Update

**Edited to add progressive photo.**

Just got an email from Patrece asking for an update. BTW... You are looking great Patrece!

I've lost about 140 lbs. since my first visit with my surgeon. Still got a long way to go. I'm becoming a bit frustrated with the ups and downs associated with PMS and water retention. I've lost focus. I still haven't gotten myself to a normal exercise routine. Yet, I'm still feeling so much better and been able to do so much more than before.

I've now been camping. My husband and I took over his family camping resort membership when we married over four years ago. I am a nature lover and grew up loving camping with family. With my previous health (or lack of it)... I often thought we should do away with the membership. It's an extra monthly expense as well, but my hubby and his family camped there since he and his brothers were kids. Anyhow, I had no problem getting around. We had a wonderful camping trip. So glad we kept the membership. We'll get plenty of use out of it now.

I'm constantly amazed at how much easier it is to get around. We went to dinner with my mother-in-law and brother-in-law. We ended up going to a place where we had to park and walk a few blocks to get to the restaurant. This also would have been out of the question in the past. I would have had to have been dropped off at the door and probably would have been out of breath just getting to the door from the car. I'm able to do the grocery shopping again. I'm down quite a few sizes in clothing and it's so nice to be able to shop in stores now. I don't have to order online now. I bought a $16 swimsuit at Walmart and it fits!

I'm not sure why I let myself lose focus so badly. The beginning of this year has been a bit tough. My 32 yo brother died Jan 25th. A week after he passed my husband had major surgery. I need to see my surgeon, dietitian, etc. and get myself back on track. This is too important. I've come too far to turn back now.

I have had a bit of inspiration lately. An extended family member contacted me and wants my advice on getting healthy. She's 20 and her father died at a young age of a heart attack due to his weight. So I told her that I was no expert and wouldn't have all the answers but I will share with her everything I have learned that is working for me. Writing to her has been good for me. I've told her about OH and all the support and information I have found here.

Also, my mother has been struggling with her weight all my life as well. She has finally decided to check in to WLS. She has an appointment next week with my surgeon and I am going to go with her for support. I hope this is the answer for her. Call me selfish, but I'd like her to be around for a while. Especially if I decide to try and have a grandchild for her. ;-)

I'm going to try and get a couple recent photos posted on my profile before I log out for the night. Thanks for checking on me Patrece. I tend to keep to myself when I'm having internal battles. I'll try to be better about keeping in touch. Hope everyone has a great summer!

Thanks so much for taking the time to check in with us. It is geat to hear from you! From what i can see of the 7 mos out pic, you are looking awesome!

Don't seclude when you are struggling. Thats why we are here. to help you through these times. I know it can be hard to stay focused on your wls way of life during the hard times, but you have to... you have come way too far and invested too much of yourself into this. You can do it. let us be here for you! I have had many difficult times since my surgery too, so i really understand where you are at. BUT we have to get focuesed and back on track, because better health and physicval ability will be beneficial to us when struggling with these other challenges.

Let me know if I can help in any way. you can PM me if you want to. I will also be holding a series of free teleclasses - one a month- to benefit wls people. You may be interested in those?

Hang in there and congrats on the tremendous progress you are making. Try to embrace the hope and excitement you had just before surgery, remembering how that felt and why you wanted it, and use that as a tool to motivate yourself when the going gets tough.
hugs!

Thanks Patrece! I think I just let emotions take over too much again, slipped back into my old OCD pattern. I'm eating less (smaller portions) and healthier foods, but not on a schedule and occasionally emotional eating. I've got insomnia. Had it since my teens. My mother says I've always had it. I'm struggling to get control of my sleeping habits. I know it could be the end of me if I don't. I'm going to try melatonin to help me get to sleep and get strict with myself for a while.

Coming back on OH to share with friends has helped open my eyes again. I'm facing what the problems are and forming a healthier strategy again.

Thank you for the support Patrece. I'm going to try to focus on the excitement and determination I had when I started my journey.
- Shell

Shell, congrats on  the wonderful loss.  Your pics are amazing.  What a difference in such a short time.  Please do not hide, I can not offer ongoing support if you are not here.  I am in the process on renewing my commintment to follosing the "plan" set out for me.  The last follow up appt a couple of days ago, my NP wanted me to try jogging.  Let's be real, last time I jogged was in college a couple of decades ago.  Well to make a long story short, I tried it today.  The NP suggested trying to jog a minute, walk 5 minutes and repeat.  I was out with the dogs for 50 minutes and did manage to jog 5 blocks during the walk.  We also found a great hill to walk up.  My legs felt like rubber at the top of the hill, but very good when i returned home successful.

We can and will do this.  Let's keep motivating each other here with the bariatric buddy group.  Hugs