OOPS! My BAD!
I didn't come to this board and post my 1st anniversary notice! My anniversary is the same as Tawanda's (Hey Tawanda!).
I have lost 174 pounds. I am off all my "fat" medications-BP pill, diuretic; no more C-Pap machine.
I can walk (and stand for long periods of time) without pain and I DO! I no longer have the foot pain I used to have.
I have already achieved most of the list that I made up before surgery-(some of the items listed here)
Walk up stairs without hanging onto the railing, huffing and puffing.
Walk without my pants making that "whip-whip" sound.
Cross my legs (I do it ALL the time now!)
Bend over to tie my shoes, to pick things up off the floor
Run agility courses with my dogs without feeling as if I'm dying! (I can run them back-to-back without problems now!)
Sit on a toilet seat without fear of breaking it
Fit into the seats in the arena at Mohegan Sun to watch the basketball games
Walk for long periods of time...I'm walking in tomorrow's Relay for Life in Norwich and have the goal of walking at least one two-hour relay, maybe longer if I feel I can handle it!
Ride my mountain bike
Wear a bathing suit without worrying what people are saying about me
Have my picture taken with PRIDE and JOY!
You get the idea: I'm Happy! Life is Good.
I have been very faithful in following the advice of Dr. Valin and his staff. I take my vitamins EVERY DAY. I exercise (mostly walking) at least five days a week. I attend and participate in the support group meetings. I joined a therapy group that addressed the concerns of people who have had WLS...and I maintain contact with my fellow therapy group members. I eat my protein first, then veggies, then fruits.
I have goals...my next goal is to make it to 175 lbs. I will probably achieve that goal within the next week or so. My next goal will be to reach 150 lbs, a weight that I had reached back in 1984. When I reach that I will reassess my original goal weight of 140...many people are expressing concern that 140 is too thin for me. I'll see how I feel at 150 and make a decision.
I keep myself busy, lately with the project of building a dog park in Norwich. Now that this has been accomplished, I'm seeking another project to get into. It's important to me to be involved and busy doing something positive.
The year hasn't been without it's problems...my iron level is a concern and I go for follow-up next week to see how I'm doing with that. I'm also having serious problems with my back and hips which is keeping me from really throwing myself into a serious work-out program..but I had an MRI today and should know what is going on-what can be done next week.
I'm taking care of myself, enjoying my new wardrobe (although it's still changing every month or so!) and the compliments I get from people. I soak it all in...and it feels great!
To all those out there who have been where I am right now...you know how I feel. To those who are working to get here...trust me, it's ALL worth it.
Sorry I haven't been here too much, I'm so busy that I don't have the time that I used to. In a way, I've moved on with my life. This board was very important to me at a stage in my program when I most needed it...but life does go on. I hope people understand what I mean and realize that I mean this not to be insulting...but I have gotten to the point where I have developed a circle of support outside of this group...and it's working for me.
I try to check the messages when I can and I do read them...I just don't get to post that often.
Take care all...GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!
Congrats to you on your wonderful success so far! You should be proud of your accomplishments! I'ts a wonderful thing to be happy and healthy again.
I wanted to comment to you regarding your support needs-
We all have different needs regarding support. So, we understand if you're not around as much! We'll always be here for you if you need us. Never forget that.
I caution you, as a longer term post op, that it is dangerous to forget where you came from and loose the persepective that you must live your life as a POST OP WLS'ER. While we morph into normal looking people, with happy healthy lives, we will never be truly NORMAL people from a lifestyle and medical standpoint. The ones who forget, or try to forget often have less than ideal outcomes.
(not saying this will be you, just issuing a word of caution)
Best regards and best wishes for your continued success!
Lisa C
Lisa,
Thanks for the advice....I know exactly what you mean. I am getting good support from the group at Backus and from my fellow group therapy ladies. We went through the group therapy process that Chris Lodi runs and it has helped us tremendously. We are continuing our involvement with each other on a regular basis. This is the "circle of support" I was referring to in my original message.
I agree that each person has their own support needs, I do much better with talking (and listening) to people face to face.
What we went through in the therapy process has bonded us together and this is what I am most comfortable with...I know that it's not for everyone...although I do RECOMMEND that people go through the process that Chris uses. It's specifically for people who have had WLS.
As I said in my original message...I'm doing EVERYTHING the doctor told me to do when I first started this process...including being actively involved with a support group. I think the best thing is to do what the doctor tells you....and I am building in the supports I need to make sure that I NEVER forget that!
Thanks for all your kind words and support,
Ann
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