Difference a year can make

It is hard for me to believe that a year ago today I underwent WLS. I know time is suppose to go faster as you get older but with all the changes that I have gone through, the year has flown by. A year ago I was 279lbs. Today I am 133lbs and have lost a total of 99 inches. I've gone from a size 22/24 to a size 2 or 4. Physically the changes have been radical but emotionally the roller coaster has been just as dramatic. Some days I am amazed that people don't recognize me but then there are days I don't recognize myself. A few months ago I was in an elevator that had very polished walls. I could not stop looking at myself. It was the first time I realized how small I had become. There are days when I just keep looking at myself to convience myself that it is real and not the dream I wished for a year ago. I am one of the lucky ones. I've had no complications from the surgery. Sure I get the foamies when I misbehave. I dump on the strangest things. But my life is so much better for it. I don't hurt after standing all day. I have the energy to do things after work that I never did before and I can walk up 6 flights of steps and have a conversation. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the resources to have this surgery. When I see obese people I want to run up and hug them and tell them that there is a way to make things better. I know the misery and pain that they are experiencing. There is nothing joyful about being miserable and embarrassed about who you are. After years of feeling like a failure, I feel like I have arrived at who the real me is suppose to be. As we all do at a year out, I've had my cathartic reflection on who I was, who I am and how I got here. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. denise

Congratulations and thank you Denise. You have made me reafirm why I had this surgery. I wish you continued success, with the WLS and life. Be happy living life. Barb

Happy Anniversary, Dear Denise!!! When I get to 133 lbs, will I be able to dance like you? JK I am soooooo proud of your incredible success. You look AMAZING!!! I love you, Friend!!! Hugs, Becky

Honey you can shake it now. We have to show these young kids that us oldsters still have it! denise

DENISE, THANKS FOR SHARING THIS POST. I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!! WHEN I SAW YOU THIS PAST SATURDAY I JUST THOUGHT NOW THAT IS THE SIZE I WANT TO BE, BUT WAS TOO SHY TO ASK YOUR WEIGHT OR CLOTHES SIZE. I STARTED AT RIGHT ABOUT WHERE YOU DID AT 278 AND HAVE LOST 70LBS. IN 4 1/2 MONTHS. READING YOUR POST MADE ME FEEL LIKE I HAVE HOPE OF REACHING MY GOAL OF 150 AND MAYBE EVEN LESS. AGAIN,THANK YOU FOR SHARING, AND CONGRATULATIONS!! RACHEL

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us on the board. It is inspirational for us who have a ways to go! Happy Dance for your success! Hugs Kelly S

Congrats on your success Denise! I so enjoyed talking with you the other night, and I even took your advice and went to the Nearly New shop (found a great J Crew sweater and Nine West shoes!). You are a true inspiration for those who are in the research/pre-op stage and for those in the post-op/honeymoon phase. You look fantastic, and I wish you continued happiness and polished walls or mirrors so you can continue to see the beautiful, tiny you! Much Ginger

Hey Ginger! Where is the Nearly New Store!? OMG! I feel the need to SHOP! Don't tell me.... no tell me, please tell me...no don't....yes please tell! Vanessa

Hey Ginger! Had a blast with you at Wild Bills! Tell me again where that Nearly New shop is, I MUST buy a coat this weekend, I am freezing! Hugs Kelly S

Kelly The Nearly New Shop is on Howell Mill Road in Atlanta. If you go I-75S to the Howell Mill Exit then turn left. It is on the right about a half of a mile down. It is in the Kroger Shopping Plaza. They have a lot of coats there now. If it had not been for the Jr League of Atlanta, I would have been at work naked this past year. denise