3 Years and counting. . .

First of all I wish to celebrate all of the October Babies this month. . .  Eileen, Karen, Doreen and many others, whose names escape me. . .  You are all in my thoughts this day and I hope wherever and whatever you are doing that life is as good for you today as it is for me. . .

Three years ago yesterday, I entrusted the wonderful staff of nurses at Barix, and the great Dr. Pupkova, as I hopped up on a gurney knowing that with Dr. P’s experience and my willingness to do whatever was necessary post-operatively, life could be lived a whole different way then the one I was experiencing up until that day. This past weekend was spent sharing wonderful moments with people that I met as a result of that day and the days leading up to it, as well as those since and doing my part. . .

Adhering to the suggestions as outlined by surgeon and nutritionist
Exercising at least 4 times weekly
Making more healthy choices and when I deviate, getting back on track before it becomes detrimental to enjoying this new way of life
Participating in Support Group forums, such as the monthly meetings held at Barix and various other places, as well as the great support group community of both the PA and Over Fifty Forums of ObesityHelp.com.

What I can say is that I never dreamed that I would meet and make friends with so many people, who were so similar to me, even as our backgrounds differed so greatly, it was the journey we were on that brought us together, bonded us and has now made me a part of something very good and useful to my fellows.

My past year was largely spent feeling like a failure because I had not achieved a certain number on a scale, the bigger part of the feeling was that I had slacked on some of those things I listed above, some of which I still am not doing as I once was, but which I fully intend to reincorporate into my daily life. What I realized in the past month, or so, was, I am not a failure because of a number on a scale, but actually am a great successing story, as I continue to participate and stay the course of this lifelong commitment towards self nurturing and being part of a community of support that helps countless people know that we are not alone. I am not perfect, nor, dare I say, is anyone of us, but staying accountable and connected to this ever growing community, is exactly what I feel necessary to sustain long-term successing. My journey continues and the road to successing gets increasingly full as more and more of us come together in support of one another.
 
I THANK each and everyone of YOU for sharing your joys, experiences and more importantly, your struggles, daily, because beyond the early days of WOW moments, there are many challenges that will need to be faced and what I know is that “What I cannot do, WE can do together."

With love, Laureen

Laureen,
Congratulations on 3 years of successing! and beautifully put you are more than a number on a scale. Easier said than done. Been there done that but you have the wisdom to do what you need to get to your personal goal. I wish you much success and you are not alone we are right there with you. Love you always...

Laureen,

     i couldn't have expressed it better.  The support and people are so important and you have been very generous in sharing your story and experience with all of us.  As I have stated many times, the honesty is something that I have always appreciated from you.  It has helped me tremendously and shown me the reality of this WLS journey.  All we can do is take it one day at a time.  Looking forward to seeing you in November.  Take care and congratulations.

Donna

Congratulations on 3 years of successing - thank you for always being there for us! 

xoxo,

Maura

Laureen,

Congrats to you!  You are truly an inspiration to me and so many others. Your warm smile and hugs are so genuine. Thank you for being there for us and we ARE here for you!!

Love, Beth

Congratulations Laureen!! You have done an amazing job with your tool, and your life - I know the past few years have not been easy for you with losing your job and then your beloved pet, but you have not only persevered, but shown us all that even tho life will constantly throw you curve balls, it doesn't have to derail us and our efforts.

Failure? You? Never! Sadly we're all slaves to that damn scale, but you know in your heart that even if the scale isn't ready exactly what you want it to now, it still reflects all of your hard work over the past 3 years, and how much better you feel overall.

Congratulations again - you have always been a source of inspriation and encouragement to me and I will be forever grateful for that.

Kathy

I ditto the other comments about this being a great post.  You are more than a number and everyday is another day for you to get back on or stay on track.

Great successing!!

Congrats Laureen!  It has been a wild freaking ride, hasn't it?????  Definately miss you - our schedules so rarely coincide these days :(

But darn freaking straight you are sooooo NOT a failure and ARE such an amazing successing story! 

Awesome job...both on the physical AND mental portion of this journey!

~P