One Year Ago & Now!!!!

Well, I'm one year out from surgery. So many things have changed, the way I feel about myself, it's not even funny. I am not conceited at all and think that I'm all that! lol! But my confidence level has grown so much since surgery. My outlook on life is so different than it was before surgery. I look forward to getting up and getting ready in the morning. It's exciting to have that feeling. I love to go outside. I used to dread wearing the same ole fat clothes and going anywhere. I look back at old pictures and I can't believe I let myself get like that. I honestly didn't think I was as heavy as I look in those pics. There is one particular picture that I look absolutely huge that I won't even post here. That's the picture that makes me the saddest. I was with my girls and tried to put on this big smile, but inside I was hating every minute of it, I knew I looked bad and dreaded my photo being taken. I remember seeing photos of myself and cringing. I feel sad for that peson in those pics. Some people say that they are the same person after WLS, just not fat anymore. I'm the total opposite. It seems like the person in those pics is someone else, like a distant memory. I can't explain it, but it doesn't feel like it was me. They way people treat me is totally different. Not that I am saying it's right because by no means is it right, but you are treated differently when you are heavy. People don't look at you, it's like you're invisible. Rarely do you get the door opened for you, rarely does someone give you a second glance. Maybe some of this is all in me head, but I've heard it before from people that have had weight loss surgery and are thin now. The world treats you differently. I make a point now to never act that way towards heavy people. Not that I did before, but I'm making a consious conscious effort not too. I am now at 123, up 3 lbs from Christmas. I think this is where I should stay. I've tried to lose those 3 lbs for about 2-3 weeks to get back to 120, but my body just doesn't want too. I think there's a point in your weight where your body just adjusts too. This is fine with me, I thought that my neck and shoulder area were getting too boney. My husband even told me my a$$ was getting flat too, can't let that happen, he's a butt guy. Ok, that came out totally wrong, but you know what I mean. I will hopefully get my tummy tuck in February or March, and the PS said that'll be about 3 lbs, so maybe I'll make it to my 120 lbs goal without losing in the wrong places. I'll post a 1 yr pic in a couple of days. I got a new haircut, had about 3 inches cut off. It's a new look for me, not sure if I like it or not. But hair grows!!! It is easier to style and the ends were frizzy. I had my bloodwork done for my 1 year postop and everything looks good, except iron and calciim are a little low. I need to work on eating more foods that contain iron and calium or up my vitamin intake. If you've made it this far, I'm impressed! Guess I needed to get a lot out. Here are my measurements from before and after, well actually right after my surgery in Feb and then now: waist - then 46 now 29 hips - then 48 now 32 chest - then 48 now 32 neck - then 16 now 11 arm- then 15 now 9 wrist - then 7 now 5.5 right calf - then 15 now 12 right leg - then 24 now 17 butt then - 43.5 now 33 Not much else going on with my weight. I'll post after my tummy tuck. Maybe I'll even be brave enough to post before and after pics!! EEK!!

Oh and thank each and everyone of you on the January forum. I am so thankful that I have you all to share this journey with, you all have been a huge support and encouragement to me! Making the road to healthy a little more easy!

Congratulations Janie! You've come a long way...as have all of us. You are having a tummy tuck so soon? Someone told me that I shouldn't even consider plastic surgery until I'm 2 years post-op...I guess that's something I can ask my surgeon next week when I have my 1 year check up. Beth

Yes, I've met with a PS and once you've lost 100 lbs and you're weight is pretty stable (mine has been up and down 3-4 lbs last 3 months) then you can have WLS. Belle on our January board has already has surgery on her arms and breast lift and enhanced!!! She also is planning a TT in March I believe. Good luck to you!

Congratulations! You look amazing! Great job and may all go well for you! You loser buddy, Laura. Take care.

Congrats Janie! You deserve all the great things you are experiencing! I can relate so much to everything you have said. But I am cutting those that treat me differently a lot of slack. I haer discovered my role in encouraging being ignored. I make a point to be very friendly toward any obese person without saying that I have "been there". I am just friendly making sure they don't feel invisible. I have come to realize that they withdraw and don't want to be seen to the point of acting suspicious when I greet them. I realize that I was there in that way too. So as for being treated invisible before, I believe that had a lot to do with my attitude. Now, people are receptive to me, open doors for me, do things for me, don't ignore me, etc, because I give them the opportunity to treat me well. I am convinced of it. And as a future promise to myself, if I ever see that change, I am going to look very closely at myself and make sure it isn't me being depressed or moody or cranky before I jump to the conclusion that THEY have a problem. I need to hold on to the fact that I am worthwhile no matter what my cir****tances. That is what others see and respond to. If I don't think or behave as if I am worthwhile, how can I expect others to see it? Wow. What a journey this year has been. You have done so wonderfully. Celebrate your success! Hugs, Katy B

thanks Katy!! We have done wonderful and I guess some of us have our minds to work on now!!! We'll get there!!! I tried to click on your profile, but it wouldn't let me.

Yay, Janie!!! One year has passed so quickly hasn't it? You must be positively amazed at the changes that your body and mind have gone through in just 12 short months...I know I am amazed for myself! I wish that I had taken detailed measurements like you did prior to surgery so that I could compare them...but honestly I was too ashamed to even know the "before" numbers! Also, I had a sort of bizarre thought that the surgery wouldn't work and that I would end up disappointed later . I have to say that I am completely jealous of your upcoming tummy tuck...mine will be a way off yet :o(. I know that your's is going to look fabulous!! And from what I see, it doesn't even seem like you need one...so post those before and after pics that we can see if it's really worth all the pain and money!! Congratulations again, Janie, on a successful first year of your new lease on life! ~Suz

Yeah and congratulations!! I cannot wait to see the new pics... I have been really wanting to get my hair cut. Maybe your new do will inspire me!

Listen at you thinking the surgery would not work and now you are too skinny and trying to gain weight!! What a difference a year makes!! U did awesome!