3 yrs. ago today

I walked into the surgical area at St.V's & my new healthy life began!Starting at 271# with 18 medications, I walked down the hall into the operating room & knew my life was changing for the better. I did have concerns, but going to the Support Group meetings helped in so many ways.

Now I am down over 100+#, am off 14 meds. and am healthier than I have ever been. I have more energy, and love my life! Sure, there have been some set-backs, but all in all, it has been so worth it!!!!

 If you are fighting to have your surgery- never give up! It took me 21 months to get approved, but while waiting I learned so much that prepared me for what this recovery tool /life requires. 


One thing I have found is that we have to use our tool daily- it doesn't work if we don't!To those who are considering the surgery- ask questions, research, attend meetings, make friends here, it all helps prepare you for the changes you'll go thru.

I just wanted to thank all of you for your support, understanding friendship & love. I have a real "family" here- and thank God for you all daily.

Ellen
Happy anniversary.
I am so happy for you that you kept up the fight to get the surgery.
I read your post and you have so much info and compassion for all of us,I hope to get to finally  meet you at the oranment exchange in Dec.
Thank you for all you do to help us pre ops and post ops..
You have done a wonderful job with your weight loss..

Ellen, I just couldn't pass up this chance to say some things to my sister chick. So here it goes.

You are such a precious person. I am so happy that I got to meet you and that we became sisters (not only in wls but also in Christ). You are such an amazing and wonderful person no one would know the compassion and love that you have until they are blessed enough to meet you.

You have such wonderful and sage advice and thank you for all the help that you have shared with me. I often think of you and that week end with everyone. It brings warmth and happiness to me in mass quantities.

You have done so well in you wl journey and thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, strength and hope with all of us. We have learned so much from you and your journey. You have done such a wonderful job on your journey and I hope that I can do just half as well as you have done.

Please never forget that you are an inspiration to many of us, me included. Thanks for posting on here as diligently as you do. Thanks for being the person that God intended you to be. But most of all thanks for being the Ellen that I love and greatly respect. My wish for you is to just keep enjoying your life and may it just keep getting better and better. I love you my special sister chick!

My Dear Sister,
Wow boy we sure didn't know we were only a year & a 1 apart. I am soooooo very proud of you  I love ya.
Happy Anniversary Sweetie, Hugs & Blessings, Gail
 I enjoyed our talk today

Happy Anniversary! Haven't these 3 years flown by quickly! I wonder what life would have been like if it wasn't for this wonderful opportunity for a second chance at life. Continue to live it to the fullest and be thankful every day for this tool!. I hope we can both keep fighting the fight to use it correctly!

Ellen,
 
I am so glad I meet you.  And I am so glad you posted this.  You reminded everyone past a present and future what we want ....To Be Healthier.   You and I have shared so many things together of our families and our dreams good and bad.   You and Lois are my  people strength to get through a lot.  It is so odd how this wls has brought people together as support and a friends.  You keep up the great work.  Happy Birthday.

 

Ellen:

I haven't been on much lately but as I am getting caught up I found your post. 

YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION!  I never really knew you much before WLS, but since I am very grateful to know you.  You have done such a great job and look fabulous! 

Congratulations on your surgiversary!