ONE YEAR AGO (LONG)

WOW! My heart is full with sadness and excitement today. One year ago today I topped the scales at a whopping 282 lbs on a 5'2" body. I was rounder then I was tall. Today I top the scales at a mere 128 lbs with a total loss of 140 + inches. A part of me is sad today because life as I knew it is no longer. It's hard to tell that old person and those old habits good bye. I am happy today because I look at far I have came in a measly 12 month's. I never imagined my life could be what it is as I sit and type this. There are so many things I can do now I can't even begin to put into words what I'm feeling. I simply thought if I can into a size 14 I would be happy. 14 came and went and I am now in a size 8 hoping to get into a size 6. I reached my surgeon's goal in 9 short months and am 8lbs away from my personal goal of 120 lbs. I know I will get there. Has this journey been easy? Physically yes, emotionally no. Everyday I deal with self image issues and still have to remind myself that I can fit in that booth or I can bend over and tie my shoe, I know eventually those thing will come. As they wheeled me into surgery a year ago, I can remember my Mother's sweet face and her saying bye my little fat girl. What I didn't realize at the time is she was telling the obese person good bye. If it weren't for my sister and her husband I would have never been able to have this life saving surgery, as I was self pay. I owe them a lot. I am so grateful to be a part of OH and have the support of each and every one of you. It has truly been a pleasure watching your journeys and watching you all emerge. Whenever I was in doubt, felt like I couldn't go through this journey, or felt lonely all I had to do was look up and all of my OH family was there encouraging me. You all inspire me. Some of you I have followed in your footsteps and some of you have followed in mine. Know that no matter where you are in your journey pre-op or post-op there is a huge crowd cheering you on. Thank you all for welcoming into your life and your journey, it has been a pleasure. I am grateful to my surgeon and his staff for giving me this wonderful tool. Above all, I am grateful to God for helping me get my life back. I used to sit and watch life go by and now I am out there enjoying it and not just existing. Today I will see my surgeon, almost to the hour of my surgery. I'm sentimental like that. I can't wait to see his face when I walk in. Then I think I will just have some quiet time to reflect back on me. Wherever you are in your journey never lose sight of your hopes and dreams they can come true as long as you believe in yourself. Thank you all for being a part of my journey and welcoming me into your life with open arms, it has meant more to me then you will ever know. New picture towards the bottom of my profile. Gina

We are surgery sisters - and I know how you feel. I signed on today to post myself and read your post first. It feels as if a year has just flown by - but with all the changes WOW what a difference. I wheeled into surgery weighing 291 pounds and 5'4, now exactly 1 year later I weigh 140. I have lost 151 pounds, more than I weigh now. My mind is still trying to comprehend - but it will catch up. Congratulations to you - hope you have another wonderful year. Heather 4-11-05 291-140 (-151)

Congratulations!!! My surgiversary is next Friday (4/21) and as I start to reflect on the past year, I look around in amazement. Life is for the living, and I feel like I'm living again. I truly believe in my heart of hearts that having this procedure saved my life. I'm healthy again, no longer taking high blood pressure pills, flirting with high cholesterol and dealing with horrible skin issues.I'm able to run after my pre-schooler, walk for miles, run a bike again, shop in regular stores and purchase clothing in regular sizes. Gone are the days of being out of breath, tired and unable to do what I wanted. The rest of my life will be an example of what faith, determination and the miracles of modern medicine can do for someone. I've had my low points, don't get me wrong; there were times when, in the middle of an anxiety attack, I was screaming into bed pillows, wanting the procedure to be reversed b/c I couldn't eat to hide the pain. But the high points and the new discoveries about myself, far outnumber the lows. Wishing all April '05 babies continued success on this journey.... L*

WOW Gina! You look great! You should change your after picture to the new one you put in your profile. You look much smaller in that one. Congratulations on a year well done! Much continued success to you in the next year! amber 296/147/140 -149 (7 more to my goal)

Dear Gina, I am so proud of you. I can only imagine how it feels to be in a 128lb body. No to tell you the truth, I cant even imagine it. I know you have had an amazing year and it is just the beginning of such a wonderful, healthy and happy life for you. You are always an inspiration to me. hugs and love from down under Helen