One Year Later: Life Is Beautiful!
A year ago, I climbed onto a table in the middle of an operating room in New York. I was cold, I was scared and my heart was racing. I emerged from that surgery with a newly designed intestinal system. Now, a year later, I'm emerging from the cocoon of fat I'd lived in for years.
And, let me tell you, I feel absolutely wonderful!
I'm young -- still 26 -- and unmarried, so I don't have a huge number of *big* meaningful, joyful moments in my life. I don't have a wedding day to celebrate. I can't yet look back on the birth of a child with joy. But I celebrate my surgery Sept. 9, 2003 -- what has arguably been the biggest, most important moment of my life so far.
In the past year, I've gone from a 257.2-pound woman wearing a size 24/24W and with a BMI of 42.8 to, as of this morning, a 134.5-pound woman who is generally a size 6 (I wear 4s and 8s too) and has a BMI of 22.38.
I've lost 122.7 pounds (nearly half of myself) -- but I've gained a whole lot more. Frankly, I'm still discovering just how much.
Like Patti and so many others of you, I absolutely love to shop for clothes now. I actually worry I might have found a new addiction, though at least now I can justify my shopping with real need ****il I hit last weekend's sales, I essentially had no winter clothes).
Like Sheri and others have discussed on this board, I've had troubles along the way strictly adhering to my new diet and lifestyle. My weight climbed roughly 10 pounds a month ago after I began using Ortho-Evra and binged my way through a vacation and a subsequent cold (it is *feed* a fever, right?) 
Even if the bulk of that was water weight from the hormones, the gain was a real wake-up call. I was terrified that I'd regain the weight I lost, something I obviously never want to have happen. I've since been able to recover from the weight gain (and lose a few more pounds on top of that), but clearly, maintaining this weight loss and this healthy lifestyle will take constant vigilance -- for the rest of my life.
But I am ready to be vigilant. I am prepared to do what it takes. I am so grateful that I was able to have this surgery a year ago, and I do not want to squander that gift.
For kicks, below, I'm linking to a set of before/after photos on my personal site, since my mugshot hasn't yet changed for the boards. Every day I delight in my new shape, size and ability. Although the transformation has been more than just physical, before/after pictures capture an important part of the process.
Thanks to every one who contributes to this message board. I read posts regularly (even when I'm not posting myself), and it's so encouraging to read the joys, the troubles and the stories of others on this same amazing journey.
Jen.
BEFORE:
http://www.ace-reporter.com/bariatric/smallbeforecompilation.jpg
AFTER:
http://www.ace-reporter.com/bariatric/smallaftercompilation.jpg
MY PERSONAL SITE (w/ more pics and data):
http://www.ace-reporter.com/bariatric
Even if the bulk of that was water weight from the hormones, the gain was a real wake-up call. I was terrified that I'd regain the weight I lost, something I obviously never want to have happen. I've since been able to recover from the weight gain (and lose a few more pounds on top of that), but clearly, maintaining this weight loss and this healthy lifestyle will take constant vigilance -- for the rest of my life.
But I am ready to be vigilant. I am prepared to do what it takes. I am so grateful that I was able to have this surgery a year ago, and I do not want to squander that gift.
For kicks, below, I'm linking to a set of before/after photos on my personal site, since my mugshot hasn't yet changed for the boards. Every day I delight in my new shape, size and ability. Although the transformation has been more than just physical, before/after pictures capture an important part of the process.
Thanks to every one who contributes to this message board. I read posts regularly (even when I'm not posting myself), and it's so encouraging to read the joys, the troubles and the stories of others on this same amazing journey.
Jen.
BEFORE:
http://www.ace-reporter.com/bariatric/smallbeforecompilation.jpg
AFTER:
http://www.ace-reporter.com/bariatric/smallaftercompilation.jpg
MY PERSONAL SITE (w/ more pics and data):
http://www.ace-reporter.com/bariatric 
Jennifer,
You are so beautiful. I looked at all of your pictures. What a knock out figure you have now!!!!!! I'm so jealous!!!! I can hear your personality come through this post, and your pictures totally match that also. Honey, you almost look NOTHING like your before picture. I'm just blown away by your transformation, seriously!!!!!!!!!!
You look so happy and you seem to be such a fun and carefree girl. You will find that special someone soon, if you haven't already. I can totally see you marrying some hot, gorgeous man and having a beautiful wedding and beautiful babies!!!
I wish I had done this when I was 26 and not 32. What a difference that would have made in my life. Congratulations, Jennifer. You have worked so hard, and look at your beautiful results!!!!
Kim
400/229/170
EDD 4/25/05
7 weeks pregnant!!!!!!
Hi Jen:
First, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
Isn't it great to experience how much better life is when you're healthier and happier? I'm so happy for you and your success has inspired me more than I can express.
I guess that we all are becomming "addicted" to shopping now that we can go into any store and get what we want in "normal people" sizes.
May your second year after surgery be even more successful than the first.
Your friend,
Jesse
Mary Beth 
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