Came to Share

I used to be a regular here.  In fact, this forum is probably what got me through my first year after surgery.  I couldn't understand why veterans didn't keep up their pages.  Now I do understand.  Life starts to exist outside of the cyber world because you now have energy for the life that is out there.

 2 years ago today I had WLS.  At initial appointment I weighed 443.5 pounds.  At the day of surgery I was 410 lbs.  My goal - to get to around 250 lbs.  My unrealistic pie in the sky goal - to get to 180 lbs. I couldn't ask for more that 250 lbs, that would be greedy.  I weighed over 200 lbs in 4th grade.  Getting there as an adult - IMPOSSIBLE.  Well guys, it is possible!

Again, I was a regular.  I wanted to be a socially acceptable size and I would hunt down pics of SMO patients on OH and I would compare myself to them and be so envious when a SMO patient got below 200 and my perceived reality of 250 was easier to digest when I saw someone I admired get to the goal.  

Today my goal is the encourage you to shoot for the stars.  I am hear as proof that the pie in the sky goals do happen.  As of this morning I weighed 170.5 lbs .... that is 273 lbs lost.  I play with five pounds and have gotten and maintained as low as 168 lbs.  People are surprised at my current weight when I tell them because apparently I look much smaller than someone who would weigh 170 lbs.  I tell them that's because even though I had 26.5 lbs of belly removed, I still have lots of hanging skin that clothes hides so well.  In addition to the weight, I have lost over 180 inches off of my body.  In sizes, I've gone from a tight 6x to a size 12 in pants and a medium in shirts.  Shopping is a never ending task for me.

The only word I know to use is: SURREAL.  This entire experience has been surreal.  I never knew life as a socially acceptable size and now I do.  I was popular as a SMO woman and now no one recognizes me.  I am the stranger among familiars.  That has taken some getting used to.

While I have spoke of my physical successes of WLS that for me was the easier part.  It has been the emotional baggage that has been difficult for me.  But, no matter the struggles, I wouldn't change my life today for the world.

That is why I wanted to post today.  I wanted you to dare to dream of great things for yourself because there are others like myself who have come before you and succeeded.  Know that I am not special.  I followed the rules initially and then made new eating habits fit my lifestyle.  I made the commitment to live differently in all areas of my life and I am sure that is what has contributed to my success.  I have no doubt each one of you has the same drive and determination to succeed by doing things differently.  You CAN do it!

I want to say thank you so much!!! My weight the day of surgery was 456, I'm a month out and at 420 now, my goal is to get to 200 because I myself don't think its possible to get any lower. But since you just wrote this I have hope now!!

 If I've learned anything in the past 2 years, it's that nothing is impossible.  I wish continued success!

 Thanks for sharing!  The ideal weight for my body they said is 176.  That seems so small to me!  I was thinking if I can get to 220-230 I could be happy with that.  But maybe your right, maybe 200?  :)  Surgery is next week!   

 My ideal weight is 125 lbs.  As far as the calculators are concerned, I am still obese.  I'll take these 170 obese lbs any day.  Our bodies know better than any chart what is ideal for us.  You do your part and let your body do the rest.  Best wishes on your upcoming surgery!

I can't thank you enough for your post! My surgery will be 2 months ago on Saturday and I can honestly say it still doesn't feel "real". Since it doesn't feel real it is hard for me to imagine lasting success.
You give me hope and inspiration for the rest of the journey.
CONGRATULATIONS on your fabulous success. I know your life is very full now, but we could sure use you around here from time to time! God Bless.

 I wish I could tell you that after 2 years your going to be fine and it will all be real for you.  Even with the dumping, even with the constant clothes size change, even with the unending compliments - it still does not feel real to me.  I am amazed on a daily basis that this is MY body.  That doesn't mean I don't enjoy the new me.  Keep the faith alive and you will get to enjoy the fruits of your labor too!

Welcome home...

First off let me say Congratulations on your success..  273 lbs lost...   WOW that is so amazing..     

 
I am so glad that you decided to get back on this forum and post this today.. What a great inspiration.. So many of us struggle to get it in our heads that this is going to work out and that we might actually get to our goal..  Your post has really made that seem possible to me now, and from the posts in reply to you I see that is what is happening to others too..

  Thank you so much for posting.. Please stick around and post again when you can...we can sure use the inspiration here on >50...  and so appreciate the encouragement...

huggs...

 You are welcomed.  I admit I am a lurker more these days.  I will do my best to come by here more often.  I also promise that when I do come it will be to share the good and the bad.  I've had my fair share of both.  This journey is not easy and it is easy to get discouraged - however, there is nothing like the reward of knowing you took charge of your life and made a difference for yourself.  Remind yourself often of your successes and reward yourself along the way - it worked for me and it can work for you too!

Thanks so much for your post. We here all have such a long row to hoe compared to the lightweights. It's very easy to get discouraged.

Patti