It's that time of the year!

not that birthday, still have a few weeks for it.

One year ago today I was re-birthed! July 19th, 2006 I made the 2nd best decision I ever made and had Gastric Bypass Surgery. It changed my life tremendously.

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I remember complaining years prior that I didn't have the money to do it or had a job that would cover it with insurance. I know now that it would've been a completely different outcome and would've been a negative experience had I had it before I did. I needed to get sober. I needed to be repaired emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I needed to experience everything up until that point.

I no longer have high blood pressure or cholesterol. My back and knees don't hurt. I don't worry about diabetes. I don't have to pay three dollars more for a 3X. When I walk into a meeting, I don't fear breaking a chair when I sit down. I can't wait to go to the amusement park and get on any ride without hesitation. I can't wait to fly and not ask for an extender. I love the gym and exercising! I secretly like sifting through the "skinny" girl clothes at Aeropostle. I'm still in shock. I can take full bodies pictures and not be grossed out. My son can wrap his arms completely around me when he hugs me. He tells me I'm skin and bones, haha.

None of this was easy by any means. I'm on a very strict diet plan. I have to take a lot of supplements on a daily basis for the rest of my life. I have to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. I have to drink a certain amount of water per day. I have to eat in the mornings. I can't get my quick fix from fast foods anymore. No soda for this girl. No smoking. No drinking. I'm not supposed to drink through straws or 30 minutes before/after meals, but I can't seem to follow those rules very well. I don't see myself as skinny, thin, or slender. I never will be. I see a weight change, but I have a hard time adjusting to the way others see me. I'm not used to the added attention and I'm not really happy about it. Everyone has tons of questions and expect answers.

I need to pay it forward by helping other pre and post-ops. I've been given an amazing tool box and a second chance to live a healthy fufilling life. If I'm not careful it can all be gone. This is not permanent unless I work for it.I'm truly happy with the outcome. Plastic Surgery will be in my future at some point. I'll take the sagging skin anyday of the week over morbid obesity.

Thank you all for your continued support and non-judgemental comments. I can't imagine trying to get through this on my own. Looking back for the last 2.5 years and seeing the transformations inside and out, I get a little overwhelmed. I've come so far. I can't wait to see where I am in another 2.5 years. Most of all, I just want to be a peace and happy.

Love you guys!

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before - up to 300 pounds.

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Currently: 196 pounds. 104 pounds gone forever!!!!

 

 

Love you girl. Celebrate this day-- you deserve it!

Awesome Amber .. Way to go !! Congratulations on your day . I can only tell you that life gets sweeter with every year .. and every day . Keep doing what you are doing .. and keep giving back .. trust me .. it will pay off in ways you will never even imagine .  Happy re-birthday.  Tink

Happy Re-Birthday Amber your looking Awsome keep up the great work!!!Hugs.........

HAPPY RE-BIRTHDAY!!! Today is our day to celebrate!!   We've come a long way and will continue to be successful along our journies!   You've been such an inspiration and great "date-twin." Thanks for your encouragement and willingness to share.  Best to you!

Happy re-birthday. You are doing awesome. When I get home we are going to have to go out and celebrate your re-birthday and me hitting the century mark. This tool is the most awesome thing ever. Keep up the good work. I can't wait to get home. See you in a few weeks.

Amber - you look truly AMAZING!!  You are such an inspiration to me as you were about the same size when you started as I am.  Still can't wait to meet you!   Happy re-birthday to you

What an awesome post. Look at the difference a year has made for you. Way to go, Amber, you look like a million bucks and have such a great personality to go with it. Thanks for posting your success story for all the newbies to see. Here's wishing you many more happy and healthy "rebirthdays."

Congratulations Amber..it is a great feeling to know how far we have come and to look back to where we were makes us appreciate where we are now.  I am so happy for you and proud of you.  Way to go girl!!! hugs

Happy rebirthday Amber!  You should be very proud of what you have achieved.