New Beginnings
For years I've struggled with my weight. I've lost & gained so many pounds it boggles the mind.  I knew that I had to get it under control now, before I get any older, and before it begins to affect my health any more than it already has (high BP & cholesterol).
So, in January, I made myself a promise that I would finally do something about it once & for all. No more backsliding after a month or two on a diet. I needed a permanent fix. I began researching surgical weight loss options. I spent hours online and with local experts reading and asking questions as well as talking with many, many people who have had it done. After months of intensive research and an extremely extensive approval process, I was finally approved for a Roux n Y by-pass. There is still a lot of controversy surrounding these procedures, and as I found out, a lot of emotions and misunderstanding of the process from some of my friends & family. It took some time to educate them and get them on board with it, but eventually, everyone came to understand that I was making the best choice for me. On Wednesday, July 18th, I had the surgery. There was much less pain than I anticipated and I was back at home by Friday. On Saturday afternoon, I was shoe shopping. 
From my pre-op weight (official starting weight) to my first post-op appt weight (approximately four weeks later), I had lost 27 lbs. I'm now stalled at 29 lbs, but am told that it is to be expected. There will be many plateaus before I reach my weight loss goal. There is still a long road to go, but other than being tired, I am feeling great. If you recall, I also had to have emergency back surgery 10 weeks ago, so my poor body has been through the ringer these past few months. I am trying my best to take it easy and let it recouperate. 
I wanted to share this experience with you all because I'm very excited about my future.  My blood pressure is already under control and I expect my cholesterol to be down at my next check-up too.
I'm excited about feeling better, being more active, more healthly, living longer and of course, looking better.
Thanks for letting me share my new found enthusiam for life! Soon, I'll be posting my monthly progress pictures so you can watch me shrink. 
If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask me. |
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| You go girl! We want you around for a long, long time. |
| Tammy, congrats! That was really courageous for you to do. Not only the surgery, but realizing that something needed to be done.
So, is the surgery like the stomach stapling or the band that goes across? Is this one of the surgeries that doesn't allow your body to absorb most food, or is it the one that just makes your stomach really small? And, from what I've heard from these types of surgeries, it's probably better that your weight loss has slowed down a little. I've heard of people who get sick from losing too much weight too fast. Good job! |
| Tammy! WOW! Congrats! What a positive step to take. Be sure to follow all of your Doctor's instructions to the letter! Bravo to you  ! |
| Thanks Jil & Steph & Deb!
Steph - The RNY is the procedure which cuts your stomach and creates a very small pouch, which then becomes your "new" stomach. Also, your upper intestine is re-routed, creating the "Y" appearance, and re-connected to your lower intestine. Because the portion of my intestine that absorbs vitamins is now by-passed, I have to take multi-vitamins, calcium, iron and B12 for the rest of my life. The new stomach will only hold 4 ounces of food. There is about a three week period where you begin re-introducing food to your new stomach, much like you do a baby when they begin eating solids. The lap band procedure is the one that just places a band around your stomach to make you feel full with less food. It is adjustable and reversable. The procedure I had done is not reversable. Also, mine was done laproscopically, so there is a faster recovery and no big scars. |
| Yey Tammers!!! I am so proud of you. You stood by your choice and decision and now look at you!
Youre coming a long way baby!!!!! Heres to a new and healthier you! |
| Thanks, Darcy!
There is still a long road - 84 more lbs to go!! - but I am very positive and looking forward to the journey and the new me. |
| Looking forward to pics of you in your new bikini! |
| So, is it weird to not be able to eat very much food? Both physically and mentally? I think that would be hard for me...having to limit the amounts of food I eat. I eat pretty healthy stuff for the most part, but not always in the smallest amounts! |
Tammy you will never regret this operation. I am one of that group. I had the same thing done in 1978. Yes that long ago! I was one of the first around to have it done. The Doctor was from the Mayo clinic. But had come to Rochester NY to practice. His name was Rene Menge. ( they use to call him the great white god) he was tall and had white hair, and walked with his head high. I started out at 258 lbs  , and within 1 year I was 150 lbs. I am still at that weight. Sometimes I get to 155, or go down to 148. but thats about it. I also had a tummy tuck. the skin just hung,and also had 4 children. Then I had my breasts lifted and inplants. then had the inner part of my upper legs lifted. to much skin hanging.
