REFLECTIONS FOR 2007!!!!!!!!!!!

As 2007 comes to a close it would be nice if we all take a minute or two and reflect back on what this year has meant to you.  What changes have you made in your life?  What new things have you done this year that you never would have been able to do because of the surgery?  What new "favorite" outfit did you buy in your new size because of the surgery?  Anything else that happened this year that has made you realize the changes that have happened in your life because of this surgery or even if it was a WOW moment.  PLEASE SHARE!!!!!!!!!

I guess I will go first....:lol: I really feel like my whole life has changed because of this surgery and the opportunities that this surgery has offered me.  The changes in my life is just about everything, I moved (2x), I found the love of my life, my son got his driver's license (God help me), I am almost in the same size clothes as when I graduated high school, I have a wonderful bunch of friends/support people (thanks to OH and support group meetings) and my biggest and proudest moment of course was being a model for Christiana Care. Hope everyone has a wonderful new year and we all continue on this incredible journey together.

I'll go second.  This year has been full of changes for me since I just hit my 13 month surgiversary in Dec 2007.  I have gained my health and life back, but in the process have lost a marriage (that was probably on the rocks anyhow) and have started a new life with my children.  My favorite outfit is my size 7 junior So Jeans that I found in a thrift store and the black sweater that matches great.  I have gained a whole new perspective of life and what there is for me and what I have to offer others.  Without this surgery I would have continued to be unhealthy, unhappy and basically existing!!

Deanna, First of all we need to see you back at Victory. You have been missing in action to long. 2007 wasnot my best year with weight gain but I have learned so much from the struggles. I beleive God put me where he wanted me for a reason. With his help 2008 is going tobe a better year for me. I have many things to be thankful for.I will start the new year off with goals of doing more for myself and doing what I need to do to stay on track. First of all I am doing away with most of my coffee. I will get in my protein, water and exercise first. This will be my year and I will put myself first which is something I really struggle with. Hope everyone has a Blessed New Year and we all do well in 2008. See all lighter. Joanne

Wow...It is hard to remember sometimes what my life was like before.  I keep pictures around to remember those days and how much I was NOT able to do.  Life is so different now.  I was this weight when I got married 33 years ago but I don't remember it.  I think of myself as always weighing 290 lbs.  I think my greatest moments are not having to worry about if I will fit into the backseat of someone's car or the going to movies and not having my feet fall asleep because I have my body crammed into a chair way too small for my body...and numerous other examples of life as an obese person.  My health is so much better and getting my blood work reports back and seeing things within normal levels is such a thrill.   I know I have to be careful not to let the bad habits start to creep back into my life.  Sugar, bread and the like do not bother me so I know I have to limit them or I will find myself in trouble.  Support groups are a god send to me and I use them to keep me level headed and on track.  I hope others will start coming to group meetings and using this forum to help me and other stay on track. Happy 2008 everyone...peace and health are wished for you and all your families. Ellen

Thanks to everyone for a great 2007.  Okay health problems, and such it was still a good year.  Why because I have thought about myself.  Its very scary walking into new things at this age.  I wonder if I would have done all the things I have done this past year with the 425 lb body I had in 2004?  I don't think so.  I probably would have died.  My body is fighting the drugs right now.  Makes me not want to eat.  Nice thing but makes me feel so bad and depressed.  I have felt quite alone.  I built the walls from being sick.  But with the help of all of you, in 2008 the wall will come done and things will be better all around.  Its funny, I am not as fat as I was but I was able to put the same walls up again.  Its hard getting back to yourself.  Joanne I see you have the same struggles that I do.  But you too keep coming and working at it and that is great!  Ellen you have done so well and you stay so focused.  I have always loved that about you.  D, you have been so bubbly.  Keep that spirit its so good to see and hear it especially at meetings.  2008 will bring more participation from me on meetings and working with myself.  I hope to find someone to help me get back to exercise as soon as we have the drugs removed from my system.  This illness has made it very difficult to do things.  I do understand when people say they just can't get moving.  I am there.  But I don't want to stay here.  Its not good for me or anyone to be in this place.  I need all of your help to keep me on track.  Please stand by my side! 

We are right there for you to lean on always.  Love Ya.  Ellen

Debbie, A friend will bail you out of jail. A true friend will be in jail by your side saying " Dam that was fun "" Girl Friend we have had our fun and in 2008 we are getting out so watch out world here we come. We can do it !!!!! I am by your side as I know you are mine. To all who have done well in 2007, congradulations !!! We are so proud of you all. To those of you who have struggled the last year, we can bail ourselves out for good. I still remember before surgery feeling like I was injail in my body. I never want that feeling back again. I truely know many struggle everyday as I do and I pray that all knows you are not alone in this battle of obesity. We may of lost many battles but with determination and each others help, we can win the war. Ellen said it all !! Support Groups are there. Lets start using them more along with this board. See all lighter. Joanne

A bit late but now I can really reflect on 2007.  2007 was a very good year.  I really got into running in 2007.   I completed over 12 5ks, 2 10ks, and a dualathlon,  My time in the runs got progressively better.  I participated in several long bike rides including the 150 mile Bike to the Bay, the 65 mile American Cancer Ride, and many other 50- and 60-mile rides.   Two of the highlights of the year are being able to speak at a CHRIAS Surgery Introduction with Dr. Irgau, and walking the runway at the Christiana Care Center of Excellence Celebration.  Of course, I enjoyed the local support groups and all of my good friends that attend the meetings.  For all of my friends that haven't been able to attend the meetings, I hope that you can make it in 2008. (You know who you are...)   Family life is fairly stable now.  My son will graduate from Albright in May, and my daughter is doing exceptionally well working on her Art Therapy degree from Arcardia.  My wife has rejoined my gym and it will be fun having someone to accompany me on the long trek to the gym. 2008?  It will be my 5-year anniversary.  Just starting to realize the things that I want to accomplish.  Definitely a half-marathon.  Joining a running club (if I can get the drinking and carb loading exemption).   Maybe a marathon later in the year.  Another Bike to the Bay.  Loosing seven pounds by June (just to help the running).  Staying postive and motivated is critical to success in 2008.   Rob