WLS Anniversary Eve Musings

This time last year we Marchers were lined up in the starting gate. Most of us were scared. Most of the things we feared the most did not happen (praise the Lord!). Many great and wonderful things have happened for us. We have had many "first" experiences or "first since junior high school" experiences that we had not even thought to anticipate. We have struggled with difficulties, more head problems than stomach problems. This time last year if we ever got down we couldn't get up, and we had not seen our feet in a long time. Now our biggest image problem is the extra square yardage of skin that hangs from our shrunken bodies. We used to be invisible to the outside world. Now we are getting to know ourselves, as the world is bringing us into focus. What a wonderful opportunity we have been given! My life had challenges before surgery that were not related to obesity. I still have challenges (some of the same ones, some new ones). But I have the health and vitality to live each day and deal with those challenges. What a journey this is! I thrill to know that there were Marchers a year ahead of us who are still travelling this road, and there are Marchers lined up to follow us during the next few days. I pray that God will grant us each the health and wisdom to live well. Joy Surgery 3/1/2004

Happy anniversary, Joy, and to all the March 1sters. Your post brought tears to my eyes, my friend. Thanks so much for always being there, for your wisdom and sensitivity to people in trouble, and above all, for what you bring to me and everyone else on this board...your name says it all. Have a great, fantastic, wonderful, stupendous anniversary day. Love to you, Reenie

Thanks Joy for the reflection. It is so true and my life is so different now. This makes me think of a new message to port.

Hey Angelette, Angel Beautiful reflections. You are so right on about changes, for me everything has been very positive. Life is great and I am on a all time high! I went shopping this weekend and found out I now fit into a size 4 very comfortably. I got a tear in my eye when I discovered that, I then thanked God for this wonderful thing call WLS, and then I wispered a prayer for my wonderful surgeon. Take care Angel, I love ya, The Boop

Hello, my angel! It's a joy to hear that you are doing so well. It is still not real to me to be in single digit sizes. I pray that you will be able to do and to enjoy everything and every minute of this new life!! Hugs and Kisses, Joy

Joy, Thanks for a terrific post. It's been a heck of a year. I just want to take a moment to remember the couple of Marchers who did not make it through and thank God for those who battled through some tough times. So many of us were very, very fortunate. Hugs, Connie

Joy, when are we going to see a photo of you??? Reenie

Happy anniversary Joy. I always enjoy your post . God bless you and all the other Marchers that will celebrate their first year this month. Judy

Joy, Congrats to a fellow March 1 recepient of a new life in more ways than one. Your message was absolutely sincere and appreciated. You say it so well. I am happily down 142 pounds from a year ago.....and life has never been so good. I thank everyone here for continued support, especially you Joy.....I've noticed how you always have a calming effect on the rest of us when we had a bad day. Marchers are the best. Joann

Again, I'm tearful. I NEVER expected this anniversary thing to be so emotional for me. Perhaps it's PMS, but more than likely it's reading everything everyone posted about the one year milestone. Joy, I wish you your name.....JOY! also good health and happiness. Joan