A new year

Happy New Year, everyone.

This is my first post here. I have lurked for weeks.

I am a 51-year-old woman.

I started a new WOE (see, I read the FAQ!) on Oct. 13, 2003, when I
weighed 365 pounds. (I am 5 feet, 8 inches tall.) It was my highest
weight ever, one that I had maintained for at least three years.

On that date, I had my first meeting with a gastric bypass surgeon,
after waiting nine months and enduring myriad pre-op tests. He wanted
me to return with a small weight loss, to demonstrate my commitment to
the lifestyle that post-gastric bypass patients must follow.

I won't bore anyone with the details, but factors beyond my control
have conspired to push back any possibility of having the surgery to
late spring at the earliest.

But I'm thinking I might not have the surgery, because:

I've been working with a nutritionist who advised counting calories
and limiting my intake to fewer than 2,000 daily. I use FitDay.com to
keep track.

On Jan. 7, 2004, my most recent meeting with the nutritionist, I
weighed 320 pounds.

At my highest weight, I could not walk more than a city block without
getting winded and developing back spasms. Now I can walk a half mile,
and I hope to get up to three miles a day or equivalent aerobics by
midyear.

I have been doing OK on my own, but I know the beginning of any new
WOE usually shows the most dramatic results.

I have a very long way to go. This newsgroup has been informative and
provocative, and something of a help.

Kasey
365/320/???

"Kasey" wrote in message
om...
Happy New Year, everyone.

This is my first post here. I have lurked for weeks.

I am a 51-year-old woman.

I started a new WOE (see, I read the FAQ!) on Oct. 13, 2003, when I
weighed 365 pounds. (I am 5 feet, 8 inches tall.) It was my highest
weight ever, one that I had maintained for at least three years.

On that date, I had my first meeting with a gastric bypass surgeon,
after waiting nine months and enduring myriad pre-op tests. He wanted
me to return with a small weight loss, to demonstrate my commitment to
the lifestyle that post-gastric bypass patients must follow.

I won't bore anyone with the details, but factors beyond my control
have conspired to push back any possibility of having the surgery to
late spring at the earliest.

But I'm thinking I might not have the surgery, because:

I've been working with a nutritionist who advised counting calories
and limiting my intake to fewer than 2,000 daily. I use FitDay.com to
keep track.

On Jan. 7, 2004, my most recent meeting with the nutritionist, I
weighed 320 pounds.

At my highest weight, I could not walk more than a city block without
getting winded and developing back spasms. Now I can walk a half mile,
and I hope to get up to three miles a day or equivalent aerobics by
midyear.

I have been doing OK on my own, but I know the beginning of any new
WOE usually shows the most dramatic results.

I have a very long way to go. This newsgroup has been informative and
provocative, and something of a help.

Kasey
365/320/???

Welcome Kasey! It sounds like you're off to a good start on your own. Will
you continue to meet with the nutritionist? This is a good place to be to
get some sound nutritional & fitness advice or at least be able to commune
with folks who are or were in the same boat as you.

Keep up the walking! You're already seeing progress and I hope it feels
good. Good luck and keep participating.

Jenn

Hello Kasey,

Great job on losing your forty-five pounds. I know you can lose all the
weight you want if you put your mind to it. I had considered having the
surgery when I reached an all time high of 300 pounds. After visiting my
doctor and then a dietician I decided to just do it on my own by changing my
bad eating habits and start exercising again.

Not to long ago I was using a walker to try to go around the block. It
took me 20 - 30 minutes to get around the block and my back was in the worst
pain ever. I was almost ready to give up on my health and life I was so
miserable. I've been recovering from a flying accident where I badly broke
my left leg and right foot two and a half years ago. The first five months
were spent in a hospital bed in my living room and legs never touching the
floor. You'd be surprise how much pain your feet incur when your blood and
body weight go to them after 5 months in bed...OUCH!

