Four Years Post-Op

2008

2009

2010

2011

I had intended on including pictures of me from 2007, but I could not find any.  I know they are on my computer, just not sure where.

Highlights:

• 257.6 pounds lost
• maintained weight loss since December 2008
• weight stays between 135-140 consistently
• no Coca-Cola for four years

What I am Doing:

• Labwork 3-4 times a year
• always eat my protein first
• No sodas or liquid calories (protein drinks with milk and tomato juice being the exception).
• Weigh daily (although I can usually tell if I am up or down a few pounds based on how my engagement ring/wedding band or jeans fit)
• Tons of vitamins
• Almost zero fast food.  Most of it simply turns my stomach.  I do like chili from Steak n Shake and Fazoli's spaghetti.

The Downside:

• Eating frequently feels like a chore.
• My stomach is very finicky.  We make decisions on where to eat based on what I feel my stomach can handle at the given time.
• My energy level seems to stay very low.  I don't have a lot of stamina.  After a few hours or activity, I'm done.  HH helps out by dropping me off at the door at church, doing the grocery shopping, etc.  When I bought our Brad Paisley tickets, I noticed they had "limited mobility" seating.  I called and talked with the ticket office, saying I was not in a wheelchair, but didn't have great stamina, etc.  We were able to purchase special seating.  At the airport HH pushes me in a wheelchair through the security lines, because carrying our stuff and waiting a long time really tuckers me out.  HH has also pushed me in a wheelchair through several museums too.  I haven't talked about this too much on the blog because it has been a humbling experience needing help.
• I have made the decision that I don't think it would be best for me to have children from a health perspective.  Many people who have had the DS have had children.  I just do not feel this is the best decision for me personally.  HH and I do want to be parents, and we plan on pursuing international adoption (Africa) within the next 2-3 years.  We' loe to have 2-3 children through this process.

In Continued Spirit of Full Disclosure:

• I don't exercise.
• While I always make sure my meal has a heavy protein base, I have been able to eat whatever I want.
• Some DSers really have had to watch their carbs, I have not had to do that.

Looking Forward To...

• Being able to wear knee-length skirts, sleeveless dresses, and shorts (not capris!)
• HH's trust is coming in April/May.  This means I will be able to do plastics.  If we decided to move to South Dakota, timing might be more of an issue.  Do I have them in KY and join HH a little bit later?  Have them in SD?  Get things setting in SD, and fly back for plastics?  I am learning more strongly to having my plastics done here because I am very comfortable with the surgeon.  He has a lot of WLS reconstruction experience.
• Not retaining a huge amount of water in my thighs anymore!  I have so much loose skin there they literally fill up like water balloons.  It is painful and noticeable when I am walking around.  I can feel the extra water weight swishing around.
• Burning my last fat outfit.  I've saved a pair of my biggest jeans and shirt.  After plastics, I want to burn that outfit.

Would I Do It Again?

Outside of accepting Jesus as my Savior, and marrying my beloved HH...having the Duodenal Switch was the best decision I have ever made.