey worth taking. I look forward to seeing where you are a year from now. 

I too had my surgery at Duke, so I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming support group. I also hold support groups in Raleigh and you are welcome to join us any time. We have a general support group, but I also have some special interest groups including one, the 'Over 50' group that is directed to those who start with higher BMIs because those who start with a higher BMI often have challenges that those who start with lower BMIs don't necessarily encounter. If you are interested in joining us in person, you can get information at www.meetup.com/nc-wls. 

Wishing you continued success,

Surgery Status? Post op
Surgery Type? RNY
Surgery Date? 31110

WeightHighest:
Current: 257
Goal:  165

Starting Sizes:
Pant: 20
Shirts: 20
Shoes: 8.5 WW

Current Sizes:
Pants: 14
Shirts: Large
Shoes:7.5 w reg 8

How do you feel? I feel great and about 10 to 15 years younger.  I went on a two mile walk with my husband and I didn't have to ask him to slow down or stop at all.  In the past, would have to stop every 100 ft to stretch my back because it hurt so much.

Any WOW moments? I am enjoying buying clothes from normal size stores and being surprised when I can put something on in a smaller size than I expected.  I enjoy people telling me I look good and happy.

Do you have any concerns? I have been at the same weight for three weeks.  I know stalls happen but sometimes a little voice says this is it.  You aren't going to lose anymore weight.  I try to ignore that voice most of the time.  I know I need to exercise more and I am afriad that I won't really add it back into my life and that the weight won't stay off because of my unwillingness to develop new habits.

I got off track.  Highest weight 257  Current 186 Goal not really picked one but between 165 and 150 but I am currently happy with what I see right now.

Holly,

It's great to hear that you are doing so well and that you reaping the benefits of the quality of life changes that come with this metamorphosis. So many people focus on what we look like and I know I do to, but it's important to know and see that it's the quality of life changes that really make the difference in how we live.

I look forward to seeing you again soon. I hope I'll recognize you when I do! 

Thanks for replying.  I'm going to try to go to the next Beck Group meeting.  Is it next Tuesday or next Thursday?  I can't wait to hear about your son's wedding in person. 

Surgery Status?   post-op
Surgery Type?      RNY
Surgery Date?      5/25/2010

WeightHighest:    278
Current:                 219
Goal:                     150 

 
Starting Sizes:
Pant:  24W
Shirts:  3x
Shoes:  9 1/2

Current Sizes:
Pants:   18/20
Shirts:    1X
Shoes:   9 1/2

How do you feel?  WONDERFUL!!!

Any WOW moments?   Had one recently--I was able to run (RUN) on the treadmill for 14 minutes w/o stopping.  I have NEVER been able to do that!

Do you have any concerns?   Saggy skin...  My husband was encouraging though.  Right after my surgery, he said, "I guess we need to start a plastic surgery account, now."  So, PS is a possibility down the road.