LIFESTARTS WLS HERO OF THE MONTH

Annie Miller was chosen as our weight loss hero of the month for November. Here is her story as it was published at www.,vawlsevents,com

If you have a story you would like to tell that you feel will inspire someone ,  or know of someone that has helped out in our WLS community , then by all means , ket ne know. Your stories do so much for so many ., I can tell you my reafing a ladies story here on OH was what made me decide to have WLS ... so I hope you one day decide to share ,

Tink ,,


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WLS HERO OF THE MONTH
ANNIE MILLER

I’m a new woman and I am on an amazing journey!

Just like most people I’d struggled with my weight since my late teens. I’ve done every diet/exercise plan known to man & woman. I’d have temporary success with always regaining the lost weight plus added pounds. With each baby (3) I initially lost my gained baby weight but within a year would gain again weighing more than before. The only way I could lose weight and keep it off was if I’d eat 500-900 calories and then exercise like a crazy woman, it was not sustainable.  I have numerous relatives with obesity and Type 2 diabetes, hypertension etc… I could see the writing on the wall even as a teenager. At some point I just gave up trying.

My self worth was very scared. I felt and then acted less than I knew I was inside. Because of my low self worth I reacted in negative ways with others. I had very little confidence. I literally wanted to hide from the world and even sometimes my family. How could I believe anyone else could love me when I couldn’t or didn’t love myself?

I really do believe that I’m way more than what I look like on the outside but the world evaluates us only on what it can see, our external selves. For me my external was a reflection of my internal world. My weight made me feel safe because of issues with childhood sex abuse. It is interesting that as I healed on the inside I became ready to deal with my outside. I finally had a desire to be healthy on the outside too.

One of my saddest memories is of my oldest son defending me in elementary school when a fellow student made fun of me. He reacted and got in trouble. I did not know for years what the cause of the encounter was. Later when he told me I felt so sad for him, embarrassed for myself.

Some of my wow moments have been…

Crossing my legs, buying clothes in the regular size section, being able to push my plate away while food is still on it, my family’s pride, people I haven’t seen since before surgery not recognizing me, my type 2 diabetes gone, moving without as much pain, more energy. My absolute favorite is the feeling of not being controlled by food (most days.)

My highest weight was at least 252. I just celebrated my 9 month post RNY. I weighed in at 159 just this week. My goal weight is to be lower than 150. I’m 10 pounds away! I’ve gone from a size 22 to a 12. I am exercising consistently. I’m drinking and eating as prescribed (most days) I don’t beat myself up when I don’t “do it" perfectly.

I’ve met some amazing & courageous folks. I’m thankful for all those that have gone before me and are there to encourage & support. I cannot imagine doing this alone.

My 3 long term goals are…

…stay in support & encourage others…keep a food journal…exercise consistently

In 10 years I want to live as I am now - full of hope, health and healthy weight.

Has it been hard at times? YES   Was I afraid to do the surgery? YES   Would I do it again? YES, YES, YES