Finally!----- 204lbs!-- Down 109lbs!

Finally! There has been movement on the scale! I guess I shouldn't be so surprised, I just had to cut back on my carbs and increase my protein, DUH! I had been eating bread a lot more than I should have been and not paying attention to my snacking so I decided after last weeks post that I would be more conscientious of my choices. I have been making sure my meals are simple: Protein and a vegetable. We have eaten great as a family this week and it feels awesome!  For an update on last weeks yoga class: Holy Cow! That "fundamental" class kicked my ass. Never having taken a class before, I wasn't sure what to expect. So I just went in, found a spot at the back and chatted with a lady next to me that looked like she knew what she was doing. I told her it was my first time and she told me not to worry, that I would be able to follow along. So the instructor came in, put on some relaxing music and turned off the lights.  I will admit I felt very self-conscious at first. But that went away as the class went on. I was so surprised at my ability. I was able to do things that I honestly never thought I could do, although I have always had very good balance and am pretty flexible. Don't ask me the name of the poses because, frankly, all I could catch was 'downward dog'.  I was good at that! LOL ! But it really was easy enough to follow, although I had to watch her the whole time, so I really didn't get the benefit of the "relaxing" yoga experience. I had looked around and it was apparent who practices on a regular basis.  The class had lasted an hour and at the end of that hour, I was sweating profusely!  I felt so strong. It was just what I needed, wasn't too difficult, but enough to work my muscles! Now ask me how I felt the next day.... I literally felt like I had been hit by a bus. My body--mostly my arms and upper body, was so sore. I worked muscles I never knew I had.  I had a hard time doing ordinary things. Carrying Nadav down the stairs was difficult. If you know my son, he is not that light! It took a few days to "recuperate".  So all in all my first experience was fantastic! So much that I am going again tonight!!!  Peace out.

8 months- 3 weeks out 208lbs-Down 105lbs

Its been awhile since my last post! Last week Michael and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary. We spent the weekend at the Gaylord National Hotel at the National Harbor and had an AMAZING weekend! Together we walked (and jogged a little!) our first 5K in 56 minutes. It was so great! Maybe next year I will be able to jog the whole thing! I think I will make that my goal.  I have DEFINITELY hit a (temporary) plateau right now. It's a little scary, because I feel like 'omigod, that's it, I'm done losing weight!'--But I have been reassured that this happens and it is normal. Ironically, I FINALLY joined a gym almost 2 weeks ago and have been trying to go everyday! I am only doing the treadmill right now because that's what I am most comfortable with. In the beginning I started with 30 min at 3.5mph but now I am at 45min varying my incline (up to 10) and sporadically running here and there to increase my heart rate. It feels great!!!  I met with a trainer, and she showed me all the other equipment in the gym so I look forward to working my way up to the weights and all the other different machines--I will admit its a little intimidating, but its fun! They also offer free classes and tonight (in a half hour!) I will be taking my very first yoga class! I am excited and nervous! I have always wanted to try yoga! So, that is all for now! Peace out!

7 months out--211lbs---Down 102lbs!!!!!

For a few weeks now I have been stuck at 214.5lbs-- Even yesterday I weighed in at 214.5. So after "using the bathroom" last night and this morning (matzah---nuff said) I am now at a 102 pound loss!!!!!  Yay!! I am so excited!  I had been a little worried because I had fallen into a little "bump in the road" I will call it.  I started to have bread issues. On occasion I would eat a slice of toast with breakfast (per my nutrition plan) but I started to add 1/2 bagels and then I started to add pizza. Prior to surgery, when Michael would work overnights, I used to order out pizza for Noah and I.  Now, I admit, we actually ordered Dominoes about 3 times and I can eat up to a slice and a half. This got me really worried. So I put up a post on the support site I belong to, to ask for advice, and I got a rude awakening. Here was my post:

'I am just over 6 months out from my RNY, with a 95lb loss so far and I am realizing I can eat pretty much anything.  My worries are about bread consumption.  I will have an occasional 1/2 bagel or piece of toast, and now I am having pizza. I can eat 1 slice of dominoes pizza just fine! I have even been able to eat a slice and a half.  In the beginning I thought that I would never eat bread again, but as I am able to slowly add it to my diet it is easier to eat.  Am I in denial that 1 piece of pizza "won't hurt me" or should I nip this in the bud right now!?  What are your thoughts on bread/bread products and carbs in general and how many grams should I be consuming daily??' 
Here is the very first response I got:
        So, in 6 months you've found your way already to toast > bagels > and now an entire slice pizza.  If you're not dumping, then you're left to willpower and your own decisions just like you were pre-op.  Will you try chocolate cake next?  Remember your own mantra:
"Nothing tastes as good as thin feels!"
This response sent me into a headspin. I can't explain it, but maybe just the honesty of it really made an impression on me.  If you are interested in reading the whole thread here is the link:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/4135748/BREAD/#communityupdates:0

Not everyone was as harsh, but I did see where I had to change-and even got some good tips on how to be able to have pizza without all the guilt.  (Tortilla pizza! yummm-o! (recipes on a blog I follow--"The world according to Eggface")  I know food will always be an issue in my life, I just need to learn how to choose wisely!

