Four Years Ago

Hey Everyone,

I get so caught up sometimes I let things slip right past me.  I had my WLS 4 year anniversary on 8/3 and forgot all about it.  I had my lab work done in June when I went to visit my parents and my annual appointment with my surgeon is 8/22 so I just forgot about the actual day.

WLS was one of the best decision for me that I ever made.  It was the right time in my life to do this and I have been so blessed to have this opportunity.  My highest weight was 248.5 and as of this morning I weighed 128.5 for a total loss of 120 pounds.  I lost about 10-15 pounds prior to surgery.  I would like to get back down to 126.

Maintenance is a lot harder work than losing the weight after surgery.  For all you out there still in the weight loss phase - be sure to change your habits now.  Stay connected to some type of support group.  I love this board and have met some wonderful people on here and treasure their friendships.  Find a way to be accountable for what you put in your mouth.  I post on Roz's Menus and Miles and now that I am in maintenance I post on My Fitness Pal also just to make sure I stay within my guidelines.  I'm not on a diet of any kind.  I just don't eat the way I used to eat.  I try to plan out my meals and not just try to come up with something to pick up. 

Before WLS, I ate out 3 meals a day, almost 7 days a week.  I drank tons of diet coke-haven't had one in 4+ years.  I did exercise some, but couldn't do nearly as much.  I do protein drinks now because they help me not to snack as much during the day.  I do need to get back to an exercise routine.

I visited with my two grandchildren the other night and my oldest DGD#1 wanted me to play tag with her and I sure was tired, but I did play with her and we chased each other and laughed and had the best time.  Never would I have been able to enjoy my grandbabies as much if I was still 248.5 pounds.  I really love doing things with them that I probably missed out on with my own children because of my size.

Thanks to everyone on here that has supported me and helped me along the way.  You truly are a great group of people.  I could not have done this without you!!

Here is a before of me from the night before my son's wedding.

Here is me at my class reunion last August.  I can't find any recent pictures.

Linda

Happy 4 year surgiversary, Linda...AWESOME photos...big difference between the two..you look so much happier now.

Thanks Liz.  I guess I do feel happier because I can go and do so much more.  I know I'm more confident.

What an amazing transformation - happy surgiversary!! :-)

Thank you Huneypie.  I have really enjoyed watching your journey.  You are doing a great job.

I love hearing from successful people who are just ahead of me.  That is me you hear following you and keeping an eye on what you are doing so I can say that I have made it to year four at a normal weight.  Congratulations for all your hard work.

Thank you so much!  I have enjoyed watching your journey also.  I'm sure you will get to year four and beyond at a normal weight!!

Happy Surgiversary Linda!!!   You have done a Fantastic job and I appreciate you being so faithful to us LW's.  Your pictures are Amazing! Even though I know it is you in the before picture I just can't comprehend it.  I would like to see a picture of you all dressed up for the wedding some time.

Although we have never met I truly value your friendship!!!!!  I have several people who I have traveled this journey with  in my phone and my girls were told if anything should every happen they are to contact my WL Friends and you are definitely one of them!

Thanks Roz!!

I tried to put a picture on here from their wedding, but I can't get it to work on this laptop.  When I retire, I want to travel around and meet different people from here.  You are on my list!!  I could not have made it this far with several of you on here.  You all have meant so much to me.

Happy surgerversary to my angel    I feel like we are old friends and we have never met.  thank you so much for hanging around to help us coming along behind.  You guys ARE my support group.