Sorry it's been so long - here's my update

Sorry - it's been a long time but I'm back. O.k., here's the update. I'm 9 months out now and had my 3rd official follow-up. I'm also going to my primary doc every month for B12 shots (which I love - once a month and I one less pill to take). I haven't had any more hospital stays or major sicknesses (althought there are still some foods like greasy meals that I just can't handle). Overall I've really learned a lot about what I can tollerate and what I can't. I'm very carefull when I try something new. No one at the office knows what kind of surgery I've had and to be honest I'm not sure if they really notice althought one of my co-workers who just came back from maternaty leave stopped me one day and said "you know what - you look good. I really notice it when I got back, you look good". I just said thanks and that I was working hard and watching what I eat (which is the truth). In fact, I'm so glad I didn't tell anyone there, I work with a bounch of guys who are not the most open minded and empathetic. The cakes, donuts, and candies are flying around the office but I just tell everyone that my doctor has told me to follow a diabetic diet (again, not a lie). This has made things a lot easier, I can politely tell them "no thanks, I've brought my own lunch" if they are all going out for lunch. Ok, so now for the big news - I know you've been "weighting" As of know I've lost over 114 lbs It's hard to tell what size I am because (like most of us) my top is smaller than my bottum. I still have a bit of a flabby belly but that's my fault, I'm been staying I should start doing more stomach exercises but haven't. It's funny how you just don't see how much you've lost or how your body has shrunk over time. My friend gave me bunch of cloths after the surgery and goal has been to get into them. I was looking for something to wear to work and just to see how far I would have to go to get into some of her cloths I tried some one. I was amazed - I slid my happy hips into a size 18!!! I haven't seen a size 18 since I was 18! And yes, I wore them the next day! Now for the truth, I have had some problems. The hair thing was disappointing. In fact I had to cut it off, it was snapping off left and right. The texture has changed and it is starting to grow back but I started wearing wigs. At first I was traumatized but know it's fun. There's a lot of variety out there and I can change my hair style at a moments notice. I keep joking with my husband, telling him I'm going to get a blonde one and surprise him one day when he comes home. He's been great this entire time. The night I cut off my hair I cried like a baby All he did was tell me how beautiful I was, how proud he was of me, and how much me loved me The other issue is one I knew about going into this -the skin. It's know as bad as I imagined but I've notice it's still sagging. I'm trying to increase my water intake (which I should do anyway) but if anyone has other suggestions besides additional surgery please let me know. Well, I think that covers most of it for now. Thanks for everyone who's given advice and encouragement.

What a great success story! You are inspiring! I don't plan to tell the people at work what kind of surgery I am having either. I also work with a bunch of men, and if one of them said I "took the easy way out" or "cheated" I would probably slug them! Did you tell your boss what you were doing? I do not plan to. The counselor at the psych eval told me to tell anyone that asked that I am eating less and exercising more! I hope I get my approval and surgery in the next few months. I am worried about my hair, which is already very thin. I feel certain it will get worse. The wigs sound like a good idea. Did anyone at work notice or comment on your new hair style? thanks! Kim

Hi Kim! Thanks . First of all, this site is an awesome tool - be sure to keep visiting, writing, and posting your thoughts. There's a local support group here that my doc recommends but they only meet once a month - it's nice to have another support group (online) there for you when you need it. Now, as for my Boss I didn't tell him, he only knows I had surgery and I will need follow-up appointments. I believe by law they don't need to know. Besides, it's youre health, well being and you're the one who has to deal with all of the changes - if they can't support you than you don't tell them, you're the one who has to work with these people and you don't need the extra stress . Telling them you're eating less and exercising may be the best way to go and it's the truth. It's nice of you to say I'm a success story, I'm still have a way to go - I was very, very overweight and I have another 70 bls to go but it is great to hear that I have helped someone else. Now for the hair. I'm the kind of person who changes her hair style if I get bored - up, down, ponytail, curly, or straight . I guest they just thought the wig was another change. No one said anything except "you're looking nice today". There are a lot of different style wigs and extensions out there so I'm sure you can find something you'll love. I'd wait a little first, some people are different - some loss a lot of hair, some go a little thinner and some not at all. Just be prepared. If there's anything I can do to help please let know. Thanks, Lady Keen aka Divalicious aka Janel