Celebrating 5 years! (with a few pics!)
Ok, so today is my 5 year Surgery Anniversary. At this moment 5 years ago, I was already in the OR.....drifting off to sleep. I had no idea how much my life would change after that knife cut into me. Here is a little story with some pictures.
I was 28, working full time at Hershey Medical Center. My sons were 6 and 4. And I had reached 242 pounds. I was miserable. I yo-yo dieted. But always gained more. I knew that if I didn't do something then, it would only lead to me getting larger and larger each year. I knew I had to stop it before it got out of control. So I took the first step and after that my road to RNY was paved. Week after week I went to appointments, had tests done and before I knew it, I had a date for surgery.
This is a pic of me the same week I went to my first info meeting for surgery in April of 2004.
The next month, in May, I went to a Nascar race in Richmond with my girlfriend. I could not FIT in Tony Stewarts car to get the pic, so we took the pic standing next to it.
This next one is on my 28th birthday. Exactly 30 days before my surgery date. I look so freaking happy, don't I? I hated my picture taken!
What a change in my attitude. I still have self esteem issues that I am working on. But I can't believe the changes in my appearance and my confidence. I have felt better and done so much since then.
This is me, 1 year post op.....
Then this is a pic of me 3 years post op that Johnny took when we first started dating and we were visiting a Haunted Covered Bridge in Gettysburg.
I was able to go to a Philadelphia Eagles game, fit in the stadium seats AND walk up the Gazillion stairs to get to our nose bleed seats. It was awesome! This was in 2007. This was my "Elvis" buddy we met tailgating.
And this is how high up I climbed stairs to get to our seats........Awesome Stadium! I love the Eagles!
I also got to return to a Nascar race in Richmond. I was able to have pit passes and meet my favorite driver.....Clint Bowyer!
And.......I also was able to fit my butt into a window to climb in a race car to race a Powder Puff 6-cylinder stock car race at a local dirt track. THAT was fun!
And........I have met the love of my life.
In the last 5 years.........I have gotten the courage to walk away from an abusive relationship. I have been independent and took are of myself for once. I have experienced life more than I would have ever before. I found true love. And I have added two more awesome children to my family. I believe that the surgery has improved my quality of life. And it has improved the quality of life my children have because I have more energy and enthusiasm. I am so grateful for my RNY. And I am grateful for all of you!
I was 28, working full time at Hershey Medical Center. My sons were 6 and 4. And I had reached 242 pounds. I was miserable. I yo-yo dieted. But always gained more. I knew that if I didn't do something then, it would only lead to me getting larger and larger each year. I knew I had to stop it before it got out of control. So I took the first step and after that my road to RNY was paved. Week after week I went to appointments, had tests done and before I knew it, I had a date for surgery.
This is a pic of me the same week I went to my first info meeting for surgery in April of 2004.
The next month, in May, I went to a Nascar race in Richmond with my girlfriend. I could not FIT in Tony Stewarts car to get the pic, so we took the pic standing next to it.
This next one is on my 28th birthday. Exactly 30 days before my surgery date. I look so freaking happy, don't I? I hated my picture taken!
What a change in my attitude. I still have self esteem issues that I am working on. But I can't believe the changes in my appearance and my confidence. I have felt better and done so much since then.
This is me, 1 year post op.....
Then this is a pic of me 3 years post op that Johnny took when we first started dating and we were visiting a Haunted Covered Bridge in Gettysburg.
I was able to go to a Philadelphia Eagles game, fit in the stadium seats AND walk up the Gazillion stairs to get to our nose bleed seats. It was awesome! This was in 2007. This was my "Elvis" buddy we met tailgating.
And this is how high up I climbed stairs to get to our seats........Awesome Stadium! I love the Eagles!
I also got to return to a Nascar race in Richmond. I was able to have pit passes and meet my favorite driver.....Clint Bowyer!
And.......I also was able to fit my butt into a window to climb in a race car to race a Powder Puff 6-cylinder stock car race at a local dirt track. THAT was fun!
And........I have met the love of my life.
In the last 5 years.........I have gotten the courage to walk away from an abusive relationship. I have been independent and took are of myself for once. I have experienced life more than I would have ever before. I found true love. And I have added two more awesome children to my family. I believe that the surgery has improved my quality of life. And it has improved the quality of life my children have because I have more energy and enthusiasm. I am so grateful for my RNY. And I am grateful for all of you!
When life hands you lemons, ask for tequila & salt and give me a call!
I know how difficult it is for you to look at before pics of you, and share them none the less. So thank you, Jo, for adding those pictures. They are all AWESOME!!! One day I hope to be as photogenic as you! You just have this "gleam" about you in all the post op ones!!!!
Congratulations on an AMAZING 5 years, and to many many more. Your entire family is beautiful, and it is obvious how close all of you are to each other. Such an awesome mommy, wife, employee, and someday nurse!!!!
Hugs!
Pam
Congratulations on an AMAZING 5 years, and to many many more. Your entire family is beautiful, and it is obvious how close all of you are to each other. Such an awesome mommy, wife, employee, and someday nurse!!!!
Hugs!
Pam
Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. 
Jo,
All I can say is WOW... the transformation you have undergone is awe-inspiring! You can so clearly see the change in attitude, mood, confidence... self-reliance... The surgery may have been the kick-start you needed, but the transformations you've undergone are all YOU, girl - hard work, finding inner strength, and working to USE the tool. That's what got you out of the abusive relationship and into the positive path you're on today.
Congratulations!
Karen
All I can say is WOW... the transformation you have undergone is awe-inspiring! You can so clearly see the change in attitude, mood, confidence... self-reliance... The surgery may have been the kick-start you needed, but the transformations you've undergone are all YOU, girl - hard work, finding inner strength, and working to USE the tool. That's what got you out of the abusive relationship and into the positive path you're on today.
Congratulations!
Karen
Jo - your post is wonderful, inspiring and a beautiful story to boot - you can see the real 'you' emerging along the way and becoming the beautiful person you always knew you had deep inside you. Much continued success and happiness on your journey thru life. Kathy
'One shoe can change your life'...Cinderella
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