So, my one year surgiversary was in August and I've been thinking of how to Celebrate the success of the past year with my Bariatric Pal friends. What can I add to what hasn't already been said? What were my experiences that can inspire and help newcomers? What were the challenges I faced and overcame? What makes my story so much more special than anyone else's? I came to the conclusion that the answer to all of those questions is, everything and nothing. For all of us the journey is unique and it's our most special accomplishment, but all of our journeys are very familiar and the same for many who came before us. But if I left this post right here, you'd say he lost his enthusiasm along with his weight, so let me tell my story (I promise to keep it short but sweet).

I've been overweight most of my life, I made countless attempts at getting it under control, I'd lose 10- 50 lbs. and slowly lose ground only to gain it all back. Sound familiar? In the meantime life went on, career, marriage, kids, house, bills, you know, right? Being young we feel invincible, yeah I was heavier than fit people but I could handle the weight. Of course, I was more of a spectator than a participant but I always figured I'd take care of it some day. Family, job, good times and bad times,there's always something that took priority over losing just a few pounds. But time rolls on, and occasionally I'd try another perfect weight loss answer, but ultimately it wasn't permanent and it was just another failed attempt. When I hit my fifties I noticed more muscle pulls, back injuries, knees were aching more, out of breath sooner, heart was working harder. So in my mid fifties I was put on meds for elevated blood pressure, shortly after statins for cholesterol. At sixty I was put on a CPAP for sleep apnea, and meds for pre diabetes. It was getting real, I was seeing the damage of carrying all the extra weight, but my doctor was keeping things under control, no worries. Then my hips began failing, I could hardly walk, I needed a cane to get in and out of chairs, I didn't want to move. I went to see an orthopedic doctor and he said the pain was from compressed cartilage caused by my weight, so I asked what we could do, he said "nothing, the damage is done". I think that's when I said enough is enough, I'm destroying my body and my future was heading towards life as a sick and handicapped old man. So I had a serious talk with my PCP, looked at my options, did research and made my decision to go with WLS at 62 years old. On my day of surgery the surgeon asked if I was ready, I said "let's do it", and I never looked back.

Here I am 14 months post surgery, no more meds, no more CPAP, no more diabetes, I walk miles with almost no pain,and otherwise feel fantastic. I'm now doing things at 63 that I wouldn't have tried doing at 53, I went from feeling like an 80 year old to feeling better than I ever remember. I was in size 3XL shirts and pants with waist size of 46", today I can wear large to medium shirts and 34" waist pants, now I can shop off the "normal" racks. I've gone from the sidelines and into the game, I'm stronger and I have more energy, I can walk, run, and climb, and play, I feel young again. I'm still not used to the face that stares back at me in the mirror, there was a heavy guy looking back for the last 40 years or so, now I see a leaner more vibrant looking man, it's strange but I'm getting more used to him.

So that's what makes my journey a special success to me, yours may be similar and it may be different, but it will be your special journey. I'm still learning to live with my sleeve, you can't erase years and years of lifestyle overnight, but after a year it's becoming more normal to listen to my sleeve and pay attention to what and how much I eat. If I can offer any wisdom, its to make your decision and then own it, go ahead and commit 100%. I know a lot of people regret not doing something sooner, but we can't change the past, we can only change the future. Best of luck to you all and thank you for your stories and experiences, I have learned and still learn from them.

Beautiful story, beautifully told. Congratulations on owning your success, and your health.

Thank you for telling your story. It sounds like I could have written it, except I'm just 6 weeks post op and have not seen all the benefits yet. This makes my journey worth it, to know one day , I can be a success like you are. Thank you

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am inspired by all that you shared. I am 59 years old and can relate to so much of what you said about life leading up to WLS. I am about one month away from sleeve surgery. I'm finally at the tail-end of all the insurance requirements and I have to admit I have been playing mind games with myself about going through with the surgery. I know I will have the surgery and will be so grateful for it. I want you to know that reading stories like yours helps me so much. So...thank you and congratulations!!!

Thanks for sharing your story and inspiring those of us earlier on the journey. What you say is dead on, especially about owning the process. Congratulations on a year of great success and a new life!

Loved reading your story, thank you for sharing.

Congratulations on your success.

Let the new chapter and new adventures begin!

Thank you for sharing! Huge encouraging words! I'm 1 week out.....several years past due...but you've taught me to "own it" so now I shall. Let go of the should haves and OWN IT!!!

Outstanding !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you all for the grateful compliments, it means a lot to me, the forum has played a part in my journey and having many anonymous friends walking with me has helped. No matter where you're joining us, let's help one another go as far as we can.

What an awesome story. I want to thank you for inspiring all of us to get up and get at it. Life is too short to lay around and be fat. You are such an inspiration. Thank you and congratulations on your success.

Edited November 11, 201510 yr by lorri716