Happy 4th Surgiversary!

3 Year Surgiversary!

3 Years Post-Op! So hard to believe, and yet still feels like yesterday.
I still feel so blessed to be able to live life at a healthy weight!

I know that I will always struggle with my weight.  However, my weight does not define me.  Food is not my reason for living.  In an effort to be honest and transparent - after my 2nd year post-op, I did gain about 25 pounds.  It came after a miscarriage, and I turned to food to cope.  I had to take a hard look at what I was going back to, and had a 'come to Jesus' meeting about what I was doing.  In about 6 months, I've lost almost 20 pounds.  Those have been the hardest 20 pounds I've ever lost.  My goal is to lose about 10 more to be at a comfortable weight.  It's a lifelong journey, not a sprint and I don't see that the goal is ever attained, because the goal is to stay healthy each day.  To live happy, healthy and full of joy... to know that I am created and loved by the Maker of the Universe... to know that He is always making goodness out of every circumstance in my life...

Happy 2 Year Surgiversary!

Yep! Hard to believe... it's my 2 year Surgiversary! TWO years ago today, I had my LIFE CHANGING Gastric Bypass Surgery.


I have lost a total of about 120 pounds, but I have gained so much more!
Leading up to January 12th, 2011 -- I had much excitement and fear. Fear not only of the surgery itself but of my life after surgery. Yes, there were times when I was nauseous, craved food I could not have, had dumping syndrome after being served 'not so diet' lemonade, and thrown up my fair share of chicken. The weeks right after surgery were no cake walk (pun intended). Surgery hurts, the gas pain hurts. But then it starts to wear off, and so does the memory of it as you begin to see the amazing results of your commitment.

However, there have been many more times when I have looked in the mirror and been shocked at what I saw -- 1 chin! Size LARGE shirts! Size 10/12 jeans! I would never give up the time that I completed a 5k race on my 30th Birthday with Richard and my Dad last year. I love that I can now shop in the regular stores. I even love that now I wear Spanx so that my extra skin doesn't jiggle so much, instead of it just compressing my size 24 belly. It's ok that ice cream makes me sick, and I've learned that rice and pasta do not have to be staples in the Southern Diet. They DO serve UN-sweet tea in North Carolina :o) and I'm the Splenda Queen -- always have a baggie of it in my pocketbook. I love the new confidence I have in myself. I knew I always had it, but my weight was hindering it. I amin control of my own health. I have squashed that old BMI of 49.7 and gotten it to "overweight." I am determined to get to "NORMAL". My LDL and Triglycerides are even in the lower side of normal now! I don't fear the scale now. Don't get me wrong, I don't like the scale - but we have a love/hate relationship and it does not rule me.

I will always be a food addict. The last 6 months have beeen trying, and I have realized even more that WLS is a tool -- I still have to work at being healthy. Exercise - yeah, I still don't like it BUT we bought a treadmill and I am working on getting my HDL Cholesterol higher. I am now working on losing these "last" 20 pounds. I am happy with my size right now, but I would like to lose 20 more in order to be a more optimal weight for my health. As much as 2011 was a life-changing year, we all have the capability of making the most of each and every day in order to achieve the best health possible.

I can't wait to see what Year 3 POST OP has for me!

I love these pictures

 

 

 

This is one of my most favorite pictures... of two of my most favorite people. February 2012 - Baby Dedication Sunday for Miss Carly Kate.

May I please see your ID?

.... and then next comes the puzzled look as they look back and forth between my drivers license photo and the girl standing in front of them :o)

What do you think?

March 2012 (Left) & November 2006 (Right)

It's me in both, I promise! Just got my new license in the mail... to start my new and best decade yet!

Happy 1 Year SURGIVERSARY!!

ONE YEAR LATER....

Wow. It's hard to believe that my WLS was 1 year ago today. I remember it like it was yesterday, and yet it seems like decades ago.

As of today, I have lost 98 pounds since the day of my surgery! My total weight loss since the beginning of my gastric bypass journey is -120 pounds!

I don't even know where to start to tell you how much better I feel... physically, emotionally & even spiritually ~~

PHYSICALLY...

• No longer a pre-diabetic
• No more high blood pressure
• No more high cholesterol
  
• I wear a size 10/12 & Large tops (Down from a 22/24 & 3x tops where I looked like a busted can of biscuits)
• My shoe size has gone from a 10 to 9 1/2
• I take the stairs at work, and don't feel like I'm going to pass out when I reach the top
• Char-dog has become my *running* partner
• I'm training for a 5k on March 31st .... why not run my way into my 30s?! ;o)
  
• We eat high protein meals
• I stay away from rice, pasta & bread
• I don't crave fast food
• I still have no grace ;o)
• I eat every 2-3 hours
• I don't recognize myself in the mirror sometimes
• I have clavicles! 2 of 'em
  
• I enjoy shopping FOR MYSELF! (but I'm still in and out, no browsing needed)
  

EMOTIONALLY & SPIRITUALLY...

