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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

FINALLY 1 YEAR


Who would have thought I could have made it this far! 1 year on the 3rd I changed my life for the best. Its been a WILD WILD ride that I can say. Some very tough days and followed by just amazing days. This is the hardest thing I have ever done, and everyday I am still learning.
I have truly found myself and I am proud of me. So I have lost a total of 137lbs and couldnt be happier. Dr. Schram said I have lost 70% of my excess body weight and is very happy with that. All my blood work this past year has been amazing. Everything is either above average or right where it should be.
Im loving life again! Also I got asked by the Barix to write my story and submit it for them to have on their website. I was so thrilled. Not sure when it will be posted, but I will forsure let you know!
I will leave you with that and try to write a bit more frequently!!!LOL
Love you and thanks for all the support!!
Hugs

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Pics from the summer!

My good friend Beezer and moi
Jo, Lisa and moi.. our year end ball tournament

My very good friend Colleen and I.




My little man Seth


Seth and me




My twin sista Lori and I






Lori, Christa and moi ready to go out to the bar in Owen Sound





WOWSERS!!! oops


Well what can I say.....Im soooooo very far behind in my blogging!!!It has been a crazy summer. Just to start off this is me from this past weekend in Owen Sound. I am almost 11 months post op and down 137.5lbs. 3 lbs from my goal weight!
So what have I been up too, well ALOT of baseball. Im thrilled that I can do so much more now then last year. With being able to run around the bases and not feel like I am about to die after just running to 1st base. I think out of the whole summer I had maybe a hand full of weekends that I wasnt in a tourney with my boyfriend or just the girls! Its been incredible.
Seth is in Daycare for one day a week and is loving it. He cant wait for that day to come so he can go and play with all the kids, plus it gives me a free day to do what every mom wants to do.......CLEAN!!!LOL
What else can I tell you all.........Im loving life!!!
Here are some pics from over the summer for you all to enjoy!! :)
HUGS

Saturday, July 11, 2009

The 8th Month

This past month was a tough one. I only lost around 3lbs, BUT......Im still happy.Im only roughly a lb away from being under 200 which is a HUGE deal for me.



So total weight lost is 119lbs, total inches lost 74.


The other day I got the idea from a friend of mine to try on my "fat" jeans from before surgery. Here is the out come:

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

7 months and counting......

Well I thought I would give you all a collage to look at....we go from pre-op to today 7 months out! Down a total of 115.1lbs and 66 inches. It is hard to believe that this has finally worked. Having done this surgery was the best thing I think Icould have done. This is not an easy way out, its hard and I have totally changed my life.

Baseball is AWESOME, I am having the best time of my life. I had to adjust my hitting and throwing again, but its all good. Im hitting just as good, my fielding is so much better and do I have to say anythign about running, that is a given.LOL

Just everything is great!!

Hugs
Kel

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

6 months....half way there!!!!



Well, what can I say. I think the picture tells it all! 108.6lbs lost in total. 93.2lbs since Nov.3 my surgery date. 56.5 inches gone!

Im shocked, relieved, amazed and in love with me again! You never know how much you are hurting on the inside until you really see what was happening to you. I seriously was slowly killing myself with my food addiction. I didnt know I was addicted to food until I woke up one day and jsut stared at myself in the mirror and cried. How could I let myself get so out of control? BUT.......I stopped and took control and Im here to live a LONG HEALTHY LIFE with my family and friends.

So I have accomplished 2 big goals already....one is to shop in the regular section of a clothing store and the other was to be able to go on a rollercoaster again. I still have a few goals left and I will make it too them soon.

I start baseball tonight and am so excited to play. Not only to see how I hopefully can still hit the ball good, but to be able to run around the bases with ease. Not stopping at one base and maybe not even two, but maybe to get a triple. That hasnt been done in a very long time without being winded adn gasping for air. I cant wait!

Until next time

Hugs

Monday, April 20, 2009

The 5 day POUCH Test begins.....

