9 Month Side-by-side Comparison

WOW is all I can really say about this! SO THANKFUL for this life changing surgery!

9 Month Post Op

I had my 9 month post op appt today and guess what?! I am already at my doctor's goal! I have lost 80% of my excess weight and anything else I lose from here on out is just icing on the cake as my doctor put it! Who would have ever thought that at nine months out I would already be at goal? Not in a million years would I have ever thought it, it still blows my mind! I still have a personal goal of 160 lbs, and am 10 lbs away from that goal and am sure I will see that accomplished before my one year surgiversary:) Words just can't explain what this surgery has meant to me and how much it's changed my life!
I saw my before picture today that was taken a week before surgery and I couldn't believe how different I was...I am not even that person anymore and I never want to see her again!
I am having to go in for surgery this week to have a possible hernia repair or twisted bowel repair, but I knew prior to surgery that this might happen, so it's no surprise to me and I know it will go well. Other than that, everything is great and I am so proud of the progress I have made thus far.
I am now training to run a 5k race then hopefully a 1/2 marathon sometime next spring. Things I once thought were unreachable are only at an arm's length now and that excites me more than anyone will ever know! It just keeps on getting better from here on out! From 298 lbs to 170 lbs in 9 months, who can ask for better than that?!

8 Month Side-by-Side Comparison

From 298lbs to 177lbs-WHAT A DIFFERENCE 8 months makes!

8 Month Surgiversary

Today has been 8 months since I've had my surgery and things are still going great!
I have lost a total of 119 lbs and 98 lbs since surgery. It's amazing and unbelievable that I've come this far so soon! These past 8 months have flown by and I've accomplished so much, I can't help but be proud of myself. I eat pretty normal and also eat just about anything now within reason and within my portion sizes. I eat pretty healthy, but there are times when I do eat a bit of ice cream, a cookie..I've even had a piece of chocolate, the only difference now is that I don't over do it, and it's rare that I treat myself to those things because they are what got me to 298 lbs. Denying yourself 100% of the time is not good for anyone though, so if I have a cookie every now and then, it's okay because now I don't eat the whole box of cookies!

My weight loss is very slow now and I was kind of worried about that and will talk to my doctor about it when I go for my 9 month appt next month, but most people seem to think because I'm so close to my goal weight, that my body is beginning to stabilize and that's why the weight is so slow now. I can honestly say that if my body decided it was fine where it is, I would not be upset. I've come a long way and I'm comfortable in my own skin and it's been years since I have felt that way. I do want to lose these last 19 lbs to get to my goal of 160, but I'm letting my body do what it wants to do. I still go to the gym and work out 3-5 days a week and feel great about keeping up with that.

People are still raving about me and saying how great I look which will always feel weird to me, but I know that after awhile, it will become normal to everyone how I look now and those comments will be far and in between. I sometimes feel like I'm a spectacle or on display because as most people say "I'm a totally different person." But that's only on the outside. I'm still Caley, I'm still the same old girl I was before, only now I have 119 lbs less of me!

I have no regrets about my decision to have this surgery, it has truly changed my life and actually brought me back to life! I am truly thankful every day that God blessed me with the opportunity to have this surgery and prove to myself that I was worth it! No looking back, I'm only moving forward!!

I'm Half The Woman I Used To Be!

6 Months Post Op

I am now down 105 lbs and my labs came back great except for my B-12 being a little low. I will now be taking extra B-12 every day. I have lost 64% of my excess weight and I am 4% above average:) I feel AMAZING and I couldn't be happier!

Can Barely Wrap My Brain Around It

It's going to be my six month surgiversary this Thursday and sometimes I still can't wrap my brain around it...it's been a half of a year since my surgery and SO much has changed..not just my weight!
I think one of the biggest things that I still have a hard time with is trying on clothes....I never really tried on clothes when I was bigger...I just knew that I wore a 3x/26w and that's what I would get. But now, I have to try on everything before I buy it to make sure it fits because I just never know. It feels SO GOOD to go in the dressing room and put on a pair of pants that fit just right, or put on a pair that you think is the right size and they're too big! It can be annoying though when you're in one size for a few weeks then have to turn right around and buy new clothes because you're down another size! I am always AMAZED! I can't remember the last time I looked in the mirror in a dressing room and said to myself "Dang girl, you look good!" But lately, I have been able to say that to myself again and that feeling can never been replaced! I feel like I've found myself again and I'm free to be me:)

I will update again on Thursday to let you know how my six month post op appt went with my surgeon:)

ONEDERLAND BABY!

I'm almost 6 months post op and woke up to ONEDERLAND this morning!! UNBELIEVABLE! I have lost 100 lbs and I now weigh 198! I have 38 lbs to go till goal and I couldn't be more proud or happy! I cried sharing this news with my mom this morning because I know that even though I didn't do this on my own, it's been a lot of hard work and it's also been more than 14 yrs since I've been under 200 lbs...I'm just PROUD!!

