I'm offically a "GRAD" or what a difference a year makes!!

Hello everyone, Even though it is now past midnight and no longer "offically" my 1 year surgery anniversary, I wanted to post a bit about my post wls life. I went to the Bariatric Center today for the dietican to give me an offical weight on the Tanita scale. And the number is..... drum roll please..... 138.5 lbs. This is a monumental WOW moment. At that moment, I weighed exactly half of my hospital admittance weight (277 lbs.). I've lost as many pounds as I now weigh. How cool is that???!!! Dr. Sieloff's goal weight was 158 lbs, my original goal was 142 lbs but I had revised that to 138 to give myself a little more cushion to allow for the normal, expected "bounce". I didn't expect to actually make my goal within the first year, figured I'd be close, but not quite there. What a pleasant surprise to see the scale register my dream number!! I've also been charting my inches lost and I've lost 101.25 inches total body inches. I've gone from a Women's size 26-28 to a Misses size 10. Losing the pounds and looking better (in my clothes at least) is wonderful, but the most important thing is that I'm healthier. I no longer have sleep apnea, elevated cholesterol & triglycerides, venious hypertension & edema (leg swelling) or chronic low back pain. I'm off all meds except for 1 for my Fibromyalgia that I'm not willing to give up (don't want to risk a Fibro flare-up). Other great changes this year has brought: I can walk without becoming flushed, hot & sweaty. My body's thermostat is no longer stuck on High. I can cross my legs like a lady. I fit in restaurant booths without having to shove the table away. I can buckle seat belts in cars & planes without sucking in my gut & tucking the belt underneath. I can shop in the regular sizes departments and in little boutiques that don't carry "Women's" sizes. I can bend over to pick up something off the floor without having to spread my legs to allow a space for my belly to get out of the way. I feel more self-confident and assured. I have more energy. I have greater enthusiasm for life. I'm looking forward to the future instead of dreading it and wondering what new ailment is going to hit me next. The world is a brighter place & I've got more options to explore it!! When folks ask if I'd have gastric bypass surgery again, I answer with a resounding YES! I can't begin to describe how much my life & health have changed for the better in the past year. But I could never have done it without the support I've received from family & friends and all of you, my OH family. My family & friends have made this journey easier and much more pleasant. I know that without everyone's support I would not have been been successful. So I want to thank all of you, my wonderful surgeon, Dr. Elliott Sieloff (& his fantastic nurse, Jody) and my pcp, Dr. Jesse Judelle, *****commended I "think about" weight loss surgery 4 years ago. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Now - on to year 2 - LOOK OUT WORLD - HERE I COME!!!! Vickie J. 277/138.5/138

WOW.... congrats !!! How about posting an "after" picture???? You must look fabulous. Karen G

Thank you Karen! I don't know about faulous, but I must admit, I look pretty good, or at least lots better, than I did pre-op! Of course, we're talking about with my clothes ON! Underneath is a whole 'nuther story!! I'm going to try to figure out how to post pics on my profile and I'm sending a new "posting" pic to the board. I don't know how long it takes to get the pic changed but I'll let you know when I get some before & after pics posted to my profile. Thanks again! Vickie J.

Vickie Congratulations on your loss! Half the Woman you used to be! Keep up the great work! Best Wishes- Dx

Thanks Dx! I may be half the woman I used to be, but I'm more than twice as happy & healthy!! You've been an inspiration & guide to me this past year!! I wouldn't have made it without folks like you holding out your hand to help me over the rough patches in the road (I still love your car/roadmap analogy). Thanks for sticking around for us newbies!! Vickie J.

well since I replied to this on the mainboard, I'll just burn some calories here and hop up and down in excitement for you

Congratulations Vickie! You have done a fabulous job! Michele

Thank you! Vickie J.

Vickie- You have come a long way baby!! Congrats on your great success. I look forward to seeing you again soon. 138.5 lbs! I'm jealous. Welcome to our grad board. It can sometimes be a quiet board--but it is full of nice people.

Linda, Thank you! I hope we can get together again soon! Any chance you're going on the OH Hawaii cruise?? I'm trying to talk my hubby into going but since I'm looking at plastics this year he isn't too receptive. How are you doing since your ps? Would you recommend your doc? I think I'm going to schedule consults with a couple of docs in South FL before I decide who to use. Drop me a line! Vickie J. PS - Where is Charlie these days? Is she still tied up at work??