One Year!!!

I am slow in posting my one year update. My surgery was January 9, 2007. I have put off making my surgerversary post because I am just not satisfied with where I am. I had hoped to have lost 100 pounds and am only at 90. It sort of makes me feel like I have failed. But, I've been reflecting on that and I know I have come a long way. I am under my doctor's goal of 160. But my personal goal of 135 - 140 is still 17 - 22 pounds away. This morning I revisited my library which holds several books on the subject of WLS that I purchased before surgery as research material. I am going to re-read "The Success Habits of Weight-Loss Surgery Patients" by Colleen Cook. She focuses on six success habits: 1. Personal Accountability 2. Portion Control 3. Nutrition 4. Fluid Intake 5. Regular Exercise 6. Vitamins and Supplements I know I am week in all those areas and know is the time to develop those habits before the weight starts coming back on! So - in looking back I have much to be thankful for . . . I have had zero complications, the weight came off very easy the first six months. I started at a size 22 pants and am now in an 8. Shirts 3XL and now L or M. I have no more knee pain when I walk. No more back pain. Blood sugar has leveled out. Like most things in life - I am still a work in progress. I hope to lose the last 20 pounds or so in the next few months. I am dreaming of a TT but will probably wait until 18 months out per the advice of the plastic surgeon that I've visited with. Life is good. People compliment me all the time on how I look. However, I very much identify with Lori M's One Year post. It is a difficult process to adjust to who people perceive we are now. Really I am still me, just a different package. I don't feel near as different as people seem to react like I am. It is all very strange in a way and takes some adjustment! Well I'm looking forward to year two, to more improvements, to better health and to just a lot more fun in life!!

Merilyn, you are a success you have come a long way and have lost a lot of weight. You look fantastic too. I think all of the things you listed I need to revisit myself if I am to get down to my goal of 132. I am hanging in there at 145 and fluctuating between 142 and 145. I know I can do it I just have to concentrate. Really though did you ever think it possible to get into a size 8? Me either!! Congrats on doing so well your first year. Anna

I'm glad that you finally posted, Marylin. You have lost 90 pounds and that is something to be proud of! For many, that is all they needed to lose and you have already met your surgeon's goal...so consider yourself a success! If we can just keep focused on what we need to do, we can all get where we desire to be. Easier said than done, right? I am weak in many of the areas that you listed...always a work in progress here, as well! I guess we just keep moving forward, grateful for where we are and how far we have come. Yet, always reaching for more! We'll make it if we stick together and continue to lend and ask for support when it is needed. Congrats on year one...now on to an even better year two!! ~Suz

Hi there! Happy One Year!!! It sounds to me that you are doing wonderful!!! You should be very proud, you have come SOOOO far from where you were last year. Everyone loses at their own rate, so try not to compare yourself to others. I can totally relate though, I do that all of the time. We have been given a wonderful tool and just need to continue using it and not get off track. And when we do, get up & get right back on that horse!! You've done awesome!

Congratulations! You are such a SUCCESS story. You should be so proud.