9 Month's Post-Op

WOW! My heart is full! Nine month's ago today I had WLS and it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I always get sentimental on my anniversary day and reminisce. I know it's because I NEVER want to forget where I came from and the road that I have traveled to get to where I am today. So much has changed in my life since my surgery. I had dated someone for 3 years and broke up with him. Hurricane Rita hit Louisiana and I was out of job. I finally re-located to Texas and have met someone that completes me. I have learned so much about myself and others throughout this journey. I have learned to walk with a little more "pep in my step." I've learned to give back what has been given to me. The most important thing I have learned is to love myself. That is a HUGE accomplishment. There is so much I can do now that I couldn't do before or would have ever dreamed of doing. I'm not afraid to venture out and experience new things. I know not what lies ahead of me but, I know that I am ready to continue on this journey. As of today I have lost 132 bs and am at my surgeon's goal. I am not at my personal goal however. I would like to lose another 20 lbs and I know I can do it. My pants have gone from a size 24/26 to a size 10 or 12 and my shirts have gone from a 26/30 to a M/L I can even shop in the juniors departments. I thank God everyday for helping me throughout this journey and giving me guidance and inner strength. I am thankful for my family for standing besides me and walking every step of the way. I am grateful for my online family here at OH. I often find myself logging on to see what is going on in everyone's life and how they are doing. Some of you I have had the pleasure of meeting and other's are online friends to me but, no matter what or who you are, I consider you part of my family. I can share my WOW moments with you and my sorrows and never get looked down upon. I can even share my bad food choices with you and not get scolded. And last but not least I am grateful for my wonderful surgeon and his team for helping me get my life back. Wherever you are in your journey, remember to never give up on your hopes and dreams because they can come true. To those of you walking this walk with me, thank you and to those of you that have inspired me, thank you for letting me walk behind you. Gina I have updated pictures on my www in the 9 Month folder.

Gina, Congratulations...on your loss, on your life, on your survival of the hurricane and on having your head in sucha place that you can be an inspiration with others... Thank you so much for sharing the up's and down's of your journey. I had my surgery 10 days after you, and I do the same reflection on my anniversary days. I believe having WLS saved me from a early death. Anyway, keep on being an inspiration to us...or at least to me... L*

Laura, Thank you for your sweet words. My head is sometimes crazy but, I manage to get through the tough times. I try to share my story because I am an open book when it comes to this. I know there were several people that shared theirs with me and it meant alot while I was making the decision to have surgery. You are right, WLS has saved us from a life of misery and death. Good luck to you and keep me posted on your progess. Gina

Gina, I also tell anyone who will listen about this surgery. I always preface what I say by stating that this is the right choice FOR ME. It's not the right things for everyone. And btw, You're GORGEOUS!!! My date was 4/21/05 and I was 255 pounds when I got on the table. I wore a size 20 pants and a 2XL or 22/24 top. I'm down 97 pounds, I wear size 10's and either a M or L top. I've also lost 3 cups sizes and 3 bands sizes in my bras. My husband was hesitant at first, and then I had some minor complications and he wanted me to have the procedure reversed. But now, he sees my self confidence and how much my health has improved and now he's thrilled. The only things that bothers him is that now I fit into his clothes!!! Keep sharing and stay the beautiful person you are, both inside and out, L*

Gina - We share the same surgery date. I too get sentimental on my anniversary date. I started out at 291 and today weigh 165 - that is down 126 pounds. I feel great and would do it again in a heartbeat. Nine months seems to have flown by in such a quick time. I started out in a size 28-30 and now wear a 10. In scrubs I was having to special order 4x and now wearing smalls! It is like a dream come true. Congrats to you. Heather 4-11-05

Congratulations on your success. I am also 9 months post. It has been such an incredible journey for me also. Keep up the good work. Becky

We are surgery sisters! So glad you are doing so well. Keep up the good work! Judy

Congratulations to you and everyone else Gina. You have really had a difficult year but still managed to lose so much weight. YOu must feel like a different person. Good for you. hugs from down under Helen

Hi Gina I am 9 months out, Havent weighed in because my mom lost are scale lol, but last time i checked I was -120... and hoping to lose more, congrats your looking beautiful