Reflections of a 1yr Post-op

My OH friends, today is my one yr post-op anniversary. I have undergone many changes this year. I've lost 140 pounds, going from a high of 301 lbs to 161 pounds as of this morning. The physical changes are only a bonus. I have also regained my life and my health. I no longer sit by the sidelines and watch everyone else live their lives but I participate. Surgery was a lifesaver in more ways then I could have ever imagined. A year ago I was being rolled into surgery unsure if I was going to come out on the other side. I knew it was a risk, but one I was willing to take. I'm so glad I took that leap of faith and left things in god's hands. I did my research, jumped through 4 yrs of insurance hell and finally got to where I wanted to be. I thank god everyday for allowing me a second chance at life. Before surgery my life was pretty dismal and going downhill. At 32 years old, I felt more like 70. I had High Blood Pressure, GERD, Joint and knee problems, Borderline diabetic, PCOS and Sleep apnea. I was on the downward spiral to an early death. Within a few months of surgery I was no longer on any medication. What a blessing it was. I have regained my zest for life and no longer had to worry if I was going to be around to see my young son grow up. As happy as I have been with surgery, it has also come with mental changes that have been difficult to deal with. I'm no longer happy to settle for less than I deserve and that has brought marriage problems that I'm not sure I can fix. Sometimes obese people tend to "settle" for things that that thin people would not tolerate. Our fat makes us believe that maybe we are not worthy of better. Low self-esteem has always been a problem for me and in many respects it still is a problem. I'm working hard on trying to change my mental outlook on life. It's not easy, but I'm trying. The loosing weight was the easy part, changing your mind is the hardest. My advice to pre-ops is to really think long and hard about seeing a therapist before and after your surgery. I was not fully prepared for the emotional and mental changes that come with a new body. I researched everything else about surgery. I had no clue that the emotional hurt that I hid with my fat wouldn't have anywhere else to hide. I now have to confront past issues that I used todeal with by medicating with food. That's no longer an option. See a shrink or a therapist that deals with eating disorders, it can really help you in the long run. I want to really thank all the people on this site that have supported me and have become good friends that I can always count on. You have been my lifeline. Cheers, Jane Massey RNY-Fobi Pouch 9/8/04 301/161/150 -140 pounds lost

Great advice Jane! I concur!!!!! Ill be one year postop tomorrow. Ive recovered from many of my health problems too. However, my Bipolar has gotten MORE difficult to manage. I think its b/c Im participating in life again and being so busy adds stress. I still wouldnt change anything about the past year. Ive learned so much. Im two weeks from abdomnioplasty and am anxious about being down again as I recover. Ive learned that Im a survivor so Ill get through that part too. Keep Up the Good Work! Leslie 312/165now/170was goal **need a new pic, is that really me?