MIA?? 6 months

Hey everyone I have been MIA for months now and Im sorry, life has changed so much for me that I have tons to share. Today is officially my 6 month post op and wow what a change! I am down 77 lbs and smaller then I've ever been.

Stats:
Starting weight: 250lbs ( YIKES!!!)
Goal Weight: 140- 150 ( A goal I set for myself)
Starting Pant size: 22/24
Starting Tops: 3X in womens
Starting bra size: 48DD

Currently:
Weight: 173lbs (OMG)
Pant Size:  between a 14 & 12
Tops:  1x in Juniors && about a Large/Med in women
Bra size: 40DD
Goal: The same

This was taken when I was 5 months post op, huge difference. I think I was down about 65lbs here, not 100% sure

I was in my WLS support group and someone posted them in a pair of jeans in 1 leg, and I thought I would see where I'm at && well I fit in 1 side as well!!! These jeans are a size 20, I've had them for years and they had always fit me perfectly, until close to my surgery they started to get extra tight!

The funny thing about this photo is the shirt I'm wearing is the same shirt from my 5 month phot and look how baggy it is on my. Mind you Im not wearing a bra but a bikini top, YES a BIKINI top!! 

So where have I been? Well I have been working on starting my own business. I've always wanted something that was my own and that I love, but with my back it was never really possible, since surgery my back has gotten some what better, I get sore quicker and more often, but at the same time i cant be mad since I've had it for 4 YEARS! So this is 4 years of pressure releasing, so I feel it is to be expected. So  it has kept me busy, and also keeping on track with my food and trying to stay cool in this bipolar summer weather.

Food, I think the 4th stage for me has been the hardest, and at that stage is you can eat pretty much everything BUT.. bread, pasta, rice, tortillas ect. && that I feel was my biggest struggle, I love pizza and not being able to even have a better version KILLED me... but I stuck with it, Marie Calendars was my life saver,  as well as PF Chang's. From Marie Calendars, I would get the Salisbury steak, which has the steak, potatoes, && broccoli and cheese &&& let me tell you OMG amazing! From PF Chang's I would get beef & broccoli, amazing!! I know that they are prolly high is fat and salt but I wasnt worried about it, I was more worried about my portions and getting my protein in. As most of you know I dont currently drink my protein shakes,  its hard for me to get that in on top of food, but I am working on it and I hope to get them in soon!
So with not doing protein shakes I would/will eat mainly protein.

I recently had to get a set of shots, the B1 shot and OMG they are painful! I had to get 4 of them 1 the day I went in && the rest 1 a week. The pain doesn't get easier.  Now what can happen if your B1 is low, is very scary, it can throw you in to CHF ( Congestive Heart Failure) && it could also determinate the muscles in the front of your legs and arms and you wouldn't be able to pick up your feet or hands ( from thee docs mouth)!! We normally get our B1 in our breads & grains, the B1 is the outer crust on  the grain, so with not being able to eat grains I never got it. I am currently taking a B1 vitamin until I'm more normally.

I will stop there and save the rest for another post!

HAPPY LOSING! :D

Where oh where is Breanna?? Hello you still with us?

Hey everyone, I know its been a while since I posted last and have been promising pictures. I did post one on twitter but haven't posted anything more and I apologize. So it's 10 days before my 3 month surgiversary and so far I have lost  55lbs but tons of inches. I am in onderland, 195.0 and down  2 bra sizes, down a pant size or 2 & with tops well those are tricky.