For another year or so I wore an external fixator around my left leg with
three halos and about ten pins going into my leg to hold my bones together
and I had three pins holding my right foot together. Needless to say I had
a long road ahead of me. The whole time of my recovery the only thing I
looked forward to was three meals a day and watching TV all day. Only
problem was I gained thirty to forty pounds to my already obese body.

After seeing my dieticians list of food and portions on a piece of paper I
knew if I was suppose to be able to live on the amount of food that I was
already eating way too much and I already knew I ate the wrong types of
food. Since I've started eating better four or five months ago I haven't
had any french fries or burgers and am eating more fruits and vegetables and
I'm feeling great. Now I walk around 4 miles a day and use a stair climber
at home. My back no longer hurts and I'm getting the weight off my bad left
knee and my feet don't hurt as bad.

I've lost sixty-five pounds so far and have another sixty to go. I want
to get to 175 as my ultimate goal, but if I get below 200 I'll be a happy
camper. I know you can lose your weight if you want to. My wife had two
friends who had the surgery method, one had GP and has lost over 100 pounds
so far and still has a ways to go, the other died after the lap ban surgery.
I thought to myself that if people who go the surgery route and have to be
forced to change their diet to some ridiculous amount then I owed it to
myself to make a serious change in my eating habits and try to lose the
weight before letting someone change my internal organ path for life.

I'm so glad I went the natural route and I know you will too. It doesn't
come off overnight but it does come off and it feels so good.

Good luck with your weight loss endeavors and sorry for writing a
book...lol,

Paul
300/235/175


"Kasey" wrote in message
om...
Happy New Year, everyone.

This is my first post here. I have lurked for weeks.

I am a 51-year-old woman.

I started a new WOE (see, I read the FAQ!) on Oct. 13, 2003, when I
weighed 365 pounds. (I am 5 feet, 8 inches tall.) It was my highest
weight ever, one that I had maintained for at least three years.

On that date, I had my first meeting with a gastric bypass surgeon,
after waiting nine months and enduring myriad pre-op tests. He wanted
me to return with a small weight loss, to demonstrate my commitment to
the lifestyle that post-gastric bypass patients must follow.

I won't bore anyone with the details, but factors beyond my control
have conspired to push back any possibility of having the surgery to
late spring at the earliest.

But I'm thinking I might not have the surgery, because:

I've been working with a nutritionist who advised counting calories
and limiting my intake to fewer than 2,000 daily. I use FitDay.com to
keep track.

On Jan. 7, 2004, my most recent meeting with the nutritionist, I
weighed 320 pounds.

At my highest weight, I could not walk more than a city block without
getting winded and developing back spasms. Now I can walk a half mile,
and I hope to get up to three miles a day or equivalent aerobics by
midyear.

I have been doing OK on my own, but I know the beginning of any new
WOE usually shows the most dramatic results.

I have a very long way to go. This newsgroup has been informative and
provocative, and something of a help.

Kasey
365/320/???

Very cool, Kasey! (Somehow I wanted to type "kool" :-) .)

I think it would be great if you find you're able to achieve your
goals without the surgery. I wouldn't knock that option for anyone
who chooses it, but I think it will feel so much more empowering to do
it on your own.

Good luck, whichever you choose!

Chris

"Kasey" wrote in message
om...
Happy New Year, everyone.

This is my first post here. I have lurked for weeks.

I am a 51-year-old woman.

I started a new WOE (see, I read the FAQ!) on Oct. 13, 2003, when I
weighed 365 pounds. (I am 5 feet, 8 inches tall.) It was my highest
weight ever, one that I had maintained for at least three years.

On that date, I had my first meeting with a gastric bypass surgeon,
after waiting nine months and enduring myriad pre-op tests. He wanted
me to return with a small weight loss, to demonstrate my commitment to
the lifestyle that post-gastric bypass patients must follow.

I won't bore anyone with the details, but factors beyond my control
have conspired to push back any possibility of having the surgery to
late spring at the earliest.

But I'm thinking I might not have the surgery, because:

I've been working with a nutritionist who advised counting calories
and limiting my intake to fewer than 2,000 daily. I use FitDay.com to
keep track.

