just checking in

Hi everyone, Like a lot of folks, I don't post very often anymore, but I just wanted to check in. I just passed my 6 month anniversary on Feb. 9 and I was at 103 lbs. lost. I only have 50 more to go to reach my goal. Very excited about that. Dr. Pender says my progress is excellent, so I'm happy about that, too. To this point, I've gone from a size 30 pants and 4X top to a size 16 pants and a misses XL top. For those of you recently post-op, I wanted to share that it took me a long time to recover any energy after from the surgery. Dr. Pender said it could take up to 3 months, and it took every bit of it for me. But about mid-November, I was off to the races. And I haven't slowed down since. I also have to give props to Dr. Pender for his advice about exercise. Every visit, he would remind me...exercise is key to long-term success. It took me a long time to get to the point where I could walk the 2mph he recommended as a minimum. But when the energy spurt came, I started going to the gym (which I've been paying for all along, but never used). Now, the staff actually know my name! In December, I started working out with a personal trainer, and I can't tell you how great that is. I totally worship him. He gets me to try things I'd never have the courage to do on my own. And my body has changed so much in the last almost 3 months, I can't even describe it. I have muscles! I can do 5 push ups! Lately, I've added yoga and water aerobics to what I can do. Folks, as soon as you start feeling up to it, get out there...even if it's just walking to the corner and back. I am a firm believer in the exercise aspect of post-op now. When I went to see Dr. Pender for my 6-month check-up, I gave him a big hug for keeping after me about it. All of my friends keep telling me that I am a different person now. So much happier and more comfortable in my skin. Oddly enough, I'm really into cooking now. I bake fabulous cookies and cakes for my sister and her friends, and never touch a bite myself. That NEVER would have happened a year ago. Anyway, I just wanted to share with everyone about my post-op life. I remember when I first found this site, I would look at the before and after pictures and just long to be in their place. I have never felt that kind of yearning in all my life. And now, here I am on that path. I feel like it is a genuine miracle. And I never want to forget how special this second chance is. Everyone take care of yourself and best of luck to you all. Lisa

Lisa, Thanks so much for the update and encouraging words! Keep up the great work. Karen N.

Hi Karen, Thanks for your reply. Hope all goes well for you, too. Take care! Lisa