118 lbs lost; 8 lbs UNDER goal weight! Stress will do that to ya! I used to EAT, EAT, EAT when I was stressed...now I have learned not to. The flip side is that I am not eating as well as I should nor getting enough water in. I have been sick alot lately so my body is definately not happy with me...but I just keep plugging along!
I am way behind...so much going on the past few months that I haven't even known where to start as far as updates. I will try to keep it short.
We lost our house (crappy economy / long story) but I pretty much see it as a blessing in disguise; a chance to start over. Anyone who knows us knows that we HATED the house we lived for the past 8 1/2 years. It's a long story how we came to be there but the reason we stayed was for our kids and we really do love the area. They boys were getting older and wanted to attend the middle school/high school with their friends...so we stayed. The house was VERY old and although we did some renovations over the years we could never get it completely done and the parts we would get done would end up having problems (water leak) and we would have to tear them out. It was a disaster and I am glad to be out of there.
The downside...we are currently living with my sister and her husband (the downside being that they have to put up with us!). We are so thankful to them for letting us crash there. Since the boys are both in SG it's just me, Rio & Tessa. My sis has a very nice large room in her basement that we share. It's big enough for a bed, dressers, TV, computer desk, etc. and has a nice large closet. It's working out fine and I hope we aren't too much of a burden on them. They are so kind to take us in until we can find a place of our own again.
Tessa started 1st grade in September. Week nights are hectic! Monday = soccer games. Tuesday = dance class. Wednesday = gymnastics. Friday = soccer practice. Weekends usually entail at least one sleep over! Just one kid at home right now and I can barely keep up! All the weeknight stuff takes place after working all day so it can make for long days! She is still our sweet girl and she keeps us smiling!
Colton is doing well in SG. He likes the high school and has made friends. He still misses us and his friends up here of course but he is learning alot down there. He is working hard to complete his community service (125 hours by Dec 1st - sentance was given on 8/26/09). My mom keeps him on his toes...he is getting better at chores; helping around the house; completing his homework; cleaning up after himself; being responsible, etc. He is still our big hearted, loving, stubborn Colton! He visited for a weekend recently and I didn't see him much but that's ok. He had a nice time with his friends. Rio has been down to SG quite a bit for work so he sees him alot. I hope to be able to visit down there soon.
Tyler...where to start...moved to Hawaii at the end of July; found out it was too late to register for school; decided to come back so he could attend Dixie State. After a NIGHTMARE experience trying to get him a flight home he started school a few days late so they had dropped his classes. He got that straightened out and has been living with my mom also (poor Brenda has her hands full)! He visited a few weekeends in a row up here in SLC and I could tell he wasn't doing well. He NEVER talks to us about anything so it's hard to know what's up with him most of the time. He commented that he didn't like Dixie and as I dug harder I discovered that he felt he didn't fit in anywhere. Because of some past history with him, genetics and some other factors I finally convinced him to see a Dr. in SG because I suspected his depression was worse than we knew. The doctor diagnosed him as Bi-Polar, Type 2 (emotional depression) and started him on medication. It's only been a few weeks & he doesn't spend much time at my mom's so it's hard to know if anything is improving. In the meantime we hadn't been able to pay his tuition or work on getting any type of financial aid or loans so his classes got dropped. He is due in court this week to receive his sentance for the "stolen ring" incident earlier this year. We are extremely worried about him. Rio actually went to spend some time in SG this week to see if we can help get him headed in the right direction. He is actually back at Dixie State now taking 2 classes so that he will still qualify for his (small) scholarship for next semester. I imagine he will be sentanced to ALOT of community service hours and on top of that we have been encouraging him to get a job. This is a tough time in a person's life and we are trying to support him while encouraging him to be more responsible and learn to take care of himself and not rely on us so much. His diagnosis makes it difficult because we don't know as much about it as we need to; I have been doing some research though. But Tyler won't go to counseling either which I think would help alot. It's frustrating and sad and breaks my heart to see my children suffering!
I want to "fix" everything for everyone and I can't and it KILLS me!
So much going on this past year or so; so many emotions; so many ups & downs (more downs than ups!). It's a roller coaster ride and I am hanging on for dear life!
I try to stay positive but it's not easy. Some days I wonder what I did to deserve all the CRAP - if I knew what I had done or who I had offended I would apologize and make it right. Other days I am somewhat at peace knowing that everything happens for a reason and I am where I am supposed to be. Easier said than done most days!
BUT...I love my family, I have the BEST husband in the world and he loves me and that's all that matters. We WILL get through this and move forward...there is no other option!