Starting stats:

Weight (highest): 250lbs
Surgery day: 243.6 ( i lost it the week before of my surgery)
Tops: 3x
Pants: 22/24

Current Stats:
 Weight: 195.0
Top: 1x/2x ( Im still very busty so  tops are hard, but I can wear a Juniors dress, i own one , & a 1x semi stretchy top)
Pants: 18 ( they fit better if they are semi stretchy due to my pooch other wise i look like a sardine)

Right now in my eating I can only have :

All Sea food, Chicken, & Turkey, Eggs, Potatoes, All Cheese, All fruit except grapes & raisins  & All veggies!
Come 5/21/12 I will be able to have red meat, which Im excited about, turkey burgers aren't all that good lol

So where the hell have I been, well I've been super busy working on my own business, making sure I'm on track with my health and recently we had a  death in the family so we took a trip to New Mexico. If any of you ladies what to  keep it contact with me add me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bree.youngins  It is my personal account but I feel close to those who are sharing this experience with me and even those ahead of me. :)

So here are my picture you have been waiting for, the ones in the water are from New Mexico so VERY recent.

Day of surgery:

Easter 2012

 

May 1st 2012

 May 6th, New Mexico

 

May 4th 2012

New picture

So here is the before and after. Im about 6 weeks out and 40lbs down in this photo. Never again will i get to that size.
I am almost to ONEDERLAND!!  Im so excited. I dont have much to update on, waiting to eat normally. I get red meat
next month, and bread, rice & pasta in July. So once July rolls around I will have some fun exciting recipes to share!

Half way there!

Well I'm about 6 weeks out and my weight is dropping as quick as my waist line! AHHH Its exciting yet scary. Everyday I feel more empowered and more like a sexy ass woman! I have never had issues with my curves and have enjoyed them, and I hope not to lose to much of them. 


My weight goal is about 145ish, which  is about 105 lbs to lose. It's a lot to lose and I am so dedicated to lose it. Im ready to be the fit sexy lady I have always felt I was/am. 
My NSV ( non scale victory) is to be able to wear the heels I love the be able to shop in stores I have always wanted to. I know I will get there and I am just taking it day by day, once step at a time.


Lately I have had a lot of issues with heartburn/acid reflex, its painful, it is more in my throat then my chest and when I swallow it feels like a needle stabbing my throat and it burns. :(
So on my next appointment I will be talking to my doctor about it.


My current stats:

Start weight (highest): 250lbs
Surgery day: 243.6 ( I lost the 6.4 lbs the week before)(2/21/12)
Current: 211.2 ( As of 4/6/12)
Start pant size: 22
Current pant size: 18 ( Still a tad snug but not by much, b4 I could get it past my thigh)


Total lost: 39lbs, 66 lbs to go.

5 Week post op Update & more

Hey everyone, I am about 5 weeks out and so far it has been ok. I have been having some bowel issues and tons of nausea in the morning. So I had a doctors appointment yesterday and he told me that it could be that I am very constipated and ordered that I take Milk of Magnesia  Yesterday and today then stool softeners every day. I go back to see him in about a month to make sure that is being taken care of.

I am sadly going to have to get the B-12 injection the pill makes me sick :( Other then that I am doing good. I love being able to eat and have more variety in my diet. I do eat a lot of lettuce wraps they are the simplest to make. I eat a lot of meat during the say, turkey pepperonis, low sodium turkey lunch meat, turkey bacon (low sodium) I bough some wings and use the toaster over and cook me up 1 and it fills me right up!

I have to say it is weird  knowing that if I don't finish something  and no one in the house like it, it could go to waste. So my mom and I were talking and we are thinking about getting a vacuum sealer or the ziplocks that you can suck the air out of. So if I make a stir fry I can portion them  and put them in a vacuum seal bag and freeze the, so if i want it again I can just open the bag take out a portion and vacuum seal and put it back in the freezer. I am so excited about it!! Good way to save money.

Weight loss stats:
Highest weight: 250lbs
Surgery Day: 243lbs
Current: 216lbs
Total loss: 34lbs

1 month!!(2 days early)

So Wednesday is my 1 month post op! I am super excited to start making meals. I have tons of new ideas and recipes, that I can't wait to share!!! So far eating has been ok, as my 1 month started to approach it got easier to eat. Supplements are  another story, I haven't been taking mine ( i know shame on me) but a lot of things with flavors have been upsetting my stomach. So now that I am 1 month it is my goal to take most/ all of my supplements. I haven't been doing my shakes either, but I get dehydrated very easily and want to make sure I get my H2o  in and I make my shakes with almond milk.  I DO NOT RECOMMEND SKIPPING SUPPLEMENTS & PROTEIN SHAKES!!!

