One Year Surgiversary... Today!!!

So... first off, a year flies, right? I mean, it just doesn't feel like a year ago and MORE I was on this board, reading surgiversary posts... inspired by them, finding it so incredible that people could transform so much, and really really working to set myself up as good as I could so that I could be as successful.

I hope that I inspire some people, help keep them on track, and let them know that OH is a great place to learn and find support.

I could go on and on about how to eat, what to eat, listen to the Vets on here (because they truly do have the knowledge base to give you all you need), and stay focused... but the hardest part, for me, is learning to actually accept that I have issues with food. Accepting that, truly accepting that, seemed to be something I had the hardest time with.

What are my secrets? Nothing that you don't already know. Diet is ~80% of weight-loss. Period. I would never 'count' any calorie burning program from working out and think I've got extra calories that way. Carbs are addictive nasty creatures... I don't care what your NUT says. They can/will derail you. It might not be the piece of bread you have, but that bread will cause you to want more, and the next thing you know, you're face down in Aunt Matilida's homemade peach cobbler... GO read on Low Carb boards, learn the science behind it, and just accept it. I promise you, It's a doable way of life.

You probably won't dump... so quit hoping that it happens to you so you 'can't' eat that... and just don't eat it.

I'm not perfect. I wasn't perfect. I will never be perfect.... but I worked damn hard, and when I needed to be, I was perfect for long stretches of time.

My journey is only beginning... nothing has changed. Food is one of my addictions, and now I will continue to fight that addiction. This is part of something I need to take care of for the rest of my life.

I'm 52 years old. I had a hysterectomy 4 years ago, I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism 3 years ago. I quit smoking in there as well. These could have been good excuses for not getting to goal... but I didn't allow them to stand in the way. I pray I never come up with a good excuse and gain it back.

Thank you to everyone on here, especially those Vets... really. Especially those people that call you out for not measuring, eating that cookie, drinking that wine, etc... Thank you!!! You guys help keep me informed and accountable

And a big shout out to my doctor... Dr. Ronnie Keith. If you're in Oklahoma and have any questions about doctors, please feel free to reach out to me.

This was this morning... I made him take a pic with me! Hahaha!

One more short story for you... because it's truly in our brains. My doctor had a lapband placed some years ago. He finally quit getting it filled, and as you can see, has issues with his own weight. Why use a doc that has his own eating issues? Besides being a Center of Excellence Doctor, I know that he knows his own limitations. He likes to eat, and can't deal with his eating issues. He knows this, and he knows that WLS isn't magic. When I thanked him for the surgery, he told me I should be thanking myself, because I did most of the work. This isn't magic folks, so if that's what you're looking for, you looking in the wrong place.

And my Before and After Pictures... First done about 2 weeks before surgery (260lbs), and after picture done last night (weight this morning at home 143.6... 143.8 at the doc's office)

Happy Surgiversary!!!!! You've done a GREAT job!!

Thanks, Stacy!!!

What an incredible transformation, while still maintaining that PRICELESS smile!!!

I realize I haven't seen you nekkid, but your skin looks to have done really well. Are you doing anything special?

I very much appreciate all your input, on OH, and I know you inspire ME every single day

I was thinking the same thing, especially about the skin. Your arms and thighs look great. I swear i must be part shar pei - I have that many wrinkles. But I'd rather have the wrinkles than the extra 150 lbs. Congratulations and best wishes!

Thank you! I promise... there are wrinkles and crepe-like skin all over me... it just isn't showing in these pictures!

And my NECK! Ugh....

I really do have loose skin. I am lucky in that I don't have an overhang on my stomach, but my thighs are wrinkly, and my stomach resembles a deflated latex balloon that's been on the floor at your house for a week and my arms are all crepe-y depending on the way I hold them... and my neck looks like my grandmother's!!!

I also have bulging veins all up and down my legs... I hate them.

They just aren't captured in those pictures, I promise.

That said... I'll take it over the weight any day!

The inspiration goes both ways sweetie

Happy Surgiversary Pamela!!! You have done an amazing job and you have always inspired me. You are as real as they come! I am very happy for you

Thanks sweetie! And you too have done a remarkable job! You're almost there too!

Looking amazing!