6 Months and Happy as a Clam

October 19, 2000

Hi everyone,

While I am not doing as much posting here as I have in the past, these lists

still hold a fond place in my heart. Today is the 6 month anniversary since

my DS surgery with Dr. Welker. My surgery experience was unusually easy, in

retrospect, and my recovery for the most part was pretty uneventful. I was

one that had 7 weeks of low grade nausea...but that ended at about 12 weeks.

I have also lost some hair, though nothing extreme. I developed a little

bit of an acid stomach, and so very RARELY get to indulge in two of my

favorites---red ripe tomatoes or a great cup of coffee. I was lactose

intolerant early on, and only recently tested that. Turns out that a couple

of tablespoons of ice cream did make me gassy...and gas is not something I

have experienced much of over the last six months. I didn't used Dairy

Care, but lactaid. You know what, I think I can continue living without ice

cream for the time being. Cheese is fine, and I adore cheese. In fact, I

love that some of the foods that used to be absolutely off-limits like

cheese, peanut butter and nuts, are now a regular part of my life.

I have developed a hernia, which I think of not too fondly as my resident

alien ( I think I first heard that from Duffy, describing hers). It doesn't

hurt, so far isn't huge ( though I can't really wear tight knits or very

sheer tops) and so Dr. Welker says I should just let it be until I finish

losing weight, then it will provide me with a free tummy tuck.

My exercise routine is one of the few surprises in my life. It doesn't

surprise me that I exercise, but it surprises me how much I enjoy it. I do

weight training, swim laps, do water aerobics, and use a treadmill or

elliptical trainer. I love those endorphins and have more energy than I

have ever had in my life. I have more emotional and mental energy as

well...am now plotting a big career change, and maybe even a move to one of

the coasts.

Between the swimming (chlorine) and the losing hair from weight loss-- my

hair was looking pretty yucky of late. So, last week, for the first time in

38 years, I cut off (I didn't do the cutting) my longish naturally curly

hair to a collar length do. I love it, look younger and feel liberated. No

more hair to hide behind.

All of this is to say: I was a self-pay WLSer...used all of my liquid

assets to have the surgery. I haven't regretted it for even one moment, and

am thrilled with my weight loss of 90 plus lbs and 68 inches gone too.

Thanks for indulging this and thanks for so much support the last 8 months

or so.

Jules

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