My surgiversary (very long)

I know it technically isn't until tomorrow, but here it is. In January of 2005 I decided that I would consider weight loss surgery; prior to that I was completely against it. I felt like if I had to eat less and exercise after the surgery anyway, why bother with the surgery? I can't even stick to doing that now, that's why I weigh 340 pounds! My highest weight ever was around 370 pounds. Well, I had heard of a few people who had the surgery, it went well, etc. but I still wasn't up for it. One of my dearest and best friends, Lisa, who lived across the street from me in Hawaii, told me that she was having the surgery, so I thought I'd see how it went for her. I was very interested to see the process from start to finish. I watched her with her pre-surgical preparation, saw her in the hospital, and watched her recovery over the next few weeks. Then I saw her life just change. I saw her able to do things that I couldn't do (and she couldn't do before either) and jus****ched her blossom and become a whole new person. No, her problems didn't go away, but it did make her physically able to handle so much more. This is when I started thinking that maybe I could do it. So, in December of 2005 we moved to Washington and I started considering having the surgery. I started doing research (hours and hours of research) and decided that I wanted to do this. I finally approached Palae' (who had already suggested it to me in the past because he knew how miserable that I was being so overweight and unable to live the kind of life that I wanted to) and he was 150% behind me in it. I did more and more research, and in the process discovered that I had acid reflux, borderline hypertension, and borderline diabetes. I finally got around to the surgeon that I ended up using and on April 1st I saw him for a consult, May 3rd I had my surgery. The morning of my surgery I weighed 321 pounds, and had a BMI of over 50%. The list below is a list that I made up in April of last year when I knew that I was scheduled for surgery. With the exception of being able to sit up straight and back pain (both of which are caused by my need for a breast reduction) everything else on this list I have accomplished. Before surgery I was wearing a size 4X bottom (or size 32W) and 3-4X tops. I am now wearing mostly large but some medium tops and size 16 bottoms. I was wearing a size 44F bra and am now in 36E. My size 9 wedding band was too tight and now fits on my index finger. I was wearing 9 or 9-1/2W shoes and am now in 8 or 8-1/2 M. I can jog. I don't get winded going upstairs to bed. I just feel fantastic. And here's my list: Reasons I'm having WLS I want to roller blade I want to go horseback riding I want to be able to fit comfortably in an airplane seat I don't want to worry if I'll fit in the rides at an amusement park I want to hike without worrying if I'm going to have a heart attack I want to buy my clothes at a store and only out of a catalog if I want to, not because I have to I don't want people staring at me in disgust I don't want people looking away from me for fear of staring at me in disgust I want to run I don't want to hear "Ya know, I've got this great diet that helped me lose a few pounds..." I want to enjoy intimacy with my husband I want to play outside with my children and not get winded after a few minutes I want to get my own water instead of asking someone else to because I'm lazy I don't want painful knees, ankles, hips, or back anymore I want a smaller chest I want to be able to better listen to my body and know what it's telling me I don't want to worry if I'll fit in someone's car I don't want to have to use the handicap restroom stall because most regular ones are too small I want to be able to wear pretty, sexy, and cute lingerie I don't want to hear "You have such a pretty face." I want to be able to sit up straight I don't want to have to worry if a small chair or swing will hold me I don't want to get high blood pressure, diabetes, or die of a heart attack I want to teach my children better eating habits and how to live an active lifestyle I want to face any issues instead of hiding behind layers of fat I don't want people to think I must be stupid, lazy or a slob just because I'm fat I don't want to have to prove that I'm very intelligent I want all seatbelts to fit me I don't want to be stared at if I go into a restaurant I don't want to feel like people are saying "She's eating a salad? It obviously isn't doing any good." I don't want to hear "You should just walk a little..." I want to walk up stairs without feeling like my heart will explode I don't ever again want to hear my son say, "My mom is fat." Or "I wish I had a skinny mom." I want to be able to do aerobics I want to be able to wipe myself without problems I don't want to eat my feelings away, but learn how to deal with them as they are I don't want to try another 'fad' diet I want to weigh less than my husband I want to be able to wear high-heeled shoes You know, guys, just reading over this list again makes me cry. I, honestly and truly cannot believe what a difference a year has made in my life. I am amazed. Michelle

You have come a long way Michelle. You should be very proud of your decision to have surgery. You have done the right things to make this wonderful tool work for you. Now, one year later, you have gained control of your life, your future. Be proud girlfriend! I wish you happiness! Carol

Hi Michelle, I loved reading your list of dreams/wishes pre-op and rejoicing with you that they have come true. It is such a blessing to have come so far! Congratulations Reading this is sort of dejavu for all of us Maysters. And our joy is with you in your fine progress. It has been a pleasure having you a part of May's support team. Mary

Michelle ~ Congratulations on your journey! You deserve all that life brings you, and we know you work hard for it! Keep up the great work. Your list is incredible. I'll have to dig up my list on my surgiversary, too. It's great to take the time to reflect on our accomplishments. Angie

Hi Michelle, Congratulations! Just awesome! Happy surgiversary! Hugs Marla

Michelle, Congrats! You are an inspiration. Have a great day today!

Michelle, Thanks so much for taking the time to post your thoughts and accomplishments and dreams that came true for you! It brought tears to my eyes... Congratulations! Lori