Carole

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]In 2012; I was told: I would NOT lose the wt. I would gain, lose, sports injuries would be re ijured and I'd have to start over again. I have osteoarthritis, had two foot reconstructionsurgeries, and used ankle weights to add more wt to my body in the 80's so I blew out my knees. I dealt with lots of pain and set backs. [/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]It was suggested to me to get the bypass and I checked into it. Found out: my age was a issue and the sleeve would be the safest.[/size][/font]
[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]I went up to 272 final wt prior to my fasting before the operation. At the time of operation Iost about 18 lbs. expected to lose 30 but seems my metabolism didn't work anymore. [/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]I also ate the same ole all the time and all of it. That soon changed with the fasting and feeling energy. Surgery was April 11th 2013 and my doc did a fantastic operation on me; everyone involved... I felt comfortable with and they wanted to know everything about me so they could provide the best care for me. [/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]Several of my friends back home and in NC have had surgeries of this type or similar. So I was told by a friend in SC to FOLLOW THE DOCTORS DIRECTIONS AND THERE WOULD BE NO PROBLEMS... I took that to heart and did. I experienced at first trying to get in all the liquids required but focused on it only as it was in phases and I wanted to do what was important for proper healing.[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]When asked by the nurses in the hosptial what my pain level was it was just noticeable like a three. I was only uncomfortable due to the bed and that one day of not taking in any food to be sure there were no leaks.[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]My daughter pre measuerd all my shake mixes as they increased in 13days or so to the highest protien needed. We put the shake mix in a baggie and labeled it day one etc and how much mix was added. It was a big help to just add the water. [/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]I am not a sipper so I learned fast; one of my sips equals like three or four swallows. Also I am a faster eater. Small bites but didn't leave enough time in between so I am still learning to eat slower but could be doing better. Also, not up to 64 fl. oz of water yet; but with the shake mix in the am being busy in am... it's been a help to me to add frozen fruit, almond milk or coconut milk, sometimes, I add cinimmon and spice to it. (even peanut butter for more protein).[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]As soon as I was able to exercise, I got into PT to get stronger and was taught isometrics I could do in bed in my own home. My daugher just paid for the Ymca as they have a machine called the nu step which works every part of our body so I have to begin going to the y. That machine will pull and shape upper leg beautifully and safe to use with my knees.[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]I have not put limits on what I eat only will not eat a pizza again. I did have half piece once as I was very hungry and visiting family in the hospital so it was great to not feel that good after wards. It's not on my mind and when things get on my mind; I think of what those certain foods did to me before and don't want that again...they are NOT worth the weight I am losing.[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]So far since March 's fast at 272 pounds: November 1st. 2013 I am a happier 185 pounds.[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]Wil see Dr. Heider next week and can't wait to see if I have lost more. My goal is 130lbs. [/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]People don't recognize me anymore. LOL they didn't recognize me when I gained either.[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]It feels great to get into smaller clothing and feel good wearing them. I am not stuck into that frame of mind I need one size and buldge... I realize I can go up or down a size and not be in pain wearing jeans any longer.[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]I think the PT was a great help to teach me about the core isometrics and the only thing in my way is a smaller flabby stomach and fat on the thighs/ upper arms. I will take it any day to how I felt before.[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]I am walking faster and achieving more than before. I know I can prevent illness with this new way of eating and its' wonderful to not finish everything on my plate like before. Even watching tv has been good as I keep fresh unsalted almonds on hand for those times you think you need to eat something. Protein again:)[/size][/font]

[font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif][size=3]My daughter will marry in spring time and I will look good for her wedding. I am so greatful that I can be me again. Last time she saw me she starred at me and said: "I've never seen you look this way before"... It was 2000 when my feet were very bad and I hardly could walk. Got two reconstructive foot surgeries and found out my knee needs a total knee.[/size][/font]
So, my daughter has not seen me move faster or look like this in yrs.

I'm still me, just foods not my pleasure any longer. I don't have to run out to eat a pizza, ice cream,soda.
I want to chose healthy as I can go either way. I could pick up and eat the wrong foods or drink what I shouldn't.
I take this operation seriously and want to be the best I can be. Hoping to remove some stomach skin after April 11th after I see where I am in my wt. loss goal.

So: I've lost about 86 pounds and I am feeling so much better. If my osteo arthritis goes out on me; I have to just take the time to get through it and start over but it's faster and easier now.

I see a orthopedic chriopractor Dr. Robert Benningfield and he's helped me so much to be healtier even with gerd. I did experience one week of beginning foods that gerd bothered me and made me vomit. But it lasted one week. I notice I swell when I eat shrimp so that will be limited. I did enjoy it.

Exercise is the key to getting moving again so the isometrics worked fine for me and now I walk faster and don't dread going into a store; I don't even use a cart anymore.

Well, that's all for now, Carole