Results of my one year check up

I had my 1 year follow up appointment with my WLS team at Duke this week. I was waiting to get my lab results before I posted the results of my appointment and I'm delighted to say that in the words of my nurse, my 'lab results are very, very good!' That just made my day!

I also checked with them again re: what my target weight should be. According to the Nutritionist, he would like to see me between 145 and 150. I weighed in at 143!! SUCCESS!!! I have lost 93% of my excess weight and to be honest, it's not 100% because I just don't want to be smaller and I've been working hard to level out my weight loss. I think that 137 is the 'ideal', but 145 - 150 is where they wanted me to be and I'm there ... maybe they are giving my some extra skin room ... LOL!

My blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol and iron levels are all NORMAL!!! I don't have to use the CPAP anymore and my blood oxygen level is 100%! I have achieved all that I set out to achieve a year ago.

I'm still working on getting my head straight, but I think that is just going to be a continuation of my journey. I am logging what I eat and my activity levels to keep myself accountable to the person that really counts; ME! I'm attending and holding support group meetings because the literature says that people that are active in support group meetings are much more likely to reach and maintain their goal.

I'm working on making physical activity a more consistent part of my life because that is the other key to people sustaining long-term weight loss. According to my Nutritionist, the data says that the 'bounce-back' that we so often see is a result of lack of exercise as we increase our caloric intake not from our body's becoming more efficient at processing nutrients. He also said that there are some new studies that are indicating that we need more calcium than thought before to ward of osteoporosis, so I've upped my calcium citrate w/D and Magnesium to 600mg 3 times a day.

I'm working on coming to terms with the fact that I'm never going to look like I would have if I hadn't carried an extra person around with me for more than 30 years. I have some sadness about what I did to myself, but I'm delighted with what I have done for myself in the past year. I'm realizing that this is a journey, not a destination.

 

Fabulous post Barb!  Congrats on all the great news you got.  What a difference a year makes, huh?  YOu are such a mentor to many of us and I for one really appreciate your efforts!   Happy Belated one year Surgiversary!  Alice

Hi Alice,

Thanks so very much. I want you to know that I couldn't have done this on my own. It's the support and inspiration that I get from you and the others on this board that have played a key role in my success. I hope to give back at least some of what I get.

Barb

Way to go Barb! I am delighted that you got great lab reports back! You have definitely done an outstanding job. doesn't that put you at 100% weight loss if you are ahead of their target weight???? Where did you come up with 93%??? Anyhow, you will maintain since you are doing what you need to do. The results of your loss is fantastic and you are now healthy! Who cares if your body isn't perfect now. Keep up the great work! Lisa

I can't quite figure out the descrepancy either, but honestly, I feel like I'm 100% there and I think my body does too!

Thanks for the support and friendship.

Barb

Congrats Barb!  I know you physically feel good, but it's really nice to hear the professionals say that your numbers are good and you're a success!!! It's good that you're being proactive about the calcium.  That's something I could stand to pay more attention too, and started doing so after talking to Lisa last weekend.  It's just not something to mess with. It is frustrating looking back at how we lived our lives for so long.  But I am done with that and so are you.  It is time to give yourself kudos for taking control over the past year.  You can't change the past, but you can make sure that your future is healthy and happy...and you're doing just that! You have taken care of yourself and nutured so many others along the way.  I'm incredibly proud of you, and so thankful to have you as a friend!

Hi Deb,

Thanks again for your ever present support and friendship. You are so right when you say that we can't change the past, but we can and have changed our future; and Ithink it looks bright for both of us.

I'm glad to have you for a friend too.

Barb

CONGRATS!!  You truly are an inspiration to me and I don't know what we would do with out your advice and help!  Thank you and I hope I can see remarkable results when I go for my 1 year check up! ;)

You are almost exactly one year behind me. I can't wait until next year when you are where I am today! I know it seems like a long way away from here, but it will come sooner than you might think. Enjoy the ride!

Thanks for your warm support.

Barb

Unfortunately, I had to delete this post due to privacy concerns.