I'm 1 Year Post Op Today!!!!

Well, today is March 3rd, 2009. What that means to me is 365 days since my laparoscopic RNY. It means going from 261 pounds to 138 pounds (122 pound weight loss).  It means going from a BMI of 44 to 24, (18-25 is Normal).   I visited my surgeon today and he informed me that I have lost 100% of my excess body weight. 100%!!!! OMG!!!!. When I began this journey, I just wanted to be less than 200 pounds; I wanted to be able to fit in the seat at a Broadway show. I wanted to be off my blood pressure medication, I wanted to be able to bend over and tie my shoes. I wanted to walk from my car in the parking lot into the airport terminal where I work and breath at the same time.  I wanted to be able to sit and cross my legs.  I wanted to not have to shop in Layne Bryant, or Avenue. I wanted to be healthy, I wanted to be happy, and I wanted to not be FAT. I tried to believe that crap that “Big is Beautiful" and that it was ok to accept that “This Is Who I Am". Inside I was dying and lying to myself.  I wanted to feel NORMAL. I wanted to feel sexy for my husband, I wanted to HAPPY.   I can honestly say that 365 days after surgery, I am able to do all of the things I wanted to do plus so much more.  I now know that “This Is Who I AM". Healthy, happy, sexy, and feeling Normal.  Please don’t get me wrong, I don’t think that being overweight is abnormal, but it was abnormal for me.  The past year has been an absolute gift for me. I attend support group meetings and I see the nutritionist on a regular basis and I frequently look at my pre-op pictures, to remind me of where I don’t want to be ever again.  I am in no way delusional, I know that I’m still in my honeymoon phase, and that the pounds will pretty much just drop off at this point, but I’ve been using this time to learn how to make better food choices. I LOVE exercising now.  For me this has not been a struggle or chore. Life has been so much easier. I’d like to thank Dr. Edward Cussatti, Rosanne Deluca and all the folks from the Good Samaritan Support Group. Mary Ellen, Karen, Lisa and all the folks from the LIPO Support Group.  My dear friends Iris and Ivy.  Eggface and Melting Mama. (I’ve never met them, but they inspire me) and the entire OH Family.

How wonderful for you -- congratulations! You have used your honeymoon period wisely -- completely changing your way of eating and incorporating exercise and support meetings. I know you will do just fine, even after this honeymoon phase because you did make all of those changes. I am coming up on my one year surgiversary too in about three weeks ... it has been an amazing year. I thank God I was able to have this surgery and start again.
All the best to you and enjoy your new life --
Maria

Happy Surgiversary Darice!  I am so happy for you!
You are truly an inspiration to everyone who has the pleasure of knowing you! I want to be just like you when I grow up!

What a wonderful post!  Thank you so much for sharing your story!

What a beautiful post :)
What a success you are
keep on fighting ...never let your guard down

Congrats and Happy Surgiversary to you Darice :) 

My dear friend I just want to let you know that I love you and I'm very proud of you.  I'm so happy that you have accomplish that and more!!! I know that we both thought that this change in our lifes could only have happen in our dreams; but it did happen and it happen in real life.  We now know how to make better choices.  I always new you where beautiful and you still are, I knew that you where sexy and you continue to be, I also new that you where happy and you truly are more happy now.  I'm glad that you now can see that for your self.  We have been through a lot of changes in our life but this one is the one will continue to cherish for the rest of our days.  Your honeymoon may be over yes, but the choices you have learn to make are here to stay.
Someone that I care with all my heart once told "YOU ARE A PHENOMENAL WOMAN" ---well, right back at you

Love you,

Oh, Darice...CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

You have done so well, not just losing the weight, but changing everything about the way you eat and live! You don't even know what an inspiration you are to others--like me!!!
The very first time I met you, at the LIPO group, I thought to myself, "Wow, I'd better listen to her. She really knows what she's doing!" And, I was right! You are such a sweet, wonderful person and have been so nice to me, helping me out when I needed guidance!

Congrats, again, my friend! You look great and have done even greater! (that sounds wrong, but you get it, LOL)

Enjoy your surgiverary!!!!! Celebrate!  You deserve it!

::Biiiiiiig huggggggggggggggggs::

Love, Heather