4 Years ago today.....

my life changed drastically in ways that I could never have imagined. 4 years ago today, I had RNY Gastric bypass surgery. The next few months were a whirlwind of weight loss, compliments, emotions, ego and so many other things. On that day 4 years ago, I weighed 263 pounds and wore a size 26W jeans and a 3XL top. Today, I weigh 160 pounds, have on a size 10 jeans that I have to keep pulling up and a SZ L shirt that is way too big for me. Yay me!

4 years ago, I never dreamed that my head would play such tricks on me....tell me I'm starving, tell me I'm too thin, too fat, too saggy, not good enough, etc. It has been an emotional roller coaster for me, one that I was never prepared for. Am I happy with my decision?? Heck yeah and would have probably done this sooner for my long term happiness and health, but, I would have sought more answers and more support than I ended up doing!

4 years ago today, I had a horrible self-image. 4 years later, sadly, I still have those days. It's not every day, but I still don't see myself as thin or even a lot healthier. Why am I saying htis? I want newbies to have a sense of reality. In the early days as a post op, I remember posting X amount of pounds "Gone Forever!" I now realize that it is not necessarily a true statement. It gets harder and it takes more work and insight to keep those pounds off the further out you get.

4 years ago today, I shared in my husband's success at becoming a "Loser". I began to understand his actions and wide range of emotions that he had gone through in the previous 10 months! It brought us closer and in fact remains a big part of our understanding and friendship!

4 years ago today, I started a journey that will I will be on for life. I am reminded nearly every day that my body is different now and that I have certain limits. I realize that I have to do certain things everyday and that is for life!

4 years ago today, I took a leap of faith! I gained confidence, courage, and so many wonderful friends that I will forever be thankful for! I gained a healthier outlook on life. I learned to look on the positive side of things, to appreciate life and those around me!

I am grateful for the surgery and yes I would do it all over again. I just don't feel the need to sugar coat things. Honesty to me is now and will always be the best policy!!

Thank you TMB for all your support throught the years I have been a member here! Thank you to so many of you that I call a friend! Thank you for sticking with me through cross-addictions and dark moments! Thank you for supporting me, loving me and for cheering me on!!! But thank you most for your wonderful inspiration!!

To all you newbies, do your research, learn all you can! no question is too harsh, gross or stupid!! I promise, us grads have all been there at one time or another!! ASK!!!! You will be glad you did!!!

hugz and Happy Surgiversary to me!!!

Gina L

Congratulatins on four years, Gina!  I love this post!

Gina

first happy surgiversyer!!!

and you put all the emotional mess into words - even friends here on the boards have had to say to me - no you are not that size - whatever size my brain decided on that day - totally irregardless of what the scale has to say  - reality and KNOWING what I look like - those are HARD to come by

thanks for sharing the last 4 yrs - happy sad good bad and indiffernt

hugs
danni

Congrats on a very successful 4 years and thanks for being there to pave the way for all of us that have come afterward.  I love it that so many "grads" still post to give the newbies some perspective on what having WLS entails.   You put into words the simple truth that it's a life long battle but yet the struggle is SO WORTH IT. 

OMG Gina I'm here with tears in my eyes.  Sweetie, it's been a wild one and you are right it is FOREVER.  WLS saved our lives from our then bout with obesity, but it isn't gone forever.  It's sitting behind us waiting patiently for the moment we let loose and let go; it does attack us with the seriously crazy "I can do" thoughts occasionally.  It waits and we keep fighting the good fight.

It's been a joy knowing you and following your journey.  It's been a pleasure meeting you IRL and sharing some times with you.

I'm proud of you and so happy for you, may you continue on this journey to good health.....forever  *cheers* (with diet coke, lol).

You are right we are trailing the way, sharing our experiences with others and it is IMPORTANT that we continue to do this for others.....in the words of Ramon......Pay it Forward.

Love you,

congratulations gina.... you have done wonderful..... thanks for being so honest with your post the newbies take  it for granted then later have issues when they dont do what they/we are suppose to.....

miss seeing you

Congrats, my Aggie Friend!

You have done an amazing job!!

hey you!
Congrats on your surgiversary! Good to see you posting again!
Liz

CONGRATULATIONS on four years !!!!!!




Thanks for being there for us noobs!

Now wait just a dadgum minute!!!!!
You mean to tell me having this surgery isnt gonna make me 21 again?
Im not gonna grow to the 5'10" beauty ive always dreamed of?
Im not gonna don a permenant tan?
Are you telling me rose petals are not gonna just automatically follow my foot steps?

Im gonna need to rethink this!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh what the heck I'll take it.......


Just kidding, congrats on your 4 years....And thank you so much for being here and sharing your journey as us newbies are baby sponges and we soak this stuff up.