For all you pre-ops and newly post ops... here's a little encouragment

Hello All! As I am getting close to my one year surgiversary, I have been reflecting on what I'd like to share with all of you about my journey.  In doing so, I ran across this blog entry from last year.  I thought I'd share it with you so that it might be an encouragement to some of you.  I know that when I wrote this down, I NEVER thought I'd achieve any of it.  So here it is! PS.  I'm a blogger and have tried to keep it mostly to what was WLS related.  I know that when I was pre-op I found it very helpful to read through folks account of their experience.  Well, I've got a LOT of data on my blog, in case you are interested! on March 10, 2007 1:28 pm Published When I started on this journey, my only goal was to lose about 50 lbs. so I could be healthier.  I didn't dare to dream about reaching, or even getting close to my goal weight.  I didn't dare to dream about what that might be like, either.  It was just too painful if I failed.  Well, that was with the Band.  Now that I am looking at doing VSG instead, I have dared to dream!

I've been keeping a list of things.  I always have my PDA (like a Palm Pilot) in my pocket, so as things occur to me I write them down.  I thought I'd put my list here, which is actually a VERY big step for me to share something so personal.

(In no particular order)
I WANT TO BE ABLE TO: not always be hot (ACHIEVED)
have more hairstyle choices (Achieved) wear a tank-top (ACHIEVED)
have more energy so I'm not so lazy (ACHIEVED)
fit into chairs easier (ACHIEVED)
sit more lady-like (ACHIEVED)
get snow pants that fit (ACHIEVED)
not have a fat chin or double *****ACHIEVED)
buy cute, cheap shoes again (ACHIEVED)
dance (CAN, BUT HAVEN'T)
ride a bike (ACHIEVED)
buy nice or cute clothes (ACHIEVED)
shop at Victoria's Secret (ACHIEVED) find a bra that truly fits well (ACHIEVED)
have a cute bathing suit instead just hoping for one that fits (ACHIEVED)
look younger (I feel like I look my age now, but folks keep commenting on how much younger I look)
have some of my joint pain go away (ACHIEVED)
have an easier time on our boat (don't know yet)
be able to do ERVs/more field work with Red Cross
(I'm trained, but physically couldn't do it) (NOTE: will not be able to do ERVs due to dietary needs)
be able to keep up with my husband's active family (still need to work on this one a bit, but I'm doing way better at keeping up!)
go on amusement park rides (WILL BE ABLE.  In fact, I'm going to Great America in Santa Clara this weekend!!!)
have the stamina to do a holiday meal (ACHIEVED)
wear calf-high boots (ACHIEVED)
weigh less than my hubby (ACHIEVED)
wear T-shirts from places (ACHIEVED)
wear a neoprene life-vest (ACHIEVED)
not exclude activities based on my weight (ACHIEVED) Oh, and here's a weird one: my 13 yr old daughter, who weighs all of maybe 90 lbs soaking wet, can actually pick me up!  Didn't see that one coming!

Peace,
Rana

Thank you Rana!!!! In a way I feel like you did. 50 lbs off my body is a big improvement. I cant even imagine being less than 200 lbs!!!! which would be 85 lbs lost. I am half way there in just over 2 months. I cant wait to see where I am at the end of the summer but in the very back of my mind there is still feelings that I wont lose more than the 50 lbs. Thanks again! It is encouraging to see someone succeed when they had the same failure feelings that you have.

Let me tell you, that feeling about not losing more than 50 lbs is also normal.  I kept telling myself that I would consider this surgery a success if I ever got to 160 lbs.  Then when I did, I said, "well, if I get to 140, then that would be TRUE success".  Then I got there and said that 130 would mean wildly successful.  Yup, got there and NEVER dreamed I'd weigh less than that!  I'm still holding on at 122 - 123!  I LOVE IT!!!

Hang in there and you'll lose more than you thought possible!  The rules work!!! (it's just not a steady loss is all)

Peace,
Rana

Great Share Rana - Even though I am post op I'm on my longest stall and gain/lose the same 2-3 lbs.  I've begun to wonder if this is all it will be for me - 53 lbs...still 35 away from my goal of 140 and though people comment you look great, skinny all that, I still want to be at my goal where I feel good - even though I've never seen my body lower than where I am now. Thanks for the encouragement - maybe some more will come off - I guess my body will quit freaking out soon enough!

I have a strong feeling that you are NOT done losing weight, Danielle!  You are only around 6 months out.  I know that for me, carbs affected my loss more than number of calories.  If I got enough protein, kept the carbs low, and got plenty of water then the loss ticked right along.  I do know that some women are more sensitive about carbs than others.  It's all about trying to figure out what food combo works best for you, and what you can live with.

Hang in there sweet girl.  More will come off!

Peace,
Rana

This is really inspirational! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Rana, You are always so encouraging. It is nice to know the strugles and wants of other people are alot like your own when you are going through this journey. I am having a much better week so far, I have finally broken a 2 week stall and feel like I can continue. Sometimes it gets really frustating but I have to really stop and put things in to perspective. And I know I am doing well so far. Thanks again.

And you really are doing great!  Those stalls can be frustrating, but are all part of the process.

Hey, if you really want to know about my struggles, go back and read my blog from May and April 2007.  I had some doozies!

You are so right about keeping things in perspective.  That will be a trait that serves you well!

Peace,
Rana

FAN-FLIPPING-TASTIC!!!!! And I thought just improving my health was a sufficient goal, looks like I need to expand my horizons. Thanks for the great upper, Fred

Oh yes, I remember that feeling.  I just wanted to be healthier, nothing else.  But then I started thinking about the other potential benefits to losing weight.  They are the reason I had WLS, but the perks of having done so.  Nice side benefits!

Expand those horizons, Fred!  You'll be amazed at the bonus benefits!

Peace,
Rana