6 mo. - good + bad (long)

[Guest guest]

I wanted to share some milestones and my thoughts on the good and bad

consequences of the surgery after 6 months.

MILESTONES

*I have lost half the weight I want to lose, by the 6 mo mark! My

goal is to lose 160 and I am right now at 80 lbs! (OK, OK, careful

readers will note from my sig line that I've fudged by 1 lb)

*By the AMOS BMI calculator, at 35 I am Obese, but no longer Morbidly

Obese!!

THE BEST

* I saved my life.

*I take none of the meds that I took before surgery - nothing for

cholesterol, blood pressure, and especially diabetes. My blood sugars

are completely normal!!

*I feel healthier, and more energetic than I have in a very long time!

*I get to buy a whole new wardrobe someday (my DH lists this under

the worst category)

*I just had bloodwork done by my PCP - my calcium, iron and protein

levels are all normal!

*I always craved carbs (potatos, pasta, etc, not sugars), and I don't

crave those anymore

* I always loved eating out. I now fit in a booth and don't feel

embarrased or out of place about being in a swanky place! Plus now I

get a couple more meals out of that one dinner!

* I can work in the garden again, instead of laying on the chaise

directing my DH

WORST

* I have a hernia. When i lie down and lift my feet, it pooches out

like you wouldn't believe. It is the size of a cantaloupe, and it is

starting to ache. I will probably end up with a binder.

*I feel like I have to push protein all the time - I get in about 60-

80 gms a day, with little room for veggies. I am going to keep my

protein at this level til my next labs.Then as my capacity increases

I can include more fruits and veggies

*I have smellier bm's than before, but usually only in the morning

before work. I occasionally have to go in the afternoon or evening,

but that is rare.

* I still hate exercising, even just walking. Only my 2 exercise

machines with fur, force me to walk.

* I am going to join a gym (Sharon - I hold you responsible for this!

Your athleticism is inspiring). The only time I ever enjoyed exercise

was using the weights at a gym, with a trainer. (I need the

discipline of having a trainer - because if i am paying someone, I

will show up!)

* I feel good enough to clean my house

* After only 80 lbs, my skin is hanging and drooping. I don't dare go

sleeveless on a windy day - my batwings will knock me out, or make me

airborne. My boobs are sepnding all their time looking at the ground

for spare change - so I'll need to get everything reduced and hiked

back up a couple of feet.

* I seem to be in a stage where I have terrible gas every afternoon.

It's not so bad for me, but just two minutes ago one of my employees

just resigned. (Well, no, not really because of my gas, but I

wouldn't blame her if it was!)

So all in all, for me, a million good things came from the surgery,

nothing bad that I can't handle. Best Valentines present I ever gave

myself!

Ellen

DS 2/14/01 310

Dr. Anthone

8/15/01 231

-79 lbs.