Frogged's Lily Pad

[minimee]

Hey there stranger, how are you?
I can not believe that I have been talking to you for almost 2 years and I have only just found this diary

I have read the last few pages and I am sorry that you have had such difficult times, my thoughts are with you, and I hope you are feeling better, and that you have managed to get back on track.

I have also lost some information on here and I can not seem to get my head around these changes haha
Anyway I am back and I really hope you are doing ok, not just with weight loss but with life in general.

Take care.

-Minimee

 

[Frogged]

I'm still alive and hopping! Ugh, been slacking terribly

I could fill a few pages with everything that's happened in the last month, so I'll try to keep it in a nutshell.

Went to a Bar Crawl with some friends that were celebrating a few birthdays (2 are identical twins). It was pretty cool - we even had shirts made for the event!

We started this whole event at around 6pm, and I didn't fall asleep until about 4:30am at a nearby friend's house. I drank a little, but not too much.

Btw, here's a pic of the shirts we had made for everyone (I wore a medium)

View attachment 20099

So, that was the weekend of Feb 10th.

Now, last week, me and about 10 other friends made a trip to Atlantic City for a bachelor party.. yeah. Well, ate like complete crap (Tropicana Buffet followed by 5am pizza/cheese fries). Ate a bunch of donuts, chocolate milk... chips. Erm.

We left on the 23rd (Saturday) at about 11am. I was 180lb. We finally got back the next day, Sunday, at about 6pm.. and I was around 194lb... ERG.

Lots of fun in AC tho!

Unfortunately, I'm rather sick now -- an unwanted souvenir from the trip no doubt. It was cold and nasty almost the entire time :\ I never get sick, and I've felt like complete crap these last couple days.

I'm still keeping up with my running, even though it feels so difficult right now.

I'm back in the 180's again (barely), and I REALLY need to update my chart here!

Sorry I've been a ghost I really don't mean to be, but my life just feels.. encumbered right now.

Greeeeeeeg!!! I was starting to wonder if you were ever coming back. lol!

I'm so sorry you're going through a tough time. I know this is always a really tough day for you, as expected. I'm already getting anxious about my dad's, and his is still a few months away. It's such a hard thing to deal with. (((hugs)))

A new lady friend, huh?...interesting! Chef had to convince me he wasn't a murderer too. It wasn't easy.. haha!

So glad you're back!

Yeah Jen I'm always around, in some form or another! hehe

I hope your father's anniversary of his passing isn't too difficult for you I went to visit my mom's grave for the first time in years the other day and I just kinda fell over at her site.. not one of my best afternoons that day, but it was good in a way to see her again.

The new lady friend thing has sort of fizzled, through my own fault I think. With everything that's happened this month, I just kind of became a bit distant with the texting and whatnot :\

We're still friendly, I'm sure, but not much is going to happen beyond that I expect. I'm really just focusing on my surgery this year.

Hope you're doing well!

Yeah that's always been the tricky part for me. Usually after about a year to a year and a half they're reasonably confident I'm not an axe-murderer and they get slightly more comfortable around me. So you seem to be well ahead of my schedule there. Wish I could give you some dating advice, but I'm pretty sure you don't want any from me.

Year and a half?? Holy crap, Vee!

I don't know if I'd invest that much time before a meet-up. Maybe a month, but if it seems like there's not even enough trust for a simple meet-up after that amount of time, I'd say just move on

Oh, and I do appreciate dating advice from any and all sources! I'm still quite the noob at it

I was about to look up your thread the other day, it had been so long since hearing from you.

I know how it feels to have those bouts of anger, and feeling in a funk. I get that a lot these days. I'm sick of my job, but I'm going no where, I don't know what to do. I've been working 6 days every week for the most part for the last 2 years. My job isn't as stressful as yours, but retail sucks all the same.

I understand how you feel about losing your mom, as I mentioned, I lost my dad. I still cry sometimes when I remember stuff about him...but I haven't been to his grave in ten years. The worst part, is hearing from your family that your lost parent wasn't the person you thought they were. It's hard to figure out what's right or wrong, especially when you lose them young.

Anyway, you're here now, that's all that matters! I'm sure you'll feel better once the cold weather goes away. I'm happy to hear you had a date! Some advice from me, stay positive! If you want to form a good relationship, you have to push past a few boundaries, and text her. Girls LOVE to get texts from the guy they're getting to know. If you don't text or talk to her in some way she'll think you aren't into her.

I met my current boyfriend on OkCupid as well. It's so much better than Plenty of Fish.

Hey Loch

Yeah, funks are just.. blegh. I'm still in a bit of one at my job too. The thing that sucks the worst is just not knowing when it'll end. It will, but it's just like.. come the hell on! Something good happen!

