1 Year Later

1 year ago today I walked into Guelph General Hospital scared ****less but ready to start a new chapter in my life. As you all know I was happy in Oct 2004 when I weighed 409.8 lbs and I was happy on May 27^th when I started Optifast at 391.8 lbs and that day I was happy at 366 lbs. This was not about being happy because I loved me at those weights and I love me now. This was/is about becoming healthy so Jody and I can enjoy a long healthy life together and hopefully bring a child or children into this world.

I digress; I walked into the hospital scared but so ready… I knew I was in good hands; Dr. Reed is an excellent surgeon! The waiting was the hard part as my surgery got delayed by almost 2 hours. I was wheeled off to surgery and walked into the operating room. A couple hours later I was awake in my room. Not much pain, just relieved to have made it through because being obese puts you at more risk during surgery, I went in knowing full well I may not come out alive (as is the risk with any surgery).

By 9:30 pm I was out of bed with help and by 3am I was walking to the bathroom on my own. 2 days later they sent me home, I healed well and 16 days after surgery I returned to work. The first few weeks were tough because you have to relearn how to eat. I had to remember to eat slowly, chew, chew, chew, and get enough water in.

 I, knock on wood, have not had any major complications. I puke if I eat dry meat or if I eat way too fast. These things are my own fault, it doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. I also believe that I am having gallbladder issues which are currently being investigated. I don’t dump, I can eat anything that I want, which is a blessing and a curse. I can still enjoy a small piece of birthday cake with family, or a treat when I am out with friends. I am struggling a bit right now with my husband’s work schedule and some stress related issues and I am probably indulging a little more than I should be but I am confident that I have the tools & the ability to get that in check. RNY is NOT a cure; it is a tool and you have to use it correctly. I WILL NOT fail. Because if I do, it’s not the surgeon that failed, nor is it the surgery that failed, if I lose control, it is I who have failed and I REFUSE, to fail myself.

Do I have any regrets? Just one and that is that I wish I had done this sooner. But I had to be in a place mentally that allowed me to make this decision and I am so glad that I did.
 
Thank you Dr. Reed for giving me a different life then I had before, it has changed and I am eternally grateful. And to the staff at Guelph who have taken very good care of me over the last year and a bit. Thank you to each and every one of my friends and family who supported me through this, all the ups and downs, your love & support made this possible. Finally thank you to the most wonderful husband in the world who has loved me unconditionally since we were 17. My life is complete because you are in it.
 
And now the moment of truth, the day I started Optifast I weighed 391.8 lbs., today I weigh 230 lbs. That is a loss of 161.8 lbs in the year and a bit since I started this journey.

Thank you all for sharing this journey with me. I never set out to be an inspiration but if I have inspired anyone to get healthy then I am glad that I did :)  

Wow!!!  Good for you! 

Thanks Lisa!

 Right On!!!!

Thanks Mike!

I have seen you at the London Support Group Meetings I think! You have done AWESOME :)

Wonderful post!  HUGE congratulations to you!

Thanks Karen!

Your posts keep me going a lot when I am struggling! Your success story has really helped me along, I just wanted you to know that.

 Thank you for your kind words.

Awesome post, Trisha!  Congratulations!

Trisha, you have done an amazing job so far. I have every faith that you will continue to do well and get your demons under control. I am never far away if you need me.

HUGS
Linda