Six years ago today. . .

I was in Seattle getting prepped for my long awaited RNY. What a six years it has been. Though I weighed 377 lbs I had continued to TRY to remain active. However, looking back I realize how limited my life was. I endured the humiliation of squeezing into seats at my kids' graduations, getting stuck in turnstyles, using seat belt extensions on plane rides,avoiding restaurants  that had only booths, breaking plastic lawnchairs that collapsed under my weight, enduring the comments and stares of adults old enough to realize (but not care) that I was super morbidly obese and not DEAF. Yes, SUPER MORBIDLY OBESE. The term OBESE was one that I had encountered before and hated but the first time I saw SUPER MORBIDLY OBESE written on my medical chart I just wanted to curl up and die.

For several years leading up to February of 2005 I continued to try to "do it myself." I always wanted to be the one in charge of my life, I was intelligent, I didn't need anyone or anything, if I only tried hard enough I could lose all of this excess weight. Well, I was successful for about two days and then that would be the end of it for several months then I'd, as the saying goes, try, try, again.

Most of you know my story. I'll keep this short. It is written for those new to this forum to give them hope. That is what I found when I stumbled upon the Over Fifty Forum in 2004. Fast forward six years. At my lowest I had lost almost 200 lbs. I have since regained 30 lbs. I struggle to lose that, though not enough evidently. My life is so full compared to 6 years ago. My tool still works when I use it the way I should. However, I am one of those who chooses to not write down every bite I take. Too many years of Weigh****chers and other diets filled with obsessing over every bite. I do eat sweets (more than I should as I don't dump), I occassionally get obsessed with Cheeseballs. However, I can no longer, thanks to my little pouch, eat the entire pecan pie or the whole footlong sub sandwich. I don't recommend my lifestyle, as it has resulted in some regain, but that's me. I can still lose when I make the right choices. Exercising is a big part of my continued healthy lifestyle.

My blood pressure and cholesterol are now normal without medications. I no longer have sleep apnea or use a CPAP machine. I can walk for miles and miles along a beach, through the neighborbood and from one end of an airport to another toting my own bags. I can frolic (yes that's what I do!) at the park or in the pool with  my grand children and my little dog.

Life is good. Hope I haven't bored you all, but I remember how much hope it gave me 7  years ago when I found this lifeline on line. People come and go. I miss many who used to post. I hope they are out there living full, interesting lives. I don't post as often as I used to for those same reasons.

Speaking of which; I have a job to get to. I've resumed working for our local school district part time. Right now it is full time! I'm a retired teacher but am subbing as an aide in the schools. I told them I would take the job but have plane tickets for two trips. As long as I can take the time off for that I'll do it for a few months.

For those of you new to this site, there is hope. Whichever choice you making regarding the many kinds of WLS it will bring miraculous changes to your life. You will become active again. You'll no longer be sitting on the sidelines unless it is by choice watching an activity or a grandchild's sports game!

Karen Happy Surgiversary!
I get you and totally understand. Why? Cuz your story is just like mine! We are "normal" and you are living! Enjoy those 2 trips and teachers are extra special!
Thanks for sharing your story (again).

For newbies...
It really is all about our health and doing a lifestyle change. We will always have to work to keep our weight off. For those that can exercise that's a must. I'm preaching to choir here cuz I think most of us do exercise. For those that can't or think they can't exercise, work out from the chair. A little something is better than nothing and really it starts with babysteps!

Aloha my friend.........I LOVED reading your story and hearing your perspective at six years out. It is always good to see you on here, and I try and at least come in and read every day. Your life has gone from one of heaviness to one of celebration. I am so happy for you.

As for me, I just had visit with bariatric doc, PCP doc and eye surgeon. Had cataract surgery in one eye, and so far I'm thrilled with the result. The 2nd eye will be March 2nd. My doc said my blood work was good......need to add a little more Vit. D3 (how can that be when I live in constant sunshine!!!!) I am so very grateful for the life bariatric surgery has given me.

So much more to say, but I, too, am off to work. Doing more hearing screening on babies lately because staff keep quitting!!

Sending you a long armed hug all the way across the ocean. Keep up the great work!!

Aloha nui loa,

Maui Karen

Happy for you, love ya Karen. Continued success of this continuing journey. You bring so much to this life and this place.  I am thrilled to have you as a friend. Your support helps sustain me.
Enjoy, Monca

CONGRATULATIONS and HAPPY SURGIVERSARY!!!!!!

You have done such an awesome job maintaining....I am very proud of you!

You know how special YOU are to me and so many others here on OFF. We would be lost without you and all your support and caring ways.

Have an awesome day.....love you...hugs.....connie d

OMG 6 years already!!! WOW!!! What a ride its been for you huh?! I along with you and the rest of us that have had WLS and living once again KNOW how it is to LIVE once more!!! No more dirty looks for being so OBESE and the rest like you mentioned! Life IS great!!!!!!

CONGRATS Karen!!! Job well done!!! And what a ride its been!!!! YIPPPEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

HUGS

Karen, what a wonderful story!!!! Keep on living.
Nan

Oh, Karen!  First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on your 6 year milestone!  I am so happy for you!

But secondly, as a newbie who is facing surgery in just 6 more days, thank you so much for sharing your story!  You DO give me hope and make me feel I am making the right choice.  I identify with many, many parts of your story.  I am looking forward to having a happy outcome as you, and so many others here at OFF, have done.

And let me just say to the OFF community, this is the most caring and wonderful group I have found on OH.  So supportive of one another and so welcoming to new members.  You all have no idea how much you have lifted my spirits the past few days.  I live in a very small town in East Texas.  No support groups available here within an hour's drive.  So my daily support will have to come from on-line groups such as this one.  Thank you all so much!

Vickie

Karen, I love your story. I wish I could be as active as you. Seeing your post reminds me it's been three years since my first knee replacement surgery. That was supposed to be the surgery that gave me new freedom and helped me exercise more. All that did was give me new limits. Oh well, what we don't know. But like you, I was super morbidly obese and I am thankful for my weight-loss surgery. Best decision I've ever made. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Dear Sistah, We have loved reading your (story )for each of the years you've been

posting. The joy you have for life is inspiring. We have traveled far and wide with you, and

treasured each mile through your eyes.

Thank you for being a part of this Family.

Your Cali. Sistah in Red, Peg