Happy Surgiversity to me!! (sorry ... its long)

It doesn't seem possible that it has been a year since my surgery... last year at this time I was a ball of nerves... very sleep deprived... since I was worried I/we would miss the ferry thus miss my surgery check in  time.

I was in pain most of the time... legs, back and feet... any walking was both painful AND I would get sweaty!!

I can believe how much my life has changed over this year....I am 130# down from my highest in 2008 and 100# from my OR date,  I started out in a size 26-28  and now I wear mostly 14's and some 12's.  I am very happy with my results so far.  While I have extra skin... spanx usually keeps it not so wiggly.  I hope I can get my insurance to pay for plastic surgery in the next year or so.

I am a bike rider now... and while on vacation last week... my DH and I biked a total of 55 miles... and 21 on one of the days!  I walk uphill about 11 blocks to work most days... I am a little out of breath... BUT NOT SWEATY!!!

I still want to lose about 18 to 20 pounds... I know this is possible! 

Having WLS is a major decision NOT to be taken lightly.... WLS is a tool to help me get to my health and fitness goals... NOT a cure for obesity ... which a part of me early on was hoping for!

I have learned that  for myself  planned meals; eating  protein first; drinking at least 64oz of water; eating high fiber foods and NO grazing is the best way for ME to use my WLS tool. Have I done this every day...NO... but since I went to the OH event this past weekend in Bellevue... I have recommitted to using WLS tool better!

Some recent observations.....
I can wear "skinny jeans" and look great in them...
I can wear high heels again... and NOT be so wobbly and /or have my feet hurt so bad that I could barely walk in them. 
Wearing clothes that fit help me see have far I have come this year.
I can finally buy bra's from Victoria Secret!!
I love bike riding.... I love that I found an exercise that I actually look forward to doing  ... AND this is an activity that my DH and I can do together.
I tried kayaking this summer and definitely want to do more kayaking this fall or next spring and summer.
I need to write some goals and an actionable plan to get there.  Almost every speaker at the OH event (AND other 2 emails that I received this week) stressed the importance of goal setting.  If you don't know where you are going or how you are going to do it ... how are you going to get there???

Most of all... I would have never have had such a great first year without all of you on OH.  You have been my lifeline, my support, my inspiration... and some of the best people I have ever met!!!!

Thank you....

Helen

PS I will be posting some new pictures this week....

Congratulations.  I am Proud of you.  You are doing Great.  Keep up the Great Work.

Thank you...  its been a great year...

Helen

CONGRATULATIONS!!!  Helen, you are an inspiration!  You look fabulous - especially in those skinny jeans and 3 inch heels with a sparkly top!!  :)  I'm so happy for you that you've found an exercise that you and your DH can do together.  Makes it much easier to stick to a program.  What a wonderful way biking is to see the beautiful places around here!  Keep up the great work!  I agree that the OH conference was a real boost...  Take care...

WOW! Congratulations Helen. My you have come a long way and are such an inspiration to us all. Here's to your next year, and many, many more of good health.

Way to go!

Connie

Hey Helen,

I am so proud of you! You are such an inspiration!!! You seriously have been such a blessing to my family. Thank you for all you have done. I am so excited for you and all your accomplishments!   

Congrats Helen! You are a success story.

It was nice meeting you last week.........

sorry we did not get a chance to chat longer...maybe next time!

Take Care,
Denise
PS...You look Great!

Helen!   Wowza!  You look awesome!  The hair and heels are terrific!  Meeting you on OH was a God-send for me.   I was experiencing that same nervousness last summer and connecting with someone who was a few months ahead of me in the journey was soooo helpful!  Congrats on your surgiversary!  SG

Happy surgiversary , Helen . You have done wonderfully . You are truly a success story . PS - You looked great this weekend .

You rock, Helen!!! You've been an inspiration to me as well!!!  I was sure glad to see you at the Bellevue OH. We sure both need to be reminded about goal-setting (thanks for the reminder!). You're still my angel! ((((((((Helen)))))))) (Bear hug)
Kelly