Bed Hair, Tattoo's, and 90 lbs. later, and newbies - ThinnerTimes

Baron Patrick · 04-05-2008, 02:50 PM

Hello All;

It's been almost a year since my surgery, and it's everything all my friends here told me about. For those who don't know me to well, or my story, I fought 2 years to get my surgery. The insurance company tried to block me in every way possible but I finally won. I had my surgery on May 29, 2007. Trust me when I say it does get easier, and if you follow the rules, you won't have too much trouble.

I find a lot of the "newbies" asking about "what if", mainly going back to old habits. Let me tell you, the more you think about it, the more difficult it's going to be. Start the good habits NOW! If you keep looking at stuff that "I can't eat anymore", it's going to be more difficult because your convincing yourself your missing out on something. Believe me, your not. This will really drive home when you have your first dumping experience. Oh, you WILL dump! We all do. And we DO remember that first time. Establish your support group, and stay active. I can't tell you how important that is. Face it, your going to be part of a support group the rest of your life. You need it. Remember, this surgery is life saving, something you deserve, and no one can take away from you.

Now, for the pictures. I had our son take some pic's of my new tattoo's. The one on my neck was done in Hawaii last month (PLEASE ignore the bed head, hadn't taken my shower yet!), it means "Peace."

The ribbon was done last night. It's in support of my wife, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and has won! She had the lumpectomy a week ago last Thursday (and is STILL fatigued from the anesthesia), and will start radiation in a few weeks. It was caught in the earliest stages, Thank God.

The other picture of me showing off my ribbon tattoo is how I look today, as compared to the pic taken the night before my surgery, after having had my bottle of citrus nitrate laxative (which explains why I look so happy!)

I'm not where I want to be weight wise - yet, (20 lbs. to go) but getting there, and that my friends, is the main thing!

Zenomia · 04-05-2008, 04:48 PM

Well...after not 'seeing' you for a long time, OMGoodnes...what a change. Your not even the same person! Do you realize how amazing you look?? WOW! I am totally impressed! --HUGS and Health to your wife!--

Godsblessedme · 04-05-2008, 04:53 PM

wow Patrick i concur you look amazingly different! and you look many years younger now

and much happier! thanks for sharing

LyndasRoom · 04-05-2008, 06:34 PM

Patrick, you look so GREAT! Prayers to your wife for a healthy life ahead.

Andie · 04-06-2008, 07:25 AM

What a beautiful tattoo in tribute to your wife and her fight! I'm so glad things are going well for her and you guys caught it in time. You look amazing and are an inspiration to all...thanks for sharing your journey with us!

coptergirl · 04-06-2008, 07:33 AM

Pat. Honey. I need to arrange a special trip to Cali to take you shopping. Ever seen that movie "Big"? Well, you look like you're wearing another mans clothing cuz you have shrunk so much!!

I love the tats - especially the ribbon one. BC is close to my heart as my mom finished treatment in February, and your tribute to your wife is beautiful...

Duckie · 04-06-2008, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zenomia

Well...after not 'seeing' you for a long time, OMGoodnes...what a change. Your not even the same person! Do you realize how amazing you look?? WOW! I am totally impressed! --HUGS and Health to your wife!--

Exactly what she said! Now, get a new avatar picture Patrick! WOW.

Baron Patrick · 04-06-2008, 06:58 PM

Zen and Duckie;

Thanks for the compliments, but to be honest, I didn't see much of a difference until I saw the pic's from our Hawaii vacation last month. My jaw dropped, I couldn't believe how I looked. I honestly didn't realize how much my appearance has changed. I mean, I'm aware of the weight I've lost, and I love looking in the mirror (

) and not seeing that huge stomach sticking out. I have still have a shar-pei body, gotta get into an exercise routine. I want to lose another 20 lbs. and honestly, I'm not in a real hurry to get it off, mainly because of the past. I'd lose it quickly, and it would return. I don't want to lose it so fast, nice and slow is fine with me. I promise I will update my avatar!

Whitney;

The picture was taken while I was wearing one of my house shirts (emphasis on strictly around the house), which I admit are my old "fat" ones. I just want to get as much use out of them as I can before they are "retired." Once I get back on my feet, I will be doing some more clothes shopping!

I find I don't like super fitted or tight clothes. I like them loose so I can move around. Before I lost the weight, my clothes were so tight on me I could not bend over most of the time, I'm sure everyone can relate to that. I'm currently at a 36" waist, and it's comfortably loose. My belt is 40", I guess I need to get some new one's but for right now, they are comfortable. Does that make sense?

Thanks!

coptergirl · 04-07-2008, 04:41 AM

Pat - I am sorry - I re-read my post, and realized I sounded sort of snarky. It wasn't intended - I really just want to go shopping with you

Baron Patrick · 04-07-2008, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coptergirl

Pat - I am sorry - I re-read my post, and realized I sounded sort of snarky. It wasn't intended - I really just want to go shopping with you

No worries! I didn't take it that way at all. By all means, when your over on this side of the country we'll go shopping - my wife's favorite hobby - she'd love it!