10/6/09
8/17/09
Pictures...
Tyler, Colton, Tessa (holding Dot), Rio, MeBostwick family reunion
Jordanelle, July 2009
This is the last family photo we had taken before Tyler moved to Hawaii & Colton moved to St. George for school!
Tessa, August 2009She has her own unique sense of style.
She found this "skull cap" in the men's section at Walmart and HAD to have it!
Take special notice of the new high top Sketchers that are VERY bright & the socks pulled up to the knees...very reminiscent of the 80's...LOL! Gotta love this kid!!
Tessa's 6th Birthday - August 12, 2009. Love the "press on" nails? She wore these for a day or two but hated the sticky feeling on her nails when we pulled them off!
Tessa's 6th Birthday with her cousins & friends. We had so many people over it was standing room only! She is a very lucky girl to have so many people that love her!
Our family is really very lucky to have so many wonderful friends and family. They showed up in droves for Tessa's party and she got so many fabulous, thougthful gifts. She has a very small bedroom made even worse by how much "stuff" she has in it (can you say spoiled?). Since the boys are now gone I have been trying to move a few things down to the family room in the basement so her room isn't stuffed to the gills!
Tessa starts 1st grade next week...holy hannah!!!! My baby is growing up so fast!
BTW...Tyler is headed home from Hawaii. It was too late to register for school over there. I tried to tell him to just get a job, work & save money and then go to school next semester but he wanted to come home & go to Dixie (which starts in a week). So he will be home some time tomrorow. I'm anxious to see if there is more to the story...I don't think he was real comfortable with his dad & his dad's wife but I could be wrong. Tyler is "HM" (high maintenance) and likes things "just so"...so when things don't work out exactly like he thinks they should he gets anxious...which in turns causes me major anxiety! We don't know exactly where he will live in SG or how he will get around...so much to figure out in the next few days!
Colton enjoyed his first week at Tuacahn High School and has already made some friends. Old habits die HARD though and as much as we hoped he was done with certain things...apparently he isn't! He wants so badly to be in charge of his own life and make his own decisions...I keep telling him that until he is 18 WE make the decisions for him and apparently he can't make good decisions anyway! *SIGH*...the drama continues!
8/14/09
Catching up...again...
-117 lbs; that's 7 lbs UNDER goal weight...woot woot! WLS + economy + stress = additional weight loss...
I am way behind on blogging/journaling...*sigh*!
Tessa turned 6 years old earlier this week! She is growing up so fast. We had lots of family and friends over for cake & ice cream! I will try to post pics soon. She has developed her own unique sense of style lateley...not sure what's up with her & her OCD about her clothes/socks/shoes, etc...she cracks me up!
Colton started school on Monday (Aug. 10th) in St. George. He is attending Tuacahn High School for the Arts this year & living with my mom. His "academy" at school is Graphic Art Design. We HAD to get him out of SLC and this was a great opportunity. Very emotional for all of us and hard to have him gone. He was there for a few weeks before school and he was bored and angry; then we had him home for about 10 days; then back to SG where we spent 4 days with him last weekend before school started. So far he says he likes the school, his teachers and his classes so it's been a pretty good week for him. We sincerely hope this will be a positive experience for all of us but especially for him!
Tyler left for Hawaii with his dad & his dad's wife on July 29th. They had a few problems with housing once they got there but they now have a place to live. Tyler is applying to the University of Hawaii for admission; he can transfer his scholarship from Dixie if he is accepted. We should know in the next few days. I think he is having a good time but he is also very far away and that is hard on all of us! He is getting to know his dad better which is good...not sure that he is all that comfortable with his dad's wife though...
Both boys were due in court last week over the "stolen ring" thing from back at the end of May. Tyler had already left for Hawaii so he wasn't there. The judge set up new court dates for both of them. Colton's is later this month; right smack in the middle of the week so he will have to miss school and Rio will have to make a marathon trip to SG to bring him up and get him back there so he only misses one day of school
Tyler's court date is in October...so we have to come up with money for a plane ticket to get him home for court...what a pain in the keyster! Not sure how that will effect school...if he doesn't get into school over there I think his plan is just to come home for court and then just stay here...not sure how I feel about that plan. Although I miss him; I really wanted him to experience Hawaii , go to college, get a job, learn responsibility, etc...but it's his decision to make.
We had some family reunions in July that were alot of fun...will have to post pics soon.
Work is crazy busy for both Rio & I. Life in general has been pretty damn NUTS for the past year or so and I desperately need to sit down and relax but it never seems to work out that way. Most days I feel as though I am treading water and barely keeping my nostrils above the surface...such is life I guess. Even with just one kid at home right now it still hasn't slowed down! My boys are in other states/cities and I still can't keep up with everything!
