Greetings, September 2004 friends! I've noticed some of us struggling with the return of head hunger as we enter our 1 year post-op anniversary. I knew this day would come but what I'm somewhat unprepared for are the negative thoughts that keep going through my head. Is anyone else experiencing a stronger surge of these than usual? These thoughts cause me to dwell on the areas I'm negligent (not excercising--like, never), too many carbs (about 75-100 gms per day) and missing a daily dose of calcium here and there. I keep getting this feeling I'm going to be a failure because I'm not following the perfect path on this journey. It's as if I don't allow myself to focus on the positive things I do daily (vitamins, water intake, protein--60-110 gms/day, and faithfully recording everything into Fitday.com.) At this time, I guess I am considered a "successful" RNY person. My one year labs are perfect and I'm at goal. Why do I keep feeling as if I'm going to blow this? Anyone else? Beth

Karen, I'm happy for you and with you - It's been a wonderful & amazing year. - hugs - dea Keep up the GREAT work

Well, I weight in at 276 when I had surgery and I've lost a little over 80 lbs. so I guess I'm not doing so bad but I just thought I should do better but I don't walk as much as I should because I had knee replacement in april and I'm doing real good now but, I can't walk as far as I should be doing in a day maybe a mile and thats all. Cripes I feel like a winer and I guess I am. Thanks for making me feel better I really do. Karen

Hey Sept WLS Buddies, Today is my one year WLS anniversary.... 9-15-05 - As I reflect back on this past year I find myself getting extremely mushy and teary eyed. I'm so thankful to God for opening the door and allowing me this adventure to re-invent and re-discover Dea - thankful for my wonderful surgeon Dr. Facundus, my new tool that I must use wisely and so very, very thankful for the loving support of my family and friends. So many accomplishments........ -107 lbs - HALLELUJAH!!!! Yeah - Yeah I gained 4lbs this month but they are soon to be gone! Off diabetic and blood pressure meds!!!!! YEAH!!!! Down 8 dress sizes Comfortably able to use a seat belt Moving the car seat up to where my feet actually reach the pedals without monster BELLY in the way Not having to ask for help to tie my own shoes Being able to walk further than across the room without getting out of breath and sweating like a pig Being able to Hike with my teenagers Being able to cross my legs! Being able to sit in a booth - not requesting a table so I could push back the chairs Being able to wear cute matching bras and panties - bye bye grannie drawers Feeling comfortable in my saggy skin Feeling healthier and happier than I have in years Sharing clothes with my teenage daughter Wearing cute and stylish clothes And on, and on, and on, and on.....but ya know what it's the little things that mean so much For all you guys - pre-op - post-op - researchers YOU can do it! I found this and thought it was too good not to share TO ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS REMEMBER YOUR A B C'S A VOID NEGATIVE SOURCES, PEOPLE, PLACES, THINGS AND HABITS. B ELIEVE IN YOURSELF C ONSIDER THINGS FROM EVERY ANGLE. D ON'T GIVE UP AND DON'T GIVE IN. E NJOY LIFE TODAY, YESTERDAY IS GONE, TOMORROW MAY NEVER COME. F AMILY AND FRIENDS ARE HIDDEN TREASURES, SEEK THEM AND ENJOY THEIR RICHES. G IVE MORE THAN YOU PLANNED TO. H ANG ON TO YOUR DREAMS. I GNORE THOSE WHO TRY TO DISCOURAGE YOU. J UST DO IT. K EEP TRYING NO MATTER HOW HARD IT SEEMS, IT WILL GET EASIER. L OVE YOURSELF FIRST AND MOST. M AKE IT HAPPEN. N EVER LIE, CHEAT OR STEAL, ALWAYS STRIKE A FAIR DEAL. O PEN YOUR EYES AND SEE THINGS AS THEY REALLY ARE. P RACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Q UITTERS NEVER WIN AND WINNERS NEVER QUIT. R EAD, STUDY AND LEARN ABOUT EVERYTHING IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE. S TOP PROCRASTINATING. T AKE CONTROL OF YOUR OWN DESTINY. U NDERSTAND YOURSELF IN ORDER TO BETTER UNDERSTAND OTHER. V ISUALIZE IT. W ANT IT MORE THAN ANYTHING. X CELLERATE YOUR EFFORTS. Y OU ARE UNIQUE OF ALL GOD'S CREATIONS, NOTHING CAN REPLACE YOU. Z ERO IN ON YOUR TARGET AND GO FOR IT! ! ! ! ! - hugs - dea

Great job!!! Keep up the great work. I feel your pain on the stinkin' thinkin' thanks for the advice. Keep up the great attitude!! Many blessings in return. Karen