18 Month Check up and reflection

This is what I posted on the Texas board: Well I went to my doctor yesterday to have my 18 month check up and get my blood work results... as some of you know I have a hard time drinking water and I was not taking my vitamins like I should have been... so 2 months ago I started taking my vitamins daily... not missing a day... I still have a hard time with the water but I am really trying... yesterday I did get in 60 oz which is ALOT for me.. I normally get 20 - 30 oz a day.. I would rather have coffee which I know is not good for me either but I like the taste...anyway... Went in to my doctors office and his nurse had to look at my pic several times and she couldnt believe it was me... I told her I was nervous about my blood results and she said nah dont be... Then Dr. Storey came in and said "WOW" looked at my pic... then I told him I was a little nervous about my blood results... and he said "THEY WERE ALL IN PERFECT RANGE"... words I was so happy to hear.... I am at goal weight.. not mine... but guess we are never satisfied... he asked me how many times I eat a day I told him 2 - 3 but I eat right... he said I need to up that to 4 -5 times a day... but other than that I only need to see him as needed... he asked what kind of vitamins and I told him some natural ones from Arbonne and a b-12 sublingual... and a calcuim from Arbonne... he said that all my levels had just about doubled... and for me to keep taking those vitamins cause they are working.... I was so happy... I want to thank you all for being so supportive.. thank you to the ones who do get on to me DAILY about getting in my water and making sure I take my vitamins... without you I probably would not have had great blood work results... thank you from the bottom of my heart... you know who you are... love you for that.... and for being a great friend.....thank you for my daily talks... For those of you starting out your journey... PLEASE take your vitamins.. I finally realized how important they are for us... WE ARE DIFFERENT.. I call us the special people.... we have to think differently....remember we are here to support one another... wether good or bad.. to get on to each other when we need it and to encourage each other when we need that too.... I know that having my support group through all of this has made it easier for me... and having everyone here on the Texas board... has made it easier... If you are not in a support group please find one to join if you are starting out or even further out in this journey.. cause no one understands a weight loss patient like another weight loss patient... I truly believe that with all my heart.... we have different issues than people who have not had this surgery....emotionally, mentally, physically, etc... I want to be here for those just starting out and to be supportive to them like everyone has been to me... so I need to continue being a good example and take my vitamins and get in my protein and my water... so those of you who get on to me daily please don't stop.. I STILL NEED YOU and WILL ALWAYS NEED YOU.... Sorry for this being so long.. just had to reflect... Love Debra 227/205/127 1st Surgery/Revision/Today 8/98 -8/04 - today Obesity Help Support Group Leader

Hello Debra Your words are very inspirational to all of us. We are so glad your test results came out good. You and all of us look so different than when we were obese. We can't believe it us when we look at ourselves in the mirror. We look 1000% better. We are still the same heart and soul inside. Our self esteem is high. We are proud of the way we look. But you have also stated something that we must be aware the rest of our lives. When we decided to have surgery, we accepted the responsibilities of having it. It is a life long commitment. Just because we are no longer obese, doesn't mean we have past the finished line. Our work is finished. Like you said, we must remember to continue taking our vitamins, proteins, and water. We also must not forget to enjoy food, but not in excess. Best wishes Linda and keep the messages and picures coming.