TTFN!
Will try to post pictures soon!
I am way behind on blogging/journaling...*sigh*!
Tessa turned 6 years old earlier this week! She is growing up so fast. We had lots of family and friends over for cake & ice cream! I will try to post pics soon. She has developed her own unique sense of style lateley...not sure what's up with her & her OCD about her clothes/socks/shoes, etc...she cracks me up!
Colton started school on Monday (Aug. 10th) in St. George. He is attending Tuacahn High School for the Arts this year & living with my mom. His "academy" at school is Graphic Art Design. We HAD to get him out of SLC and this was a great opportunity. Very emotional for all of us and hard to have him gone. He was there for a few weeks before school and he was bored and angry; then we had him home for about 10 days; then back to SG where we spent 4 days with him last weekend before school started. So far he says he likes the school, his teachers and his classes so it's been a pretty good week for him. We sincerely hope this will be a positive experience for all of us but especially for him!
Tyler left for Hawaii with his dad & his dad's wife on July 29th. They had a few problems with housing once they got there but they now have a place to live. Tyler is applying to the University of Hawaii for admission; he can transfer his scholarship from Dixie if he is accepted. We should know in the next few days. I think he is having a good time but he is also very far away and that is hard on all of us! He is getting to know his dad better which is good...not sure that he is all that comfortable with his dad's wife though...
Both boys were due in court last week over the "stolen ring" thing from back at the end of May. Tyler had already left for Hawaii so he wasn't there. The judge set up new court dates for both of them. Colton's is later this month; right smack in the middle of the week so he will have to miss school and Rio will have to make a marathon trip to SG to bring him up and get him back there so he only misses one day of school
Tyler's court date is in October...so we have to come up with money for a plane ticket to get him home for court...what a pain in the keyster! Not sure how that will effect school...if he doesn't get into school over there I think his plan is just to come home for court and then just stay here...not sure how I feel about that plan. Although I miss him; I really wanted him to experience Hawaii , go to college, get a job, learn responsibility, etc...but it's his decision to make.
We had some family reunions in July that were alot of fun...will have to post pics soon.
Work is crazy busy for both Rio & I. Life in general has been pretty damn NUTS for the past year or so and I desperately need to sit down and relax but it never seems to work out that way. Most days I feel as though I am treading water and barely keeping my nostrils above the surface...such is life I guess. Even with just one kid at home right now it still hasn't slowed down! My boys are in other states/cities and I still can't keep up with everything!
TTFN!
Will try to post pictures soon!
7/1/09
I talk too much...
I have realized that my posts are WAY too long; I talk too much; so I will try to keep this one short & sweet...
Micheal Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50. I won't wax nostalgic here...just want to say that his music was FABULOUS and I can still sing the words to so many of his songs. RIP Michael...
Tyler is visiting from SG for a week or so. He is busy lifting weights & hanging with LT...good to have him home; he is doing so much better.
Colton went river rafting with a friends family...he had a GREAT time!
Tessa has OCD about her hair & clothes all the sudden...so weird and not like her at all!
There are some changes taking place where I work that have me concerned about whether I will have a job for much longer...I guess all I can do is wait & see & hope for the best.
How's that for short & sweet???
Micheal Jackson passed away on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50. I won't wax nostalgic here...just want to say that his music was FABULOUS and I can still sing the words to so many of his songs. RIP Michael...
Tyler is visiting from SG for a week or so. He is busy lifting weights & hanging with LT...good to have him home; he is doing so much better.
Colton went river rafting with a friends family...he had a GREAT time!
Tessa has OCD about her hair & clothes all the sudden...so weird and not like her at all!
There are some changes taking place where I work that have me concerned about whether I will have a job for much longer...I guess all I can do is wait & see & hope for the best.
How's that for short & sweet???
6/25/09
Weight Loss...
I started this blog as a way to track my weight loss journey & it has turned into more of a "journal" for me...which is a good thing. I really do treat it like a journal & I write whatever I am feeling at the moment or about things going on in my life & with my family.
I figured I would go back to some basics about my weight loss surgery & how far I have come because some days; even though I know I have achieved something great; I have a hard time concentrating on what I have achieved. I tend to focus on the things that I still want to change about my body...I believe I am what is referred to as a "pessimist"! haha
I had Weight Loss Surgery (Gastric Bypass) on Jan. 7, 2008. This surgery reduces your stomach to about the size of a fist & re-routes your intestines. I am 5'8" tall & I weighed 260 lbs on the day of my surgery. My BMI (Body Mass Index) was 39.5. I wore a size 22/24 pants & most of the time a size 26/28 shirt although I tended to wear REALLY baggy things to cover up the fat...like that really helped! I was the fattest I had ever been on the day I had WLS.
