One Year Out And It's (Mostly) Smooth Sailing

[mommyofLDS 52]

Hi everyone! I've just passed my 1 year anniversary and have been weighing the highs and lows of this past year. It was very hard in the beginning. I had a hard time managing my pain, was exhausted all the time, couldn't walk more than 5 mintues without wanting to stop, couldn't drink more than a tiny sip at a time, and felt like maybe I had made a terrible ( and vain) choice. Somehow everything has come so far this past year and now all that is just a vague memory. I can eat anything I want (in moderation), can drink liquid like I did pre op, can exercise without feeling like my legs are Jello, and am no longer dwelling on the thoughts that I might have made a mistake. I look at myself sometimes and don't recognize myself. But my mind still hasn't caught up to the changes, to the point that I went to an amusement park a few weeks ago and was slightly worried that I wouldn't fit on the rides (some old habits die hard). I know that is an irrational fear, that most of my pants are 2/4 and my shirts are small, just I couldn't shake that little voice in my head. The thing is, now I know that the ends justified the means. 9 months ago, I might have said 'no' if someone asked if I would do this all over again. I couldn't see a light at the end of the tunnel yet. Now my body aches less, I look decent in clothes, I can eat a regular meal, and I don't struggle to walk up a few flights of strairs. IT was all worth it. To everyone in the early stages, one day you WILL get to this point.

NO BODY EVER SAID IT WOULD BE EASY, THEY JUST SAID IT WOULD BE WORTH IT!

[KellyL 173]

Wow, you look great!! Congrats on your successful weight loss journey and thanks for sharing your experience and before/after pics. Very inspiring.

:cheer2:

[spiritstalkergoddess 14]

Very inspiring!! Thank you for sharing!!

[sleeve 4 me 910]

YOU LOOK GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cheles 75]

Great job! I wish you the best!

[Meljp 36]

Happy Anniversary!! Huge Congratulations to you as well....you look awesome!

[hadouni 301]

congratulations! thanks for sharing your struggle too!

[feedyoureye 3,087]

So Fantastic! You look great!

[MegInNOLA 531]

Happy surgiversary! You do look amazing. Congratulations!

[Shells 40]

Happy surgiversary! Your story is truly inspiring and I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!! :grouphug:

[mona777 12]

CONGRATS!!!! BEST SAID "NOT EASY, BUT WORTH IT!!!!!!"

[lsereno 2,525]

Happy Surgiversary! Congrats on rocking the sleeve this year - you look fabulous!

Lynda

[readyforachange 51]

You're a hottie! This was so encouraging for all of us newbies. Thank you!

[AdvocateMom 4]

Congratulations, and thanks so much for posting this!! I am 3 weeks out tomorrow, and I may refer back to your post for encouragement when I need it :-)

[carbgrl 119]

You look great! Thank you for sharing.