Merry Christmas!

What a difference a year makes!  I'm almost half the woman I used to be.  I continue to be amazed at the blessing the surgery has been in my life!  I am so happy that I was able to lose another pound this week!  My total to date is 111#. Not a remarkable amount but it is not a gain!!!  During this busy holiday season, I haven't walked 5 times a week but I continue to walk at least 3-4 times a week. 
Thank you for your continued support and prayers!  I am still "On my Way"!

1 Year Post Op Visit

Wednesday I had my one year post op visit at Grand Health Partners.  I am so excited to share some "statistics"!  First, my official weight loss is 109 pounds!  I had the PA help me close in on a final goal weight.  I'm 20-25 pounds away and still on my way.  Average weight loss with the Vertical Sleeve is 60-80% of your excess body weight in the first 18-24 months.  I've already lost 82% of my excess body weight in the first 12 months!  I guess I'm above average!

My BMI has dropped from 46 to 28.  I'd like to get into the normal range and I'm very close.  I was reminded to stay the course by the dietician and the behaviorist.  I have been slipping a bit with the amount of exercise I'm getting, but this week I'm back on track.  I ran and walked on the treadmill over 2 miles in 30 minutes the last 3 days!  All in all it was a great visit!

What a fantastic year this has been!  God has blessed me with good health and a supportive family and many friends to encourage me on my way!  I have so much to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

My ONE Year Anniversary!!!!

One year ago tonight I was in the hospital recovering from my surgery!  What a year it has been!  I have lost 109 pounds and feel great!  I am still "on my way" but I've come so far!  I have my follow up visit at Grand Health Partners next week.  Pictures to follow!

11 months!

It has been 11 months since my surgery.  I am thankful I was able to walk 7 out of the last 8 days in this beautiful fall weather.  I haven't lost any more in the last 2 weeks, so I'm sitting at a total of 107 pounds gone!  I saw a quote yesterday about the pounds not really being lost, because I don't ever want to find them again!  I like that.  107 pounds gone for good!

2 More Pounds!

A pound here, a pound there!  I've lost 2 more pounds in the last 2 weeks.  I haven't been able to get as much walking in since school started but this week looks a little more promising (not quite as busy).  My total loss is now 107 pounds!  I got to wear my skinny jeans!

10 Months

As I started school last year, I found out that my insurance would, indeed, cover my surgery! Now another school year has started. I told my family this morning, "I don't feel a year older, I feel a year better!"

I haven't lost a whole lot more since my last post. My grand total is now 105 pounds! I am truly amazed when I say or write that number. I'm still losing but not every week. I hope to continue with this steady, slow pace of losing through the next few months until I reach my goal (which I'm still not sure of!!!!). I continue walking or riding my bike 5-6 days per week for at least 30 minutes and most days it's about an hour.

The new picture was taken this morning before church. Gloria, my sister, loaned me some more beautiful clothes!

I've been encouraged by so many of you and I hope I have the opportunity to be an encouragement to you! I am so thankful God allowed me to experience this change in my life and as you pray for me and send your words of encouragement, know that I am thanking God for you and your friendship!

Happy Anniversary!

Brian and I celebrated our 26th anniversary today! We went to Reds on the River in Rockford for lunch. I snapped some photos in my new red dress. I'm looking forward to many more years together!

Camping!

July 2010 - Last Summer

It has been 9 months since my surgery! I came home from camping in the UP hoping to lose 1 pound....instead I gained for the first time since October! Instead of focusing on the gain, I compared last year's camping trip pictures with this year's camping trip pictures. I have so much to be thankful for! Let me share them with you.


August 2011 - This Summer

Great News!!!!

I've finally lost over 100 pounds!!!! As of today, I've lost 102#!!!



If you leave a comment, let me know some things that weigh 100 pounds.

Sooooo close.....

I've lost 99 pounds! I'm tempted to weigh every day this week until I hit the 100 pound mark!

8 months!!!

The other day I had to look at pictures of me last year at this time just to remind me of how far I've come! The picture on the left was at a wedding last July 25. The picture on the right was taken Saturday night, the 8 month anniversary of my surgery.

I'm 2 pounds away from losing 100 pounds. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to have this surgery! Last year at this time, I was scheduled for the endoscopy and awaiting approval from the insurance company to cover my surgery. So glad it all worked out and went so well!

