One yr refections

Today I had my One Year anniversary. I cannot believe that a whole year has past since I had an RNY. Never could I have imagined all that would follow both good and bad. I feel like I have been on quite the rollercoaster. The changes in my body are only half of it and have been nothing short of amazing. I weigh less than HALF of what I weighed walking into the operating room. I started this journey at 465 and now weight 209 this has been one magic carpet ride. I would like to thank all that have helped me on this journey over the past 365 days. The support that I have received has been nothing short of marvelous. I have gone from a BMI of 62.7 to my current BMI of 25.4 This is incredible. I never really defined myself by the metal monster but I must admit I now do daily weigh in's. Just because I like to see those numbers on the scale. I have gone from a waist size of 64 to 34. Where did the 30 Inches go? I track all sorts of data and have an excel spreadsheet that lists everything and I now can't function with out fit day. One thing that pop's out at me is a note that I wrote on 2-6-06 to myself that I opened today. It Says I am doing this for me. Not for my family or friends but for me. Tomorrow you start your new life. I feel better after reading my thoughts from last year. As you never know what the next step in life is. But if you don't keep going you're never going to find out. By trying to stay relaxed and positive a hard thing for me to do most days I can handle just about any thing that comes my way. I find these days that instead of eating that if I go for a run it helps me clear my head and I can tackle what ever life throws at me next. I look forward to the next year and all of the experiences that are out there awaiting me. I have been amazed at the simplest things over the past year. Being able to shop at Wal-mart and Target and being able to fasten the seat belt in my midlife crisis car. A BMW Z3 That I bought shortly after a dear friend was diagnosed with cancer. I used to have to use an extender that I had custom made. Now I fit without it. I don't think Me a Grad quite yet as I still have several demons yet to conquer. Thanks for listening to me rant. It's been a great trip around the sun. Doug.

Doug, congrats. What a great testimony. Thanks.

Hey Doug, Good too see ya. Congrats on a great year and here is to another. Go get em. Scott

Hi Doug, Congrats on a great success, with more to come, I'm sure. I don't think you're ranting at all. This is a great post--encouraging and inspiring to the rest of us. I know what it's like to have WLS for your family as well as for yourself. And I've no doubt that having a great first name helps too! Thanks for sharing your insights and experience. Doug

WOW! Congrats and thanks for sharing. That got me fired up. I can't imagine myself in thirty- inch jeans or behind the wheel of a sports car... but who knows. I may own a Corvette yet!

Doug, I know exactly how you feel and I'm very happy for you. After a lifetime of being fat it feels pretty darn good to be proud of yourself. It is too bad that our normal weight friends don't realize how lucky they are. One of your comments really struck home for me. You said, "I am doing this for me. Not for my family or friends but for me. Tomorrow you start your new life". That is so true. I thought of all kinds of reasons to justify my decision to my wife and family. I said things like I wanted to live long enough to see my granddaughters walk down the wedding aisle or I wanted to be able to hunt pheasants with my 76 year old father again. Those are true, but they are not the fundamental reason I chose WLS. I chose it because I wanted to feel good about myself again. You have succeeded my friend... and so have I. For you pre-op guys who are reading this, take note. Don't be afraid to be selfish and choose WLS for yourself, not for others. Congratulations Doug. You have made my day. May Your Lantern Burn Bright, Paul

Doug, Congrates on a Great year!!! Here's to Many, Many more to come! Now you're headed into the- "When is it no longer 'About The Surgery' part of life! Keep up the amazing work!!! And be sure to ENJOY the ride.... Best Wishes- Dx

Wow - great job Doug! Congratulations!! Steve

Doug; Thats an inspiring account of the last year for you. I also did it for myself, I guess I am selfish that way, I want a lot of good years to be in front of me. I am only 3 months out but they did go quickly, I hope my 1 year will be as positive as yours! Keep it up, life is good!

Thanks to all that replied. Doug.