One year ago today!

Today is the one year anniversary of my wls! What a year this has been, filled with WOW moments, both large and small. There have been a few speed bumps along the way, but for the most part it's been an exciting year. While I'm not at goal, YET, I do believe it's reachable. The weight loss has slowed down, but as long as the scale is moving in the right direction, that's OK. My main goal for having this surgery was to be healthier. I no longer take ten prescription medications per day, my arthritis pain is practically nonexistent, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels are all within normal range. All lab work is normal. The discovery that I really do have bones lying under all those layers of fat was shocking. I can sit for hours and just feel my bones, collar bones, wrist bones, knees, fingers, ribs, spine. I knew they must be in there somewhere, but now they are visible. The not so pleasant shock was the loss of my boobage and my butt. Another downside is the excess skin. Am I happy I had the surgery, well honestly 98% of the time I am ecstatic. While I had hoped to have the support of family, friends, and coworkers, I never dreamed they would be such a huge part of my journey. My dear husband, George, has been a rock through all of this, taking my craziness in stride, helping me get back on track when I've strayed, wiping my tears, both of frustration and happiness always being there to hold me, comfort me, and cheer me on! My three children, all young adults, were skeptical at first but knew it was my decision and tried to be supportive. I'm happy to say they are now thrilled with their new, healthier mom. Never could I have run behind my grandsons. I no longer sit on the sidelines watching and wishing, now I get up and participate in life. Friends and coworkers have also played a major part in my progress. They cannot believe the changes not only in my appearance, but in my outlook on life. Last, but certainly not least, the friends I've made within the OH family have been a wonderful source of support and encouragement to me. I will not attempt to mention them by name for fear of forgetting someone, but they know who they are. No matter what I'm going through, I can always depend on someone being just a mouse click or an email away. One of the hardest things for me is looking in the mirror, I just don't always see it. Yes, I realize I'm wearing smaller sizes, but unless I see before, during, and current pictures, it doesn't seem real. Going through pictures of my grandson's birthday party, I wondered who that strange woman was playing with him. George pointed out it was me! I can't help but smile when I walk between the chairs in the cafeteria at work and not worry about fitting through. Little things that normal people take for granted I can now do. I can go to a movie or a baseball game and not worry about fitting in the seats. I go to church and kneel. I can shop at WalMart and not have to rest for an hour when I get home. Never would I have believed I'd enjoy exercising, join a gym and actually go three times a week. At one year post-op, I am happier, healthier, sexier, more outgoing, and I smile a lot more. I guess I have a lot more to smile about! Thank you God for this opportunity, thank you Dr. Martin for performing this surgery, and thank you family, friends, and OH members for your loving support! Debbie 265/249/169.5/??? size 22 (tight) 24 (loose) / 12 - 14 53 years old feeling like 23!

Great testimony Debbie!!! I was working the other night and another nurse said to me (she didn't know me pre-wls) - you're skinny. WOW moment; haven't heard those words since the late 60's. It's great getting doors opened for me (though weight should not matter, but you and I and everyone else here knows it does), people stopping me in hallways and just chatting, etc. I would do it in a heartbeat again and if something should happen to me as a consequence to the surgery - I would go to my grave happier (cause now I would fit in a regular sized coffin). I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to be healthier again. Nancy

Congrats hon!! I am thrilled for you! I hope to join you soon Kat 335/310/goal 135 post PS Size 30/hoping for 10-12 post PS

Wow! Those are such wonderful changes you have experienced in your life! Congratulations on every goal you have achieved! That is why I want to have wls...to enjoy everything life has to offer, to enjoy being me and to be able to express that to everyone that matters in my life. Congrats again and Take care! Teresa