On Jan. 7, 2004, my most recent meeting with the nutritionist, I
weighed 320 pounds.

At my highest weight, I could not walk more than a city block without
getting winded and developing back spasms. Now I can walk a half mile,
and I hope to get up to three miles a day or equivalent aerobics by
midyear.

I have been doing OK on my own, but I know the beginning of any new
WOE usually shows the most dramatic results.

I have a very long way to go. This newsgroup has been informative and
provocative, and something of a help.

Kasey
365/320/???

Best of luck to ya!!!
)

(Kasey) wrote
Happy New Year, everyone.
snip
On Jan. 7, 2004, my most recent meeting with the nutritionist, I
weighed 320 pounds.

At my highest weight, I could not walk more than a city block without
getting winded and developing back spasms. Now I can walk a half mile,
and I hope to get up to three miles a day or equivalent aerobics by
midyear.

I have been doing OK on my own, but I know the beginning of any new
WOE usually shows the most dramatic results.

I have a very long way to go. This newsgroup has been informative and
provocative, and something of a help.

Kasey
365/320/???

Walking works Kasey! It was my primary exercise for a year of weight
loss and remains my favorite. Hang around and we'll all cheer you on.
You are off to a great start and you can achieve your goal.

--
Walking on . . .
Laurie in Maine
207/110 60 inches of attitude!
Start: 2/02 Maintained since 2/03

"Kasey" wrote in message
om...
Happy New Year, everyone.

This is my first post here. I have lurked for weeks.

I am a 51-year-old woman.

I started a new WOE (see, I read the FAQ!) on Oct. 13, 2003, when I
weighed 365 pounds. (I am 5 feet, 8 inches tall.) It was my highest
weight ever, one that I had maintained for at least three years.

On that date, I had my first meeting with a gastric bypass surgeon,
after waiting nine months and enduring myriad pre-op tests. He wanted
me to return with a small weight loss, to demonstrate my commitment to
the lifestyle that post-gastric bypass patients must follow.

I won't bore anyone with the details, but factors beyond my control
have conspired to push back any possibility of having the surgery to
late spring at the earliest.

But I'm thinking I might not have the surgery, because:

I've been working with a nutritionist who advised counting calories
and limiting my intake to fewer than 2,000 daily. I use FitDay.com to
keep track.

On Jan. 7, 2004, my most recent meeting with the nutritionist, I
weighed 320 pounds.

At my highest weight, I could not walk more than a city block without
getting winded and developing back spasms. Now I can walk a half mile,
and I hope to get up to three miles a day or equivalent aerobics by
midyear.

I have been doing OK on my own, but I know the beginning of any new
WOE usually shows the most dramatic results.

I have a very long way to go. This newsgroup has been informative and
provocative, and something of a help.

Kasey
365/320/???

Hi Kasey!

Sounds like you're doing great. : )

If you continue working with the nutritionist and walking and using
fitday.com, you'll be well on your way to success. Welcome to the group.
We're not perfect, but most of us try to help out each other.

I've lost 26 pounds since June, 2003, and have about 23 more to go.

--
Martha
www.bastmagazine.com
For the best in extreme, underground metal!!!

Bliadhna mhath ùr
(Happy New Year)

Wow. I reckon you'll lose weight quickly if you don't have more than 2000
calories per day!!! I'm half your weight and that's roughly my limit. I'm
sure the nutritionist knows what he/she is doing right enough. But it will
be difficult. Good luck with it - keep us posted.

MadJock
204/189/160

"Kasey" wrote in message
om...
Happy New Year, everyone.

This is my first post here. I have lurked for weeks.

I am a 51-year-old woman.

I started a new WOE (see, I read the FAQ!) on Oct. 13, 2003, when I
weighed 365 pounds. (I am 5 feet, 8 inches tall.) It was my highest
weight ever, one that I had maintained for at least three years.

On that date, I had my first meeting with a gastric bypass surgeon,
after waiting nine months and enduring myriad pre-op tests. He wanted
me to return with a small weight loss, to demonstrate my commitment to
the lifestyle that post-gastric bypass patients must follow.