Well, when it comes to your father and hearing the things from your family, I'd say listen to whatever you heart tells you about him. The good moments and memories you had with him are all that matters now, not the opinions of others

The date(s) went pretty well, although I don't think anything is really going to happen. She's a nice person, but I think friends is all we'll be.

I've been thinking about it, and maybe I'm just not ready for any kind of relationship right now. If you read the first bit of this post, my old flame kind of made me realize that maybe there's still a few unresolved issues rolling around in my head that I need to sort out.

My body image is still a big hurdle as well. I've actually been to a consultation last month for reconstructive surgery! Now, I just need to see if my insurance will cover any of it.

I submitted all the necessary bits and met with the surgeon and my doc, both of whom seem pretty optimistic about the whole thing

So, we'll see!

Hey there stranger, how are you?
I can not believe that I have been talking to you for almost 2 years and I have only just found this diary

I have read the last few pages and I am sorry that you have had such difficult times, my thoughts are with you, and I hope you are feeling better, and that you have managed to get back on track.

I have also lost some information on here and I can not seem to get my head around these changes haha
Anyway I am back and I really hope you are doing ok, not just with weight loss but with life in general.

Take care.

-Minimee

Heya Mini

2 years has flown by! Wow.

Glad to see you're back, and yes.. all the lost data does suck Old profiles that were deleted are back as well. Funky.

Things are getting better in some aspects, and more confusing/frustrating in others!

Just need time to sort it all out, but the priority is, and has always been, getting my health/body to a point where I'm happy and confident

Thanks for stopping by, Mini! Hope you're doing well

 

[Frogged]

OH! And I found THE coolest thing ever!

Comes with a small pic update as well - A Mega Squishy Spidey!

Took this right before the trip to AC :]

View attachment 20100

They only had one left on Amazon!!

 

[Loch]

Lol you look damn cute in that pic, Frogged.

I've seen those plush here, actually. I think they were at a Wal-Mart or something.

 

[Frogged]

Hi Loch!

Hehe, why thank you! I think most people who know me on this forum know how big of a dork I am when it comes to superheroes

A friend of mine had actually gotten me a mini version of that last year, and happened to come across a Godzilla-sized one while traveling. She sent me a pic on my phone, and I KNEW I had to have it!

Mega Squishy Spidey is now resting next to my desk here, hah.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by Hope you're doing well! I desperately need to catch up on journals I've been so awful about doing that.

A lot has been going on though!

I officially submitted my story to People Magazine's 'Half Their Size' segment. I received a questionnaire from the editor to fill out, and was told to include some pictures. So, we'll see what happens

I'm also officially scheduled for my contour surgery as well. I'll be getting this excess skin removed on Thursday, May 9th!

I still maintain around the 180 mark, even though some weeks I'm hovering in the mid 180's, and other times, I'm in the mid 170's. It's pretty crazy, but I'm holding fast and not giving up

 

[jen_renee]

I'm so happy for you, that you're finally getting your surgery! It's going to be such a good thing for you. I'm also still holding you to the autographed copy when you make it in the magazine.

 

[MrVee]

Let me know how the contour surgery goes. I'm at 97 pounds lost and still going. Hoping to be roughly in your range by next year at this time, and will have the same sort of skin issue probably.

 

[Sparked]

Greg!!!! Hi!!
And here I find you on the second page... I never thought I'd see the day!!
That is so great that you are getting your surgery, I can't wait to hear about how you feel! I hope you've been feeling better, I read the post about your mom and wished I could give you a hug... I don't think these kinds of things really get any easier, I have had times like that too where a moment of loss just hits you out of nowhere... I think all we can do is be grateful that we loved someone that much
I really miss talking to you, you're such a great support I updated my diary if you want to read about the craziness that has been my life I'm glad to hear your Ok Cupid efforts have been successful I find myself in a similar situation now and its pretty overwhelming because I have literally never "dated" in my life, I've been in relationship after relationship with someone I was friends with first since I was 16.. so I feel new to the whole thing as well. I've missed you a ton, hopefully you'll be around here soon Text me if you still have my number... my phone blew itself up one day and everything in it went *poof* so I don't have yours anymore Hope to hear from you soon!

 

[Frogged]

I'm so happy for you, that you're finally getting your surgery! It's going to be such a good thing for you. I'm also still holding you to the autographed copy when you make it in the magazine.

Hi Jen!

No word as of yet

I filled out the questionnaire, included the pics, and included a brief description

I'd be happy to autograph and mail a copy! haha

Hope you're well! I know I say it a lot, but I really need to catch up on diaries here soon

Just feels like time is escaping me from day to day.

Let me know how the contour surgery goes. I'm at 97 pounds lost and still going. Hoping to be roughly in your range by next year at this time, and will have the same sort of skin issue probably.

