Surgiversary - WOW, I can't believe it has been a year already.

I can't believe one year ago I was in surgical induction about to have my gastric bypass.  The first few weeks post-op were quite scary but the rest of the year has been so smooth.  I have lost 162 lbs, more than I weigh this morning.  I don't feel deprived or like I am on a diet.  I enjoy food, look forward to eating but am not consumed by desires.  Some foods are new favorites like cottage cheese.  I am interested and a bit scared to see what the next year brings as my cravings and hunger seem to be back to the pre-surgery level. 

Today, we are going for a hike a****kins Glen, the premier waterfall gorge near home.   I would have struggled a year ago to hike this gorge.  I still would have tried but would have been anxious about sweating, too much resting and pains.  Now, no one notices a struggling, sweaty fat woman, just your average 42 year old.  Weird to just blend in . . . I used to think I was invisible, now I really am.

The best thing about the weight loss is that my obesity-related anxiety is gone.  I am still amazed at the spaces I can fit through.  I still wonder about creaks in chairs, beds and floors but now I am less worried about catastrophe.  Turnstyles, booths and seat belts are ok.  Sweating is not instantaneous anymore . . . though not totally better.  The hairy chin has stayed away after another round of laser. 

This website with everyone's experiences and insights has been my primary support during the journey.  All of the food suggestions, "what-to-expect" and sharing of ups-and-downs has been really important to my success.  Thank you!

I always enjoy reading your posts, particularly the down-to-earth yet sunny encouragement you always seem to share. The time you take to write and the thoughts you share are much appreciated! As I get ready for surgery (three weeks from Monday - but who's counting) it's great to hear from you what life is like a year post-surg. Thank you.

Thank you so much for your kind words!  I liked being called sunny!  Keep us updated on your pre-surgery progress!

Congrats on your one year surgiverary and all the weight you have lost!!

I will be 18 months out in a few weeks...can't believe how fast the time goes by and the new life style just becomes life....

I do agree that OH has been a great resource and having local folks too has been nice! Happy Anniversary to you!

deb366

It is so weird that after years of struggling to lose the weight and thinking the lifestyle changes necessary were monumental that with having the tool of restriction (i.e. portion control) it is doable!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! That's exactly what I needed to hear. I've lost weight a number of times in the past but could never keep it off. I'm hoping that WLS will be the tool I need to keep it off this time. I've been intimidated by the lifestyle changes that will be required but am committed to making them. I'm counting on the portion control to provide the reminder/discipline I need to stick to them. Portion control has been my problem all along. I'm not a sweets or carbs junkie -- I just eat too much of everything.

Wow, congrats!  Always good to hear such positive experiences. :-)

I am so happy for you. You have been a source of inspiration and great support to me when i really needed it.

You probably don't even realize how many people you help on here.

Keep up the good work and thanks for your support and wisdom.

Kevin