repost: Reflections Almost 7 years

Morning All, I hope everyone is having a great day so far. It is a beautiful fall day in Central Florida. As my 7 year anniversary approaches (December 6) I have beenthinking back over the past years and what my life has become. I have lost and kept off a total of 160 pounds. My highest weight was 374. I lost some of that prior to surgery but most of it came as a result of the surgery. I started at a size 28 and got down to a size 12. I also was unhealthy at that size and so regained some weight at the advice of my PCP and surgeon. I can not say that I am happy every day that I gained some weight back but I can say that I am healthy every day because I did. I have been a size 16 for three years now and have been advised that is basically my "set point" and healthy weight. I still beat myself up and tell myself I am too fat because I do not fit into what some chart says I should. My self esteem was so far gone that has become the second part of this journey, trying to build it up. Some days are better then others but I am getting there one step at a time. Would I do this again? In a heartbeat and without hesitation. I have had ZERO complications thankfully and can do things today that I would never have imagined. I have been divorced as I got the strength to make the tough decisions that I deserved better in my life and have since remarried the most wonderful man and my true best friend. I have a relaxed happy life and I am still so grateful for the little things like crossing my legs, riding the rides at Disney, fitting into chairs and going on airplanes without fear of needing a seatbelt extender. My food still gets stuck if I don't chew carefully, I still take my vitamins daily, this is a must and I drink my water. I dont make perfect food choices each day but I do 95% of the time. I did not have plastics so I do have some issues with parts of me, my hubby however does not care and loves all the parts of me, even the ones I hate. He says "when I look at your body I appreciate it for what you have been through". He adores me as if I were a super model and tells me so EVERY day. I have so many blessings in my life and I owe so much of that to my surgeon. So Dr. Yasrebi, my wonderful surgeon, heres to you. You gave me a life I had never know or expected to know. Am I a size 4, no way. Am I happy and healthy???? You Bet!! My best advice to anyone: 1. Do your research on your surgeon. 2. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS EVERY DAY 3. Enjoy your new body and life, even if it does not turn out picture perfect. My journey is not over, now just in a different phase. Thanks to all of you on this board who are such and inspiration and support system. Love~ Donna

Congratulations Donna! This certainly is a journey and one that never ends, just changes along the way. You should be so proud of all that you have accomplished~you're a true inspiration! Tracy B

Donna Thanks for posting. I like heraing about those further out. I also Loved the comment about your Journey not being over...Just different !!! Keep trucking Diana

Hi Donna. Thanks for sharing with us. I love to read successful grad stories, and when I say success, it's not just about the amount of weight that's been kept off, but a combination of eating right, being happy, and taking vitamins! Keep up the good work! Cathy

Donna: So great to hear this from you! Congratulations on your wonderful success. I was so happy to hear that you stressed taking our vitamins every day. Believe me, I'm far from being the "poster child" of perfect WLS patients, but that is one thing that I have done religiously since my WLS in Sept 2003. If you do nothing else completely correctly, at least do that. It's so very important for our continued good health. Have a great day, and thanks again for the post. I hope you also posted on the main board. I'm sure your words would help some folks there, too, especially those who fear what the future might hold for them after WLS. Carlita

You are an inspiration, more so for me at a size 16 than you would be at a size 4. Some of us are healthier at a size 16 (it looks like I'll be a size 14 forever, even at only 150 pounds, that is the size my body likes) and I needed to hear that this is okay. So thank you for letting me know that it is okay, really, more than I can tell you I needed to hear it. Amy weight: 293 / 150 / 140 Sizes: 26 / 14 / 12? starting current goal

Amy, Thank you so much for your kind words. I needed to hear that as well! I am glad you are doing well and you look beautiful! We can't all be size 4 (world would be kind of boring!) And my hubby loves my "curves". Take care and be happy!! Donna~