2 ys. Surgerversery- wow what a change!

Hi all, Yesturday was my 2 yr. anniversary of my Lap RUNY, and life sure has changed! :)  I have gone from a 24-26 top & 26-28 stretched out pant to size 14/med., gone off 14 meds. & have more energy than I ever thought possible! (It is a good thing too, cause my daughter just had twins prematurely, so I am on the go constantly! I can now keep up with the grandkids and be a support & help to her & others instead of being "sick & tired" all the time. Another great benefit of the surgery!!)

One of the greatest benefits I have noticed is that  the negative thoughts/actions, lack of self, & self esteem are gone as well~THANK THE LORD!!! ;)  I have to say this was the BEST decision I ever made for myself. I now don't hide in layers & layers of fat & self-pity & don't feel like a faliure or so self concious- I don't mind my photo taken even :lol: !

I visited with Dr.Inman yesturday and found that not only had I stayed the same (maintained) for a year, but lost more inches- down to a 34" waist~~ which I THINK I had as a child, since I was 185# when I was 12!!! Plus I lost another 2 " off my hips & 1 " off my bust- now I am starting to have muscle tone instead of "flab" everywhere~woo-hoo!!! I may not have the perfect body, but I am happy with the one I have now.

Colleen & I talked about how I had to fight for this surgery and do extra SG. meetings' as well as Dr. supervised diet, but how it all was worth it and more!!!! It took me 21 months to get my approval, & I look at my before photo often and remember where I came from and how far this tool has taken me. I can't even imagine what the future holds- only that I will live long & healthy & be here for my family & others. On October 25. 2005, I entered the hospital at 271# and remember walking into th surgery room thinking" this is the beginning of my life"and woke up feeling a real sense of renewal & peace about me.  I had 4 days in the Hospital due to a problem with the Lovenox shot;at 9 mo. had an endoscopy due to a small stricture, and in Aug. of this yr. had to have stitches removed from the original surgery that didn't dissolve. Other than that, my journey has been amazing!!!!! I met Sherri, Linda Kay,Angie & Deb Noel at Sherri's Tea 7 Tub and found real "sisters"  who know what you are going thru & care. Now I have tons of "family~sisters & brothers" on here who I really love & appreciate!

I would say to all the newbies & pre-opts, listen, ask questions,  read, attend support groups /gatherings/etc.to be prepared for your new life. It helped me so much, and you meet the greatest people who have "been there, done that" . I will try to support you as much as I can- just know you are worth the effort to become a healthy,happy person!!!

To all my OH buddies, I appreciate your friendship & support & love ya!!! ((((hugs)))) Ellen

 Ellen Congrats on your surgiversary...what an inspiration you have been for me and I am sure others who are just beginning their journeys or still waiting for theirs to start.  Tomorrow is my 50th birthday and 1 month post op....for once..I actually do not feel older than my age I actually feel younger! I am soooooooooo excited about the weight I have lost so far and I am soooooooooo looking forward to losing more and having much more energy and able to "do" more and more! Like you, I want to be able to do more with my family...and I know I am on my way to having so many more fun times with them.

Congrats on the new twins and God bless you and your family!

What a fantastic journey! You have done so well. Happy surgiversary!

Ellen, I am so happy for you! You have done so wonderful. I look back at that first tub & tea and think of all the things which have touched each of our lives.some good, some not so good. Jody, blessed with a new baby boy. Another (can't remember her name...blonde), blessed with a baby, and hubby with a new job so they are now living out of Indiana. Linda has had to endure knee surgery. Deb had her horrible house fire. And Angie has had many challenges, especially with Ed's health. I'm so glad that we've been able to turn to each other in our time of need for support, as well as to share the joys. I'm so glad I've had you, my sister, to turn to. Welcome to the 'oldie' group.... Sherri