It's been a WHOLE year!

Well, one year ago yesterday I had my surgery. The day my life changed forever! Only you who has gone through this can understant what I am feeling. When I mentioned to people it was my one year anniversary no one really seemed to care too much. I felt like I needed a party At the same time I feel sad and I am not sure why. I feel so amazing now. I went from a size 18/20 to an 8. My energy is through the roof. My tool still works well for me. I can tolerate some sugar, but fried, fatty, creamey, pasta type foods make me "dump". I have releared how to eat again. I chew food to tiny bits without even thinking about it. When I buy a snack or meal I automatically think....hummmm.... does this have enough protein in it? I love my new life and if I had a chance to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat For all of you thinking about the surgery, GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THank you everyone who has given me support in the past along my journey, you all truly are my inspiration.

Wow, congratulations. It must be really something to to look back at all of the changes you have been through in the last year. I commend you for all of your hard work and your continued success. I have not had my surgery yet--BUT I hope that at my one year anniversary I am in your shoes. Give yourself a huge pat on the back...you deserve it! Melissa

It is amazing what a difference a year can make, I spent my "re-birthday" thinking about all the things I had gone through from the surgery complications, 12 weeks of IV therapy, getting strictures taken care of, not having clothes that fit, and the attitude of everyone from friends to family. Would I go through all this again to be healthy, be riding a bike out to dinner instead of taking the car, walking three miles on my lunch hour instead of eating, and having a wonderful non-judgemental attitude toward other people??? You betcha Congrats Kristy Keep up the great work. I don't care what anyone says surgery does change people, more than the body, it has the power to change attitude and life. Jill

Congrats Kristy and happy anniversary! I'm happy to hear all the good that has come for you as a result of the surgery. I haven't had surgery yet, but also hope for the same kind of outcome you've had. I wonder why you feel some sadness though. Do you think, that even though your life is better now, there's still a sense of "the loss of your old life"? I'm just wondering because I feel like maybe I'll have some "grieving" of things past. Just a thought......

Happy RE-Birthday! You've done great! Congratulations!

Kristy, Congradulations! and Happy Re-Birthday! You have come along way on your journey. Keep up the good work. You are also an inspiration. Claudia

Wow Claudia, i had no idea who you was!! You are just stunning!! What a great job you've done. Hugs Linda

How wonderful Kristy. You know, I am 2 months behind you and I was faithfully on this sight everyday watching your progress before my surgery. All of your ?'s were the one's I had and as you progressed my nerves calmed and I was glad to see your face everyday. I know I never posted and told you all this, but I am so glad to see how well you have done and so proud of you. You don't even resemble yourself anymore. It is amazing the transformation we go through. Congrats and good luck on the rest of your new post-op life. Wendy

Hi Kristy: It's been an amazing year hasn't it? You have done a great job and I am so proud of you on re-learning things so thoroughly that they are now second-nature to you! April is a good month for re-birthdays/anniversarys isn't it? (Mine was 4/12) I feel most of the things you are feeling, except the sadness. I actually went through about 3 months (from month 3 to 6) where I had a lot of anger. I did a lot of thinking about it and feel that it came from wondering why I was treated better by everyone as I got thinner and thinner. It doesn't make sense to me that now that I am thin that I deserve to be treated better by people. Maybe it was my attitude change, but I tend to think that's not ALL of it. I also think that I will not put up with much of the crap I took all the years that I was fat! Now comes the rest of our lives, keeping with the program and not having that daily affirmation that we had each month as we lost the weight, since we are at goal ! I think that could explain the sadness! We are going to have to keep our own motivation and stick to the rules without having anyone cheering us on. But, this is what "normal" weight brings with it and we should be lifted in our spirits that we have the chance to live this "normal" life! Congratulations again, Kristy! You are an inspiration. Hope to see you posting more, too! Love, Pam

Wow! That was one quick year! I remember when you had your surgery, it seemed like a few months ago. You look great and glad to hear you feel great. Congrats, Mary