1/1/05 vs 1/1/06 (long)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! As the new year begins I'm reflecting on all the changes in my life during the past year. WOW - what a difference a year can make!!! This time last year (1/1/05) I weighed about 275 lbs. I couldn't stand or walk for very long without the pain becoming almost unbearable, my back hurt all the time. Even sitting at my computer was painful. My legs, knees & ankles stayed swollen & ached most of the time. I was on medication for high cholesterol, high triglycerides, edema, acid reflux, & Fibromyalgia. My blood pressure was getting high enough that my PCP was saying I would need to go on hypertension medication if it went any higher. I had to use a C-PAP every night for my sleep apnea. I was wearing Women's 26-28 size clothing. In Feb. 2004 we went to England & Germany and my walking was limited. We often had to stop for me to sit and rest a bit to relieve the back & leg pain. In March 2004 we went to Disney World for a week to visit all 4 parks, and I had to use a wheelchair every day b/c I could not do all that walking. That was my "final straw" - you know, the straw that broke the camel's back. At my primary doc's urging I began researching WLS (THANK YOU, Dr. Judelle!). I put the ball in motion to have RNY gastric by-pass surgery with an excellent local surgeon. I was approved by my insurance carrier (BCBS of NJ) in Nov. 2004 but knowing that many insurance policies, specificially BCBS of FL, were dropping coverage of WLS effective 1/1/05 & knowing that my ins. would still be available, I delayed my surgery until January 2005 to allow someone else to use "my" Dec. 2004 surgery slot to get their WLS done before they lost their insurance. Plus, I got to enjoy the Christmas holidays & all the "goodies" one last time before I changed my eating for life. Day of surgery I weighed 277 lbs. FAST FORWARD 1 YEAR ~~ Today, on 1/1/06 I now weigh 146.5 lbs. I'm below my surgeon's weight goal (158 lbs) and only 4.5 lbs above my original goal of 142 lbs. (I've revised my goal to 138 lbs.). I've lost 130.5 lbs. in 11 months. I feel good and look great! At least that is what folks tell me. I'm off almost all medications. The only pill I take is for the Fibromyalgia and my doc gave me the choice of going off of it, too. I chose to stay on it b/c I don't want to risk a pain cycle flare up of the Fibro. My legs, knees & ankles are no longer swollen and painful. I no longer have chronic low back pain. I do have some mid-back muscle spasms, but as my core abdominal muscle strength improves, they're getting better. I now buy Misses 10-12 size clothing and many of the 12's are getting a bit baggy. Who knew clothes shopping could be FUN??!!! AND I was still able to enjoy the Christmas holidays and all the "goodies" I thought I'd given up forever. Yes, I allowed myself to indulge in our families beloved Christmas foods without any guilt. OK, maybe a little guilt. But instead of being overwhelmed & consumed by all the wonderful foods, I PLANNED to enjoy some of my favorites, in small quantities of course, and that is what I did. I know the old saying "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" is true and that is NOT what I wanted. I've worked too hard to get where I am to risk blowing it all now!! The holidays are over, I'm back in my own home & getting back into my food program routine. I start back at the gym this week. When I see my nutritionist this week, if I've gained a pound or two I won't beat myself up about it - OK, maybe I will, a little. But I know WHAT I need to do, and HOW to do it and that is what I am doing, so everything will be fine in the long run. After all, the WLS is just a tool and it is up to me to work with the tool and make it work for me! I'm still hoping to make my original goal of 142 by my first surgery anniversary date (1/25/06). I think I've got a good shot of doing that but it I don't quite make it.... oh well, I'll get there a little bit later than I'd like. BUT I WILL GET THERE and that is what counts!!!! Happy New Year to you & my healthier self and good riddance to the pounds of 2005! Vickie J. 277/146.5/142

Many, MANY congratulations to you. Now put up a new pic so we can SEE that progress. You should be very VERY proud of yourself. You are truly an inspiration to others. La Wanda

La Wanda, Thank you for your kind words. I don't think I'm qualified to be an inspiration for anything, but I hope my experiences can help others along the way. I'm going to send a new pic to OH soon, we got some good ones over the holidays. Vickie J.

Congratulations Vickie you have come a long way. I would love to see an updated pic.

Angie, Thank you! We got some good pics during the holidays so I am going to send a new one to OH soon. Vickie J.

Congrats Vickie!! What a great year you had, I hope this next year is great for you too! I can't wait to see the new pic! Tracey

Tracey, Back at ya! You're looking great!! Let's hope 2006 is good to all of us! Vickie J.