I just switched physicians at my doctors office. I made a great choice. I've been struggling with Pneumonia for 2 1/2 months and I didn't feel like I was getting what I needed. My new doctor referred me to a lung doctor and I go and see him tomorrow.
I also have to see a Gastrointestinal doctor as well. My new doctor is sending my test results to Dr. Smith. This is the first time this has happened in the 17 months post op.
Right now, I am resting. I decided not to go to church today because I haven't gotten the rest that I needed to get so I can get rid of this stuff. I feel okay, so I forget to take it easy.
We are having guest from church over later and I need to rest up for that too. Yesterday, my daughter and I took family portraits for our church directory. I think they came out good. I can't wait to get them back. Olan Mills need to get with the program; a lot of places print the pictures off and you receive them right away. I have to wait until these come in the mail.
Weight wise, I am holding steady at 150 lbs. I would love to weigh 142 and stabilize at that. We will see how it goes. I cant exercise right now and I haven't done much exercising in the past. (not consistently). I really miss it too.
well,I guess that's it for now. I hope all is doing well on their journey
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
It's May already - it's hard to believe
You know I didn't think anyone read this blog so I stopped writing. But, I got two comments so I will provide an update. I am at a plateau. I've weighted 151 for several months now. I'm ready to go below that, however, I can't exercise because I've had pneumonia for the last 8 weeks. I had a chest x-ray today and the doctor asked me to wait before exercising.
My liver enzymes are elevated so I had blood work done today. My lowest weight was 144 lbs becuase I was in the bed sick.
I would like to get to 140 so I will have some wiggle room. I wear small size tops, and mostly size 8 pants and dresses. I still do not think that I'm small though. So, as you can see I have some mental work to do. i don't think I'm fat either though.
Still have issues with my hair, I just thank God that I started with a lot of it. I truly believe it will come back though.
You know I read other blogs and they have a lot of interesting things to talk about.... I feel that I do though.
My goals for May are to attend support group meeting and begin exercising. I have never really consistently exercised through this entire process, but I really want to know. I miss water aerobics class that I attended prior to DS 17 months ago. Water aerobics is a sneaky way to build muscle mass, I absolutley love water aerobics.
It's almost the end of school and I'm glad. I have to find an economical way to entertain my 7 year old.
to be continued....
My liver enzymes are elevated so I had blood work done today. My lowest weight was 144 lbs becuase I was in the bed sick.
I would like to get to 140 so I will have some wiggle room. I wear small size tops, and mostly size 8 pants and dresses. I still do not think that I'm small though. So, as you can see I have some mental work to do. i don't think I'm fat either though.
Still have issues with my hair, I just thank God that I started with a lot of it. I truly believe it will come back though.
You know I read other blogs and they have a lot of interesting things to talk about.... I feel that I do though.
My goals for May are to attend support group meeting and begin exercising. I have never really consistently exercised through this entire process, but I really want to know. I miss water aerobics class that I attended prior to DS 17 months ago. Water aerobics is a sneaky way to build muscle mass, I absolutley love water aerobics.
It's almost the end of school and I'm glad. I have to find an economical way to entertain my 7 year old.
to be continued....
Sunday, December 28, 2008
After the holidays
We had a wonderful holiday. It's great to spend time with family. We are a blessed family and I'm so thankful for the many blessings that we've received this year. I'm not referring to monetary and tangible gifts either.
Nothing new on the weight loss front. I weighed in this morning at 152. I would like to be below 150 by the end of the month but I doubt it. The weight is slowly melting off and I'm fine with that too. Next week, I will start walking at least 20 minutes in the mornings. I need the exercise and I need the sunlight to help with my Vit-D deficiency. My PCP called me in a prescription for potassium because she said my level was low. I need to goggle potassium to see what foods I can eat to help me in that area as well.
