One Year Post Op TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One year ago at this time I was under the surgeon's skillful hand. One year ago at this time, I weighed over 250 lbs. One year ago at this time, I couldn't stand the heat, I would sweat horribly. One year ago at this time, I had high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, chronic asthma, I had a bmi of over 60, I had no desire to do anything but eat. One year ago at this time I could not ride a horse. One year ago at this time I had horrible stage fright! One year ago at this time I did not know this website existed! One year ago at this time, my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. One year ago at this time, I had 5 pepperidge farm cakes in my freezer and would eat half of one a day. One year ago at this time, I could not climb my stairs repeatedly without being out of breath and ready to collapse. And finally, one year ago at this time, I was very excited to be where I was. _____________________________________AND NOW: I have no diabetes! I have normal blood pressure! I can ride a horse, maybe even 2 or 3! I have no stage fright- I stood in front of 20 people just the other night! I now weigh 159 lbs I have a bmi of 30.1 My freezer has fish and moose in it. And Sugar free ice cream. My father is in heaven now. I can walk, jog, run, climb up and down the stairs and be in 90 degree weather and NOT BREAK A SWEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have met and spoken to many of you and have acquired numerous friendships from this wonderful website! And finally: I AM 19 LBS FROM GOAL AND HAPPIER THAN ............WELL I'VE EVER BEEN. Here is a photo of part 1 of my 1 year surgiversary celebration that began yesterday afternoon: http://www.geocities.com/laurelie36/meonq102.jpg This is the same white horse that stepped on my toe and fractured it. Proving I am not afraid, and proving that I can do anything I set my mind to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also, this afternoon I will be celebrating with new hair highlights, and then dinner with friends. And I plan to indulge a little tiny bit! Thanks for making this a most memorable year, by adding to my success with your encouragement and friendship!!! and Stacey W

Hi Stacey! You go girl! You have done a wonderful job. You should be very proud. Look forward to meeting you for your PS appointment with Dr. DiNick. I will be looking for you! Take care, Carey

I loved your recap of the year! You have come a long way and sound so happy!!! I'm so happy for you! Congrats on a great year, and many more! Hugs, Theresa

Thanks for the posts............... I am happier......MUCH...AND THAT IS QUITE AN UNDERSTATEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WTG Stacey! Congrats on the one year, congrats on such success, and congrats on so many new accomplishments. Have fun tonight! Shawn M.

Happy Re-birthday to you Stacey! I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. It is just amazing what changes can happen in a year. Have a wonderful time, you deserve it! Hugs Linda

Congratulations, you are a great role model in all areas, not just wl. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself here!

Stacey, you are an inspiration to us all!!! I am so happy for you and so proud of you. I hope I do as well as you have. keep up the good work, and have fun tonight! God Bless, Kathy

What a beautiful, bittersweet, candid picture postcard of your first year out. I have taught piano for many years, and now a full-time K-12 vocal music teacher. I have always told my students "Do not measure progress in musical knowledge day to day, week to week or month to month, but year to year...only then will you TRULY see how far you have come." Even though WLS gives us tangible results so quickly and markedly, it is still only by looking back a year can we truly see the dramatic progress. I can't wait to be where you are now! Julie