outdated profile but my weightloss story

Jun 09, 2014

7/8/2003 - 235
7/15/03 - 221 - 14#
7/22/03 - 215 - 20# (2 weeks post-op)
7/30/03 - 210 - 25# (3 weeks 1 day post-op)

8/05/03 - 207 - 28# (4 weeks post-op)
8/12/03 - 204 - 31# (5 weeks)
8/19/03 - 201 - 34# (6 weeks)
8/26/03 - 201 - 34# (7 weeks)and plateaued :(
9/02/03 - 198 - 37# (8 weeks)
9/09/03 - 192 - 43# (9 weeks)
9/16/03 - 190 - 45# (10 weeks)
9/23/03 - 187 - 48# (11 weeks)
9/30/03 - 184 - 51# (12 weeks)
10/7/03 - 180 - 55# (13 weeks/3 months)

10/14/03 - 179 - 56# (14 weeks)
10/21/03 - 175 - 60# (16 weeks)
11/04/03 - 170 - 65# (18 weeks)
11/11/03 - 166 - 69# (19 weeks)
11/18/03 - 165 - 70# (20 weeks)
11/25/03 - 161 - 74# (21 weeks)
12/08/03 - 157 - 78# (23 weeks)
12/16/03 - 151 - 84# (24 weeks)
12/23/03 - 150 - 85#

12/30/03 - 148 - 87#
01/03/04 - 145 - 90#
01/02/04 - 141 - 94#
02/08/04 - 140 - 95# (7 months out)
02/17/04 - 138 - 97#
02/25/04 - 135 - 100# WHHHHOOOOHOOOO! (goal)
04/06/04 - 129 - 106#
04/24/04 - 125 - 110#
05/20/04 - 120 - 115
06/08/04 - 119 - 116# (11 months out)
06/15/04 - 116 - 119#
06/29/04 - 120 + 4 lb of muscle!
7/08/04 - 120 - 1 year post-op
03/06/06 130 pounds
7-8-06 129 three years today!
12-01-06 121 pounds

10/02/02 - I am 37 years old. I have two "children". 18 year old son, Jeff and a 16 year old daughter, Angela. I am looking forward to moving ahead with life and being free from the bondage of fat! I realize this is not a magic surgery and know there is work to do on my part. Can't wait to start!!!

After several disappointments with insurance company I have decided to go self pay with Dr. Alejandro Aguirre in Ensenada, Mexico.

