the day i changed my life

Well here it is...this time one year ago I was waking up from what to this date had been the scariest day of my life. I underwent surgery that I knew would change my life forever. I went to sleep crying because I was so nervous about this surgery. It really wasnt the fact of the surgery itself, I was more worried about my family, and what would happen to them if I didnt wake up from the surgery. Well I made it thru, and for the most part, this has been a pretty smooth journey. I have had my ups and downs like most others. To this date I have lost a total of 182 lbs. Its hard to beleive, at least for me. I never imagined a point in my life where I would actually lose that much weight. I am much happier, and extremely healthier. I can eat almost anything, but I do know my limits. I still have trouble eating enough food, which is something that I NEVER would have said in the past. I have an active life with my children, work, and my dh. This past year has had its tragedies too, with the loss of my grandmother on christmas eve. That was pretty rough for me because she has always been one of my major fans and supporters. She was pretty much the last link that I had to my biological father who died when I was 4 yrs old. So it came as quite a blow. But we keep on living. I still struggle daily with my self image as I look in the mirror, and I still think of myself as fat. I want to lose at least another 40 lbs and get into the 100's for the first time in like 18 years. I have been bad about seeing the dr. I have only seen my surgeon like 1 time since surgery due to my insurance and employment changing. I have seen my regular dr though and had my bloodwork and stuff done, and everything came back great. So for me, this surgery I concider a great success. I may not be where I want to be yet, but im getting there, one day at a time. If I dont get to my own goal, I will still be happy with how far I have come. I just wish that this fat girl brain would stop, and I could view myself as others see me. Thanks for all the support I have gotten from OH this past year and a half since I found you. ALso congrats to all the other April babies and I wish you continued weight loss and happiness. Anita B 420/238/220 soon

Anita, you are on of the huge success stories of WLS, to think you have come so far in just 12 short months, is simply an inspiration. Your life will continue to improve in so many more ways. hugs from down under Helen