Well If you ever want to talk PM me your phone # I will call you |
Beaureguard's Mom wrote: Thanks, Darcy!
There is still a long road - 84 more lbs to go!! - but I am very positive and looking forward to the journey and the new me. Seriously? I can't believe that you need to lose all that weight, Tammy. You looked pretty good to me when I met you. I can't imagine what losing 100 pounds will look like on you. I'm not by any means doubting your decision to have the surgery. I think if it makes you feel good about yourself, that's what matters. I think no matter what size we are, people can tell us we look great and we still have our own flaws that we always see and want to get rid of! Good luck! |
Congratulations, Tammy, for taking this bold step in assuring a healthy life!  Can't wait to hear and see your progress!! You go, girl!!  |
ButtersStotch wrote: I can't imagine what losing 100 pounds will look like on you. Or OFF of you.
CONGRATS, and continued good luck! |
| Steph - Yes, it is strange at first to only be able to eat a very small portion of food. But, it has taken me nearly three weeks to get up to that amount. LOL At first, even the thought of eating was unappealing. Now I am able to eat without any discomfort and since I feel full within a few bites, I don't actually miss having more food.
There was definitely emotion involved in it too. I was a "comfort" eater - using food to comfort myself or whenever I was bored. Now, I'm having to learn new ways to deal with stress or anxiety or boredom. That's one of the biggest challenges, I think. There is no hunger for the first 6-9 months after the surgery, which makes it easier to adjust to new habits. Hopefully, by the time I can feel hunger again, my new "go to" habits will be deeply engrained and I won't miss comfort food at all. Deana - WOW! Huge congratulations for maintaining your goal weight for so long. I am not sure at this point what, if any, plastics I will need. But, I am determined to see the process through to the end. I'm glad things have worked out so well for you. I love to hear these success stories.
Jill - Yes, I do need to lose that much - 113 in total. But, THANKS for the compliment. I can't wait to see what I look like again either. It's been 20 years since I was at my ideal weight.
Thanks, Chris & Ron. |
| WOW Tammy thats great! My dad is having the lapband surgery on the 26th of this month and I only hope that he has the results that you have had with yours. I realize that they are different surgeries but I am hoping he does what he is supposed to as he is almost 400lbs now and diabetic.
I cant wait to see pictures of your progress girl! |
| Way to go, Tammy! I must agree that always you look terrific in pictures |
| WOW! What a BRAVE step. Good for you!!!!!!!! I hope you continue to do so well!!
But, just know we thought you were beautiful before the surgery!!! Best wishes for feeling great!!! |
| Courtney - Good luck to your Dad on his surgery. I hope he sails through it easily and has no complications.
Stacy & Ginny - Thank you! I can't tell you how much your kindness and support means to me.  |
| Congratulations. My sister had it a couple of years ago. Several of my friends and Co workers have had the surgery too. Just make sure you do what the Dr. says. The only problems I have seen people have was when they did not follow Drs orders. Keep us posted on how you are doing. |
| Wow! What a brave move! I am rooting for your success, health and happiness. |
| Thanks, Val. I really appreciate the support. |
| Wow Tammy, I too had no idea you were that much overweight. You sure don't look it.
I wish you tons of success with your weight loss. I know with at least one of these procedure you can no longer drink soda. This is my Aunt's excuse for not doing the surgery. She is at least 200 lbs overweight and has severe diabetes. She needs her soda. |
| Tammy,
YOU GO GIRL! I wanted that surgery or even the lap band, but they tell me I am obese but not obese enough. 
I have always thought you looked great in your photos. Can't wait to see the new, improved Tammy! Congratulations. |
| I am SO happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOHOO, but will be even more impressed if you include a pic of you in this year's Christmas card exchange!! |
| That is an amazing achievement! When I met you I thought you looked terrific just as you were. So wonderful that you would have such courage.
I'd be interested to know how to combat comfort eating. That is a lesson I could benefit from. I am really proud of you! |
| Elissa - You are correct. I can no longer drink anything that is carbonated. It is a concession, to be sure. I was not such a huge fan of soda, but I really did enjoy carbonated water. Still, it's not that big of a sacrifice, considering what I'm gaining.