7/16/03
Well I'm back and very happy to be so. My trip to Ensenada was uneventful. I used Bambe and I am so glad I did. He is very worth the money. First day I arrived at 10 am and was tired so I slept until 2. My appt with the DR. was at 6 pm. I stayed that night at the Posada El Rey Sol right around the corner from the El Cid. It was very comfortable and the price was 55 that night. I would definately recommend this Hotel (Posada El Rey Sol), Dr. Aguirre says he does not even recommend El Cid to anyone anymore. I had reservations for Friday at the Coral (This was a very nice place with a beautiful view) I stayed at the Coral through Sunday when I headed back home. My pre-op testing consisted of blood test, urine test, and Dr. Aguirre feeling my stomach and asking medical history. He then told me I would meet Dora in the morning before surgery. When I arrived for surgery I was met by a nurse named Nancy. She got my IV started and a few minutes later Dora came in and wrapped my legs and left saying she would see me in the operating room. Next thing I remember was being wheeled into OR and seeing big lights overhead and Dr. Gomez talking about "tequila". I was very groggy and then suddenly I woke up dry heaving and in much pain and I had dry heaves and was trying to throw up. I was back in the room they prepped me in and it was dark and I was by myself. There was an older American lady standing in the hall. She was asking me if I needed help and I could not answer. She yelled for the nurses and then someone came in. Dr. Aguirre came in also and they asked me what I needed. I said I was in a lot of pain and they gave me medication through my epideral. Seemed like I slept for 5 minutes and then was asking for more. I am sure it was longer but there were not clocks so I really have no idea. I felt very alone. The next day was a little better. I got up and walked around a little. Got my shower. I was down stairs tucked in a back corner of the clinic. Diane came in to see me later that day and it was nice to have someone to talk to that could understand me. Dr. A did come to see me twice a day. Just would ask how I was doing and tell me I needed to make sure to get my walking in. Two days out he said he was sending me to the hotel. I was a little shocked by this. I was alone and a little scared as I had not had anything to drink yet and couldn't until the next day and I would be alone when I did. Needless to say I felt a little uneasy. But everything went fine. My reservation for the Coral was not until Fri but they were able to get me in on Thurs. It is a very nice hotel. Jay came in on Fri. around 11am. Boy was I ever glad to see him. Dr. A picked us up around noon that day gave me my instructions as he drove us to Cardiomed and dropped us off. I went to visit Diane. She looked a lot more coherent than I did. I really think it makes a difference when you have people there with you. She was also in an upstairs room. They were really nice new rooms with windows. Way different than where I was at. She also said she had her own nurses. Mine were helping other patients at the hospital as well. Like I was saying, The Coral was very nice, but I didn't really get to enjoy it as I was not feeling like doing much of anything. We stayed in the room a lot. Ordered room service. But the room was big and I was able to do my walking in it. The view was beautiful. I was rather anxious to get home. I tried to get back to San Diego on Sat. rather than Sun but Bambe was not available until Sun. If you are traveling by yourself going home Bambe is a must. The way back crossing the border can take an hour or more. If you take the bus back to Tijuana, you have to walk and stand in line for at least that long and carry your luggage. Trust me, it will be very difficult. It was difficult to sit in a car that long. Yesterday I had my drain and staples removed. What a relief.Dr. Zieren said she was very impressed with my incison. Feels so much better. I was finally able to sleep a little better last night. I slept until about 5. Then got up and now I am doing my update. will probably lay down again as soon as I am finished with this. My energy level is kneel. Of course when you are only getting in a few hundred calories a day at most, that is to be expected. 8 days out and 14# down. Will report more later.

7/22/03 - Well I am two weeks out today. Down 20 pounds. I am starting to get some energy back. I have been going over to the mall (it's just across the street) to walk for 45 minutes a day. I try to do that if nothing else during the day. I go there because the idea of walking in 110 degree weather doesn't excite me. Last week I bought liquid vitamins from hi health. I took it one night and got very sick. Too strong for my little tummy. bought some chewable Centrum from wal-mart, also a liquid B-complex. I was afraid to try them, but I did last night and had no problems. I am continuing my liquid diet for another week. I have been reading some posts in the library and it talks about how eating foods that can rub against the stoma too soon can cause scar tissue and then possible strictures later. "So for me", I am taking no chances and letting myself heal. I have a swimming pool right outside my door and I am dying to use it. That is one thing I am so looking forward to. It is hot here in Phx...and I love the water.

(Dr. Aguirre's patient forum)

I have been reading recent updates on the profiles and am saddened and disappointed by the fact that people feel they must minimize or discount another persons feelings and concerns regarding their journey. My understanding of what this message board and site function is, is a place to come to for support and encouragement and to give support and encouragement for those headed down the same road. A place to share our concerns as well as our joys. Some have had very positive experiences, others not as positive. We each "own" our own experience. No one else on this site can tell us what we should be feeling about our experience or the way they see it, as they were not there. It's okay that the journey has been different. I'm sure that the pre-ops would like to know all the different aspects of the journey through many different stories. I know I did. The fact that there are no medical records may not seem important to some right now, but for someone who is having significant difficulty and going through many procedures and would like to know exactly what was done to them, I think that is a legitamate concern. The change being made to our bodies is major. It was something I did not think of prior to my surgery...there were several things I didn't think of. I think that what we all have to offer is food for thought for those getting ready for this surgery. It is difficult. It is work. It is not all fluff. Make your decisions wisely and be informed so that nothing takes you by suprise. That is what the post-ops have to offer. Honesty and information. There are not just a couple of people who have had this surgery with Dr. Aguirre. Each and everyone of us has our own unique story and concerns. Compassion, encouragement, and support is the least we can offer to our fellow posties.

