deedee

Thanks again for all of your replies. I attempted to have the two tests done today (hysterosonogram and hsg). The first was at the fertility clinic and after 25 (VERY PAINFUL) minutes of trying to get into my cervix, the doctor finally said we'd have to try another day. I had to go to the imaging center for my hsg, and I explained what had happened earlier that day and they were surprised he sent me over. When the woman looked in, she commented on the blood, which I warned her about, and how beat up I looked in there. Suffice it to say, she had no luck performing her test either:-( I will go back to the fertility center tomorrow so they can have another crack at it and this time it will be with my RE so hopefully we can discuss next steps if it doesn't work. A friend of mine had to have surgery to clear away scar tissue so the hsg could be done...I'll just have to wait and see. I was a little upset right after the first test didn't work, but now I'm just mad! I just wish my body would cooperate for some aspect of this, but I'm not giving up.

Wow! You look incredible!!!

Thank you so much ladies, your kind words made me tear up. I was just in a little self pity mode, but I know that I'm not out yet. IVF can still be an option (I live in a state with mandatory insurance coverage, just don't work in this state) in a year if I get a teaching job here in my own state, which I plan on doing again after this next school year. If only I would have stayed at my old school, I'd have coverage for this year...oh well, no need to dwell on "what ifs?" I'm hoping for some better news next week and will let you know. Again, thank you so much for your responses, it really means A LOT!!!

I want to say CONGRATULATIONS to all the losers on here! I stopped posting once I started maintenance, but I still love to read about all the successes. AJW-woohoo on working your sleeve and getting below goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I PASSED!!!!!!!!!! This has been a long time in coming. I was scheduled for two different auditions previously this year, but for different reasons had to skip them. I've danced my entire life and I can say that today's audition was the most nervous I've ever been. I think because I had to do it solo vs. being in a group. Now I have to get through the next two days and I'll be an instructor. :scared0: I've never been so strong and healthy. None of this would have been possible without the vsg.

I understand where you're coming from. I too become hungry when I'm sick (except a stomach virus) and tend to eat more comfort foods and I was sick A LOT this past winter/spring. I'm only 11 months out, but around 9 months I remember one week putting on 5 pounds in about 1.5 weeks. I let myself get into some old habits...one week I ate out everyday and grazed on a lot of snack foods for all my other meals. I didn't gain anything, so I just continued, but the next 1.5 weeks (although I did start to get a little better) I noticed the scale start moving slowly upwards. I cut back on the eating out (completely stopped going out for lunch at work), decided to buy some healthier Snacks (granola bars, yogurt, fruit--as I don't tend to crave these as much and will stop when full), and just started taking more notice of what and when I ate. I decided that if I continued to go up in pounds, I'd go back to low carb and/or measuring foods/counting calories, etc., but really didn't want to feel like I was on a diet. I just tried to do what I thought a "normal" person would do in this situation and it worked. Good luck getting back on track! That's just one thing I love about this tool...it's still there when we need it. Oh, by the way, I too seem to be able to eat a lot more than others mention on here. I also never truly lost my hunger either. So I guess we're all different.

It's so good to read this update. Excellent job sticking with this goal and yeah, I hear you about comparing the difference in our lives from this time last year.

I posted on my blog this week regarding how I passed the Jazzercise Instructor Audition on Thursday and was basically on cloud nine for a couple of days. I'm very proud of that accomplishment, but I'm even more proud of yesterday. After the initial audition we had a day of seminars and then a day of movement technique/critique. Yesterday was the movement technique day and I can say that I've never worked out so hard in all of my life, BUT it was also one of my proudest days too. It was an 8 hour day with about 5 or so hours spent moving at a high intensity...skipping, jumping, lunging, etc. and even weights and ab work thrown in there for fun:-) I sweat through 3 different workout outfits when all was said and done (glad I listened and brought extras). Looking back over the past 11 months, I'm simply amazed out how much my life has changed for the better. I can remember when I first started taking classes at about 220 lbs. how I thought it would be neat to be an instructor and I knew that I had the dance and leadership ability, but I also knew that I wasn't physically strong enough to make it through the process (couldn't always perform high impact/high intensity and even though that's okay for a student, instructors need that ability). Now I feel so strong and am so grateful that I had this procedure to help me achieve my goals!

