FINALLY! I reached my goal!

But, should I be happy about it? Today I weigh 135 lbs. That is the goal I set for myself on 7/21/04, minutes before being wheeled into the operating room. The Dr. had no weight goal for me, so I'm sure I have exceeded his expectations. (Which reminds me, I should send him a letter and let him know how I'm doing.) On Tuesday of this week at my surgical follow-up meeting (from the gallbladder & correction surgery on 1/18) with Dr. Kieran, she said I should not lose any more weight, and that I had next to no bodyfat left to lose. At that time I weighed 138.5. Because of the correction, the theory is I can now eat less than I could before. But my meals never really grew beyond a 1/2 cup before, and now I can eat even less, with the added inability to eat/tolerate fat with my gallbladder gone. So I'm not trying to lose weight, it's just happening. I still do my 6 meals a day, and I'm working on incorporating soft foods into my liquid/pureed diet (for healing purposes). The real question is, should I celebrate that I made my goal of 135? Or should I be concerned? My husband is concerned, but happy for me. So I think I shall be "cautiously celebratory" Thanks to all who have read my posts over the last 18 months, and listened with compassion to my neurotic ravings, and silliness. You guys rock and have helped me keep it together during good and bad. Ok enough mushy stuff! I feel awesome today, and we are going to the mall to cruise around, hit up Victorias Secret, and several other clothestores I'm sure, take in a flick and just be together out in the world. Michele

Hi Michele ... I definitely think you should celebrate ... you've reach a major goal!! Whether its time to re-set that goal, or make a new one, you've still reached it and still deserve a CONGRATULATIONS and the opportunity to celebrate. You're an awesome person, and believe it or not, you're one of the ones keeping ME going. so there! I was a little disappointed with my "team" because no one ever discussed setting a "goal" with me (I guess I expected too much). I think they just considered me a success that I lost 75% of my excess weight and that's a good statistic for them. I know I need to be more accountable for setting my own goals (and doing measurements and the such), but I really would have liked a little more guidance. You've done good, girl ... kudos. Karyn

I am disappointed with my team as well, actually all of them except for my surgeon. They didn't discuss goal weights with me at all. They didn't suggest measuring either. To give them credit, they did suggest taking a picture beforehand. Which they did. However, when I contacted them to get a copy they informed me they couldn't find it. So, there are no "clothed" pictures of me right before surgery. Luckily I had OH to guide me. And I took monthly pictures of myself, front, back, sideview, and they are VERY precious to me. I have them backed up to CD, and 3 different hard drives as well! lol I also have kept written, and computer records of my weight and measurements to help keep me sane when the scale was being mean. As a matter of fact, after I moved from Florida to Arizona they were of little to no help to me at all. They answered ONE email in about 15. Oh wait, make that 2. They informed me via email they couldn't find my picture. I wrote numerous letters asking for nutritional guidance, which they said would be provided to me for life, and would be no problem at all long distance. Yeah right. Ya know, its so odd, and makes me feel weird (and proud at the same time) that you say I'm one of the ones keeping you going. I have never felt like much of a good example of anything in my life, except for maybe being a survivor. Thank you for saying so Michele

Michele - Of course you should celebrate!!! But at the same time, always remember you are a work-in-progress. Whether it's monitoring for regain (like most of us need to do) or in your case, monitoring that you don't lose additional weight, you're still a success nonetheless, and deserve to be congratulated! So, congrats!!! Betsy

Thank you Betsy, and you are right. I need to remember the work-in-progress thing, and not become weak and backsliding! Thank you again! Michele

I am celebrating and HOPEFUL that things resolve themselves as you progress with your healing You've been through so much. (((HUGS)))

Awwww, thank you! And HUGS for you too! Michele

Michele, Here's wishing you healthy healing In those new clothes!! Congratulations! Best Wishes- Dx

Well the clothing shopping was a bust, but thats just because the mall we went to was one of those fancy dancy (aka HIGH END) malls that sell designer stuff I can't afford. LOL BUT! That doesn't mean I didn't have fun Michele

Congratulations. I think it is awesome. Hope all is well for you. Hugs T