How did you celebrate your 3rd Surgiversary?

Officially 3 years Post op today! I celebrated by actually going to a support group at the local hospital. I had expectations of hearing about protein shakes and eggs (which there was some). However, to my suprise, they have changed up some things since last year. Tonight, they focused on body image and negative self talk. Something that I needed to hear and try and help myself on. I found that the group meeting was very beneficial and I'm going to try to go to the next one in November.

I am 20 lbs heavier than my lowest weight. So overall, I've lost 80lbs. Regrets at 3 yrs? I think the biggest regret has to do with medical treatment in the hospitals. Especially when you have something going wrong in your body, they don't know how to treat you. Also, chronic problems with constipation and insomnia. Looking at the big picture, the regrets are minimal and I would go through this all over again. I am still off of all my diabetic, kidney,heart,blood pressure medications.
Do I still have things to work on? YES. That's why I consider myself a work in progress.
Hope this 3rd year has brought you all joy!

It seems you are facing many of the same struggles I am. What before was so simple is becoming harder every day. If you come across something that works for you, please let me know. We need to support one another. Take care.

I have my surgiversary on Saturday. It will be just another day, but the day 3 yrs earlier I did something to better myself. Only gained about 30lbs which isn't too bad, but I plan on losing it again and a few more. I've never been to a support group meeting although maybe I should and see what it is like.

I still am on my meds like I was before the surgery but the doses are smaller. I had a physical in Sept, 2008 and all my blood work was normal and my cholesterol was 141 my doctor couldn't believe it because the yr before it was 150 and prior to that 177. I guess the surgery did help in that aspect.

If I had to do it all over again, having the surgery I would say yes but I should have had it a few yrs prior.

Happy 3rd  to you.


          Lisa

Well my day is Saturday and It's sweetest day also.  To me it is a big day.  A day that I will remember forever.  The day I started to live and I have not looked back.  I too wish I would have done this years ago, but then again, I think it is so much safer and it's amazing how far they have progressed in 3 years.  I go to support meetings.  St. Luke hospital has them once a month and they are free.  Even if you didn't have your surgery there anyone is welcome.  It is such a big help.  Our meetings are structured and run by staff.  Every month has a topic.  I would encourage everyone to go to a support meeting.  It just keeps you in touch.

I plan on spending my morning at a volleyball match that my daughters are playing in.  Then in the afternoon we are going to the zoo and walk around all day.  Hopefully that night my husband will take me out someplace special.  I really enjoy going to the casino which is in Indiana.  I love to get dressed up.  We don't do this very often. 

It is hard to believe it has been 3 years ago.  I was so happy to get out all my fall and winter clothes and everything still fits.

Jane      

You have really done great. I saw your post about going out to celebrate at the casino in Indiana. Which one do you go to? I love the Indiana casino boats. We have so much fun. Have a great time.

We like Bellterra  the best.  But like I said we don't go very often and when we do I only play the penney slots.  Hate to lose money.

My three year surgiversary was last Monday 10-13.  It is also my dad's birthday, he turned 82 this year!  I worked like normal and didn't celebrate with my surgery buddies like last year, but I had it on my mind all day.  I too have gained almost 20 lbs since my lowest but I don't regret it.  I look and feel better at this weight (about 160) than at 145 and - I have some curves now that I didn't have at 145!  I was just thin with nothing curvey, I didn't like that.  I feel a little sexier now.  I also feel stronger.  At 145 I was falling asleep easily and didn't have as much energy.  I still haven't had plastic surgery and still want it!  But, if I never get to have the skin removed I'm fine with that.  I'm still grateful to have had this surgery and lost the weight!  I'll never forget what I've been through, where I've been or how it felt, any of it!  I'm turning 47 next month and have a wonderful new man in my life now.  I'm moving to Georgia in 4 weeks to be with him and my family and I'm thrilled.  I've been in Miami WAY too long!  The only regret is that my daughters are not coming with me.  They are 19 and 18 now and do NOT want to leave Miami. 

Anyway, life is good, God is good and I am happy and healthy, what more could a girl ask for?

Thanks for the post!  I should check in more often, I know!  Blessings to all of you!!! Jeanne

Congrats on your surgiversary.   Mine is today, I too got down to about 144 and now am 163.  I have a butt now I guess, lol.  Just had to go from an 8 to a 10...but much better than the 26/28.
Good luck in Georgia, I moved from Hollywood Florida to Douglasville, Ga 6 years ago.  I love it here now, but try to visit Florida often.  Good Luck let me know how things go for u....Susan

Hi Susan,

Gosh that's about exactly what I did, got down to 145 then settled around 165.  The only reason I didn't freak out about it, is my surgeon told me that would likely happen. He said most people get to a low that's too low, then their bodies just "adjust" and level off at a weight that you'll likely stay at.  And I've been in the low 160's over a year now - and I have a butt now too LOL LOL!  I'm happy where I'm at, wouldn't want to be any higher and I don't think I will go any higher, I eat pretty consistently the same foods day after day. 

I used to live in Hollywood, FL too, in the 80's, it was pretty awesome then, now it's not as nice.  Miami isn't so bad, it just isn't for me and I'm happy to be leaving finally.  My boyfriend's dad lives near Douglasville, in College Park I think they call it. I think I've been through Douglasville once.  My family is up in the north though, Jasper, so a trek from there to his dad's is about 2 hours!  Thanksgiving we'll be doing that - 1/2 day in each place.  It's pretty cold there this week I understand!!!  I am going to FREEZE! I'm not used to that kind of weather!  In fact, I bought me two pairs of knee socks at Target the other night!  My sister is laughing at me already.  This first winter I'm going to suffer, then hopefully by next year I'll be ok!  I was raised near Buffalo but we moved to FL when I was 10 so my body is more used to WARM!  Now that I've lost the weight, I get chilled so easily.  Even in Miami, I take a sweater everywhere because the air conditioning is usually too cold in restaurants and stores. 

Well congratulations to you on your 3 years!!!  The time flew didn't it?  I'll keep you posted.  I'm leaving Miami Nov 16th yay!  Have a great day! Jeanne

I fell in love with Georgia but I do visit Florida every few months.   Jasper is BEAUTIFUL, especially right now in the fall.  It has been pretty cold but warmed up a little this weekend.  Good luck on your move!!