ONE YEAR TODAY!!

Hello everyone! Usually I am a lurker here on the message boards but I just had to write and say how utterly thrilled I am today. One year ago today I had an Open RNY at Barix Clinics in Columbus, Ohio. I have lost 123 lbs. I went from a size 30 to a size 14, a 12 in some clothes. I went from 315 lbs to 192. It's been over 20 years since I have seen the 100's.....tooo cool! I am 5'7 1/2 inches tall. I feel sooo good. My blood pressure is normal, blood sugars: normal, cholesterol: normal. I can cross my legs, wear heels again, fit in all kinds of chairs. Went to the Gund Arena last weekend and was able to sit in the seat AND cross my legs!!! I can feel my ribs and hip bones...lol....so many things I can do now that I couldn't before....walking doesn't kill my legs and hips...I could go on forever. The only down point is that I have been on a plateau for the last two months, keep gaining and losing the same 3 lbs over and over...lol....still not gonna complain too much, considering where I was a year ago. Well just wanted to let ya know, it's my RE-birthday!! I have to get down to Columbus for my year post op visit soon. What's really nice is that I am going to Arizona this spring and I don't have to worry about crowding someone out on the plane OR buy two seats because I am too big. God bless the pioneers of this life changing surgery and the doctors, nurses and all the staff at Barix who help change and save lives. Blessings to all Andi 315/192/170?

Andi, Congratulations to you you should be very proud of yourself and your new healthy life Best Wishes

Congratulations Andi! Looking back on the past year has brought quite a bit of insight and gratitude from the members of this board. It is quite uplifting hearing about all the improvements in the lives we live. Linn (a surgery date twin)

Happy RE-birthday to you Andi !!! I am so excited for you.....and when you board that plane to Arizona, enjoy tightening that safety belt! Wanda

Thank you Wanda, Linn and Jill for the replies! It is so amazing the changes in my life in the last year. When I think of where I might be had I not had the surgery, I cringe. I know that my health would have deteriorated. But that's behind me now, never to be forgotten but not to be dwelt on. Only looking forward and taking the lessons I've learned from past mistakes and failures to heart and never to be repeated again. God Bless, Andi

Andi, Awesome achievement. Congratulations and Happy ReBirthday to you. I remember my plane trip last summer and not needing to ask for a seat belt extender. It felt so good!!!! Mary

Andi - Happy, happy, joy, joy. You've done a great job. I, too, get excited about accommodations I no longer need to make because of my size. I love crossing my legs and not being afraid of sitting in a booth. Happy ReBirthday to you. Denise

Hi Andi, Happy re-birthday to you. Great weight loss. I just read your profile and you must be so proud about the marked improvement in your lab values. Your healthy new way of eating and weight loss have really made a huge difference, esp. in cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar. A Hgb A1C of 5.8 from 10.1 is fantastic. I know what you mean about finding your ribs and hip bones. It's exciting even though a bit painful to sit on those unpadded bones! Yes, praise be to God for the doctors who developed and perfected wls over the years. It is still a very risky surgery but much improved over the years. As our country becomes "fatter" it is wonderful for the heaviest folk to have this option when all else has failed. Keep up the good work. Paula

Thanks all for the lovely replies! I am looking forward to my next post op birthday and where I'll be at that time. At Goal I hope! I excercise with my daughter even tho I don't care for it...lol...I still can be lazy...One thing I asked my hubby for ( and Lord knows I never really asked for much..lol) was that I wanted something "big" to celebrate my weight loss and our upcoming 30 year wedding anniversary. I asked for and received a three stone diamond ring. It's the most gorgeous piece I have ever owned. (really the only piece of jewelry besides my wedding rings... So I made out like a bandit in the last year with the big weight loss, improved health and alot of bling bling..... Blessings and hugs to all!! Andi