Musings on my 1 year anniversary

Hello all... here I am on my one-year anniversary, and I have been thinking about all the things I've learned this year, and how much I've changed. So, here are my new statistics and thoughts.... 1. I've lost 108 lbs in the past 12 months. This is almost 91% of my excess body weight, 21 lbs more than my surgeon's goal for me (they shoot for 75%). In more fun terms, I've lost the equivalent of my best friend (she's TINY) AND her 2-month old baby!! 2. I haven't been this weight (131) since 5th grade. 3. According to the BMI index, I am now, for the first time since I was 4 YEARS OLD, considered in the normal weight range. Crossing the line from overweight to normal on my exact 1 year anniversary was just a bonus. 4. I no longer have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint pain or sleep apnea. Things I've learned.... Chew your food. Chew it well. You WILL regret it if you don't. REALLY regret it. People will treat you differently as you lose weight. Sometimes better, sometimes worse....but differently. Shopping can actually be fun. The first time you are in a dressing room and realize that everything you brought in with you is too big...that's a REALLY good moment. Any insecurities you had before you lost weight...you'll still have them after you've lost weight. The first few times people tell you that you've lost too much weight are flattering...after that it just gets annoying. One piece of chocolate can actually be enough. This isn't a diet...it's a lifestyle. I can eat just about anything I want. Just not everything. Losing weight and becoming healthy FEELS better than food tastes. Not having physical hunger has given me a great opportunity to address my head hunger. I've discovered that I want to eat when I'm happy, sad, bored, depressed, watching TV, reading a book, celebrating, commiserating, and well...just about any time I'm awake... My weight will be an issue for the rest of my life. While I will never be overweight again, I will have to ALWAYS be careful. Vitamins are my friend. Protein is my friend. Water is my BEST friend. My family is the most supportive, loving group of people, and I am truly blessed. This surgery saved my life. Happy anniversary. (Please feel free to add your own thoughts and things you've learned....) Kate Lawson

Kate, I do not have any of my own thoughts or feelings to add, because I have yet to have my surgery. I appreciate very much you sharing all of this, because it is part of my growing learning process. It was beautifully worded, and I thank you for the window into your journey over the past year. Congratulations! Pe@ce, Nancy from Sycamore IL

Nancy, I was blessed to have people sharing lots of insight with me before my surgery, so I'm happy to pass on what I've learned. Good luck to you as you prepare for surgery!! Kate

Dear Kate: Thank you for the eloquent post. I hope to be in your boat a year from Friday! Keep up the good work and good attitude! Dawn

Dawn, Good luck to you as you prepare for surgery....your life will never be the same again! There will be good moments and bad moments, but keep your eye on the goal! And believe me, you'll be at your one-year anniversary before you know it! Kate

Kate, very well said and happy anniversary. Are you going to be at support group on the 2nd? They are still holding it at Provena this coming month and December. Our two good doctors are starting a new practice called Life Weigh Bariatrics. Did you get the e-mail from Barbie? If you have not send me a private message with your e-mail address and I will forward it to you. Chris

Chris, I did get the email, but I'm not able to make the meeting. (thursday nights just DON'T work for me!!!!) I'd be interested in hearing from you what they have to say, though.... Thanks! Kate