Reflections After 6 Month Checkup

Hope I don't make this too rambling (as is my tendency), but I just wanted to post some thoughts, having just returned from my 6 month post-op check-up today. I didn't have an easy time of it initially -- had to have surgery to repair a leak, got a wound contamination, was basically bedridden for 2 months after surgery. That said, I'm very happy I had the surgery. I've lost 73 lbs. so far. I asked my dr. today if that was okay or was I lagging behind. He replied that it was just fine; mentioned that I'm a "little girl" (may be sexist but I wanted to hug him for that comment -- I haven't been called "little" in many years!) so I'm not going to lose as quickly. My hernia is starting to become a bit troublesome; he said he's ready to do it any time but if we could wait a bit longer & get some more weight loss in it would be better cosmetically. Cheryl -- I'm right there with you on the surgery schedule! Now ... reflections on how much a difference size makes. Last night I went to the gym, and as I started to pull out of my parking space, it became obvious that I had a flat tire. I pulled over & as I fretted, not 1, 2 or 3, but 4 men came over to help change my tire & just hung out talking with me. I felt like a girl again! Also, this morning I had to take the train to my appt. since the aforementioned car had to go to Town Fair Tires for new tires. Sooo, I run onto the train, and run smack into "Tom," a man I mentioned in my web page as the one man I loved unconditionally and irrationally back in the mid-late 80s. I had run into him on the train (previous car trouble) back in September, pre-surgery, and was horrified that I'd been so big, and I hoped that I'd run into him a year later looking fabulous. Well, I ran into him 8 months later, looking pretty darn good -- he did a double take!! I'm now at the low end of the weight scale I was at when we dated!! It felt good to see him & know I looked much better. The point of this long, meandering story is, my, things have changed in 6 months. I'm feeling healthy, being active, looking more attractive ... and excited about the future! Hope that we all come out of this healthier and happier, and with new-found confidence! Bye! Kathy F.

Hi Kathy, You are a success story and a true inspiration. Keep up the great work!

Sounds like you are SO happy! Congradulations on the 73# Keep up the great work. I bet "Tom" was eating his heart out! Christine

Hi Kathy, Thank you so much for your post ( needed that). I too had quite a few complications after surgery so I totally understand. You should be so proud for overcoming these obstacles and having such a great weight loss. I'm still working on overcoming my past obstacles, seems that everything has caught up to me and Im feeling kind of down in the dumps but doctor said it could be hormonal, the wonders of womanhood, lol. Please know that you have inspired me to keep plugging along. Oh I'll add myself to the surgery schedule for hernia repair with you and Cheryl (lol). We sure are going to keep those plastic surgeons busy. Best wishes for continued success on your journey, Mary Lou

Hi Kathy, Congratulations on 73 pounds!! That is great!! I enjoyed you train story, it is a really satisfying feeling I bet. I was recently at a store and was struggling with my 5 year old and some bags, and just when I got to the door, a younger and much thinner woman got to the door. There were 2 guys scrambling to open the door for her. Of course, they all went through without holding it for me..I can't wait to be the thinner woman who gets doors opened for her. I never really noticed how people discriminate against heavy people by ignoring them, or not looking them in the eye, or not helping them, until I started reading posts here. It is interesting, (and Painful to realize it too). But soon hopefully I won't be subjected to that anymore. Thanks again for your post. Anne

Hi Kathy! Congratulations on your 6 month mark and your great attitude . I was chuckling when I read your reflection. I just had my six month check up last week also and would you believe I had a flat tire Wednesday night!!! Yep, weird huh? While I didn't have 4 guys run to my rescue , the kid who came on the tow truck was very nice and it all went pretty smoothly. My mechanic however didn't recognize me when I went there the next day until he saw my car and then he knew who it was!! Keep up the good work and the weight will continue to come off. Hope to see you at the CT Gathering on the 12th. Linda

Kathy- hasn't the 6 months been a whirlwind? Wait until you're one year...you wont be able to believe the changes you'er still in for!! Congrats to you on your continuing success! LisaC

Kathy, I'm sitting here Sat Morning with my tea on my porch trying to get through all the posts I've missed. (it's already gorgeous out) and I get to yours and I just stopped and thought about the things you said. I had complications too at the beginning that might even scare some pre ops off, but your right, as time has gone on, the happier I am each day I chose this life saving surgery. I am working very hard to get a good mind set on this hernia/TT surgery that's now been moved up to June 8th. I'll do it by reading posts like yours that inspire me to keep plugging and keep my chin up. I am usually such a positive person and I've let this get me down. I've noticed also how I am treated so much differently now that I am "thin" as I've been told. I ran into this Mom at the drugstore and real loud she goes "OMG, You've lost a TON of weight!!!" "I mean a TON!" I was so embarassed. My 14 year old was there and she's quick with the comebacks and she goes, Well, Mrs. so and so, it wasn't quite a ton, but doesn't my Mom look great? It was so funny and then I bought my daughter 5 nail polishes!! lol Thanks for the update and the inspiration love Cheryl