My year in review...

12/21/05 - Today is my one year anniversary of having gastric bypass surgery. Here is my year in review: I've lost 120 pounds I'm dating for the first time in years and for once not worrying I'll be rejected because I'm "just too fat" I've uncovered some emotional/self-worth issues I didn't know I had I got to know my "self" a little better, which makes me more comfortable in my own skin I learned I did hide in my "shell" because I didn't feel worthy I rode 32 miles in one day I walked 8 miles without stopping I've participated in 9 different races (walking, trail, triathlon) I've gained self-confidence in knowing that I now have a body that reflects the active person I am I can snow ski without my straining my knees I can do jumps and spins in ice skating again I can buy clothes anywhere now and everything fits!!! I smile more and laugh more and take life a little less seriously. I re-acquired my lifeguard certification I became certified as an EMT I've made some great new friends I've (finally) met people who like to do the same kind of exercise activities I do I've gone from a size 24/28 to 8/12 (top/bottom) I've rollerbladed 10 miles on the Monon with the wind blowing through my hair and a huge smile on my face and felt like a little kid again I discovered I am crazy about hiking in the woods I got my life back. My Measurements Changed From: Calf: 21 to 15.5 Thigh: 31 to 20 Hips: 58 to 41 Waist: 40 to 28.5 Bust: 44 to 35 And, lest I portray that this journey is ALL fun and games (it isn't...), the down side: Horrendous allergic reaction to adhesive used with steri-strips after surgery Threw up within hours of surgery which scared me to death MAJOR pain in large/lower left port hole for 3-4 days after surgery even with narcotics Dizzyness/Lightheadedness upon standing for first three months or so Ulcer & Occasional Stomach Pain (for which I'm taking 2 drugs I would like to be off of...) Ongoing Fatigue Issues Ongoing Thirst Issues Constant need to monitor nutrition/food choices/vitamins & supplements Three episodes of becoming sick after eating over 12 months 1 CAT Scan & bag of saline trip to ER for abdominal pain couple of low blood sugar attacks diagnosed with protein calorie malnutrition Is it worth it/would I do it again? Definitely. This has actually been one of the best years of my life. I'm so glad I made the decision I made. My Goals For Year Two: Maintain my weight loss = wt < 164 Exercise a little more consistently Practice good food habits (more fruit, keep protein level up, less needless carbs, instead of grazing breakdown and have a meal) Religiously take vitamins/supplements Finish the Mini-Marathon Complete 3 sprint triathlons Ride across Indiana Run a 5k without stopping to walk Do a 20 mile hike. Continue learning about my emotions and relationships and how to have healthy ones Begin work on becoming certified as a personal trainer

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Congrats on all your hard work. This is one hell of a ride,but a GREAT ride nonetheless. Gracie

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! You have had your ups and downs but the ups make up for all the downs Only issues I deal with is eating and now that i'm eating more I'm getting gas something awful. Donna 338/161

WOW. Congrats on your many achievements. Best wishes for an equally successful future and a long life !! Happy Holidays, Karen G

Happy Anniversary!!! You have done great. Congratulations. Diana 379/188/?

You have only vomited 3 times?????????????? Vomit was my middle name for months! Sounds like you are doing fantastic. I wish I had done this surgery yrs ago when I could have enjoyed more activities. I guess I really am more active than I think--I am 55 and raising a 2 yr old doll baby granddaughter.