2 Months Post Op

This post is a bit late for the 2 month mark.  But here is a photo from January 19, 2012 in my bathing suit.  I should have taken a photo of me in my suit the day before surgery, but I didn't.  I do have one from the doctor's office from back in December 2010 with my sweats on, but you can't really tell just how big I was because they are so baggy.

 

I took my measurements on January 18, 2012 and at that time I weighed 215 pounds. (I weigh 207 today!)  They are as follows:

Hips:  49 inches

Waist:  38 inches

Bust:  40 inches (36 inch chest)

Thighs:  R-30 L-31

Arms:  R-16 L-16

All I can say is....Victoria's Secret here I come! :)  And I feel good. Physically and otherwise.  I do plan on joining the gym here in the next couple weeks to tone up and get some muscle.  I want to avoid the saggy skin syndrome most often associated with bariatric surgery.  If I want to look good, I have to work hard.  Lots of that going on these days too! 

I switched houses within the MSOCS organization so now I work in Faribault with my bestie Cheryl Benzick.  So excited for her to come back to work full time and actually work together. 

And in order for me to advance in my career and become a Supervisor, I have to have a Bachelor's degree.  So back to school I go!  I was partly inspired by a good friend of mine, Ricky Webb, who is attending Rasmussen College in Eagan and I followed him there.  I will be taking my classes all online however and they will start a mock class tomorrow with real classes starting next Monday. 

So go me.

I just can't give up and have to keep on trying and work hard!

Until next month,

Love,

TT

4 Weeks Post Op

Four weeks ago today I had my life changing bariatric surgery.  I took my measurements on November 16, 2011 and here's what they were:

Weight:  243 pounds
Hips:  54
Waist:  41
Bust:  41
Thigh:  33(R) and 34(L)
Arm:  17(R) and (L)

Today, December 15, 2011 I took my measurements and am happy to say they aren't the same as above!

Weight:  221 pounds
Hips:  51 inches
Waist:  38 inches
Bust:  41 inches  (Chest size is 37 inches)
Thigh:  31(R) and 32(L)
Arm:  16 (R + L)

So while progress is being made according to the numbers, I really haven't noticed too much.  My favorite pair of jeans still fit, but are just a tad bit loose.  I did notice right away that my bra can be clasped on the first set of hooks.  Maybe now I can go to Victoria's Secret! :)  I could never do that before.  I will try to take a photo today for my scrapbook to show the progress, but I'm pretty sure you don't want to see me in my underthings on here. :)
Thanks for all your support and love through all this.  Everyday I thank God for my family and friends!
Love,
TT

14

On December 3, 1997 I gave birth to my Gabryelle.  She is my second daughter and has been a joy (for the most part) for the last 14 years.  (I apologize for the late post Gabby!)

So at 14 she plays basketball (00) and volleyball. She's quirky, sarcastic, and humorous. She can come up with a quip faster than a comedian on the Comedy channel and it's so natural.  She gets almost straight A's and doesn't have to even TRY hard.  She does her homework and chores without being told or nagged on.  She loves to hang with her friends, both in and out of school.  She loves to do artsy fartsy things and has a great imagination.  She makes her parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles proud everyday.  I can't wait to see what the next 14 years brings from this child.  She will succeed in whatever she chooses to do in her life!
We love you Gabby Girl!
Love,
Mom

My Journey

Nine days ago I started a journey that I have been looking forward too for a very long time.  I had a bariatric procedure called Sleeve Gastrectomy.  It's where they cut away a portion of your stomach so that it's shaped like a banana.  YouTube has some good informational videos if you're interested in learning more.
 
You see all my life I've been a "big" girl.  I can remember being 9 years old and getting a pair of navy dress pants for a gift that were a size 14 juniors.  I also can remember how cool I thought it was that I was 9 and can fit into a 14, thinking I was 14 as I always thought the number correlated with your age. Silly me.  I also remember my senior year in high school weighing 195 and thinking, "Oh I'll never let myself get to 200!"  Yeah right.  When I started the process to have this surgery on December 14, 2010, I weighed 254.  46 pounds away from 300.  Now that's perspective.

I actually started this with my husband as a support for him and just for shits and giggles so to speak.  Who knew it'd be me having surgery first.  Back in August when he got ill, after he got out of the hospital we went to an informational class so that he could be less scared to have the procedure and well, get more information.  We decided to do this together since I qualifed with a BMI of 42%.  Now mind you, there are hoops to jump through.  We had to do a minimum of 6 dietician visits, a psychiatric evaluation, change our eating habits, and I had to lose 10 pounds on my own  (Tommy 25 since he weighed more).  Easy right?  Not even.  Those 10 pounds were the hardest thing to do.  And my weight had to be documented at the Dr.'s office, which meant many trips there (after constant weighing of myself at home to make sure I'd hit the mark).  I was so proud of myself when I hit that 10 pound mark. That meant I could schedule my surgery.  And my goal was to lose 100 pounds.  Half of me.  So that I could go to my sister's closet (who has been skinny all her life) and borrow her cute clothes that I could never fit into. 

As of today I have lost 24 pounds.  I weigh 230.  I am so excited.  And I'm so grateful to my family and friends for supporting me on this decision to be a healthier me.  I will try to post monthly updates here, along with measurments and weights, so that I can track my progress and make a scrapbook album about it (of course).  So stay tuned for progress reports!

Love,
Tonja