Two years ago today my life changed

Two years ago today I took a leap of faith and launched on the journey of a lifetime. I knew that my life would change forever, but I didn't really know what to expect. I hoped that my health issues would resolve. I hoped that my quality of life would improve. I hoped that I would shed the unattractive shield I had carried for so many years. All of these things have happened to me and for me. I didn't really understand the depth of the emotional journey I was embarking on. I didn't really understand that the hardest work was not getting the weight off, but learning to live lean in the long term. I didn't really understand how much I'd have to forgive myself for the trespasses I've committed against myself. I now know that this is an unending journey with a specific destination. This is a journey of personal and physical transformation. 

I have mentioned before that for me the year before the surgery was about recognizing that I needed to make significant changes to care for myself. In the year following surgery my journey was focused on losing the excess weight and marveling at the new 'scenery'. For me the second year was much more about recognizing that I will never be 'normal' and I will always have to actively 'manage' my weight. I wonder what the journey will be in my third year post WLS. 

It is all about you!

Congratulations on being 2 years out!

I pray that you are relishing in the accomplishments you have made  and learning from what you may consider the 'mistakes'.

Thank you for sharing your journey  and leading the rest of us to recognizing this powerful tool we have grabbed a hold off   , using it to it''s fullest potential , and paying it forward!

Valerie,

Thank you... For your kindness, friendship and support.

 

Congrats on your two year success! I pray for your continued success.

Thank you and so do I!

Way to go Barbara!!  What a great journey for you--I too have enjoyed my journey as I am in my first year-9-21-08--- I agreed with what a wonderful and eye opening this journey has been and thank you for sharing what I have to look forward to about managing my weight.  What has been the best part of your journey--inquiring minds want to know??
Congrats again!!

Hi Gina,

Thank you for your lovely note. You are the first to ask what has been the best of the journey. I don't think that there is a single best part. It's all so intertwined and multifaceted for me, probably like if someone had said what was the worst part about being obese... Lots of things. 

I guess if had to say just one thing, it would the incredible improvement in my health/how I feel physically. I really had no idea how limited I was by my obesity until the shackles of my weight released me.  This encompasses so very much.

Resolved diabetes, sleep apnea

Effective management of my cholesterol and hemochromatosis

My ability to function in heat

Energy and endurance! I can mow our huge, hilly yard with a push mower every week with the temperature in the 90's. I'm tired afterwards, but I can do it!

I truly enjoy the quality of life issues such as fitting anywhere and in anything I like. No worries about finding the perfect outfit or fitting in an airline seat or a booth.

Realizing that I am pretty. 

Providing a good, healthy example for my daughter.

Having my husband follow my lead and footsteps in this journey, finding his own health, energy and endurance.

I'm sure that there is soooo much more!

Congratulations on your journey.  Mine will be two years 6/6.  It doesn't seem like it does it.  Yes the idea and struggle of maintaining and life changes are so much harder than the surger for most of us.  Though I fluxuate between 147 and 152 I shouldn't complain.  It scares the hell out of you when your pants are all of a sudden to tight just becuase of 2 or 5 pounds.  When it happens I run to a full lenght mirror to see if the fat girl has returned...honestly.  I know though it would be my fault if it would ever happen.  I just haven't been following the rules and it is hard to do when my mom is with me like she has been for the last month.  She likes to bring in food and can't understand why her sugar is the way it is or why she can't loose weight.  She doesn't hardley walk cause her age and pain and WEIGHT which you don't mention to her unless you want your head ripped off.  Her eating habits is not the issue.  Yes we can argue that with her but it is usless and I have no business eating her junk....just habit and frustration...or aggrivation.  But anywho Congradulations and I am so glad you post all the time cause you cover so many issues we all deal with.  On this board we are never alone!!!

My mother has been with me the past couple of months as well and I can absolutely sympathize. When I take her home, Ben will be cleaning out the kitchen... LOL.

I find it is much easier to just keep it out of the house. If it's there, I develop hand and mouth disease, if you know what I mean... My hand ends up in my mouth with something I don't need going from my hand to my mouth!

My mother also struggles with her weight and doesn't understand why, but I was just like her before my WLS, so I am loathe to give her a hard time. We just make the best of it. 

I appreciate it when you let me know that I'm not alone in my struggles as we move through this ever changing journey.

Wishing you continued success as well,

Barbara,
 Congratulations on your weight loss and I wish you continued success in the years to come.
Thank you for sharing your insight and for all your posts. I have learned so much from you and others on this website.
I can hardly wait for "my turn". I am trying to learn as much as I can in the mean time. Jackie