Hi everyone,

The founder of OH sent me a Happy Surgerversary for 5 years out. He mentioned and I agreed that people need to hear from those of us who are 3,4,5 years out.

I lost 100# in total and completely changed my life! My blood pressure began normal, my diabetes was cured, cholesterol levels normal. With minor complications, a bout with ulcers due to a staple migrating, and Vit D deficiency a couple of times, I really have had an easy time.

BUT>>>life changes, and my plans for plastic surgery to take care of excess skin had to be tabled and prob scrapped for ever, I find myself unhappy AGAIN about how I look, what I wear, and how my husband touches me. We have had financial disasters, and my moods have been from angry to bitter to sad to resigned. I retired from counseling to help my children by taking care of my grands full time and being home full time, some of my old snacking habits have crept back into my life. Consequently, I have gained about 20# back, can't fit into my size 6 clothes(and I got rid of all the others) and am wearing yoga pants everyday. Winters in Maine are tough, as you all know, I bought a tread mill to try and stave off the gaini, but running on a tread mill is the most boring thing. I hate the cold and just won't go out in it.My DH and I bought each other bicycles for Christmas and I am hoping that that will be a fun way to get back on track. I run in the spring, summer and fall, and hike. I really expect to lose most of this extra weight by the end of summer. We'll see.

SO...as many, mnany people will tell you, WLS is a tool to help with the ultimate goal of getting in control of this demon, it is not the end, though. I am disappointed in myself but not giving up or saying it wasn't the right thing to do. It was, for me, the smartest decision I have ever made. I lost 2 1/2 siblings and my biological father to obesity related illness, and have a 330# 1/2 brother who is so, so sick 2 heart attacks and a stroke in the last 6 months so I KNOW I would be dead or disabled by now if I hadn't done this. I literally saved my own life and I am proud of that. My love and best to all my WLS family here in Maine and throughout the country. You were the most important piece to my success!!

2013:  20 Funny New Year's Resolutions

When it comes to New Year's resolutions, our family members and friends can get quite creative and even funny with what they resolve to do in the New Year.  Here a few good ones I have heard along the way...Oh, and a few of my own!

1.  I resolve to stop procrastinating about procrastinating!

2.  I will stop sending Facebook messages and emails to my loved ones when they are in the same room as I am!

3.  I will use my treadmill for something other than a place to hang my jacket.

4.  I will not sit at the kitchen table in my PJ's all day.  Instead, I will move my computer to my bedroom.

5.  I vow to never take a laxative and a sleeping pill on the same night!

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Hi,  Did you have your surgery at EMMC?   If so, I know that Dr. Dayhem does full and partial tummy tucks right through the SWL program there.  I asked about upper arms, and she's hoping they'll do those as well, at some point, but I believe she is just doing tummies now.  It may be worth checking with Lynn Bolduc though.  Good luck!