So today,  I ate 2oz of chicken ( I snagged it from my mom), and it is sitting very well in my tiny tum! I think the hardest part is not drinking while I eat or after. I want to wash it down so badly but I wait the 30 minutes, or close to it.
My weight loss is pretty on track, I will be weighing in tomorrow!!

I will post some new recipes really soon!!
Congrats to those who just has surgery and to those who just celebrated a Surgversary !

2 week post op photos

Here are my 2 week post-op photos. I do want to let you know that I am wearing a different bra in the 2 week. The sports bra I am wearing is too small. My "girls" havent really  gone any where .. yet  :D

NSV & Motivation

I have been thinking about what I want my NSV to be. I came to the conclusion that the one thing I would like is to be able to wear a cute bathing suit. Last summer we said that would be my last "fat" bathing suit... I wore it once all summer. It was ok looking but not want I wanted. So it is official, my NSV is to wear a cute bathing suit! So my mission this week is to look for one I would like! I'm not sure if I want a bikini or a tankini. So we will have to wait and see!

Motivation is one of the biggest things for me. There are some many WLS graduates out there that are a huge inspiration to me. I follow their youtube, facebook & blogs, just to learn more and as much as I can. I look at motivational pictures and it helps me when I feel like giving up. I think the one quote I stumbled upon was this.

"When you feel like giving up on recovery,remember why you've held on for so long!"

Some have asked why would that apply its about recovery & addiction, and the simple answer is that food is an addiction. Most who get WLS are addicted to food and that how we got ourselves into the mess we created with our bodies. So we are in recovery and our band,gastric bypass, & sleeve are our tools to help us recover and break that addiction.

So when you feel like you can't do look back on your journey and think about how far you have come and how close you are to the better you.

2 Weeks Post -op & Group info

So im 2 weeks post op and feeling ok. Im still sore and tired. I do get spurts of energy through out the day, so I do get a happy medium. There isn't much to update I haven't weighted in yet,but I am super excited to come Monday.

Group info:

The support group website is up and running again. It is really simple to use and for those who aren't tech savvy I did provide codes that can be used on there. You will be able to put a custom background. There is a chat room and a video chat room. I have plans for some webinars using the Video chat room. I will ask some speakers at different stages to come and chat. The room is password protected and the password is provided on that page. I will also be asking some graduates to come and possible write an advice/Motivation section on the site.

The site is free, private and created just for you! Your spouse/significant other can join as well

1 week post op Surgery info

I have gotten tons of questions about my surgery and what to expect. I got the Gastric sleeve Feb. 21 2012.

The day before:

The day before surgery was an all liquid diet. I could have creamed soups, which is what I ate all day. I had to drink Magnesium Citrate. So I had lots of restroom time. At Midnight I was not allowed to eat or drink anything. The magnesium taste like .. well shit. I had a lemon flavored one and it tasted like a bubbly house cleaner. I took big gulps of it to get it down. It started working within about an hour. Before bed I had to take a shower with antibacterial soap. I made sure to scrub my tummy pretty well to make sure it was clean.

Day of surgery 

The morning of surgery I had to take a shower with antibacterial soap again. I dressed in some PJ's and slippers and headed to the hospital. When we arrive to the hospital we had to pay our co-pay and then it was the waiting game. Once I was called back they had me sign papers and verify information. The RN  had me change into a gown and socks. When I did I had to use a special wipe that had a stronger soap on it. They gave me 1 wipe for each are, leg, tummy and back. After I got into bed they put my IV in with some medicine to help my tummy. Then allowed my mom to come back and sit with me until I went to surgery. The anesthesiologist came back and asked a few questions and told me they could give me some medicne that would help my nerves, so I asked for it. They wheeled me into the hall and gave me my " I don't care medicine"  It started working pretty fast. As they wheeled me into the room the other doctor introduced himself and asked to verify my name and birth day. After which he put a mask on me and told me to take a deep breath, I remember taking about 3 and it was lights out.

