Today - is a good day!!!!

In 5 days it will be five months since my surgery of 8/26/14. What a ride it has been! The surgery changes not just your weight and appearance but also your mindset. I was afraid that I would not lose weight on this journey but here I am 5 months later and 75 lbs down! And it is not just the weight that is shed but it is also the inches and the emotional baggage that entrenches for those of us who have suffered from obesity for years.  

But even more so, I so enjoy exercise! I so enjoy eating properly and correctly! I so enjoy life! And I certainly enjoy this forum of which I have learned so much-not just about health, exercise and nutrition, but of life.

Expressing my feelings, taking suggestions, making application and even in my short journey being able to guide others is really therapeutic. Life  is a gift and we show appreciation for a gift in how we use it. I don't want to be one of those who stand on a soapbox or bully pulpit and preach pompously as if I have it all figured out because I don't. I still have a LONG way to go. I still have down days, let downs and discouragement....but today I feel blessed and I am happy!

SO THANK YOU ALL!! Even if I've never responded back to you personally I read this forum everyday, your concerns, mistakes, counsel, experiences and in some way, each of you have touched my life. Thank you.

Hi Willie

Congratulations on you're amazing success!  I am not sure where you are located and if attending the OH Event in Raleigh-Durham in October is an option, but what a great place to share your story and pay it forward!  We look forward to your updates!  

 

Congratulations, Willie, on a FANTASTIC five months!  You have a great attitude - so glad to hear that you are out there living life to its fullest 

Great post, Willie! It just goes to show how great life can be when you're feeling good. And you're feeling good because you've stuck to your plan, instead of making excuses. Be proud!

What an inspiration Willie thank you!  You have just validated some of what I have been feeling too, I had my surgery on 12/08/14, so far mostly good & yes I too enjoy exercise more than I have in years, I feel motivated have been getting out and socializing more and just feel more energy all around.  My mood is uplifted and I am so grateful.  Thank you for sharing your success and story!

Great job Willie.

Congrats, Willie!  You're doing great!

I loved reading this positive, warm post. Thanks for sharing, and hooray for your success!

Congratulations on your success. Keep the positive mindset. In April it will be five years already that I had my RNY. It's so hard to believe that it's been that long! Your adrenaline and great endorphins are kicked in now but down the road it gets harder and harder. I constantly remember to STOP eating when I am full....NOT STUFFED....It's a struggle to exercise for me as I have very brittle bones(fracturing 5 bones in pelvis last Feb)and living in ND where the outdoors are far from ideal....working out inside drives me crazy. I was 222 and am 162. I hope to lose more again(taking off 20 lbs)but I feel good and clothes fit well. I went from a size 18+ to a 10/12. I try NOT to dwell on the sizes of clothing since they are so varied and it can do a game in your head...Keep up the good work. I'd do this again in a heartbeat!!

Thank you. And I agree that right now I am positive-full of endorphins and adrenaline!!! Yet I know reality is always there. And what you say about eating to STUFFED-isn't it amazing how we still do that-although we know we've had more than enough? I hope like you one day I can say after 5 years that I am still working the program. Many who have not had WLS thinks it is easy and a cheat but really, it makes you realize even more how important exercise and eating properly is! Yes, the surgery gave us a boost, much like a friend may shove us in a race to get us started, but it is still WE that must keep on the journey. it is still WE that must make the right turns and still WE who must choose the right paths and WE who must continue on when tired.

That is why I have so much respect for those of you who have been on this journey two years, even 1 year and after, because I'm sure it does get old, you do become discouraged- the realities of families, relationships, anxieties, issues and problems remain right there, yet you're still in the game, still walking that journey! For us newbies, we're jacked! Weight is falling off, people are commenting positively toward us, we feel re-energized and we want to get on that soapbox and preach! But the reality is the higher we put ourselves the longer we have to fall. And also at this point we are sensitive, we are open wounds, I see that in how quick I and other new ones have panicked when we did not lose weight for one week! So I'm trying to keep balance, trying to keep things in perspective, asking, begging for help, suggestions, advice, even constructive counsel when needed and the experiences from those of you who have been where I am going. THAT's MY KEY-you guys are part of my tool!!  

MY way have not worked for 20 years so while I do appreciate the surgery and the effect it is having right now, when those tough times come-AND THEY WILL- I hope I remain humble and walk on the shoulders of those who have walked before me, and 5 years from now-like you-helping others. Thank you.