One Year Surgiversary

[Nichelle 21]

Well VST, here it is. I thought I would have so much more to write about when it came to and I probably do, but I want to go out and enjoy life its a beautiful day. My one year surgiversary is tomorrow. I couldn’t have imagined what life would be like a year from then and now that I am here today, I still can't believe where I was and where I am now. There are so many things that have changed for the good and a realization of so many things in my life that have come clear. The ride was fun, it wasn't always easy, it’s the best thing I have done for myself yet, it still takes work every day, and I wouldn't ever change my decision to have surgery. A of the simple things that have changed in my life:

*I can walk up a flight of stairs (and choose to now) without losing my breath

*I can jog nearly 3 miles

*I don't have a debate with myself whether I should get down on the floor to play with my niece because I can't get back up without some help of something to push off of (soon to have a nephew in just a few days!)

* I can shop in the regular section of all the clothing stores; Lost over 10 dress sizes and a shoe size

*I can see each side of a chair, noticed this in my car

*Seat belts fit without pulling them all the way out, haven't been on a plane since surgery, but I almost needed an extender on the flight I tightly squeezed it over my legs. Today I am sure that wouldn't be the case

*I have found a new love for cooking, gardening, and exercise

* I can see the pendant on my necklace that now hangs 2 or more inches lower

* I have lost 93 lbs AND counting, over 76 inches off my body (10 spots)

**I feel beautiful, healthy, and happy! I am ready for the future!

*** I feel normal; I have respect for myself and now so do others

This is a journey and this is only the beginning of the rest of my life. I still feel like I have more work to go to reach my own personal goals, but in my heart I felt (didn't believe) and in the eyes of my boyfriend and close friends I was always a winner. Now I can truthfully say I believe them and myself.

Thank you to my surgeon Dr. Ramos Kelly and to my wonderful coordinator Christi Beardon for making the process so simple. I want to also thank this site and the many of you that are a part of it that share your stories. I couldn't have done this without your support. Thank You!

Please feel free to check out my blog it has all my stats if you’re interested. Plus I have a gallery full of pictures from before all the way through to now. Here are a few. They are still shocking to me.

This was February 2011, 3 months before surgery

Before in San Diego exactly one year from today

Two days after surgery, shopping in Tijuana

Now....

11 Months

First ever swimsuit without boy shorts

Two Dresses I would have never worn before; well I've never worn a lot now I have a dozen

[MochaSouthernBelle 3]

You look great. Congratulations. How often did you workout and what type of work out did you do? Also, did you have lose skin.

[aroundhky 1,174]

Congrats!!! Way to go!!!

[DcMak72 34]

Awsome!! You look very happy.... Great job

[Bsleeve 7]

Congrats!!! You look amazing!!!!!! I need to start measuring my inches... Keep up the good work

[change 22]

You look amazing!!! Great Job!!! You're an inspiration!

[Liberated Sleeve 148]

Fabulous!

[ValerieSJackson 35]

You look awesome!

[chitowngirl 885]

You look awesome. Congrats.

[coops 1,790]

Nichelle, congratulations on your year surgiversary... you've done a great job and you look great! I bet you feel it too... =]

[krissy20 27]

You look amazing congrats can't wait to be in your shoes

[Lissa 2,631]

Amazing! Great job working that sleeve!!

[sleeve 4 me 910]

SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! YOU LOOK AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would have never guessed that was you in the before picture! Wow! WAY TO GO! CELEBRATE!

[Almostthere34 128]

Congrats, you look fabulous!

[Iamreallydoingthis 4]

Congratulations! Truly inspiring!