I'm still losing at a rate of about 5-7 pounds per month. I've got a few "mini" goals set as I get closer to maintenance! I still walk most days, "swim" many days, and I was able to ride Lena's bike on Saturday, so I hope to include bike riding in my exercising frequently.

Thanks again for your interest, prayers and encouragement!

One more step closer!

Today I reached another goal. I've lost 97 pounds and I am no longer "obese" on the charts!!! I hope to post soon when I reach the 100 pound mark!!!

Shopping!

I've been shopping! It has been so much fun! Lena "made" me get a cute sundress! I love it! I "had" to get new capris, too. A couple new tops and another long dress completed this round of shopping. Gotta love the sales and coupons! I found some cute sandals to make my outfits complete.

I have four more pounds to get to my next goal of 100 pounds!

Now I'm off to lay in the pool (who knows, I might even post a picture in my new bathing suit!!!).

7 Months!

It's been 7 months since my surgery. I've lost 93 pounds. I'm working toward 2 "mini" goals....5 more pounds and the charts won't show me as "obese" any more and 2 pounds beyond that and I'll be at 100 pounds gone!!! I'll be posting as I reach these goals.

My summer has officially started, but I will be involved in a class at Calvin next week. My walks now are usually 45 minutes or so and about 3 miles. I can eat anything but still try to get in 60 grams of protein and 1000 calories or less. I had to get new shorts and a bathing suit!

I'm so thankful for all of your support as I continue on this journey. Join me on a walk or just to sit in the pool! I'd love the company.

Special thanks to my sister, Gloria, for the beautiful clothes she gave me. It was wonderful to have nice things to wear that fit! It got me through from early spring to the end of the school year.

90 pounds!

That's it! I got up, weighed in for my weekly check at home, and I've lost some more! Now I'm enjoying a wonderful cup of tea (Youthberry and Orange Blossom blend from Teavana) made by my loving husband. Just want to document another milestone. Closing in on 100 pounds....can't believe it!

6 month checkup at Grand Health Partners!

Today I went in for my 6 month post op check up! I saw the exercise therapist briefly and asked him to send me some good pool exercises (I expect to be in the pool soon). The dietician checked on what I am eating and cooking. She also wants me to take Calcium Citrate. I'm holding off on that for now. I have a bone density test scheduled in June and my blood tests showed that my calcium is in the normal range. The PA said all the tests look good. I'm down 86 pounds!!! My BMI has dropped 14.6 points!!! My next goal is 11 more pounds, hopefully by the end of June, when I won't be "Obese" on the BMI chart any more. I walk every chance I get! It hasn't been 6 days a week but when I do get out it is farther than 30 minutes. Softball ends for Lena tomorrow so walking can get back to a routine! I continue to drop sizes in clothes. I started in 24's and am almost into 14's!!! I'll need to look for a new bathing suit so I can do those pool exercises!

Thanks for checking in!

Short and Sweet!

I lost 2 more pounds this week! I'm actually excited about going to see my doctor on Monday for the first time in over a year. Usually I dread stepping on the scale. This time, I'm excited...weird, I know!

6 Months!

It has been six months today since my surgery! I have absolutely NO regrets! I feel great and can really feel that this has been a lifestyle change, not just "another diet". I wore white pants today (something I haven't done for years)! The pictures were taken yesterday (Mother's Day) and today.

I've lost 85 pounds and still have a ways to go! But, I'm "on my way". Thanks for all your support and encouragement. It means so much to me.

Nice Weather for Walking!

Thanks to Kelly, Janet, Brian, and Mary for walking with me this week! I weighed in this morning at home and I'm down another 5 pounds. I had been on a bit of a plateau for a couple weeks. In fact, I think I had only lost 4 pounds in the whole month of April. I've been doing the same things but kind of leveled off a bit. Hopefully I'm back into the losing swing of things! Monday it will be six months since my surgery and I will post another picture.

Reached another goal!

I had set another goal of 77 pounds! Random, I know! Significant to me, however! This weekend I went beyond it! I've now lost 79#! Did you notice every one of my sentences ends in an exclamation? I hope my excitement is evident! My next goal is to lose 13# by my sixth month checkup at Grand Health Partners on May 24. Each pound I lose is actually a new goal. I'm still "On My Way"!
Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement. Keep 'em coming!

