Today is one year since my WLS

I had forgotten that today was my one year surgiversary until I was talking to friends today.  What a difference a year makes!  It is still so surreal that I am a normal size person.  For the vast majority of my life I was morbidly obese.  It is weird to think that people who meet me now only know me as a normal sized person.  When seeing old friends that I haven't seen in a while they don't recognize me!  I had to keep my name badge on at a retirement party for my principal last week so folks would know who I was.  It was kind of cool watching their double take as they looked at me and then at my name badge and back at me again!

Things I can do now that I couldn't do one year ago:
1) cross my legs
2) shop ANYWHERE I choose
3) be picky about clothes and not being forced to buy just to cover my huge body (ya know Omar the tent maker doesn't make too many cute clothes!)
4) enter a room and not feel self conscious
5) have enough energy to make it through the entire day
6) run multiple flights of stairs without losing my breath
7) feel bones in my body- who knew I really owned ribs and pelvic bones?!?!
8) meet and date men (this is a big one- as a fat woman I had removed myself from the dating pool- if you don't put yourself out there you can't be rejected)
9) have a semi-normal relationship with food- it really is fuel and not recreation
10) know I will live long enough to see grandchildren and be able to play with them

If anyone is on the fence about WLS- I am telling you it is a life-saving surgery.  I have a more rich and full life than I ever dreamed I could one year ago.  Go for it!  You deserve it!

Hi Happycat,
    I just wanted to say congratulations.   I had my surgery in August and finally lost 100lbs.  I have been stuck in a rut since March. I gain a few and then lose a few, but never increase my weight loss.   I have been sick off and on for 2 weeks and I haven't exercised or walked.   I'm really worried I will not make my goal weight.   But I am really happy for you.    

                                                     Carolfay

hijackkkkkkkkkk
try increasing your protein...and water. plu change your exercise routine. your body has gotten adjusted to what you are doing so you got to shake it up.
Plus you can do it!
100 pounds gone for good how awesomeeeee

what an awesome event! congrats and yahhhhoooo!

Hi, Denise.
I visited your profile page, as I'd never done that before. How it blessed me to read where you said you were 8 weeks post-op, had lost 20 lbs. and discouraged. Now, look at you, one year later! It tells me that with patience and perseverance, goals can be met, dreams can come true. Congratulations!
Blessings,
Mary

Happy for you !! What a beautiful lady you are! Inside and out! Congratulations on a job well done!

~Lisa~

Denise you look so amazing!!!  I am so happy for you and for all the wonderful changes going on in your life!  I can't believe its almost been a year for me too.  I love the description of a "semi-normal relationship with food".  I think that describes me as well!  Celebrate your success girl!

 Congratulations Denise!!! You look wonderful, and keep up the great work you have done so far!!!!

How you see yourself and your journey is fantastic!!  I can't wait for a 'semi-normal relationship with food', I have found a 'normal relationship with exercise' but still struggle with food.  You are an inspiration and have accomplished so much in a year, congratulations!!! 

Congrats Happycat,

You are a victorious role model!!!   

I finally had my VSG surgery last Wednesday.  I'm so happy and tired.....trying to get my water in and walk around and rest, etc, etc.....

Thanks for sharing, I hope to be celebrating my lst birthday surgery, next year like you did today. 

babygirlinokc
Virgie T.