Mount Obesity, One Year Ago

Gentlemen, Today is the one-year anniversary of my RNY weight loss surgery.  As I reflect on this past year, I can’t help but look back on my journey to better health as if it were an expedition down from a metaphorical mountaintop.  The mountain’s name was Obesity, where the summit was cold, dark, and lonely.  The air was thin at the top and it was difficult to breath.  Life on the mountain was becoming miserable. I spent many sad years on Mt. Obesity, but I had become comfortable there so I was reluctant to leave, though I tried many times.  I didn’t realize how unhappy I was.  But, I also knew that somewhere there was a bright and warm valley where I could find better health and happiness; it’s just that I could never seem to find my way.  I tried different trails but they always brought me back to where I started.  Eventually I gave up looking for the green valley and accepted the fact that I would be condemned to my prison on Mt. Obesity for the rest of my life. Then one day I discovered there was another path to the valley.  The sign at the top of the trail said “WLS Trail à”.  The trail appeared steep and dangerous and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take it; but given the choice of a slow death on Mt. Obesity or living to see my grandchildren grow into adults, I chose to follow the WLS trail. The going was slow at the beginning of the trail as I was unsure of my footing.  There were many boulders to go around and ravines to cross, but I was able to negotiate them and I kept going.  Before I knew it I came to another sign.  It said, “Point of No Return – Last Chance to Turn Back”.  From there I could see that the trail was much steeper and it disappeared into a fog.  I stood at the “Point of No Return” one year ago today and wondered if I should continue down the trail.  I was scared, but I was excited too.  I wanted to get down from the mountain so I kept going. I started down the trail slow and carefully.  There were still many boulders to go around and ravines to cross but there was always someone there to guide me.  Other guides showed me the path ahead and helped me when I stumbled.  Soon the path became smoother and well traveled, the air warmer and the sky brighter.  I met many other travelers along the way, some were ahead of me sharing their FARTs and giving me the encouragement to continue; others were behind me asking for guidance.  We were all happy to be on our way down from Mt. Obesity. For my brothers in the locker room who have been there to guide me and support me on my journey this past year, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Sharing the journey with you has meant a lot to me. For my brothers coming down the trail behind me or just starting your journey, I’m proud to hold my lantern high to light the trail for you. God bless all of you.

Paul Congrats on your 1 year anniversary.   Also thanks for your support of all the guys here on the men's board. Dan

Beautiful allegory Paul. Thank-you

That was great.  Nice piece of writing and comparison. Congrads on your progress and anniversary.  Thanks for the encouragement and guidance since I've been out here.  You light the trail for those behind you well. Joe

Way to put it all into perspective, Paul. Congrats on your weight loss, and good health. I know you'll you'll treasure and protect them both. DD

Wow Paul  I am sure we all can identfy with your analogy, or some paft of it. I know I came to the point; low point if you will, where I had to do something serious. Obesity was living my life instead of me. It dictated where I went and what I would do. I remember standing at that point of no return and asking my self if this was the right thing to do. For me it was.  The last 16 weeks or really the last year has been a real adventure. I am 16 weeks out and have lost 84 lbs. 119 lbs since my first consult. What this has done for my quality of life is unreal.  I took my 5 year old grandson to the movies Wed. night to see the Nija Turtles. I would have never done this before. I would put it off on my wife. He and I had a great time. You are so right about we do not realize what we are missing. The little FARTs like this are great.  Some one told me or I read some where "no guts, no glory". To me this means some times you have to take a chance or you just have to try. If you just stand there nothing is going to happen. With out this refuge we call the locker room I know this journey would be much more difficult for me.  pan head  no guts, no glory

Hello Paul, I enjoyed reading your description of your journey on the WLS Trail. You've captured the feelings of fear, hope, and surprise that many of us have or have had. Thanks for sharing your success and writing talent with us.

A great picture Paul, Congrats on your anniversary. I'm not far from making my desent now, thanks for clearing the trail. Brian

  Paul....congrats on your 1 year anniversary!...and I also want to thank you for the good read. I know I've only been on here about a week now but everyone has made me feel welcome. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Maybe next year year about this time I too can look back at the that long trail and say "I'm almost there!".... Thanks again, Dave  PS: not sounding like to much of a dork....what does "Fart" mean.....and don't tell me it's just passing gas either.....I know I'm an ole' fart, but I don't think that is what it means.

Congratulations Paul!!  And thanks for the word picture!