2 year anniversary

Hi all, Wow, I've really gotten behind in updating my profile and getting out to the OH website. I decided it was time to re-visit. Sunday, July third I will be celebrating my 2 year anniversary. I'm not where I "wanted" to be as far as weight loss is concerned, but far better off than where I started. Briefly, I started my journey at nearly 500#'s and lost 212#'s. I've been struggling with that 10-12#'s that keeps wanting to come back for several months now. I'm past that honeymoon period and it is a struggle to continue to lose. My body seems happiest right around 300#'s...but that's still too much for my satisfaction. I joined Curves for my 1 year anniversary and am planning on joining the YWCA so I can use their pool for my 2nd anniversary. Despite not reaching my "goal" of 250#'s, I'm thrilled with my decision to have WLS. I don't consider myself or the surgery a failure. I realized as a super-size person, I had a long road ahead of me. I had the open RNY and had no complications whatsoever. I often say I could be the poster child for this surgery. I was also self-pay and am close to paying off my loans. There has been a lot of stress and uncertainty about my job due to a company takeover. 2 years ago, I wouldn't have found another job, I would've ended up on disability. although I would like to stay on with this company because of years invested and the benefits accrued, if I would lose my job, I no longer fear finding another job or having to depend on someone to care for me. Having a surgery date so close to the 4th is actually kind of cool. At this time of the year the talk is all about liberty and freedom. This surgery has been so liberating and freeing, it's hard to describe. Unless you've been super-morbidly obese, I think it's hard to comprehend. I realize that as of today, I would still more than qualify to have WLS. I'm larger than many who are having WLS. Yes, there are days I still feel huge...but more and more I feel like I'm fitting into society. I don't feel like the freak in the side show. I can walk into a room and not always be the largest person. It's been ages since a little kid pointed to me and said, "Mommy, that lady is fat." I can walk through Super Walmart for over an hour or as long as my money holds out. I've gone on hikes in state and county parks, climbed lighthouses, went on my first plane flight in years and FIT into the seat. I can now buckle my seatbelt, sit on plastic lawn chairs, don't have to wonder if there is seating that will fit or a place for me to sit and rest. Yes, I still want more...but at the same time I'm happy with the gift I've been given and treasure it every day. The gifts of freedom and liberty. I will always celebrate the 4th of July, but my true "Independance Day" was and always will be July 3rd, 2003. Lori Ann

Lori: Congrads on your success. I to understand what you mean about not being at your goal, but happy with where you are. I started at over 300 and am down to around 190. I want more as anyone would, but am so greatful to be where I am. All those little things that I could not do before and can now make it all worth it. You have done great and the great part of this surgery is that the weight stays off. That is what I am most happy about. It still takes work to loose and maintain, but the surgery makes that just a little bit easier to do. I wish you continue success and again congradulate you on how far you have come in the past 2 years. My 2 years will be in August. Take care and God Bless.