Hey,

Well I have chosen to start the 5 day pouch test with some friends from OH website. What happens is basically we are going back to the first 6 weeks of our surgery and eating all the foods and drinking we can do to kinda cleanse our body and get it back to were it should be. If you are stalling this is a good thing to do as well, kinda gets you back on track.

So for days 1 and 2 we are able to eat(all liquid) your cream soups, broth, SF jello, FF pudding, low carb protein drinks and of course to get all your fluids in as possible. Day 3 soft foods, ie... canned fish(not the biggest fan)so I am opting to have ham, chicken, turkey from the can. Day 4 Firmer protein, foods like ground beef, chicken, turkey. Then we have Day 5 which is your solid protein, like steak, chicken, pork etc.

So Im sure if I stick to this for the 5 days I will see my weight loss pick back up a bit. But like I have always said, I dont get caught up in the losing aspect of this surgery, cause I am so happy to have lost this weight and not gain it back.

So lets see where I will be after the 5 DAY POUCH TEST!!!!LOL

Hugs

This past weekend.......

So this past weekend I was able to attend a wedding that I have been looking forwards to since my friend Tammy told me! She is the bride!!! So as you may have read I went to Barrie to see my sister and then headed to Toronto to see a play. Well I purchased a dress for this wedding and love it very much. It was the first dress I have purchased since July 01 I believe and that was becasue of my BF wedding, was standing up with her. So this was a huge milestone I have overcome.
Well I wanted to tell you that everything went awesome. Tammy looking absolutely amazing! Her husband Al didnt look to shabby at all too....LOL.....there children were adorable. It was a very beautiful wedding.
So here are some pics from the wedding. ENJOY!!!





Monday, April 6, 2009

101lbs Gone FOREVER!

Well this morning I weighed myself and loan behold I DID IT.......101lbs GONE FOREVER!!

Its hard to fathom that I have lost this amount of weight. I never thought in my wildest dreams this would ever happen, but it did and I am so greatful.

I know if I didnt have the support from friends and family I wouldnt be able to do this alone, so I want to thank you all for yoru support and encouraging words. I am truly blessed.

WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!
Hugs

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Weekend in Barrie

So this weekend I planned on going up to see my sister in Barrie. She lives in Orillia, but we stayed at her boyfriends house in Barrie.


Friday night we went to see Dirty Dancing at the Royal Alexandria Theater in Toronto. What a gorgous theater. The play was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO VERY GOOD. I would go and see it again and again. It was just great. We did a bit of walking around first in the Mall,which one, I cant think of it just right at the moment. Then took the subway to the theater. I had so much fun.


So Sat. we spent alot of the day shopping. I had such an amazing time shopping. I love to shop and did before surgery, but now almost 100lbs lost its so much more fun. I can go into all the same stores as my sister. We both got new jackets at H&M the same ones just a different size.It was awesome. Then we went searching for an outfit for a wedding I am going to the middle of April. Well I found a dress.....I havent wore a dress since my bestfriends wedding. That has to be a while ago. The dress is an XL from Le Chateau. Its so nice.


That night we went 10 pin bowling. That was sooooo much fun. Would do it again in a heart beat.


But overall I cant wait to go and see her again in the summer.This was the outfit I wore to the Theater.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

5 months



Well there I am yet another month gone.
So Im down a total of 98.4lbs and 84.5 since surgery! Lost 9.5 inches this month bring my total up to 48 inches lost since Dec.
I cant get over how much more energy I have. My confidence is gradually getting better by each month. My out look on life is much more positive then it has been in a long time. Im just overall happy again.
So this might be funny to some, but I find it funny too. As I am looking through my pics I have been taking I cant help but notice bones I thought I never had. Figure of speech cause I knew they were always there, lol, but seriously I have a collarbone, ribs, hipbones. Its crazy to be able to actually feel them and not just be like oh well that is just fat!!LOL.
Im still not comfortable with the top part of my legs, but that will come with working out and walking. I have to remember losing this much weight in a short period of time your skin cant keep up, if it could that would be great.LOL. So when summer comes around and I am in desprite need of a bathing suit than I will purchase on, but until then...I can wait!
Hugs
Kel