5 Months!

Today marks 5 months since my surgery! We just got back from a week on the Riviera Maya and I actually LOST a pound! We stayed at an all inclusive resort and I didn't count protein or calories. I did try to eat meat and drink water! I was preparing myself to gain a pound or so but I lost! We did lots of beach walking and climbed up and down stairs daily.

I've now lost a total of 76 pounds!

Walking!

It has been nice enough these last few days to walk outside. I've managed to walk in our neighborhood 4 times this past week. I walked with my neighbor 3 of those times and I even took our dog, Lucky, with me once! We live near Kent Trails so we've walked there and around the neighborhood. On the days that weren't so nice, I still used the treadmill. I was able to Skype to Japan while on the treadmill one day this week. I heard more about the continuing aftershocks and radiation crisis.

I'm still managing to walk 6 times a week! I'm so glad the weather is getting nicer and some of that can be outside!

4 Months!

It's hard to believe that it has been 4 months since my surgery. I don't regret it one bit! This has been an exciting time and I continue to feel so good. I've been so blessed by support from family and friends and the answers to many prayers. Thanks again to all of you!

Time to Celebrate!

This is what my scale looked like this morning!

First BIG goal accomplished! I've lost 66 pounds and weigh less than I have since 2 months after my twins were born 16 years ago!!! I feel fantastic! I'm so thankful God has answered the many prayers offered on my behalf for a successful surgery and renewed strength and energy and good health!

I weigh myself on my home scale every Saturday morning and this morning I was below my goal! I continue to keep a daily food diary, measuring portions and recording protein and calories for each day. I faithfully take my vitamins (multi, B12, and Hair, Skin and Nails). I walk 6 days a week for 30 minutes. I pray for continued health and stamina.

I have been supported by family and friends. It means so much to me that you all are interested in reading about what is happening and you encourage me on this journey. I have a long way to go, but I am ON MY WAY! My next "little" goal is to lose 10 pounds by Spring Break. And my next BIG goal is to lose 100 pounds by the end of the school year (June 10). I'll keep you posted!

Another Support Group

Tonight I went to another support group meeting at GHP. Sonja came with me. She is a dear friend who had weight loss surgery about a month before I did. She looks great and is feeling so much better now! I'm glad she could go with me and we could compare notes! Thanks Sonja!

One of the PA's from the office led the group discussion on vitamin deficiencies and lab results. It was pretty fascinating to hear about vitamin D and B12 and calcium and why we, as weight loss surgery patients, need them more than most people! So far, my lab results have been good and I haven't had to add anything more than my multi-vitamin and B12. I'm still taking Hair, Skin and Nails until it is gone (in about a month). I'm supposed to be past the critical time when I could lose my hair!

1 Year Ago Today!

My weight loss journey started on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2010, one year ago today. I went to an informational seminar at Grand Health Partners led by Dr. Kemmeter. I met him and Cathy Mooney, the nurse from St. Mary's Bariatric Center. That meeting really got things going for me! Going there was my first step! I was "On my Way" a year ago and had no idea where the next steps would lead me! I'm so thankful that I kept moving ahead and have had such a great experience with weight loss surgery.

I'm 3 pounds from my first goal of 66 pounds! I'll let you all know when I get there....

New Pictures!

Feb. 9, 2011 - 3 month anniversary

Feb. 15, 2011 - GHP Appointment

Feb. 16, 2011 - New Clothes to Celebrate!


Let's call it 60 pounds! I took pictures on the 3 month anniversary date of my surgery, the day I went in for my appointment, and in my new clothes! I bought new jeans today for the second time since surgery! I'm planning a trip to Goodwill this weekend to look for some more!

Three Months' Post Op - Appointment

Today I had my visit at Grand Health Partners with the PA. I've lost 58 pounds! That's 16 more pounds since my last appointment! I continue to feel well and am excited to be "on my way." I'm 7 pounds away from my first BIG goal (to weigh less than I have in 16 years).

There are some other accomplishments worth sharing: I can cross my legs while sitting; I walked 2 miles in 30 minutes and 45 seconds this week; I've walked 6 days a week every week of 2011; today I bought size 16 pants in the "regular" ladies section at Penney's!

Please continue to pray for me! I will keep you posted as I make progress on some significant goals in the near future. I've calibrated my scale at home with the doctor's scale so I should be able to report between now and my next appointment (for the official weigh in) in May.

