Row Call- WLS Grads that Lurk

Hi Deb and all WLS Grads, I am a Major lurker , I am here everyday, but normally just read the posts. I have to say though, this MB is awesome . I had my surgery on 11-20-2003, I have lost a total of -149 lbs. I feel the best that I felt in my entire life. I am doing okay, I struggle just like everyone else. I have WL moments everyday, like when I put on my size 10 pants and think...WOW, I used to wear a 24/26 and that was even tight. My youngest goes around saying my Mom used to weigh 400lbs, and now she weighs 135lbs....Of course I did not start out @ 400lbs, but rather 281lbs, but what do kids know. Gotta love them. My youngest also started kindergarten this past week and my oldest 7th grade. I feel so old now...... This surgery is the best thing that I ever did for myself...and that is who I did for. I wanted to make sure that I would be around to watch my kids grow up and have their own families.......I thank God everyday that I was given the chance to change my life..... Have a wonderful evening and weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs, Beth

Welcome Beth! Congratulations on a tremendous job!

welcome beth.. glad to meet you and hope you keep a posting now that ya broke that ice ... I know yer kids are sooo proud of mommy... welcome again and dont be shy now ya hear! awesome job on weight loss!!! deb

Can I come out and play, too? I haven't posted on this board yet. Guess I still feel like a "newbee" and don't have anything to contribute. I know that isn't true but it's my nature to be a follower and not a leader. Deb, you probably remember when I started my journey, a little over a year ago. I started at 317 pounds and I now weigh 185 according to my scales, which are about 4 pounds HEAVIER than any of my doctor's scales. It is always a nice surprise to get on my doctor's scales since they weigh lighter. My weight loss is really slow now and I would really like to speed things up a bit. I want to lose about 40 more pounds but I don't think I will ever get there. I have a lot of skin and want to have plastic surgery, which should get my weight down a lot more. I hope my insurance will cover it. My book says it will if medically necessary but they don't preapprove. So --- it is a gamble I am not sure I want to take since I can't afford cash pay at this time. Is there anyone out there who has used BCBS Federal for plastics and have them pay????? Kathy

Kathy, I remember you from Arlington - you were pre-op then, I believe. Girl, you look fantastic. I hope you feel as great as you look. It's normal for the weight loss to slow down after a year. And it's a little disappointing too - after the great experiece with rapid loss. But if we didn't slow down, we would get too thin. Did I say that - well, it's not going to happen to me - but for some it does. Keep up the great work and good luck on the plastics. Patty

Thank you! I do feel great! You're looking great, too. Prior to surgery, I was on three different oral diabetic medications two times a day PLUS 50 units of insulin twice a day. I was also on Lipitor and a diuretic because of pitting edema. I am off ALL medications, except vitamins! My diabetes is GONE! I do need to get some new pictures on my profile as the one posting was taken in February. I just hate to get my picture taken because I still see myself as a big person. Crazy, isn't it? Kathy

Welcome Kathy and congrats on your success. Definitely come and play with us. Your book says they don't preapprove? I thought the only place that didn't preapprove was medicare or medicaid--I get them confused. Ask about this on the ps board too. The plastic surgeons will have an opinion on it too. Have you been documenting problems? Make sure you do that.

wahooo HEY GIRL!!! glad to see you here .. you are looking awesome. Are u going to the Nov OH meet in Houston? im probably going to be in TOWN that weekend errr but not at meet exactly LOL anyway great to see you and yipppppeee its great to see u here... tag yer it! deb

Ok, I'm a lurker for the most part. I really like this new board because I like to read what the long-term post-ops have to say. There are a couple of people at my work who had surgery -- who either didn't lose the weight they wanted, or gained it back. It makes me appreciate the fact that this is a tool -- not a guarantee. Next week, I'll mark my one-year anniversary. I've lost 125 pounds in the past year. I'd like to lose another 15, but if I don't, I'll still be happy. I'm wearing 10s and 12s (some 8s) and size medium tops. Just a year ago I was wearing 22-24 and 3x tops. What a transformation! I guess I was hoping it would be a little easier at a year out. I didn't realize how easy it was at the beginning because you couldn't eat much. Now, I really have to stay away from the carbs, or a want more. I bought a Magic Bullet a month or so ago, and I'm really trying to increase my protein. That has helped to jump start my weight loss again. I had gained about five pounds back, but now I've lost them and about five more. Every day it's about choices. Most of the time, I make good choices, but some days I slip up. Then the next day I start over again. I just marvel at those skinny people who can eat anything and never gain a pound. Unfortunately, that will never be me. Next week, I guess I can officially join this board. Joni 295/170/155

Hey Joni... girl dont even go there about offically joining.. LOL heck you just start posting.. I know no one would squabble over a few weeks or days or hours.. That would be splitting hairs. OK girl first WHAT the heck is a Magic Bullet ... lol I have all kinda visions on what that could be but im NOT going there lol fess up lol what is it? Congratulations on the weight loss. Awesome job girl.. did you notice this summer was cooler on you than other summers obese? Yep thats a question so you gotta post again here... LOL going to get you posting regular yet lol Carbs are a product of the devil I think lol... Anyway Im glad to have met you and hope you just post away... Im sure no one will say anything ... *hugs* except welcome to Grads!!! You deserve it. deb