ETC143
Update on feelings
Sep 25, 2007
Well, after being away from OH for so long, a friend of mine was telling me about OH, and I knew I needed to come update my page with my testimonial of what this surgery has done for me.
I now have a new lease on life. Having the surgery saved my life, and gave me back so much more in return! I have now been off ALL meds for diabetes, high blood pressure, and GERD for over 8 months!! That alone is a miracle!! I have lost 120 lbs so far and would like to lose about 15 more - but won't be crushed if I don't. I need to do more toning, but time is not something I have much of!!
Now in my personal life - I have found new hopes in my future. I decided I didn't want to sit at a desk, that's helped me continue the weight gain over the years, and that's not what I want anymore. Besides, I NEED to give back in other ways. SO - I decided it was time for me to go back to school and get my degree. I finally did some deep soul searching and decided I wanted to be a Paramedic. I would NOT have ever dreamed of doing something like this prior to surgery. I can't believe that with only 14 months gone now, so many of my ideas have changed. My priorities, that is. I always keep my children and husband in the top slot, but now I have realized, that to take care of them -- I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF ME FIRST!! I have been told that for years... but always say the same thing. Now I have realized, me having this surgery HELPED (but I have to continue constantly) to take care of ME, SO I CAN take care of them. I can now get out and run with them, have a good time without getting out of breath! We actually ran a 5k together on New Year's Eve last year (see my pic, I posted it)!! That was a FIRST 5K EVER FOR ME!! I never thought I could do something like that!! I am proud my family did it with me!
So - to anyone debating on going down this road, just think long and hard and know that if you are doing this for YOU, for the right reasons... you will do great!! There are many support teams out there, and so much to learn about a new lifestyle. IT IS a lifestyle change.... because to make it work, you have to change everything you do and how you think about food!!
I have been asked if I would do it again... my answer?? IN A HEARTBEAT! I have a new life, thanks to my surgeon!! Now I can go on to live it WITH my family, instead of just watching them go on while I sit on the sidelines!
I now have a new lease on life. Having the surgery saved my life, and gave me back so much more in return! I have now been off ALL meds for diabetes, high blood pressure, and GERD for over 8 months!! That alone is a miracle!! I have lost 120 lbs so far and would like to lose about 15 more - but won't be crushed if I don't. I need to do more toning, but time is not something I have much of!!
Now in my personal life - I have found new hopes in my future. I decided I didn't want to sit at a desk, that's helped me continue the weight gain over the years, and that's not what I want anymore. Besides, I NEED to give back in other ways. SO - I decided it was time for me to go back to school and get my degree. I finally did some deep soul searching and decided I wanted to be a Paramedic. I would NOT have ever dreamed of doing something like this prior to surgery. I can't believe that with only 14 months gone now, so many of my ideas have changed. My priorities, that is. I always keep my children and husband in the top slot, but now I have realized, that to take care of them -- I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF ME FIRST!! I have been told that for years... but always say the same thing. Now I have realized, me having this surgery HELPED (but I have to continue constantly) to take care of ME, SO I CAN take care of them. I can now get out and run with them, have a good time without getting out of breath! We actually ran a 5k together on New Year's Eve last year (see my pic, I posted it)!! That was a FIRST 5K EVER FOR ME!! I never thought I could do something like that!! I am proud my family did it with me!
So - to anyone debating on going down this road, just think long and hard and know that if you are doing this for YOU, for the right reasons... you will do great!! There are many support teams out there, and so much to learn about a new lifestyle. IT IS a lifestyle change.... because to make it work, you have to change everything you do and how you think about food!!
I have been asked if I would do it again... my answer?? IN A HEARTBEAT! I have a new life, thanks to my surgeon!! Now I can go on to live it WITH my family, instead of just watching them go on while I sit on the sidelines!