7/23/03- Got some great advice today from Diane B. She said she cut her binder down...Dr. Aguirre agreed with her doing this...and it was more comfortable. So, as soon as I got off the phone with her I cut mine down as well and it was much more comfy. However, when I put it on today it is right at the end of where I can velcro it. It is getting too big to make it fasten tightly..what a problem to have. :) Hopefully it might stick to the other part. Did my walk today. Now I am tired. I think I will be able to go back to work on August 4th. That will be four weeks out and since I am not being paid right now...I really need to go back as soon as I can. I am thinking I will feel up to then. Every day my strength is better and better.

7/26/03 - I am feeling a little frustrated because the scale hasn't moved in almost a week. I need to get off of it and weigh myself once a week at the most. I am down a size already which makes me pretty happy. I am starting to look forward to being able to eat "real food". I am not totally sick of the soups but it would be nice to have a little variety. I have figured out that I can buy the chunky soups and puree them in the blender and it gives me a little more choices in the soups. I will start pureeing (spelling?) more foods on Tuesday, my three week anniversary. Last night I did puree some peaches with my vanilla flavored whey protein and it was pretty good. Like a peach smoothie but I got my protein too!

7/28/03 - Well three weeks out tomorrow. The scale still has not moved. Oh well...patience. I didn't gain it overnight (although it seems that I did) I won't lose it overnight. I am feeling much better and think I will probably return to work next week. I have an appointment with my Dr. tomorrow so we'll see what she says. I think I will request shorter days for the next couple of weeks and work myself into 8 hour days. My fmla leave says I will return on the 18th of Aug. I think they will be happy to have me back early even if it is a shortened schedule. Tomorrow I will be 38....depressing, but at least in a few months I won't look it! Well, most say I don't look it now, but I certainly feel it. I am starting on puree'd foods this week. I bought some of the chunky soups and will puree those to start with. Me and my soups. I actually really am starting to like soup. I am almost afraid to try anything else. Of course yogurt and cottage cheese are also main staples. It is amazing to me how I can feel totally satisfied after just a few bites! But I guess when you have just a little tummy that is all you need. Of course when I see food I wish I could eat it. Especially pizza and mexican food. Still have a lot of work to do on the head issue's. But I have been reading Dr. Phil's life strategies and it has really been helping to put things in perspective.

7/29/03 - three weeks out. My daughter asked me yesterday what I wanted for my b-day...I said for the scale to move and it would be nice if it would move 5 pound. Well..today it was down 4 WhooooHooooo. So that is a total of 24 pounds in three weeks. I am doing the happy dance. I did however end up in the emergency room this morning from about 7:30 am to 1:15 pm. Not a great way to spend my day. I had been having bad chest pains since about 2 in the morning. Finally I thought I had better go get checked out. It was on the left side and went up into my neck and down my arm. Pretty scary. They did several tests...EKG, chest x-ray, CT scan of chest, and a doppler on my legs...wanted to rule out blood clots as well as heart and everything came out good. They finally gave me toradal for the pain around 12:45. It took the edge off. Now it is 6pm and I feel the pain radiating in again. Hope I am not in for another long night. The pain sure doesn't feel good, but I am very happy to know for sure that I don't have any blood clots! Last week I had cramping in my calves. So the thought did cross my mind. Will update more later......

