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Congrat JB, you are doing great.  I have to say it annoys me how much quicker the men lose than the women..ggrr.  I had forgot about this group and just wanted to say HI to everyone

Hey everyone,

Just thought I would check in and see how everyone is doing.  I just had my Dr. appointment and I am down about 70lbs.  I still have about 60 or so to go.  I had my surgery on August 16th and have done pretty well adapting to my new way of life.  I am starting to incorporate solid protein in my diet now and am feeling well. 

I don't know many of you in this group so,  let me know how you are doing!  I would love to help encourage you with your journey as I will need your encouragement in return.  Let's make this a great weekend and roll into a great week.

JB

Hi All,

I am a newbie here.  I am just getting started after my surgery.  Like most of us, I have lost and gained over 100 lbs over 10 times over my life and I finally got tired of the struggle and had a RNY procedure in July of 2004.  The surgery was not successful because there was an undiscovered hiatal hernia which was thankfully repaired.  The surgeon told me in recovery that he could not make my stomach as small as usual.  I was very disappointed.  Finally this year, I met another surgeon that took a real interest in me and my situation.  We were able to have the insurance cover the re-do.  On August 16th, I had the surgery I dreamed of 6  years ago.  I was very motivated and was very careful to follow the two week liquid program before surgery.  It has been 5 and 1/2 weeks since my surgery and I have lost about 55 lbs.  I feel better, and am able to wear clothes I haven't been able to wear in years.  I still have a long way to go, but I have made a good start.

My biggest accomplishment to this point is keeping my sanity.  This past summer was jammed with personal and professional milestones.  I completed and defended my dissertation, had a daughter turn 16 and get her drivers license, I turned 50, I graduated from my doctoral program, had a big celebration party, had my surgery, celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary, and my youngest daughter just turned 13.... I did all this from June 19th to the 24th of September.  I am tired.  The word that keeps coming to mind is survival. But I made it!!!

My biggest struggle to this point is learning to deal with my emotions...especially the negative ones.  In the past, I would just retreat to the kitchen and eat a slab of cheese, or hunk of meat.  I have learned that I need positive outlets to release my stress and anxiety. (Can anyone else relate?)  I am usually a very easy going and low key person, but after the surgery, I have found that I have a difficult time letting things go and moving on.  Anyway, the groups like this one have been inspirational to me and exercising helps too.  I am trying to learn new ways to keep myself healthy and react in a more positive manner.

What is different?  I thought that I would lose weight slower and that I would have more energy.  So far, I have lost weight faster but have less energy.  My doctor has already reduced my high blood-pressure medicine.  With the small caloric intake, I find myself running out of energy a lot sooner in the day than before.  I also didn't think I could get along without caffeine and diet sodas.  So far, I have not had any difficult giving up coffee, tea and sodas. I have found Chrystal Lite and sugar free Popsicles. 

I am really trying to exercise regularly.  I have a treadmill which I am using for the first time in years.  It is great.  I also try to take long walks on the weekends. This is not easy for my sedentary job.  I just have to do it before or after work...every day!!!

How am I feeling?  Overall, I feel really good.  With the exception of the low energy at night, I am lighter, feel better in my clothing, and my feet hurt a lot less (I have plantar faciitis).  I was very surprised at how little pain I had from the surgery.  I really did not need any pain meds...just used ice. 

Today I am hopeful and am trying hard to protect my little pouch from expanding.  I try to eat and drink small amounts and keep my protein to 70-90gms per day as my dietitian told me to do.  I really want to succeed this time.

So far so good!

Blessings to you all

JB

Well, I don't think it sounds shallow! It's a goal you can measure! My first goal is to be under 200 pounds, then to wear a size 14 in anything. I would LOVE to be able to wear a 12 but we will see! I'm 5'11" so I'd be happy with a 14. And yes, the healthy stuff is extremely important! Honestly, health is the reason for doing this. I wanted to be able to move more freely, live longer and happier and be more comfortable in my own body!!!

Please!!