Wyn - I was on the line myself. As far as these surgeries go, I was considered a "light weight". But, I did qualify and being "lighter" (I still laugh at that idea), made the surgery easier and my recovery faster. Joahaeyo- I'll definitely try to do a picture with the wigglebums for my Christmas card. If I can get them to cooperate, that is.
LVSL - I'm learning alternate behaviors to substitute for eating. Right now, I'm either brushing the dogs or reading as it is too darn hot to be outside. But, my goal is to substitute excercise, of some form or fashion, for eating. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks to all of you for your support. It truly does make a tremendous difference to me. |
| I think this is a very personal issue and good for you for being brave and having the surgery!
Many people who have not suffered from being over weight do not understand how unhappy carrying excess weight can make you! I hope it the success continues for you! Good Luck and remember to take lots of pictures as you downsize! |
| And so it begins.... My first "progress" shot...
Before: 
4 weeks after surgery (down 33 lbs): 
I'm at a point where I am in between sizes, so I feel like everything I wear is baggy. But, that's a good problem to have, I guess.  |
| WOW!!!
PLEASE! This is a Family Friendly site!
Good success... keep on track! |
Awww....  Thanks, Ron! |
| Holy Moly! You look so good! Just so happy and everything |
Tammy, you look wonderful!!!   |
| You look wonderful |
| Wow Tammy, congratulations!!!
I really want to have this done. I weigh about 230 lbs right now (and I'm only 5'3), and I really should be much closer to 130. The problem I have is that according to my doctor, I "carry my weight too well", and because of that he didn't think my insurance would cover any portion of the operation. I did have a breast reduction done 10 years ago, and had a tummy tuck done after my last child was born, but both were due to serious medical issues and were covered by insurance. Perhaps I'll look in to refinancing my house and slip in anough extra to cover the surgery I have diabetes and high cholesterol, and dieting hasn't helped, so I really want to have it done. |
| YOU LOOK SOOOOOO GOOD! I can really see it in your face. |
| WAHHH!! The pictures don't show up for me.
Tammy, congratulations on taking such an important step for your health. I wish you much success and happiness. I have 2 close friends who both had the surgery 2 years ago and they are so happy with the results. |
| You are looking fabulous, darlin'!!!!!! Congrats! |
Wow Tammy, your looking GREAT!!! 
Ive been so busy this last few weeks, that Ive missed a lot of posts...so I'm coming in late with my congrats and attagirls
Way to go! |
| Wow, Tammy, I somehow missed this post!! (considering the time I spend here, that is truly amazing in itself!)
My best friend Mary, a coworker and a SIL all had this surgery also. They are all doing well, with very little side effects. They all have had substancial weight loss and have kept most of it off. My coworker Caroline has done the best. She has lost the most, kept it off, and really worked faithfully at exercise to tone herself. All 3 have done well though and are lots better off healthwise after the surgery. My SIL was finally able to get pregnant and carry a baby to term after her surgery. I know she would never go back!! Good luck and keep up the good work!! And more pictures, of course! |
| Hey you Hottie Momma!!!! You look AMAZING!!!!! Red is your color too!!
ps....LOVE the new green walls ...hehe |
| Thanks, y'all! I can't tell you how much I appreciate the encouragement. It makes a tremendous difference!!
I feel so much better already. It's really amazing how much different my energy level is even though I'm only a 1/3 of the way through. IHeartStella - don't let your doctor discourage you. Look into your insurance requirements for yourself. You might be surprised. Having diabetes is considered a co-morbidity which reduces the BMI number you have to have to qualify for the surgery under most plans. Darcy - Thanks - I like the green so much better!! |
| Wow Tammy! You look really good and very happy. Keep up the good work.
I too somehow missed this post but now I will check in regularly to see how you are doing. Beau better watch out because pretty soon no one will be looking at his cute butt in the bathrobe when you are around! |
| AMAZING RESULT! I can't believe you had such a fast result. You look AMAZING. Again Congratulations! |
| How did I miss this post
WOWZA Tammy you look amazing, so gorgeous, love your new hair do too, really suits you the colour and style.