6 month Surgiversary! 219lbs--Down 94lbs! Woot Woot!

Today is exactly 6 months since I had my Gastric Bypass! I am now down 94lbs and am 20lbs away from being under 200lbs! I am very excited! I saw my surgeon today, or his nurse rather, and from the "charts" I am right on track!  So far so good!  I also went and toured a gym today! It is right behind my house so I can walk to it (no excuses like "its too far") it also has babysitting (no excuses of having Nadav with me!) and they also offer Zumba classes, Pilates and Yoga amongst others! Its not a very big gym but it was spacious and not overcrowded which I like. I am going to start a free week trial and give it a try, but I am sure that it will be the best option for me! Convenience is key!  So that is all for now, I feel great and am so happy I made the decision to have this surgery. As you can see from the pics I posted, I have changed dramatically since I had the surgery! I don't even recognize myself in the "surgery day" picture! All I can say is 94 pounds gone forever!  Bye Bye and good riddance.

5 1/2 months out----223lbs---Down 90lbs!

WHooo Hoooooo! I am down 90lbs now! I am so excited about almost losing 100lbs!  Only 23 more lbs. till I am in the One Hundreds!  I haven't been under 200 lbs. in over 10 years.  I am wearing a size 18 jeans, and an XL, 14/16 top.  I bought some sz 18 jeans from Lane Bryant a couple of weeks ago and I actually got sad because the smallest size they carry is 14/16 and I will most likely get there in a couple months. I have only really shopped at LB exclusively for the last 15 years!  I am finding the idea of shopping at "regular" stores a little daunting--BUT---I am sure willing to figure it out!!!!!  I feel smaller and have bought new clothes, but also have some old clothes floating around. I have t-shirts and sweatpants that I still wear but they are huge on me.  I have a lot more energy and aside from the symptoms that I am having related to my menopause, I feel great!!  Speaking of menopause, I did see the Radiation Oncologist and she didn't feel that I needed any radiation at this point. That is great news!  However I still have to make a decision about any long-term treatment I may need. It's a hard decision, and I am having trouble making it.  My doc told me to give it 3 months and I we can revisit it then. I am not in any immediate danger so that's why I have chosen to do a little more research. Regardless, I will be seeing my Oncologist every 3 months, where he will then be doing numerous tests on me.  All the tests that I have done so far (CT scan, Bone scan) all have come back negative!  So that is where I am at! I have yet to join a gym, and although I am a lot more active I know that I want to and NEED to join a gym!  On a side note: Today would have been my Mom's 65th birthday! She has been gone now for nearly 11 years and I miss her so much! She would be so proud of me right now! Happy Birthday Mommy, I love you and miss you so much. 
So until next time....Peace Out!

4 1/2 months out--229lbs--Down 84lbs

I am now 229lbs! It feels great!  The last time I was 229lbs was 10years ago! It's wonderful to be more active and feel lighter.  I am still recovering from my hysterectomy, and that's been okay also.  I got the results of a CT scan I had 2 weeks ago, and they are good!  There was no evidence of any cancer anywhere!  While that may be good news, I still have to undergo some type of preventative treatment.  The type of cancer that I have is Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma--and while I don't have a uterus anymore the chances of it recurring elsewhere is a definite possibility unless I take medication to suppress it.  I have been referred to another Oncologist to see what my options are.  Within the last week I have been feeling very Menopausal.  I have had hot flashes, and fatigue, and just an overall odd feeling.  The hot flashes are very strange--it feels like someone suddenly turns on a heater that is blowing really hot air on you. It is uncomfortable.  I have definitely been irritable, I am a lot more impatient than I was before.  My Dr. has told me I "will NEVER be able to take hormone replacement drugs, EVER!" He was emphatic about it. The hormones could fuel my cancer for sure.  I am going to have to research my options.  Other than ALL THAT, I am feeling great.  I have a positive outlook and I know that I am going to be better really soon!

