Having a life?Getting a life? living a life?

or is it existing in a life?

Last year about this time I fully got on board and set out to make drastic changes in my life.  I was tired of hurting, not being able to do the things I wanted to do with ease. Yes, life was getting harder as the days grew longer.

I went to my informational meeting back in the summer, had all the papers filled out. It was a fact of SENDING the papers along to get the ball rolling. Somethings in life are easier said then done.  I finally got them sent and before I knew it I was scheduled for many other appointments. This was going to be real and for ME.

I passed my "You are not nuts" test. I met with a surgeon of choice. Then it was to take 3 months of nutritional classes. Yes, I am not kidding. The classes gave us all kinds of information on what to expect after surgery and what we could start doing ahead of time to ready our bodies for the changes.

I met a wonderful woman in the class and we developed a bond. She would become my angel during/after surgery. We have continued to be friends and I fully support her and give her my time as needed to get over those speed bumps life now offers us at times.

I had my surgery in August and had a large speed bump 15 days later that required a 2nd surgery. I fully recovered and life was starting to get good. I make sure to go to monthly support group meetings and still offer advice to others getting ready to take this journey. It is best to go in armed and ready then to go un-informed. After all this is YOUR/OUR/MY life we are talking about.

I take what I think is a lot of vitamins daily and make sure to follow doctors advice and keep them informed if things seem not right. I am happy with my life. I took control over it and am showing the profits from it. It could also be called a GAIN. Not the kind we are normally used to, there is no pounds or ounces behind this one. I no longer just exist- I life life fully!

You get one body,one life and it is important to take control over your life.  Last night while I was at support group I got to meet a couple special ladies. These ladies(sisters) has WLS a bit back and not only did they have WLS so did a few other of their family members. What a gift they gave each other in that family. The gifts of life and watching each other go through changes,aging and happy times. What better way to have a life.

Please if you are reading this and thinking about surgery. Remember it is your life,your body and no one else is more important then YOU! It is your choice that matters.

Becky- My thoughts wishes and many hugs come your way. Thanks for all you do!

Until next novel- peace and happiness to all!
Kelly/tink

Kelly,
  How true your words are!  Every time I see my refection in a mirror or window, I have to stop and realize."oh thats me!" And after a full day at work walking the halls of the hospital, I am so amazed that I can do that, cause 3 years ago I couldn't do a 7 minutes stress test!
    I was a pleasure to meet you, Kathi and I talked on the way home that maybe between all of  us we can get this ND board on track, giving and sharing all that WLS has given us and supporting the newbies. Ans especially to you for keeing it going when it was "dead on arrival..."
   keeping the goos thoughts... Peggy
 
   
 

Thanks Peggy! I just blurt out words off my finger tips as I see them. I am pretty black and white. Some people don't like me for that but that is their problem LOl I am what you see!

I have faith the board will turn around. If not we can still keep company LOL
Was wonderful meeting you and Kathi too! and spending that extra time with both of you
FYI- I am not having that slump after lunch til 2 pm! That extra B 12 must be doing something or its mind over matter lol

Kelly

Hi Kelly,

I just got my blood work paperwork from MC EGF & I scanned & emailed it to my surgeon in Mexico.  This is the LAST hurdle!  Everything was normal except my white blood cell count was slightly elevated, but my dr said that it was not so high that he was worried about it.  Funny because I think most of the times I've ever had this test run, that has been the case - just over the normal range.  Hmmm.  Don't know why. 

Hopefully, I'll be switched next month!  I'm very excited about it & I find myself wanting to talk about it ALL the time with anybody who would possibly want to listen.  I'm really active on the DS board & have made a lot of friends there.  I thought of going to the bariatric support here in GF at Altru, but I'm not sure how well I'll fit in.  I guess I don't know until I try!

I liked your post.  I think one of the reasons I have been so active on the Ds forum & talk about it all the time is b/c I feel like I'm being proactive & in control of my life, just like you said.  I broke my scale this weekend b/c I gained too much weight for its structure.  That's a first for me.  *SIGH*  This weight can't come off soon or fast enough!  I want to go back to Taekwondo & I want to be able to jog again.  I want to be able to go to UND gym & not feel like the elephant in the room.

I'm ready for it.

   Sits here reading your post with a smile on my face. You sound so ready to begin your journey! It just makes me smile when others get so excitied about what life can/will be. Way to go- keep up the positive out look!

Go to the support group. You may be surprized and find out that everyone there has issues just like you. Many come in different forms but they are issues to be dealt with all the same. You never know someone there might just be looking for a person just like you to talk with and share things with. You would be a valued support person.
Have a wonderful eve
Kelly/tink

Tink - 
 I'm taking your advice and I'll be checking this board as well as the Fargo board for info.  I love you post and it's so good to reflect!  Sometimes I have to stop feeling sorry for myself and look how far I've come and the changes that I've made in my life.  The problems that I had with the band were traumatic, but I think that many good things came of them.  I'm finally getting to a good place and I think the band is in the "green" zone.  I'm losing weight again!  Not as fast as I would like, but I can't get to the gym anymore so it's just my eating habits. 

*** My house finally sold***  and I've got to be out by March 12 or 15, I can't remember.  I'm frantically looking for a condo and starting to go through the whole financing thing.  STRESS!! 

Take care all!
- Becky

Becky,
 Like I have stated in our group meeting, this is a slow board but I am hoping it will turn around. Everything in life revolves/evolves.

I think now that your band is under control you will start seeing more changes. Hang in there. Every little bit/thing counts. Just having your numbers changing -that's a big whoop for you!! Sometimes it is good to be the slow turtle to the finish line. Slow and steady.

WOW to be selling the house and trying to find something else to live in, that is very stressful. Stay away from the stress foods LOL. At least you only said stress instead of stressed (desserts).

Will be keeping you in my thoughts!
Kelly/tink

Yes!!  Stressed...but I have been remarkably able to stay away from my trigger foods which would be ANYTHING sweet!

Checking on the finacing today!

Thanks for thinking of me, Kelly!
- Becky

Kelly,

About time I get on here and catch up huh? Must have needed to wait as I'm having a crabby day thinking about in laws. Wonderful woman, Angel! Wow am I special or what? Ditto! We got pretty lucky to be going through this journey together.

Had a little bit of a scare last week. Had some diarrhea and then light headedness, but alls good this week and I see Dr. Garcia tomorrow.

I'll catch up with you soon!

Becky