Waking Up:

As I started to come to the RN would ask about my pain level and to scale it (1-10) I remember telling her each time it was a 9.  I had a button to push to give me pain meds but  I don't remember a whole lot. When I was more awake they allowed 1 person to come back and my mom was the 1st. I wanted to cry I was so happy to see her.  Then they allowed my dad back to see me. At the moment my room wasn't ready but they needed to head home because my dad had to work in the morning. They allowed me to make phone calls off my cell which I did. Come to find out I was slurring my words really bad.

About 20 minutes later I was being wheeled into my room. It was a private room. I pretty much slept. The Rn would come and check on me every few hours ask about my pain and if I felt sick.

Hospital stay:

My RN told me that being a sleeve patient I will get nauseated a lot and to let her know right away if I was.  My very first night I was not allowed to drink anything. The next morning the surgeon came in and told me I can have ice chips and checked my incisions.

He said if all goes will that the next day I would get more liquids and could possibly go home. About Midnight I did walk. I felt like my tummy was hanging and walking with a catheter was a little hard. So I took my time and only walked maybe 40 steps or so. I took it very slow. 

Ice Chips:

When I was given mu Ice chips I was told that I had to spoon them into my medicine cup and could only use 1 cup at a time. The reason is so they can measure how much I am getting.  I kept them down. Sadly I did puke 1 time.  I will admit it was a weird sensation when I they hit my tummy. I had lots of burps as well.

Last day:

The next morning the surgeon came in to check on me and said that I would be getting broth and juice, I got apple juice first and it tasted soooo yummy and went down so smooth. I had to wait till lunch for the rest of my items but I was ready to leave, so when it came I tried 2 medicine cups of each item and kept them down. I asked my nurse If I was able to go home since I felt fine and was in no pain. She said yes and unhooked my IV.
 Home:

When I arrived home I took a shower and had some broth. Then went to bed. I still take it slow. I drink my broth from a cup, less air. I purchased a cup of noodle and just drink the broth it has 7 grams of protein. I drink 1 a day, 1 10oz protein shake and the rest of the time it's water. I do eat jell-o and Popsicle's.  

I hope this covers  everything :)

Before pictures & Reese's Cup protein shake

 So I have been meaning to upload my before pictures. So here they are. I weighed 243 in the photo's, but my original weight was 250. So as you can see lots of lumps and bumps, that I will be working hard to to get rid of except the bumps that should be there haha.

Reese's Cup Protein shake

1 Scoop Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Chocolate Peanut butter ( 15.00 for 2lbs at walmart )

1 cup  Silk Pure Almond Milk Unsweetened

 Few ice cubes  (optional)

Bleand/ or shake

Chocolate Almond Delight

This is my 1st recipe I though I would share it's super yummy and could almost be sinful!

Chocolate Almond Delight

1- 2 scope(S): chocolate protein powder
1 cup: Silk Pure Almond (Unsweetened)
2TBS: Sugar Free Chocolate Torani Syrup
& a few ice cubes


Blend & enjoy.


Please know you will get more chocolate then almond, for more of an almond flavor you can add almonds to it, just remember you may not like the texture if you do.

4 Days post op & random thoughts

Heyy,
So I am currently 4 days post op and I feel for the most part normal. I still get gas pains but not as much. I swear by Gas-x chewables they have been my best friend. I have been home 2 days so far and its an adjustment being on just liquids for a week. The one thing I am working on is making sure I get in all my water. I purchased some premade protein shakes, since we aren't allowed to use the blends quite yet I figured they would be easier for me this week. I purchased Muscle Milk, from Wal-Mart about 6.48 for a 4 pack. They have 20 grams of protein & only 3 sugars.
I went a head and purchased all 3 flavors not knowing which I will be able to tolerate and so far Vanilla & Chocolate I can drink. :D I will say this, they aren't the best tasting but they get the job done for the week.