I was not overweight as a child or adolescent; infact I was very active. I ran track, danced, did drill team, etc. up thru my first year of college. I put on weight; like a lot of us do; starting in my 20's after having my first child, getting divorced & then re-married, getting comfortable, eating what I wanted, not exercising and having 2 more children and eating, eating, eating.
Due to my weight gain I had back problems, high blood pressure, sleep apnea & acid reflux...I had taken prescriptions for all of these things for years & had a CPAP machine for breathing while I slept. All of those have gone away since my surgery...except the lower back pain (I had 2 bulging discs & had surgery in 2003) & that may never go away...bad genes I guess!
I am a worrier; I stress alot & I became a stress eater...although I have gotten better the past few years at managing my stress. I also have a sweet tooth that was out of control! I drank Diet Dr. Pepper & ate candy all day long!
My goal was to lose 110 lbs in a year; my goal weight was 150 lbs; a good weight for my height; a weight I had not seen for about 15 years or so. I reached my goal in 11 months & contrary to what some may think...it was not "easy". The surgery, the smaller stomach, the food restrictions, the head hunger...it was tough...it's still tough most days but it's worth it! I am now in the "maintenance" phase. I tend to stay right at about -113 lbs lost...which is a few under my goal weight...I can live with that.
One thing I have a hard time with is "the SAG". I've watched ALOT of shows over the years about WLS & people who have lost large amounts of weight rapidly...your skin obviously does not shrink so there is some SAG. My stomach is not nearly as bad as I thought it would be, although it's definately not pretty...LOL! I do have the "bat wings" or what some call "relief society arms" that probably don't look as bad as I think they do. My legs have some sag, it's worse on my upper legs than on my calves. I have no butt anymore...the little bit I do have...you guessed it...it SAGS!
I never had much in the "rack" department...infact as I gained weight I didn't want to look like a "pear" so I started wearing "enhancements" (or what we like to call chicken breasts) in my bra to even out my figure. As I have lost weight I have continued to wear my "enhancements" so that some people have asked if I have had a boob job (I wish). My face shows more wrinkles because there is no fat to fill it out...so while I am skinnier now I feel like I look older in my face.
I look pretty "OK" with clothes on...it's my naked self that I have issues with...LOL. There are things that clothes can hide & there are support garments that can be a girls best friend! Are we EVER happy with our body? I was actually more comfortable wearing a swimming suit when I had fat to fill it out...now I hesitate to even put one one (I don't currently even own one) because the loose skin jiggles when I move...not a pretty sight! Most of the time I will wear my bra; with my enhancements in it; under my swimming suit so that no one can tell how flat chested I really am! I have worn swimming suits that have the "skirt" on the bottom for YEARS and when/if I purchase one this year I will still buy one with a skirt...to help cover a little bit of the sag...when I walk I can look down and see the skin on my legs just flapping about...not pretty!
Some day I want to have plastic surgery if/when I can afford it. The Dr's recommend you hit your goal first and then maintain the weight loss for a while...18-24 months after WLS; they don't recommend plastic surgery before that time. I used to think all I wanted was a tummy tuck...I can always pad my bra to appear sufficient in that area...but I have now decided that I could benefit from a lower body lift & a boob job! LOL!!
BUT...WLS is the best thing I ever did for myself. I feel better than I have in many, many years! I have more energy, I don't get tired walking up & down the stairs to the laundry room. I can bend over to tie my shoes instead of putting one foot up on the other leg to tie them sideways because my huge belly isn't in the way anymore.
I am not 100 degrees warmer than other people all the time...I never wore sweaters in the winter because I was always hot; summer was hard for me. I had a fan in my bathroom for YEARS; sitting on the counter or the back of the toilet seat; because when I would get ready for work my face would sweat making it hard to put my makeup on or do my hair.
I am now a size 6/8 and wear medium sized shirts. I can shop at stores that I haven't been able to shop at in years...my feet even shrunk 1/2 size! This is an ongoing journey but I have much to be proud of & I need to remember that!
