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

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!

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!

All TOGETHER Now!

I can put my feet together!
Wanna see?!?!
These tootsies haven't been this close in 68 pounds ;o)

4 Month Surgiversary Present

Happy 4 months!
Today I was about a pound short of my 70 pound goal :o)

BUT I got an awesome gift in the mail... my lab results from my 3 month check up!

My cholesterol is NORMAL!!! (172)
I haven't seen anything below 200 since high school.

AND my triglycerides are a NORMAL 97! Down from a-heart-attack-waiting-to-happen 317.

I'm pretty stoked at gaining a healthier me!
I have got to up my exercise to get my HDL up a bit but overall, I'm very happy with my progress!

Happy Healthy Lipids to you all!

Simple Doesn't Mean Boring

Eating after weight loss surgery doesn't have to be boring. Tonight I fixed Smoked Turkey Sausage with Peppers, Onions & Corn. OH. MY. STINK. So good. SO GOOD.

I think the key is planning. I'm not a good planner when it comes to meals- but I've been trying to plan when I go to the grocery store, so at least I have a good selection of ingredients when I go to fix dinner.

I have 2 goals with each meal:
1. Richard will like it.
2. I can also eat it.

Usually this means that I add in an extra carb or two for him. It works out well most days! When I have tuna salad-- he gets a tuna salad sandwich ;o) When he has beef stroganoff-- he eats it over noodles, and I eat it plan with mostly beef.

We're moving away from bland & boring! Or as Rich told me "Jenn, you need to let your freak flag fly!" ;o)

Turkey Sausage w/ Peppers, Onions & Corn
Chop up Peppers, Onions & Sausage (2 oz = 9g protein).
Throw it all into a hot pan with a little EVOO.
Saute for 10 minutes or so, until the sausage gets some color & the veges become more tender.
Toss in some frozen (or canned/drained) corn for another 10 minutes or so.
Add a few dashes of garlic powder, onion powder & pepper to taste.
Enjoy.

What'd I'd tell the Pre-Op Girl - 3 months out

What would I tell the Pre-Op Girl now?

Three months is such a short time, yet life-changing. Looking back on this post I did August 31, 2010 -- I had such anxiety, fear, and yet all that was overshadowed by the excitement and hope I had for the future.

Truth is, I still have some of that anxiety & fear (though it has changed) but now-- 3 months after my gastric bypass surgery-- the hope I was feeling is becoming reality. And that is exciting.

Some fears from my Pre-Op Stage revisited:
People thinking I took the "easy way out" --
Psh. If you think that having your guts rearranged is "easy," then you're nuts. I am beginning to believe that obesity and food addiction is just slow suicide. I'm sure that seems harsh, but that's really what we are doing to ourselves... it's a slow death, and often an unhealthy road getting there. WLS was not an easy decision, and post-op is FAR FROM EASY. Yes, the weight comes off quickly BUT that comes with forcing yourself to eat when you don't want to, constantly drinking liquids to prevent dehydration, and oh the vitamins (Morning, Mid-Morning, Noon, Night). Not to mention-- nausea, never knowning if one food will be fine one day but not stay down the next, and the head hunger that you still have to deal with.

Marriage & relationships --
MOST people have been extremely supportive. Others I believe just don't know how to react. Heck, sometimes I don't even know how to react! Part of this I do believe are the misconceptions about bariatric surgery (believe me, everybody has a friend of a friend of a friend who died from gastric bypass surgery -- this is a post for another day.)
My marriage is great. Richard is SO complimentary & supportive, and I've tried to be mindful of how my weight loss might make him feel. He looks out for me saying, "you shouldn't eat that" "you don't want to get sick." Rich is moving along in his journey as well, even has his psych evaluation on Wednesday :o) I'm excited for him!

PCOS --
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. (Read more here.) My symptoms have actually gotten worse in the last couple of months. Boo. However, I'm still hopeful as the next 30-50 lbs come off, I'll see an improvement. I have been seeing my doctor regularly to get this worked out.

Stomach fixed, brain still messed up --
Even though my stomach is the size of an egg, my brain still tells me I can (and want) to eat the whole pepperoni pizza, large Coke, and not to forget the big slice of chocolate cake afterwards. BUT this changes. Richard & I were just talking today about how I don't crave that stuff anymore. I DON'T, not kidding. I can pass a McDonalds, Wendy's, Domino's and not think twice about stopping. My tastes have changed. I actually love red peppers... who knew!? My head still has moments of utter food addiction weakness, and wants food that I can't have. But the yearning does pass quickly. Foods that used to satisfy me don't give me the same euphoric comfort anymore. I do indulge occasionally in a piece of sugar free candy or SF cookie. But I eat 1 -- not the entire sleeve of Thin Mints.

I'm still a work in progress. It's a constant battle but now a battle that I feel I am winning, and in turn will win this war against obesity.

