3 Years Tomorrow
Tomorrow is my 3 year surgiversary - but it's not likely that I'll have much time for reflection, so let me take a moment now.
Where have I come in 3 years? Well, right now I am looking at some old pics of myself. Some are from my top weight of 247 lbs. Others from years when I wasn't quite that heavy - in fact, some that I considered "good" pictures at the time. I am amazed to look at those pictures today, seeing the fat deposits in my face, the thickness in my neck, the way my arms angled out from the sides of my body due to fat, and most of all my belly (which looked like a large pumpkin strapped on under my shirt or sweater.)
My weight today is 168 lbs. I would love to be 10 lbs. lighter - that is the "bounce back" weight they all talk about, I guess. I never saw the 140's, but that's okay....I can't expect to return this 50-something body back to that of a teenager, and I am fine with that! What is more important than the number on the scale are the other measures of success that I count:
My blood pressure that runs about 100/65.
My cholesterol, which was at last count...140!!!!
My new wardrobe, with mostly size 6-8 and S-M.
The changes in my life: the confidence, the happiness, the overall sence of well being.
Realizing that I have won a huge victory over caffeine, over refined carbs, over sugar. (Well, sugar rears its head every so often....just enough to remind me to steer wide and clear.)
Realizing that food plays a very different role in my life than it had for many, many years. It's just...food. It's not my best friend. It's not comfort. It's not the source of all pleasure. It's nourishment.
I'm not perfect. My exercise - an area where I was diligent for the first 2 1/2 years - has slacked off with changes of schedule and a change of gym. I know what I need to do - dump the gym membership and go back to my jazzercise classes, which I love. I've picked up - and put down - the diet Pepsi habit once again. I've eaten sweets more times than I should - and here, I think back to one of my first support groups when Shauna said she had given up sugar and refined carbs. I wondered that day if I could ever say the same thing. Well, mostly yes. But not 110%.
I'm too busy in the next few days to give myself the kind of celebration I probably ought to....but there will be celebration in my future! Trust me!
And for the year ahead....
I renew my commitment to moving my body.
I renew my commitment to avoid refined sugar - knowing that my body will reject it anyway.
I will explore options for some facial plastic surgery to give me a brighter smile (and less droopy eyelids, and less wrinkly neck!)
Thanks to all of YOU for support, encouragement, and being the "go to" place during these 3 years!!!
Where have I come in 3 years? Well, right now I am looking at some old pics of myself. Some are from my top weight of 247 lbs. Others from years when I wasn't quite that heavy - in fact, some that I considered "good" pictures at the time. I am amazed to look at those pictures today, seeing the fat deposits in my face, the thickness in my neck, the way my arms angled out from the sides of my body due to fat, and most of all my belly (which looked like a large pumpkin strapped on under my shirt or sweater.)
My weight today is 168 lbs. I would love to be 10 lbs. lighter - that is the "bounce back" weight they all talk about, I guess. I never saw the 140's, but that's okay....I can't expect to return this 50-something body back to that of a teenager, and I am fine with that! What is more important than the number on the scale are the other measures of success that I count:
My blood pressure that runs about 100/65.
My cholesterol, which was at last count...140!!!!
My new wardrobe, with mostly size 6-8 and S-M.
The changes in my life: the confidence, the happiness, the overall sence of well being.
Realizing that I have won a huge victory over caffeine, over refined carbs, over sugar. (Well, sugar rears its head every so often....just enough to remind me to steer wide and clear.)
Realizing that food plays a very different role in my life than it had for many, many years. It's just...food. It's not my best friend. It's not comfort. It's not the source of all pleasure. It's nourishment.
I'm not perfect. My exercise - an area where I was diligent for the first 2 1/2 years - has slacked off with changes of schedule and a change of gym. I know what I need to do - dump the gym membership and go back to my jazzercise classes, which I love. I've picked up - and put down - the diet Pepsi habit once again. I've eaten sweets more times than I should - and here, I think back to one of my first support groups when Shauna said she had given up sugar and refined carbs. I wondered that day if I could ever say the same thing. Well, mostly yes. But not 110%.
I'm too busy in the next few days to give myself the kind of celebration I probably ought to....but there will be celebration in my future! Trust me!
And for the year ahead....
I renew my commitment to moving my body.
I renew my commitment to avoid refined sugar - knowing that my body will reject it anyway.
I will explore options for some facial plastic surgery to give me a brighter smile (and less droopy eyelids, and less wrinkly neck!)
Thanks to all of YOU for support, encouragement, and being the "go to" place during these 3 years!!!
Lynn,
Happy Surgiversary to you! Happy Surgiversary to you! Happy Surgiversary to Lynn! Happy Surgiversary to you (sung to the tune of Happy Birthday) You know I had to add a musical tone to this message.....pardon the pun!!
At three years out it is more of a challenge to keep on doing what we were doing so easily the first couple of years! I know I struggle food wise and exercise wise, but I continue! That is all we can do!!
I am so proud of you and all that you have done! Being the weight that you are is nothing to sneeze at, oh how I wish I was at that weight!! LOL!!!! Anyway, I want to wish you continued success in your journey. I am so glad that we met along the way....I miss you
Congrats!