The Dr.'s want WLS patients to start walking & eventually exercising on a regular basis after surgery. It helps with the bloating from surgery, the weight loss & eventually helps tone you up. I did ok in the beginning but I couldn't figure out why they couldn't implant a love of exercise at the time of surgery! For as active as I was in my younger days I have discovered that; just like when I was fat; I still don't enjoy exercise. I envy people that do it for fun or just because they love it. Finding the time for it has always been an issue...I've been told to "make time" and that is easier said than done. I started back to the gym a few months ago only to sprain my ankle really bad as I was leaving the gym on the 2nd day! My ankle still gives me a hard time...I probably should go to the Dr to have it looked at. WLS patients have mal-absorption issues & we take certain vitamins for the rest of our lives. Who knows...maybe we don't heal as well from things like sprained ankles or maybe I did more than sprain it!
At this point I have figured out that I can't complain about not exercising and/or toning up if I don't take the time do it...it's obviously not important enough to me right now or I would do it...although I have been thinking about it more and more lately...time will tell if I get it done I guess.
One thing that I don't like is that I seem to have issues with my memory; I have heard that alot from other WLS patients on the support sites. My brain seems to feel "fuzzy" alot. I used to have a photographic memory & I was very organized all the time...that seems to have changed somewhat & it's frustrating. But...I never had any other health issues due to the surgery; like some people do; and for that I am extremely grateful!
All in all I am happy with where I am. I do sometimes eat things I shouldn't but I try not to kick myself over it. I still don't eat many carbs...no bread, rice, pasta, etc. I stick to the proteins & vegetables as much as I can. I don't like to cook...never have...so I make do with small protein filled things or I make a batch of chili or chicken enchilada soup & I eat them for weeks at a time (food is fuel, not entertainment). I still don't love to drink water; even when it's flavored with Propel & I drink too many blended coffees (my daily treats & a "no no"...we aren't supposed to drink our calories & caffeine stimulates hunger). I will eat a few Peanut Butter M&M's here & there...not too many or it makes me nauseous. I sometimes have popcorn or a bite of chocolate but for the most part my eating is not out of control like it was before WLS. I NEVER want to be that fat again!
I am no where near perfect in this journey but I can live with what I have acheived so far. I just need to remember each day that I have succeeded & hope that it stays that way & that I don't go back to old habits & gain the weight back.
So...there is it...in a very long nutshell! Thank you & goodnight! :-)
I figured I would go back to some basics about my weight loss surgery & how far I have come because some days; even though I know I have achieved something great; I have a hard time concentrating on what I have achieved. I tend to focus on the things that I still want to change about my body...I believe I am what is referred to as a "pessimist"! haha
I had Weight Loss Surgery (Gastric Bypass) on Jan. 7, 2008. This surgery reduces your stomach to about the size of a fist & re-routes your intestines. I am 5'8" tall & I weighed 260 lbs on the day of my surgery. My BMI (Body Mass Index) was 39.5. I wore a size 22/24 pants & most of the time a size 26/28 shirt although I tended to wear REALLY baggy things to cover up the fat...like that really helped! I was the fattest I had ever been on the day I had WLS.
I was not overweight as a child or adolescent; infact I was very active. I ran track, danced, did drill team, etc. up thru my first year of college. I put on weight; like a lot of us do; starting in my 20's after having my first child, getting divorced & then re-married, getting comfortable, eating what I wanted, not exercising and having 2 more children and eating, eating, eating.
Due to my weight gain I had back problems, high blood pressure, sleep apnea & acid reflux...I had taken prescriptions for all of these things for years & had a CPAP machine for breathing while I slept. All of those have gone away since my surgery...except the lower back pain (I had 2 bulging discs & had surgery in 2003) & that may never go away...bad genes I guess!
I am a worrier; I stress alot & I became a stress eater...although I have gotten better the past few years at managing my stress. I also have a sweet tooth that was out of control! I drank Diet Dr. Pepper & ate candy all day long!
My goal was to lose 110 lbs in a year; my goal weight was 150 lbs; a good weight for my height; a weight I had not seen for about 15 years or so. I reached my goal in 11 months & contrary to what some may think...it was not "easy". The surgery, the smaller stomach, the food restrictions, the head hunger...it was tough...it's still tough most days but it's worth it! I am now in the "maintenance" phase. I tend to stay right at about -113 lbs lost...which is a few under my goal weight...I can live with that.
One thing I have a hard time with is "the SAG". I've watched ALOT of shows over the years about WLS & people who have lost large amounts of weight rapidly...your skin obviously does not shrink so there is some SAG. My stomach is not nearly as bad as I thought it would be, although it's definately not pretty...LOL! I do have the "bat wings" or what some call "relief society arms" that probably don't look as bad as I think they do. My legs have some sag, it's worse on my upper legs than on my calves. I have no butt anymore...the little bit I do have...you guessed it...it SAGS!