Christmas Day--236lbs--Down 77lbs

 Happy Holidays everyone! A lot has happened since my last post.  On December 9th I had a total Hysterectomy due to cancer recurrence. Almost 6 years ago, 9 months after my first child was born, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and underwent surgery to remove a large tumor and my right fallopian tube. A year of treatment later and I was given a "clean bill of health" to try to have another child in May of 2005.  Due to my PCOS, irregular/heavy menstrual cycles (both due to my obesity) and only 1 fallopian tube, my chances of conceiving naturally were pretty slim.  My husband and I decided to go to an infertility specialist, and we hadn't even finished with the preliminary tests,  when we had already spent about $1,000.  It was very discouraging and frankly we didn't have the kind of money that it took for all the treatments. So we just tried ourselves, but after a year or so of trying I almost gave up.  I desperately wanted another child and got a little depressed about it and ended up gaining weight. My friend food made me feel better. Mid 2007 I started to buy those over the counter ovulation test kits. I went through one kit and nothing happened. I tracked all my cycles to perfection and was totally aware of the signs of ovulation.  So I bought another test and another test.  Finally, one day in January of 2008 I tested myself and was positive for ovulation, Michael was about to leave the house to go to a party, as it was Superbowl Sunday.  He was literally, out the door and I had to stop him to tell him I was ovulating and he is NOT going anywhere!!! (at least not for 2-5 minutes he wasn't...tee hee) Anyway------so while it wasn't very romantic, the job was done. I propped my legs on the wall for about 1/2 and hour and let gravity help. I was confident that would do the trick.  The next month I got my period.  I was devastated.  I was so emotionally spent. Hoping every month for those little lines to show up. In March 2008 I had to go to get my bi--annual ultrasound to monitor any growth on my uterus. What was supposed to be a 20 min. appt. turned out to be 1hour and 45 min. After 2 Techs and not much being said a Radiologist came in and I bluntly asked him "Whats going on? Did you find something?" I thought the worst.  He said "Well Mrs. Gross, whats going on is we think you are pregnant".  I was in complete shock--I told him " I am not pregnant, I think I would know if I was" and then he scanned me and there it was--this little tiny sac with a teeny beating heart. My own heart started to beat so hard.  I was overwhelmed with emotion and I started to cry. The Tech said " Are you okay Mrs. Gross?" I said to her "I have been trying to get pregnant for a couple of years now and I was told I never would be able to!"I then got really excited and drove all the way home crying to tell my husband! We made phone calls to family and then to my Obgyn to start prenatal care!  Superbowl Sunday will always be special to us, and I was never really a fan to begin with.;)  In Oct 2008 my miracle baby was born. Nadav Eitan, all 12lbs 3oz and 21in. of him.  It was actually on the operating table that my Obgyn stated "I think this is it for you, isn't it?"  I didn't realize it then, but I obviously knew that he really was a miracle and when I delivered him I was my heaviest weight ever at 333lbs. Talk about a really tough pregnancy.  2 months later I started to go through the steps I needed to get gastric bypass.  A few months later after I finished breastfeeding I had started to get my period again. It was heavy and irregular more so than anything I had ever experienced. Then I got bypass 9/1/09 and it wasn't until early November that I finally went to my Gynecologic Oncologist and told him that I was miserable with my periods and I had even thought I might have needed to go to the ER at one point.  He told me it was time to have a hysterectomy and that there were no other options.  I had pre-surgical testing and my ultrasound came back with a mass in my uterus. Dec. 9th they went in not really knowing what they were going to find or what they were going to take out. The initial plan was to leave my ovaries but as they went in (laproscopically first, but that proved to be too difficult with all my scar tissue) all the scar tissue from my previous surgeries had adhesed everything together, even my bladder. To even try to pull it all apart would do more damage. They biopsied all my tissues and nodes and sent them to the lab.  I woke up to find out that they indeed took everything. While I was informed about that possibility, I fooled myself to thinking that I was emotionally prepared for that. My Dr. came in the next day to discuss the surgery and their findings and that was it. I was in the hospital for 5 days and I was actually relieved at the idea of never having a period again! A little over a week later and I went to get my staples out and get the pathology report. First of all, let me tell you my recovery would have been much worse 70 lbs ago!  My incisions for my previous surgeries always healed very nicely and quickly, this time is was terrible.  It looked like a train wreck.  It opened a little and it oozed and smelled!  Not good!  My Dr. said it was normal and it would stop, so I dealt with it.  Anyway, my results were for the most part good.  My cancer had indeed come back. The biopsy of the other tissues, (the nodes and surrounding) all came back negative but because the tumor was positive and it went deep into my uterine wall some cells could have gotten into my blood stream. So, I need to have a CAT scan and he will give me his final report in 3 weeks.  So there it is.  I am staying positive although it is very hard at times. Especially when I look at my beautiful children. I actually had a bad night last night.  After dinner I felt miserable, I had the chills and ached.  I couldn't get warm, so I got into a hot shower. My mind was thinking of the worst and for the first time I had a vision of my body being ravaged by cancer and that was why my body hurt and ached. I started to cry at the thought of dying and leaving my husband and kids with no wife or mother at such a young age. It really bothered me.  I never entertained thoughts of death before, I have always been very positive about my diagnoses, past and present. It scared the shit out of me to think that I could die. I am going to focus on my health and my family's health from now on. Losing 77 lbs. so far has been fabulous!  I feel so much different, my clothes feel different, eating and food don't hold me hostage anymore. I am a new woman and I have lots of hope for the future.  I love my life and my family and plan to "live" for the first time in many, many years.  I am Jewish and celebrate Hanukkah but this is in a way my "Christmas Miracle" story!  Happy Holidays everyone and Have a Happy, Healthy New Year! See you in 2010! Peace out!