Hello...an introduction from a newbie grad

Hi everyone!

My name is Lori and my surgery date was July 11, 2007.  As for most of you, this first year has been one wild ride!  I've had a few hiccups in the road with my body adjusting to it's new plumbing, but all in all I cannot complain as I've had no real complications.  I love my new and improved health, and my family has shown me more love in the past year than I knew was possible. 

I said I hadn't had any real complications, but I have had two hernias from my open DS.  (I don't blame the hernias on my WLS persay, just on the fact that I had open surgery).   One hernia was repaired in Dec at 5 months out and the second repaired in May at 10 months out.  On my second herina repair I was fortunate enough to already be at my weight goal and was able to have a tummy tuck.  The tuck has made a HUGE difference in the way I feel about my body.  I finally feel like my outside matches my inside.  It's been utterly amazing the changes my body has been through.  I have a link to a video in pictures of my first year in my siggy line if you'd like to take a look.

Now with the first year out of the way, I see myself looking to my future and doing anything I can to ensure I get to live a long and healthy life.  I do think that WLS comes with it's forever responsibilties, the biggest being supplementation of protein and taking vitamins.  Being on top of these things is very important to me.  It's so ironic that before my surgery I could barely remember to take an anti-depressant and a birth control pill daily, and now I take vitamins five times a day, NEVER forgetting them.  I'd swear my surgeon stuck some responsibility receptors inside of me at the time of surgery, I've never been this responsible about my health.  Maybe it's because I don't have a choice now, but either way, it's nice to be all grown up about my responsibilities for once! 

I've been an active member on the DS forum since January of 07 and have made many new friends in real life as well as online that I adore.  It's so nice to have people who understand exactly what you're going through, esp. when the non-op world has no idea!  Now that I'm old enough to hang with you guys, I wanted come over and say hello!

Lori

Hey Lori,

I too am one of your fellow DSers and am also a WLS GRAD...Congrats on all your success, you look FABULOUS....I hope I can one day be so fortunate to have my tummy tuck as I really believe I will finally feel NORMAL. Just wanted to wish you peace and many blessings and hope your journey contiues to take you to different places.......




Keisha.....

Hi Keisha!

So nice to meet you!  You look FANTASTIC girl!  I know you're thrilled with your results!  Congrats to you as well on a great start to your new life!!!

Lori

Wow Keisha!!!  You look fantastic!  I remember you from the DS forum and would have never recognized you if I didn't look at your profile.  You look truly amazing!

God Bless,
Leila

Hi Lori,

I am new to this board as well. My surgery was 7-16-07. It has been a wonderful 1st year journey. I am glad to know you are strict with your vitamins. I just saw my surgeon yesterday and the labs came back very good. Only a little dip in my protein. (I do take additional iron supplements to keep it in the normal range). I will be changing my ratio of protein/carbs to help with that.

I watched your video, you look great. But I have to say the thing I am most envious about? DAVID COOK!! Wow how lucky. He was my favorite on AI this year. I can't wait for his album to come out...

Anyway welcome, I am learning alot to help me continue this journey into forever... I am sure you will, too..

Hi there!

Thank you so much!  Meeting David Cook was way cool!  I met him the week he made it into the A.I. top ten!  He was just as sweet and genuine as he seems!

Thanks for the welcome.  Good luck with changing your protein/carb ratio.  Do you supplement?  I have just gone back to protein drinks myself, and I love the Champion Nutrition line of supplements.  My fave is the Champion Whey Stack Chocolate flavor!  I crave it and love the energy it gives me!

Lori

Welcome Lori!! That video was fantastic, although you made me cry!!!!!!! What an amazing transformation in just 1 short year. You are goregous!!!! I can tell how happy you are and I am so happy for you, even though we've never met!!!!! Congratulations on all of your success!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Tracey!  Thanks for the welcome!  I cry when I see the video too.  It makes the whole thing feel real when it just doesn't seem like it ever even happened!  Of course, anytime I make one of those photo montages (usually make them of my kids) I get all choked up.  Setting your pictures to music just sort of "does" something magical to them!

Lori

Glad to see you here.  Even with RNY, vitamins and calcium supplements are very important. I've recently learned of the great importance of vitamin D, and have began using a fellow DSer's D supplements, Vitalady.  DAVE

Hi Dave!  Thanks for the welcome!

I'm a huge fan of Michelle's (Vitalady).  I completely credit her with my good one year labs as she guided me into taking the vitamins that I take now.  You cannot meet a more genuine and caring person than her.  I met her in June when she and Don were traveling the country.  Getting to know her was like meeting up with an old friend. 

I'm glad that your vits are important too, sometimes I see them being made out to not be important among the RNYers I know in person, maybe I should send them here to learn from those of you further out!

Lori