Thursday, March 19, 2009

St. Pattys Day

So this year I got to finally go to a St. Pattys Day Party!!!Yeah Yeah I know what you are all thinking...you have never been to one....yes I lead a sheltered life!!LOL

There is a party every year held in Dublin, no not Ireland(I wish) Dublin, ON. Small townin Huron County. Well its held every year on St. Pats Day. It was a blast. I went with two of my good friends Jo and Lisa. Then met up with more friends when we got there. Everyone was having such a good time, most of them were very drunk, and it was hillarious.


So hear are some pics from the dance!!!

My friends Jenn her boyfriend Mike and bruce
My good friends Jo and Lisa
Lisa and me
Jo her neice and Mike
The band. They were great!
Cheers to a good time!!

Curling



So every year our group of friends decide to make an attempt to curl!!!

I'll go back to last year....I had a blast curling, dont get me wrong, but I couldnt get down adn actually throw the rock like everyone else. That was a disapointment for me. Well this year not the case.

This is my very good friend Colleen. She has her surgery in July and to date has lost over 150lbs. Im so very proud of her!

So I am posting a few pictures from our curling party. So enjoy and I cant wait to do it again next year!!


Stirkin a pose for the camera!!!LOL
Was so excited I could actually do this!!!
SWEEP, HURRY, HARD!!!Everyone was yelling that, it was hillarious!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

A Big WOW

So I came to the conclusion that I had to go and get some new clothes. I love shopping dont get me wrong, but having to buy clothes every month or so sucks, so I have learned to shop CLEARANCE!!!

So my mom and I go to Goderich every Friday pretty much and usually do grocery shopping, so yesterday I said I have to get some t-shirts and a few other things. So off to Walmart we go. As habit I head right for the plus size department and start looking for 1X to a few 2X items, well needless to say NOPE that aint working. So off to the REGULAR department. That is such a werid feeling. XL Im staring at the size tag and thinking to myself is this really going to fit me, I havent wore these sizes since highschool. So off to the change room I go and THEY FIT!!!WOWSERS......and they arent tight either. So I am so happy. Words cant describe it seriously. For those of you who are overweight know what I am feeling. So I ended up buying 2 t-shirts, 2 sweaters, comfy pants and this is a shocker a winter vest(my other one I have is a 3X) that is a size LARGE. That is a little snug, but in a couple weeks it will fit perfect.

So that is my wow moment. This is probably the first real big wow for me.

This journey for me so far has be awesome with a few thoughts of OMG what am I doing. I am so grateful I have such wonderful people in my life that are so supportive. If I didnt have this support it would be awful, Im sure I would fail. There are times where I think to myself why did I do this.......times when we are on the road and me trying to find something to eat, its frustrating and hard, but then I tell myself its okay I can do it! Most of the time I am glad I have choosen to take this journey!

Hugs

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

4 months already!!!






Well can you actually believe it.....my goodness look at that, im actually kind of skinny, I think!!LOL
4 months have passed since I have had my surgery, 4 MONTHS. Im amazed that I look like that. I can remember that I looked like that at one point in my life. Im totally and utterly thankful for Dr. Schram and the whole Barix team for changing my life. Im thankful that the Barix Clinic is allowing all of us Canadians to come to the US and have this life changing surgery done. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!
Okay so numbers.......drum roll.........................down 70lbs since surgery in Nov and 84.4 since Oct.OMG, down a total of 38.5 inches since Dec. Im slowly fading away LOL!
This past weekend my sister was home and said something to me that I have I dont think ever heard before she called me skinny, what me are you kidding! She was just in shock the look on her face was priceless. It was awesome.
Hugs
Kel




Monday, March 2, 2009

A dear friend..............

Hello everyone, I hate to write such sad news on here, but I need too. A dear friend to many of us from the Barix Family has lost someone early Sunday morning. Shelia AKA Rusty was such a kind hearted individual. I believe she had her surgery early last week with the CROC gang as they called themselves. Im not sure what her cause of death is as that is being concluded sometime this week if not already.