• I feel good about myself
• I finally accomplished a New Years Resolution in 2011
• I'm still a food addict. I always will be. WLS was the tool to help me jumpstart my rehab.
• I feel more comfortable meeting new people and reconnected with old friends
• I went through about 6 weeks of depression right after surgery ~ it was like my best friend (named Food) had been ripped away from me. I'm thankful for how God got me through that, and how much I learned about my dependence on food during that time.
  
• I am so proud of Richard! He's so hott ;o)
  

BEST DECISION I could have made! Gastric bypass surgery has transformed my life, and given me back confidence that I didn't even know I could have. I believe I'm more of an optimist now, seeing more potential in people and situations that they see in themselves. I've been given the opportunity to live my life to the fullest, and I plan on taking full advantage of it!

I believe fully that God's not done with any of us yet...
"There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears."
Philippians 1:6

Happy Thinner Anniversary!

Happy 5th Anniversary!
11/11/11 and we're down -232 combined pounds!!
(Rich -115 & Jenn -117).... and we've never felt better :o)

We celebrated with a weekend getaway to Granny & Poppy's mountain house, and went to Chateau Morrisett for lunch on Nov 12th. We brought home 4 boxes of leftovers to enjoy for the next two days. Last year this time we ate everything on our plate (appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert.)

last year's anniversary lunch 11/11/2010...

Richard -- 11/11/2011 .... goodness he's handsome!

Richard -- 11/11/2010



Jennifer -- 11/11/2011


Jennifer -- 11/11/2010

100 Pounds Never Looked So SEXY!

Congratulations Richard! I am SO proud of you and your 100 pound loss. AMAZING! I just want to pinch those cute dimpled cheeks :o)

Happy 100 pounds! You're doing AWESOME!

HAPPY 8 MONTHS!

I can't believe it's been 8 months since my LIFE CHANGING weight loss surgery. I don't think I can put into words how my life has changed for the best from my health & overall appearance to my self esteem and energy. I'm in a size 14 jean (down from a tight-really-need-a-26 size 24) and a size Large shirt.

Today I stepped on the scale and weighed... 182 lbs.
I've lost 88 pounds since January 12th. I've lost 110 pounds from my highest weight of 292 pounds. That's crazy.



Richard is now down to 308 pounds. He's lost 92 pounds in 11 weeks! I AM SO PROUD OF HIM!! I always thought he was handsome, but now... well he's down right sexy ;o) ~~~ and he's MINE!

We're going to do some updated pics in the next week or so, stay tuned!

A few things:
1. I love to feel girly. I love bracelets, earrings & skirts.
2. Heels don't kill my feet like they used to!
3. Exercise is still not easy. And I still don't like it.
4. I can run the length of a parking lot without getting winded.
5. I can climb 4 flights of stairs without feeling like my lungs are going to burst.
6. Foods I used to love & crave, don't taste as good. (ie: mac & cheese, candy bars, pasta)
7. Diet soda are gross. It's funny how I used to LOVE diet coke, and now it tastes like medicine.
8. I am just as full when I eat a cheese stick as I am when I eat a sugar free cookie. The cheese stick is better for me.
9. I sometimes don't recognize the lady passing in the mirror.
10. I love having collar bones that aren't hidden!

updated pics :o) wk 6/wk 30

starting a new job, training for a 5k run & jumping back into life full of energy only has 1 draw back.... no time for blogging ;o) hope you'll forgive me!

here are a couple before/after pics... it's about time for Rich to get an updated one too! Richard is down over 71 pounds now (I'll have to get the exact poundage later) and I'm down about 85 since surgery (105 lbs lighter than my heaviest weight!)



(The picture on the bottom left if the ONLY picture of me at my highest weight of 292 lbs. I despise it, but it reminds me of how far I've come.)

protein PROTEIN protein

As WLS post-ops, PROTEIN is drilled into our heads from Day 1. I (Jennifer) still shoot for 60-70g of protein each day, and Richard shoots for 70-80g/day. Some days we have to get creative with the foods we eat, and I've definitely been experimenting in the kitchen a lot more these days with tons of recipes from blogs like www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com.

These are a few of my favorite protein packed go-to's:


Pork Rinds. {we don't eat them all the time, but it's a nice crunchy salty snack}


Laughing Cow Wedges. {spread on some cucumber slices... oh yum}


Nuts. {not for the early post-ops but I enjoy them for a snack - be careful of high fat nuts}


Sushi. {my absolute favorite is the Ron Roll from Red Bowl - cream cheese, crab & cucumber. I could eat it every day and be happy}


Wendy's Chili. {tried & true and still just as yummy as that 5th day out of the hospital}


Tuna Salad. {I eat this about every day on some cucumber and tomato slices. It's packed with protein and I know it will always settle well}

WooHoo for Rich!

This before and after pic are from one year ago and 2 days ago! I guess my face does look a little thinner I'm also down 4 pants sizes.

