3 year surgiversary

Three years ago today I underwent a procedure that saved my life.  I had a gastric bypass.  I wanted to LIVE and be free of the co morbidities that were stealing my life.  Today I am free of those same comorbidities.  I've lost 162 lbs and life is very very good. All along the way I've been blessed with support of some pretty wonderful people.  These days I'm going through the reconstruction phase to reduce skin.  My body will always show the raveges of Morbid Obesity, but they are managable.  I have a fine spider webing of lines that mark my surgeries--my roadmap the the state of confusion as I call it. I have done things I never would have believed possible 3 years ago.  I ride my bike to work during the summer months, I kyak, hike, go into the petite section of stores to shop and when I look in the mirror I don't see perfection, but I like the woman who smiles back at me--inside and out.  She radiates health, acceptance and love. This journey isn't all about the weight we lose it is also about who we are as an individual.  What did we lack that food replaced?  It is imparative to search for the answers as you are losing the weight if you are to have long term success.  This process makes you bigger than you ever were before, but on the inside only. So all of you who are comptemplating surgery I say, ....your life will change in ways you can't even fathom now.  For those who are still walking down the path....the gate is at the end and through it you will have many more pathes to choose.  For those of us who are now on to new and exciting pathways.....YOU GO GIRLS!!  Life is the brass ring and it is waiting for you to snatch it and claim it. Thank you all! Trisha

Awesome Trisha, Congrats to you!!! 3 years amamzing. I am sure three years ago today you had no idea how much your life would change. We dream and hope about what it will be like, but we really have no idea.......... You are an inspiration to those of us who are on the road a bit behind you, and those who have not gotten on the road but are hoping to in the near future. Thanks for sharing your experiences and positive encouragement. Good luck on the skin reconstruction. Thanks for sharing, Christina

 Trisha,  Congratulations---you look so good and I am sure you feel wonderful.  Here is to a life of the same.  Julia 

Congratulations Trisha!  What an inspiration you are to someone like myself, just starting this journey. 

Hi Trisha, you were an inspiration to me when I was still in the pre-op phase, and you continue to awe me! You are amazing! And you're right, it's not just about the physical changes. I'm finding that the mental changes are much bigger than I could have imagined. Congratulations on your success and thanks for sticking around and keeping us posted!

Good for YOU!!!!!!  Yes, that is exactly what I mean and because you are doing the hard internal work you will be successful over the long term. Why do you think I changed my name from Pat to Trisha?  My name is Patricia.  Pat was the first half of my life and Trisha the second half because I'm not that person anymore--mentally or physically!!! Trisha

Congratulations Trisha!  You have done so well.  I'm looking forward to the reconstruction phase as I'm beginning to have the droopy skin.  I'll give it another six months or so, because I still have about 40 pounds to lose and would like all the extra taken off when I do it.  You look great and you should be so proud.  I can't wait till I like the woman looking back at me in the mirror.  As it is, I'm still trying to figure out who she is!  Linda

Work on that part HARD Linda....it is invaluable!!!  Look at the post about 3 ahead...Schoema's  She too says the inside changes are MUCH greater than the outside ones.

I is hard to WAIT for that surgery to reduce skin, but you will be happier in the long run if you do so.  This is the time that is so very difficult because the weight just doesn't want to budge.  I wish I had 2-3 hours that I could spend in the gym per day LOL.  THEN I would lose my last few pounds as well.  Oh well, still like the me I see.  I will try to get an updated pic on here soon.

Trisha

Trisha, you are an amazing, beautiful person.  I'm thrilled to have met you in person and get to know how wonderful you really are.  I am glad you are enjoying your new life and providing support for those who follow after. Lori

Trisha, Congratulations to you!  I have LOVED getting to know you and have enjoyed watching your continued success.  You were already well on your way when I met you at a Village Inn breakfast.  Your humor is always something to enjoy, and it is part of a great personality.  I think you have done a great job of letting your past be a part of the strength and compassion of your personality.  You are enjoying the liberation of 162 gone.  It is such an amazing thing isn't it!?! I'm very happy for you!  I can't wait to see you again and see for myself the final touches. Patty