Anniversary Day

Hi everyone! It was 2 years ago today that I started this journey. It has taken me in many directions but the upshot is I am glad I followed this course. The many benefits I feel and notice daily include--dancing with my two little grandsons, great endurance with walking, work etc, positive attention from others, more professional confidence and just a general sense of "I'am happy with me wellbeing".. The challenges are there too! I don't always do the things I promised myself I would if I took this journey (exercise, vitamin, proten, tool managment, etc), I sometimes feel like i took the shortcut (which i know in my head is not true), I'm not as active as I thought I would be, I went thru a painful divorce following the surgery and coming into singlehood while dealing with all aspects of my changes has been humbling and challenging! I am doing better in this department..smile. On the positive note--I have been able to counsel and support several women making this decision and also be part of their recovery journey! It helps keep me on the beam---literally and figuratively smile. I hope to branch more into this field because I feel passionate about the post-surgery challenges and I ow a lot to this board for what I learn every day! I read at least 5x per week and write occasionally, but like a good al-anon meeting, I get alot just from listeneing! In the coming weeks I may float more ideas out here for your your feedback and comments... On the stats side---my all time high weight was 245#. I am 5 foot one so my size was between 22-24 on a good day. I never felt as heavy as I looked--having a thinner image than reality. My weight came on in my early 20's and was a gradual climb. I had the surgery 3-18-2004 and I was 228 going into it. I gained 10# in the hospital and kept it on for 12 days---it was awful...but by the time I got to 18 mos (Sept 2005) I was down to 126 and I have maintained between 125-130 every since. I am most proud of that I think--the maintenance. My lifestyle habits still need a lot of work---and I am focused there right now. I exercise irregularly and I am now re-comitting to a least 1x per week with a friend at the gym. I am looking at tap dancing (an old love) and getting on my bike this spring! I haven't done any plastics yet--i have interviewed 2 docs and liked them both. The biggest challanges are the cost and taking time from work which costs me. I also am terrified of the drains--i hated them in the hospital. I also look at complications and I think--is it worth the risk? So--all in all--a good journey. I have had several significant losses in the past 2 years also and I am still working thru considerable grief. Being able to feel good about me in the physical realm has helped me tune into many inner aspects of myself that I am also working on with my therapist. I want to start a good 2 year out support group to keep things in perspective for me and others in my area.. Thank you all for sharing your journeys, being there when I have had questions, and for making this board ( a true lifeline) possible... Terry

Hi Terry, Thanks for sharing your journey with us & hope you post more often. We need you to post a picture, so we no who we are talking to, you must have some out there at the new you look. Have a Great Weekend!! Marilyn, the Bearlady

Terry, what a beautiful, heartfelt post, thank you! I'm sorry about your losses and I truly wish you God speed in healing your heart in these matters. As for the tap dancing, you go, girl! I love hearing stories of people rediscovering a past love for something they used to do or always wanted to do...I think that is just terrific! Take care and please stay in touch. All the best, Maureen

Hi Terry; Thanks for a wonderful post. Congratulations on your success and Happy Anniversary. I admire your work with others who share our journey. I hope that you are proud of yourself, because you have every reason to be!! Mike

Hi Marilyn, Reenie & Mike, Your responses meant a great deal to me--thanks for being who each of you are....my friends and "tribe" in the truest sense.... warmly. Terry