1 Year out.........what a year!

Well, one year ago today (12/9) I was being discharged from the hospital after having had a successful laproscopic RNY. Here I sit today, in my office at work, weighing 150 lbs less than when I started the WLS process in the fall of 2010. In the past year I have – -          Dropped from 346.5lbs to 200lbs (OK, not quite 150, but I rounded) -          Reduced my waist size from 48" to 34"-36" (depending on the cut) -          Changed my shirt size from a XXL-XXXL down to a Large -          Started running and have run both a 5k and 6k in the past 2 months -          Begun riding my bike to work (when not too cold) on a semi-regular basis – approx 20 miles each way -          Gone to Universal Studios in Orlando and was able to fit on all the rides -          Sat comfortably on an airplane -          Been to the beach and not been embarrassed to take (and leave) my shirt off! -          Committed to getting to the gym at least 3-4 mornings a week for a predominantly cardio workout – elliptical, running, etc -          Stopped using my sleep apnea machine as well as ALL other medications (except vitamins and supplements) -          Cried when my son said ‘Papa, I can hug you and get my arms all the way around your stomach!’ Overall, a pretty good year! I am the same person, at least I think I am. But at the same time, I am a different person.  I hear people that have had WLS say all the time that when they look in the mirror, they still see the same overweight person they were prior to surgery. I am kind of the opposite. Even when I weighed almost 350 lbs, I looked in the mirror and never saw a fat person……now I just have the body that goes along with the image I already had of myself. You have all been major support. I have never met any of you, but consider you all ‘brothers’. We have a common experience we all share – thank you for sharing with me! All the best and Happy Holidays – Michael

Hey great job bro!!!! Keep it up and enjoy your new life!!!

Bill

Michael,

Congrats on the amazing year. Imagine what next year will be like!

Your story came at the right time. The christmas goodies are starting to pour into the office and the temptation  can be a bit much at times.

I want to tell that same story next year, so I'll keep my paws off.

Thanks and congrats again!

Doc

Congrats on all your wonderful accomplishments.

Thats awesome to hear!  Congratulations!!!

Mike, your post is an extremely motivational one. I believe it is a testament to everyone here who is trying to or has accomplished what you are describing in your relatively short  journey, (so far).  I can only hope to post a similar description of myself when I am one year out. Congratulations!

Tim T.

Way to go Brother! Great post and congratulations on all of your victories over the past year.  What an amazing trip we are all on and your results are a testament to that.  Great to hear about your accomplishments and wish you nothing but the best as you celebrate your new life!!  

What a great recap of an exciting year for you. And it will only get better! Congrats on the accomplishments during the first year of your new lifestyle!

Hey Mike-Great Job!!! It is utterly amazing I have had almost same exeprience as you have had. I had surgery a year ago and have lost just about 150 pounds as well. Who would of thought 25 years after HS me and you both get WLS?? Glad your doing well!!

 Hey Bill,  I know you addressed this to Mike from MN but just wanted to say welcome to the forum.  Hope to see you on the Sunday Weigh In and don't forget to upload a photo so folks can see who you are!!  Let me know if you run into any troubles.  Have a Great Day, Mike P.