WOW - it's been a year!

Today is my one year WLS anniversary.....and what a year it's been. So many things have happened. So many things have changed. I've discovered some good things about myself and some bad things. I definately have been on a journey of self-discovery for the last 365 days. For the first time in my life, I love myself. I still have way too high expectations of myself. I still kick my own butt from time to time (and way harder than anyone else every could). I still struggle at times with that old 'stinkin thinkin' and reach for that bag of potatoe chips to comfort me.......sometimes I eat a few and sometimes I realize WHY I'm doing it and make the right choice and don't eat them. Physically speaking, I feel better than I did when I was 20. I've been stuck at 143 pounds for three months now (18 pounds from MY goal of 125).....but I've decided that it's ok if I never get to 125. I will continue to TRY to make good food choices and get my water in and if it happens, fine......if not, I'm still a success. Most days I am successful in making healthy food choices but I learned early out that I cannot deprieve myself and if anyone were to ask me the most important thing I've learned in this year, that would be it. If I've craved something, I've had it......a wise lady told me about 11 months ago, "kim, if it's that important, have it. It will either a). make you sick b). satisfy the craving or c). make you realize that you don't like it anymore. And that has been very true for me. I made the decision to have WLS to be healthier and live like a normal person and normal people eat birthday cake.....but thankfully now, I just eat a few bites and not the entire cake! My Rheumatoid Arthritis has flared up three times in the past year - as opposed to the monthly flare ups prior to WLS. My blood pressure is perfect. My sugar levels are stable. I don't have acid reflux. My skin is clear. My back and hips don't hurt constantly. I FEEL GOOD. I'd forgotten what that was like. I'm so thankful to all of you that have traveled along beside me on this journey and I'm sure the continuing journey ahead will lead us down many more roads - some with twists and turns - but because of all of you and the support that I receive here with you, I know that I will make it through whatever life throws my way. I am a strong woman and pretty proud of me today. Peace and blessings to you all, Kim

Hey Kim, I am so happy for you. You have done wonderfully and have a good sense of judgement about things. I was looking at your profile a while back...and you know you have always been a very pretty lady, now you are just a healthier one. Congratulations to you....keep in touch. Maybe one day soon we can have lunch at the galleria. I have to get past this back hurting issue and I would love to. Beth G P.S. Did you get the pictures of Joni's purse that I sent you? I know you wanted to make one.

AWWW thanks Beth!! You are so good for my ego I pray everyday that you get your approval for surgery.....you deserve it so much and I KNOW that it is going to help your back pain tremendously. I dealt with back and hip pain for way too long, so I feel your pain. It sucks to be zombied out on pain pills. I did not get any pics from you.....did you send it to [email protected]? I already have the jeans.....just gotta find the time to sew! Let's go to lunch soon. I can meet you somewhere if you don't want to come to the Galleria. Just let me know and I will be there Kim

Kim, I just resent the pictures. I sent them to you through alltell.net from me but through AOL...im [email protected] Beth

congratulations!!! Its slips by fast, doesnt it. Im almost at 6 months, and I cant believe it has gone by this fast. It is an amazing journey. Sandy