deedee

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!!!

A little history...My husband and I tried to get pregnant for a little over a year on our own with no luck. We then went to Shady Grove Fertility Center and I had lots of testing done and it was decided that I needed to have a myomectomy to remove a whole bunch of fibroids...I also wasn't ovulating at the time (cycles ranges from 45-90 days if I remember correctly??). Finally in January 09, I had my myomectomy and planned to returned to RE in May 09. In April, my husband sat me down and talked to me about his concerns regarding me getting pregnant at such a high weight. I agreed, although was very upset at first, and started a search which ultimately led to the VSG. As soon as I hit goal (Jan '10), and after talking to my surgeon, we started trying again and in June '10 I made the decision to go back to the RE. I went in yesterday for 3 day blood work (to see if I was ovulating and stuff) and an ultrasound. I asked the tech if she could share if there were any fibroids and she pointed out just one and pretty small at that (she said like the size of a pea). I got a call then yesterday afternoon and was told all my blood work looked good, but they wanted to schedule me for a hysterosonogram to check out my fibroids and polyps. I was a little concerned, but made the appointment. Well today I had a follow up with the doctor and he let me know that he saw a lot of Fluid that he thinks might indicate that my tubes are blocked and it was decided that I'd get an HSG test to see if they are. The last one (Dec 08) showed open tubes, but that was before the myomectomy. He said that sometimes during the healing process of removing the fibroids, scar tissue can develop that blocks the tubes. I go in next Tuesday for both the sonogram and HSG test and then will meet again with the RE to decide where to go from there. I am just so disappointed. The driving force behind me having the VSG was to get healthy in order to achieve and carry a healthy pregnancy. I know that there is still hope, but also know that after self-paying for the VSG, we really cannot afford IVF out of pocket (and my insurance has an exclusion policy). I know that I'm blessed in so many areas of my life and AM grateful, but goodness, why does this have to be so hard? I know I need to get over my pity party, but I'm just so sad. If you made it this far, thank you for reading. I'll be sure to post updates. Good luck to everyone on their motherhood journey!

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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!

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?

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 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.

I would say it depends on your size. When my chest was fuller, I loved Land's End sports bras. They were well constructed and pretty thick, which held me well. As I shrunk in that area I purchased Champion sports bras from target and liked how stretchy and flexible they are. Good luck

Thanks everybody! I'm trying not to get to excited because I know it's a long process, but it's hard to not:-)

I made the decision about a week ago to go back to the fertility clinic I was using pre-surgery. We've been actively trying for about 5 months (but not doing anything to prevent it for 6 months) and after 3 years, I'm very impatient:-) I have an appointment set up for July 7, but called and spoke with the nurse about coming in for my 3 day blood work before that (I'm due to start my period the week before). She said that would be fine because the doctor will want to re-run some tests since it's been a year and a half since I've been there. I don't yet know if I will need assistance (like meds or iui), but it makes me feel better that I can get thoroughly checked out to make sure there is nothing wrong like before. I'm just so excited and grateful to be at the healthiest weight I've ever been to embark on this journey. :scared0:

Tiff, I've been thinking about setting up another blog too because so much of my life now is not about this great tool. It's good to hear from you!

I've noticed that although I'm pretty much holding steady weight wise, things still seem to be shifting. For me this is mostly a good thing because things are redistributing so I look more normal, but I'm already down to a 34C, so I hope that everything stays the same there:-)

I lost in my feet and face immediately. My butt went flat pretty fast as well. Then my upper body seemed to go (arms, upper torso, and back). My tummy and thighs were next and my boobs got gradually smaller throughout the whole process. The boob thing bothered me a lot, but now I like how I can wear some exercise tops with only the "built in" bra they come with...that was always a joke before. Good luck on your journey!

I just ordered my first pair to use for summer walking (it says these are comfy without socks too??). I'll let you know how they work. SKECHERS Shape Ups - Sleek Fit at Zappos.com