A few thoughts on 18 months out

I don't often post, but I wanted to do something for those at the beginning of their journey. I'm almost 18 months out. I started at 353 give or take a few pounds. I'm now at 191, again give or take. I'm never going to be skinny, but I'm so much healthier now. Here are several things that have hit me recently: I cannot wear plus size clothes any more; the 14/16s are too big. For the first time in my adult life, and I'm 42, I weigh less than my brother, who's 11 months older than me. (Ok, he's 6' 2" to my 5' 5", but we are talking WEIGHT, not HEIGHT.) I went bike riding today, rode several miles, then did the grocery store, library and came home and fixed a fruit salad. I'm going for a walk with the dog (shh, don't tell her; she gets all excited) later. Before this, I couldn't grocery shop and put away all the groceries in the same day. I couldn't make it around the mall, let alone around our long and hilly block. Last weekend, I went to visit a friend in Kentucky and we spent both days out sightseeing and walking. I was not the person holding the group back, for the first time in my life. I could have walked more than the others. I'm signing up to do a 5K on Thanksgiving. I'll be walking, as running is not orthopedically possible (bad knees), but it's the first time I've even considered something like this. All of my husband's clothes, which I could not even get on pre-surgery, are too big for me. Even the flannel shirts I'd like to wear as jackets are really too big for that. I just wanted to share a few things that have hit me recently. I'd like to lose more weight, and it is still coming off slowly. But I feel SO GOOD, it' s not posible for me to complain about the number on the scale. Thanks for letting me share. If you are beginning this journey, let me give you piece of wisdom: You do not realize how painful the weight is until it's going, going, gone! I am not pain-free, but so close compared to how I felt before, it amazes me. Good luck to all! Linda 353/191/160-180?

Wow that is such an awesome inspiration for me.Thanks so much for sharing I look forward to the days when I can at least have manageable pain. Teresa

Good luck on your journey. I didn't realize how much pain the weight was causing; I hope your pain also decreases!

Linda, Thanks so much for posting! I needed to read this today! I sometimes let myself get hung up on the fact that I haven't got to onederland yet and in the big picture, that is not what it is all about! Good for you! Lori 384/233/199

I had problems about getting under 200 as well. I had to keep telling myself it was HEALTH not that number I was after. Much to my surprise, I did make it under 200. Bet you will, too!

thank you, linda, for sharing such an uplifting and inspirational post. sounds like your journey has been very successful indeed. i'm so happy for you. have a wonderful week. dorthe

Thank you, Dorthe! I'm so thankful for this surgery and for having somehow by luck done it at the right time in my life (or so I keep telling myself when I wonder why I didn't do it sooner!).

Wow!..Congratulations on your accomplishments. And from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH FOR YOUR POST!!!!!! I am just beginning my journey. My insurance does not kick in until Jan 1. So I am still researching. I did see my pcp. and I am schedule for the seminar. I am 45, 5'5 and 348lbs. I eagerly await the day when I can stand up for 5 mins and my back does not feel like someone has a blow torch to it. Thank you so much for your very inspirational post. I do pray that God will continue to bless you...

Best of luck on your journey! (Today, by the way, I went to the botanical gardens, then shopping--I was on my feet for about five hours. My feet hurt, but not bad!)

What a wonderful post! This was such an amazing gift you gave me (and I am sure others feel the same) today. Even if your post was over a week ago. Thank you for sharing your success and showing all of us pre-oppers that there is hope for having an active, and nearly painless life. Sometimes it gets so easy to just wrap yourself up in pitty from the lack of energy, lack of stamina, and the down-right depilating pain. Good luck on your future weight loss and enjoy life! Heather