1 Year Post Op Checkup

[Paul11011 372]

On Wednesday I had my 1 year post op visit with the PA (Todd), Dietician (Kristen) and Behaviorist (Scott). I am still sitting here in shock that it has been a year already. I find myself lost in what I can only describe as a surreal state. My physical life is so different today than it was a year ago. I feel better in ways that I never could have imagined. I had a conversation with Todd today about needing to be aware of getting ill (extended flu as an example) because at my current body fat %, I could run a real risk, with such an extended illness, of my body fat get too LOW….TOO LOW….are you kidding me? Does Todd not realize he’s talking to a lifelong super morbidly obese person? How can I even conceive of my body fat getting too low? Surely he is talking about someone else; he cannot be talking about ME. Wow! I guess my life has changed.

The meetings with both Scott and Kristen were nice reminders of what I need to focus on and continue to focus on as this journey continues. The first reality is that it will be continuing. I may be at a much lower weight than I was at the beginning, but this is nowhere near the end of the process. I will need to continue to be deliberate and diligent in order to be successful long term. This is a life journey and I can only strive more towards conquering those demons that are still there and need to be actively battled. Complacency and disregard for what I have been taught will only allow those demons to reappear.

I feel so fortunate for the things I have learned and the people I have gotten to know over this year.

Jan. 10, 2011 (Surgery Day) / Jan. 4, 2012 (1 Year post op checkup)

Weight: 456 / 200

BMI: 65.4 / 28.7

Body Fat %: Approx. 44 / 12.9

Health Required Meds: 3 / 0

Neck Measurement: 24” / 15 ½”

Chest Measurement: 70” / 44”

Waist Measurement: 72” / 40”

Hip Measurement: 51” / 40”

[5McK 10]

Congratulations on your amazing journey so far!!! You are a tribute to what this surgery can do for people!

[ladymacwhiz 42]

Thank you for your post..CONGRATULATIONS!..I often wonder what the future holds for us and what we are capable of after we get the surgery..You are an inspiration ...Please keep us posted...

[BroadwayBaby 19]

You've done amazingly well! Congratulations on all of your success!!

[longer-life 139]

WOW!!!!!! What an amazing transformation! Congratulations!!!!!

[coops 1,790]

Absolutely fantastic... to reduce your weight and your BMI to such an extent is beyond the word congratulations! Well done on transforming yourself and your life!

[SuperMom 33]

YOU ROCK!!!! Congrats!!! I am the same as you in that when someone says that I am "tiny" in my head I am still the fat girl........weird. Guess my mind has not changed as quickly as my clothes size?

Congrats again! I know it is not easy.....still have to eat the right stuff and stay on track. I congratulate you on staying in there to goal!

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

hi paul,

I'm sitting here reading your terrific post with a big grin on my face.

I am a newbie DOS 12/15/11, i am scared what the future holds for me like i'm sure you were 1 yr. ago too. Will this weight come off, can i really do it this. How long will it take? What does the future hold for me?

Then I see amazing stories like yours. I smile to myself and say, "if Paul can do this, so can I" Your story gives me such good feelings and hope, I know i can and will succeed - it just seems so far away.

I didn't wake up one morning with 90 extra lbs, nor will i go to bed one night will all this excess weight gone.

I know your journey will continue you will do great. You have SUCCESS written all over your face.

One million times over congratulations, keep walking forward and upward, i will be right behind you, before you know it i'll catch up with you.

Congratulations, you will do this forever and a day with all the success you deserve. It was great hearing your story, you are such an inspiration. Thank you

You deserve much applause and continued happiness.

kathy

[sleeve 4 me 910]

Congrats!

[M2G 1,836]

You already know that I think you have done a fantastic job! I am so happy for you and all that you have acheived. I think we need some photos!