THIS SURGERY WORKS!!!!

5 Month Full Body Pics

Down 94 lbs

Current weight 204 lbs

Size 16 regular bottoms, medium or large top

5 Months Post Op

I am now 5 months post op and still feeling great! I am down a total of 94 lbs and 73 lbs since surgery. I am down from a size 26 to a size 16 regular womans(no more plus size baby) and a medium shirt. Went down a whole shoe size, 2 bra sizes, a whole size in my fingers(had to get my wedding rings sized down), and 1o clothing sizes..WOW! I have 44 lbs to go to get to my goal of 160 and my husband and I just joined the gym yesterday, so that should amp it up even more! I have been losing about 1-3 lbs a week with some weeks losing nothing, but since summer started, I haven't been able to exercise much, so I'm sure joining the gym will help increase the weight loss.

I'm going to be honest here and say that I really hate eating now. I only eat because I know I have to, but if it weren't for that, I would probably not eat because there is simply no joy in it at all anymore. I never was a great cook before and didn't enjoy cooking, and now it's worse because I have to cook my family a seperate meal and then make food for myself which just never seems appealing. I guess this is one of the prices I have to pay in order for this surgery to be successful for me. I will have to live with it.

A recent "wow" moment for me was being able to go to a theme park and actually fit on all the rides again..the last time we were at Carowinds, I was too big to ride any roller coasters or do anything, but last Friday when we went, I was able to ride all the rides with no problem and room to spare! It felt AMAZING!!

I am still pleased with the surgery and have no regrets, I'd do it all over in a heartbeat because it's saved my life and made my life worth living again.

New Glasses

I got some new glasses today and thought I'd share my librarian look, LOL!

15 Weeks Progress Pic

Just wanted to post a side by side progression picture..I can really tell a huge difference and it's amazing!! What do you think?

3 Month Surgiversary

Today is my 3 month surgiversary and things are still going great for me!

I'm down 72 lbs total and 51 lbs since surgery and from a size 26 to a size 18!

I've been walking 2 miles at the mall Monday-Friday which keeps my energy up and makes me feel great! I plan on joining a gym in a few weeks with my husband and I'm looking forward to that so I can tone up.

Eating has become a chore for me because I'm limited to what I can eat, it becomes frustrating most times to choose something to eat and therefore feels more like a chore than simply eating. Sometimes I wish I didn't have to eat, but I know I have to, so I eat what I'm supposed to. I also still drink at least two protein drinks a day just to make sure I'm getting enough in. I have had quite a few puke fests as I call them. Most times I think it's because I eat too fast(still trying to slow down) but sometimes it's because my new stomach just doesn't like what I'm feeding it. It's been a lot of trial and error to see what I can tolerate and the puking isn't pleasant, but it's far less than what it would be if I had a normal stomach. Anyone who says this surgery is easy, has NO idea what they're talking about! This has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do and it will always be a daily conscious decision to eat the right foods and eat the correct portions. It's a lifestyle change and a change that I'm finally comitted to!

My husband is finally coming home in four weeks from the Army and I'm so excited to see what he thinks of my progress! I know that I feel 100% better than what I did before surgery and my self confidence has returned. I find myself taking the time to put on make-up now and to wear nice clothes...I just feel like a woman again! I've had so many compliments about my weight loss and it's been so great, but it's still something I'm not used to..I'm used to always being the fat girl in the room and now I feel a bit more normal.

It's only been three months since my surgery and so many great things have already happened, I can't wait to see what else the future holds for me on this weight loss surgery journey that I am always so grateful for!

Got My Hair Done Today

Recent Happenings

Haven't updated in a few weeks, so I'll catch you up!

As of today, I have lost 60 lbs total and 39 lbs since surgery(I'm almost 9 wks out)! I feel GREAT and still have plenty of energy. I am having to go clothes shopping next week and get a few pairs of pants because all my small clothes that I had no longer fit me.

I've had quite a few vomiting spells and even had my first vomiting spell while out in a restuarant this Monday which was pretty embarrasing! Apparantly, mexican food does not sit well in my pouch because everything I ate came back up. It's all about experimenting with all foods at this stage to see what you can tolerate, but the vomiting is by far the worst part of this surgery so far!

All in all, things are still going great and I can't complain!