I only met shelia once at our Barix Luncheon in Jan of this year, but from the time I met her I knew she was such an amazing and caring women. Like many of us she was having surgery Im sure to change her life and start over. She seemed eager with anticipation of having surgery. I know there are risks to any surgery more than others and we all know this. Somethings always happen for reason. Everyone has a purpose for being here on earth and when our time is up its up. God has many reasons why he needs us and he needed Shelia for some amazing job. You always ask though why, why did you have to take someone that was just starting over again? We will never know. I hope she passed away peacefully with no pain.

Rusty you will be extremely missed by us all. May you continue to bring joy and happiness where ever you are.

Hugs Kelly

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

3 months out!


Well here I am, seems like these months jsut fly by.
Okay so here are my stats!!LOL
Weight loss to date is 57.5lbs since surgery Nov. and 72lbs since PATs in Oct.
My total loss in inches is 25 and that is from dec.3 so it would have been my 1 month. I forgot to take measurements before.
So needless to say I am thrilled the way things are going. I got my blood work done last Monday here at home and got them to fax my results to the clinic in MI. They Dawn, Dr.Schrams nurse I believe called me. She says I am doing great except my B12 is on the low end. So we were able to find the right stuff online on EBAY. Its called Spring Valley B-complex it is a sublingual liquid droplet. I get 2oz a day for basically the rest of my life, which is fine considering its only $8.00 every 2 months. So next time I am in the states I will be stocking up big time.LOL
So Im doing really good. Im pleased with all the results thus far and cant wait to see where I will be at in another month!!
Hugs

Friday, January 30, 2009

Not sure how to react?!!!(long post)

Before I start all the info I have put on here is from ObesityHelp.com

Duodenal Switch (also called vertical gastrectomy with duodenal switch, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, DS or BPD-DS) is performed by approximately 50 surgeons worldwide. It generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten (partial gastrectomy (i.e., partial removal of the stomach along the outer curvature see diagram) and by limiting the amount of food (specifically fat) that is absorbed into the body (intestinal bypass or duodenal switch). This weight loss surgery is more controversial because it has a significant component of malabsorption (bypass of the intestinal tract), which seems to augment and help maintain long-term weight loss. Of the procedures currently performed for the treatment of obesity, it has some powerful and effective components. Due to concerns of possible long-term effects of malabsorption and the technical difficulty involved with this type of weight loss surgery, many surgeons don't perform it.

Advantages of this weight loss surgery:
More normal stomach allows for better eating quality, drink with meals
No dumping syndrome because the pylorus is preserved
Minimizes ulcer risk
Very effective for high BMI patients (BMI>55 kg/m2), but can be done on lower BMI just as effectively
The intestinal bypass is partially reversible for those having malabsorptive complications
Laparoscopic approach is offered by some surgeons

Disadvantages of this weight loss surgery:
Chance of chronic diarrhea, possibly more foul smelling stools and gas. This can be due to dieting intake, but for the most part controlled.
Malabsorption can lead to anemia, protein deficiency and metabolic bone disease in up to 5 percent of patients
Carbohydrates can be well absorbed and if eaten in significant quantities lead to inadequate weight loss
This procedure is the most complex surgical weight loss procedure. As with any of the surgeries listed complications can occur in high risk patients.(heart failure, sleep apnea)

Generally speaking, as the extent or magnitude of a surgical procedure increases, so does the risk of surgery. In regards to weight loss surgery procedures, Duodenal Switch is the most aggressive procedure and as a result, also carries the highest potential for complications.