Nothing new on the weight loss front. I weighed in this morning at 152. I would like to be below 150 by the end of the month but I doubt it. The weight is slowly melting off and I'm fine with that too. Next week, I will start walking at least 20 minutes in the mornings. I need the exercise and I need the sunlight to help with my Vit-D deficiency. My PCP called me in a prescription for potassium because she said my level was low. I need to goggle potassium to see what foods I can eat to help me in that area as well.
Friday, December 19, 2008
I year check-up
Monday I had my 1 year check-up. It went great. Dr. Smith said I've lost 91% of my excess body weight. He said that's better than expected. He thought I would lose approximately 80%. So, I am a happy camper and I'm not done yet.
I'm learning to deal with the fact that my hair is not thick like it use to be. Actually, if you didn't know me before DS you would not know that I have hair issues.
I think I have figured out the bathroom issues. You know you read about them prior to the procedure and I've talked to people who talk about them BUT until you experience it; you don't have a clue.
MY PCP did my labs so I don't have the results yet. I expect good results. At my six month check-up, my vitamin D was low which negatively impacted my calcium. I hope there is improvement in this area.
For the first time in my career at HP, I am scheduled off work for 2 1/2 weeks. Today I will work 1/2 day; then I am officially off until January 8th. I am excited about it. I will have a house full of family so i pray that it is a peaceful time.
My stats speaks for itself:
268/263/153/140
HW/SW/CW/GW
I'm learning to deal with the fact that my hair is not thick like it use to be. Actually, if you didn't know me before DS you would not know that I have hair issues.
I think I have figured out the bathroom issues. You know you read about them prior to the procedure and I've talked to people who talk about them BUT until you experience it; you don't have a clue.
MY PCP did my labs so I don't have the results yet. I expect good results. At my six month check-up, my vitamin D was low which negatively impacted my calcium. I hope there is improvement in this area.
For the first time in my career at HP, I am scheduled off work for 2 1/2 weeks. Today I will work 1/2 day; then I am officially off until January 8th. I am excited about it. I will have a house full of family so i pray that it is a peaceful time.
My stats speaks for itself:
268/263/153/140
HW/SW/CW/GW
Sunday, December 7, 2008
I year and 3 days out
Wow what a difference a year make. December 4th 2007 i made the decision to travel the ds road. I still have mixed feelings about it. I'm very pleased with the results but...I know I wouldn't weigh 154 lbs if not for the procedures. It's wonderful to shop in regular clothing stores. I definitely have more energy. I have exercised like I should and I will be working on improving in that area this week and the remainder of this year.
I'm so excited about the holiday and about having 2 weeks off from work. That definitely works for me.
My clothing size is medium and size 10. I look forward to stablizing and helping others who choose to travel this road. Dr Smith's goal for me was 160 lbs, but my personal goal is 145. I'm sure I will achieve it.
Anyway, I will come back later to finish this but I have to run right now....
I'm so excited about the holiday and about having 2 weeks off from work. That definitely works for me.
My clothing size is medium and size 10. I look forward to stablizing and helping others who choose to travel this road. Dr Smith's goal for me was 160 lbs, but my personal goal is 145. I'm sure I will achieve it.
Anyway, I will come back later to finish this but I have to run right now....
Sunday, November 30, 2008
It's almost 1 year out
So here I sit evaluating my first almost year. It's been an experience. I wonder how many people gain their weight back. I'm getting the impression that quite a few people gain their weight back. This is bit of a concern for me since I haven't exercised the way I really need to.
I want to do some weight training. I have a fear of getting an hernia if I overdo it. I don't want to go thru that; I'm not sure if that's a rational fear or just an excuse.
We are approaching the time of year where people are benevolent and considering the economy, I hope and pray that people in need are really blessed.
In the past couple of days, I've run into previous co-workers that I have not seen in years. The funny thing is that they see me and recognize me before I even see them. They are really impressed with my weight lost. Since I work from home, many of my co-workers have no clue what I look like.
I still can't believer that I wear medium size shirts/tops/sweaters and size 10 pants. I weight 152 lbs. I'm happy about that but I still am struggling to get all of my protein in. I HATE PROTEIN SHAKES. PERIOD. There are many who said they eat enough protein. I only need 67 grams a day; I should be able to eat that but I'm not quite there....well that's all for now.
