Happy Surgiversary to ME!

Happy Birthday to My Waist

Happy Birthday to My Attitude

Happy Birthday to My Stomach

Happy Birthday to My Knees

Happy Birthday to ME

If you know me you know I’m not one to celebrate any holidays…especially my birthday.  This particular year I’m going to make an exception.  This year so many changes have occurred I feel the need to acknowledge all that has happened. 

One year ago today I had Gastric Bypass Surgery.  Looking back over the past year I couldn't have imagined just how much my life has changed. 

Let’s recap shall we…

Just the facts:

August, 23^rd 2010

Current Weight – 251

Current Size – 22-24

August 23, 2011

Current Weight – 148

Current Size – 8

Just the Physical:

Obviously I knew by having gastric bypass I would lose weight.  I NEVER thought I would look or feel the way I do.  Walking into a store and being able to browse through ALL the racks is mind blowing.  I’m wearing things that I actually want to be seen in.

I remember coming to work and not wanting to get breakfast in the café because I was embarrassed of my outfit.

Just the Mental:

The self esteem I've gained from this can’t really be translated into words.  Making the decision to have Gastric Bypass was the first step to getting my mental state back in order.  Little did I know that having this surgery would bring so many of my dark hidden secrets into the light.  Dealing with “some” of my baggage has really made for a difficult year but I wouldn't change a thing.  I am truly a changed person on the inside as well as the outside.

Just the Present
I FEEL GOOD!

I still have stomach aches for varies reasons (over eating, gas pains, eating the wrong foods, etc.).  My skin is tone is incredible.  My hair is holding tight. My energy level is great. My boobs are HORRIBLE!!!.  My stomach and thighs are in much better shape than I could have every hoped.

I am still reminded daily of the changes I decided to make to my body.  I still can't eat what I want when I want, but I am at the point where I would make the same choice over again.

This was the best decision for me

Just the Thanks!

Without the grace and mercy of God none of what I've been through would have been possible.  I'm truly thankful for the good and the bad.  He continues to pull me through each and every time.

Thank you to my husband and my children for standing by me 100%.
They have been right there with me through this whole process and I couldn't have done it without them

Thank you to all my extended family and friends who have been so supportive

Thank you to my blog followers who have stuck with me and still drop by and say hello




Please take a moment and visit my photo album from May 2010 through August 2011.  Enjoy! 
My First Year Rewind!!! 

Before meet After

As promised a long long long time ago I'm here to post a before and after shot of the new size 14/12 me!  This has been the most difficult journey, but after seeing this picture it takes the sting out of all the stuff I've been going through.

Before you get to the picture let me do a bit of housekeeping and bring you up to speed.

• My current weight is 184
• I'm wearing a size 14 bottom and a large top
• I was hospitalized in December with a Bezoar.  They removed it but the pain still continues to persist.  Lucky Me!  They initially called it a "hairball", but once I explained that I've NEVER EVER eaten hair they decided to change their tune.
• A bezoar ( /ˈbiːzoər/) is a mass found trapped in the gastrointestinal system (usually the stomach),^[2] though it can occur in other locations.^[3][4] A pseudobezoar is an indigestible object introduced intentionally into the digestive system

• I continue to struggle with things getting stuck.  They've gone done with the scope twice so the opening should be huge by now.  As I get further out things are getting slightly better or maybe I'm just dealing with it better.  Who knows...

• I still have hair on my head!  I was VERY worried that once my hair came out of the braids I would be bald.  I take my multi-vitamin and Biotin daily to help the with Sinead O'Connor look
• I've signed up for the gym but haven't been going.  Once I get my transportation in order that will be my first order of business.  Things are swinging and swaying so it's time to get moving

Well without further a due...

May 2010, Size 20

December 2010, Size XL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 2011, Size 12

My new goal now is working on becoming comfortable in my new skin.  I haven't cleaned out my closet yet in fear that I will need my "fat" clothes.  Gastric Bypass is 80% mental and 20% physical if you ask me...

Before and After Time

Howdy!

Here is a quick before and after face shot.  I keep getting so many comments about my face thought I would post a side by side and see what all the fuss is about.  Even though I got some weird googly eye thing going on I can see a difference.

The good news is I just bought a camera and I'm not afraid to use it!  So keep a googly eye out for some body shots...COMING SOON!

 

*side note~wish I could control where the weight comes from.  I'm afraid that I will get that gaunt skeleton look

Knock Knock! Who's There?

It's me ONEderland!

I "officially" hit Onederland today.  I actually hit last week but wanted to get through Thanksgiving to be sure it stuck.  I'm must admit this is an exciting day for me.  I haven't had to many "ups" through this process so I'm going to take this one and rejoice in it. 

Have a Great Week!

Everything is wrong

I'm really having a tough day and need to vent. 

Just when I think everything is under control the clouds part and the bolt of lightning hits me.  NOTHING is going right these days....fighting with hubby, kids are out of control, bills aren't paid, work is a nightmare.
 
I need a vacation from my life. 

I'm really doing my best to hold it together, but I'm quickly spiraling out of control.  Then of course there is this major life change I got going on with my body.  Things have been better in terms of my Gastric Bypass, but knowing that I will have to keep this lifestyle up for the rest of my life is a daunting task. 

I'm waiting for that little birdie to whisper "everything is going to be ok".  He hasn't come yet so all I have is this blog


Well onward and upward...

Realizations!

So I've realized a few things, and I would love to share them with the world.  Hopefully this will help another RNYer so they don't end up with Angry Pouch.

• Your old life is gone
• no matter what you heard, no matter what you read it's gone, and you best get with the program ASAP
•  You need a plan
• you can't wing it
• you can't just grab something
• spend some time on you and get a plan...QUICKLY
• Sip It!
• go ahead and think your Big Gulp Willy if you want to.  Get your fluids in, but remember to take it one sip at a time
• Chew it good! (insert Devo - Whip It music)
• unless you like to see your food again and again and again and again
• Nobody is going to steal it
• take your time and enjoy your five bites
• Get off your ASS!
• refer back to bullet #1...Ms. Couch Potato has left the building, and should be walking around the block by now

I'm really putting this is writing for my benefit as a new post-op.  I often read my blog and seeing this in purple in white will hopefully motivate me.  The scale hasn't moved in weeks, and I'm ready to get on with the show already.

Have a fab weekend and see you on Monday with my brand spanking new plan!!

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly!

Hello out there in Blogger Land!  I've been so miserable I forgot the purpose of my blog.  I started this thing so I could journal my "progress"and  reflect back on all my milestones.

So let's get ya'll up to speed shall we...


The Good
I've lost 40lbs
I've been advanced to Stage 3-mushy foods
I can finish a shower without passing out
My breath doesn't smell like donkey butt
The support from friends and family

The Bad
I'm still having swelling/swallowing issues
Going back to work next week
Feeling like I had a death in the family (food)
All the pills/vitamins


The Ugly
My thighs

I under estimated how hard this journey would be.  Even though things are improving I still regret my decision.  That feeling is slowly going away now that my good days are out-numbering the bad.  Hopefully once I develop a routine and better learn my limitations the feeling will disappear completely.

If anybody still remembers me I would love to hear how you started back.  Thinking about dusting myself off and returning to work makes me nauseous.  I have a fear that I will eat something and be hanging over the toilet in my office with my boss holding my hair back. 

As you see any tips will be helpful