8/5/03 - I'm feeling really good today. I'm down 28 pounds. The pain in my chest is finally gone. Yesterday was the first day I didn't feel it. That's a big relief. Sunday was my guys b-day and we went to lunch at Olive Garden. I decided I was sick of soup and was going to try to eat a little "real food". I ate a little stuffed chicken with tiny bit of pasta. I only ate pea sized bites (read on Dr. Simpson's post-op diet site that when you start to eat real food eat pea-sized bites) and chewed really good and it was heavenly. I of course was not able to eat very much but I was happy and totally satisfied. Saturday night we had gone to dinner at Marie Callender's and I got the potato-cheese soup and ended up dumping. Not fun. I had dumped on mashed potatoes last week as well so I think potatoes will be out for me. Probably a good thing since they are one of my downfalls and one of the worst things for me. I also ate mac and cheese yesterday for lunch. Gotta work on getting rid of those comfort foods. I know I am not eating much now, but I don't want to get into the habit of eating carby stuff again. I need to make sure I am getting my protien. I am going back to work next week and I think I am ready. I am under 40 BMI!!! No longer eligible for surgery....I hope to lose another 20 pounds by my son's wedding Sept 20th! Wish me luck.

8/12/03 Back to work yesterday. I am feeling good. Started doing the "Firm" workout. Wow is that a workout. Not able to make it through the full 55 minutes of cardio sculpt but I have made it 30 minutes so I will just keep working my way up. Only three pounds lost in the last week. That's okay. Now that I am working out as well I know it will slow down because I will be building muscle so I probably need to back off the scales and watch the clothes and inches.

8/23/03 Weight loss seems to have slowed way down. Only 3 pounds a week for the last 3 weeks. I guess I should be happy I am losing something and not plateaued. I am fitting into clothes I haven't wore in a year and a half. Food has lost its interest for me. Nothing tastes good anymore, for that I am grateful. I still see the cooking shows and stuff and think oh that looks good, but I know it wouldn't taste as good as it looks anymore. I guess the old addage "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels" is so true. Though I am not thin yet, I feel so much better than I did and nothing tastes as good as that! I actaully seem to crave things that are good for me now. I have been around a lot of desserts and yummy looking food and it doesn't call my name anymore. I thank God for this opportunity. I believe wholeheartedly that this is the answer I have prayed for for 15 years. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness.

8/27/03-Well I have hit a plateau. Bummer! I guess I will have to excercise my butt off (no pun intended!) to start the engine revving again. It's so funny how we can still plateau or slow down in weight loss when we eat so little. Oh well. Off to excercise. I still have to meet that goal of another 14 pounds off by Sept. 20th. I have only lost 6 pounds since August 5th when I said I wanted to lose 20 by Jeff's wedding.

9/03/03-This is getting very depressing. I am frustrated at my loss thus far. I am happy to have lost 37 pounds but I am losing so much slower than everyone else.

9/6/03-Down to 195 this morning. Monday will be my 2 month anniversary. Today I am down 40 pounds. I read Carnie Wilson's book I am still hungry....It has helped me gain a little more motivation. Her attitude is a little interesting. But overall I liked the book. I actually read it in one day. Well, I need to get moving and get off this computer.

9/7/03-WHOOOOHOOO...down another 2# this morning. Maybe I will make that extra 20 down by the 20th of Sept. Only 6 more pounds to meet that goal. Hey maybe I'll beat it!!!!!

9/20/03 Well I didn't make the 20 lb more goal today, but I did lose 18 and I am completely happy. My dress for the wedding looks great! I am feeling great, and most of all today I am gaining a wonderful new daughter! I will post an update pic in the next week or so. I am down 46 pounds right now. Almost halfway to goal.

9/23/03- I updated my halfway photo and also added some pics from the wedding to my website link above for anybody interested. I only had a few pics that my sister took on her digital camera. I will add more later when they are developed.