I'll write again soon.
I want to do some weight training. I have a fear of getting an hernia if I overdo it. I don't want to go thru that; I'm not sure if that's a rational fear or just an excuse.
We are approaching the time of year where people are benevolent and considering the economy, I hope and pray that people in need are really blessed.
In the past couple of days, I've run into previous co-workers that I have not seen in years. The funny thing is that they see me and recognize me before I even see them. They are really impressed with my weight lost. Since I work from home, many of my co-workers have no clue what I look like.
I still can't believer that I wear medium size shirts/tops/sweaters and size 10 pants. I weight 152 lbs. I'm happy about that but I still am struggling to get all of my protein in. I HATE PROTEIN SHAKES. PERIOD. There are many who said they eat enough protein. I only need 67 grams a day; I should be able to eat that but I'm not quite there....well that's all for now.
I'll write again soon.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
It's been a while
I truly don't think anyone reads this so I'm not that consistent in writing. But, I need to remind myself that this is as much for me as it is for anyone else. I'm 11 months post op and although I researched my choice for WLS for a couple of years, I still did not quite know what to expect until I started living it.
Easy way out, this is not. I haven't had any major complications but it is a lifestyle change. Coming up on my 1 year anniversary, I just want to share a few things that I don't particularly like about my DS.
1. the bathroom experience
2. my hair loss
3. my inability to consume enough protein
I can't think of anything else that I just don't like. I've manage to steadily lose weight. I'm down over 100 pounds and I look like a different person so everyone say. I am planning to take Christmas family pictures for the first time and I'm really excited about that.
I'm so excited that I will have two week off for Christmas vacation, it's mandatory and I'm so excited about the break. Yay!!
I wear a size 10 and mostly medium size shirts. I have purchased 2 coats and both of them are medium. I'm ready to be done losing weight. I need to build muscle mass. I use to be really muscular. I'm not that flabby...just in the most common places, arms, thighs and tummy. No plastics for me. BMI is still 26+ which means I'm still overweight, so I need lose another 10 lbs.
Easy way out, this is not. I haven't had any major complications but it is a lifestyle change. Coming up on my 1 year anniversary, I just want to share a few things that I don't particularly like about my DS.
1. the bathroom experience
2. my hair loss
3. my inability to consume enough protein
I can't think of anything else that I just don't like. I've manage to steadily lose weight. I'm down over 100 pounds and I look like a different person so everyone say. I am planning to take Christmas family pictures for the first time and I'm really excited about that.
I'm so excited that I will have two week off for Christmas vacation, it's mandatory and I'm so excited about the break. Yay!!
I wear a size 10 and mostly medium size shirts. I have purchased 2 coats and both of them are medium. I'm ready to be done losing weight. I need to build muscle mass. I use to be really muscular. I'm not that flabby...just in the most common places, arms, thighs and tummy. No plastics for me. BMI is still 26+ which means I'm still overweight, so I need lose another 10 lbs.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Happy Labor Day
This has been a great year. I am 3 days away from my 9 month anniversary. Things are going well. My 2 sisters and I went to Kennesaw Mountain this morning; we walked to the top and back down again. It was exhilarating. I always enjoy that walk even though it's challenging for me.
It's been a relaxing day and I've truly taken the holiday weekend off. I will probably sign into my office email in an hour or so to get ahead of my email before tomorrow but all-in-all I was able to rest, which is long over due.
Nothing new on the weight loss front. The weight has been slowly melting off. I'm a size 12 but not for long. I'm down 102 lbs from my highest weight. Only 6 lbs to go before I meet Dr. Smith's weight loss goal for me. But, that's not enough for me because I truly want to be considered a normal weight. Although, I look fine; according to the charts, I'm still considered to be overweight. When I would read this on other people's blog, I didn't quite understand it, but I understand it now.