Nice, MrVee!

I hope everything goes well for you! Thanks for stopping by, and I'll be sure to let you know about my own process I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have after it's done!

Greg!!!! Hi!!
And here I find you on the second page... I never thought I'd see the day!!
That is so great that you are getting your surgery, I can't wait to hear about how you feel! I hope you've been feeling better, I read the post about your mom and wished I could give you a hug... I don't think these kinds of things really get any easier, I have had times like that too where a moment of loss just hits you out of nowhere... I think all we can do is be grateful that we loved someone that much
I really miss talking to you, you're such a great support I updated my diary if you want to read about the craziness that has been my life I'm glad to hear your Ok Cupid efforts have been successful I find myself in a similar situation now and its pretty overwhelming because I have literally never "dated" in my life, I've been in relationship after relationship with someone I was friends with first since I was 16.. so I feel new to the whole thing as well. I've missed you a ton, hopefully you'll be around here soon Text me if you still have my number... my phone blew itself up one day and everything in it went *poof* so I don't have yours anymore Hope to hear from you soon!

Rosie, Rosie!!

Lol, I know we're on the phone, but I wanted to officially welcome you back to the forums via the forums! hehe!

Thank you for the lovely comment - I really appreciate it! ))

 

[Frogged]

Wow. Let me dust off the cobwebs a bit here.. lol.

Time has definitely escaped me. I don't even know where to start!

I guess with the biggest item: I had my reconstructive surgery last month, and it's been a daunting task trying to get my body functional again. I had 3 separate procedures done at the same time (it took roughly 5 hours). I haven't really been able to exercise to my full extent for weeks, but I've managed to keep my weight around the high 180/low 190 mark. I'm still pretty swollen, and I have to continue wearing compression suits for a little while longer. I had several drains attached to me for the first few weeks, but they're all gone (thank goodness)!

My treadmill is broken though as I type this :\ So, even though I was allowed to do some light exercising after my 3 week post-op mark, I cannot. lol

I haven't updated my chart in forever! Ahh. Although I'm not really sure if it mattered right after my surgery considering the Doctor said he removed roughly 5lb of excess skin. Then, with the swelling.. hmmm.

Overall, it's been quite difficult, but worth it.

Sheesh, I hope everyone is doing well!! I'm off to navigate the forum to see what's going on

 

[Irishprincess]

Hey Greg!! Long time no talk! I'm hardly ever on this anymore! Just wanted to say congrats on having your successful reconstruction surgery! You are very brave make sure you keep resting for anther good while and watch some tv to relax! You deserve it watch revenge! My personal fave!?

 

[MrVee]

Good to see you back Greg.

 

[jen_renee]

So glad you're back, Greg. I'm so happy for you that you finally had your surgery! I'm sure it hasn't all been a bed of roses, but it has to be worth it, for sure. Any idea when the treadmill is going to be fixed?

 

[Frogged]

Thank you Princess, Vee, and Jen!!

It was certainly a pretty scary few moments prior to being rolled into the operating room. I was nude, aside from the gown and these surgical socks to help with circulation. Then, laying in the hospital bed with IVs hooked into me, answering basic questions to a technician.

I was eventually rolled into the operating room, and I remember staring at the ceiling, seeing the lights, then hoisting myself up onto the surgical table. The nurses began attaching things to my chest, and I recall briefly apologizing for all the hair on my chest.. lol

I don't remember a thing right after that. It's like a time warp occurred. The next thing I knew, it was roughly about 5 hours later, and I was groggily waking up in the post-op room hearing my voice, along with an amazing case of lower back pain. It was so intense, that I mentioned it slightly right before blacking out again for a few moments. I came to, and the nurse asked if it was any better and, even though it still hurt, I managed to stay conscious and told her it was still quite painful. She administered some more 'happy juice', and the pain subsided gradually not long after.

They fit me with one of my compression suits right after my surgery, which I was told not to remove for at least 2-3 days. I was only allowed to take it off to shower.

I remember the first time I attempted to shower, it was almost scarier than being rolled into the operating room. My uncle, who happened to be an RN at the hospital where I had my surgery (Johns Hopkins) had to assist me. I had no idea what to expect, as I didn't know what it would look like, or if all my guts were suddenly going to spill out as I took the thing off. I had 4 drains connected to me at the time (2 in my lower groin area, and 2 under each side of my rib). I was told to record the volume of fluid that collected every few hours, or depending on how fast my drains filled up, so I could give them to my doctor during our follow-up visits.

