What's New Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010. . .

I'll get us started. Much more to come. Stay tuned. . .

Today I celebrate my "rebirth." On this day 5 years ago I was getting prepared for laparoscopic RNY surgery. I knew big changes were to come, I was so afraid to hope that this could possibly end my neverending weight gain. At the time of surgery I weighed 377 lbs. I'm barely 5 foot 3. There are pictures and a detailed profile on my profile page. I haven't updated it in a long time. I will do that later today as that was something that was so important to me prior to making the decision to have weight loss surgery. I stared at before/after pictures and read many profiles finding it so hard to believe that this could work for me.

Five years later I am a far different person than I was then. The "me" that was hidden under layers of "super morbid obesity" (my LABEL on the doctor's chart) is today much healthier and happier than I was 20 years ago. Gone are most of my prescription drugs, my sleep apnea machine, my acid reflux, and shortness of breath.

I'm no longer trapped in a body that controled my life. I fly all over the world, I've met in person many wonderful people from this great forum. I no longer quake in fear entering a room,a restaurant or an airplane bathroom!

Is life perfect? No, weight loss surgery doesn't "fix" everything. Relationships still have their ups and downs, I still stubbornly try to control the world. Didn't work before, still doesn't. I am still a perfectionist who takes on too much and one who is still trying to figure out who she wants to be when she grows up. I am working to get back to basics. I'm one of those who tested the waters. I can eat most anything and at times I choose empty calories over nutritious ones. For two years it was "easy". I am trying to remove 20 lbs. Harder now than it was. . .

I think my biggest change is that for the most part I don't sit on the sidelines anymore. I get out there and go and do just about anything I care to instead of sitting on the bench envious of others. I could go on and on.

This is still so emotional for me.It is a serious and very personal decision. I wi**** had not been necessary to rearrange my insides. I wish I had been able to lose the excess weight without having to mess with nature. But I coudn't. I really don't believe I would be alive were it not for this surgery. I had given up. I was killing myself and not very slowly at that.

Thank you all for being a part of my life.

Dearest Karen,

Your words touch my heart, as I'm sure it will others. Congratulations on regaining your health and freedom! I'm sure all of our Newbies here will be inspired, and we Veterans will  have a renewed perspective of where we were and how far we've come. Thank you for starting out my day in such a positive way!  Hugs, smoochies and love!

Gary comes home tonight.  I guess he misses me alot, he got all gushy on the phone yesterday, even made me cry at his touching words. The big ol' dope!

I'm meeting a few of my support group friends  for coffee this evening to kill some time before picking Gary up at the airport. One of the gals is down to a size 4, and since I have a closet full of them that don't fit anymore, she's getting three trash bags of new to her clothes. Guess I've resigned myself to a size 6, not there's anything wrong with that, I just think of the money it will take for me to replace all those clothes!!  AGHHHHHHH Oh well, I've worn most of them for at least 2 seasons, so it's time for some new, fresh Spring/Summer outfits. Gotta find the pony in the pile of poo, right?

Alrighty then, time to go post the what are you eating thread and get going for the day. Love, hugs and positive thoughts to one and all!

Susan, I'm sure I'll never see single digits for a clothing size. Smallest I was in college was a 9-10.I'm medium framed on a short set of legs. If I matched my upper body I'd be about 5'10"! I'd be delighted to see a 12-14 one of these days but it's going to really take some concentrated effort!

You are petite. A think a 6 must be about perfect for you. Small enough but still with a few curves to give you that oomph that men love! Like you said you wore them for 2 years. Enjoy a new wardrobe. I'm getting much more selective about what I buy new as I wear it much longer. I tend towards pretty traditional classic lines so they don't go out of style.

Ahh Karen, if these bumps and bulges of skin were more like curves I'd be so happy!  I'm seriously starting to think about plastics. I think I'd rather have a payment for that than a new car payment.

Ah, my friend, but you hide them so well! where you see bumps and bulges I saw none. I envy your slender legs. Around my knees and upper thighs I have so much loose skin. I had a lower body lift which removed 17 lbs of sagging stretched out skin. I'd like to have the upper thighs done. Part of my working part time. I'm starting a new "plastics" fund, but I've told myself that I have to work hard at the gym and improve it the most it can be improved and lose my 20 lbs before even considering it. A rather good incentive I think. Goal is before my 65 th birthday: that and a trip to Ireland to celebrate.(4 years!) Figure I need to save a bundle and win the lotto to do both! Ah, well, never hurts to dream does it? I've said that if I had to, to get WLS I would put it on a credit card. I'm with you; better spent than on a car that wears out way too soon.

Two words: supportive undergarments!  That's my story and I'm sticking to it

The legs looked pretty darn good in shorts to me! I can't find anything that is comfortable and works on the legs. The long spanx type garments slide down in the crotch area. The ones that come over the knee leave bulges below. . . . I find that Playtex 24 hour open front closure bras have a wider side and hold the loose torso skin in pretty well.

Karen,

You are an inspiration to me and many others. Yes, in 5 years you have shrunk in size, but you have grown in so many other ways.

My dear, you no longer sit on the side lines. Now you take the world by storm (in your sweet, gentle way)

Wet sloppy kisses and big HUGS
Annette

Happy surgiversary, Karen!  Thanks for sharing, I felt inspired by your post.  :)