The Gift of Life!

I sit here answering email, posting to board messages, and thinking about each and every one of you on here. We are some strong-willed and brave souls to have made this life-changing decision for this surgery. And each one of you (including myself) know exactly what each other has gone through...from our lives of obesity, to making the decision, getting a surgery date, and being post-op. It just doesn't seem real to me yet, even with the weight that I've lost so far, I sometimes wonder if this is truly a dream. Some of us have struggled with complications, some have been fortunate not to have had any, but ALL OF US can relate to one another in their ups and downs, being sometimes drained physically AND emotionally. And no one, unless they've walked in our shoes understands how truly blessed we all are. We will continue this journey together and we will continue to support and encourage ALL here. We're riding a rollercoaster together, and one that will only continue to bring us the healthier and happier lives we so desire and deserve. I have been given, myself and my family, more than I could have ever imagined possible. The gift of LIFE. Many blessings to ALL OF YOU, and your families, during this holiday season and into the new year. Peace & Love, Lisa V

Lisa, Very well said, exactly how I feel. After 7.5 months and some complications, I now feel wonderful and I feel blessed by having the surgery and the support of my family and friends. All the best to you during this holiday season and beyond. Sue

Thank you, Susan! Having friend and family support has been so important through all of this.

Dearest Lisa V - you have a way with words.....a way to say what we all have been thinking. I have missed you and your thoughtful posts and am so happy that you are back. Thank you for saying what has been on my mind. I feel so blessed to know you and all my other OH April surgery buddies. It is a wild ride - one I'm so happy to share with such wonderful people as all of you here on the April surgery board. Bonnie

((( Bonnie))) You are so sweet. Thank you.

Well said, Lisa. What more can I add, You have said it all. I am very grateful for each and everyone of you on this April board. You are truly a blessing. I hope we will always remain ONE big happy family, or at least a family, lol. Many Blessing to each and everyone. Kathleen G. from Missouri

Hi Kathleen! I feel the same... we'll always be connected by this journey we've taken together. I really do hope one day we can have a REAL reunion. Lisa F and I had talked about it way back when.....

Lisa, this post is so true. You have said everything that we have all been feeling. I have only had 1 complication and even though that complication could have killed me if they didn't catch it, I do not regret going down this path for one second. I don't even want to think about where I would be if I didn't have this surgery. It is true too, that we are the only ones who knows what we have been through. We can tell people who haven't had wls, but they will never know the courage and inner strength that it took to make this decision to have wls. I know for me I waited 2 years before I knew it was what I needed to do. My son and I go and work out together at the YMCA and spot each other and ride bikes and swim together, it is wonderful and I wouldn't have changed a thing. Have a wonderful holiday season. Deanna

Hi Deanna , Nor do I have any regrets! It took me about 2 years to make the decision too. I thought I'd finally decided then my daughters friends mom passed away with adhesions almost a year after her surgery. My daughter was so scared for me to go through with it, so I put it off another year. Then she was deployed to Korea, I decided that I had to do what I thought was best for ME. So while she was gone I told her I was having the surgery and she asked for me to wait until she got back to the U.S. even though she couldn't go to Colombia with me, she wanted to be closer than Korea. So I scheduled the surgery the same month she returned. And even though she was apprehensive, she's been totally supportive of my decision. I'm so happy you're able to, and enjoying, doing those things with your son. Mine is 15 and he said he's never seen me able to do things like I do now. It IS wonderful!

Lisa, You couldn't have said it any better! Every morning I wake up and am so thankful for this opportunity. Everytime I look in the mirror, I feel truly blessed as I stare at my body in amazement. I feel I have been given a second chance! Like you, I do feel as this is all a dream and will wake up to weigh 366lbs. It has very hard to grasp. I hope eventually we'll wake up and realize that it ISN'T a dream. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with many more "skinny" ones to come! April