Five Years!

May 15, 2011

May 15, 2011 - Five Years - Where Has the Time Gone!
So, here I am - five years post-op and I wish I had something profound to say but I really don't.  I met with my surgeon on Friday and he said that my bloodwork was as good as it could be and that he couldn't be happier with my results - he said I am whole new person - and it's true!

For those of you who don't know me, my story goes a little like this...Since my surgery, I have lost 117 lbs (and 133 since I began the process).  I lost over 100 inches and now teach Zumba, Spinning, Pilates and Aerobics.  I have completed my graduate degree and kayaked the ocean in Hawaii.  I back-pack, hike, bike and spent two weeks in Italy over the Christmas holidays and didn't gain a pound!!!!!

So, here's the secret - THERE IS NO SECRET.  I do what my doctor told me... protein, protein, protein, water, water, water, AND exercise.  Nothing has changed - the changes I made after my surgery are now my lifestyle.  If I do anything differently, I will gain weight and I don't want that.  I recognize the surgery as the tool that it is and I don't take my weight loss for granted.  There is an old expression, "if you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got"  and that's the truth.  If I return to my old way of living, rely on food for comfort, entertainment, sitting on the couch watching television, etc.. I will not be happy with the results.

So on Friday at my 5 Year Post Surgery appointment, my doctor put down my chart, sat down and asked me to reflect on the changes in my life since the surgery and I rattled off the list above, but what I didn't tell him was this:

- I no longer cry in the dressing room of departments stores, filled with self loathing and shame, when I try on clothes
- I no longer walk into a room assuming people are negatively judging me because of my obesity
- I don't avoid parties and other events because I am ashamed of my size
- I don't try and overcompensate for my weight by trying to get everyone to love me

I am writing today because I can't help but be reflective on this anniversary and because this site meant so much to me while getting through that first year.  I can only hope that this note can be of some motivation/inspiration to someone who is new or struggling in their journey.  Where ever you are in this journey, know that you are so beautiful, that you have done something wonderful for yourself and that this site is just filled with wise, knowlegeable, sand wonderful people who understand what you are going through and support you unconditionally. 

And finally, I write today to again thank all of you who helped me along this journey with your support, grace and generosity. I remain humbled by this site and its members.

Good luck in all you do,
Love & Happiness,

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