5 years!

So I'm not sure I have anything profound to say, but it has been 5 years since I wheeled into the hospital and had my revision from VBG to RNY.  My starting weight was 514lb, though I managed to lose 33 before surgery (so the surgeon doen't count from my highest- bleh!).  I had an electric wheelchair to get around since I couldn't stand for literally more than a couple of minutes without pain.  I wasn't on many meds, thank God, but I'm sure my body wouldn't have held out for that much longer.  Was using a CPAP at level 14 to sleep.

So, 5 years later, what has changed?  Well I weighed 251.5 this morning.  So I've lost a total of 262.5 pounds.  I got rid of the wheelchair and can easily walk 1-2 miles at a time now.  I'm off the blood pressure meds I was on and my CPAP is down to a level 8.  I had a very healthy pregnancy and gave birth with no problems to a beautiful daughter, had some plastic surgery to remove skin prior to that.

Has it been a smooth ride?  Heck no!  I put on between 60-70 lbs with the pregnancy.  Several times I've completely lost focus and gone on auto pilot and *****ed and moaned about why I wasn't losing weight anymore.  I've had a couple of ankle surgeries, a hernia repair, and will always have problems with my knees.  But the thing that I've learned through it all is, I can do it.  I can make choices and I can make changes.  I am capable and more than that, I am worthy of the effort it takes to get and stay healthy.  I'm working on balancing my life on many levels and it's not easy, but who ever said the good stuff was?

Debbi

 Debi.....Happy Surgiversary !!!   You are a TRUE INSPIRATION in ALL aspects of the word.    You have done a amazing job with the tool that you were given.   I am so very proud of you and where you have come from.   You are a amazing woman of God and I am so happy to know you.    Have a blessed evening.

Hugs and blessings ~~ Vivian

DEBBI-my forever sister-I am more in awe of you than you can ever know..

I bet your ears burn all the time, from me telling someone about your story-nary a day goes by that I'm not bragging about you to someone..

You handle everyone with a style and grace I can only dream of having. You are a wonderful Christian woman/daughter/friend/wife/mother/SISTER..the list goes on and on...

I vividly remember the first time I met you. It was at the "red" dinner, at Mariano's Restaurant. in Arlington. Your smile filled the room-and Jeff looked terrified when I hugged him (imagine THAT????)

I am SO blessed to have you in my life!!!

GOOD JOB GIRL !!   I'm soooooooooo proud of you !!  

Thanks Debi....you do have profound things to say.

Your 5 year post surgery anniversary inspires us to know we can have success year down the road.  Congratulations on everything you have accomplished.