My battle scars are healing ok. I personally scar easily so 2 weeks post op I will be applying Merderma & coco butter to help lessen the appearance of the scars. I am getting more excited to work out. I have to wait to get the ok, which I think is about 3-4 weeks out I can start a light work out. Dr. Suh really wants us to heal well before we do anything to make sure we are ok and the the incisions are healed. Last thing we want is to have to be back in the hospital for busting an incision.

I keep thinking about the end result and I'm really thinking on trying the " It Works" to help with the extra skin. I have seen some of the results and they are great. I personally can not afford plastic surgery to correct all the excess skin. So I am hoping between working out ( a lot) and the " It works" I can tighten up some of the skin!


Weight in:

Starting weight: 250lbs

Surgery Day: 243.6

Current: 230.2

There is no place like home!

Yesterday I came home from the hospital and it felt so great to sleep in my own bed! I also loved not having to get poked at 6am for blood work.

My surgery went well not complications. The next day he had me try ice chips and I kept them down for the most part. I had some nausea the day the surgery and some the next day. I did throw up twice but was fine after that, BTW throwing up hurts!!! I personally didn't do a lot of walking outside my room. But I got a lot in since I was peeing soooo much! haha My RN said I was super hydrated sice my urine was practically clear haha Yestday as I said I came home and ate a little, Showered and went to bed. The hot water felt amazing on my body, it relieved so much tension.

Sorry about all the rambling here is the great news:

Starting weight : 250
Pre durgery weight : 243.6
Current weight: 233.2

Total loss since surgery: 10.4 LBS!

Night before/ morning of: (FEB 21)

surgery morning!!!!

Its the morning of my surgery and I'm not sure what I'm feeling. Although I feel like I'm missing something... hmmm. I am currently mobile so if there are some funny words in here its the damn auto correct. I will have to send a better update when I'm on my computer. I posted a vlog last night and when I'm on the computer I will post a lie. So for now I'm gonna catch some zzz's and update when I'm n the losers bench! Love you all and.good luck to all this getting a pouch today and congratulations to those who.got it today!!!
happy losing

2 Days!AHHH

Well there is 2 days before my surgery! I am so excited and so ready to have it done! I am not as nervous as I thought I would be, I'm feeling GREAT! I think my only "worry" is the gas. I know that it causes a lot of pain, which I know I will have to walk and get rid of most of it.  I have been trying to walk around the house more to help with the walking in the hospital. As of yesterday I am on a new diet till tomorrow, I currently can't have red meat, pork or lettuce & come tomorrow I will be on an all liquid diet.

We have  everything planned for my hospital week, while I am gone my sister is gonna make my room surgery friendly. I have 2 dogs and they shed like crazy so she is going to vacuum my room really well and change my bedding to the new one I just bought to lessen the hair. I worry about it getting in my wounds. I know they will be "glued" shut but you never know & this is my 1st surgery so I am just being cautious.

Today we are gonna celebrate my 22nd birthday. My mom normally makes me a dinner of my choice, which is always sea food ( Shrimp, Scallops) Since I cant't have pasta we are not gonna make it and use sliced up carrots, broccoli and red pepers (i think) and make that like a salad, we got me a jello with some cream in it and we are calling is Cake. Then on my actual birthday (Feb 28th) my mom is going to make Menudo ( its a Mexican soup, with tripe & corn) Since I will be on liquids I will have the broth & the rest of my family will eat it as normal.


There isn't anything new besides the diet change and how close it is. So this entry will be short but I will have a V-log up tomorrow or later today! The day of surgery I will have a 2 posts, one will before and one will be from after. I may do a video while in the hospital but I am not sure yet.

NEVER GIVE UP!

