1 Year out tomorrow

Hello Everyone! Well tomorrow is my 1 year anniversary...it's hard to believe that last year at this time I was "packing my bags" to go to the hospital. I've been reflecting the changes in my life over the past several days and I am truly, truly, blessed to have been given a wonderful opportunity to live out the balance of my life healthy. There are still days (and I imagine always will) where food doesn't want to "play nice" with my pouch...and there's days where I wish I could sit down and eat a "Jim Dandy" from Friendly's...but they are few and far between and the benefits of how I feel now out weigh any minor inconvieniences. I've come to the realization that being a post op WLS patient is a part of "who I am now" and my personal slogan for myself is...take care of my pouch, and it'll take care of me..(I know I'm sounding silly but it works.) It's part of my life style and the path I've chosen. This has been a journey of self discovery for me...who I am..realizing I'm a HECK of alot stronger mentally/physically than I thought I was...and realizing I create the environment/life I want to live in. I also discovered that it's ok to be happy with who I am. In this year I've accomplished: 120 pounds of weight loss (give or take I'm still flexing a little.) 280 pounds to 160 (Dr. G says I look like I weigh 140 God Bless her!) I've gone from a size 26/28 top/pants to a Med/Large top and a size 8-10 pants...OH MY GOD! I WORK OUT 2-3 times a week! Tried to jog a little..and walk 3 miles without a huff and a puff! My blood pressure is normal I can play basketball with my son and ride a bike! I don't "sink" in the sand at beaches anymore I can shop at Victoria Secrets...LOL My arthritis in my lower back no longer kills me from just doing basic walking and bending/lifting. I can climb the stairs and my heart doesn't race like an engine. I can fit in airplane seats and movie seats with room to spare Crossing my legs is a BIG DEAL..LOL Not focusing on food or what "my next meal" will be is a miracle I don't feel self conscious in public anymore. And so many other "little miracles" that are too many to count. I can never thank God and Dr. Barba enough for creating this opportunity for me. It's through God's grace and Dr. Barba's genuine caring and understanding of how obesity affects lives and stepping in to assist us by giving us a tool to make permanent changes to better our health both mentally and physically. Of course my husband has been a ROCK through out this process..and been by my side through my frustrations pre-op...challenges post op..and the end result..I love him more for all he's done (BUT HE STILL DRIVES ME NUTS) This website is a life saver for questions, caring, and sharing...I'm so thankful that there is a place where we can come to just to express ourselves. You all have been so supportive and wonderful everytime I come with a concern..thank you. My goal now is to maintain...and be a positive role model/mentor to others who are looking at WLS as an option. If given the opportunity to share my experience with others as a speaker and continue to be an for WLS with insurance companies etc.. I have an appointment tomorrow with a plastic surgeon to discuss options on TT and maybe a thigh lift...things are heading South for the winter...it's a little early as I'm a year out...but want to get an idea and options in the next steps of my WL journey. Sorry for the long winded-ness...thank you for reading...and I apologize for any eye strain..LOL Hugs, Mickey