4 Year Check In

Wow - what a year it has been.

First, my wife, Hannah, is coming up on 2 years post VSG. Nothing short of a miracle.

Second, I've taken up swing dancing and notched up my horseback riding. I also had a slight revision to my plastic surgery so that is all behind me now.

What has changed since I started this journey?

Everything is more focused.
I want to be moving all the time.
I'm happy with myself now and that's leading to tons of confidence.
What would be an all day event is just an event (I can do lots of things every day instead of just barely getting through one).
Loose skin is gone in my midsection and I have a surgically constructed posterior. So I'm more or less normal looking in my clothes and unrestricted in performing physical activities. YAY.
What hasn't changed?

I still crave carbs and don't always stay on plan.
I'm still obsessive but the obsessions are directed in other places. Some are good, some not as good.
I'm still me with all the insecurities I ever had - but I can cope with them better now.
Never satisfied with my look 100%.
What I'm most thankful for:

Hannah's decision to follow my path.
My great friends from WLS support group.
The friends I have made with my other hobbies.
The freedom I feel in being "normal".
What I'm working on this year:

Keep at it!
In surgical recovery I gained a few pounds that I want to shed (I have to make an appt with my nutritionist)
Making the most out of each and every day.
Thanks to everyone here your your support, encouragement, and friendship. I couldn't be here successfully without you.

Terry

p.s. See you all at the conference!

Four years! It's so encouraging to hear that maintenance is not only possible, but enjoyable. I'm still in "The Zone" at 8 months post-op, when restriction is good and hunger is minimal. I often worry about what happens a year, 2 years and more after surgery. I want to be able to write an account similar to yours.

psychoticparrot

Great to "see" you Terry!

Glad to know things are going well and that your wife is doing great, too. Hope you stay around a little more. We could use some more of the old timers on the board!

Yeah I hope to be around more Kairk. Sometimes I get so busy living my new life I forget how much I need the support here - and to give support too. Always good to see you here when I'm lurking.

Good to see you again Terry! Glad to read that you continue to do outstanding!

Nice to see you here too. What a ride eh?

Good to see you. I am bummed that we can't make it to the conference this year. But, have a great time.

Yeah Linda that's too bad. This is my first conference and it sounds fun.

We've been to two of them, they are a blast. We hope it works out so we can go next year.