Love Hate Relationship.. The SCALE

Weighing yourself  is hard, some do it everyday and others throw it out. I personally weight myself every week.  As much as weight shouldn't be important it really is. It makes sure your staying on track, and the scale will hold you accountable. With weighing yourself you should do it in the same outfit every time. Once you are no longer able to wear it find another and weigh yourself in the 1st out fit then the new one and see what the difference is, sometimes there will me a small difference in weight.

If you are someone who weight themselves everyday.. STOP you will rive yourself insane doing it. Weight fluctuates through out the day. Weight yourself 1st thing in the morning after you go potty.  Some days you might weigh a pound more because you may still have food in your digestive track. Don't stress about your weight. Weigh yourself 1 time a week or every other week! This will also help with your stress levels.

If you gain a little bit of weight go back and review what you did and see where you might have slipped. DON'T EVER GIVE UP!
NO MATTER WHAT

<3 Bree

1st vlog & stress

Besides the vlog I wanted to talk about Stress!! Stress.. We all have it but  we don't need it especially now. Stress will prevernt you from losing weight and can even make you gain. When you have those moments where stress is too much.. stop take a breath and try to calm yourself. Money will be an issue for most people and one HUGE stress factor, If you stop and really think about the situation rationally most of the time it isn't as bad as it seemed.  If it is that slim chance that it is pretty bad  just go over finances and cut some things out to help. For example if you have a $200 light bill get ride of the extras, such as Netflix, a subscription to a magazine, dont buy the expensive meat you like instead get whats on sale or make dinners out of what you already have. There is tons that you can cut back on.
I know there is alot of stress when it comes to family and friends, which in some situations is soo tough sometimes you have to push those feelings aside and do what you need to for you. I know that some people's parents don't approve that it's the " EASY WAY OUT"  and for those who have been through it are going through it know it isn't!  When that happens don't stress over it things will get better. You have to try your best not to stress. Remember this is about YOU not them. This is YOUR life not theirs. If its a friend cut them out you dont need crap in your life.

I personally only have like 4 friends that support me and that are really my friend. When shit happens the ones that love you and are your friends will be there with you no matter what. For those who need more support I do want to say I'm here and will be supporting you 100% NO MATTER WHAT I PROMISE!
If you need to vent about things talk to a friend, spouse, someone from a support group that your close with, record a video on the computer and let it out, go to the beach and just get lost in the waves (your mind), go to the gym and work it out.
DON'T STRESS!

Last appointment

Today was my finale appointment with my surgeon. The appointment was quick he was just verifying everything and answering any questions we had. After my 3 minute appointment we had one to go register at the hospital and that was a little bit of a longer process but it was pretty simple. Filled out paper work, had my weight and height taken, blood pressure and a nasal swab taken to look for some sort of infection. I had to do 1 practice breathing exercise which was easier than I thought.

Today has been one big reality check its 100% official it is no longer a dream but a reality and I could be more excited. I'm looking forward to being able to help out some of the pre-op members for my website.  I can honestly say that I have never been more ready or excited for something as I am now.

I went and purchased a lot of the surgery items, I got pj bottoms in 1 size bigger so they are loose, I got some comfy slippers since I will have to walk, got some panties I tired to get some dark ones since just about everyone lady gets her period right after, I got a small roller bag and I will be packing my laptop my phone W/ chargers and  then some general toiletries. I have dogs that shed so I have kept all my surgery items in a place that would be less likely to have their hair.  My biggest worry is getting a hair in my wounds, I know they use the glue but you can never be too careful.

I will also be getting my room & house surgery ready, making sure there is nothing on the floor I could trip over, making sure all the laundry and bedding is extra clean same with the bathroom & the shower. The last thing you want is an infection or getting sick since the your immune  system will be down due the trauma.

For those who are struggling, you can do it, if you have to eat out just make a better choice, YOU CAN DO IT, NEVER GIVE UP!

Random Friday

Crazy weekly closure & some extras..