Thanks for your support and encouragement and prayers. I couldn't do it without you all! Pictures will come soon.

3 Months Post Op!

It's hard to believe it has been 3 months since my surgery. Wednesday, Feb. 9, was the 3 month anniversary. I was so busy this week, I haven't had a chance to take any pictures. I have my 3 month post op appointments with Grand Health Partners next week, so I will post an update then, for sure!

I've run into some people that I haven't seen for a while and they were very surprised at my "new" look! I'm "swimming" in my winter coat and have been looking for a very inexpensive one to last me the next few weeks of winter!

I continue to walk. My "best" workout was last Saturday when I walked 1.88 miles in 30 minutes with about 6 minutes over 4 mph! Most of my walks are now at least 1.6-1.75 miles in 30 minutes. I've been able to walk 6 days a week every week of this new year! There were only 2 or 3 times that I wasn't able to finish a full 30 minutes and a few times have walked longer.

Stay tuned....I'll report my 3 month total weight loss next week and I'll add a new picture or two!

Thanks for your ongoing prayers and support!

Support Group

Monday night I went out to Grand Health Partners for a support group meeting. There were 3 other recent weight loss surgery patients and 3 or 4 people who had surgery more than a year ago. One of the behavorists led the group. It was helpful to hear others' stories.

I found out that a common "side effect" is being chilled! Good to know! I have noticed this and wondered if our house is a lot colder this year than in past winters! I have never been cold. We don't keep heat on in our bedroom at all. But, about 3 weeks ago I asked Brian to open one of the registers in our bedroom a bit because I have been so cold at night! There are those certain times when I still get hot, but women of my age understand what that's all about!

I seem to have hit my first plateau! I weighed myself while there and have only lost 6 pounds since my last appointment! Maybe I won't lose 20 by Feb. 15! I have to admit to a bit of disappointment but I quickly told myself to stop being greedy! My goodness, I've lost 48 pounds since Nov. 9!!! I've never lost 48 pounds in my entire life! And, I know I'm still doing all the right things so I will lose more.

I keep walking! I've had a few more days when I've walked over 1-3/4 miles. I've gotten up to 4 miles per hour a few times, too. I'm gradually increasing the speed I walk, but keeping it at 30 minutes, 6 days a week!

Walking

I have to thank Karla, Janet, and Nancy, who have walked with me in the past few days. It sure makes the time go faster when walking with someone. I walked twice at Rivertown and once at Centerpointe. I've also had Bri's company while on the treadmill. We have been watching movies while I walk. Tonight the whole family watched a movie while I walked!

I think I'm on track to lose another 20 pounds by Feb. 15 (since my last doctor's appointment on Dec. 23). It should be close! I don't think I will be disappointed if it's not 20 because I know it will be in the right direction! I don't need a scale to know I have been losing weight and following the program!

I think I did better with the fiber this week. I felt a lot better. I'm doing good with the protein and calories. Most days I am really close to 64 oz. of water, too. One thing I continue to notice is that I can feel a bit "yucky" after I take my vitamins! I've been spreading them out over the course of the morning and afternoon to avoid that feeling.

I actually wore pj's to school yesterday for pajama day! That is something I never have done before losing this weight! I'm looking forward to more of those kind of things!

2 Months Post Op!

I continue to feel good and my energy level is much better. I walked 30 minutes or more every day this past week. I'm trying to find the right balance of fiber in my diet! That is a little tricky and my digestive system isn't cooperating the best!

I'm so thankful that I had the surgery. I know others experience complications and side effects, but I have been so blessed! I have tried many different foods and haven't had any adverse reactions. My body tells me when to stop eating (although I do measure everything so I know how much protein and how many calories I'm getting). I've been out to restaurants with my family and friends. It feels a little silly to order a cup of soup and ask for a take home container because I can't finish it all!

In the two weeks since my last appointment, my scale says I'm down! The pants I bought at the beginning of December are feeling loose! I have until February 15 (my next appointment) before I'll report an "official" weight loss again! I'm praying for 20 more pounds gone! That would bring me very close to my first goal of 66 pounds (the lowest I've been since the twins were born). Pray with me!

Past the Holidays!

I wonder if I've ever gone through the holiday season without gaining weight!?! And this year, I actually LOST weight over the holidays! I'm excited! I've got a long way to go, but I'm headed in the right direction.

Happy New Year!