10/22/03 slowly pluggin along. I have kept my measurements and that has helped to encourae me. I have lost a total of 26 1/2 inches. 11 inches just through my butt and hips!!!! Nothin tastes as good as thinner feels :)

11/11/03 Well it has been awhile since I actually wrote an update. I haven't been on the site much. I am happy about the 69# loss, of course I would always like it to be more! I am in a size 12 now! 31 pounds to go until Dr. goal. I think I might want to lose a little more than that but we will see when I get there. I am having trouble getting my water in. The last week has been really bad. I find at the end of my day I am thinking I haven't drank a whole lot. I am taking my protein shakes and supplements. My hair is getting pretty thin on the top, but I know that is temporary. I love that I can cross my legs comfortably!!! I feel so much better. I find it hard to eat just because nothing sounds good. Well let me change that, things sound good, but they either don't taste that good or they are not comfortable to eat so I avoid it. Sometimes I just eat a spoonful of peanut butter just to get something in my tummy that is protein but I don't want to eat. I do feel hungry, I just don't want to mess with it.

11/15/03 I have been on vacation this week. Yesterday, Jay took the day off and we went to Prescott for the day. He mentioned that my pants were looking pretty baggy. They just built a new mall there and we were walking around in it. We decided we would go into JCPenny and look at their brand of jeans and see about getting another pair. They were having a big sale. The last thing I want to do right now is spend alot of money on clothes that I won't wear for very long. But I am out of clothes that I can go down into! The pants I had on were 14s and I knew I would have no problem getting into a 12. Then Jay said try on a 10. I said there is no way I can squeeze into a 10. WRONG!!!! I tried the 10's on and they fit great. In fact I am wearing them today and they feel a little loose throught the waist! I know I probably can't wear a 10 in all my pants...but I have a pair of tens on now!!!!!!! I updated my photo today and I am wearing my new jeans. WHOOOOOHOOOO! Maybe a size 5 isn't unattainable. :) 30 pounds to go until goal.

12/31/03 - Well, weightloss has slowed down quite a bit, but I know I am still losing inches. I actually was able to put on a size 6 jeans over the weekend. I didn't buy them because I am trying to wait as long as possible to spend money on clothes again. The sizes are changing fast. I am excited for the new year...I am starting off feeling great! Hopefully this will be the best year possible after many feeling yuck! I feel extremely blessed to be on this side of surgery and having many opportunities for growth (emotionally, intellectually and spiritually - not physically :) ahead of me. I wouldn't change a thing. I don't guess I will hit the century mark by 6 months out (1/8/04). But I am only 13 pounds away and that ain't nothin to sneeze at!

1/22/04 - I know it has been a bit since I posted. There has been no change since 1/3/04 as far as weightloss. I can't seem to get the last ten pounds off. But I will. I am now in a size 6!! If I don't lose another pound I will be happy where I am. I did this to be healthy and feel good about myself and I do. I really need to push the excercise. Hey its been a few weeks and I haven't gained so I'm happy!!!!!

2/8/04 - seven months out and 5 pounds away from the century club. I was really hoping to hit that mark....oh well. I can do this I can do this I can do this!!!!

2/19/04 - 3 more pounds to the century club. I am having quite a few people tell me not to lose anymore weight. Obviously I am going to get to goal...only the 3 pounds left. I had thought maybe I wanted to lose another 10 pound buffer but maybe not. I think I just need to tone real good. Especially my legs, they have always been bigger and now they are not shaped the greatest, they look good in clothes though. I am wearing between a 4 & 6 depending on the brand...I actually bought a skirt a couple days ago that is a size 2. I can't even believe I am living this dream. For all of you considering this surgery, it is the best thing I have ever done for myself and I thank God every day that I was blessed enough to have this opportunity. Food is no longer an issue for me and really hasn't been since right after the surgery. For that fact alone I am grateful.

2/25/04 - 71/2 months out and hit goal of 135. I am elated, words can't describe how I feel right now. I don't know why today is any different than yesterday for just one more pound. I think it is because I made a goal that was set, on losing weight, never in my life have I actually hit the goal!!!!! Thank You Lord!