Potential Duodenal Switch complications include:
Leaks
Blood clots forming in the legs
Pulmonary embolus or blood clots traveling to the lungs
Infection
Abscesses
Bowel obstruction
Pneumonia
Problems with healing at incision site
Additional potential complications include:
Kidney failure
Injury to the spleen which requires removal during surgery
Bleeding

As a result of these complications, some patients may need to spend extra time in the ICU. A patient may also require extra time in the ICU if their health is poor initially.
Some complications of Duodenal Switch are more long term, and may not become evident for some time after Duodenal Switch. These potential long term complications of Duodenal Switch include nutritional and vitamin deficiencies that are generally preventable with adequate supplementation. Deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin A, calcium and protein may occur which can result in osteoporosis, anemia and poor health in general. Duodenal Switch patients should be dedicated to taking supplemental vitamins and minerals, consuming a high protein diet and having their blood tested each year.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RGB)This operation is the most common and successful combined weight loss surgery in the United States. First, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch to restrict food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach, the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine), and the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This reduces the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. Rarely, a cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal) is performed to avoid the gallstones that may result from rapid weight loss. More commonly, patients take medication after the operation to dissolve gallstones.

Advantages of this weight loss surgery:
greatly controls food intake, leading to rapid weight loss
dumping syndrome dumping conditions to control intake of sweets
reversible in an emergency though this procedure should be thought of as a permanent

Disadvantages of this weight loss surgery:
staple line failure
ulcers
narrowing/blockage of the stoma
vomiting if food is not properly chewed or if food is eaten to quickly
weight re-gain is known to happen if dietary changes are not followed long term

Uncommon bariatric surgery risks can include rare complications of leakage through staples or sutures, ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, blood clots in the lungs or legs, stretching of the pouch or esophagus, persistent vomiting and abdominal pain, inflammation of the gallbladder, and failure to lose weight (very rare).More than one-third of obese patients who have weight-loss surgery develop gallstones. Gallstones are clumps of cholesterol and other matter that form in the gallbladder. During rapid or substantial weight loss, a person’s risk of developing gallstones increases. Gallstone formation can be lessened with medication taken for the first six months after surgery.Among other bariatric surgery risks, nearly 30 percent of patients who have weight loss surgery develop nutritional deficiencies such as anemia, osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. These deficiencies can be avoided if vitamin and mineral supplements are maintained as recommended on a life-long basis.

Okay so you are all probably wondering why I have put just these two surgeries on here, well...Im not sure how to react, well not react but I guess just....I dont know!LOL

See I go on to Obesityhelp to read peoples post and if I can help them I tell them my point and what has helped me. BUT the one thing that I get very upset about is the on going continous debate over DS and RNY WLS. Seriuosly I dont think there should bea debate on a weightloss forum of any kind to further upset "newbies" as we all call them, in some people forcing them to check out DS or RNY between the two surgeries. There are a couple particular people, not naming, cause I am not like that, are basically preaching to others that DS is the BEST weightloss surgery out there. Now I am all for ALL different kinds of surgeries to help us lose weight, but STOP TELLING PEOPLE ONE IS BETTER THAN THE OTHER.

Everyone has there reasons for choosing one over the other, and eventhough Statistics say one shoudl help you better than the other for your body or BMI whatever......if you choose one then you choose it for YOUR reasons and not someone else telling you. DSers say DS is better because you dont DUMP like RNYers, but you know what....RNYers more than likely choose this surgery cause we dont want to go back to the ways we were with eating all the junk. That is why some got overwieght, cause we couldnt control our eating. That is one of the biggest arguments. Another one is the so called "diet" that RNYers have to follow. DSers say they dont want to be on a diet because diets have failed them in the past. RNYers have I believe to have choosen the RNY because they would like tolive a more healthier lifestyle of eating. I know personally I choose RNY just for that reason, I dont want to continue to eat the way I was eating, I want to eat healthier. Carbs, sweets were my biggest enemy and for me choosing DS that it a waste to me. Remember this is my opinion, so I wanted to have the "DUMPING" so I know that if I eat too much sweets I will in the end pay for eating it.

Like I said before Im not bias at all, I think any weightloss surgery is fantastic, and ALL WLS have risks and side effects. That is why I posted only the two surgeries on here and the risks and benefits of both.