The past 2 weeks have been crazy, I haven't had anytime to sit and blog. The week has finally came to a close and that means time to sit relax and prepare for the upcoming week and surgery.My surgery date is approaching so quickly. I'm doing really well with my all protein diet. I had one slip up forgetting that a burrito I liked had potatoes in it, I still only ate the inside so it wasn't as bad.  Right now tuna, chicken, have been my best friends. I have found ways to even eat out, for right now.  Today I went to Del Taco and got their macho combo burrito, which is ground beef, sour cream, lettuce, cheese, & some sauce I scrapped the inside on to a place and got a bean and cheese cup and  that was my meal. A few days ago we had Wendy's I got their BLT Cobb (full size) with a dry grilled chicken sandwich and add the chicken to the salad and it was really tasty and I didn't even half I was full. I tried Carl's JR chicken salad and it was awful and there was no meat in it. The other were protein packed and tasty. We don't really eat ou, it mainly happens when we have a trip for doc appointments, we are never sure on how long it will take us and I haven't found something that I can take with me that will keep for a while. I have lost weight even with the eating out. The 1st week of this diet I lost about 8LBS I haven't weight my self yet.

Monday (Feb 6) I have a support group meeting, I'm not sure how I feel about it yet.  I think not knowing how they are and then the sterep types on the t.v. makes me not want to go but I have to. I think in the end I will be glad I did. Maybe meets some people.
WLSFamily.com  is my baby right now. I have things planned for it even with the rude remarks some WLSer have messaged me about it.
I have some  goodies for giveaways in the works!!

Any who, I want to say congrats to those who just had surgery and to those who are about to! Please know that I am here to support all of you!

Night Bloggers

Craziness

Well last night I had my seminar with Dr. Suh. He spoke about all the different types of surgeries and about obesity in general.
Most of the information I already knew from my research there were a few things I didn't but was more about what he does, for
example he wont give a gastric to anyone over 61 years of age, or a smoker that he feels wont stay a non-smoker, he  would offer a sleeve instead.

I have 2 more of his "classes" pre-op education &  a support group. Im not sure how I feel about the support group just because I'm not one to open up face to face to someone that I do not know.  Speaking of support groups the one I created for everyone is picking up  which is very encouraging.

I have been messing with recipes I found online and I have made some great food! Im super excited that my surgery day is approaching fast.
I have been posting some motivational pictures and they are sooo inspirational!  I think my biggest obstacle is drinks, I love water but  sometimes I want something different. I have been drinking diet soda but I don't drink  a bunch of them just maybe one or a half of one, I just bought some crystal light and so far they are ok I need to find flavors that I like.

I haven't messed up on my  high protein NO carb diet. So far I have lost about 8 lbs in a week!! I'm proud of that it may seem small but think about all the calories  I have lost!

I may post some of my modifications to recipes, for others :D

Night bloggers

Relief..

As of Jan 19th. I have officially been approved for weight loss surgery. I had my eval. and I passed. She said she would be faxing everything over in the morning. So now I am preparing, gathering things I will need for the "BIG DAY." I bought some pj bottom since I get really cold when I am not feeling well & just in general. I got them 1 size up so that they are nice and loose. I will be getting a robe( if mine doesn't have the rope) some slippers, chap stick, travel size lotion, travel size tooth paste, travel size deodorant, travel size mouth wash, some rubber bands for my hair, god knows it will be a hot mess haha. I will look at look for some other things, I might get some baby wipes to keep clean, since it will be a 2 night stay.

Im a little unhappy with some of the groups I joined, being a newbie I feel like no one is as apt to being supportive. I have gotten some support but no one really makes an effort. I guess I was expecting more. I created a support site because of it and its going ok.. I thought more people would want a safe place to post everything. Groups on FB are nice but it gets bogged down with pictures and old messages that people comment and it covers the news ones and at the same time everyone is separated by what they had done... The site I created is to bring everyone together in one place, we may not experience all of the same things but at the same time we do. I'm still excited about it  I will be adding links to peoples blogs for more support. I feel that I just care so much about people I want them to have a place of their own where its just all about them and their big journey.

