I made it to year #2 Surgiversary!

I did it! I hardly post here but I frequently read all for the valuable information and I revel in everyone success stories and NSV. This has been quite a journey and I can completely understand why this is no way taking the "easy" way out of obesity. I was a lightweight at 5'4-3/4" 208lbs and I made the tough decision to have the DS because of a number of reasons. I had one co-morbidity, which was high blood pressure; at my age the yo-yo dieting was getting more and more difficult, I was 47 at the time of surgery and my last very vain selfish reasoning was I am a professional woman who was aging out in a male dominated industry and I needed to reinvent myself.

All that said this has been a roller coaster ride. I had a tough recovery, I had a leak and had to have a 2nd surgery, and I contracted pneumonia so those first few months were the absolute worse and I was kicking myself with regret. I have had to have 2 hernia surgeries and will need another - but will wait until next year as my body needs a break. With all of that here I am today, much stronger and, knock wood pretty healthy. I have lost 78lbs and maintained a weight of 130lbs, but bounce anywhere from 129 to 133. I am a size 2-4 , a 0 at Old Navy!

Two years out and I am happy, food is not the enemy and I have a much better handle on what I can and cannot eat. No real gas issues unless I eat something stupid, I started a probiotic a few months ago which has help with the bloating. My biggest issue is constipation - who would have guess that? So I take Miralax and stool softeners each day to keep regular. I had my labs done last week and I am waiting for my yearly appt with my surgeon to review and hopefully all will be good.

My biggest NSV was accomplished - I was promoted a few weeks ago - HUGE deal - but it solidified my thoughts on how we are judged by our appearance in this world. My husband says it would have happen anyway - I say not, I guess I will never know but the world does look different to me too.

Thanks for letting me ramble and I thank you for having this very valuable tool.

Happy surgiversary!!   : )

--gina

Sorry you had such a hard beginning.  We all think those issues will happen to someone else but sometime, the someone else is us.  But you made it through and have a great attitude.  Now on with the rest of your life!!!!

Congratulations on your success and on your promotion!!

Linda

Congratulations on all your hard work over the last two years...and your recent promotion!  

Congrats! It was a pretty rough start for your no doubt but your attitude is amazing!  No wonder you have succeeded. I did want to say that I am right there with you on the appearance thing.  We try to tell ourselves it doesnt matter or it shouldn't matter and maybe it shouldn't but in fact it does.  Their is one truth though that no matter how you look you had to have the chops for the job so clearly that was going for you! Congrats again!