I never had much in the "rack" department...infact as I gained weight I didn't want to look like a "pear" so I started wearing "enhancements" (or what we like to call chicken breasts) in my bra to even out my figure. As I have lost weight I have continued to wear my "enhancements" so that some people have asked if I have had a boob job (I wish). My face shows more wrinkles because there is no fat to fill it out...so while I am skinnier now I feel like I look older in my face.
I look pretty "OK" with clothes on...it's my naked self that I have issues with...LOL. There are things that clothes can hide & there are support garments that can be a girls best friend! Are we EVER happy with our body? I was actually more comfortable wearing a swimming suit when I had fat to fill it out...now I hesitate to even put one one (I don't currently even own one) because the loose skin jiggles when I move...not a pretty sight! Most of the time I will wear my bra; with my enhancements in it; under my swimming suit so that no one can tell how flat chested I really am! I have worn swimming suits that have the "skirt" on the bottom for YEARS and when/if I purchase one this year I will still buy one with a skirt...to help cover a little bit of the sag...when I walk I can look down and see the skin on my legs just flapping about...not pretty!
Some day I want to have plastic surgery if/when I can afford it. The Dr's recommend you hit your goal first and then maintain the weight loss for a while...18-24 months after WLS; they don't recommend plastic surgery before that time. I used to think all I wanted was a tummy tuck...I can always pad my bra to appear sufficient in that area...but I have now decided that I could benefit from a lower body lift & a boob job! LOL!!
BUT...WLS is the best thing I ever did for myself. I feel better than I have in many, many years! I have more energy, I don't get tired walking up & down the stairs to the laundry room. I can bend over to tie my shoes instead of putting one foot up on the other leg to tie them sideways because my huge belly isn't in the way anymore.
I am not 100 degrees warmer than other people all the time...I never wore sweaters in the winter because I was always hot; summer was hard for me. I had a fan in my bathroom for YEARS; sitting on the counter or the back of the toilet seat; because when I would get ready for work my face would sweat making it hard to put my makeup on or do my hair.
I am now a size 6/8 and wear medium sized shirts. I can shop at stores that I haven't been able to shop at in years...my feet even shrunk 1/2 size! This is an ongoing journey but I have much to be proud of & I need to remember that!
The Dr.'s want WLS patients to start walking & eventually exercising on a regular basis after surgery. It helps with the bloating from surgery, the weight loss & eventually helps tone you up. I did ok in the beginning but I couldn't figure out why they couldn't implant a love of exercise at the time of surgery! For as active as I was in my younger days I have discovered that; just like when I was fat; I still don't enjoy exercise. I envy people that do it for fun or just because they love it. Finding the time for it has always been an issue...I've been told to "make time" and that is easier said than done. I started back to the gym a few months ago only to sprain my ankle really bad as I was leaving the gym on the 2nd day! My ankle still gives me a hard time...I probably should go to the Dr to have it looked at. WLS patients have mal-absorption issues & we take certain vitamins for the rest of our lives. Who knows...maybe we don't heal as well from things like sprained ankles or maybe I did more than sprain it!
At this point I have figured out that I can't complain about not exercising and/or toning up if I don't take the time do it...it's obviously not important enough to me right now or I would do it...although I have been thinking about it more and more lately...time will tell if I get it done I guess.
One thing that I don't like is that I seem to have issues with my memory; I have heard that alot from other WLS patients on the support sites. My brain seems to feel "fuzzy" alot. I used to have a photographic memory & I was very organized all the time...that seems to have changed somewhat & it's frustrating. But...I never had any other health issues due to the surgery; like some people do; and for that I am extremely grateful!
All in all I am happy with where I am. I do sometimes eat things I shouldn't but I try not to kick myself over it. I still don't eat many carbs...no bread, rice, pasta, etc. I stick to the proteins & vegetables as much as I can. I don't like to cook...never have...so I make do with small protein filled things or I make a batch of chili or chicken enchilada soup & I eat them for weeks at a time (food is fuel, not entertainment). I still don't love to drink water; even when it's flavored with Propel & I drink too many blended coffees (my daily treats & a "no no"...we aren't supposed to drink our calories & caffeine stimulates hunger). I will eat a few Peanut Butter M&M's here & there...not too many or it makes me nauseous. I sometimes have popcorn or a bite of chocolate but for the most part my eating is not out of control like it was before WLS. I NEVER want to be that fat again!