Last night at a church dinner, someone cornered me about my weight loss. I haven't really told that many people at church because I don't want to discuss it with everyone and I think I don't want people discussing me. I guess I shouldn't care, but I do. Anyway, this woman was trying to make me tell her how I loss weight and I refused and she got mad at me. Here's what she said to me "I have to know what you are doing, you look so good that you can stop traffic". I laughed at her and told her the change couldn't be that drastic but she said "believe me it is". This is a lady that I consider to be "skinny" so I was totally shock to hear this from her.
I still can't help but think about how invisible I was prior to the procedure. It literally brings tears to my eyes at times. Now, I'm trying not to hide and that's still difficult for me, but having a 7 year old forces me out of my comfort zone.
I read another person's blog talking about making a difference everyday we wake up and that is truly my desire in life, but sometimes it's easier to just operate in reactive mode. I am striving to do better and to make sure I tell my friends and family how much I love and appreciate them. I don't want to take anyone or anything for granted.
I know my hair loss has decreased and I think it has stopped totally. I will continue to take Biotin 5000 mg and get protein conditioners for my hair. I can finally see improvement. Now, I need to tone up my body. Since, I've been losing weight so slowly I'm not really flabby, just a little flabby. My thighs and arms need the most work. I hope I can just exercise and not have to have plastics. I just prefer not to have to go under the knife again if I don't have to. It's not an issue for me right now since I'm only 8+ months out.
Two more non-weight loss challenges are work/life balance and my budget. I'm making strides to improve in both of these areas. However, I feel blessed in spite of the present challenges that I have now.
Enjoy your holiday!
It's been a relaxing day and I've truly taken the holiday weekend off. I will probably sign into my office email in an hour or so to get ahead of my email before tomorrow but all-in-all I was able to rest, which is long over due.
Nothing new on the weight loss front. The weight has been slowly melting off. I'm a size 12 but not for long. I'm down 102 lbs from my highest weight. Only 6 lbs to go before I meet Dr. Smith's weight loss goal for me. But, that's not enough for me because I truly want to be considered a normal weight. Although, I look fine; according to the charts, I'm still considered to be overweight. When I would read this on other people's blog, I didn't quite understand it, but I understand it now.
Last night at a church dinner, someone cornered me about my weight loss. I haven't really told that many people at church because I don't want to discuss it with everyone and I think I don't want people discussing me. I guess I shouldn't care, but I do. Anyway, this woman was trying to make me tell her how I loss weight and I refused and she got mad at me. Here's what she said to me "I have to know what you are doing, you look so good that you can stop traffic". I laughed at her and told her the change couldn't be that drastic but she said "believe me it is". This is a lady that I consider to be "skinny" so I was totally shock to hear this from her.
I still can't help but think about how invisible I was prior to the procedure. It literally brings tears to my eyes at times. Now, I'm trying not to hide and that's still difficult for me, but having a 7 year old forces me out of my comfort zone.
I read another person's blog talking about making a difference everyday we wake up and that is truly my desire in life, but sometimes it's easier to just operate in reactive mode. I am striving to do better and to make sure I tell my friends and family how much I love and appreciate them. I don't want to take anyone or anything for granted.
I know my hair loss has decreased and I think it has stopped totally. I will continue to take Biotin 5000 mg and get protein conditioners for my hair. I can finally see improvement. Now, I need to tone up my body. Since, I've been losing weight so slowly I'm not really flabby, just a little flabby. My thighs and arms need the most work. I hope I can just exercise and not have to have plastics. I just prefer not to have to go under the knife again if I don't have to. It's not an issue for me right now since I'm only 8+ months out.
Two more non-weight loss challenges are work/life balance and my budget. I'm making strides to improve in both of these areas. However, I feel blessed in spite of the present challenges that I have now.
Enjoy your holiday!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
It's Saturday
Well, I'm sitting here because a storm hit and we lost power: I'm using my laptop until the battery dies. I decided to write a brief update. My weight is down to 171 lbs. I'm almost in the century club, just 3 more lbs.
