(WINDBAG WARNING!) 3 years ago today,

Dr. Jones saved my life. 

That's no lie, nor an exaggeration.  I was well on my way to killing myself with my weight.  Diabetes, blood pressure, debilitating aches and pains...  did I mention diabetes?  Well, they're all gone today.  (except for minor, but chronic, knee pain.  Gotta have something to ***** about, right???  )

At 3 years out, I can list a whole mess of improvements to my life, thanks to WLS.  I'm off all my meds.  My thighs divorced a long time ago, I no longer require seat belt extenders, have plenty of room in restaurant booths and movie theater seats, you name it.   Buying clothes in NORMAL stores.  No more sweating like a hog or getting winded at the THOUGHT of walking more than a few feet.  I LIKE looking at my hands!

And sometimes, ONCE IN A WHILE, I catch dudes looking at me with appreciation, rather than disgust.

I'm maintaining a loss of about 165 pounds (depending on the day).  I'd like to lose a few more, because I still weigh around 210-215.  But at 5'11" with a bigger build, I don't even know if ONEDERLAND is realistic for me and my lead pipes.  All I know is I will never lose respect for my tool, and if I never see a 1 at the front of my weight, I'm not going to wig out on myself.  I'm so much healthier now than I ever was before!

3 years ago, being 3 years out from WLS seemed like an impossible fantasy.  But here I am - going in for my annual follow-up this afternoon.  I made a commitment to myself that if God saw fit to allow me to have this surgery, I would follow the rules as closely as I was humanly able.  Vitamins, water, protein, no more carbonated drinks, support and follow-ups with my clinic...   I'm no angel, I put things in my mouth that I really don't need or shouldn't have.  But compared to before?  I'm able to say that most days, I'm proud of myself.  For behaving most of the time, and for looking and FEELING so much better!

Life is not perfect, stress still happens, and it rarely has anything to do with my WLS.  I could have lost more weight if the lousy year I've had didn't cause me to do some stress eating, but I KNOW what I'm doing, and have found that I CAN rein it in and peel off whatever pounds might find their way back.  I have this gift for the rest of my life, and I intend to do right by it.

So at the risk of sounding arrogant?  YAY ME!!!!  

You are a tremendous inspiration to me & many others Darla!    It was wonderful finally getting the chance to meet you in person at the Swapkins on Saturday.

Yay you...you are doing AMAZING, and you should definitely celebrate all your accomplishments & your 3 year surgiversary!!!   

Yay you is right, Darla.  You have so much to be proud of and are an inspiration to us all!  You are at the point in your journey that scares me to death.  It's good to know that our tools do not fail us!

Congrats!

Tuna

Darla, 
Even though I have never met you personally, I feel like I know you.  You are an amazing support on this site.  It's important to know that many of us don't say alot, but you are so appreciated and needed.  I only hope I can write as positive a post in a couple years when I'm 3 yrs. out.  I know you have always stressed that it is only a tool and we control the tool.  What a great role model you are!!  Congratulations on your 3 yr Anniversary.

YAH YOU!!! 

Karen

 You are amazing Darla.... and you have inspired so many people to go after their goal! You definitely helped me a ton through my journey and also were always a great example of realistic expectations. I followed along in your footsteps and realized that this is about a better life.. a better me... and just a getting my life back. Dr. Jones saved my life too! I really look up to you in the way that you have carried out your weight loss journey and how much pride and joy you take in the WOW moments and in everything that has happened. I think you are a rational and determined person and that is what got you where you are today.... you aimed at the goal of HEALTH and WELLNESS and others should take great example from the way you have led your journey. Thank you for everything and thank you for being an inspiration to me daily. I love you Darla. 

Darla:

Congratulations on everything you have accomplished, including your weight loss, inspiring and supporting others and drawing the admiring glances of males everywhere.

RP

I love you DARLA LOU,  You are one heck of an AMAZING woman, You are an inspiration to me and I am sure many others.  I am so DAMN proud of you, you are doing AWESOME, and I hope you keep it up.  

Here's to you

Hope to see you soon....................

What a WONDERFUL update, Darla! Thank you for sharing and CONGRATS on your INCREDIBLE progress! WTG!!!

As a tall, big boned gal myself, I LOVE your attitude about being healthy and still in the 200's. I'm nearly 6 months out with a goal of hitting onederland by 5/15 when I will run the Autism 5k for my son.  If I don't, I won't be diappointed, as how many people can say they have lost almost 100 pounds in 6 months?

YEAH us! Keep it up, woman!!!! Rock that tool!

Blessings, Shannon

 

WOW!!!  You are amazing.  You are such an inspiration on what to expect and how we can stay real!  I just love your humor, your down-to-earth comments and your enthusiasm.  I know you didn't get that from your surgery, but I'm sure it's even moreso now!

All the best in the continued journey from a fellow travelor not as far down the path.

Darla,
You are doing an absolutely amazing job!  Congratulations on your loss, but more importantly, congratulations on making yourself healthier!