I am currently filling my MP3 player  with tons of music. I know I will spend time alone so it will be a nice outlet. IDK if they will let me have my laptop but I have my fingers crossed, although I'll prolly be too out of it to use it.

Last minutes worries...

Tomorrow I have to go to get a physic evaluation. I was pretty confident about it until I saw a post about one.
A lady had posting a status in a group that I joined for WLS patients.  She posted that she met with her surgeon again
and he postponed her surgery for a YEAR, due to her evaluation. She has Kaiser like I do and I have to meet with my surgeon
again as well, so not I am stressed over it. I am scared that if I do not " pass" that mine will be postponed as well. In my condition
I really cant afford that. I've worked so hard and I feel to have it all taken away over some feeling is not right.

I understand be mentally healthy but at the same time we are all there because we have an issue weather it's an addiction to food
or if we have gained over lack of movement due to being lazy or an injury.  If someone needs more therapy  require it and then
proceed with the issue at hand.

 At this point I am worried and just hoping all goes well and that I do not break down.
Night

Support

It is required that I go to one support group. I am nervous about it since I am a private person, but at the same time its nice knowing I am not alone. I wanted an outlet where I can talk about everything and others without having to go anywhere or to look for others in my area and possibly go out maybe have a support group in a home environment with WLS friendly food and not be tempted by the bad stuff.

So I created a social networking site just for WLS patients. You will have your own personal profile that you can make your own, you can upload as many pictures as you want and get all the positive feed back. I know that FB is great and there are other sites but it doesn't bring everyone together. I know there are different types of surgeries but we will all have something similar,we have to eat the same take the same vitamins. I wanted everyone to feel safe for those who want the more private support.

Website: WLSFamily.com

I am hoping to gets more people to join, I know starting it the hardest part.

Fighting Temptation

Yesterday was my 1st day on the no carb high protein diet. So far I have done great but certain foods are still sooooo tempting.
Today was potatoes for me and I have resisted temptation. I think that each day will get easier. I mean Its been almost a year since I've had Mac & Cheese and before I could swear that not eating it was a crime!

Fighting the temptation will get easier I know so I just have to hold on and stay strong and remember my goal.
I know I will fight temptation all the time so if I can handle it now I know I will be able to later. My goal is so important
to me that I know with that in mind and all the love and support from my family and friends I will have no issues.

Well gonna go watch a movie with my babe and do some graphic work!

Baby steps

 Yesterday I was approved for WLS ( weight loss surgery). I spent weeks stressed about about not getting approved. I had those "what if "thoughts  much more than I should have and more than what I wanted. I freaked my self out so bad worrying that  every little thing would almost make me cry. When I went to see the surgeon we had to watch a video about people who had taken the big step and what  their lives are like, watching it almost made me cry. Not so much about their story but because I was worried I would not be able to get it since I did not lose the 10% as we were told to.

With my mom by my side we talked with Dr. Suh and about getting the band,  Since I am only 22 with no kids & I want them. He said the sleeve would be the best since they have found that about 15 years into wearing the band it tends to have to be taking out, or something goes sour with it & also my weight loss would not be all that much.  We kept talking about it and I agreed and am much happier with my decision.

I am still in shock about everything that it has not really sunk in. My 2nd cousin had WLS and she looks amazing! I looked at her b4 and after today and I realized that I am gonna get pretty small, which is new for me. I've always been thick and then when I hurt my back (2008 I was 18) I kept gaining wight. As my banner says this is all gonna be real and uncut, I have nothing to lose, just more weight :D

My starting stats.

Age: 21 (22  Feb 28th)
Height: 4'11
Weight: 250lbs
BMI: about 50

So I am taking my baby steps as my surgery date approaches. I cannot wait to to take this big step in my life and be a happier  HEALTHIER NEW ME!