Start here
Where are you in your journey?
Choose the path that fits today. We’ll take you to the most useful discussions.
- GLP-1 medication Zepbound, Wegovy, access, side effects, progress, and support.
- Before surgery Compare procedures, plan ahead, and get honest pre-op answers.
- Post-op Recovery, food stages, symptoms, and support.
- Long-term Regain, labs, habits, and life after the honeymoon.
- Revision Explore revision options, complications, and next steps.
One Year Anniversary (or Surgiversary..)
- Replies 8
- Views 853
- Created
- Last Reply
Featured Replies
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.
Wow - I can't believe it's coming up on my one year anniversary since my sleeve surgery! I'm so happy I did this - it's been an emotional journey but I'm so much better for it. I started at 244 lb., it was hard to move, tie my shoes, etc. My blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol were all borderliine high and getting higher. My knees hurt all the time. I hated the way I looked and felt.
Now, I'm 151 lbs. (my original goal was 150) and I can move easily, ride my bike, jog and I LOVE being physically active. I can do things with my kids without getting so tired. My blood pressure was 100/66 yesterday, blood sugar, cholesterol all wonderfully normal now. I love my new outlook on life.
It wasn't an easy decision to have the surgery and I had some bumps along the way (gallbladder removed 3 weeks after surgery). But my journey, overall, has been a smooth one, physically. Emotionally and mentally is another story. THAT was the hardest part for me. The issues that I had/have tied up in my relationship with food and my body image run deep and they are complex. I've been going to a therapist since 6 months prior to surgery. I'm not sure that I would have been as successful without that piece of the puzzle. I think I would have lost weight, sure, but would I have reached my goal, would I have gained it right back, would I be as happy? I'm not sure. All I know is that I feel more accepting of myself now than I ever have - even when I was thin in my early 20's. Losing the weight was a (small) part of that. Understanding why I abuse food and my body, getting over (most of) my self hatred, and being aware of my bad habits and replacing them with healthier ones - these were more important to my mental well being than the surgery.
My biggest take away over the last year - my advice to anyone who is starting down this path: The surgery is a VERY helpful tool to lose the weight. BUT more is involved in this process to be a happier, healthier person. Just as important, if not more so, is to do the mental and emotional work. At one of my first sessions with my therapist, she asked me how will having this surgery make you happy. I wasn't sure - I just knew it would. But she helped me realized that losing the weight doesn't equal happiness. I'm still going to be the same person, have the same issues, problems, etc. My life wasn't going to magically be wonderful just because I'm thinner:)
Congrats to all of you who have hit your one year anniversary (and every anniversary thereafter). My hope is that I can maintain my loss over the long run, but I know my journey isn't over. In some ways, it is just beginning.... but I can DO THIS!!!