One Year Anniversary (or Surgiversary..)

[Jen35 283]

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!!!

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

journey isn't over. just beginning.... but I can DO THIS!!!

@@Jen35

you wrapped everything up in a pretty bow with the above sentence

alllll people, newbies et al need to realize/remember that losing the weight is "easy"

ok, not really, but some/many/most of us have lost huge amounts of weight in the past

then they/me might regain+

we are all having WLS to help/assist us lose weight

its hard to keep the weight off

" we work with the sleeve, then the sleeve with/for us

some/me have periodical struggles remaining at goal

but this too will pass - back on that horse again

@@Jen35

look at you girlfriend

you have done amazing

happy dance, happy dance

love that smile on you

you are feeling healthy, happy et al

i also know YOU CAN DO this!!!!!

good luck with maintennance

kathy

congrats

Edited April 25, 2014 by proudgrammy

[StephanieRR 131]

Yay!!! Hooray for you!!! You have done wonderful!!! how encourageing!! Thank you for sharing! Keep it up!

[loseitsoon 157]

Congrats! I'm so happy for you

[losingsoon 30]

This is my first post and I am very happy that it is in celebration of your 1 year anniversary. I am just in the beginning of this journey. Went to my first seminar session a couple of days ago. I'm planning to get my 3 months of supervised diet completed by July and then move on to the next step. I want to thank you for the wonderful encouraging words and enthusiasm. I needed that.

Congratulations on your success and future successes!

[Jen35 283]

Thank you!!! I'm honored that your first post was on my thread. This is a great place to get questions answered and get a feel for what to expect as you start down this road. I remember being in your shoes and I had a ton of questions. I was sometimes scared by some of the posts (complications) but they helped me to realize that this is a big step and complications are unlikely but DO happen. It's good to be prepared for any outcome. BUT you will do great!! I hope you love your sleeve as much as I do!

Reach out to me anytime - you can message me if you want.

This is my first post and I am very happy that it is in celebration of your 1 year anniversary. I am just in the beginning of this journey. Went to my first seminar session a couple of days ago. I'm planning to get my 3 months of supervised diet completed by July and then move on to the next step. I want to thank you for the wonderful encouraging words and enthusiasm. I needed that.

Congratulations on your success and future successes!

[elfnow 277]

Happy rebirthday!!

[pharmd08 18]

Congratulations on your journey!

[rhonda2006 64]

Congratulations