My Year - Long

Hi all ... nothing like waiting until the "nth" hour to post. But I have to. My life was changed forever May 31, 2005. I've spent a lot of time reflecting the past few hours and I've decided to just copy and paste my profile entry for today here to share with all of you. Thanks so much to you for all of your support, both directly and indirectly. May we all have a successful and wonder-filled second year post-op! Diane May 31, 2006 ONE YEAR POST-OP And what a year it has been! Here's the lowdown ... 1. Surgery date/type of surgery: May 31, 2005/Lap-RNY Gastric Bypass 2. Highest weight/date: 308lbs Day of surgery 3. Starting weight/BMI: 308lbs/44.1 4. Starting clothing size: 28 5. Current weight/BMI: 205/29.4 6. Current clothing size: That "in-between" stage of 16/18 7. Pounds/inches lost: 103lbs/70.75inches 8. Goal weight/BMI: 180lbs/25.8 9. Pounds to goal weight: 25lbs 10. Medical issues that have resolved because of the surgery: No longer have foot and ankle swelling, no more foot pain, less fatigue, diabetes is leveling out 11. First wow moment after surgery: Measuring my neck the for the first time post-op and found it had shrunk! 12. Best overall wow moment after surgery: Having to have my wedding ring sized (from a 9 to a 7!) 13. Most recent wow moment after surgery: I'm always surprised when someone that I haven't seen in a long time carries on about how different I look. I think to myself, "They're talking about me?" and then I think, "Oh yeah! They're talking about me!" 14. Things that you can do now that you couldn't a year ago: Sit "indian" style, cross my legs like a lady, "fit" in a bathtub, walk a flight of stairs like its nothing 15. Things that you never thought you'd be doing that you are doing now: See #14! 16. Things that you want to do in the future: Have a baby 17. What has surprised you the most since your surgery? That I have been able to lose 100 lbs. It still blows me away. 18. Do you have any regrets since your surgery? I started smoking again 19. Any things that you wish you would have done differently during your post-op journey? Exercise 20. Besides the change in size, what other changes have you seen in yourself? Are the changes for the good or bad?: Wow, where to start? I feel better about myself, actually like having my photo taken, feel more comfortable "in my skin" (and believe me there is a lot of that!). It's all good. 21. What has been the easiest thing since surgery? Losing the initial weight - losing the rest and keeping it off will be the challenge. 22. What has been the hardest thing since surgery? Maintaining liquid and protein intake 23. What remains a struggle for you? Vitamins, water and protein. 24. Do you drink with meals? Occasionally 25. Do you drink carbonated beverages? Rarely 26. Do you drink alcohol? Rarely 27. Do you intake protein supplements? Occasionally 28. How has the surgery affected your relationship with spouse or significant other? Our relationship has grown stronger. 29. How has the surgery affected your relationship with your family, friends, co-workers? I can't pinpoint any affects - at least no one has voiced any. 30. If you could pass along advice "been there, done that" to pre-ops, what advice would it be? You HAVE to eat ... even if you aren't hungry! And it has to be balanced nutrition with protien first. Carbs aren't the enemy as long as you don't overdo them ... they are fuel for your body! 31. What is your favorite forum on OH? The Maysters by far! 32. Who has inspired you in your journey the most? Those individuals who are willing to share the everyday "stuff" as they make their way through their own WLS journey. The WOW moments and accomplishments are great, but hearing about the small everyday struggles and victories are what inspire me more! And here are my current measurements! BODY MEASUREMENTS 5/30/05 Pre-op / 5/31/06 One year Post-op Neck: 18" / 14.5" Upper L arm: 17" / 15.75" * Upper R arm: 17" / 16" * Bust: 56" / 43.5" Under bust: 51" / 39" Waist: 53" / 41.5" Hips: 57.5" / 46" L Thigh: 33" / 25" * R Thigh: 30" / 25" * L Calf: 19.5" / 17.5" R Calf: 19.5 / 17" * These measurements are inaccurate at this point due to my access hanging skin. I did measure my bat wings ... with my arms outstreched and measuring from just under my muscle definition, I have 3.5" of hanging skin below each upper arm. I'm not even going to attempt to measure my thigh droopage. Total inches lost (for what its worth due to access skin): 70.75 I never dreamed a year ago, I'd be where I am today. I can't even put everything into words ... there is just so much: various emotions, watching my body change, shopping, relating with other people, discovering the many ways I now "fit," (into clothes, chairs, tight spaces, into society). And there's so much more. I stumbled upon the following poem several months ago and I hung onto it, hoping with all my might that I one day may relate to it. I found it again today and you know what? I CAN relate. I'm not perfect, and I definitely have my struggles. But right now in this moment, for me this says it all. The Woman in the Mirror Walking past the mirrored glass, I take a timid peek, I see a woman staring back, I'm too choked up to speak. The puffiness, at last, is gone, The skin is pink and glowing, The many pounds that melted off, Finally, is showing. Hard to believe, till recently, This same woman was dying, Stuffing food to ease the pain, Heartbroken and crying. Life revolved around each snack, She lived for every meal, Anything to numb the hurt, She didn't want to feel. When did she get so pretty? When did God remove the grief? How did this miracle happen? Who provided the relief ? What a gift! A second chance! I thank God every day, For His grace in showing me, There IS a better way. I walk, I dance, I make love too, My heart is filled with gladness, I'm out of bondage, out of pain, There is no room for sadness. This woman in the mirror, Smiles softly back at me, She has good cause to be so pleased, She's finally been set free. Author Unknown

Congratulations, Diane! I have to read the poem later. Got misty a few lines into it. I'll read it tonight. Kathy

Congratulations Diane! This poem really touched my heart, thank you for posting it. And a baby.. what a wonderful thing to look forward to in your future You have done a wonderful job! Barb

Thanks for sharing...Awesome!

Congratulations Diane! Looks like you've done great (except for the smoking...I am so scared of cancer, because of my history, I say that to all smokers.) I absolutely love the poem. I've just copied it and sent it to my other WLS buddies who are not on this list. Big Hugs, Lori

Happy Surgiversary Diane. Great post. We are rejoicing with you in the liberty this wls has brought to you. Health and freedom to move and really live. I love the poem. Isn't it nice that the mirror has become a friend and not an enemy Thanks, Mary