One-Year Surgeversary!!

Today I’m celebrating my 1-year surgeversay. Can’t believe how much has changed since my RNY. Here are my current stats:

Highest Weight: 310 lbs
Surgery Weight: 300 lbs (on 08 Oct 10)
Doctor’s Goal Weight: 200 lbs
My Goal Weight: 190 lbs
Current Weight: 178 lbs

Total Loss: 132 lbs (from highest weight)
Total Post-Surgery Loss: 122 lbs

So far I’ve lost the combined equivalent of a new-born giraffe and a rack of baby back ribs. 

Prior to surgery I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, neuropathy (hadn’t felt my feet for 6+ months) and had all the symptoms of diabetes (although my blood sugar level was “normal"). All those problems are now history and my physical and mental health is better than it’s been in many years.

I remember how difficult it was to travel and get around. It was very hard to get myself in my cars because my belly was always rubbing against the steering wheel. And, the shocks on the car would always fail first on “my" side and the vehicle was always skewed / leaning.

It was very difficult getting myself into an airplane seat and I always carried a seat belt extender (too embarrassed to ask the flight crew for one). I lived in fear that the airlines would start requiring me to purchase 2 seats. And, there was the additional hassle of having to get my CPAP machine through TSA security. It was always a hassle and embarrassment to have to take the machine out of the case for the TSA inspection.

Then there were the travel restrictions when I went on cruises. I remember wanting to do helicopter rides while visiting Hawaii, Alaska, or the Caribbean. But, there were always weight restrictions and I was usually too fat to ride. And, when I did find a side trip that would allow someone of my weight, I can to pay an extra fee for being overweight. Plus, there was the embarrassment of having to be weighed before the helicopter rides so they could evenly distribute the weight.

There were also other excursions I couldn’t do because it required hiking or mobility that wasn’t possible for me with my weight. In short, my ability to live a “normal" life was being restricted by my weight.

Now, after losing the weight, flying is a breeze. I can easily fit in the seats and no longer carry the seat belt extension. I don’t miss packing around the CPAP machine and can easily fit into smaller / inexpensive rental cars.

I really appreciate my WLS clinic and their wonderful program. Granted, it was a hassle and emotional stress trying to get insurance approval. I was lucky enough to get approved on the first submittal but the waiting and uncertainty was horrible.

 

I also have found this forum and my local support groups to be an essential part of my post-op life. Thanks so much for those who post here and have provided help, support, and encouragement.

For those just starting this journey, I can tell you that it’s one of the best things to ever happened to me. It’s well worth the investment of your time and money.

Great Message.
I had my surgery 9/26/2011 and its amazing how I can relate to everything you said.  I am looking forward to my new life.  Thanks for the story, and congratulations.

Congrats on having the surgery and thanks for your words of support and encouragement. Believe me, this site (and particularly this forum) have played a big part in my weight loss life.

I assume your WLS clinic provided a road map for eating. I'd really encourage you to follow that closely and follow their guidelines. The people with the most success seem to follow a fairly strict post-op diet. It's a hassle but the results are really worth it.

Best of luck and welcome to the Loser's Bench.

Way to go One Finger! Congratulations! and here's to your continued success while you maintain! Its people like you, that people like me, who arent as far along, look up to. Thanks for being a role model!!

Craig

Thanks, Craig. Looks like you and I are very similar in our weight loss goals. You're well on your way and looks like you're doing fine.

Keep up the good work.

Congratulations!  Thank you for reminding me of all of the reasons I had surgery.  Just over three years out, it is harder and harder to remember the realities of being morbidly obese, surgery and the weight loss process!  Your eloquent summary really brought it all back.  Thank you!

I'm the one that should be thanking you. I remember when I first joined this group you were one of the first people to welcome me and I was amazed at your progress.

Community support has played a big role in my weight loss achievement. I love this site and the encouragement it's provided.

Now, on to living a much more active and fuller life!!

 Congrats on your Surgeriversary 

Thanks, Sandy.

Congrats!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience.  You helped remind me today of all of the things that make this journey worthwhile.

Bill