3 years and 393 pounds later.....

This weekend I'm going to be celebrating 3 years since my surgery.  I really don't have much to say that I haven't told you all before.  I'll just say it again.  I'm happy to have had this surgery.  It did save my life.  I know my health was going and I likely would not have been here today to talk with any of you or share my experiences without it. I'm working on my "to do" list since surgery.  I marked another accomplishment off my list this past weekend.  I went to Detroit without my husband.  My husband is a rock for me and I wanted to show myself I could do something alone.  Technically speaking I did go with a friend, but still alone in my eyes.  I enjoy the company of my husband, but knowing I could do things alone made me feel empowered.  He was very happy for me.   My friend Pat and I had plenty of room to spare, and no need for seat belt extenders on the plane!  My travel friend Pat :-)  I came home to him wanting to get me a new car, so we went to just test drive.... However the car is now in the driveway!   I am thankful everyday for all the opportunities I've had since my surgery that I never imagined.  I now am able to work full time.  Although I never was on disability I qualified for it and this surgery got me to a place of getting back into the work force.  I missed working.  It gives me something to look forward to each day and giving back to others in the same token.  I couldn't ask for a better job.   I'm going to be marking off another "to do" item this weekend.  Kenneth set up for me to go to Glamour Shots, so I'll be having that done.  Just something fun and he wants me to feel special.  I have almost hit 400 pounds lost.  Anytime I go on a long trip my legs still swell up on me.  I think I've almost reached the loss.  For once I feel normal.  Although I'll never be a size 6 or whatever.....  For me this is what I dreamed about.  I didn't have surgery to be a super model, I just wanted to be able to move, to live, to walk.  I have reached all those things and more... So I am at my goal.  Maybe in the next year or so I'll be doing other plastic surgeries, but I'm not sure.  I didn't expect perfection and with the amount of skin I could never expect my body to be perfect.  I have learned that my legs will never be perfect, I'll always be bottom heavy and I'll always have Lymphedema.  I just remind myself when I wake up each day, just that... I WOKE UP!      Most of all I have many people to thank for getting this far.  The people who have supported me all these years.  My family is a huge support.   It is nice to know you did something with your life to really be proud of.  I turned my life around and didn't let the obesity win.  We are ALL winners

  way to go Amy!!!

Thanks for sharing Amy, you are a wonderful caring person and I wish you continued success.  Lorraine

Thank you!

Isn't it wonderful to have the confidence to try new things!  I always feel a bit "stronger" when I can go to an unfamiliar city and get out alive!  I am the world's worst when it comes to directions.   Your story is always such an encouragement. Keep up the good work. Sally

You are right it does make you stronger. It's so hard to describe. Thanks for the support!

Thank you for sharing Amy, you are a real example of what is possible. I just had my six month check-up today and while I was happy with my weight loss(114lbs) I had hoped for a lttle more, but then I realized that i probably would not have lost a third of what I have lost on my own, so thanks again for sharing and letting us know what can be achieved with hard work and time.

114 pounds in 6 months is wonderful! You are doing really well! Just keep going and you'll get there.

Hi Amy, Happy 3 Year Anniversary!!! You have done awesome. Congratulations!!!! Thanks for sharing your pics.

Congratulations! You look amazing and moreover you seem like everything has just fallen into place. Good luck!