A time for reflection....

One year ago today I started my new life. I underwent gastric bypass surgery and began my journey to where I am today. Life for me prior to surgery was not pretty.... -I weighed 292 pounds and wore a size 24 pants and XXL t-shirt. -My back hurt -(alot!!)- and all of the time. -I had constant heartburn. -By the end of the day, I could hardly walk from my car to my front door because my feet hurt so bad (plantar fasciitis). -I lived on Advil and Aleve. -I was always tired. -I was always sweating - even in the middle of the winter. -I had high blood pressure. -I had borderline diabetes. -I was sick all of the time. -I never wanted to go anywhere or do anything. -I was afraid of what people thought of me. -I was so unhappy with life in general. What a difference one year makes.... -I now weigh 167 pounds (7 to goal)and wear a size 10 or 12 pants and a medium or large t-shirt. -My back very rarely (if ever) hurts. -Heartburn was eliminated during surgery (they fixed my hiatal hernia). -My feet do not hurt anymore at all. -Very rarely do I ever take even Tylenol. -My energy is generally very good. I do not tire easily at all anymore. -I am cold all of the time - what a switch!! -Blood pressure is normal, and my sugar levels are perfect. -I have not been sick since one year ago in November. -You can't keep me at home now. -While peoples opinions of me do matter, my opinion of myself matters much more. -I am happier than I have been in years! To have this surgery was a blessing for me. I know that there are people out there that have had alot of problems, and I truly do feel so bad for them, but for me, this surgery has saved my life. I have gained so much that I did not even realize I was missing. I have gotten my quality of life back. For that, I will always be thankful, and I will always be grateful. Jessica P. LapRnY 12/08/03 (292/167/160)

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!! I know in the short time I've been post op my life has changed drastically!!! Keep up the fantastic work!!!!

Thank you so much Dee Dee! I was so amazed when I realized that it had been a year. It really has flown by for me. I had no idea when I started out that I would ever make it this close to my goal so quickly. I am so thankful every day that I had the courage to go ahead and follow through with this surgery. It has been alot of work, but so very well worth it all!!! Jessica

Hi Jessica, I am so happy for you!! As you know, we have the same Dr. and my surgery is next week. I hope mine goes as well as yours. Keep up the good work. Martha

Hello Martha! Thank you so much! I already have your date written down on my calendar.... I will have you in my thoughts and prayers and I will be eagerly looking for an update on you! Take care of yourself and don't worry.... I have faith yours will go just as smooth as mine did! Jessica

Hello Jessica. Congratulations! I can't wait until I get the chance to have the wls. There's alot in my life that I've missed out on to. Thank you so much for sharing your progress with us, I love to hear about the positive side of wls. God bless you and your family, Tiffany.

Thank you Tiffany! I have always enjoyed reading through peoples profiles, especially when I was pre-op. That is the reason that I have tried to keep mine as up to date as I can. I feel like if my experiences can help someone like others have helped me, it is the least that I can do! Good luck to you on your journey!!! Jessica

Happy Anniversary!!! Congratulations on your tremendous weight loss, Jessica! Your post was very inspirational. Thank you!!! Hugs, Becky

Becky, Thank you so much. It makes me feel wonderful to know that people have actually read what I have written, especially since I very rarely post anything! Congrats to you also on your success.... and do check into that b-12. It made a world of difference to me! God Bless, Jessica

Jessica, I am so happy for you that you have reached such a great milestone! I myself, am just over two years out, and I know just how you feel when you said that the surgery saved your life. I really didn't have any post op problems either, and getting the Ins approval was fairly simple. I feel for the people here who are having problems with recovery and or Ins issues. Would I do it again? You betcha! I wish you all of the success and happiness that you deserve, I have found that this is not an easy road, I am having to deal with my food issues again, but I am hopeful that I will get them taken care of without gaining any weight. Take Care, Cathy Martin