Day 366!

Top of the morning to you VSG'ers. Today is my 1 year surgiversary. 5 years ago I was on holiday waddling around Europe over 360 pounds and not happy or healthy at all. When I arrived home I made an appointment with a new PCP, then waited 8 weeks to see him. 10 minutes into the exam he called for an ambulance and off to the hospital cardiac care unit I went. The list of my maladies was only exceeded by the list of medications and drug therapies I was prescribed along with the medical advice to loose weight. I dieted and lost 50 pounds, gained back 40, lost 40 then gained back 50 Yo-Yo-Yo... Somewhere along the way I turned 60 and my plans for my golden years were not what I had always wished for. I had assets but my extreme obesity was a liability I hadn't planned on.

WLS was suggested and my research took me here where I met all you nice people :).  That was a year and 172 pounds ago. My life was changed. As great as my surgical care was my NUT is the reason I'm so happy now.  The foods I choose to eat, the change in my psyche about diet and exercise are what my new stomach allowed me to achieve. To those of you starting out it takes time to change. The first weeks and months are really challenging but 1 year out I'm astounded how profound those changes are.

I'm off for some extended travels beginning this Easter. I love traveling and can't wait to try out my new legs, and my new passport photo.

Thanks for your motivation

what a wonderful, uplifting post.  I am so happy for you and your success in losing weight.  172 pounds is awesome!  Way to go!

I had a similar experience where I took a river trip down the Danube at 385 pounds, and couldn't keep up with the tours, came home and had WLS.  225 pounds lighter, I can now take the strenuous tours and keep up with the best of them.  I fit in an airplane seat, and I can buy clothes at a normal stores.  I didn't update my passport picture yet, so I get stopped on the automatic passport picture matching machines!  hehehe

Thanks for posting this.  It reminds us all of why we are here and what we can achieve.

best wishes,

Carol

Congratulations on a great year! You've come a long way and have had to make some significant changes to lose such a great amount of weight. Your message is inspiring and motivating! 

Best of luck as you continue on your journey! 

Congratulations on your weight loss and living life as it's meant to be lived!

Happy Easter and enjoy traveling! You have done amazing! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much for sharing your success with us!  You've made me smile.  Enjoy your holiday!

Wow, Ron - just WOW!!!  I am blown away my your success - good job.  You have made tremendous changes, not only in your body size and health, but in your outlook.  I'm certain you'v added at least 10 years - quality years! - to your life. 

I'm excited for your upcoming travels - makes sure you come back on here and post pics! 

Good story to read, I'm 4days post op and I hope to have a great year.  I feel weird right now learning to even drink water right now but I know we all had this issue and one day then the next before long a year will be here.