My Re-Birthday 02/16 (LONG)
One year ago today I took a big step. A step towards bettering my health and taking back control over my life. I was pushing 400lbs; I had withdrawn from life, socially, physically and psychologically. Every day living was hard: walking, standing, bending, finding clothes that would fit (never mind if they were cute or not!) and just walking through the grocery store was exhausting. I was scared...scared that I would develop all the medical problems that run in my family and wind up dead by age 59 like my father. I was also scared to have the surgery, well initially anyway. But the more research I did, the better I felt about my decision. The OH board REALLY helped me. I came here everyday and read, looked at profiles, the before & after pics and even the memorial pages 
. I realized I was not alone, that many people had walked down this path and lived and improved their health and their lives immensely.
I want to thank you all for showing me the way. Having WLS is a very personal decision--one that I am glad I made. It has not been easy, but life before wasn't easy either! I have had some complications: gallbladder surgery and an intestinal obstruction requiring 2 additional surgeries. But I am healthier than I have ever been and weigh less now than I did in high school 20+ years ago. I still have a few more pounds to lose, but I am happy with my progress. I have lost 150lbs this year and re-entered life.
I am able and more willing to do things now that I had stopped doing, like socializing and going places for fear I wouldn't fit in, be stared at, or wouldn't fit into a booth, or would there be chairs without arms on them, could the chairs support me? You all know what I am talking about.
I sit here one year out and can't imagine that I was ever as big as I was, and at the same time I forget that I am much smaller now--it's weird how you think of and perceive yourself. I am healthier and happier!!! Thanks to you all for being here, understanding, and sharing of yourselves and your successes and failures. I don't post very often because I work full-time and go to school full-time, but I do still drop by and read from time to time and try to attend the gatherings when I can.
This past year has been one incredible journey! I look forward to seeing everyone and meeting some new people at the gathering this weekend and partying 
like its my re-Birthday!!!
Hugs,
Kelly S
. I realized I was not alone, that many people had walked down this path and lived and improved their health and their lives immensely.
I want to thank you all for showing me the way. Having WLS is a very personal decision--one that I am glad I made. It has not been easy, but life before wasn't easy either! I have had some complications: gallbladder surgery and an intestinal obstruction requiring 2 additional surgeries. But I am healthier than I have ever been and weigh less now than I did in high school 20+ years ago. I still have a few more pounds to lose, but I am happy with my progress. I have lost 150lbs this year and re-entered life.
I am able and more willing to do things now that I had stopped doing, like socializing and going places for fear I wouldn't fit in, be stared at, or wouldn't fit into a booth, or would there be chairs without arms on them, could the chairs support me? You all know what I am talking about.
I sit here one year out and can't imagine that I was ever as big as I was, and at the same time I forget that I am much smaller now--it's weird how you think of and perceive yourself. I am healthier and happier!!! Thanks to you all for being here, understanding, and sharing of yourselves and your successes and failures. I don't post very often because I work full-time and go to school full-time, but I do still drop by and read from time to time and try to attend the gatherings when I can.
This past year has been one incredible journey! I look forward to seeing everyone and meeting some new people at the gathering this weekend and partying like its my re-Birthday!!!
Hugs,
Kelly S 
Hey kelly,
o.K.,I just got chill bumps and teared up reading your post, I think we on here can really relate to each other because we have all been there / done that/felt that-for sure! I am so happy for you and so proud of all your progress. It's amazing how much this surgery does for your head and heart as much as your body. Congratulations!!!!!And happy re-birthday!!!!!! ~hugs,rachel~
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