My body still looks like something out of Frankenstein's laboratory, but I was fortunate to talk to a grade school friend of mine who had this kind of procedure, and she said not to let the things you see right now in the mirror get you down. It takes roughly 4 months - 1 year to see the results you expect. So, I'm being patient

They gave me a big bottle of percocets, which I've been able to gradually get off the last few weeks. I won't lie - those little pills made me feel quite good! hehe

I'm going back to work this Wednesday, so hopefully it goes well!

Oh, and I have yet to get an ETA on the repair of my treadmill

I called them today, and they're issuing a request to the local technician to call me in the next 2-3 days to setup another service appointment.

 

[rocky71]

Wow. I am SO. HAPPY. FOR. YOU!!!
Just came back to WLF to get some inspiration after gaining back some weight and of course I had to look for your posts. I cannot wait to see the final results when you are healed.
Thanks for the inspiration that you are.

 

[tetemcg]

Well hello "Son"shine...just doing a fast drop by....I am back...a little heavier...but I am back!! Hope all is well and looking forward to getting caught up!!

And come on...what did you think of Man of Steel?? I need to see it again before I make a firm decision!

 

[Frogged]

Wow. I am SO. HAPPY. FOR. YOU!!!
Just came back to WLF to get some inspiration after gaining back some weight and of course I had to look for your posts. I cannot wait to see the final results when you are healed.
Thanks for the inspiration that you are.

Hi rocky!

I'm really happy if it's able to give you inspiration! That's all I can hope for really.

It can be done

Yeah, I'm still in the process of healing. It'll probably be a few more months until I'm comfortable with everything. I'll post pics, surely

Well hello "Son"shine...just doing a fast drop by....I am back...a little heavier...but I am back!! Hope all is well and looking forward to getting caught up!!

And come on...what did you think of Man of Steel?? I need to see it again before I make a firm decision!

Hello my fabulous forum mother!

Ahh, no worries. We all deal with that at times.

I'm hovering around the high 180's/low 190's as I type this, so I know. The battle continues from day to day! Glad to see you back!!

Oh, and looooooved Man of Steel!

Just the trailers alone gave me chills! I couldn't resist, and went to see it at a midnight screening on opening night on a Thursday evening. I didn't have to work the next day, and I doubt any of my friends could've came because of their jobs. I still had a few days left before I was to return to work from my surgery, but I was feeling energetic and thought, 'What the hell!'

I saw it again the next day with my friends in 3D, hehe. Some of them were a little annoyed with me that I had already seen it, but oh well It's Superman! C'mon!!

Now I cannot wait for the next Spider-Man film! I'm going to get an even bigger group together!

I trust you're doing well, my forum mom! I've been awful lately with diaries

Getting myself back into a groove at work hasn't been easy, and my treadmill is still broken, so I'm running outdoors.. and the heat is stifling some days. Ugh. I also have to be careful not to overdo it as my incisions sometimes give me some issues if my exercise is too intense.

I guess my official update is that it's still a bit rough at the moment, but much like with weight loss, it's a gradual process I feel better bit by bit each day.

 

[tetemcg]

My youngest and I went and saw Man of Steel at the drive-in (yes we still have those here in Smallville PA..haha)..I really wish I would have went to the theater to see it. I think I miss a lot of the details. But we both loved it! I was happy they finally got a "man" to play Superman..lol

World War Z was also playing and it was OK...I am glad I didn't pay full price at theater to see tho...but I didn't mind it. My son said it sucked compared to the book and he was not happy....so now I have to read it!! Just to get the better version..lol

Glad to hear you are feeling better and you still have some Mojo!! It better rub off on me!! Hope to hear from you sooner than later!

 

[Frogged]

I haven't been to the drive-in since I was a kid!

Whereabouts in PA is that? I live in Gettysburg, right near the Battlefield The closest one to me is up near Dillsburg (about 30min away). Yes, Henry Cavill was awesome One of my girl friends (a friend that's a girl) was really taken with him. She said she loved the movie, and the actor who played Superman was alright too *wink wink*, lol

I still haven't seen WWZ, but the next movie on my priority list is definitely Pacific Rim, which may be an iMAX 3D experience come next weekend with some friends. There's one in MD, only about 45min from where we live. The movie looks soooo cool, and the reviews are great!

Yeah, feeling better, but there are days when physically and emotionally I'm just done. Tired, grumpy, irritable, etc.

I stomped the scale today out of frustration, and work the last few days have left me an frustrated mess at times. Dating.. don't even ask. Let's just say it sits somewhere between non-existent, and comatose :\

Eh.. there's a lot more bad days recently than good days it seems.

 

[minimee]

Well I couldn't log in after all this time without visiting your page.
I am so pleased to read that you have now had your surgery and I hope you are recovering well!
I came here under not so pleasant circumstances which is a great shame, but it's definitely made me realise how much I need to keep checking back on here.

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

Take care

-Minimee