An amazing journey

Five years ago I made the decision to once and for all take control of my weight and have weight loss surgery. I didn't know a soul who had ever had any type of weight loss surgery and felt alone and scared. I had been obese my whole life,even as a child and my best friend and comfort was food of any kind but especially sweets and carbs. My friend was destroying my health though. At a high weight of 273 I had diabetes,high cholesterol and triglycerides and uncontrolled high blood pressure on 3 pills. I went to the cardiologist every three months because with a family history of heart disease I was literally a ticking time bomb. I had so much knee pain from my rheumatoid arthritis and my weight that I was considering knee replacement surgery again. I was winded going down my basement steps. My original goal of 165 really seemed unattainable to me when I began my journey and I was pretty certain this attempt to lose weight would be like all the others--doomed to fail. I nearly talked myself out of surgery because I was so nervous and it all seemed overwhelming and hopeless. Luckily I did not. Today was my 5 year followup and fully clothed I weighed 120.4 pounds on their digital scale. I no longer dread clothes shopping,eating out,or stepping on the scale at a doctors office. Gone is the diabetes,high cholesterol and triglycerides and uncontrolled high blood pressure and all the meds for them too. I no longer worry about a chair holding my weight,fitting in a booth or holding my family back when we go to flea markets. Before surgery I would find a bench and tell my husband and sons I wanted to watch people,but in reality I didn't want to slow them down. I knew I couldn't keep up and was often stuck sitting on the sidelines instead of living my dreams. What a change today. Now my family can't keep up with me and I've done many things I wouldn't have ever even considered before:obedience classes with my dog Lily,concealed carry classes and lay speaker classes for my church. I love to shop now and walk 5 or 6 miles a day with my boxer with absolutely zero pain. I love my new active life and all of you here--you each help keep me accountable each and every day. I weigh every day and measure and weigh my food when I'm at home to keep myself on track. My before picture lives on my frig to remind me how far I've come. As I went to my appointment today I was reminded of my first visit there 51/2 years ago. I couldn't find a nearby parking spot and was so winded when I got to the building I sat on a bench to catch my breath before I went upstairs in the elevator. Today's visit I parked on the edge of the lot and briskly walked in,found the stairs and ran up the three flights to the office. And I could still talk when I got there. It isn't always easy to eat the right foods,avoid my favorite carbs or get my exercise but I feel so much better that it is worth it. If you are contemplating surgery as you read this and are ready for a change for the better don't be afraid--take the first step. Make that healthy life for yourself one good healthy choice at a time. If I can do it so can you. Thank you all for being a source of widom,encouragement and inspiration to me every day. It really helps to know you are not alone. Before and after shocks to follow.

Thanks for sharing your story. You have come so far! Congrats!

Karen,

You are one of the people that I just really look up to here. You are now considered a bonified Vet here, even though, in my mind you have always been! You rock through this like a machine, and it amazes me how you keep everything going so great day after day after day!

Give Lily a butt scratch from me

Congratulations. You dedication to the plan, to exercise is amazing.

Well done. Well done indeed.

I love your story Karen! Congratulations!!

Karen you are an inspiration and a wonderful person. I am happy for you and wish you continued health and happiness! No meds is such a wonderful achievement in itself! Congrats!

You are awesome Karen! So glad you are here and paying it forward.

Hugs - Ash

I appreciate your honesty and support! Thank you for being an inspiration. Congrats on your success.

Congratulations on 5 years! You are the success story we all want to be! Thank you for your support each and every day.

You are amazing

You are a rockstar and an inspiration! Thanks for coming here every day an sharing your successes and struggles. I've learned so much from you :)