I am no where near perfect in this journey but I can live with what I have acheived so far. I just need to remember each day that I have succeeded & hope that it stays that way & that I don't go back to old habits & gain the weight back.
So...there is it...in a very long nutshell! Thank you & goodnight! :-)
6/17/09
Leaving my baby behind...
Tessa, Rio, Colton, Tyler, MeAt the funeral home for the viewing.
What an emotional weekend we just had. We went to SG on Saturday for 2 reasons...to attend my grandma's viewing & funeral and to move Tyler to SG to live with his dad & get ready to attend Dixie State College in the fall.
We had originally wanted Tyler to move right after graduation; we felt that he needed to get away from the influences up here so that he could get his life in order & prepare for school. A few months back he had pushed back & said he wanted to stay here for the summer & spend it with his friends. A few weeks ago; out of the blue; he changed his tune & said he wanted to move as soon as he graduated. I could see the subtal changes in him; things were shifting; he did not want to continue on the path he was on...I was so thankful that he seemed to be "getting a clue"!
Tyler woke me up at 2:30 am one morning last week...he was very emotional (which is not like him at all). He told me that he wanted to be "done" with all the things he had been doing that he knows he shouldn't be and that he was sorry for all the lies, etc. over the past year. We had a really good talk & I tried to help calm his fears about the upcoming changes. He expressed his desire to move right away so that he could get his head on straight and figure out what he wants. There is nothing harder than seeing your children struggle & try to find their place in this world.
He was both excited & nervous about the upcoming changes. He doesn't really know his dad all that well; they haven't really ever spent much time together. He had stayed with his dad & his dad's new wife back in March when he went to SG to tour Dixie State. They live in a condo & there isn't much room but they said he could come live with them and drive one of their vehicles which was good since we sold his car back in March. They also have 3 dogs...and Tyler is not an animal lover (he has never paid any attention to the one small dog we have).
We left on Saturday morning for SG...me, Rio, Tyler, Colton & Tessa. I can't tell you the last time all 5 of us actually traveled somewhere together (the boys never want to go anywhere with us). Tyler hadn't had much sleep over the past few days...trying to spend time with friends, get packed, etc. plus I think he was worrying alot.
Due to the funeral & all the family gathering we had during the 4 days were there; we actually spent some real quality time as a family. I could tell from conversations with Tyler that he is already realizing how good he has had it all these years. That's not to say it's bad at his dad's house; just different; which is something he will have to get used to.Tyler spent Monday with us at the funeral; then we went swimming; then out to eat with family. Tyler, Colton & my neice Bayli went to the movie that night & Tyler spent the night with us at Rio's parents. As we prepared to leave SG to head home on Tuesday (yesterday) we dropped him back off at his dad's house...it broke my heart. He gave all of us a big hug (it's been a LONG time since he has hugged any of us) and alot of "I love you's" were said. Rio & I both got choked up; it was so hard to leave him there...even if he has driven us nuts for the past year...LOL! He is my first born baby boy and I will miss him like crazy but I know this is where he needs to be right now.
Colton, Tessa, Tyler
I am crossing my fingers that everything will work out...that he will find a job, save some money, go to college & figure out who he wants to be. I love Tyler with all my heart and he will always be my baby!
Farewell Grandma Rose...
Rose Riding Bostwick; my dad's mother; passed away on June 9, 2009; she was 87 years old. She was the strongest woman I have ever known; raising 6 children on her own & caring for one of her sons; almost single handedly; for years after he was in a paralyzing car accident. She was determined, faithful & loved her family dearly. We were in SG the past couple of days to attend her viewing & funeral & spend time with family. It was very, very nice & Grandma can be proud of those she left behind.
Rose met Myrle Wayne Bostwick, who was working in the Civilian Conservation Corps on the Arizona Strip, and they married on March 28, 1942, just prior to Wayne entering military service during World War II. They had six children before divorcing in 1963.
Rose was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and came from a number of pioneer families that settled the St. George area. She served in a number of teaching positions and as a member of the Ward Primary presidency, as well as Ward Librarian. She was a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) and was proud to have several items made by her father and grandfather, Christopher Lister Riding, displayed in the DUP museum in St. George.
Rose was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was always involved in her children's and grandchildren's activities. When her third child, Stanley, was severely injured in an automobile accident in 1968, she dedicated much of her life to his care and well-being until his death in 1993. In the years following her divorce, Rose worked hard to provide for her family and attended school at the College of Southern Utah in Cedar City, Utah, where she graduated from a vocational program in secretarial science in 1965. She is probably best known as the secretary of Dixie High School where she worked from 1965 to 1985. She was a significant positive influence in the lives of countless high-school aged young men and women, including her own children. She participated in many extracurricular activities sponsored by Dixie High School such as chaperoning the Spanish Club on trips to Mexico and taking tickets at numerous school events. She retired from public education in 1987 after working for two years in the offices of the Washington County School District.