Update

Just wanted to do a quick update.....Tomorrow will be 7 weeks since my surgery. I am still doing AMAZING and everything is going great..I couldn't be happier! I am down 33 lbs since surgery and 54 lbs all together! I am still walking every Monday thru Friday and exercising at home also. I have also had a few "wow moments" in the past few weeks, like being able to cross my legs again, being able to mow the lawn without being out of breath for the first time, and just yesterday I went to Target and bought my first ever jean skirt and a top and felt great in it! It was the first time in a long time where I looked at myself in the mirror and liked what I saw! I have gone from a size 26 bottom to a 20 and a 3X top to an XL top!! It's amazing and I am SO THANKFUL! My confidence is coming back and I'm also 2 lbs away from my lowest weight after having 2 children which is 242 lbs. My next mini goal is to get to my lowest weight since having my first daughter which is 220 lbs.
I go tomorrow for my last diet phase appt. and will be moved to regular food! Things are GREAT and I still love my RNY!

1 Month Post Op Appt.

I had my one month post op appt. with Dr. Bour today and he said I am doing better with my weight loss than what the norm is! My BMI has gone down from a 42 to 38 and I have lost 30 lbs since my surgery and lost 50 lbs all together!! He said I'm doing great and I told him I feel great! I can't really put it into words how I truly feel about myself since surgery and how grateful I am to God and Dr. Bour for changing my life! I love the way I feel lately and I am no where near done losing weight yet, so I can't imagine how great I'm going to feel when I'm at goal! This is the best thing I have ever done for myself and wish I had done it sooner!

Addicted To Exercise

I think I am now addicted to exercise! Which is never a bad thing...if I had to choose a transfer addiction, I definitely choose exercise over anything else! I have been walking Monday thru Friday and today went and bought a stepper, kettle ball weight, thigh toner, row machine and new walking shoes! I have been so excited about exercising and I used to hate it!! I've made it my daily routine and I know that has made a huge difference in my life after surgery. I still can't believe how much energy I always have, it's amazing! And I'm so proud of myself for being so comitted to exercising and not even thinking about giving up...I've always given up, but not this time...this time I'm fighting to change my life...I'm fighting for me!

Haven't Felt This Good In A LONG Time!

It's been 5 wks since my surgery now, and I can't begin to explain how awesome it is to feel this good because it's been a very long time! I have so much energy that sometimes, I don't know what to do with it all! I was out in my yard all day yesterday digging a ditch around my flower bed, weeding, planting flowers and mulching and a few months ago, I would have never had the energy to even think about doing something like that!

I started walking around my local mall last Monday and walked a total of 16 1/2 miles! It felt so good to be able to walk like that and not feel so tired and ready to give up..I just made it part of my morning routine and will continue to do so! I'll be adding in weights this week which will tone me up a bit more. I lost 6 lbs this week and couldn't be more excited! I am down 28 lbs since surgery and down 49 lbs all together!!! It's still so hard to wrap my brain around the fact that one day I can't fit into something and a few days later, that same piece of clothing is too big! I'm definitely going to have go get a few new pieces of clothing! I'm down 2 sizes and I'm 99 lbs away from my goal of 150! WOW is all I can continue to say!!

I go tomorrow to my next diet class where I'll move to solids! Excited about that as well. Although pureeds have not been that bad for me, I'm definitely ready to move on to the next diet phase. I also have my one month post op with Dr. Bour on Thursday and I'm excited to see what he thinks of my progress! All in all, I couldn't be happier for making the decision to have this surgery, it's already changed my life so much and I'm only a little over a month out..it can only continue to get better from here and I'm ready for whatever comes my way!!

Almost 4 Weeks Post Op

It's been a few weeks since I've made a blog entry, so I better update what's been going on!
I had my gastric bypass RNY surgery on March 9, 2009 and it went well with no complications. Recovery was worse than I thought it would be, but by a week after surgery, I was feeling much better. If I hadn't had my mom here to help me, I don't think I would have gotten through the surgery or recovery without falling apart, lol!

I'm now almost 4 weeks post op and things are going very well. I have lost 23lbs since surgery and now that I'm able to eat more protein in my diet and start heavier exercise, I know more weight will come off. I have become lactose intolerant since surgery, but other than that, I've had no problems.

I am currently on the pureed diet phase and though some people find this stage difficult, I have found it to be very easy(except having to wash the food processor all the time, lol) and I have so much more variety in my diet. Previously, I was on full liquids and I was so sick of eating yogurt, pudding, and soup..pureed food has been heaven for me so far! I will be on pureeds for 2 weeks then move on to solids.

People have already started to notice my weight loss and I am not used to getting compliments like that, so it will take some getting used to! My clothes are so baggy and I think I've lost 2 sizes already...it's amazing what 30 lbs will do! My husband is coming home from the Army soon and I can't wait to see what he thinks since he hasn't seen me since January 1st! I'm going to start mall walking on Monday and really amping it up so weight loss will be more progressive. So far, I'm loving my RNY and couldn't be happier for doing it!! I can't wait to see what the future holds for me!