Last Saturday, my daughter and I went to six flags white water with one of my friends from work. I thought I would feel self conscious in my bathing suit, but I slowly got comfortable walking around. There were 2 favorite moments for me:
1. My daughter and I got on same donut on the water ride. While floating, I thanked God for the opportunity to be able to do this. I couldnt believe the whole thing.
2. My 7 year old daughter pulling towards the waves in the wave pool; the fact that she was able to pull me against the waves amazes me.
It's been a very busy week and we are preparing for back to school here in GA.
Monday is my birthday and I will be 43 years old. For the first time in 8 or 9 years, I'm not obese. I pray that it's a very relaxing day. I don't have much planned but a little pampering. One of my friends told me not to plan anything so I'm not sure what that means. Anyway, I"m blessed and truly grateful for DS.
The race bug has hit me again, I'm thinking about training for the 10k on Labor Day; back in the day when I did local races, this is one race I said I would never do, but I may. I will decide this week because I need to begin training specifically for the race. The race is primary uphill. My younger sister runs track and I asked her to do it with me but she's undecided.
So, we'll see. Anyway, that's all I have to say for now
Monday, July 7, 2008
A New Month
I'm down 94 lbs and I'm 7 months out. I'm so pleased. I've been evaluating my stress factors.
Work continues to be stressful. I've worked at a major computer company for 18 years. This was my first real job right out of college. Corporate America has changed so much since 1990. If you are in Corporate America, I'm sure you can relate to my next statement, "my company has continued to downsize and the work load for the remaining employees seems to increase daily. While I'm grateful not to be one of the ones laid off, there's a lot of pressure.
I'm working on my plan B. For the last 10 years, I've wanted to go to nursing school. Yesterday, I found a nursing program in my area for students who already have a Bachelors degree in another field. It's a 16 month program as long as the pre-requisites have been completed. I know it's a challenging program but it will be worth while if my time comes. I need to schedule some time with an academic counselor to see what I need to do to prepare for the program. I'm hoping and praying for at least 18 more months with my company, so I can pay my car off. I would like to have 20 years of service too.
Anyway, next week is my daughter's 7th birthday and I told her that she is not having a party this year. She usually has a party because she's an only child and it gives her something to do, but not this year. I am planning a special day for her and two of her friends, but I haven't decided what to do yet.
I have not been consistent with my exercise and I so want to do better in this area. It seems like I can eat almost anything now, so I really focus on portion control. I only eat off salad plates to make sure I don't eat more than I need to eat.
I still need to do a beter job of getting all of my supplements in. I'm still working on my hair issues which seems to be improving. I hope I'm done with that.
I'll chat later.
Work continues to be stressful. I've worked at a major computer company for 18 years. This was my first real job right out of college. Corporate America has changed so much since 1990. If you are in Corporate America, I'm sure you can relate to my next statement, "my company has continued to downsize and the work load for the remaining employees seems to increase daily. While I'm grateful not to be one of the ones laid off, there's a lot of pressure.
I'm working on my plan B. For the last 10 years, I've wanted to go to nursing school. Yesterday, I found a nursing program in my area for students who already have a Bachelors degree in another field. It's a 16 month program as long as the pre-requisites have been completed. I know it's a challenging program but it will be worth while if my time comes. I need to schedule some time with an academic counselor to see what I need to do to prepare for the program. I'm hoping and praying for at least 18 more months with my company, so I can pay my car off. I would like to have 20 years of service too.
Anyway, next week is my daughter's 7th birthday and I told her that she is not having a party this year. She usually has a party because she's an only child and it gives her something to do, but not this year. I am planning a special day for her and two of her friends, but I haven't decided what to do yet.
I have not been consistent with my exercise and I so want to do better in this area. It seems like I can eat almost anything now, so I really focus on portion control. I only eat off salad plates to make sure I don't eat more than I need to eat.
I still need to do a beter job of getting all of my supplements in. I'm still working on my hair issues which seems to be improving. I hope I'm done with that.
I'll chat later.
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