I am absolutely AMAZED at the transformation in such a short time and so proud of you too. I always thought you looked so pretty anyway but boy oh boy stunning change in you
You go girl, life is great and you are are too.
again WOWZA |
| I see I'm not the only one who missed this post. Tammy, you looked absolutely WONDERFUL at the picnic yesterday!! Thank you for taking the time to talk to me about your surgery and all of the useful information. I am definitely going to talk to my doctor and insurance about it.
Congratulations to you and keep it up girl!!!
I forgot to sign in before I posted..... SamSun's Mom |
| Tammy, congradulations on your weight loss...you look gorgeous. I have a friend who had the surgery a few years ago and has done very well. I wish the best for you. Plz keep us posted! |
| Can you believe it's already been two months since my surgery? Two months ago today, in fact. I am now down 49 lbs. I am most pleased that my BP is the lowest it has been in years, even when I was on meds for high BP it was never this good. I'm quite pleased.
Before: 
1 month post op:
2 months post op: (dressed for grooming the wigglebums )
 |
| You are knockin' me out kiddo!!!! Congrats!!!! |
| Wow, you look great!!
Congratulations!! You look really healthy and happy! |
| You Look ABSOUTLY wonderful!!! |
| The weird part is, I look at the first picture and think, sheesh, she looks good. What is up with all this?
Then I scroll to the next picture and go, Oh! And then I go to the next picture and go, OH!!! |
WOWSER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 |
Y'all are really sweet and I can't tell you how much your encouragement means to me. 
Funny - my good friend called me the other day and he said, "You're going to think I'm crazy, but I swear you even sound thinner." He's a nut. |
| Ok, ya wanna be a size 0?
Way to go! That is soooo awesome. |
| Those are great pictures, Tammy. I love that with each picture, your smile gets bigger and bigger.
And seriously, I thought you already looked awesome in the before pictures. The added health benefits are the icing on the cake. |
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49 lbs in 2 months!
Wow! Even your doctors must be impressed! After 29 lbs you said: Beaureguard's Mom wrote: There is still a long road - 84 more lbs to go!! - but I am very positive and looking forward to the journey and the new me.
You look great - almost like you don't have anything else to lose! I don't think it is possible for you to lose more than 100 lbs! |
| WOW.....WOW....WOW!
Did I mention...wow?! |
Ron wrote: Ok, ya wanna be a size 0? Nahh....I'll settle for a 6. got sheep wrote: Those are great pictures, Tammy. I love that with each picture, your smile gets bigger and bigger. I think it's just that my face is getting smaller so my smile looks bigger - but if I could smile any bigger - I sure would. I'm really happy. SheepieMommy wrote: 8O
49 lbs in 2 months! Wow! Even your doctors must be impressed! After 29 lbs you said: Beaureguard's Mom wrote: There is still a long road - 84 more lbs to go!! - but I am very positive and looking forward to the journey and the new me. You look great - almost like you don't have anything else to lose! I don't think it is possible for you to lose more than 100 lbs! Yes, my doctor is pleased. At my post-op appt last Tuesday, I had lost 37% of my excess body weight. They hope for 50% within six months. So, I'm ahead of the game right now. I've always carried my weight well or rather hidden it well. So, there is a lot more there than you can tell. I've still got 64 more to go to reach my goal. |
| WOW!!!! You look wonderful!! |
| You look mahhhhhhvelous!
Laurie |
| SHUT UP!!! YOU look like you're so much younger too. Geezzzzzzz.. you look great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh, I'm so happy for you! |
| congratulations and the best of luck |
Maxmm wrote: The weird part is, I look at the first picture and think, sheesh, she looks good. What is up with all this?
Then I scroll to the next picture and go, Oh! And then I go to the next picture and go, OH!!! Lol. I told her the same thing! |
| WOW Tammy you are awesome, the 3 pictures are amazing, Hey girl time to shop Woo Hoo, out of those tracky daks and into something sexier to go with that new bod.
I can't get over the change, do friends you have not seen in awhile recognise you? So proud of you |
lisaoes wrote: Hey girl time to shop Woo Hoo, out of those tracky daks and into something sexier to go with that new bod.
I love the expressions from down under! I have to remember to start calling my sweats "tracky daks". |
| You look GREAT!!! Congratulations on the remarkable weight loss - but more than that- on your courage to take this step to be healthy.
