Stellar Year with Pics!~
Well I was hesitant to post pre-op photos because I was horrified at my beast-like appearance; once-pretty features had been distorted by fat, and it made me feel negative emotions. In fact, when I became a member of OH over a year ago, I chose a colorful dancing bear as my avatar, at first. Well I decided to post the before and after (so far) to appreciate the progress and to encourage other very high BMI'ers. So check the profile.
I had my one year post-op appointment at my surgeon's office/bariatric clinic, and we were more than pleased to clock a 168-pound weight loss since 3/31/09 RNY! My BMI plummeted from a 58+ to a 34 and dropping, I gained checkbones, collarbones, the beginnings of an actual waist and a long neck, and I'm so very thrilled with how I'm looking and feeling. The bariatric team was equally happy, and my surgeon provided me with the card and recommendation of a friend/plastic surgeon for reconstruction (sounds so very scary!). My one-year labs were ordered, and I'll get that done and share on here for advice. I go back to my bariatric surgeon in one year unless I want to see him sooner. My nut was happily surprised at my compliance and progress as she had been frustrated by my 20-lb. gain during my six-month pre-op nutritional tracking period. I had truly become powerless over my insatiable appetite, plus I irrationally thought I had to enjoy ALL my favorite comfort foods (they are a lot of them!) at least one more time before D-Day.
Those of us with very high starting BMIs will relate to the dramatic difference a year brings, post-op. Sure, we're not strutting in bikinis or at goal weight yet, but the tremendous drop in pounds has made movement so much less effort! We fit into chairs, booths, seatbelts, we aren't out of breath with the most minimal activity, and we're well on our way to "normalcy." Many have ceased to take life-sustaining meds because terrible comorbids have disappeared.
I thank all of you faithful posters on OH (RNY and BMI>50) for the awesome support and invaluable information. Particularly those of you that began with very high BMI's, I feel a kindred connection with your trials and tribulations and am in awe of your accomplishments. I know that I will reach "goal"--whatever that ends up being--because I've seen it done by you! My family, especially my mother, my beloved SigOt who is a professional pastry chef (!), my coworkers, friends and doggies have all helped in meaningful ways. Now Dave and I work as a team in the kitchen as I assist in converting favorite recipes to healthier versions. As a wonderful side effect, Dave has lost almost 50 lbs. this past year. What a great thing, to have a full life ahead and the boundless energy to enjoy all of it!
Happy Easter and PeaCe,
Linda in S FL
I had my one year post-op appointment at my surgeon's office/bariatric clinic, and we were more than pleased to clock a 168-pound weight loss since 3/31/09 RNY! My BMI plummeted from a 58+ to a 34 and dropping, I gained checkbones, collarbones, the beginnings of an actual waist and a long neck, and I'm so very thrilled with how I'm looking and feeling. The bariatric team was equally happy, and my surgeon provided me with the card and recommendation of a friend/plastic surgeon for reconstruction (sounds so very scary!). My one-year labs were ordered, and I'll get that done and share on here for advice. I go back to my bariatric surgeon in one year unless I want to see him sooner. My nut was happily surprised at my compliance and progress as she had been frustrated by my 20-lb. gain during my six-month pre-op nutritional tracking period. I had truly become powerless over my insatiable appetite, plus I irrationally thought I had to enjoy ALL my favorite comfort foods (they are a lot of them!) at least one more time before D-Day.
Those of us with very high starting BMIs will relate to the dramatic difference a year brings, post-op. Sure, we're not strutting in bikinis or at goal weight yet, but the tremendous drop in pounds has made movement so much less effort! We fit into chairs, booths, seatbelts, we aren't out of breath with the most minimal activity, and we're well on our way to "normalcy." Many have ceased to take life-sustaining meds because terrible comorbids have disappeared.
I thank all of you faithful posters on OH (RNY and BMI>50) for the awesome support and invaluable information. Particularly those of you that began with very high BMI's, I feel a kindred connection with your trials and tribulations and am in awe of your accomplishments. I know that I will reach "goal"--whatever that ends up being--because I've seen it done by you! My family, especially my mother, my beloved SigOt who is a professional pastry chef (!), my coworkers, friends and doggies have all helped in meaningful ways. Now Dave and I work as a team in the kitchen as I assist in converting favorite recipes to healthier versions. As a wonderful side effect, Dave has lost almost 50 lbs. this past year. What a great thing, to have a full life ahead and the boundless energy to enjoy all of it!
Happy Easter and PeaCe,
Linda in S FL
"A box of rain will ease the pain
and love will see you through." R. Hunter
and love will see you through." R. Hunter
Oh Linda! I am so happy for your success! And your pictures are gorgeous! My own personal goal is 160 pounds in a year, but I don't know that I will make it. So, I'll take what I get with a smile! Congratulations to you sweetie!!! 
p.s: If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got... 
Thanks, everybody, for the kind words of encouragement! It's funny how after getting down to a certain size you don't run from the camera anymore! My coworkers are having a "makeover night" when they will be giving me cosmetic tips, lessons in walking in heels, dressing more sexy, etc...should be fun with a glass of wine! Have a good rest-of-the week!~
~Linda
~Linda
"A box of rain will ease the pain
and love will see you through." R. Hunter
and love will see you through." R. Hunter
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