I know it's been a while since I've updated...to be honest I am much more active on Facebook (so much faster and easier! LOL) so if you haven't friended me yet, click the link on the left sidebar and go right ahead : )
I am back in full swing after having Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery March 12th. I've had an unbelievable amount of support from my family and friends and was so grateful for all of the e-mails I've received from people who I didn't really even know to tell me I have inspired them. Making the difficult decision to have such a drastic surgery was something I struggled with for years but now I can say that it was the best thing I have ever done for myself! I feel like I finally have my life back!!
To date, I have lost 93 pounds....something I never in a million years would believe I might be able to say. I still have a long way to go but I feel amazing! High Blood pressure is GONE, "pre-diabetic" status is GONE, my energy is higher than I can ever remember it, I am at the lowest weight I can remember and most importantly...MY BACK PAIN IS TOTALLY GONE!!!! No more herniated discs at all and I smile constantly and giggle every day now. I feel like I had been in a bad mood for years! LOL I guess that much pain would probably make anyone grouchy.
I have had absolutely no side effects or issues after surgery. I can still eat just about anything I want, just tiny portions. I don't eat bread anymore (by choice mainly) or much pasta and the one thing I ave to admit has made me a bit nausious is McDonalds (but that is definitely a good thing that I dont like it anymore! LOL).
I am still limping a little and have had more tests done since I was on a health roll this year. They discovered that the leg pain we blamed on one of the discs for years is actually moderate to severe osteoartritis in my right hip and knee. Annoying, but fixable. The way I'm choosing to look at that is with all of that weight, it could have been so much worse. Of all of the medical issues in my family genes, arthritis is not the worst thing that could have happened...it easily could have had a stroke, heart attack, etc. So I'm grateful that its all it is and I am working on that too. I have steroid injections to my hip scheduled for next week and will start Physical Therapy right after. That should help get me moving even better. They expect that I may be looking at a hip replacement within 10 years...but like I said, fixable and could have been worse : )
So here are the visuals...
This picture is from last October during the trip to Germany when my back and weight was at their worst.
And this was yesterday...
I am still only about half way to what I would ultimately like to lose, but the most important thing to me is that I finally have no more back pain and I'm feeling great!!
You look fantastic and I'm glad to hear you feel it too!!
Posted by: Laura B. | November 26, 2012 at 10:42 AM
You're looking wonderful!!!
Posted by: kip | November 26, 2012 at 10:51 AM
Looking good there Jen. Glad the surgery was so successful in so many ways. Continue success with it!
Posted by: Joe Fox | November 26, 2012 at 12:12 PM
WoW - Jen this are great news and you look great!
Keep it up!
Hugs
ToM
Posted by: ToM | November 26, 2012 at 12:21 PM
You look FABULOUS!!!
Posted by: Diana Gaizo | November 26, 2012 at 12:42 PM
I love it! It's hard work I know, but SO worth it! Looking forward to seeing you soon!! xoxo
Posted by: Coleen Peters | November 26, 2012 at 02:51 PM
you look great, Jen! So glad to hear you feel just as good as you look! It was so nice to finally meet you this year and hope you come to Michigan in 2013!
Posted by: linda | November 26, 2012 at 07:40 PM
is that a waist that you are putting your hands on?! you go girl!
Posted by: lauren | November 26, 2012 at 08:22 PM
YaaaaaaaaaaaY!!! Way to go Jen you are looking fabulous!
Posted by: Martha Richardson | November 26, 2012 at 08:36 PM
Wow, great, you look wonderful!
Posted by: Renate | November 27, 2012 at 02:34 AM
He Jen you look great! My little sister has had the same operation several years ago and looks fantastic now, and much more important; she feels great...Its getting beter and better for her, and i hope it may bring the same for you!
Posted by: Anna | November 27, 2012 at 09:27 AM
awesome...you look great!
Posted by: ~amy~ | November 29, 2012 at 07:47 AM
Jen...you look amazing! After my journey October 29...I am sown 37 lbs...not bad for 6 weeks out! I have to say the same...the most amazing choice I could have done for myself! Let's keep in touch!
Posted by: Naomi Armenta | December 15, 2012 at 01:37 PM
You look great!
Posted by: Drycha | December 15, 2012 at 07:40 PM
Way to go JEN!! I had gastric bypass 10 years ago and lost 150 lbs and have to admit it was the BEST thing I have ever done for myself!!!!! I'll be cheering for you from the sidelines girlfriend!!! I want you to come and teach at a bunch of my stores in the midwest!!!! :)
Posted by: Kimberly Conlin | January 24, 2013 at 03:33 PM