Love, Beth
Happy Surgiversary to you! Happy Surgiversary to you! Happy Surgiversary to Lynn! Happy Surgiversary to you (sung to the tune of Happy Birthday) You know I had to add a musical tone to this message.....pardon the pun!!
At three years out it is more of a challenge to keep on doing what we were doing so easily the first couple of years! I know I struggle food wise and exercise wise, but I continue! That is all we can do!!
I am so proud of you and all that you have done! Being the weight that you are is nothing to sneeze at, oh how I wish I was at that weight!! LOL!!!! Anyway, I want to wish you continued success in your journey. I am so glad that we met along the way....I miss you
Congrats!
Love, Beth
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Congratulations Lynn
and Happy Surgeiverary. You have really done a super job in your program these past 3 years. I always admired how you would sit at support group and write down different things in your notebook. You truly are a student of WLS. You know of the struggles I have had these past 15 months with my weight and how down I have gotten in the past. Knowing people like you, Beth, Laureen, Arlene, Lisa and many others has helped not give up. I often wonder how big I would be now if I hadn't had WLS and had to go through this past year. Anyway enough about me (now I sound like Steffi). You are dedicated to your continued successing and we know that this is a life long journey. I am glad that our paths crossed and I also miss you (to echo Beth). In case you are in PA and have any time this Wed. night is support group at Barix. I am glad that even though you are living in Florida, you have not abandoned your PA peeps. Take care my friend.
Love, Donna
and Happy Surgeiverary. You have really done a super job in your program these past 3 years. I always admired how you would sit at support group and write down different things in your notebook. You truly are a student of WLS. You know of the struggles I have had these past 15 months with my weight and how down I have gotten in the past. Knowing people like you, Beth, Laureen, Arlene, Lisa and many others has helped not give up. I often wonder how big I would be now if I hadn't had WLS and had to go through this past year. Anyway enough about me (now I sound like Steffi). You are dedicated to your continued successing and we know that this is a life long journey. I am glad that our paths crossed and I also miss you (to echo Beth). In case you are in PA and have any time this Wed. night is support group at Barix. I am glad that even though you are living in Florida, you have not abandoned your PA peeps. Take care my friend.Love, Donna
Ah, Donna, I do my best thinking with a pen in hand. (Although it's more often the keyboard these days.)
And Donna, the struggles come to us all in one form or another. Life deals us the cards, and we play the hand the best we can. It's not always perfect and we don't win every deal....but in the end we pick up and move on. You are so right in saying "Where would I be WITHOUT my surgery?" I know beyond a doubt that by now I would be nudging upwards of 300 lbs. without the lifesaving, life RENEWING surgery that I was given. And you are in a much better place to move forward in your life with better health and better opportunities. I stayed in a job I truly hated out of fear that I would not be well received in an interview situation. I know that obesity would have knocked me out of contention for many jobs.
This experience has brought wonderful people to my world. I will be in PA on Weds. and if time allows, may find my way to Barix for the evening. Depends largely on Mike's work schedule which will be pretty brutal - but wow, if I could see you guys, it would be worth the drive over!
And Donna, the struggles come to us all in one form or another. Life deals us the cards, and we play the hand the best we can. It's not always perfect and we don't win every deal....but in the end we pick up and move on. You are so right in saying "Where would I be WITHOUT my surgery?" I know beyond a doubt that by now I would be nudging upwards of 300 lbs. without the lifesaving, life RENEWING surgery that I was given. And you are in a much better place to move forward in your life with better health and better opportunities. I stayed in a job I truly hated out of fear that I would not be well received in an interview situation. I know that obesity would have knocked me out of contention for many jobs.
This experience has brought wonderful people to my world. I will be in PA on Weds. and if time allows, may find my way to Barix for the evening. Depends largely on Mike's work schedule which will be pretty brutal - but wow, if I could see you guys, it would be worth the drive over!
Happy Surgiversary Lynn,
That is awesome. Your successing has been an encouragement to me. I always admired your positive attitude and honesty. I also appreciate that you did not stop posting here when you moved to the Sunshine State.
Keep up the great work.
Hugs,
Trish
That is awesome. Your successing has been an encouragement to me. I always admired your positive attitude and honesty. I also appreciate that you did not stop posting here when you moved to the Sunshine State.
Keep up the great work.
Hugs,
Trish
Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
Albert Schweitzer
Trish, I will *always* be part of the Team Barix! I honestly think that I was led to that particular place at that particular time to do the things I needed to do.
And this board has been absolutely wonderful. I will never forget my first (really only) serious dumping episode. I crawled to the computer and posted here....within seconds(!) Liz R. was on to advise and help.
I appreciate the encouragement and steady presence that you offer here, Trish!
And this board has been absolutely wonderful. I will never forget my first (really only) serious dumping episode. I crawled to the computer and posted here....within seconds(!) Liz R. was on to advise and help.
I appreciate the encouragement and steady presence that you offer here, Trish!
Hey Lynn, congrats on your 3 years!! It's hard to believe we have come so far together!! You are inspirational in many ways. I'm so glad we have gotten to know each other. Often, you have given me advice with and without knowing it. This is both re: post surgery and dealing with my girl.
Keep on successing and stay on the positive track you are on.
Keep on successing and stay on the positive track you are on.
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