A Year Ago Today.....

A year ago today, at this time, I was in surgery undergoing gastric bypass A year ago today:     I could not walk more than 20 feet without wondering how much farther did I have to go     I could not walk around Busch Gardens     I could not ride a roller coaster     I could not fully participate as a parent on my son's swim team     I could not go up and down stairs like a normal person....one at a time, please     I could not find a scale except at the doctor's office, that would give me a truly accurate reading     I could not buy clothes anywhere but the pricey extended sizes stores     I could not eat enough to satisfy me or make me happy     I could not go an hour without intaking more sugar...my drug of choice     I could not fit into my small, more economical car.  I was only comfortable in my great big van.     I could not squeeze into the back seat of anybody's car     I could not carry much of anything in my arms     I could not convince myself to fly on an airplane     I could not....or would not tuck my shirt in     I could not imagine what life could really be like.......and then.....over the past year it happened...Now, 125 lbs less later....here I am to tell you....       I FEEL GREAT!       I can walk and walk and walk     I LOVE Busch Gardens without the handicap cart!       I'm a stroke and turn judge on my feet for a whole swim meet with my son     I run up and down the stairs!     I eat really well and now appreciate more "elite" foods I didn't much care for before.       I can sit in the back seat of my economy car and my van feels huge!     I've ridden a roller coaster AND flown on an airplane......with inches of seatbelt left over!     I carry stuff all the time     I tuck my shirts in all the time.....and I love my "cute girl" clothes!       I can shop for clothes just about anywhere I want...no more Omar the Tentmaker designs!     I LIKE having my picture taken! It has been a wonderful experience and this year has flown by.   For anyone who is offered the gift of the opportunity of this surgery....I have to say grab for the brass ring.  It is amazing!  I wish I could figure out how to add more pictures.....the difference now is astounding.  I will keep trying.  But....I have been busy, busy, busy so not a lot of time to be on the computer.  I started this journey by getting on the list at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in October of 2004 at 323 pounds.  My sugery was June 21st 2006 and I weight 317 going in.  Today I am at 198 with more weight to lose but am starting to hear, "You look fine like you are."  Truly, it doesn't matter to me what size I wear or what pounds I way....it's how I feel and although I'm sure I'm still considered overweight......if I don't lose another pound I am still thrilled.  Take care to all.....Amy

This is such an inspirational post! Thank you Amy for posting it. I still remember all of these things and many more from before my journey began until now and have such wonderful hopes of the future as well. I love your attitude about everything as well. I'm glad you're doing well and congratulations on your 1 year! You look great!

Congrats to you Amy!!! What wonderful news.  You must be on cloud 9.  Keep up the good work... 

Amy, Happy 1 year and many more to come. You have done great and keep up the good work. Thank you for the post it gives me hope that I can do the same and lose all this weight. Have a nice week and keep these post going.

Amy ,  What great accomplisments . It brings me back to my 3 years and all that I can now do . You have done amazing and deserve nothing but the best .  Keep us posted on your journey .. Thanks for reminding me again , where I came from .  Natalie

Definitely a lot of wows there Amy.  Congrats on the success of your journey so far.  What a wonderful post.  Keep it up. 

Congratulations on all of your successes!  you should be so very proud of yourself! ~Robin