The difference a year makes....
Hi Everyone,
Okay, I know I have disappeared the past six months (not that I really posted all that much...mainly lurked 
), but as many of you have written, life certainly changes as you begin to remove weight and actually start living your life.
A year ago today my life changed and I was reborn. I remember the nervousness and excitement of sitting in the waiting room, waiting for my restaurant style buzzer to go off at Emory telling me it was time. I remember waking up in the recovery room, with my first words being "Praise God I am alive" and the nurse giving me a proud "Amen". I remember walking the hallways with my husband, my mom and my companion the IV drip, being so proud that I came through the surgery with no complications. I remember my dad walking into my hospital room with a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, assuming I would be asleep from all the pain meds - but I wasn't 
And I remember the journey that started that day and changed my life forever. I remember thinking from week two through month two that I had made a huge mistake....the only thing I could eat was yogurt. However, as Oscar the Grouchy Pouch started to heal and become adjusted to the new plumbing arrangement, I started to remove weight and my clothes became baggy. I started to gain more energy, and my knee and back pains went away. I started to live my life.
And now, a year later, I am a new woman. I have removed almost 100 pounds...those of you who have read my profile know the one thing I did not do, and really regret, was weigh myself the day of my surgery. The last recorded weight was 243, but that was a month before my surgery, and I had the "last meal" syndrome for the whole month, so I guesstimate that my actual weight was around 250 - 255. I now weigh 157.2 lbs, I wear size small/medium in tops and size 8/10 in pants (yeah, I lost my boobs somewhere along the way last year 
) I had my follow-up with the bariatrician today, and he is so pleased with my progress. And I told the truth - I told him that sometimes I don't remember to take my calcium, sometimes I eat sugar (and sometimes pay for it 
), and yes, sometimes I drink alcohol. I joined the Galloway run/walk program to help with exercise (although it isn't good when you twist your foot and can't run! 
), but there are times when I could improve on that. I'm not perfect, and I never will be, but I can promise you this - I will never be that 250 pound woman again.
I'm grateful for this surgery and the many blessings, and new friends, it has brought into my life. I have been very emotional today because when you are given a second change at life, whether it be surviving a heart attack or car crash, beating cancer, or having weight loss surgery, you want to live it fully and savor each moment. For the first time in my life, I am truly, truly happy - all facets of my life. I have a wonderful marriage, a great new house, an awesome new job, and a much, much healthier body.
Whew! That was a lot to say, and a lot for you to read. Thanks for taking the time to walk down memory lane with me. For those of you who are post op, please know that this surgery is a major life changing event, and your life will **NEVER** be the same again. I wish you much luck in your own personal journey.
Hugs,
Ginger 
), but as many of you have written, life certainly changes as you begin to remove weight and actually start living your life.
A year ago today my life changed and I was reborn. I remember the nervousness and excitement of sitting in the waiting room, waiting for my restaurant style buzzer to go off at Emory telling me it was time. I remember waking up in the recovery room, with my first words being "Praise God I am alive" and the nurse giving me a proud "Amen". I remember walking the hallways with my husband, my mom and my companion the IV drip, being so proud that I came through the surgery with no complications. I remember my dad walking into my hospital room with a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, assuming I would be asleep from all the pain meds - but I wasn't And I remember the journey that started that day and changed my life forever. I remember thinking from week two through month two that I had made a huge mistake....the only thing I could eat was yogurt. However, as Oscar the Grouchy Pouch started to heal and become adjusted to the new plumbing arrangement, I started to remove weight and my clothes became baggy. I started to gain more energy, and my knee and back pains went away. I started to live my life.
And now, a year later, I am a new woman. I have removed almost 100 pounds...those of you who have read my profile know the one thing I did not do, and really regret, was weigh myself the day of my surgery. The last recorded weight was 243, but that was a month before my surgery, and I had the "last meal" syndrome for the whole month, so I guesstimate that my actual weight was around 250 - 255. I now weigh 157.2 lbs, I wear size small/medium in tops and size 8/10 in pants (yeah, I lost my boobs somewhere along the way last year ) I had my follow-up with the bariatrician today, and he is so pleased with my progress. And I told the truth - I told him that sometimes I don't remember to take my calcium, sometimes I eat sugar (and sometimes pay for it ), and yes, sometimes I drink alcohol. I joined the Galloway run/walk program to help with exercise (although it isn't good when you twist your foot and can't run! ), but there are times when I could improve on that. I'm not perfect, and I never will be, but I can promise you this - I will never be that 250 pound woman again.
I'm grateful for this surgery and the many blessings, and new friends, it has brought into my life. I have been very emotional today because when you are given a second change at life, whether it be surviving a heart attack or car crash, beating cancer, or having weight loss surgery, you want to live it fully and savor each moment. For the first time in my life, I am truly, truly happy - all facets of my life. I have a wonderful marriage, a great new house, an awesome new job, and a much, much healthier body.
Whew! That was a lot to say, and a lot for you to read. Thanks for taking the time to walk down memory lane with me. For those of you who are post op, please know that this surgery is a major life changing event, and your life will **NEVER** be the same again. I wish you much luck in your own personal journey.
Hugs,
Ginger 
Hi Ginger.
Many congradulations.....I know how you feel, like a new lease on life. We had the same surgeon, and he is great, real cool down to earth guy. I know what you are saying about the pouch being a grouch...it has a mind of its own most days, but hey that it ok with me. When I started my journey I was was roughly 250lbs and only 5ft...I am currenylu down to about 156(last weight in was in January) and in a size 7/8, I have never been that small, but the greatest part of all, I am not longer a diabetic. So I am there with you girl, you look great and keep up the good work.
Hugs
Erica
I am so glad you posted all of that!!!!! I am a nervous wreck right now... I start my journey tomorrow: my first bariatric appointment. Who knows if I qualify? Who knows if my insurance will be cooperative? Who knows what will happen? But, after reading your post I feel like I made the right decision - no matter WHAT the outcome. Thank you for reinstating my confidence. Hopefully in one year I will write the same type of post.
Congratulations on your new body, your new health, and your exuberant happiness!
carol L.
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