1st full week at 29

This week is my 1st full week being 29 years old. It's gonna be a great year ;o)

-- Yesterday I bought a size LARGE t-shirt (thinking I would wear it by summer.) WRONG. I wore that joker TODAY! Down from a 3x. woot! woot!

-- I'm shooting for 3 Spin Classes this week.

-- I am also going to start running. I want to be a "runner" and don't see anything stopping me except myself.

-- My 3 Month Post-Op check up is Thursday. A little nervous to see what my bloodwork shows but I'm excited to step on the scale!

-- Until Wednesday's weigh in...

Random Things in my Shrinking Head ;o)

1. My wedding rings are getting big. Doesn't that mean I get knew ones? ;o)

2. It's fun to see family & friends I haven't seen since my surgery-- my favorite response yesterday was "Dang. Look at you!"

3. I feel the same way about chicken that she does.

4. Size 14/16 never felt so good!

5. I believe I've lost 30 lbs in my legs, and 20 pounds in my shoulders & chin.

6. Insomnia. It's bad. I probably should be looking for a 3rd shift job.

7. Two words: Tzatziki Sauce. Oh my dang :o)

8. I'm so ready to retire my baggy size 24 Winter clothes! Go away snow!

9. People are nicer when you're thinner.

10. I am craving salads. Lettuce isn't working though.

11. Favorite 'new' foods: Tzatziki Sauce. Pineapple. Special K Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Meal Bars. Shrimp.

12. "Hello There, Mr. Collar Bones!"

GOODBYE 50!

I'm doing the happy dance this week!
Today is officially my 2 month post-op anniversary -- 3/12/11
and I have lost a total of -50.6 pounds since the start of this process.

FIFTY. Dang.

Mom asked me last night if I could tell that I'd lost that much. Not really. My clothes don't fit now, but like many WLS people... it's as if my brain hasn't caught up to what my body is doing.

My energy is great now! I noticed it had fully come back and exploded about 2-3 weeks ago.

As with the last post, I think it will be a continual battle with head hunger and emotional eating just because it's such a habit. Thankfully, I don't have too many cravings right now but I know that this is primarily due to the fact that I am not eating foods that promote cravings like rice, bread, pasta, simple carbs. My goal is to eat these in extreme moderation now that I'm post-op. It comes down to the fact that I can't eat the same things I did before and expect to get to my healthy goal weight and stay there.

So for now... CHEERS! Farewell to 50 pounds! Before & present pics coming soon ;o)

Week 7 Post Op- Weigh In

Happy Week 7

It's hard to believe it's been 7 weeks since my gastric bypass surgery. Over the last 2 weeks in particular, I can tell a huge difference in my energy level and stamina. I feel like the old me... only better and lighter ;o)

Week 7 weigh in results blew my mind today! I lost 5.8 lbs this week. FIVE point EIGHT. Seriously unreal!

I started working out last week (besides just walking a couple days a week). Now most days of the week, I've been hitting the gym... doing the treadmill, bike, and weights. And I'm also going to a few classes in the evening just for the fun of it with a girlfriend.

The video camera thing is still not working for me, so I thought I'd post a before and present shot for ya...

this is me at the start of the surgery process back in November 2010:
this is an improv picture of me (and Charlie) taken yesterday - March 1st, 2011 - 45.8 lbs lost (7 weeks after surgery):

PS: I weigh less today than I did when I graduated High School in 2000 :o) happy day!

BP :o)

my blood pressure at the surgeon's office on Thursday was 113/70

oh yeah... it's like I can feel my heart smiling :o)

Week 5 & 6 Update

Week 6! I can't believe it's been 6 weeks since my gastric bypass surgery. The time has flown by! I had a little mishap yesterday, and I'm looking & feeling rough today so I decided not to do an actual video this week.

Week 5 Update: I have tried every which a way to upload my week 5 video and short of standing on my head, it's just not happening. So here's the short of it... Week 5, I lost 4.8 lbs to total -38.

Week 6 Update: On Thursday 2/24/11, I went for my first follow up appointment with my surgeon, Dr. McNatt & my Nutritionist, Amber Norris. Oh it went GREAT :o) Much better than I had expected actually. McNatt said that I'm doing great, he wants me to keep measuring all my food and gradually start to eat up to 1/2 cup of food at a meal. (I'm eating about 1/4 cup right now.) My incisions are looking good... but I may be allergic to the glue they used to seal my incision- the scar looks good but around it is abnormally dry. Weird.

OH! I've lost -40 lbs total. They were VERY pleased!

My meeting with Amber, my nutritionist, went great too. Nothing new really. She gave me some more samples of Calcium to try (b/c that's the hardest thing for me to take.) Amber went over my food journal and basically said that I was doing great and following all the rules and... that's why I was doing so well :o) Yay!

I got a belt!

this is merely to tide you over until my wk 5 video will upload ;o) it's coming, I promise! In the meantime... here's my new (and only) belt! I'm excited to watch the little holes keep going in as I shrink ;o)

4 1/2 Week Update + a little dog