AWSOME!! |
| Wow, I'm late in replying to the latest picture, but all I can say is --
YOU LOOK FANTASTIC!! I cannot believe you have another 64 lbs to go! Tammy, what an inspiration you are! |
| HOLY COW! You look amazing! Way to go! |
| You look wonderful, Tammy! The look on your face is of happiness. Keep up the good work. You'll always be beautiful no matter how much weight you lose |
| Oh my Gosh you look like a teenager!!! Next you'll have to get the low rise jeans.
What an accomplishment and you are an inspiration! I can't believe you have more to lose. Just incredible. |
| Tammy there is nothing more that I can add that not everyone else has already said. Ditto to everything they have said. You look fantastic. Doesn't it feel good to get rid of all that extra weight. Since I've been ill with the shingles the silver lining has been losing a lot of weight, so I know a little bit of the elation that you are feeling. You are a beautiful woman! Keep up the good work. Thank you for sharing your weight loss experience with us. |
| I haven't been on the forum much....I missed this post.. Tammy you look absolutely amazing! Congratulations |
| You guys are so wonderful!! I appreciate, ever so much, the love & support I get from you all. It is so encouraging to me. Thank you!! |
Time flies when you're having fun! It's been three months today since my surgery. I almost skipped the photo this month because I really can't see much difference in the pictures, in spite of losing 15 lbs. Still, for the sake of continuity, I wanted to keep the record, so here we go. My three month post-op glam shot, taken in my office this morning.
Random musings... I only have one chin now.
I'm self conscious about wearing outdated clothes that I saved from the last time I was this size.
I'm healthy and feeling great and have extra energy.
I've not lost any bra cup size.  Bandwidth, yes, but cup size, no. 
Down 64 lbs - only 49 more to go! |
| You look incredible!! But more importantly, you are healthy and strong! Yay!!
Do you want to lose bra cup? I think you have a pretty enviable situation there, if you know what I mean. . . |
| The weight loss is noticeable since last time.
You look even more incredible!! Congrats! |
| You go girl!!!! You look fantastic. I don't know where the last 49 pounds are going to come from!!! And I totally understand about wanting a smaller bra size. |
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You look so wonderful! And you look like you feel good. I'm very happy for you...and very proud of you! (And your hair looks adorable!) I have a beautiful suit "from before" that I was going to wear to a gala I'm going to. BUT! It has shoulder pads that I forgot about!!! Guess I have to go shopping! Congrats! |
| Oh man! I'm not sure I should be allowed in here any more! I am married, you know! |
| Hey Ron...
We need a "smokin'" or "sizzlin'" emoticon now. Nothing else would do Tammy justice
You are looking great (tammy, not ron...no offense ) |
| Wow, Tammy. I disagree--I totally see a difference in this photo from the last one. You look awesome! (And your office is cool looking too).
I can't believe you're going to find 49 more pounds to lose, though. Don't waste away! It's no fun when your sheepie weighs more than you! |
| I have the same question as Paula, where are the other 49 pounds coming from? |
| You look fantastic!!!! It has only been 3 months!!! I agree with the above, I have no idea where the other 49lbs are coming from. Good luck and what a great success you are. |
Valerie wrote: You look incredible!! But more importantly, you are healthy and strong! Yay!! Do you want to lose bra cup? I think you have a pretty enviable situation there, if you know what I mean. . . Thank you! I'm honestly very excited to feel so healthy. It's wonderful. And yeah, I do want to lose some cup size, too. I gained so much weight there, I'd like to lose some there, too. Pepsi's Mommy wrote: The weight loss is noticeable since last time. Thanks, Elissa. I guess since I see me every day, it's harder for me to notice the change.  Paula O. wrote: I don't know where the last 49 pounds are going to come from!!! Hips, thighes, waist, there are still quite a few extra inches in there that need to disappear. debcram wrote: have a beautiful suit "from before" that I was going to wear to a gala I'm going to. BUT! It has shoulder pads that I forgot about!!! Guess I have to go shopping! Well, you're officially an AFTER now, so you deserve it!! Go Shopping!! Ron wrote: Oh man! I'm not sure I should be allowed in here any more! I am married, you know! Awwww.....thanks. Amanda P wrote: You are looking great Thanks, Amanda. Barney1 wrote: It's no fun when your sheepie weighs more than you! I still weigh more than both of them combined, so I've got some leeway still. Maxmm wrote: I have the same question as Paula, where are the other 49 pounds coming from? You're very sweet to say that, but there's still plenty there to lose. See that pudgy section around my middle?? It's gotta go! Violet wrote: Good luck
Thank you! |
| Tammy, you look hot, girl!!
