I made it! 1 year post-op!!

It took all I had in me to not cry today and as I type the tears are coming. Tears of joy, that is! I have had such an amazing year, and to meet all of you incredible people has only been the icing(that I have had none of in over a year) on the cake! I love you all so much, and I KNOW I could not have gotten through this roller coaster without you. I have lost 158 pounds, gone from a size 28 to a 12, and have turned my marriage and family from being nearly broken to one of love, commitment, and support. We came so close to divorce so many times prior to surgery, and granted it wasn't ALL me, but I would say my hatred for myself was at least 95% of our problems. I now know I am beautiful, inside and out, I have confidence and pride that never existed in my life before. I care about the way I look and feel. I take time to try on clothes and buy what fits, I take time to do my hair and makeup, and I take time to care about ME. I no longer have sleep apnea, I am now simply "overweight" instead of morbidly obese, and I smile a lot more. I am going back to school for teaching and I am anxiously trying to be a mommy again. I have set goals for myself, where before I didn't care what happened from one day to the next. All of this came from the surgery I had one year ago today and it CHANGED my life forever. When Hanna saw my t-shirt the other day she asked me "mommy, what does 'change is life giving ' mean?" I told her, when you aren't happy with your life, you change it, and by changing what makes you unhappy you can live a better life. And that's exactly what we all did. I am so proud of myself and each of you for making this decision to change. I love you all! Karyn ps...I almost forgot the pics http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/karynbudde/1yearside.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/karynbudde/1year.jpg

Karyn congratulations You have done an amazing job in such a short time. You should be really proud of yourself.And you look amazing!!!!! I can't wait to meet you on Thursday! Sending hugs Ronna

Happy Surgiversary Karen. You look great in your pictures. You've done so well. Have a great time in Vegas. Karla

Karyn, Yes you are beautiful! Congratulations you've come a long way and made so much progress with your life. What a difference a year makes. Karen S.

Karyn Congratulations!!! You look wonderful.. One ******y mamma!! Can't wait to meet you in Vegas! Hugs, Anna

Karyn.....I am so proud of you and reading your post brought tears to my eyes. I literly never cry and that means what you wrote really touched me. We have all come so far and loving ourselves is just the start....Keep up the great work and soon you will be at goal and preparing to be the new Mommy you want to be.....(Remember practice makes perfect) Congrats... ~~hug and well wishes~~ Chris

Wow! What a great year you have had! Your words really hit home for me. Congratulations on your amazing weight loss and yoour mental growth!!!! Cathy

Oh Girl, You are beautiful. congrats on your accomplishments of the last year and good luck with the baby endeavor!!!!!!! God Bless! Jen ps - I was just on the preg board and read the wedding ladies post about thyroid - do you know if yours is ok? Have you had it tested lately?

Karyn So happy for you. Way to go!!!! 158 lbs in one year that is wonderful. Joyce

Congrats Karyn, you've done a wonderful job.