Recent Posts
There was never mention of a biopsy until George changed doctors. Thank God we moved. The other two docs were convinced it was nothing. We have excellent insurance that would not have questioned a biopsy.
We now know why they call it "practicing" medicine.
Hi! Kennewick Karen here, Never being one for brevity, it is hard to even get started when so much time has passed. Feb of 2005 was my "rebirth." I joined what was then called the OVER FIFTY FORUM about a year before I actually had surgery. My insurance had added a clause that said "Even if medically necessary we won't cover weight loss surgery." I was so angry, but at 377 lbs and gaining I had just given up. I think my mom, tho scared of the surgery, realized that she might lose me if I didn't have surgery. She loaned me the money and my miracle took place. The weight fell off. By June I was down 150 lbs and on a road trip celebrating the fact that I could fly without a seatbelt extension. I zigged and zagged my way from Arkansas, Missouri, Georgia,Florida, and Texas meeting many women who had provided me with so much support.
I'm still considered obese at 195 lbs and 5'3". I can do whatever I want to do. I wear a regular size 16 and tho I would mind being smaller, I like myself as I am. I no longer fear walking in front of strangers. I take long walks, camp with a group called "GIRLS ON THE FLY." I belong to a gym and can do 60 minutes on an eliptical as well as water aerobics. No one in the class bats an eye as I enter or exit the water. Life isn't perfect; I'm 67. My arthritis is bad and I seldom give in to taking anti-inflammatories so I do hurt a lo****er exercise helps .
Since 2005 both of our children have married. Our daughter has 4 children and our son and his wife are expecting their second little boy in July. Mike and I love being grandparents. We are in the process of remodeling a 1600 sq foot condo and have our house on the market.
Can't believe I almost forgot another major event of 2025-16: my routine mammogram in November turned out to not be so routine. A small malignancy was found in my left breast. In January I had a lumpectomy followed by a SAVI procedure ( twice a day radiation for 5 days). I felt very fortunate to be a good candidate for this internal radiation. I am taking a daily pill called Tamoxifin. Not really crazy about this pill, but no bad side effects so far.
Regrets? None. As I am not sure I would be alive without this surgery. I admire anyone who can lose weight and maintain the loss without surgery. At age 55 if I could have I would have. I never have felt like I had to keep my decision a secret. If someone hasn't walked in my shoes they have no business telling me what I should or shouldn't do.
Im enjoying reading updates. Many of you I have met in person. It's hard to explain to friends and family the need to meet these STRANGERS in person, but I am so glad I did! A free ticket to Dallas ended up at an Embassy Suites in Dallas with an intimate group of 24. We had never met, but came from all over the country, the only thing in common being Weight Loss Surgery and the Over Fifty Forum. I will never forget us all crowding into one suite for our first few hours. Candy, I still wear my "ITS A FRIEND THING," t-shirt tho there isn't much left to it!
You are all probably wishing I would shut up already! I will close hoping to hear from more old friends.
Karen C
Oh Debi, I'm so glad you came! Your trip to Europe sounds like a wonderful bucket list item! You are the bomb! That you have kept your weight off for this entire time is fabulous!
I will always remember meeting you in San Francisco during one of my check ups! We had such a great visit. You will always be a friend.
I would love it if you came here once in a while to share your success...
Laughing about you using meditation to keep you from poking people in the eyes....hahaha! You crack me up!
Wow...that's a goal. 500 miles. I can sing it don't know if I could walk it. But it would be a great accomplishment. Good luck and have fun. You will earn your 2 week vacation.
I sent MARGO a post on Facebook but she said she forgot her password. I then told her to open a new page . no response!
carla
Linda,
I am so excited about the yoga class. I swear it has changed my life. And the meditation keeps me from poking people in the eyes with sharp on fire sticks.
I am like you with the forum keeping me sane...I remember so many times having issues and having people tell me to either go to the doctor or no, it's the healing process....plus, you know there are so many of us who have some of the same issues.When I first came on OH and this woman kept talking about how we all regain and all get fat again...and then some of the other ladies messaged me and said, don't listen to her....some of us regain a little but we get it under control and sure enough, I did gain a little but it's under control....We are good, aren't we?
Janet,
I'm glad you signed back on...who knows, you might want to drop in from time-to-time for a cup of motivation and inspiration. I hate that Joe passed. I love Judge Judy and Law and Order and Criminal Intent along with Dexter are my binge watching shows.
Stick around.
Eleen,
Save your money and this November, fly to AZ and hang out with Julia and me...Don't you think that would be fun?
I am glad you are doing better and don't be a stranger. I know you are so busy and I am glad you are reading but do let us know what's up with you. There are a few of the old timers' posts that I read and your posts are the ones that I look for first.
