Xpost - What a difference a year makes!

I am not even sure where to start my life is so different. I have to say from the first information session to the day or surgery to one year later I am very confident that I made the right decision to have surgery with Dr. Peters and CHRIAS.  The classes at PMRI and the information from the specialists was invaluable.  I was not nervous about my surgery at all until they came to take me back from surgery, but one of the nurses (Gerry, I think was her name.) asked if I was ready for the rest of my life.  I timidly answered yes, but if I would have know then what I know now I should’ve leaped up and yelled absolutely.

         Every year we have a birthday, a chance to celebrate the past year and look to the future.  I have been blessed with 35 birthdays, but none can compare to the way I feel today (my surgiversary).  I never imagined in a year I would:

• Lose over 100 pounds (still working on more)
• Run a 5K (34min. 10 seconds) the day after my surgiversary
• Drink a protein shake every morning and LOVE it.
• Be able to sit sideways in a student desk (with room)
• Wear a size 12 pants (from a 24 or 26).
• Snack of freeze-dried fruit.
• Drink water w/lemon and not miss my soda or sweet tea
• Wear a medium top (from XXXL)
• Have 14" of excess seatbelt on an airplane
• Be able to sit comfortably in a booth
• Stand on a table/shelf without thinking it would break
• Need an alarm to remember to eat. 

  I chose not to tell many people about my surgery, but when you are out of work for 4 months (due to complications) people start talking.  I do not mind people knowing as I know how hard this has been.  The comments I hear are not all positive (as one might expect), but what I know is that I no longer smile to hide.  I smile to shine.

Amy,
   Congratulations!  You have done a phenomenal job!  Your WOW moments are great.  It just reinforces to me that "LIFE IS GOOD".  Only "we" know its not the easy way out!
Thanks for sharing with us and if you're ever able to join us at a support group meeting (Christiana hosp, 3rd Wed, 6-8 come early/ come late, Ammon Center rm 1), we'd love to have ya!

Take care,
Judy

I would love to join your support group, but I thought it was on Tuesdays....I am super excited it is on Wednesdays!  I will see you there!  I go to PMRI and St. Francis on the first and second Monday, but the more I can go to the stronger I feel! :-)

What was I thinking??!!!  It is on Tuesday nights.  So sorry!
My mistake.

Lots of ups and downs. Look at your wow list.  Awesome.  I took the other road and told the world. I keep telling my story. I love to see the look on people's face when I show them my pre-WLS pic's. 

What an encouragement you are to others. Stay focused and positive and contined good health. 

Funny I felt the same calmness on Surgery day. I knew I'd made the right decision for "The rest of my life.". When I woke up in recovery I wasn't hungry and still feel pretty much the same way. I now eat because I know I have to,

Funny,  I smile so much now sometimes my face hurts.

Funny I gave back my stolen airplane seat extension.(I was embasassed every time I traveled, so I copped one.)

Even with complications I have always heard the same thing. "I would do it again, no regrets."

 

Congrats on your successes!

THat is awesome!!!    COngratulations !!!! i hope to see you at the next meeting at the ammons building.

AMy