One Week To Go!

It's officially one week till my surgery! I can't believe it! I've waited 9 months for this day to come and it's almost finally here. I'm not nervous at all even though everyone is constantly asking me if I am. I know that God has given me peace about this surgery and I'm ready for whatever it brings. I know the complications and risks and I know that it's not going to be easy, but for once in my life I'm ready to finish what I started and take whatever comes my way. I have my last pre-surgery diet class this Tuesday and on Thursday I have my anesthesia pre-assesment and they will tell me what time to arrive for my surgery next Monday. I've lost all but three pounds of my required 12 lbs weight loss, but I still have two more days to go and even if I don't lose all 12 lbs, I did my best and I definitely showed compliance to the diet, so I'm not worried at all. This time next week, I'll be starting my new life and words can't express how happy I am to have this opportunity!

Week 2 Of Pre-Surgery Diet

So, this is week 2 of my pre-surgery liquid diet and yesterday was a bit challenging...the first week I was gung ho about the diet and this week started out with a lack of will power. Taylor & Hannah were eating donut holes and boy did they look yummy! I did sneak one, but I still lost weight, so I don't feel so bad. I had to remind myself of why I'm doing this and get back into the correct mindset..I have a mission to complete and I will not fail this! So far, I have lost nearly 10 lbs in two weeks, so that is awesome and I'm supposed to lose 12 in order to have the surgery. It's definitely do-able! I can't believe my surgery is only 3 wks away now!! My life is about to change and I am SO READY!! BRING IT!!

One Step Closer To The Prize

Today I had my EGD done and it went well. I got there on time and my sweet friend Kristy came with me so she could drive me home afterwards. She was more nervous than I was, LOL! They gave me some sedation medication which started working right away and I remember them putting the tube down my stomach, but it didn't hurt or anything and that's all I remember. I went to recovery for a half hour and then I was fine and ready to go. My surgeon's office will call if there were any problems with the biopsy, if they don't call, that means all is well. After coming home I was tired, so I took a nap. I did get a bad case of diarrhea and I'm thinking it's a reaction to the sedation medication, and a bit of a sore throat from the tube, but other than that, I'm fine. So today was one step closer to the prize!

Current Progress

So far in my wls journey I have completed all my pre-op support group meetings, met with dietician, had my psych eval and passed, met with my surgeon Dr. Bour, recieved approval from my insurance company and recieved my surgery date(March 9th), and am currently on my pre-surgery four week liquid diet. I will also be having my EGD this Friday to make sure I don't have any ulcers or a specific bacteria called pylorri. This journey so far has seemed long, but it's all falling into place the way God intended and I'm excited about all the progress I've made thus far and that my surgery is less than four weeks away! My new life is about to begin and I couldn't be happier!

My Story

My name is Caley and I'm 31 years old, married to my best friend for 5 years and a stay at home mother of two beautiful girls....and I've been overweight nearly all my life.

My weight loss surgery journey began last May when I attended Dr. Bour's seminar and knew this surgery was the answer I had been waiting for! I got the money I needed to start the program and started the pre-op support groups immediately. You're required to attend 12 pre-op support groups as part of the approval process. I learned so much valuable information during those group meetings and I also did my own research via internet. I am well aware of all the possible complications of this surgery(Gastric bypass), and have weighed the pros and cons. The pros far outweigh the cons and this surgery will save my life.

As a child, I was consistently ridiculed and made fun of because of my weight when in reality, I wasn't even that overweight and believe that if my parents would have took the time and concern to send me to a nutritionist, it could have greatly impacted my life. Unfortunately, we can't go back in time to change things, so I have to change the future for myself! The lasting emotional scars of always being the "fat kid" and always the "fat sister" still ring true in my mind every day, but I have chosen to take the power into my own hands and trust God with my life. As an adult, I always had the big butt and big thighs, but was okay with myself. Then I had children and my weight skyrocketed and years after trying for our third baby, I discovered I had hypothyroidism and that has made it even harder for me to lose weight. My lowest weight during my early adulthood was 180 and my highest weight was 298. Many people have asked me if I'm scared of having this surgery, but since the beginning, God has given me nothing but peace about the surgery and has paved the way for this to come to fruition.

During the past year or so, I have developed several co-morbidities which include infertility, joint pain, back pain, acid reflux, depression, IBS, and a few others. It has become increasingly difficult to do anything that everyone else takes for granted. Tying my shoes is a chore, doing dishes is back breaking, painting toenails-forget it, riding rollercoasters is impossible, even fitting in a normal chair is almost impossible and the fear of breaking the chair is even worse! I can't walk many steps without being out of breath and can't play with my children the way I dream of. It's time for a change, time for a new me! This blog will describe my journey to a new me..the good steps and the bad!