Thanks and 2 Years
During my year 1 reflection it was very emotional and during year 2 I will say for myself that is when the real work sunk in that it is not an easy thing. It is work to maintain the weight loss and that was when some demons started to resurface.
I will admit that I got ****y at times with what I thought I could eat and I learned that it has repercussions but I saw the result on the scale and got to work to fix it before it spiraled out of control.
In the last few months I had started to emotional eat because things were building up inside and felt that I didn't always have a release but learned in a humbling way that not only was I a support group leader but I could use that support group at Barix to gain support myself and after a total meltdown I felt renewed. It lead to some rough days ahead with emotion but on the other side of the storm I learned food was not going to fix my problems.
I can tell you going head into things yet controlling the food was not easy but it made Dennis and I stronger as a couple. I also learned that I could ask for help medically because the depression was slipping back in with moods all over the place. So while I was 140 lighter I still needed an antidepressant.
I have learned that I do not have to settle for bad behavior from those close to me I am strong enough now and believe in myself enough to not have to cling to the scraps of friendship they throw me to just retain their friendship. It was not easy to let go of being the fat friend only to discover there was not left to the friendship that was lost. Yet I have made new friends that love and respect me for me not anything else.
I can do things that 2 years ago I could not like play with my younger family members and EEEK they could even pick me up. I could do things around my house without taking a break every ten minutes. Last year I walked the Vegas Strip I didn't stop to ask for a taxi matter a fact I was even ahead of some of our group instead of trudging behind.
I have danced the night away on the dance floor with amazing friends and done a few 5k's that still baffles me. With the energy that I have at times.
While I am still not at the goal I would like to be I am content where I am and will not stop working at it. There are days I hate my new body because of the extra skin the muffin top and saggy boobs but I still feel better at the end of the day. I do not ache like used to but from years of excess weight my knees are weak and will need work in the long run but I can use them again.
My goal come high or hell water will be to go to Hershey Park this year and ride the roller coasters. I have not done this for close to 15 years and can not wait!
Can not wait to see what this journey has for me in year 3 but as long as I have the support system around me I have built the last 2 years I will only soar higher then I already have.
Love you! :)
Thank you for sharing your WOW's and struggles with us and YES we all struggle after the honeymoon period. I feel like nobody is more verbal in that area than me. I feel honored that we got to reconnect after attending the same high school and not even knowing each other. You know what they say you never know who you will bump into this life. I learn so much when I am in your presence and you are such a kind an giving person as is evident from everything you and Dennis have done for me. I cannot even tell you how much your support and friendship means to me. Love Ya!
Congratulations on your surgiversary!
I can relate so much to your reflection and the lifetime commitment is what I see as the work you referred to, as I, too, have felt similar to what you described and monitoring and keeping things in check is how I now live my life. Doing most of the right things early on and establishing good habits, like food logging and portion sizing are now a part of most days, as is regular exercise and weekly weigh-ins. I learned early on what I could get away with and so it is truly a commitment to ourselves, along with the new found friendships made as a result of this journey, that makes it a lifestyle worthwhile.
The life I now lead as a result of WLS is truly a gift, it is why I am here less often, but you and all the many people I have come to know as a result of this journey are in my thoughts and prayers whether I am on the boards, or at the meetings, you all matter and I hope to see you all soon. . .
Best wishes on your continued journey and I hope to share some more of it right along side of you.
Hugs, Laureen
My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . . It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . . Laureen
"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland
Beth
Beautifully said. You always have a way with words. When I hear you or read what you have to say I can feel the sincerity with which you speak. There is so much I can relate to. Lately, I have been having to deal with such a variety of emotions. In the past two days I've had quite a few crying spells. Trying to find a place for myself has been difficult. And like you said emotional eating has always been the way for me to deal. Now I want to increase my Effexor, but am not sure that is the answer either. I'll talk to my therapist tomorrow.
Anyway, back to you, thanks for being so open. It is always helpful to me and others.
Arlene
and a big thanks for reminding me (and everyone else) that each day is a new start.and if we stumble we can start over and be better for the experience.
Cheryl
It was a real pleasure meeting you last month at the meeting. Your story is so touching. You have given me so much in just the short time I've known you. Sharing so much of yourself and your experiences, struggles, happiness and success is such a huge contribution. Your determination and perseverance will continue to make you successful. When I think of you, I think of the true meaning of support. Success continues to be yours as you head into year #3. Congratulations on your continued success! You are a true inspiration!
Debbie
Debbie