my surgiversary
May 16th is my surgiversary, but I will not be able to post in the morning, so I am going to do it now.
This past year has flown by so fast! I think it's because I was so focused on me, and what was happening to, and changing about me. It was the year of Carol and what a year it was!
Before surgery, I was disgusted with myself for letting myself get so big that I was having trouble doing the things I liked to do. I mean, I was always fat, but I was active. And then I let myself go to where I couldn't be as active and I really let myself down. I was so disappointed in myself.
My sister, who is now a 3-1/2 year RNY veteran, told me I would be a great candidate for this surgery. At the time I didn't want to consider surgery so I gave dieting one great big last chance - really got into it. I lost thirty five pounds. I gained it back in 3 months. I called and made an appointment to speak to her surgeon.
That was the best call I ever made in my life!
I am back to my bike riding - better than before! I do a mean walk/jog - better than ever!
Hooking up with this May page has been a great reference source for me, being that we all were going through the same things at the same time. We are all genuinely happy for each others successes, and genuinely concerned when one of us had problems resulting from the surgery.
You are all wonderful people, thank you for everything!
1. Surgery date/type of surgery: 05/16/05 Lap-RNY Gastric Bypass
2. Highest weight/date: 300lbs 05/02/05
3. Starting weight/BMI: 300lbs/44.3
4. Starting clothing size: 24-26
5. Current weight/BMI:171 / 25.2
6. Current clothing size: 10/12
7. Pounds/inches lost: 129 lbs lost - 72.25 inches! That's more than 6 feet!!!
8. Goal weight/BMI: 168lbs /24.8
9. Pounds to goal weight: 3lbs
10. Medical issues that have resolved because of the surgery: The arthritis in myknees is much less painful.
11. First wow moment after surgery: Getting a compliment from a male other than my husband - that was flattering!
12. Best overall wow moment after surgery: Having my husband notice and tell me about the different changes I went through, & him being able to wrap his arms around me and really hold me close.
13. Most recent wow moment after surgery: Practically every time I look in the mirror now, I think - wow... oh yeah, and buying a pair of size 10 capris!
14. Things that you can do now that you couldn't a year ago: Ride my bike more than 20 miles, fit comfortably in public seats - including plane seats, cross my legs, reach places I couldn't reach before, look in the mirror and not cringe, etc.
15. Things that you never thought you'd be doing that you are doing now: Shopping in size 10 & 12s. That is unbelievable!
16. Things that you want to do in the future now that you are able: Too much to list!
17. What has surprised you the most since your surgery? What has surprised me most is how easy this has been for me. I am so happy to have stayed healthy and lost the weight and will always worry about gaining it back like all the other times... but this was the easiest way I have ever lost weight, because it took my hunger and cravings away completely. I could not have done it any other way. Believe me, I have tried everything else!
18. Do you have any regrets since your surgery? Not a single one!
19. Any things that you wish you would have done differently during your post-op journey? Standard answer - more exercise.
20. Besides the change in size, what other changes have you seen in yourself? Are the changes for the good or bad? Changes are all good. I have more self-confidence, I'm more out-going.
21. What has been the easiest thing since surgery? Losing weight.
22. What has been the hardest thing since surgery? When things get "stuck".
23. What remains a struggle for you? Getting all my water in.
24. Do you drink with meals? I take small sips sometimes during a meal.
25. Do you drink carbonated beverages? Not at all
26. Do you drink alcohol? I do, but not very often.
27. Do you intake protein supplements? A shake a day - always.
28. How has the surgery effected your relationship with spouse or significant other? My husband likes the new healthier more energetic me. He's proud of the changes I have made in my life. He is the best! He has never said "no" to me when I've asked him to walk with me. He's very supportive in every way.
29. How has the surgery effected your relationship with your family, friends, coworkers? They are proud of me. And my best girlfriend loves that we can shop together in the same dept. now!
30. If you could pass along advice "been there, done that" to pre-ops, what advice would it be? Chew chew chew, water water water, and protein shakes really are you friend so get to like them!
31. What is your favorite forum on OH? The Maysters! They are truly the best, most supportive group of all! You are all wonderful people and I am so glad we shared this month for our surgeries!
32. Who has inspired you in your journey the most? My sister. She had surgery in 2002. She was able to answer any questions I had and warned me when the hair-loss was about to start and told me when it would end. She told me from the beginning that she thought I would be a good candidate for this surgery because even at my fattest, I tried (and struggled) to remain active.
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