New to this message board - from AZ!

Hello Hello Hello!!! Am I ever happy to have found this message board! I had NO IDEA there was a message board specific for our surgery month and year! Hallelujah!!!!!!!! I have been reading and posting on the AZ message board since my surgery (06/28/05). For the majority of the time, I have found support and information that I was searching for there. But there were many times that the other posters were either way way post op, or newbies, so they couldnt relate to how I was feeling. I feel like I have just been given another wonderful gift - this message board!!! I am so happy!!!!! Let me introduce myself - my name is Debra and I had RNY surgery on 06/28/05. As of today, I have shed 101 lbs, and have another 60 to go. These past 6 months have been full of emotions, accomplishments, frustrations, and a new awareness of what I am truly like on the inside. I feel like a totally different person than who I was pre-op. I am off ALL my diabetic meds - no more insulin or oral diabetic medications! No more high blood pressure meds either! I still need to take my synthroid med (probably lifetime) but that is fine with me. I feel so much better - I am able to walk and exercise for the first time in ages! I am so thankful that God gave me this opportunity to reclaim my life! I plan to check back daily and hopefully get to know all of you! I am soooooooo happy to have found this message board! Take care

Hi Debra! Congrats on your wonderful weight loss!!! I had surgery on June 16 and have lost about 103 lbs! Isn't it amazing! Karen

Hi Karen - yes, this is truly an amazing journey! If anyone asks me if I would do this again, my answer is YES YES YES!!!!!!! Congrats on your weight shed also! Dont you just love being in smaller sizes??? (my teenage daughter is getting worried LOL) Take care.

Hi Debra, Welcome fellow Junebug! I had surgery June 15th and since April when I scheduled my surgery, I am down 93 lb. I have 35 lb. to go before I reach my goal of 135 lb. Wooooo Hooooo! I am a slow and steady loser, never lose 5 lb. at a time, always one but also haven't had a true plateau either, just slow overall. I can't complain at all though, I am on my way. Congratulations, you are doing so great! Jo

Thank you Jo - it is such a mind blower when you hit the 100 lbs mark- just think, you will be there really soon! Every week has been different for me, sometimes its a 4 lb drop, other times its a .5 drop - but I have to say that I can really see the change when I dont drink enough water, or ease off the exercise. Take care.

Welcome Debra!! Isn't this board a kick? It's soooooo nice to have others that are at the exact same spot as we are. I have really relied on this board to help me keep my sanity through the tough times. I had surgery 5 days before you did. I've lost 103 lbs. since surgery, with about 80lbs. more to go. I lost quite a bit over Christmas vacation, but haven't lost a pound in two weeks. I think this is my first time with 0 weight loss in that period, but I lost 8 in 10 days, so...I guess it all evens out. Congratulations on getting off almost all of your medications. It must be absolutely amazing!! I, too, have been thanking God for this second chance. I'm so incredibly grateful for this gift. I started a book by Donna Partow called Living in Absolute Freedom. Boy...doesn't that just say it all? Keep up the great work. It's quite a ride!!!! Blessings, Kerri

Hi Kerri - I have been so happy today since finding this surgery message board - and it was just by accident that I found it! The Christmas season was really a challenge - I really didnt eat as well as I should have - too many goodies - I can eat sugar and not get sick at all - not good, huh? But, this is a New Year, and I'm back on track now. Please let me know how you enjoyed the book - I am always looking for new things to read. Take care.

Hi Kerri - I have been so happy today since finding this surgery message board - and it was just by accident that I found it! The Christmas season was really a challenge - I really didnt eat as well as I should have - too many goodies - I can eat sugar and not get sick at all - not good, huh? But, this is a New Year, and I'm back on track now. Please let me know how you enjoyed the book - I am always looking for new things to read. Take care.

Hi Deb! Welcome to the June Board! This place is a wonderful source of information, motivation, support, and inspiration!! I'm sure you will love it here! Congrats on your successful journey so far!! Leslie 309-193-150

Congratulations and welcome to the June messageboard. I dont post too often, but try to check in often. I have learned so much from everyone on here. They are all so nice. I also feel so much better. I am so happy I had this surgery done. Keep up the good work. Carla