I say this as I sit here eating chips and salsa.......
You look great and I'm so glad all is going well. |
| You look incredible, Tammy! GO GIRL! |
| You look fabulous- JUST fabulous!!!!
You must be so proud of yourself... I know we are proud of ya |
| Four months already! Weight loss is slowing down now. I only lost 12 pounds this month. They told me to expect it to slow down more. I've now lost 76 lbs, so I've still got 37 more to go.
Before:
4 months post op: 
Random musings... My hair is falling out like mad. I literally lose a handful or more every day. It's a good thing I had enough for three people to start with or I'd be bald by now. They did say that I should be through the worst of that now, though, and soon it should start growing back.
Great. I'll look like a chia pet.
I'm wearing a size 10 now (started at 18-20) and losing roughly a size per month. But, I guess that will change as the weight loss slows more, too. I've started working out to try to tone so I don't end up all flabby. I have a LONG way to go where that's concerned. Wish me luck. |
| Tammy, you look fantastic! I really don't understand where you will get another 30+ pounds to lose! I had a bit of hair loss too, but its stopped now. I'm really proud of you! Glad we are taking this journey together! |
| Woohoo, you hottie! You look great! That's just amazing how much weight you've lost in such a short amount of time. Is it standard to lose hair while losing weight in general or is it from the surgery? After you lose those 30 pounds we probably won't even be able to find you in the picture you'll be so tiny! |
| 30 more pounds??????? You will be a stick!!!
You look Maaavelous Daaarling  |
| Thanks, y'all.
Deb, when did you stop losing hair? After you reached your goal? Yes, Steph, it's normal to lose hair while you're losing weight. I'm not sure of the particulars, but it has something to do with the drastic decrease in fat intake and the fact that your body has to use what it's stored so it doesn't get to do it's usual job.
My nutritionist told me to try adding additional protein to my diet to help decrease the hair loss, too. |
| You look fantastic Tammy!
I usually think of every 10 lbs. as a size - at least that has been the rule of thumb for me every time I have lost a fair amount of weight. So if you apply that rule of thumb you would end up being a size 2 or 4 if you lost another 37 lbs. I think you look pretty great the way you are now. |
Beaureguard's Mom wrote: Thanks, y'all.
Deb, when did you stop losing hair? After you reached your goal? I'm still losing some hair, but not nearly as much as before. I've always had thick hair, and was concerned. It was coming out in bunches. Even the motion of me washing my hair would leave me with handfuls of hair. So I talked to my stylist who said it is part of diet changes. It is MUCH better now. I think the body has to re-learn how to allocate the nutrients we give it to use. You really do look great! I'm envious, cuz I lost my, ah, "chest" Until this thing with Kayne West's mom's death, I was actually considering breast augmentation. Not so much, anymore. |
| Tammy,
You are just HOT STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (im giving you an elaine shove)....GET OUT! Absolutely beautiful.... ps..i have an extra wig if you need it |
| You look just WONDERFUL Tammy. You should be so proud of what you have accomplished!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Thanks, Judi. I figure I'll end up around a size 4. I'm not sure if I will maintain there or not. Some folks I know have moved up a size after they reach their goal and their body acclimates to the food intake. But, I know a few people, who have lost another size after reaching their goal and maintain there. So, I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens. Either way, I'll be happy just to be healthy.
Deb, I'm actually a little disappointed that I'm not losing "chest". I feel like I'm starting to look disproportionate. I don't want augmentation, but when this is all over, I will definitely be doing a lift & tuck procedure.
Thanks, Darcy! I may take you up on that wig offer if my hair loss doesn't stop soon. I had it permed so I can just let it air dry and not have to process it every day. I don't know if it has helped or not. I had to convince my stylist to give me the perm because she was afraid it would further damage my hair. I had to promise to baby it and condition the fool out of it before she agreed to do it.
