Upcoming Surgi-versary and personal reflection

My surgery anniversary is coming up (mine was 2/29/2012 so I celebrate on 3/1) and I find myself reflecting on the decision to have it done.  So many people that know what I've been through, including my surgeon, have asked me "do you think it was worth it?"  At first I really had to stop and think about it.  I mean I did almost not pull through twice and had 2 revisions literally back to back.

I was asked the question by my hairdresser about a week ago.  Without hesitation I said that it was worth it.  She asked, "even with all you went through?"  I told her "yes."  Here's why: not only did I take the weight off but I found a better appreciation for life itself.  I don't take anything for granted and look at the silver lining in everything (something I never did before).  I've learned to listen to my body and when it's time to slow my roll and ask for help.  I've learned to ALWAYS tell my family that I love them.  Little things may seem little but mean the world to me.  On top of all that, I don't take any meds for my diabetes and only take my blood pressure med because of the family history.  I can do so much more without getting tired and winded.  So in the end, "yes" I am happy with the decision I made to have WLS done.

Even with now possibly looking at another surgery to correct an intussesception (my intestine "rolls" on itself causing my abdominal pain, gas and bloating) I'm just taking it as a step in the right direction.  I know what needs to be done and I'll take one day at a time.  So with that...

Have a good Wednesday!

Hurray for you.  I am so sorry you had to go through so much, and maybe more.  We all know there are risk and yet we never believe they are going to happen to us.  A friend had serious complications with our surgery and spent weeks in ICU.  I think it is so important that our potential surgery folks hear from everyone, not just those of us that breeze through it.

And you have lost a ton of weight!!! Hurray for you again.  I know you feel better but I also know how much I love taking my "med" sheet into my Dr visits and there is nothing on it but vitamins and minerals. 

Keep going, girlfriend.  You have the right attitude and you are a winner.

Thank you, Price.

I remember last May during my physical when my PCP that diabetes was gone I literally cried happy tears.  Now I'm joining a gym - something I never imagined I'd do - and looking at maybe doing a 5K by the end of this year.  As my dad used to always tell me when I was a kid, "The sky's the limit."  Forget the sky, I'm shooting for past the moon and stars.

Congrats on your upcoming Surgiversary.    I know lots of people who have had revisions for one reason or another and complications as well and they ALL feel the same as you do.     I personally think when we are so lost with so much weight and there is NO way out ( or at least it seems that way )....I think we will grab it and hold on for life.     I am so glad you have such a amazing attitude since you've had lots of issues.   After all we have no guarantees in life on anything.    Good luck to you on any upcoming surgeries.

Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

Thank you, Vivian.  You're right in that we have to guarantees in life.  We just have to ride the waves it gives us.

Congratulations on your upcoming one year anniversary!!  You have a great attitude and have been so successful.  Keep up the great work.

Sorry you have had so many complications.

Linda

Thanks, Linda!  But I do have to say that it's been 2 years and not 1...

Congrats on your 2 year Surgiversary!!!   I'm glad you don't have any regrets and you have such a positive attitude about you have gone through. You sound like an Amazing person! 

Are you at goal now or still losing? 

Roz,

I'm finally at my goal.  For about a 7 months I was well below my goal of 120 lbs.  I stayed around 106 lbs.  I was beginning to take that as my "normal" weight because I have to watch my gluten intake (makes me bloated).  I can eat the stuff just not every single thing.  I'm at 119 lbs now and content.

My surgery weight stats are similar to yours.  How tall are you?  I'm 4'11".  I was 203, dropped to 106, and have settled at 119.  Occasionally I see 120 but I watch my salt and get my Protein in so I get back in the teens.