Letrell
09-29-2011, 02:11 PM
Before I dive in and read all the messages and comments from everyone since my last visit, I wanted to just jump in (emotions run deep) and say hi to everyone and apologize for not being here for...oh wow...seems an eternity.
I'm 2 yrs 3 mos out, down 197 lbs (319 to 122).
It has been...a wild ride, to say the least. So much to tell...so little box space. LOL. So I will simply summarize it before the emotions snag me.
I am doing very well ... have even started writing a book about this "adventure". I have had the opportunity to speak with many groups and individuals, talking about the good, the bad, what you have to sacrifice, what you gain...you know, all those wonderful things. I suppose I am a success story (or so the surgeon says).
But you know, there is more to it than what the outer appearance radiates. I seem to have slipped a bit to the "other" side. Not sure I truly know how it feels to hear the nutritionist and the surgeon say...don't diet at all...eat more...don't worry about what you eat, just don't lose any more weight. I was a 3X .. am now a size 3/4.
I have had a forehead lift and eye lift. I am waiting for my surgery date for a paniculectomy (think I got that right) and will then have the arms done. Both to remove excess skin. I am a new person. And for the most part a very happy person.
You know what it feels like when you can stand on your feet for 10 hours at a time and not flinch? *smiles* Or hear the sales clerk say quietly, "I'm not sure we have that in your size. You are very small." (That's a favorite.)
Then back to the surgeon. I visit with the doctors monthly and have monthly blood drawn. My vitamins are out of whack. So they are constantly being changed. I skip them sometimes. The reason? Well, if I take the vitamins, I am full. I can't eat. And if I don't eat, I lose weight. I know, stupid reason. But I'm doing better there. I am taking them. Have to.
You know that potassium pill that is so large you want to gag on it? Trust me. Take it with a smile. I am on liquid potassium, 4 - 6 times a day. The single most vulgar flavor invented by man..and it's in the original state. Nasty nasty nasty. I would love to take the pills again.
Watch your dumping. Is it dumping or is it diahrrea? BIG difference. Dumping is normal on occassion. The later is not in any form. Seems I couldn't tell the difference. After 2 years of trying to figure out why my body doesn't absorb the vitamins, BINGO....the surgeon hit the nail on the head. "Why are you dumping so much?" It wasn't dumping. The later drains your body of all nutrients and vitamins. In August, my file was officially stamped...."malnourished". Didn't I feel like a fool?
It's been a long haul to get back to where I feel pretty dang good again. My pouch, I am told, will never stretch back out. It is about 3 oz and holding. I eat all day long, tiny portions. And on a good day I can slam down a taco with the best of em.
So what can I leave in this message that might help someone? I always try to say something that possibly one person will feel connected with. I think today.. it is simply this....
Remember you have value. Fat, thin, short, tall....each of us has value. Our presence here on this wonderful earth is a quiet reminder that God, Himself, feels we are important. Important enough for Him to have placed us here. Everyone has a different road to walk; we all wear different shoes. But the end of our journey lies in the same spot. We have to keep moving forward, take what is given us, and do the very best with it that we can.
I challenge each of you right now to not give up. Stand firm in your resolve to become the person you want to be. Forget about others' expectations, they mean nothing. It is what you expect of yourselves that is important. Live up to it. And do it with a smile. It'll keep em all guessing.
Be safe.
Letrell
I'm 2 yrs 3 mos out, down 197 lbs (319 to 122).
It has been...a wild ride, to say the least. So much to tell...so little box space. LOL. So I will simply summarize it before the emotions snag me.
I am doing very well ... have even started writing a book about this "adventure". I have had the opportunity to speak with many groups and individuals, talking about the good, the bad, what you have to sacrifice, what you gain...you know, all those wonderful things. I suppose I am a success story (or so the surgeon says).
But you know, there is more to it than what the outer appearance radiates. I seem to have slipped a bit to the "other" side. Not sure I truly know how it feels to hear the nutritionist and the surgeon say...don't diet at all...eat more...don't worry about what you eat, just don't lose any more weight. I was a 3X .. am now a size 3/4.
I have had a forehead lift and eye lift. I am waiting for my surgery date for a paniculectomy (think I got that right) and will then have the arms done. Both to remove excess skin. I am a new person. And for the most part a very happy person.
You know what it feels like when you can stand on your feet for 10 hours at a time and not flinch? *smiles* Or hear the sales clerk say quietly, "I'm not sure we have that in your size. You are very small." (That's a favorite.)
Then back to the surgeon. I visit with the doctors monthly and have monthly blood drawn. My vitamins are out of whack. So they are constantly being changed. I skip them sometimes. The reason? Well, if I take the vitamins, I am full. I can't eat. And if I don't eat, I lose weight. I know, stupid reason. But I'm doing better there. I am taking them. Have to.
You know that potassium pill that is so large you want to gag on it? Trust me. Take it with a smile. I am on liquid potassium, 4 - 6 times a day. The single most vulgar flavor invented by man..and it's in the original state. Nasty nasty nasty. I would love to take the pills again.
Watch your dumping. Is it dumping or is it diahrrea? BIG difference. Dumping is normal on occassion. The later is not in any form. Seems I couldn't tell the difference. After 2 years of trying to figure out why my body doesn't absorb the vitamins, BINGO....the surgeon hit the nail on the head. "Why are you dumping so much?" It wasn't dumping. The later drains your body of all nutrients and vitamins. In August, my file was officially stamped...."malnourished". Didn't I feel like a fool?
It's been a long haul to get back to where I feel pretty dang good again. My pouch, I am told, will never stretch back out. It is about 3 oz and holding. I eat all day long, tiny portions. And on a good day I can slam down a taco with the best of em.
So what can I leave in this message that might help someone? I always try to say something that possibly one person will feel connected with. I think today.. it is simply this....
Remember you have value. Fat, thin, short, tall....each of us has value. Our presence here on this wonderful earth is a quiet reminder that God, Himself, feels we are important. Important enough for Him to have placed us here. Everyone has a different road to walk; we all wear different shoes. But the end of our journey lies in the same spot. We have to keep moving forward, take what is given us, and do the very best with it that we can.
I challenge each of you right now to not give up. Stand firm in your resolve to become the person you want to be. Forget about others' expectations, they mean nothing. It is what you expect of yourselves that is important. Live up to it. And do it with a smile. It'll keep em all guessing.
Be safe.
Letrell