1 Year Surgery Anniversary !!!

Aug 12, 2010

WoW !!! Where do I begin...I never thought in a million years that I would where I am today! Yesterday was my 1 year surgery anniversary and I achieved my goal. I hit goal weight yesterday and my 1 year check up went great. My blood levels were all good and I don't have to go back to the surgeon for 6 months.

So you are probably wondering...how does it feel to be 1 year out? 

I have to say it's amazing, it's hard to believe. I have never imagined that life could be so great! Even going through all of the challenges that I faced in this last year, losing our home, my marriage breaking up,  and losing all of my material things...I have still felt better than ever. I have persevered through some rough times and the confidence and courage that I have gained has stemmed from my surgery. I never knew that I could be as strong as I am and I am thankful that God has blessed me with it.

I have achieved numerous non-scale victories that I never thought I would do...such as riding on a water slide at the amusement park, being able to buckle the airplane seat belt and have extra room, running up steps and not be out of breath, working out and enjoying it, not having knee and back pain, running with my 2 yr old daughter, sliding down the park slides with her, wearing shorts and skirts/dresses above my knee, walking into a store and finding clothes that fit in normal sizes, not having to search for plus-size pantyhose at 3 different stores, crossing my legs, riding a bike, jogging, wearing clothing in bright colors, and sitting in a chair and not being afraid it will break.

What would I change or do I wish I knew before surgery? I really wouldn't change anything about my surgery not even the adhesion/bowel obstruction. Going through that second surgery made me realize how short life is and how much I need to appreciate each and every day. It made me love my family even more and it brought me closer to God through faith. What I wish I knew before surgery...I wish that I knew how much this is an emotional journey. They advised us in the class that it was emotional but not to the extent of what it is. I mean the reason that I became obese is because of the emotional problems in my life and my food addiction. I hadn't realized that I had a food addiction until after I had surgery...I didn't know how hard it would be to control it either. For me it's a daily struggle and it will be for the rest of my life. I wish that I had this surgery years ago because my life would have been so different but I am grateful that I have been through what I have as it has made me stronger.

Now I have hit goal..it feels amazing..Incredible and better than I imagined. Even going into my journey and having WLS I was not sure I would hit goal. However, now the hard work really begins...maintaining my weight goal. Using the self control and coping mechanisms that I have learned...working my tool and staying motivated.

I am so thankful to my surgeon for giving me the tool that I have, thankful to God for the opportunity at life again, my family for support, and myself for finally learning to love and accept ME (the real me).

I firmly believe that often we have to be our own cheerleaders in order to achieve our dreams.

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