Encouragement from an "Old Marcher"
Hello to all of you taking this courageous step in your new life. Almost two years ago I had all of the nervousness that you are having now. You have come a long way to get where you are now. Most of you had to have many doctors appointments and a pyschological evaluation, meet with a nutritionist and go through some type of pre surgery weight loss routine. Don't let anyone ever tell you this is "the easy way out". I assure you it isn't, but it is worth it more then you can now imagine.
I can't tell you all of the ways my life has changed in the last two years. I weigh less then I did in 7th grade (35 years ago). I wear clothing in sizes that I never wore before. The greatest thing though is better health and a feeling that I have a chance at life again. I told myself that if I didn't have the surgery I knew I would have been dead in 5 years and I still believe that today.
This journey will be a struggle for awhile, but before long it will become your new way of life. I have a few suggestions that worked for me. Be very strict about following your plan for at least the first year. Don't eat white foods (bread, rice, potatos, pasta), drink at least 60 ounces of water each day - the more you drink the more you lose, I promise. Find an exercise choice that you like and that you will do everday. When I started I was walking a mile a day, soon that was not enough to keep losing weight. I currently average 4 miles a day. Walking was something I enjoyed and still do. I log my miles walked on a calendar. I started keeping track about 18 months ago and I have walked over 2200 miles since then.
I am excited for each of you and the prospects that lie ahead. The "March" group of 2006 tries to keep our board active. If any of you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us, we will help you in any way we can. We will be honest with you and encourage you all along your path.
Good luck and good health to each of you.
Life is great, Rick
Wow, thanks for an encouraging message. For me, I know this is the right step, and I know that my overall health is great, so I will have no problems with surgery. I have a very strong determination to make this work. My biggest problem is a strange fear of dying and leaving my husband and my students alone. (I'm a teacher). I believe that for me the biggest fear stems from the recent loss of my mother and the sense of loss I have now that she is gone. I don't want to be responsible for leaving that sense of loss behind me.
That's my biggest worry right now... that this illogical fear will take some kind of control and keep me from having the surgery I've fought for.
Hi,
First of all let me offer my condolences for the loss of your mother. I fear I will be suffering the same loss sometime this year so understand the pain you must be feeling.
Starting with good health is certainly a plus. It will make it easier for you to exercise following surgery. Your strong determination is also a major asset. There isn't anything you can't do when you put your mind to it.
I too had the fear of dying. What I didn't know was that I was already dead in so many ways. I had little energy and was not fully participating in life as a severly morbidly obese person. I was very much on the sidelines.
Your life is going to have so many positive changes that you don't even know about now. This is truly a gift you are about to receive.
Let me know if there is any thing I can do to help you achieve the goals you have already set for yourself. You are well on the way.
Take care, Rick
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