04/07/04 - I am continuing to lose, but trying to maintain at this point. Just have to find that middle ground. We went to the Grand Canyon last week, it was so great to walk around and not get out of breath because of my weight. The last time I went there, I got out looked down and said it's beautiful now let's go. This time we walked around for three hours.

05/20/04 Continuing to lose. Down to 120 now. I have had a cold the last few days and havn't eaten well so that has not helped. I have an appt with the Gastric Bypass surgeon here in PHX on Jun 7 to do follow-up and talk about how to stop losing.

06/09/04Met with Dr. Monday. He is not concerned about my weightloss and says it will all work itself out. He is doing an upper GI series because of nausea and pain...possible gall bladder stuff. He was happy with the way my scar looked. I think he wants the films of my upper GI because he is curious to see what was done. His nurse told me to expect him to be unpleasant because of where I had my surgery, but he was actually very nice to me and she got the brunt of it. I didn't need to hear it that day. I lost my Grandma a week and a half ago and still feeling a little out of sorts from all of that. I am finding I am extra sensitive right now so I knew I wouldn't be thick skinned about it at this time.

06/17/04 Had my upper gi and small bowel study done yesterday. I was told it would take about 4 hours to do. Wrong...things move through us real fast. It took 1 1/2 hours for the barium to reach the large intestine. Dr. (radiologist) said he liked what he saw and things looked good. My daughter and I went shopping yesterday. I wanted to get some workout clothes...they are expensive, so I decided to check in the girls department and see if they had something that would work and fit and a cheaper price. Not only did the stretchy workout clothes fit but I tried on a pair of 16 in girls pants and they fit as well. I could not believe it. Not sure whether to laugh or cry so I did both. I have been having a really hard time with perspective regarding my size. I still feel big at times, so that was kinda a reality check for me. I am enjoying the weight training and hoping that it helps with the lost skin on my legs and butt! I am sure it can't hurt. I'm already feeling that addiction....I can't wait to get to the gym. I have never felt like that before.One thing I thought was pretty comical yesterday. The technician doing my upper gi asked me why I was having it done. Told him some pain...and had the surgery etc... He says oh, well have you been losing weight since the surgery? I wanted to say here's your sign. Duh, no I am 116 pounds and I wanted to lose another hundred so I thought I would have the surgery. I had told him I had it 11 months ago. Then he said are you still trying to lose weight. I told him no, he said good you don't need to lose anymore. People are funny.

6/29/04 Well I am a couple weeks away from my 1 year anniversary. I have gained four pounds back, but I am sure it is muscle as I have been consistently working out with weights. I am really enjoying that. I do have a fear of those pounds being on the scale. I have to keep reminding myself why. I keep hearing that Carnie Wilson is putting her weight back on and that scares me to death. I went through alot to be here and I don't want to fail. That is the emotional stuff I am working through now. I also still feel like I am heavy in some areas. My family is helping me with that because they are concerned about this turning into anorexia because of my fears. It is funny how our minds can play tricks on us and our eyes can see something different than what is real. I know I am not fat...but I can feel that way sometimes.

7/13/04 I didn't get a chance to update on the 8th which was my one year anniversary. I am continuing to work out with weights and I am loving it and can see results already in only a month. It's funny to hear myself say I love excercise. I have always hated it, but I really enjoy how I feel after a workout and seeing the muscles take shape instead of just feeling saggy. This last year has been wonderful for me and I wouldn't change a thing...wait, I would have started really working out sooner, other than that as far as my surgery or anything I wouldn't. I feel incredible. I do have to watch my eating to make sure I don't take too big of bites still etc. or I get that uncomfortable feeling. For that I am grateful. It keeps me in check. I don't ever want to go back to my old life. This is who I am and have been fighting to be for years. Thank you all for your support and encouragement!

