1 year surgiversary ...... where did the time go?!

A year ago today my life changed in a HUGE way. 

My stats: 

Height:   5'  8"
Highest weight:   278       Goal weight: 150      Todays weight:   142 
Highest clothing size:  22/24    Current clothing size: 10
Sleep apnea is gone.  Urinary Incontinence is gone.  Arthritic hip is soooo much better. Blood pressure is perfect  (sometimes on the low side). 

Physically, Im doing excellent.  Psychologically, not so much.  I dont see the "skinny" girl that everyone else sees.  I still hate getting my pic taken.  I still walk into a room and scope out the chairs and wonder if they will hold me weight.  I still walk into the womens size section when clothes shopping.  Im more self conscious of my body now than I was at 278 lbs.

Reguardless of the psychological aspects, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. 

I just want to give a big shout out to all my LW peeps.  You guys accepted me with open arms even though my highest weight probably didnt exactly qualify me as a LW.  You listened to me cry and vent during my long and frustrating 17 month journey just trying to get approved for my surgery.  You cheered me on and supported me.  You answered all my annoying questions.  You gave great advice, gentle nudges, but never kicked me when I was down.  I truly appreciate all your friendships.  HUGS to all,   Cindy

Wow Cindy - how time flies!

I remember when you were going through your struggles of getting approved and remembered you were about ready to give up a few times.  I'm SO glad you didn't!!

You've done a phenomenal job and I LOVE that you've stayed with us here on the board, and now am paying back to the newbies that have joined us.

Your head will catch up with you.  But what helped me the most, was having my picture taken.  You can look at them and see the REAL you - not what you THINK you see in the mirror or what you WANT to see - but the REAL you.  I still enjoy going back and looking at my weight loss progression pics.  Oh, and I like having my pic taken now. 

Some of the head stuff you have to consciously ban.  Before you walk in a store, tell yourself, out loud if you have to, "I'm NOT going into the women's section".  Before you walk in a room say "I don't need a big chair"... eventually it will become habit and the previous mannerisms will go away.

Thanks for the tips Jody.   I will definitely try them!  Cindy

Cindy,
Congratulations on your great success!!  You have done an amazing job. 

I have really enjoyed watching your progress.  Get those pictures taken and look at them.  Post them somewhere - before and afters so you can see what an amazing transformation you have made.  I go back and look at my before and don't even know who that person was.

I know what you mean about clothes - everytime I take my jeans out of the dryer and hang them up - I'm like no way can I get into those, but I do!! 

I enjoy the Friday social post so much.  Thanks for doing that for us. 

Wishing you continued success.
Linda

Linda, I do the same thing with my jeans!!!  I think there's no wayyyy Im fitting into those, but I do  lol.   Thanks for your support along the way Linda.  Hugs!  Cindy

Cindy,  Congratulations on a great year!  You have always been a brilliant addition to the LW forum.  Our surgery dates are so close and I wish that I too could post that I'm at goal.  You've done great!

Ditto on the taking pictures.  We all go through the emotional/body connection at our own pace.  You'll get there and you'll revel in what a great accomplishment this has been.  I can so relate on the body issues because sometimes I look in the mirror and feel fatter than i did at 249.  I think we compare ourselves to how we think we "should" look at the weight we're at.  That's not always the case.

Big hugs of congratulations on what you've accomplished this year!!

Thanks for your support Lee.  You are an amazing lady!  Would love to have the opportunity to meet you in person someday.  HUGS!  Cindy

Congratulations on your wonderful weight loss!!! You must feel so much better and losing the co-morbidity's is one of the most wonderful parts. Amazing, how much the extra weight impedes one well-being, including mood and energy level.

Psychologically, it does take awhile for your head to catch up. I'm going through some of the same feelings at the present time. I'm not going into plus size sections, but I do feel self-conscious about my body. At my last support group, the facilitator said that it can take around 3 years for our habits and body image issues to solidify. Hopefully, yours will resolve more quickly.

Congratulations and (((HUGS))) for a job well done.

Gail

Gail, I feel amazing!  Sooooo much energy, etc.   I hope my head catches up soon.  Thanks for your support.  Cindy

Happy surgiversary, babeeee!

--gina