Today I weighed 156.5 lbs, which is a little less than 10 lbs. to my goal and the lowest I've ever weighed. On a normal day I really don't notice much difference, but when I look back at pictures, I can really see the changes. I thought I'd post a couple of pics to show the difference, one is from December 2007 (around 235 lbs; size 20 pant, 1X top in picture) and the other is from this year December 2009 (156.5 lbs; size 10 pant, Small top in picture).

I ordered and received the white/silver ones. If you're looking for a good place for online ordering, Zappos is great because they have free shipping to and from and you have up to a year to return. The shoes are wonderful! I can honestly say they are the most comfortable, supportive walking shoe that I've worn in a long time (if not ever). Now I have to say I've only taken 1 walk in them so far, about 1.5 miles, at a leisurely pace because this week I've had a couple of the most grueling exercise days of my life (Jazzercise audition and training) and wanted to just do something a little different. I was able to comfortably wear them without socks in humid mid-80's weather. As for the "shaping up" part, not so sure. I didn't feel any soreness or discomfort in any part of my legs or butt...all I felt was very supportive comfort, which was what I was hoping for. Overall, I'd rate the shoe 5 stars for comfort and support. Here are a couple of pictures to show how they look on the feet, yes a bit clunky, but so worth it:thumbup:

Congratulations on your NSV AND your positive attitude!!! On a side note, my first "stall" (and longest) began sometime in my 2nd week as well.

I don't think it's ever a bad idea to call your doctor if you're concerned. I remember feeling pretty bloated the second and third weeks, but it's hard for me to remember that first week:-) I hope you feel better soon!

I don't think it really matters, but I'm definitely not an expert. My husband exercises at the gym at 7 AM each morning. During the weekdays, he goes to Starbucks first and drinks a coffee and has some kind of pastry. If he doesn't eat before hand, he doesn't do as long of a workout and says he feels lightheaded. I have a 45-70 minute commute in the morning depending on traffic and have to be to work by 7:30 AM, so there is no way for me to exercise in the morning (5 AM comes pretty early as it is) because I don't want to get up earlier. I exercise in the evening and it works out fine for me. Sometimes it gets difficult because my body seems too "hyped" to sleep, but usually it's fine. I know that with light food in me, I feel more able to work out at a higher intensity than without?? I think doing whatever works for you and that you'll be able to stick with is best. Good luck establishing a routine! What's the Best Time to Exercise?

I also bruise much easier since the vsg and the only thing I was low on was Vit. D, but the labs 5 months ago had me too high on Vit. D and I still had the bruising problem, so I don't think it's that.

I would think you'd need to wait at least 4 weeks, but I'd give your surgeon a call...maybe he will clear you sooner? A couple of years ago I had a yoga instructor come to the house once a week because none of the classes fit into my schedule. I got to know her pretty well as a result and she dropped 30 pounds in a year that she attributes to yoga and a change in diet. I have another friend who swears by it (she's a size 0/2 and never had a weight problem though), she runs and does yoga a few times each week. She says she's never felt stronger and leaner in her life since adding in the yoga and actually is looking into getting certified. Good luck to you!

Congratulations! It's a wonderful accomplishment!!!

I use straws depending on how they make me feel. I've noticed that sometimes they seem to let a lot of air in because I get this bloated feeling, but other times it seems to be fine. You'll just have to try it out I guess.

And that's exactly what I'm hoping for, so no offense at all:-) Due to the different activities I do for exercise I like different shoes for different purposes. I usually have a couple pairs of studio shoes going, and a pair of walking/running shoes, which I try to rotate out every 4-6 months. I really have been needing a good pair of supportive walking shoes that work without socks...it's been so hot here, so I hope these fit the bill.

I was cleared for light weights around 4 weeks post-op, but my surgeon does it on a case by case basis, so I'd definitely wait for that approval.