10 months of gratitude

I am so very gratefull for the changes that have occured over the past 10 months ...

• I am no longer diabetic,
• my hemochromatosis is under control,
• my blood pressure is low/normal,
• my cholesterol is down 90 points,
• reverse my fatty liver,
• eliminate my hemoroids,
• eliminate my incontenance,
• I lowered my resting heart rate,
• my energy and endurance are incredible.

Just as important, I think, are the changes in my outlook and attitudes about choices that I make and the impact that those choices have on my life. Like many others that have had WLS, I don't dump in the classic sense; actually, I rarely have any dumping symptoms at all. While some might consider this a curse, I think it may have been a blessing and I'm grateful that I have had to learn to make choices about what I'm going to eat based on what's best for me. I have realized that while the surgery has been an invaluable tool in helping me to 'peal' off the excess weight and will help me as I work to maintain my new healthier body, I have to change my relationship to and with food to be successful in the long run. That doesn't mean I never 'indulge', but those indulgences are uncommon and thoughtful. I didn't believe that I'd be able to make the changes in my relationship to and with food before, I never had this perspective before I had the surgery and for this I'm very grateful.

I am also so very grateful for the countless "Wow Moments" that I have enjoyed over the past 10 months.

• Finding that I have cheekbones,
• finding out that I have a chest,
• seeing my feet when I walk,
• not being able to 'hold' a napkin in my lap,
• always fitting into a booth,
• breathing while tying my shoes,
• painting my toenails and putting on my hose.
• Having space between my thighs and not having painful rings at my knees where my kneehigh hose are cutting off the circulation.
• Weighing less than my 6'2" sons and 5'8" nephew!
• losing over 100 lbs
• losing my tummy so I don't 'accidently' turn on the stove with my fat roll
• realizing that my tummy doesn't rub the steering wheel
• being able to stand up from a squating position without help
• being able to wear calf-high boots
• finally be an average size, like my siblings
• losing my double chin
• being able to fit into 'normal' sized clothes
• being able to wear the same sizes as my daughter ... who has dropped 4 sizes herself!
• comfortably fitting into airline or theater seats
• being able to wear my high school class ring
• smiling when I see a photo of myself
• wearing a single digit size

Wow Barb, those are amazing accomplishments in a short 10 months.  Be PROUD and enjoy your success, you've earned it.  You are such an amazing person and we are so happy to have you here as a mentor and friend at NC OH!  Thanks!  Alice

Thanks Alice! I truly appreciate your constant support and friendship.

Barb

Thanks for sharing your accomplishments Barb. It helps me to reflect on my own wow moments and furture hopes and dreams.                                                  Annie

Thanks Annie!

B

Barb, your post is a WOW moment for all of us.  Less than a year, and your cir****tances have changed so much -- WOW!! Congratulations to realizing success for all the effort you've put in to your journey over these past ten months.  Ten months!  Not even a year!  It's so awesome. Thank you for being a mentor to many of us as you've rediscovered yourself.

Thanks Kim!

I really appreciate your constant support.

I am looking forward to watching your own journey of self-discovery.

Barb

All wonderful changes indeed. You desefve every "WOW" you've accomplished. xoxo

Thanks so much Mare!

Barb

Ms. Barb... As my 4 year old would say... YOU'RE DA MAN BABY!!!  lol  It sure made me smile reading your post!!  Skinny people take for granted all the things they are able to do!!  I have nothing against skinny folk of course lol  But, as a "striving to be skinny person"  I laughed and cried and said, HEY I CAN DO THAT, or NOPE, I DONT DO THAT ANYMORE either all thru your post!! lol Keep up all that you do for all of us and for the scared, confused, and info needing newbies!! WE ALL LOVE YA!! Connie