Long Awaited Update!

I know it's been a long time since I've updated my blog but time has gotten away from me and things have been a lot easier than I thought they would so documenting everything hasn't been a priority. I know there were a lot of people interested in following my blog and for that I totally apologize.

So yesterday was my 4 month (4 mths on Friday!) check up with Dr. Fitzer's clinic in Utica. I thought I'd let everyone know the update was really good. Apparently my bloodwork is almost perfect! I'm not longer diabetic, my cholesterol is normal, liver is normal, iron, B12, etc is all normal. It's great! I've lost a total of 78lbs since this all started. My legs feel much better and Tylenol provides me with enough pain relief. I'm able to walk up to two hours now instead of only 15 min intervals. The pain is so much less that I can't imagine how much better it will get in time. I must admit I cannot stand for long periods at this point still but for the most part, walking or hiking with my poles is fabulous! I'm loving it!

It hasn't been completely perfect but so far so good. I do have to go see my family doctor to get a CAAT scan done on my tummy to see why I have a horrible discomfort in the center. It may be a piece of bowel being caught under my new pouch although from what they say it should be causing more pain than discomfort. I've been asked to back off on my swimming until they find out what it is so hopefully that will be soon. I've started going to open lengths and swimming lengths a minimum twice a week but more if I can fit it in.

I thought I'd post my measurements here too to show the difference:

Pre-surgery measurements done Feb 4/2010:

Waist - 59
Neck - 18
Bicep - 18
Forearm - 12
Chest - 61
Hip - 58
Thigh - 26
Calf - 17.5

Measurements done today July 20, 2010

Waist - 49
Neck - 16
Bicep - 14
Forearm - 10
Chest - 55
Hip - 51
Thigh - 22
Calf - 15

So definitely some changes there. I still don't know why I'm so tired though since all of my blood tests came back so perfect. I will have to maybe start going to bed earlier and trying to get more sleep instead. It will be a bit of a testing time to play with different attempts to get some sleep.

I'm pretty excited even though the weight loss has slowed down some. I'm hoping it will start again but I'm still doing everything right! I simply cannot wait to start doing some of my goals (Kayaking, Canoeing, longer hikes, zip lining, Wind Surfing, Frontenac Challenge and sooooo much more!!!!)