I won't bore anyone with the details, but factors beyond my control
have conspired to push back any possibility of having the surgery to
late spring at the earliest.

But I'm thinking I might not have the surgery, because:

I've been working with a nutritionist who advised counting calories
and limiting my intake to fewer than 2,000 daily. I use FitDay.com to
keep track.

On Jan. 7, 2004, my most recent meeting with the nutritionist, I
weighed 320 pounds.

At my highest weight, I could not walk more than a city block without
getting winded and developing back spasms. Now I can walk a half mile,
and I hope to get up to three miles a day or equivalent aerobics by
midyear.

I have been doing OK on my own, but I know the beginning of any new
WOE usually shows the most dramatic results.

I have a very long way to go. This newsgroup has been informative and
provocative, and something of a help.

Kasey
365/320/???

Hi Kasey and welcome to the group! I bet it feels wonderful to be able to
lose that weight on your own thus far!!

I know 3 people that have had the gastric bypass surgery and 2 that had the
gastric banding with mixed results. One of the gbypass patients has lost
120 lbs and is doing great now. She does have issues with getting her iron
count up and often doesn't feel well. Recently, she's gained about 10 of
the 120 lbs she lost and can eat a normal meal at this point. Another one
lost 40 lbs (he was 6'6" 400+ lbs), but eats too much and stretched the sack
out and hasn't lost more after 2 years. The 2 people I know that had the
banding done have not had any ill results (yet). This procedure is by far
the least invasive.

Anyway, if you are able to lose this weight by yourself, I would suggest not
getting the surgery done. The surgeries do not guaranty long-term success.
You have proven to yourself that you can do it on your own!

I know it is hard, but if you want it bad enough you can do anything. Have
you been seeing a psychologist to help deal with your issues that caused you
to be overweight? I go to one about 1x a month now and have found some
limited benefit. It is just another source to *vent*.

You are not alone, I know what it is like to carry so much weight around.
About 5 years ago, I weighed 324, got down to about 230 three years ago thru
Atkins. I gained allot of it back slowly over the past 3 years to my 3rd
all-time high of 284. I now see a dietician, psychologist and a personal
trainer at the gym and lost 65 lbs w/in 5 months. I also quit smoking
nearly 3 mos ago. This is the first time in my life that I really *want* to
get healthier. If you want it bad enough, you can do it.

Best wishes to you and welcome!

284/219/199
5'9.25" and 20 lbs to mini-goal!

--
Email me at:
perpleglow(AT)comcast.net
http://community.webshots.com/user/perpleglow


"Kasey" wrote in message
om...
Happy New Year, everyone.

This is my first post here. I have lurked for weeks.

I am a 51-year-old woman.

I started a new WOE (see, I read the FAQ!) on Oct. 13, 2003, when I
weighed 365 pounds. (I am 5 feet, 8 inches tall.) It was my highest
weight ever, one that I had maintained for at least three years.

On that date, I had my first meeting with a gastric bypass surgeon,
after waiting nine months and enduring myriad pre-op tests. He wanted
me to return with a small weight loss, to demonstrate my commitment to
the lifestyle that post-gastric bypass patients must follow.

I won't bore anyone with the details, but factors beyond my control
have conspired to push back any possibility of having the surgery to
late spring at the earliest.

But I'm thinking I might not have the surgery, because:

I've been working with a nutritionist who advised counting calories
and limiting my intake to fewer than 2,000 daily. I use FitDay.com to
keep track.

On Jan. 7, 2004, my most recent meeting with the nutritionist, I
weighed 320 pounds.

At my highest weight, I could not walk more than a city block without
getting winded and developing back spasms. Now I can walk a half mile,
and I hope to get up to three miles a day or equivalent aerobics by
midyear.

I have been doing OK on my own, but I know the beginning of any new
WOE usually shows the most dramatic results.

I have a very long way to go. This newsgroup has been informative and
provocative, and something of a help.

Kasey
365/320/???