Although her time was limited by her responsibilities caring for her family, and particularly Stanley, Rose was active in her Church and the VFW Auxiliary, serving as its President in 1962-1963. She enjoyed traveling, camping, hiking, reading and gardening, as well as family parties, outings and reunions. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed countless hours making candy and other treats for, and with, family and friends. In the nine years following her retirement from public education, she accomplished her goal of walking five thousand miles as part of her efforts to stay fit and active.
Rose will be greatly missed and we treasure our wonderful memories. She is survived by: four children, Richard Lester Bostwick, Janice (Kenny) Thompson, Michael Edwin (Cathy) Bostwick, Darrel Joseph (Lisa) Bostwick; daughter-in-law Mary Graf Bostwick (Steve) Sevy; 24 grandchildren; and 31 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: two sons, Myrle Wayne Bostwick, Jr. and Stanley Bruce Bostwick; her parents; six sisters; and four brothers.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 15, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., at the St. George LDS Chapel located at 550 E. 700 So., St. George, Utah. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 14, 2009, from 6 - 8 p.m., at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., and Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., at the LDS Chapel prior to services. Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary (435-673-4221).
Rose's family would like to express their gratitude for the kindness and caring shown to her by the staff, administration and residents of The Meadows Retirement Community, as well as the members and leadership of the 29th Branch of the St. George Utah East Stake. Their love and friendship for, and service to Rose in her final years have blessed her life beyond measure.
Grandma was the secretary at Dixie High School in St. George for 20 years!
Colton, Me, Rio, Tessa & Tyler at the cemetary.
Rose met Myrle Wayne Bostwick, who was working in the Civilian Conservation Corps on the Arizona Strip, and they married on March 28, 1942, just prior to Wayne entering military service during World War II. They had six children before divorcing in 1963.
Rose was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and came from a number of pioneer families that settled the St. George area. She served in a number of teaching positions and as a member of the Ward Primary presidency, as well as Ward Librarian. She was a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) and was proud to have several items made by her father and grandfather, Christopher Lister Riding, displayed in the DUP museum in St. George.
Rose was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was always involved in her children's and grandchildren's activities. When her third child, Stanley, was severely injured in an automobile accident in 1968, she dedicated much of her life to his care and well-being until his death in 1993. In the years following her divorce, Rose worked hard to provide for her family and attended school at the College of Southern Utah in Cedar City, Utah, where she graduated from a vocational program in secretarial science in 1965. She is probably best known as the secretary of Dixie High School where she worked from 1965 to 1985. She was a significant positive influence in the lives of countless high-school aged young men and women, including her own children. She participated in many extracurricular activities sponsored by Dixie High School such as chaperoning the Spanish Club on trips to Mexico and taking tickets at numerous school events. She retired from public education in 1987 after working for two years in the offices of the Washington County School District.
Although her time was limited by her responsibilities caring for her family, and particularly Stanley, Rose was active in her Church and the VFW Auxiliary, serving as its President in 1962-1963. She enjoyed traveling, camping, hiking, reading and gardening, as well as family parties, outings and reunions. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed countless hours making candy and other treats for, and with, family and friends. In the nine years following her retirement from public education, she accomplished her goal of walking five thousand miles as part of her efforts to stay fit and active.
Rose will be greatly missed and we treasure our wonderful memories. She is survived by: four children, Richard Lester Bostwick, Janice (Kenny) Thompson, Michael Edwin (Cathy) Bostwick, Darrel Joseph (Lisa) Bostwick; daughter-in-law Mary Graf Bostwick (Steve) Sevy; 24 grandchildren; and 31 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: two sons, Myrle Wayne Bostwick, Jr. and Stanley Bruce Bostwick; her parents; six sisters; and four brothers.
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 15, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., at the St. George LDS Chapel located at 550 E. 700 So., St. George, Utah. Visitation will be held Sunday, June 14, 2009, from 6 - 8 p.m., at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., and Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., at the LDS Chapel prior to services. Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary (435-673-4221).
Rose's family would like to express their gratitude for the kindness and caring shown to her by the staff, administration and residents of The Meadows Retirement Community, as well as the members and leadership of the 29th Branch of the St. George Utah East Stake. Their love and friendship for, and service to Rose in her final years have blessed her life beyond measure.
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