Introduce yourself...

I am thrilled at how many people have joined our OH Page, many of who have [yet - wink wink] to attend our in-person monthly meeting.  Therefore, I thought some introductions by all of you would be wonderful.  Let's learn more about each other.

Give a paragraph about yourself with the normal WLS data (type of surgery plus the when, where, how must lost), marital status, where you live (if you feel like sharing), employment, reason for having surgery.  No need to share a life story but just enough of a tease to learn more about you.

My blurb:

I had surgery almost 8 years ago on March 6, 2001, at the Alvarado Center in San Diego, CA.  I had a RNY lap and lost 158 pounds in about 18 months.  I later felt "bullet-proof" and regained about 30 over the last three years.  I got married in 2007 (today is our 2nd anniversary). I gave birth to our daughter, Kira, in May 2008 and have since become a stay-at-home mom (something I thought I would NEVER get to be!).  Struggling at the moment with not only what I regained pre-pregnancy but I'm schlepping around 17 pregnancy pounds still too so I'm quite annoyed and frustrated to say the least.  Feels hypocritical to be the "leader" of our group while I'm basically 50 pounds heavier than I'd like...whaaa whine whine.  Bottom line, still pretty rocking to say that I've kept 100+ off my frame for at least 7 years.  Amen!

I look forward to reading your intros,

Kimberlee

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy in late Sept -- so about 5 months out -- with Dr. Cirangle at CPMC.

So far it's going great. I had some "wtf have I done to myself" moments between weeks 7-12 when I was cleared to eat regular food but could hardly eat anything. Oh and I ended up in the ER with a kidney stone at the beginning of that period too -- not drinking enough water, I think.

But other than that, it's been going great and I should be at a normal BMI in another month or two.

I've turned into a fitness nut too. I'm training for a triathlon. My first one is in April and I plan to do a 5K next month to warm up.

Hi,
First I am so glad I found this support group. My cousin brought me, she just had the DS and I have brought in a friend, who had the RnY. I attend when I can, not every month, but I try.

I had the Lap RnY at Stanford with Dr. Morten on October 15, 2007. About 16 months ago. I lost the first 80 pounds with in the first 3 months after the surgery. And have lost over 200 pounds the first year. I am staying consistent between 204 and 214. My highest weight was 440 and I am 6'1".

I have not had any complications related to the surgery itself. But one thing I have developed is low blood pressure. I am seeing a doctor for that. They think it's my body reacting to the rapid weight loss, all test come back normal.

Socially I haven't lost friends and my family has been very supportive. A month after having surgery I separated from my husband. We have recently started to go to counseling. So we will see what happens.

All in all I am very happy with my decision and would do it all over again. If anyone wants to chat about it, I am always open.

 Hello Group,
My name is Lisa C.  I live in Moraga.  I had VSG surgery on November 19, 2008.  I have lost 65 lbs.  I am married to Jim we have a 23 year old son and I own a hair salon.  I realized that I  had lost over 273 lbs on other diets over my life time only to get the same result of regaining the weight and usually 20 more on top of that!  I just could not stand the idea of one more frozen Jenny Craig meal.

Some days are hard some are good.  I have an amazing amount of Nausea.  I throw up often.  I spoke to my doctor ( Gregg Jossart LAPSF.com California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco) and he does not know why some patients have the nausea and most do not.  ..... Lucky me!

I was sorry to not have been able to attend the meeting last weekend.  I look forward to coming to the next.
Best to all of you
Lisa C

Hello All!

I had Lab RNY on Sept. 3rd, 2008, in Modesto with Dr. Patrick Coats. So far I have lost 80 pounds. My starting weight was 283 and today I am at 203, my body is just teasing me to hit onederland! lol.
I have been married for almost 3 years (second marriage), and I can truthfully say I have married the best man in the world! Sorry girls that I took him, but someone had to snatch him up! I have 4 kids, 2 are mine, 1 is his, and 1 is ours....but now they are all OURS. We live in Tracy, and it seems that I haven't found anyone who lives in Tracy on OH.
I work VERY part-time from home as a Graphic Designer. After having our daughter, DH wanted me to stay at home, so thats what I did!

I am thinking in April I will be able to attend a meeting with all of you!

Thank you everyone so far for introducing yourself to the members. 

Nicole: when you attend our meeting, be sure to tell people you drove all the way from Tracy to be with us!!  Now that's dedication!! 

I'm also a stay-at-home mom so welcome to the club.  It's great.  I didn't realize how much I was going to like it and not like working.  I've always identified myself through my employment so talk about a change of pace!

See you soon,
Kimberlee

I sure will!! I haven't been to any meetings since my RNY. So I really do need to make it a point to attend one! Hope to see you in April!

Hi I started this journey in October 2008 when I decided to do somehting about my weight and health.  I am 46 and have a 3 year old daughter who I want to see get married one day.  I was afraid if I did not do something about my weight and medical issues I just might not be here.  I have been a type 2 diabetic since I was 32.  I have always had problems with my weight and have done the yoyo thing.  Recently my PCP wanted to put me on insulin and I refused.  This was the key to getting me off my butt and lose some weight.

I am happy that Kaiser has accepted me into the bariatric program and I have just reached my surgery goal weight.  It is all a waiting game now!  Hopefully I can keep on track with the help of you all and see this through to the end.  I want a smaller behind in 2009!!

Dolores

Hi all My name is Atasca I am 37 year old a mother of 3 (21 boy,15 girl,11,boy) I am scheduled to have my surgery thru Kaiser on March 16th a little scared and a little excited I started this weight loss process this time around last years and I changed my mind 100 times to do it to not do it so here we are today scared and getting ready to have surgery ho my so hope to chat with you all later

I'm sure everything will be fine. I will be thinking of you. The one thing I remember right after surgery was that my chest felt a little funny, but don't be worried. The stoma gets swollen and can make your chest feel kind of heavy. It will go away. Also, it is difficult to drink at first, especially water, but that will become easier with time. Try mixing the water with Crystal Light. It makes it easier to drink for some reason. Good luck to you.

DIanna