Thank you, Ginny. I actually am pretty proud of myself. Even more so now that I'm actually working out a few days a week, too. (We have the boyfriend to thank for that as he's very encouraging. ) |
| Hey Tammy give me those directions to get to your house to come pick up all those size 18 clothes you won't ever need again.
You look fantastic. |
| WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW,WOW WOW WOW, Ok, so I'm actually speachless. Quite shocking, I know.
You look so incredible. Amazing! Your bone structure must be really small to still lose so much more weight. I too can't see where it's going to come from. Congratulations, again, I just can't tell you how wonderful your achievement is and in such a short period of time! You look fantastic. Enjoy the new life you have sure earned it! |
| You look fantastic, Tammy!
As someone who just reached her weight loss goal. I know, in at least my case, that my "chest" was the last place I lost weight. I have lost a full cup size. I am happy to get rid of the added weight there. So is my back. |
| I can't imagine where you are going to find 30 more pds to lose. You look great and to lose in such a short time it feels great doesn't it. Since I've had my shingles I've lost 70lbs so far and it feels great. I have not had the hair loss problem yet. Isn't it great to go into "the normal" sizes at the store? When I try on the next smaller size I choke back tears because I never thought I would be there again. Anyway, I am so proud of you...keep up the good work. |
| You look Fantastic, and so much younger and more confident!
Congratulations people who haven't seen you in a while must get a shock when they see you. |
| Very very hot. |
| Wyn - I would LOVE to send you some clothes. I've been trying to figure out what to do with them. There are boxes & boxes of them in my storage building and even more piled up on the floor of my closet as I ran out of boxes.
Thanks, LVSL! I've always thought I had "big bones", but it turns out, not so much. What a nice realization.
Elissa, you've given me hope that I may still lose a cup size.
Violet - congrats!! You have to post some pictures! Your accomplishment is awesome!! And yes, it is both gratifing and weird to be able to shop anywhere I want and find something to fit me. Yes, Vicki, when I run into people whom I haven't seen in several months, they don't recognize me. It's kind of funny.
Ron, I'm so flattered. Seriously. Thank you. |
| Each time I went down a size, I packed up everything in the old size and had Amvets pick it up. |
violet wrote: I can't imagine where you are going to find 30 more pds to lose. You look great and to lose in such a short time it feels great doesn't it. Since I've had my shingles I've lost 70lbs so far and it feels great. I have not had the hair loss problem yet. Isn't it great to go into "the normal" sizes at the store? When I try on the next smaller size I choke back tears because I never thought I would be there again. Anyway, I am so proud of you...keep up the good work.
Helen - I think it is great you lost 70 pounds!!! Wow! It "almost" makes this shingles nightmare worth it, huh?! We definitely need to see some pictures. |
| Don't know how I missed this entire thread but WOW! Tammy, you look amazing, truly amazing . You appear younger in each picture, pretty soon you'll look like a teenager (with a handsome new beau). Keep up the great work and be VERY proud of yourself |
| Yesterday was the 5 month mark. Since I've uploaded Christmas photos, I'll just use one of them for this progress report. I think I've lost three pounds since this photo was taken, but I'm equally sure you can't notice the difference.
So here's the beginning: 
And here's five months later: 
The doctor was right, the weight loss has definitely slowed down. I only lost 8 lbs this month. So, now I'm down 82 lbs and have 31 still to lose. As I mentioned last month, I am working out three days a week now and while I still can't tell much difference in the way I look, I can tell the difference in the way I feel. I know it takes a long time to be able to actually see the results, so I'm hanging in there.
Thanks to all of you for your continual encouragement. You're such a wonderful support group!! |
| A-M-A-Z-I-N-G
....and 8lbs still seems like SO much in a month!! Way to go. It's so great to hear how successful this has been for you |
| What do you mean, you can't the difference in the way you look? ITS NIGHT AND DAY!!! You look wonderful! But I can't imagine you losing 30-some pounds more. What does your doctor say about that? You really look great! |
| Tammy, you look amazing. I have to say, you carried your weight really well before, so it was hard to imagine that you would even have considered weight loss surgery, but you just look so good, and so happy and healthy now. I'm so happy for you.
I agree--what does your doctor say about you losing 30 more pounds! |
| Mullie says: "Arrrrrwoof!" and he's panting.