All I wish is that if you have a strong opinion about a WLS instead of preaching to someone that one is better than the other, just state the obvious of having them jsut research for themselves the options of all the surgeries out there. THEY WILL choose what best suits them, for their body and their lifestyle!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

WHAT IS WRONG?????

Okay so seriously, I have no clue what the hell my problem is. It seems like whatever my boyfriend or son do......I am constantly yelling or pissed right off. I am getting so annoyed with them both, but they havent done anything to piss me off. Maybe because my such wonderful friend is in town, but I seriuosly didnt think that my hormones would change this much. Is this the case or am I just having a bad day or two!

I just want to curl up in a ball in cry, but I dont know why I would want to, when my life is so awesome now! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I hate to vent on here and tell you about my problems and what I am feeling, but I need to do it somewhere or I will blow up and it wont be good. I dont want anyone reading this to feel bad for me, cause Im not unhappy, I just cant control my emotions at the moment!!LOL

Lets hope that tomorrow Im not as irrated as I am today!!!!

Thanks for listening!!Love you all
Hugs

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Today was AWESOME


Well what can I say except that I just met today some of the most caring, loving, heartfelt people ever. A way while back my friend Jean and I thought that it would be great to meet everyone, so it thenwas decided to have a get together. Lunch was decided adn the place was Montanas in London. That is the short form version!!LOL
So today was that day where alot of us got together and finally meet after months and months of chatting over the internet to finally meet people face to face. IT WAS AMAZING. To see everyone, that has had WLS at the Barix Clinic in MI all come together and have the most wonderful time! Now getting names straight that is my problem!!!! I do remember alot of you that I met, but a couple of you I cant remember at all, its probably because we didnt spend alot of time today talking, but there will be a next time for sure!
I am so grateful to Jean for taking the time to arrange this awesome time and for the few of you how made all those keychains as well, they are wonderful! Its amazing to realize just how wonderful some people can become great friends by jsut talking online! I am so glad to have met each and every one of you and have truly made some long lasting friendships!!
I cant wait till the next outing!!!!
Hugs
PICS ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Monday, January 12, 2009

2 months



So in writing my other 2 blogs just at the beginning of the year, I totally forgot about my 2 months!!LOL, so here are my pics.
I was at I believe around 55lbs lost in total and 39lbs since surgery. Inches are about 10, but I didnt take pre-measurements before surgery stupid me, oh well, so those inches are from 1 month out.
I know I have lost alot of weight and I can tell by certain ways I am sitting. I can finally cross my legs with out having to put my leg up with help ie, my hand bring it up, I also find myself curled up on the couch with easy and very comfy! I love it. My clothes are fitting alot better now, but am frustrated because I dont want to go and buy new ones, cause those will get to small as well.LOL
So as of today I am down a total of 60.5lbs and 46lbs from surgery.WOW....4lbs away from the 50lb mark its unbelievable! I know I keep saying this, but I am truly happy with my life and everyone in it.
Hugs
Kel

Sunday, January 4, 2009

New Years 2008

New Years at two of my friends houses! Had loads of fun!

Christmas 2008

These are taken at the Teatero Family Xmas and the Collins Xmas! To see the pics clearer I believe you can just click on the collage

2009 Is my YEAR




Well what can I say....the only New Years Resolution I have only had for the past 5 years has been to LOSE WEIGHT, well all I can say is I KNOW THAT WILL HAPPEN!! So this year I truly believe is going to be one of the best years that I can remember!


So I am going to include some pics from Christmas and New Years to share with you all.


As for an update on me, well.....I DID it, what I was aiming for by Christmas was to lose a total of 50lbs. On Christmas I weighed myself and I was 50.5lbs. I almost had a tear!!LOL Im so very proud of myself for everything I have done. Have the courage to have surgery and not whine at all. I think all the other times I wasnt ready at all, I thought I was but no way looking back now. This is truly a CHANGE of LIFE and there are no oh I will just do it this one time. You have to follow this diet or you are not going to enjoy it at all.


Hugs