Scrapbook about WLS

Hi all. I love scrapbooking, am purely an amateur at it and suffer sometimes from scrapperblock, you know that feeling that there is a perfect page out there just waiting and you can't get the ideas right?? Anyway, I am interested in starting a scrapbook of my WLS to help remind me on the "dark" days why I'm doing this and to help reward me on the "bright" days for doing this!! I had my open RNY 09-15-2004 and so far have had no physical complications except for rashes, itching as I developed allergies at the tape spot and at the heparin shots spots (yes, 3 per day X 2 weeks is a lot of little allergy spots) on my stomache and incision area. I plan to take pictures, include articles and journals from me to myself on why I am doing this, etc., and wondered if anyone else had done this or had any ideas on format, suggestions, etc? Anyone care to join a discussion here on WLS scrapbooking? Karen Thompson Renton, WA surgery at WISH Center 09-15-2004 down 30 pounds

I think scrapbooking your wl is a wonderful idea. I plan on doing mine, too. I am getting a special book and plan on pictures, journaling, etc. I think a page of things I used to be able to do, couldn't do and then am able to do again, will be a fun page. (ie; tying my shoes without losing my breath or falling over, every time I go down a size, riding my bike, playing softball, waterskiing, ....) Also, take a picture of yourself in the same spot once a month and as you go down in size, see how much more of the things you can see around you! Good luck! Happy Scrappin!

Hi, I am planning on doing the exact same thing. I already have my book and I bought some embellishments and some pens. I am going to start on my book next week. I want to have something I can go back to if I ever get discouraged. I want to be able to see how far I have come. I had my surgery on 9/22 and so far doing great! Good luck on your book. If you ever get scrappersblock email me and I will try to help you! Vanessa [email protected]

Hi Karen, I didn't know that you are a scrapbooker, too! I love it and think it is such a productive hobby. The books are wonderful keepsakes and I think having a scrapbook specifically for the weight loss journey is a great idea. I hope that I have something to scrap about someday! How are you doing, by the way? Are the rashes gone? Take care, Tammy

I have been doing one. It is incredible about how fast the weight come off and the difference in my appearance. I have gotten ideas from the Two Peas In a Bucket website. If you search the site type in weight and it will come up with a lot of layout ideas. Hope that helps you. I am doing a 8X8 albumn and was only planning on doing my first 100 pounds but since I have already gotten there faster than I planned. So I plan on doing the first year post-op. -Gerriann Lap RNY 5/14/04 120 pounds gone forever!

I haven't started mine yet, but I'm planning it out (I just need to sit and do it!) My albulm is themed "FREEDOM" I had surgery 7/2 and was released 7/4 so I thought it would be a cute twist. I want to put in pictures (OF COURSE!) as well as journeling on feeling, clothing size, examples of foods I ate for the day at that point, etc. I don't know how long I want to do it for I was thinking 1 year or goal, but I'm not sure yet. Margaret

Hi Karen I am doing a WLS Scrapbook. Just can't fine any scrapbook items that is about WL.....like paper, stickers, dis cuts, etc....wish there were. Martha

Karen: I highly recommend scrapping your progress. I did this and am so glad that I did. I started out with the "before" picture. I took pictures of me the day I went to the hospital, after I had surgery and the day I left. I took pictures of me with my favorite Respiratoy Therapist, also a wls patient; my surgeon and my ICU nurse. I have a documented picture of every month for the first year especially because that is such a rapid changing time. I made a section for my measurements and weight recordings. I don't regret taking any pictures or spending the time that I did on my book. I actually had it partially ready and took it to the hospital with me. I made a two page spread for those who came to visit me to sign my book. Everyone, especially the nursing staff, loved the idea. So you go girl. Trust me you will highly value it when you get to your goal. It will serve as a constant reminder of where you were, but more importantly where you never want to return. Sincerely a WLS Sister, Darlene Geisler [email protected]

I've got the book, now I just need to lose the weight! I'm 6 days post op and am already feeling like I've lost some. I'm very excited to start getting pictures done and start the losing part of the book!