Introducing myself

 Hi Everyone,

Thought I would introduce myself properly.  My name is Jan and I'm 50, 51 in August.  I had RNY in December 2009 and have lost around 170 pounds.  I fluctuate between 176 and 179.  I'd like to get to 160, but I think my body is done.  I've been married to my college sweetheart for 26 years on the 28th of this month, and we have two sons, 19 who's a freshman in college and 16, a sophomore in high school.  All three are very active and thin.  I've been overweight my whole life, getting really big with each pregnancy and trying for many years to lose weight until I finally realized I couldn't do it on my own.  I was pre-diabetic (and my mom developed really bad diabetes when she turned 70 and I didn't want to go there), high blood pressure, sleep apnea, couldn't walk 1/4 mile without my knees and back hurting, ...  All that is gone now and I'm very healthy.  I started doing half marathons with Team Challenge last year to raise money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America last year (both my sons have Crohns), and loved crossing that finish line so much I just keep doing them.  

I'm a software engineer and have been working part-time since my oldest was born, which has been great.  When they were in elementary school, I spent every Friday helping in the classroom.  We have one dog and one cat, live in San Jose, CA.  I think that's about all the high lights.  Look forward to joining you all and sharing our experiences.

Figured I should get a before shot...


Hiking in Maui in December 2010.

Welcome Home Jan. Know you like a sister before I ever met you.
Congradulations of your successful journey into TAKING BACK YOUR LIFE. Hard decision us all, but we who visit here are winners in losing.
Great recap @ you and yours. Great photo's too. I look at who I was ever day, have the photo posted on my signature here and also laminated in 3 sizes, 2 of which I carry around. I am Monica, age almost 64, RNY in 2004, PS in 2007. Started out at 330, got down as far as 137....too low. Now at @ 165. Was insulin dependent diabetic, elevated BP, high lipids, asthma. I was invisible to the general public, seen but not seen, really only had a face that I could see too. Always tried to be agreeable, helpful, smilig, eager to please. Hated me. Married to my high school sweetheart. He has always loved me, just loves the less of me more. He is proud of me, works hard on taking care of me and my needs. He is a combat wounded, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, LOVES America man, 100 disabled by severe PTSD and an Agent Orange poisoned body. We will celebrate 42 years in October. We have 3 children, ha*****gs and one cat over our years together, 2 wonderful Gkids, and one on the way. I worked at the VA, expert on Compensation & Pensions and Environmental Agents issues. Loved working for our veterans and their families. In 2006 we sold our home and belongings, brought a custom made RV and truck, 2nd hand and set off to see America and flyfish our shared passion.
I have transfer addiction issues that almost killed me. Started drinking in 2006, one at night. Didn't realize that so many changes in my life would affect me like it did. Became a roaring, falling down, blackouts, sneaking shots all day drunk. Been in a hospital for it. I am now sober for 169 days and so proud of me. The support, genuine concern, love, hope, and knowledge found here sustains me. We are a mature, fun loving, sometimes wild, been there-done that group of success stories. We have one regular guy, George, who steps in and posts. I can tell these people things I don't even tell myself or hubby or family. I choose to bare myself to these members because they know and care about me so deeply (as I them). Have only met about 2 dozen face to face, a real treat when it happens.
Please come often to help us and we you if needed. Hugs, Monica

Welcome Jan!

I'm Debbie, age 55 with a wonderful hubby (2nd marriage), 3 stepdaughters, 4 grandchildren and one on the way in October. 3 dogs, 2 inside/outside cats and 4 barn cats.
hobbies: dancing, calligraphy and singing, oh yeah, I love to read too. We go camping a lot in the summer, have cool places to go that are close...thank goodness for that cuz these gas prices are crazy! I work in a hospital and I'm the Volunteer coordinator. I also volunteer with the No One Dies alone program here at the hospital, sitting with patients at end of life who don't have family close by.

You will enjoy this forum, we will give you lots of support and we listen. Some of us are struggling with weight gain and trying to get it off...that's me, I will always have to work on my weight so I just practice Mindful Eating and try my best. I've gotten 7 pounds off these last 2 months...slowly but steady and I'm not dieting. Welcome again! Debbie

Hi Jan!

I "met" you briefly yesterday.  I'm glad to see you here!  My name is Vickie and I'm one of the newbies on this forum.  Just had my RNY on Feb 22nd.  This group has offered me great support and advice on just about every issue that has come up in the last two months. 

I'm 53 and married to the love of my life for 30 years next month.  We have two daughters, ages 28 and 26.  We also have a new grandson, age 10 months.  They are all coming home for Easter, and I am over the moon excited to see my family this weekend!

I also have 2 fur babies, Patty Kate and Lulu, who are my faithful little companions and follow me all over the place.  

We live in a rural community on 10 acres (which I mow and mow, as you will hear me complain frequently).  We also have 2  (yes, I know, TWO?) lakehouses that we visit often.  One is about an hour from our home here in east Texas, and the other is near San Antonio, where our daughter and grandson live.  I have to be able to go see my grandbaby every month!

