onelilbirdie
Aspirations
Dec 29, 2013
I have never really taken the time to utilize this community before. Many of the personal accounts I have read over the past few days have been awe inspiring. I am in a rather humble state, right now.
In August of 2004, I elected to have gastric bypass surgery (RNY) Actually, there were several major life events that contributed to my decision: The most compelling was being put into a space where I was the only lifeboat for my youngest son. His father was murdered, and all of his grandparents had long since passed away. It was a sobering moment in my life. This was my epiphany.
My highest weight was 321 pounds---the morning of my surgery I traveled alone to the hospital and was made ready---all by myself. I had no other family that lived in the state, except for my youngest son. I had pretty much isolated myself from the world, because of my morbid obesity. I had no social contacts. None. My extended family was aware of my plans for the procedure, but no one came to be with me.
The lady ahead of me on the surgery schedule was absolutely terrified. They literally called in Psych to come and talk her down out of the rafters. As for me, due to this other patients' indecision, I was bumped two hours for my procedure. The entire time I listed to Carlos Nakai on my cd player, kept a quiet smile on my face, and practiced my deep breathing. I was calm, determined and flooded with purpose and resolute reserve. No one was going to stand in the way of my progress!
I felt like Cinderella that first year post RNY. I plummeted from 321 to 170 pounds, with very little effort, it seemed. I did have a hiccup with thyroid function in January 05...but it all seemed so easy to me. "Do this, avoid that, practice, practice, practice!" It worked! Fast forward several years and unrelated health issues since then, and here I am again. Ready to take on the same battle, slay the same dragon, once more. I know my tool works. I know what to do. It is time to just do it!
If we can all duplicate the same intensity, and commitment to the weight loss process, we can all succeed. Our victories are equal to the effort we put forth. We can all accomplish great things in simple, little ways. A wise woman once said to me, "Small steps make a distance." Each day is a gift. Each day provides us with challenges and opportunities to grow as individuals; to hone our talents and refine our resolve to live in a healthy manner. May we each have the desires of our hearts by and through our own deliberate actions and choices this coming year. Happy New Year to one and all!
