TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY.......TODAY !!!!!!
Well Guys,
I woke up this morning realizing it was my two year WLS anniversary, but it felt more like a birthday because I have truly been given a new life.
Before my WLS, my story was probably like most of yours......uncomfortable, depressing, awkward, downright miserable because I was a prisioner inside a 312 pound body. I was missing so much as I was more of a spectator watching life just pass me by. I was so tired of watching my five children do things without me. I felt bad they had to endure comments from others about "how fat their mother was." But mostly, I was just TIRED.....all the time. I was tired, too, of taking 6 different medications for other health issues. Then one day, Southwest Airlines made me buy two tickets and I knew it was time to take drastic measures.
Today I am down 165 pounds and looking pretty good. I went from size 30/32 and 4X's.....down to 8/10's and medium tops. The quality of my life has been worth every bit of effort, every bad tasting protein shake, and every gallon of water consumed. It's been worth every mile walked, every cycling class and every weight lifted. I also take no meds whatsoever.....only my normal vitamin, calcium supplement and B12.
In the past year, I have done parasailing, water skiing, whitewater rafting, took a ride on a hot air balloon and most recently learned to snow ski. By the way....I'm 53 years old and these are first time experiences for me. I've also picked up some old activities like ice skating and hiking.
But besides the physical abilities I have accomplished, the emotional comeback has been limitless. I am a new person inside as well. I have new found confidence. I love social situations that I used to avoid for over 25 years.
And every day is a challenge. Yes, I can eat anything and everything these days. It scares me sometimes because I never really get that "full" feeling anymore. I have to keep my portions in check. I'm scared that I can easily slip back into old habits. I positively hate going to the gym.....even now. But when I finish that cycle class, or get off that cross trainer.....I know I have another day under my belt. I am keeping my promise to myself to commit to a lifestyle change because I have come to learn that "I am worth it."
And of course, none of this I could have accomplished without the support of others. My husband of 32 years, who loved me at 312 pounds, is really enjoying his new found wife. I had the greatest surgeon in the world, Dr. Kuldeep Singh, and whose staff was always there for me. My five children, ages 21-31, who had major reservations when I first told them about gastric bypass surgery, are happy to know that Mom probably added many quality years to her life. My 5 year old granddaughter thinks I am just the most fun grandmom ever.
I promise to add an updated picture today as this one was still 40 pounds ago, but I want to thank everyone on this board who has shared and cared and been there every step of the way. So many times the people here calmed my fears, cheered me on, made me laugh. You all truly understand what it's like to walk in my shoes. I wish you all continued success in your journeys to a better life. Don't get discouraged if you hit some speed bumps along the way....you can always turn things around.....we'll all be here for you.
Thanks to Maureen, too, for inviting us to post anniversary stories. I anxious await reading everyone else's.
What a terrific testiment to what we've all endured to get to where we are today, Karen, thank you! Yes, we can always turn things around. I remind myself every time I slip and fall to get up and get going because success is only a thought away....I do so hope you stay in touch, we need people like you, full of optimism and appreciation for the strength and courage it takes for us to continue on this journey. Take good care and God bless. Maureen
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