This is my second WLS.  I had a gastric banding done back in 1993, which ultimately failed.  However, I lost 140 pounds with that WLS, and I was just increasingly miserable as I slowly regained the weight.  I am very grateful to God, to my husband, and to anyone else who played a part in me getting a second chance at life with the RNY surgery.  I'm an older, but wiser, gal this time around.  

Glad to have you here on OFF!  This is a good place!

 

Hi Jan - welcome to the Over Fifties forum.  So nice to read your story and how proud for you to be able to run in races.

I am probably the oldster on here -  I had RNY in Aug. 07 at age 68 1/2.   I'm now 72 and fairly active, work part time, love music and reading, have been a widow for over 10 years.   Have one son but no grandkids.....God didn't chose to let them have children, so they are active in their church youth program, and also Youth for Christ.  My DIL also was recently diagnosed with MS, but she's a fighter and will get thru it with her precious smile.

I have had a regain of 30 lbs. and struggle every day.  Have had a lot of debilitating health issues over the last 2 1/2 yrs. that have kept me from exercising.  Have drop foot from a hip repair surgery and that unfortunately be be with me the rest of my life -- have to use a cane for walking.  I hope to get back to the pool soon - will see how that goes.

I lead a local bariatric support group and enjoy doing that.  Hoping we get some nice weather soon so I can try and get out in my flower beds.

Welcome again to this group -- everyone here is special.

Pat R.

Hello Jan and Welcome to OFF!!!!

Congratulations...you are amazing!!!

I had my RNY 3 1/2 years ago...no regrets accept I wish I would have done it sooner!!

I was training for a marathon 2 years ago and fell and broke my hip. I was recovering for a year and in constant pain. I ended up having the rod and pins removed....thus another year of recovery. I am just now getting to the point that I can walk about a mile again without pain. I am so disappointed in myself. I sat for over two years.....started with some poor eating habits. I gained 27 pounds. I am trying to lose it again...up and down it goes. I envy you the marathons you have done....way to go!!

I went from a size 0 in juniors to a 3-4.......they are getting tight....UGH!!!  Not at all happy with myself!!

Hope to see you here often....glad you found us!!

Hugs....connie d

Welcome Jan! I am a newbie around here too. I am age 55, and work for an education nonprofit in Philadelphia. However, I am able to telecommute at times and hwen I can, I do so from south Florida where we recently bought a vacation home.

I am married to a great guy - 2nd marriage, 6 married kids between us. 14 grandchildren, with 10 of them under age 6! That's been a regular population explosion in the past few years!

I had RNY on 7/15/09. I have lost 103 lbs. on a good day....99 lbs. on a not so good day. I am trying to get myself back on track with intense daily exercise to control those pounds. I have been very blessed to be free of any complications.  

I have many hobbies and interests. I love travel, reading, writing, technology, family events, and am active in my church. I do a little crocheting and want to learn to knit. And if I could find a decent paying job in FL, I would live here full time in a heartbeat....hubby could join me when he retires in a year or so, no?

Hi Jan,
   Great intro. Glad to see you here. I love this bunch of ladies and George. I am so glad I found this forum.
    I'm Mag. 60 years old and single. My love of my life is animals. I've worked at animal shelters when my health was better. The only problem was I wanted to take them all home w/ me. My sister and I bought a house together about 8 years ago in Arizona. Would now like to move to Kentucky or Tennessee, but must wait until the economy turns around.
    We live in a retirement village so there are no children here. I miss treat-or-treaters and other things that only young children can give you. Like a different perspective on life. I do have 4 great-nieces. Two in Indiana and two in North Dakota. Amy is very good at sending pictures of her girls. Holly sends a big picture packet of her girls at Christmas. All four are beautiful girls. Blondes and redheads. Holly and Jonathan ask everyone what their 3 favorite names were. They chose my favorite, Abigail. That made me feel really good. We keep in close connect through facebook and telephone. When Grace was 2, she could say my name "Aunt Marguerite." She wouldn't say Aunt Ellen. She called her "All in". How funny.
    Looking forward to the future.    Mag     

I am a newbie here also and I have not had my surgery yet.  I am just finishing the classes through my insurance and hope to get a surgical consult soon.  I am 57 and have been married for 34 years to a great guy.  We have two sons.  Our 31 yo, Justin, is a recovering alcoholic and is living at home just now.  He is doing great.  Our 27 yo, John, is in the Air Force in Tucson.  I am a hospice administrator and live in the Palm Springs, CA area. I was an army wife for 20 years and lived all over, but California is our home.  I got an invitation to the Crohn's Team Challenge run and thought, "Maybe someday after surgery".  You are an inspiration.

                                                                       Sharon

Hi Sharon, I live about 20 minutes from D-M Air Force Base. I* absolutely LOVE fighter jets. We see them quite often. Of course we hear them as well. They have been low enough to rattle our windows at times. Not everyone cares for that. Warthogs are not much fun. Square boxy things, but the F-18's take my breathe away. I hear they are getting a new type in. Haven't researched that yet. If you ever come to visit we will have to get together.   Mag