Living Life 11 Years Post Weight Loss Surgery

Today marks 11 years since my weight loss surgery, so of course that deserves a blog post. As most post-ops would I delved into my computer files to find a good “before and after” picture. Yet, I seem to have many after pictures, actually I have many before pictures as well. April 7, 2003 wasn’t the beginning of my journey, I had already began years earlier to improve my health, surgery was merely a step in what was and continues to be an incredible unpredictable journey.

In the past 11+ years my life has been filled with moments of great accomplishments and moments of even greater challenges. And I can honestly say I would not change one moment of my journey so far. I am healthier, wiser, happier, funnier (is that possible?), cuter and definitely stronger!

So as I’m scrolling through various pictures of me at different stages of my journey, highest weight, pre-op weight, pictures of my legs, lowest weight, pre reconstructive surgery, slight regain, a lot more regain.

Then it hit me. No, no, no. No before and after pictures!

First of all this is my LIFE, there is no before and after, it’s always in progress. I’m in the midst of completing a Masters in Health Law, I have two new articles about my Lipedema and Lymphedema Advocacy scheduled to be published in the upcoming months, and I have five conferences on my schedule for 2014.

Second, my entire message is that weight loss surgery success is not about weight, not about a number on the scale, not about how I looked then verses how I look now, it’s about health.

My journey is not about how I look, it is about how I’m living!

But Sarah according to the WLS rules you MUST post a picture on your surgiversary!

Fine! Here you go…a more realistic BEFORE….and to be continued…..

Sarah have this is the best post; I find it frustrating that people get so focused on weight loss they lose sight of the primary benefits of WLS which is improved health and lifestyle. You are great; congratulations on all you achievements!

Thank you! I just saw my PCP a couple weeks ago, she did full blood work and as they have always been cholesterol and glucose were normal, my BP is normal, and my mild sleep apnea has been resolved since 2004. I also had a check up with a new cardiologist, because I was born with a hole in my heart which was closed in 2006, and all is well in that area too. 

I'm glad you are doing so well. I know from your profile that you have Lymphedema. A member of my support group named Robin Moran also had this disease. Robin was a brave woman and I remember how this medical condition affected her daily life. I know that its not easy and you are an inspiration for all of us.

My 9 year anniversary was this weekend, I went away, made a big deal about it and treated it like a real celebration.  No one understand why it is so important to me, when I say its my re-birthday my boyfriend just rolls his eyes as if I am trying to coax an extra gift giving holiday out of the year.  But to me my wls anniversary is the day I chose to begin living again instead of existing.  It is the date I celebrate ME.  And I won't apologize to anyone for how I do it, or what I post about it.  We each have a different journey, there is no one size fits all.  Post whatever or nothing if you want.  It is your day to mark however you choose.

Congrats on your continued success.

Hey, congratulations to you, too, Heidi!!!

You always have been an inspiration for me over the years, and I love your grit and honesty and straightness in the face of whatever.

Thank you!

Thank you Heidi congrats to you too! I just returned from Miami a week ago, there are many special days in my life around this time of year and overall I celebrate life any chance I get.

You are a wonderful inspiration Sarah!  

Congratulations, Sarah - you have always been an inspiration and as you say, having resolved some of your co-morbidities and being able to live a happier and healthier life is the definition of success!

Congratulations on recovering your health. I love the pics.