WOW Moments of 2005 and Happy New Year

Hello my fellow NYers, It is so hard to believe that it's the end of the year already. What a year it's been! These are just a few of the amazing and wonderful changes that have taken place in the last year..... My diabetes is gone. My hypertension is gone. My sleep apnea is gone. My cholesterol is normal for the first time in over 20 years. I can go up the stairs without being winded...lots of times! I can bend over and tie my shoes without my face turning purple. I can fit in my bathtub to take a real bath! I fit in an airplane seat without a seatbelt extender, and even fit in the little bathroom on the plane. I went from a size 28-30 to a size 12-14. Top size from a 3-4X down to a Medium My shoe size is now 5 1/2 W or 6 regular, down from 6 1/2 wide/7 reg My ring size dropped from a 7.5 to 5.75 I can squat down and get back up without assistance. I can fit in a regular seat at the movies. I can finally put the seat all the way up in the car to reach the pedals. I CAN CROSS MY LEGS! I can see places on my body I haven't been able to see in many years. Intimacy with my hubby is greatly improved! My self confidence is greatly improved. I have a smile on my face 90% of the time! These are just a few of the things. Everyday it's something new to discover. Yesterday I went to Northern Reflections to buy some clothes and discovered that I now wear a size 12-14 in dress pants! I cried in the dressing room. Even with all the bumps in the road (and I've had my fair share) I would certainly do this all over again. It's the best decision I've ever made for myself. I want to wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year! You guys are the very best. God Bless, Debra 239/165/125 PS: By the way, I've only lost a couple pounds all month. Waiting for the whooshie fairy to come by again! But, I went from a size 16 to a 12-14, so I guess my body's doing some major adjusting.

Thank you for that post Debra. I really needed to hear that! I am still pre op, required to lose 10% of my weight prior to surgery and had lost 20 out of thirty that I had to lose and then gained 5 back...between the holidays and PMS, I was feeling defeated and sort of overwhelmed. It is so great for me to see that so many changes will occur (at least, I hope they do!!) as I proceed down this path. So thank you, congratulations, happy new year!! Amy

Amy my dear, just keep working at it. You will reach your first goal before your surgery, and then buckle your seatbelt for the ride of your life. I remember last December feeling like my time would never come, and now i I can't believe it's been six months since my surgery. If you ever need some encouragement don't hesitate to email me. All the best, Debra 239/165/125

AMY...keep up the great work! dont get discouraged. MY surgeon required pre op weight loss and i got down then crept up a bit. WHEN i had all my surgical clearances done thats when i got in control and dropped the rest within two weeks. SHOCKED my surgeon! KEEP on track and all your weight loss dreams will come true. iTS also a great start when your on the looseing side to add that preop loss to your number! KEEPS it big. GOOD LUCK! lisa 310/188/???

Debra, WOW !!!!!! Alot of good things happened for you!!!! Little things that thinner people don't even think about.I hate going to a restaurant that I'm not familiar with b/c I'm afraid I wouldn't fit in the booth.The air plane seat. the theater seat.The day I can cross my legs I will probally cry! This tool is such a blessing for so many people.Your health issues that are gone!!! That alone is worth it,but you really get much more.Oh and lets not forget the sex!!! another plus! You have alot to be thankful for.Well you have a Happy Healthy New Year!!! Darlene

Hi Darlene, I did cry the day I crossed my legs. And the airplane seat...heck I called my sister on my cell phone from the plane and cried telling her I fit without the extender! My wish for you is a Happy and Healthy new you in 2006. All my best, Debra

Debra, Thanks for the New Years Wish!!! I sure hope so! I want to be healthy and go go go ,like I used to.I hope I get started on that road this year. Darlene

Darlene, Happy New Year. I noticed you're from Rochester and so am I. I am 7 months post-op and believe me, I know how you feel about fitting into booths, airplane seats, theater seats - but please believe me - it gets better and better. I've lost 87 lbs so far and the benefits are just wonderful. I went on a plane ride in December - no more seat belt extender. Every time I go out to dinner (and I'm single again so I go out to eat with friends almost every night) and I still look at the booth and wonder, but sit anyway and can slide right in. Haven't gone to the movies yet. The very best thing is now being able to cross my legs - I still can't believe it. You will get there too. Do you have a date yet? I still have a ways to go to reach my goal but believe me - I would have WLS again in a heartbeat. I'd love to chat with you off the board if you'd like - you can contact me at my work e-mail address - [email protected]. Have a great day. Cindee 310/223/???

Debra...I could have written your post myself!! I too have gone through most of the changes that you have and I am so GRATEFUL for my renewed life I have found over this past year!! Heres to a GREAT 2006 and the future!! Lisa 371/341/191/140