2 Years down- Wanted to say hi (VERY LONG)

Hello everyone. I have been away from this board for almost a lifetime it seems. Thought I would pop in real quick and say hello to those old timers who know me and for those just starting on their beautiful journeys. I'll be celebrating 2 years of my new life on the 3rd of August.

I have learned that there comes a point in your life when one must grow up and take a step back and try to look at the entire picture. Life is too short to be wasting time on reckless behavior (and yes I have priors) and childish thinking. The “what if" game waists way too much time and that has been one of the biggest learning experiences of my life and through my journey. Why waist away your life on “what if?" It eats you alive until you end up hitting rock bottom right next to the “what if" that never did happen. I guess it takes being really truly happy with yourself to realize that you should never ever settle for less. Kind of sad however that losing weight plays such a prominent role in one's life with self esteem. But I guess it is what it is. Oh wow, have I gone through some crazy things through my journey but looking back I must say I am pretty damn happy with my life right now. Just 2 more months until I am married and I have been planning my wedding along with Cancer Survivor's Day at my job and training to run/walk a marathon.  Oh and I forgot to mention the $2,500 I had to raise for the Team in Training for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.I have exceeded my goal and still receiving a ton of support.  Busy is an understatement but I have to say I am truely blessed.

For those who are just starting off I feel obligated to just share what i have learned throughout my journey. Maybe it will help. Maybe it will just sound like blah blah blah blah blah blah. But it's real and for those who want to learn here goes. And FYI, I have no regrets just feel responsible for sharing what is real for all the newbies.I wouldn't change anything. This has been the best thing I have done in my life and strongly encourage it if you are willing to committ yourself to your health and well being.  

1. Weight loss will not solve all of your problems
It may in fact cause more so try and get your head straight and just be aware.

2. This surgery is just a tool. The surgery itself is not a miracle. You have to still work just as hard as anyone else having to lose weight- both physically & mentally.

3. This surgery is not a cosmetic procedure and don't do it to look good. Do it because if you don't lose weight you will die. Do it to be healthy. Don't do it beacause you think your boyfriend or girlfriend will love you more etc.

4. This is a lifestyle change so if you aren't willing to change your lifestyle don't do it.

5. Exercise. You have got to exercise! If you don't all of your weight after a while will just come back. Even if it's just walking for 20 minutes a day. Do it.

6. Try and STAY AWAY from the drinking. It's VERY HARD if you like to party. BE CAREFUL!!!!

7. Find a hobby. It's so easy to become a shopaholic because you are losing weight and looking good and you just want to buy buy buy.

8. Don't go boy/girl crazy. People are going to pay attention to you more. Don't let it get to your head! YOu are still the same damn person inside and if they didn't like you before when your were fat what makes them so special now?

9. Drink water. Water, water, water.

10. Take your vitamins EVERYDAY. This is just part of the lifestyle comittment you wil have to yourself to take your vitamins.

11. Enjoy life and be healthy.

12. IF you get depressed or overwhelmed go seek professional help or use this board for support. This is a great supportive place.

No regrets just little thing I personally learned the past 2 years.
Love to all

Happy Surgiversary to my little Christmas Elfster.....

You've traveled a bumpy road at times but I'm glad you're able to honestly share your experiences with others. We all learn from each other.  Thank you.   You look amazing!!!

Best of everything to you....

Jaime!! Great to see you, and i really enjoyed your lessons from along the way...soooo true...

thanks for taking the time to write and to drop in....

xoxo
Lori

PS...HAPPY TWO YEARS!!!!!!

 Well, my little anglette, you have a VERY proud angel here! 

You are doing great and your list is one for newbies to print and tape to the refrigerator!

I remember everything from meeting you through your surgery and after. Keep up the great work, congratulations on your surgiversary and your upcoming marriage.

Life is good and especially so when you do things for yourself, like WLS, that greatly improve the quality and, hopefully, quantity of your life!
Love you Jamie!

(((((BigBearHugz))))) 

Congrats to you . . . and glad you are so happy with your life!  That was a great list . . .and oh so VERY true.  Don't be a stranger . . . nice to see you!

Chris

(((((((Jaime)))))) So good to see you hun. Congrats on the engagement, the weightloss and emeeting/exceeding your goal for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You have done an amzing job, even with your struggles. Miss you hun. Don't be a stranger.XOXOXO

Jaime,

Congratulations! Reading about your experiences and advice, I have to say, you are right! Everything you said, is true!! You are a very wise woman and thank you for sharing with all of us! Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!! Wooohooo!!! She's gettin hitched!!

Jules

Good Morning sweetie.

So good to see you on here.  By the way, I just got off of my space and looked at all your pictures,  The ones of you and your fiance....oh goodness....nice looking man, and I hope that he is as nice as he looks.  I remember you going through so many struggles and I am so happy to see you growing and learning from them.  That is what life is all about.

Your have transformed yourself, you look beautiful, and you look for wonderfully happy.  You deserve everything you are receiving. You have gone from living in a crappy place, Highland, to living in one of the most beautiful place in California.  

Congrats on everything, I wish you the very best.  Take care of yourself and happy wedding my friend.  I can't wait to see the pictures.

Love you, Diane 

Jaime,

Thank you for sharing this with us.  Most of all congratulations on two years post-op and overcoming so much!!  Wishing you nothing but happiness!

~Naomi

I absolutely love when people post things like this!  Thank you!  there is a lot to learn and be reminded about in your post and I will take your advice!

I think you look fantastic but most of all it seems like you feel fantastic and have found happiness which is a great place to be!

Congrats on all your success and your upcoming marriage!!!

big hugs,

Jackie