Me too! |
| YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| You look fantastic! What a nice way to start the New Year. |
| |
| Actually, the doctor thinks I have 35 more to go. But, that's to my "ideal" weight and they're more than pleased with my progress and if I don't lose another ounce they still consider me a successful patient. So, I guess it's really up to me now, to work out and continue to lose the remaining 31 lbs.
I have had some interesting experiences last weekend. I was eating dinner in a restuarant when my SIL's dad came in with his girlfriend. They walked right past our table and never spoke. I was going to go over & say hello when I finished eating, but about half-way through the meal he came back to our table and apologized for not speaking earlier - he didn't know it was me. 
Then, on Sunday, at a funeral, I saw an old co-worker that I worked very closely with for years and when I spoke to him, he looked at me like he had no idea who I was. He is a twin, so when I saw his expression, I said "you are Heath - right?" and he said "Yeah!" I said "for a minute there, I thought I had the wrong brother" Then, his wife told me it took her a few minutes to figure out who I was. She said, I knew I knew your face, but WOW. You look so different.
I don't realize how much I have changed since I see me every day. But, apparently, it's a lot more than I realized. Funny, huh? |
| Who ARE you? |
Ron wrote: Who ARE you?
Dont you mean...."Who is John Gault?" sorry couldnt resist.... Tam, you are one hot tamale!!!!!!! What an inspiration! |
| All I can say, Tammy, is - WOw!!!
You look SO good, it truly is beyond words!! Another 30 lbs? A good wind will be able to blow you away!! |
| WoW Tammy , you look amazing.
When I got your Christmas card Bob said "She looks familiar " I had to laugh .When I told him it was you he said "No way" .
The difference from when we seen you in September to now is unbelievable ! YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!
Antoinette |
BANDAA wrote: WoW Tammy , you look amazing.
When I got your Christmas card Bob said "She looks familiar " I had to laugh .When I told him it was you he said "No way" . The difference from when we seen you in September to now is unbelievable ! YOU GO GIRL!!!!!! Antoinette That's funny! I'm getting that a lot these days. Makes me laugh every time. |
| Just a quick update and I'll try to remember to take a picture tonight to go with the six month progress report. I've only lost three pounds this month. I've definitely hit a plateau. So, now I'm down 85 lbs and have 28 more to lose to my ultimate goal.
My hair is no longer coming out by the handfuls every day. In fact, it's growing back in really well now. I have new hair, about an inch long, coming in all over my head, but so far, it's lying down and I don't look like a chia pet - yet.
I can eat pretty much anything I want now, with respect to meats, salads, etc. Of course, I can only eat small portions, but that will never change. I still have days when I eat a few bites and it comes right back up and I just can't keep anything down. I wish I could predict when it will happen or what foods cause it, but so far it appears to be really random. The things they told me would trigger it, I avoid, so who knows?
So far, I'm toning up okay, so I don't think I'll end up with a bunch of sagging skin. Still, there are a few places, like my "wing span" under my arms, that I'm concerned about. So, the jury is still out on that one. I'll just have to keep working and see what happens. 
Still, overall, it has been a very positive experience for me and definitely worth the effort. I am due for a check up again soon and will have my cholesterol checked at that time. Everything else is very positive and I'm in better health than I've been in years. So, yeah, if asked, I'd do it again in a skinny minute. |
| Tammy, you are doing great! Its ok to hit a plateau, no really don't need to lose quickly now. Slow and steady wins the race. I'm so proud of you. You are doing this the correct way...so many people don't, and end up in big trouble. Ya look fabulous!!!! Congrats on the new hair. Mine is getting thicker again too. I have a silly "cowlick" right at my hairline at the part. Can't do a thing with it! Big hugs, sweetie! |
| You look so good!!! I am so proud of you... and ... as Grandma always says--- "The important thing is that you are proud of yourself"
And good news about the hair! Those little ones standing up will give you lots of body! |
| Tammy: You are doing so good! I will give you the advise my sister(who is a nurse)gave me when I told her I only lost 5lbs this month. She said as long as you are losing, don't get concerned. You may level off for a while, and if you do, Weight Watchers recommends you increase your water and exercise.
Good luck! |
| Let's continue here:
http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?t=18315 |
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