9/21/04 Hi All...Sat night had excrutiating pain that started in my back and went into the front and up into my chest. I seriously thought I was having a heart attack. Jay called the paramedics because I could not get up off the floor to go to the hospital. By the time they got here, it was subsiding. Of course! They asked if I wanted to go to hospital by ambulance and I said no. We went out to the car to go and I was feeling so much better I told Jay I didnt want to go and lets get something to eat because I was hungry and that was what we were headed to do when this pain came out of nowhere. So we grabbed a bite with our kids, and the pain came back shortly after I started eating again. So, off to the er we went. My liver enzymes were elevated, something that has been common for me for years...but then they did an ultra-sound (also something very common, have had at least a half dozen of them) and found I had gall stones. The tech I had was wonderful. She searched diligently to find them. The others have just quickly done it. She took her time, turned me on my side and saw the stones trickly down. So...I ended up having emergency surgery on Sunday afternoon and having my gall bladder and my appedix (at my request) removed. Now I feel like I have been beat about the ribs...but I think I will feel better in the long run because I believe I needed this done years ago. Dr. even said they have been there a long time and that the walls of the gall bladder were very thick and diseased.One thing I did find is that the medical personnel are not really up to date on the needs of gastric bypass patients. I had wonderful nurses, and Dr.s they were willing to hear what I said, but they were clueless about the differences in our bodies. The nurse was offering me soda...I had to tell the Dr. no time release medication. Had to ask for liquid pain reliever to go home with and explain that we don't absorb medication (anything) like used to. They were very accomodating, it just seems that as epidemic as this surgery has become they might be more educated about it. The girl in the bed next to me in the er had had gastric bypass in March. Oh yeah the funniest thing...Three different Dr.'s did this. When I said I had gastric bypass a little over a year ago, they all asked me if I had lost weight! I wanted to say "Here's your sign", Hello! I weigh 120 pounds...If I weighed this when I had the surgery I would be dead right now. The common thing I hear after that question, which I get a lot, is well you look great and you look like you have always weighed this.

11/08/04 Back from Vegas and had a great time. It was wonderful to meet so many of you. Wish everyone could have been there. Thank you to all those who worked so hard to put this together and to those who donated to support it all financially. I appreciate all the efforts that went into making this a wonderful celebration.

3/2/2005 Boy how time keeps flying. I can't believe it is March already. Anyhow, the wedding went off well. Small and intimate. We just returned from our honeymoon, a Mexican Riviera Cruise. I thought for sure I gained ten pounds but stepped on the scale this morning and had only gained one. I cannot believe how well this has worked for me. I feel so totally blessed! Wish the cruise would have gone to Ensenada so I could have said hi to Dr. A and Rosella. I know I don't update often, but I do browse the message board. Just not a lot to report here as far as my health and weight. I pretty much stay the same. Amen for that!!!

3/7/06 I have gained 10-12 pounds but still feel great and the weight has actually been good for me. I had gotten too thin according to my family and I don't look quite so guant. Jay and I have house up for sale and are planning to move to Uvalde Tx. He is buying his sisters printing business and I am going back to school for nursing. That is if the house sells. We have had it on the market for a month and no bites. A little frustrating. That is all that is new with me. I don't come to the site much anymore. Just been busy. Funny how we are all kinda that way after our focus from the surgery goes to the back burner and life goes on. I am still blessed to have had this opportunity! There are so many things I would not have experienced if I hadn't taken this chance and changed my life forever. One thing I have been experiencing often healthwise that has been a concern is low blood sugar about an hour after I eat. Anyone else having this problem?