As of today I (Richard) am down 58.9lb that's insane in 6 weeks. I know Jenn hit a new goal on her weight, I think it is like 108lb now! I'm so proud of her!

****update****
For the record, I (Jennifer) have lost 103 pounds *from my highest weight of 292*. Just wanted to make that clear. I have lost 82 pounds since WLS in January. I am SO proud of how Rich is doing... isn't that a cute face!?! Love him!

Rich Wk 1 & Jenn 6 Month Progress Pics

Happy Week #1, Rich!
I have to brag on my "Love Dumplin" (he hates it when I call him that, but I think he secretly loves it!)....
Richard lost 39 POUNDS in his 1st week post op! That's like losing a pre-schooler! SO PROUD OF HIM!

I started my new job this week, so I'm trying get used to my new "normal". The strangest thing is that no food is allowed at my desk except food that comes from the vending machine. Sounds healthy, huh?! Well, I put in for a doctor's note from my surgeon about that, and I'm crossing my fingers that I will be allowed bottled water, cheese sticks, and protein bars at my desk for break.

I mentioned last week was my 6 month check up. We took some pictures to share as progress pics. I CANNOT WAIT to share Richard's progress pics in a few weeks!! He is looking SO GOOD! Crazy Crazy :o) Enjoy!

Week 24 ~ Weigh In (& 6 month check up)

Happy Week 24!

Yesterday was technically my 24th week post-op BUT we had a little going on yesterday with Richard's gastric bypass surgery :o) Everything went great, and I'm so proud of him! He's doing fabulously! He'll be going home from the hospital tomorrow (Friday 7/1).

Today was my 6 month Post-Op check up. I'm convinced there are few things worse than a Med Student on Phlebotomy Day! I'm a bruised pin cushion!

Total weight loss from Surgery Date: -80 lbs
Woot :o)

At my highest weight, I weighed 292 lbs. Today I weighed 190 lbs. We took updated pics yesterday that I will load up when I get home this weekend :o) It's amazing how good I feel! I can't wait for Richard to experience his 'new-self' too!!

Can't wait to see what the next 6 months brings!

Happy WLS Day, Rich!

My prayer for you is that this is just the beginning of a wonderful HEALTHY life together. A fresh start to live more active and vibrant. Praying HUGE prayers for a great surgery and the MOST pain-free, speedy recovery! I love you and can't wait to see what the future holds for us!

father's day pic

the scale is moving slowly (but still down) now... but I can tell the inches are shrinking! This picture was taken Sunday 6.19.11 on Father's Day. Rich had his pre-op appointments yesterday as well. Everything checked out great! He's got 8 days until his surgery. Exciting times ahead!

Week 22 - Weigh In (& Weight Discrimination)

I'm down to 196 lbs today! Woot! (-74 lbs since WLS)
Honestly, I forgot to weigh last week. Then time got away from me, and I forgot to post after I weighed this past weekend.

So much has been happening these past 2 weeks!
I received an interview at LabCorp about 2 weeks ago, and then was offered the job last week! Woot! My position is HealthCare Billing Specialist, and I start July 5th. Super stoked!

I do have to say that losing this weight definitely took away that self conscious thing during the interview. I didn't worry about how I looked in my interview suit, because I knew I looked good ;o) ha!

But seriously, I do believe that there is a problem in the workplace today with weight discrimination. If there are two people applying for the same position, with the same qualifications and one is overweight- most of the time, the thinner person will receive the position. Unfortunately, overweight and obese individuals are often looked at as lazy.

There are several layers to this. I understand employers much look at the whole picture-- for example: obese individuals typically have more health problems; therefore, they will miss more time at work. (As for me and my husband, we rarely missed any work for health related reasons until this year when we decided to embark on our gastric bypass journey.)

Anyway, that's just the tip of the iceberg of this subject, but I really enjoyed this article by the Obesity Action Coalition --> http://www.obesityaction.org/magazine/oacnews12/obesityanddiscrimination.php

I really like what the OAC is doing, and am finding myself more and more on board with their efforts to education people about obesity.

ONEderland! Week 20 Weigh In

Hello There ONEderland!

Ok, so forgive me... but I don't have time to figure out how to flip this little booger. But you get the idea! 198.4 lbs. WOOT!



I've lost 71.6 pounds in 20 weeks :o)
So excited to see that old ugly number start with a lean, mean #1.

I can't find my scale.

Seriously.
I woke up this morning and it's gone.
Richard has hidden my scale!

I didn't realize how addicted I was to that stupid thing til now :oP

In other Sniper News...
I ran outside for the first time today. Thought I was going to die BUT I made it. I should preface that by saying walk/run, not a full run (YET.)

I've had to take on the mindset of...
"Don't think about it, just do it!"

That's the only way I run anywhere. I'm praying for the time to come quickly when I enjoy this!

Week 19 - Weigh In

This picture says it all.
Week 19 Weigh In: +1.2
(yes, that's a PLUS.)
my scale is going up in the attic at least for 1 week, maybe 2