One year ago today....LONG!!

One year ago today I went into surgery hoping for a better healthier life in the years to come, and hopefully postpone a knee replacement surgery in my near future. In the weeks following surgery I experienced complications a collapsed lung, a pleural effusion and pneumonia. The months to follow taught me that my pouch did not like carbs, was a protein hog and would punish me several times a day for ingesting anything it didn't like even though it was on my list of "safe" foods. I found that there was no such thing as a "safe" food...apparently there never was. After a year of enduring my pouch's daily torture I've determined there most likely never will be. I must be ever vigilant in my daily consumption of food...never taking for granted that the next bite will receive a warm welcome in pouch land. I have battled anemia since my 6-week check up and still must take supplements daily to combat the problem. I have permanent lung damage from the pleural effusion that makes every breath I take painful. Due to the rapid weight-loss my spine has shifted and I have developed both scoliosis and sciatica. Dr.'s are hoping that my recent abdominoplasty will help relieve some of the pressure on my spine combined with exercise and time, allow the tendons and such to pull everything back into alignment. I've lost 103 pounds, over 90 inches, 1 ½ shoe sizes, and my rings don't fall off but they do twirl a lot!! I've not shopped for clothes since my TT but I was wearing size 8 pants and a Medium shirt before surgery down from a size 26 or 3X from a year ago. My knee replacement surgery has been put on indefinite hold...it's been much, much less trouble since I've dropped the weight!! I have trouble recognizing myself in the mirror, my reflection in shop windows, and my shadow. Folks now call me "skinny", that's so much better than "blubber butt"!!! But body image issues are still a problem I deal with daily...I guess I'm still that fat chick in my head. When confronted with a space to walk between chairs, like in a restaurant, I automatically look for a larger space to pass through. My body has shrunk so much...guess I need to get my head shrunk now??!! My husband loves the new look...we just wish I felt better so we could both enjoy the smaller version of my new body. I'm still looking forward to enjoying a healthier life and pray that this next 12 months will see that come to fruition. Would I do it again...knowing what I know now...YES!! Happy thoughts, Va 5' 3.5" 232/129/??? -103 pounds

You're the best and you deserve all the best that life has to offer... Congrats on your one year... Love ya Lori

Happy Anniversary Va!!!!! Kelley

Ok, I'm sitting here crying. Today is my one year anniversary too, and I'm feeling very emotional about it. After reading yours, I wrote my own long story and really poured my heart out. We've come a long way. I'm proud of us. I KNOW you will feel better in the coming months. Take care, be happy and God bless. Joan

VA, Congratulations on your awesome weight loss!!! I'm so sorry you are having a tough time. I pray that your health improves and that you heal soon! You are such an inspiration full of strength and courage! Happy Anniversary!!! ((hugs)) Elizabeth M

Va, When I read posts like yours, I realize how selfish I'm being when I complain about some minor irritant in my post-op life!! You have endured many serious problems and are so up-beat, you just totally amaze me!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and congratulations on your anniversary!! I'm looking forward to congratulating you on your second anniversary. Take care and be well. Mike

Thanks everyone for the well wishes...I'm looking forward to the rest of 2005 as being a GOOD ONE!!! Va

Wow Va - I had almost forgotten about your complications. Where does time go that we forget some of these harrowing things our compadres have been through? Boy now I remember all too well how you were dealing with the collapsed lung and how much pain you went through. It sounds like you are getting on an even keel now though, so in the end all is good. And look at you - downright slim now PLUS you got a tummy tuck! BTW, when do we get to see some new pics? Dina