I was expecting more also!!

Well here I am again, bringing up the rear, late.  I had RnY Jan 26, 2006 . I had weighed 431 pounds and I was 58 yrs old. The doctor warned me of the risk and I told him that my weight would kill me anyways if I did nit even try. I lost 100 pounds the first year then never did better than that...doctors told me it was my age but I also could not walk & barely stand due to a severe case of cellulitis in both legs that almost killed me (7 weeks in the hospital)..the result being severe lymphodema in both legs from toes to groin. I eventually had weight gain..emotional eating and feeling like a failure.

I am in my third year of taking arimidex for my second breast cancer diagnosis, surgeries and treatments..the side effects have been brutal..severe insomnia and bone and joint pain so i take sleeping pills and pain pills and have a very erratic sleep cycle now.

This last year I developed a series of healing energy mandala colouring books for adults and now also teach workshops:

1. healing energy art therapy & de-stressing
2. "Whose life are you living?"- studying how to reconnect with your childhood passions and bring that joy back into your life despite the old negative tapes from others

I have been invited to so many conventions,conferences & weekend retreats to teach women about this. I truly have found my calling. By using my art skills as an illustrator and my psychology skills as a Certified LifePath Coach, my work is helping women learn how to heal emotionally. I have eight colouring books published and more on the way.

I am finally getting rid of this excess weight.,..not unaware of the timing of all of this...hmmm...48 pounds gone since last May...from 5X (if I was lucky) to 2X and 1X! My sons are both doing well and we now have two step grand daughters, 10 and 13 who is not only brilliant but ARTISTIC! One wants to be a fashion designer and the other says she will be a forensic anthropologist. I teach them crafts, art and cooking as well as LIFE SKILLs (another book in the works). I do public speaking which I would NEVER have considered before.

My only regret is not having WLS sooner!I am still BIG but no longer feel like the "freak" that I saw in the mirror. I FIT in chairs with arms...I find clothes on the rack, people smile at me..strangers too. I am no longer embarrassed to be seen eating in a restaurant or buying groceries. The emotional change keeps me feeling excited. I am now UNDER 300 and am determined to stay there...I have just reached 288, big, yes...5'6" and big build... but a far cry from 431 pounds.

The loose skin is a huge issue but first I have to get TWO knee replacements..I am halfway to my surgeon's weight criteria. A lifetime of obesity has taken it's toll but I am still here and still smiling.

That is an excellent idea Kathy!

It's great to meet you too I know yoga is great for balance issues we face as we get older but I have to tell you about my one and only experience with yoga.  I went to my first class and one of the first moves we did was the turtle one.  You were "suppose" to be able to lay back (as I am sure you know) and roll up to a sitting position.  Everyone did it great! I just rolled back and forth like a turtle on his back. It was so funny and I just for the life of me could to get up, I started to laugh. Well this yoga class was very serious and I guess there was no laughing.  I never went back. Zumba? I can't do half of what they do, but I have always had fun and done my own thing and no one could care less.

Ballroom dancing was something I had always wanted to do but I did damage to my left side being heavy and have nerve damage where I can't stand on my toes on my left side. I think it's so beautiful!

Stay in touch 

Hi Rich,

PM me your old email address associated with your old account and your new email. 

Thanks

Kathy