Reflections on 2018

Hi Everyone,

I posted a similar post on a Facebook Group that I am a member of and thought that I would post here as well.

On January 1st, 2018 I started Opti. On January 16th, I had RNY surgery and I haven't looked back. 2018 has been an incredible year.

There were some bumps in the early going, but things settled down and the weight loss came.

As I sit here writing this, with only a few days left in 2018, I have reached my goal weight and am holding fast. I got through Christmas OK and I have not gained any weight over the holidays. I continue to be vigilant but I'm going to be really glad when the holidays are over and food sanity returns.

I am 155 lbs lighter today than I was a year ago. Amazing, and I am in awe of what this surgery has done for me. I have gone from a size 28 to a size 8. Yup, I'm a little person. Under all that fat was a little person screaming to come out.

I am healthier than I have ever been. Severe Sleep Apnea - GONE. Fattly Liver Disease - GONE. Arthritic pain in my knees and hips - GONE. I used to take NSAIDS daily. I haven't even taken a tylenol since surgery. High Cholesterol - GONE.

I work out. I lift weights. I do Yoga. I'm skating again. I bought a bathing suit and I swim at the Y. My dogs and I walk 5km every day. EVERY DAY!

I realized the other day that this is the first year in the last 46 years that Losing Weight will not be on my New Year's Resolutions List. For 46 years (since I was 12) I have been obsessing and struggling to lose weight. Unbelievable really and sad.

I know that there are a lot of new members who have just had surgery or who are waiting for their turn. It is so worth it. Yes, complications happen, and yes, it isn't fun in the beginning but please don't believe every horror story you read on the internet. Trust me, even with a complication in the early going, I would do this surgery again in a heartbeat. I have no regrets. This decision was the best gift I ever could have given myself.

Thank you to all who have been here and answered my questions, supported me and gave me a place to come to read your stories and learn from you. To the friends I have made here, and there are several, thank you for being here. You have become very important in my life and I am so lucky to have met you.

This year my Resolutions will be very different. Anyone want to try horseback riding? LOL

Happy New Year Everyone!

Thank you for posting this! It is always encouraging to hear from those that have gone through the process....the good and the bad in a positive way. Thank you for all your responses, comments and posts. Unlike some, you are rare and truly a gem that has never been condescending nor make me feel less than a person. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AS WELL!

Thank you so much. We are all in this together and we all deserve respect and compassion. This is a hard road with bumps and other stuff along the way. It can be a very emotional journey and the more support the better. :)

Thank you for sharing this and for always being so supportive. My timeline is almost exactly like yours, just a year later. I start opti on Jan.1, and surgery is Jan.15. I have been feeling very anxious today - your post made me feel more excited about the year to come.

Happy new year!

I'm so glad that I have been able to help. Make sure you post and let us know how you are doing. Good Luck!

Fantastic post, I feel exactly the same way. My family was supportive of my decision but didn't really think I was heavy enough to have surgery. They found a few pictures from a few years ago and can't believe the change. I now feel like the person I knew I could be. I would do it over in a heartbeat but I am one of the lucky ones who has not had any complications. Good luck to all and happy new year!