1 yr after and what I have learned!!!

Well....what a ride and journey the past year has been. I have lost 120 pounds and life is wonderful. This surgery was the best thing I ever did for myself. When I started the journey I was just ending a 5 year bout with deep depression, a divorce and anxiety. I couldn't walk very well, bend to clip my nails without pulling a muscle, hard to shower, finding clothes to fit well and look nice, social life going down the tubes and a very low self esteem.
   Throughout the journey I found the darkness turn to light. The wonderful compliments which I was determined to accept graciously and hold dear to my heart to help me through. I can now bend easily, have thrown out so many clothes that I have supported Good Will thoroughly!!! I went from a size 24 to a 12 and am now happy to shop for clothes. I am now dating and have many compliments and approaches from various men. Though I am being pickier this time round!!! My self esteem has allowed me to be choosier and looking out for my own best intrests. For my anniversary I bought myself some tatooed eye liner ( permanent makeup).
    What I have learned is that protein is my friend, laxatives are a must for me, to stop weighing myself daily because the scale will mess with your mind but to do it weekly instead, that the OH site is better than a therapist!! especially Karen, Erin and Dawn who I eagerly read to see what advice they have. They are so full of sound advice. I have learned that support groups are great to keep me on track.
    Please...any newbies. be patient, don't give up, follow the rules as told and you will also have success. Good luck to all of you who are starting the journey and I wish you all the best

Congratulations!  I'm so happy that you love your RNY.  Keep up  the good work.

Jodi

Hi Lori

Congratulations on your new life. It does seem that your life has dramatically improved, healthwise and more.  It sounds like you are doing fantastic and enjoying life remarkably!

Thanks as well for the kind words.

Happy surgiversary!!

Dawn :)

Congratulations Lori, glad to hear everything is  well with you.

Lori, I am absolutely thrilled for you.  Your post brought tears to my eyes - I just couldn't be happier for you. You have made so many positive changes in your life. Enjoy every moment - you've earned it. XO

Wonderful post!  Good luck dating!

Congratulations Lori

What an inspirational post........you go girl  you have done wonderful!!!!

BRAVO!!!!!! I can't wait until I can write a post just like this one!!!!!  Way to go!!!!!   

Congratulations...loved reading your post!! Wishing you all the best with dating too! Have fun...

Sheri

Hi Lori!

Thanks so much for posting that - as a newbie, it really inspires me and it's so nice hearing from another "veteran" that life is very good and you're happy with your decision.  You sound like you are in a very contented, happy place and that you truly like yourself and your life nowadays - good for you!  How wonderful to go from a size 24 down to a 12 - oh, how I hope that happens to me, too! You must look terrific! I'm glad to hear that you rewarded yourself - it's what I always did each year on the date I quit smoking!
Big congratulations to you, Lori !!!!  

Deb