06/09/2006 It's hard to believe in a month it will be 3 years since I had my surgery. Last week Jay and I moved to Uvalde Texas from Phoenix Arizona. Big move for me. I am a city girl. The funniest thing happened a couple of days after getting here. Donna who is a member of this board and had surgery with Dr. A is from Uvalde as well. I had contacted her previously and let her know we were coming...we went in to get phone service a few days after arriving and the person helping us asked my name (she recognized my last name from my husbands name) I told her and she said I am Donna. I guess we were destined to meet! Small world. Actually, small town. Still amazing to me though. So I am looking forward to spending time with and getting to know Donna better. It was hard to leave Phx as that is where all of my family and friends are. Hardest to leave our children. They are grown and on their own...but they are still my babies. I have a new grandbaby(girl!) coming in November and we have a four year old granddaughter as well (in PHX). I am enjoying our new home though. life is simpler, not all the hustle and bustle. It is cooler and I love sitting of my back porch in the mornings watching all the birds and butterflies. As far as my weight goes, I am maintaining at 130. Still would like to lose 5-10 pounds but that is just my insecurity talking. My Dr. says I am at my perfect weight and BMI...she probably knows better than I do. :)

7-8-06 Today is my three year anniversay! I'm loving life, feeling great and above all healthy. Thank you Lord! I am starting school this fall to finally follow my dream of becoming a nurse.

9/19/06 Jay and I entered the Body for Life Challenge that began 9/1/06. It is an excercise, diet and supplement health program. Lifestyle change really. The challenge is for 12 weeks but I know it will change us forever. It feels so good to get out and excercise. We do weight training three days a week and aerobics three days....Sunday is our free day. We can eat what we want and no excercise. I am hoping this will help with tightening my legs a bit. I know the only thing to get rid of a lot of skin is plastics...but I don't have too terribly much so this is my first route. If I win the challenge ($40,000) I can have some plastics done if I need to! My daughter has been eating healthy with us...hasn't started the excercise regimen but she has lost 10 pounds since Sept 4. She has my (old) build. She is only 19 and fighting the same fight I did for 20+ years. I hope she can endure and lose the weight. She is so young to have to start dealing with all this now. I want to be the example I should have been for her years ago. I'll update on the challenge when it's over in Nov.

6/11/08 I am coming up on my 5th anniversary. It has been quite awhile since I updated. The challenge went well. But I have since gained back a few pounds. My husband started the challenge again Monday. We are still living in TX. I graduated from the LVN program May 10, with honors!! I take my state boards Tuesday June 17th. It has been my dream to be a nurse for 25 years. I think if I had never taken the step to get the weight off, I would have never realized that dream, because I didn't have the confidence to get out there and do it. Every year on my birthday, I would feel this dread of not accomplishing goals. This year when it comes around, I will be a nurse, I can feel good about what has been acomplished in my life. I do want to continue on for my RN BSN. I plan to continue my prereqs this year and enter the RN program next June. Life is good, and very busy!! :)

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

FUTURE ENTRY

Set Design's by Skye

Photos

225 February 2003. Yuck! Gained 10 more pounds before surgery. Size 18-20

119 June 2004

Weight Loss Survey Responses
Click Here To View


Member Interests:

• Animals - Have a sheltie named Tucker.

 

• Musical Performance - I am a singer

 

• Music - all kinds...it is one of my passions

 

• Miniatures - collect miniature themed (poly-resin) tea sets. They have become hard to find.

 

• Christianity

 

• Cruises

 

• Grandchildren - Emmy- three and one more on the way.

 

• Hair Stylist - licensed but not working in the field right now.

 

• Computer and Internet Surfing - Too much!

Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members.

Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Alejandro Aguirre M.D.

I have been e-mailing back and forth with Dr. Aguirre and have a date of July 8. I was really hoping to get in sooner as my son in getting married in Sept. and I wanted a little head start on the weight and to be sure I would be feeling fully recovered by then to help with the wedding etc. I was denied by Aetna and appealed last week, but after all the raves about Dr. Aguirre I feel like I want to go with him regardless of the outcome. Of course it would be nice to not have to take it out of my own pocket. But I would also like good care and he sounds terrific. I am so impressed with how he gets right back to me and it is him personally not an office staff I have to fight to get info from.
Insurer Info:
Aetna, HMO

0 Comments