What life has been like.

Well life has generally been great. Way more energy, love looking at myself now. Before I avoided looking at me like the plague. I hated shopping, because I always felt I NEVER looked nice in anything I bought because I was so big. Now I love shopping and finding new outfits and looks for myself. I am a calmer person, I don't get as snippy as I did because I am not in pain every day of my life. My knees very rarely hurt and I just really feel good.

Eating has been a little challenging for me. Some days food goes real well and others it's pretty much protein shakes all day.
I get way more exercise due to shopping and walking the dog. I went hiking a few weeks ago and the dog pooped out before I did!

I'll leave you with this: Anyone thinking about this surgery, go for it. I would do it all over again, it was so worth it to me. I am off all of my meds and I feel better than I have since high school. Without giving away my true age it was at least 30 years since I graduated. I support anyone who would like to do this and just know it is NEVER too late for a new life.

Finally time to post

OK I know it has been a long time but things have slowed down a bit and I have time to post now. Just to catch you up: First my beloved chocolate lab named Whizzer was diagnosed with leukemia on 9/11/09 and started chemo treatments on his 7th birthday 9/14/09. He goes once every three weeks for a total of 5 treatments. Then with help from God he will hopefully go into remission and live many more years. Second, my husband had his surgery on 10/7/09 and is doing really well. I'm very proud of him. I tried so hard to be a good example for him and an inspiration too.

Ok so here are some updated pics in order from bottom to top: pre op, 1 mo, 3 mo, 4 mo, and 5 mo post op. Enjoy!

I have 2 mo pics but apparently I forgot to upload them from the camera.

it's been awhile

(this is my first after photo) 1 mo.

Ok OK I know it's been too long since my last post. I had surgery 5/6/09 and everything went well for the first 24 hrs. I developed pneumonia and an A flutter with my heart. My heart rate was 152 for several hours. They moved me to critical care and tried medicine to bring my heart rate back down but it didn't work. Luck me... sooooo they decided to do a cardio version. For those of you not familiar. It's like you see on TV with the paddles and charged and everyone yells CLEAR and they proceed to shock the everlivin shit out of you. The doc made sure I was completely asleep so I wouldn't remember anything. Which was greatly appreciated since several doctors told me it is not a pleasant experience.

Here are the numbers:
My heavest was 383
The day of surgery I weighed in at 345.1
After 6 days in the hospital I checked in with my doc 3 days after I was released so 9 days post-op I had gained 16 lbs. - FLUID-
Two week check up I was down 36 lbs.
And one month check up I was down 51 lbs. since my surgery date.

I'm feeling real good, still tired and weak, but went back to work today. Trying to get back in the groove of things.

And I promise as soon as I figure out how to get the pics off my computer at home and onto this one I will post before and after pics.

A week away

One week from today I will have had my surgery. I'm excited, not really worried, scared or nervous yet. I am on day 5 of my protein shakes and I am amazed how easy this has been for me. My husband always said I am the most stubborn woman he has ever met, and once I set my mind to something I can do it. There must be just a little bit of truth in that.

Not so bad after all

Saturday I started my 4 protein shakes a day plus 64 oz of clear fluid. Not bad, not bad at all. I really am not hungry. The hardest part for me is getting in the 64 oz on top of the 32 oz in the shakes. That's hard. But I surprised myself and did it both days over the weekend. I am allowed various veggies, up to 2 cups per day. Yesterday I had 1 c of strawberries with my lunch. Today I'm having cucumbers. But I can honestly say I'm not hungry at all. We took lots of before pics over the weekend I just have to find the time to get them posted.

Today is 9 days to go.

Finally a Date!!!!

OK OK I know it's been forever since I posted anything. I'm sorry about that but I've been really busy lately at work and with Dr. appointments. I did however get my date, May 6 is the scheduled big day!!!!! I am really looking forward to this, I am more anxious that afraid. I just figure what ever will be will be. I don't think God would let me come all this way to not have me succeed. Besides I have an angel on my shoulder..... my Mom. She is going along for the ride of a lifetime with me. She was always terrified of flying so I guess I'll stay firmly planted on the ground for at the next year or so.

I had my pre-op visit yesterday, blood work and I start my 4 protein shakes a day on Saturday 4/25. I'll keep you posted as to how I'm doing. I did get before pics taken and I plan to have them up here very soon.

Let the countdown begin!!!!

12 days

My Kids

I am an absolute animal lover. If I could rescue every stray and animal shelter pet I see I would. So I thought it was time to introduce you to my family.

This is Whizzer our 6 year old Chocolate Lab. Talk about personality he's full of it. His AKC name is Red Maples Whizzer, but he prefers Whiz, Buddy Boy or Big Guy. He has a brother and sister. He likes his sister but really can't stand his brother. Ya see when we got the kittens they wanted to suck on Whizzer. His arm pits, his ears or corners of his mouth. He loved them so much he didn't seem to mind..... for awhile anyway. Over time this got very old and annoying to him. Sassy stopped doing it but poor Squeaky he just couldn't quite break the habit. So every time Squeaks comes near Whiz he gets up and moves away from him and gives us a look as if he's saying " Oh man will you please leave me alone. Mom, Dad he's bothering me again. Make him leave me alone and get that boy some help". We adore him and can't imagine our lives without him in it. I look forward to walking in the door each day and being greeted with unconditional love and kisses.







This is Squeaks our 4 year old Tabby Maine Coon mix. He weighs 20 lbs and stands 3 feet or more tall when he is on his hind legs stretching. He loves to cuddle and is quite the little love bug. He likes to be called Mr. Squeaks or Squeaky Doo. It's a foot race everyday when I get home as to which one is going to reach me first for some hugs and kisses.






And this is our little girl Sassy. She is Squeaks sister (obviously different daddy's). She is a diva princess and knows it. She weighs 10 lbs. and can kick Squeaks butt in an argument. She likes to snuggle with anyone that comes in the door. She loves everybody and is not timid at all. She likes to be called Sassy girl, Princess or Sissy.



So you have met my family other than the love of my life, my husband Tim. I don't have any current "good" pictures of him. As soon as I can get one I will post it.