Paul I have to say that it is so inspiring to witness how you are changing
your life... especially after the terrible accident you have survived.... I
am so happy for you that you've come so far!!!

--
Email me at:
perpleglow(AT)comcast.net
http://community.webshots.com/user/perpleglow


"Paul" wrote in message
...
Hello Kasey,

Great job on losing your forty-five pounds. I know you can lose all the
weight you want if you put your mind to it. I had considered having the
surgery when I reached an all time high of 300 pounds. After visiting my
doctor and then a dietician I decided to just do it on my own by changing
my
bad eating habits and start exercising again.

Not to long ago I was using a walker to try to go around the block. It
took me 20 - 30 minutes to get around the block and my back was in the
worst
pain ever. I was almost ready to give up on my health and life I was so
miserable. I've been recovering from a flying accident where I badly
broke
my left leg and right foot two and a half years ago. The first five
months
were spent in a hospital bed in my living room and legs never touching the
floor. You'd be surprise how much pain your feet incur when your blood
and
body weight go to them after 5 months in bed...OUCH!

For another year or so I wore an external fixator around my left leg
with
three halos and about ten pins going into my leg to hold my bones together
and I had three pins holding my right foot together. Needless to say I
had
a long road ahead of me. The whole time of my recovery the only thing I
looked forward to was three meals a day and watching TV all day. Only
problem was I gained thirty to forty pounds to my already obese body.

After seeing my dieticians list of food and portions on a piece of paper
I
knew if I was suppose to be able to live on the amount of food that I was
already eating way too much and I already knew I ate the wrong types of
food. Since I've started eating better four or five months ago I haven't
had any french fries or burgers and am eating more fruits and vegetables
and
I'm feeling great. Now I walk around 4 miles a day and use a stair
climber
at home. My back no longer hurts and I'm getting the weight off my bad
left
knee and my feet don't hurt as bad.

I've lost sixty-five pounds so far and have another sixty to go. I want
to get to 175 as my ultimate goal, but if I get below 200 I'll be a happy
camper. I know you can lose your weight if you want to. My wife had two
friends who had the surgery method, one had GP and has lost over 100
pounds
so far and still has a ways to go, the other died after the lap ban
surgery.
I thought to myself that if people who go the surgery route and have to be
forced to change their diet to some ridiculous amount then I owed it to
myself to make a serious change in my eating habits and try to lose the
weight before letting someone change my internal organ path for life.

I'm so glad I went the natural route and I know you will too. It
doesn't
come off overnight but it does come off and it feels so good.

Good luck with your weight loss endeavors and sorry for writing a
book...lol,

Paul
300/235/175


"Kasey" wrote in message
om...
Happy New Year, everyone.

This is my first post here. I have lurked for weeks.

I am a 51-year-old woman.

I started a new WOE (see, I read the FAQ!) on Oct. 13, 2003, when I
weighed 365 pounds. (I am 5 feet, 8 inches tall.) It was my highest
weight ever, one that I had maintained for at least three years.

On that date, I had my first meeting with a gastric bypass surgeon,
after waiting nine months and enduring myriad pre-op tests. He wanted
me to return with a small weight loss, to demonstrate my commitment to
the lifestyle that post-gastric bypass patients must follow.

I won't bore anyone with the details, but factors beyond my control
have conspired to push back any possibility of having the surgery to
late spring at the earliest.

But I'm thinking I might not have the surgery, because:

I've been working with a nutritionist who advised counting calories
and limiting my intake to fewer than 2,000 daily. I use FitDay.com to
keep track.

On Jan. 7, 2004, my most recent meeting with the nutritionist, I
weighed 320 pounds.

At my highest weight, I could not walk more than a city block without
getting winded and developing back spasms. Now I can walk a half mile,
and I hope to get up to three miles a day or equivalent aerobics by
midyear.

I have been doing OK on my own, but I know the beginning of any new
WOE usually shows the most dramatic results.

I have a very long way to go. This newsgroup has been informative and
provocative, and something of a help.

Kasey
365/320/???