52 weeks ago....

52 weeks ago (almost to the very minute) I was hoping & wishing & praying that my life would be changed somehow when I came out of surgery. Oh be careful what you wish for. This has been the most incredible year of my life. Yes I've lost weight but that's only a small fraction of what's gone on in my life.

I have a life. Those are 4 small words that when strung together are monumental. Prior to WLS I barely functioned. Honestly it was all I could do to get up - go to work - come home and flop out in the bed at some point I'd hit the drive thru for breakfast and again at lunch time. Probably stop again on the ride home for at least a coke or sweet tea (if not a large fry and apple pie). There was absolutely no "quality" to my life and my actions were severly restricting any potential "quantity" to my life.

Last summer I was wearing size  24 and 26's (3 & 4X). I'm pleased to report that my closet is full of size 14 and 16 stuff (Large).  I was wearing a shoe size 10 now I've got 8 1/2 & 9's in the bottom of the closet.  Who knew my feet would shrink? And by far one of my favorite physical traits now - my feet and ankles. I have the coolest / cutest ankle and foot bones. They don't hurt and are never swollen anymore.

I've gotten pretty used to eating slowly and planning what I actually eat. I no longer have the urge to drink with my meals. I don't even mind the vitamin regiment. I still have at least one protein shake each day and it's ususally a Click espresso in the afternoon. I've found that it gives me a little boost and guarantees that I won't be hungry while I get dinner ready. I still love to cook - but I can't say that I enjoy eating. (How weird is that?)

I have battled a few things (and probably always will). My biggest challenge has been eating when i'm bored or stressed out. Replacing that urge with something healthier is difficult. I can't say that I love to work out but I do love "movement" (if that makes sense?). I get restless if I'm trapped inside for very long or have to sit behind my desk without many chances to get up and move around the office. I've gone back to wearing my pedometer recently and I'm making an attempt to up my steps so that I'm consistent at 10,000 daily. The scales haven't moveed since late April. That's a 3 month plateau. But I have gone done a whole clothing size in that time period. So I'm not worried that the journey is over yet. Just my body and brain trying to catch up to one another and remind me that I have to take control over where this journey takes me.

I just got my blood work back (my surgiversary appointment with Dr. Mac is on the 11th) and everything looks good except for the Vitamin D is still low. Not earthshakingly low - just a little lower than my PCP would like it to be. So we'll see what Dr. Mac says about it next week. My fasting blood sugar was only 81. My cholesterol was 169. Me!?!?!? It's never been below 209 in my entire blood work history. My BP runs around 110/65 ish.

My sons are proud of me. I've survived raising them as a single mother and I couldn't be more proud of the young men that they've become. As much as my life changed - so did theirs. They're both about to start their "college" years. Buddy (Kevin, Jr.) starts culinary school in Augusta,GA on Sept. 30th and Wayne starts ATI in Virginia Beach, VA for diesel mechanics on Aug. 24th. Oh boy - are we going to be busy and broke.

Have I mentioned - DAVID? He's been in my life for 8 months now and I credit him (in part) for my new found love of life. He helps make everyday an adventure and I can't wait to see what's just around the next bend.

I probably won't be on the computer much this weekend but I'll try and post some updated pictures and measurements early next week. this ended up being really long. But thank you all for the support - love and encouragement that yall've given me over the past year.
- Iris

Hi Iris,

I wanted to take a moment and congratulate you on the wonderful tangible and intangible metamorphosis I witnessed during the past year as you have made this incredible, life changing journey. I look forward to hearing of your continued journey throughout the next year...

Wishing you continued success,

Happy Surgiversary Iris!  You have done an amazing job this past year.... you are a mere shadow of your former self.  Enjoy your success and new life!

Alice

Happy Surgiversary, Iris!  It has been so much fun to follow your successful journey, in WLS and in life...You have done so well, and I am proud of you!  ((HUGS))

What an inspiration you are to us preops! Congratulations on your happy life. Thank you for sharing this. Jackie

Congratulations Iris on all your success and victories!  you are truly an inspiration to all of us whose journey has just begun!  keep up the good work!